bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of integrated FDG PET/CT imaging in pulmonary carcinoid tumours
Authors: KRÜGER S. , BUCK A. K. , BLUMSTEIN N. M. , PAULS S. , SCHELZIG H. , KROPF C. , SCHUMANN C. , MOTTAGHY F. M. , HOMBACH V. , RESKE S. N.
Published: November 2006

Background.  Integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scanners have been recently introduced in the diagnostic work‐up of suspected pulmonary malignancy and demonstrate encouraging results in the staging of nonsmall‐cell lung cancer.

Objective.  To evaluate the usefulness of integrated FDG PET/CT in pulmonary carcinoid tumours.

Setting.  University hospital.

Methods.  We studied 13 patients (mean age ± 1 SD, 57 ± 11 years) with pulmonary carcinoid tumours. All patients demonstrated a single pulmonary lesion. Integrated PET/CT scan and surgical resection were performed in all patients.

Results.  The pulmonary lesion size ranged from 1.1 to 5.0 cm. Final histological diagnosis confirmed 12 typical and one atypical pulmonary carcinoid. Mean proliferation rate of the typical carcinoids was 1.7 ± 1.4%. None of the patients had recurrent carcinoid disease or died during follow‐up (864 ± 218 days). Mean standardized uptake value (SUV) of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in typical carcinoids was 3.0 ± 1.5 (range 1.2 – 6.6); SUV in the atypical carcinoid was remarkably high with a value of 8.5. The SUV was lower than 2.5 in 6 of 12 patients (50%). Mediastinal lymph node metastases or extrathoracic metastases were not detected in any patient.

Conclusions.  18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT imaging improves accurate localization of metabolic activity and thus the interpretation of pulmonary lesions on CT. FDG uptake in pulmonary carcinoid tumours is often lower than expected for malignant tumours. Therefore, surgical resection or biopsy of lesions suspected to be carcinoids should be mandatory, even if they show no hypermetabolism on FDG PET images.
Animal Health Authorities and Transboundary Animal Diseases in Turkey
Authors: Tufan M.
Published: November 2006

In this report on the situation of transboundary animal diseases in Turkey, it is mentioned that foot and mouth disease is endemic in the Anatolia region. In 2005, 128 outbreaks occurred in Anatolia of which 100 outbreaks were caused by O type, 19 outbreaks as a result of type A and nine outbreaks as a result of a type not determined. Peste des petits ruminants is also a problem in Turkey. Thus, in 2005, 78 outbreaks occurred. In case of outbreaks, all susceptible animals were vaccinated. To support the animal disease control programmes the Central Veterinary Control and Research Institute started since May 2002 to produce a homologous vaccine.
Endocrine and Ovarian Responses to Prolonged Adrenal Stimulation at the Time of Induced Corpus Luteum Regression
Authors: Gabai G , Mollo A , Marinelli L , Badan M , Bono G
Published: November 2006

Contents

The endocrine and ovarian responses to prolonged adrenal stimulation at the time of corpus luteum (CL) regression were studied in non‐lactating non‐pregnant Friesian cows. Cows were synchronized with two cloprostenol (PG) injections 11 days apart (second PG referred as time 0). Experiment 1 was carried out on five animals in two phases with a resting period in between. Between −48 and 84 h, animals received 12 injections of either saline (CTR) or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) agonist (Synacthen; SYN) every 12 h. Cortisol (C), progesterone (P4), oestradiol (E2) and LH were analysed in the blood samples collected every 8–12 h between days −3 and 4. Pulsatile LH release was studied 4 h before and 4 h after naloxone administration beginning at 96 h. Experiment 2 was carried out on four cows in a cross‐over experimental design (two phases, with a resting period in between). Treatments were performed by administering either saline (CTR) or Synacthen (SYN) every 12 h between −36 and 24 h. The concentrations of C, P4 and E2 were measured in blood plasma every 4–12 h from days −3 to 3, then every day from days 5 to 9. In both experiments, ovaries were examined by ultrasonography every 1–3 days. ACTH administration induced a significant increase (p < 0.001) of plasma C lasting for 7 days (experiment 1), and for 3–4 days (experiment 2). Plasma C returned to baseline levels within 6 days (expt 1) or 36 h (expt 2) after treatment interruption. During the SYN phase, LH pre‐ovulatory surge was not detectable. During the CTR phase, naloxone administration induced a significant increase (p < 0.05) of average LH concentrations that was not evident during the SYN phase. The dominant follicle development was retarded and mean plasma E2 concentrations were significantly lower during the SYN phase (p < 0.01). Luteolysis was completed within 2 days. However, P4 decline between 0 and 4 h was slower (p < 0.01) during the SYN phase. Our results indicate that, under prolonged adrenal stimulation, follicular development is delayed and LH release is impaired, which are independent of CL function.
Involvement of a Xenopus nuclear GTP‐binding protein in optic primordia formation
Authors: Tamanoue Yoshiaki , Hongo Ikuko , Okamoto Harumasa
Published: November 2006

Using a subtracted Xenopus cDNA library based on the differential sensitivity of anterior and posterior genes to retinoic acid, we isolated a novel Xenopus nuclear GTP‐binding protein (XGB). XGB is expressed prominently in the optic primordia at the tailbud stage. The N‐terminal region of XGB contains a set of GTP‐binding protein motifs, and the C‐terminal region contains two putative nuclear localization signals and two coiled regions. A GFP‐XGB fusion protein was expressed in the nucleus of NIH3T3 cells where it bound to subnuclear structures. Truncated C‐terminal constructs of XGB containing both nuclear localization signal(s) and coiled region(s) suppressed eye formation, whereas neither the N‐terminal construct nor constructs with a mutated GTP‐binding protein motif affected eye formation. Expression of Pax6 and Rx1 genes, which are crucial for eye development, was reduced in embryos overexpressing the C‐terminal constructs of XGB. Suppression of Pax6 and Rx1 at earlier developmental stages as well as perturbation of eye formation at later stages was counteracted by co‐expression of wild‐type XGB. We conclude that XGB plays a role in the formation of optic primordia through activation of at least two eye field transcription factors.
Activator of G‐protein signaling in asymmetric cell divisions of the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Voronina Ekaterina , Wessel Gary M.
Published: November 2006

An asymmetric fourth cell division in the sea urchin embryo results in formation of daughter cells, macromeres and micromeres, with distinct sizes and fates. Several lines of functional evidence presented here, including pharmacological interference and dominant negative protein expression, indicate that heterotrimeric G protein Gi and its interaction partner, activator of G‐protein signaling (AGS), are necessary for this asymmetric cell division. Inhibition of Gi signaling by pertussis toxin interferes with micromere formation and leads to defects in embryogenesis. AGS was isolated in a yeast two‐hybrid screen with Gαi as bait and was expressed in embryos localized to the cell cortex at the time of asymmetric divisions. Introduction of exogenous dominant‐negative AGS protein, containing only G‐protein regulatory (GPR) domains, selectively prevented the asymmetric division in normal micromere formation. These results support the growing evidence that AGS is a universal regulator of asymmetric cell divisions in embryos.
Do staffing levels determine outcome in psychiatric inpatient care? – Factors related to the ratio of period hospitalized in Japan
Authors: NAWATA SHIGEKI , YAMAUCHI KEITA , IKEGAMI NAOKI
Published: November 2006

Abstract  The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to outcome, as measured by the cumulative number of days hospitalized, of a cohort group of inpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia followed up for 6 years. Comprehensive data were obtained from 18 psychiatric hospitals from two surveys conducted in 1993 and 1999. Outcome was evaluated by calculating the cumulative number of days between the two surveys that the cohort group was hospitalized. Tree‐based models analysis was used to explore the factors related to outcome. Patient characteristics at the time of the first survey that were related to outcome were the number of days hospitalized, cumulative number of years hospitalized, age, Global Assessment of Functioning score and relationship to the main visitor. The number of beds in each hospital and changes in their number were also related. Increasing staffing levels is not likely to impact on deinstitutionalization since their levels were not related to outcome.
Benzodiazepines in catatonia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: WANG HUNG‐YU , HUANG TIAO‐LAI
Published: November 2006

Abstract Neuropsychiatric disturbances are found in 50–70% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, there are rare cases of catatonia being described in SLE. Some studies have shown the effectiveness of high‐dose steroid, plasma exchange and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in lupus catatonia. Herein are described two SLE patients with catatonia who had good response to i.v. diazepam (i.e. relief of catatonia symptoms). Patient 1, with mild cortical atrophy, had great improvement in catatonia symptoms on i.v. diazepam 150 mg during a period of 5 days. Patient 2, without cortical atrophy, had quick response to i.v. diazepam 10–20 mg. Both patients had no recurrence during 6‐month follow up. In conclusion, benzodiazepines may play an important role in the treatment of catatonia associated with SLE if patients refuse ECT treatment.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in radical prostatectomy: 1‐day versus 4‐day treatments
Authors: TERAI AKITO , ICHIOKA KENTARO , KOHEI NAOKI , UEDA NOBUFUMI , UTSUNOMIYA NORIAKI , INOUE KOJI
Published: November 2006

Objective: The standard protocol of antibiotic prophylaxis in radical prostatectomy remains to be established. We retrospectively compared the occurrence of perioperative infections following radical prostatectomy between two different protocols of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Methods: This study included 106 cases of radical retropubic prostatectomy managed on the clinical pathways. Two different protocols of antibiotic prophylaxis were used in otherwise identical pathways. Between January and December 2004, 50 patients received a second generation cephem, cefotiam, for 4 days, beginning 30 min before surgery (4‐day group), whilst between December 2004 and July 2005, only two doses of cefotiam were given on the day of operation in 56 patients (1‐day group). The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) and remote infection (RI) was retrospectively investigated.

Results: Superficial incisional SSI occurred in one (1.8%) patient in the 1‐day group, whereas no patient in the 4‐day group developed SSI. No RI was observed in either the 1‐day or 4‐day group. Intravenous antibiotics were administered besides the pathway in a patient in the 1‐day group because unexplained fever more than 38°C continued postoperative day (POD) 2 through POD 4 without signs of SSI or RI. Excluding this case, postoperative more than 38°C was rare and transient after POD 2.

Conclusion: The incidence of SSI and RI was low and not significantly different between the 1‐day and 4‐day groups. Therefore, the 1‐day protocol of prophylactic antibiotic treatment seems adequate for preventing perioperative infections in radical prostatectomy.
Tissue elasticity imaging for diagnosis of prostate cancer: A preliminary report
Authors: MIYANAGA NAOTO , AKAZA HIDEYUKI , YAMAKAWA MAKOTO , OIKAWA TAKEHIRO , SEKIDO NORITOSHI , HINOTSU SHIRO , KAWAI KOJI , SHIMAZUI TORU , SHIINA TSUYOSHI
Published: November 2006

Background: Elastography is a diagnostic imaging technique that evaluates the hardness of a lesion. It is expected to become a new diagnostic modality for prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of elastography in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Methods: A total of 29 patients with untreated, histologically proven prostate cancer were examined using an elastographic imaging technique. The patient was scanned in the dorsosacral position and the prostate was manually compressed with a transrectal ultrasonic probe. The echo signals from inside the tissue were measured before and after the tissue compression and an elastogram was generated by spatially differentiation of the displacement distribution.

Results: Elastography depicted the cancer lesion as a harder tissue than the surrounding normal prostatic tissue. Elastography successfully detected 93% (27 patients) of the untreated prostate cancer lesions. Detection of cancer lesions using elastography was significantly higher than by digital rectal examination (59%; 17 patients) and transrectal ultrasonography (55%; 16 patients).

Conclusion: Elastography has great potential as a useful modality for diagnosis of prostate cancer. Differentiation between cancerous and normal tissues can be expected to become more accurate as a result of technical advances in the quantification of tissue hardness.
Species richness of migratory birds is influenced by global climate change
Authors: Lemoine Nicole , Schaefer Hans‐Christian , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin
Published: November 2006

Aim  Global climate change is increasingly influencing ecosystems. Long‐term effects on the species richness and composition of ecological communities have been predicted using modelling approaches but, so far, hardly demonstrated in the field. Here, we test whether changes in the composition of bird communities have been influenced by recent climate change.

Location  Europe.

Methods  We focus on the proportion of migratory and resident bird species because these groups are expected to respond differently to climatic change. We used the spatial relationship between climatic factors and bird communities in Europe to predict changes in 21 European bird communities under recent climate change.

Results  Observed changes corresponded significantly to predicted changes and could not be explained by the effects of spatial autocorrelation. Alternative factors such as changes in land use were tested in a first approximation as well but no effects were found.

Main conclusions  This study demonstrates that global climate change has already influenced the species richness and composition of European bird communities.
NON‐WELFARIST OPTIMAL TAXATION AND BEHAVIOURAL PUBLIC ECONOMICS
Authors: Kanbur Ravi , Pirttilä Jukka , Tuomala Matti
Published: November 2006

AbstractResearch in behavioural economics has uncovered the widespread phenomenon of people making decisions against their own good intentions. In these situations, the government might want to intervene, indeed individuals might want the government to intervene, to induce behaviour that is closer to what individuals wish they were doing. The analysis of such corrective interventions, through taxes and subsidies, might be called ‘behavioural public economics’. However, such analysis, where the government has an objective function that is different from that of individuals, is not new in public economics. In these cases the government is said to be ‘non‐welfarist’ in its objectives, and there is a long tradition of non‐welfarist welfare economics, especially the analysis of optimal taxation and subsidy policy where the outcomes of individual behaviour are evaluated using a preference function different from the one that generated the outcomes. First of all the object of this paper is to present a unified view of the non‐welfarist optimal taxation literature and, second, to present behavioural public economics as a natural special case of this general framework.
The Union Avoidance Industry in the United States
Authors: Logan John
Published: November 2006

This paper analyses the development of the union avoidance industry in the United States during the past half‐century. Focusing on one leading example from each group, it examines the activities of the four main actors that constitute that industry: consultants, law firms, industry psychologists and strike management firms. Although these firms have experienced a fall in business as unions have declined in strength and numbers — a development that the union avoidance industry has contributed to — they continue to play an important role in the US system of industrial relations. Over three‐quarters of employers hire consultants when confronted by organizing campaigns, and large union avoidance firms are increasingly seeking export markets for their expertise.
The Role of Workplace Chaplains in Industrial Relations: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Michelson Grant
Published: November 2006

This paper examines a neglected and largely invisible actor within the field of industrial relations. Taking the case of industrial chaplains in Australian workplaces, it demonstrates that not only do chaplains play an important and independent role in their own right, but that their ostensible neutrality is also used to help achieve the interests of both management and trade unions. The location of chaplains in industrial relations and their need to develop workplace legitimacy accounts for this finding. This suggests that future studies that seek to explore the purpose and activities of new and non‐traditional groups in industrial relations will need to place their analyses within the context of more established actors.
Foreign‐owned versus Domestically‐owned Firms: Economic Performance in Japan
Authors: Kimura Fukunari , Kiyota Kozo
Published: November 2006

This paper utilizes micro‐panel data for firms located in Japan and examines differences in corporate performance between foreign‐owned and domestically‐owned firms in the 1990s. We find that foreign‐owned firms not only reflect superior static characteristics, but also achieve faster growth. Moreover, foreign investors appear to invest in firms that may not be immediately profitable, but those that are potentially the most profitable in the future. There is also no evidence that foreign investor is “foot‐loose.” These imply that foreign investors bring useful firm‐specific assets into the Japanese market, which may work as an effective catalyst for necessary structural reform.
Sex differences in cognition among illiterate Bangladeshis: A comparison with literate Bangladeshis and Swedes
Authors: HERLITZ AGNETA , KABIR ZARINA N.
Published: November 2006

We investigated the presence and magnitude of sex differences in late adulthood, assessing 426 illiterate Bangladeshis, 239 literate Bangladeshis, and 598 Swedes. The cognitive domains examined included calculation, episodic memory, spatial visualization, and global cognitive ability. In general, men performed at a higher level than women on tasks assessing calculation and spatial visualization, whereas women performed at a higher level than men on the episodic memory task. Notably, the pattern of cognitive sex differences was similar irrespective of nationality and literacy, although the magnitude of the male advantage was inversely related to level of education. Finally, the low performance of the illiterate women demonstrated the penalizing effect restrictions in public exposure might have on cognitive performance.
The Uses of the Stranger: Circulation, Arbitration, Secrecy, and Dirt
Authors: Karakayali Nedim
Published: November 2006

Little attention has been paid to the role of strangers in the social division of labor that is otherwise a key concept in sociological theory. Partly drawing upon Simmel, this article develops a general framework for analyzing the “uses” of “the stranger” throughout history. Four major domains in which strangers have often been employed are identified: (1) circulation (of goods, money, and information); (2) arbitration; (3) management of secret/sacred domains; and (4) “dirty jobs.” The article also explores how these activities relate to the characteristics of stranger-relations. It is suggested that such an inquiry, in addition to helping us to understand how the presence of strangers in a society affects the processes of social differentiation, might equip us with a conceptual framework often lacking from purely political and ethical considerations of stranger-relations.
Reiterated Commemoration: Hiroshima as National Trauma
Authors: Saito Hiro
Published: November 2006

This article examines historical transformations of Japanese collective memory of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by utilizing a theoretical framework that combines a model of reiterated problem solving and a theory of cultural trauma. I illustrate how the event of the nuclear fallout in March 1954 allowed actors to consolidate previously fragmented commemorative practices into a master frame to define the postwar Japanese identity in terms of transnational commemoration of “Hiroshima.” I also show that nationalization of trauma of “Hiroshima” involved a shift from pity to sympathy in structures of feeling about the event. This historical study suggests that a reiterated problem-solving approach can be efficacious in analyzing how construction of national memory of a traumatic event connects with the recurrent reworking of national identity, on the one hand, and how a theory of cultural trauma can be helpful in exploring a synthesis of psychological and sociological approaches to commemoration of a traumatic event, on the other.
Maternal Perceptions of Care‐Giving of Children with Developmental Disabilities in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Crabtree Sara Ashencaen
Published: November 2006

Background  This qualitative study discusses family care‐giving of children with developmental disabilities in the United Arab Emirates. Findings were reviewed in terms of the influence of culture on gender norms governing parental behaviour and aspirations.

Method  An ethnographic approach is used in which parent participants were interviewed intensively. The data were then analysed commensurate with ethnographic methodology in which parental care was considered in terms of gender differentials, in addition to other factors.

Results  Although mothers carried the main burden of support, this is ameliorated by cultural interpretations of the role of motherhood as well as practical coping strategies. Discrimination towards disability as well as gender is evident although countered by maternal strategies of resistance.

Conclusions  These indicate that daughters with disabilities are subject to oppressive attitudes and commensurate behaviour within the family setting, as well as in the wider society. However, such measures may in turn be challenged by mothers who demonstrate parental coping strategies that are both influenced by as well as subversive of cultural norms.
Mainstream Students’ Attitudes to Possible Inclusion in Unified Sports with Students who have an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Townsend Michael , Hassall John
Published: November 2006

Background  Schools in New Zealand do not normally include students with intellectual disability in their sports programmes. This study examined regular students’ attitudes towards the possible inclusion of students with an intellectual disability in an integrated sports programme within their school.

Materials and Methods  A total of 170 school students at year 6 (10 years) and year 12 (16 years) at four Auckland schools completed an attitude scale assessing their acceptance of a possible unified sports programme at their school, a test of their knowledge about Special Olympics, and wrote open‐ended comments about unified sports; a subsample at each age level was interviewed.

Results  Students had positive attitudes towards possible involvement alongside students with an intellectual disability in unified sports. These attitudes were moderated by age and gender, but not knowledge about Special Olympics.

Conclusions  The strengthening of inclusion and normalization through unified sports would likely have positive peer social acceptance by typical students in New Zealand.
Constitutive expression and cytoplasmic compartmentalization of ATM protein in differentiated human neuron‐like SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Boehrs Jessica K. , He Jinghua , Halaby Marie‐Jo , Yang Da‐Qing
Published: November 2006

Ataxia telangiectasia (A‐T) is an autosomal, recessive disorder mainly characterized by neuronal degeneration. However, the reason for neuronal degeneration in A‐T patients is still unclear. ATM (A‐T, mutated), the gene mutated in A‐T, encodes a 370‐kDa protein kinase. We measured the levels of the ATM protein found in differentiated neuron‐like rat PC12 cells and differentiated neuron‐like human SH‐SY5Y cells. We found that, in rat PC12 cells, ATM levels decreased dramatically after differentiation, which is consistent with previous results observed in differentiated mouse neural progenitor cells. In contrast, the levels of ATM were similar before and after differentiation in human SH‐SY5Y cells. Using an indirect immunofluorescence assay, we showed that ATM translocates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in differentiated human SH‐SY5Y cells. The translocation of ATM was further verified by subcellular fractionation experiments. The constitutive expression and cytoplasmic translocation of ATM in differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells suggest that ATM is important for maintaining the regular function of human neuronal cells. Our results further demonstrated that, in response to insulin, ATM protects differentiated neuron‐like SH‐SY5Y cells from serum starvation‐induced apoptosis. These data provide the first evidence that cytoplasmic ATM promotes survival of human neuronal cells in an insulin‐dependent manner.
NEW JELLYFISH TAXA FROM THE UPPER JURASSIC LITHOGRAPHIC LIMESTONES OF CERIN (FRANCE): TAPHONOMY AND ECOLOGY
Authors: GAILLARD CHRISTIAN , GOY JACQUELINE , BERNIER PAUL , BOURSEAU JEAN PAUL , GALL JEAN CLAUDE , BARALE GEORGES , BUFFETAUT ERIC , WENZ SYLVIE
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Abundant well‐preserved jellyfish impressions are described from the Cerin Lagerstätte (Ain, eastern France). The enclosing sediments are lithographic limestones deposited in a Late Kimmeridgian lagoon lying on an emergent reef complex. Two new taxa of Scyphozoa are proposed: Paraurelia cerinensis gen. et sp. nov. (abundant) and Paraurelia sp. A (rare), and two new taxa of Cubozoa: Bipedalia cerinensis gen. et sp. nov. (rare) and Paracarybdea lithographica gen. et sp. nov. (very rare). Rapid covering by a microbial mat helped the preservation of the animals. Many specimens of Paraurelia cerinensis are deformed by slippage down the palaeoslope, which characterizes the margin of the lagoon. Their resultant morphology and their orientation clearly indicate the downslope direction. Tentacles of Bipedalia cerinensis and Paracarybdea lithographica are also orientated according to the palaeoslope. The jellyfish were probably dead individuals occasionally introduced into the Cerin lagoon. However, another hypothesis may be considered with reference to the model of the present‐day jellyfish lakes in Palau (Caroline Islands, Western Pacific). Jellyfish could have lived in the more oxygenated upper layer of water of the Cerin lagoon that allowed pelagic life. This situation could have corresponded to short periods of easier communication between the open sea and the lagoon. Jellyfish are only found in the lower beds of the lithographic limestones and their distribution illustrates the supposed evolution of the Cerin lagoon. Initially, it was deep, mainly flooded, with possibly autochthonous jellyfish and allochthonous animals indicating clear marine influence. Later, the lagoon shallowed and its sediments often emerged with marginal marine burrows and plants indicating increasing terrestrial influence.
Use of γ‐cyclodextrin/epichlorohydrin polymer in merging fabric formation and coloration processes
Authors: Jenkins David W , El‐Tahlawy Khaled , El‐Shafei Ahmed , Freeman Harold S , Hudson Samuel M
Published: November 2006

A candidate polymeric size was synthesised by the polymerisation of γ‐cyclodextrin with epichlorohydrin under alkaline conditions. The motivation for the synthesis was to produce a polymer that could not only function as a warp size for fabric formation, but also serve as a host for dye molecules that could subsequently be released after the weaving process, ultimately promoting the merging of fabric formation and coloration processes. The γ‐cyclodextrin/epichlorohydrin polymer has been found to promote the dissolution of textile dyes, such as CI Disperse Blue 3, CI Disperse Yellow 82 and CI Disperse Red 91 to yield pad baths capable of evenly coating polyester fabric. Upon padding and subsequent drying, the dye–γ‐cyclodextrin/epichlorohydrin polymer pad baths have been used for dyeing the fabric upon thermofixation. Furthermore, cross‐sections of fibre dyed in the same manner indicate dye penetration into the fibre.
Proposal for a numerical definition of standard depths
Authors: Wardman R H , Islam S , Smith K J
Published: November 2006

Surfaces of uniform visual depth were mapped in L*a*b* colour space, at six levels of depth, from visual assessments made by a panel of professional colourists employed in the dye manufacturing industry. By interpolation, the surfaces of uniform visual depth at depths corresponding to the average of the ISO standard depths were determined. The algorithms developed enable the determination of the L* value that a colour of any hue or chroma should have in order for it to correspond to one of the standard depths.
Anticonvulsant Effect of Annona diversifolia Saff. and Palmitone on Penicillin‐induced Convulsive Activity. A Behavioral and EEG Study in Rats
Authors: Eva González‐Trujano Ma. , Tapia Elisa , López‐Meraz Leonor , Navarrete Andrés , Reyes‐Ramírez Adelfo , Martínez Adrián
Published: November 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of Annona diversifolia Saff. and palmitone by using behavior and electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis in an experimental model of focal seizures in rats.

Methods: For hypnotic assessment, EEG analysis of polysomnographic slow‐wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep for a 1 h period were performed after vehicle, A. diversifolia extract or palmitone, administration. For anticonvulsant effect, 60 minutes after treatments, EEG and behavior were analyzed during penicillin‐induced seizures. Latency to the onset of the first paroxystic spike, first seizure and frequency, as well as seizure severity using Racine's scale, were determined.

Results: Palmitone, but not A. diversifolia extract, produced a delay in the latency to the SWS phase. In addition, both palmitone and extract decreased SWS duration and accumulated REM sleep phase. With regard to the seizures, both the extract and palmitone increased the latency to the onset of spikes and seizures, but also decreased the duration of penicillin‐induced seizures. This reduction in the EEG recordings was associated with an attenuation in the severity of behavioral seizures.

Conclusions: A. diversifolia and palmitone did not produce a sedative‐hypnotic effect although both of them were effective in reducing the severity of behavioral and EEG seizures induced by penicillin in rats, suggesting that the diminution in the paroxystic activity by A. diversifolia is likely produced by palmitone through GABAergic neurotransmission. This study justifies and reinforces the traditional use of this plant in epilepsy.
Together They Become One: Examining the Predictors of Panethnic Group Consciousness Among Asian Americans and Latinos*
Authors: Masuoka Natalie
Published: November 2006

Objective. This article examines panethnic consciousness as it applies to the two fastest‐growing minority groups in the United States: Asian Americans and Latinos. Given the challenges of diversity and immigration faced by these two communities, I examine the individual‐level factors that help strengthen their panethnic group identity.

Methods. Drawing from data provided by the 2000 Pilot National Asian American Political Survey and the 1999 National Survey on Latinos, I use ordered probit models to determine the predictors of panethnic consciousness among both Asian Americans and Latinos.

Results. The models confirm that for Asian Americans, high income, involvement in Asian‐American politics, being a Democrat, and the role of racial discrimination encourage panethnic consciousness. For Latinos, the important factors are higher levels of education, gender, being foreign born, involvement in Latino politics, and perceptions of discrimination.

Conclusions. The findings here stress the importance of social contextual factors such as racial discrimination on the formation of panethnic identity.
Acculturation Effects on Trust in National and Local Government Among Mexican Americans*
Authors: Wenzel James P.
Published: November 2006

Objectives. The objectives of this article are to examine the impact of acculturation on the levels of trust in both the national and local governments in a long‐term minority‐majority community and to consider the effect on Mexican Americans' level of trust of long‐term co‐ethnic control of local government.

Methods. Ordered probit is applied to measures of local and national political trust derived from the National Election Studies. Data were drawn from a sample of Latino respondents residing in the predominantly Mexican‐American region of south Texas. Independent variables include a language‐based measure of acculturation, a measure of interethnic social interaction, and items dealing with respondents' evaluations of the honesty, efficiency, and beneficiaries of governmental policies. Clarify is then used to estimate the real‐world impacts of these variables.

Results. Acculturation has a significant and negative impact on trust in the national government. This effect vanishes, however, at the local level. Moreover, co‐ethnic control of government appears not to be related to trust.

Conclusions. Trust in the national government is significantly reduced by acculturation, while trust in local government is unaffected. Moreover, trust in government is not enhanced by co‐ethnic control of the levers of political power.
Ethnic Identities, Language, and Economic Outcomes Among Dominicans in a New Destination*
Authors: Jensen Leif , Cohen Jeffrey H. , Toribio Almeida Jacqueline , De Jong Gordon F. , Rodríguez Leila
Published: November 2006

Objective.This study examines how racial/ethnic self‐identity interrelates with language ability, skin tone, and years in the United States and with indicators of socioeconomic attainment for Dominican immigrants in Reading, Pennsylvania, a new destination city that had a nearly 800 percent increase in the Dominican population between 1990–2000.

Methods.In‐depth ethno‐surveys conducted with a sample of 65 Dominican‐origin adults are the basis for the descriptive analysis.

Results.Based on open‐ended responses, nearly 43 percent of immigrants described themselves with a specific ethnic identifier (Dominican) and 41 percent use a more general panethnic identifier (Hispanic or Latino). Panethnic self‐identity is interrelated with stronger language ability, lighter skin tone, and more years in the United States, and with better indicators of socioeconomic status.

Conclusion.Race/ethnic identity is an important component of Dominican immigrant assimilation in this new destination context.
Push‐Pull Factors and Immigrant Political Integration in Germany*
Authors: Doerschler Peter
Published: November 2006

Objectives. Drawing specifically on the German case, I argue that individuals' motivations for immigration, or so‐called push‐pull factors, have a lasting impact beyond the decision to immigrate and, in fact, profoundly influence immigrants' political integration in the host country. Specifically, economic push‐pull factors are likely to impede immigrants' political integration, whereas political push‐pull factors lead immigrants to remain more interested and engaged in politics while abroad.

Methods. I test these hypotheses using a combination of qualitative interviews conducted in 2002 with first‐generation Turkish immigrants living in Berlin, and quantitative survey data from the 1998 German Socio‐Economic Panel (GSOEP).

Results. Results from both analyses lend considerable support to these assertions.

Conclusions. The positive findings suggest that factors unique to the immigrant experience contribute to a fundamentally different understanding of immigrants' political integration from that of natives.
Use of Three‐Dimensional Mapping Systems in the Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KIM YOUNG‐HOON , LIM HONG‐EUY , PAK HUI‐NAM
Published: November 2006

The increasing clinical experience with remarkable advancement in the technology has enabled the catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) to become more effective and safe. Widespread utilization of three‐dimensional (3D) mapping systems has facilitated the improvement in the outcomes after catheter ablation of AF. The purpose of this article is to review the current status, clinical role, and future directions of various 3D mapping systems in catheter ablation of AF.
Protein Bioinformatics and Mixtures of Bivariate von Mises Distributions for Angular Data
Authors: Mardia Kanti V. , Taylor Charles C. , Subramaniam Ganesh K.
Published: November 2006

SummaryA fundamental problem in bioinformatics is to characterize the secondary structure of a protein, which has traditionally been carried out by examining a scatterplot (Ramachandran plot) of the conformational angles. We examine two natural bivariate von Mises distributions—referred to as Sine and Cosine models—which have five parameters and, for concentrated data, tend to a bivariate normal distribution. These are analyzed and their main properties derived. Conditions on the parameters are established which result in bimodal behavior for the joint density and the marginal distribution, and we note an interesting situation in which the joint density is bimodal but the marginal distributions are unimodal. We carry out comparisons of the two models, and it is seen that the Cosine model may be preferred. Mixture distributions of the Cosine model are fitted to two representative protein datasets using the expectation maximization algorithm, which results in an objective partition of the scatterplot into a number of components. Our results are consistent with empirical observations; new insights are discussed.
Periodontal treatment needs of diabetic adults
Authors: Bakhshandeh Soheila , Murtomaa Heikki , Mofid Rasoul , Vehkalahti Miira M. , Suomalainen Kimmo
Published: November 2006

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate diabetes‐related factors in relation to periodontal treatment needs.

Material and Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 299 dentate diabetics attending a diabetic clinic in Tehran, Iran. A self‐administered questionnaire was administered during a dental appointment in order to gather information about year of birth, year of onset of diabetes, education and organ complications related to diabetes. Number of teeth, the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs and visible plaque were recorded.

Results: None of the subjects had a healthy periodontium. Shallow periodontal pockets were the most prevalent finding. Periodontal pockets exceeding 5 mm and a higher number of missing teeth were associated with a low level of education. The sum of plaque scores [odds ratio (OR)=1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.5] was related to the presence of deepened pockets when controlling for other factors. Among diabetes‐related factors, the only significant association with CPITN 3 was by HbA1c (OR=0.7; 95% CI 0.6–0.9); for CPITN=4, no associations with the diabetes‐related factors appeared.

Conclusions: The poor periodontal status of our diabetic patients indicates a need to establish a comprehensive oral health promotion programme for diabetics based on collaboration between dental and general health care professionals involved in diabetic care.
Epithelioid fibrous papule – a new variant
Authors: Kucher Cynthia , McNiff Jennifer M.
Published: November 2006

Fibrous papules (FPs) are common benign lesions occurring most frequently on the nose. Multiple variants have been described, including classic, hypercellular, clear cell, pigmented, pleomorphic, inflammatory and granular FPs. We describe a group of FPs with characteristics that do not easily fit into any of the above categories, with diffuse sheets of distinctive epithelioid cells, causing potential diagnostic confusion. Immunoperoxidase stains show that the cells of this ‘epithelioid fibrous papule’ are reactive for procollagen, and are negative for NKI/C3, unlike previously described clear cell variants.
Law, Ideology, and Strategy in Judicial Decision Making: Evidence from Securities Fraud Actions
Authors: Perino Michael A.
Published: November 2006

Legal academics and political scientists continue to debate whether the legal, attitudinal, or strategic model best explains judicial decision making. One limitation in this debate is the high‐court bias found in most studies. This article, by contrast, examines federal district court decisions, specifically interpretations of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Initial interpretations of the Act articulated distinct liberal and conservative positions. The data compiled here support the hypothesis that the later emergence of an intermediate interpretation was the result of strategic statutory interpretation rather than simply judges acting consistently with their ideological preferences, although there is some evidence that judges adopting the most conservative interpretation of the Act were acting consistently with the attitudinal model. There is weaker evidence to support the legal model, an unsurprising result given the severe test the study design creates for that model.
Allelic distribution of HLA class I genes in the Tibetan ethnic population of China
Authors: Chen S. , Hong W. , Shao H. , Fu Y. , Liu X. , Chen D. , Xu A.
Published: November 2006

Tibetans live in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau rising about 4000 m a.s.l. in south‐west China. Archaeological evidences suggested that there have been humans living in Tibet at least 5000 years ago. However, Tibetan earlier history remains elusive. In the present study, allelic distribution of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B and ‐Cw in 158 unrelated Tibetan Chinese was investigated using sequencing‐based typing methods, and a total of 25 HLA‐A, 45 HLA‐B and 20 HLA‐Cw alleles were identified. A*24G1 (27.2%), B*51G1 (16.8%), Cw*04G1 (13.3%) and Cw*070201G1 (13.3%) are the most common HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐Cw alleles. The most frequently detected haplotypes were A*24G1‐B*51G1‐Cw*140201 (3.6%), A*24G1‐B*51G1 (6.8%), A*02G1‐Cw*070201G1 (6.5%) and B*51G1‐Cw*140201 (5.0%). Chi‐squared test suggested that all three loci fitted the Hardy–Weinberg expectations. No evidence for a departure from selective neutrality at the HLA‐A and ‐B loci was observed. However, significant departure of the observed homozygosity from the expected values was found for HLA‐Cw. Though the contemporary Tibetans inhabit the south‐west China, Nei's genetic distance measure based on frequencies of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐Cw indicated that Tibetans were closer to northern Han Chinese, Mongolian Chinese, Koreans and Japanese rather than to southern Han Chinese. The corresponding dendrogram constructed according to the neighbour‐joining method supported that Tibetans separated from southern Han and located in North‐East Asian cluster which included northern Han Chinese and Mongolian Chinese. These data were in good agreement with language classification and with a recent hypothesis that Tibetan might originate from northern China along Yellow river.
Source Zone Natural Attenuation at Petroleum Hydrocarbon Spill Sites—I: Site‐Specific Assessment Approach
Authors: Johnson Paul , Lundegard Paul , Liu Zhuang
Published: November 2006

This work focuses on the site‐specific assessment of source zone natural attenuation (SZNA) at petroleum spill sites, including the confirmation that SZNA is occurring, estimation of current SZNA rates, and anticipation of SZNA impact on future ground water quality. The approach anticipates that decision makers will be interested in answers to the following questions: (1) Is SZNA occurring and what processes are contributing to SZNA? (2) What are the current rates of mass removal associated with SZNA? (3) What are the longer‐term implications of SZNA for ground water impacts? and (4) Are the SZNA processes and rates sustainable? This approach is a data‐driven, macroscopic, multiple‐lines‐of‐evidence approach and is therefore consistent with the 2000 National Research Council’s recommendations and complementary to existing dissolved plume natural attenuation protocols and recent modeling work published by others. While this work is easily generalized, the discussion emphasizes SZNA assessment at petroleum hydrocarbon spill sites. The approach includes three basic levels of data collection and data reduction (Group I, Group II, and Group III). Group I measurements provide evidence that SZNA is occurring. Group II measurements include additional information necessary to estimate current SZNA rates, and group III measurements are focused on evaluating the long‐term implications of SZNA for source zone characteristics and ground water quality. This paper presents the generalized site‐specific SZNA assessment approach and then focuses on the interpretation of Group II data. Companion papers illustrate its application to source zones at a former oil field in California.
The Race to Connect East Asia: An Unending Steeplechase
Authors: PEMPEL T. J.
Published: November 2006

East Asia has become more integrated as a region over the past quarter century. In looking ahead, this article identifies five central obstacles to further regionalism. Three address the composition of any future East Asian region: the arenas in which cooperation is sought, the geographic scope of any future region, and the extent to which regional ties are formalized. The other two variables will influence the future regardless of how the first three are resolved: the structure and balance of domestic political forces, and leadership. The complex interactions of these five are then examined in the recent moves toward preferential trade pacts, increased regional monetary and financial cooperation, and security.
Free Trade Agreements and the Prospects for Regional Integration in East Asia
Authors: SALLY Razeen
Published: November 2006

Trade policy in East Asia has switched from non‐discriminatory unilateral liberalization, reinforced by General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade/World Trade Organization (GATT/WTO) commitments, to discriminatory free trade agreements (FTA). The paper surveys the FTA activity of the major regional players: China, the ASEAN countries, Japan, and South Korea. It concludes that emerging FTAs are weak and partial. A hub‐and‐spoke pattern of dirty FTAs will not drive regional economic integration or further integration with the global economy. Rather, it could be a force of regional economic disintegration – especially if the multilateral trading system weakens further. At the same time, FTA activity is distracting attention from the WTO, and, more fundamentally, from unilateral liberalization and domestic structural reforms. Hence, East Asian trade policies need to be rebalanced, with better‐quality FTAs and more focus on the WTO. However, more important than the WTO and FTAs is a fresh spurt of unilateral liberalization and structural reform outside trade negotiations.