bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Content Microscopy Identifies New Neurite Outgrowth Regulators
Authors: Laketa Vibor , Simpson Jeremy C. , Bechtel Stephanie , Wiemann Stefan , Pepperkok Rainer
Published: November 2006

Neurons, with their long axons and elaborate dendritic arbour, establish the complex circuitry that is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Whereas a catalogue of structural, molecular, and functional differences between axons and dendrites is accumulating, the mechanisms involved in early events of neuronal differentiation, such as neurite initiation and elongation, are less well understood, mainly because the key molecules involved remain elusive. Here we describe the establishment and application of a microscopy-based approach designed to identify novel proteins involved in neurite initiation and/or elongation. We identified 21 proteins that affected neurite outgrowth when ectopically expressed in cells. Complementary time-lapse microscopy allowed us to discriminate between early and late effector proteins. Localization experiments with GFP-tagged proteins in fixed and living cells revealed a further 14 proteins that associated with neurite tips either early or late during neurite outgrowth. Coexpression experiments of the new effector proteins provide a first glimpse on a possible functional relationship of these proteins during neurite outgrowth. Altogether, we demonstrate the potential of the systematic microscope-based screening approaches described here to tackle the complex biological process of neurite outgrowth regulation.
ARTISTS AND ALCHEMISTS IN PROUST'S
A LA RECHERCHE DU TEMPS PERDU
Authors: Topping Margaret
Published: November 2006

This article explores the significance of a network of images drawn from the world of alchemy that is present as a persistent undercurrent in Marcel Proust's
A la recherche du temps perdu
. It is argued that alchemical images — of transmutation, crucibles and gold itself — provide emblematic markers, within the diegesis of the novel, for the narrator-protagonist's evolution to creation. These images encompass the full hierarchy of aspirations of the alchemist, from financial gain to the spiritual transcendence sought by the true initiate. Indeed,
A la recherche
charts a metaphorical progression from material to spiritual ideals. In tracing out the narrator-initiate's path, alchemical images draw in such key themes as art, society and desire, and encompass a very Proustian range of tones and effects, from the celebratory to the satirical. The article also aligns Proust as novelistic creator with the alchemist of style and perception who transmutes the base matter of observation and experience into gold. In this respect, Proust is situated in relation to a broader nineteenth-century artistic emphasis on transfiguration rather than imitation.
FROM THIRD-WORLDISM TO FOURTH-WORLD
FLÂNERIE
? FRANÇOIS MASPERO'S RECENT JOURNEYS
Authors: Milne Anne-Louise
Published: November 2006

This article explores the transformation of 1960s internationalism into a preoccupation with urban relations in the increasingly international city of Paris as it is reflected in the work of François Maspero. It considers whether peripheral communities continue to be identified with the potential for social and political renewal, and charts the way in which Maspero structures his interaction with the suburban Other. It compares this interaction with the well-known pose of the
flâneur
, which is both intimately associated with Paris and more generally perceived as emblematic of a self-consciously modern way of negotiating the city. In so doing it assesses the political ambitions of Maspero's recent works and considers to what extent they continue a mode of militant intellectual action generally perceived to have ended in the wake of May 1968.
fliP influences Citrobacter koseri macrophage uptake, cytokine expression and brain abscess formation in the neonatal rat
Authors: Townsend Stacy M. , Gonzalez-Gomez Ignacio , Badger Julie L.
Published: November 2006

Citrobacter kosericauses neonatal meningitis frequently complicated with multiple brain abscesses. DuringC. kosericentral nervous system infection in the neonatal rat model, previous studies have documented many bacteria-filled macrophages within the neonatal rat brain and abscesses. Previous studies have also shown thatC. koseriis taken up by, survives phagolysosomal fusion and replicates in macrophagesin vitroandin vivo. In this study, in order to elucidate genetic and cellular factors contributing toC. koseripersistence, a combinatory technique of differential fluorescence induction and transposon mutagenesis was employed to isolateC. koserigenes induced while inside macrophages. Several banks of mutants were subjected to a series of enrichments to select forgfp : : transposon fusion into genes that are turned offin vitrobut expressed when intracellular within macrophages. Further screening identified several mutants attenuated in their recovery from macrophages compared with the wild-type. A mutation within anEscherichia coli fliPhomologue caused significant attenuation in uptake and hypervirulencein vivo, resulting in death within 24 h. Furthermore, analysis of the immunoregulatory interleukin (IL)-10/IL-12 cytokine response during infection suggested thatC. koseri fliPexpression may alter this response. A better understanding of the bacteria–macrophage interaction at the molecular level and its contribution to brain abscess formation will assist in developing preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Yersinia enterocolitica isolates of differing biotypes from humans and animals are adherent, invasive and persist in macrophages, but differ in cytokine secretion profiles in vitro
Authors: McNally Alan , Dalton Tracey , Ragione Roberto M. La , Stapleton Kenneth , Manning Georgina , Newell Diane G.
Published: November 2006

Previous epidemiological studies have demonstrated a potential link between the serotypes of Yersinia enterocolitica recovered from cattle, sheep and pigs and those isolated from human disease cases. Further studies utilizing amplified fragment length polymorphisms have shown a relationship at the genetic level between strains of biotypes 3 and 4 from humans and livestock, and also suggested that some biotype 1A isolates, classically defined as non-pathogenic, are closely related to biotype 3 and 4 isolates. This study sought to understand further the pathogenic potential of Y. enterocolitica isolates from livestock in Great Britain. A range of surrogate in vitro models, such as invasion of epithelial tissue cultures, survival in cultured macrophages and cytokine secretion response, was employed to assess the pathogenicity of 88 strains. The results suggested that all isolates examined were capable of adhering to and invading epithelial cells and of surviving within macrophages. However, the inflammatory response of the infected macrophages differed with the infecting Y. enterocolitica subtype, with the response to pathogenic biotype 3 and 4 isolates different to that observed with biotype 1A isolates, and with the biotype 3 O : 5,27 isolates recovered exclusively from animals. Infections of porcine tissue also suggested the possibility of host-tissue tropism within Y. enterocolitica subtypes.
Protease IV production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the lungs of adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Smith Lucas , Rose Barbara , Tingpej Pholawat , Zhu Hua , Conibear Tim , Manos Jim , Bye Peter , Elkins Mark , Willcox Mark , Bell Scott , Wainwright Claire , Harbour Colin
Published: November 2006

Protease IV is important in the pathogenesis ofPseudomonas aeruginosa-induced microbial keratitis, but little is known of its role in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infection. In this study protease IV production was examined in 43P. aeruginosaisolates (24 non-clonal and 19 clonal) from the lungs of chronically infected adult patients attending the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital CF Clinic, Sydney, Australia. Overall, 32/43 (74 %) isolates were positive for protease IV protein by Western blotting and 22/43 (51 %) had evidence of active protease IV on gelatin zymography. Clonal strains were 1.6 times more likely than non-clonal strains to produce protease IV [18/19 (95 %) versus 14/24 (58 %), RR=1.6, CI 1.1–2.3,P=0.007] and 3 times more likely to secrete the protein [16/19 (84 %) versus 6/24 (25 %), RR=3.4, CI 1.6–6.9,P<0.001]. Nine of the ten strains negative by both Western blotting and zymography were non-clonal, and all but one of these was positive for the protease IV gene. There was a marked strain-to-strain variation in the amount of protease IV produced. Secretion of protease IV by clonal strains may enhance their infectivity and ability to adapt to the changing CF lung environment. Overall the findings suggest that protease IV plays an important role in the pathogenesis ofP. aeruginosainfection in the CF lung.
Structure matching: measures of similarity and pseudosymmetry
Authors: Collins Anna , Cooper Richard I. , Watkin David J.
Published: November 2006

A sizeable proportion of structures withZ′ = 2 are thought to exhibit pseudosymmetry, but establishing the extent of the deviation from true symmetry is problematic. By considering both the conformational similarity between the independent molecules and the way in which they are related in space, assessment of the pseudosymmetry of a structure becomes possible. A method of matching two groups of atoms where both these factors are quantified usingCRYSTALS[Betteridge, Carruthers, Cooper, Prout & Watkin (2003).J. Appl. Cryst.36, 1487] is described.
ENGIN-X: a third-generation neutron strain scanner
Authors: Santisteban J. R. , Daymond M. R. , James J. A. , Edwards L.
Published: November 2006

ENGIN-X, a new time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffractometer optimized to measure elastic strains at precise locations in bulky specimens recently commissioned at the ISIS Facility in the Rutherford Laboratory, UK, is described. Fast counting times, together with a flexible and accurate definition of the instrumental gauge volume are the main requirements of neutron strain scanning and have been addressed on ENGIN-X through the design of a novel TOF diffractometer with a tuneable resolution and interchangeable radial collimators. Further, the routine operation of the instrument has been optimized by creating a virtual instrument,i.e.a three-dimensional computer representation of the diffractometer and samples, which assists in the planning and execution of experiments. On comparing ENGIN-X with its predecessor ENGIN, a 25× gain in performance is found, which has allowed the determination of stresses up to 60 mm deep in steel specimens. For comparison with constant-wavelength diffractometers, special attention has been paid to the absolute number of counts recorded during the experiments. A simple expression is presented for the estimation of counting times in TOF neutron strain scanning experiments.
XRD2DScan: new software for polycrystalline materials characterization using two-dimensional X-ray diffraction
Authors: Rodriguez-Navarro Alejandro B.
Published: November 2006

XRD2DScanis a Windows application for displaying and analyzing two-dimensional X-ray diffraction patterns collected with an area detector. This software allows users to take full advantage of diffractometers that are equipped with an area detector but that cannot readily process the information contained in diffraction patterns from polycrystalline materials.XRD2DScanhas many capabilities for generating different types of scans (2θ scan, ψ scan,dspacingversusψ angle), which allows users to extract the maximum amount of information from two-dimensional patterns. Analyses of multiple data files can be fully automated using batch processing. The use of the software is illustrated through several examples.
Theoretical determination of the structures of CaSiO3 perovskites
Authors: Caracas Razvan , Wentzcovitch Renata M.
Published: November 2006

Density functional theory is used to determine the possible crystal structure of the CaSiO3 perovskites and their evolution under pressure. The ideal cubic perovskite is considered as a starting point for studying several possible lower-symmetry distorted structures. The theoretical lattice parameters and the atomic coordinates for all the structures are determined, and the results are discussed with respect to experimental data.
Structures of mono-unsaturated triacylglycerols. II. The β2 polymorph
Authors: van Mechelen Jan B. , Peschar Rene , Schenk Henk
Published: November 2006

An improved crystal structure model has been established for the β2 polymorph of the symmetric mono-unsaturated triacylglycerol 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (SOS) and the equivalent β-V polymorph of Ivory Coast cocoa butter. In addition, the crystal structures of the β2 polymorphs are reported for the triacylglycerols 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (POP) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-3-stearoylglycerol (POS), which are, together with SOS, the major components of cocoa butter, and that of 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-3-arachidoylglycerol (SOA). The existence of β2-POS and β2-SOA has not been previously reported in the literature. All structures have been solved from high-resolution laboratory or synchrotron powder diffraction data with the direct-space parallel-tempering program FOX and refined with the Rietveld module of GSAS. All compounds crystallize in similar monoclinic unit cells (Cc) with very long b axes (> 127 Å). The oleic chains are packed together and sandwiched between saturated chain layers, forming acyl-chain three-packs. An analysis of the β2 polymorphs and β1 polymorphs [van Mechelen et al. (2006). Acta Cryst. B62, 1121–1130] shows that they contain the same three-packs and differ only in the symmetry relation between the three-packs. The three-pack build-up provides an explanation of the mechanism of the phase transition that causes the formation of fat bloom on dark chocolate.
Changes in large herbivore populations across large areas of Tanzania
Authors: Stoner Chantal , Caro Tim , Mduma Simon , Mlingwa Charles , Sabuni George , Borner Markus , Schelten Christiane
Published: November 2006

We collated aerial census data collected during the late 1980s to early 2000s for large herbivore populations in eight large census zones in Tanzania. Of the ungulate populations that showed significant changes in densities at the start versus end of this decade, most declined; very few populations increased significantly. Thomson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, hartebeest, reedbuck, roan antelope, sable antelope, warthog and zebra, for example, declined in over 50% of the zones where they were surveyed. Interestingly, small‐bodied species fared particularly poorly in many census zones, whereas elephant and giraffe generally fared well across the country. Most populations of all herbivores declined in some portions of the country (e.g. Burigi‐Biharamulo, Katavi, Greater Ruaha and Tarangire census zones). These surveys suggest that, even in a country renowned for its protected areas and conservation commitment, some large herbivore populations need more conservation attention in order to remain stable.
Unmasking of central hypothyroidism following growth hormone replacement in adult hypopituitary patients
Authors: Agha Amar , Walker Dorothy , Perry Les , Drake William M. , Chew Shern L. , Jenkins Paul J. , Grossman Ashley B. , Monson John P.
Published: November 2006

Background  The effect of GH replacement on thyroid function in hypopituitary patients has hitherto been studied in small groups of children and adults with conflicting results.

Objective  We aimed to define the effect and clinical significance of adult GH replacement on thyroid status in a large cohort of GH‐deficient patients.

Patients and method  We studied 243 patients with severe GH deficiency due to various hypothalamo‐pituitary disorders. Before GH treatment, 159 patients had treated central hypothyroidism (treated group) while 84 patients were considered euthyroid (untreated group). GH dose was titrated over 3 months to achieve serum IGF‐1 concentration in the upper half of the age‐adjusted normal range. Serial measurements of serum T4, T3, TSH and quality of life were made at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after commencing GH replacement.

Results  In the untreated group, we observed a significant reduction in serum T4 concentration without a significant increase in serum T3 or TSH concentration; 30/84 patients (36%) became hypothyroid and needed initiation of T4 therapy. Similar but lesser changes were seen in the treated group, 25 of whom (16%) required an increase in T4 dose. Patients who became hypothyroid after GH replacement had lower baseline serum T4 concentration, were more likely to have multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies and showed less improvement in quality of life compared with patients who remained euthyroid.

Conclusion  GH deficiency masks central hypothyroidism in a significant proportion of hypopituitary patients and this is exposed after GH replacement. We recommend that hypopituitary patients with GH deficiency and low normal serum T4 concentration should be considered for T4 replacement prior to commencement of GH in order to provide a robust baseline from which to judge the clinical effects of GH replacement.
Mycorrhizal responses to nitrogen fertilization in boreal ecosystems: potential consequences for soil carbon storage
Authors: TRESEDER KATHLEEN K. , TURNER KATIE M. , MACK MICHELLE C.
Published: November 2006

Mycorrhizal fungi can contribute to soil carbon sequestration by immobilizing carbon in living fungal tissues and by producing recalcitrant compounds that remain in the soil following fungal senescence. We hypothesized that nitrogen (N) fertilization would decrease these carbon stocks, because plants should reduce investment of carbon in mycorrhizal fungi when N availability is high. We measured the abundance of two major groups of mycorrhizal fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, in the top 10 cm of soil in control and N‐fertilized plots within three Alaskan boreal ecosystems that represented different recovery stages following severe fire. Pools of mycorrhizal carbon included root‐associated AM and ECM structures; soil‐associated AM hyphae; and glomalin, a glycoprotein produced by AM fungi. Total mycorrhizal carbon pools decreased by approximately 50 g C m−2 in the youngest site under N fertilization, and this reduction was driven mostly by glomalin. Total mycorrhizal carbon did not change significantly in the other sites. Root‐associated AM structures were more abundant under N fertilization across all sites, and root‐associated ECM structures increased marginally significantly. We found no significant N effects on AM hyphae. Carbon sequestered within living mycorrhizal structures (0.051–0.21 g m−2) was modest compared with that of glomalin (33–203 g m−2). We conclude that our hypothesis was only supported in relation to glomalin stocks within one of the three study sites. As N effects on glomalin were inconsistent among sites, an understanding of the mechanisms underlying this variation would improve our ability to predict ecosystem feedbacks to global change.
Genetic multivariate calibration for near infrared spectroscopic determination of protein, moisture, dry mass, hardness and other residues of wheat
Authors: Özdemir Durmuş
Published: November 2006

Determination of wheat flour quality parameters, such as protein, moisture, dry mass by wet chemistry analyses takes long time. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) coupled with multivariate calibration offers a fast and nondestructive alternative to obtain reliable results. However, due to the complexity of the spectra obtained from NIR, some wavelength selection is generally required to improve the predictive ability of multivariate calibration methods. In this study, two different wheat data sets are investigated with the aim of establishing successful calibration models using NIR spectra of wheat samples. The first data set (material 1) was obtained from the ftp address (ftp://ftp.clarkson.edu/pub/hopkepk/Chemdata/) and contained 100 NIR spectra of wheat of which wet chemical analysis of protein and moisture content were done with reference methods. The second data set (material 2) contained 176 spectra and was downloaded from http://www.spectroscopynow.com/Spy/basehtml/SpyH/1,1181,2‐1‐2‐0‐0‐newsdetail‐0‐74,00.html. This wheat data set was given with the quality parameters, such as protein content, moisture content, other residues, dry mass, protein content in dry mass and hardness that were determined previously. Multivariate calibration models generated with genetic inverse least squares method demonstrated very good prediction results for the parameter mentioned here. Overall, the average per cent recoveries (APR) ranged between 99.23% and 100.34% with a standard deviation (SD) ranging from 0.34 to 3.15 for all the parameters investigated, except hardness. The APR value of hardness was 103.32 with the SD of 14.97.
Rheological effect of gum addition to hot pepper–soybean pastes
Authors: Choi Su‐Jin , Yoo Byoungseung
Published: November 2006

The effect of four different gums [carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC), guar gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and tara gum] at 0.5% concentration on rheological properties of fermented hot pepper–soybean paste (HPSP) was evaluated in steady and dynamic shear. HPSP–gum mixture samples at 25 °C are highly shear thinning fluids with high yield stresses. All gums increased the consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (ηa,100) of HPSP. Apparent viscosity of all samples obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship. Dynamic moduli (G′, G′′ and η*) values of HPSP–gum mixtures were higher than those of HPSP with no added gum over most of the frequency range. Dynamic moduli, K and ηa,100 values were increased in the presence of gums, and increased in the following order: control < CMC < guar gum < tara gum < HPMC. The Cox–Merz rule did not describe the relationship between dynamic (η*) and steady shear viscosities (ηa) for all samples.
Effects of steeping conditions on wet‐milling attributes of amaranth
Authors: Calzetta Resio Andrea Nilda , Tolaba Marcela Patricia , Suárez Constantino
Published: November 2006

The effect of temperature and SO2 concentration on fraction yields (starch, gluten and fibre yields) and protein content of starch during wet milling were investigated using response surface method. Soaking time was adequate to accomplish saturation of the grain. A 32 factorial design including triplicate of central point was performed. The starch and fibre yields decreased with temperature. The effect of SO2 on fraction yields was significant; for gluten, the effect was dependent on the level of temperature. The predicted optimum conditions required to maximise starch and gluten yields together with the minimisation of protein content in starch fraction included steeping at 53.9 °C (1.6 h) with 0.041 w/v% of SO2 concentration. The predicted starch and gluten yields were 45.0% ± 1.35% and 17.5% ± 0.80%, respectively. The predicted protein content for starch fraction was 0.60% ± 0.015%. These predicted values were satisfactorily checked by an experiment at optimal soaking conditions.
Crossing the barrier: oxysterols as cholesterol transporters and metabolic modulators in the brain
Authors: BJÖRKHEM I.
Published: November 2006

A normal brain function requires constant levels of cholesterol, and the need for constancy seems to be higher here than in any other organ. Nature has met this need by isolation of brain cholesterol by a highly efficient blood–brain barrier. As a low synthesis of cholesterol is present in the brain, a mechanism for compensatory elimination is required. A decade ago we made the unexpected finding that the favoured mechanism for this involves conversion into 24S‐hydroxycholesterol, followed by diffusion over the blood–brain barrier. Recent studies by us and others on this new pathway have given new insights into the mechanisms by which cholesterol homeostasis is maintained in the brain. We recently demonstrated a flux of another oxygenated product of cholesterol, 27‐hydroxycholesterol, in the opposite direction. The latter flux may be important for neurodegeneration, and may be the link between hypercholesterolaemia and Alzheimer's disease. An overview of the above studies is presented and the possibility that the cholesterol 24S‐hydroxylase in the brain may be important for memory and learning and that it may be a new drug target is discussed.
Pleistocene isolation and recent gene flow in Haliotis asinina, an Indo‐Pacific vetigastropod with limited dispersal capacity
Authors: IMRON  , JEFFREY BENARDINE , HALE PETER , DEGNAN BERNARD M. , DEGNAN SANDIE M.
Published: November 2006

Haliotis asinina is a broadcast‐spawning mollusc that inhabits Indo‐Pacific coral reefs. This tropical abalone develops through a nonfeeding larval stage that is competent to settle on specific species of coralline algae after 3–4 days in the plankton. Failure to contact an inductive algae within 10 days of hatching usually results in death. These life cycle characteristics suggest a limited capacity for dispersal and thus gene flow. This makes H. asinina particularly suitable for elucidating phylogeographical structure throughout the Indo‐Malay Archipelagoes, and eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans, all regions of biogeographical complexity and high conservation value. We assayed 482 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II gene in 206 abalone collected from 16 geographically discrete sites across the Indian and Pacific Oceans and Indo‐Malay Archipelagoes. DNA sequence variation was analysed via population genetics and phylogenetics, and by nested clade analyses (NCA). Our data resolved clear phylogeographical breaks among major biogeographical regions, with sequence divergences ranging from a high of 3.7% and 3.0% between Indian and Pacific sites and Pacific and Indo‐Malay sites, respectively, to a low of 1.1% between Indian and Indo‐Malay sites. Despite the apparent limited dispersal capacity of H. asinina, no finer scale phylogeographical structure was resolved within the respective biogeographical regions. However, amova and NCA identified several significant associations between haplotypes and geographical distribution, most notably higher gene flow among geographical populations associated with major ocean currents. Our study provides further evidence that larval dispersal capacity alone is not a good predictor of population genetic structure in marine invertebrates. We infer instead that a combination of historical events (long–term barriers followed by range expansion associated with Pleistocene sea level changes) and contemporary processes (gene flow restricted by life history and oceanography) have shaped observed patterns of H. asinina phylogeography.
Effect of living donor liver transplantation on outcome of children with inherited liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Özçay Figen , Canan Oğuz , Bilezikçi Banu , Torgay Adnan , Karakayali Hamdi , Haberal Mehmet
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  We described six children with heritable liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma treated with living‐related liver transplantation. Underlying liver diseases were type‐1 tyrosinemia (three patients), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type II (two patients), and Wilson's disease (one patient). Two of the tumors were found incidentally during liver transplantation. Number of nodules was 12, 15, 3, 2, and 1 (in two patients). Three patients were treated with chemotherapy before the procedure. Chemotherapy was not given to any patient after liver transplantation. The mean follow‐up was 17.7 ± 6 months (range: 7–24). All patients are tumor recurrence free. Both graft and patient survival rates are 100% at a median of 18.5 months follow‐up. Physicians in charge of treating children with heritable liver disease should screen them periodically for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver transplantation may offer these children better survival rates.
Efficacy and safety of enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium in renal transplant patients with diabetes mellitus: post hoc analyses from three clinical trials
Authors: Pietruck Frank , Budde Klemens , Salvadori Maurizio , Sollinger Hans , Bourbigot Bernard , Gentil Miguel Angel , Oppenheimer Frederic
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  To examine the efficacy and safety of enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS, myfortic®) in renal transplant patients with diabetes mellitus, six‐ and 12‐month data from three clinical trials with EC‐MPS (Studies B301, B302, and myPROMS) were analyzed post hoc. Studies B301 (de novo patients) and B302 (maintenance patients) followed a randomized double‐blind design whereas myPROMS was an open‐label study in de novo and maintenance renal transplant patients in which all patients received EC‐MPS as part of their immunosuppressive regimen. In studies B301 and B302, diabetic patients were compared against mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, CellCept®), the reference drug. For myPROMS, data from diabetic and non‐diabetic patients were compared. In total, 246 diabetic patients receiving EC‐MPS were analyzed. In study B301, the efficacy failure rate [biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death or loss to follow‐up] in diabetics at 12 months was 17.6% (EC‐MPS) vs. 26.2% (MMF), and of BPAR alone 14.7% vs. 19.0% (both n.s.). In de novo patients from myPROMS, the treatment failure rate was similar in diabetic (20.3%) and non‐diabetic patients (27.1%), as was the incidence of BPAR (17.7% vs. 23.1%, both n.s.). The overall incidence, severity and pattern of AEs were comparable between EC‐MPS and MMF in de novo patients. This was supported by the safety results assessed in maintenance patients (B302) indicating no increased safety risk with the use of EC‐MPS in the diabetic patient population, if compared with MMF. Likewise, apart from a higher incidence of severe/serious infections in diabetics, the safety profile of EC‐MPS was not different to non‐diabetics in myPROMS. In conclusion, preliminary data suggest that EC‐MPS in combination with cyclosporine (± steroids) can be used efficiently and safely for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in diabetic renal transplant patients. Moreover, diabetic patients can apparently be safely converted from MMF to EC‐MPS. More data from prospective studies are needed to fully judge the efficacy and safety profile of EC‐MPS in the diabetic transplant population.
Living donor transplantation between twins: guidance for Donor Advocate Teams
Authors: Bramstedt Katrina A
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Using a clinical case, this paper explores the ethical complexities of assessing potential living organ donors when the proposed donor–recipient pair consists of monozygotic (identical) or dizygotic (fraternal) twins. While all donor–recipient pairs can present various ethical and psychosocial challenges, the challenges of twin pairs are unique and especially complex. Donor Advocate Teams need to be aware of these unique issues and address them during their assessment process.
Identification and origin of the germline stem cells as revealed by the expression of nanos‐related gene in planarians
Authors: Sato Kimihiro , Shibata Norito , Orii Hidefumi , Amikura Reiko , Sakurai Takashige , Agata Kiyokazu , Kobayashi Satoru , Watanabe Kenji
Published: November 2006

The planarian's remarkable regenerative ability is thought to be supported by the stem cells (neoblasts) found throughout its body. Here we report the identification of a subpopulation of neoblasts, which was revealed by the expression of the nanos‐related gene of the planarian Dugesia japonica, termed Djnos. Djnos‐expressing cells in the asexual planarian were distributed to the prospective ovary or testes forming region in the sexual planarian. During sexualization, Djnos‐expressing cells produce germ cells, suggesting that in the asexual state these cells were kept as germline stem cells for the oogonia and spermatogonia. Interestingly, the germline stem cells were indistinguishable from the neoblasts by morphology and X‐ray sensitivity and did not seem to contribute to the regeneration at all. Germline stem cells initially appear in the growing infant planarian, suggesting that germline stem cells are separated from somatic stem cells in the planarian. Thus, planarian neoblasts can be classified into two groups; somatic stem cells for regeneration and tissue renewal, and germline stem cells for production of germ cells during sexualization. However, Djnos‐positive cells appeared in the newly formed trunk region from the head piece, suggesting that somatic stem cells can convert to germline stem cells.
Incubation time required for neonatal blood cultures to become positive
Authors: Jardine Luke , Davies Mark W , Faoagali Joan
Published: November 2006

Aim:  We aimed to determine the laboratory detection time of bacteraemia in neonatal blood cultures, and whether this differed by: organism; samples deemed to represent true bacteraemia versus contaminants; and blood cultures collected from an infant <48 h of age (early) or ≥48 h of age (late).

Methods:  A retrospective audit of all positive blood cultures collected from neonates in the Grantley Stable Neonatal Unit, Royal Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2004 was undertaken. The bacteraemia detection method used was the BacTAlert system with Peds bottles.

Results:  Two hundred and three positive blood cultures were included in the analysis. One hundred and sixteen (57%) were deemed septicaemia, 87 (43%) were deemed contaminants. The median (interquartile range) time to positivity for positive blood cultures deemed septicaemia and contaminants were 15.9 (11.6, 22.2) and 30.2 (20.4, 43.9) h, respectively. Fifty‐six (28%) positive blood cultures were collected when infants were <48 h of age and 147 (72%) were collected in infants ≥48 h of age. Post hoc analysis revealed that the time to positivity for early septicaemia was 13.7 (11, 16.7) h; early contaminant was 25.2 (19.2, 33.8) h; late septicaemia was 17.2 (12.2, 23.4) h; and late contaminant was 37.9 (21.7, 51.2) h. The time to positivity for: Group B streptococcus was 9.3 (8.2, 11.0) h; Escherichia coli was 11.3 (10.0, 13.5) h; and coagulase‐negative staphylococci was 28.9 (20.5, 41.2) h.

Conclusion:  The incubation time for positive blood cultures significantly differs by organism type and whether they are considered early or late septicaemia versus contaminants. We recommend that: infants who are <48 h of age at the time of blood culture collection, who remain clinically well and have negative cultures 36 h after the initial collection can safely have their antibiotic treatment ceased; infants who are ≥48 h of age at the time of collection should continue antibiotic treatment for at least 48 h before cessation is considered.
Neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism: An important clue to the aetiology
Authors: Gabbett Michael T , Jones Kristi , Cowell Christopher T , Sillence David O , Wilson Meredith J
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism is a rare condition that presents as striking hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcaemia, and metabolic bone disease. The aetiology needs to be determined soon after diagnosis to direct appropriate management and to determine an accurate prognosis. Taking a family history is a valuable clinical tool in paediatric medicine. Presented here is the case of a neonate presenting with severe hyperparathyroidism. Obtaining the family history, coupled with basic parental studies, enabled a rapid aetiological diagnosis, which allowed for conservative management.
Early diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging findings in neonatal herpes encephalitis
Authors: Dhawan Anjali , Kecskes Zsuzsoka , Jyoti Rajeev , Kent Alison L
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Neonatal herpes encephalitis is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 and results in significant morbidity and mortality. Imaging diagnosis with ultrasound, computed tomography scan and conventional magnetic resonance imaging may be normal in the early course of the disease. In this case diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging detected the disease process earlier and better than the conventional T2‐weighted or fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery imaging sequences. The use of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in neonatal herpes encephalitis proved to be a useful tool in the early stage of the disease.
Schizotypy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dopamine genes
Authors: ETTINGER ULRICH , JOOBER RIDHA , DE GUZMAN ROSHERRIE , O’DRISCOLL GILLIAN A.
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Previous research has suggested that there may be overlap between schizophrenia and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The relationship between schizotypal personality traits, ADHD features and polymorphisms was evaluated in dopamine‐related genes. Thirty‐one healthy, Caucasian men completed the Rust Inventory of Schizotypal Cognitions (RISC) and the ADHD Self‐Report Scale (ASRS). Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met, dopamine receptors of the D3 type (DRD3) Ser9Gly, DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), and SLC6A3 VNTR polymorphisms were analyzed. RISC score was correlated with ASRS score (r = 0.54, P = 0.003). COMT Met homozygotes had higher ASRS scores than Val homozygotes (P = 0.005). These findings are consistent with evidence of overlap between schizophrenia and ADHD and support an involvement of COMT genotype in ADHD features.
Outcome after complete percutaneous removal of infected pacemaker systems and implantable cardiac defibrillators
Authors: Post J. J. , Alexopoulos C. , Fewtrell C. , Giles R. , Jones P. D.
Published: November 2006

The mortality of retained, infected pacemaker systems is high. We assessed the safety and rate of relapse of infection after complete percutaneous removal of leads of infected pacemaker systems. None of the 40 subjects experienced procedure‐related mortality and there were no cases of relapse after a median duration of follow up of 8 years (range, 3 months to 12 years). Procedure‐related complications and other adverse events during therapy are reported. Percutaneous removal of infected pacemakers in conjunction with appropriate antibiotic therapy is safe and effective.
Human Resource Underutilization in an Era of Poverty Reduction: An Analysis of Unemployment and Underemployment in Ghana
Authors: Sackey Harry A. , Osei Barfour
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Unemployment is more prevalent in urban than rural Ghana, while underemployment is pervasive in rural Ghana. The paper analyses trends in these two forms of human resource underutilization and examines their major determinants. It is found that a positive association exists between the underemployment rate and the incidence of poverty in specific industries. The data supports the importance of demographics, education and firm sizes as major determinants of unemployment. Furthermore, these factors together with type of employment are the factors influencing underemployment. To reduce the level of unemployment and underemployment, the government should provide support for: (1) growth of private sector firms and informal sector activities; and (2) rural alternatives to agricultural activities. These implications are also relevant to other African countries trying to combat the twin problems of unemployment and underemployment.
Empirical Evidence of Productivity Growth in Tunisian Agriculture: 1961–2000
Authors: Dhehibi Boubaker , Lachaal Lassaad
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  This paper investigates the patterns of productivity growth in Tunisian agriculture during the period 1961–2000. Results indicate that output growth in Tunisian agriculture was high over the whole period of investigation. During the 1981–90 period, average output grew at an impressive rate exceeding 6 per cent. Over the whole period, capital was the most important contributor to output growth and labour was found to be the least significant contributor to economic growth. Total factor productivity contribution to output growth decreased from over 4 per cent in both the 1961–70 and 1981–90 periods to less than 3 per cent in both the 1971–80 and 1991–2000 periods. On average, productivity growth increased at an annual rate of 3.6 per cent.
The Dominance Effect? Multinational Corporations in the Italian Quick‐Food Service Sector
Authors: Royle Tony
Published: November 2006

This paper is based on a study of the employment practices of one Italian‐owned multinational corporation (MNC) and one US‐owned MNC in the Italian quick‐food service sector and examines such issues as work organization, unionization, employee representation and pay and conditions. The paper focuses on the concept of ‘dominance’ and the related convergence and divergence theses. The findings suggest that dominance can not only be interpreted as a mode of employment or production emanating from one country, but could also be associated with one dominant MNC in one sector. Consequently, it is argued that while the effect of host and home country influences may be significant factors in cross‐border employment relations practices, more attention needs to be paid to organizational contingencies and the sectoral characteristics within which firms operate.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECIAL ISSUE ON CASE‐BASED REASONING IN THE HEALTH SCIENCES
Authors: Bichindaritz Isabelle , Marling Cindy
Published: November 2006

There has been an explosion of interest in health sciences applications of case‐based reasoning (CBR), not only in the traditional CBR in medicine domain, but also in bioinformatics, enabling home health‐care technologies, CBR integration, and synergies between CBR and knowledge discovery. This special issue features the best papers from the third workshop on CBR in the health sciences, held at ICCBR‐05 in Madrid. It is the third in a series of exciting workshops, the first two of which were held at ICCBR‐03, in Trondheim, Norway, and at ECCBR‐04, in Madrid, Spain. The nine high‐quality papers introduced here represent the research and experience of twenty‐two authors working in eight different countries on a wide range of problems and projects. These papers illustrate some of the major trends of current research in CBR in the health sciences, and represent overall an excellent sample of the most recent advances of CBR in the health sciences.
ADAPTATION KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION: A CASE STUDY FOR CASE‐BASED DECISION SUPPORT IN ONCOLOGY
Authors: D'Aquin Mathieu , Lieber Jean , Napoli Amedeo
Published: November 2006

Kasimir is a case‐based decision support system in the domain of breast cancer treatment. For this system, a problem is given by the description of a patient and a solution is a set of therapeutic decisions. Given a target problem, Kasimir provides several suggestions of solutions, based on several justified adaptations of source cases. Such adaptation processes are based on adaptation knowledge. The acquisition of this kind of knowledge from experts is presented in this paper. It is shown how the decomposition of adaptation processes by introduction of intermediate problems can highlight simple and generalizable adaptation steps. Moreover, some adaptation knowledge units that are generalized from those acquired for Kasimir are presented. This knowledge can be instantiated in other case‐based decision support systems, in particular in medicine.
gene‐CBR: A CASE‐BASED REASONIG TOOL FOR CANCER DIAGNOSIS USING MICROARRAY DATA SETS
Authors: Díaz Fernando , Fdez‐Riverola Florentino , Corchado Juan M.
Published: November 2006

Gene expression profiles are composed of thousands of genes at the same time, representing the complex relationships between them. One of the well‐known constraints specifically related to microarray data is the large number of genes in comparison with the small number of available experiments or cases. In this context, the ability of design methods capable of overcoming current limitations of state‐of‐the‐art algorithms is crucial to the development of successful applications. This paper presents gene‐CBR, a hybrid model that can perform cancer classification based on microarray data. The system employs a case‐based reasoning model that incorporates a set of fuzzy prototypes, a growing cell structure network and a set of rules to provide an accurate diagnosis. The hybrid model has been implemented and tested with microarray data belonging to bone marrow cases from forty‐three adult patients with cancer plus a group of six cases corresponding to healthy persons.
Aid, Agriculture and Poverty in Developing Countries
Authors: Mosley Paul , Suleiman Abrar
Published: November 2006

The authors make two contributions to the debate on aid‐effectiveness, illustrating that for impact on poverty what matters is not just the level but also the composition and stability of aid. One specific implication of this for aid policy is that aid most effectively reduces poverty if it supports public (and other) expenditures which are supportive of agricultural development. Regression analysis confirms that these are not only direct expenditure on agriculture, but also on education and infrastructure, and military expenditure has a negative impact. Three factors appear to be particularly conducive to the development of stable pro‐poor expenditure patterns (and in particular pro‐agriculture expenditure patterns). These are expenditure strategies which protect the poor against risk, the development of stable relations between governments and aid donors, and long‐term political commitment to pro‐poor strategies by government. The argument is pursued partly by panel‐data econometric analysis of developing countries as a whole, and partly by case studies of sustained and non‐sustained green revolutions in heavily aid‐dependent countries in Africa.
A Mixed Models Approach to the Age-Period-Cohort Analysis of Repeated Cross-Section Surveys, with an Application to Data on Trends in Verbal Test Scores
Authors: Yang Yang , Land Kenneth C.
Published: November 2006

We develop a mixed (fixed and random effects) models approach to the age-period-cohort (AFC) analysis of micro data sets in the form of a series of the repeated cross-section sample surveys that are increasingly available to sociologists. This approach recognizes the multilevel structure of the individual-level responses. As a substantive illustration, we apply our proposed methodology to data on verbal test scores from 15 cross-sections of the General Social Survey, 1974–2000. These data have been the subject of recent debates in the sociological literature. We show how our approach can be used to shed new light on these debates by identifying and estimating age, period, and cohort components of change.