bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite markers for the cosmopolitan marine diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia pungens
Authors: Evans Katharine M. , Hayes Paul K. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractVery little information is available on the genetic structure of populations of phytoplankton species. Here we report the characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite loci in the marine diatom, Pseudo‐nitzschia pungens, using clones (between 87 and 213 per locus) isolated from spring blooms in the North Sea. The number of alleles per locus ranged from five to 19 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.55 to 0.86.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Bencomia exstipulata and B. caudata (Rosaceae)
Authors: González‐Pérez M. A. , Lledó M. D. , Fay M. F. , Lexer C. , Sosa P. A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractFive novel polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated from enriched libraries in order to examine population structure in the Canary Island endemic Bencomia exstipulata and the related Bencomia caudata. All markers were successfully amplified from both Bencomia species. They possessed an average of 6.8 and 7.0 alleles per locus in B. exstipulata and B. caudata, respectively. Our data are consistent with the tetraploid condition of both Bencomia species. In addition, this set of microsatellite loci offers an efficient tool to clarify the genetic relationships within the Bencomia alliance.
Rationale, design and methods of the CASHMERE study†
Authors: Simon Tabassome , Boutouyrie Pierre , Gompel Anne , Christin‐Maitre Sophie , Laurent Stéphane , Thuillez Christian , Zannad Faiez , Bernaud Corine , Jaillon Patrice ,   on behalf of the CASHMERE investigators
Published: November 2004

AbstractCarotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) measurement is a noninvasive method used for quantification of early stage of atherosclerosis. Data suggest that the combination of statin and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be useful in reducing the early progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. The main aim of the study is to compare the effects of 12‐month therapy with atorvastatin (80 mg/day), HRT (oral 17β‐estradiol 1 or 2 mg/day, plus cyclic dydrogesterone 10 mg) alone and their combination vs. placebo on the progression of carotid IMT by using a high‐definition echotracking device. The secondary objectives are to assess the effects of the treatments vs. placebo on arterial stiffness, lipid profile and C‐reactive protein. The CASHMERE trial is an European randomized study with a 2 × 2‐factorial design, double blinded for atorvastatin and prospective randomized, open blinded endpoint evaluation (PROBE) method applied to HRT. The investigators can adjust the dose of estradiol at any time during follow‐up if necessary. A total of 800 postmenopausal women with mild hypercholesterolemia and with no previous history of cardiovascular disease will be included and followed up by their physicians [general practitioners (GPs) or gynecologists] for 1 year. The CASHMERE trial is the first randomized clinical trial to examine the effects of a statin alone or combined with HRT on the structure and the function of carotid artery as early markers of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with mild hypercholesterolemia. The results are expected for 2007.
Geographical variation in the breeding biology of the Purple SandpiperCalidris maritima
Authors: Summers Ron W. , Nicoll Mike 
Published: November 2004

Studies in Iceland (66°N) and Svalbard (78°N), combined with the results of previous work, allowed geographical comparisons of different aspects of the breeding biology of the Purple SandpiperCalidris maritima, testing predictions that they may be related to latitude and altitude (here taken as surrogates for climatic severity). The breeding density was lowest in the polar deserts of Franz Josef Land (82°N) and highest in coastal Arctic TernSterna paradisaeacolonies in Iceland where the terns perhaps afforded protection from predators. There was no difference in the percentages of 1‐year‐old (first‐year) birds in the breeding populations in Svalbard and Iceland. Time of breeding was related to both latitude and altitude, being later at higher latitudes and altitudes. In Iceland, larger males and males over 1 year old nested earlier than small males and 1‐year‐old males, respectively. Relaying occurred in Iceland but it was not observed in Svalbard. There were no geographical differences in clutch size. Egg size was related to female size in Svalbard. There were also geographical differences in egg size associated with female size (wing length), with the largest eggs in Iceland and smallest in south Norway. Males usually attended broods and the rates at which females deserted their broods were similar in Iceland and Svalbard. Chick growth rates were similar for Iceland and Franz Josef Land. Thus, in breeding biology, Purple Sandpipers varied geographically only in breeding density, time of nesting and egg size, which was associated with female size.
Measurement of the Relative Motion Between an Implant and Bone under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Britton J. R. , Lyons C. G. , Prendergast P. J. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  The measurement of the relative motion between a prosthesis and the surrounding bone is important for the pre‐clinical testing of prostheses and implants. A technique that allows measurements to be made over several million loading cycles was developed by Maher et al. (Clin. Biomech. 2001; 16: 307–314). However, the measurement of implant/bone motion is fraught with difficulties because: (i) testing over millions of cycles can take several days and errors because of diurnal temperature variations can occur, (ii) elastic deformations of the stem could have a dominant effect on ‘inducible displacements’, the rate of change of which is hypothesised to be a measure of loosening, and (iii) the use of this method for the analysis of cementless prostheses has yet to be demonstrated. This paper addresses these methodological issues with respect to testing hip prostheses, and concludes with a comparative evaluation of pre‐clinical testing methods.
Managing tendupatta leaf logistics: an integrated approach
Authors: Singh N. , Shah J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe collection of tendupatta leaf is a massive operation involving around 2.5 million families, who depend on this activity for their livelihood. Key decisions, which affect the livelihood of these poor families, are not only based on local political considerations but are managed in an inefficient manner, as a result of which, only 30% of the potential produce is collected. These types of geographically dispersed logistic activities which involve huge resources and affect large numbers of people are ideal candidates for OR applications. We have modelled the above problem using facility location and vehicle‐routing models. This OR‐based methodology can help the decision maker to raise leaf output substantially under existing budget limitations.
Understanding Employee Awareness of Health Care Quality Information: How Can Employers Benefit?
Authors: Abraham Jean , Feldman Roger , Carlin Caroline 
Published: November 2004

Objective. To analyze the factors associated with employee awareness of employer‐disseminated quality information on providers.Data Sources. Primary data were collected in 2002 on a stratified, random sample of 1,365 employees in 16 firms that are members of the Buyers Health Care Action Group (BHCAG) located in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region. An employer survey was also conducted to assess how employers communicated the quality information to employees.Study Design. In 2001, BHCAG sponsored two programs for reporting provider quality. We specify employee awareness of the quality information to depend on factors that influence the benefits and costs of search. Factors influencing the benefits include age, sex, provider satisfaction, health status, job tenure, and Twin Cities tenure. Factors influencing search costs include employee income, education, and employer communication strategies. We estimate the model using bivariate probit analysis.Data Collection. Employee data were collected by phone survey.Principal Findings. Overall, the level of quality information awareness is low. However, employer communication strategies such as distributing booklets to all employees or making them available on request have a large effect on the probability of quality information awareness. Employee education and utilization of providers' services are also positively related to awareness.Conclusions. This study is one of the first to investigate employee awareness of provider quality information. Given the direct implications for medical outcomes, one might anticipate higher rates of awareness regarding provider quality, relative to plan quality. However, we do not find empirical evidence to support this assertion.
Can Japan Become “A Society Attractive for Immigrants?” Identity, Gender and Nation‐States under Globalization in East Asia
Authors: Jung Yeong‐Hae 
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  In 2003, the total fertility rate in Japan was 1.29. According to many predictions, if the current rate continues, the labor shortage will become critical. The Economic and Fiscal Policy White Paper, edited by the Cabinet Office (Naikakuhu, 2003a), stated “If we attempt to fill the lack by accepting immigrants in order to maintain the population of productive workers, we will need to accept 640 000 immigrants every year until 2050. It is necessary to make our country more attractive for foreign workers”. However, it is unlikely that more than 30 million immigrants will choose to live in Japan unless efforts are made to abolish xenophobia and to make qualitative changes that will change Japanese society so that it is more open to co‐existence. Moreover, Japan is not the only country that must worry about future declines in the work force and other countries will most likely start to attract foreign workers earlier than Japan (Naikakuhu, 2003b).
Long‐Term Tolerability of Sumatriptan Nasal Spray in Adolescent Patients With Migraine
Authors: Natarajan Shankar , Jabbour J. T. , Webster Christopher J. , Richardson Mary S. 
Published: November 2004

Objective.—This 1‐year, open‐label, multicenter study was designed to assess the long‐term tolerability and efficacy of sumatriptan nasal spray 20 mg in adolescent patients with migraine.Methods.—A prospective, multicenter, open‐label study was conducted in patients aged 12 to 17 years who were allowed to treat an unlimited number of migraines at severe, moderate, or mild pain intensity with sumatriptan nasal spray for up to 1 year. All patients started the study at the 20‐mg dose of sumatriptan nasal spray. Dose could be adjusted downward to 5 mg at the discretion of the investigator to optimize therapy.Results.—A total of 484 adolescent migraineurs treated 4676 migraines with sumatriptan nasal spray 20 mg (3593 during the first 6 months and 1083 during the second 6 months). A total of 3940 migraines and 699 migraines were treated with one and two 20‐mg doses of sumatriptan nasal spray, respectively. Only 10 patients (treating 42 migraines) took the 5‐mg dose of sumatriptan nasal spray. The overall percentage of migraines treated with either one 20‐mg dose or one, two, or three 20‐mg doses with at least 1 drug‐related adverse event was 19%. The most common specific drug‐related adverse event was unpleasant taste, reported in 17% of migraines. No other single drug‐related adverse event was reported in more than 1% of migraines over the 1‐year treatment period. When unpleasant taste was excluded from the adverse‐event tabulations, the percentages of migraines with at least 1 drug‐related adverse event after one or one, two, or three 20‐mg doses declined to 4% and 3%, respectively. No patient experienced any drug‐related changes in 12‐lead ECGs, vital signs, or nasal assessments; and no clinically meaningful changes in clinical laboratory values were observed. Across all migraines with evaluable efficacy data (n = 4334), headache relief was reported in 43% of migraines at 1 hour and in 59% at 2 hours after dosing with sumatriptan nasal spray 20 mg. Of the 2561 migraines with headache relief 2 hours postdose, headache recurrence was reported within 24 hours of initial dosing in 7% of migraines. None of the efficacy or tolerability results varied as a function of time in the study (ie, first 6 months vs. second 6 months).Conclusion.—Sumatriptan nasal spray 20 mg is generally well tolerated and may be beneficial during long‐term use by adolescent migraineurs ages 12 to 17 years.
Assessment of Adverse Events Associated With Triptans—Methods of Assessment Influence the Results
Authors: Sheftell Fred D. , Feleppa Michele , Tepper Stewart J. , Rapoport Alan M. , Ciannella Luciana , Bigal Marcelo E. 
Published: November 2004

Background.—A recent study conducted in triptan‐naïve migraine patients showed that tolerability was the second most important attribute of an acute treatment. However, the proportion of patients reporting side effects after any acute treatment may vary with regard to the method of assessment.Objectives.—To contrast two methods of assessing adverse events (prompted and unprompted) in those with headache using triptans.Methods.—This study was conducted in two sites, a headache center in the United States, and a neurology office focusing on headache in Italy. We prospectively surveyed 415 adults with headache, who had been using the same triptan for at least 3 months. Participants were asked about their headache and treatment history. Subjects then completed a standardized questionnaire, assessing adverse events in two different ways. First, subjects were asked if they had any adverse events when using the triptan. After returning the first part of the questionnaire, subjects received a second form, where 49 possible adverse events were listed. We contrasted and correlated both sets of answers.Results.—Most patients (U.S. = 74.9%, Italy = 65.5%) reported no side effects in the unprompted questionnaire. However, most of them (U.S. = 62.9%, Italy = 54.1%) reported at least one side effect in the prompted questionnaire. Most patients that reported side effects in the unprompted questionnaire said they had just one adverse event, while most reported two or more side effects in the prompted questionnaire. Both in the unprompted and in the prompted questionnaires, most side effects were rated as mild or moderate. Interestingly, 31 (7.5%) subjects (pooling data from both sites together) graded their adverse events as severe in the prompted questionnaire, but had not self‐reported them.Conclusions.—(1) When assessing adverse events, the method of data collection may dramatically influence the results. (2) From those subjects who did not self‐report adverse events after using a triptan, most of them will report positively if presented with a list of side effects.
Serotonin Transporter Polymorphism and Harm Avoidance Personality in Chronic Tension‐Type Headache
Authors: Park Jeong Wook , Kim Joong Seok , Lee Hae Kook , Kim Yeong In , Lee Kwang Soo 
Published: November 2004

Objective.—To investigate the 5‐HTT‐gene‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR) genotypes and harm avoidance (HA) dimension in chronic tension‐type headache (CTH).Background.—Serotonin transporter protein (5‐HTT) is a key modulating protein in synaptic serotonergic neurotransmission. Among serotonin gene‐linked polymorphism, promoter located in the regulatory region of the 5‐HTTLPR has two alleles (short and long) with different transcriptional efficiencies. The HA personality trait may be heritable and associated with serotonergic neurotransmitter activity.Design.—We amplified the 5‐HTTLPR by means of polymerase chain reaction and performed genotype polymorphism analyses and we investigated the serotonin‐related personality trait by evaluating the HA dimension in tridimensional personality questionnaire (TPQ) in 107 patients with CTH and in 100 healthy controls.Results.—We found an excess frequency of the short allele and a different genotype distribution in patients with CTH. S/S genotype frequency was significantly higher in patients with CTH (76%) than in those with controls (59%; P= .02). Patients with CTH had significantly higher HA scores (21.4 ± 6.3) than controls (16.3 ± 6.1).Conclusions.—This suggests a serotonergic activity might be involved in the development of CTH and 5‐HTTLPR might be one of the genetically contributing factors.
Patient Evaluation of Treatment with Fixed Prostheses Supported by Implants or a Combination of Teeth and Implants
Authors: Kronström Mats , Trulsson Mats , Söderfeldt Björn 
Published: November 2004

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare treatment outcomes among subjects with complete arch fixed prostheses in the maxilla, supported by implants or a combination of natural teeth and dental implants.
Materials and Methods: Twenty‐one subjects with maxillary tooth‐ and implant‐supported fixed prostheses and 21 subjects with maxillary implant‐supported fixed prostheses were identified and included in the study. All abutment teeth in the group with tooth‐ and implant‐supported prostheses were provided with cemented copings that incorporated threads for vertical locking screws. Frameworks were fabricated with a gold alloy that was veneered with acrylic resin or ceramic materials. All frameworks were screw‐retained to implants and copings. Frameworks in the group with implant‐supported prostheses were fabricated with milled titanium or gold alloy to which denture teeth and resin base material were applied. All prostheses had a minimum of 8 units, at least 4 of which were in one quadrant. Subjects in both groups were mailed a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions focused on various factors related to treatment outcome, such as oral function and patient satisfaction.
Results: The response rate was 86%. Both groups reported a high satisfaction rate for most items with few regretting their choice of treatment. Most individuals in both groups reported great improvement in chewing ability and few reported phonetic disturbances. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed similarity in questionnaire responses between the 2 groups of participants. High satisfaction was reported both among subjects who received a complete arch fixed prosthesis in the maxilla supported by dental implants only, as well as among those whose prostheses were supported by a combination of natural teeth and dental implants.
Effect of Denture Cleansers on the Surface Roughness and Hardness of a Microwave‐Cured Acrylic Resin and Dental Alloys
Authors: Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues , Júnior Joane Augusto de Souza , Rached Rodrigo Nunes , Del Bel Cury Altair Antoninha 
Published: November 2004

Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of denture cleansers on the surface hardness of a denture base resin, and on the surface roughness of the resin and Co‐Cr and Ti‐6Al‐4V alloys.
Materials and Methods: Forty‐eight disc‐shaped specimens were fabricated of a microwave‐cured acrylic resin, each having one of the alloys attached to its surface. The specimens were randomly divided into 6 groups, each consisting of 8 samples. Specimens were exposed to one of the three cleansing treatments (polident, manipulation pharmacy cleanser, and water) as follows. Group I: Co‐Cr + polident; Group II: Co‐Cr + manipulation; Group III: Co‐Cr + water; Group IV: Ti‐6Al‐4V + polident; Group V: Ti‐6Al‐4V + manipulation; and Group VI: Ti‐6Al‐4V + water. Three exposures lasting 5 minutes each were conducted daily, and repeated after storage periods of 1, 14, and 29 days in artificial saliva at 37°C. Hardness and roughness measurements were undertaken immediately after specimen preparation (T0) and on the 1st (T1), 15th (T15), and 30th (T30) day following the beginning of storage. Three roughness and hardness evaluations were carried out for each sample and testing time, and mean values were calculated. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and linear regression.
Results:
The Knoop hardness test demonstrated differences (p < 0.05) between Groups I and IV at T1 and T30 (14.30 ± 2.78; 14.06 ± 1.76) and between Groups II and V at T15 (16.99 ± 2.24). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in resin roughness (in μm) were observed between Groups I and IV at T15 and T30 (0.14 ± 0.06; 0.21 ± 0.38). With regard to Co‐Cr, roughness data showed differences (p < 0.05) for all groups at T30 (Group I: 0.15 ± 0.07; Group II: 2.43 ± 0.66; Group III: 4.05 ± 1.03), for Group II at T1 (0.10 ± 0.03), and for Group I at T15 (0.15 ± 0.02). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in titanium roughness for Group IV at T15 (0.12 ± 0.01) and T30 (0.11 ± 0.04).
Conclusions: Manipulated cleanser containing sodium perborate increased surface roughness and hardness, probably due to its incapacity to remove the pellicle formed on the acrylic resin and dental alloys.
A Comparison of the Effects of Unilateral Thyroarytenoid Lateralization Versus Cricoarytenoid Laryngoplasty on the Area of the Rima Glottidis and Clinical Outcome in Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis
Authors: Griffiths Leigh G. , Sullivan Martin , Reid Stuart W. J. 
Published: November 2004

Objective— To compare the clinical effects of unilateral thyroarytenoid lateralization versus unilateral cricoarytenoid laryngoplasty for the treatment of canine laryngeal paralysis.Study Design— A prospective, clinical trial.Animals— Twenty client‐owned dogs admitted to Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital (GUVH) between 1997 and 1999 with a diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis.Methods— A thorough evaluation of each dog was undertaken that included history, physical and neurologic examinations, complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, serum thyroxine (T4) level, and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) assay. The exercise tolerance of each dog was investigated by assessing respiratory rate and arterial blood gas analysis at rest and after 5 minutes of mild exercise. Animals were included in the study on the basis of a definitive diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis made by endoscopic observation of the larynx in the lightly anesthetized patient. The animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: unilateral thyroarytenoid lateralization or unilateral cricoarytenoid laryngoplasty, with all procedures being performed by the same surgeon. Video images of the rima glottidis were recorded pre‐ and postoperatively using video endoscopy. Video images were digitized and the area of the rima glottidis measured using image‐analysis software. An increase in the area of the rima glottidis was expressed as a percentage of the preoperative area. All animals were reassessed 6 weeks' postoperatively, and exercise tolerance tests were repeated.Results— The mean increase in the area of the rima glottidis postoperatively when compared with the preoperative area was 140% for those animals undergoing unilateral thyroarytenoid lateralization (range, 120%‐158%) and 207% for those animals undergoing unilateral cricoarytenoid laryngoplasty (range, 183%‐228%). This difference was statistically significant ( P < .0001). At the 6‐week postoperative examination, there was no significant difference in improvement between the 2 groups when compared on either a clinical basis or exercise tolerance tests. The mean surgical time in the 2 groups was 25 minutes for thyroarytenoid lateralization and 43 minutes for cricoarytenoid laryngoplasty. This was a statistically significant difference (

P= .002).Conclusion— Although increase in area of the rima glottidis was significantly greater after unilateral cricoarytenoid laryngoplasty compared with unilateral thyroarytenoid lateralization, no difference in clinical outcome could be detected. However, the cricoarytenoid laryngoplasty procedure required significantly more surgical time.Clinical Relevance— Both unilateral cricoarytenoid laryngoplasty and unilateral thyroarytenoid lateralization are successful methods for the treatment of laryngeal paralysis; however, thyroarytenoid lateralization requires less surgical time to perform.