bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catchments catch all: long‐term population history of a giant springtail from the southeast Australian highlands — a multigene approach
Authors: GARRICK R. C. , SANDS C. J. , ROWELL D. M. , HILLIS D. M. , SUNNUCKS P.
Published: February 2007

Phylogeography can reveal evolutionary processes driving natural genetic‐geographical patterns in biota, providing an empirical framework for optimizing conservation strategies. The long‐term population history of a rotting‐log‐adapted giant springtail (Collembola) from montane southeast Australia was inferred via joint analysis of mitochondrial and multiple nuclear gene genealogies. Contemporary populations were identified using multilocus nuclear genotype clustering. Very fine‐scale sampling combined with nested clade and coalescent‐based analyses of sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and three unlinked nuclear loci uncovered marked population structure, deep molecular divergences, and abrupt phylogeographical breaks over distances on the order of tens of kilometres or less. Despite adaptations that confer low mobility, rare long‐distance gene flow was implicated: novel computer simulations that jointly modelled stochasticity inherent in coalescent processes and that of DNA sequence evolution showed that incomplete lineage sorting alone was unable to explain the observed spatial‐genetic patterns. Impacts of Pleistocene or earlier climatic cycles were detected on multiple timescales, and at least three putative moist forest refuges were identified. Water catchment divisions predict phylogeographical patterning and present‐day population structure with high precision, and may serve as an excellent surrogate for biodiversity indication in sedentary arthropods from topographically heterogeneous montane temperate forests.
Deep 610-MHz Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations of the Spitzer extragalactic First Look Survey field – I. Observations, data analysis and source catalogue
Authors: Garn Timothy , Green David A. , Hales Sally E. G. , Riley Julia M. , Alexander Paul
Published: February 2007

Observations of the Spitzer extragalactic First Look Survey field taken at 610 MHz with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope are presented. Seven individual pointings were observed, covering a total area of ∼4 deg2 with a resolution of 5.8 × 4.7 arcsec2, PA 60°. The rms noise at the centre of the pointings is between 27 and 30 μJy before correction for the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) primary beam. The techniques used for data reduction and production of a mosaicked image of the region are described, and the final mosaic, along with a catalogue of 3944 sources detected above ∼5σ, are presented. The survey complements existing radio and infrared data available for this region.
Subjective visual evaluation vs. traditional and geometric morphometrics in species delimitation: a comparison of moth genitalia
Authors: MUTANEN MARKO , PRETORIUS ETHERESIA
Published: February 2007

Abstract Species‐level taxonomic studies usually include detailed morphological descriptions of taxa. Traditionally, species descriptions have been based on nonmetric, subjective, visual comparisons of morphological traits regardless of whether diagnostic characters between species are quantitative or qualitative in nature. In difficult cases, traditional morphometrics (morphometrics based on linear measurements or ratios) and appropriate multivariate statistics have been applied to validate species delimitations. Modern geometric morphometrics, a new powerful method to quantify shapes, is increasingly being used in taxonomy and systematics. We compared the results from the three morphology‐based methods (subjective visual differentiation and differentiation by traditional morphometrics and geometric morphometrics) using male genital morphology for this purpose. Five species complexes of Lepidoptera Tortricidae and Geometridae were analysed, each having two to four species, and each species being readily identifiable by their wing patterns. The between‐species differences were visualized with thin‐plate spline deformation grids using average landmark configurations of each species. The results from exploratory and confirmatory statistics of geometric data in a taxonomic context were compared. Morphometrics provided more accurate identification than subjective visual differentiation and the best result was achieved by combined size and shape data. Furthermore, species delimitation using exploratory statistics of landmark data is often problematic because of overlap in scatters. We conclude that geometric morphometrics provides a powerful way to search for differences between taxa and serves as an objective, useful and novel way to visualize morphological variation in shape in insect taxonomy. We recommend more extensive use of geometric morphometric tools in taxonomy.
The effects of maternal smoking on early mucosal immunity and sensitization at 12 months of age
Authors: Noakes Paul , Taylor Angie , Hale Jasmine , Breckler Liza , Richmond Peter , Devadason Sunalene G. , Prescott Susan L.
Published: February 2007

With the dramatic rise in asthma and respiratory disease, there is an urgent need to determine the effects of common environmental exposures on early immune development. In this study, we examined the effects of maternal smoking as a major adverse exposure in early life, on mucosal immune function and allergen sensitization in the first year of life. A cohort of 60 smokers and 62 non‐smokers was recruited in pregnancy, and followed prospectively at 3 and 12 months of age for saliva collection [for immunoglobulin (Ig) A measurements], urine collection (for cotinine levels) and clinical assessments (for allergy and infection history). Allergen skin‐prick tests were also performed at 12 months of age. Specific IgA to common colonizing bacteria was measured on saliva samples, including pneumococcal polysaccharide (PS) serotype 14 and non‐typeable Haemophilus influenza (NTHI) outer membrane protein 6 (OMP6). Eighty‐two mothers and their infants completed the 12‐month follow‐up period – 56 in the maternal non‐smoking group and 26 in the maternal smoking group. Maternal smoking was associated with significantly higher total infant salivary IgA at 12 months of age (p = 0.026), and more chronic upper respiratory tract symptoms (p = 0.012). However, there were no differences in the level of specific IgA antibodies to common colonizing bacteria (pneumococcal PS serotype 14 and NTHI OMP6). In general, the IgA levels at 12 months were higher in children who had more chest infections in the first year (Kendall's tau b, 0.282; p = 0.003). There was also a trend of lower respiratory tract symptoms (wheeze) (p = 0.142) in infants of smokers. There were no effects of maternal smoking on the rates of allergen sensitization, atopic dermatitis and food allergy at 12 months of age. In conclusion, maternal smoking did not inhibit the production of anti‐microbial IgA, suggesting that other factors are responsible for the increased susceptibility to infection in these infants. The increased mucosal inflammation in these children was not associated with effects on early allergy propensity.
Increases in serum immunoglobulins to age‐related normal levels in children with IgA and/or IgG subclass deficiency
Authors: Kutukculer Necil , Karaca Neslihan Edeer , Demircioglu Ozlem , Aksu Guzide
Published: February 2007

Immunoglobulins (Ig) A and G subclass deficiencies are common immune system disorders which cause morbidity especially between 2 and 6 yr of age. Prognosis of these defects and therapeutic approach is unclear. The aim of the present retrospective study was to review the clinical and laboratory records of 87 children with IgA and/or IgG subclass deficiency to determine whether these patients experience changes in serum Ig concentrations during follow‐up and to give more clinic and laboratory information to the families about the course of these diseases. Among 87 patients studied, the most frequent defect was partial IgA deficiency combined with IgG3 subclass deficiency (41%). The other groups were as follows; partial IgA deficiency (32%), selective IgA deficiency (8%), partial IgA combined with IgG2‐G4 subclass deficiency (6%), and IgG subclass deficiency (13%). The commonest clinical presentations were recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (76%), pneumonia (14%), acute gastroenteritis (3%), urinary tractus infection (3%), sinusitis (2%), and acute otitis media (2%). Atopy was widely represented in the patients studied (24%). The number of patients who were given prophylactic treatment with benzathine penicilline, prophylactic oral antibiotic, or oral bacterial extract to prevent infections was 68 (78%). Frequency of recurrent infections decreased from 7.9 ± 4.9 per year to 2.5 ± 2.3 in 68 patients receiving any prophylactic regimen; however, decrease in frequency of infections did not show any significant difference between different prophylactic groups. None of the patients in the selective IgA deficiency group had reached normal serum levels of IgA. At the age of 58.3 ± 21.4 months, 52% of patients in partial IgA deficiency group and 51% of patients in partial IgA + IgG subclass deficiency group, serum IgA increased to normal ranges. Serum IgG subclass levels increased to normal range for age in 67% of patients in partial IgA + IgG subclass deficiency group and in 30% of patients in isolated IgG subclass deficiency group. The mean age for reaching age‐related normal IgG subclass levels for these patients was 69.0 ± 14.5 months. In conclusion, findings of this study suggest that IgA and/or IgG subclass deficiency may be either progressive or reversible disorders and emphasize the value of monitoring Ig levels in affected individuals.
Consumption of asthma medication after RS‐virus epidemic – A population based survey
Authors: Dunder Teija , Juntti Hanna , Renko Marjo , Kokkonen Jorma , Waris Matti , Uhari Matti
Published: February 2007

It has been suggested that a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infancy increases the likelihood of development of asthma in childhood. The RSV epidemics have a special 2‐yr pattern in Finland and this allows the evaluation of the association of RSV and asthma by epidemiological means. We evaluated whether being 0–6 months of age during an RSV epidemic has an impact on the use of asthma medication later in the childhood. The consumption of asthma medication at the age of 3–16 yr and the number of those entitled to special reimbursement for asthma medication were identified for a total of 637,922 children. These subjects were grouped in cohorts according to whether they had been aged 0–6 months (exposed) or not (unexposed) during an RSV epidemic. The means of the proportions taking asthma medication and of those receiving reimbursement were calculated for each cohort. The means of the proportions in the unexposed vs. exposed cohorts were 20.5% vs. 20.3% for consumption and 4.8% vs. 4.9% for reimbursement. These differences were insignificant. In conclusion exposure to a RSV epidemic in infancy does not increase the consumption of asthma medicines at the population level.
No genetic evidence of sex‐biased dispersal in a lekking bird, the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Authors: MÄKI‐PETÄYS H. , CORANDER J. , AALTO J. , LIUKKONEN T. , HELLE P. , ORELL M.
Published: February 2007

Sex‐biased dispersal is often connected to the mating behaviour of the species. Even if patterns of natal dispersal are reasonably well documented for monogamous birds, only a few data are available for polygynous and especially lekking species. We investigated the dispersal of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) by examining sex‐specific gene flow among the leks. Genetic information was extracted using nuclear and mitochondrial molecular markers for sexed faecal samples and analysed by novel Bayesian statistical methods. Contrary to the traditional view that the males are highly philopatric and female is the dispersing sex, we found roughly equivalent gross and effective dispersal of the sexes. The level of polygamy has a strong influence on the effective population size and on the effective dispersal. The results do not support the theories that dispersal evolves solely as a result of resource competition or other advantages to males obtained through kin selection in lekking species.
Evaluation of direct versus non‐refluxing technique and functional results in orthotopic Y‐ileal neobladder after 12 years of follow up
Authors: Hassan Ayman A , Elgamal Samir A , Sabaa Magdy A , Salem Khalid A , Elmateet Mahmoud S
Published: February 2007

Objectives:  We report on the long‐term functional results of the orthotopic Y‐ileal neobladder and compare the outcome of the antireflux technique for ureteral implantation versus direct anastomosis.

Patients and Methods:  Between 1990 and 2002, 120 patients underwent cystoprostatectomy and orthotopic Y‐shaped ileal neobladder for invasive bladder carcinoma. The direct Nesbit technique for ureteral reimplantation was applied in 58 patients (group 1) and in 62 patients the ureters were reimplanted using the Le Duc antirefluxing technique (group 2). The mean follow‐up period was 72 months (range, 36–144 months).

Results:  Of 62 patients who underwent the Le Duc technique, six (9.7%) had unilateral uretero‐ileal anastomotic stricture and four (6.5%) had reflux. Of 58 patients who underwent direct anastomosis, six (10.3%) patients had unilateral reflux, four of them had dilated ureters preoperatively and no patient had uretero‐ileal anastomotic stricture. The incidence of stricture formation in the Le Duc technique is significantly higher than direct anastomosis (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of reflux in both groups. However, the incidence of reflux in preoperatively dilated ureters was significantly higher in direct ureteral anastomosis than Le Duc technique (40% in group 1 vs 16.7% in group 2; P = 0.045). The incidence of stone formation, azotemia, pyelonephritis and bacteriuria was comparable in both groups. The urodynamic findings showed a mean increase in the neobladder capacity at 6 and 18 months after surgery by 340 and 560 mL, respectively. The mean of the maximum pressure was 22 ± 10 cm H2O, 18 months after surgery. Daytime and nighttime continence was good or satisfactory in 93.3% and 85.5% of the patients, respectively, after 3 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions:  The functional and voiding results of a Y‐shaped neobladder pouch using 40 cm of ileum are similar to the more sophisticated larger pouches. Direct uretero‐ileal anastomosis in orthotopic bladder replacement is more reasonable than the Le Duc antireflux technique in non‐dilated ureters. The benefit of the antireflux technique has been overestimated despite of the frequency of stricture formation.
First‐line high‐dose chemotherapy combined with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for patients with advanced extragonadal germ cell tumors
Authors: Kumano Masafumi , Miyake Hideaki , Hara Isao , Furukawa Junya , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: February 2007

Background:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first‐line high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) combined with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for patients with advanced extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCT).

Methods:  Six male patients with advanced non‐seminomatous EGGCT were treated with HDCT combined with PBSCT following 2–3 cycles of conventional‐dose induction chemotherapy. The regimens used for HDCT were carboplatin, etoposide and ifosfamide (ICE) in five patients and ICE plus paclitaxel (T‐ICE) in one patient, and that for induction therapy was cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin (PEB) in all patients. As a rule, HDCT was continuously administered until α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and β‐human chorionic gonadotropin normalized (β‐HCG).

Results:  Following 1–6 courses of HDCT (median, 4 courses), β‐HCG and AFP were normalized in all patients, and five and one patient were diagnosed as showing partial remission and stable disease, respectively. Five patients underwent surgical resection of residual tumors after HDCT, yielding necrotic tissue in two, mature teratoma in two, and viable cancer tissue in one, and the surgical margin was negative in all patients. At a median follow‐up of 36 months, five patients were alive and disease‐free, whereas the remaining one died of disease progression. Although all patients had grade 3 hematological toxicity, there was no treatment‐related death by combining PBSCT.

Conclusions:  First‐line HDCT with PBSCT could be safely administered to patients with advanced EGGCT, and the antitumor effect of this treatment was comparatively favorable. First‐line HDCT therefore may represent an attractive option for patients with advanced EGGCT.
Long‐term results of tension‐free vaginal tape for female urinary incontinence: Follow up over 6 years
Authors: Deffieux Xavier , Donnadieu Anne Claire , Porcher Raphaël , Gervaise Amelie , Frydman Rene , Fernandez Herve
Published: February 2007

Objective:  To describe the long‐term outcome of using tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) with and without associated procedures.

Methods:  A questionnaire was mailed to a population of 61 women who had undergone TVT surgery more than 6 years ago. Of this population, 41 (80%) had suffered from stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The questionnaire included questions about urinary symptoms, satisfaction and quality of life. The questionnaire was answered by 51 of the 61 women.

Results:  Mean follow up was 83 months. The women with SUI had a persistent cure rate of 80% with a satisfaction rate of 97%. The cure rate after 6 years was 37% in women with mixed incontinence. Concomitant hysterectomy (relative risks = 0.87) and body mass index (BMI) do not alter the long‐term results of TVT procedure. Peroperative bladder injury is not associated with an increased risk of long‐term lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or with a decreased satisfaction rate (relative risks = 0.85).

Conclusions:  Concomitant hysterectomy, increased BMI and bladder injury do not alter good long‐term results of TVT.
Usefulness of liquid‐based preparation in urine cytology
Authors: Hwang Eu Chang , Park Seong Hoon , Jung Seung Il , Kwon Dong Deuk , Park Kwangsung , Ryu Soo Bang , Park Chang Soo
Published: February 2007

Objective:  ThinPrep (TP), a liquid‐based cytological and non‐invasive technique to confirm the diagnosis of bladder cancer, is reported to be a better screening test than the conventional cytospin method. This study compared the new MonoPrep2 (MP), a liquid‐based cytological technique, with TP for diagnosing bladder cancer.

Materials and Methods:  Between January 2003 and June 2004, urine samples from 284 patients were processed using the TP and MP methods. The cytological diagnosis and the determination of specimen quality were performed separately. The cytological diagnoses were classified into four categories: unsatisfactory, benign, borderline, and malignant. A subsequent biopsy was performed in 73 patients. The cytological diagnoses were compared with the biopsy results to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the two methods.

Results:  Considering all the features examined, the overall specimen quality was comparable between the MP and TP techniques in the majority of cases. The rate of satisfactory specimens was 100% for TP and 98.6% for MP. The diagnostic capacity was similar between MP and TP. The overall sensitivities with MP and TP were 58.6 and 62.0%, respectively, and the specificities were 100 and 97.7%; the differences were not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:  MP and TP produced comparable results in diagnosing bladder cancer. As MP is less expensive than TP, we recommend MP as an alternative liquid‐based cytology method for use in bladder cancer screening.
High unique diversity of sulfate‐reducing prokaryotes characterized in a depth gradient in an acidic fen
Authors: Schmalenberger Achim , Drake Harold L. , Küsel Kirsten
Published: February 2007

The dissimilatory reduction of sulfate contributes to the retention of sulfur in acidic mineratrophic peatlands. Novel sulfate‐reducing prokaryotes (SRPs) colonize these low‐sulfate fens. This study assessed the community structures of SRPs in a depth gradient (0–50 cm) in a fen, located in the Fichtelgebirge (Spruce Mountains), Germany. Detection of SRPs with multiplex (terminal‐) restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of amplified dissimilatory (bi)sulfite reductase genes (dsrAB) separated three subgroups derived from (i) the upper 5 and 10 cm, (ii) 15–25 cm, and (iii) 30–50 cm depth. Biogeochemical parameters measured in the soil solution from July 2001 to July 2004 documented that the upper 5–10 cm were exposed to drying and oxygenation prior to sampling. Periodic oxygenation reached a maximum depth of 25 cm in the water‐saturated fen and was concomitant with relative high concentrations of nitrate (120 μM) and sulfate (up to 310 μM). The fen soil was permanently anoxic below 30 cm depth with average concentrations of sulfate below 40 μM and maximum concentrations of methane. Cloning of dsrAB PCR products from 5, 20 and 40 cm depth yielded a total of 84 unique dsrAB restriction patterns. Partial sequencing of 61 distinct clones resulted in 59 unique partial protein sequences that mainly clustered with DsrA sequences of uncultivated sulfate reducers. Syntrophobacter fumaroxidans‐ and Syntrophobacter wolinii‐related bacteria appeared to be present only in 40 cm depth. Differences in the SRP community structures suggested that SRPs present in the upper fen soil have to tolerate O2 and even drying, whereas SRPs present in deep anoxic zones may act as syntrophic fermentors in cooperation with H2‐utilizing methanogens.
Anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria in marine environments: widespread occurrence but low diversity
Authors: Schmid Markus C. , Risgaard‐Petersen Nils , Van De Vossenberg Jack , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Lavik Gaute , Petersen Jan , Hulth Stefan , Thamdrup Bo , Canfield Don , Dalsgaard Tage , Rysgaard Søren , Sejr Mikael K. , Strous Marc , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M.
Published: February 2007

Summary Laboratory and field studies have indicated that anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is an important process in the marine nitrogen cycle. In this study 11 additional anoxic marine sediment and water column samples were studied to substantiate this claim. In a combined approach using the molecular methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), qualitative and quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), as well as 15N stable isotope activity measurements, it was shown that anammox bacteria were present and active in all samples investigated. The anammox activity measured in the sediment samples ranged from 0.08 fmol cell−1 day−1 N2 in the Golfo Dulce (Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica) sediment to 0.98 fmol cell−1 day−1 N2 in the Gullmarsfjorden (North Sea, Sweden) sediment. The percentage of anammox cell of the total population (stained with DAPI) as assessed by quantitative FISH was highest in the Barents Sea (9% ± 4%) and in most of the samples well over 2%. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and phylogenetic analysis of the PCR products derived from the marine samples indicated the exclusive presence of members of the Candidatus‘Scalindua’ genus. This study showed the ubiquitous presence of anammox bacteria in anoxic marine ecosystems, supporting previous observations on the importance of anammox for N cycling in marine environments.
Undoing Legal Violence: Walter Benjamin's and Giorgio Agamben's Aesthetics of Pure Means
Authors: Morgan Benjamin
Published: February 2007

Giorgio Agamben calls for a ‘playful’ relation to law as a way to counteract its inherent violence. Such a relation would prevent law from functioning as a means to an end, instead treating it as a ‘pure means.’ This article evaluates the significance of Agamben's proposal and of the concept of pure means, arguing that both implicitly draw on a Kantian model of aesthetic experience.
Does the technological sourcing decision matter? Evidence from Spanish panel data
Authors: Montoya Pilar Vargas , Zárate Rodolfo Salinas , Martín Luis Ángel Guerras
Published: February 2007

This paper extends previous analysis of the choice between internal and external R&D to consider the effect of this decision on productivity. Existing empirical research confirms that there is a positive relationship between technological assets and firm performance. However, few works have attempted to identify whether the technological sourcing decision taken by the firm affects productivity. The main finding of this paper is that the technological strategy developed by the firm does affect productivity. This issue is particularly novel as it incorporates the technological sourcing decision taken by the firm. The results we obtain indicate that the technological sourcing decision affects the relationship between technological capital and productivity. Thus, our findings suggest that the decision between internal and external R&D matters.
The making and unmaking of gendered crops in northern Ghana
Authors: Padmanabhan Martina A.
Published: February 2007

In rural West Africa, the gendered division of labour extends to labelling certain crops as ‘male’ or ‘female’. With the introduction of new varieties of crops and technologies, these constructions of gendered plants undergo a process of renegotiation at social intrafaces. This process of attaching meaning to new features in cultivation results in the remaking of gendered crops. These negotiations, in turn, have an effect on the construction of gender in specific ethnic and environmental settings, unlinking labour from its gendered connotations and, thus, unmaking the social meaning and creating room for manoeuvre. Based on fieldwork among the Dagomba and Kusasi people in northern Ghana, this study examines how gendered responsibilities and access to the cultivation of crops are linked and expressed in obligations related to the cultural ideal of a proper meal, in this case consisting of the food categories (male) staple and (female) soup, which serve as the blueprint for assigning crops to a specific gender.
Those Current Account Imbalances: A Sceptical View1
Authors: Corden W. Max
Published: February 2007

The international current account imbalances, where the United States has a vast deficit, and several countries, notably Japan, China, Germany and the oil exporters have corresponding surpluses, are usually seen as problems. The argument here is that current account imbalances simply indicate intertemporal trade – the exchange of goods and services for claims. There are likely to be gains from trade of that kind as from ordinary trade. What, then, are the problems? This paper considers five scenarios, notably one where net savings of the surplus countries decline so that the world real interest rate rises, and another where the US fiscal deficit is reduced, so that the world real interest rate falls and there could be a worldwide aggregate demand problem, essentially caused by the high net savings of the surplus countries. The paper reviews the reasons for the large surpluses in terms of savings and investment ratios (especially China) and also discusses the long‐term problem for the United States. While four of the scenarios involve a decline in the dollar, they do not necessarily imply a sudden – and even ‘disruptive’– dollar crisis.
Do Benefit Hikes Damage Job Finding? Evidence from Swedish Unemployment Insurance Reforms
Authors: Bennmarker Helge , Carling Kenneth , Holmlund Bertil
Published: February 2007

Abstract.  In 2001 and 2002, Sweden introduced several unemployment insurance reforms. A major innovation in the first reform was the introduction of a two‐tiered benefit structure for some unemployed individuals. This system involved supplementary compensation during the first 20 weeks of unemployment. The 2002 reform retained the two‐tiered benefit structure but involved also substantial benefit hikes for spells exceeding 20 weeks. This paper examines how these reforms affected transitions from unemployment to employment. We take advantage of the fact that the reforms had quasi‐experimental features where the ‘treatments’ differed considerably among unemployed individuals. We find that the reforms had strikingly different effects on job finding among men and women. The two reforms in conjunction are estimated to have increased the expected duration of unemployment among men but to have decreased the duration of unemployment among women. The overall effect on the duration of unemployment is not statistically different from zero. However, the reforms reduced job finding among men who remained unemployed for more than 20 weeks.
RESCUING HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH: THE POSSIBILITY OF EMBRYO RECONSTITUTION AFTER STEM CELL DERIVATION
Authors: DEVOLDER KATRIEN , WARD CHRISTOPHER M.
Published: February 2007

Abstract: We discuss in this essay the alternative techniques proposed for the isolation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that attempt to satisfy moral issues surrounding killing embryos but show that these techniques are either redundant or do not achieve their intended aim. We discuss the difficulties associated with defining a human embryo and how the lack of clarity on this issue antagonises the ethical debate and impedes hESC research. We present scientific evidence showing that isolation of hESCs does not necessarily “kill” human embryos. In addition, we argue that even those who accord inviolable moral status to the embryo should agree that hESC research is morally obligatory, as it is beneficial to the developmental potential of the embryo and society as a whole.
THE AMBIGUITY OF THE EMBRYO: ETHICAL INCONSISTENCY IN THE HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL DEBATE
Authors: DEVOLDER KATRIEN , HARRIS JOHN
Published: February 2007

Abstract:We argue in this essay that (1) the embryo is an irredeemably ambiguous entity and its ambiguity casts serious doubt on the arguments claiming its full protection or, at least, protection against its use as a means for stem cell research, (2) those who claim the embryo should be protected as “one of us” are committed to a position even they do not uphold in their practices, (3) views that defend the protection of the embryo in virtue of its potentiality to become a person fail, and (4) the embryo does not have any rights or interests to be protected. Given that many are willing to treat the embryo as a means in other practices, and that human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research holds great potential to benefit many people, one cannot but conclude that hESC research is permissible and, because of its immense promise for alleviating human suffering, even obligatory.
THE MORAL‐PRINCIPLE OBJECTION TO HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH
Authors: MARQUIS DON
Published: February 2007

Abstract:Opponents of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research claim that such research is incompatible with the moral principle that it is always wrong intentionally to end a human life. In this essay, I discuss how that principle might be revised so that it is subject to as few difficulties as possible. I then argue that even the most defensible version of the principle is compatible with the moral permissibility of hESC research.
THE MORAL STATUS OF STEM CELLS
Authors: SAGAN AGATA , SINGER PETER
Published: February 2007

Abstract: What moral status should we attribute to stem cells? To answer this neglected question, we look in this essay at the properties of embryos and other entities that could develop into beings who have uncontested moral status, namely, adult humans. Our analysis indicates that those who grant moral status to embryos should also grant it to stem cells. This has implications that verge on absurdity, since even if we were to try to do what we can to protect these entities, we would face the dilemma that the development of any embryo requires the destruction of other potential beings. We respond to objections, including the claim that the destruction of human embryos is wrong not because of the potential of human embryos but because human embryos are actual beings with a rational nature. We conclude that the more plausible position is to deny moral status to embryos, and thus to stem cells as well.
Designing Infrastructures: Dilemmas of Design and the Reliability of Critical Infrastructures
Authors: Schulman Paul R. , Roe Emery
Published: February 2007

Critical infrastructures (CIs) are ‘balky systems’ of highly diverse, networked components with such high performance variations among them that there are few modal behaviors that characterize these infrastructures as whole systems. Consequently, they are under‐determined with respect to design principles and the control variables available to operators. These features raise significant reliability challenges in the management of CIs. In particular, formal design strategies increasingly applied to these infrastructures threaten to undermine the skills and cognitive capacities of control operators and middle‐level ‘reliability professionals’ to manage them reliably and safely. We investigate these challenges and propose new design principles to protect and enhance high reliability management in CIs.
Stress, coping and consumer preferences: a two‐way transitional event history analysis
Authors: Lee Euehun , Moschis George P. , Mathur Anil
Published: February 2007

More than 20 years ago, Andreasen suggested the importance of studying life status changes for understanding a consumer’s likelihood of changing his or her preferences, attitudes and behaviours. The present study attempts to further advance this approach by providing a conceptual framework within which future research can be conducted. It also suggests the utilization of newly developed statistical techniques congenial to studying changes in behaviours and preferences over time. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal data are used to fill gaps in previous research and demonstrate the value of this approach. While Andreasen’s data revealed a significant negative relationship between stress due to life status changes and brand preference changes when subjected to conventional analysis, the two‐way transitional event history analysis of our data yielded a significant positive relationship between the two variables. The results suggest that when a consumer experiences high levels of stress, he or she is likely to engage in subsequent consumption‐coping behaviours which include changes in brand preferences.
Understanding gay consumers’ clothing involvement and fashion consciousness
Authors: Sha Ou , Aung May , Londerville Jane , Ralston Catherine E.
Published: February 2007

This study’s primary objective was to provide a better understanding of gay consumers’ clothing involvement and fashion consciousness. Personal in‐depth interviews were conducted with 13 gay professionals in Canada. One hundred and forty‐five usable survey questionnaires were also collected from gay consumers. The Fashion Involvement Index Scale (FII scale) was adapted for this study. Interview participants indicated that, in general, gay men tend to be more fashion conscious than heterosexual men. Survey results also indicated two dimensions, fashion interest and fashion awareness that were found to be stronger for this group of gay consumers than for heterosexual men. The FII value for the survey participants also resulted in a sum score mean value of 11.2, a medium level of fashion involvement that is a slightly higher level than has been found for heterosexual consumers. Interestingly, this study does not provide strong evidence of gay consumers’ involvement in cutting‐edge fashion trends.
Departures from Everyday Resistance and Flexible Strategies of Domination: The Making and Unmaking of a Poor Peasant Mobilization in Bangladesh
Authors: ADNAN SHAPAN
Published: February 2007

James Scott's influential work has popularized the notion that everyday resistance among the peasantry takes covert and backstage forms, termed ‘weapons of the weak’. This paper, however, provides a case study involving transformation of covert resistance and outward compliance of the poor into open dissent and confrontation with power‐holders, though falling well short of the limiting conditions of rebellion or revolution. Such instances serve to dispel the notion that poor and weak groups adopt only covert forms of resistance in their everyday existence. The paper takes up the questions of why, and under what circumstances, such transformation of covert resistance into overt forms can come about. These issues are explored using evidence from a poor peasant mobilization in rural Bangladesh during the parliamentary election of 1986. The analysis shows that there were sequential shifts in the respective strategies of domination and resistance of the rich and the poor, which shaped each other interactively over a dynamic trajectory. Such adaptive and variable responses require an approach that can accommodate flexibility and substitution in the strategies adopted by the weak and the powerful. These also call for further exploration and analysis of the middle ground between everyday and exceptional forms of resistance.
International perspectives and initiatives
Authors: Murphy Jeannette
Published: February 2007

This article introduces a new column which will explore the way different regions and nation states are dealing with the challenges of managing health information. The intention is to draw together trends which are relevant to both health science librarians and health informatics professionals. This inaugural piece maps out the territory. It provides a rationale for the column, along with evidence of current initiatives to articulate a global perspective on the application of communication and information technologies to health information.
Characterization of 18 microsatellite loci for woodrats of the Neotoma lepida group (Rodentia, Cricetidae, Neotominae)
Authors: SOUSA BRIDGET , SVENSSON L. MARIA. E. , PATTON JAMES L.
Published: February 2007

The desert woodrat complex (Neotoma lepida group) is a set of four closely related species occupying the arid lands of western North America. We have developed 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci to analyse the population structure, mating patterns, and hybridization at points of contact between the contiguously allopatric species in the complex.
Release of superoxide from skeletal muscle of adult and old mice: an experimental test of the reductive hotspot hypothesis
Authors: Close Graeme L. , Kayani Anna C. , Ashton Tony , McArdle Anne , Jackson Malcolm J.
Published: February 2007

Increased extracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a result of increasing reliance on glycolytic metabolism by old mitochondria‐rich tissues has been claimed to contribute to the propagation of oxidative damage during aging (the reductive hotspot hypothesis), but the process has not been examined experimentally in old animals. Superoxide activity in the extracellular fluid of gastrocnemius muscle and markers of oxidation in blood and the liver were examined in adult and old mice at rest and following a period of demanding isometric contractions. The activity of superoxide in muscle microdialysates did not differ between adult and old mice at rest, but during contractile activity, there was a significant increase in the superoxide activity in microdialysates from adult muscle but no increase in microdialysates from old muscle. At rest, the liver of old mice contained an increased malonaldehyde content and a decreased protein thiol content in comparison with adult mice, but following the contraction protocol, only the adult mice showed significant, transient increases in the serum and liver malonaldehyde content and a decrease in liver glutathione and protein thiol content. Further studies revealed that the lack of superoxide release from contracting muscle of old mice was not due to reduced force generation by these muscles. These data provide no evidence for an increased extracellular superoxide in resting or contracting skeletal muscle of old mice, or that release of superoxide from muscle contributes to oxidation of blood components in the liver in old mice as is predicted from the reductive hotspot hypothesis.
The 80 Years’ Question: The Dutch Revolt in Historical Perspective
Authors: Cruz Laura
Published: February 2007

Once heralded as the ‘leading event of modern times’, the Dutch Revolt took place over a period of eighty years (1568–1648) and historians have worked to interpret it for even longer. This historiographical article outlines the major points of contention and schools of thought surrounding interpretations of the deeper meaning of the Dutch bid for independence from Spanish rule. While the intellectual milieus of late nineteenth‐ and twentieth‐century Europe certainly left their mark on historical interpretations of this event, this article argues that writings about the Revolt distinctively trace changing perceptions of the role played by small countries in the history of Western Civilization. As is true in most contemporary historical scholarship, there are no more grand narratives for encompassing the Dutch Revolt in its entirety, but the article points to future directions for understanding the Revolt in its wider contexts, whether European or global.

History Compassthird PODCAST is now available

This free podcast offers a discussion between Professor Ron Schechter, retired early modern Europe editor forHistory Compass, and Dr. Laura Cruz, aHistory Compassauthor. Examining Dr Cruz’s published essay, ‘The 80 Years’ Question: The Dutch Revolt in Historical Perspective’, they discuss the field of Dutch history, how it is being affected by new global and transnational histories, the need for further theoretical development in light of the cultural and linguistic turn, and the ways this article could be used in teaching. Click here to download the podcast:http://wiley.cdn.palmerhargreaves.com/podcast/hic3/hic3‐03.mp3(12.1 MB, 16 minutes 59 seconds).
Termination of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Storm by Catheter Ablation in a Patient with Cardiomyopathy Induced by Incessant Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: SHAN QIJUN , CHEN MINGLONG , XU DONGJIE , ZOU JIANGANG , YANG BING , CHEN CHUN , CAO KEJIANG
Published: February 2007

We detail findings in a patient with incessant idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT), induced cardiomyopathy, and an “electrical storm” consisting of recurrent polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT). Catheter ablation not only eradicated the ILVT, but also additionally suppressed recurrent PVT. These findings suggest that the recurrent PVT storm in this patient related to long‐standing tachycardia‐induced cardiac electrical remodeling that led to QT prolongation.
Diagnosis of Biventricular Assist Device Inflow Cannula Obstruction
Authors: Szymański Piotr , Religa Grzegorz , Klisiewicz Anna , Barańska Katarzyna , Hoffman Piotr
Published: February 2007

A case of an echocardiographic diagnosis of biventricular assist device inflow cannula obstruction, associated with low cardiac output in a 29‐years old male with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe congestive heart failure is presented. The reasons for low cardiac output in patients supported with ventricular assist devices and the role of transoesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of device failure are briefly discussed.
Quantification of Global Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease by Pulsed Doppler Tissue Imaging: The Value of Mitral Annulus Time Intervals
Authors: Yang Li , Wu Wei , Wang Jingfeng , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: February 2007

Background: Mitral annulus systolic velocity measured by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) offers an alternate method for assessment of global left ventricular systolic function. However, there has been no study correlating mitral annulus systolic time intervals with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
Methods: Patients with angina pectoris (AP, 16 cases) and prior myocardial infarction (MI, 34 cases) were studied by pulsed DTI. Sixteen age‐matched normal subjects served as controls. The septum, lateral, anterior, and inferior walls of the mitral annulus were selected for DTI sampling. Time to peak of the systolic mitral annular wave (TS) and regional preejection period (PEP) were measured.
Results: PEP and TS were significantly longer in the MI group than that in the control and the AP groups. Both PEP and TS at all the annular sites and their two‐site averages had significantly negative correlations with LVEF (r =−0.62 to −0.68 and −0.49 to −0.62; P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: PEP and TS as measured by pulsed DTI may be promising indexes for the quantitative assessment of global left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease.
Usefulness of Bedside Tissue Doppler Echocardiography and B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) in Differentiating Congestive Heart Failure from Noncardiac Cause of Acute Dyspnea in Elderly Patients with a Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Permanent, Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from a Prospective, Monocenter Study
Authors: Arques Stephane , Roux Emmanuel , Sbragia Pascal , Pieri Bertrand , Gelisse Richard , Luccioni Roger , Ambrosi Pierre
Published: February 2007

Background: The incremental role of bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) over the clinical judgment has been recently reported in the emergency diagnosis of congestive heart failure with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (HFNEF). However, how well does this diagnostic strategy be applicable in the setting of atrial fibrillation is unknown. Objective: To investigate the usefulness of bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography and BNP in the emergency diagnosis of HFNEF in elderly patients with permanent, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: Forty‐one consecutive elderly patients with an ejection fraction ≥50% (mean age 84 years; 22 with HFNEF and 19 with noncardiac cause), hospitalized for acute dyspnea at rest, were prospectively enrolled; bedside septal E/Ea and BNP were obtained at admission. Results: By multivariable logistic regression analysis including the clinical judgment of heart failure, E/Ea and BNP, E/Ea (P = 0.014) and BNP (P = 0.018) provided independent diagnostic information. Optimal cutoffs were 13 for E/Ea (area under the ROC curve of 0.846, P < 0.0001; sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 89.5%) and 253 pg/ml for BNP (area under the ROC curve of 0.928, P < 0.0001; sensitivity 86.4%, specificity 89.5%). The concordance between the clinical judgment and BNP concentration at the cutoff of 253 pg/ml correctly classified 24 of 25 patients; E/Ea at the cutoff of 13 correctly classified 14 of the 16 patients with discrepancy. Conclusion: Bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography and BNP provide useful additional diagnostic information over the clinical judgment for the emergency diagnosis of HFNEF in elderly patients with permanent, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Tricuspid Valve Involvement in Carcinoid Disease
Authors: Abi‐Saleh Bernard , Schoondyke Jeffrey W. , Abboud Lucien , Downs Christopher J. , Haddadin Tariq Z. , Iskandar Said B.
Published: February 2007

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume **, **********)