bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Implementation of Dual‐Source Computed Tomography for Diagnostic Cardiovascular Angiography: Initial Experience
Authors: Dikkers R. , De Jonge G. J. , Willems T. P. , Van Ooijen P. M. A. , Piers L. H. , Tio R. A. , Oudkerk M. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryCoronary angiography (CAG) has been the standard method for detection and follow‐up of coronary artery disease for years. However, it has a slight but discrete complication rate. With the introduction of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), the coronary system could be evaluated non‐invasively. The limited temporal and spatial resolution of the first MDCT scanners made the examination quality of scanning of patients with high, increasing or irregular heart rates or patients with stents, clips or severely calcified arteries less predictable. The introduction of dual‐source computed tomography (DSCT) might constitute a promising new concept for cardiac CT. In this study, we present our first experience with DSCT. We investigated seven patients for different indications with DSCT. Image quality was reliable in all patients despite the presence of high heart rates (up to 105 beats per minute), heavy calcifications and surgical clips. DSCT showed stenoses which were not detected on CAG. Regarding the fact that DSCT not only offers morphological information of the coronary vessel wall and lumen but also delivers all standard functional cardiac parameters, it has true potential as a routine diagnostic tool in the cardiac diagnostic workup. In conclusion, first results of DSCT show high‐quality, consistent cardiac and coronary imaging independent of heart rate and patient condition. These features enable a breakthrough in non‐invasive cardiac and coronary imaging.
Genetic Variation in Fragmented Forest Stands of the Andean Oak Quercus humboldtii Bonpl. (Fagaceae)1
Authors: Fernández‐M. Juan F. , Sork Victoria L. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT Quercus humboldtii is a montane forest dominant species in Colombia, which has experienced significant habitat loss. Using three microsatellite loci, we compared the genetic diversity of adults and seedlings in fragments of small and large size. Results show high genetic diversity, comparable to other temperate oak species (Ho= 0.813, He= 0.780, and f=−0.044). However, allelic richness reduction in seedlings of the most fragmented part of the landscape, suggested restricted gene flow and risk of future genetic bottlenecks, if larger tracts of forest disappear.
DOES CORRECTIONAL PROGRAM QUALITY REALLY MATTER? THE IMPACT OF ADHERING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE INTERVENTION*
Authors: LOWENKAMP CHRISTOPHER T. , LATESSA EDWARD J. , SMITH PAULA 
Published: September 2006

Research Summary:This study analyzed data on 3,237 offenders placed in 1 of 38 community‐based residential programs as part of their parole or other post‐release control. Offenders terminated from these programs were matched to, and compared with, a group of offenders (N = 3,237) under parole or other post‐release control who were not placed in residential programming. Data on program characteristics and treatment integrity were obtained through staff surveys and interviews with program directors. This information on program characteristics was then related to the treatment effects associated with each program.Policy Implications:Significant and substantial relationships between program characteristics and program effectiveness were noted. This research provides information that is relevant to the development of correctional programs, and it can be used by funding agencies when awarding contracts for services.
SCARLET LETTERS AND RECIDIVISM: DOES AN OLD CRIMINAL RECORD PREDICT FUTURE OFFENDING?*
Authors: KURLYCHEK MEGAN C. , BRAME ROBERT , BUSHWAY SHAWN D. 
Published: September 2006

Research Summary:This research explores the issue of old prior records and their ability to predict future offending. In particular, we are interested in the question of whether, after a given period of time, the risk of recidivism for a person who has been arrested in the distant past is ever indistinguishable from that of a population of persons with no prior arrests. Two well‐documented empirical facts guide our investigation: (1) Individuals who have offended in the past are relatively more likely to offend in the future, and (2) the risk of recidivism declines as the time since the last criminal act increases. We find that immediately after an arrest, the knowledge of this prior record does significantly differentiate this population from a population of nonoffenders. However, these differences weaken dramatically and quickly over time so that the risk of new offenses among those who last offended six or seven years ago begins to approximate (but not match) the risk of new offenses among persons with no criminal record.Policy Implications:Individuals with official records of past offending behavior encounter a barrier when they try to obtain employment, even if a person's most recent offense occurred in the distant past. There are many reasons for such obstacles, but they are at least partially premised on the concern that individuals with arrest records—even from the distant past—are more likely to offend in the future than persons with no criminal history. Our analysis questions the logic of such practices and suggests that after a given period of remaining crime free, it may be prudent to wash away the brand of “offender” and open up more legitimate opportunities to this population.
PROPOSITION 8 AND CRIME RATES IN CALIFORNIA: THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING DETERRENT
Authors: WEBSTER CHERYL MARIE , DOOB ANTHONY N. , ZIMRING FRANKLIN E. 
Published: September 2006

Research Summary:In 1999, Daniel Kessler and Steven Levitt published an article that purported to provide support for the marginal deterrent effects of harsher sanctions on levels of crime. Specifically, they concluded that sentence enhancements that came into effect in California in June 1982 as a result of Proposition 8 were responsible for a subsequent drop in serious crime in this state. Our article examines the analyses and findings of this article and suggests that their conclusion of a deterrent impact fails to withstand scrutiny when more complete and more detailed crime data are used and the comparability of “control” groups is carefully examined. In particular, the addition of annual crime levels for all years (versus only the odd‐numbered years that Kessler and Levitt examine) calls into question the prima facie support for a deterrent effect presented by Kessler and Levitt. Specifically, it demonstrates not only that the crime drop in California began before, rather than after, the passing into law of the sentence enhancements in 1982 but also that the downward slope did not accelerate after the change in law. Furthermore, the comparability of the two “control” groups with the “treatment” group is challenged, rendering suspect any findings based on these comparisons.Policy Implications:Case studies suggesting that crime decreased after the imposition of harsh sentencing policies are often cited as evidence of marginal general deterrence. As has been demonstrated in other contexts, the question that needs to be asked is “Compared with what?” Kessler and Levitt's (1999) article demonstrates that those interested in sentencing policy need to be sensitive not only to the appropriateness of the comparisons that are made, but also to the choice of data that are presented.
A Hierarchical Approach to Manipulator Velocity Field Control Considering Dynamic Friction Compensation
Authors: Moreno-Valenzuela Javier , Kelly Rafael 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The velocity field control of robot manipulators is addressed in this paper. The proposed algorithm has a hierarchical structure based on a velocity field kinematic control scheme for joint velocity resolution and an inner loop of joint velocity control that uses an observer for friction compensation. Experiments on a two degrees-of-freedom direct-drive arm illustrate the performance of the proposed controller.
Adaptive Estimation of Time-Varying Parameters in Linearly Parametrized Systems
Authors: Zhu Yongliang , Pagilla Prabhakar R. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Adaptive estimation of time-varying parameters in linearly parametrized systems is considered. The estimation time is divided into small intervals; in each interval the time-varying parameter is approximated by a time polynomial with unknown coefficients. A condition for resetting of the parameter estimate at the beginning of each interval is derived; the condition guarantees that the estimate of the time-varying parameter is continuous and also allows for the coefficients of the polynomial to be different in various time intervals. A modified version of the least-squares algorithm is provided to estimate the time-varying parameters. Stability of the proposed algorithm is shown and discussed. Simulation results on an example are given to validate the proposed method.
Merging of degree and index theory
Authors: Väth Martin 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe topological approaches to find solutions of a coincidence equation "Equation missing" can roughly be divided into degree and index theories. We describe how these methods can be combined. We are led to a concept of an extended degree theory for function triples which turns out to be natural in many respects. In particular, this approach is useful to find solutions of inclusion problems "Equation missing". As a side result, we obtain a necessary condition for a compact AR to be a topological group.
IL-15 and dermal fibroblasts induce proliferation of natural regulatory T cells isolated from human skin
Authors: Clark Rachael A. , Kupper Thomas S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractRegulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for the induction and maintenance of self-tolerance and are present in peripheral tissues such as skin and gut under normal, noninflamed conditions. We report isolation and expansion of the Treg population resident in normal human skin. Cutaneous Tregs expressed high levels of CD25, L-selectin, GITR, FOXP3, and intracellular CTLA-4, low levels of CD69, and high levels of the skin-homing addressins CLA, CCR4, and CCR6. Skin Tregs suppressed the proliferation of CD25lo T cells from the same skin sample in response to CD3 and CD28 antibodies. Suppression was dependent on cell contact and not affected by neutralizing antibodies to interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Surprisingly, cutaneous Tregs proliferated in an antigen-independent manner when cultured in contact with dermal fibroblasts and IL-15, conditions similar to those found in chronically inflamed skin. We hypothesize that local proliferation of Tregs may occur within inflamed skin and could serve as a brake for cutaneous inflammation as well as a mechanism for the homeostatic proliferation of natural Tregs that has been observed within intact organisms.
Discoidin domain receptor 1 contributes to eosinophil survival in an NF-κB–dependent manner in Churg-Strauss syndrome
Authors: Matsuyama Wataru , Mitsuyama Hideo , Ono Mikiko , Shirahama Yuko , Higashimoto Ikkou , Osame Mituhiro , Arimura Kimiyoshi 
Published: September 2006

AbstractChurg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic disease that shows marked eosinophilia along with eosinophil infiltration in the tissue. Prolonged eosinophil survival plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CSS; however, its detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a receptor tyrosine kinase, and its ligand is collagen. DDR1 was expressed in human leukocytes and fibroblasts, and it plays an important role in leukocyte cytokine production and fibroblast survival in an NF-κB–dependent manner. In this study, we examined in vitro and in vivo eosinophil DDR1 expression and its function in CSS patients. The expression level of DDR1 was significantly higher in the eosinophils of CSS patients, and the predominant isoform was DDR1b. Immunohistochemical findings revealed that the tissue-infiltrating eosinophils expressed endogenous DDR1. In CSS patients, DDR1 activation inhibited Fas agonistic antibody–induced apoptosis and up-regulated Fas agonistic antibody–induced cytokine production of eosinophils in an NF-κB–dependent manner. Suppression of DDR1 expression in the eosinophils by using RNA interference and addition of the DDR1-blocking protein abolished these effects. We propose that DDR1 contributes to the eosinophil survival in the tissue microenvironment of CSS and that it might be involved in the development of CSS.
Differentiation of CD1a− and CD1a+ monocyte-derived dendritic cells is biased by lipid environment and PPARγ
Authors: Gogolak Peter , Rethi Bence , Szatmari Istvan , Lanyi Arpad , Dezso Balazs , Nagy Laszlo , Rajnavolgyi Eva 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAccumulating data have shown that the microenvironment of dendritic cells modulates subtype differentiation and CD1 expression, but the mechanisms by which exogenous factors confer these effects are poorly understood. Here we describe the dependence of CD1a− monocyte-derived dendritic cell (moDC) development on lipids associated with the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor–gamma (PPARγ). We also show the consecutive differentiation of immature CD1a−PPARγ+ moDCs to CD1a+PPARγ− cells limited by serum lipoproteins and terminated by proinflammatory cytokines. Immature CD1a− moDCs possess higher internalizing capacity than CD1a+ cells, whereas both activated subtypes have similar migratory potential but differ in their cytokine and chemokine profiles, which translates to distinct T-lymphocyte–polarizing capacities. CD1a+ moDCs stand out by their capability to secrete high amounts of IL-12p70 and CCL1. As lipoproteins skew moDC differentiation toward the generation of CD1a−PPARγ+ cells and inhibit the development of CD1a+PPARγ− cells, we suggest that the uptake of lipids results in endogenous PPARγ agonists that induce a cascade of gene transcription coordinating lipid metabolism, the expression of lipid-presenting CD1 molecules, subtype dichotomy, and function. The presence of CD1a−PPARγ+ and CD1a+PPARγ− DCs in lymph nodes and in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis confirms the functional relevance of these DC subsets in vivo.
Relationship of expression of aquaglyceroporin 9 with arsenic uptake and sensitivity in leukemia cells
Authors: Leung Jordy , Pang Annie , Yuen Wai-Hung , Kwong Yok-Lam , Tse Eric W. C. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is highly efficacious in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Aquaglyceroporin 9 (AQP9) is a transmembrane protein that may be involved in arsenic uptake. In 10 of 11 myeloid and lymphoid leukemia lines, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and Western blotting showed that AQP9 expression correlated positively with As2O3-induced cytotoxicity. As a proof-of-principle, transfection of EGFP-tagged AQP9 to the hepatoma line Hep3B, not expressing AQP9 and As2O3 insensitive, led to membrane AQP9 expression and increased As2O3-induced cytotoxicity. Similarly, the chronic myeloid leukemia line K562 expressed low levels of AQP9 and was As2O3 insensitive. The K562EGFP-AQP9 transfectant accumulated significantly higher levels of intracellular arsenic than control K562EGFP when incubated with As2O3, resulting in significantly increased As2O3-induced cytotoxicity. Pretreatment of the myeloid leukemia line HL-60 with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) up-regulated AQP9, leading to a significantly increased arsenic uptake and As2O3-induced cytotoxicity on incubation with As2O3, which might explain the synergism between ATRA and As2O3. Therefore, AQP9 controlled arsenic transport and might determine As2O3 sensitivity. Q-PCR showed that primary APL cells expressed AQP9 significantly (2-3 logs) higher than other acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs), which might explain their exquisite As2O3 sensitivity. However, APL and AML with maturation expressed comparable AQP9 levels, suggesting that AQP9 expression was related to granulocytic maturation.
Clustering of smoking, alcohol drinking and cannabis use in adolescents in a rapidly developing country
Authors: Faeh David , Viswanathan Bharathi , Chiolero Arnaud , Warren Wick , Bovet Pascal 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
Smoking, alcohol drinking and cannabis use ("risk behaviors") are often initiated at a young age but few epidemiological studies have assessed their joined prevalence in children in developing countries. This study aims at examining the joint prevalence of these behaviors in adolescents in the Seychelles, a rapidly developing country in the Indian Ocean.

Methods
Cross-sectional survey in a representative sample of secondary school students using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire (Global Youth Tobacco Survey). The questionnaire was completed by 1,321 (92%) of 1,442 eligible students aged 11 to 17 years. Main variables of interest included smoking cigarettes on ≥1 day in the past 30 days; drinking any alcohol beverage on ≥1 day in the past 30 days and using cannabis at least once in the past 12 months.

Results
In boys and girls, respectively, prevalence (95% CI) was 30% (26–34)/21% (18–25) for smoking, 49% (45–54)/48% (43–52) for drinking, and 17% (15–20)/8% (6–10) for cannabis use. The prevalence of all these behaviors increased with age. Smokers were two times more likely than non-smokers to drink and nine times more likely to use cannabis. Drinkers were three times more likely than non-drinkers to smoke or to use cannabis. Comparison of observed versus expected frequencies of combination categories demonstrated clustering of these risk behaviors in students (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Smoking, drinking and cannabis use were common and clustered among adolescents of a rapidly developing country. These findings stress the need for early and integrated prevention programs.
A prospective, multi-method, multi-disciplinary, multi-level, collaborative, social-organisational design for researching health sector accreditation [LP0560737]
Authors: Braithwaite Jeffrey , Westbrook Johanna , Pawsey Marjorie , Greenfield David , Naylor Justine , Iedema Rick , Runciman Bill , Redman Sally , Jorm Christine , Robinson Maureen , Nathan Sally , Gibberd Robert 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundAccreditation has become ubiquitous across the international health care landscape. Award of full accreditation status in health care is viewed, as it is in other sectors, as a valid indicator of high quality organisational performance. However, few studies have empirically demonstrated this assertion. The value of accreditation, therefore, remains uncertain, and this persists as a central legitimacy problem for accreditation providers, policymakers and researchers. The question arises as to how best to research the validity, impact and value of accreditation processes in health care. Most health care organisations participate in some sort of accreditation process and thus it is not possible to study its merits using a randomised controlled strategy. Further, tools and processes for accreditation and organisational performance are multifaceted.Methods/designTo understand the relationship between them a multi-method research approach is required which incorporates both quantitative and qualitative data. The generic nature of accreditation standard development and inspection within different sectors enhances the extent to which the findings of in-depth study of accreditation process in one industry can be generalised to other industries. This paper presents a research design which comprises a prospective, multi-method, multi-level, multi-disciplinary approach to assess the validity, impact and value of accreditation.DiscussionThe accreditation program which assesses over 1,000 health services in Australia is used as an exemplar for testing this design. The paper proposes this design as a framework suitable for application to future international research into accreditation. Our aim is to stimulate debate on the role of accreditation and how to research it.
Factors influencing general practitioner referral of patients developing end-stage renal failure: a standardised case-analysis study
Authors: Montgomery Anthony J , McGee Hannah M , Shannon William , Donohoe John 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Background
To understand why treatment referral rates for ESRF are lower in Ireland than in other European countries, an investigation of factors influencing general practitioner referral of patients developing ESRF was conducted.

Method
Randomly selected general practitioners (N = 51) were interviewed using 32 standardised written patient scenarios to elicit referral strategies. Main outcome measures: General practitioner referral levels and thresholds for patients developing end-stage renal disease; referral routes (nephrologist vs other physicians); influence of patient age, marital status and co-morbidity on referral.

Results
Referral levels varied widely with the full range of cases (0–32; median = 15) referred by different doctors after consideration of first laboratory results. Less than half (44%) of cases were referred to a nephrologist. Patient age (40 vs 70 years), marital status, co-morbidity (none vs rheumatoid arthritis) and general practitioner prior specialist renal training (yes or no) did not influence referral rates. Many patients were not referred to a specialist at creatinine levels of 129 μmol/l (47% not referred) or 250 μmol/l (45%). While all patients were referred at higher levels (350 and 480 μmol/l), referral to a nephrologist decreased in likelihood as scenarios became more complex; 28% at 129 μmol/l creatinine; 28% at 250 μmol/l; 18% at 350 μmol/l and 14% at 480 μmol/l. Referral levels and routes were not influenced by general practitioner age, sex or practice location. Most general practitioners had little current contact with chronic renal patients (mean number in practice = 0.7, s.d. = 1.3).

Conclusion
The very divergent management patterns identified highlight the need for guidance to general practitioners on appropriate management of this serious condition.
Ethnic minorities and prescription medication; concordance between self-reports and medical records
Authors: Uiters Ellen , van Dijk Liset , Devillé Walter , Foets Marleen , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Groenewegen Peter P 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
Ethnic differences in health care utilisation are frequently reported in research. Little is known about the concordance between different methods of data collection among ethnic minorities. The aim of this study was to examine to which extent ethnic differences between self-reported data and data based on electronic medical records (EMR) from general practitioners (GPs) might be a validity issue or reflect a lower compliance among minority groups.

Methods
A cross-sectional, national representative general practice study, using EMR data from 195 GPs. The study population consisted of Dutch, Turks, Surinamese, Antilleans and Morrocans. Self-reported data were collected through face-to-face interviews and could be linked to the EMR of GPs. The main outcome measures were the level of agreement between annual prescribing rate based on the EMRs of GPs and the self-reported receipt and use of prescriptions during the preceding 14 days.

Results
The pattern of ethnic differences in receipt and use of prescription medication depended on whether self-reported data or EMR data were used. Ethnic differences based on self-reports were not consistently reflected in EMR data. The percentage of agreement above chance between EMR data and self-reported receipt was in general relative low.

Conclusion
Ethnic differences between self-reported data and EMR data might not be fully perceived as a cross-cultural validity issue. At least for Moroccans and Turks, compliance with the prescribed medication by the GP is suggested not to be optimal.