bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of FcγRIIa (CD32) in IgG anti‐RhD‐mediated red cell phagocytosis in vitro
Authors: Wiener E. , Dellow R. A. , Mawas F. , Rodeck C. H.
Published: April 2008

Summary. To test the role of FcγRIIa in IgG anti‐RhD‐mediated phagocytosis three IgGl and two IgG3 human monoclonal anti‐D antibodies were tested for ability to mediate binding/phagocytosis of cDE/cde and ‐D‐/‐D‐ red cells by FcγRIIa‐R131 and FcγRIIa‐H131 cDNA‐transfected 3T6 fibroblasts. Both IgG3 monoclonal antibodies brought about ‐D‐/‐D‐ cell interaction with IIa‐transfected fibroblasts, while only one of them, Og3, mediated binding of cDE/cde targets. Although FcγRIIa expression was three times greater on IIa‐R131 than on IIa‐H131 fibroblasts, the latter bound significantly more Og3‐coated cDE/cde‐ and IgG3 anti‐D‐sensitized ‐D‐/‐D‐ cells, respectively, than the former effectors and showed some phagocytosis of the ‐D‐/‐D‐targets. IgGl anti‐D antibodies were inactive in mediating red cell interaction with the fibroblasts. Moreover, monoclonal anti‐FcγRII IV.3 partially inhibited the phagocytosis by adult or fetal monocytes of Og3‐sensitized cDE/cde cells. FcγRIIa‐H/H131 monocytes exhibited higher phagocytic indices towards these targets than monocytes of other IIa allotypes. The results indicate that FcγRIIa can participate in the phagocytosis of red cells coated with IgG3 anti‐D; in this case the allotype of the receptor will modify the extent of red cell destruction.
Evidence for an expression of blood group A antigen on platelet glycoproteins IV and V
Authors: Stockelberg D. , Hou M. , Rydberg L. , Kutti J. , Wadenvik H.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Blood group ABO antigens are known to be carried by several platelet glycoproteins (GP), e. g. GPIb, GPIIa, GPIIb, GPIIIa and PECAM. Beside these proteins, we recently observed that blood group A antigen was also expressed on some other uncharacterized platelet proteins (70–90 kDa) having electrophoretic mobilities closely resembling those of GPIV and GPV. These findings prompted us further to characterize these latter ABO‐expressing platelet proteins. By antigen capture ELISA, wherein the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) CLB‐IVC7 and CLB‐SW16 were used to hold the corresponding antigens GPIV and GPV, human anti‐A specifically bound to these proteins derived from A1‐platelets; neither GPIV nor GPV derived from A2‐, B‐ or O‐platelets bound anti‐A. In a Western blot assay using immunoprecipitated GPIV and GPV as antigens, mAb anti‐A immunostained GPIV and GPV precipitated from A1, but not from A2 and O platelets. These results conclusively demonstrate that blood group A antigen is expressed on platelet GPIV and GPV.
Comparison of the Lewis phenotypes among the different population groups of Taiwan
Authors: Broadberry R. E. , Lin M.
Published: April 2008

Summary. In Caucasians, three red cell Lewis phenotypes are observed, namely Le (a+b‐), Le (a‐b+) and Le (a‐b‐). For Chinese living in Taiwan the Le (a+b‐) phenotype is replaced by the Le (a+b+) phenotype so that the three red cell Lewis phenotypes observed in Chinese are Le (a+b+), Le (a‐b+) and Le (a‐b‐). In addition, Chinese individuals with Le (a‐b‐) red cells can be subdivided into two groups, namely those who secrete both ABH and Lewis substances in saliva and those who secrete only ABH substances in saliva.

However, four red cell Lewis phenotypes Le (a+b‐), Le (a+b+), Le (a‐b+) and Le (a‐b‐) are observed among some of the indigenous groups living in Taiwan. Red cell Le (a+b‐) individuals among these indigenous groups can also be subdivided into at least two groups, namely those with Leaand Lebin saliva (plus varying amounts of ABH substances) and those with just Leain saliva. The former are most likely a weak form of the red cell Le (a+b+) phenotype while the latter appear to be similar to the Caucasian red cell Le (a+b‐) phenotype. There was also one red cell Le (a+b‐) individual whose saliva had a small amount of A substance as well as Leasubstance and therefore appeared to be intermediate between the above two forms of the Le (a+b‐) phenotype.
Variation in the sensitivity of HBsAg screening kits
Authors: Palmer D. R. , Perry K. R. , Mortimer P. P. , Parry J. V.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Fifteen HBsAg kits from 14 manufacturers were assessed. Their sensitivity was evaluated by testing 150 HBsAg‐positive sera, sera from four donors who were low‐level HBsAg carriers, and sequential specimens from 22 seroconverting individuals together with dilutions of six of these specimens. The British HBsAg Working Standard (0.5IUmL‐1) and the NIBSC/UKBTS HBsAg Monitor Sample (0.125IUmL‐1) were also tested. Five assays failed to detect one of the 150 routine HBsAg‐positive sera. Four assays (Auszyme Monoclonal; Monolisa Ag HBs 2nd generation; Murex HBsAg; Ortho HBsAg Test Systems 3) were able to detect HBsAg in all but one of the six sera from low‐level carriers, whereas one assay (MicroTrak II HBsAg) detected only one of the six. The most sensitive kit (Monolisa Ag HBs 2nd generation) detected HBsAg in 79 specimens from the seroconversion panels; four other kits detected HBsAg in at least 70 specimens, seven in 60–69, two in 50–59 and the least sensitive in 31. Further analysis of the findings on seroconverters indicated a median reduction in the duration of HBsAg detection of 5 days or more for four assays when compared with the most sensitive assay. One kit (Auszyme Monoclonal) detected HBsAg in 15 of the 18 dilutions prepared from the seroconversion specimens, whereas three kits detected HBsAg in fewer than 10 dilutions. Two kits gave negative reactions with the British HBsAg Working Standard on all of five occasions and six were consistently unreactive with the NIBSC/UKBTS HBsAg Monitor Sample; only three kits (Bioelisa, Enzygnost, Murex) were always reactive. There is therefore substantial variation in sensitivity among the HBsAg kits currently available.
The use of pooled red cells and column techniques for routine red cell antibody detection
Authors: Eggington J. A. , Bromilow I. M. , Duguid J. K. M.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The object of antibody screening is to detect all clinically relevant antibodies. In order to do this effectively red cells are selected with an appropriate antigen profile. The introduction of column techniques for antibody screening by indirect antiglobulin testing (IAT) and two‐stage enzyme testing (ETC) is perceived to lead to an increased sensitivity and an ability to detect red cell antibodies more easily than by traditional tube techniques because reactions in columns are more easily read and are stable. We evaluated the use of a column technology with pooled red cells for routine antenatal screening. The pooled cells used contained at least one cell with homozygous antigen expression for the majority of clinically significant antibodies known to be present, except for Kell. Pooled cell results were not as easy to read in gel columns when compared with single cell results due to weaker reactions which were often diffused throughout the gel in the column. We concluded that the use of pooled cells led to a decreased sensitivity which proved problematic for the interpretation of results. We used a two‐cell and a three‐cell pool and found that detection of known antibodies was reduced in IAT and ETC methods.
A new solid‐phase assay system using magnetic force on blood group serology
Authors: Ohgama J. , Yabe R. , Tamai T. , Nakamura M. , Mazda T.
Published: April 2008

Summary. A new solid‐phase assay system has been developed for the detection of irregular antibodies in plasma and serum specimens. By means of a magnetic indicator cell, we have established a sensitive and easy‐to‐handle antihuman globulin (AHG) test involving magnetic‐mixed passive hemagglutination (M‐MPHA). Comparative studies of M‐MPHA with conventional AHG tests demonstrated that this is sufficiently sensitive and specific to detect irregular antibodies to red blood cells. Elimination of centrifugation in this test seems to open the way toward new standardization of solid‐phase systems.
Experimental measurements of leaf carbon isotope discrimination and gas exchange in the progenies of Plantago depressa and Setaria viridis collected from a wide altitudinal range
Authors: Wang Guoan , Han Jiamao , Faiia Anthony , Tan Wenbing , Shi Weiqi , Liu Xiaozhuan
Published: April 2008

Significant correlations between leaf carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) and altitude and between gas exchange and altitude have been reported in previous studies, raising the question of whether the altitudinal variations in discrimination and gas exchange can be attributed to genetic differences among populations from different altitudes. Studies that focus on in situ analysis cannot distinguish the effects of genetic variation from environmental variation. This article describes an experiment in which seeds of Plantago depressa (C3 species) and Setaria viridis (C4 species) collected from a wide altitudinal range were grown in the same environment. Carbon isotopic ratios (δ13C) and gas exchange of the seedlings were measured. The progenies of P. depressa and S. viridis no longer display any significant Δ decreases with the altitude of origin as seen in situ. Furthermore, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 and intrinsic water use efficiency for P. depressa and S. viridis grown in the greenhouse are also not significantly related to the altitude of origin. The observations suggest that altitudinal variations in Δ and gas exchange are not because of genotypic differences, independent of photosynthetic type.
Genetic markers for the production of US country hams
Authors: Ramos A.M. , Glenn K.L. , Serenius T.V. , Stalder K.J. , Rothschild M.F.
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of candidate genes on processing quality traits of US country hams. A total of 321 fresh hams of unknown breed and sex were examined and data on quality and physical traits were collected. The hams were then processed following typical US commercial dry‐curing procedures for ham and data on additional traits were collected from the cured hams. Several genes involved in biological processes affecting dry‐cured ham production were selected. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) tests were designed for each of the genes where polymorphisms were discovered and association analyses between each marker and the traits collected were performed. Results showed that two genetic markers were significantly associated with cured weight and yield: (i) a gene from the cathepsin family (cathepsin F) and (ii) the stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (delta‐9‐desaturase) gene, involved in lipid metabolism. Moreover, markers that significantly affected colour traits and those having a significant impact on pH and lipid percentage were also identified. These markers could be used for screening and sorting of carcasses prior to ham processing and, eventually in pig improvement programmes designed to select animals possessing genotypes more suitable for the production of dry‐cured hams.
MM2‐cortical‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease with early stage cerebral cortical pathology presenting with a rapidly progressive clinical course
Authors: Niimi Yoshiki , Iwasaki Yasushi , Umemura Toshitaka , Tanaka Fumiaki , Yoshida Mari , Hashizume Yoshio , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Hirayama Mikio , Sobue Gen
Published: April 2008

We report the case of a 67‐year‐old man with MM2‐cortical‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) with a rapidly progressive clinical course of 5 months. Initial symptoms were progressive memory disturbance and dementia. MRI revealed high signal‐intensity lesions on diffusion‐weighted images in the bilateral frontal and occipital cortices. Myoclonus and periodic sharp‐wave complexes on the electroencephalogram were observed in the early disease stage. The clinical diagnosis was typical sCJD. Neuropathologic examination at autopsy showed widespread, characteristic cerebral neocortical involvement with large confluent vacuole‐type spongiform change. Spongiform degeneration was also evident in the striatum and medial thalamus. In the cerebellar cortex, slight depletion of Purkinje neurons was evident without spongiform change in the molecular layer or apparent neuron loss in the granule cell layer. The inferior olivary nucleus showed slight hypertrophic astrocytosis without neuron loss. Prion protein (PrP) immunostaining showed widespread, characteristic perivacuolar‐type PrP deposits with irregular plaque‐like PrP deposits in the cerebral neocortex, striatum and medial thalamus. We believe this patient showed early‐stage cerebral cortical pathology of MM2‐cortical‐type sCJD, which may provide clues regarding the pathologic progression of this rare sCJD subtype. Although MM2‐cortical‐type sCJD generally shows slow progression without myoclonus or periodic sharp‐wave complexes, the present patient showed a rapidly progressive clinical course similar to that of MM1‐type sCJD.
Treatment of epilepsy: the GABA‐transaminase inhibitor, vigabatrin, induces neuronal plasticity in the mouse retina
Authors: Wang Qing‐Ping , Jammoul Firas , Duboc Agnès , Gong Jie , Simonutti Manuel , Dubus Elisabeth , Craft Cheryl M. , Ye Wen , Sahel José A. , Picaud Serge
Published: April 2008

Vigabatrin was a major drug in the treatment of epilepsy until the discovery that it was associated with an irreversible constriction of the visual field. Nevertheless, the drug is still prescribed for infantile spasms and refractory epilepsy. Disorganization of the photoreceptor nuclear layer and cone photoreceptor damage have been described in albino rats. To investigate the vigabatrin‐elicited retinal toxicity further, we examined the retinal tissue of albino mice treated with two vigabatrin doses. The higher dose did not always cause the photoreceptor layer disorganization after 1 month of treatment. However, it triggered a massive synaptic plasticity in retinal areas showing a normal layering of the retina. This plasticity was shown by the withdrawal of rod but not cone photoreceptor terminals from the outer plexiform layers towards their cell bodies. Furthermore, both rod bipolar cells and horizontal cells exhibited dendritic sprouting into the photoreceptor nuclear layer. Withdrawing rod photoreceptors appeared to form ectopic contacts with growing postsynaptic dendrites. Indeed, contacts between rods and bipolar cells, and between bipolar cells and horizontal cells were observed deep inside the outer nuclear layer. This neuronal plasticity is highly suggestive of an impaired glutamate release by photoreceptors because similar observations have been reported in different genetically modified mice with deficient synaptic transmission. Such a synaptic deficit is consistent with the decrease in glutamate concentration induced by vigabatrin. This description of the neuronal plasticity associated with vigabatrin provides new insights into its retinal toxicity in epileptic patients.
Serotonin modulates transmitter release at central Lymnaea synapses through a G‐protein‐coupled and cAMP‐mediated pathway
Authors: McCamphill P. K. , Dunn T. W. , Syed N. I.
Published: April 2008

Neuromodulation is central to all nervous system function, although the precise mechanisms by which neurotransmitters affect synaptic efficacy between central neurons remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the neuromodulatory action of serotonin [5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)] at central synapses between identified neurons from the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Using whole‐cell voltage‐clamp and sharp electrode recording, we show that 5‐HT strongly depresses synaptic strength between cultured, cholinergic neuron visceral dorsal 4 (VD4 − presynaptic) and its serotonergic target left pedal dorsal 1 (LPeD1 − postsynaptic). This inhibition was accompanied by a reduction in synaptic depression, but had no effect on postsynaptic input resistance, indicating a presynaptic origin. In addition, serotonin inhibited the presynaptic calcium current (ICa) on a similar time course as the change in synaptic transmission. Introduction of a non‐condensable GDP analog, GDP‐β‐S, through the presynaptic pipette inhibited the serotonin‐mediated effect on ICa. Similar results were obtained with a membrane‐impermeable inactive cAMP analog, 8OH‐cAMP. Furthermore, stimulation of the serotonergic postsynaptic cell also inhibited presynaptic currents, indicating the presence of a negative feedback loop between LPeD1 and VD4. Taken together, this study provides direct evidence for a negative feedback mechanism, whereby the activity of a presynaptic respiratory central pattern‐generating neuron is regulated by its postsynaptic target cell. We demonstrate that either serotonin or LPeD1 activity‐induced depression of presynaptic transmitter release from VD4 involves voltage‐gated calcium channels and is mediated through a G‐protein‐coupled and cAMP‐mediated system.
Genetic enhancement of trace fear memory and cingulate potentiation in mice overexpressing Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV
Authors: Wu Long‐Jun , Zhang Xue‐Han , Fukushima Hotaka , Zhang Fuxing , Wang Hansen , Toyoda Hiroki , Li Bao‐Ming , Kida Satoshi , Zhuo Min
Published: April 2008

Long‐term potentiation (LTP) is a key cellular model for studying mechanisms for learning and memory. Previous studies reported that the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) is critical for gene regulation, and behavioral learning and memory. Less is known about the roles of CaMKIV in cortical plasticity and trace fear memory. Here we have found that LTP was significantly enhanced in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of the mice overexpressing CaMKIV. By contrast, neither α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor‐mediated basal excitatory synaptic transmission nor N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents were affected. Furthermore, paired‐pulse ratio in the transgenic mice is normal. In behavioral tests, we found that the CaMKIV transgenic mice exhibited significant enhancement in trace fear memory, while the acute sensory thresholds were not affected. Our results provide strong evidence that forebrain CaMKIV contributes to trace fear memory by enhancing synaptic potentiation in the ACC.
Who should be followed up after transanal endoscopic resection of rectal tumours?
Authors: Speake D. , Lees N. , McMahon R. F. T. , Hill J.
Published: April 2008

Objective  To determine follow‐up requirements following transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for rectal tumours based on clinical and histopathological assessment of resection specimens.

Method  A consecutive series of 117 patients undergoing TEM between 1997 and 2005 was studied. The excised specimens were classified as intact with clear surgical resection margins, macroscopically intact specimens with microscopically involved resection margins or piecemeal. Recurrence rates were determined for the three groups.

Results  Of the 117 procedures performed, 80 were for benign disease and 37 for malignancy. Within the benign group 39 (49%) resections were intact with clear surgical resection margins and yielded zero recurrences; 22 (27%) resections were macroscopically intact with microscopically involved surgical resection margin and yielded two recurrences; and 19 (24%) resections were piecemeal and yielded eight recurrences. Within the malignant group all 37 patients had resection specimens which were intact with clear surgical resection margins. Two patients had immediate salvage surgery. Of the 35 who went on to long‐term follow‐up post‐TEM (0.6–8.1 years, median 4) four developed recurrent cancer (two local with submucosal disease and two liver metastases).

Conclusion  For benign rectal neoplasms, resection of an intact specimen with histologically clear surgical resection margins was associated with no observed mucosal recurrence. Local recurrence after TEM is significantly more frequent when histological examination reveals involved margins or when resection is piecemeal. Early endoscopic follow up is required for the latter two groups. Local recurrence for malignant cases was submucosal and detected by palpation.
The pervasive influence of sampling and methodological artefacts on a macroecological pattern: the abundance–occupancy relationship
Authors: Wilson Peter D.
Published: April 2008

Aim To investigate the influence of sampling and methodological artefacts on the correlation between abundance and occupancy.

Location Global scope.

Methods A fixed effects weighted regression model was fitted to standardized effect size for 175 examples of correlations between abundance and occupancy. A regression tree model with standard effect size as the dependent variable was also fitted to the data.

Results Standard effect size, and therefore the correlation between abundance and occupancy, was found to be strongly influenced by the type of abundance measure used to characterize the abundance–occupancy relationship. Local mean abundance (also referred to as ecological mean abundance) was primarily responsible for negative correlations. Negative correlations also resulted from a mismatch in the sampling extents of abundance and occupancy measures.

Main conclusions The combination of abundance and occupancy measures selected to characterize the abundance–occupancy relationship for a given set of data has a profound impact on the sign of the correlation between the selected measures. Previous attempts to understand the processes giving rise to the pattern represented by the abundance–occupancy relationship have confounded sampling artefacts (e.g. spatial extent of abundance and occupancy information) and methodological artefacts (e.g. combining a truncated abundance measure such as local mean abundance with an untruncated occupancy measure such as proportion of occupied samples). Thus, a revision of the approach currently used to define and evaluate competing explanatory models of the abundance–occupancy relationship appears to be necessary.
Latitudinal variation of diversity in European freshwater animals is not concordant across habitat types
Authors: Hof Christian , Brändle Martin , Brandl Roland
Published: April 2008

Aim  We analysed the variation of species richness in the European freshwater fauna across latitude. In particular, we compared latitudinal patterns in species richness and β‐diversity among species adapted to different habitat types.

Location  Europe.

Methods  We compiled data on occurrence for 14,020 animal species across 25 pre‐defined biogeographical regions of European freshwaters from the Limnofauna Europaea. Furthermore, we extracted information on the habitat preferences of species. We assigned species to three habitat types: species adapted to groundwater, lotic (running water) and lentic (standing water) habitats. We analysed latitudinal patterns of species richness, the proportion of lentic species and β‐diversity.

Results  Only lentic species showed a significant species–area relationship. We found a monotonic decline of species richness with latitude for groundwater and lotic habitats, but a hump‐shaped relationship for lentic habitats. The proportion of lentic species increased from southern to northern latitudes. β‐Diversity declined from groundwater to lentic habitats and from southern to northern latitudes.

Main conclusions  The differences in the latitudinal variation of species richness among species adapted to different habitat types are in part due to differences in the propensity for dispersal. Since lentic habitats are less persistent than lotic or groundwater habitats, lentic species evolved more efficient strategies for dispersal. The dispersal propensity of lentic species facilitated the recolonization of central Europe after the last glaciation. Overall, we stress the importance of considering the history of regions and lineages as well as the ecological traits of species for understanding patterns of biodiversity.
Decomposing Local: A Conjoint Analysis of Locally Produced Foods
Authors: Darby Kim , Batte Marvin T. , Ernst Stan , Roe Brian
Published: April 2008

Increasingly, foods are marketed as “locally grown.” We use stated preference data from a choice‐based conjoint instrument to address two issues surrounding consumer demand for locally produced goods: (1) what is the geographical extent of “local,” and (2) is the value consumers place on “local” production distinct from other factors that are often confounded with locally produced foods such as farm size and product freshness? We find our subjects place similar value on products produced “in state” and “nearby” and that consumers' willingness to pay for local production is independent from values associated with product freshness and farm size.
Tractors on eBay: Differences between Internet and In‐Person Auctions
Authors: Diekmann Florian , Roe Brian E. , Batte Marvin T.
Published: April 2008

We provide a systematic examination of the differences between Internet and in‐person auction prices for used tractors. A hedonic model estimated with transactions pooled between eBay and in‐person auctions reveals statistically distinct price surfaces for the two auction venues and predicts significantly lower prices for comparable equipment sold on eBay, though this difference is attenuated for tractors fully covered by eBay's buyer protection program and is fully absent for the most frequently traded tractor. An endogenous venue selection model reveals that larger, more valuable tractors from states with more valuable stocks of machinery are more likely to be offered on eBay.
A System Comparison Approach to Distinguish Two Nonseparable and Nonnested Agricultural Household Models
Authors: Sonoda Tadashi
Published: April 2008

This study distinguishes two nonseparable agricultural household models for a self‐employed farm household. One assumes heterogeneity of farm and nonfarm labor and a competitive market for nonfarm labor. The other assumes homogeneity of the two types of labor and a restricted market for nonfarm labor. We compare demand systems that are derived from them, which have different dependent variables and different numbers of equations. We apply a Cox‐type test to compare these complicated nonnested systems. Results show clearly that the former is better for Japanese rice‐farming households. Comparison of price elasticities for those models verifies the importance of that test.
Insourcing, Outsourcing, and Unemployment in the Spanish Auto Industry
Authors: Truett Lila J. , Truett Dale B.
Published: April 2008

This paper examines the role of outsourced intermediate goods, together with capital, labor, and insourced intermediate products, as inputs in Spain's motor vehicle production. Its findings are consistent with statistically significant economies of scale. Capital and labor are found to be substitutes, as are most of the other input pairs. However, capital and outsourced intermediate goods and labor and insourced intermediate goods appear to have complementary relationships, and the latter relationship has become stronger over the period of study. Any actions that decrease the price of one of the inputs in a complementary pair will increase the demand for the other input. Since labor and outsourced intermediate goods appear to be substitutes, a decrease in import prices as a result of further European integration will decrease the demand for domestic labor and exacerbate Spain's unemployment problem. A similar result holds for insourced and outsourced intermediate goods.
Welfare‐Worsening Aid Flows To Small Countries: The Role of Nontraded Goods
Authors: Tokarick Stephen
Published: April 2008

This paper presents the circumstances under which foreign aid can immiserize a small, tariff‐distorted economy, highlighting the role played by the nontraded sector in generating this outcome. An inflow of aid, provided in the form of an increase in the capital stock, can reduce real income of a small, tariff‐distorted economy if: (i) the inflow results in an increase in the price of the nontraded good and the nontraded good and imports are sufficiently strong complements in demand; or (ii) if the inflow leads to a reduction in the price of the nontraded good and the nontraded good and imports are substitutes in demand, provided the degree of substitutability is not too large.
CREATIVE ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: ‘MILKING’ WATER UTILITIES TO BALANCE MUNICIPAL BUDGETS AND ACCOUNTS
Authors: Vinnari Eija M. , Näsi Salme
Published: April 2008

Traditionally, the financial balance of public sector economic entities has been determined by balanced budgets and cash‐based or modified cash‐based budgetary accounting. Since the 1990s the superiority of accrual accounting in the public sector context has been emphasized by both practitioners and academics. This paper demonstrates that accrual accounting also offers opportunities for the use of creative accounting, or earnings management, in the public sector, at least as long as accounting is performed in accordance with diverse national norms instead of internationally acceptable accounting standards.
Event‐related delta oscillatory responses of Alzheimer patients
Authors: Yener G. , Güntekin B. , Başar E
Published: April 2008

Background and purpose: Alzheimer type of dementia (AD) is the most common neuropsychiatric morbidity in elderly individuals. Event‐related oscillations (ERO) provide an useful tool for detecting subtle abnormalities of cognitive processes with high temporal resolution.

Methods: In the present report, event‐related oscillations of patients with AD were analyzed by using a visual oddball paradigm. A total of 22 mild probable AD subjects according to NINCDS‐ADRDA criteria and 20 age‐, gender‐, and education‐matched healthy control subjects were compared. AD group consisted from 11 untreated patients and 11 patients treated with cholinesterase inhibitor. Oscillatory responses were recorded from 13 scalp electrodes.

Results: Significant differences in delta frequency range were seen between the groups by using repeated measures ofanovaanalysis [F(9.120) = 2.228;P = 0.022]. Post‐hoc analyses using Wilcoxon test showed that at mid‐ and left central regions, (Cz, C3) peak amplitudes of delta responses of healthy subjects were significantly higher than either group. Also cholinesterase inhibitors did not have effect on delta oscillatory responses.

Conclusions: Our findings imply that the delta oscillatory responses at central locations are highly instable in mild probable AD patients regardless of treatment when compared to the healthy aged controls. This study supports the importance of oscillatory event‐related potentials for investigating AD brain dynamics.
Correlation between sleep and cognitive functions after hemispheric ischaemic stroke
Authors: Siccoli M. M. , Rölli‐Baumeler N. , Achermann P. , Bassetti C. L.
Published: April 2008

Background:  The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of a link between sleep and cognitive functions, particularly memory and attention, after stroke.

Methods:  We studied 11 consecutive patients with first‐ever hemispheric ischaemic stroke within eight days after symptoms onset and nine of them at least three months after stroke. Sleep EEG was recorded with a portable system. Cognitive functions were assessed using a standardized battery of tests allowing the estimation of the most relevant domains of cognition. Five age‐matched healthy subjects served as controls.

Results:  The patients were aged 43 ± 12 years (18–59). In five patients stroke was right‐sided and in six patients left‐sided. In the acute stroke phase a correlation between attention and amounts of slow wave sleep (SWS), Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and sleep efficiency was found. In the recovery phase verbal/figural memory and attention significantly improved in most patients. Furthermore, an association between (i) verbal/figural (non‐verbal) memory and amounts of SWS, REM sleep and sleep efficiency, and between (ii) attention and sleep efficiency was observed.

Conclusions:  The results point to a link between sleep and cognitive functions and their recovery after hemispheric stroke. Further studies are needed to determine the specific nature of this link.
Monitoring treatment with cyclosporine microemulsion in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Utsugisawa K. , Nagane Y. , Suzuki S. , Suzuki N.
Published: April 2008

Purpose:  To examine whether the monitoring of cyclosporine (CsA) blood concentrations is of benefit in CsA microemulsion pre‐concentrate (MEPC) therapy for myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods:  We measured CsA blood concentrations both 2 h after administration (C2) and immediately before administration (C0) and examined associations with changes to clinical parameters in 20 MG patients treated with CsA MEPC in an unblinded, 6‐month prospective open trial.

Results:  Initial dose of CsA MEPC (4.7 ± 0.5 mg/kg/day) provided both high C2 levels and safe C0 levels. Disease severity, daily dose of prednisolone, acetylcholine receptor–antibody titre levels and levels of interleukin‐2 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells were significantly reduced following treatment with CsA MEPC. A significant correlation existed between C2 levels following the initial dose and clinical improvement in responder MG patients. C0 levels were significantly higher in patients who exhibited increased serum creatinine or hypertension compared with patients free from side effects. Body mass index of individual patients was significantly correlated with C0 level, and may thus offer a useful marker to predict C0 levels.

Discussion:  CsA MEPC was effective at suppressing symptoms and T‐cell‐dependent pathogenesis of MG, and monitoring of C2 and C0 levels can be useful to estimate efficacy and safety of the drug.
What People Think About the Management of Sex Offenders in the Community
Authors: BROWN STEVEN , DEAKIN JO , SPENCER JON
Published: April 2008

Abstract: The research on which this article is based examines public attitudes towards the reintegration of sex offenders into the community. Data were gathered using a variety of methods: an online, predominantly qualitative questionnaire, a postal questionnaire, predominantly quantitative, and meetings with community groups, such as residents' associations. The postal questionnaire was sent to employers (for distribution to staff) and mailed to 5,000 households in the north‐west of England; a total of 979 people responded to both the online and postal questionnaires. This study is one of the largest surveys in the UK on what people think about the reintegration of sex offenders into the community post‐conviction. The research findings indicate that people are not as punitive towards sex offenders as is assumed. However, feelings of insecurity in terms of the way sex offenders are managed in the community were expressed with a belief in the veracity of community notification strategies. Concern was also expressed in relation to how the community reintegration of sex offenders takes place.
Effect of melasma on quality of life in a sample of women living in southern Brazil
Authors: Freitag FM , Cestari TF , Leopoldo LR , Paludo P , Boza JC
Published: April 2008

Background  Melasma can cause a significant effect on individual emotional well‐being. Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQoL) is a specific questionnaire elaborated to assess the burden of melasma on patient's quality of life.

Objective  To evaluate the clinical aspects, severity and the influence of melasma on daily living of a sample of Brazilian women.

Methods  Cross‐sectional study that enrolled 85 women with melasma older than 15 years of age. Trained investigators asked 55 questions to collect epidemiological and clinical data. The disease severity was clinically assessed using Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). Patients answered the Portuguese version of 10‐item MELASQoL scale without coaching.

Results  The mean ± SD age was 41.1 ± 6.8 years, and the mean ± SD of MELASQoL score was 37.5 ± 15.2 (median, 35). Patients with previous psychiatric diagnosis had significantly higher MELASQoL scores (mean, 42.8; SD, 13.6) than patients without this antecedent (mean, 35.4; SD, 15.4; P < 0.05). Patients with less than 8 years of school attendance also had significantly higher MELASQoL score (mean, 44; SD, 16.9) than more graduated ones (mean, 34.4; SD, 13.5; P < 0.05). The mean ± SD MASI was 10.6 ± 6.6 (median, 10.2). There was no correlation between MASI and MELASQoL.

Conclusions  This study confirms that MELASQoL‐BP is easy to administer, adds important information about the impact of melasma on South American women's life and, finally, contributes to building evidence on the validity, reliability and cultural adaptation of the Portuguese language MELASQoL version.
Malignant nodular hidradenoma of the skin: report of seven cases
Authors: Souvatzidis P , Sbano P , Mandato F , Fimiani M , Castelli A
Published: April 2008

Background  Malignant nodular hidradenoma (MNH) is an infrequent, highly malignant, primary skin tumour derived from eccrine sweat glands. Most tumours occur in elderly individuals. MNH has very poor prognosis, high recurrence and a high rate of metastases. The best method of treatment is still unclear: radical surgical excision is widely used, and selective lymph node dissection is also suggested. The value of the adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy has not been confirmed.

Patients and treatment  Seven MNH patients (4 men, 3 women, age 60–87 years) were treated between 1991 and 2007 in the Dermatology Unit of San Donato Hospital of Arezzo and in the Section of Dermatology of University of Siena, Italy. Tumours varied from 0.8 to 4.4 cm in size. All patients underwent local excision; five also had lymph node dissection. One patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy, and three received chemotherapy.

Results  Six of seven patients died, with survival varying from 15 to 45 months. Distant metastases occurred in two patients. Survival time was inversely proportional to the size of the tumour.

Conclusions  MNH is an aggressive tumour and should be diagnosed and excised as early as possible. Histological parameters are paramount, but correct diagnosis also calls for attention to clinical presentation and any history of recurrence or recent enlargement of long‐standing lesions. In our experience, radiotherapy and chemotherapy do not seem to prolong survival.
Depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and acne: a study of male Finnish conscripts
Authors: Rehn LMH , Meririnne E , Höök‐Nikanne J , Isometsä E , Henriksson M
Published: April 2008

Objective  To investigate the association among acne, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in Finnish male military conscripts.

Methods  Consecutive 165 acne patients and 150 patients with mild knee symptoms for comparison were enrolled in the study conducted in the Central Military Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. They filled out the following questionnaires: General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale. The Leeds acne grading scale was used to estimate the severity of acne.

Results  Sixteen (9.7%) acne patients and 20 (13.3%) comparison patients had at least moderate level of depressive symptoms (BDI score  10; P > 0.05, between groups). Suicidal ideation (BDI suicidal item score  1) was reported by 24 (14.5%) acne patients and 16 (10.7%) comparison patients (P > 0.05, between groups). When comparing the mild facial acne patients (Leeds score 0–3) with those with moderate‐severe facial acne (Leeds score  4), there were no statistical differences in depressive symptoms (9.5% vs. 10.0%) or suicidal ideation (13.7% vs. 15.7%). No linear relationship was observed between the BDI and facial Leeds scores (P > 0.05). Risk factors for suicidal ideation among the acne patients were depression and alcohol risk use.

Conclusion  Young male patients with acne do not suffer more depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation than patients with mild knee symptoms, and the severity of acne is not associated with the presence of depressive symptoms. The risk factors for suicidal ideation among acne patients seem to be similar to those found in the general population.
Cutaneous manifestations in relation to immunologic parameters in a cohort of primary myelodysplastic syndrome patients
Authors: Dalamaga M. , Karmaniolas K. , Matekovits A. , Migdalis I. , Papadavid E.
Published: April 2008

Background  Cutaneous lesions in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) may be specific or not and may reveal bone marrow transformation. Our purpose was to investigate in a cohort of 84 MDS patients the correlation of cutaneous findings with immunologic parameters and prognostic features of MDS in order to clarify their potential clinical significance.

Materials and methods  We studied a cohort of 84 newly diagnosed MDS patients in order to assess the cutaneous findings present at the time of diagnosis and during 1 to 3 years of follow‐up. We described the clinical variety of cutaneous findings ascertained by histology. We also looked for any association between the group of MDS patients with skin manifestations and MDS subtype, immunologic and prognostic features highlighting transformation to acute leukaemia.

Results  Twenty‐one patients presented cutaneous manifestations: 1 patient developed leukaemia cutis, 6 patients photosensitivity not associated with autoimmune disease, 3 prurigo nodularis, 2 Sweet's syndrome, 6 leucocytoclastic vasculitis, 2 ecchymoses and purpura associated with preexisting relapsing polychondritis, 1 patient subcutaneous nodules associated with Wegener's granulomatosis and 1 patient with malar rash and oral ulcers associated with preexisting systemic lupus erythematosus. Adjusted for age and gender, the presence of skin findings constitutes a significant predictor of the high‐risk MDS subgroup (odds ratio, 3.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–10.92). Hypergammaglobulinemia was significantly higher in the MDS subgroup with skin manifestations (P = 0.03).

Conclusion  Most MDS patients with cutaneous manifestations belong to the high‐risk MDS subgroup and present hypergammaglobulinemia. Early biopsy of skin lesions in myelodysplasia is indicated.
Outcome of pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Kavusi S , Daneshpazhooh M , Farahani F , Abedini R , Lajevardi V , Chams‐Davatchi C
Published: April 2008

Background  Pemphigus vulgaris can be divided into mucosal, mucocutaneous and cutaneous subtypes. A higher mortality rate has been shown with mucocutaneous involvement.

Objectives  The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the association of clinical subtypes of pemphigus vulgaris with remission rates.

Patients/methods  One hundred twenty‐eight patients with pemphigus vulgaris, treated with prednisolone 2 mg/kg/day plus azathioprine 2 to 2.5 mg/kg/day, were enrolled. The partial and complete remission rates, at the end of the first and second years of treatment, and the number of relapses were compared in the three groups.

Results  After disease establishment, 71.1% had mucocutaneous, 18.8% had mucosal, and 10.2% had only cutaneous involvement. The mean duration of follow‐up was 53.5 ± 39.6 months.

The mean duration it took the mucocutaneous group to reach a prednisolone dosage of 30 mg/day was significantly longer (P = 0.050). Mucocutaneous patients had a significantly lower rate of remission (31.9%) compared with those with only mucosal or cutaneous involvement (48.6%) at the end of the first year of the treatment (P = 0.029). After 2 years, mucocutaneous patients again had a lower remission rate (32.9% vs. 44.5%). Relapses were also more frequent in this subtype.

Those presenting with mucosal or mucocutaneous erosions had a higher rate of active disease after receiving treatment for a year compared with those with only cutaneous presentation (66.7% vs. 45%; P = 0.057).

Conclusions  In mucocutaneous subtype, clinical control was achieved later, and they had a lower rate of remission at the end of the first and second years of treatment. They were also prone to relapses.
Actinic keratosis: an occupational and environmental disorder
Authors: Schwartz RA , Bridges TM , Butani AK , Ehrlich A
Published: April 2008

Solar ultraviolet light electromagnetic waves are a known environmental carcinogenic agent closely associated with the development of skin cancer in light‐complexioned individuals. Outdoor workers have higher annual exposure to ultraviolet light. We will review the topic of actinic keratoses among these individuals as this common rudimentary form of superficial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is explored in greater detail.
The Accrual Anomaly Under Different Accounting Standards – Lessons Learned from the German Experiment
Authors: Kaserer Christoph , Klingler Carmen
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Several studies document that investors systematically overreact to accrual‐based accounting information. We address the question to what extent this accrual anomaly is related to different accounting standards. We provide empirical evidence that the accrual anomaly is also present in Germany. However, this anomaly seems mainly to be driven by firms presenting their financial statements under IFRS or US‐GAAP, while the anomaly is unlikely to exist for those firms complying with German GAAP. It is argued that introducing true and fair view accounting, like IFRS, that relies on difficult‐to‐verify information, may not be suitable to improve accounting information quality in the context of a weak corporate governance system.
Whence nationalism?
Authors: DRAKULIC SLOBODAN
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT. There is widespread agreement that nationalism emerged in the historical fountainheads of modernity, and was subsequently diffused outwards. Contrary to that, there is a long standing view that nationalism precedes modernity even in the broadly accepted cradles of both modernity and nationalism, such as England or France, neither of which was modern when it engendered nationalism. Besides, some emergent nationalisms ran concurrent with their English or French counterparts, with little evidence of having been spawned by diffusion. Such early or protonationalisms often sprang from resistance to foreign conquest, putting in doubt the invention‐diffusion hypothesis. I am therefore suggesting that nationalism has not emerged in few societies, but in many, and that it was engendered by social interactions, not by a particular social formation. While nationalism emerges within society, its genesis occurs in‐between social groups and societies, making it a product of their interactions. That makes it u‐topic, its cradles socially diverse, and its conception interactional, not gestational.
The global and regional constitution of nations: the view from East Asia
Authors: DUARA PRASENJIT
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT. While the origins of nationalism are sought in global historical trends, few analysts have shown how nations themselves are constituted and re‐shaped by circulating global power, ideas and models. The view from East Asia shows that these circulations are mediated by regional developments and interactions which bind these nations together in rivalry and interdependence. The histories of China, Japan and Korea have been closely tied together since the end of the nineteenth century and, with a gap of about thirty years during the Cold War, have intensified once again. The global and regional constitution of nations produces a dialectic between its global form and aspirations and misrecognition of this constitution arising from the self‐perception of nationalism as historically immanent. This tension between the global constitution and national misrecognition contributes to the tenacity of nationalism. It also allows us to get a better grasp of the relationship between historical change and structure in nationalism and the relationship between state and popular nationalisms in the countries of the region.