bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systolic Blood Pressure in Childhood Predicts Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome Later in Life
Authors: Sun Shumei S. , Grave Gilman D. , Siervogel Roger M. , Pickoff Arthur A. , Arslanian Silva S. , Daniels Stephen R.
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to link hypertension and the metabolic syndrome in adulthood directly to blood pressures measured decades earlier for the same individuals as children and to establish criterion values for blood pressure that predict hypertension and the metabolic syndrome later in life.

METHODS. We analyzed serial data for 240 men and 253 women in the Fels Longitudinal Study. We derived age- and gender-specific childhood blood pressures that predict hypertension and the metabolic syndrome in adulthood, and we validated these criterion values in a larger sample.

RESULTS. Blood pressure diverged between adults with and without the metabolic syndrome beginning at age 5 for boys and age 8 for girls. The odds ratios for developing hypertension at ≥30 years of age ranged from 1.1 for 14- to 18-year-old boys to 3.8 for 5- to 7-year-old boys and from 2.7 for 8- to 13-year-old girls to 4.5 for 5- to 7-year-old girls, if their blood pressure exceeded criterion values at a single examination in childhood. The corresponding odds ratios for the metabolic syndrome, with or without hypertension, ranged from 1.2 for 14- to 18-year-old boys to 2.6 for 8- to 13-year-old boys and from 1.5 for 14- to 18-year-old girls to 3.1 for 5- to 7-year-old girls. The relative risk of adult hypertension ranged from 1.5 to 3.8 for boys and from 1.5 to 4.7 for girls, and that of the metabolic syndrome ranged from 1.1 to 1.8 for boys and from 1.2 to 5.6 for girls. These relative risks varied directly with the number of examinations at which systolic blood pressure exceeded criterion values.

CONCLUSION. Children with systolic blood pressures above the criterion values established in this longitudinal study are at increased risk of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome later in life.
Annual Summary of Vital Statistics: 2005
Authors: Hamilton Brady E. , Miniño Arialdi M. , Martin Joyce A. , Kochanek Kenneth D. , Strobino Donna M. , Guyer Bernard
Published: February 2007

The general fertility rate in 2005 was 66.7 births per 1000 women aged 15 to 44 years, the highest level since 1993. The birth rate for teen mothers (aged 15 to 19 years) declined by 2% between 2004 and 2005, falling to 40.4 births per 1000 women, the lowest ever recorded in the 65 years for which there are consistent data. The birth rates for women ≥30 years of age rose in 2005 to levels not seen in almost 40 years. Childbearing by unmarried women also increased to historic record levels for the United States in 2005. The cesarean-delivery rate rose by 4% in 2005 to 30.2% of all births, another record high. The preterm birth rate continued to rise (to 12.7% in 2005), as did the rate for low birth weight births (8.2%). The infant mortality rate was 6.79 infant deaths per 1000 live births in 2004, not statistically different from the rate in 2003. Pronounced differences in infant mortality rates by race and Hispanic origin continue, with non-Hispanic black newborns more than twice as likely as non-Hispanic white and Hispanic infants to die within 1 year of birth. The expectation of life at birth reached a record high in 2004 of 77.8 years for all gender and race groups combined. Death rates in the United States continued to decline, with death rates decreasing for 9 of the 15 leading causes. The crude death rate for children aged 1 to 19 years did not decrease significantly between 2003 and 2004. Of the 10 leading causes of death for 2004 in this age group, only the rates for influenza and pneumonia showed a significant decrease. The death rates increased for intentional self-harm (suicide), whereas rates for other causes did not change significantly for children. A large proportion of childhood deaths continue to occur as a result of preventable injuries.
Reciprocating wear mechanisms in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass
Authors: Jin H.W. , Ayer R. , Koo J.Y. , Raghavan R. , Ramamurty U.
Published: February 2007

The dry sliding friction coefficient μ and the wear volume loss W, in a zirconium-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) under high-frequency (50 Hz) reciprocating conditions, were investigated with the objective of assessing the influence of free volume and crystallization on the wear behavior of amorphous metals. The BMG samples were annealed either below the glass transition temperature Tg to induce structural relaxation and hence reduce the free volume that controls plasticity through shear-band formation or above Tg to crystallize the amorphous BMG prior to wear testing. Results show that the wear behavior of both the as-cast and relaxed glasses was dominated by the oxidation of the surface layers. A sharp transition in the contact electrical resistance complemented by a marked increase in μ was noted. This was attributed to the formation of a thick tribo film with high oxygen concentration and its subsequent delamination. The μ values, before as well as after the transition, in the relaxed glasses were similar to those for the as-cast alloy. However, a gradual decrease in W with annealing temperature was observed. A good correlation between W and nanohardness was noted, implying that the intrinsic hardness in the BMGs controlled the wear rate.
Effects of plastic deformation and hydrogen charging on the internal friction in bulk and ribbon metallic glasses Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 and Pd40Cu30Ni10P20
Authors: Eggers M. , Sinning H.-R. , Khonik V.A. , Neuhäuser H.
Published: February 2007

Two different types of metallic glasses, a metal-metal-based and a metal-metalloid-based one, in both bulk and ribbon form (i.e., produced with very different quenching rates) are compared with respect to their structural relaxation behavior during continuous heating (2 K/min) in a vibrating-reed set-up (frequencies 0.2–5 kHz). The variation of damping as a function of temperature, time, and strain amplitude is shown as a measure of the content of structural relaxation centers, whose nature is studied by means of artificially introduced irregularities into the amorphous structure (i.e., by cold rolling and by hydrogen charging). The results indicate that the hydrogen damping peak, which is only observed in the Zr-based glass, is more probably due to hydrogen reorientation jumps than due to reorientation of hydrogen-related, dislocation-like distortion fields although the latter cannot be ruled out. A pronounced deformation damping peak could not be found in contrast to earlier results in the literature, probably owing to the selected degrees of deformation.
Corrosion and related mechanical properties of bulk metallic glasses
Authors: Scully John R. , Gebert A. , Payer Joe H.
Published: February 2007

The review of corrosion performance of a number of alloy systems documents several metallic glasses with corrosion resistance superior to that of crystalline metals. In other cases, the metallic glasses do not have superior corrosion resistance. The nature of corrosion resistance of the metallic glasses is often directly related to the development of a passive film (protective layer) on the reactive alloy substrate, increased durability of the passive film, or enhanced resistance to localized corrosion where the passive film is broken or damaged. Potential mechanical/environmental degradation processes include stress-corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue, various forms of hydrogen damage, wear, and abrasion. The availability of bulk metallic glasses in significant three-dimensional sizes will stimulate important work in these areas that will enhance the fundamental understanding of the corrosion behavior and mechanical interactions and develop design guidelines and materials properties database for designers and engineers.
Development of quaternary Fe–B–Y–Nb bulk glassy alloys with high glass-forming ability
Authors: Kim Dong Ho , Park Jin Man , Kim Do Hyang , Kim Won Tae
Published: February 2007

The effects of niobium (Nb) addition on the glass-forming ability (GFA), crystallization behavior, and compressive mechanical property of iron (Fe)–boron (B)–yttrium (Y) alloys have been investigated. Among the (Fe71.2B24Y4.8)100−xNbx (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) alloys investigated, (Fe71.2B24Y4.8)96Nb4 exhibits the highest GFA, enabling the formation of glassy rods with a maximum diameter of 7 mm, which is the largest among quaternary Fe-based alloys. The comparison of the crystallization behavior of the alloys shows that the formation of metastable Fe23B6 phase during crystallization in the (Fe71.2B24Y4.8)96Nb4 alloy can suppress the formation of other stable crystalline phases such as α-Fe, enhancing the stability of the glass phase. The present results show that the attainment of a significantly high GFA is possible even in a quaternary Fe-based alloy system by properly tailoring the competing crystalline phase by the modification of liquid chemistry.
Design of a bulk amorphous alloy containing Cu–Zr with simultaneous improvement in glass-forming ability and plasticity
Authors: Lee Seok-Woo , Lee Sang-Chul , Kim Yu-Chan , Fleury E. , Lee Jae-Chul
Published: February 2007

We synthesized bulk amorphous alloy systems of Cu43Zr43Al7X7 (X = Be, Ag; numbers indicate at.%), with the objective of simultaneously enhancing the glass-forming ability (GFA) and the plasticity. The alloys not only exhibit high plasticity (∼7%, ∼8%), but also possess enhanced GFA (alloys with 12 and 8 mm diameter). The possible mechanisms underlying this enhanced GFA and plasticity exhibited by these alloys are discussed based on the atomic-packing state and atomistic-scale compositional separation associated with the mixing enthalpy difference. A strategy for designing bulk amorphous alloys with simultaneous improvement in the GFA and the plasticity is proposed from the viewpoint of atomic-packing state and atomistic-scale phase separation.
A clinical approach to the management of thrombosis in obstetrics. Part 2: diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Asghar Farah , Bowman Paul
Published: February 2007

Key content

The diagnosis of venous thromboembolism requires objective testing, which can be done safely throughout pregnancy.

Low molecular weight heparin is the most suitable agent for both prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy.

Once labour has commenced, heparin should not be administered.

It is recommended that anticoagulants be resumed 4–6 hours after vaginal delivery and 6–12 hours after caesarean delivery.

Learning objectives

To be able to choose the most appropriate diagnostic tests for venous thromboembolism in pregnancy.

To be able to prescribe the most appropriate anticoagulants.

To be able to manage women on anticoagulants appropriately during the different stages of pregnancy.

Ethical issues

The risks to the fetus of anticoagulant therapy are outweighed by the health benefits to the mother.

Women of reproductive age on oral anticoagulants should know about warfarin embryopathy.

Please cite this article as: Asghar F, Bowman P. A clinical approach to the management of thrombosis in obstetrics. Part 2: diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:3–8.
Putting risk into context
Authors: Drife James
Published: February 2007

Key content

Risks are measured in various ways by epidemiologists and portrayed with varying degrees of accuracy by the media.

Doctors should examine their motives for explaining risks. These may include the wish to avoid litigation or to persuade women to take a specific course of action.

Communicating risk requires a background knowledge of how risk is measured and a relationship of trust between doctors and women.

Words and numbers are useful in communicating risk and decision aids are now available to help this process.

Understanding the woman's view is essential – remembering that it may change during pregnancy – and there are techniques for learning this skill.

Learning objectives

To understand how risks are measured and how they are perceived by women.

To be aware of the importance of the doctor's attitude to risks.

To know the prerequisites for communicating risk and the range of techniques for doing so effectively.

Ethical issues

Does the doctor's opinion bias the information he or she gives?

When a woman finds it difficult to take a decision herself, should the doctor do this for her?

Please cite this article as: Drife J. Putting risk into context. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:42–47.
Importance and Predictability of Cannibalism in Rainbow Smelt
Authors: Parker Stetter Sandra L. , Thomson Jennifer L. Stritzel , Rudstam Lars G. , Parrish Donna L. , Sullivan Patrick J.
Published: February 2007

Cannibalism is a key interaction between young of year (age‐0) and older fish in many freshwater ecosystems. Density and spatial overlap between age‐groups often drive cannibalism. Because both density and overlap can be quantified, the magnitude of cannibalism may be predictable. Our study considered cannibalism in rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax in Lake Champlain (New York–Vermont, United States, and Quebec, Canada). We used acoustic estimates of the density and distribution of age‐0 and yearling‐and‐older (age‐1+) rainbow smelt to predict cannibalism in the diets of age‐1+ fish during 2001 and 2002. Experienced density, a measure combining density and spatial overlap, was the strongest predictor (R2 = 0.89) of the proportion of cannibals in the age‐1+ population. Neither spatial niche overlap (R2 = 0.04) nor age‐0 density (R2 = 0.30) alone was a good predictor of cannibalism. Cannibalism among age‐1+ rainbow smelt was highest in June, lowest in July, and high in September owing to differences in thermal stratification and habitat shifts by age‐0 fish. Between July and September, age‐1+ rainbow smelt consumed 0.1–11% of the age‐0 population each day. This resulted in a 38–93% mortality of age‐0 fish due to cannibalism. These estimated mortality rates did not differ significantly from observed declines in age‐0 rainbow smelt abundances between sampling dates. Age‐1+ rainbow smelt are probably the primary predators on age‐0 rainbow smelt during the summer and early fall in Lake Champlain.
Tagging as a Social Literacy Practice
Authors: MacGillivray Laurie , Curwen Margaret Sauceda
Published: February 2007

Tagging is not simply an act of vandalism or violence; it is a social practice with its own rules and codes—a literacy practice imbued with intent and meaning. Three aspects of tagging reflect its nature as a literate practice:

The purpose of tagging to achieve particular social goals and group affiliations

The role of talent to be considered a competent engager

The value of the quantity of tagging to achieve status

The participants in this study had various reasons for engaging in tagging. Findings highlight these varying purposes to sustain relationships, carry on dialogue, provide social commentary, and establish an identity by being recognized and known. In general, youths are a segment of the population whose ability to use literacy tools to navigate their complex social world is often unaddressed in literacy research. It is critical to understand more clearly the meanings behind these symbolic forms of expression used by adolescents and to explore their often‐cloaked purposes for writing.
Evaluation of the Incidence of Periodontitis‐Associated Bacteria in the Atherosclerotic Plaque of Coronary Blood Vessels
Authors: Zaremba Maciej , Górska Renata , Suwalski Piotr , Kowalski Jan
Published: February 2007

Background: Unstable atherosclerotic plaque is a dangerous clinical condition, possibly leading to acute coronary deficiency resulting in cardiac infarction. Questions about the role of inflammatory factors in the formation of pathological lesions in the endothelium of coronary vessels have often been raised. This condition may be caused by bacteria that are able to initiate clot formation in a blood vessel, destabilizing an atherosclerotic plaque that is already present. The sources of these pathogens are chronic inflammatory processes occurring in the host, including periodontal disease, which is one of the most frequent conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of selected anaerobic bacteria in subgingival and atherosclerotic plaque in patients treated surgically because of coronary vessel obliteration.

Methods: The study was performed on 20 individuals with chronic periodontitis. Subgingival plaque was collected from periodontal pockets >5 mm. DNA testing was used to identify eight pathogens responsible for periodontal tissue destruction. Material from atherosclerotic plaques was collected from the same patients during bypass surgery, and DNA testing by the same method was performed.

Results: In 13 of 20 patients, the pathogens most frequently found in severe chronic periodontitis were also found in coronary vessels. In 10 cases, those species of bacteria were also present in atherosclerotic plaque. The most frequently identified bacteria were Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola.

Conclusions: In patients with the severe form of chronic periodontitis, it seems that clinical attachment loss is not associated with bacterial permeability into coronary vessels. What is important is the presence of an active inflammatory process expressed by a significantly higher bleeding index in those patients in whom the examined bacterial species were found in atherosclerotic plaque.
Tissue Engineering Bone Formation in Novel Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenic Protein 2–Atelocollagen Composite Scaffolds
Authors: Hou Lein‐Tuan , Liu Cheng‐Meei , Liu Bu‐Yuan , Chang Po‐Chun , Chen Min‐Huei , Ho Ming‐Hua , Jehng Su‐Min , Liu Hwa‐Chang
Published: February 2007

Background: Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are important bone‐induction factors, and the development of a suitable carrier for BMPs is a critical step to achieve osteoinductive function. The aims of the present study were to evaluate, at the cellular and molecular levels, the feasibility of recombinant human BMP‐2 (rhBMP‐2)–collagen composite scaffold and its efficiency for carrying BMP‐2 in ectopic bone formation in rats.

Methods: Scaffolds with (test) or without rhBMP‐2 (control) were made and implanted into the calf muscle of 16 5‐week‐old rats. The tissue responses to the scaffolds were examined by histology. Masson's trichrome and von Kossa stainings were performed to examine collagen matrix deposition and calcification at 3, 7, 10, and 14 days. Expressions of bone phenotypic markers, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein were detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

Results: No detectable adverse responses were noted around the implanted scaffolds, and the area of the resorbed scaffold had been replaced by young connective tissue by 3 to 7 days in both groups. In the rhBMP‐2 composite scaffold, collagen matrix deposition was found in the implanted site on day 7 and initial signs of endochondral differentiation also appeared. Mineralization and the expressions of key bone proteins were demonstrated in chondroblasts and osteoblasts at 7 to 14 days. Molecular cascades of bone induction were not shown in control specimens.

Conclusion: The rhBMP‐2–atelocollagen scaffold showed excellent biocompatibility and possessed a bone‐inducing capacity in rat within 2 weeks, and, thus, may provide a potential application in tissue engineering of bone tissue.
Peri‐Implant Bone Loss Around Posterior Mandible Dental Implants Placed After Distraction Osteogenesis: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Polo Wilson C.K. , de Araujo Ney Soares , Lima Ynara B.O. , Joly Julio Cesar , Sendyk Wilson R. , Cury Patricia R.
Published: February 2007

Background: The present study evaluates implant survival and peri‐implant bone loss around posterior mandible dental implants placed at sites of distraction osteogenesis.

Methods: On removal of the distraction devices, 34 dental implants were inserted into 14 posterior mandible sites in 10 healthy, non‐smoking female patients. Prosthetic treatment was performed 4 months after implant placement using fixed implant prostheses. After 6 to 16.5 months, periapical radiographs were taken and evaluated for peri‐implant bone loss and radiolucency. The distance between the implant margin and the first visible bone–implant contact was measured on the mesial and distal aspects of the implants using imaging software. Radiographic dimensional distortion was corrected as a function of the known true dimension of the implant.

Results: Of the 34 implants placed, two (5.9%) failed to integrate at reentry surgery. Both were replaced and restored during the course of the study so that a total of 34 implants was followed for 12.1 ± 3.8 months post‐restoration and 16.1 ± 3.8 months post‐insertion. Mean loss of marginal bone height was 2.6 ± 1.0 mm. During the follow‐up period, radiolucent lines along the implant surface were absent.

Conclusions: The mean peri‐implant bone loss in areas of alveolar bone distraction was 1.9 mm/year. A high implant survival rate was observed.
Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis for Bone Augmentation of Severely Atrophic Ridges in 10 Consecutive Cases: A Histologic and Histomorphometric Study
Authors: Marchetti Claudio , Corinaldesi Giuseppe , Pieri Francesco , Degidi Marco , Piattelli Adriano
Published: February 2007

Background: This study analyzed bone healing in surgically osteodistracted maxillary and mandibular ridges histologically and histomorphometrically at two different times to determine the best time to insert dental implants.

Methods: Ten consecutive patients with severe maxillary (two patients) or mandibular (eight patients) atrophy underwent surgical osteodistraction with an extraosseous distractor. Seven days after the surgery, the distractor was activated at a rate of 1 mm/day until achieving the planned bone lengthening. The distractor was removed after a consolidation period of 70 days. Bone biopsies were obtained at implant insertion: 70 days after the end of distraction on the day of distractor removal in six patients (group A) or 180 days afterwards in four patients (group B). The biopsies were evaluated histologically and histomorphometrically to measure the osteocyte lacunar area (OLA).

Results: The histologic and histomorphometrical analysis of the distracted bone 70 days after the end of distraction showed well‐organized lamellar bone. At 180 days, the bone was more compact and mature; the mineralization of the matrix was greater; and an increased, but small, amount of marrow space was evident (35% versus 45%). The mean OLA was 80.11 ± 27.59 μm2 in group A and 70.4 ± 33.58 μm2 in group B. The difference between the two biopsy groups was not significant (P = 0.315).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there was definitely similar bone formation in the distracted area for both healing periods, and placing implants clinically worked in both of these time periods in the limited number of cases observed.
Survival of Immediately Provisionalized Dental Implants Placed Immediately Into Fresh Extraction Sockets
Authors: Schwartz‐Arad Devorah , Laviv Amir , Levin Liran
Published: February 2007

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of immediately provisionalized dental implants immediately placed into fresh extraction sockets.

Methods: The study consisted of 87 consecutive patients, ranging in age from 21 to 76 years (average: 53.30 ± 13.34 years), who received 210 immediately provisionalized, immediately placed dental implants between the years 2000 and 2005. Data were recorded regarding the survival rate of these implants and the incidence of complications.

Results: Follow‐up ranged from 6 to 52 months (mean: 15.60 ± 12.60 months). Smoking, past and present, was reported by 28.7% and 20.7% of patients, respectively. The maxillary incisors were replaced most frequently, followed by the mandibular lateral incisors. Most of the implants were >13 mm in length and ≥3.75 mm in diameter. There were 47 (22.4%) single restored implants and 163 (77.6%) splinted implants. Overall, the implant survival rate was 97.6% (five implants failed). Complications, such as swelling, inflammation, and pain, were observed in 24 (11.4%) of the implants. No relation was found between complications and failure. The present study failed to reveal a relationship between implant survival rate and smoking, implant dimensions, and area of implantation.

Conclusion: Immediately provisionalized immediate implants can serve as a predictable procedure with high survival rates.
Lung Cancer Risk and Workplace Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Stayner Leslie , Bena James , Sasco Annie J. , Smith Randall , Steenland Kyle , Kreuzer Michaela , Straif Kurt
Published: February 2007

Objectives. We sought to quantitatively evaluate the association between work-place environmental tobacco smoke exposure and lung cancer.

Methods. We performed a meta-analysis in 2003 of data from 22 studies from multiple locations worldwide of workplace environmental tobacco smoke exposure and lung cancer risk. Estimates of relative risk from these studies were analyzed by fitting the data to fixed and mixed effects models. Analyses of highly exposed workers and of the relationship between duration of exposure and lung cancer were also performed.

Results. The meta-analysis indicated a 24% increase in lung cancer risk (relative risk [RR]=1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.18, 1.29) among workers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. A 2-fold increased risk (RR=2.01; 95% CI=1.33, 2.60) was observed for workers classified as being highly exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. A strong relationship was observed between lung cancer and duration of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Conclusions. The findings from this investigation provide the strongest evidence to date that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
Social and Political Factors Predicting the Presence of Syringe Exchange Programs in 96 US Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Tempalski Barbara , Flom Peter L. , Friedman Samuel R. , Des Jarlais Don C. , Friedman Judith J. , McKnight Courtney , Friedman Risa
Published: February 2007

Community activism can be important in shaping public health policies. For example, political pressure and direct action from grassroots activists have been central to the formation of syringe exchange programs (SEPs) in the United States.

We explored why SEPs are present in some localities but not others, hypothesizing that programs are unevenly distributed across geographic areas as a result of political, socioeconomic, and organizational characteristics of localities, including needs, resources, and local opposition. We examined the effects of these factors on whether SEPs were present in different US metropolitan statistical areas in 2000.

Predictors of the presence of an SEP included percentage of the population with a college education, the existence of local AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) chapters, and the percentage of men who have sex with men in the population. Need was not a predictor.
Achieving Energy Balance at the Population Level Through Increases in Physical Activity
Authors: Costanza Michael C. , Beer-Borst Sigrid , Morabia Alfredo
Published: February 2007

Objectives. We estimated the amount of physical activity required for individuals to expend an additional 418.4 kJ (100 kcal) per day with the goal of achieving energy balance at the population level.

Methods. Data on total daily energy expenditures were derived from a random sample of adults residing in Geneva, Switzerland, who completed a self-administered physical activity frequency questionnaire. These data were used to simulate the effects of typical physical activity pyramid recommendations on average population energy expenditures for various activity intensities and rates of population compliance with pyramid recommendations.

Results. If an average 418.4 kJ (100 kcal) per day increase in energy expenditures is to be achieved, assuming 100% compliance with physical activity pyramid recommendations, the bottom tier of the pyramid must correspond to everyday activities performed at moderate to high intensity levels (e.g., moderate walking or biking). Expected population gains in energy expenditures would be only 167.4 to 251.0 kJ (40 to 60 kcal) per day at a 50% compliance rate.

Conclusions. Achieving population-level energy balance through increasing energy expenditures with physical activity increases alone would require profound structural and environmental changes promoting more active lifestyles.
Contribution of Public Parks to Physical Activity
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , McKenzie Thomas L. , Sehgal Amber , Williamson Stephanie , Golinelli Daniela , Lurie Nicole
Published: February 2007

Objectives. Parks provide places for people to experience nature, engage in physical activity, and relax. We studied how residents in low-income, minority communities use public, urban neighborhood parks and how parks contribute to physical activity.

Methods. In 8 public parks, we used direct observation to document the number, gender, race/ethnicity, age group, and activity level of park users 4 times per day, 7 days per week. We also interviewed 713 park users and 605 area residents living within 2 miles of each park.

Results. On average, over 2000 individuals were counted in each park, and about two thirds were sedentary when observed. More males than females used the parks, and males were twice as likely to be vigorously active. Interviewees identified the park as the most common place they exercised. Both park use and exercise levels of individuals were predicted by proximity of their residence to the park.

Conclusions. Public parks are critical resources for physical activity in minority communities. Because residential proximity is strongly associated with physical activity and park use, the number and location of parks are currently insufficient to serve local populations well.
Relationship Between Number of Breast Cancer Operations Performed and 5-Year Survival After Treatment for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Gilligan Mary Ann , Neuner Joan , Zhang Xu , Sparapani Rodney , Laud Purushottam W. , Nattinger Ann B.
Published: February 2007

Objectives. We examined the association between number of breast cancer operations performed in a hospital (hospital volume) and all-cause and breast cancer–specific mortality using a national database and statistical methods appropriate for clustering and reducing confounding.

Methods. In a retrospective cohort study, we linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results tumor registry data with Medicare claims data. The cohort included 11225 Medicare patients who had undergone surgery for early-stage breast cancer from 1994 to 1996 in 457 different hospitals. Primary outcomes were all-cause and breast cancer–specific survival rates at a mean follow-up time of 62.5 months.

Results. In comparison with treatment in a low-volume hospital, treatment in a high-volume hospital was associated with hazard ratios of 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.75, 0.92) for all-cause mortality and 0.80 (CI=0.66, 0.97) for breast cancer–specific mortality.

Conclusions. An association between the volume of breast cancer operations performed in a hospital and 5-year survival rates was observed for both all-cause and breast cancer–specific mortality. Further work investigating the aspects of hospital volume that contribute to increased survival is warranted.
Lessons Learned From the Children’s Environmental Exposure Research Study
Authors: Resnik David B. , Wing Steven
Published: February 2007

We examined 5 different ethical concerns about the Children’s Environmental Exposure Research Study and make some recommendations for future studies of exposure to hazardous environmental agents in the home.

Researchers should seek community consultation and participation; make participants aware of all the risks associated with the research, including hazards discovered in the home and uncertainties about the risks of agents under investigation; and take steps to ensure that their studies will not have unfair representation of the poor or people of color.

Researchers should also avoid even the appearance of a financial conflict of interest in studies that are likely to be controversial and make it clear to all parties that studies will not intentionally expose subjects to hazardous environmental agents.
Integrating Disease Control Strategies: Balancing Water Sanitation and Hygiene Interventions to Reduce Diarrheal Disease Burden
Authors: Eisenberg Joseph N.S. , Scott James C. , Porco Travis
Published: February 2007

Objectives. Although the burden of diarrheal disease resulting from inadequate water quality, sanitation practices, and hygiene remains high, there is little understanding of the integration of these environmental control strategies. We tested a modeling framework designed to capture the interdependent transmission pathways of enteric pathogens.

Methods. We developed a household-level stochastic model accounting for 5 different transmission pathways. We estimated disease preventable through water treatment by comparing 2 scenarios: all households fully exposed to contaminated drinking water and all households receiving the water quality intervention.

Results. We found that the benefits of a water quality intervention depend on sanitation and hygiene conditions. When sanitation conditions are poor, water quality improvements may have minimal impact regardless of amount of water contamination. If each transmission pathway alone is sufficient to maintain diarrheal disease, single-pathway interventions will have minimal benefit, and ultimately an intervention will be successful only if all sufficient pathways are eliminated. However, when 1 pathway is critical to maintaining the disease, public health efforts should focus on this critical pathway.

Conclusions. Our findings provide guidance in understanding how to best reduce and eliminate diarrheal disease through integrated control strategies.
The National Association of Manufacturers and the Militarization of American Conservatism
Authors: Soffer Jonathan
Published: February 2007

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) played an important role in the emerging conservative movement in the United States, both before and after World War II, but its contribution to the increasing militarism of that movement has received little scrutiny. Between 1958 and 1975, a combination of organizational changes peculiar to NAM and political pressures from both the right and the left led NAM to adopt and maintain a militaristic posture. In the late 1950s, a decline in the organization's membership resulted in a take over by larger corporations, which purged the board of its ultraconservative leadership. The reorganized board established a National Defense Committee (NDC) in order to promote defense industry membership and, by 1962, had selected a new permanent president, Werner Gullander. Under Gullander, the NDC moved NAM in the direction of support for defense expansion during the early 1960s.
The Stock Market Crash of 1929: A Review Article
Authors: Klein Maury
Published: February 2007

The stock market crash of 1929, a major trauma that still haunts the national memory, has received surprisingly little attention from scholars in seventy years and has produced even less agreement as to its causes and consequences. This review of the literature suggests that the disagreements and debates over the crash reveal as much about what can and cannot be known for certain about the event as they do about potential answers to the mysteries of the crash.
The impact of flooding regime on the soil seed bank of flood‐meadows
Authors: Hölzel Norbert , Otte Annette
Published: February 2007

Abstract. We assessed the significance of flooding for the floristic composition of seed banks in flood‐meadows of the northern valley of the Upper Rhine. We compared three hydrological compartments of the alluvial plain, consisting of the regularly flooded land between the river and low summer dykes (functional flood‐plain), the occasionally flooded land between summer dykes and high winter dykes (hybrid floodplain) and the land behind the winter dykes, which is now only submerged by ascending groundwater (fossil flood‐plain). Due to their different flooding regime, the three compartments should differ with respect to the prevailing conditions of diaspore input.

The seed density of soil samples increased with the duration of flooding in the three compartments, while species richness and the proportion of species not occurring in the vegetation was constant. The increase in seed density can be largely attributed to an increase of disturbance indicators, which are present in the above‐ground vegetation and capable of forming a long‐term persistent seed bank.

No effects of flooding on the composition of seed banks in the three flood‐plain compartments were found. The differences in seed bank composition can be largely explained by corresponding differences in above‐ground vegetation and former and present‐day meadow management. Seeds of species absent from above‐ground vegetation can be attributed to the local species pool present in the immediate vicinity of the study plots. We discuss consequences of the results for the restoration of species‐rich flood‐plain meadows.
Growth trends and dynamics in sub‐alpine forest stands in the Varaita Valley (Piedmont, Italy) and their relationships with human activities and global change
Authors: Motta Renzo , Nola Paola
Published: February 2007

Abstract. A study of the forest lines, tree lines and the structures of the sub‐alpine forest was performed in Vallone Vallanta and in Alevé forest in the Varaita Valley (Cottian Alps, Piedmont, Italy). Forest‐ and tree lines were analysed over 1728 ha while forest structures were studied on six 3000‐m2 plots located at the tree line (2), at the forest line (2) and inside the sub‐alpine forest (2). Dendro‐ecological analysis of living plants and stumps showed that Larix decidua was more abundant in the past than today and that Pinus cembra has expanded, both upwards and within sub‐alpine forests. Age structure analysis revealed that the current sub‐alpine forest stands were established 200–220 yr ago, probably following a clearcut. At the forest lines the tree density decreases, and some trees are more than 500 yr old, whereas at the tree lines most of the trees (almost exclusively Pinus cembra) are younger than 100 yr. Growth dynamics were investigated both by observing Basal Area Increment (BAI) in the old and dominant trees, and by comparing the BAIs of classes of trees with a given cambial age range in different time periods. The results showed that the growth rates of mature Pinus cembra and Larix decidua had increased. These increments are more substantial for Pinus than for Larix. The growth rate of young trees (< 100 yr) of both species has decreased over recent decades. This could be due to competition caused by increased tree densities that have resulted from a decrease in grazing.
A comparison of five distance‐based methods for spatial pattern analysis
Authors: Liu Canran
Published: February 2007

Abstract.The behaviour of five statistics (extensions of Pielou's, Clark and Evansapos;, Pollard's, Johnson & Zimmer's, and Eberhardt's statistics, which are denoted asPi,Ce,Po,JzandEbrespectively) that involve the distance from a random point to itsjth nearest neighbour were examined against several alternative patterns (lattice‐based regular, inhomogeneous random, and Poisson cluster patterns) through Monte Carlo simulation to test their powers to detect patterns. The powers of all the five statistics increase as distance orderjincreases against inhomogeneous random pattern. They decrease forPiandCeand increase forPo,Jz, andEbagainst regular and Poisson cluster patterns.Po,Jz, andEbcan reach high powers with the third or higher order distances in most cases.

However,Pois recommended because no extra information is needed, it can reach a high power with the second or third distance even though the sample size is not large in most cases, and the test can be performed with an approximateχ2distribution associated with it. When a regular pattern is expected,Jzis recommended because it is more sensitive to lattice‐based regular pattern thanPoandEb, especially for the first distance. However, simulation tests should be used because the speed of convergence ofJzto normal distribution is very slow.
Earthquake impacts in old‐growth Nothofagus forests in New Zealand
Authors: Vittoz Pascal , Stewart Glenn H. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: February 2007

Abstract. Six stands located on different land forms in mixed old‐growth Nothofagus forests in the Matiri Valley (northwest of South Island, New Zealand) were sampled to examine the effects of two recent large earthquakes on tree establishment and tree‐ring growth, and how these varied across land forms. 50 trees were cored in each stand to determine age structure and the cores were cross‐dated to precisely date unusual periods of radial growth. The 1968 earthquake (M = 7.1, epicentre 35 km from the study area) had no discernible impact on the sampled stands. The impact of the 1929 earthquake (M = 7.7, epicentre 20 km from the study area) varied between stands, depending on whether or not they had been damaged by soil or rock movement. In all stands, the age structures showed a pulse of N. fusca establishment following the 1929 earthquake, with this species dominating establishment in large gaps created by landslides. Smaller gaps, created by branch or tree death, were closed by both N. fusca and N. menziesii. The long period of releases (1929–1945) indicates that direct earthquake damage was not the only cause of tree death, and that many trees died subsequently most likely of pathogen attack or a drought in the early 1930s. The impacts of the 1929 earthquake are compared to a storm in 1905 and a drought in 1974–1978 which also affected forests in the region. Our results confirm that earthquakes are an important factor driving forest dynamics in this tectonically active region, and that the diversity of earthquake impacts is a major source of heterogeneity in forest structure and regeneration.
Fine‐scale five‐year vegetation change in boreal bog vegetation
Authors: Nordbakken Jørn‐Frode
Published: February 2007

Abstract. Within an ombrogenous part of N. Kisselbergmosen, Rødenes, SE Norway, fine‐scale changes in species abundance, successional trends relative to the main gradients (as represented by DCA axes), and co‐ordinated change within pairs of the bottom layer species are studied. Data sets were sampled twice with a five‐year interval, and included species abundance and cover of mud bottom, naked peat and litter in 436 sample plots (16 cm× 16 cm), and species abundance in 6976 subplots (4 cm× 4 cm). Depth from the surface of subplots to the water table was estimated in 1991. Most summers and growing seasons were somewhat drier than normal in the 5‐yr period. The area covered by mud‐bottom, naked peat and litter increased significantly, as did the frequencies of the dwarf shrubs Calluna vulgaris and Andromeda polifolia in hummocks and upper lawn. Sample plots were significantly displaced downward the peat productivity gradient (DCA 2), reflecting the reduced cover of many bottom layer species, including all Sphagnum spp. Significant coordinated changes in cover of bottom layer species are described. The changes observed in hummocks support the existence of a local regeneration cycle, as suggested by other researchers. Some of the vegetation changes seem parallel to those reported from areas with a higher nitrogen deposition, but it is not likely that nitrogen deposition alone is the major cause of the observed changes. Between‐year variation in population size and climatic fluctuations may as well explain the observed changes.
Are habitat types compatible with floristically‐derived associations?
Authors: Spribille Toby , Stroh Hans Georg , Triepke F. Jack
Published: February 2007

Abstract.The habitat type system developed by R. Daubenmire has been widely adopted throughout the western United States. Habitat types result from a site classification derived from the classification of late seral plant communities using selected indicator species. It has been suggested that the classification of late successional vegetation used to derive habitat types does not substantially differ from phytosociological classification in the sense of Braun‐Blanquet approach, and that habitat types can be adopted in their present form into floristically‐based vegetation classifications. Despite the many commonalities between the two systems, however, the classification methods, and specifically the use of indicator species in the habitat type system, yield a significantly different classification than the phytosociological approach. This is demonstrated in the comparison of a habitat type classification with the results of a recent phytosociological classification of forest vegetation in the northern Salish Mountains of Montana.
Facilitation and interference in subalpine meadows of the central Caucasus
Authors: Kikvidze Zaal , Khetsuriani Liana , Kikodze David , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: February 2007

Abstract. We studied the effects of neighbours on the biomass of seven randomly chosen species in species‐rich sub‐alpine meadows in the central Caucasus Mountains by comparing the performance of plants with neighbours removed experimentally to that of paired plants with their neighbours left intact. In most cases the removal of neighbours led to significant increases in vegetative and total above‐ground biomass implying the species were limited by competition. However, the neighbour removal led also to an increased leaf wilting for target plants, as well as to strong decline in reproductive effort for some species. We hypothesise that competition may be the prevailing type of interaction in species‐rich sub‐alpine meadow communities, but competitive effects on vegetative production may be balanced, if not outweighed, by facilitation, at least for some species. Such a balance may enhance species coexistence in communities.
Resettled Farmers and the Making of a Mississippian Polity
Authors: Pauketat Timothy R.
Published: February 2007

Population displacement, resettlement, and migration constitute important dimensions in a general process of “cultural construction.” A pedestrian survey and extensive excavations of 255 domestic buildings and related artifacts at 15 contemporaneous sites document a pattern of localized resettlement in which thousands of agricultural villagers moved or were displaced coeval with the founding of Cahokia. The resettled villagers appear to have moved into a previously unoccupied upland zone that surrounds the Mississippi River floodplain. Identified as the “Richland Complex,” the seemingly abrupt resettlement corresponds to other regional evidence of demographic reconfiguration and cultural pluralism. The immediate effect of this study is a reorientation of research at Cahokia toward the goals of a “historical-processual“ archaeology.