bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biometrology of physical properties of skin in thyroid dysfunction
Authors: Szepetiuk G , Piérard GE , Betea D , Petrossians P , Xhauflaire‐Uhoda E , Beckers A , Quatresooz P 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective  There is ample clinical evidence that skin is responsive to physiopathological levels of circulating thyroid hormones. The aim of the study was to assess some physical changes of the skin in the presence of moderate thyroid dysfunction.Setting University Hospital.  Patients and methods  A total of 119 adults suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and 60 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Hormonal dosages (TSH, fT3, fT4) were assessed in the serum. A series of biometrological assessments were also performed on the volar and dorsal aspects of the forearms. These included electrometric assessments (Nova Dermal Phase Meter®, Corneometer®), evaporimetry (Tewameter®), colorimetry (Mexameter®), ultrasound shear wave propagation (Reviscometer®) and squamometry X. Correlations were searched between each of the serum hormonal dosages and each of the biometrological parameters.Results  The hormonal changes in the untreated patients with thyroid dysfunction were modest in intensity. A few outlier values with regard to the normal range were found for each biometrological parameter. No correlations were found between fT3 or fT4 and each of the physical parameters. By contrast, significant negative linear correlations were found between thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and skin hydration measured by the Corneometer® and the Nova DPM®.Conclusion  This multipronged exploratory study shows that direct or indirect effects of TSH may influence the stratum corneum hydration. This correlation seemed very sensitive, as no other specific biophysical parameter was significantly correlated with the thyroid hormonal concentrations in the serum. However, our findings do not exclude the possibility of some other skin changes supervening in case of more severe thyroid dysfunction. The mechanism by which TSH alters the stratum corneum hydration is yet unknown.
Polyketides in insects: ecological role of these widespread chemicals and evolutionary aspects of their biogenesis
Authors: Pankewitz Florian , Hilker Monika 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPolyketides are known to be used by insects for pheromone communication and defence against enemies. Although in microorganisms (fungi, bacteria) and plants polyketide biogenesis is known to be catalysed by polyketide synthases (PKS), no insect PKS involved in biosynthesis of pheromones or defensive compounds have yet been found. Polyketides detected in insects may also be biosynthesized by endosymbionts. From a chemical perspective, polyketide biogenesis involves the formation of a polyketide chain using carboxylic acids as precursors. Fatty acid biosynthesis also requires carboxylic acids as precursors, but utilizes fatty acid synthases (FAS) to catalyse this process. In the present review, studies of the biosynthesis of insect polyketides applying labelled carboxylic acids as precursors are outlined to exemplify chemical approaches used to elucidate insect polyketide formation. However, since compounds biosynthesised by FAS may use the same precursors, it still remains unclear whether the structures that are formed from e.g. acetate chains (acetogenins) or propanoate chains (propanogenins) are PKS or FAS products. A critical comparison of PKS and FAS architectures and activities supports the hypothesis of a common evolutionary origin of these enzyme complexes and highlights why PKS can catalyse the biosynthesis of much more complex products than can FAS. Finally, we summarise knowledge which might assist researchers in designing approaches for the detection of insect PKS genes.
Parent age differentially influences offspring size over the course of development in Laysan albatross
Authors: Dearborn D. C. , Anders A. D. , Juola F. A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOffspring growth and survival are predicted to be higher for older parents, due to a variety of mechanisms, such as increased breeding experience or greater investment favored by low residual reproductive value. Yet the extent to which parent age affects offspring viability is likely to vary between different aspects of growth and survival, perhaps being most pronounced at the most stressful stages of reproduction. We studied the link between parent age and nestling growth and survival in the Laysan albatross, a long‐lived seabird with a mean first breeding age of 8 years. Offspring of older parents were more likely to survive to fledging. Among those that did fledge, nestlings of older parents grew more rapidly. However, parent age did not influence the eventual asymptotic size that nestlings reached before fledging: fast‐growing nestlings of older parents reached 90% of asymptotic size roughly 1 week sooner, but slow‐growing nestlings of younger parents eventually caught up in size before fledging. Older parents bredc. 2 days earlier than younger parents, but hatch date did not explain observed variation in offspring success. The extent to which parent age accounted for variation in size of individual nestlings was not constant but peaked near the midpoint of development. This could reflect a time period when demands on parents reveal age‐based differences in parental quality. Overall, growth and survival of offspring increased with parent age in this species, even though the late age of first breeding potentially provides a 7‐year period for birds to hone their foraging skills or for selection to eliminate low‐quality individuals.
Consumer attitudes towards debt in an islamic country: managing a conflict between religious tradition and modernity?
Authors: Abdul‐Muhmin Alhassan G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSaudi Arabia is an important country in the Islamic world, and Islam prohibits the payment and receipt of interest, a key component of modern commercial bank loans. Yet the levels of commercial bank lending in the country for private non‐commercial purposes has been rising sharply for the past decade. This study seeks an explanation for this increase by examining the nature of consumer attitudes towards debt in the country, and whether the increasing levels of consumer debt can be explained by existing positive debt attitudes. Using data from a convenience sample of consumers in the major cities of the country, the study finds general debt attitudes to be surprisingly positive, though tempered by the consumption purpose for which the debt is acquired. However, the positive attitudes are unrelated to actual debt acquisition. Rather, socio‐demographic differences in attitudes are similar to those reported in the literature. Attitudes are generally more positive among young, highly educated Saudi males than other socio‐demographic groups. This suggests a possible struggle to manage a conflict between the Islamic prohibition of interest‐based borrowing and demands of the modern economy.
Consumer bankruptcy in Utah (USA): who files and why?
Authors: Lown Jean M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis study examined consumer debtors who filed for bankruptcy and their reasons for filing in Utah, the U.S. state that ranked first in household filing rate in 2002–2004 and consistently ranks in the top ten of the 50 states. The purpose of the study was to determine the demographic characteristics of debtors and reasons for filing. Data were collected during 2004–2005 via survey from 508 debtors. The debtors reported employment problems, medical expenses, divorce or other family problems, as well as trouble managing their finances and overuse of credit cards. More than half of the debtors owed medical providers. Debtors were more likely to report a reduction in income than job loss. Self‐employed persons were over represented. Respondent debtors are less educated, less likely to be married and less likely to own a home compared with Utahns and other Americans. Contrary to expectations, debtor households were smaller than the state average, which may be due to the young age of debtors. Results suggest that in order to reduce the bankruptcy rate in Utah, consumer educators should target renters, adults with less than a college education, divorcing persons and small business owners. Utah's mandate for a personal finance graduation requirement should be implemented early in the secondary school curriculum.
Consumers' knowledge on sizing and fit issues: a solution to successful apparel selection in developing countries
Authors: Mason Anne Mastamet , De Klerk Helena M. , Sommervile Jaqui , Ashdown Susan P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA study was conducted in the Nairobi, Eldoret and Kisumu regions of Kenya with the objective to determine and describe the role that Kenyan female consumers' sizing and fit knowledge play in the problems that they experience when selecting apparel. The study was cross‐sectional and 201 female teachers between the ages 25 and 55 years were involved. Participants completed a questionnaire and were measured wearing body suits. Results revealed that most Kenyan female consumers frequently experience problems in getting the right size apparel items, while more than 90% of the consumers are also unsatisfied with the fit of their clothes. It was clear that most Kenyan female consumers are familiar with the non‐informative lettered and numbered size labels as well as with the size label terms that represent established body types. However, the consumers lack knowledge of the meanings of various size label descriptions used on labels of ready‐made apparel and also lack knowledge of their own key body dimensions. They are also confused as to where the cause of their problems lies and therefore blame their bodies as well as the apparel industry for their problems. The importance of knowledge in consumers' selection of apparel that would fit their specific proportions should not be underestimated. Industry should take notice that it is of no use to present consumers with size label information that is not clear, informative and understandable, as currently the case with the use of non‐informative lettered and numbered size codes.
Looking at Gen Y shopping preferences and intentions: exploring the role of experience and apparel involvement
Authors: Sullivan P. , Heitmeyer J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractApparel retailers need more information to reach and increase patronage from Generation Y with $150 billion purchasing power. Experiential retailing, involving one or more of the five senses, helps create utilitarian and hedonic benefits for brick‐and‐mortar apparel shoppers. However, little is known about how Generation Y responds to experiential strategies. This study of Generation Y brick‐and‐mortar apparel shoppers, using a cohort approach, seeks to determine which dimensions of a shopping experience, as well as shopping involvement level and demographics, are associated with store preference and patronage intent.
Exact and heuristic algorithms for balancing transfer lines when a set of available spindle heads is given
Authors: Dolgui Alexandre , Guschinsky Nikolai , Levin Genrikh 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA balancing problem for paced tandem transfer lines with several spindle heads at each station is considered. A spindle head executes a block of operations. The set of all available spindle heads as well as the operations executed by each spindle head, the spindle head times and costs are known. There are operations with several spindle head candidates. The problem at the line design stage consists in the choice of spindle heads from the given set and their assignment to workstations. The goal is to minimize the line cost while satisfying the precedence, inclusion and exclusion constraints. An exact algorithm based on a mixed integer programming approach is developed. Two types of new heuristic algorithms are also suggested. One of them step‐by‐step assigns randomly spindle heads to a current workstation. The second uses depth‐first search techniques. Experimental results are reported.
High‐density nitrogen inclusions in barite from a giant siderite vein: implications for Alpine evolution of the Variscan basement of Western Carpathians, Slovakia
Authors: HURAI V. , PROCHASKA W. , LEXA O. , SCHULMANN K. , THOMAS R. , IVAN P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractContrasting compositions and densities of fluid inclusions were revealed in siderite–barite intergrowths of the Droždiak polymetallic vein hosted in Variscan basement of the Gemeric unit (Central European Carpathians). Primary two‐phase aqueous inclusions in siderite homogenized between 101 and 165 °C, total salinity ranged between 18 and 27 wt%, and CaCl2/(NaCl + CaCl2) weight ratios were fixed at 0.1–0.3. By contrast, mono‐ and two‐phase aqueous inclusions in barite exhibited total salinities between 2 and 22 wt%, and the CaCl2/NaCl ratios ranged from NaCl‐ to CaCl2‐dominated compositions. The aqueous inclusions in barite were closely associated with very high‐density (0.55–0.745 g cm−3) nitrogen inclusions, in some cases containing up to 16 mol.% CO2. Crystallization P–T conditions of siderite (175–210 °C, 1.2–1.7 kbar) constrained by the vertical oxygen isotope gradient along the studied vein, isochores of fluid inclusions and the K/Na exchange thermometer corresponded to minimal palaeodepths between 4.3 and 6.3 km, assuming lithostatic load and average crust density of 2.75 g cm−3. Maximum fluid pressure during barite crystallization attained 3.6–4.4 kbar at 200–300 °C, and the most dense nitrogen inclusions maintained without decrepitation the residual internal pressure of 2.2 kbar at 25 °C. Contrasting fluid compositions, increasing depths of burial (∼4–14 km) and decreasing thermal gradients (∼40–15 °C km−1) during initial mineralization stages of the Droždiak vein reflect Alpine orogenic processes, rather than an incipient Permian rifting suggested in previous metallogenetic models. Siderite crystallized at rising P–T in a closed, rock‐buffered hydrothermal system developed in the Variscan basement during the north‐vergent Cretaceous thrusting and thickening of the Gemeric crustal wedge. Variable salinities of the barite‐hosted inclusions reflect a fluid mixing in open hydrothermal system, and re‐equilibration textures (lengths of decrepitation cracks proportional to fluid inclusion sizes) correspond to retrograde crystallization trajectory coincidental with transpression or unroofing. Maximum recorded fluid pressures indicate ∼12‐km‐thick pile of imbricated nappe units accumulated over the Gemeric basement during the Cretaceous collision.
Clinical differences between patients with nonepileptic seizures who report antecedent sexual abuse and those who do not
Authors: Selkirk Mhairi , Duncan Roderick , Oto Meritxell , Pelosi Anthony 
Published: April 2008

Summary
Purpose: To investigate clinical differences between patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) who report antecedent sexual abuse, and patients who do not.
Methods: In a consecutive series of 176 patients with video‐EEG confirmed PNES without epilepsy, we compared patients who reported antecedent sexual abuse with those who did not report sexual abuse, in respect of a range of demographic and clinical variables.
Results: Fifty‐nine women (45%) and 5 men (11%) reported sexual abuse. Those reporting sexual abuse had earlier onset PNES (28.5 vs. 33.1 years, p = 0.0319) and greater delay from onset to diagnosis (median 5.2 vs. 3.2 years, p < 0.0137). They more often drew social security benefits (p = 0.0054) and were less often in cohabiting relationships (p = 0.0006). Those who reported sexual abuse had poorer mental health on a range of indicators. Their spells were more often “convulsive” (p = 0.0419), were more severe (p = 0.0011), were more likely to have emotional triggers (p = 0.0045) and to include prodromes (p = 0.0424) and flashbacks (p < 0.0001). A history of nocturnal spells (p = 0.0109), injury during spells (p = 0.0056), and incontinence during spells (p = 0.0083) were also more common in the patients reporting sexual abuse.
Discussion: Our results suggest that patients with PNES who report sexual abuse have more severe PNES, are more likely to have PNES with features that suggest epilepsy, and are psychiatrically more unwell than those who do not report sexual abuse.
Association Between Interleukin‐6 and Lower Extremity Function After Hip Fracture—The Role of Muscle Mass and Strength
Authors: Miller Ram R. , Shardell Michelle D. , Hicks Gregory E. , Cappola Anne R. , Hawkes William G. , Yu‐Yahiro Janet A. , Magaziner Jay 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether an effect on muscle mass or strength explains the association between interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and lower extremity function in the year after hip fracture.DESIGN: Analysis of data from a longitudinal cohort study.SETTING: Two Baltimore‐area hospitals.PARTICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling women aged 65 and older admitted to one of two hospitals in Baltimore with a new, nonpathological fracture of the proximal femur between 1992 and 1995.MEASUREMENTS: At 2, 6, and 12 months postfracture, serum IL‐6, appendicular lean muscle mass (aLM), and grip strength were measured, and the Lower Extremity Gain Scale (LEGS), a summary measure of performance of nine lower extremity tasks was calculated. Generalized estimating equations were used to model the longitudinal relationship between IL‐6 tertile and LEGS. Whether muscle mass or strength explained the relationship between IL‐6 and LEGS was examined by adding measures of aLM, grip strength, or both into the model.RESULTS: Subjects in the lowest IL‐6 group performed better on the LEGS than those in the highest tertile by 4.51 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.50–7.52) points at 12 months postfracture. Adjusting for aLM and grip strength, this difference was 4.28 points (95% CI=1.14–7.43) and 3.81 points (95% CI=0.63–7.00), respectively. Adjusting for both aLM and grip strength, the mean difference in LEGS score was 3.88 points (95% CI=0.63–7.13).CONCLUSION: In older women, after hip fracture, reduced muscle strength, rather than reduced muscle mass, better explains the poorer recovery of lower extremity function observed with higher levels of the inflammatory marker IL‐6.
LIABILITY RISK MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE SOCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Brown Brad , Perry Susan , Wheeler John O. 
Published: April 2008

Reputations travel fast and far. Poor corporate citizenship anywhere in the world is increasingly likely to be reported everywhere in the world. Human rights abuses and environmental accidents and pollution have put many well‐known companies on the defensive, and once in the spotlight, all actions tend to be carefully scrutinized.Corporations risk losses due to fines and lawsuits stemming from poor citizenship, but even more significant is the potential loss of reputation—a significant portion of most companies' value. A damaged corporate reputation can hurt sales and damage employee morale.The ensuing financial losses expose executives and boards of directors to shareholder derivative lawsuits for not having policies in place to protect the corporation from such scandals. As providers of liability insurance, insurance companies have a direct interest in these losses.Corporate adoption of effective environmental and social accountability program—which are likely to prevent scandals in the first place, will limit the liability of corporations and their officers if a scandal does occur.
Inducibility of Atrial and Ventricular Arrhythmias Along the Ligament of Marshall: Role of Autonomic Factors
Authors: LIN JIAXIONG , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , LU ZHIBING , ZHANG YING , LIU SHAOWEN , PATTERSON EUGENE , JACKMAN WARREN M. , LAZZARA RALPH , PO SUNNY S. 
Published: April 2008

Background:
The mechanism(s) underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) initiation along the ligament of Marshall (LOM) remains controversial.
Objectives:
We sought to examine the role of the autonomic nervous system in arrhythmogenesis along the LOM.
Methods:
In 31 anesthetized dogs, a left thoracotomy exposed the LOM. During atrial pacing, high‐frequency stimulation (HFS: 200 Hz, 0.1 ms pulse width, 40 ms duration, 0.6–12 V) was delivered during atrial refractoriness to different sites of LOM (LOMCS= near coronary sinus; LOMLIPV= near left inferior pulmonary vein; LOMLS‐LIPV= between LIPV and left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV); LOMLSPV= near LSPV). HFS was repeated after intravenous administration of esmolol (1 mg/kg; n = 9) or atropine (2 mg; n = 12). Norepinephrine (10−7 M, 0.4 cc) was injected into LOMLSPV (n = 5).
Results:
The median voltages for HFS to induce AF were 3.2 V, 3.2 V, 8.0 V*,‡, and 12 V*,‡ at LOMCS, LOMLIPV, LOMLS‐LIPV, and LOMLSPV, respectively (*P < 0.01, compared with LOMCS and ‡ P < 0.01, compared with LOMLIPV). Esmolol or atropine markedly increased the threshold for AF induction. Ventricular tachycardias (VT) and accelerated junctional rhythm were induced in 8 of 12 and 6 of 12 dogs after atropine administration, respectively. Sustained VT occurred within minutes in 5 of 5 dogs receiving norepinephrine injection into the LOMLSPV.
Conclusion:
HFS induced AF along LOM with a gradient of stimulation thresholds from LOMCS (lowest) toward LOMLSPV (highest). This response was inhibited by esmolol or atropine. These data suggest an autonomic basis for AF initiation in LOM, and both sympathetic and parasympathetic neural elements play an important role in AF initiation. Hyperactivity of the sympathetic neural elements in LOM may be crucial in the initiation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Do worker absences affect productivity? The case of teachers
Authors: MILLER Raegen T. , MURNANE Richard J. , WILLETT John B. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.This article studies the impact of teacher absences on education. Using data spanning three academic years about 285 teachers and 8,631 predominantly economically disadvantaged students from a United States urban school district, it tests assumptions that a substantial portion of teachers' absences is discretionary and that these absences reduce productivity – students' mathematics scores. Since absent teachers are typically replaced by less qualified substitutes, instructional intensity and consistency may decline: ten days of teacher absence reduce students' achievement score by about 3.3 per cent of a standard deviation – enough to lower some students' designation in the state proficiency system and, thus, their motivation to succeed.
Continuidad y cambio del modelo social del sur de Europa
Authors: KARAMESSINI Maria 
Published: April 2008

Resumen.A lo largo de los últimos decenios han cambiado sustancialmente muchos aspectos del modelo social de Europa meridional. Los cambios acaecidos en las rela‐ciones labor ales, la fijación de los salarios y las leyes de protección del empleo han aumentado por lo general los salarios y laflexibilidad laboral y han atenuado elfrac‐cionamiento del mercado de trabajo. El Estado de bienestar ha procurado mejorar la formación profesional de los trabajadores, colmar las lagunas y disminuir las desi‐gualdades de la protección social, y moderar el alza del gasto social. Estos cambios institucionales no han acabado totalmente con los dos rasgos principales del modelo, es decir, un gran fraccionamiento del mercado de trabajo y un «familismo» intenso, pero el descenso de la natalidad a cifras mínimas anuncia el declive inminente del segundo.