bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Torah and Anti-Torah: Isaiah 2:2-4 and 1:10-26
Authors: Landy Francis
Published: November 2003

The utopian vision of Isaiah 2:1-4 is a new beginning of the book, intimately related to and absolutely distinct from the first beginning in ch. 1. The two beginnings represent the two voices of the book, whose irreconcilability is its major structural problem. At the centre of the Edenic vision of Zion is a female subject and language, Torah, in whose maternal embrace all nations renounce their phallic rivalries. Torah, however, is paired with a male subject, the word of YHWH, and with the divine authority that judges the peoples. The Torah of 2:3 may be compared to the female figures of ch. 1, and to the condemnatory Torah addressed to the people in 1:10. The Torah of 2:3 is presumably equivalent to the Torah in 1:10, and adumbrates the message of that chapter. It is that to which the sons fail to listen in 1:2, and which is addressed to heaven and earth at the beginning of the book. At the same time it is an anti-Torah, since that which is rejected is conventional Torah, the sacrificial and festive system. The maternal space of Zion, which is also that of divine alimentation, has become a scene of disgust, which may be associated with Kristeva's conception of abjection. The climax of these images for Zion is the prostitute in 1:21, which exemplifies marginality. For the heterological critic, however, the prostitute is the paradigmatic marginal figure against whose exploitation the prophet protests. The figure of the prostitute is transformed into that of the widow and hence the pristine daughter of Zion and the bride of God.
We Felt Like Grasshoppers: The Little Ones in Biblical Interpretation
Authors: Orton David
Published: November 2003

Applying an autobiographical interest and perspective, an attempt is made at a "short person's" reading of relevant biblical texts. The OT background to the notion of "little" ones in Matthew is examined. Various OT characters are called by others, or see themselves as, "little," including the Israelite scouts and Jacob, Saul, Solomon, David and Jeremiah. Invariably the sense is of perceived inadequacy for a divine task, God providing the necessary physical or inspirational aid. In the NT, the short man Zacchaeus, painfully aware of his own shortcomings, is rescued in a similar way, and set right by Jesus. The "little ones" of Matthew, mirroring a special interest of Matthew's, are "immature scribes": apparently insignificant student disciples sent out on Jesus' mission. Despite appearances, they have the necessary spiritual insight, fully qualify as "disciples" with a prophetic calling and—far from being despised or ridiculed as "little ones" often are—are to be received and affirmed without negative prejudice or neglect.
Questing or Sense-Making? Some Thoughts on the Nature of Historiography
Authors: Lategan Bernard
Published: November 2003

The broadening of theoretical reflection to account for all aspects of textual communication has led to a renewed interest in the historical dimension of biblical texts, both with regard to the relationship author—text and text—reader. However, the nature of this renewed interest differs in both these relationships. The former is still hampered by the legacy of positivism, while the latter finds it problematic to deal with history from a postmodern perspective. It is suggested that a reconsideration of the nature or historiography could be of value in this regard. The telling and writing of history is a sense-making process that mediates between past and future and presupposes a unity between experience and interpretation. The implications of this approach are briefly discussed.
Human endothelial cells derived from circulating progenitors display specific functional properties compared with mature vessel wall endothelial cells
Authors: Bompais Heidi , Chagraoui Jalila , Canron Xavier , Crisan Mihaela , Liu Xu Hui , Anjo Aurora , Tolla-Le Port Carine , Leboeuf Marylene , Charbord Pierre , Bikfalvi Andreas , Uzan Georges
Published: November 2003

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were shown to be present in systemic circulation and cord blood. We investigated whether EPCs display specific properties compared with mature endothelial cells. Human cord blood CD34+ cells were isolated and adherent cells were amplified under endothelial conditions. Expression of specific markers identified them as endothelial cells, also called endothelial progenitor-derived cells (EPDCs). When compared to mature endothelial cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human bone marrow endothelial cells (HBMECs), endothelial markers, were expressed to the same extent except for KDR, which is expressed more in EPDCs. They display a higher proliferation potential. Functional studies demonstrated that EPDCs were more sensitive to angiogenic factors, which afford these cells greater protection against cell death compared with HUVECs. Moreover, EPDCs exhibit more hematopoietic supportive activity than HUVECs. Finally, studies in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice demonstrated that human circulating EPCs are able to colonize a Matrigel plug. EPDCs display the morphology and phenotype of endothelial cells. Their functional features indicate, however, that although these cells have undergone some differentiation steps, they still have the properties of immature cells, suggesting greater tissue repair capabilities. Future use of in vitro amplified peripheral blood EPDCs may constitute a challenging strategy for cell therapy.
Procalcitonin as a marker of bacterial infection in the emergency department: an observational study
Authors: Chan Yi-Ling , Tseng Ching-Ping , Tsay Pei-Kuei , Chang Shy-Shin , Chiu Te-Fa , Chen Jih-Chang
Published: November 2003

Introduction

Procalcitonin (PCT) has been proposed as a marker of infection in critically ill patients; its level is related to the severity of infection. We evaluated the value of PCT as a marker of bacterial infection for emergency department patients.

Methods

This prospective observational study consecutively enrolled 120 adult atraumatic patients admitted through the emergency department of a 3000-bed tertiary university hospital in May 2001. Fifty-eight patients were infected and 49 patients were not infected. The white blood cell counts, the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level (mg/l), and the PCT level (ng/ml) were compared between the infected and noninfected groups of patients.

Results

A white blood cell count >12,000/mm3 or <4000/mm3 was present in 36.2% of the infected patients and in 18.4% of the noninfected patients. The best cut-off serum levels for PCT and CRP, identified using the Youden's Index, were 0.6 ng/ml and 60 mg/l, respectively. Compared with CRP, PCT had a comparable sensitivity (69.5% versus 67.2%), a lower specificity (64.6% versus 93.9%), and a lower area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.689 versus 0.879). PCT levels, but not CRP levels, were significantly higher in bacteremic and septic shock patients. Multivariate logistic regression identified that a PCT level ≥ 2.6 ng/ml was independently associated with the development of septic shock (odds ratio, 38.3; 95% confidence interval, 5.6–263.5; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PCT is not a better marker of bacterial infection than CRP for adult emergency department patients, but it is a useful marker of the severity of infection.
Rapid and extensive membrane reorganization by dendritic cells following exposure to bacteria revealed by high-resolution imaging
Authors: Salter Russell D , Tuma-Warrino Renee J , Hu Paul Q , Watkins Simon C
Published: November 2003

Using live cell imaging, we demonstrate that immature dendritic cells (DC) derived from human peripheral blood monocytes undergo pronounced morphologic changes in vitro within minutes of exposure to unopsonized Escherichia coli, developing extensive membrane veils that efficiently capture additional bacteria. Internalization does not occur in the veils, but instead, bacteria are transported to the central region of the cell, where they sin directly into the plasma membrane. In contrast, exposure to polystyrene beads does not induce notable changes in cell morphology, and DC do not efficiently capture beads when introduced alone or mixed with bacteria. Long dendritic processes were also visualized in some cells that allowed capture of clumps of bacteria at a distance of more than 100 μm. These results demonstrate that immature DC can distinguish between inert particles and bacteria and alter their shape and phagocytic capacity in response to the latter.
α-Defensin expression during myelopoiesis: identification of cis and trans elements that regulate expression of NP-3 in rat promyelocytes
Authors: Yamamoto Cindy M , Banaiee Niaz , Yount Nannette Y , Patel Bindi , Selsted Michael E
Published: November 2003

α-Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that contribute to innate-immune functions of neutrophils and intestinal Paneth cells. Transcription of α-defensin genes occurs early in neutrophilic myelopoeisis. To examine the mechanisms that regulate α-defensin gene expression, we analyzed transcription of rat neutrophil α-defensin NP-3 in D4 cells, a subclone of the promyelocytic cell lne IPC-81. Northern blot analysis showed that D4 cells express fivefold higher levels of α-defensin mRNA than the parental cell line in a manner relatively independent of passage number. Increased levels of steady-state mRNA in D4 cells correlated with markedly elevated peptide levels detected by immunocytochemical staining. To identify the cis-acting DNA elements involved in tissue-specific expression, D4 cells were transfected with luciferase reporter constructs containing NP-3 gene 5′-flanking sequences. Analyses of transfected D4 cells demonstrated that the proximal 87 base pair (bp) sequence contained cis-acting DNA elements necessary for optimal promoter activity. Mutational analyses within the 87-bp region suggested the involvement of the CAAT box and a putative polyoma enhancer-binding protein 2/core-binding factor (PEBP2/CBF) site in defensin gene transcription. Transient transfection analyses using tandem repeats of oligonucleotides containing these sequences demonstrated that proximity of the CAAT box and PEBP2/CBF site was important for defensin promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that PEBP2/CBF or a PEBP2/CBF-related protein was involved in a specific protein-DNA interaction occurring within a DNA fragment containing the CAAT and PEBP2/CBF sequences. These data identify functional trans- and cis-elements that regulate rat defensin gene expression in high defensin-expressing promyelocytic cells.
Reduction in shear stress, activation of the endothelium, and leukocyte priming are all required for leukocyte passage across the blood—retina barrier
Authors: Xu Heping , Manivannan Ayyakkannu , Goatman Keith A , Jiang Hui-Rong , Liversidge Janet , Sharp Peter F , Forrester John V , Crane Isabel J
Published: November 2003

The passage of leukocytes across the blood-retina barrier at the early stages of an inflammatory reaction is influenced by a complex series of interactions about which little is known. In particular, the relationship between hydrodynamic factors, such as shear stress and leukocyte velocity, to the adherence and subsequent extravasation of leukocytes into the retina is unclear. We have used a physiological method, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, to track labeled leukocytes circulating in the retina, followed by confocal microscopy of retinal flatmounts to detect infiltrating cells at the early stage of experimental autoimmune uveitis. This has shown that retinal vessels are subjected to high shear stress under normal circumstances. During the inflammatory reaction, shear stress in retinal veins is reduced 24 h before leukocyte infiltration. This reduction is negatively correlated with leukocyte rolling and sticking in veins and postcapillary venules, the sites of leukocyte extravasation. Activation of vascular endothelial cells is also a prerequisite for leukocyte rolling and infiltration. In addition, antigen priming of leukocytes is influential at the early stage of inflammation, and this is seen clearly in the reduction in rolling velocity and adherence of the primed leukocytes in activated retinal venules, 9 days postimmunization.
Cell surface-anchored SR-PSOX/CXC chemokine ligand 16 mediates firm adhesion of CXC chemokine receptor 6-expressing cells
Authors: Shimaoka Takeshi , Nakayama Takashi , Fukumoto Noriko , Kume Noriaki , Takahashi Shu , Yamaguchi Junko , Minami Manabu , Hayashida Kazutaka , Kita Toru , Ohsumi Jun , Yoshie Osamu , Yoehara Shin
Published: November 2003

Direct contacts between dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells or natural killer T (NKT) cells play important roles in primary and secondary immune responses. SR-PSOX/CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16), which is selectively expressed on DCs and macrophages, is a scavenger receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein and also the chemokine ligand for a G protein-coupled receptor CXC chemokine receptor 6 (CXCR6), expressed on activated T cells and NKT cells. SR-PSOX/CXCL16 is the second transmembrane-type chemokine with a chemokine domain fused to a mucin-like stalk, a structure very similar to that of fractalkine (FNK). Here, we demonstrate that SR-PSOX/CXCL16 functions as a cell adhesion molecule for cells expressing CXCR6 in the same manner that FNK functions as a cell adhesion molecule for cells expressing CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) without requiring CX3CR1-mediated signal transduction or integrin activation. The chemokine domain of SR-PSOX/CXCL16 mediated the adhesion of CXCR6-expressing cells, which was not impaired by treatment with pertussis toxin, a Gαi protein blocker, which inhibited chemotaxis of CXCR6-expressing cells induced by SR-PSOX/CXCL16. Furthermore, the adhesion activity was up-regulated by treatment of SR-PSOX/CXCL16-expressing cells with a metalloprotease inhibitor, which increased surface expression levels of SR-PSOX/CXCL16. Thus, SR-PSOX/CXCL16 is a unique molecule that not only attracts T cells and NKT cells toward DCs but also supports their firm adhesion to DCs.
Generation and processing of pseudo‐shear‐wave data: Theory and case study
Authors: Grechka Vladimir , Dewangan Pawan
Published: November 2003

Processing of converted (PS) waves currently adopted by the exploration industry is essentially based on resorting the PS data into common‐conversion‐point gathers and using them for velocity analysis. Here, we explore an alternative procedure. Our key idea is to generate the so‐called pseudo‐shear (ΨS) seismograms from the recorded PP and PS traces and run conventional velocity analysis on the reconstructed ΨS data. This results in an effective S‐wave velocity model because our method creates data that possess kinematics of pure shear‐wave primaries. We never deal with such complexities of converted waves as moveout asymmetry, reflection point dispersal, and polarity reversal; therefore, these generally troublesome features become irrelevant.

We describe the details of our methodology and examine its behavior both analytically and numerically. We apply the developed processing flow to a four‐component ocean‐bottom cable line acquired in the Gulf of Mexico. Since the obtained stacking velocities of P‐ and ΨS‐waves indicate the presence of effective anisotropy, we proceed with estimating a family of kinematically equivalent vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) velocity models of the subsurface.
Detecting metal objects in magnetic environments using a broadband electromagnetic method
Authors: Huang Haoping , Won I. J.
Published: November 2003

We analyze the use of the broadband electromagnetic (EM) method in detecting metallic objects, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO), buried in magnetic environments. Magnetic rocks close to the sensor often contribute a larger in‐phase response than does the target at depth, making target detection and identification difficult. On the other hand, magnetic rocks contribute little quadrature response, which gives rise to the concept of using quadrature response and apparent conductivity to detect metallic objects in highly magnetic environments.

To test this concept, we employed numeric models, physical experiments, and field studies. A layered half‐space simulated conductive overburden and magnetic basement. Sphere models are used for isolated magnetic rocks and metal targets. The responses of the layered earth, magnetic rocks, and metal objects were added to obtain the approximate total response. We then inverted the EM data into apparent magnetic permeability and conductivity. The EM response at the lowest frequency was used initially to estimate apparent magnetic permeability, which let us calculate the apparent conductivity using the EM data at all frequencies. The simulations and field examples show that broadband EM sensors can detect small metal targets in magnetic environments, mainly by the quadrature component of the responses and the apparent conductivity.
GEM‐2A: A programmable broadband helicopter‐towed electromagnetic sensor
Authors: Won I. J. , Oren Alex , Funak Frank
Published: November 2003

We present a new helicopter‐towed broadband electromagnetic sensor, GEM‐2A, for mineral prospecting and geologic mapping. The sensor uses one set of transmitter and receiver coils for a multifrequency operation. For a given survey, the user initially specifies a set of operational frequencies in the current bandwidth of 90 Hz to 48 kHz. The transmitter coil then emanates a current waveform that contains all specified frequencies. The duration of this current waveform, called the base period, is typically 1/30 s (a submultiple of local powerline frequency) resulting in an overall data rate at 30 Hz. Receiver channels digitize the secondary field into a time series over a base period, which is then subjected to discrete sine and cosine transforms or convolutions at each transmitted frequency to produce the raw in‐phase and quadrature data. Additional convolutions may be included for passively monitoring environmental noise, including powerline emissions. The entire operation, including the system upload/download and realtime monitoring and communication, is done in Microsoft Windows.

The fact that the sensor contains only a single set of coils for the broadband operation provides several unique advantages, some of which include (1) co‐relatable and coherent drift characteristics among frequencies, (2) spectral integrity among frequencies that may be useful for anomaly classification and, possibly, mineral discrimination, (3) tolerance to sferics, (4) tolerance to powerline noise, and (5) light tow body with minimal cockpit hardware suitable for a small helicopter. This paper presents the sensor construction, operation, and data examples.
A combined analytic signal and Euler method (AN‐EUL) for automatic interpretation of magnetic data
Authors: Salem Ahmed , Ravat Dhananjay
Published: November 2003

We present a new automatic method of interpretation of magnetic data, called AN‐EUL (pronounced “an oil”). The derivation is based on a combination of the analytic signal and the Euler deconvolution methods. With AN‐EUL, both the location and the approximate geometry of a magnetic source can be deduced. The method is tested using theoretical simulations with different magnetic models placed at different depths with respect to the observation height. In all cases, the method estimated the locations and the approximate geometries of the sources. The method is tested further using ground magnetic data acquired above a shallow geological dike whose source parameters are known from drill logs, and also from airborne magnetic data measured over a known ferrometallic object. In both these cases, the method correctly estimated the locations and the nature of these sources.
Seismic facies classification and identification by competitive neural networks
Authors: Saggaf M. M. , Toksöz M. Nafi , Marhoon M. I.
Published: November 2003

We present an approach based on competitive neural networks for the classification and identification of reservoir facies from seismic data. This approach can be adapted to perform either classification of the seismic facies based entirely on the characteristics of the seismic response, without requiring the use of any well information, or automatic identification and labeling of the facies where well information is available. The former is of prime use for oil prospecting in new regions, where few or no wells have been drilled, whereas the latter is most useful in development fields, where the information gained at the wells can be conveniently extended to the interwell regions. Cross‐validation tests on synthetic and real seismic data demonstrated that the method can be an effective means of mapping the reservoir heterogeneity. For synthetic data, the output of the method showed considerable agreement with the actual geologic model used to generate the seismic data; for the real data application, the predicted facies accurately matched those observed at the wells. Moreover, the resulting map corroborates our existing understanding of the reservoir and shows substantial similarity to the low‐frequency geologic model constructed by interpolating the well information, while adding significant detail and enhanced resolution to that model.
Bayesian wavelet estimation from seismic and well data
Authors: Buland Arild , Omre Henning
Published: November 2003

A Bayesian method for wavelet estimation from seismic and well data is developed. The method works both on stacked data and on prestack data in form of angle gathers. The seismic forward model is based on the convolutional model, where the reflectivity is calculated from the well logs. Possible misties between the seismic traveltimes and the time axis of the well logs, errors in the log measurements, and seismic noise are included in the model. The estimated wavelets are given as probability density functions such that uncertainties of the wavelets are an integral part of the solution. The solution is not analytically obtainable and is therefore computed by Markov‐chain Monte Carlo simulation. An example from Sleipner field shows that the estimated wavelet has higher amplitude compared to wavelet estimation where well log errors are neglected, and the uncertainty of the estimated wavelet is lower.
Interpolation and multiple attenuation with migration operators
Authors: Trad Daniel
Published: November 2003

A hyperbolic Radon transform (RT) can be applied with success to attenuate or interpolate hyperbolic events in seismic data. However, this method fails when the hyperbolic events have apexes located at nonzero offset positions. A different RT operator is required for these cases, an operator that scans for hyperbolas with apexes centered at any offset. This procedure defines an extension of the standard hyperbolic RT with hyperbolic basis functions located at every point of the data gather. The mathematical description of such an operator is basically similar to a kinematic poststack time‐migration equation, with the horizontal coordinate being not midpoint but offset. In this paper, this transformation is implemented by using a least‐squares conjugate gradient algorithm with a sparseness constraint. Two different operators are considered, one in the time domain and the other in the frequency‐wavenumber domain (Stolt operator). The sparseness constraint in the time‐offset domain is essential for resampling and for interpolation. The frequency‐wavenumber domain operator is very efficient, not much more expensive in computation time than a sparse parabolic RT, and much faster than a standard hyperbolic RT. Examples of resampling, interpolation, and coherent noise attenuation using the frequency‐wavenumber domain operator are presented. Near and far offset gaps are interpolated in synthetic and real shot gathers, with simultaneous resampling beyond aliasing. Waveforms are well preserved in general except when there is little coherence in the data outside the gaps or events with very different velocities are located at the same time. Multiples of diffractions are predicted and attenuated by subtraction from the data.
Effective media: A forward modeling view
Authors: Grechka Vladimir
Published: November 2003

The existing effective media theories, such as Backus averaging, can be only used in media that possess certain characteristics regarding to concentration, shape, or geometry of their heterogeneities. These limitations originate from necessity of having analytical description of complex stress and strain fields that normally arise in microheterogeneous solids. The need for explicit solutions can be eliminated by computing the stresses and strains numerically. As a result, effective media can be in principle constructed for solids of arbitrary complexity.

This simple idea is tested on two 2D models, where conventional analytical effective media theories are likely to break down. The first model is an isotropic layered solid with cracks that intersect the layer interfaces, the second is a layered medium containing random inclusions. In both cases, some differences are observed between the effective stiffness coefficients obtained numerically and those derived using the existing effective media theories. For instance, it is demonstrated that Backus averaging (improperly) applied to horizontal isotropic layers with random inclusions leads to biases in the calculated vertical velocities.

Overall, the proposed technique enables us to establish the limits of applicability of conventional effective media theories. It also makes it possible to obtain quantitative estimates of the errors incurred because of violating certain assumptions of a given theory.
Direct Decomposition of NO on Cu-Doped La(Ba)Mn(In)O3 Perovskite Oxide under Coexistence of O2, H2O, and SO2
Authors: Ishihara Tatsumi , Anami Kazuhiro , Takiishi Keiko , Yamada Hiroshi , Nishiguchi Hiroyasu , Takita Yusaku
Published: November 2003

It was found that the substitution of Mn with Cu in La0.7Ba0.3Mn0.8In0.2O3 is effective for increasing activity to NO direct decomposition. NO direct decomposition proceeds on the perovskite oxide of La0.7Ba0.3Mn0.6In0.2Cu0.2O3 under coexistence of O2, H2O, and SO2 at high temperature.
Inhibition of Ck2 Activity by Tgf–β1 Promotes IκB–α Protein Stabilization and Apoptosis of Immortalized Hepatocytes
Authors: Cavin Lakita G. , Romieu-Mourez Raphaelle , Panta Ganesh R. , Sun Jiyuan , Factor Valentina M. , Thorgeirsson Snorri S. , Sonenshein Gail E. , Arsura Marcello
Published: November 2003

Nuclear factor κB (NF–κB) is an antiapoptotic factor involved in development, regeneration, and neoplastic progression of the liver. Previously, we have shown that stabilization of inhibitor κB (IκB)–α protein following treatment of hepatocytes with transforming growth factor (TGF)–β1 promoted NF–κB repression, which then permitted induction of AP–1/SMAD–mediated liver cell death. Because basal IκB–α protein turnover is regulated by protein kinase CK2, here we have elucidated the regulation of CK2 kinase activity and its role in control of NF–κB levels following treatment with TGF–β1. We show that both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of the CK2α catalytic subunit are down–regulated following TGF–β1 stimulation in murine hepatocyte cells. The ensuing inhibition of CK2 kinase activity promotes stabilization of IκB protein, which is followed by the shutoff of constitutive NF–κB activity and induction of apoptosis. Ectopic expression of CK2α inhibits TGF–β1–induced apoptosis through sustained activation of NF–κB. Conversely, expression of a kinase–dead mutant of CK2α potentiates TGF–β1 cell killing. Importantly, we show that hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) derived from TGF–β1 transgenic mice and human HCC cell lines display enhanced CK2 IκB kinase activity that contributes in part to an elevated NF–κB activity in vivo. In conclusion, inhibition of CK2 expression levels by TGF–β1 is crucial for the induction of apoptosis of hepatocytes. Circumvention of this process by up–regulation of CK2 activity in transformed cells may contribute to the promotion of TGF–β1–induced liver carcinogenesis.
Sampling Variability of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Bedossa Pierre , Dargère Delphine , Paradis Valerie
Published: November 2003

Fibrosis is a common endpoint of clinical trials in chronic hepatitis C, and liver biopsy remains the gold standard for fibrosis evaluation. However, variability in the distribution of fibrosis within the liver is a potential limitation. Our aim was to assess the heterogeneity of liver fibrosis and its influence on the accuracy of assessment of fibrosis with liver biopsy. Surgical samples of livers from patients with chronic hepatitis C were studied. Measurement of fibrosis was performed on the whole section by using both image analysis and METAVIR score (reference value). From the digitized image of the whole section, virtual biopsy specimens of increasing length were produced. Fibrosis was assessed independently on each individual virtual biopsy specimen. Results were compared with the reference value according to the length of the biopsy specimen. By using image analysis, the coefficient of variation of fibrosis measurement with 15–mm long biopsy specimens was 55%; and for biopsy specimens of 25–mm length it was 45%. By using the METAVIR scoring system, 65% of biopsies 15 mm in length were categorized correctly according to the reference value. This increased to 75% for a 25–mm liver biopsy specimen without any substantial benefit for longer biopsy specimens. Sampling variability of fibrosis is a significant limitation in the assessment of fibrosis with liver biopsy. In conclusion, this study suggests that a length of at least 25 mm is necessary to evaluate fibrosis accurately with a semiquantitative score. Sampling variability becomes a major limitation when using more accurate methods such as automated image analysis.
Effects of the V1a Vasopressin Agonist F–180 on Portal Hypertension–Related Bleeding in Portal Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Morales Josephine , Moitinho Eduardo , Abraldes Juan G. , Fernández Mercedes , Bosch Jaime
Published: November 2003

F–180 is a new, long–acting analog of vasopressin with a selective agonist effect on the vascular V1a receptors, with the advantage of having no effect on renal V2 receptors. F–180 is approximately 20 times more powerful than terlipressin in reducing portal pressure and has less marked systemic effects. The present study investigated the effects of F–180 on the outcome of portal hypertension–related bleeding in hypovolemic rats. Partial portal vein–ligated rats were subjected to portal hypertension–related bleeding by sectioning a first–order branch of the ileocolic vein. After hemodynamic stabilization, a second sectioning of the first–order branch of the ileocolic vein section was performed in the already hypovolemic animals, and either F–180 or placebo was administered. Blood transfusion was adjusted to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) γ > 80 mm Hg. The first section of a first–order branch of the ileocolic vein induced a hemorrhage of similar severity in both groups of rats. After a 2nd sectioning of a first–order branch of the ileocolic vein section, F–180 was more effective than placebo in recovering shock (MAP, 21% ± 23% vs. 0% ± 13% in placebo; P < .05), preventing portal pressure (PP) increase during blood transfusion (PP: -1% ± 19% vs. 47% ± 65% in placebo; P = .07), reducing transfusion requirements (2.9 ± 3.3 mL vs. 11.2 ± 6.0 mL in placebo; P < .01), diminishing the magnitude of collected blood losses (5.1 ± 2.2 g vs. 12.7 ±7.7 g in placebo; P < .05), and decreasing the mortality from the portal hypertension–related bleeding (10% vs. 60% in placebo; P < .05). In conclusion, in hypovolemic portal–hypertensive rats during a portal hypertension–related bleeding, F–180 rapidly recovers arterial pressure and decreases transfusion requirements, blood losses, and mortality.
Hepatitis C Virus and Liver Disease: Global Transcriptional Profiling and Identification of Potential Markers
Authors: Smith Maria W. , Yue Zhaoxia N. , Korth Marcus J. , Do Hao A. , Boix Loreto , Fausto Nelson , Bruix Jordi , Carithers Robert L. , Katze Michael G.
Published: November 2003

Microarray analysis of RNA from hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected cirrhotic livers was performed to identify a gene expression signature of liver disease. The expression levels of approximately 13,600 genes were analyzed using surgical material and core biopsy specimens from HCV–infected cirrhotic liver explants in comparison with reference samples of normal nondiseased liver. In addition, normal liver samples were compared with each other to determine normal physiologic variation in gene expression. A set of genes, including some associated with stress, acute–phase immune response, and hepatic stellate cell activation, had variable expression levels in normal livers. These genes were subtracted from the sets of genes differentially expressed in cirrhotic livers. To exclude cancer–related genes from our marker sets, we subtracted genes that also were expressed differentially in hepatocellular carcinomas. The resultant HCV– and liver disease–associated gene set provided a molecular portrait of several processes occurring in the HCV–infected liver. It included (1) genes expressed in activated lymphocytes infiltrating the cirrhotic liver, and activated liver macrophages; (2) genes involved in remodeling of extracellular matrix–cell and cell–cell interactions associated with cytoskeleton rearrangements; (3) genes related to the anti–apoptotic pathway of Bcl–2 signaling; and (4) genes involved with the interferon response and virus–host interactions. In conclusion, our microarray analysis identified several potential gene markers of HCV–associated liver disease and contributed to our rapidly expanding database of experiments describing HCV pathogenesis.
Bacterial Translocation Up–Regulates Gtp–Cyclohydrolase I in Mesenteric Vasculature of Cirrhotic Rats
Authors: Wiest Reiner , Cadelina Gregory , Milstien Sheldon , McCuskey Robert S. , Garcia-Tsao Guadalupe , Groszmann Roberto J.
Published: November 2003

In cirrhosis, arterial vasodilation and the associated hemodynamic disturbances are most prominent in the mesenteric circulation, and its severity has been linked to bacterial translocation (BT) and endotoxemia. Synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), the main vasodilator implicated, is dependent on the essential cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). The key enzyme involved in BH4 synthesis is GTP–cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH–I), which is stimulated by endotoxin. Therefore, we investigated GTPCH–I activity and BH4 biosynthesis in the mesenteric vasculature of cirrhotic rats with ascites, as well as their relationship with BT and endotoxemia, serum NO, and mean arterial pressure (MAP). GTPCH–I activity and BH4 content in mesenteric vasculature was determined by high–performance liquid chromatography. BT was assessed by standard bacteriologic culture of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Serum endotoxin was measured by a kinetic turbidimetric limulus amebocyte lysate assay, and serum NO metabolite (NOx) concentrations were assessed by chemiluminescence. BT was associated with local lymphatic and systemic appearance of endotoxin and was accompanied by increases in serum NOx levels. GTPCH–I activity and BH4 content in mesenteric vasculature were both increased in animals with BT and correlated significantly (r = 0.69, P < .01). Both GTPCH–I activity and BH4 levels significantly correlated with serum endotoxin and NOx levels (r = 0.69 and 0.54, 0.81 and 0.53, P < .05). MAP (a marker of systemic vasodilatation) correlated with endotoxemia (r = 0.58, P < .03) and with GTPCH–I activity (r = 0.69, P < .01). In conclusion, in cirrhotic animals BT appears to lead to endotoxemia, stimulation of GTPCH–I, increased BH4 synthesis, and further enhancement of vascular NO production that leads to aggravation of vasodilatation.
Role of Reproductive Factors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Impact on Hepatitis B- and C-Related Risk
Authors: Yu Ming-Whei , Chang Hung-Chuen , Chang Shun-Chiao , Liaw Yun-Fan , Lin Shi-Ming , Liu Chun-Jen , Lee Shou-Dong , Lin Chih-Lin , Chen Pei-Jer , Lin Shee-Chan , Chen Chien-Jen
Published: November 2003

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more prevalent in men than in women. Estrogen may play some role in the development of HCC. We conducted a multicenter case–control study to evaluate the effects of reproductive factors on HCC risk, and to assess whether the association between each factor and HCC differs between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)–positive and –negative women, in which hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of HCC. The study included 218 women with HCC and 729 control women selected from nonbiological and first–degree female relatives of patients with HCC. The risk of HCC was inversely related to the number of full–term pregnancies (FTP) (P
trend = .0216) and age at natural menopause (P
trend = .0251 among women aged 45–55 without prior surgical menopause). Oophorectomy at age ≤50 during premenopausal years was also a risk factor (multivariate–adjusted OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.42–4.63). Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (multivariate–adjusted OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.27–0.79) was associated with a lower risk of HCC, and there was a trend in the risk with increasing duration of HRT (P
trend = 0.0013). All reproductive factors had a similar impact on HBsAg–positive and –negative women except for an early menarche (≤12 vs. ≥16 years), which increased HCC risk in HBsAg carriers (multivariate–adjusted OR, 6.96; 95% CI, 2.52–19.18) but posed no increased risk in noncarriers (P
interaction = .0053). In conclusion, increased exposure to estrogen during adulthood may provide a protective effect against HCC. Nevertheless, an early menarche, which results in early estrogen exposure, does not confer protection for HBsAg carriers.
p63 gene analysis in Mexican patients with syndromic and non‐syndromic ectrodactyly
Authors: Berdón‐Zapata V. , Granillo‐Álvarez M. , Valdés‐Flores M. , García‐Ortiz J. E. , Kofman‐Alfaro S. , Zenteno J. C.
Published: November 2003

Ectrodactyly is a congenital limb malformation that involves a central reduction defect of the hands and/or feet which is frequently associated with other phenotypic abnormalities. The condition appears to be genetically heterogeneous and recently it has been demonstrated that mutations in the p63 gene, a homoiogue of the tumor suppressor gene p53, are the cause of at least four autosomal dominant genetic syndromes which feature ectrodactyly: ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and facial clefting (EEC), split hand/split foot malformation (SHFM), limb‐mammary syndrome (LMS), and acro‐dermato‐ungual‐lacrimal‐tooth syndrome (ADULT). In this study, genetic analysis of the p63 gene in a group of 13 patients with ectrodactyly (syndromic and isolated) was performed. Four patients with syndromic ectrodactyly had p63 heterozygous point mutations that affect the DNA binding domain of the protein. One of these subjects exhibited the typical features of EEC syndrome as well as ankyloblepharon being, to our knowledge, the first case combining these traits. This finding supports the view of a clinical overlap in this group of autosomal dominant syndromes caused by p63 mutations and demonstrates that there are exceptions in the previously established p63 genotype‐phenotype correlation. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Effects of cessation of immunosuppression on skeleton reconstructed by vascularized bone allograft in rats
Authors: Ikeda Keisuke , Shigetomi Mitsunori , Ihara Koichiro , Tsubone Tetsu , Hashimoto Takahiro , Kawano Hiroo , Sugiyama Toshihiro , Kawai Shinya
Published: November 2003

In the present study, we investigated the effects of cessation of immunosuppression on skeleton reconstructed by vascularized allogenic bone transplantation in a rat tibio–fibula graft model. Twelve‐week‐old male 25 Dark Agouti rats with the major histocompatibility antigen (MHC) RT1a were used as donors and age‐matched male 25 Lewis rats with MHC RT11 were used as recipients. Among them, 20 rats were randomly allocated to 8‐week cyclosporine A (CsA) followed by 8‐week CsA vehicle group or continuous 16‐week CsA group. The remaining 5 rats received CsA for 8 weeks followed by no further treatment for next 40 weeks (long‐term observation group). In the CsA followed by vehicle group as well as the continuous CsA group, the structure of the reconstructed bones was maintained, though the transplanted bones in former group were found to be partly non‐vital. The CsA followed by vehicle group had higher bone mineral density of the transplanted bones and stronger strength of the reconstructed bones than the continuous CsA group. In the long‐term observation group, the structure of the reconstructed bones was still maintained and the transplanted bones were almost vital. These results suggest that long‐term strong immunosuppression may not be necessary for successful reconstruction of large bone defect by vascularized bone allograft. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Disgruntled Guests: Iranian Subaltern on the Margins of the Tsarist Empire
Authors: Atabaki Touraj
Published: November 2003

The present essay studies the Iranian migrants residing on the margins of the Tsarist empire. The article deals with the social forces causing migration; the formation of the Iranian subaltern community in the Caucasus; the community's social structure (gender, ethnicity and age); the migrants' working and living conditions; and their political culture.
God Before Mammon? William Robertson, Episcopacy and the Church of England
Authors: DU TOIT ALEXANDER
Published: November 2003

William Robertson, Scottish historian, Presbyterian minister and leader of the Moderate church party, has been credited with a position regarding episcopacy that differed markedly from the sectarian suspicion shown by earlier Scottish Presbyterians. This article examines Robertson's attitude to episcopacy in the light of an early episode in his career, when he apparently had a chance to enter the Church of England (which offered greater rewards in terms of money and status than the Scottish Kirk), but did not take the opportunity. This examination, taking into account the views of episcopacy and the Church of England expressed in Robertson's histories and elsewhere, suggests that his personal position was in fact closer to the traditional hostility of older Scottish Presbyterianism than to the tolerant and even Latitudinarian views normally associated with the Enlightenment.
English Catholicism Rethought? Rethinking Catholicism in Reformation England. By Lucy E. C. Wooding. (Oxford Historical Monographs.) Pp. x+305. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2000. £40. 0 19 820865 0
Authors: ARMSTRONG C. D. C.
Published: November 2003

The history of English Catholic theology between the break with Rome and the early years of the reign of Elizabeth I remains relatively little-known, despite (or perhaps because of) the publication of two recent American studies by P. S. O'Grady and E. A. Macek respectively: Henry VIII and the conforming Catholics, Collegeville, Minn. 1990, and The loyal opposition: Tudor traditionalist polemics, New York 1996. The appearance of a work which proposes to undertake a fresh survey of the whole period must therefore be welcomed.
COMMON KNOWLEDGE, SALIENCE AND CONVENTION: A RECONSTRUCTION OF DAVID LEWIS' GAME THEORY
Authors: Cubitt Robin P. , Sugden Robert
Published: November 2003

David Lewis is widely credited with the first formulation of common knowledge and the first rigorous analysis of convention. However, common knowledge and convention entered mainstream game theory only when they were formulated, later and independently, by other theorists. As a result, some of the most distinctive and valuable features of Lewis' game theory have been overlooked. We re-examine this theory by reconstructing key parts in a more formal way, extending it, and showing how it differs from more recent game theory. In contrast to current theories of common knowledge, Lewis' theory is based on an explicit analysis of the modes of reasoning that are accessible to rational individuals and so can be used to analyse the genesis of common knowledge. Lewis' analysis of convention emphasises the role of inductive reasoning and of salience in the maintenance of conventions over time.
MEASURING INEQUALITY BY COUNTING ‘COMPLAINTS’: THEORY AND EMPIRICS
Authors: Devooght Kurt
Published: November 2003

This paper examines how people assess inequality of income distribution and how inequality could be measured. We start from the philosophical analysis of Temkin, who distinguishes nine plausible aspects of inequality. His approach is based on the concept of ‘complaints’ or distances between incomes. We examine the Temkin approach by means of the questionnaire-experimental method pioneered by Amiel and Cowell to find out whether the aspects of equality have any plausibility for student respondents and, if so, whether there are aspects which are more appealing than others. Both the numerical and verbal responses show that a considerable majority of the respondents might be influenced by the intuitions included in the combination of the Weighted Additive Principle and the Average view of complaints. The questionnaire results also shed some empirical light on the acceptance of the Transfer Principle and the attitudes towards the Sequence.
EXTERNALITY, CONVEXITY AND INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Papandreou Andreas A.
Published: November 2003

Economic theory has generally acknowledged the role that institutions have in shaping economic space. The distinction, however, between physical and institutional descriptions of economic activity has not received adequate attention within the mainstream paradigm. In this paper I show how a proper distinction between the physical and institutional space in economic models will help clarify the concept of externality and provide a better interpretation of the relationship between externality and nonconvexity. I argue that within the Arrow-Debreu framework externality should be viewed as incongruence between the physical and institutional descriptions of the economic space. I also argue that, contrary to conventional wisdom, detrimental externality has no special association with nonconvexity. Starrett's (1972) fundamental nonconvexity has to do with the specific institutional structure of Arrow markets rather than the detrimental nature of externality. Indeed, Arrow markets may not eliminate externalities. In a similar vein, it is not detrimental externality, however intense, that causes the production possibility set to become nonconvex, as argued by Baumol and Bradford (1972), but the particular interpretation of intensity that would make even conventional production possibility sets nonconvex. These points become apparent when one distinguishes between the convexity of the physical and institutional production sets.