bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hosts of Viscum album
Authors: Barney C. W. , Hawksworth F. G. , Geils B. W. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe reported hosts of Viscum album include more taxa, than any other mistletoe, including Dendrophthoe falcata. From a review of the literature, we identified hosts among 452 species, subspecies, varieties, and hybrids in 96 genera of 44 families. Rosaceae has the most hosts with 128 taxa parasitized. Commonly infested genera include Salix, Populus, Acer, Malus, Crataegus, Prunus, Sorbus, Abies, and Pinus. The host range of V. album increased greatly with introduction of susceptible taxa into its native range and with spread of the mistletoe to new regions with rich floras, such as California.
When is a technically successful peripheral angioplasty effective in preventing above‐the‐ankle amputation in diabetic patients with critical limb ischaemia?
Authors: Faglia E. , Clerici G. , Clerissi J. , Mantero M. , Caminiti M. , Quarantiello A. , Curci V. , Lupattelli T. , Morabito A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim  To determine parameters predictive of avoidance of major (above‐the‐ankle) amputation after a technically successful peripheral angioplasty (PTA) in patients with diabetes with critical limb ischaemia.Methods  From January 1999 to December 2003, 420 consecutive patients with diabetes admitted to hospital because of critical limb ischaemia underwent peripheral angiography and concomitant technically successful PTA. Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) was measured before and after PTA. Major amputation at 30 days was recorded.Results  After PTA, the iliac–femoral–popliteal axis was patent in all patients. In 67 patients, all three crural arteries were patent, in 143 patients 2 crural arteries were patent, and in 186 patients one crural artery was patent (104 peroneal, 62 anterior tibial, 20 posterior tibial). In 24 patients, all three crural arteries were occluded. Twenty‐two major amputations were performed. Of these, 15 were performed in the 24 patients with occlusion of all the infrapopliteal arteries. Seven of the 186 patients in whom only the peroneal artery was patent required amputation. In patients not requiring amputation, TcPO2 increased from 15.5 ± 11.9 to 45.0 ± 12.0 mmHg (P = 0.000), while in those requiring amputation, TcPO2 increased from 9.6 ± 7.7 to 18.6 ± 8.1 mmHg (P < 0.082). Multivariate analysis indicated an independent role of occlusion of infrapopliteal arteries after PTA (OR 8.20 for every crural obstructed artery, P = 0.022, CI 1.35–49.6) and TcPO2 after PTA (OR 0.80 for increase of 1 mmHg, P < 0.001, CI 0.74–0.88).Conclusions  In patients with diabetes, PTA is effective in avoiding major amputation, provided recanalization occurs in at least one tibial artery down to the foot. In a few patients, re‐canalization of the peroneal artery alone is not sufficient to avoid major amputation.
The association between baseline characteristics and the outcome of foot lesions in a UK population with diabetes
Authors: Ince P. , Kendrick D. , Game F. , Jeffcoate W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAims  To explore the relationships between time to healing of diabetic foot ulcers and baseline characteristics of both patients and their ulcers.Methods  All patients were included who were referred to a specialist clinic over a 4‐year period. Age, gender, type and duration of diabetes, ulcer site, ulcer duration and baseline characteristics were recorded. Postcode was used to derive an index of social deprivation. Patients were followed up to 1 year. The primary outcome measure was time to healing. Those who died or had an ulcer‐related amputation were censored at the time of death or amputation and classified as unhealed.Results  Mean age of 449 participants (63.7% male) was 66.7 years; 42.7% had evidence of peripheral arterial disease, and 80% had peripheral neuropathy. Median ulcer duration at presentation was 29 days; 60.5% ulcers had an area of < 1 cm2 and 68.3% of all ulcers healed without amputation during the follow‐up period. Univariate analysis revealed dose–response relationships between time to healing and increasing duration of diabetes, increasing ulcer area, ulcer site and peripheral arterial disease. No associations were found with age, gender, diabetes type, deprivation index, peripheral neuropathy or infection. The relationship between healing time and ulcer area, peripheral arterial disease and diabetes duration remained significant on multivariate analysis.Conclusions  The dominant factors influencing healing are cross‐sectional area at presentation and the degree of peripheral arterial disease. Further work is needed to define how those at greatest risk may be identified and best managed.
Endothelial dysfunction, ambulatory pulse pressure and albuminuria are associated in Type 2 diabetic subjects
Authors: Knudsen S. T. , Jeppesen P. , Frederiksen C. A. , Andersen N. H. , Bek T. , Ingerslev J. , Mogensen C. E. , Poulsen P. L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim  Elevated pulse pressure (PP) is associated with microvascular complications in Type 2 diabetic patients. In non‐diabetic subjects, elevated PP has been associated with endothelial dysfunction. The relation between endothelial dysfunction and PP in diabetic subjects has not previously been examined. We examined the relation between PP, markers of endothelial activation and albuminuria in Type 2 diabetic patients.Methods  In 46 Type 2 diabetic patients and 19 non‐diabetic subjects, we performed 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure (AMBP) monitoring. Urinary albumin excretion rate was measured as three urinary albumin/creatinine ratios. Von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, E‐selectin and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) were measured in plasma.Results  Thirty‐four patients had normoalbuminuria (group N) and 12 had micro‐ or macroalbuminuria (group A). PP levels increased in a stepwise manner from the control group (group C) to group N and group A; night PP 43 ± 5, 48 ± 10 and 59 ± 12 mmHg (groups C, N and A, respectively, P < 0.001). Likewise, plasma levels of vWF, fibrinogen, E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 increased from group C to group A; e.g. ICAM‐1 [median (interquartile range)] 191 (160–217), 213 (189–262) and 316 (260–417) ng/ml, groups C, N and A, respectively, P < 0.001). In diabetic patients, night PP and plasma levels of E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 correlated (r = 0.38, P < 0.01 and r = 0.37, P = 0.01, night PP with E‐selectin and ICAM‐1, respectively).Conclusion  Increased PP is associated with endothelial activation and albuminuria in Type 2 diabetic patients. Thus, endothelial dysfunction may represent a pathophysiological link between an elevated PP and microvascular complications in these subjects. Prospective studies are needed to further elucidate these associations.
Colonization and persistence ability explain the extent to which plant species fill their potential range
Authors: Schurr Frank M. , Midgley Guy F. , Rebelo Anthony G. , Reeves Gail , Poschlod Peter , Higgins Steven I. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAim How species traits and environmental conditions affect biogeographical dynamics is poorly understood. Here we test whether estimates of a species’ evolutionary age, colonization and persistence ability can explain its current ‘range filling’ (the ratio between realized and potential range size).Location Fynbos biome (Cape Floristic Region, South Africa).Methods For 37 species of woody plants (Proteaceae), we estimate range filling using atlas data and distribution models, evolutionary age using molecular phylogenies, and persistence ability using estimates of individual longevity (which determines the probability of extinction of local populations). Colonization ability is estimated from validated process‐based seed dispersal models, the arrangement of potential habitat, and data on local abundance. To relate interspecific variation in range filling to evolutionary age, colonization and persistence ability, we use two complementary model types: phenomenological linear models and the process‐based metapopulation model of Levins.Results Linear model analyses show that range filling increases with a species’ colonization and persistence ability but is not affected by species age. Moreover, colonization ability is a better predictor of range filling than its component variables (local abundance and dispersal ability). The phylogenetically independent interaction between colonization and persistence ability is significant (P< 0.05) for 97% of 180 alternative phylogenies. While the selected linear model explains 42% of the variance in arcsine transformed range filling, the Levins model performs more poorly. It overestimates range filling for realistic parameter values and produces unrealistic parameter estimates when fitted statistically.Main conclusions Colonization and local extinction seem to shape Proteaceae range dynamics on ecological rather than macroevolutionary time‐scales. Our results suggest that the positive abundance–range size relationship in this group is due primarily to the effect of abundance on colonization. In summary, this study contributes to a process‐based understanding of range dynamics and highlights the importance of colonization for the future survival of Fynbos Proteaceae.
THE POWER IN THE TEXT READING WOMEN WRITING DRAMA
Authors: Colvin Sarah 
Published: June 2007

This essay looks at texts by women dramatists from around the turn of the last century. One of them, Elsa Bernstein‐Porges, was well‐known in her day and has to some extent survived in literary histories. The other two, Gertrud Prellwitz and Julie Ktihne, have remained almost entirely unknown.The ambiguity in the title is deliberate. I consider the effects of a masculinist literary discourse on women who wrote drama ‐ traditionally the ‘masculine’ genre ‐ as well as the importance of the ideological position and experience of the reader in any assessment of literary ‘value’. This leads me to try to analyse what it is that makes a text powerful ‐ a moving or exciting reading experience ‐ and to consider the significance of this in the context of feminist literary criticism.
Microsatellite DNA markers for Podocnemis unifilis, the endangered yellow‐spotted Amazon River turtle
Authors: FANTIN CLEITON , CARVALHO CECÍLIA F. , HRBEK TOMAS , SITES JACK W. , MONJELÓ LUIZ A. S. , ASTOLFI‐FILHO SPARTACO , FARIAS IZENI P. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe developed specific primers for microsatellite DNA regions of Podocnemis unifilis and tested their utility in population genetic and paternity studies on the species and other closely related Amazonian chelonians. Seventeen microsatellite loci were polymorphic in P. unifilis and all, plus two monomorphic microsatellites in P. unifilis, were polymorphic in at least one additional chelonian species, including Peltocephalus dumeriliana.
Serotonin receptors antagonistically modulate Caenorhabditis elegans longevity
Authors: Murakami Hana , Murakami Shin 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe neurotransmitter serotonin has been implicated in affecting the variation of longevity in natural Drosophila populations and age‐related diseases in mammals. Based on these observations, it has been predicted that serotonin signal, perhaps at levels of serotonin biosynthesis, may control lifespan. Here, we investigated a variety of mutations in serotonin‐signal genes, including serotonin biosynthesis genes, a serotonin transporter gene, and serotonin receptor genes. Despite this prediction, mutations in the serotonin biosynthesis genes had little or modest effects on lifespan, while the mod‐5 mutation with increased availability of serotonin caused a modest life‐shortening effect. In contrast, a deletion mutation of the ser‐1 serotonin receptor gene increased longevity by up to 46%, likely through the insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1 pathway. This result suggests an interaction between the serotonin pathway and the insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1 pathway. A deletion mutation of another serotonin receptor gene, ser‐4, shortened early to mid lifespan. The results suggest that serotonin signal antagonistically modulates longevity through different serotonin receptors. This study may indicate serotonin receptors as a potential target for antigeric interventions.
Effect on Sleep of Posterior Hypothalamus Stimulation in Cluster Headache
Authors: Vetrugno Roberto , Pierangeli Giulia , Leone Massimo , Bussone Gennaro , Franzini Angelo , Brogli Giovanni , D'Angelo Roberto , Cortelli Pietro , Montagna Pasquale 
Published: June 2007

Objective.—To evaluate the structure and quality of sleep and the circadian rhythm of body core temperature (BcT°) in patients with drug‐resistant chronic cluster headache (CH) before and during deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the posterior hypothalamus.Background.—Chronic CH is a severe primary headache and frequently associated with disturbances in sleep. Posterior hypothalamus DBS is performed as an effective treatment of drug‐resistant chronic CH. The effects of posterior hypothalamus DBS on sleep and the circadian rhythm of BcT° are unknown.Methods.—Three male patients with chronic drug‐resistant CH underwent 48‐hour consecutive polysomnography (PSG) by means of the VITAPORT®system with determination of BcT° by means of a rectal probe. Recordings were done before electrode implantation in the posterior hypothalamus and after optimized DBS of posterior hypothalamus.Results.—Before electrode implantation PSG showed nocturnal CH attacks, reduced sleep efficiency, fragmented sleep and increased periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). During DBS nocturnal CH attacks were abolished and sleep efficiency and PLMS improved. BcT° circadian rhythm was normal both before and during DBS.Conclusions.—Our data show that DBS of posterior hypothalamus in drug‐resistant chronic CH is effective in curtailing nocturnal CH attacks, and is associated with improved sleep structure and quality. Chronic CH displays a normal circadian rhythm of BcT°, unchanged during hypothalamic DBS.
Data Envelopment Analysis for Managerial Control and Diagnosis*
Authors: Epstein Michael K. , Henderson John C. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTData envelopment analysis (DEA) is a linear programming‐based technique that converts multiple input and output measures into a single comprehensive measure of productive efficiency. This is accomplished via the construction of an empirically based production frontier and by the identification of peer groups. Each unit is evaluated by comparison against a composite unit that is constructed as a convex combination of other units in its peer group. DEA has now been applied in a variety of managerial contexts.In this paper we draw on theories of decision making, measurement and control, the mathematical properties of DEA, prior reported applications, and our own experience, to assess the potential of DEA as a general management tool. We first make the distinction between managerial diagnosis and control. We show how measurement requirements differ for these two managerial decision contexts, and argue that DEA has the potential to provide support in each context. Measurement and decision support criteria for each activity are then developed by reference to the literature on diagnosis and control. Based on its mathematical definition and properties, the relevant attributes of DEA are then derived. The technique is evaluated in each capacity by comparison to the appropriate set of criteria. This evaluation is supported with evidence from our experience with DEA in a large public‐sector organization. We argue that the structural properties of DEA, critical managerial choices in its application, and situationally specific factors, interact to determine the strengths and limitations of DEA in each decision context. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
A Test of the Cross‐Sectional Robustness of the Arbitrage Pricing Model Using Foreign Exchange Rates*
Authors: McGowan Carl B. , Tandon Kishore 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper tests the cross‐sectional robustness of the arbitrage pricing theory (APT) model using foreign exchange rate data to determine if the model is robust with respect to the various random samples and various factor analytic techniques. Factor scores are developed using various samples and factor analytic techniques to explain the returns for other samples and groupings. The APT model is found to be robust across samples and techniques.
Risk‐Constrained Information Choice
Authors: Marshall Ronald M. , Narasimhan Ram 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTAhituv and Wand [1] applied an information economics model to the problem of making information choices using two decision criteria: expected (monetary) payoff and expected risk. Using risk‐constrained optimization, they derived a solution in which the use of information is randomized by means of a mixed decision strategy. Although this solution is undominated when the expected payoff/expected risk trade‐off boundary is convex, it may be dominated when the boundary is not convex. To avoid such dominance, it is necessary to adjust their solution by randomizing the choice of information rather than its use. For any feasible level of expected risk, this will yield an expected payoff equal to or greater than their solution produces and will always result in an undominated expected payoff/expected risk combination.
The Impact of Alternative Vendor/ Buyer Communication Structures on the Quality of Purchased Materials
Authors: Carter Joseph R. , Miller Jeffrey G. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the critical interface between manufacturing, purchasing, and quality assurance by exploring the impact of two alternative structures of buyer and vendor communication on attempts to improve the quality of purchased items. Those two structures of communication are the parallel structure and the serial structure. The research analyzes and compares the advantages and disadvantages of these two specific communication structures; the results have implications for both researchers and managers. The analysis of data suggests that the parallel structure is associated with significantly higher levels of quality than the serial structure. From a managerial perspective, the results of the research suggest that manufacturers must consider the parallel communication structure as a viable alternative for improving the quality of purchased components. While this study has helped frame some key managerial issues, the need and opportunity for further research in related areas is delineated.
Solving the Economic Lot‐Scheduling Problem Using the Method of Prime Subperiods
Authors: Philipoom Patrick R. , Rees Loren Paul , Taylor Bernard W. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTIn recent years the reported successes of Japanese production systems, particularly the just‐in‐time approach to inventory control, has caused managers to focus more of their attention on efficient decision‐making procedures for determining production schedules that minimize inventory costs. One such potential area of attention is the economic lot‐scheduling problem (ELSP), which occurs in a variety of manufacturing environments where machining operations are prevalent. The economic lot‐scheduling problem addresses the determination of lot sizes for N products with constant demand (and cycled through one machine with a given production rate) to minimize setup and inventory costs. The most successful solution approaches to the ELSP have been based on the concept of a basic period that is of sufficient length for the production of all items, even though each item might not be produced during each repetition of the basic period. This paper proposes a heuristic approach to the solution of the ELSP (referred to as the method of prime subperiods), which is an extension of the basic period approaches. The procedure is described and demonstrated via an example and then tested using a set of six example problems previously employed in the literature related to the ELSP. The results indicate as good or superior performance by the proposed method of prime subperiods.
Integrating Analysis and Communication Skills into the Decision Science Curriculum*
Authors: Franz Lori S. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThe teaching of decision sciences presupposes that careful attention is directed toward improving students' critical thinking and analytical skills. This paper presents an approach to teaching quantitative methods classes that focuses on developing student skills in the areas of analytical and critical thinking through written and oral communication. The approach requires very little additional instructor preparation time and does not require the instructor to make major changes in either the content or organization of the course. While the instructor's investment is minimal, the benefits to the students appear to be substantial.
Efficient Heuristics for MRP Lot Sizing with Variable Production/Purchasing Costs*
Authors: Prentis Eric L. , Khumawala Basheer M. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTTwo heuristics based on branch and bound (B&B) are developed to solve closed‐loop material requirements planning (MRP) lot‐sizing problems that have general product structures and variable costs. A “look ahead method'’(LAM) heuristic allows for variable production/purchasing costs and uses a single‐level B&B procedure to rapidly improve lower bound values; thus, LAM efficiently uses computer‐storage capacity and allows solution of larger problems. The “total average modification'’(TAM) heuristic uses B&B, applied level by level, and modified setup and carrying costs to solve the variable production/purchasing costs MRP lot‐sizing problem. LAM and TAM are tested on problems and compared to heuristics in the literature. TAM may be used to solve large MRP lot‐sizing problems encountered in practice.
Inventory Control and Scheduling of Multiple Products in a Common Facility*
Authors: Sundararaghavan P. S. , Ahmed Mesbah U. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTConsider a set of chemical products to be produced in a single facility. Each product has its own unique reaction time (which is assumed to be independent of its batch size), as well as other cost and demand values. In this paper, we address the problem of determining the optimal number of batches, batch sizes, and an accompanying production schedule for these products in the single facility that will minimize the total cost. Two different algorithms have been developed for this problem, the performances of which are contrasted with classical cyclic production schedules. Finally, some guidelines for the application of these methods to real‐life problems are outlined.
System Development Project Effectiveness: Problem‐Solving Competence as a Moderator Variable*
Authors: Weitzel John R. , Graen George B. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTIn spite of end‐user programming, for the foreseeable future users and information systems (IS) specialists will build systems together. A better understanding of this partnership (which has a troubled history) will help IS managers and users improve their management skills. This study investigates the relative contributions to project effectiveness of problem‐solving competence, the quality of the working relationship, and the quality of the development process. Seventy‐five medium‐sized projects in 16 organizations were investigated using individual, one hour, structured interviews with the IS project leader and with the primary user. Results suggest that more complex models should be used to study system development. Moreover, problem‐solving competence demonstrated a complex effect on project effectiveness.