bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding
Authors: Scott Michael D , Buller David B , Andersen Peter A , Walkosz Barbara J , Voeks Jennifer H , Dignan Mark B , Cutter Gary R 
Published: June 2007

Objective:The prevalence of helmet use by alpine skiers and snowboarders was estimated and self-reports on risk taking were assessed to test for potential risk compensation when using helmets in these sports.Setting:Skiers and snowboarders were observed and interviewed at 34 resorts in the western United States and Canada.Subjects:Respondents were 1779 adult skiers and snowboarders in the 2003 ski season.Outcome measures:Observations of helmet use and questions about perceived speed and degree of challenge when not wearing a helmet (helmet wearers) or in previous ski seasons (non-helmet wearers).Results:Helmet wearers reported that they skied/snowboarded at slower speeds (OR = 0.64, p<0.05) and challenged themselves less (OR = 0.76, p<0.05) than non-helmet wearers. Adoption of safety helmets in 2003 (23%) continued to increase over 2002 (OR = 0.46, p<0.05) and 2001 (OR = 0.84, p<0.05).Conclusions:No evidence of risk compensation among helmet wearers was found. Decisions to wear helmets may be part of a risk reduction orientation. Helmet use continues to trend upwards but adoption may be slowing.
Quantifying the effect of a community-based injury prevention program in Queensland using a generalized estimating equation approach
Authors: Yorkston Emily , Turner Catherine , Schluter Philip J , McClure Rod 
Published: June 2007

Objective:To develop a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model of childhood injury rates to quantify the effectiveness of a community-based injury prevention program implemented in 2 communities in Australia, in order to contribute to the discussion of community-based injury prevention program evaluation.Design:An ecological study was conducted comparing injury rates in two intervention communities in rural and remote Queensland, Australia, with those of 16 control regions. A model of childhood injury was built using hospitalization injury rate data from 1 July 1991 to 30 June 2005 and 16 social variables. The model was built using GEE analysis and was used to estimate parameters and to test the effectiveness of the intervention.Results:When social variables were controlled for, the intervention was associated with a decrease of 0.09 injuries/10 000 children aged 0–4 years (95% CI −0.29 to 0.11) in logarithmically transformed injury rates; however, this decrease was not significant (p = 0.36).Conclusions:The evaluation methods proposed in this study provide a way of determining the effectiveness of a community-based injury prevention program while considering the effect of baseline differences and secular changes in social variables.
Gun shows across a multistate American gun market: observational evidence of the effects of regulatory policies
Authors: Wintemute Garen J 
Published: June 2007

Objective:To describe gun shows and assess the impact of increased regulation on characteristics linked to their importance as sources of guns used in crime.Design:Cross-sectional, observational.Subjects:Data were collected at a structured sample of 28 gun shows in California, which regulates these events and prohibits undocumented private party gun sales; and in Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Florida—all leading sources of California’s crime guns—where these restrictions do not exist.Main outcome measures:Size of shows, measured by numbers of gun vendors and people in attendance; number and nature of guns for sale by gun vendors; measures of private party gun sales and illegal surrogate (“straw”) gun purchases.Results:Shows in comparison states were larger, but the number of attendees per gun vendor was higher in California. None of these differences was statistically significant. Armed attendees were more common in other states (median 5.7%, interquartile range (IQR) 3.9–10.0%) than in California (median 1.1%, IQR 0.5–2.2%), p = 0.0007. Thirty percent of gun vendors both in California and elsewhere were identifiable as licensed firearm retailers. There were few differences in the types or numbers of guns offered for sale; vendors elsewhere were more likely to sell assault weapons (34.9% and 13.3%, respectively; p = 0.001). Straw purchases were more common in the comparison states (rate ratio 6.6 (95% CI 0.9 to 49.1), p = 0.06).Conclusions:California’s regulatory policies were associated with a decreased incidence of anonymous, undocumented gun sales and illegal straw purchases at gun shows. No significant adverse effects of these policies were observed.
Workplace policies and prevalence of knee osteoarthritis: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: Chen Jiu-Chiuan , Linnan Laura , Callahan Leigh F , Yelin Edward H , Renner Jordan B , Jordan Joanne M 
Published: June 2007

Objective:Previous studies on work and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) have been primarily focused on physical demands; very little is known about work-related organisational policies and KOA risks and outcomes. We examined the associations between workplace policies and KOA in a community-based population in the USA.Methods:The associations between employment offering accommodations (switch to physically less demanding jobs; part-time work for people needing reduced time) and benefits policies (paid sick leave; disability payment) with KOA outcomes (knee symptoms; symptomatic KOA [sKOA]; asymptomatic radiographic KOA [rKOA]) were analysed in participants (n = 1639) aged <65 years old and with completed employment histories and knee radiographs at baseline examination of the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the prevalence odds ratios (ORs) of KOA associated with each workplace policy, adjusting for sociodemographic features, lifestyle factors, knee injuries, body mass index and other workplace characteristics. We used propensity score models to evaluate the differential selection in employment offering favourable policies and adjust for this potential bias accordingly.Results:Individuals employed in workplaces offering better policies had significantly less knee symptoms. Lower sKOA prevalence was noted in workplaces offering job-switch accommodation (8% vs. 13%), paid sick leave (9% vs. 16%) and disability payment (8% vs. 16%) than their counterparts. In multivariable models, the difference in sKOA prevalence was statistically significant for paid sick leave (adjusted OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.91) and disability payment policies (adjusted OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.85). Even among those without overt knee-related symptoms, a similar pattern of negative association between workplace policies and rKOA was present and remained robust after propensity score adjustment.Conclusion:The negative associations between KOA and workplace policies raise concerns about possible employment discrimination or beneficial effects of workplace policies. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the dynamic complexities of KOA risks and outcomes in relation to workplace policies.
Organic solvent exposure and hearing loss in a cohort of aluminium workers
Authors: Rabinowitz P M , Galusha D , Slade M D , Dixon-Ernst C , O’Neill A , Fiellin M , Cullen M R 
Published: June 2007

Objectives:Organic solvent exposure has been shown to cause hearing loss in animals and humans. Less is known about the risk of hearing loss due to solvent exposures typically found in US industry. The authors performed a retrospective cohort study to examine the relationship between solvent exposure and hearing loss in US aluminium industry workers.Methods:A cohort of 1319 workers aged 35 years or less at inception was followed for 5 years. Linkage of employment, industrial hygiene and audiometric surveillance records allowed for estimation of noise and solvent exposures and hearing loss rates over the study period. Study subjects were classified as “solvent exposed” or not, on the basis of industrial hygiene records linked with individual job histories. High frequency hearing loss was modelled as both a continuous and a dichotomous outcome.Results:Typical solvent exposures involved mixtures of xylene, toluene and/or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Recorded solvent exposure levels varied widely both within and between jobs. In a multivariate logistic model, risk factors for high frequency hearing loss included age (OR = 1.06, p = 0.004), hunting or shooting (OR = 1.35, p = 0.049), noisy hobbies (OR = 1.74, p = 0.01), baseline hearing level (OR = 1.04, p<0.001) and solvent exposure (OR = 1.87, p = 0.004). A multivariate linear regression analysis similarly found significant associations between high frequency hearing loss and age (p<0.001), hunting or shooting (p<0.001), noisy hobbies (p = 0.03), solvent exposure (p<0.001) and baseline hearing (p = 0.03).Conclusion:These results suggest that occupational exposure to organic solvent mixtures is a risk factor for high frequency hearing loss, although the data do not allow conclusions about dose–response relationships. Industries with solvent-exposed workers should include such workers in hearing conservation programs.
New insight into solvent-related end-stage renal disease: occupations, products and types of solvents at risk
Authors: Jacob S , Héry M , Protois J-C , Rossert J , Stengel B 
Published: June 2007

Objectives:It has been shown that all-solvent exposure is associated with the progression of primary glomerulonephritis to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but little is known about the type of solvents that are high risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of solvents by occupation, product and type.Methods:Using a retrospective cohort design, the authors studied 269 patients with non-end-stage and biopsy-proven primary glomerulonephritis diagnosed between 1994 and 2001 in Paris and its suburbs. Two industrial hygienists evaluated patients’ exposures from lifetime occupational histories collected by interview from 2002–4, and using a list of the 30 most common solvents. The studied outcome was ESRD, defined as glomerular filtration rate <15 ml/mn/1.73 m2or dialysis. It was recorded during a mean follow-up of five years. Cox models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of ESRD related to exposures.Results:Eighteen per cent of the patients had ever been exposed to solvents. Those with the highest risk of progression to ESRD were exposed machinery fitters and machine assemblers (HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 17.4) and plumbers/welders (HR 4.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 13.6), as compared to never exposed patients, as well as those who ever handled printing inks and petroleum products (HR 12.6 (95% CI 1.7 to 94.9) and 3.2 (95% CI 1.4 to 7.2), respectively). Among solvents, the highest risks were found for: toluene/xylene (HR 5.1, 95% CI 1.8 to 14.8), gasoline, fuel and gas-oil (HR 8.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 27.4), and ketones (HR 13.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 123.5).Conclusion:This study highlights the potential nephrotoxicity of several solvents. Intervention to promote screening for proteinuria in exposed workers may prevent the progression of glomerulonephritis to ESRD.
Correlations of geographic distribution and temperature of embryonic development with the nuclear DNA content in the Salamandridae (Urodela, Amphibia)
Authors: Litvinchuk Spartak N. , Rosanov Jury M. , Borkin Leo J. 
Published: June 2007

We used flow cytometry to measure the nuclear DNA content in erythrocytes of 27 salamandrid species. Across these species, diploid genome size varied more than 2 fold (51.3–104.4 pg). According to genome size and geographic distribution, 3 groups of newt species were recognized: West Palearctics with smaller amounts of nuclear DNA; Nearctic, with intermediate values; and East Asiatic, with higher genome sizes. Viviparous West Palearctic salamanders differed from most of the oviparous West Palearctic newts in possessing larger genome sizes. The nuclear DNA content strongly correlates with species range limits. At the same temperature, embryos of salamandrid species with larger genome sizes have a markedly longer developmental time than those with smaller genomes. We present an analysis of the relationships between the amount of nuclear DNA and water temperature at the breeding sites.
Screen for new mutations on the 2nd chromosome involved in indirect flight muscle development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Babu Sajesh , Ramachandra Nallur B. 
Published: June 2007

An extensive ethylmethanesulfonate mutagenesis of Drosophila melanogaster was undertaken to isolate the stronger alleles of 3 indirect flight-muscle mutations. We isolated 17 strong mutant lines, with nearly complete penetrance and expressivity, using direct screening under polarized light, from more than 1700 mutagenized chromosomes. On complementation, we found 11 of these 17 mutant lines to be alleles of 3 indirect flight-muscle mutations (Ifm(2)RU1, 3 noncomplementing lines; ifm(2)RU2, 6 alleles; ifm(2)RU3, 2 alleles) of the previously isolated 8 complementation groups (Ifm(2)RU1to ifm(2)RU8). In addition, we found 6 new complementation groups with strong defects in adult-muscle morphology; we named these ifm(2)RS1 to ifm(2)RS6. All mutant lines were mapped by meiotic recombination, and 5 of the 6 new complementation lines were mapped using chromosome deficiencies. ifm(2)RS1 maps to a region that harbors ifm(2)RU4 (a mutation that was isolated previously); however, theses are not alleles because each complements the other mutation, and the mutant-muscle phenotype is very different. We used direct screening under polarized light to find recessive mutations; although this method was labor intensive, it can be used to identify recessive genes involved in myogenesis, unlike screens for flightlessness or wing-position defects. This screen identifies regions on the second chromosome that harbor probable genes that are likely expressed in the mesoderm and are thought to be involved in myogenesis. This screen has generated valuable resources that will help us to understand the role of many molecular players involved in myogenesis.
Construction, characterization, and preliminary BAC-end sequencing analysis of a bacterial artificial chromosome library of white clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Febrer Melanie , Cheung Foo , Town Christopher D. , Cannon Steven B. , Young Nevin D. , Abberton Michael T. , Jenkins Glyn , Milbourne Dan 
Published: June 2007

White clover ( Trifolium repens L.) is a forage legume widely used in combination with grass in pastures because of its ability to fix nitrogen. We have constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of an advanced breeding line of white clover. The library contains 37 248 clones with an average insert size of approximately 85 kb, representing an approximate 3-fold coverage of the white clover genome based on an estimated genome size of 960 Mb. The BAC library was pooled and screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using both white clover microsatellites and PCR-based markers derived from Medicago truncatula , resulting in an average of 6 hits per marker; this supports the estimated 3-fold genome coverage in this allotetraploid species. PCR-based screening of 766 clones with a multiplex set of chloroplast primers showed that only 0.5% of BAC clones contained chloroplast-derived inserts. The library was further evaluated by sequencing both ends of 724 of the clover BACs. These were analysed with respect to their sequence content and their homology to the contents of a range of plant gene, expressed sequence tag, and repeat element databases. Forty-three microsatellites were discovered in the BAC-end sequences (BESs) and investigated as potential genetic markers in white clover. The BESs were also compared with the partially sequenced genome of the model legume M. truncatula with the specific intention of identifying putative comparative-tile BACs, which represent potential regions of microsynteny between the 2 species; 14 such BACs were discovered. The results suggest that a large-scale BAC-end sequencing strategy has the potential to anchor a significant proportion of the genome of white clover onto the gene-space sequence of M. truncatula.
Identification of plant genes regulated in resistant potato Solanum sparsipilum during the early stages of infection by Globodera pallida
Authors: Jolivet Katell , Grenier Eric , Bouchet Jean-Paul , Esquibet Magali , Kerlan Marie-Claire , Caromel Bernard , Mugniéry Didier , Lefebvre Véronique 
Published: June 2007

Using a complementary (c)DNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) approach, we investigated differential gene expression linked to resistance mechanisms during the incompatible potato – Globodera pallida interaction. Expression was compared between a resistant and a susceptible potato clone, inoculated or not inoculated with G. pallida. These clones were issued from a cross between the resistant Solanum sparsipilum spl329.18 accession and the susceptible dihaploid S. tuberosum Caspar H3, and carried, respectively, resistant and susceptible alleles at the resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Analysis was done on root fragments picked up at 4 time points, during a period of 6 days after infection, from penetration of the nematode in the root to degradation of the feeding site in resistant plants. A total of 2560 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) were analyzed, resulting in the detection of 46 TDFs that were up- or downregulated. The number of TDFs that were up- or downregulated increased with time after inoculation. The majority of TDFs were upregulated at only 1 or 2 time points in response to infection. After isolation and sequencing of the TDFs of interest, a subset of 36 sequences were identified, among which 22 matched plant sequences and 2 matched nematode sequences. Some of the TDFs that matched plant genes showed clear homologies to genes involved in cell-cycle regulation, transcription regulation, resistance downstream signalling pathways, and defense mechanisms. Other sequences with homologies to plant genes of unknown function or without any significant similarity to known proteins were also found. Although not exhaustive, these results represent the most extensive list of genes with altered RNA levels after the incompatible G. pallida–potato interaction that has been published to date. The function of these genes could provide insight into resistance or plant defense mechanisms during incompatible potato-cyst nematode interactions.
REGULARITY OF SOLUTIONS TO LINEAR STOCHASTIC SCHRÖDINGER EQUATIONS
Authors: MORA CARLOS M. , REBOLLEDO ROLANDO 
Published: June 2007

We develop linear stochastic Schrödinger equations driven by standard cylindrical Brownian motions (LSSs) that unravel quantum master equations in Lindblad form into quantum trajectories. More precisely, this paper establishes the existence and uniqueness of the smooth strong solution Xt to a LSS with regular initial condition. Moreover, we obtain that the mean value of the square norm of Xt is constant. We also treat the approximation of LSSs by ordinary stochastic differential equations. We apply our results to: (i) models of quantum measurements of position and momentum; and (ii) a system formed by fermions.
AN AMALGAMATED DUPLICATION OF A RING ALONG AN IDEAL: THE BASIC PROPERTIES
Authors: D'ANNA MARCO , FONTANA MARCO 
Published: June 2007

We introduce a new general construction, denoted by R ⋈ E, called the amalgamated duplication of a ring R along an R-module E, that we assume to be an ideal in some overring of R. (Note that, when E2 = 0, R ⋈ E coincides with the Nagata's idealization R ⋉ E.). After discussing the main properties of the amalgamated duplication R ⋈ E in relation with pullback-type constructions, we restrict our investigation to the study of R ⋈ E when E is an ideal of R. Special attention is devoted to the ideal-theoretic properties of R ⋈ E and to the topological structure of its prime spectrum.
Inhibition of Cytokine Production and Cytotoxic Activity of Human Antimelanoma Specific CD8+ and CD4+ T Lymphocytes by Adenosine-Protein Kinase A Type I Signaling
Authors: Raskovalova Tatiana , Lokshin Anna , Huang Xiaojun , Su Yunyun , Mandic Maja , Zarour Hassane M. , Jackson Edwin K. , Gorelik Elieser 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe goal of this study was to investigate the effects of adenosine and its stable analogue 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) on the cytotoxic activity and cytokine production by human antimelanoma specific CD8+ and CD4+ T-helper type 1 (Th1) clones. The cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells was inhibited by adenosine and CADO. Using Lab MAP multiplex technology, we found that adenosine inhibits production of various cytokines and chemokines by CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Studies with CGS21680, a specific agonist of adenosine A2A receptor (AdoRA2A), and ZM241385, an AdoRA2-selective antagonist, indicate that the inhibitory effects of adenosine are mediated via cyclic AMP (cAMP)–elevating AdoRA2A, leading to protein kinase A (PKA) activation. Using cAMP analogues with different affinities for the A and B sites of the regulatory subunits of PKAI and PKAII, we found that activation of PKAI, but not of PKAII, mimicked the inhibitory effects of adenosine on T-cell cytotoxic activity and cytokine production. Inhibitors of the PKA catalytic subunits (H89 and PKA inhibitor peptide 14–22) failed to abrogate the inhibitory effects of CADO. In contrast, Rp-8-Br-cAMPS that antagonizes binding of cAMP to the regulatory I subunit and PKA activation was efficient in blocking the inhibitory effect of adenosine on the functional activity of T cells. Our findings on the ability of adenosine to inhibit the effector function of antimelanoma specific T cells suggest that intratumor-produced adenosine could impair the function of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes. Thus, blocking the inhibitory activity of tumor-produced adenosine might represent a new strategy for improvement of cancer immunotherapy. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5949–56]
Antiestrogen Therapy Is Active in Selected Ovarian Cancer Cases: The Use of Letrozole in Estrogen Receptor–Positive Patients
Authors: Smyth John F. , Gourley Charlie , Walker Graeme , MacKean Melanie J. , Stevenson Alan , Williams Alistair R.W. , Nafussi Awatif Al , Rye Tzyvia , Rye Ron , Stewart Moira , McCurdy Janet , Mano Max , Reed Nick , McMahon Tracey , Vasey Paul , Gabra Hani , Langdon Simon P. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole in preselected estrogen receptor (ER)–positive relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer patients and to identify markers that predict endocrine-sensitive disease.
Experimental Design: This was a phase II study of letrozole 2.5 mg daily until clinical or marker evidence of disease progression in previously treated ER-positive ovarian cancer patients with a rising CA125 that had progressed according to Rustin's criteria. The primary end point was response according to CA125 and response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) criteria. Marker expression was measured by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry in sections from the primary tumor.
Results: Of 42 patients evaluable for CA125 response, 7 (17%) had a response (decrease of &gt;50%), and 11 (26%) patients had not progressed (doubling of CA125) following 6 months on treatment. The median time taken to achieve the CA125 nadir was 13 weeks (range 10-36). Of 33 patients evaluable for radiological response, 3 (9%) had a partial remission, and 14 (42%) had stable disease at 12 weeks. Eleven patients (26%) had a PFS of &gt;6 months. Subgroup analysis according to ER revealed CA125 response rates of 0% (immunoscore, 150-199), 12% (200-249), and 33% (250-300); P = 0.028, χ2 for trend. Expression levels of HER2, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5, trefoil factor 1, and vimentin were associated with CA125 changes on treatment.
Conclusions: This is the first study of a hormonal agent in a preselected group of ER-positive ovarian cancer patients. A signature of predictive markers, including low HER2 expression, predicts response.