bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin phototypes of a Maltese sample population
Authors: Aquilina S , Gauci AA , Boffa MJ 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and aim  Skin phototyping is a clinical classification system based on a patient's historical reporting of the acute skin response to sunlight. We carried out a simple study to estimate the skin phototypes of the Maltese people in order to acquire more information on the relative risk of the general Maltese population to sun burning and to the more chronic effects of sun exposure, including photoaging and skin cancers.Method  A consultant dermatologist and dermatology trainees determined the skin phototype of patients seen with skin infections or skin tags at dermatology outpatients in Malta by carrying out a short interview.Results  Data were collected on 756 patients. The commonest reported skin phototype in both sexes was type III (48.0% overall; 52.4% in males, 43.8% in females); this was followed by type IV in males (30.4%) and type II in females (32.3%). Only 1.2% of the total was of skin type I.Conclusion  Approximately one half of the Maltese population is at moderate risk of sun damage; about one quarter is at low risk; and the other quarter is at high risk, the latter group needing more thorough sun avoidance and better surveillance for skin tumours. Social desirability can influence responses to such questionnaires and might have contributed to the difference between males and females noted in our study.
The levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Engin B , Uguz F , Yilmaz E , Özdemir M , Mevlitoglu I 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground  Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is associated with severely impaired quality of life (QoL).Objective  To determine the levels of depression, anxiety and QoL in CIU patients.Patients and methods  This study included 73 patients with CIU, and 34 healthy subjects matched for age and sex were used as controls. The levels of depression, anxiety and QoL were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment‐Brief (WHOQOL‐BREF), respectively. The reliability and validity of the Turkish versions of these instruments have been examined.Results  When compared with healthy controls, patients with CIU had significantly higher BDI and BAI scores and significantly lower physical health and psychological health subscale scores of the WHOQOL‐BREF. BDI, BAI and all domains of WHOQOL‐BREF were unrelated to age, duration of illness, urticaria activity score (UAS) and visual analogue score (VAS). There was a negative significant correlation between all domains of WHOQOL‐BREF and BDI and BAI.Conclusion  Our data confirm that QoL is markedly reduced in CIU patients. Physical health and psychological health were found to be the areas QoL most affected in CIU patients. And also we have found that CIU patients frequently suffer from depression and anxiety. The severity of these parameters was found to be positively correlated with the extent of QoL decrease.
Adaptive diversity of incisor enamel microstructure in South American burrowing rodents (family Ctenomyidae, Caviomorpha)
Authors: Vieytes Emma C. , Morgan Cecilia C. , Verzi Diego H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyse the morphofunctional and adaptive significance of variation in the upper incisor enamel microstructure of South American burrowing ctenomyids and other octodontoid taxa. We studied the specialized subterranean tooth‐digger †Eucelophorus chapalmalensis (Pliocene – Middle Pleistocene), and compared it with other fossil and living ctenomyids with disparate digging adaptations, two fossorial octodontids and one arboreal echimyid. Morphofunctionally significant enamel traits were quite similar among the species studied despite their marked differences in habits, digging behaviour and substrates occupied, suggesting a possible phylogenetic constraint for the Octodontoidea. In this context of relative similarity, the inclination of Hunter–Schreger bands, relative thickness of external index (EI) and prismless enamel zone were highest in †Eucelophorus, in agreement with its outstanding craniomandibular tooth‐digging specialization. Higher inclination of Hunter–Schreger bands reinforces enamel to withstand high tension forces, while high external index provides greater resistance to wear. Results suggest increased frequency of incisor use for digging in †Eucelophorus, which could be related to a more extreme tooth‐digging strategy and/or occupancy of hard soils. Higher external index values as recurring patterns in distant clades of tooth‐digging rodents support an adaptive significance of this enamel trait.
Combining skin conductance and forced choice in the detection of concealed information
Authors: Meijer Ewout H. , Smulders Fren T. Y. , Johnston James E. , Merckelbach Harald L.G. J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAn advantage of the concealed information polygraph test (CIT) is that its false positive rate is determined on statistical grounds, and can be set a priori at arbitrary low levels (i.e., few innocents declared guilty). This criterion, however, inevitably leads to a loss of sensitivity (i.e., more guilty suspects declared innocent). We explored whether the sensitivity of a CIT procedure could be increased by adding an independent measure that is based on an entirely different psychological mechanism. In two experiments, we explored whether the accuracy of a CIT procedure could be increased by adding Symptom Validity Testing (SVT), a relatively simple, forced‐choice, self‐report procedure that has previously been used to detect malingering in various contexts. Results of a feigned amnesia experiment but not from a mock crime experiment showed that a combination measure of both tests yielded better detection than either test alone.
Timing of the earliest ERP correlate of visual awareness
Authors: Wilenius Maria E. , Revonsuo Antti T. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe earliest reliably occurring event‐related brain potential (ERP) correlate of visual awareness (visual awareness negativity, VAN) emerges after 100 ms and peaks between 200 and 300 ms from stimulus onset. In a study using low‐contrast stimuli, VAN was significantly delayed, peaking at 460 ms (V. Ojanen, A. Revonsuo, & M. Sams, 2003). In that study physical differences between the conscious and nonconscious stimuli may have confounded the results. Here we explored whether VAN is similarly delayed for physically identical stimuli. We presented low‐contrast stimuli near an individually determined subjective contrast threshold. A delayed VAN peaked at 400 ms at occipito‐temporal sites to subjectively perceived stimuli. Our results support the interpretation that VAN is the earliest ERP correlate of phenomenal visual awareness. The electrophysiological processes eliciting VAN may become delayed as a function of the difficulty of the early perceptual discrimination.
Development of microsatellite markers for bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) — an underutilized African legume crop species
Authors: BASU S , ROBERTS J. A. , AZAM‐ALI S. N. , MAYES S 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBambara groundnut is an indigenous African legume crop plant. It is largely grown by subsistence farmers, but can also be used as a cash crop to supplement family income. The fact that it is highly drought tolerant means that it has considerably potential to provide part of food security in regions of the world where water availability is a serious issue. As one part of the international effort to understand and improve this species, we report here the first 10 microsatellite markers derived from bambara groundnut.
Influence of dl‐alpha‐tocopherol acetate on indomethacin‐induced gastric mucosal injury in rats
Authors: Valcheva‐Kuzmanova S. , Krasnaliev I. , Galunska B. , Belcheva A. 
Published: June 2007

Summary

There is an increasing body of evidence supporting the hypothesis that antioxidants are able to reduce gastric mucosal damage induced by stressors of different origin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of dl‐alpha‐tocopherol acetate (TA) on indomethacin‐induced gastric mucosal injury in rats and a possible role for an anti‐oxidative mechanism in the response.
TA (25, 50 and 100 mg kg−1) was applied intraperitoneally as a pretreatment 1 h before the subcutaneous administration of indomethacin (30 mg kg−1).
TA reduced the area of indomethacin‐induced gastric ulcers, the effect being significant (P < 0.05) at the highest dose of 100 mg kg−1.
Histopathological examination of rat stomach samples demonstrated that TA caused an increase in gastric mucus production and a reduction of the severity of mucosal lesions.
The three doses of TA prevented indomethacin‐induced elevation of plasma and mucosal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which in TA‐pretreated rats were not significantly different from the control values. Neither indomethacin treatment nor TA pretreatment had a significant influence on the gastric mucosal levels of reduced glutathione or oxidized glutathione.
Our results suggest that the gastroprotective effect of TA is likely to be due to increased mucus production and interference with oxidative stress development as evidenced by the decreased plasma and gastric mucosal MDA.
α1A‐Adrenoceptors predominate in the control of blood pressure in mouse mesenteric vascular bed
Authors: Martínez‐Salas S. G. , Campos‐Peralta J. M. , Pares‐Hipolito J. , Gallardo‐Ortíz I. A. , Ibarra M. , Villalobos‐Molina R. 
Published: June 2007

Summary The pressor action of the α1A‐adrenoceptor agonist, A61603 (N‐[5‐(4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐hydroxy‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydronaphthalen‐1‐yl] methanesulfonamide) or the α1‐adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, and their blockade by selective α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists in the mouse isolated mesenteric vascular bed were evaluated. A61603 showed a ≈ 235‐fold higher potency in elevating perfusion pressure in mesenteric bed compared to phenylephrine. The α1A‐adrenoceptor selective antagonist RS 100329 (5‐methyl‐3‐[3‐[4‐[2‐(2,2,2,‐trifluoroethoxy) phenyl]‐1‐piperazinyl] propyl]‐2,4‐(1H)‐pyrimidinedione), displaced with high affinity agonist concentration–response curves to the right in a concentration‐dependent manner. The α1D‐adrenoceptor selective antagonist BMY 7378 (8‐[2‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethyl]‐8‐azaspiro[4.5] decane‐7,9‐dione), did not displace A61603 nor did it block the phenylephrine‐induced pressor response. The α1B/D‐adrenoceptor alkylating antagonist chloroethylclonidine (CEC), caused a rightward shift of the phenylephrine concentration–response curve and reduced its maximum response; however, CEC only slightly modified A61603 evoked contraction. The results indicate that the isolated mouse mesenteric vascular bed expresses α1A‐adrenoceptors and suggest a very discrete role for1B‐adrenoceptors.
Nitrergic and purinergic interplay in inhibitory transmission in rat gastric fundus
Authors: Vetri T. , Bonvissuto F. , Marino A. , Postorino A. 
Published: June 2007

Summary This study was undertaken to analyse the involvement of ATP in non‐adrenergic non‐ cholinergic (NANC) relaxation and possible interplay between nitrergic and purinergic systems in rat gastric fundus. Experiments were performedin vitroon strips of longitudinal muscle from rat gastric fundus, recording the mechanical activity as changes in isometric force. In addition, NO release induced by different experimental conditions was assayed. Under NANC conditions in serotonin‐precontracted strips, electrical field stimulation (EFS) elicited a tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐sensitive relaxation accompanied by nitric oxide (NO) release. This effect was antagonized by pretreatment with the NO synthase antagonistNω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NA) or by desensitization of purinergic receptors. Purinergic desensitization was also able to further antagonize the residual EFS‐induced relaxation remaining afterl‐NA treatment. Exogenously applied NO [delivered as sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] or ATP (and related purines) induced concentration‐dependent, TTX‐insensitive relaxant responses. ATP also induced the release of NO. A reduction in the responses to ATP was observed in the presence ofl‐NA. In contrast, SNP‐induced relaxation remained unchanged after desensitization of purinergic receptors. Finally, apamin, a blocker of the small conductance Ca2+‐dependent K+channels, reduced the amplitude of the muscular relaxation evoked by either EFS, ATP or SNP. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that in rat gastric fundus, ATP is one of the inhibitory transmitters released from NANC intramural neurones acting directly on the muscle, through receptors coupled to apamin‐sensitive Ca2+‐dependent K+channels and, indirectly, through the stimulation of NO production.
Molecular systematics and historical biogeography of the Black‐browed Barbet species complex (Megalaima oorti)
Authors: FEINSTEIN JULIE , YANG XIAOJUN , LI SHOU‐HSIEN 
Published: June 2007

Although Southeast Asia is a global biodiversity hotspot, the tempo and mode of avian diversification there has not been well studied. We investigated the history of the diversification of an endemic Asian tropical bird, the Black‐browed BarbetMegalaima oorti, by reconstructing its intraspecific molecular phylogeny with mitochondrial cytochrome‐bgene sequences. Our molecular phylogeny suggests that the five subspecies of this montane barbet comprise four deeply divergent clades with strong geographical associations:M. o. oortiin the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra,M. o. annamensisin Vietnam,M. o. nuchalisin Taiwan andM. o. faber/M. o. siniin Hainan and the southeastern Chinese mainland, respectively. Climate changes from the mid‐Pliocene to the Pleistocene may have influenced their diversification through repeated contraction and expansion of Asian tropical forest. Moreover, our data indicate that the Black‐browed Barbet complex is not monophyletic:M. asiaticais embedded in our phylogeny as the sister taxon toM. o. annamensis. The present taxonomic treatment has combined evolutionarily distinct taxa into a single paraphyletic species. Based on our molecular data and previously published plumage characters, we suggest a revision of traditionalM. oortiinto four monophyletic species:M. oorti,M. nuchalis,M. annamensisandM. faber.
Post‐fledging body mass increase in Common TernsSterna hirundo: influence of age, sex and year
Authors: SCHAUROTH CARMEN , BECKER PETER H. 
Published: June 2007

We studied the inter‐year and inter‐sex variation of the post‐fledging body mass development of Common TernsSterna hirundoin 2000 and 2001 at the Banter See colony, northern Germany. Here, post‐fledglings can be identified and weighed remotely and automatically by a transponder system that makes use of automated balances installed at the colony. Individuals were sexed with PCR amplification methods. After fledging, young generally continued to increase their mass. However, in 2000, the young did not significantly increase their mass during the post‐fledging period. In 2001, conditions were more favourable and body mass increased continuously. Further, in 2001, male post‐fledglings were significantly heavier than female post‐fledglings. Once having left the colony area (on average 18–23 days after fledging in 2000, and 14–16 days after fledging in 2001), post‐fledgling body mass had still not reached adult body mass. The longer a juvenile stayed at the colony, the higher was its final body mass, which if acting as a threshold level may control departure time. Neither brood size nor hatching order affected post‐fledging mass or period. In the unfavourable year 2000, when many individuals were found dead after fledging, fledging age but not fledging mass was found to be a predictor of post‐fledging survival before departure: individuals fledging when older had a lower survival probability. Our results stress the importance of the post‐fledging period for body mass increase and survival prior to departure. The variation in post‐fledging mass growth between years and between the sexes is discussed with respect to parental effort and a possible selective provisioning of sons over daughters.
Unraveling the Spanish Inquisition: Inquisitorial Studies in the Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Lynn Hossain Kimberly 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn the 1970s and 1980s, there was an important revisionist moment in the historical study of the Spanish Inquisition. Now, in the early twenty‐first century, scholars are beginning to revise and add nuance to these now classic surveys of inquisitorial history. New historical studies have used Inquisition sources to revise depictions of the converso and morisco communities of early modern Spain; they have mined them on questions of gender. In addition, with the proliferation of Anglophone scholarship on the Spanish Inquisition, historians are uprooting the last vestiges of the Black Legend.
An Empirical Examination of Factors Affecting Group Effectiveness in Information Systems Projects
Authors: Hasan Bassam , Ali Jafar 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAlthough group project concepts and skills have become a major component in most information systems (IS) academic programs, very little research has attempted to examine factors that may improve or undermine effectiveness of IS group projects. Accordingly, based on relevant literatures, this study develops and empirically tests a model of factors affecting IS group project effectiveness. The research model posits that group cohesion and group efficacy will have positive effects on group effectiveness (project success and expected impact), whereas perceived loafing is expected to have a negative effect on IS group effectiveness. Data collected from 104 students working in 29 groups to complete semester‐long projects in two IS courses revealed that group efficacy had positive impact on group effectiveness and perceived loafing demonstrated a partial effect. Contrary to expectations, the impact of group cohesion was nonsignificant. These results could be useful in evaluating groups' potential for success and creating conditions conducive to enhancing effectiveness and success of IS student group projects.
Reengineering Academic Teams Toward a Network Organizational Structure*
Authors: Kaldis Emmanouil , Koukoravas Konstantinos , Tjortjis Christos 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis article examines student teamwork in the academic field from a structural perspective. Student teams are often prearranged and then left to organize themselves and get on with their work, without any further structural support; this, however, can become a negative experience on teamwork. A varied contribution among team members often occurs and unavoidably leads to friction and reduced performance. The aim of this project is to explore the main problems in academic teamwork and investigate tools that provide relevant solutions. We present the concept of network organizational structure and discuss how this can improve collaboration and communication. The main tools to achieve a structural transformation from the more traditional form of team organization to the fairer network form, and their implications are discussed.
Applying the Collective Causal Mapping Methodology to Operations Management Curriculum Development*
Authors: Hays Julie M. , Bouzdine‐Chameeva Tatiana , Goldstein Susan Meyer , Hill Arthur V. , Scavarda Annibal José 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAlthough the field of operations management has come a long way since its beginnings in scientific management, the field still appears somewhat amorphous and unstructured to many. Introductory operations management textbooks usually include a number of largely disjointed topics, which leave many students (and their instructors) without a coherent framework for understanding the field. As a result, the importance and sequencing of topics varies widely between courses and instructors, even within the same university. This article applies the newly developed Collective Causal Mapping Methodology to create a causal map for the entire field of operations management. The causal map is built on expert opinions collected from over 250 academics and practitioners representing many areas of expertise, schools, organizations, and countries. This collective causal map is then used to create a new framework for understanding and teaching operations management. This framework can aid instructors in determining which topics should be taught in an operations management course, how these topics might be grouped and sequenced, and the important interrelationships among the topics that should be stressed to students.
Dimensions of Perceived Usefulness: Toward Enhanced Assessment
Authors: Saadé Raafat George 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTStudents' perceptions about the use of online learning tools have been shown to vary among studies. Their perceptions may have a profound impact on performance in the course and subsequent behavior toward continued use. This article presents a theoretical framework to identify three dimensions of perceived usefulness, namely, performance‐related outcome expectations, personal‐related outcome expectations, and intrinsic motivation. Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), a new expanded model is proposed to capture more details about students' perceptions of an online learning tool. I also examine the relationships of these three dimensions with perceived ease of use, attitudes, and behavioral intentions to use in the context of online technologies used as an integral component of the course requirements. My findings demonstrate the utility of the expanded TAM to distinguish between the influences of the three proposed dimensions. Results also show that, within the context of this study setup, intrinsic motivation had the most influence on intentions and perceived ease of use of the learning tool had relatively little importance. Limitations and implications are offered.
Intelligent Agent–Supported Online Education
Authors: Li Xiaoqing 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTWith the development of Internet technologies, online distance education is becoming an important format for teaching, learning, and instruction. In the 21st century, bleeding edge technologies make it possible for more and more students, especially adults, to benefit from an online education. This new paradigm in education allows students to pursue a second or third degree without sacrificing their jobs. Despite the advances in technology, existing online course management systems are far behind in the technological applications needed to deliver the highest quality online education. The existing distance education systems do not give enough consideration to many important issues, like personalization, mobility of students and instructors, and coordination among online study groups, which seriously affect further development of online education. This article discusses the potential applications of intelligent agents and other modern technologies to solve these problems and make online education more accountable in the open and dynamic environment.