bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severity of coronary artery disease and symptoms of erectile dysfunction in males with a positive exercise treadmill test
Authors: Akilli Hakan , Gok Hasan , Soylu Ahmet , Kayrak Mehmet 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The objective of this study is to investigate the significance of erectile dysfunction in males with a positive exercise treadmill test (ETT) to predict the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).Materials and Method:  With no previous marked CAD, and applying to our clinic with chest pain, 105 male patients (mean age: 56 ± 8 years) underwent coronary angiography after the ETT. These patients met our criteria and were included in our study. All patients were requested to complete a brief, 5‐item form by the International Index of Erectile Function, and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and were classified into four groups according to coronary angiography results as follows: normal coronary artery (NCA), single‐vessel CAD (1 V), two‐vessel CAD (2 V) and three‐vessel CAD (3 V). The relation between SHIM scores and the number of arteries with significant lesions was evaluated.Results:  The median SHIM score was found to be significantly lower in both the 2 V, 15 (IQR: 12–20) and 3 V, 13 (IQR: 11–16) groups compared to the NCA, 22 (IQR: 17–23) and the 1 V, 22 (IQR: 17–23) groups (P < 0.05).Grouped as group I (NCA + 1 V) and group II (2 V + 3 V), the patients were recompared. The SHIM score is an independent parameter to define the presence of significant lesions in two or more coronary arteries (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73–0.97; P = 0.019).Conclusion:  The fact that the SHIM score is <18 in ETT positive males may suggest that the probability of multivessel CAD should be high.
Environment enrichment rescues the neurodegenerative phenotypes in presenilins‐deficient mice
Authors: Dong Suzhen , Li Chunxia , Wu Pu , Tsien Joe Z. , Hu Yinghe 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPresenilin (PS) 1 and 2 conditional double knockout (cDKO) mice show progressive memory dysfunction and forebrain degeneration. Gene expression profiling results revealed a strong activation of immunity and inflammation responses in the brains of 10‐month‐old cDKO mice. As environmental enrichment (EE) has been shown to be able to improve memory and induce neurogenesis of the brain, we assessed the effects of EE on the memory performance and the neurodegeneration in cDKO mice. We found that EE effectively enhanced memory and partially rescued the forebrain atrophy of the cDKO mice. Our results suggest that immunity and inflammation could play important roles in the neurodegeneration of cDKO mice. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of EE may be associated with the inhibition of the expression of immunity and inflammation‐related genes in the brain.
Laparoscopic resection of diverticular fistulae: a 10‐year experience
Authors: Engledow A. H. , Pakzad F. , Ward N. J. , Arulampalam T. , Motson R. W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective  Until recently the laparoscopic approach was reserved for uncomplicated diverticular disease. We show that fistulating diverticular disease can be resected safely, with good clinical outcome via a laparoscopic approach.Method  Between April 1994 and May 2005, 31 consecutive patients [17 male, median age of 63 years (range 40–85)], underwent attempted laparoscopic resection for diverticular fistulae. Patient data were prospectively recorded.Results  There were 22 colovesical and nine colovaginal fistulae. The median operative time was 150 min (range 60–310) and the median postoperative stay was 7 days (range 3–21). Conversion to an open procedure was required in nine of 31 patients (29%). This rate fell to 10% in cases performed after April 2000. There were two nonsurgically related postoperative deaths. Both occurred in the converted group. At 3 months follow‐up, two patients complained of frequency of stools, which settled by 6 months. To date there has been no recurrence of symptomatic diverticulosis or fistulation.Conclusion  Totally laparoscopic resection for diverticular fistulae is safe and feasible. Fistulae should not be considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic resection for an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.
Species invasions and the changing biogeography of Australian freshwater fishes
Authors: Olden Julian D. , Kennard Mark J. , Pusey Bradley J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAim  By dissolving natural physical barriers to movement, human‐mediated species introductions have dramatically reshuffled the present‐day biogeography of freshwater fishes. The present study investigates whether the antiquity of Australia's freshwater ichthyofauna has been altered by the widespread invasion of non‐indigenous fish species.Location  Australia.Methods  Using fish presence–absence data for historical and present‐day species pools, we quantified changes in faunal similarity among major Australian drainage divisions and among river basins of north‐eastern Australia according to the Sørensen index, and related these changes to major factors of catchment disturbance that significantly alter river processes.Results  Human‐mediated fish introductions have increased faunal similarity among primary drainages by an average of 3.0% (from 17.1% to 20.1% similarity). Over three‐quarters of the pairwise changes in drainage similarity were positive, indicating a strong tendency for taxonomic homogenization caused primarily by the widespread introduction of Carassius auratus, Gambusia holbrooki, Oncorhynchus mykiss and Poecilia reticulata. Faunal homogenization was highest in drainages subjected to the greatest degree of disturbance associated with human settlement, infrastructure and change in land use. Scenarios of future species invasions and extinctions indicate the continued homogenization of Australian drainages. In contrast, highly idiosyncratic introductions of species in river basins of north‐eastern Australia have decreased fish faunal similarity by an average of 1.4%.Main conclusions  We found that invasive species have significantly changed the present‐day biogeography of fish by homogenizing Australian drainages and differentiating north‐eastern river basins. Decreased faunal similarity at smaller spatial scales is a result of high historical similarity in this region and reflects the dynamic nature of the homogenization process whereby sporadic introductions of new species initially decrease faunal similarity across basins. Our study points to the importance of understanding the role of invasive species in defining patterns of present‐day biogeography and preserving the antiquity of Australia's freshwater biodiversity.
The geography of body size – challenges of the interspecific approach
Authors: Meiri Shai , Thomas Gavin H. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTRecent compilations of large‐scale data bases on the geographical distributions and body sizes of animals, coupled with developments in spatial statistics, have led to renewed interest in the geographical distribution of animal body sizes and the interspecific version of Bergmann's rule. Standard practice seems to be an examination of mean body sizes within higher taxa on gridded maps, with little regard to species richness or phylogeny. However, because the frequency distribution of body sizes is typically highly skewed, average size within grid cells may differ significantly between species‐rich and species‐poor cells even when the median and modal sizes remain constant. Species richness influences body size patterns because species are not added to communities at random in relation to their size: areas of low diversity are characterized by a higher range of body sizes than is expected by chance. Finally, a consideration of phylogenetic structure within taxa is necessary to elucidate whether patterns in the geography of size result from turnover between or within intermediate taxonomic levels. We suggest that the highest and lowest quantiles of body size distribution be mapped in order to expose possible physiological or ecological limitations on body size.
ON CONVERGENCE RATES FOR NONPARAMETRIC POSTERIOR DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Lijoi Antonio , Prünster Igor , Walker Stephen G. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryRates of convergence of Bayesian nonparametric procedures are expressed as the maximum between two rates: one is determined via suitable measures of concentration of the prior around the “true” densityf0, and the other is related to the way the mass is spread outside a neighborhood off0. Here we provide a lower bound for the former in terms of the usual notion of prior concentration and in terms of an alternative definition of prior concentration. Moreover, we determine the latter for two important classes of priors: the infinite–dimensional exponential family, and the Pólya trees.
ELICITING A DIRECTED ACYCLIC GRAPH FOR A MULTIVARIATE TIME SERIES OF VEHICLE COUNTS IN A TRAFFIC NETWORK
Authors: Queen Catriona M. , Wright Ben J. , Albers Casper J. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe problem of modelling multivariate time series of vehicle counts in traffic networks is considered. It is proposed to use a model called the linear multiregression dynamic model (LMDM). The LMDM is a multivariate Bayesian dynamic model which uses any conditional independence and causal structure across the time series to break down the complex multivariate model into simpler univariate dynamic linear models.The conditional independence and causal structure in the time series can be represented by a directed acyclic graph (DAG). The DAG not only gives a useful pictorial representation of the multivariate structure, but it is also used to build the LMDM. Therefore, eliciting a DAG which gives a realistic representation of the series is a crucial part of the modelling process.A DAG is elicited for the multivariate time series of hourly vehicle counts at the junction of three major roads in the UK. A flow diagram is introduced to give a pictorial representation of the possible vehicle routes through the network. It is shown how this flow diagram, together with a map of the network, can suggest a DAG for the time series suitable for use with an LMDM.
The export intensity of foreign affiliates in transition economies The importance of the organization of production1
Authors: Ulff‐Møller Nielsen Jørgen , Pawlik Konrad 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUsing a unique database containing trade and industry variables of foreign‐owned companies in the Polish manufacturing industry for the years 1993–2002, we investigate the relationship between the organizational structure of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in Poland and the export structure of their affiliates. We find that labour intensity and foreign control are the main explanatory variables for the export intensity of the affiliates. Given the overall rise in export intensity over the period of investigation, our findings suggest that export‐platform FDI has become a more important mode of organization for multinational enterprises as Poland has evolved into a relatively stable economic environment where MNEs feel comfortable basing their regional operations.
Phasic heart rate changes during word translation of different difficulties
Authors: Pfurtscheller Gert , Grabner Roland H. , Brunner Clemens , Neuper Christa 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe heart rate (HR) can be modulated by diverse mental activities ranging from stimulus anticipation to higher order cognitive information processing. In the present study we report on HR changes during word translation and examine how the HR is influenced by the difficulty of the translation task. Twelve students of translation and interpreting were presented English high‐ and low‐frequency words as well as familiar and unfamiliar technical terms that had to be translated into German. Analyses revealed that words of higher translation difficulty were accompanied by a more pronounced HR deceleration than words that were easier to translate. We additionally show that anticipatory HR deceleration and HR changes induced by motor preparation and activity due to typing the translation do not depend on task difficulty. These results provide first evidence of a link between task difficulty in language translation and event‐related HR changes.
Novel microsatellite markers for the saltmarsh sharp‐tailed sparrow, Ammodramus caudacutus (Aves: Passeriformes)
Authors: HILL CHRISTOPHER E. , TOMKO SCOTT , HAGEN CRIS , SCHABLE NANCY A. , GLENN TRAVIS C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe have developed eight high‐quality microsatellite DNA loci for the saltmarsh sharp‐tailed sparrow and one additional locus with evidence of null alleles. In a sample of 250–350 individuals, the average number of alleles per locus was 14.7 and average observed heterozygosity was 0.80. These loci were tested in three additional species of emberizid sparrows, indicating that more than half of the loci could be useful in other sparrows.
Vertebral Stabilization Using Positively Threaded Profile Pins and Polymethylmethacrylate, with or Without Laminectomy, for Spinal Canal Stenosis and Vertebral Instability Caused by Congenital Thoracic Vertebral Anomalies
Authors: AIKAWA TAKESHI , KANAZONO SHINICHI , YOSHIGAE YUKI , SHARP NICHOLAS J. H. , MUÑANA KAREN R. 
Published: July 2007

Objective— To describe diagnostic findings, surgical technique, and outcome in dogs with thoracic spinal canal stenosis and vertebral instability secondary to congenital vertebral anomalies.Study Design— Retrospective clinical study.Animals— Dogs (n=9) with thoracic spinal canal stenosis.Methods— Medical records (1995–1996; 2000–2006) of 9 dogs with a myelographic diagnosis of spinal canal stenosis and/or vertebral instability secondary to congenital vertebral anomaly that were surgically managed by vertebral stabilization with or without laminectomy were reviewed. Data on pre‐ and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, surgical techniques, and outcomes were retrieved. Follow‐up evaluations were performed at 1, 2, and 6 months. Long‐term outcome was assessed by means of clinical examination or owner telephone interviews.Results— Spinal cord compression was confirmed by myelography, and in 2 dogs, dynamic compression by stress myelography. Eight dogs regained the ability to ambulate postoperatively. One dog with a partial recovery regained voluntary movement but did not become ambulatory.Conclusions— Spinal cord injury secondary to congenital vertebral anomaly may have a good outcome when treated by vertebral stabilization with or without laminectomy. Adequate stabilization of the vertebrae and improved neurologic outcome were achieved in most dogs.Clinical Relevance— Vertebral stabilization using positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate with or without laminectomy is an effective treatment for spinal canal stenosis and vertebral instability secondary to congenital thoracic vertebral anomalies.
Kinematic Study of Back Movement in Clinically Sound Malinois Dogs with Consideration of the Effect of Radiographic Changes in the Lumbosacral Junction
Authors: GRADNER GABRIELE , BOCKSTAHLER BARBARA , PEHAM CHRISTIAN , HENNINGER WOLFGANG , PODBREGAR IZTOK 
Published: July 2007

Objective—To determine thoracolumbar spinal movement in dogs and the influence of subclinical radiographic changes involving the lumbosacral junction.Study Design—Experimental study.Animals—Clinically sound Malinois dogs (n=22).Methods—Kinematic analysis of markers on the spinal processes of C7, T6, T13, L3, L7, and S3 was performed while dogs were walking on a treadmill. Range of motion (ROM) in the transverse and vertical direction and the time of occurrence (TOO) of the maximal marker position were calculated. ROM and TOO of angulations formed by the corresponding markers were calculated. Initial kinematic analysis was performed without knowledge of the radiographic changes, and then data were reanalyzed to determine whether vertebral changes influenced back motion. Based on the results of radiographic analysis of the lumbosacral junction, dogs were divided into 3 groups: 1=no radiographic changes; 2=shortened L7 vertebra; and 3=transitional vertebrae, spondylosis, subluxations, and spondylarthrosis of the lumbosacral junction. ROM and TOO were compared using ANOVA for repeated measures and a Bonferroni's post hoc test;P<.05 was considered significant.Results—The highest transverse ROM was achieved by markers T6, T13, and L3, and in the vertical direction by S3; however, there were no significant differences in ROM in horizontal angulations. In the sagittal plane, T13–L3–L7 had a lower angulation than L3–L7–S3. In Group 3, transverse ROM for C7 was significantly higher than in Group 1; the horizontal angular maximum of T13–L3–L7 occurred significantly earlier.Conclusions—Significant kinematic changes were detected between clinically sound dogs with radiographic lumbosacral changes and dogs with no radiographic abnormalities.Clinical Relevance—Kinematic data from clinically sound dogs can be used for comparison with data from dogs with gait disturbances associated with orthopedic or neurologic disease or changes associated with therapy.
Searching for the reionization sources
Authors: Choudhury T. Roy , Ferrara A. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Using a reionization model simultaneously accounting for a number of experimental data sets, we investigate the nature and properties of reionization sources. Such a model predicts that hydrogen reionization starts at z≈ 15, is initially driven by metal-free (Population III) stars, and is 90 per cent complete by z≈ 8. We find that a fraction fγ &gt; 80 per cent of the ionizing power at z≥ 7 comes from haloes of mass M &lt; 109 M⊙ predominantly harbouring Population III stars; a turnover to a Population II dominated phase occurs shortly after, with this population, residing in M &gt; 109 M⊙ haloes, yielding fγ≈ 60 per cent at z= 6. Using Lyman-break broad-band dropout techniques, J-band detection of sources contributing to 50 per cent (90 per cent) of the ionizing power at z∼ 7.5 requires reaching a magnitude J110,AB= 31.2 (31.7), where ∼ 15 (30) (Population III) sources arcmin−2 are predicted. We conclude that z &gt; 7 sources tentatively identified in broad-band surveys are relatively massive (M≈ 109 M⊙) and rare objects which are only marginally (≈1 per cent) adding to the reionization photon budget.
Levels of comfort and ease among patients suffering from urinary incontinence
Authors: Rassin Michal , Dubches Liora , Libshitz Ana , Adar Eira , Duvish Tamara 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUrinary incontinence is a common phenomenon among women, which harms social ties and is perceived as embarrassing and incurable. Despite its prevalence, there are few studies that have examined how those affected by this syndrome feel. The goal of this study was to examine the personal characteristics and levels of comfort among women suffering from urinary incontinence. The study included 50 women who had been diagnosed as suffering from urinary incontinence. The participants answered the Urinary Incontinence and Frequency Comfort Questionnaire, which examines levels of physical, mental, social and environmental comfort. α reliability has been found to be high in previous studies (α= 0·82). Our findings indicated that urinary incontinence occurred among the patients from several times a day to several times a week caused by sneezing, coughing and laughing. Most participants delayed treatment for up to 3 years. The general level of comfort was identified as medium low (SD = 0·04, M= 2·95) from a possible range of 1–6. Particularly low levels of comfort were recorded on items such as ‘I feel clean and fresh,’‘finding a toilet in close proximity is a worrisome issue when I exit the house’ and ‘I fear having sex due to the urinary incontinence problem’. Identifying patients’ needs and understanding their emotions are a useful basis for nursing intervention in promoting quality of life.
In Vitro Activity of Telavancin against Gram-Positive Clinical Isolates Recently Obtained in Europe
Authors: Jansen W. T. M. , Verel A. , Verhoef J. , Milatovic D. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The in vitro activity of telavancin was tested against 620 gram-positive isolates. For staphylococci, MICs at which 50 and 90% of isolates were inhibited (MIC
50
and MIC
90
) were both 0.25 μg/ml, irrespective of methicillin resistance. MIC
50
and MIC
90
were 0.25 and 0.5 μg/ml for vancomycin-susceptible enterococci and 1 and 2 μg/ml for vancomycin-resistant enterococci, respectively.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, group A and B beta-hemolytic streptococci, and viridans streptococci were inhibited by ≤0.12 μg/ml.
Antiviral Effect of Orally Administered (−)-β-d-2-Aminopurine Dioxolane in Woodchucks with Chronic Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Infection
Authors: Menne Stephan , Asif Ghazia , Narayanasamy Jannan , Butler Scott D. , George Andrea L. , Hurwitz Selwyn J. , Schinazi Raymond F. , Chu Chung K. , Cote Paul J. , Gerin John L. , Tennant Bud C. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT(−)-β-d-2-Aminopurine dioxolane (APD) is a nucleoside prodrug that is efficiently converted to 9-(β-d-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)guanine (DXG). DXG has antiviral activity in vitro against hepatitis B virus (HBV) but limited aqueous solubility, making it difficult to administer orally to HBV-infected individuals. APD is more water soluble than DXG and represents a promising prodrug for the delivery of DXG. A placebo-controlled, dose-ranging efficacy and pharmacokinetic study was conducted with woodchucks that were chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). APD was efficiently converted to DXG after oral and intravenous administrations of APD, with serum concentrations of DXG being higher following oral administration than following intravenous administration, suggestive of a considerable first-pass intestinal and/or hepatic metabolism. APD administered orally at 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg of body weight per day for 4 weeks produced a dose-dependent antiviral response. Doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg/day reduced serum WHV viremia by 0.4 and 0.7 log10copies/ml, respectively. The 30-mg/kg/day dose resulted in a more pronounced, statistically significant decline in serum WHV viremia of 1.9 log10copies/ml and was associated with a 1.5-fold reduction in hepatic WHV DNA. Individual woodchucks within the highest APD dose group that had declines in serum WHV surface antigen levels, WHV viremia, and hepatic WHV DNA also had reductions in hepatic WHV RNA. There was a prompt recrudescence of WHV viremia following drug withdrawal. Therefore, oral administration of APD for 4 weeks was safe in the woodchuck model of chronic HBV infection, and the effect on serum WHV viremia was dose dependent.