bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inference and Model Choice for Sequentially Ordered Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Chopin Nicolas 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe system equation of a hidden Markov model is rewritten to label the components by order of appearance, and to make explicit the random behaviour of the number of components, mt. We argue that this reformulation is often a good way to achieve identifiability, as it facilitates the interpretation of the posterior density, and the estimation of the number of components that have appeared in a given sample. We develop a sequential Monte Carlo algorithm for estimating the reformulated model, which relies on particle filtering and Gibbs sampling. Our algorithm has a computational cost that is similar to that of a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler and is much less likely to be affected by label switching, i.e. the possibility of becoming trapped in a local mode of the posterior density. The extension to transdimensional priors is also considered. The approach is illustrated by two real data examples.
Topological analysis of the complex formed between neurokinin A and the NK2 tachykinin receptor
Authors: Zoffmann Sannah , Bertrand Sonia , Do Quoc‐Tuan , Bertrand Daniel , Rognan Didier , Hibert Marcel , Galzi Jean‐Luc 
Published: March 2007

AbstractNeurokinin A stimulates physiological responses in the peripheral and central nervous systems upon interacting primarily with the tachykinin NK2 receptor (NK2R). In this study, the structure of NKA bound to the NK2R is characterised by use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Four fluorescent NKA analogues with Texas red introduced at amino acid positions 1, 4, 7 and 10 were prepared. When bound to a NK2R carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein at the N‐terminus, all peptides reduce green fluorescent protein fluorescence from 10% to 50% due to energy transfer. The derived donor‐acceptor distances are 46, 55, 59 and 69 Å for the fluorophore linked to positions 1–10, respectively. The monotonic increase in distance clearly indicates that the peptide adopts an extended structure when bound to its receptor.The present data are used, in combination with rhodopsin structure, fluorescence studies, photoaffinity labelling and site‐directed mutagenesis data to design a computer model of the NKA‐NK2R complex. We propose that the N‐terminus of NKA is exposed and accessible to the extracellular medium. Subsequent amino acids of the NKA peptide become progressively more buried residues up to approximately one‐third of the transmembrane‐spanning domain.
Effect of pre‐treatment of almond oil on ultraviolet B–induced cutaneous photoaging in mice
Authors: Sultana Yasmin , Kohli Kanchan , Athar M , Khar R K , Aqil M 
Published: March 2007

SummaryBackground  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been implicated in photoaging and various types of skin carcinomas. Although the human skin has evolved several defense mechanisms to survive the insults of actinic damage like keratinization, melanin pigmentation, etc., it is still subjected to the harmful effects of sunlight.Aims  In this study, the role of almond oil in reducing the degradative changes induced in skin upon exposure to UV radiation was investigated.Methods  Mice were divided in four groups of 20 animals. Group I was the control group. Group II was negative control, which received almond oil treatment alone. Group III was exposed to UV radiation only and Group IV received both UV treatment and almond oil treatment. Visible skin grading assessed the changes based on a rating scale, biochemical tests (glutathione estimation and lipid peroxidation), and histopathologic studies.Results  Upon exposure of mice to UV radiation, it was found that pronounced visible skin changes were seen after 12 weeks of exposure. The results of the biochemical tests, glutathione estimation, and lipid peroxidation showed that almond oil reduced the effect of UV light–induced photoaging on the skin. Histopathologic studies also indicated a photoprotective effect of almond oil on the skin after UV exposure.Conclusions  It was concluded that topical almond oil is capable of preventing the structural damage caused by UV irradiation and it was also found useful in decelerating the photoaging process.
Dutasteride improves male pattern hair loss in a randomized study in identical twins
Authors: Stough Dow 
Published: March 2007

SummaryObjectives  This study compared the efficacy of dutasteride vs. placebo in the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in 17 pairs of identical twin males with androgenetic alopecia over a 1‐year period.Methods  In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐center study, one twin from each identical twin pair received dutasteride 0.5 mg/day for 12 months while the other received placebo for 12 months. Hair growth was evaluated using standardized clinical photographs, hair counts, and patient self‐assessment questionnaires.Result  Dutasteride significantly improved hair growth at 1‐year compared to placebo based on the analysis of the investigator assessment and the patient self‐assessment questionnaires. Sixteen of 17 sets of twins completed the study, of which 15 sets correctly predicted the use of dutasteride. Only one set could not determine the active drug from the placebo.Conclusion  Through the use of identical twins, this randomized trial provides evidence that dutasteride significantly reduces hair loss progression in men with male pattern hair loss.
Compulsory Generic Switching of Antiepileptic Drugs: High Switchback Rates to Branded Compounds Compared with Other Drug Classes
Authors: Andermann Frederick , Duh Mei Sheng , Gosselin Antoine , Paradis Pierre Emmanuel 
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Compulsory generic substitution of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may lead to adverse effects in epilepsy patients because of seizure recurrence or increased toxicity. The study objectives were (a) to quantify and compare the switchback rates from generic to brand‐name AEDs versus non‐AEDs, and (b) to assess clinical implications of switching from branded Lamictal to generic lamotrigine (LTG) and whether signals exist suggesting outcome worsening. Methods: By using a public‐payer pharmacy‐claims database from Ontario, Canada, switchback rates from generic to branded AEDs [Lamictal, Frisium (clobazam; CLB), and Depakene (VPA; divalproex)] were calculated and compared with non‐AED long‐term therapies, antihyperlipidemics and antidepressants, in January 2002 through March 2006. We then assessed pharmacy utilization and AED dosage among LTG patients switching back to branded Lamictal compared with those staying on generic formulation. Results: The 1,354 patients (403 monotherapy, 951 polytherapy) were prescribed generic LTG, of whom 12.9% switched back to Lamictal (11.7% monotherapy, 13.4% polytherapy). Switchback rates of other AEDs were ∼20% for CLB and VPA. The switchback rates for AEDs were substantially higher than for non‐AEDs (1.5–2.9%). Significant increases in LTG doses were observed after generic substitution for those who did not switch back (6.2%; p < 0.0001). The average number of codispensed AEDs and non‐AED drugs significantly increased (p < 0.0001) after LTG generic entry, especially in the generic group. Conclusions: These results reflect poor acceptance of switching AEDs to generic compounds. They may also indicate increased toxicity and/or loss of seizure control associated with generic AED use.
Development, Worsening, and Improvement of Diabetic Microangiopathy in Older People: Six‐Year Prospective Study of Patients Under Intensive Diabetes Control
Authors: Katakura Masafumi , Naka Motoji , Kondo Teruki , Komatsu Mitsuhisa , Yamauchi Keishi , Hashizume Kiyoshi , Aizawa Toru 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVES: To examine retinopathy and nephropathy in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) under intensive multifactorial DM control.DESIGN: Six‐year interventional observation study.SETTING: Multicenter study including four hospitals.PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred thirteen elderly (≥65) patients with type 2 DM attending each hospital for 1 year or longer; those receiving hemodialysis or with uncured malignancy were excluded.MEASUREMENTS: Development, worsening, and improvement of retinopathy and nephropathy and respective risk factors.RESULTS: The mean baseline hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and total cholesterol were 6.8%, 137/74 mmHg, and 5.13 mmol/L, respectively. Retinopathy developed in 45 of 168 (27%) patients and, of 63 with nonproliferative retinopathy, worsened and improved in 11 (17%) and 23 (37%), respectively. Nephropathy developed in 53 of 227 (23%) patients and improved in 13 of 51 (25%) having it baseline. The mean change in glomerular filtration rate (ΔGFR, baseline GFR–GFR at the end of the study period) in those with nephropathy at baseline was 21.5 mL/min. HbA1c was related to development of retinopathy (P=.001, odds ratio (OR)=1.91), and serum creatinine (P=.03, OR=1.02), systolic BP (SBP) (P=.03, OR=1.22), and prior stroke (P=.005, OR=3.21) were related to development of nephropathy. In patients with nephropathy at baseline, SBP (P=.03, Spearman's rho (ρ)=0.310), total cholesterol (P=.01, ρ=0.361), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=.03, ρ=0.322) were correlated with ΔGFR.CONCLUSION: In elderly patients under intensive control for DM, the outcome of microangiopathy is favorable. Modifiable risk factors were hyperglycemia for development of retinopathy and hypertension and hypercholesterolemia for development or worsening of nephropathy; prior stroke was an unmodifiable risk factor for development of nephropathy.
Bone health: the effect of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Drudge‐Coates Lawrence 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) in the management of prostate cancer poses a considerable risk to bone health in prostate cancer patients, throughout their continuum of care. Associated decreases in bone mineral density and an increased risk of fracture can lead to major quality‐of‐life concerns and an adverse impact on morbidity and mortality, in an often already overburdened patient. Urology nurses in their administration and monitoring of the effects of ADT are essential for identifying at‐risk patients and ensure timely and effective assessment and treatment. As health educators, they are ideally situated to promote and influence patients to adopt essential lifestyle changes in a multidisciplinary arena, to reduce risk factors. Supportive treatments are available to significantly reduce both bone loss and fracture risk that can easily be adopted by urology nurses in their existing clinical working environments to further strengthen positive management strategies for bone health.
Impact of Satellite-Derived Forcings on Numerical Ocean Model Simulations and Study of Sea Surface Salinity Variations in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Sharma Rashmi , Agarwal Neeraj , Basu Sujit , Agarwal Vijay K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study focuses on two major aspects: the impact of satellite forcings (winds and precipitation) on the simulations of a multilayer Indian Ocean (IO) model (IOM) and the analysis of the processes responsible for salinity variations in the Indian Ocean during dipole years (1994 and 1997). It is observed that the European Remote Sensing Satellite-2 (ERS-2) scatterometer wind-driven solutions describe the interannual variabilities of sea surface temperature (SST) more realistically than the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) wind-driven solutions. The equatorial westward current jet [hereafter referred to as reverse Wyrtki jet (RWJ)] originating near the Sumatra coast in response to anomalous easterlies during fall of 1994 and 1997 is quite strong in the scatterometer-forced solutions. This RWJ is found to be weak in the NCEP solution. Two more experiments differing by their precipitation forcings [climatological and interannually varying Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) rainfall] are carried out. Model-simulated variables like SST, sea surface salinity (SSS), and mixed layer depth (MLD) have been compared with in situ observations to verify the performance of the model. The model suggests a dipolelike structure in surface salinity during late 1994 and 1997, with low salinity in the central equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) and high salinity near the Sumatra coast. The low-salinity tongue is caused by the transport of fresh surface waters via RWJ, which is further strengthened by a southward branch (which is absent in normal years) coming from the Bay of Bengal. A major inference of the study is that the low-salinity tongue is caused mainly by advection, not by a direct effect of precipitation. On the contrary, the high salinity near the Sumatra coast is due to the strong upwelling caused by anomalous easterlies. Another inference made out of this study is that there is apparently a definite signature of the evolution of the dipole event in the MLD approximately 2 months prior to the peak occurring in SSS in the south EIO.
Models of the UK Economy and the Real Wage-Employment Debate
Authors: Andrews M.J. , Bell D.N.F. , Fisher P.G. , Wallis K.F. , Whitley J.D. 
Published: March 2007

This article is an example of the type of exercise that is made possible by the existence of the set of UK models at Warwick. Using three quarterly models, those of the London Business School (LBS), the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) and Her Majesty's Treasury (HMT), and two annual models, those of the City University Business School (CUBS) and the Liverpool University Research Group in Macroeconomics (LPL), it considers the use, and possible abuse, of such models of the UK economy to illustrate the real wage—employment debate.In UK models real wages and employment are determined jointly and the article shows that the sign of the association between these two variables depends ore the nature of the shock which causes real wages to change. A common method of analysis is to perturb the endogenous real wage directly and although the results are quantitatively similar to those where the change to real wages results from a supply-side shock to the labour market, it is argued that such exercises are typically without foundation since no mechanism for achieving a direct reduction in real wages is put forward. Any implicit model which underpins the assumption of an exogenous shift in an endogenous variable needs to be stated clearly in order for the plausibility of the ‘intervention’ and resulting policy analysis to be assessed.
Schooling Standards in England and Germany: Some Summary Comparisons Bearing on Economic Performance
Authors: Prais S.J. , Wagner Karin 
Published: March 2007

‘One of the most long-standing problems in this country is our failure to our school-leavers adequately for work.’(The Chancellor of the Exchequer in his budget March 1985)The way higher productivity depends on a workforce that is technically-skilled at all levels—from operators and foremen to senior engineers and directors of production—was examined on the basis of an interview-study of matched engineering firms in Britain and Germany in the last issue of this Review. The present article traces differences in workforce skills between these two countries to differences in preparation at school, particularly in mathematics and vocational education, and particularly for those in the lower half of the ability spectrum.
Prospects for Non-Oil Developing Countries
Authors: Page S.A.B. 
Published: March 2007

Last year, the unexpectedly slow growth of output in the world economy, and of trade relative to it, reinforced doubts as to whether developing countries would recover from their depression and financing crisis. Since then, the fall in oil prices has altered substantially the outlook for industrial countries. The process of re-examining the prospects for developing countries has scarcely begun.This note describes developments in their trade and financing over the past five years, since the second oil price rise, as background to the judgement that the trends expected previously would have been economically and politically impossible to sustain. It then assesses the prospect now—after the fall in oil prices.
Conventional Pad-Dry-Cure Process for Durable- Flame and Wrinkle Resistance With Tetrakis (Hydroxymethyl) Phosphonium Hydroxide (THPOH)
Authors: Beninate John V. , Boylston Eileen K. , Drake George L. , Reeves Wilson A. 
Published: March 2007

A durable-flame retardant based on tetrakis (hydroxymethyl ) phosphonium hydroxide (THPOH), urea, and trimethylolmelamine has been developed and applied to cotton fabric. The process is accomplished by padding fabric through a water solution of the three components to a wet pickup of about 75%, drying at moderate temperature, and curing at an elevated temperature. Solutions of 25-34% total solids containing the three components in a molar ratio of 2 : 4 : 1 (THPOH: urea : methylolmelamine), when applied to cotton fabrics of 8-9-oz weight, imparted flame resistance, and only minimal losses in breaking and tearing strength. The treated fabrics retained 91-95% break strength and 73-80% tear strength. Wrinkle recovery angles (W + F) of treated fabrics ranged from 280° to 306°. Wash- wear and durable-press properties are discussed. Little or no yellowing of treated fab rics was observed when bleached with sodium hypochlorite solution and scorched between heated plates. Resin add-ons of fabrics treated in this manner ranged from 15 to 19%. Flame resistance of fabrics treated by this process is retained after boiling the treated fabrics in a soap-sodium carbonate solution for 3 hr or after 15 laundering cycles.
Women Principals: The Rule or the Exception?
Authors: Paddock Susan C. 
Published: March 2007

It is no secret that few women are high school principals and that their number is declining. Nor is it unusual for a treatise to be written urging affirmative action in the em ployment of women as principals. But what about women who are principals? Are women the exception or the rule? The author of the lead article in this special section reviews this question. Other writers represented here offer advice to the job- seeker, compare male and female leadership styles, review current research on women and the principalship, and note positive suggestions to generate change. The editors believe this special report to be a balanced examination of an acknowledged problem. 1. D. R. Byrne, et al., The Senior High School Principalship, Volume I: The National Survey, (Reston, Va.: NASSP, 1978). 2. S. Paddock, "Careers of Women Administrators" (Ph.D. diss., The University of Oregon, Eugene, 1977).
The Changing Role of the Soviet Secondary School Principal Under Perestroika
Authors: Brodinsky Ben 
Published: March 2007

In October 1990, the author was invited by a consortium of edu cators in Nizhni Novgorod to give a series of lectures on education in the United States. In return, he was to have a free hand in gathering information on the changes in Soviet education since the advent of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev as head of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. For 70 years Nizhni Novgorod has been a closed city. The writer was the first American educator to gain entry. Even under perestroika (reconstruction) and glasnost (openness), a bit of residual censorship remains; and one of the conditions was that those who provided information need not give their names or titles for publication. After two days in Moscow, the writer spent two weeks in Nizhi Novgorod, in a round of early-morning to late-at-night talks, interviews, briefings, and question-and-answer sessions with principals, professors of pedagogy, teachers, parents, and gov ernment officials. Below is a distillation of what he learned.
Air-stable P-Chiral Bidentate Phosphine Ligand with (1-Adamantyl)methylphosphino Group
Authors: Imamoto Tsuneo , Kumada Atsushi , Yoshida Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Air-stable diphosphine ligand, (R,R)-2,3-bis((1-adamantyl)methylphosphino)quinoxaline, was prepared by the reaction of enantiomerically pure (S)-(1-adamantyl)methylphosphine–borane with 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline. The ligand exhibited excellent enantioselectivities in Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation and Pd-catalyzed asymmetric ring-opening reaction.
Photodimerization Mechanism of Bis(3,4,5-trifluorobenzyl) (E,E)-Muconate in a Columnar Assembly in the Crystalline State
Authors: Mori Yutaka , Matsumoto Akikazu 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
We have revealed the photoreaction mechanism for the single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation of bis(3,4,5-trifluorobenzyl) (E,E)-muconate (1) to the corresponding dimer. The [2 + 2] photodimerization randomly occurred in the columnar assembly of monomer molecules in the crystals of 1, followed by the formation of a trimer. The photoreaction was directly monitored by an X-ray single crystal structure analysis as well as the product analysis by NMR and MS spectroscopies.
Coupons Versus Rebates
Authors: Lu Qiang , Moorthy Sridhar 
Published: March 2007

This paper examines a key difference between two promotional vehicles, coupons and rebates. Whereas coupons offer deals up front, with the purchase of the product, rebates can be redeemed only after purchase. When consumers experience uncertain redemption costs, this difference translates to a difference in when uncertainty is resolved. With coupons the uncertainty is resolved before purchase; with rebates the uncertainty is resolved after purchase. As a result, we show that rebates are more efficient in surplus extraction but coupons offer more finetuned control over whom to serve. We identify the conditions under which each is optimal, and these conditions turn on the gap between “low” reservation price consumers’ valuations and their highest redemption costs. Rebates are optimal when this gap is large; coupons tend to be optimal otherwise. Risk aversity on the part of consumers reduces the attractiveness of rebates, as does the delay between rebate redemption and rebate payment, but the latter if and only if consumers are more impatient than the seller. These observations match up well with what we know about the use of these promotional vehicles in the real world.
Spiffed-Up Channels: The Role of Spiffs in Hierarchical Selling Organizations
Authors: Caldieraro Fabio , Coughlan Anne T. 
Published: March 2007

We study a channel relationship in which manufacturer(s) use independent sales representatives (rep firms), which employ salespeople to do the actual selling. We show that commission-only payments by manufacturers to rep firms lead to suboptimal outcomes for the manufacturer relative to those obtained under a vertically integrated channel. From the manufacturer’s standpoint, these inefficiencies can be ameliorated through the use of sales incentives given to the rep firm’s salespeople directly by the manufacturer (called “spiffs”). In a monopolistic environment, spiffs are shown to improve the manufacturer’s profits in the face of contractual restrictions on the channel members’ ability to set separate commission rates by product. For certain types of restrictions, spiffs may generate manufacturer outcomes close to the fully coordinated ones achieved under vertical integration even when compensating the rep firm through commission-only contracts. In a competitive environment, spiffs are shown to be used by a powerful manufacturer that shares a rep firm’s sales efforts with the product of a weaker manufacturer (i.e., in the case of “common agency”). In this case, spiffs are used as a strategy to deter the weaker manufacturer from challenging the stronger manufacturer for the salesforce’s valuable selling effort.