bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicide ideation among later elementary school‐aged youth
Authors: RIESCH S. K. , JACOBSON G. , SAWDEY L. , ANDERSON J. , HENRIQUES J.
Published: April 2008

Suicide is extremely rare among persons under age 15 years old. Nationwide, it has been reported that 18% of students in grade 6 had thoughts of killing themselves. The Social Disintegration Model (SDM) summarizes intra‐personal, interpersonal, peer network, physical and heath risk behaviour characteristics that may influence suicide ideation. As part of a larger study to test a family strengthening programme, 179 later elementary school children from two cities responded to 20 items about their participation in health risk behaviour. Sixteen youth indicated they had thought of killing themselves. Based on the SDM, these 16 youth were compared with the larger sample on measures of ways of coping; family communication, functioning and caring; school connectedness, pubertal development; and alcohol use and weapon carrying. Youth who responded positively to the ‘thought of killing self’ screening question, felt less connected to their school, used more internalizing behaviours and reported less cohesion, open communication, supervision and family caring than youth who answered no. Youth who thought of killing themselves may benefit from additional school support to feel more comfortable and connected at school. Community resources may help parents modify child‐rearing behaviours. Building communication among parents and youth may prevent suicidal behaviour among young adolescents.
Translating theory into practice: results of a 2‐year trial for the LEAD programme
Authors: SHELTON D.
Published: April 2008

This paper presents data for 2 years of a continuing study aimed to reduce the risk of first‐time involvement by minority youth with the juvenile justice system. A quasi‐experimental design was used to test a 14‐week expressive art curriculum (LEAD: leadership, education, achievement and development) implemented in two rural communities. A total of 70 African American youth participated in the programme over a 2‐year period. Pre‐ and post‐test differences were examined for protective factors, behavioural self‐control, self‐esteem and resilience measures. When compared with the after‐school programme (control group), youth in the LEAD programme in both communities had more dramatic increases in post‐test scores following the intervention. The combined data from year 1 and year 2 provide positive findings in support of LEAD as a prevention programme for young offenders. The placement of the programme within an African American church in year 2 improved the processes of the LEAD programme and seemed to provide a better fit with the original design of the programme, highlighting the importance of the context, in which the programme was provided.
Clinical supervision in cognitive behavioural psychotherapy: development of a model for mental health nursing through grounded theory
Authors: TOWNEND M.
Published: April 2008

This study focuses on the development of a cognitive behavioural model of supervision for mental health nurses. The study utilized a grounded theory approach with cognitive behavioural psychotherapy training course directors. The aim was to more fully understand cognitive behavioural supervision from the perspective of expert supervisors, and develop a model of supervision for mental health nurses who are also cognitive behavioural psychotherapists. For this purpose, 16 course directors were interviewed in‐depth, with data analysis taking place after each interview. Through a process of inductive reasoning, core categories were identified from the participants themselves. The relationships between the categories are described. The findings are discussed in terms of a new model that can be used to underpin cognitive behavioural psychotherapy supervision in mental health nursing.
Bis(guanylhydrazones) negatively affect in vitro germination of kiwifruit pollen and alter the endogenous polyamine pool
Authors: Antognoni F. , Bagni N.
Published: April 2008

Bis(guanylhydrazones) are a class of compounds known to interfere with the metabolism of polyamines (PAs). Among them, the methylglyoxal derivative (MGBG) has been studied most thoroughly. Because PAs and their biosynthetic enzymes are strongly involved in pollen tube organization, emergence and elongation, a number of these inhibitors have been studied in the present work for their effects on the in vitro performance of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) pollen. Increasing concentrations of several bis(guanylhydrazones) in the range 0.05–1 mM were checked for their effect on pollen germination. Most of the compounds tested showed a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on tube emergence, which was established very early during incubation. At 0.5 mM, the methylpropylglyoxal derivative (MPGBG) had a stronger inhibitory effect than MGBG. To verify whether the inhibitors reached their metabolic target, PA levels and S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) activity were determined in pollen germinated in the presence or absence (controls) of 0.5 mM bis(guanylhydrazones). Spermidine (Spd) content was significantly reduced in the treated pollen, and this effect was more pronounced after treatment with MGBG than with MPGBG. An early and strong reduction in SAMDC activity was observed after exposure to either inhibitor. Inhibition of pollen germination by MGBG or MPGBG could not be reversed by the addition of exogenous Spd, which per se was inhibitory. Taken together, our results suggest that bis(guanylhydrazones) alter PA metabolism and negatively affect kiwifruit pollen germination, even though a strict cause–effect relationship could not be established, and other mechanisms, unrelated to PA activity, must be involved.
Expression of two maize putative nitrate transporters in response to nitrate and sugar availability
Authors: Trevisan S. , Borsa P. , Botton A. , Varotto S. , Malagoli M. , Ruperti B. , Quaggiotti S.
Published: April 2008

A full‐length cDNA encoding a putative high‐affinity nitrate transporter (ZmNrt2.2) from maize was isolated and characterised, together with another previously identified transporter (ZmNrt2.1), in terms of phylogenesis, protein structure prediction and regulation of transcript accumulation in response to nitrate and sugar availability. The expression of both genes was evaluated by quantitative and semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR in response to nitrate and sugar supply and the in planta localisation of mRNA was studied by in situ hybridisation. Data obtained suggested similar genetic evolution and identical transmembrane structure prediction between the two deduced proteins, and differences in both regulation of their expression and mRNA localisation in response to nitrate, leading us to hypothesise a principal role for ZmNRT2.1 in the influx activity and the major involvement of ZmNRT2.2 in the xylem loading process. Our data suggest opposing sugar regulation by ZmNrt2.1 and ZmNrt2.2 transcription in the presence or absence of nitrate and the existence of both hexokinase‐dependent and hexokinase‐independent transduction mechanisms for the regulation of ZmNrt2.1 and ZmNrt2.2 expression by sugars.
Pollen‐mediated transgene flow in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Giannino D. , Nicolodi C. , Testone G. , Di Giacomo E. , Iannelli M. A. , Frugis G. , Mariotti D.
Published: April 2008

Transgene escape risks are evaluated by assessing the frequency of transgenic hybrids within populations sexually compatible with those genetically modified. We examined the pollen‐mediated transgene flow among lettuce varieties in Italy. Transgenic ‘Luxor’ lines harboured the arabidopsis KNAT1 gene, which caused leaf trait alterations, and the bacterial NPTII gene for resistance to kanamycin. Donor homozygous lines (KNAT1:NPTII/KNAT1:NPTII) were used in two trials: in glasshouse, ‘Luxor’ transgenic and conventional plants were spaced at 15 cm; in field, a transgenic ‘Luxor’ donor island was set up and surrounded by 10 pollen receiver varieties sited at 0.5, 11 and 22 m. Progenies of recipient cultivars were screened by kanamycin assays, leaf alterations, transgene transcription and integrity. The out‐crossing rate (OCR) was calculated as the frequency of KNAT1:NPTII/− and δKNAT1:NPTII/− genotypes because KNAT1 impair (indicated with δ) was observed to vary from the 0.03% to 0.36%. Indoor, ‘Luxor’ intra‐varietal OCR was 0.41 ± 0.11%; outdoor, the average inter‐varietal OCR was 0.49%, 0.071% and 0.035% for plants at 0.5, 11 and 22 m, respectively.
Impact of intravenous furosemide on flow rate characteristics and clinic waiting times
Authors: Allen Darrell J , Ewe See H , Kucheria Raj , Hindley Richard G , Popert Rick
Published: April 2008

Objective:  To assess the impact of a single dose of i.v. furosemide on clinic waiting times and urinary flow rate parameters in a group of symptomatic men.

Methods:  Sixty‐two consecutive men attending a prostate assessment clinic were prospectively entered into the study. They were then randomized to receive 10 mg of i.v. furosemide or to drink oral fluids only, as per standard protocol. Flow rate parameters and clinic waiting times were recorded.

Results:  The clinic waiting time was significantly reduced by the administration of i.v. furosemide compared to oral fluid alone (81 vs 36 min; P < 0.0001) without any alteration in flow rate characteristics. Interestingly, although there was no statistically significant difference between the voided volumes in both groups (251 vs 313 mL; P = 0.115) all of the patients given furosemide voided a volume of over 150 mL, where as almost a third (10/32) of those receiving oral fluid alone did not achieve this. There were no adverse events following the administration of i.v. diuretic.

Conclusion:  A single dose of i.v. furosemide dramatically reduces the overall clinic waiting time without inducing statistically significant changes in flow rate parameters. Indeed, none of the patients receiving furosemide voided less than 150 mL. We would thus recommend this practice be considered as an alternative to standard uroflowmetry protocols.
Paratesticular angioleiomyoma with cytological atypia
Authors: Del Sordo Rachele , Leite Silvia , Petroni Pietro Antonio , Sidoni Angelo
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Angioleiomyomas are common benign smooth muscle neoplasms in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of limbs. Very rarely have they been described in the external male genitalia with only two cases in the paratesticular tissues and another intratesticular. We report a case of a paratesticular angioleiomyoma with cytological atypia and a peculiar vascular pattern, found incidentally as a painless nodule in a 75‐year‐old man. The main clinicopathological features together with the differential diagnoses and the pertinent published reports are reviewed.
Prostate stem cells: The niche and cell markers
Authors: Takao Tetsuya , Tsujimura Akira
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are common diseases in elderly men worldwide. Identifying the prostate stem cell is an important tool to investigate the mechanism of these prostatic diseases. Although the prostate stem cell has not yet been detected, progress has been made. The ‘niche’ or place in which the prostate stem cell resides is thought to be located in the proximal region of the murine prostate, near the urethra. Several candidate prostate stem cell markers are currently under investigation. In this review, we summarize the historical approaches and recent evidence regarding the niche and prostate‐specific stem cell markers.
LOWER POSTPRANDIAL PLASMA GLUCOSE AND INSULIN AFTER ADDITION OF ACACIA CORIACEA FLOUR TO WHEAT BREAD
Authors: THORBURN A. W. , BRAND J. C. , CHERIKOFF V. , TRUSWELL A. S.
Published: April 2008

Many Australian Aboriginal bushfoods contain slowly digested carbohydrate which elicit low postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses compared to Western foods, such as wheat bread. This study has shown that incorporation of flour made from a slowly digested seed, Acacia coriacea, into wheat bread (18 g/82 g wheat flour) significantly reduces the initial rise in plasma glucose levels (p < 0.05) and the area under the plasma glucose curve (p < 0.005) in six healthy subjects. Insulin values were also lowered at 60 minutes (p < 0.025) and 90 minutes (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that Acacia flour, when used to dilute wheat flour in the manufacture of breads, produces a very palatable food which could be useful in the diets of diabetic individuals.
FAMILIAL IgA NEPHROPATHY: A STUDY OF RENAL DISEASE IN AN AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL FAMILY
Authors: O'CONNELL P. J. , IBELS L. S. , THOMAS M. A. , HARRIS M. , ECKSTEIN R. P.
Published: April 2008

An Australian Aboriginal family, extending four generations, with a high incidence of renal disease was investigated. Twenty‐eight of 114 members screened had hematuria. Of those tested, five had hypertension, four maturity onset diabetes, one a raised serum creatinine concentration, five elevated serum IgA levels and two cortical scarring on intravenous pyelogram. Of the eight members who underwent renal biopsy, five had IgA nephropathy and one had light and electron microscopy evidence of glomerulonephritis, but no IgA was seen on immunofluorescence. One had mild nonspecific changes by light microscopy but no immunofluorescence or electron microscopy was available and the remaining patient had mild changes consistent with hypertension and diabetes. HLA typing, carried out for 27 family members, showed an increased incidence of HLA‐B22, B27, B39, and DR1 when compared to Yuendumu Aborigines (B27 and DR1), or Australian Caucasians (B22), or both (B39). This may be due to an association with IgA nephropathy, or a family clustering of antigens. Overall, this study suggests a genetic mechanism in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy in some patients and, as there was evidence of renal disease in 25% of those tested, may indicate an underlying high incidence of renal disease in the Aboriginal community.
EXTENDED NEURALGIC AMYOTROPHY SYNDROME
Authors: BYRNE E.
Published: April 2008

Neuralgic amyotrophy refers to an idiopathic syndrome where weakness and wasting occur in one limb, usually in the muscles innervated by the upper brachial plexus. Seven patients are presented who developed cranial nerve involvement (facial, spinal accessory) in the midst of a typical attack of neuralgic amyotrophy or who developed either recurrent brachial or brachial and lumbosacral plexopathies. An underlying demyelinating neuropathy was identified in one patient and two patients were heroin addicts. These reports confirm that neuralgic amyotrophy may occasionally form part of a more extensive disorder of the peripheral nervous system, thereby providing indirect support for the role of a systemic immunological factor in pathoetiology.
RESOLUTION OF ACROMEGALY AFTER REMOVAL OF A BRONCHIAL CARCINOID SHOWN TO SECRETE GROWTH HORMONE RELEASING FACTOR
Authors: CARROLL D. G. , DELAHUNT J. W. , TEAGUE C. A. , COOKE R. R. , ADAMS E. F. , CHRISTOFIDES N. D. , BLOOM S. R. , TERENGHI G. , POLAK J. M.
Published: April 2008

A 29 year old woman with an enlarged pituitary fossa and classical acromegaly, possibly present for ten years, had biochemical and partial somatic resolution of the disorder after removal of a bronchial carcinoid tumour. In addition, galactorrhea stopped, menstruation returned after two years, and amenorrhea and elevated prolactin levels fell towards normal.

Immunocytochemistry showed numerous growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) staining cells in the tumour. The tumour cells, when cultured, produced a supernatant selectivity stimulating human pituitary somatotrophic cell cultures to produce growth hormone (GH). The bronchial carcinoid did not secrete detectable GH, but extracts of it, and preoperative serum contained GRF immunoreactivity which coeluted with synthetic human pancreatic GRF.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐associated prostate cancer: clinicopathological findings and outcome in a multi‐institutional study
Authors: Pantanowitz Liron , Bohac Gerry , Cooley Timothy P. , Aboulafia David , Dezube Bruce J.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the clinicopathological findings and the outcome of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients diagnosed and treated for prostate carcinoma, as HIV‐positive men being treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are living longer and thus are more likely to develop cancers such as prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective, multi‐institutional study involving HIV‐positive men with concomitant prostate carcinoma. We collected data regarding patient demographics (age, race), HIV status (CD4+ cell count, HIV viral load, HAART), PSA level (at cancer diagnosis), symptoms and signs, radiological findings, pathology (Gleason score, stage), cancer treatment (type, side‐effects), and outcome (response, survival). Accrued data was analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

We identified 17 patients (mean age 59 years) with HIV‐associated prostate adenocarcinoma. The mean CD4+ count was 336 cells/mm3 and the mean HIV viral load was 17 319 copies/mL. In all, 14 (82%) of these men were receiving HAART. Most patients were diagnosed with carcinoma after an abnormal screening PSA level. The mean PSA level was 30 ng/mL. Only six (35%) men had an abnormal prostate on examination. The mean Gleason score was 6.8, and in most cases, cancer was confined to the prostate gland. Most patients were amenable to curative treatment with hormonal therapy, radiation, and/or prostatectomy. There were no serious treatment related side‐effects. One patient remained untreated. All treated patients had a complete response (undetectable PSA level). Most patients were long‐term survivors. Documented death in five cases was unrelated to prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

The management of HIV‐positive men with prostate carcinoma in the HAART era is becoming increasingly important. Our data shows that in men receiving HAART, their age, PSA levels, clinical presentation, management, and outcome from treated prostate carcinoma does not appear to be significantly altered by HIV status. Therefore, we recommend that patients with prostate cancer and well‐controlled HIV viraemia be managed similarly to their HIV‐negative counterparts.
Immunohistochemical estimation of hypoxia in human obstructed bladder and correlation with clinical variables
Authors: Koritsiadis George , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Koutalellis George , Agrogiannis Georgios , Koritsiadis Sotirios , Lazaris Andreas , Constantinides Constantinos
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the tissue distribution of ischaemia in human detrusor in patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and to correlate the results with clinical variables, as clinical BOO is a common problem in ageing men and ischaemia might be important in detrusor dysfunction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From September 2004 to October 2006, 70 patients were recruited, comprising 60 scheduled for surgery to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (the study group) and 10 as controls. Detrusor tissue was retrieved and stained for hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, a cellular marker of hypoxia.

RESULTS

The mean (sd) total number of cells immunoreactive to HIF‐1α in the study group was 93.3 (48.09), and in the specimens from the control group only few rare cells showed weak immunoreactivity to HIF‐1α (0–2). Positive cells were in different proportions between muscle bundles and submucosa, expressed mainly in stromal cells. The urothelium and detrusor muscle showed no immunoreactivity to HIF‐1α. There was strong immunoreactivity in patients with prolonged BOO (<10 years), declining thereafter, and in those patients with urinary retention.

CONCLUSIONS

The urothelium and detrusor seem to be more resistant to hypoxic stress, while stromal cells perceive low oxygen tension. The bladder response to chronic hypoxia through HIF‐1α expression is limited in time and might depend on the functional status of the detrusor.
Comparison of prostate‐specific antigen recurrence‐free survival in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing either radical retropubic or robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Schroeck Florian R. , Sun Leon , Freedland Stephen J. , Albala David M. , Mouraviev Vladimir , Polascik Thomas J. , Moul Judd W.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES

To compare the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence (PSAR) rates in patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) or radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 797 consecutive patients who had RALP or RRP between August 2003 and January 2007 were retrieved from our database. Age, race, body mass index, PSA level, estimated blood loss (EBL), clinical and pathological stage, biopsy and pathological Gleason score, lymph node involvement, positive surgical margin (PSM) status, and prostate weight were compared between the groups. Multivariate analysis (logistic and Cox regression) was used to adjust for differences in clinical and pathological features when comparing the risk for PSM and PSAR.

RESULTS

In all, 362 men had RALP and 435 had RRP; the mean follow‐up was 1.09 and 1.37 years, respectively. RALP patients had a significantly lower clinical stage, Gleason score and EBL (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in PSM between RALP and RRP in univariate (P = 0.701) and multivariate analyses (P = 0.095). The risk of PSAR for patients undergoing RALP or RRP was not significantly different after adjusting for clinical (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.48–1.38; P = 0.448) and pathological differences (0.94, 0.55–1.61; P = 0.824).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing RALP had a lower EBL and lower‐risk disease. After adjusting for differences in clinical and pathological features, there was no significant difference in early PSAR between patients undergoing RALP or RRP.
Intravesically administered antisense oligonucleotides targeting heat‐shock protein‐27 inhibit the growth of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Hadaschik Boris A. , Jackson John , Fazli Ladan , Zoubeidi Amina , Burt Helen M. , Gleave Martin E. , So Alan I.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the inhibitory effects of a second‐generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting the cytoprotective chaperone heat‐shock protein (HSP)‐27 (OGX‐427, OncoGeneX Technologies, Vancouver, Canada) on human bladder cancer growth bothin vitroandin vivoas an intravesical agent in an orthotopic murine model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human KU‐7 bladder tumour cells were treated with OGX‐427 or a mismatch (MM) control oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)in vitroand were assessed for HSP27 expression, proliferation and apoptosis. KU‐7‐luc cells that stably express luciferase were inoculated in female nude mice by intravesical instillation and tumour size was measured using bioluminescence imaging. Mice with established KU‐7‐luc tumours were administered uncomplexed ‘naked’ OGX‐427 or MM ODN as well as controlled‐release microparticulate chitosan/oligonucleotide formulations intravesically. Tumour growth was monitored over time and tumours were analysed after death using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

RESULTS

In vitro, OGX‐427 significantly decreased HSP27 protein levels and cellular viability. While naked OGX‐427 showed only a trend in tumour suppression compared with MM ODN, OGX‐427 complexed with chitosan significantly inhibited orthotopic tumour growth. The chitosan preparation induced some haematuria compared to naked ASO, but this formulation had superior tissue uptake of oligonucleotides and suppressed HSP27 tissue levels by 75%.

CONCLUSION

Intravesical OGX‐427 instillation therapy showed promising antitumour activity and minimal toxicity in an orthotopic mouse model of high‐grade bladder cancer. These findings provide pre‐clinical proof‐of‐principle for the use of ASO as intravesical agents for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, and warrant further evaluation of efficacy and safety in early‐phase clinical trials.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of insulin detemir compared to Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin in patients with Type 1 diabetes using a treat‐to‐target basal–bolus regimen with insulin aspart at meals: a 2‐year, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Bartley P. C. , Bogoev M. , Larsen J. , Philotheou A.
Published: April 2008

Aims  This 24‐month, multi‐national, open‐label, parallel group trial investigated the long‐term efficacy and safety of insulin detemir and Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin in combination with mealtime insulin aspart in patients with Type 1 diabetes using a treat‐to‐target concept.

Methods  Patients were randomized 2 : 1 to detemir (n = 331) or NPH (n = 166) groups. Basal insulin was initiated once daily (evening) and titrated individually based on self‐measured plasma glucose (PG) levels, aiming for pre‐breakfast and pre‐dinner targets ≤ 6.0 mmol/l. A second basal morning dose could be added according to pre‐defined criteria.

Results  After 24 months, superiority of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was achieved with detemir compared to NPH (detemir 7.36%, NPH 7.58%, mean difference −0.22% points) [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.41 to −0.03%], with reductions of 0.94% and 0.72% points, respectively. Fasting PG (FPGlab) was also lower with detemir (detemir 8.35 mmol/l, NPH 9.43 mmol/l; P = 0.019). Twenty‐two per cent of patients treated with detemir reached an HbA1c ≤ 7.0% in the absence of confirmed hypoglycaemia during the last month of treatment vs. 13% on NPH (P = 0.019). Risk of major and nocturnal hypoglycaemia was 69% and 46% lower with detemir than with NPH (P < 0.001), respectively; patients treated with detemir gained less weight (detemir 1.7 kg, NPH 2.7 kg; P = 0.024). The overall safety profile was similar in the two groups and treatment with detemir did not result in any unexpected findings.

Conclusions  Long‐term treatment with the insulin analogues detemir + aspart was superior to NPH + aspart in reducing HbA1c, with added benefits of less major and nocturnal hypoglycaemia and less weight gain.
Ethnic differences in plantar pressures in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Solano M. P. , Prieto L. M. , Varon J. C. , Moreno M. , Boulton A. J. M.
Published: April 2008

Aims  To compare plantar foot pressures between Caucasian and Hispanic diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) without a history of foot ulceration and between Caucasian and Hispanic non‐diabetic individuals.

Methods  Forty‐four Hispanic diabetic patients with PN (HDPN), 35 Caucasian diabetic patients with PN (CDPN), 41 non‐diabetic Hispanic subjects and 33 non‐diabetic Caucasian subjects participated. Total and regional peak plantar pressures (PPs) and pressure time integrals (PTIs) were assessed using the EMED‐SF‐4 plantar pressure system.

Results  Hispanic diabetic patients with PN had significantly lower peak PP than Caucasian diabetic patients with PN in the entire foot (552.4 ± 227.9 vs. 810.1 ± 274.6 kPa; P < 0.001), forefoot (464.1 ± 222.6 vs. 699.6 ± 323.1 kPa; P < 0.001), hindfoot (296.3.4 + 101.8 vs. 398.1 + 178.3 kPa; P < 0.01) and at the fifth metatarsal head (MTH5; 204.3 ± 143.2 vs. 388.2 ± 273.9 kPa; P < 0.001). The PTI in the entire foot, forefoot and MTH5 were also lower in HDPN than in CDPN. The ethnic differences between the diabetic groups with PN for the entire foot, forefoot and MTH5 remained significant after adjusting for the effect of age, gender, weight and duration of diabetes. There were no significant differences in peak PP and PTI among non‐diabetic individuals, except for a lower peak PP at the MTH5 in Hispanic compared with Caucasian subjects.

Conclusions  Despite a well‐known higher incidence of foot complications in diabetic Hispanic subjects, dynamic plantar pressures are lower in Hispanic diabetic patients with PN when compared with their Caucasian counterparts, suggesting that differences in other risk factors exist between these two ethnic groups.
Continuous Subcutaneous Glucose Monitoring System in diabetic mothers during labour and postnatal glucose adaptation of their infants
Authors: Stenninger E. , Lindqvist A. , Åman J. , Östlund I. , Schvarcz E.
Published: April 2008

Aims  To assess a new technique for continuous monitoring of glucose concentration during labour in diabetic mothers. A second objective was to study maternal glucose levels in relation to postnatal glucose adaptation and the need for intravenous (IV) glucose treatment in the newborn infant.

Methods  Fifteen pregnant women with insulin‐treated diabetes mellitus participated in this prospective pilot study. To measure their glucose control during labour we used the Continuous Subcutaneous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) to calculate the mean glucose concentration and the area under the curve (AUC) in the last 120 min before delivery. All infants of these women were transferred to the neonatal care unit for early oral feeding and blood glucose measurements up to 14 h after delivery. Infants received IV glucose if blood glucose values were repeatedly < 2.2 mmol/l.

Results  All women coped well with the CGMS monitoring. AUC 0–120 min before delivery, mean glucose concentration 0–120 min before delivery and cord plasma insulin level were all significantly associated with the need for IV glucose in the newborn children.

Conclusions  In this study we found an association between maternal glucose concentrations during labour and postnatal glucose adaptation and need for IV glucose treatment in the infants. Online monitoring of glucose levels during delivery might help us to achieve maternal normoglycaemia and further reduce the risk of postnatal hypoglycaemia in the offspring.
Evaluation of a Swedish version of the Job Stress Survey
Authors: HOLMSTRÖM STEFAN , MOLANDER BO , JANSSON JOHN , BARNEKOW‐BERGQVIST MARGARETA
Published: April 2008

The present study assesses and evaluates the psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the Job Stress Survey (JSS; Spielberger, 1991; Spielberger & Vagg, 1999). This instrument is constructed to measure generic sources of occupational stress encountered by employees in a wide variety of work settings, settings that often result in psychological strain. The JSS was administered to metal assembly industry workers and medical service personnel in northern Sweden (n= 1186). The exploratory factor analysis showed that there is a high similarity between the present Swedish version and the original American version. Internal reliabilities of the scales, as well as test‐retest reliabilities were shown to be high, and concurrent validity, as examined by comparisons with the Perceived Stress Questionnaire Index (Levenstein et al., 1993) was found to be satisfactory. The consistency of these findings is discussed with particular focus on groups of employees, gender, and cross‐cultural evaluations.
Decision‐making styles and physiological correlates of negative stress: Is there a relation?
Authors: THUNHOLM PETER
Published: April 2008

There are 5 independent, although not mutually exclusive, styles used by military officers when making decisions: rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant, and spontaneous (Scott & Bruce, 1995). The rational and intuitive styles are part of the cognitive style concept, whereas the conceptual foundation of the remaining 3 styles is less clear. The dependent and the avoidant styles were expected to be accompanied by increased levels of negative stress, while this was not expected of the remaining 3 styles. This hypothesis was put to test. Twenty‐three male Swedish Army majors were asked to make decisions in 2 different military situations. Their decision styles were measured by the General Decision Making Style inventory (GDMS; Scott & Bruce, 1995). Saliva cortisol release indicated negative stress and was measured on 4 occasions: twice before, after the first decision, and after the second decision. The avoidant style was related to negative stress, as predicted. There was, however, no difference between the base‐line measurements and the after‐decision measurements, suggesting that officers with an avoidant decision style may, in general, have higher levels of cortisol secretion (i.e., being more of the worrying kind).
Trust and Religion: Experimental Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
Authors: JOHANSSON‐STENMAN OLOF , MAHMUD MINHAJ , MARTINSSON PETER
Published: April 2008

Trust is measured using both survey questions and a trust experiment among a random sample of Muslim and Hindu household heads in rural Bangladesh. We found no significant effect of the social distance between Hindus and Muslims in the trust experiment in terms of the proportions sent or returned. However, the survey responses do indicate significant differences. Both Hindus and Muslims were found to trust others from their own religion more than they trust people from other religions. Moreover, Hindus, the minority, trust other people less in general, and Hindus trust Muslims more than Muslims trust Hindus.
A Model of Lending Resumption after Default: Lessons from Capital Markets during the Nineteenth Century
Authors: SOLÉ JUAN
Published: April 2008

This paper mines the experience of the nineteenth‐century capital markets to propose an alternative interpretation of international defaults. The standard view—that sovereign default entails exclusion from markets—was often contradicted by reality: in some cases lending ceased, but in others it continued. This paper claims that lenders' responses to default stem from the additional knowledge about borrowers that is acquired during default episodes. Lending is modelled in a costly‐state‐verification environment where sovereigns have private information about their investment projects (good or bad). After default, lenders audit projects and interrupt lending only if the project is believed to be a ‘bad’ one.
A CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF LAFTA AND CACM ON LATIN AMERICAN TRADE
Authors: Aitken Norman D. , Lowry William R.
Published: April 2008

To summarize briefly, the study results showed that neither CACM nor LAFTA have had a significant trade diversion effect on the trade of other Latin American countries, but that both communities have had a statistically significant effect on member country trade. The results showed that the GTC of CACM has increased progressively throughout the integration period 1961–67. On the other hand, while the LAFTA countries showed a persistent growth in GTC from 1963 through 1966, the GTC process was brought to a halt in 1967, presumably as a result of the delay by the member countries in negotiating the second phase of the Common Schedule.
BRITISH STUDIES OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
Authors: Rosenthal Glenda Goldstone
Published: April 2008

The Chatham House/PEP Series

Agricultural Policy and the Common Market. John S. Marsh and Christopher Ritson.

The EEC: National Parliaments in Community Decision‐Making. Michael Niblock.

External Relations of the European Community: Associations and Trade Agreements. Stanley Henig.

The Power of the Purse in the Euroean Communities. David Coombes assisted by Ilka Wiebecle.

National Governments and the European Communities. Helen Wallace.
The Orphans of Eritrea: A Comparison Study
Authors: Wolff Peter H. , Tesfai Bereket , Egasso Habtab , Aradomt Tesfay
Published: April 2008

Abstract The social‐emotional state and cognitive development was compared between a group of 74 4–7‐year‐old Eritrean orphans and refugee children living in families. Both groups had been exposed to the chronic stresses of war and drought and the orphans had, in addition, lost both parents to the violence of war, and were living in an overcrowded orphanage‐ Contrary to expectations, there were relatively few clinically significant differences between comparison groups. The orphans showed more behavioral symptoms of emotional distress, but performed at a more advanced level on cognitive and language performance measures. The findings suggest that when group care is child‐centered, it can under some circumstances be a viable solution for unaccompanied children in countries where adoption and foster care are not realistic alternatives.
Adaptive Skills Dysfunction in ADD and ADHD Children
Authors: Stein Mark A. , Szumowski Emily , Blondis Thomas A. , Roizen Nancy J.
Published: April 2008

Abstract Adaptive functioning was examined in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and a psychiatric comparison group of children with pervasive developmental disorders or mild mental retardation (PDD/MR). As assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, adaptive functioning was well below average for all three clinic groups. (The PDD/MR group had the lowest adaptive Functioning scores, although not statistically different from the other groups.) However, the level of adaptive functioning relative to IQ in the areas of Socialization, Communication and Daily Living was significantly lower for the ADD and ADHD groups. These deficits in adaptive functioning that characterize children with ADHD and ADD may help explain the poor long‐term prognosis of ADHD, suggesting that increased attention should be paid to the assessment and treatment of adaptive functioning in individuals with ADHD and ADD.
Parasite assemblages distinguish populations of a migratory passerine on its breeding grounds
Authors: Durrant K. L. , Marra P. P. , Fallon S. M. , Colbeck G. J. , Gibbs H. L. , Hobson K. A. , Norris D. R. , Bernik B. , Lloyd V. L. , Fleischer R. C.
Published: April 2008

We attempted to establish migratory connectivity patterns for American redstarts Setophaga ruticilla between their breeding and wintering grounds by characterizing the composition of their haematozoan parasite assemblages in different parts of their range. We detected significant but limited geographic structuring of haematozoan parasite lineages across the breeding range of the redstart. We found that redstarts from the south‐eastern (SE) region of the breeding range had a significantly different haematozoan parasite assemblage compared with populations sampled throughout the rest of the breeding range. Evidence using stable isotopes from feathers previously demonstrated that redstarts from the SE of the breeding range also have a unique and separate wintering range. Thus, although two methods of estimating migratory connectivity have now both shown the SE US breeding sub‐population of redstarts to be distinct from other populations on both the breeding and wintering grounds, conclusive migratory connectivity for this species as a whole could not be established.
Testis mass of the spinifex hopping mouse and its impact on fertility potential
Authors: Bauer M. , Breed W. G.
Published: April 2008

Captive‐bred Australian spinifex hopping mice Notomys alexis have very small testes regardless of their age. Compared with other rodents of similar body mass, these animals also produce and store comparatively low numbers of spermatozoa. In the present study, we thus ask the following questions: (1) what is the testis weight of sexually mature spinifex hopping mice in the natural environment and does this change at different times of reproductive activity of the population and (2) what is the fertility potential of adult sexually mature males? The results show that wild‐caught individuals, like the captive‐bred animals, invariably have very small testes, regardless of whether females in the population are, or are not, reproducing. Spermatogenesis continues at times when females are reproductively inactive, thus suggesting males may remain potentially able to inseminate females as soon as they enter oestrus. In spite of their very small testes and low epididymal sperm stores, an adult male can fertilize the ovulated oocytes of at least two females within a period of a few days. Thus, although sperm reserves are likely to be heavily depleted after the first ejaculation, males rapidly return to maximum fertility, which is no doubt due, at least in part, to the short sperm epididymal transit time that occurs in this species.
Burrow morphology and dynamics of mudshrimp in Asian soft shores
Authors: Li H. Y. , Lin F.‐J. , Chan B. K. K. , Chan T.‐Y.
Published: April 2008

Mudshrimps are important soft shore bioturbators but research on the ecology of tropical species has received less attention when compared with their temperate counterparts. The mudshrimp Austinogebia edulis is common on Asian soft shores and lives in burrows for its entire adult life. Epoxy resin casting of A. edulis burrows showed that they were approximately Y‐shaped, with an upper U‐part and the lower central shaft part. The burrows had two openings extending to the surface; the mean distance between the two openings was 11.0 cm in Hong Kong and 26.4 cm in Taiwan. Openings of the burrows had small chimneys. The tunnels of the burrows were circular, narrow and with a smooth surface (tunnel diameter corresponded to shrimp carapace width). Each burrow was inhabited by a single shrimp and burrows were inter‐connected during the mating and reproductive season. Each burrow had four to 12 spherical chambers, which were free of detritus. The chambers were thought to be used for suspension feeding, current generation and as turning points. The depth of burrows was up to 1.1 m. Multivariate analysis on various burrow parameters showed that burrows collected on a mud flat in Taiwan were deeper, had a wider distance between the openings and a larger volume than burrows collected from a sandy shore in Hong Kong, suggesting that burrow architecture is variable between shore types. Burrow architecture, however, did not vary between tidal levels, seasons and shrimp density on the shores in Hong Kong, indicating that the burrows were quite stable within the substratum and were not affected by environmental and biological factors.
A year in the life of a Dungeness crab: methodology for determining microhabitat conditions experienced by large decapod crustaceans in estuaries
Authors: Curtis D. L. , McGaw I. J.
Published: April 2008

This study presents a methodology for combining archival data storage tags (DSTs) and ultrasonic transmitters to investigate the microhabitat conditions of adult Cancer magister (Dana), inhabiting an estuary. The temperature, salinity and depth experienced by free‐ranging Dungeness crabs were recorded at 10‐min intervals for periods ranging from 1 week to 8 months. Crabs were tracked using a hydrophone, and tags were recovered via concentrated trapping or returned by recreational fishers for a reward. These methods led to a return rate of 50%. Representative CTD tag data showed that the conditions recorded at fixed stations within the estuary were not reflective of those experienced by free‐ranging crabs, but rather crabs were able to orientate and avoid low salinity within the estuary. The prevalence of low salinity exposure was linked to times of increased food availability within the estuary, suggesting that crabs were entering the shallows of the estuary to forage. The techniques used in this study demonstrate that DSTs are a viable means of determining the microhabitat conditions of crustaceans inhabiting highly variable environments.
When Land Was Cheap, and Labor Dear: James Madison's ‘Address to the Albemarle Agricultural Society’ and the Problem of Southern Agricultural Reform
Authors: Nelson Lynn A.
Published: April 2008

James Madison's 1818 Address to the Albemarle Agricultural Society offers new insight into the diverse historiography of agricultural reform in the American South. Madison described a planet with limited resources, accused Virginia farmers of wasting what little they had, and offered suggestions for ways to intensify cultivation. Many scholars have analyzed the southern agricultural reform crusade, but differ widely on whether it was successful, and the reasons why. Madison tried to balance high farming with southern independence. Southern farming could not imitate modern agriculture from England and the Northeastern states because of the region's ecological distinctiveness. Madison was reluctant to risk tested adaptations by importing to crops, animals, and fertilizers. Southern farmers reflected his ecological conservatism, and the movement for reform stalled.
Synthesis of Higher Chromium Oxides Using Ozone Gas
Authors: Suzuki Ryosuke O. , Ogawa Takamichi , Kondo Ryosuke
Published: April 2008

Ozone gas in an ambient pressure was blown to Cr2O3 powder. The higher oxides, CrO3, Cr2O5, Cr5O12, and Cr3O8, could be synthesized above 373 K. Both CrO3 and Cr2O5 were found by in situ X‐ray diffraction measurements. It was known that they could be produced only at high pressure of oxygen and at high temperatures. The CrO3 formed was melted at 470 K in an ozone atmosphere and decomposed above 500 K. Because of thermal decomposition of ozone and the higher oxides, no higher oxides were formed above 660 K. The phase formation was discussed using the kinetic stability diagram.
Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Nanocontainers
Authors: Tapeinos Christos , Kartsonakis Ioannis , Liatsi Penelope , Daniilidis Ioannis , Kordas George
Published: April 2008

Magnetic hollow spheres were synthesized through a two‐step process and were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, super quantum interference device, vibrating sample magnetometry and Mössbauer spectroscopy methods. First, polystyrene spheres (PS) were produced using emulsion polymerization. Second, the PS spheres were coated via the sol–gel method to form an iron oxide layer. The size of the PS spheres was controlled by the concentration of the monomer (styrene), the initiator (potassium persulfate), and the emulsifier (sodium dodecylsulfate). The sol–gel coatings were prepared by controlled hydrolysis of aqueous solutions of FeCl3 in the presence of PS latex, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and hydrochloric acid. The composite was treated in air to burn off the PS latex. Temperature treatments were optimized after extensive differential thermal analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis characterization of the samples. Treatments under hydrogen atmosphere at various temperatures gave control over the formation and extend of magnetic phases in the nanocontainers such as a Fe, hematite (Fe2O3), and magnetite (Fe3O4). The size of the containers ranged between 300 and 400 nm.
Microstructure and Microwave Dielectric Properties of (1−x)Ca(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3/xCaTiO3Ceramics
Authors: Fu M. S. , Liu X. Q. , Chen X. M. , Zeng Y. W.
Published: April 2008

Dense (1−x)Ca(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3/xCaTiO3ceramics (0.1≤x≤0.9) were prepared by a solid‐state reaction process. The crystal structures and microstructures were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Single‐phase solid solutions were obtained in the entire composition range. Long‐range 1:2 ordering of B‐site cations and oxygen octahedra tilting lead to the monoclinic symmetry with space groupP21/cforx=0.1. Forxabove 0.1, the long‐range ordering was destroyed and the crystal structure became the orthorhombic with space groupPbnm. The microwave dielectric properties showed a strong dependence on the composition and microstructure. The dielectric constant and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency increased nonlinearly as the CaTiO3content increased while theQfvalues decreased approximately linearly. Good combination of microwave dielectric properties was obtained atx=0.45, where ɛr=45.1,Qf=34 800 GHz, and τf=17.4 ppm/°C.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Titanium Boride (TiB) Ceramic
Authors: Madtha Shawn , Lee Curtis , Ravi Chandran K. S.
Published: April 2008

A comprehensive report on the physical and mechanical properties of titanium boride (TiB), including many recent results that were largely determined in our research, is provided. Fully dense TiB was synthesized by reaction sintering of Ti and TiB2 powders. A bulk nanostructured TiB ceramic material having a microstructure composed of nanosized and interconnected TiB whiskers was created. The TiB produced by this method has properties comparable with that of certain commercial types of silicon nitride.