bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classical Swine Fever (CSF) in Wild Boar: the Role of the Transplacental Infection in the Perpetuation of CSF
Authors: Kaden V. , Steyer H. , Schnabel J. , Bruer W.
Published: July 2005

Thirty‐four pregnant wild sows and their unborn progeny derived from an endemically infected population in the district of Nordvorpommern (Mecklenburg‐Western Pomerania) were investigated for classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and antibodies. During the last 2.5 years of the epidemic, 20 out of 34 pregnant wild sows investigated were serologically positive. No CSFV or viral RNA was detected in organs derived from these animals and their progeny. This indicates that young wild boars persistently infected by transplacental virus transmission do not play a crucial role in the perpetuation of CSFV in wild boar. Other factors seem to be more important for the establishment of CSF as well as for virus perpetuation in the population.
Systemic and Local Antibody Responses after Experimental Infection withActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaein Piglets with Passive or Active Immunity
Authors: Krejci J. , Nechvatalova K. , Kudlackova H. , Faldyna M. , Kucerova Z. , Toman M.
Published: July 2005

The objectives of the present study was to describe different dynamics of humoral immune responses to experimental infection in piglets of different stages of infection and immunity. Two groups of piglets originating from non‐immune (group 1) and immune (group 2) sows at the age of 3 weeks were subdivided as follows: a half of each group of piglets was exposed to a low‐dose infection withActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae(APP) strain 9. At the age of 8 weeks, all four groups of piglets were challenged with a high infection dose of APP of the same strain. Isotype characterization of the specific antibodies in sera and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) to a lipopolysaccharide was carried out, besides monitoring clinical signs and post‐mortem examinations. A typical primary immune response was observed in specific antibody‐free piglets infected with a challenge infection. Colostrum‐derived immunoglobulin‐G (IgG) antibodies persisted in sera and BALF of piglets up to the age of 8 weeks. However, they did not prevent induction of specific‐primary antibody response, either in 8 or 4 weeks of age, when levels of specific colostrum‐derived antibodies were still high. It was demonstrated by the increase of specific IgM antibodies in sera. The infection induced an increase in the levels of IgA antibodies in BALF regardless the severity of infection and presence of specific colostrum‐derived antibodies. The specific antibodies of IgG isotype increased only in BALF from piglets without colostrum‐derived antibodies.
Mycoplasma Mastitis: A Review of Transmission and Control
Authors: Fox L. K. , Kirk J. H. , Britten A.
Published: July 2005

TheMycoplasmasp. that cause mastitis are simple, cell wall‐less, bacteria that can colonize and cause diseases in other extramammary sites in the bovine. Prevalence of mycoplasma mastitis appears to be increasing in many locations throughout the world. The best method to identify this group of pathogens is through direct culture on mycoplasma agar media. However, limitations with this culture procedure are the duration of culture, 10 days, special conditions required and thus added expense, and the lack of primary specificity to distinguish between true pathogens and commensal organisms. Thus culture of bulk tank milk samples has been advocated as a primary screening method to determine the mycoplasma status of a herd. This monitoring system is reasonably successful but the sensitivity of detection ofMycoplasmasp. in bulk tank milk is affected by a significant minority of cows that might shed the organism at levels below the threshold of detection. Contagious mastitis control procedures have been effective in controlling outbreaks of mycoplasma mastitis. Yet new methods of control might be warranted, methods that may prevent the outbreak. Current data suggests that a significant number of new outbreaks may occur via internal or animal‐to‐animal transmission of mycoplasma mastitis pathogens from asymptomatic carriers.
Relationship between expression of cyclin D1 and impaired liver regeneration observed in fibrotic or cirrhotic rats
Authors: KATO AKIRA , BAMBA HIROMI , SHINOHARA MASAHIKO , YAMAUCHI ATSUSHI , OTA SHINICHI , KAWAMOTO CHIAKI , YOSHIDA YUKIO
Published: July 2005

Background and Aim:  The mechanisms responsible for impaired regenerative ability after hepatic resection observed in chronic liver disease are not fully understood. We have examined the relationships between an altered expression of cell cycle‐related proteins in regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy and the impaired regenerative process observed in fibrotic and cirrhotic rats.

Methods:  We performed 70% partial hepatectomy in both control and porcine serum‐induced fibrotic rats, and 45% partial hepatectomy in thioacetamide‐induced cirrhotic rats because of the high mortality associated with 70% partial hepatectomy. Liver regeneration was monitored by proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index and the expression of G1 regulatory cell cycle‐related proteins was determined by immunoblot analysis.

Results:  Compared with controls, hepatocyte DNA synthesis, and induction of cyclin D1 and p21CIP1 proteins were delayed but not suppressed in porcine serum‐induced fibrotic rats and markedly inhibited in thioacetamide‐induced cirrhotic rats. p27KIP1 protein levels were unaffected by partial hepatectomy and did not differ among all three groups.

Conclusion:  Two distinct rat models of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis showed markedly different proliferative responses after partial hepatectomy. The delay or failure of cyclin D1 induction, but not the increase of p21CIP1 or p27KIP1 might be responsible for their impaired liver regeneration.
Azathioprine and 6‐mercaptopurine pharmacogenetics and metabolite monitoring in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: GEARRY RICHARD B , BARCLAY MURRAY L
Published: July 2005

Abstract The thiopurine drugs azathioprine and 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) are well‐established in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there is a wide inter‐ and intra‐patient variation in the concentrations of active and toxic metabolites due to their complex metabolism and genetic polymorphisms in metabolizing enzymes. Serious drug toxicity leads to cessation of therapy in 9–25% of patients, and there is failure to achieve efficacy in approximately 15% of cases. Advances in the understanding of thiopurine drug metabolism have led to new genetic and metabolite tests to help clinicians optimize thiopurine use. Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) enzyme activity can predict life‐threatening myelotoxicity in the one in 300 patients who are TPMT‐deficient. However, myelotoxicity can also occur in the presence of normal TPMT activity so blood count monitoring should remain standard practice. TPMT testing may also aid in dose individualization. 6‐Thioguanine nucleotides (6‐TGN) are thought to be the predominant active metabolites of the thiopurines. 6‐Thioguanine nucleotide concentration is correlated with bone marrow toxicity and may also correlate with efficacy in IBD. Measurement of 6‐TGN and 6‐methylmercaptopurine (6‐MMP) concentration is most useful in determining why a patient is not responding to a standard dose of a thiopurine drug and may help in avoiding myelosuppression. The ratio of these metabolites can help distinguish non‐compliance, under‐dosing, thiopurine‐resistant and thiopurine‐refractory disease. Some of these investigations are entering routine clinical practice but more research is required to determine their optimal use in patients with IBD.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Long‐term clinical outcome of large volume paracentesis with intravenous albumin in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: A randomized prospective study
Authors: CHOI CHANG HWAN , AHN SANG HOON , KIM DO YOUNG , LEE SANG KIL , PARK JEONG YOUP , CHON CHAE YOON , MOON YOUNG MYOUNG , HAN KWANG‐HYUB
Published: July 2005

Background and Aim:  Large volume paracentesis (LVP) with plasma volume expansion has been used for tense or refractory ascites. However, still in question is whether it is safe and effective for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). We addressed this issue and conducted a study to assess safety and long‐term outcome of LVP in cirrhotic patients with SBP.

Methods:  Forty‐two randomly assigned cirrhotic patients with SBP were classified into two groups; Group 1 included 21 patients who were treated with LVP and intravenous albumin; and Group 2 included 21 patients who were treated with diuretics and intravenous albumin.

Results:  The overall cumulative survival rate was poor in patients with SBP (42.5% and 22.5% at 6 and 12 months, respectively). At 7 days after treatment, the blood tests were similar between the two groups. In the ascitic fluid, the white blood cell counts decreased significantly and the protein concentrations tended to increase in both groups. In‐hospital days, resolution rate of SBP, and in‐hospital mortality rate were similar between the two groups. Although complication rates tended to be slightly higher in Group 1, long‐term cumulative survivals were similar between Group 1 and Group 2. LVP was effective in removing abdominal discomfort in patients with tense ascites without serious complication.

Conclusions:  LVP with intravenous albumin was as effective as diuretics with intravenous albumin for the treatment of SBP with similar mortality. LVP with intravenous albumin might be feasible for the treatment of tense or refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients with SBP.
Gastric achlorhydria in H/K‐ATPase‐deficient (Atp4a(–/–)) mice causes severe hyperplasia, mucocystic metaplasia and upregulation of growth factors
Authors: JUDD LOUISE M , ANDRINGA ANASTASIA , RUBIO CARLOS A , SPICER ZACHARY , SHULL GARY E , MILLER MARIAN L
Published: July 2005

Background:  Gastric neoplasia is common in humans, yet controversy remains over contributions of chronic achlorhydria, gastrinemia and hyperplasia, to cancer risk. To study this, mice lacking the gastric H/K‐ATPase (Atp4a(–/–) mice) were used to determine whether chronic loss of acid secretion, with attendant hypergastrinemia, predisposes to cancer phenotype.

Methods:  Atp4a(–/–) and Atp4a(+/+) mice, paired for age and gender, were examined at 3, 8, 12 and 20 months for histopathology, and for expression of the trefoil factor family (TFF)1–3, Reg IIIβ, γ and δ, osteopontin, CD44, chromogranin A, Crp‐ductin, and galectin, all of which are important in cell growth.

Results:  By 8 months, the glandular stomach of the Atp4a(–/–) mice doubled in weight and thickness, and several modulators of growth were increased. Female Atp4a(–/–) mice were more hyperplastic than Atp4a(–/–) males at 12 and 20 months. By 1 year, severe mucocystic hyperplasia, incomplete intestinal metaplasia, ciliated metaplasia, a shift in mucins from neutral to acidic, and inflammation were widespread. Cells in the mucus pit zone developed a pyloric‐type appearance, containing large hyaline‐like, periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)‐negative/alcian blue‐negative inclusions. But critical characteristics of gastric neoplasia, such as nuclear atypia, invasion into the muscularis mucosa, and metastases were absent. In Atp4a(–/–) mice, chromogranin A and histidine decarboxylase, RegIIIγ and δ, TFF3, osteopontin and CD44 were upregulated while Reg IIIβ, and TFF1 were reduced.

Conclusions:  Chronic achlorhydria and hypergastrinemia in aged Atp4a(–/–) mice produced progressive hyperplasia, mucocystic and incomplete intestinal metaplasia, and the upregulation of growth factors without histological evidence of neoplasia.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Changes in gastric environment with test meals affect the performance of 14C‐urea breath test
Authors: PATHAK CHANDER M , BHASIN DEEPAK K , NADA RITAMBARA , BHATTACHARYA ANISH , KHANDUJA KRISHAN L
Published: July 2005

Background:  14C‐urea breath test (UBT) is considered to be an accurate diagnostic test for the detection of active Helicobacter pylori infection. Various test meals are used in 14C‐UBT to slow down gastric emptying, and to enhance the gastric distribution, in order to increase the time and area of contact between microorganisms and the tracer substrate. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the effect of gastric environment on the performance of 14C‐UBT using an alkaline and an acidic liquid test meal having gastric emptying retardant effect.

Methods:  The comparison of 14C‐UBT was done with liquid test meals (200 mL water) comprising (i) plain drinking water (PDW); (ii) 1.3 g or 3.0 g citric acid (CA); and (iii) 3.0 g trisodium citrate (TSC). Eighteen patients (37 ± 12 years, range 18–57 years) with complaints of dyspepsia participated in the study. The status of H. pylori was confirmed by histology and rapid urease test. A total of 93 kBq of 14C‐urea (0.5 mL) in a gelatin capsule was orally administered along with liquid test meals to the overnight fasting subjects. Breath samples were collected and radioactivity measured. Results were expressed as 14CO2/mmol exhaled CO2 as percentage of administered radioactive urea.

Results:  Higher acidic gastric environment (pH approx. 2.0) with CA was found to increase the exhaled 14CO2 level in a dose‐dependent manner as compared to PDW and TSC meal (P < 0.05) at all time points. With TSC test meal, the expired 14CO2 level decreased in the lower acidic gastric environment (pH approx. 5.3). The peaks of exhaled 14CO2 with TSC test meal were observed at the same time points as that with PDW and CA test meals. The 14C‐UBT with TSC was found to be positive in 77% of patients (10/13).

Conclusion:  Better interaction between the microbial urease and 14C‐urea, caused by a test meal that retards gastric emptying and that changes gastric pH, plays an important role in hydrolysis of the administered 14C‐urea by H. pylori urease.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Detection of cytokeratin 20 mRNA in the peripheral blood of patients with colorectal cancer by immunomagnetic bead enrichment and real‐time reverse transcriptase–polymeras chain reaction
Authors: GUO JUNMING , XIAO BINGXIU , JIN ZHIJIN , QIN LIJUN , CHEN JIAN , CHEN HUI , ZHANG XINJUN , LIU ZHONG
Published: July 2005

Background:  Detection of circulating cancer cells is a useful indicator for the risk of recurrence of advanced carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential value of a novel approach to detect the circulating cancer cells in patients with colorectal cancer. This method is based on a combination of isolation of epithelial cell by a combination of negative and positive immunomagnetic beads with detection of cytokeratin 20 (CK20) mRNA by reverse transcriptase–polymeras chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Methods:  Peripheral blood samples were collected from 40 patients with colorectal carcinoma on the day before operation or chemical therapy. Mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated by centrifugation through a Ficoll gradient. Each MNC sample was equally divided into three parts and then CD45 immunomagnetic beads and/or Ber‐EP4 immunomagnetic beads were used to enrich colon cancer cells. Finally, the CK20 mRNA was detected by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. As a control, LS174T colon cancer cells were serially diluted with blood from healthy individuals.

Results:  When CD45 and Ber‐EP4 immunomagnetic beads were used successively, a significant correlation between CK20 mRNA levels and the initial cell concentrations was found in the control recovery experiment. The sensitivity of the assay was one cancer cell in 1 mL healthy blood. In the patient group, CK20 mRNA was detected in 80.0%, 82.5% and 72.5% of patients when CD45, Ber‐EP4, and CD45/Ber‐EP4 immunomagnetic beads were used, respectively. The positive detection rates of patients with colorectal carcinoma at Dukes A, B, C, and D stage were 0.0% (0/2), 33.3% (3/9), 86.7% (13/15), and 92.9% (13/14), respectively. The CK20 mRNA positive detection rate in peripheral blood was significantly correlated with tumor diameter (P < 0.01, χ2), lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05) and hepatic metastasis (P < 0.05), but not with the differentiation of tumor cells.

Conclusion:  The combined use of negative and positive immunomagnetic beads followed by amplification of CK20 mRNA by means of RT‐PCR is a non‐invasive, sensitive, and specific assay for the detection of circulating colonic cancer cells.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Apoptosis in rat jejunal mucosa is regulated partly through the central nervous system, which controls feeding behavior
Authors: LIN TAISAN , SAKATA HIROYUKI , OOTANI AKIFUMI , FUJISE TAKEHIRO , TSUNADA SEIJI , AMEMORI SADAHIRO , DANJO AKIKO , YOKOYAMA FUMIE , SAKATA YASUHISA , IWAKIRI RYUICHI , TODA SHUJI , FUJIMOTO KAZUMA
Published: July 2005

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate whether central nervous system‐related feeding behavior regulates mucosal apoptosis in rat small intestines.

Methods:  The test solutions used in this study were an H1 receptor antagonist (chlorpheniramine maleate), 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, leptin, and 1‐deoxy‐D‐glucosamine (2‐amino‐1,5‐anhydro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucitol). Test solutions were injected into the third cerebroventricles of rats. Feeding behavior and jejunal apoptosis were evaluated both with and without truncal vagotomy. Intestinal apoptosis was evaluated by percentage fragmented DNA, electrophoresis, and TUNEL staining.

Results:  Chlorpheniramine and 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose elicited feeding, whereas leptin and 1‐deoxy‐D‐glucosamine suppressed feeding. The test solutions, which elicited feeding (0.24 and 24 µmol/rat of chlorpheniramine and 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, respectively), suppressed mucosal apoptosis in the rat jejunum 1 h after cerebroventricular infusion. In contrast, the test solutions, which suppressed feeding (8 and 24 µmol/rat of leptin and 1‐deoxy‐D‐glucosamine, respectively), induced jejunal mucosal apoptosis 3 h after infusion. The effects of the test solutions on feeding behavior and changes in apoptosis were not affected by truncal vagotomy.

Conclusion:  The central nervous system, which regulates feeding behavior, might control intestinal function through the regulation of intestinal apoptosis.
Factors affecting the mortality of pediatric fulminant hepatic failure in relation to hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: CHAN PEI‐CHUN , CHEN HUEY‐LING , KONG MAN‐SHAN , HUANG FU‐CHEN , LEE HUNG‐CHANG , LIN CHIEH‐CHUNG , LIU CHING‐CHUAN , LEE I‐HSIEN , WU TZEE‐CHUNG , WU SHU‐FEN , NI YEN‐HSUAN , HSU HONG‐YUAN , CHANG MEI‐HWEI
Published: July 2005

Aim:  To investigate the factors affecting the outcome of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in children in relation to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods:  Retrospective review of a total of 94 cases (61 males and 33 females, aged from 1 month to 15 years) recruited from nine tertiary referral centers in Taiwan from 1985 to 1999.

Results:  The overall mortality rate was 75%. Patients in the mortality group were of an older age, had higher peak total bilirubin levels, a longer prothrombin time, and a lower percentage of HBV positivity (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.0027 and P = 0.042, respectively). Mortality was 65% in the HBV positive (n = 42) and 83% in the HBV negative (n = 52) group (P = 0.05). In the HBV positive group, the prothrombin time was noted to be the single factor affecting outcome (P = 0.036). In the HBV negative group, older age and higher peak value of total serum bilirubin were suggestive of poor survival rate (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that total bilirubin was the single factor affecting outcome in the HBV‐negative group. The mortality rate of HBV positive children in three consecutive time periods without liver transplantation (1985–1989, 1990–1994, 1995–1999) decreased gradually (91, 67 and 38%, respectively, with P = 0.027). This change was not observed in HBV‐negative cases.

Conclusions:  Hepatitis B virus positive FHF had a lower mortality rate than HBV negative FHF, with each group having different factors affecting mortality.
Gallstone disease in non‐alcoholic fatty liver: Prevalence and associated factors
Authors: LORIA PAOLA , LONARDO AMEDEO , LOMBARDINI SILVIA , CARULLI LUCIA , VERRONE ANNAMARIA , GANAZZI DORVAL , RUDILOSSO ANTONIA , D’AMICO ROBERTO , BERTOLOTTI MARCO , CARULLI NICOLA
Published: July 2005

Background: Insulin resistance is a risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and for gallstone disease (GD). Aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with GD in unselected patients with NAFLD.

Methods: A total of 161 consecutive patients with NAFLD diagnosed through compatible ultrasonography in the absence of known etiologies of liver disease (in all patients) and/or confirmed histologically (in 61 patients), was studied. Gallstone disease was diagnosed through ultrasound scanning or on the basis of previous cholecystectomy. Anthropometric and biochemical variables and concurrent diseases were compared in 32 NAFLD‐GD patients and in 129 NAFLD patients without GD (controls) according to gender.

Results: The overall prevalence of GD was 19.88%, higher in female patients (P < 0.05), who were older (P < 001). The overall percentage of GD increased with age (P < 0.05). The GD patients had higher uric acid (men), total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apo‐B) serum concentrations (women;P < 0.05); women also had a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (P < 0.05). The age‐corrected odds ratio of having GD by tertiles increased significantly with increasing uric acid (men) and with increasing total cholesterol, triglycerides and apo‐B (women). At univariate continuous analysis GD was associated with insulin 120 min and uric acid in male patients; and with body mass index, insulin 120 min, apo‐B, total cholesterol and triglycerides in female patients. On multivariate analysis it was found that among these factors only uric acid in men and apo‐B in women were independently associated with GD in NAFLD.

Conclusions: The prevalence of GD in NAFLD is more elevated than reported in the general population. The factors independently associated with GD in NAFLD are different from those reported in the general population and vary according to the gender.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
249serp53 mutation in the serum of black southern African patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: KIMBI GERALD C , KEW MICHAEL C , YU MIMI C , ARAKAWA KAZUKO , HODKINSON JOHN
Published: July 2005

Background and Aims:  A specific mutation at codon 249 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene (guanine to thymine; arginine to serine [249serinep53]) is present in the cell‐free plasma of 30–47% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in regions with uniformly high levels of dietary exposure to the fungal toxin, aflatoxin B1. No information is available from other regions. We therefore examined cell‐free serum from HCC patients in southern Africa, where aflatoxin B1 exposure ranges from very high to low levels.

Methods:  DNA extracted from the serum of 158 black African patients with HCC was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction assay using primers specific for exon 7 of the p53 gene, and submitted to endonuclease cleavage with HaeIII to identify the 249serinep53 mutation. The presence of the mutation was confirmed by nucleotide sequencing.

Results:  The specific mutation was detected in 18% of the patients, giving an odds ratio for HCC in those with the mutation of 13.3 (95% confidence limits 1.8; 100.2). Surprisingly, the mutation was present equally often in rural and urban patients, despite presumed levels of aflatoxin B1 exposure in the latter being much lower. No correlation was found with the presence of hepatitis B virus infection or the age, sex or tribe of the patients.

Conclusions:  The 249serinep53 mutation is found less often in the serum of patients with HCC in a region with variable levels of exposure to aflatoxin B1 than in those with uniformly high levels of exposure, but the mutation does occur in black Africans with presumed lower levels of exposure to the fungal toxin.
Micromechanical testing of SU‐8 cantilevers
Authors: HOPCROFT M. , KRAMER T. , KIM G. , TAKASHIMA K. , HIGO Y. , MOORE D. , BRUGGER J.
Published: July 2005

SU‐8 is a photoplastic polymer with a wide range of possible applications in microtechnology. Cantilevers designed for atomic force microscopes were fabricated in SU‐8. The mechanical properties of these cantilevers were investigated using two microscale testing techniques: contact surface profilometer beam deflection and static load deflection at a point on the beam using a specially designed test machine. The SU‐8 Young's modulus value from the microscale test methods is approximately 2–3 GPa.
Fatigue and fracture of a Ni–P amorphous alloy thin film on the micrometer scale
Authors: TAKASHIMA K. , HIGO Y.
Published: July 2005

Fracture and fatigue tests have been performed on micro‐sized specimens for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or micro system technology (MST) applications. Cantilever beam type specimens with dimensions of 10 × 12 × 50 μm3, approximately 1/1000th the size of ordinary‐sized specimens, were prepared from a Ni–P amorphous thin film by focused ion beam machining. Fatigue crack growth and fracture toughness tests were carried out in air at room temperature, using a mechanical testing machine developed for micro‐sized specimens. In fracture toughness tests, fatigue pre‐cracks were introduced ahead of the notches. Fatigue crack growth resistance curves were obtained from the measurement of striation spacing on the fatigue surface, with closure effects on the fatigue crack growth also being observed for micro‐sized specimens. Once fatigue crack growth occurs, the specimens fail within one thousand cycles. This indicates that the fatigue life of micro‐sized specimens is mainly dominated by a crack initiation process, also suggesting that even a micro‐sized surface flaw may be an initiation site for fatigue cracks which will shorten the fatigue life of micro‐sized specimens. As a result of fracture toughness tests, the values of plane strain fracture toughness, KIC, were not obtained because the criteria of plane strain were not satisfied by this specimen size. As the plane strain requirements are determined by the stress intensity, K, and by the yield stress of the material, it is difficult for micro‐sized specimens to satisfy these requirements. Plane‐stress‐ and plane‐strain‐dominated regions were clearly observed on the fracture surfaces and their sizes were consistent with those estimated by fracture mechanics calculations. This indicates that fracture mechanics is still valid for such micro‐sized specimens. The results obtained in this investigation should be considered when designing actual MEMS/MST devices.
Persister cells, the biofilm matrix and tolerance to metal cations in biofilm and planktonic Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Harrison Joe J. , Turner Raymond J. , Ceri Howard
Published: July 2005

In this study, we examined Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 biofilm and planktonic cell susceptibility to metal cations. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) required to eradicate 100% of the planktonic population (MBC100), and the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) were determined using the MBEC™‐high throughput assay. Six metals – Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Al3+ and Pb2+– were each tested at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 27 h of exposure to biofilm and planktonic cultures grown in rich or minimal media. With 2 or 4 h of exposure, biofilms were approximately 2–25 times more tolerant to killing by metal cations than the corresponding planktonic cultures. However, by 27 h of exposure, biofilm and planktonic bacteria were eradicated at approximately the same concentration in every instance. Viable cell counts evaluated at 2 and 27 h of exposure revealed that at high concentrations, most of the metals assayed had killed greater than 99.9% of biofilm and planktonic cell populations. The surviving cells were propogated in vitro and gave rise to biofilm and planktonic cultures with normal sensitivity to metals. Further, retention of copper by the biofilm matrix was investigated using the chelator sodium diethlydithiocarbamate. Formation of visible brown metal‐chelates in biofilms treated with Cu2+ suggests that the biofilm matrix may coordinate and sequester metal cations from the aqueous surroundings. Overall, our data suggest that both metal sequestration in the biofilm matrix and the presence of a small population of ‘persister’ cells may be contributing factors in the time‐dependent tolerance of both planktonic cells and biofilms to high concentrations of metal cations.
Application of a geographically‐weighted regression analysis to estimate net primary production of Chinese forest ecosystems
Authors: Wang Quan , Ni Jian , Tenhunen John
Published: June 2005

Aim  The objective of this paper is to obtain a net primary production (NPP) regression model based on the geographically weighted regression (GWR) method, which includes spatial non‐stationarity in the parameters estimated for forest ecosystems in China.

Location  We used data across China.

Methods  We examine the relationships between NPP of Chinese forest ecosystems and environmental variables, specifically altitude, temperature, precipitation and time‐integrated normalized difference vegetation index (TINDVI) based on the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, the spatial lag model and GWR methods.

Results  The GWR method made significantly better predictions of NPP in simulations than did OLS, as indicated both by corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc) and R2. GWR provided a value of 4891 for AICc and 0.66 for R2, compared with 5036 and 0.58, respectively, by OLS. GWR has the potential to reveal local patterns in the spatial distribution of a parameter, which would be ignored by the OLS approach. Furthermore, OLS may provide a false general relationship between spatially non‐stationary variables. Spatial autocorrelation violates a basic assumption of the OLS method. The spatial lag model with the consideration of spatial autocorrelation had improved performance in the NPP simulation as compared with OLS (5001 for AICc and 0.60 for R2), but it was still not as good as that via the GWR method. Moreover, statistically significant positive spatial autocorrelation remained in the NPP residuals with the spatial lag model at small spatial scales, while no positive spatial autocorrelation across spatial scales can be found in the GWR residuals.

Conclusions  We conclude that the regression analysis for Chinese forest NPP with respect to environmental factors and based alternatively on OLS, the spatial lag model, and GWR methods indicated that there was a significant improvement in model performance of GWR over OLS and the spatial lag model.
Altitudinal variation of dung beetle (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) assemblages in the Colombian Andes
Authors: Escobar Federico , Lobo Jorge M. , Halffter Gonzalo
Published: June 2005

Aim  We describe the changes in species richness, rarity and composition with altitude, and explore whether the differences in Scarabaeinae dung beetle composition along five altitudinal transects of the same mountain range are related to altitude or if there are interregional differences in these altitudinal gradients.

Location  Field work was carried out on the eastern slope of the eastern Cordillera, Colombian Andes, between Tamá Peak to the north, in the Tamá National Park (07°23′ N, 72°23′ W) and the San Miguel River (00°28′ N, 77°17′ W) to the south.

Methods  Sampling was carried out between February 1997 and November 1999 in five regions spanning elevation gradients. In each gradient, six sites were chosen at 250 m intervals between 1000 and 2250 m a.s.l.

Results  We found a curvilinear relationship between altitude and mean species richness, with a peak in richness at middle elevations. However, the diversity of dung beetle assemblages does not seem to be related to the interregional differences in environmental conditions. The number of geographically restricted species is negatively and significantly related to altitude, with geographically restricted species more frequent at low altitude sites. Ordination delimited the two main groups according to altitude: one with all the highest sites (1750–2250 m a.s.l.) and a second group with the remaining sites (< 1750 m a.s.l.). Analysis of species co‐occurrence shows that these dung beetle assemblages seem to be spatially structured when all sites have the same probability of being chosen. In contrast, the spatial structure of species assemblages seems to be random when the probability of choosing any site is proportional to its altitude.

Main conclusions  The altitude of sites is the main factor that influences the diversity of these dung beetle assemblages. The peak in species richness at middle elevations, the higher number of geographically restricted species at lower altitudinal levels, and the compositional differences along these mountain gradients seem to result from the mixing at these altitudes of dung beetle assemblages that have different environmental adaptations and, probably, different origins. The relevance of altitude in these assemblages is related to the limited role of these Neotropical high altitude environments as centres of refuge and vicariance for a monophyletic group of warm‐adapted species, for which the vertical colonization of these high mountain environments by lineages distributed at lower altitudes would have been very difficult.
Middle‐earth Meets New Zealand: Authenticity and Location in the Making of The Lord of the Rings*
Authors: Jones Deborah , Smith Karen
Published: July 2005

abstract In focusing on the making of a specific cultural project, The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) film trilogy, this paper draws out the tensions between two sometimes divergent strands of authenticity: creative authenticity and national authenticity. This study is located in New Zealand, a small post‐colonial country which was the location for LOTR and home to its key film‐makers. The case is based on a discourse analysis of published texts on LOTR and New Zealand's film and tourism industries, exploring the paradoxical concept of ‘fabricating authenticity’ (Peterson, 1997) and its importance to cultural industries. In reviewing the media discourse of the LOTR project we ask: how are creative and national authenticity constructed? Creative authenticity refers to the claims of artistic integrity and merit that are made for the film. National authenticity is predicated on the idea of a national identity. In terms of LOTR, national authenticity is based on claiming the trilogy as a local ‘New Zealand’ product. We highlight the theme of ‘location’ by linking LOTR with a national tourism campaign which has been developed side‐by‐side with the film project, forging connections between the Middle‐earth of the LOTR trilogy, and the New Zealand of the present. We argue that LOTR has both shaped, and been shaped by, ideas of national identity, and that the success of LOTR as a flagship of the ‘new’ creative industries is central to emerging visions of nationhood.
‘The Path with the Heart’: Creating the Authentic Career*
Authors: Svejenova Silviya
Published: July 2005

abstractThis study contributes to the stream of boundaryless career research by detailing a theory of authenticity‐driven career creation. The perspective developed here is grounded in an in‐depth case study of the trajectory of a creative individual who has followed a very personal career path, remaining true to his creative calling. With authenticity work I denote the set of actions and interactions, which the creative individual undertakes to achieve a distinctive and true‐to‐self identity and image over time and across audiences. The study reveals that authenticity work is in the duality of identity expression and image manufacturing. Furthermore, it has some elements that are consistent over time and others that keep changing. I identify four stages through which authenticity plays a role in career creation: exploring aspects of multifaceted identity and image; narrowing down and focusing the identity expression and image manufacturing; enhancing one's control over the creative and business aspects of the artwork, and finally, a quest for professionalism. These stages are labelled exploration, focus, independence, and professionalism, respectively. They are embedded in a structural context that enables and constrains authenticity work. The resolution of the constraints by the creative individuals pushes their careers forward.
Crafting Brand Authenticity: The Case of Luxury Wines*
Authors: Beverland Michael B.
Published: July 2005

abstract Authenticity is one of the cornerstones of contemporary marketing practice yet confusion surrounds the nature and use of authenticity in the brand arena. Examining the strategies of 26 luxury wine firms informs the authenticity of specific brands. Creating an impression of authenticity required creating a sincere story consisting of a creative blend of industrial and rhetorical attributes. Sincerity was achieved through the public avowal of hand crafted techniques, uniqueness, relationship to place, passion for wine production, and the simultaneous disavowal of commercial motives, rational production methods, and the use of modern marketing techniques. For the wineries, appearing authentic was critical in order to reinforce their status, command price premiums and ward off competitors. Images of authenticity were accomplished by developing a sincere story that enabled the firms to maintain quality and relevance while appearing above commercial considerations. This was achieved through the deliberate decoupling of their technical core from their espoused communications.
From the Critics’ Corner: Logic Blending, Discursive Change and Authenticity in a Cultural Production System*
Authors: Glynn Mary Ann , Lounsbury Michael
Published: July 2005

abstractDrawing on an analysis of critics’ reviews of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) performances, we investigate how broader shifts in institutional logics shape the discourse of critics and their judgment of performances. We highlight how the aesthetic logic that traditionally informs the practices of the symphony yielded, in the face of declining orchestral resources, to a more commercially oriented market logic. As institutionalists have argued, shifts in logics are often catalysed by exogenous shocks. In the ASO, this blending of aesthetic and market logics became salient in the wake of a pivotal organizational event, the 1996 musicians’ strike. Qualitatively comparing pre‐ and post‐strike reviews of ASO performances, we find that the discourse of critics shifted to capture the changing logic of the symphony: post‐strike reviews were more attuned to market than aesthetic aspects of the symphony. Nonetheless, their reviews suggested that judgments based on notions of cultural authenticity were virtually unaffected. Although our results echo existing claims that art world critics often act in a ritualistic fashion, serving as gatekeepers for the authenticity of cultural genres, we extend scholarship by highlighting how critics’ stories are embedded in broader discursive fields that reveal how they patrol the boundaries of genres.
CEO Portraits and the Authenticity Paradox*
Authors: Guthey Eric , Jackson Brad
Published: July 2005

abstractTop executive and CEO portraits represent significant sites for the visual construction of corporate identity and image, but they also highlight what we call the authenticity paradox. At first glance such photographs may appear to convey an impression of the kind of authentic presence many consider crucial for establishing a strong corporate image. But a closer look at the constructed nature of both CEO identity and portrait photography lays bare the elusive nature of authenticity itself, as well as the way that CEO portraits can function also to expose the corporation's chronic lack of authenticity. We explore the authenticity paradox and its implications by means of an analysis of executive portraits taken by one prominent Danish photographer, Per Morten Abrahamsen. We also map out an agenda for the further exploration of CEO portraits and images as an important element in the social and symbolic construction of business leadership.
A Modular account of null objects in French
Authors: Cummins Sarah , Roberge Yves
Published: July 2005

Abstract.  The interaction among pragmatics, semantics, and grammar and their shared responsibility for interpretation are essential factors in linguistic analysis. This paper explores the interpretation of null objects (NOs) in French from this perspective. Previous accounts have determined two major classes based on the referentiality of the NO; however, these analyses end up, paradoxically, with a semantically vague description of the difference, resorting to undefined notions of identifiability, topic/focus, or probable reference. Starting from the assumption that all NOs are syntactically represented, we tease apart the contributions of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, which turn out to be simple and straightforward. We propose a typology comprising two syntactic types of NO; further nuances are a function of the varying contributions of verbal semantics and pragmatics.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL URBAN SURVEY OF SAGALASSOS (SOUTH‐WEST TURKEY): THE POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SURVEYING A ‘NON‐TYPICAL’ CLASSICAL SITE
Authors: MARTENS FEMKE
Published: July 2005

Summary.The merits of surface survey as a non‐destructive method of investigating ancient regions and towns are widely acknowledged, as is the lack of ‘cookbook strategies’ for this type of research. For the urban survey of the Roman town of Sagalassos (South‐West Turkey), a site‐specific field strategy was developed to study the functional organization and spatial evolution of the urban area. The location of the town on a steeply sloping and uncultivated site presented a totally different situation from any dealt with in other Mediterranean urban surveys. This paper outlines the development of a survey strategy for the town through a process of trial and error. Reliable results were obtained by combining research techniques and acknowledging the impact of site formation processes and post‐depositional disturbances upon the surface record.
Clinical characteristics and mid‐term prognosis of acute coronary syndrome in HIV‐infected patients on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Boccara F , Ederhy S , Janower S , Benyounes N , Odi G , Cohen A
Published: July 2005

Objectives

Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) and coronary artery disease are emerging complications in HIV‐infected patients on highly active antiretroviral treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the mid‐term prognosis of ACS in HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

We evaluated the clinical characteristics and follow‐up profile [38±15 months; mean±standard deviation (SD)] of ACS in 20 HIV‐infected patients (mean ±SD: age 44±8 years; range 35–65 years). All had coronary angiograms performed mean time 3±48 h after the onset of symptoms.

Results

Eighteen patients were on antiretroviral therapy, of whom 13 patients were on regimens including protease inhibitors (mean duration±SD: 19±13 months). Fifteen patients had a first episode of ST segment elevation ACS and five had non‐ST segment elevation ACS. Tobacco consumption (80%) and hypercholesterolaemia (50%) were the most frequent cardiovascular risk factors. During initial hospitalization, four patients were treated with thrombolysis, two had primary coronary angioplasty and seven had secondary coronary angioplasty. At follow up, 10 patients (50%) had had 18 cardiovascular events: one cardiovascular death, seven episodes of recurrent myocardial ischaemia in four patients, three pulmonary oedemas in two patients, and seven revascularization procedures in five patients.

Conclusions

This preliminary report highlights the risk of ACS and related complications in HIV‐infected patients and raises questions regarding the implications of antiretroviral treatment.
Lipoatrophic men 44 months after the diagnosis of lipoatrophy are less lipoatrophic but more hypertensive
Authors: Bergersen BM , Sandvik L , Ellingsen I , Bruun JN
Published: July 2005

Objectives

To identify clinical factors associated with HIV‐associated lipoatrophy and to evaluate body composition changes, blood pressure and lipid levels in lipoatrophic subjects 3–4 years after the atrophy diagnosis.

Methods

Clinical signs of lipoatrophy were assessed in 308 ambulant HIV‐positive patients in 2000–2001. Possible clinical risk factors, such as age, gender, race, wasting, duration of HIV infection, presence or absence of AIDS diagnosis, viral load and CD4 count, and detailed information about drug treatment were analysed and explored in a multivariate model. Lipoatrophic white males with triceps skin fold <10 mm were re‐examined after 44 months. Signs of lipoatrophy and associated factors, blood pressure, lipid levels, diet and level of exercise at first and second visits were compared.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, significant clinical risk factors for lipoatrophy were weight loss >7 kg compared to normal weight [odds ratio (OR) 3.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80–7.82; P<0.001], current and/or previous use of stavudine (OR 3.72; 95% CI 1.57–8.83; P=0.003) and duration of HIV infection >80 months (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.13–4.59; P=0.021). Forty of 47 lipoatrophic white males with skin fold<10 mm were available for re‐examination. Of these, 15 (38%) no longer fulfilled the atrophy diagnosis (P<0.001). The prevalence of arm atrophy fell from 63 to 28% (P=0.001) and facial atrophy from 55 to 43% (P=0.23). Use of stavudine for<36 months was significantly associated with lipoatrophy reversal (OR 5.00; 95% CI 1.15–21.80; P=0.032), but weight gain and increased CD4 count were not. Prevalence of hypertension increased from 28 to 50% (P=0.035), mean systolic blood pressure from 130±14 to 136±19 mmHg (P=0.021) and diastolic blood pressure from 82±10 to 87±12 mmHg (P<0.001). In spite of increased use of lipid‐lowering drugs (from two to nine patients), levels of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were unchanged.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that weight loss >7 kg, use of stavudine and long duration of HIV infection were significant risk factors for clinical lipoatrophy. Clinical lipoatrophy was partly reversible, and <36 months on stavudine was significantly associated with atrophy reversal. The prevalence of hypertension and the yearly increase of mean blood pressure were disturbingly high in these patients. However, the number of patients in this study was limited, and prospective studies in larger cohorts are required to confirm these findings.