bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Methods Used to Age Spring–Summer Chinook Salmon in Idaho: Validation and Simulated Effects on Estimated Age Composition
Authors: Copeland Timothy , Hyatt Matthew W. , Johnson June 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Validation of aging methods with known-age individuals is rarely done with wild fish. We used samples collected from carcasses of adult Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha that were tagged as juveniles to (1) compare accuracy and precision of ocean ages determined from scales and fin rays and (2) simulate the effects of aging errors on run reconstruction (assignment to migratory cohort) under two age composition scenarios. Scale age had an overall accuracy of 81.8% and was biased high (χ2 = 8.67; P = 0.014). Fin ray age had an overall accuracy of 98.6% and was unbiased (χ2 = 2.00; P = 0.34). Precision of fin ray readings was higher than that of scale readings (coefficient of variation = 2.1% versus 7.8%, respectively). Accuracy of fin ray ages was greater than that of scale ages (Z = 2.198; P = 0.03). For two age composition scenarios, age classification errors were greatest when using scales and least when using fin rays. Aging errors inflated the size of weak cohorts in simulated run reconstructions. We showed how this can cause large errors in estimates of smolt-to-adult return rate when run strength and age composition vary among years. The amount of error associated with scale aging then becomes problematic for tracking the status of both threatened and healthy salmon stocks. Data based on fin ray readings provided the most accurate, unbiased estimates of age structure. Correction for methodological bias is important if age data are to be used in rigorous analyses.
Impacts of Marker Class Bias Relative to Locus‐Specific Variability on Population Inferences in Chinook Salmon: A Comparison of Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Short Tandem Repeats and Allozymes
Authors: Smith Christian T. , Antonovich Anton , Templin William D. , Elfstrom Carita M. , Narum Shawn R. , Seeb Lisa W. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSingle‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exhibit several attributes that make them appealing as a class of genetic markers for applications in ecology and evolution. Two commonly cited limitations of SNPs in this capacity are that ascertainment bias and natural selection may shape allele frequencies of these markers, thus biasing estimates of population structure. The impacts of ascertainment bias and selection on estimates of population parameters have been demonstrated in a few model species, but their impacts relative to locus‐specific variability and other potential complications on structure inferences in wild populations are unclear. We examined 22 allozymes, 9 short tandem repeats (STRs), and 41 SNPs in approximately 1,300 Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha representing 16 collections. We used plots of the genetic differentiation index FST versus heterozygosity and sequence criteria to identify SNPs that might be under natural selection. We then calculated several measures of population structure based on the three marker sets and a subset of the SNPs from which loci identified as likely targets of natural selection had been removed. Correlation of genetic distances between collections was stronger between allozymes and SNPs than between either of these markers and STRs, suggesting that the influences of marker class bias (e.g., selection and ascertainment bias) were smaller than impacts of locus‐specific effects. Divergence estimates between SNP ascertainment populations were not significantly higher when based on SNPs than when based on other markers. Overall divergence (FST) was higher for SNPs than for allozymes; however, the choice of FST estimator influenced the relative values for STRs and SNPs. Estimates of within‐population diversity based on allozymes and STRs correlated better with each other than with estimates based on SNPs; such estimates based on SNPs were relatively low for collections from populations outside the geographic coverage of the SNP ascertainment sample.
Expansion of a Northern Snakehead Population in the Potomac River System
Authors: Odenkirk John , Owens Steve 
Published: November 2007

AbstractA population of northern snakeheads Channa argus was documented in the Potomac River system in 2004. The expansion of this population was monitored from 2004 to 2006. Boat electrofishing mean catch per unit effort increased significantly each year from 0.2 fish/h in 2004 to 6.1 fish/h in 2006 (analysis of variance [ANOVA]: P = 0.01). Reported angler catches (N = 24) during 2006 equaled the combined total of the two previous years. Mean total length (TL) and weight (W) in 2006 were 475 mm (SD = 146) and 1,381 g (SD = 1,009), respectively, and maximum size increased each year. The weight‐length relationship for all years combined was logeW = −5.21 + 3.07·logeTL (r2 = 0.996, n = 348). Natural reproduction was confirmed by the location of a nest, and eight year‐classes were estimated based on otolith interpretations. Total annual mortality was estimated to be 38%. Trends in female gonadosomatic index and otolith daily ring counts of age‐0 fish suggested protracted or repeat spawning from May to September. Females were fecund, carrying an average of 40,786 eggs. Collection patterns suggested that this population of northern snakeheads originated from Dogue Creek. Seventeen food items, including 15 fish species, were identified from stomach contents. The banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus was the dominant food item. Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus, pumpkinseeds L. gibbosus, and white perch Morone americana were also commonly consumed. Although population size increased, known range did not appear to increase or increased at a slower rate. Increases in angler catch during 2006 at the northern and southern termini of the existing distribution suggest that northern snakehead range expansion is imminent.
Making Data‐Driven Decisions: Silent Reading
Authors: Trudel Heidi 
Published: November 2007

Due in part to conflicting opinions and research results, the practice of sustained silent reading (SSR) in schools has been questioned. After a frustrating experience with SSR, the author of this article began a data‐driven decision‐making process to gain new insights on how to structure silent reading in a classroom, including a comparison between SSR and independent reading (IR). The students involved were 16 third and fourth graders enrolled in a small private school in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.To make an informed decision regarding the structure of silent reading in the classroom, the author collected evidence from teacher–student discussions, a reading attitude inventory, reading response documents, and teacher observations during both SSR and IR. Careful attention was paid to the students' attitudes and reading behaviors. In comparing their reading attitudes during the two silent reading structures, the author found conflicting results. However, students engaged in active reading behaviors more frequently during IR than they did during SSR.
Speaking clearly for the hearing impaired: Intelligibility differences between clear and less clear speakers
Authors: Howell Peter , Bonnett Celia 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTSThe clarity of the speech of 12 speakers was assessed by intelligibility tests with hearing impaired subjects and from self‐ratings about the speaker's ability to communicate with such listeners. The results of these tests correlate positively Self‐ratings account for approximately 60% of the variance. Thus self‐ratings can be used as a convenient practical way of establishing an individual speaker's clarity.La clarité d'élocution de 12 locuteurs a été évaluée au moyen de tests d'intelligibilité auprès de sujets malentedants, et au moyen d'auto‐évaluations de la capacité des locuteurs à communiquer avec ce genre d'auditeurs. L'on observe une corrélation positive entre les résultats de ces tests. Les autoévaluations rendent compte d'environ 60% de la variance. Il en résulte que les auto‐évaluations peuvent s'utiliser comme un moyen pratique et convenable d'établir la clarité de locuteur.Die Klarheit des Sprechens wurde bel 12 Sprechern aufgrund von Verstàndlichkeittests mit Hörbe‐hinderten und durch Selbsteinschätzen der Fähigkeit der Sprecher, mit solchen Hörern zu kommunizieren, ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse dieser Tests korrelieren positiv miteinander. Die Selbsteinschätzung erklärt ca. 60% der Varianz und dient deshalb als nützliche und praktische Méthode, die Klarheit eines Sprechers zu ermitteln.
The development of the ‘Cantonese Receptive Vocabulary Test’ for children aged 2–6 in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Pamela S. P. , Lee Kathy Y. S. , Lee Loretta W. T. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTSThe study aims to develop a Cantonese receptive vocabulary test to assess 2–6‐year‐old children in Hong Kong. The test consists of 100 test items. Each target item is accompanied by a phonological distractor, a semantic distractor and an unrelated distractor. A sample of 609 normal children from four Maternal and Child Health Centres and nine kindergartens was selected. The results show that there is a significant effect of age on the correct score. ANOVA was performed to look at the age effect on each distractor individually. It was found that the scores of the three distractors decrease in their own patterns as age increases. With strong content validity, strong construct validity and high correlation coefficients in the split‐half reliability, this test could be used as a reliable measurement for the Cantonese‐speaking population in Hong Kong.Cette étude a pour but de mettre au point un test de compréhension lexicale pour le cantonais afin d'évaluer des enfants de deux à six ans de Hong‐Kong. Ce test consiste en 100 rubriques. Chaque rubrique cible est accompagnée de trois éléments de brouilleage: un phonologique, un sémantique et un totalement différent. L'on a sélectionné un échantillonnage de 609 enfants normaux de 4 centres d'école maternelle et de pédiatrie (Maternal and Child Health Centres) et de 9 jardins d'enfants. Les résultats montrent que l'a&#x030c;ge a un effet significatif sur le niveau mesuré obtenu de réponses correctes. L'on s'est servi d'une analyse de variation pour examiner l'effet de l'a&#x030c;ge sur chaque élément de brouillage pris individuellement. L'on a trouvé que l'effet des trois types de brouillage diminue pour chaque type à mesure que l'a&#x030c;ge croi&#x030c;t. Gra&#x030c;ce à ses validités considérables de contenu et de concept de base et ses hauts coefficients de corrélation de fidélité pair‐impair, ce test pourrait se révéler un instrument fiable pour la population de langue cantonaise de Hong‐Kong.Diese Studie hat die Entwicklung eines kantonesischen Vokabel‐Verständnistests zur Einstufung von zwei‐ bis sechsjährigen Kindern in Hong‐Kong zum Gegenstand. Der Test enthält 100 Testwörter. Jedes Zielwort hat einen phonologischen Distraktor, einen semantischen Distraktor und einen dritten Distraktor ohne Beziehung zum Testwort. Eine Stichprobe von 609 normalen Kindern wurde aus 4 Mutter‐Kind Gesundheitszentren sowie aus 9 Kindergarten genommen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen signifikaten Einfluß des Kinderalters aufdie Testleistung. Eine Varianzanalyse wurde durchgefuhrt, um den Alterseinfluß bei jedem Distraktor individuell zu ermitteln. Mit zunehmendem Kindesalter nimmt der Einfluß der drei Distraktoren nach eigenem Muster ab. Die starken Inhalt‐ und Konstruktvalidität und die hohen Korrelationskoeffizienten beirn Reliabilitätstest mit geteilter Stichprobe lassen diesen Test ab zuverlässiges Maß für die kantoneseschsprechende Bevölkerung Hong Kongs erscheinen.
Reduced B lymphocyte and immunoglobulin levels after atacicept treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Results of a multicenter, phase ib, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalating trial
Authors: Dall'Era Maria , Chakravarty Eliza , Wallace Daniel , Genovese Mark , Weisman Michael , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kalunian Kenneth , Dhar Patricia , Vincent Emmanuelle , Pena‐Rossi Claudia , Wofsy David 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the safety and tolerability of atacicept in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the biologic effect of atacicept on B lymphocyte and immunoglobulin levels. Atacicept is a TACI‐Ig fusion protein that inhibits B cell stimulation by binding to B lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation‐inducing ligand.MethodsThis phase Ib, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalating trial comprised 6 cohorts of patients treated with atacicept or placebo in a 3:1 ratio of active drug to placebo (n = 8 per group; n = 7 in cohort 5). Cohorts 1–4 received a single subcutaneous dose of placebo or either 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 9 mg/kg of atacicept. Cohorts 5 and 6 received weekly doses of placebo or either 1 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg of atacicept for 4 weeks. Patients were followed up for 6 weeks (cohorts 1–4) or 9 weeks (cohorts 5 and 6). Patients with mild‐to‐moderate SLE were enrolled.ResultsBiologic activity of atacicept was demonstrated by dose‐dependent reductions in immunoglobulin levels and in mature and total B cell numbers. This effect was most pronounced in the repeated‐dose cohorts and was sustained throughout the followup period. There were no changes in the numbers of T cells, natural killer cells, or monocytes. Mild injection‐site reactions occurred more frequently among the atacicept group than the placebo group. There were no differences in the frequency or type of adverse events and no severe or serious adverse events in patients treated with atacicept.ConclusionAtacicept administered subcutaneously was well tolerated and demonstrated biologic activity consistent with the proposed mechanism of action.
HO‐1 promoter polymorphism associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rueda Blanca , Oliver Javier , Robledo Gema , López‐Nevot Miguel A. , Balsa Alejandro , Pascual‐Salcedo Dora , González‐Gay Miguel A. , González‐Escribano Maria F. , Martín Javier 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of the HO‐1 gene as a novel functional candidate gene for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe performed a case–control study including 736 RA patients and 846 healthy controls of Spanish Caucasian origin. Two putative functional HO‐1 promoter polymorphisms, a (GT)n microsatellite and a −413 A/T single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), were selected as genetic markers and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–based methods. In addition, the intracellular expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) was determined in healthy individuals with different (GT)n genotypes.ResultsThe distribution of HO‐1 (GT)n short (S) alleles (≤25 GT repeats) and long (L) alleles (>25 GT repeats) revealed a significant protective effect of S (GT)n alleles (P = 0.019) (odds ratio [OR] 0.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.7–0.9) and the SS (GT)n genotype (P = 0.002) (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9). In contrast, the −413 HO‐1 promoter SNP did not yield any statistically significant deviation between RA patients and controls, considering either allele or genotype frequencies. The haplotype analysis showed a strong protective effect of the S/A haplotype (P = 7 × 10−7, corrected P [Pcorr] = 3 × 10−6) (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.6), whereas the L/A haplotype showed the opposite tendency (P = 0.008, Pcorr = 0.03) (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.4). In addition, we demonstrated that monocytes from individuals carrying the SS (GT)n genotype showed a significantly higher percentage of HO‐1 expression than did cells from LL homozygous individuals (P = 0.0003).ConclusionIn this study, we identified the HO‐1 (GT)n microsatellite as a new genetic marker involved in RA genetics in our population.
Hyperexpression of cyclooxygenase 2 in the lupus immune system and effect of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor diet therapy in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhang Li , Bertucci Anne M. , Smith Kimberly A. , Xu Luting , Datta Syamal K. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) in the functioning of different cell types involved in the lupus autoimmune response, and to examine the therapeutic effect of COX‐2 inhibitors in mice prone to spontaneously develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsLupus‐prone (SWR × NZB)F1 mice were fed with a diet containing different doses of the COX‐2–specific inhibitor celecoxib or the nonspecific inhibitor aspirin, or a combination of both, and the effects of the therapy on autoantibody production, development of lupus nephritis, and mortality were determined. Expression of COX‐2 by different cells of the lupus immune system and the effect of COX‐2 inhibitors on the function of these cells in vitro and in vivo were assessed.ResultsThe immune cells of mice with SLE spontaneously hyperexpressed COX‐2, and COX‐2 inhibitors could cause cell apoptosis. Treatment with COX‐2 inhibitors resulted in decreased autoantibody production and inhibition of the T cell response to the major lupus autoantigen, nucleosome, and its presentation by antigen‐presenting cells. Surprisingly, a significant increase in survival occurred only in mice receiving intermittent therapy with the lowest dose of celecoxib (500 parts per million), approximating <100 mg of celecoxib/day in humans. A continuous diet, but not intermittent feeding, with the combination of celecoxib and aspirin delayed development of nephritis temporarily, but failed to prolong survival. Indeed, treatment with aspirin alone increased mortality.ConclusionThe contributions of the major players in the pathogenic autoimmune response, namely, T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages that are abnormally hyperactive in lupus, depend on the increased expression and activity of COX‐2, similar to inflammatory cells in target organs. Intermittent pulse therapy with low doses of select COX‐2 inhibitors would be of value in the treatment of lupus.
Safety and efficacy of additional courses of rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: An open‐label extension analysis
Authors: Keystone Edward , Fleischmann Roy , Emery Paul , Furst Daniel E. , van Vollenhoven Ronald , Bathon Joan , Dougados Maxime , Baldassare Andrew , Ferraccioli Gianfranco , Chubick Andrew , Udell James , Cravets Matthew W. , Agarwal Sunil , Cooper Simon , Magrini Fabio 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the safety and efficacy of additional courses of rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsAn open‐label extension analysis of RA patients previously treated with rituximab was conducted. Patients who had participated in any of 3 double‐blind trials were eligible for additional courses (2 infusions of 1,000 mg given 2 weeks apart) if they exhibited a swollen joint count and tender joint count of ≥8 with ≥16 weeks elapsing after the previous course. Safety was assessed in patients receiving all or a portion of a rituximab course. Efficacy was assessed 24 weeks after each course, using the American College of Rheumatology 20% criteria for improvement (ACR20), ACR50, ACR70, European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, the disability index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Short Form 36 scores, stratified according to prior tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor exposure.ResultsA total of 1,039 patients received ≥1 course of rituximab. Of these, 570 received 2 courses, 191 received 3 courses, and 40 received 4 courses, for a total of 1,669 patient‐years. Irrespective of prior TNF inhibitor exposure, ACR20 responses were comparable at week 24 after course 1 and at week 24 after course 2 (65% versus 72%), as were ACR50 and ACR70 responses. EULAR moderate/good responses were also comparable in course 2 relative to course 1 (88% versus 79%), with EULAR remission occurring in a 2‐fold higher proportion of patients after course 2 than after course 1 (13% versus 6%). The most common adverse events, which were mild‐to‐moderate acute infusion‐related events, decreased with each course. The serious infection rate after course 1 (5.1 per 100 patient‐years) remained stable through additional courses. The proportion of patients with circulating IgM and IgG levels below the lower limit of normal (LLN) increased with subsequent courses; however, serious infection rates in these patients (5.6 per 100 patient‐years in patients with low IgM levels and 4.8 per 100 patient‐years in patients with low IgG levels were comparable with those in patients with immunoglobulin levels above the LLN (4.7 per 100 patient‐years). Patients with human antichimeric antibody (9.2%) did not exhibit decreasing efficacy or present additional safety concerns.ConclusionThese findings indicate that patients treated with repeated courses of rituximab have sustained clinical responses with no new adverse events.
Health‐related quality of life in women with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis: A comparison with rheumatoid arthritis patients, healthy controls, and normative data
Authors: Slatkowsky‐Christensen Barbara , Mowinckel Petter , Loge Jon H. , Kvien Tore K. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveData on the burden of disease and impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in hand osteoarthritis (OA) are limited. The goal of this study was to compare HRQOL in patients with hand OA with HRQOL in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), healthy controls, and normative data from the general population.MethodsA total of 190 women with hand OA were compared with 194 women with RA and 144 healthy women of the same age. Health status was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF‐36), Short Form 6D (SF‐6D), modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (M‐HAQ), pain and fatigue visual analog scales, and grip strength. Scores were compared by analysis of variance and a multivariate analysis of covariance, adjusting for age, number of comorbidities, and years of education. Gaps between patients and population subjects were assessed by calculating S scores on all dimensions of the SF‐36.ResultsHand OA and RA patients had worse scores on all assessed dimensions of subjective health compared with healthy controls. RA patients showed poorest general health (SF‐36), poorest physical function (M‐HAQ, SF‐36 physical, grip strength), and highest level of fatigue compared with hand OA patients. Hand OA patients reported poorer mental health. Mean utility scores (SF‐6D) in hand OA and RA were 0.64 and 0.63, respectively, with a mean difference compared with healthy controls of 0.13 in hand OA and 0.14 in RA patients. S scores confirmed a marked disparity between individuals with a rheumatic diagnosis (hand OA, RA) and population subjects.ConclusionThis study illustrates that patients with hand OA experience a broad impact on HRQOL compared with healthy controls. Fatigue and physical function are worse in RA than hand OA.