bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Palatal Stiffening After Failed Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty With the Pillar Implant System
Authors: Friedman Michael , Schalch Paul , Joseph Ninos J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to measure subjective and objective improvement after palatal stiffening in patients after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) who were experiencing persistence or recurrence of snoring with or without daytime sleepiness symptoms.Study Design: The authors conducted a prospective, nonrandomized study of 26 patients after UPPP who underwent the Pillar Implant Technique (PIT) as a revision procedure.Methods: Patients were selected to undergo revision PIT if they presented with recurrence or persistence of snoring after UPPP. Patients had mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] >5 and ≤40), persistent retropalatal obstruction, and a residual palate ≥2 cm. Some patients experienced daytime somnolence as well. Patients with severe OSAHS (AHI ≥40), Friedman anatomic stage IV, and/or nasopharyngeal stenosis were excluded. Pre‐/postoperative snoring levels, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), SF‐36v2 Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaires, and polysomnograms were obtained.Results: We completed data on 23 patients. Postoperative snoring levels (3.4 ± 1.8) and ESS (8.7 ± 1.8) significantly improved (P < .0001) compared with preoperative values (8.7 ± 1.8 and 13.2 ± 2.9). A total of 73.9% of patients improved subjectively. Seven of eight SF‐36v2 QOL domains showed significant improvement (P < .05). Postoperative AHI and minimum oxygen saturation also improved significantly (P < .05). Objective cure was only achieved in 21.7% of patients.Conclusions: Revision PIT is effective in achieving subjective improvement of recurrent symptoms after UPPP. Objective cure was only obtained in 21.7% of patients. As a result of the safety and low morbidity of the procedure, it is an alternative to improve symptoms, especially snoring, in patients not willing to accept continuous positive airway pressure permanently or patients who refuse revision surgery.
Bortezomib reduces serum dickkopf‐1 and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand concentrations and normalises indices of bone remodelling in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma
Authors: Terpos Evangelos , Heath Deborah J. , Rahemtulla Amin , Zervas Kostas , Chantry Andrew , Anagnostopoulos Athanasios , Pouli Anastasia , Katodritou Eirini , Verrou Evgenia , Vervessou Elisavet‐Christine , Dimopoulos Meletios‐Athanassios , Croucher Peter I. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe effect of bortezomib on bone remodelling was evaluated in 34 relapsed myeloma patients. At baseline, patients had increased serum concentrations of dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (sRANKL), sRANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio, C‐telopeptide of type‐I collagen (CTX) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase isoform‐5b (TRACP‐5b); bone‐alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were reduced. Serum DKK‐1 correlated with CTX and severe bone disease. Bortezomib administration significantly reduced serum DKK‐1, sRANKL, CTX, and TRACP‐5b after four cycles, and dramatically increased bone‐alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, irrespective of treatment response. This is the first study showing that bortezomib reduces DKK‐1 and RANKL serum levels, leading to the normalisation of bone remodelling in relapsed myeloma.
Cell‐free DNA levels in pregnancies at risk of sickle‐cell disease and significant ethnic variation
Authors: Gerovassili Ageliki , Nicolaides Kypros H. , Thein Swee Lay , Rees David C. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryCell‐free (cf) DNA in maternal circulation is increasingly investigated in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine whether sickle‐cell trait women had quantitative differences of cf‐DNA to controls and if there was an ethnic difference between the cf‐DNA levels of Northern European and African/African‐Caribbean populations. Non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis, through quantification of fetal and total cf‐DNA, was tested in 33 pregnant women at risk of carrying a fetus affected with sickle‐cell disease and 124 control pregnancies. A significant variation in cf‐DNA was found between ethnic groups, which should be taken into consideration in future studies measuring cf‐DNA.
Genetic isolation of fragmented populations is exacerbated by drift and selection
Authors: WILLI Y. , VAN BUSKIRK J. , SCHMID B. , FISCHER M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractReduced genetic variation at marker loci in small populations has been well documented, whereas the relationship between quantitative genetic variation and population size has attracted little empirical investigation. Here we demonstrate that both neutral and quantitative genetic variation are reduced in small populations of a fragmented plant metapopulation, and that both drift and selective change are enhanced in small populations. Measures of neutral genetic differentiation (FST) and quantitative genetic differentiation (QST) in two traits were higher among small demes, and QST between small populations exceeded that expected from drift alone. This suggests that fragmented populations experience both enhanced genetic drift and divergent selection on phenotypic traits, and that drift affects variation in both neutral markers and quantitative traits. These results highlight the need to integrate natural selection into conservation genetic theory, and suggests that small populations may represent reservoirs of genetic variation adaptive within a wide range of environments.
An approach to identify dairy cows being responsive to recombinant bovine somatotropin
Authors: Rodrigues P. H. M. , Santos M. V. , Fonseca L. F. L. , Meyer P. M. , Lucci C. S. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryForty‐eight primiparous and pregnant Holstein cows at 202 (±59) days in milk and average daily milk production (DMP) of 22 (±5.3) kg at the beginning of the trial were used to study the possibility of identifying animals that are more responsive to recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST). Animals were housed in free‐stall barns, milked three times a day and fed a total mixed ration. Animals were injected with one dose (500 mg each) of rbST every 21 days during a 105‐day total period (five doses in all). Daily milk production was recorded to measure average apparent response (AAR) and peak of apparent response (PAR). Average apparent response was defined as the average increase in milk production, expressed as kilogram per cow per day, for days 0–18 after dosing, as compared to the average production calculated for days −1, −2, −3, 19, 20 and 21 after dosing. Peak of apparent response was calculated as the increase in milk production for each day from 0 to 18 days after dosing as compared to the average production for days −1, −2 and −3. There was a positive linear correlation (r = 0.608; p = 0.0001) between AAR for the first 21 days and AAR for the total 105‐day period (AATR). A correlation coefficient was calculated between each individual PAR value and AATR. The highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.511; p = 0.0002) was observed for days 8, 9 and 10, and therefore these days were considered the best estimates for calculating AAR when DMP records are not available. Also, high somatic cells count had a negative impact on milk yield response to treatment (p = 0.0162).
Above‐ and below‐ground impacts of introduced predators in seabird‐dominated island ecosystems
Authors: Fukami Tadashi , Wardle David A. , Bellingham Peter J. , Mulder Christa P. H. , Towns David R. , Yeates Gregor W. , Bonner Karen I. , Durrett Melody S. , Grant‐Hoffman Madeline N. , Williamson Wendy M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPredators often exert multi‐trophic cascading effects in terrestrial ecosystems. However, how such predation may indirectly impact interactions between above‐ and below‐ground biota is poorly understood, despite the functional importance of these interactions. Comparison of rat‐free and rat‐invaded offshore islands in New Zealand revealed that predation of seabirds by introduced rats reduced forest soil fertility by disrupting sea‐to‐land nutrient transport by seabirds, and that fertility reduction in turn led to wide‐ranging cascading effects on belowground organisms and the ecosystem processes they drive. Our data further suggest that some effects on the belowground food web were attributable to changes in aboveground plant nutrients and biomass, which were themselves related to reduced soil disturbance and fertility on invaded islands. These results demonstrate that, by disrupting across‐ecosystem nutrient subsidies, predators can indirectly induce strong shifts in both above‐ and below‐ground biota via multiple pathways, and in doing so, act as major ecosystem drivers.
Ecological control analysis: being(s) in control of mass flux and metabolite concentrations in anaerobic degradation processes
Authors: Röling Wilfred F. M. , Van Breukelen Boris M. , Bruggeman Frank J. , Westerhoff Hans V. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryIdentification of the functional groups of microorganisms that are predominantly in control of fluxes through, and concentrations in, microbial networks would benefit microbial ecology and environmental biotechnology: the properties of those controlling microorganisms could be studied or monitored specifically or their activity could be modulated in attempts to manipulate the behaviour of such networks. Herein we present ecological control analysis (ECA) as a versatile mathematical framework that allows for the quantification of the control of each functional group in a microbial network on its process rates and concentrations of intermediates. In contrast to current views, we show that rates of flow of matter are not always limited by a single functional group; rather flux control can be distributed over several groups. Also, control over intermediate concentrations is always shared. Because of indirect interactions, through other functional groups, the concentration of an intermediate can also be controlled by functional groups not producing or consuming it. Ecological control analysis is illustrated by a case study on the anaerobic degradation of organic matter, using experimental data obtained from the literature. During anaerobic degradation, fermenting microorganisms interact with terminal electron‐accepting microorganisms (e.g. halorespirers, methanogens). The analysis indicates that flux control mainly resides with fermenting microorganisms, but can shift to the terminal electron‐accepting microorganisms under less favourable redox conditions. Paradoxically, halorespiring microorganisms do not control the rate of perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene degradation even though they catalyse those processes themselves.
Passage through alternative hosts changes the fitness of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium pseudograminearum
Authors: Akinsanmi Olufemi A. , Chakraborty Sukumar , Backhouse David , Simpfendorfer Steven 
Published: November 2006

SummarySpecies of the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Fusarium that cause head blight and crown rot of cereals including wheat also infect a number of alternative host plants. This raises the prospect of more damaging pathogen strains originating and persisting as highly successful saprophytes on hosts other than wheat. The immediate impact on pathogenic (aggressiveness) and saprophytic (growth rate and fecundity) behaviour of six isolates with low, moderate or high initial aggressiveness was examined in two species of Fusarium after their passage through 10 alternative plant hosts. One passage through alternative hosts significantly reduced the pathogenic fitness of most isolates, but this change was not associated with a concomitant change in their overall saprophytic behaviour. The overall weak association between aggressiveness, fecundity and growth rate both before and after passage through the alternative hosts indicate that pathogenic and saprophytic fitness traits may be independently controlled in both Fusarium species. Thus, there was no trade‐off between pathogenic and saprophytic fitness in these necrotrophic plant pathogens.
Awareness and determinants of family planning practice in Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Beekle A. T. , McCabe C. 
Published: November 2006

Background:  The continuing growth of the world population has become an urgent global problem. Ethiopia, like most countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, is experiencing rapid population growth. Currently, the country’s population is growing at a rate of 3%, one of the highest rates in the world and if it continues unabated, the population will have doubled in 23 years, preventing any gain in the national development effort.Aim:  To determine the level and determinants of family planning awareness and practice in one Ethiopian town.Methodology:  A quantitative study using a descriptive survey design was conducted in Jimma University Hospital.Discussion:  The findings revealed that the knowledge and practice of modern contraception methods was low. Most women’s contraceptive knowledge and practice was influenced by socio‐cultural norms such as male/husband dominance and opposition to contraception, and low social status of women. A lack of formal education for women was identified as a key factor in preventing change in the patterns of contraceptive knowledge and use by women in this part of Ethiopia.Conclusion:  The support and encouragement for women and men to enter and complete formal education is essential in bringing about a cultural and social change in attitude towards the economic and social value of family planning. This study and others suggest that education can address the imbalance in decision making about contraception and the role of women in society generally.
Primary Health Care Nurses’ conceptions of involuntarily migrated families’ health
Authors: Samarasinghe K. , Fridlund B. , Arvidsson B. 
Published: November 2006

Background:  Involuntary migration and adaptation to a new cultural environment is known to be a factor of psychological stress. Primary Health Care Nurses (PHCNs) frequently interact with refugee families as migrant health needs are mainly managed within Primary Health Care.Aim:  To describe the health of the involuntary migrated family in transition as conceptualized by Swedish PHCNs.Method:  Thirty‐four PHCNs from two municipalities in Sweden were interviewed and phenomenographical contextual analysis was used in analysing the data.Findings:  Four family profiles were created, each epitomizing the health characteristics of a migrated family in transition: (1) a mentally distressed family wedged in the asylum‐seeking process, (2) an insecure family with immigrant status, (3) a family with internal instability and segregated from society, and (4) a stable and well‐functioning family integrated in society. Contextual socio‐environmental stressors such as living in uncertainty awaiting asylum, having unprocessed traumas, change of family roles, attitudes of the host country and social segregation within society were found to be detrimental to the well‐being of the family.Conclusion:  Acceptance and a clear place in society as well as clearly defined family roles are crucial in facilitating a healthy transition for refugee families. Primary Health Care Nursing can facilitate this by adopting a family system perspective in strengthening the identity of the families and reducing the effects of socio‐environmental stressors.
Temporary Bottlenecks, Hydropower and Acquisitions*
Authors: Skaar Jostein , Sørgard Lars 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe apply a model with four markets, two regions and two time periods, to study the effects of an acquisition in a hydropower system with temporary bottlenecks. The effect on welfare is found to be ambiguous. In some instances an acquisition leads to larger differences in prices between markets, which gives rise to an increase in deadweight loss. In other instances it leads to a reduction in price differences between markets, particularly if the dominant firm acquires a firm which was active in the market where the dominant firm used to dump its production before the acquisition.
Left to Market and Family – Again? Ideas and the Development of the Rural Pension Policy in China
Authors: Shi Shih‐Jiunn 
Published: November 2006

Abstract The rural pension policy in China is characterized by a high degree of instability. In the past 15 years since the introduction of pilot schemes in some regions, the state has been unable to establish a stable institutional framework for rural old‐age security. This article seeks to integrate the theoretical insights from a growing body of international literature on the role of ideas in social policy reform in order to shed new light on the study of Chinese rural pension policy. I argue that the rise of the rural pension scheme and its eventual failure to make consistent progress towards a comprehensive system is directly related to conflicting ideas among bureaucrats with respect to what sort of welfare provision the rural elderly actually need. The fluctuations in this policy realm vividly illustrate the predominance of the policy idea that peasants could still rely on their land and family, supplemented by private commercial insurance, in their old age. Given this alleged self‐reliance on the part of rural residents, the state is very reluctant to set up a comprehensive rural pension scheme. As a result, the old‐age security of the peasants in rural China is standing on very thin ice, and the prospect for more active state involvement in the near future remains dim.
TRANSCENDING DICHOTOMIES IN HISTORY AND RELIGION
Authors: MCINTIRE C. T. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTAt first glance, to speak of “history and religion” presents no problem. We merely identify two items to discuss in the same study. We quickly discover, however, that since at least the twentieth century the pair “history and religion” has tended to operate as a dichotomy. Within the dominant traditions of discourse originating in Europe, over many centuries, the verbal pair “history and religion” became a dichotomy encoded as the dichotomy “secular and religious,” signifying the opposition “not religious and religious.” This dichotomy does not usually appear alone, but commonly comes associated with other dichotomies whose terms align with either history or religion. The short list of associated dichotomies includes: temporal and spiritual, natural and supernatural, reason and faith, public and private, social and personal, scientific and theological, objective and subjective, rational and emotional, and modern and medieval. The opposing parts come gendered as masculine and feminine. Usage of the dichotomies creates tensions with practitioners of virtually all religions in all regions of the world. Rigorous and consistent users of the dichotomies misunderstand the character of religions as ways of life, fail to account for the persistence and revival of religion in the twenty‐first century, and overlook the intrinsic manner in which history manifests religion and religion manifests history. The defective outcomes prompt a number of constructive suggestions for transcending dichotomies in history and religion. These reflections on dichotomies refer to several varieties of Christianity, the emergence of the secular option, and the imagined triumph of Hindu dharma.
The trade union merger process in Europe: defensive adjustment or strategic reform?
Authors: Waddington Jeremy 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTIn most Member States of the European Union, trade unionists are reforming trade union structures through engagement in the merger process. This article charts the scale of the merger process since 2000 and identifies the key features of the unions that result from it. The article assesses the outcome of the merger process by reference to aspects of trade union purpose. While much of the merger process is shown to be defensive, particular mergers are highlighted as comprising features that may assist in the renewal of trade union organisation.
The free movement of workers and social Europe: maintaining the European ideal
Authors: Donaghey Jimmy , Teague Paul 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe big EU enlargement of 2004 has fuelled the debate about whether labour migration from the east to the west is causing social dumping in the European economy, with the effect of upsetting established national systems of labour market regulation. This article reviews the effects of migration on EU labour markets. It also examines three recent industrial relations disputes which were about job displacement. It argues that there is little evidence of greater labour mobility causing new social dumping pressures on a widespread basis. However, it goes on to suggest that the situation may change if the EU adopts neoliberal policies such as the initial draft Services Directive at the same time as promoting greater labour market openness between the Member States. The article concludes by arguing for a better policy mix which would on the one hand involve the EU maintaining its commitment to the free movement of workers and on the other hand strengthen labour standard‐setting mechanisms at both the EU and national levels.
Endosperm formation in aposporous Crataegus (Rosaceae, Spiraeoideae, tribe Pyreae): parallels to Ranunculaceae and Poaceae
Authors: Talent Nadia , Dickinson Timothy A. 
Published: November 2006

Summary
Apomixis in Crataegus is primarily aposporous and requires pollination. The embryo sac is of the Polygonum type. A combination of meiotically unreduced embryo sacs with apparently reduced pollen would violate the usual requirement for a 2 : 1 ratio of maternal to paternal contributions to the endosperm. We therefore investigated the origin of endosperm in seeds of sexual diploids and apomictic polyploids of the sister genera Crataegus and Mespilus.
Flow‐cytometric DNA measurements from embryo and endosperm in mature seeds were converted to ploidy levels using leaf‐tissue information.
The diploids had triploid endosperm. In c. 60% of seed from polyploids, one sperm apparently contributes to the endosperm, while 25% or more may involve two sperm. Additional results suggest that trinucleate central cells also occur. Fertilization of meiotically unreduced eggs is indicated.
The ratio of maternal to paternal contributions to the endosperm in these apomictic Crataegus is not constrained to 2 : 1. They thus resemble some Sorbus (Pyreae) and very distantly related Ranunculus (Ranunculaceae). It is suggested that Paspalum (Poaceae) may have similarly flexible endosperm ploidy levels.
Characterization of microsatellites in the fungal plant pathogen Crinipellis perniciosa
Authors: GRAMACHO KARINA P. , RISTERUCCI A. M. , LANAUD C. , LIMA L. S. , LOPES U. V. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMicrosatellite markers of Crinipellis perniciosa, with three and four repeats, were developed from sequence database and evaluated for their usefulness in detecting genetic polymorphism. Thirty‐three primers produced unambiguous amplification products of 28 microsatellite‐containing loci and 14 microsatellite‐like polymorphic loci, with two to seven alleles at each locus. Three loci were useful to distinguish isolates from different biotypes and isolates from different countries. Amplification of the markers in the closely related fungi Moniliophthora roreri indicates that their usefulness in population's studies may go beyond the present study of the C. perniciosa and may have applications in population genetics of M. roreri.