bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Near patient testing for glycated haemoglobin in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus managed in primary care: acceptability and satisfaction
Authors: Stone M. A. , Burden A. C. , Burden M. , Baker R. , Khunti K. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAims  To assess the acceptability of and satisfaction with near patient testing for glycated haemoglobin in primary care in patients and health professionals.Methods  A questionnaire survey and qualitative study were nested within a randomized controlled trial conducted in eight general practices in Leicester‐shire, UK. Satisfaction with diabetes care was compared in the intervention group (near patient test) and in the control subjects (usual laboratory test), using the Diabetes Clinic Satisfaction Questionnaire. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patients and healthcare professionals and analysed using thematic coding and framework charting.Results  Questionnaire data for 344 patients were analysed and interviews were conducted with 15 patients and 11 health professionals. Interviews indicated that the near patient test was highly acceptable to patients and staff and confirmed that there may be potential benefits such as time saving, reduced anxiety and impact on patient management and job satisfaction. However, both the survey and the interviews identified high pre‐existing levels of satisfaction with diabetes care in both intervention and control group patients and survey results failed to confirm increased patient satisfaction as a result of rapid testing. Limited patient understanding of glycated haemoglobin testing was noted.Conclusions  We were unable to confirm actual rather than potential advantages of the near patient test. Widespread adoption in primary care cannot be recommended without further evidence of benefit.
Resistance to root‐knot nematode in tomato roots expressing a nematicidal Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein
Authors: Li Xiang‐Qian , Wei Jun‐Zhi , Tan Anderson , Aroian Raffi V. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryOur laboratory has demonstrated previously that Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal (Cry) proteins present in the Cry5 and Cry6 subclades intoxicate free‐living nematodes. In this study, we tested whether the expression of nematicidal Cry6A in transgenic plants provided protection against plant‐parasitic nematodes. As bacterial codon usage is incompatible with expression in plants, two different codon‐modified cry6A genes were synthesized for expression in plants. One was designed by maintaining codon diversity whilst removing codons not common in plants, and the other was designed by selecting the optimal codon for each amino acid based on the Arabidopsis genome. Both versions of the cry6A gene, driven by the constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, were introduced into tomato roots via Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Although both were found to express Cry6A protein, the codon diversity gene generated superior expression. These Cry6A‐expressing roots were then challenged with root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Three different infection parameters were compared between Cry6A‐expressing roots and control roots transformed with empty vector or green fluorescent protein (GFP). These data demonstrated that M. incognita was able to ingest the 54‐kDa Cry6A, and that Cry6A intoxicated the parasitic nematode, as indicated by a decrease in progeny production of up to fourfold. These results indicate, for the first time, that a Bt Cry protein can confer plant resistance to an endoparasitic nematode, and that Cry proteins have the potential to control plant‐parasitic nematodes in transgenic plants.
Industry Clustering in Nordic Initial Public Offering Markets
Authors: Westerholm P. Joakim 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTWe present institutional features of the Nordic initial public offering (IPO) markets and relate initial return, long‐run performance and size of companies listed during 1991–2002 to industry clustering and level of listing requirements. High industry clustering is related to higher initial return and lower long‐run performance supporting our prediction that information asymmetry has an impact on initial underpricing while temporary overvaluation affects long‐run performance. The relatively high listing requirements and targeting of the main market have not protected the Nordic IPOs from poor long‐run performance. On two markets, Norway and Denmark, IPOs outperform the all share market index.
The Reach of the Disposition Effect: Large Sample Evidence Across Investor Classes*
Authors: Brown Philip , Chappel Nick , Da Silva Rosa Ray , Walter Terry 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTWe examine detailed daily Australian Stock Exchange share registry data for investors in IPO and index stocks between 1995 and 2000 and find that the ‘disposition effect,’ investors' reluctance to crystallize losses and relative eagerness to realize gains, is pervasive across investor classes. However, traders instigating larger investments tend to be affected less by the disposition bias. Our novel findings include that (a) the disposition effect ameliorates over time, being undetectable from around 200 trading days after purchase, (b) the ‘house money’ effect tempers the disposition effect, (c) shareholder loyalty schemes also partially offset investors' relative preference for selling winning stocks, and (d) the reversal of the disposition effect in June (the last month of the Australian tax year) does not occur among investors unable to take advantage of tax shields. In line with earlier research, our results support a tax‐related explanation for the June effect rather than window dressing or momentum explanations. Finally, we confirm Odean's finding that the disposition effect is not driven by diversification motives, or by higher transaction costs associated with lower‐priced stocks.
Mapping of a Gene for Alopecia with Mental Retardation Syndrome (APMR3) on Chromosome 18q11.2‐q12.2
Authors: Wali A. , Ali G. , John P. , Lee K. , Chishti M. S. , Leal S. M. , Ahmad W. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryAlopecia with mental retardation syndrome (APMR) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by total or partial absence of hair from the scalp and other parts of the body and associated with mental retardation. Previously, we have reported the mapping of two alopecia and mental retardation genes (APMR1 and APMR2) on human chromosome 3. In the present study, after excluding both of these loci through linkage analysis, a whole genome scan was performed by genotyping 396 polymorphic microsatellite markers located on 22 autosomes and the X and Y chromosomes. A disease locus was mapped to a 10.9 cM region, flanked by markers D18S866 and D18S811, on chromosome 18q11.2–q12.2. A maximum two‐point LOD score of 3.03 at θ= 0.0 was obtained with marker D18S1102. Multipoint linkage analysis resulted in maximum LOD scores of 4.03 with several markers in the candidate region. According to the Rutgers combined linkage‐physical map of the human genome (build 36) this region covers 12.17 Mb. DNA sequence analysis of nine candidate genes including DSC3, DSC1, DSG1, DSG4, DSG3, ZNF397, ZNF271, ZNF24 and ZNF396 did not reveal any sequence variants in the affected individuals of the family presented here.
Characterization of neuronal subsets surrounded by perineuronal nets in the rhesus auditory brainstem
Authors: Hilbig Heidegard , Nowack Sandra , Boeckler Katrin , Bidmon Hans‐Jürgen , Zilles Karl 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe distribution of perineuronal nets and the potassium channel subunit Kv3.1b was studied in the subdivisions of the cochlear nucleus, the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body, the medial and lateral superior olivary nuclei, the lateral lemniscal nucleus and the inferior colliculus of the rhesus monkey. Additional sections were used for receptor autoradiography to visualize the patterns of GABAA and GABAB receptor distribution. The Kv3.1b protein and perineuronal nets [visualized as Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) binding] were revealed, showing corresponding region‐specific patterns of distribution. There was a gradient of labelled perineuronal nets which corresponded to that seen for the intensity of Kv3.1b expression. In the cochlear nucleus intensely and faintly stained perineuronal nets were intermingled, whereas in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body the pattern changed to intensely stained perineuronal nets in the medial part and weakly labelled nets in its lateral part. In the inferior colliculus, intensely labelled perineuronal nets were arranged in clusters and faintly labelled nets were arranged in sheets. Using receptor autoradiography, GABAB receptor expression in the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus was revealed. The medial part of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body showed a high number of GABAA binding sites whereas the lateral part exhibited more binding sites for GABAB. In the inferior colliculus, we found moderate GABAB receptor expression. In conclusion, intensely WFA‐labelled structures are those known to be functionally involved in high‐frequency processing.
Skeletogenesis in the swell sharkCephaloscyllium ventriosum
Authors: Eames B. Frank , Allen Nancy , Young Jonathan , Kaplan Angelo , Helms Jill A. , Schneider Richard A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractExtant chondrichthyans possess a predominantly cartilaginous skeleton, even though primitive chondrichthyans produced bone. To gain insights into this peculiar skeletal evolution, and in particular to evaluate the extent to which chondrichthyan skeletogenesis retains features of an osteogenic programme, we performed a histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of the entire embryonic skeleton during development of the swell sharkCephaloscyllium ventriosum. Specifically, we compared staining properties among various mineralizing tissues, including neural arches of the vertebrae, dermal tissues supporting oral denticles and Meckel's cartilage of the lower jaw. Patterns of mineralization were predicted by spatially restricted alkaline phosphatase activity earlier in development. Regarding evidence for an osteogenic programme in extant sharks, a mineralized tissue in the perichondrium ofC. ventriosumneural arches, and to a lesser extent a tissue supporting the oral denticle, displayed numerous properties of bone. Although we uncovered many differences between tissues in Meckel's cartilage and neural arches ofC. ventriosum, both elements impart distinct tissue characteristics to the perichondral region. Considering the evolution of osteogenic processes, shark skeletogenesis may illuminate the transition from perichondrium to periosteum, which is a major bone‐forming tissue during the process of endochondral ossification.
Identification and characterization of 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the mycophagous fly Drosophila neotestacea
Authors: DYER KELLY A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Drosophila neotestacea is a mushroom‐feeding fly that is common in the temperate and boreal forests of North America. Here I describe the isolation and characterization of 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the D. neotestacea genome. In a sample of flies from Rochester, New York, the expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.344 to 1.000 and from 0.384 to 0.923, respectively. Of the 21 markers, six were likely X‐linked, seven showed a departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and none were found to be in linkage disequilibrium. These loci will facilitate future ecological and population genetic studies of D. neotestacea.
Patient Outcomes and Evidence‐Based Medicine in a Preferred Provider Organization Setting: A Six‐Year Evaluation of a Physician Pay‐for‐Performance Program
Authors: Gilmore Amanda S. , Zhao Yingxu , Kang Ning , Ryskina Kira L. , Legorreta Antonio P. , Taira Deborah A. , Chung Richard S. 
Published: May 2007

Objective. To determine whether health plan members who saw physicians participating in a quality‐based incentive program in a preferred provider organization (PPO) setting received recommended care over time compared with patients who saw physicians who did not participate in the incentive program, as per 11 evidence‐based quality indicators.Data Sources/Study Setting. Administrative claims data for PPO members of a large nonprofit health plan in Hawaii collected over a 6‐year period after the program was first implemented.Study Design. An observational study allowing for multiple member records within and across years. Levels of recommended care received by members who visited physicians who did or did not participate in a quality incentive program were compared, after controlling for other member characteristics and the member's total number of annual office visits.Data Collection. Data for all PPO enrollees eligible for at least one of the 11 quality indicators in at least 1 year were collected.Principal Findings. We found a consistent, positive association between having seen only program‐participating providers and receiving recommended care for all 6 years with odds ratios ranging from 1.06 to 1.27 (95 percent confidence interval: 1.03–1.08, 1.09–1.40).Conclusions. Physician reimbursement models built upon evidence‐based quality of care metrics may positively affect whether or not a patient receives high quality, recommended care.
The Role of Product Design in Consumers' Choices in the Individual Insurance Market
Authors: Marquis M. Susan , Buntin Melinda Beeuwkes , Escarce José J. , Kapur Kanika 
Published: May 2007

Objective. To evaluate the role of health plan benefit design and price on consumers' decisions to purchase health insurance in the nongroup market and their choice of plan.Data Sources and Study Setting. Administrative data from the three largest nongroup insurers in California and survey data about those insured in the nongroup market and the uninsured in California.Study Design. We fit a nested logit model to examine the effects of plan characteristics on consumer choice while accounting for substitutability among certain groups of products.Principal Findings. Product choice is quite sensitive to price. A 10 percent decrease in the price of a product would increase its market share by about 20 percent. However, a 10 percent decrease in prices of all products would only increase overall market participation by about 4 percent. Changes in the generosity of coverage will also affect product choice, but have only small effects on overall participation. A 20 percent decrease in the deductible or maximum out‐of‐pocket payment of all plans would increase participation by about 0.3–0.5 percent. Perceived information search costs and other nonprice barriers have substantial effects on purchase of nongroup coverage.Conclusions. Modest subsidies will have small effects on purchase in the nongroup market. New product designs with higher deductibles are likely to be more attractive to healthy purchasers, but the new benefit designs are likely to have only small effects on market participation. In contrast, consumer education efforts have a role to play in helping to expand coverage.
Steps toward the ripening of relationship science
Authors: REIS HARRY T. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractRecent decades have seen remarkable growth in research and theorizing about relationships. E.Berscheid (1999)invigorated this growth by proclaiming “The Greening of Relationship Science,” the emergence of a multidisciplinary science of interpersonal relationships with enormous potential to advance knowledge about human behavior and to provide an empirically informed framework for improving the human condition. Here I discuss several steps necessary to move the field from a green science toward a more mature, ripened one, including the need to be action oriented but in a theory‐building way, to become more cumulative and collective, and to develop an integrated network of theories, constructs, and their observable manifestations. Perceived partner responsiveness is one possible central organizing theme for the diverse phenomena relationship scientists study.
Creating closeness: Discerning and measuring strategies for fostering closer relationships
Authors: HESS JON A. , FANNIN AMY D. , POLLOM LAURA H. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis project examined the strategies people use to create closeness in personal relationships and developed a measure of closeness that can be coupled with a measure of distance to provide a measure of affiliation (degree of closeness and distance in a relationship) that incorporates both closeness and distance. Study 1 used a factor analysis of tactics people can utilize to create closeness and found three underlying strategies: openness, attention, and involvement. Studies 2 and 3 tested the items for psychometric adequacy as an index of closeness, using both student and nonstudent samples. The items performed satisfactorily. Together, these studies clarify the strategies people use to enhance closeness in relationships, and they offer a useful measure of affiliation.
Adoption, attachment, and relationship concerns: A study of adult adoptees
Authors: FEENEY JUDITH A. , PASSMORE NOLA L. , PETERSON CANDIDA C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe examined the impact of adoptive status and family experiences on adult attachment security and how attachment predicts relationship outcomes. Adults adopted as infants (N= 144) and a sample of nonadoptees (N= 131) completed measures of attachment security at recruitment and 6 months later; other measures assessed parental bonding and adoptees’ reunion experiences (Time 1), and relationship variables (e.g., loneliness, relationship quality; Time 2). Insecurity was higher for adoptees and those reporting negative childhood relationships with parents. For adoptees only, recent relationship difficulties also predicted insecurity. Attachment dimensions were more important than adoptive status in predicting relationship variables and mediated the effects of adoptive status. The results support the utility of attachment theory in understanding adoptees’ relationship concerns.
An exploration of the information needs of spouse/partner following acute myocardial infarction using focus group methodology
Authors: McLean Scott , Timmins Fiona 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis study aimed to explore spouse/partners’ experience of the information received and required in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in‐hospital recovery period. A dearth of information exists that uncovers the information needs of spouse/partners following AMI. Although information needs, emotional reactions, support and information provision are prevalent themes within the literature, there are few studies that specifically address these issues in this population. While survey methods abound, with more recent qualitative interviews apparent, focus group methodology is underused. The study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Using focus group techniques, 15 partners were interviewed. Emerging themes included: reactions to the event, feeling like a burden on the health service, the need for information and pulling apart – pulling together. Spouse/partners play a critical role in helping patients recover from acute cardiac events thus information and support for the latter are crucial. While spouse/partners commonly seek information as a problem‐solving coping strategy, in an effort to regain personal control, spouses often lack information. This study identifies spouse/partner isolation and suggests that additional supports need to be in place to adequately deal with the challenges that AMI brings to family life. Suggested support mechanisms to enhance current provision are inclusion of spouse/partner in cardiac rehabilitation programs and hospital‐based care, self‐help groups supported and attended by professionals and telephone support systems.
Perceived Benefits on Family Health of Small Groups for Families With Children
Authors: Häggman‐Laitila Arja , Pietilä Anna‐Maija 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
Background: Thus far, international research on small groups has focused on health problems. Research on preventive, resource‐, and family‐oriented small groups and their impact on family health is scant.Objectives: To describe the experiences of families with small children concerning resource‐enhancing small support groups, and to identify the benefits to family health described by participating parents at the end of the group processes.Sample: The study population consisted of parents (n=123) attending 13 small groups. Participants included 63 mothers and 14 fathers (63% response rate).Methods: Data were collected through group interviews. Qualitative content analysis of latent content was the method of analysis.Results: Small groups provided the parents with knowledge about family life and encouraged them to seek information, made them feel refreshed, strengthened their social support networks, enhanced their awareness of their own resources and the different developmental needs at times of change in the family, and increased their confidence concerning their ability to cope.Conclusions: Concepts from this study can be used in the future to construct instruments to evaluate the effectiveness of small groups from the perspective of families and family health. The findings add to our professional understanding of resource‐oriented family work from the perspective of families.
Body Mass Index and Intake of Selected Foods in African American Men
Authors: Weinrich Sally P. , Priest Julie , Reynolds William , Godley Paul A. , Tuckson Wayne , Weinrich Martin 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
Background: There are minimal data on the relationship between dietary consumption of fats, vegetables, and fruits and body mass index (BMI) in African American men.Objective: This study tested the relationships between selected dietary consumption and BMI.Design: The sample was a community‐based cohort of 204 African American Southern men who attended a free prostate cancer educational and screening program. The screening was part of an all‐day African American celebration that included a health fair. Diet was assessed with a Brief Dietary Scale for Selected Food Intake and Preparation.Results: Most of the men were overweight (34%) or obese (47%). The majority of men ate their chicken (90%) and fish (96%) fried. Few men ate vegetables at supper (29.4%) or lunch (15.8%). Three fatty food items were significantly associated with BMI: leaving the chicken skin on chicken (p=.03); intake of low‐fat or skim milk (p=.02); and cooking vegetables with butter (p=.03).Conclusion: African American men need culturally appropriate dietary interventions to reduce obesity.