bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoantibodies and Prediction of Reproductive Failure
Authors: Shoenfeld Yehuda , Carp Howard J. A. , Molina Vered , Blank Miri , Cervera Ricard , Balasch Juan , Tincani Angela , Faden David , Lojacono Andrea , Doria Andrea , Konova Emiliana , Meroni Per Luigi
Published: October 2006

Problem  To determine which autoantibodies are associated with reproductive failure.

Method of study  Sera from 269 patients with autoimmune disease and/or reproductive failure were analyzed for anti‐phospholipid (aPL), anti‐annexin‐V, anti‐lactoferrin, anti‐thyroglobulin, anti‐thyroid peroxidase, anti‐prothrombin, anti‐nuclear, and anti‐saccharomycetes cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were classified as: recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), infertility, and autoimmune diseases. The results were compared with those of 120 healthy volunteers.

Results  In autoimmune diseases, the prevalence of anti‐prothrombin, anti‐annexin, anti‐phospholipid and anti‐nuclear antibodies was significantly higher than in the control group, OR 11.0 [CI, 3.5–35.2], 33 [CI, 7.2–174.2], 13 [CI, 1.4–309.7], and 16.1 [CI 2.4–122], respectively. In infertility, the antibodies with significantly higher levels than controls were: aPL OR, 5.11 [CI 1.2–25.4], and anti‐prothrombin antibodies, OR, 5.15 [CI, 2.1–12.7]. In RPL, ASCA, anti‐prothrombin and aPL were more prevalent than in controls, OR 3.9 [CI, 1.5–10.6], 5.4 [CI, 2.4–12.5] and 4.8[CI, 1.2–22.2] for each antibody, respectively. Anti‐prothrombin antibodies and aPL were more significantly associated with late pregnancy losses than early losses.

Conclusion  ASCA antibodies have not previously been described in RPL. Nor are anti‐prothrombin antibodies usually assessed in infertility or RPL. If these results are confirmed in further studies, these antibodies might be assessed routinely in reproductive failure.
Oral hygiene practices, periodontal conditions, dentition status and self‐reported bad mouth breath among young mothers, Tanzania
Authors: Mumghamba EGS , Manji KP , Michael J
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Objectives: To determine the oral hygiene practices, periodontal conditions, dentition status and self‐reported bad mouth breath (S‐BMB) among young mothers. Study participants and methods: This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 302 postpartum mothers, aged 14–44 years, were interviewed on oral hygiene practices and S‐BMB using structured questionnaire. Oral hygiene, dentition and periodontal status were assessed using the Community Periodontal Index probe and gingival recessions (GR) using Williams Periodontal probe. Results: Tooth brushing practice was 99%; tongue brushing (95%), plastic toothbrush users (96%), chewing stick (1%), wooden toothpicks (76%), dental floss (<1%); and toothpaste (93%). The prevalence of plaque and gingival bleeding on probing was 100%, gum bleeding during tooth brushing (33%), calculus (99%), probing periodontal pocket depth (PPD) 4–5 mm (27%), PPD 6+ mm (3%), GR 1+ mm (27%) and tooth decay (55%). The prevalence of S‐BMB was 14%; the S‐BMB had higher mean number of sites with plaque compared to the no S‐BMB group (P = 0.04). Factors associated with S‐BMB were gum bleeding on tooth brushing (OR = 2.4) and PPD 6+ mm (OR = 5.4). Conclusion: Self‐reported bad mouth breath is a cause of concern among young mothers, and associated significant factors were gum bleeding on tooth brushing and deep periodontal pockets of 6+ mm. Further research involving clinical diagnosis of bad mouth breath and intervention through oral health promotion and periodontal therapy are recommended. Clinical relevance: This study provides baseline information on oral health status and the complaint on bad mouth breath which necessitates in the future need for objective assessment, diagnosis and management of bad mouth breath for enhanced social and professional interaction without embarrassments.
Screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus using gingival crevicular blood
Authors: Khader YS , Al‐Zu'bi BN , Judeh A , Rayyan M
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of the gingival crevicular blood for estimating the glucose level during routine periodontal examination using Xitux Diagnostics Smart‐X self‐monitoring blood glucose device among Jordanian patients attending dental teaching clinics. A total of 34 type 2 diabetic patients (18 males and 16 females) and 26 non‐diabetic patients (14 males and 12 females) participated in this study. Glucose level was measured in a sample of gingival crevicular blood and in another sample obtained by finger puncture using a self‐monitoring device. Glucose measurements from gingival crevicular blood samples, ranged from 57 to 250 mg dl−1 with a mean of 125.4 ± 60.7 mg dl−1 (±SD) and glucose measurements obtained by finger puncture, ranged from 62 to 263 mg dl−1 with a mean of 131.9 ± 61.1 mg dl−1. Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to assess the correlation between the glucose measurements in these two samples. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed an almost perfect positive correlation between the gingival readings and finger‐puncture readings (r = 0.997, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, gingival crevicular blood can provide an acceptable source for measuring blood glucose level. However, the technique to obtain an acceptable blood sample from gingival crevices is not always feasible which would limit its application as a clinical practice. Additional studies that refine this technique and use larger sample size are recommended.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF AN ULTRAVIOLET AND AN ORTHOCHROMATIC RARE‐EARTH IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VETERINARY RADIOGRAPHY
Authors: Pugh Charles R. , Wortman Jeffrey A. , Saunders H. Mark , Biery Darryl N. , Rhodes W. Harker , Evans Sydney M. , Walker Lynn M. , Green Pamela , Mendez‐Aguillar Rosa , Regan Joan
Published: October 2006

The relative quality and speed of a new ultraviolet‐emitting screen, ultraviolet‐sensitive film rare‐earth system (DuPont Ultra‐Vision®) was compared to an orthochromatic rare‐earth system (Kodak Lanex®) in a clinical trial. Seven different sets of radiographs of a human foot phantom, or actual canine anatomical structures (tarsus, pelvis, skull, chest, abdomen) were evaluated independently by radiologists, radiology residents and technicians who were unaware of the screen/film combinations used. The 400‐speed, Ultra‐Vision® Rapid/UVG screen/film combination produced supervisor image detail compared to blue/green emitting 400 and 200‐speed screen/film combinations. The image detail of the Ultra‐Vision® Rapid/UVG system was nearly equivalent to that produced using a 100‐speed, fine‐detail blue/green emitting screen/film combination. A 200‐speed Ultra‐Vision® system was also tested and produced thoracic and abdominal radiographs of equivalent to slightly supervisor quality than those produced using blue/green emitting system.
VACUUM PHENOMENON IN TWELVE DOGS
Authors: Weber William J. , Berry Clifford R. , Kramer Robert W.
Published: October 2006

The clinical and imaging features of twelve dogs with vacuum phenomena are reviewed. Gas accumulations were identified as radiolucent areas within the intervertebral discs of the cervical, thoracic, and lumber spine, the joint spaces in the sternum, and the shoulder joint. The intervertebral and sternal gas accumulations were associated with other radiographic features of degeneration such as endplate sclerosis and spondylosis. Gas attributable to vacuum phenomenon has not been previously described in the sternum of animals. Abnormal radiographic positioning stresses or instability were through to be responsible for the focal gas accumulations.
Nonpalpable Scarring of the Penile Septum as a Cause of Erectile Dysfunction: An Atypical Form of Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Bella Anthony J. , Sener Alp , Foell Kirsten , Brock Gerald B.
Published: October 2006

Introduction

Men with nonpalpable isolated septal scars (ISS) identified with color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) comprise a group of previously unrecognized patients with wide-ranging sexual concerns.

Aim

We aim to identify the clinical characteristics of patients presenting with this atypical form of Peyronie’s disease characterized by the absence of palpable deformity.

Materials and Methods

Of 482 consecutive patients who presented to a tertiary care erectile dysfunction (ED) clinic and underwent CDU after satisfying inclusion criteria, 27 (5.6%) men with nonpalpable ISS and no dorsal or ventral plaque were identified.

Main Outcome Measures

International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), CDU, and clinical characteristics.

Results

The median age of the men with nonpalpable ISS was 49 years. The length of time from onset of symptoms to presentation was 22 months, and the pretreatment IIEF score was 14. The remaining 455 men who underwent CDU were of similar age (48 years) but had a markedly lower IIEF score of 9.5 (statistical median). ISS patients presented with decreased penile rigidity (20), penile shortening (13), chronic pain with erection (13; mean 33 months), and the inability to maintain an erection (7). Fourteen men had failed phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy, and four reported unsatisfactory results. Management options included retrial with oral agents, intracavernous pharmacotherapy, verapamil injections, and surgery.

Conclusion

The clinician should be suspicious for nonpalpable ISS in men with sexual concerns who present with decreased penile rigidity, length loss, and chronic pain with erection. Our findings support the use of CDU for this patient group, particularly when previous treatment has failed, because men with ISS had a greater likelihood of having no palpable deformity or curvature and ongoing penile pain.
Effects of Rosemary Extracts on the Reduction of Heterocyclic Amines in Beef Patties
Authors: Tsen S.Y. , Ameri F. , Smith J.S.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  The effects of rosmarinic acid and a rosemary antioxidant powder were evaluated on the reduction and mutagenicity of MeIQx, PhIP, and comutagens norharman and harman in beef patties fried at 375 °F for 5 min each side and 400 °F for 7.5 min each side. Both rosemary extracts were found to effectively decrease the formation and overall mutagenic activity of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) due to their antioxidative characteristics. At the lower temperature, rosmarinic acid was able to reduce MeIQx by up to 64% and PhIP by 48%, while rosemary powder reduced the formations of MeIQx up to 69% and PhIP up to 66%. The effects of the rosemary extracts were more dramatic when cooking temperature and time were increased, as rosmarinic acid was able to reduce MeIQx formation up to 70% and PhIP up to 64%; also, rosemary powder significantly reduced MeIQx up to 57% and PhIP up to 77%. The overall mutagenic activity was evaluated by the Ames Salmonella assay and both rosemary extracts were capable of reducing mutagenicity in beef patties at the higher cooking temperature of 400 °F. At 375 °F there was an insignificant trend of the rosemary extracts decreasing the number of Salmonella revertants. There was no significant inhibiting effect by any of the rosemary extracts on the formation of either norharman and harman as measured in this study.
Interactions between Whey Protein Isolate and Soy Protein Fractions at Oil–Water Interfaces: Effects of Heat and Concentration of Protein in the Aqueous Phase
Authors: Manion B. , Corredig M.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  The 2 main storage proteins of soy—glycinin (11S) and β‐conglycinin (7S)—exhibit unique behaviors during processing, such as gelling, emulsifying, or foaming. The objective of this work was to observe the interactions between soy protein isolates enriched in 7S or 11S and whey protein isolate (WPI) in oil–water emulsion systems. Soy oil emulsion droplets were stabilized by either soy proteins (7S or 11S rich fractions) or whey proteins, and then whey proteins or soy proteins were added to the aqueous phase. Although the emulsifying behavior of these proteins has been studied separately, the effect of the presence of mixed protein systems at interfaces on the bulk properties of the emulsions has yet to be characterized. The particle size distribution and viscosity of the emulsions were measured before and after heating at 80 and 90 °C for 10 min. In addition, SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis was carried out to determine if protein adsorption or exchanges at the interface occurred after heating. When WPI was added to soy protein emulsions, gelling occurred with heat treatment at WPI concentrations >2.5%. In addition, whey proteins were found adsorbed at the oil–water interface together with 7S or 11S proteins. When 7S or 11S fractions were added to WPI‐stabilized emulsions, no gelation occurred at concentrations up to 2.5% soy protein. In this case also, 7S or 11S formed complexes at the interface with whey proteins during heating.
Effects of Cooking Conditions on the Lycopene Content in Tomatoes
Authors: Mayeaux M. , Xu Z. , King J.M. , Prinyawiwatkul W.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  Raw tomato contains a high level of lycopene, which has been reported to have many important health benefits. However, information on the changes of the lycopene content in tomato during cooking is limited. In this study, the lycopene content in raw and thermally processed (baked, microwaved, and fried) tomato slurries was investigated and analyzed using a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. In the thermal stability study using a pure lycopene standard, 50% of lycopene was degraded at 100 °C after 60 min, 125 °C after 20 min, and 150 °C after less than 10 min. Only 64.1% and 51.5% lycopene was retained when the tomato slurry was baked at 177 °C and 218 °C for 15 min, respectively. At these temperatures, only 37.3% and 25.1% of lycopene was retained after baking for 45 min. In 1 min of the high power of microwave heating, 64.4% of lycopene still remained. However, more degradation of lycopene in the slurry was found in the frying study. Only 36.6% and 35.5% of lycopene was retained after frying at 145 and 165 °C for 1 min, respectively.
A Safety Review of Noni Fruit Juice
Authors: West B.J. , Jensen C.J. , Westendorf J. , White L.D.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) fruit has been used in tropical regions as both food and folk medicine. The recent use of noni as a dietary supplement has increased greatly. To describe the safety of this fruit, a literature review and data from new studies are presented. Several preclinical safety tests and a human clinical safety study have revealed no adverse health effects, even at high doses. The available data substantiate its continued use as a safe food.
Structural organization of the mitochondrial DNA control region in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Dueñas Juan C. Rondan , Gardenal Cristina N , Llinás Guillermo Albrieu , Panzetta-Dutari Graciela M
Published: October 2006

The complete A+T - rich region of Aedes aegypti mitochondrial DNA has been cloned and sequenced. In Argentinean populations of the species, a polymorphism in the length of the amplified fragment was observed. Nucleotide sequence comparison of the shortest and longest A+T - rich amplified fragments detected revealed the presence of 2 types of tandemly repeated blocks. The size variation observed in natural populations is mainly due to the presence of a variable number of a 181 bp tandem repeat unit, located toward the 12S rRNA gene end. The size of the longest A+T - rich region was of 2070 bp, representing the largest control sequence reported for any mosquito species. Few relevant short blocks of primary-sequence similarity conserved in the control region of mosquitoes and other insects were detected scattered throughout the whole region. Five putative stem-loop secondary structures were found, one of them flanked by conserved sequences described in other insects. Our results suggest that there are no universal models of structure–function relations in the control region of insect mtDNA. In addition, we identified a short A+T - rich variable segment in the Ae. aegyti control region that would be suitable for population genetic studies.Key words: mitochondrial DNA, A+T - rich region, repeated elements, conserved blocks, Aedes aegypti.
Assessment of genetic diversity in cultivars of white clover (Trifolium repensL.) detected by SSR polymorphisms
Authors: George Julie , Dobrowolski Mark P , van Zijll de Jong Eline , Cogan Noel O.I , Smith Kevin F , Forster John W
Published: October 2006

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is an important temperate pasture legume that plays a key role as a companion to grass species, such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Due to the outbreeding nature of white clover, cultivars are highly heterogeneous. Genetic diversity was assessed using 16 elite cultivars from Europe, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Fifteen simple sequence repeat markers that detect single, codominant polymorphic genetic loci were selected for the study. The genetic relationships among individuals were compared using phenetic clustering, and those among cultivars were compared using nonmetric multidimensional scaling. Intrapopula tion variability exceeded interpopulation variability, with substantial overlap among populations and weak interpopula tion differentiation. No obvious or significant differentiation was observed on the basis of morphology or geographic origin of the cultivars. The number of parental genotypes used to derive each cultivar was not a major determinant of genome-wide genetic diversity. The outcomes of this assessment of genetic variation in elite white clover germplasm pools have important implications for the feasibility of molecular marker-based cultivar discrimination, and will be used to assist the design of linkage disequilibrium mapping strategies for marker-trait association.Key words: white clover, allotetraploid, genetic diversity, polymorphism, simple sequence repeat, cluster analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling.
ON EXPONENTIAL ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY IN LINEAR VISCOELASTICITY
Authors: APPLEBY JOHN A. D. , FABRIZIO MAURO , LAZZARI BARBARA , REYNOLDS DAVID W.
Published: October 2006

This paper establishes results concerning the exponential decay of strong solutions of a linear hyperbolic integrodifferential equation in Hilbert space. Rather than the more commonly used assumptions that the relaxation function is non-negative, decreasing and convex, dissipation is modelled by requiring that the dynamic viscosity be a positive function. This restriction has a firm thermodynamic basis. Frequency domain methods are employed.
WEAK FUZZY S-SUBSETHOOD MEASURES: OVERLAP INDEX
Authors: BUSTINCE H. , BARRENECHEA E. , PAGOLA M. , SORIA F.
Published: October 2006

Starting from the definitions of the weak fuzzy subsethood measure (V.R. Young, Fuzzy subsethood. Fuzzy Sets and Systems, 77 (1996) 371–384) and of strong fuzzy inclusion, (D. Dubois and H. Prade, Fuzzy Sets and Systems: Theory and Applications, New York, Academic Press, 1980) we define weak fuzzy S-subsethood measures. We analyze their axiomatization and present various constructions obtained by aggregating implication operators with special properties. We conclude by presenting the conditions under which we can construct fuzzy entropies and overlap indices from these measures.
Protein-Folding Dynamics: Overview of Molecular Simulation Techniques
Authors: Scheraga Harold A. , Khalili Mey , Liwo Adam
Published: October 2006

Molecular dynamics (MD) is an invaluable tool with which to study protein folding in silico. Although just a few years ago the dynamic behavior of a protein molecule could be simulated only in the neighborhood of the experimental conformation (or protein unfolding could be simulated at high temperature), the advent of distributed computing, new techniques such as replica-exchange MD, new approaches (based on, e.g., the stochastic difference equation), and physics-based reduced models of proteins now make it possible to study protein-folding pathways from completely unfolded structures. In this review, we present algorithms for MD and their extensions and applications to protein-folding studies, using all-atom models with explicit and implicit solvent as well as reduced models of polypeptide chains.
Dynamics of clathrin and adaptor proteins during endocytosis
Authors: Rappoport Joshua Z. , Kemal Shahrnaz , Benmerah Alexandre , Simon Sanford M.
Published: October 2006

The endocytic adaptor complex AP-2 colocalizes with the majority of clathrin-positive spots at the cell surface. However, we previously observed that AP-2 is excluded from internalizing clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs). The present studies quantitatively demonstrate that AP-2 disengages from sites of endocytosis seconds before internalization of the nascent CCV. In contrast, epsin, an alternate adaptor for clathrin at the plasma membrane, disappeared, along with clathrin. This suggests that epsin remains an integral part of the CCV throughout endocytosis. Clathrin spots at the cell surface represent a heterogeneous population: a majority (70%) of the spots disappeared with a time course of 4 min, whereas a minority (22%) remained static for ≥30 min. The static clathrin spots undergo constant subunit exchange, suggesting that although they are static structures, these spots comprise functional clathrin molecules, rather than dead-end aggregates. These results support a model where AP-2 serves a cargo-sorting function before endocytosis, whereas alternate adaptors, such as epsin, actually link cargo to the clathrin coat surrounding nascent endocytic vesicles. These data also support a role for static clathrin, providing a nucleation site for endocytosis.
Effects of transient PTH on early proliferation, apoptosis, and subsequent differentiation of osteoblast in primary osteoblast cultures
Authors: Wang Yu-Hsiung , Liu Yaling , Rowe David W.
Published: October 2006

In primary calvarial osteoblast cultures derived from transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of 3.6-kb Col1a1 promoter, the emergence of GFP signal marks the transition of multipotential osteoprogenitors into preosteoblasts. Early transient treatment ( days 1–7) of these cultures with parathyroid hormone (PTH) has an anabolic effect that is not associated with an increase in total DNA content or cell number in day 21 cultures. In the present study, the effect of early PTH treatment on cell proliferation and apoptosis was examined in greater detail in GFP(+) and GFP(−) cells using flow cytometry. In preconfluent cultures, PTH significantly reduced the proportion of cells in S phase but increased those in G0/G1 and G2+M phases in both GFP(+) and GFP(−) subpopulations. PTH decreased apoptosis only in GFP(−) but not GFP(+) cells, indicating an increased survival of GFP(−) cells. In contrast, PTH did not change the amounts of cell proliferation and apoptosis seen in either compartment after these cultures reached confluence. To further assess the effect of early PTH treatment on osteogenic differentiation, secondary cultures of sorted GFP(+) or GFP(−) cells were obtained from day 7 primary cultures that had been treated for 1 wk with PTH. This treatment resulted in larger areas of GFP expression accompanied by increased xylenol orange/von Kossa staining in the secondary cultures of GFP fractions. Early transient PTH treatment appears to enhance the commitment of progenitor cells to an osteogenic fate and results in a higher proportion of cells that achieve full osteoblast differentiation.
Stanniocalcin-1 regulates endothelial gene expression and modulates transendothelial migration of leukocytes
Authors: Chakraborty Arup , Brooks Heddwen , Zhang Ping , Smith Wayne , McReynolds Matthew R. , Hoying Jay B. , Bick Roger , Truong Luan , Poindexter Brian , Lan Hui , Elbjeirami Wafa , Sheikh-Hamad David
Published: October 2006

The mammalian counterpart of the fish calcium-regulating hormone stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) inhibits monocyte chemotactic protein-1- and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α)-mediated chemotaxis and diminishes chemokinesis in macrophage-like RAW264.7 and U937 cells in a manner that may involve attenuation of the intracellular calcium signal. STC1 is strongly induced in the kidney following obstructive injury. We hypothesized that STC1 may serve to attenuate the influx of inflammatory cells to the site of tissue injury. In this study, we examined the effect of STC1 on the migration of freshly isolated human macrophages, neutrophils, and T and B lymphocytes through quiescent or IL-1β-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers. STC1 inhibited transmigration of macrophages and T lymphocytes through quiescent or IL-1β-activated HUVECs but did not attenuate the transmigration of neutrophils and B lymphocytes. STC1 regulates gene expression in cultured endothelial cells and is detected on the apical surface of endothelial cells in vivo. The data suggest that STC1 plays a critical role in transendothelial migration of inflammatory cells and is involved in the regulation of numerous aspects of endothelial function.
Effect of Stochastic Synaptic and Dendritic Dynamics on Synaptic Plasticity in Visual Cortex and Hippocampus
Authors: Cai Yidao , Gavornik Jeffrey P. , Cooper Leon N. , Yeung Luk C. , Shouval Harel Z.
Published: October 2006

Various forms of synaptic plasticity, including spike timing-dependent plasticity, can be accounted for by calcium-dependent models of synaptic plasticity. However, recent results in which synaptic plasticity is induced by multi-spike protocols cannot simply be accounted for by linear superposition of plasticity due to spike pairs or by existing calcium-dependent models. In this paper, we show that multi-spike protocols can be accounted for if, in addition to the dynamics of back-propagating action potentials, stochastic synaptic dynamics are taken into account. We show that a stochastic implementation can account for the data better than a deterministic implementation and is also more robust. Our results demonstrate that differences between experimental results obtained in hippocampus and visual cortex can be accounted for by the different synaptic and dendritic dynamics in these two systems.
CYP2A6Genotype, Phenotype, and the Use of Nicotine Metabolites as Biomarkers duringAd libitumSmoking
Authors: Malaiyandi Viba , Goodz Shari D. , Sellers Edward M. , Tyndale Rachel F.
Published: October 2006

CYP2A6 inactivates nicotine to cotinine and cotinine to 3-hydroxycotinine. We investigated which of plasma nicotine and metabolites were most related to CYP2A6 genotype and smoking levels. We assessed demographic and smoking histories in 152 Caucasian ad libitum smokers, measured breath carbon monoxide (CO) levels, and determined plasma nicotine, cotinine, and 3-hydroxycotinine by high-performance liquid chromatography and CYP2A6 genotypes by PCR. Cigarettes per day was most closely related to CO (r = 0.60, P < 0.001) followed by plasma cotinine (r = 0.53, P < 0.001), whereas plasma cotinine was most strongly correlated with CO levels (r = 0.74, P < 0.001), confirming that cotinine is a good indicator of smoking levels; this was not limited by CYP2A6 variants. 3-Hydroxycotinine/cotinine is reported to be a good marker of CYP2A6 activity, and we found that the 3-hydroxycotinine/(cotinine + nicotine) ratio was most correlated with CYP2A6 genotype (r = 0.38, P < 0.001). Inclusion of the CYP2A6*12A allele strengthened the correlation (r = 0.46, P < 0.001), suggesting that the identification of novel alleles will continue to improve this relationship. Nicotine metabolism is slower in smokers, and we have shown that CYP2A6 is reduced by nicotine treatment in monkeys. Here, we found that plasma nicotine levels were inversely correlated with CYP2A6 activity (3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine, r = −0.41, P < 0.001) among those without CYP2A6 variants, suggesting a reduction in metabolism with higher nicotine levels. Together, these findings (a) confirm the use of plasma cotinine and CO as indicators of Caucasians' smoking levels, and that this is not limited by CYP2A6 genetic variation; (b) indicate that 3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine/(cotinine + nicotine) are moderately good indicators of the CYP2A6 genotype; and (c) support that nicotine exposure may reduce its own metabolism. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1812–9)
Comparison of Age Distribution Patterns for Different Histopathologic Types of Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Anderson William F. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Dores Graça M. , Sherman Mark E.
Published: October 2006

Background: Historically, female breast carcinoma has been viewed as an etiologically homogeneous disease associated with rapidly increasing incidence rates until age 50 years, followed by a slower rate of increase among older women. More recent studies, however, have shown distinct age incidence patterns for female breast cancer when stratified by estrogen receptor (ER) expression and/or histopathologic subtypes, suggesting etiologic heterogeneity.

Materials and Methods: To determine if different age incidence patterns reflect etiologic heterogeneity (more than one breast cancer type within the general breast carcinoma), we applied “smoothed” age histograms at diagnosis (density plots) and a two-component statistical mixture model to all breast carcinoma cases (n = 270,124) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute. These overall patterns were then reevaluated according to histopathologic type, race, and ER expression.

Results: A bimodal age distribution at diagnosis provided a better fit to the data than a single density for all breast carcinoma populations, except for medullary carcinoma. Medullary carcinomas showed a single age distribution at diagnosis irrespective of race and/or ER expression.

Conclusions: Distinct age-specific incidence patterns reflected bimodal breast cancer populations for breast carcinoma overall as well as for histopathologic subtypes, race, and ER expression. The one exception was medullary carcinoma. Of note, medullary carcinomas are rare tumors, which are associated with germ-line mutations in the BRCA1 gene. These descriptive and model-based results support emerging molecular data, suggesting two main types of breast carcinoma in the overall breast cancer population. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1899–905)
No Association Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Mammographic Density
Authors: Knight Julia A. , Vachon Celine M. , Vierkant Robert A. , Vieth Reinhold , Cerhan James R. , Sellers Thomas A.
Published: October 2006

There is increasing evidence that vitamin D may protect against breast cancer. Some studies have suggested that dietary and supplemental vitamin D is associated with reduced mammographic density, which is highly associated with breast cancer risk, although this evidence is not entirely consistent. We investigated a possible association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), the best indicator of vitamin D status, and quantitative mammographic density in the Minnesota Breast Cancer Family Study. Mean values of mammographic density (both percent and area densities) and circulating levels of 25OHD were compared across categories of covariates using ANOVA. Models were adjusted for age and body mass index, as well as other covariates, and also stratified by dietary calcium intake, menopause, and season. Serum, mammographic density, and questionnaire data were available from 487 women [133 premenopausal and 354 postmenopausal; mean age, 56.4 years (range, 27-85 years)] without breast cancer, and for 73%, the blood was drawn within 1 year of their mammogram. No evidence was found for an association between 25OHD and either percent density or total dense area. There was also no evidence for any association when the data were stratified by season of sample (winter and summer) or menopause. However, both percent density and dense area were lowest among those in the highest vitamin D quartile with calcium intake above the median. Unlike some previous reports, vitamin D does not seem to be related to mammographic density in this cohort. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1988–92)
Preventing the Misuse of Biology: Lessons from the Oversight of Smallpox Virus Research
Authors: Tucker Jonathan B.
Published: October 2006

Certain basic research findings in the life sciences have the potential for misuse by states or sophisticated terrorist organizations seeking to develop more lethal or effective biological weapons. The recognition of this problem has led to proposals for new systems of governance, including the international review and oversight of “dual-use” research. The case of the World Health Organization's Advisory Committee on Variola Virus Research (VAC), which oversees all research with the live smallpox virus, offers some useful lessons for assess- ing these proposals. This article examines how the VAC has dealt with conten- tious policy issues, describes the strengths and weaknesses of the oversight process, and discusses the implications for the international governance of dual-use research.
Causes and consequences of sex-biased dispersal in Columbian ground squirrel, Spermophilus columbianus
Authors: Neuhaus Peter
Published: October 2006

Dispersal is a fundamental process with wide ranging evolutionary consequences. In birds and mammals, members of one sex typically disperse more frequently, sooner and/or further than members of the other sex. The aim of this study was to examine factors affecting dispersal by yearling male and female Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus), and to determine whether inbreeding avoidance, competition or other factors can explain why inter-colony dispersal is more common in males than in females. Males who stayed in their natal colony as adults emerged as yearlings heavier and later from hibernation than males who disappeared in their yearling year, whereas for females, this was not the case. Males who had sisters emerging as yearlings in the same colony were not more likely to leave the colony than males who were alone or with brothers. Further, there was no significant difference in the probability that females would mate with an immigrant compared to a natal male. Finally, three-year-old males who stayed in the colony moved significantly further away from their natal burrow than females of the same age.I conclude that sex differences in inter-colony dispersal, while promoting outbreeding, are not directly due to inbreeding avoidance, but that inbreeding avoidance may play a role in governing intra-colony dispersal distances. Further, resource competition seems to play a minor role. Aggression by adults against yearling males and the acceptance of yearling females by their mothers may be the proximate cause for male bias in inter-colony dispersal in Columbian ground squirrels. To conclusively demonstrate this effect, however, we need to look at aggression in more detail.
Smart Syrophoenician Woman: A Dalit Feminist Reading of Mark 7:24-31
Authors: Nelavala Surekha
Published: October 2006

In this article the story of Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7) is read from a Dalit woman’s perspective based on autobiographical narratives taken from the author’s life situation. It engages in a parallel and comparative reading of the text and the narratives. It focuses on how the Syrophoenician woman obtains what she beseeches, and on the role of Jesus for her liberation. The key point that ‘liberation will be completed only when the oppressed and the oppressor work together’ is strongly emphasized.
Understanding the Taiwan Indigenous Psychology Movement
Authors: Gabrenya William K. , Kung Mei-Chuan , Chen Li-Yu
Published: October 2006

A five-part model of the development of indigenous psychology movements was proposed from a sociology of science perspective, two parts of which, the local relevance path and the conditions of work path, were examined in the context of the Taiwan Indigenous Psychology Movement (TIPM). The Local Relevance Path focuses on indigenous movements’ concerns with the cultural relevance of Western psychology, the validity of positivist epistemology and methodology, and the appropriateness of English-language communication. The Conditions of Work Path places the research activities and career strategies of non-Western psychologists in the context of their available resources and career contingencies. A study of 103 proponents and opponents of the TIPM provided support for both models, particularly in respondents’ dissatisfaction with positivist epistemology and their research resources. The TIPM is well known in Taiwan and garners moderate support, but strong divisions were found among subdisciplines and between locally versus overseas-educated respondents on most measures. Issues of qualitative versus quantitative methods, the influence of the Taiwanese cultural renaissance, and the validity of outsider analyses of indigenous movements are discussed.
“Tall Poppies” and “American Dreams”
Authors: Mandisodza Anesu N. , Jost John T. , Unzueta Miguel M.
Published: October 2006

A comparative study conducted in Australia and the United States examined people’s responses to protagonists who were either born rich or poor and who ended up either rich or poor as adults. Results reveal some cross-cultural similarities and some differences. Specifically, people in both countries perceive initially poor and subsequently rich individuals as more competent and likeable than initially rich and subsequently poor individuals, but these differences were greater in the American context than in the Australian context. In addition, being exposed to someone who was born rich (vs. born poor) led Americans to perceive the economic system as more fair and legitimate, but it led Australians to perceive the system as less fair and legitimate.
Cultural Display Rules Drive Eye Gaze During Thinking
Authors: McCarthy Anjanie , Lee Kang , Itakura Shoji , Muir Darwin W.
Published: October 2006

The authors measured the eye gaze displays of Canadian, Trinidadian, and Japanese participants as they answered questions for which they either knew, or had to derive, the answers. When they knew the answers, Trinidadians maintained the most eye contact, whereas Japanese maintained the least. When thinking about the answers to questions, Canadians and Trinidadians looked up, whereas Japanese looked down. Thus, for humans, gaze displays while thinking are at least in part culturally determined.
Activists and Emotional Reflexivity: Toward Touraine’s Subject as Social Movement
Authors: King Debra S.
Published: October 2006

Activists are embedded in the world that they are endeavouring to change. However, to become a Subject, capable of truly creating society, Touraine argues that individuals need to be deintegrated. Achieving such deintegration involves developing skills in self-reflection. This research examines the practices of a cohort of Australian activists in developing these skills. In contrast to Touraine’s normative-cognitive framework of self-reflection, these activists engaged in practices of emotional reflexivity. One of these practices was called re-evaluation counselling. It was only by reflecting through and on their emotions that they were able to identify and change the processes through which they both participated in and challenged hegemonic constructions of the world. If Subjects are to become social movement in late modernity, more attention is required on the emotional dimensions of de-integration. In moving towards this end, this research uses the concept of emotional reflexivity to build upon Touraine’s theory of subjectivation.
From border to front
Authors: Robinson Richard
Published: October 2006

Critical opinion is divided on the conspicuousness of Trieste in Svevo’s work. This essay argues that the figure of the international border helps us understand the fictive image of space in La coscienza di Zeno (1923). The epistemological instability of the text resides in the gap between a ‘peripheral’ Triestine dialect and a ‘core’ standard Italian: a problem of space-in-language. The aporia of Zeno’s truthful-mendacious narrative becomes associated with the territorial status of language. In a geo-political fable, Zeno is stranded on the Austro-Italian border on the day war breaks out between those nations: what is represented is a paradox of space and not a naturalistic setting. Referring to Montale’s and Robbe-Grillet’s responses to Svevo, I finally associate Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of a Kafkan ‘minor literature’ with Svevo’s own deterritorialized vernacular. Svevo’s novel, innovatory because ‘semi-peripheral’ (Moretti), is part of a Mitteleuropäisch atopian modernism whose poetics are, in Musil’s phrase, ‘without qualities’.
Beyond punctum and studium
Authors: Rau Petra
Published: October 2006

In her novella triptych The Dark Room (2001) the Australo-German Rachel Seiffert uses the motif of photography to problematize the ways in which Germans of various generations deal with the Nazi era and their implication in it. In this essay I argue that Seiffert demonstrates the limitations of photography in assisting us with accessing the past or any simplified notion of ‘truth’ or ‘reality’, especially when this medium carries the mandates of historical evidence and moral imperatives. Drawing on the historical contexts of Holocaust photography and recent critical readings of their use, I test the helpfulness of Barthes’ notions of punctum and studium. In pitching photographs of traumatic history against photography’s potential to produce trauma-like experiences or at least disturb the spectator, Seiffert places the true burden of the photograph on its temporal and connotative contingency that may lead to a ‘spectral punctum ’ - a subjective affect caused by something that the image does not record but that nonetheless conditions its reading as traumatic, a negative supplement signifying loss or absence.
The Measure of Induced Abortion Levels in Mexico Using Random Response Technique
Authors: Lara Diana , García Sandra G. , Ellertson Charlotte , Camlin Carol , Suárez Javier
Published: October 2006

The authors used the random response technique (RRT) to measure frequency of induced abortion in Mexico, where its practice is illegal under most circumstances. They applied RRT to a national, multistage probabilistic sample of 1,792 women ages 15 to 55. The distribution of women who reported having had an induced abortion was analyzed by sociodemographic characteristics. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with having had an induced abortion. Overall prevalence of induced abortion was 16.3 percent. Three factors were associated with reported induced abortion: having grown up in the city (bivariate odd ratio [OR] 2.16, multiple logistic OR 2.24), having never given birth (bivariate OR 1.60, multiple logistic OR 2.06), and having had an unwanted pregnancy (bivariate OR 2.09, multiple logistic OR 2.81). RRT produced a better estimation of induced abortion compared with other methodologies. This technique works best with urban and educated women.
Learning the use of symbolic means
Authors: Jaoul Nicolas
Published: October 2006

The Ambedkar statue stands as a major feature of the Dalit movement. In the media, the Dalit emphasis on symbolic politics has been dismissed as mere tokenism, and the Ambedkar icon has been denigrated as Westernised. Despite attempts at studying Dalit politics since the BSP became one of the key players in Uttar Pradesh, there has been a lack of scholarly attention to the deeper social changes involved in the Dalits' relationship with the state. This study of the Ambedkar statues in Uttar Pradesh tries to fill this gap by taking three dimensions into account: the iconography, the way in which the statues have spread historically, and the meanings and stakes involved for those who mobilise around them. The assumption is that the Dalits' struggles for the imposition of their symbol in public places can contribute to an understanding of the manner in which Dalits have imagined the state and engineered strategies towards it. These statues seem to be the focal point for renewed aspirations towards democracy, while the ceremonies organised around them have provided these deprived citizens the opportunities to build some support within the state.
The President’s Committee on Administrative Management
Authors: Newbold Stephanie P. , Terry Larry D.
Published: October 2006

The final report of the President’s Committee on Administrative Management has been widely cited as a landmark study designed to improve executive branch management. This observation, however, does not tell the complete story of its constitutional complexity. In addition to the report that President Roosevelt submitted to Congress in 1937, he commissioned five additional studies that, individually and collectively, reveal the untold story of the Brownlow Project. They emphasize not only the improvement of public management but also the improvement of democracy within the American administrative state. Alexander Hamilton’s argument regarding unity of the executive—and his understanding of the imperative nature of this philosophical principle on the American constitutional republic—connects these documents. Together, the papers underscore that the legitimacy of American public administration can be found only within its constitutional heritage.
Profit Sharing and Employee Share Ownership in Ireland: A New Departure?
Authors: D’Art Daryl , Turner Thomas
Published: October 2006

Recently, it has been argued that contemporary conditions facilitating the growth of profit sharing and employee share ownership schemes represent a fundamental break with the past. The contemporary combination of government, employer and union support for profit sharing schemes amounts, it has been suggested, to a series of ‘favourable conjunctures’. These conjunctures are viewed as constituting a break with the previous cyclical pattern. Given Irish government, employer and trade union support for profit sharing, Ireland appears as an excellent exemplar of ‘favourable conjunctures’. Using the Irish example, the authors test a number of hypotheses including the favourable conjunctures thesis to explain the trend in profit sharing schemes. Although there was a dramatic increase in the adoption of profit sharing/employee shareholding schemes during the 1990s, this subsequently declined. The Irish case suggests that the cyclical and contingent nature of profit sharing appears likely to persist.
Sharing Decision-Making and Group Incentives: The Impact on Performance
Authors: Sesil James C.
Published: October 2006

This article looks at the impact on establishment performance of using employee involvement and group incentives independently and in combination. These empirical questions are evaluated using establishment-level UK data from the Corporate Performance Project sponsored by the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics. The findings indicate an insignificant effect when task control is transferred in isolation, and a (mostly) insignificant effect when residual return rights are used alone. However, the findings indicate a positive and significant effect on performance when control and return rights are shared together.