bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of acute hyperglycaemia on brachial artery flow mediated dilatation in normal volunteers
Authors: Bagg W. , Whalley G. A. , Sathu A. , Gamble G. , Sharpe N. , Braatvedt G. D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Background: Endothelial function is known to be abnormal in patients with diabetes and acute hyperglycaemia may play an aetiological role. Aims: The aim of this randomised controlled study was to determine if acute systemic hyperglycaemia impairs endothelial function in normal subjects. Methods: Endothelial function was assessed by the change in brachial artery diameter in response to forearm ischaemia using B‐mode ultrasound in ten healthy subjects (eight male) aged 19–35 years. Brachial artery blood flow velocity and diameter were measured before and after five minutes of forearm ischaemia. Measurements were performed in the supine position after an overnight fast, before and after 60 minute infusions of 0.9% saline or 10% dextrose. Measurements were made on two separate occasions at least 24 hours apart, and subjects were randomised to saline first or dextrose first. The largest diameter measured after ischaemia was divided by the resting arterial diameter to calculate percent dilatation of the artery from baseline, and is reported as flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD). Results: Dextrose infusion resulted in a significant rise in mean (SD) serum glucose 5.2 (0.1) to 9.2 (0.3) mmol/L and insulin concentration 6.3 (1.4) to 20.6 (3.7) mU/L p<0.002. Brachial artery blood flow velocity and diameter increased significantly from baseline after ischaemia (p<0.002). Mean FMD (SEM) before and after infusion were not, however, significantly different (p=0.4) (pre‐saline 7.3 [1.0]%, post saline 5.2 [1.5]% and predextrose 8.1 [2.0]%, post dextrose 5.9 [1.7]%). Conclusions: These data suggest that acute hyperglycaemia does not impair FMD in normal subjects.
The diagonal ear lobe crease (Frank's sign) is not associated with coronary artery disease or retinopathy in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis T. M. E. , Balme M. , Jackson D. , Stuccio G. , Bruce D. G. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Background: The diagonal ear lobe crease (ELC) has been suggested as a simple marker of vascular disease in the general population but there are few data from diabetic patients despite their increased risk of angiopathy. Aim: To determine whether the ELC is a clinically useful sign of coronary artery disease (CAD) or retinopathy in type 2 diabetes. Methods: One thousand and twenty‐two patients from the multi‐ethnic urban catchment area of Fremantle Hospital in Western Australia were studied. This sample represents 79% of the type 2 diabetic subjects recruited to the ongoing Fremantle Diabetes Study and 49% of all 2072 patients with type 2 diabetes identified through active case detection in a postcode‐defined region of 120,097 people. In addition to other comprehensive data relating to diabetes and its management, the presence of an ELC and evidence of both CAD and retinopathy were ascertained for each patient. Results: The prevalence of ELC was 55%. Patients with an ELC were more likely to have CAD than those without an ELC (p=0.019), but the proportions with retinopathy were not significantly different (p=0.085). The sensitivity and specificity of ELC for detecting CAD were 60% and 48%, and for retinopathy 61% and 47% respectively. The patients with an ELC were significantly older, more likely to be male and had a higher systolic blood pressure than those without (p<0.02). After adjusting for known vascular risk factors, socioeconomic variables and ethnicity in a logistic regression model, an ELC was neither a significant independent predictor of CAD (p=0.45) nor of retinopathy (p=0.14). Conclusions: The ELC is of little value as a sign of the presence of diabetic vascular complications.
Calcium intakes among Australian women: Geelong Osteoporosis Study
Authors: Pasco J. A. , Sanders K. M. , Henry M. J. , Nicholson G. C. , Seeman E. , Kotowicz M. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Background: Dietary calcium deficiency may be a risk factor for osteoporosis. Aims: To estimate habitual calcium intakes and prevalence of calcium supplementation among free‐living Australian women and validate a calcium‐specific food‐frequency questionnaire. Methods: Calcium intakes for 1045 randomly selected women (20–92 years) were estimated by questionnaire which was tested against estimates from four day weighed records kept by 32 randomly selected women. Results: The mean difference between calcium estimates was not statistically significantly different from zero (mean difference=121 mg; standard deviation of differences=357 mg; p>0.05). There was moderate agreement (weighted κ=0.4) between methods in ranking subjects into tertiles of calcium intake. Mean dietary calcium intakes were 615 mg/day for 20–54 years, 646 mg/day for 55–92 years and 782 mg/day for lactating women. Seventy‐six per cent of women aged 20–54 years, 87% of older and 82% of lactating women had intakes below the recommended dietary intake (RDI). There was no association detected between calcium intake and age. Dairy foods provided 79.0% of dietary calcium intake. Calcium supplements were used by 6.6% and multivitamins by a further 4.3% of women. Supplementation was independent of dietary calcium intake and more likely used by postmenopausal women. Conclusions: Our results suggest that 76% of women consume less than the RDI even when supplemental calcium is included. Furthermore, 14% have less than the minimal requirement of 300 mg/day and would, therefore, be in negative calcium balance and at risk of bone loss. Despite advertising campaigns promoting better nutrition and increased awareness of osteoporosis, many women are failing to achieve an adequate calcium intake.
Reply to Savulescu: Why we should maintain a prohibition on destructive research on human embryos
Authors: Tobin B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractJulian Savulescu argues that destructive experimentation on human embryos is ethically permissible. He attempts to refute objections to such experimentation, and offers an account of the status of the early human embryo according to which it is the kind of entity upon which it is perfectly permissible to experiment. However, his attempts to refute the objections to destructive experimentation on human embryos are unconvincing, and the consequences of his own view of the status of the embryo are counterintuitive.
Covariance‐based subdivision of the human striatum using T1‐weighted MRI
Authors: Cohen Michael X , Lombardo Michael V. , Blumenfeld Robert S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe striatum plays a key role in many cognitive and emotional processes, and displays an intricate pattern of connectivity with cortical and subcortical structures. Invasive tracing work in rats and non‐human primates demonstrates that the striatum can be segregated into subregions based on similar clustering of input and output fibers. In contrast, the human striatum is typically segregated according to local anatomical landmarks without considering natural boundaries formed by functional/anatomical networks. Here, we used non‐invasive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in young, healthy adults to define subregions of the human striatum based on volume correlations with other subcortical and cortical structures. We present three methods to delineate anatomical volumetric correlations based on gray matter content estimated from T1‐weighted MR images. We observed both consistencies with and divergences from invasive tracing work in animals, suggesting that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based covariance likely does not correspond to direct anatomical connections, although it might index other forms of connectivity or tissue type similarity. These novel approaches may be useful in understanding connectivity of other regions, and changes in connectivity in patient or ageing populations.
Metabolic diversity of heterotrophic bacterioplankton over winter and spring in the coastal Arctic Ocean
Authors: Sala Maria Montserrat , Terrado Ramon , Lovejoy Connie , Unrein Fernando , Pedrós‐Alió Carlos 
Published: March 2008

SummaryMetabolic diversity of heterotrophic bacterioplankton was tracked from early winter through spring with Biolog Ecoplates under the seasonally ice covered arctic shelf in the Canadian Arctic (Franklin Bay, Beaufort Sea). Samples were taken every 6 days from December 2003 to May 2004 at the surface, the halocline where a temperature inversion occurs, and at 200 m, close to the bottom. Despite the low nutrient levels and low chlorophyll a, suggesting oligotrophy in the winter surface waters, the number of substrates used (NSU) was greater than in spring, when chlorophyll a concentrations increased. Denaturing gradient gel electrophorisis analysis also indicated that the winter and spring bacterial communities were phylogenetically distinct, with several new bands appearing in spring. In spring, the bacterial community would have access to the freshly produced organic carbon from the early phytoplankton bloom and the growth of rapidly growing specialist phenotypes would be favoured. In contrast, in winter bacterioplankton consumed more complex organic matter originated during the previous year's phytoplankton production. At the other depths we tested the NSU was similar to that for the winter surface, with no seasonal pattern. Instead, bacterioplankton metabolism seemed to be influenced by resuspension, advection, and sedimentation events that contributed organic matter that enhanced bacterial metabolism.
Salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection for residual or local recurrent intraepithelial neoplasia in the colorectum: a prospective analysis
Authors: Hurlstone D. P. , Shorthouse A. J. , Brown S. R. , Tiffin N. , Cross S. S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective  A prospective technical feasibility study of cap assisted ESD for ‘curative intent’ in patients with residual or local neoplastic recurrence following EMR. Primary end points were second stage R0 resection rate, safety and recurrence.Method  Salvage ESD was performed using the Olympus GIF‐XQ240 gastroscope and KD‐630L insulation tipped knife. Thirty‐day mortality, re‐admission rates, complications and histological resection status were collected prospectively up to 9 months following index resection.Results  Thirty patients met eligibility criteria. Index R0 resection was achieved in 25/30 (83%) lesions. One patient underwent surgical excision with a second receiving a curative second stage dissection. Ninety‐six per cent (29/30) patients were discharged within 24 h of the procedure with a 0% 30‐day mortality and re‐admission rate. Bleeding occurred in 5/30 (16%) treated successfully with endoluminal haemostasis. There were no perforations. Overall ‘cure’ rates at short‐term follow‐up [median 6/12 (range; 3–18)] was 96%.Conclusion  This novel application of ESD for first line ‘salvage’ therapy in treating residual or locally recurrent neoplastic disease may be a safe, minimally invasive and cost effective alternative to direct surgical resection in a select patient cohort.
Causes of frequency and nocturia after renal transplantation
Authors: Van der Weide Marian J.A. , Van Achterberg Theo , Smits Jeroen P.J.M. , Heesakkers John P.F.A. , Bemelmans Bart L.H. , Hilbrands Lukas B. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of bladder capacity, bladder pain, dysfunctional voiding, urgency, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and urinary output as potential causes of frequency and nocturia after renal transplantation.PATIENTS AND METHODSData were gathered from 52 adult renal transplant patients (35 men and 17 women, mean age 49 years), using a written questionnaire, medical records, frequency/volume charts, and urinary cultures. The mean time between transplantation and data collection was 5 months. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for the simultaneous assessment of direct and indirect relationships between explanatory variables and voiding frequency.RESULTSFrequency and nocturia were found in 54% and 60% of the study population, respectively. Frequency was directly associated with a small bladder capacity, bladder pain, urgency, and a high daytime urine volume, and indirectly by UTIs (via urgency and bladder pain). Nocturia was associated with high nocturnal urine volume, small bladder capacity and dysfunctional voiding. A quarter of the patients had small bladders and another quarter had large bladders, the latter being associated with nocturnal polyuria.CONCLUSIONSThe presence of frequency, especially when accompanied by bladder pain, might aid the physician to identify patients with small bladders. The presence of nocturia can be the result of a high nocturnal urine volume, which increases the risk of bladder enlargement. Because both abnormal bladder conditions can contribute to graft dysfunction, we recommend a urological follow‐up after renal transplantation, using frequency/volume charts.
THE COVERAGE PROBABILITY OF CONFIDENCE INTERVALS IN 2r FACTORIAL EXPERIMENTS AFTER PRELIMINARY HYPOTHESIS TESTING
Authors: Giri Khageswor , Kabaila Paul 
Published: March 2008

SummaryWe consider a 2r factorial experiment with at least two replicates. Our aim is to find a confidence interval for θ, a specified linear combination of the regression parameters (for the model written as a regression, with factor levels coded as −1 and 1). We suppose that preliminary hypothesis tests are carried out sequentially, beginning with the rth‐order interaction. After these preliminary hypothesis tests, a confidence interval for θ with nominal coverage 1 −α is constructed under the assumption that the selected model had been given to us a priori. We describe a new efficient Monte Carlo method, which employs conditioning for variance reduction, for estimating the minimum coverage probability of the resulting confidence interval. The application of this method is demonstrated in the context of a 23 factorial experiment with two replicates and a particular contrast θ of interest. The preliminary hypothesis tests consist of the following two‐step procedure. We first test the null hypothesis that the third‐order interaction is zero against the alternative hypothesis that it is non‐zero. If this null hypothesis is accepted, we assume that this interaction is zero and proceed to the second step; otherwise, we stop. In the second step, for each of the second‐order interactions we test the null hypothesis that the interaction is zero against the alternative hypothesis that it is non‐zero. If this null hypothesis is accepted, we assume that this interaction is zero. The resulting confidence interval, with nominal coverage probability 0.95, has a minimum coverage probability that is, to a good approximation, 0.464. This shows that this confidence interval is completely inadequate.
THE GEOMORPHIC IRRELEVANCE OF SOME DRAINAGE NET LAWS
Authors: Milton L. E. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYNew evidence, both theoretical and observational, is presented to show that Horton's Laws of Stream Numbers and Mean Stream Lengths represent the geomorphic application of abstract mathematical relationships. The laws follow automatically from the definition of order and must apply equally well to any branching system. The value of each of the coefficients Rb (bifurcation ratio) and Rl (ratio of mean stream lengths) is at least partly controlled by geomorphic factors, and an attempt has been made to describe the operation of these factors.
The origins of assisted British migrants to Queensland 1871–1892
Authors: CAMM J.C.R. 
Published: March 2008

The aim of the present government is to encourage the introduction of emigrants from the mother country and failing this from the continent of Europe (The Queensland Treasurer, 1875).This article examines the origins of British migrants to Queensland between 1871 and 1892, a period when the government assisted over 150,000 British migrants to the colony. At first most assisted migrants came from industrial‐urban areas and, except those from Ireland, had limited knowledge of rural life. In the 1880s the government canvassed the agricultural counties of eastern England to attract farm workers. Consequently, these areas became major source regions for assisted emigrants. Many assisted migrants, however, still had limited experience of rural life and on arrival in the colony preferred either to live in town or to move south. Despite these failures sufficient numbers of assisted British migrants remained to ensure the growth of the colony's agricultural economy.
ASPECTS OF THE RURAL AND URBAN
Authors: ANDERSON NELS 
Published: March 2008

SummaryASPECTS OF THE RURAL AND URBANSociologists are tending to regard rural and urban as interdependent spheres, agricultural and industrial, an occupational distinction between rural and urban. On the basis of this occupational interdependence some bias is normal. But while bias may continue many of the differences are being replaced by similarities as the result of an ongoing process of urbanization. Of the various means by which urbanization is carried forward four are discussed in this article:ZusammenfassungLAND UND STADT, ZWEI ASPEKTESoziologen haben die Neigung, Land und Stadt als interdependente Spharen, Landwirtschaft und Industrie als reine berufliche Unter‐scheidung zwischen Land und Stadt zu betrachten. Soweit es die berufliche Interdependenz angeht, ist ein gewisses Ungleichgewicht normal. Wenn dieses auch fortdauern mag, so gehen doch die Unter‐schiede als Resultat eines fortlaufenden Urbanisierungsprozesses zurück. Von den verschiedenen Wegen, durch die die Urbanisierung vorangetrieben wird, werden vier in diesem Artikel diskutiert: Arbeitsorganisation, Zwangsgewöhnung an die Uhrzeit, wachsende Freizeit, Zunahme der Nebenerwerbslandwirtschaft.Der Artikel schließt mit einigen Bemerkungen darüber, daß die Landwirtschaft möglicherweise eine Art ‘Public Service’ wird.
RESEARCH ON THE DIFFUSION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: ROGERS EVERETT M. , BAN ANNE W. VAN DEN 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe introduction to this article serves as English summary.ZusammenfassungFORSCHUNGEN UBER DIE VERBREITUNG VON NEUERUNGEN IN DER LANDWIRTSCHAFT IN DEN VEREINIGTEN STAATEN UND DEN NIEDERLANDENBei der Analyse von sechs sogenannten ‘Forschungstraditionen’ die Verbreitung von Neuerungen betreffend (Anthropologic, frühe Soziologie, ländliche Soziologie, Erziehungs‐, Industrie‐ und Medizin‐Soziologie) ergab sich, daß die ländliche Soziologie die größte Zahl von Publikationen und Studien über die Verbreitung neuer Ideen vorgelegt hat. Unter Torschungstradition wird eine Serie von Studien über denselben Gegenstand verstanden, wobei nachfolgende Untersuchungen von den vorher gegangenen beeinflußt worden sind. Ziel des vorliegenden Berichtes ist eine vergleichbare Analyse von zwei ‘Subtraditionen’ innerhalb der ländlichen Soziologie, nämlich der Forschung über die Verbreitung von Neuerungen (1) in den Vereinigten Staaten und (2) in den Niederlanden. Besondere Betonung wird auf die historische Entwicklung dieses Gebietes in beiden Ländern und auf die Unterschiede in den Forschungsmethoden gelegt. Die Forschung in den Niederlanden wird etwas eingehender behandelt. Sie ist infolge der Sprachschranken außerhalb dieses Landes wenig bekannt.
RECENT STUDIES OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY IN ITALY
Authors: ITALIANA SOCIETÀ , RURALE SOCIOLOGIA 
Published: March 2008

SummaryRECENT STUDIES OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY IN ITALYIn different countries an increasing interest in subjects connected with rural sociology in Italy is noticeable. The article presents, therefore, a survey of the development and character of rural sociology in Italy. Socio‐economic research has been carried out from the 19th century onwards, but rural sociology as an independent science is fairly recent. Conditions in Italy have determined that the majority of sociological studies should be focussed on (1) agrarian reform and (2) changing relations between town and country. Because of this, other areas have been relatively neglected, especially the field of community studies. The article ends with a list of studies undertaken by the Italian Society for Rural Sociology (1959–60).ZusammenfassungNEUERE UNTERSUCHUNGEN AUF DEM GEBIET DER LÄNDLICHEN SOZIOLOGIE IN ITALIENIn verschiedenen Ländern läßt sich ein wachsendes Interesse an Pro‐blemen der ländlichen Soziologie in Italien feststellen. Der vorliegende Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Entwicklung und den Charakter der ländlichen Soziologie in Italien. Die Tradition der sozial‐ökono‐mischen Forschung geht bis auf das 19. Jahrhundert zurück. Länd‐liche Soziologie als unabhängige Wissenschaft ist jedoch noch ziem‐lich jung. Infolge der italienischen Situation liegt der Schwerpunkt der Mehrzahl der soziologischen Studien (1) auf der Agrarreform, (2) auf dem Wandel der Stadt‐Land‐Beziehungen. Aus diesem Grunde sind andere Gebiete, besonders das der Gemeindestudien, vergleichsweise vernachlässigt worden. Der Artikel endet mit einer Liste von Untersuchungen, die durch die italienische Gesellschaft für ländliche Soziologie durchgefiihrt worden sind (1959–60).
PORTRAIT OF A DISAPPEARING ENGLISH VILLAGE
Authors: KENDALL DIANA 
Published: March 2008

SummaryPORTRAIT OF A DISAPPEARING VILLAGEThe purpose of this paper is to describe some of the social and economic conditions of an English village that has been steadily declining in population since 1870. Some comments are made on the more obvious reasons for its decline and some suggestions are offered as to the use such tiny communities can still have in a densely‐populated country like England.ZusammenfassungDAS BILD EINES VERSCHWINDENDEN DORFESDas Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, einige soziale und ökonomische Be‐dingungen eines englischen Dorfes zu beschreiben, dessen Bevölke‐rung seit 1870 stetig abgenommen hat. Die offensichtlichen Gründe für diese Abnahme werden angeführt; außerdem werden einige Vor‐schläge dazu gemacht, welchen Nutzen solche kleinen Gemeinden heute noch in einem dichtbesiedelten Lande wie England haben.
A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF CZECHOSLOVAK BRIGADES OF SOCIALIST LABOUR IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: TAUBER JAN , HORÁKOVÁ EVA 
Published: March 2008

SummaryCzechoslovak Brigades of Socialist Labour in AgricultureThe authors report about an investigation concerning the advanced form of working collectives in agricultural co‐operatives in Czechoslovakia, called Brigades of Socialist Labour. They explain their character, orientation and role in the changes of the society. It appears that the development of such Brigades meets in agriculture greater difficulties than in industry. They propose a research scheme concerning working collectives in agriculture from a sociological point of view.RésuméLes Brigades Tchécoslovaques De Travail Socialiste En AgricultureLes auteurs exposent les résultats d'une enquête ayant pour objet les formes poussées de collectivité du travail dans les coopératives agricoles tchécoslovaques appelées Brigades de travail socialiste. Ils expliquent le caractére, l'orientation et le rôle de ces brigades dans les transformations de la Société.Il apparait que le développement de telles brigades rencontre, en agriculture, de plus grandes difficultés, que dans l'industrie.Les auteurs proposent un schéma de recherches concernant les aspects sociologiques des collectivités de travail en agriculture.ZusammenfassungSozialistische Arbeitsbrigaden in Der Landwirtschaft Der TschechoslowakeiDie Autoren berichten über eine Untersuchung, die sich mit der fortgeschrittenen Form von Arbeitskollektiven, sog. sozialistischen Arbeitsbrigaden, in landwirtschaftlichen Genossenschaften der Tschechoslowakei befasst. Wesen, Standort und Rolle dieser Arbeitsbrigaden leiten sie aus den Veränderungen der Gesellschaft ab. Ihre Entwicklung scheint in der Landwirtschaft auf grössere Schwierigkeiten zu stossen als in der Industrie. Es wird ein Plan zu einer Untersuchung der landwirtschaftlichen Arbeitskollektive aus soziologischer Sicht vorgelegt.