bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gaining Insight into Business Telecommunications Students Through the Assessment of Learning Styles
Authors: Sandman Thomas E. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe assessment of student learning styles can be of significant value for developing and evaluating an appropriate mix of pedagogical techniques and activities. With this in mind, learning style preferences were collected from over 300 undergraduate business telecommunications students. These set of data show that a breadth of learning style profiles are exhibited by undergraduate business telecommunications students. Most importantly, this article demonstrates a process to evaluate whether or not the current course structure either favors or disadvantages any particular learning style profile. Because there are many learning style profiles present, the evidence that no single profile is disadvantaged gives the instructor confidence in the mix of pedagogical techniques and activities that are employed in this particular course.
Decremental Accessory Pathway Conduction After Ablation and Antidromic Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia 8 Years After Successful Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: SUMITOMO NAOKATA , FUKUHARA JUNJI , MUGISHIMA HIDEO , SUGI KAORU 
Published: January 2009

Introduction:
This is a rare case of antidromic reciprocating tachycardia developing 8 years after successful catheter ablation.
Result:
A 15‐year‐old girl had recurrence of palpitations 8 years after the ablation of manifest right posteroseptal accessory pathway. Atrial burst pacing revealed Wenckebach atrioventricular conduction with preexcitation. Wide QRS tachycardia with identical morphology to sinus rhythm associated with retrograde His potential recorded immediately after the V‐wave was induced by isoproterenol infusion. Atrial premature stimulus applied at the identical timing of His potential advanced the subsequent ventricular beat and His potential.
Conclusion:
Catheter ablation may produce decremental accessory pathway conduction and rarely cause antidromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia. This may be explained by a presence of “de novo” accessory pathway with decremental conduction properties that became manifest after the first ablation.
QT Prolongation and Monomorphic VT Caused by Pheochromocytoma
Authors: PAULIN FRÉDÉRIC L. , KLEIN GEORGE J. , GULA LORNE J. , SKANES ALLAN C. , YEE RAYMOND , KRAHN ANDREW D. 
Published: January 2009

Introduction: Pheochromocytoma may present with ECG abnormalities as one of the few clues to the diagnosis. Methods and Results: A 30‐year‐old woman presented with chest pain and a QTc of 525 ms. Four weeks later following a syncopal episode, her QTc was 660 ms. Short runs of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia were recorded. Investigations revealed an adrenal pheochromocytoma. Her QTc normalized after excision of the tumor. Comprehensive QT gene screening of KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1, and KCNE2 was negative. Conclusion: Pheochromocytoma may induce monomorphic VT and QT prolongation. The interaction of different catecholamines may have a compounding effect on cardiac repolarization.
Short QT Interval: A Novel Predictor of Androgen Abuse in Strength Trained Athletes
Authors: Bigi Mohammad Ali Babaee , Aslani Amir , Aslani Arsalan 
Published: January 2009

Objectives: To find the relationship between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) using and QT interval in athletes. Methods: Between January 1, 2005 and May 31, 2007, we examined QTc interval duration in 165 consecutive male professional bodybuilders [age: 32.1 ± 4.6 years]. Of these, 79 were AAS users. The control group included 90 sedentary age and gender matched subjects [none of them were AAS users]. Results: The QTc interval of AAS abusing bodybuilders was significantly shorter compared with QTc interval in AAS‐free bodybuilders and control group. Short QTc interval (≤380 ms) was an independent predictor of AAS abusing in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, there is no published report regarding electrocardiographic diagnosis and screening of AAS abusing athletes. In the present study, we present an easy and applicable method to screen and diagnose AAS abusing among professional bodybuilders. In the presence of QTc interval ≤ 380 ms in a bodybuilder, one would predict AAS abusing with 83% sensitivity and 88% specificity.
Une analyse en termes d'équilibre de l'écart salarial entre hommes et femmes
Authors: CHICHILNISKY Graciela , HERMANN FREDERIKSEN Elisabeth 
Published: January 2009

Résumé.Partant de l'hypothèse selon laquelle les apports en travail domestique des hommes et des femmes sont complémentaires, les auteures vérifient l'existence d'équilibres multiples. Dans certains cas, le travail est réparti àégalité et les salaires sont identiques. Dans d'autres, la répartition est différente, de même que les salaires. Dans ce contexte, les stéréotypes relatifs à l'infériorité de la productivité des femmes se révèlent autoréalisateurs. Partant d'exemples numériques, les auteures montrent que le bien‐être est supérieur lorsque le couple répartit le travail à part égale, puis elles énoncent des recommandations politiques.
Inégalités et mondialisation financière: le rapport qui tombe à pic
Authors: Bollé Patrick 
Published: January 2009

Résumé.Cette note présente la nouvelle publication annuelle de l'Institut international d'études sociales de l'OIT, le Rapport mondial sur le travail 2008, dont le thème est les inégalités de revenu à l'épreuve de la mondialisation financière. Cette publication tombe à point nommé au moment où l'on s'inquiète de l'ampleur, de la durée et des conséquences économiques et sociales de la crise financière. Le rapport traite des déterminants de l'accroissement des inégalités de revenu, et de ses liens avec la mon‐dialisation financière, les institutions du marché du travail, les emplois – création et caractéristiques –, et les politiques de redistribution.
A strategic approach to labour inspection
Authors: WEIL David 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.In a report released in 2006, the ILO highlighted the difficulties of labour inspection in its member States and advocated a number of measures to strengthen its effectiveness. The author argues that inspectorates must go beyond calls for more inspectors by adopting a clear strategic framework for reacting to incoming complaints and targeting programmed investigations in order to maximize effectiveness in the use of their overstretched resources. To do so, he proposes, their work must be guided by the principles of prioritization, deterrence, sustainability and achieving systemic effects. The article concludes with an outline of the requirements of a coherent regulatory strategy.
Social protection in Chile: Reforms to improve equity
Authors: MESA‐LAGO Carmelo 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.At the beginning of the 1980s, Chile pioneered the implementation in Latin America of structural reforms that fully or partially privatized pensions, health‐care and social assistance systems. Implemented without prior social dialogue, these reforms – which subsequently influenced similar reforms in other countries of the region and elsewhere – led to reduced social solidarity and equity and intensified poverty and inequality. Over the past 18 years, however, democratic governments have corrected many design faults in the original reforms. The author examines the progress achieved and areas of persistent social inequality in terms of coverage, gender balance and funding, and identifies future challenges.
International labour standards: Recent developments in complementarity between the international and national supervisory systems
Authors: Gravel Eric , Delpech Quentin 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.Far from competing against one another, the national and international systems of labour regulation are interlocked. ILO standards have been used in recent rulings by the highest jurisdictions of some countries. Examining two decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada and another by the Paris Court of Appeal, the authors clarify the circumstances in which national courts make use of these international sources of law and consequent legal implications. The cases involve proceedings before national courts and ILO bodies, and France and Canada also have different legal cultures, enabling a discussion of how national jurisdictions actually appropriate international labour standards.
The influence of staffing and timetabling on achieving competence in surgical extractions
Authors: Moore U. , Durham J. , Corbett I. , Thomson P. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  Competence based education is becoming more important in dentistry and medicine. In dentistry clinical skills are assessed using longitudinal assessments or structured objective clinical tests. We have previously presented the assessment of competence in surgical extractions however the success rate for this was poor. The opportunity to alter staffing levels and timetabling arose and we present the influence of this on the achievement of competence.Methods:  The competence assessments and portfolios of two consecutive years of dental undergraduates were examined after completing their surgical extraction course. The first cohort received 9 sessions of teaching spread over 2 years with one staff supervisor per session. The second cohort received 10 sessions with varying numbers of staff supervisors.Results:  The first cohort required 210 staff sessions and performed 275 surgical extractions (mean 4), and 23% achieved competence. The second cohort required 240 staff sessions and performed 403 surgical extractions (mean 6), and 66% achieved competence. Thirty six extra sessions were provided for students in the second cohort who failed to complete their competence during the allocated blocks and following this 99% of the second cohort achieved competence. These differences are significant (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  It is possible to demonstrate competence in large numbers of undergraduates in surgical extraction. The process can be influenced by staffing and timetabling changes which focus student experience and learning.
Differences in clinical grading associated with instructor status
Authors: Park R. D. , Susarla S. M. , Howell T. H. , Karimbux N. Y. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPurpose:  The purpose of this study was to determine whether the clinical evaluation of pre‐doctoral students is associated with instructor status. The hypothesis was that there would be no association between instructor status and clinical evaluation grades.Materials and methods:  Retrospective analysis of pre‐doctoral clinical evaluations for class II amalgams, class III composites, and periodontal scaling and root planing was performed. The grade averages were based on a rank scale. Descriptive statistics were computed to summarise the predictor and outcome variables. Bivariate statistics were computed to evaluate any associations between the predictors and outcomes. Multiple linear regression models were computed to evaluate the simultaneous effects of multiple predictors on clinical evaluations.Results:  The study sample consisted of 238 class II amalgams, 246 class III composites, and 675 scaling and root planings which occurred between August 2003 and June 2005. The procedure averages for these procedures were 1.8 ± 0.67, 1.8 ± 0.66 and 2.1 ± 0.56 respectively. The management averages were 2.0 ± 0.63, 1.5 ± 0.58 and 1.4 ± 0.54 respectively. In bivariate analyses, faculty status was associated with treatment averages for all three procedures.Conclusions:  Faculty status was associated with treatment score for all three procedures evaluated. Full‐time faculty gave the best grades for restorative procedures. For periodontal procedures, part‐time faculty gave the best grades. More studies are warranted to elucidate the nature behind these differences.
Isolation and characterization of 145 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the common frog (Rana temporaria)
Authors: MATSUBA CHIKAKO , MERILÄ JUHA 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 145 di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the common frog (Rana temporaria), a species commonly used as a model in ecological and evolutionary research. Primers were tested on 46 individuals from two Fennoscandian populations and yielded an average of six to nine alleles per locus (range = 1–30) depending on the population. Average observed heterozygosities in the two populations were 0.16 (range = 0–0.91) and 0.36 (range = 0–1).
Development of VNTR markers for three Aspergillus species used in brewing
Authors: TOMIMURA KENTA , IWASHITA KAZUHIRO , YAMADA OSAMU , KOBAYASHI KEN 
Published: January 2009

AbstractUsing a bioinformatics approach, we developed 18 variable number of tandem repeat markers for Aspergillus oryzae for use in population genetic studies. Repeat sequences in the genome sequences of A. oryzae were identified by a tandem repeat finding program. Length polymorphisms at 18 loci were examined in 41 strains of A. oryzae. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 20. Investigation of cross‐species amplifications with A. sojae and A. tamarii showed success. The variable number of tandem repeat markers will be used to determine the population structure of these three Aspergillus species used in brewing.
Noninvasive recovery and detection of possum Trichosurus vulpecula DNA from bitten bait interference devices (WaxTags)
Authors: VARGAS M. L. , CRUICKSHANK R. H. , ROSS J. G. , HOLYOAKE A. J. , OGILVIE S. C. , PATERSON A. M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe brushtail possum is a major agricultural and ecological pest in New Zealand. A novel noninvasive DNA sampling tool for detecting its presence (WaxTags, or WT) was tested. DNA was recovered from saliva left on WT, and two lengths (407 bp and 648 bp) of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcoding region were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were considered (+) when a DNA band was clearly visible by electrophoresis. Different factors that might affect PCR (+) were investigated with captive possums: (i) both extraction protocols of the QIAGEN DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit, (ii) effect of an overnight or longer delay of up to 3 weeks before DNA extraction on both COI amplicons, and (iii) effect of the individual, order and magnitude of the bite. Extraction protocols were not significantly different. The effect of the overnight delay was not significant, and amplification of the short amplicon was significantly higher (100%) than for the long fragment (48%). After a two or 3‐week delay, the short amplicon had 94% and 56% PCR (+), success rates, respectively. Individual, order and magnitude of a bite had no significant effect. The delay trial was repeated with WT from the wild, for which PCR (+) rate of the short amplicon was 63%, regardless of freshness. Four microsatellites were amplified from captive WT samples. We conclude that DNA from saliva traces can be recovered from WT, a potential new tool for noninvasive monitoring of possums and other wildlife.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the sea squirt Halocynthia roretzi
Authors: HAN HYON‐SOB , NAM BO‐HYE , KANG JUNG‐HA , CHOI TAE‐JIN , KIM WOO‐JIN , HUR YOUNG‐BAEK , YOON MOONGEUN 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe sea squirt Halocynthia roretzi is an important marine food resource species that is found in the waters around Korea. We describe the isolation and characterization of 13 new polymorphic microsatellite loci in 96 sea squirt samples that were collected from the marine environment of Samcheok on the east coast of Korea. The number of alleles that were observed for each locus ranged from six to 32, and the value of expected and observed heterozygosities was 0.504–0.922 and 0.396–0.813, respectively. These markers will be useful tools for future population studies.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus
Authors: LAURENCE S. , BEWICK A. J. , COLTMAN D. W. , DAVIS C. S. , ELSASSER S. C. , KIDD A. G. , LESBARRÈRES D. , SCHULTE‐HOSTEDDE A. I. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe describe the isolation and characterization of 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus. Microsatellite markers from three other rodent species were cross‐amplified in muskrat and one of them was polymorphic. We observed moderate to high levels of genetic variability in these 13 polymorphic loci (five to 22 alleles per locus) with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.96. These markers will be useful for further studies on population genetic structure in muskrat and potentially in other rodent species.
Interference competition between gray wolves and coyotes in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Merkle J. A. , Stahler D. R. , Smith D. W. 
Published: January 2009

Factors influencing the outcome of interspecific interactions between sympatric carnivores, along with population-level consequences, are not clearly understood. The reintroduction of gray wolves ( Canis lupus L., 1758) to Yellowstone National Park provides a rare opportunity to study interactions with coyotes ( Canis latrans Say, 1823), which had lived in the absence of wolves for >60 years. We evaluated direct interactions between wolves and coyotes to identify factors influencing the outcomes of interspecific interactions and describe the context and degree of competition and coexistence. Using radio-collared wolves, we documented 337 wolf–coyote interactions from 1995 to 2007. The majority (75%) of interactions occurred at ungulate-carcass sites. Wolves initiated the majority of encounters (85%), generally outnumbered coyotes (39%), and dominated (91%) most interactions. Wolves typically (79%) chased coyotes without physical contact; however, 25 interactions (7%) resulted in a coyote death. Interactions decreased over time, suggesting coyote adaptation or a decline in coyote density. In the majority (80%) of fatal interactions, wolves outnumbered coyotes. However, wolves did not outnumber coyotes in interactions (n = 18) where coyotes chased or attacked/harassed wolves. Our results suggest that wolves are the dominant canid, group size may influence the outcome of interactions, and coyotes must benefit from the access to carrion at wolf-killed carcasses.
SINGLETON CONDITIONS AND QUANTUM DE FINETTI'S THEOREM
Authors: ACCARDI LUIGI , GHORBAL ANIS BEN , CRISMALE VITONOFRIO , LU YUN GANG 
Published: January 2009

We investigate the validity of quantum De Finetti's Theorem for algebraic random processes satisfying the singleton condition. We first prove a conditional version of the theorem, then we give some natural conditions which guarantee the full validity of De Finetti's Theorem.
Antiplatelet Actions of Statins and Fibrates Are Mediated by PPARs
Authors: Ali Ferhana Y. , Armstrong Paul C.J. , Dhanji Al-Rehan A. , Tucker Arthur T. , Paul-Clark Mark J. , Mitchell Jane A. , Warner Timothy D. 
Published: January 2009

Objectives—Statins and fibrates are hypolipidemic drugs which decrease cardiac events in individuals without raised levels of cholesterol. These drugs inhibit platelet function, but the mechanisms by which this pleiotropic effect is exerted are not known.Methods and Results—We used a range of approaches to show statins inhibit human platelet activation in vitro while engaging PPARα and PPARγ. The effects of simvastatin were prevented by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 or the PPARα antagonist GW6471. In a small-scale human study fluvastatin activated PPARα and PPARγ in platelets and reduced aggregation in response to arachidonic acid ex vivo. The effects of fenofibrate were prevented by PPARα antagonism with GW6471. Fenofibrate increased bleeding time in wild-type, but not in PPARα−/−mice. The inhibitory effect of fenofibrate, but not simvastatin, on aggregation was prevented by deletion of PPARα in murine platelets. PKCα, which influences platelet activation, associated and immune-precipitated with PPARγ in platelets stimulated with statins and with PPARα in platelets stimulated with fenofibrate.Conclusions—This study is the first to provide a unifying explanation of how fibrates and statins reduce thrombotic and cardiovascular risk. Our findings that PPARs associate with PKCα in platelets also provide a mechanism by which these effects are mediated.
Circulating osteoprotegerin levels are elevated and correlated with antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kwok SK , Shin YJ , Kim HJ , Kim HS , Kim JY , Yoo SA , Choi JJ , Kim WU , Cho CS 
Published: January 2009

Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have an increased risk for the development of thrombotic complications. Recent studies indicate that osteoprotegerin (OPG) acts as an important molecule in the development of vascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between serum OPG levels and APS manifestations in patients with SLE. Seventy-nine patients with SLE and ninety-two healthy controls, matched for age and sex, were included in this study. Serum levels of OPG, monocyte chemoattractant protein(MCP)-1 and soluble E-selectin were determined by ELISA. At the time of serum sampling, various clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed. We found that serum levels of OPG were significantly higher in patients with SLE than in healthy controls (1236 ± 82 vs 967 ± 37 pg/mL, P = 0.003). Particularly, serum OPG levels were significantly higher in SLE patients with APS than those without (1615 ± 191 vs 1171 ± 91 pg/mL, P = 0.006). Serum OPG levels correlated with titres of IgG anti-cardiolipin antibody ( P = 0.026) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibody ( P < 0.001). Moreover, serum OPG also correlated with serum levels of sE-selectin ( P = 0.002), which is an endothelial cell activation marker, and MCP-1 ( P = 0.003), a well known chemokine implicated in thrombogenesis. Collectively, serum OPG levels were increased in SLE patients with APS and correlated with titres of antiphospholipid antibodies, suggesting that OPG might be linked to the development of APS.
Complementary or alternative therapy use and health status in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Alvarez-Nemegyei J , Bautista-Botello A 
Published: January 2009

Despite their unproven efficacy and safety concerns, complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are used by a high proportion of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A prospective survey of past and present CAT use was done on 192 patients (36.5 ± 12.7 years; 106 ± 85 months of disease duration; 94% women) with an SLE diagnosis according to ACR criteria. Quality of life [Short Form 36 (SF-36)] and cumulated damage (SLICC/ACR) were compared between CAT users and non-users. In all, 103 (53.6%; 95% CI: 46.8–60.9) patients were CAT users (median: two remedies/patient): two (1%) in the alternative mode (CAT instead of allopathic treatment); 101 (52.6%) in the complementary mode (CAT in addition to allopathic treatment). A univariate analysis showed CAT users to have higher cumulated damage ( P = 0.01) levels, as well as lower physical function ( P = 0.05), social function ( P = 0.05) and bodily pain ( P = 0.02) domain scores in the SF-36 survey. After adjustment for disease duration with a linear model, only differences in bodily pain ( P = 0.04) and cumulated damage ( P = 0.05) remained statistically significant. CAT use is apparently associated with lower health status in patients with SLE from Yucatan, Mexico. Because the study was cross-sectional, more research is needed to define the directionality of this association.