bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A controlled trial of a school-based intervention to improve asthma management
Authors: McCann D. C. , McWhirter J. , Coleman H. , Calvert M. , Warner J. O. 
Published: February 2006

The present study investigated schools as an appropriate context for an intervention designed to produce clinical and psychological benefits for children with asthma.A total of 193 out of 219 (88.1%) children with asthma (aged 7–9 yrs) from 23 out of 24 (95.8%) schools completed the study. Intervention schools received a staff asthma-training session, advice on asthma policy, an emergency β2-agonist inhaler with spacer and whole-class asthma workshops. Nonintervention schools received no asthma-related input.Intervention children required less general practitioner-prescribed preventer medication despite no differences in symptom control compared with the nonintervention asthmatic group. Increased peer knowledge of asthma may have mediated improved active quality of life in the intervention group, together with increased self-esteem in young females. Those females not receiving the intervention, but identified as being asthmatic within the classroom, and thus possibly stigmatised, reported decreased self-esteem. Lower self-esteem in young males was associated with pet ownership. No change was found in staff knowledge, the establishment of asthma policies or school absences which were low even before intervention.In conclusion, a whole-school intervention can improve the health of children with asthma when followed with support for all children but effects are likely to be modified by sex and the home environment.
24‐Hour Pretreatment with δ Opioid Enhances Survival from Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Oeltgen Peter R. , Govindaswami Meera , Witzke Donald B. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives:
δ opioids have been shown to confer ischemic preconditioning and pharmacologic ischemic preconditioning to the myocardium. However, their role in providing extended pharmacologic ischemic preconditioning in hemorrhagic shock has not been explored. The authors examined the effects of 24‐hour preinfusions of a selective δ opioid receptor agonist, Deltorphin‐Dvariant (Delt‐Dvar), on hemodynamic stability and duration of survival in a rat model of severe hemorrhagic shock.
Methods:
Conscious Sprague–Dawley rats with indwelling catheters were hemorrhaged at a rate of 3.18 mL/l00 g over 20 minutes. Twenty‐four hours before hemorrhage, the control group (n= 14) was infused with 1.0 mL lactated Ringer's solution, and the Delt‐Dvar–treated group (n= 22) was infused with 5.0 mg/kg Delt‐Dvar in 1.0 mL lactated Ringer's solution. Rats were continuously monitored for heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, and four‐hour survival rates. Plasma lactate levels were determined at the beginning of hemorrhage and the end of hemorrhage.
Results:
At 240 minutes, only one of 14 controls (7.1%) survived, while 16 (72.7%) of the 22 experimental rats survived. No significant differences in heart rate between controls and Delt‐Dvar–treated rats were noted. Increases in mean arterial pressure of Delt‐Dvar–treated rats at the beginning of hemorrhage and at the end of hemorrhage were found to be significant (p < 0.05). At 240 minutes, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were not different between the single surviving control and the Delt‐Dvar group. At the end of hemorrhage, lactate levels in the Delt‐Dvar–treated group were 8.5 (± 0.5) mmol/L versus 10.8 (± 0.6) mmol/L (p < 0.05) in the control group.
Conclusions:
Twenty‐four–hour pretreatment with Delt‐Dvar decreases plasma lactate levels and improves hemodynamic stability and survival during hemorrhagic shock. The use of δ‐specific opioids may improve survival from hemorrhagic shock and have clinical utility in providing ischemic protection in scenarios of planned ischemia.
Androgen Activation of the Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein Pathway: Current Insights
Authors: Heemers Hannelore V. , Verhoeven Guido , Swinnen Johannes V. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe cellular effects of androgens are mediated by a cognate receptor, the androgen receptor. Typically, the androgen receptor is viewed to exert its activity by binding to androgen response elements located in or near the promoter region of target genes, thereby directly affecting the expression of these genes. However, increasing evidence indicates that androgens may also indirectly influence the expression of genes that do not contain androgen response elements by modulating the activity of secondary transcription factors, mediating the expression of growth factors acting in a paracrine or autocrine fashion, or by inducing changes in the production of other hormones. These indirect effects of androgens can induce cascade-like actions and may play an important role in more complex processes involving coordinated responses of genes, cells, and organs. Previously, our laboratory has identified and characterized a novel indirect mechanism of androgen action involving proteolytical activation of the key lipogenic transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP), resulting in the coordinate up-regulation of entire cellular lipogenic pathways. Interestingly, activation of SREBPs by androgens occurs not only under normal physiological conditions but has also been observed in a growing number of pathologies, and more in particular in the setting of steroid-regulated cancers, where increased lipogenesis has been shown to have remarkable diagnostic and prognostic potential and is considered a prime target for novel therapeutic approaches. This review aims to analyze current insights into the molecular mechanism(s) underlying androgen activation of the SREBP pathway and to ascertain the extent to which this phenomenon can be generalized to androgen-responsive cell systems.
Decade-long use of continuous combined hormone replacement therapy is associated with better health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women, as measured by the generic 15D instrument
Authors: Ylikangas Stiina , Sintonen Harri , Heikkinen Jorma 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To examine quality of life after a decade of continuous combined hormone replacement therapy. Study design: The 15D, a generic health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) instrument, was used to evaluate trends in HRQoL in women who used continuous combined hormone replacement therapy (ccHRT; Indivina®, Orion Pharma, Finland) for up to nine years. These women had a mean age of 56 years of age at the start of therapy. Control data on HRQoL were obtained from age-matched women participating in Finnish population health surveys. Results: Relative to controls, ccHRT was associated with significantly better HRQoL after six and nine years of treatment. Dose minimization at 8.5 years was not associated with a decline in HRQoL in the ensuing six months. One year after discontinuation of ccHRT there was evidence of a decline in HRQoL in women who discontinued ccHRT as planned, whereas HRQoL was maintained in women who had continued or resumed ccHRT during the one-year post-study follow-up. The benefits of ccHRT were apparent in multiple dimensions of the 15D, being largest and most robustly reproduced in the dimension 'discomfort and symptoms'. It is conjectured that the effectiveness of ccHRT in relieving symptoms of menopause may have contributed to the improved HRQoL scores registered in other dimensions, in addition to any direct effects of ccHRT on specific aspects of those other dimensions. Conclusions: These data indicate that up to 10 years of low-dose ccHRT has sustained value in the enhancement of HRQoL when used by women for whom relief of symptoms of menopause and control of bleeding are primary objectives of treatment.
Domestic Violence Recent Research (2004–2005) Part III: Risk Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Lowenstein L. F. 
Published: February 2006

The causes of and reasons for spousal abuse are many. There is the need to abuse in order to control and hence to assert power by preventing the victim from seeking a greater say in the relationship. Abusers are often jealous and possessive, preventing their partners from having contacts outside their relationship. Abusers often belittle and isolate their partner and make them feel inept, worthless and dependent. Sometimes abusers have alcohol or substance abuse problems. The reaction of the victims is to become dependent, fearful and to develop low self-esteem. Numerous psychological problems also develop in victims. The following important individualised goals must be achieved to protect victims. First, and most importantly, is to safeguard victims from abuse, providing treatment for the victim and children as well as for the abuser. This must be done individually rather than as a couple. Perpetrators must not only accept that what they do is wrong, and that there must be zero tolerance in relation to this, but they must also learn to develop the capacity to change both attitudes and behaviour. They need to learn to deal with their anger and to attend treatment on the basis of this. Legal action is also vital.
Multiplex Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR to Detect 6 Common Germline Mutations of the MUTYH Gene Associated with Polyposis and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Piccioli Patrizia , Serra Martina , Gismondi Viviana , Pedemonte Simona , Loiacono Fabrizio , Lastraioli Sonia , Bertario Lucio , De Angioletti Maria , Varesco Liliana , Notaro Rosario 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Background: We describe a simple tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (T-ARMS-PCR) for detecting MUTYH mutations, which are associated with colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer.
Methods: We designed specific T-ARMS-PCR assays for 6 mutations (Y165C, G382D, 1395_7delGGA, Y90X, 1103delC, and R231H) selected on the basis of the frequency of their occurrence. We also designed a set of 3 multiplex T-ARMS PCR assays, each for detection of 2 mutations. We tested DNA samples from patients with attenuated or classic adenomatous polyposis coli and no detectable APC germline mutations.
Results: All mutations were easily detected with both the specific and multiplex T-ARMS-PCR assays. Results were confirmed by DNA HPLC analysis in all 54 patients, and each mutation was confirmed by direct DNA sequencing.
Conclusions: T-ARMS-PCR does not require any special equipment, and it provides rapid, reproducible, and cost-effective detection of common MUTYH mutations. Multiplex T-ARMS-PCR allows the detection of 6 common MUTYH mutations with use of as few as 3 single tube PCR reactions. It could be useful to carry out large population-based epidemiologic studies.
Pretreatment Plasma Folate Modulates the Pharmacodynamic Effect of High-Dose Methotrexate in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: “Folate Overrescue” Concept Revisited
Authors: Sterba Jaroslav , Dusek Ladislav , Demlova Regina , Valik Dalibor 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground: To evaluate the influence of pretreatment plasma folate concentrations on methotrexate exposure in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia/non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with high-dose methotrexate, we assessed time profiles of plasma homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 concentrations in children treated with high-dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue.Methods: We analyzed 98 treatment courses. The study endpoints were to determine how methotrexate exposure is related to homocysteine accumulation and whether it is influenced by pretreatment plasma folate.Results: Peak concentrations of homocysteine increased from the start of the intravenous infusion through cessation of methotrexate therapy up to time point t42, when this trend was reversed by administration of folinic acid. The area under the curve (AUC) for plasma homocysteine showed decreasing course-to-course tendencies with a statistically significant decrease only between courses 1 and 2 (P ≤0.05), indicating decreased whole-body homocysteine accumulation in response to administration of consecutive methotrexate courses. Therapeutic courses with low initial folate concentrations (≤10 nmol/L) gave significantly higher responses in homocysteine accumulation expressed both as hcysAUC0–66 h and the peak t42 homocysteine concentrations than did courses with initial folate &gt;10 nmol/L. Correspondingly, in the courses with low initial folate, peak plasma concentrations of methotrexate were significantly higher than in courses with high precourse concentrations of plasma folate.Conclusion: Endogenous pretreatment plasma folate modulates the magnitude of the methotrexate effect, providing support for a “folate overrescue” concept.
Systematischer Entwurf eines signalbasierten Fehlerdiagnosesystems, Teil 2 (A Systematic Designing Approach for Signal-based Fault Diagnosis System, Part 2)
Authors: Feid Michael , Pandit Madhukar 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
In Teil 1 des vorliegenden Aufsatzes wurden die Grundlagen des Entwurfs eines erweiterten signalbasierten Fehlerdiagnosesystems beschrieben. In Teil 2 werden die beschriebenen Verfahren für den Entwurf eines Diagnosesystems eines pneumatischen Stellventils als praktisches Beispiel angewendet.
Flachheitsbasierte Steuerstrategien für Batch-Reaktoren (Flatness based Feedforward Control Strategies for Batch Reactors)
Authors: Pfeiffer Bernd-Markus , Schneider Matthias 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Mit Hilfe der Flachheitsanalyse nichtlinearer dynamischer Systeme wird es erstmals möglich, eine geschlossene analytische Formel zur Berechnung von Steuertrajektorien für Batch-Reaktoren direkt aus den verfahrenstechnischen Spezifikationen des Reaktors herzuleiten. Bisher wurde diese Theorie nur dazu genutzt, spezielle Lösungen für eine einzelne Anwendung zu finden. Jetzt ist es erstmals gelungen, eine im Rahmen von Prozessleitsystemen breit einsetzbare Lösung für eine große Klasse von Chemie-Reaktoren zu finden. Die in der Praxis geforderte Robustheit wird durch Kombination mit einem Trajektorien-Folgeregler erreicht.
Regelkreisüberwachung in der Metallindustrie. Teil 2: Anwendungskonzept und Fallstudie (Control Performance Monitoring in the Metal Industry. Part 2: Application Concept and Case Study)
Authors: Jelali Mohieddine 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Die Automatisierungssysteme in der Metallindustrie sind in der Regel hierarchisch, d. h. aus mehreren Ebenen aufgebaut, wobei jede Ebene eine große Anzahl von Regelkreisen beinhaltet. Dieser Teil 2 der Arbeit stellt ein neues systematisches Konzept zur kontinuierlichen Regelkreisüberwachung in solchen Automatisierungssystemen vor. Die dabei gewählte Vorgehensweise besteht aus zwei Phasen. In der ersten erfolgt die Festlegung, in welcher Reihenfolge (Top-down oder Bottom-up) die hierarchisch angeordneten Regelkreise zu bewerten sind. Dann wird in der zweiten Phase die Performanceanalyse nach einer Prozedur durchgeführt, die verschiedene Verfahren und Indices des CPM kombiniert. Das Konzept wird an der Performancebewertung einer industriellen Banddickenregelung in einem Kaltwalzwerk demonstriert. Damit gelingt es erstmalig, CPM-Methoden auf einen hochdynamischen Prozess anzuwenden. Bestandteil der Fallstudie ist auch der Vergleich unterschiedlicher Parametrierungsansätze zur Totzeitschätzung und Modellidentifikation.
Unique Evolutionary Mechanism in R-Genes Under the Presence/Absence Polymorphism in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shen Jingdan , Araki Hitoshi , Chen Lingling , Chen Jian-Qun , Tian Dacheng 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
While the presence/absence polymorphism is commonly observed in disease resistance (R-) genes in Arabidopsis, only a few R-genes under the presence/absence polymorphism (R-P/A) have been investigated. To understand the mechanism of the molecular evolution of R-P/A, we investigated genetic variation of nine R-P/A in A. thaliana from worldwide populations. The number of possessed R-genes varied widely among accessions (two to nine, on average 4.3 ± 1.6/accession). No pair of accessions shared the same haplotype, and no clear geographic differentiation was observed with respect to the pattern of presence/absence of the R-genes investigated. Presence allele frequencies also varied among loci (25–70%), and no linkage disequilibrium was detected among them. Although the LRR region in regular R-genes is known to be highly polymorphic and has a high Ka/Ks ratio in A. thaliana, nucleotide sequences of this region in the R-P/A showed a relatively low level of genetic variation (π = 0.0002–0.016) and low Ka/Ks (0.03–0.70, &lt;1). In contrast, the nucleotide diversities around the deletion junction of R-P/A were constantly high between presence and absence accessions for the R-genes (Dxy = 0.031–0.103). Our results suggest that R-P/A loci evolved differently from other R-gene loci and that balancing selection plays an important role in molecular evolution of R-P/A.
Efficient Gene Targeting in Drosophila With Zinc-Finger Nucleases
Authors: Beumer Kelly , Bhattacharyya Gargi , Bibikova Marina , Trautman Jonathan K , Carroll Dana 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
This report describes high-frequency germline gene targeting at two genomic loci in Drosophila melanogaster, y and ry. In the best case, nearly all induced parents produced mutant progeny; 25% of their offspring were new mutants and most of these were targeted gene replacements resulting from homologous recombination (HR) with a marked donor DNA. The procedure that generates these high frequencies relies on cleavage of the target by designed zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and production of a linear donor in situ. Increased induction of ZFN expression led to higher frequencies of gene targeting, demonstrating the beneficial effect of activating the target. In the absence of a homologous donor DNA, ZFN cleavage led to the recovery of new mutants at three loci—y, ry and bw—through nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) after cleavage. Because zinc fingers can be directed to a broad range of DNA sequences and targeting is very efficient, this approach promises to allow genetic manipulation of many different genes, even in cases where the mutant phenotype cannot be predicted.
Genetic Diversity among Hatchery Stocks and Established Populations of Rainbow Trout in Missouri
Authors: Dillman Casey B. , Koppelman Jeffrey B. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIntroduction of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in Missouri over the last 125 years has established numerous self‐sustaining populations. While many populations have been repeatedly stocked, some have received few fish beyond the original releases, and it is possible that those populations currently represent their source lineages. There is angler interest in fishing “wild” rainbow trout populations both for historical purposes and for the fighting ability of hooked fish. A genetic inventory was conducted to determine the extent to which Missouri's wild fish differ from hatchery stocks. Haplotype diversity in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b gene and allele frequencies at four microsatellite loci were examined. Significant differences in mtDNA genotypes were found among several wild and hatchery sources, indicating that multiple sources of rainbow trout were probably represented. Crane Creek—long considered a stronghold of McCloud River (California) redband trout O. mykiss stonei in Missouri—and its tributary, Spring Creek, were characterized as having a large proportion of unique haplotypes. Microsatellite diversity was largely shared among individuals within populations, and average heterozygosity was high. By including this information in decisions about regulations and stocking, the Missouri Department of Conservation can manage rainbow trout to satisfy angler interests with respect to both historical and performance‐related population characteristics.
Crafting Questions That Address Comprehension Strategies in Content Reading
Authors: Fordham Nancy W. 
Published: February 2006

This article describes initial attempts by preservice and inservice teachers enrolled in university reading courses to devise questions that encourage students to read content texts strategically. Teachers at both levels tended to confuse questions that encourage the use of comprehension strategies during reading with questions that assess comprehension of what has been read. Despite understanding the aspects of cognition that promote good comprehension, at first these elementary and middle‐grade teachers appeared to revert to ingrained questioning models that largely ignored the cognitive components of comprehension.The distinction between the design and functions of these questions must be clear to teachers if they are to be effective in helping students construct meaning from subject matter texts. University classes that provide modeling and practice in crafting and asking strategic questions support content teachers in this important skill.
Tales Out of School: Accounting for Adolescents in a Literacy Reform Community
Authors: Brozo William 
Published: February 2006

Guided by the hypothesis that students are most directly affected by—but least often consulted about—educational policy, practice, and reform, the author gathered interview data from students at a high school that was enacting new schoolwide literacy initiatives. In spite of the reforms, student achievement on state tests remained unchanged from previous years.The interview data support the assertion that the success or failure of literacy reform efforts depends in large measure on the cooperation and investment of students. Findings suggest further that adolescents, like their teachers, are not compliant functionaries but critical negotiators of change. On the basis of issues raised in the interviews, the author offers suggestions for ensuring all students are authorized as legitimate members of reform communities. Otherwise, the author claims, literacy innovations, which are often perceived as worthwhile by those lauding and enacting them, may have a limited degree of success in improving youths' academic performance.
Mission Accomplished…It's Learnable Now: Voices of Mature Challenged Spellers Using a Word Study Approach
Authors: Massengill Donita 
Published: February 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an instructional spelling approach, Word Study, on adult learners' spelling. The author sought to learn more about participants' stage of spelling development, to gain information from the adults on their interpretations of this approach, and to determine if a short‐term intervention would change their spelling or self‐perception.Nine adult participants were administered one reading and two spelling pre‐ and postassessments. Eight participants were in the syllables‐and‐affixes stage, and one possessed adequate orthographic knowledge to be placed in the derivational relations stage. The nine participants received individualized Word Study intervention (word sorts) for 12 sessions between pre‐ and posttests. The adults made significant spelling gains on their knowledge of word features as measured by the Upper Level Spelling Inventory; however, their improvement in raw scores was not significant. Further, the participants demonstrated an increase in confidence, self‐esteem, and willingness to attempt the spelling of unknown words. All nine participants favorably viewed Word Study as a respectable spelling approach for adults. A section is devoted to implications for practice.