bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Essential Role for Talin during αMβ2-mediated Phagocytosis
Authors: Lim Jenson , Wiedemann Agnès , Tzircotis George , Monkley Susan J. , Critchley David R. , Caron Emmanuelle
Published: January 2007

The cytoskeletal, actin-binding protein talin has been previously implicated in phagocytosis in Dictyostelium discoideum and mammalian phagocytes. However, its mechanism of action during internalization is not understood. Our data confirm that endogenous talin can occasionally be found at phagosomes forming around IgG- and C3bi-opsonized red blood cells in macrophages. Remarkably, talin knockdown specifically abrogates uptake through complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18, αMβ2integrin) and not through the Fc γ receptor. We show that talin physically interacts with CR3/αMβ2and that this interaction involves the talin head domain and residues W747 and F754 in the β2integrin cytoplasmic domain. The CR3/αMβ2–talin head interaction controls not only talin recruitment to forming phagosomes but also CR3/αMβ2binding activity, both in macrophages and transfected fibroblasts. However, the talin head domain alone cannot support phagocytosis. Our results establish for the first time at least two distinct roles for talin during CR3/αMβ2-mediated phagocytosis, most noticeably activation of the CR3/αMβ2receptor and phagocytic uptake.
Normative Values of Olfactory Function Testing Using the ‘Sniffin’ Sticks'
Authors: Katotomichelakis Michael , Balatsouras Dimitrios , Tripsianis Gregori , Tsaroucha Aleka , Homsioglou Elias , Danielides Vassilios
Published: January 2007

Objectives: Quantitative olfactory assessment is often neglected in clinical practice, although olfactory loss can assist to diagnosis and may lead to significant morbidity. “Sniffin' Sticks” is a modern test of nasal chemosensory performance that is based on penlike odor‐dispensing devices. It consists of three tests of olfactory function: odor threshold, odor discrimination, and odor identification. The results of this test may be presented as a composite threshold–discrimination–identification (TDI) score. The aim of this study was first to develop normative data of olfactory function for the Greek population using this test and second to relate olfactory performance to age, sex, and side examined.

Study Design: The authors conducted a prospective clinical trial.

Methods: A total of 93 healthy subjects were included in the study, 48 males and 45 females, mean age of 44.5 years (range, 6–84 years).

Results: A database of normal values for olfactory testing was established for the Greek population. Females performed better than males and older subjects performed less efficiently in all tests. We also found a right nostril advantage compared with the left. Additionally, scores obtained from bilateral presentation were similar with scores obtained from the nostril with the better performance.

Conclusions: The “Sniffin' Sticks” can be used effectively in the Greek population to evaluate olfactory performance. Mean values of olfactory tests obtained were better in comparison with data from settings located in central and northern Europe.
Intrahepatic Cystic Lesions After Hepatic Portoenterostomy for Biliary Atresia With Bile Lake and Dilated Bile Ducts
Authors: Tainaka Takahisa , Kaneko Kenitiro , Seo Takahiko , Ono Yasuyuki , Sumida Wataru , Ando Hisami
Published: January 2007

Background:

Intrahepatic cystic lesions develop after hepatic portoenterostomy in some patients with biliary atresia and have been regarded as an indication of poor prognosis; however, there is confusion about the terminology and concepts of the lesions. We investigated whether the cystic lesions constituted a single entity.

Patients and Methods:

From 1980 to 2005, we encountered 80 patients with biliary atresia. Abdominal ultrasonography disclosed intrahepatic cystic lesions in 20 (25%) patients after hepatic portoenterostomy. The cystic lesions were analyzed morphologically with radiologic imaging studies and histologically in 13 patients who underwent liver transplantation.

Results:

Fifteen patients had solitary simple cystic lesions, and 5 patients had multiple continuous oval or beaded lesions. Solitary lesions had a fibrotic cyst wall and lacked epithelia. Continuous lesions had a cyst wall covered with biliary epithelia. Thirteen patients with solitary cysts died or required liver transplantation. In 2 patients with continuous lesions, surgical reboring of the porta hepatis could eliminate cystic lesions and jaundice.

Conclusions:

Intrahepatic cystic lesions include 2 different conditions. Solitary cysts are retention pseudocysts, which should be referred to as a bile lake, and are associated with poor prognosis. Continuous beaded cysts are dilated bile ducts, which may be reversed. This distinction is important when considering the treatment strategy.
Natural History of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Children of Different Ethnic Origins: A Cohort Study with Up to 12 Years' Follow‐up in Northern Greece
Authors: Zacharakis George , Koskinas John , Kotsiou Stamatia , Pouliou Evaggelia , Papoutselis Menelaos , Tzara Fevronia , Vafeiadis Nikolaos , Maltezos Eustratios , Archimandritis Athanasios , Papoutselis Kostantinos
Published: January 2007

Aim:

To investigate the mode of transmission and the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children of different ethnicities in Greece. This study was part of the Interreg I‐II EC project.

Patients and Methods:

One hundred seventy‐three hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)(+) carriers, median age 6.9 (5–12) y, were prospectively followed‐up for a mean period of 5.3 (1–12) y for serological markers of HBV infection, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBV‐DNA, α‐fetoprotein levels and ultrasonography.

Results:

Vertical transmission predominates (61.8%) in Moslem children and horizontal (44%) in those born in Russia. At entry, 73 of 173 (42%) HBsAg(+) genotype D children were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)(+), ranging from 27% to 67% among ethnic groups; 55 of 173 (32%) had ALT > 2 × upper normal limit (UNL), ranging from 21% to 39%. Of 100 anti‐HBe(+) children, 85 (85%) were inactive carriers. During the follow‐up period, seroconversion to anti‐HBe was observed in 40 of 73 (55%) children with an annual rate of 11%; 35 of 40 (87.5%) had biochemical remission, and 28 of 35 (80%) lost HBV‐DNA. In the anti‐HBe(+) group, 27 of 100 (27%) lost HBV‐DNA and 9 of 100 (9%) lost HBsAg. The annual seroconversion rate for HBeAg was significantly lower: in children with vertical transmission compared with horizontal (7.7% vs 14.8%, respectively, P < 0.001) and in Muslim children compared with both Christian children and those born in Russia (8.6% vs 12%, respectively, P < 0.001). No differences were found among the ethnic groups after adjusting for the mode of infection. Two of 173 children had progression of liver disease.

Conclusions:

The differences in HBeAg(+) status and seroconversion rate among the ethnic groups are related to the time/mode of HBV infection. The majority of children who developed anti‐HBe immunity had biochemical remission, and a substantial number of the inactive carriers lost viremia during the observation period of up to 12 y.
The association between the proximal extension of the clot and the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE): a proposal for a new radiological score for PE
Authors: Ghanima W. , Abdelnoor M. , Holmen L. O. , Nielssen B. E. , Sandset P. M.
Published: January 2007

Background.  The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the proximal level of the clot and the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods.  The cohort consisted of 99 consecutive patients with PE diagnosed by multi‐detector computed tomography. A new score was constructed by calculating the mean value of the largest affected vessel [sub‐segmental = 1, segmental = 2, lobar = 3, main pulmonary artery (MPA) = 4] in each lung.

Results.  A significant association was found between the most proximal level of PE and pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI) (P < 0.0001), right ventricular (RV)/left ventricular (LV) ratio (P < 0.0001), and PaO2 (P = 0.004). No significant association was found between systolic blood pressure and the level of PE. Troponin‐T was elevated in none of the sub‐segmental, 5% of segmental, 20% of lobar, and in 56% of PEs in the MPA (P = 0.001). Significant association was found between the proposed score and PAOI (P < 0.0001), RV/LV ratio (P < 0.0001), PaO2 (P < 0.008). Troponin‐T was elevated in 10% of level 1, 0% of level 2, 43% level of 3, 66% of level 4 PE (P < 0.0001). Cut‐off level score 4 yielded a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 74% for the detection of elevated troponin‐T.

Conclusions.  In conclusion, the study indicates that both the most proximal level of PE and the proposed score are related to the severity of PE as determined by blood oxygenation, biochemical and radiological parameters and could therefore be of value for rapid risk stratification of PE. However, the prognostic value of these classifications and their clinical significance needs to be evaluated in properly designed studies.
Polycystic kidney disease: genes, proteins, animal models, disease mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Torres V. E. , Harris P. C.
Published: January 2007

An increased understanding of the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the development of polycystic kidney disease has laid out the foundation for the development of rational therapies. Many animal models where these therapies can be tested are currently available. This review summarizes the rationale for these treatments, the results of preclinical trials and the prospects for clinical trials, some already in early phases of implementation.
Cutaneous and ocular adverse reactions in a dog following meloxicam administration
Authors: Niza Maria M. R. E. , Félix Nuno , Vilela Cristina L. , Peleteiro Maria C. , Ferreira Antonio J. A.
Published: January 2007

The present report addresses the development of cutaneous and ocular reactions possibly related to meloxicam administration in a dog.

Based on clinical signs and absence of laboratory data compatible with the other differential diagnoses considered, the possibility of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) due to meloxicam was considered. Skin biopsy revealed haemorrhage of the superficial and deep dermis, associated with hyperplasia of endothelial cells and epidermal sloughing. Vasculitis in the deep dermis was also noted. Such lesions were considered compatible with an ADR. Although the owner was not aware of any previous allergic reaction to drugs, the animal had a clinical history of atopic dermatitis.

Meloxicam is a nonsteroid anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the oxicam family, indicated for the control of inflammation and pain in acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders in dogs. Although meloxicam is usually well tolerated, the present clinical case represents an alert to practitioners about the potential role of NSAIDS in ADRs in dogs with a history of allergic cutaneous diseases.
Effect of hCG Stimulation on Plasma Androstenone Concentrations and Cytochrome b5 Levels in Testicular Tissue
Authors: Zamaratskaia G , Lou Y , Chen G , Andresen Ø , Lundström K , Squires EJ
Published: January 2007

Contents

The effect of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation on the concentrations of free and conjugated androstenone in plasma was studied in 34 crossbred entire male pigs (Landrace × Swedish Yorkshire). Seventeen pigs were treated with hCG 4 days prior to slaughter and the remaining pigs were treated with sterile saline and served as controls. Blood samples were taken prior to hCG or saline injection and on the day before slaughter and analysed for concentrations of free and conjugated androstenone. Testicular tissue samples were taken at slaughter and analysed for the levels of cytochrome b5 (cyb5) protein. Here we have demonstrated for the first time that hCG stimulation causes an increase in the plasma levels of both free and conjugated androstenone. Not all animals responded in the same way to hCG treatment regarding levels of free and conjugated androstenone demonstrating that individual animals can have differences in their capacity to produce free and conjugated androstenone. We suggest that hCG treatment is a good way to determine the potential for androstenone conjugation when androstenone synthesis in the testis is high. The levels of cyb5 protein in the testis were slightly related (r = 0.41, p < 0.10) to free androstenone levels in the pigs after hCG administration, although levels of cyb5 protein were not affected by hCG treatment.
A stygobitic Carabhydrus Watts (Dytiscidae, Coleoptera) from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Watts Chris H S , Hancock Peter J , Leys Remko
Published: January 2007

Abstract  In this paper, the first discovery of a stygobitic beetle in eastern Australia, from the Pages River and Dart Brook alluviums in the upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales is reported. Carabhydrus stephanieae sp. nov. (Dytiscidae, Hydroporini) is described and figured. An analysis of the complete tRNA‐leu gene, part of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and part of the NADH dehdrogenase subunit 1 gene was used to assess its relationship with congeneric surface species.
British Devolution and the Labour Party: How a National Party Adapts to Devolution
Authors: Laffin Martin , Shaw Eric
Published: January 2007

In 1999 the Labour government in the UK devolved significant powers to the newly created Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales. This article concludes that the British Labour Party, as a national party, has not formally reorganised itself to reflect the new realities of devolution. Rather, the national ruling elite has continued to stress the importance of maintaining the valuable Labour brand to ensure the electability of the party at Westminster and retain the possibility of using party links to co-ordinate policy on devolved matters across Britain. Even so, the regional Labour elites in Scotland and Wales have acquired the freedom to make significant strategic choices in terms of policy and electoral strategy. However, these choices are ultimately constrained by tacit, intra-party understandings and ‘rules of the game’.
Contesting “Corporate Value” Through Takeover Bids in Japan
Authors: Whittaker D. Hugh , Hayakawa Masaru
Published: January 2007

Livedoor’s attempted takeover of Nippon Broadcasting System in February 2005 marked a watershed in the history of mergers and acquisitions in Japan. The drama was played out in public, changing popular perceptions, influencing policy makers and sending managers scurrying to debate and erect legitimate defence measures in case they themselves should be targeted. Tensions on the investor relations interface were not subsequently reversed by Livedoor’s equally dramatic demise. The article considers the rise of takeover bids in Japan, responses to it, and their significance for corporate control and governance, as well as for the “community firm”.
Principles and Agents: CalPERS and corporate governance in Japan
Authors: Jacoby Sanford M.
Published: January 2007

A growing literature discusses the convergence of national systems of corporate governance. Fostering convergence are activist institutional investors, especially from the United States. The following is a case study of one institutional investor – the giant pension fund, CalPERS – and its efforts to change governance in Japan over the past 15 years. CalPERS’ involvement in Japan went through three stages: solo activism; cultivation of local partners; and, most recently, a shift from marketwide activism to company‐level relational investing. Although CalPERS has had some success in changing Japanese corporate governance, economic and political factors have limited its influence and permitted the persistence of Japan’s distinctive governance system.
An American Perspective on the EU's Constitutional Treaty
Authors: Sbragia Alberta
Published: January 2007

This article argues that the American experience can help illuminate some of the tensions surrounding the European Union's embattled Constitutional Treaty. I want to emphasise, however, that I am not trying to make any rigorous comparative statement here. I am not arguing that the United States and the EU are similar. They have developed in very different historical periods: the 13 colonies were certainly not equivalent to the old and well-established nation states which form the EU. Nonetheless, I am saying that some aspects of the American experience may be useful in thinking about the current state of tension which surrounds the process of European integration. In this article, therefore, I shall very schematically contrast the American and the European experience of integration and use that contrast to help illuminate the tensions which are now at work in the EU.
A diagnostic algorithm for male genital oedema
Authors: Weinberger LN , Zirwas MJ , English JC
Published: January 2007

Male genital oedema can be defined as swelling or the appearance of swelling of the scrotum and/or the penile shaft and prepuce. Despite the various causes of genital oedema reported in the published work, a concise approach to the evaluation and management has not been sufficiently addressed.
Simvastatin protects neurons from cytotoxicity by up‐regulating Bcl‐2 mRNA and protein
Authors: Johnson‐Anuna Leslie N. , Eckert Gunter P. , Franke Cornelia , Igbavboa Urule , Müller Walter E. , Wood W. Gibson
Published: January 2007

Statins are most commonly prescribed to reduce hypercholesterolemia; however, recent studies have shown that statins have additional benefits, including neuroprotection. Until now, the mechanism underlying statin‐induced neuroprotection has been poorly understood. Recent in vivo studies from our lab reported the novel finding that simvastatin increased expression levels of a gene encoding for a major cell survival protein, bcl‐2 [Johnson‐Anuna et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.312 (2005) 786]. The purpose of the present experiments was to determine if simvastatin could protect neurons from excitotoxicity by altering Bcl‐2 levels. Neurons were pre‐treated with simvastatin and challenged with a compound known to reduce Bcl‐2 levels and induce cell death. Simvastatin pre‐treatment resulted in a significant reduction in cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase release and caspase 3 activation) following challenge compared with unchallenged neurons. In addition, chronic simvastatin treatment significantly increased Bcl‐2 mRNA and protein levels while challenge resulted in a significant reduction in Bcl‐2 protein abundance. G3139, an antisense oligonucleotide directed against Bcl‐2, abolished the protective effects of simvastatin and eliminated simvastatin‐induced up‐regulation of Bcl‐2 protein. These findings suggest that neuroprotection by simvastatin is dependent on the drug’s previously unexplored and important effect of up‐regulating Bcl‐2.
Designing the Cash and Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation
Authors: Doty Pamela , Mahoney Kevin J. , Simon‐Rusinowitz Lori
Published: January 2007

Objective. The Cash and Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation (CCDE) was designed as an experiment in shifting the paradigm in home and community‐based long‐term care from a professional/bureaucratic model of service delivery to one emphasizing consumer choice and control. The experimental intervention was an individualized budget offered in lieu of traditional Medicaid‐covered services, such as agency‐delivered aide services or a plan of care developed and coordinated by a professional case‐manager, which typically involves authorization for several different providers to deliver a range of services. Within the spending limits established by their budgets, program participants were largely free to choose the types and amounts of paid services and supports they judged best able to meet their disability‐related personal assistance needs.

Study Population. Medicaid beneficiaries in selected states who volunteered to participate. In all of the participating state Medicaid programs, beneficiaries eligible to participate included elders and younger adults with chronic disabilities and, in one state, adults and children with mental retardation/developmental disabilities could also participate. Minor children and adults with cognitive impairment could participate via representatives (family or friends who agreed to assist them in managing their services or to act as their surrogate decision‐makers).

Data Sources. Members of the CCDE management team describe the rationale for and implications of key design decisions.

Study Design. Key design decisions included the choice of research methodology (random assignment of CCDE participants in each state to treatment and control groups), selection of the state sites (AR, FL, NJ, NY), and the need for the CCDE to comply with federal waiver requirements for Medicaid research and demonstration projects.

Principle Findings. The CCDE design was successfully implemented in three of the four state Medicaid programs selected for participation.

Conclusions. The successful implementation of the CCDE (results from the evaluation are reported elsewhere) led to replication efforts in other states. The CCDE also inspired changes in Medicaid law and policy, including the 2002 “Independence Plus” Initiative by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and sections of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 intended to promote consumer‐direction in Medicaid.
Risk‐Based Environmental Remediation: Bayesian Monte Carlo Analysis and the Expected Value of Sample Information
Authors: Dakins Maxine E. , Toll John E. , Small Mitchell J. , Brand Kevin P.
Published: January 2007

A methodology that simulates outcomes from future data collection programs, utilizes Bayesian Monte Carlo analysis to predict the resulting reduction in uncertainty in an environmental fate‐and‐transport model, and estimates the expected value of this reduction in uncertainty to a risk‐based environmental remediation decision is illustrated considering polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) sediment contamination and uptake by winter flounder in New Bedford Harbor, MA. The expected value of sample information (EVSI), the difference between the expected loss of the optimal decision based on the prior uncertainty analysis and the expected loss of the optimal decision from an updated information state, is calculated for several sampling plan. For the illustrative application we have posed, the EVSI for a sampling plan of two data points is $9.4 million, for five data points is $10.4 million, and for ten data points is $11.5 million. The EVSI for sampling plans involving larger numbers of data points is bounded by the expected value of perfect information, $15.6 million. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine the effect of selected model structure and parametric assumptions on the optimal decision and the EVSI. The optimal decision (total area to be dredged) is sensitive to the assumption of linearity between PCB sediment concentration and flounder PCB body burden and to the assumed relationship between area dredged and the harbor‐wide average sediment PCB concentration; these assumptions also have a moderate impact on the computed EVSI. The EVSI is most sensitive to the unit cost of remediation and rather insensitive to the penalty cost associated with under‐remediation.
Identifying Dangerous Trucking Firms
Authors: Moses Leon N. , Savage Ian
Published: January 2007

The paper develops a statistical procedure for predicting the safety performance of motor carriers based on characteristics of firms and results of two government safety enforcement programs. One program is an audit of management safety practices, and the other is a program to inspect drivers and vehicles at the roadside for compliance with safety regulations. The technique can be used to provide safety regulators with an empirical approach to identify the most dangerous firms and provide a priority list of firms against which educational and enforcement actions should be initiated. The government needs to use such an approach rather than directly observing accident rates because the most dangerous firms are generally small and, despite relatively high accident rates, accidents remain rare events. The technique uses negative‐binomial regression procedures on a dataset of 20,000 firms. The definition of poor performance in roadside inspection is based on both the rate of inspections per fleet mile and the average number of violations found during an inspection. This choice was made because selection for inspection has both a random and nonrandom component. The results of the study suggest that both of the government's safety programs help identify the most dangerous firms. The 2.5% of firms that do poorly in both programs have an average accident rate twice that of the mean for all other firms.
A Simple Upper Limit for the Sum of the Risks of the Components in a Mixture
Authors: Gaylor David W. , Chen James J.
Published: January 2007

Natural or manufactured products may contain mixtures of carcinogens and the human environment certainly contains mixtures of carcinogens. Various authors have shown that the total risk of a mixture can be approximated by the sum of the risks of the individual components under a variety of conditions at low doses. Under these conditions, summing the individual estimated upper bound risks, as currently often done, is too conservative because it is unlikely that all risks for a mixture are at their maximum levels simultaneously. In the absence of synergism, a simple procedure is proposed for estimating a more appropriate upper bound of the additive risks for a mixture of carcinogens. These simple limits also apply to noncancer endpoints when the risks of the components are approximately additive.
Reconceptualizing Dialogue in Environmental Public Participation
Authors: Hamilton Jennifer Duffield , Wills‐Toker Caitlin
Published: January 2007

In this article we argue that the attempt to overcome technical dominance with democratic procedures has reduced communication to fair procedural rules that do not fully recognize the rhetorical functions of dialogue. The meaning generation process, although important, is not sufficiently accounted for in current participation theories and models. Here, we use Mikhail Bakhtin's dialogic perspective to explore a “sense‐making” discourse that includes embracing differences, generating new meanings, and engaging in an open‐ended dialogue. This mode of discourse works to construct understanding through a multi‐voiced, ongoing struggle among perspectives. It intermingles with a problem‐solving discourse focused on developing agreement among disparate views within democratic processes. These types of discourse have differing, yet complimentary goals and we see them as alternating throughout public participation to encourage long‐term interaction and relationship building. We highlight techniques that illustrate some ways of encouraging a sense‐making discourse and touch upon several lessons they provide for implementing this type of discourse within democratic models.
Multiple juvenile xanthogranulomas successfully treated with CO2 laser
Authors: Klemke Claus‐Detlev , Held Bjšrn , Dippel Edgar , Goerdt Sergij
Published: January 2007

Juvenile xanthogranulomas are a rare disease entity within the spectrum of cutaneous non‐Langerhans cell histiocytoses characterized by single or multiple cutaneous xanthogranulomas without further organ involvement. A 16‐year‐old girl developed multiple xanthogranulomas in various skin regions, especially the trunk and the flexural areas, over a period of 6 months. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by H&E histology, showing a histiocytic infiltrate admixed with foam cells and Touton giant cells, and by immunohistochemistry using anti‐bodies to stabilin‐1 whose expression is highly specific for cutaneous non‐Langerhans cell histiocytoses. No diabetes insipidus, pituitary hyperplasia or paraproteinemia were observed. Skin lesions were treated with a CO2 laser and did not reappear during a 5 years follow‐up period.
Genital and Subjective Measurement of the Time Course Effects of an Acute Dose of Testosterone vs. Placebo in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Heard-Davison Amy , Heiman Julia R. , Kuffel Stephanie
Published: January 2007

Introduction

Recent research on the impact of testosterone (T) on female sexual function has yielded inconsistent results, and few studies have used physiological measures of genital arousal.

Aim

This study examined the effects of an acute dose of methyltestosterone (MT) on physiological (genital) and subjective sexual response in postmenopausal women.

Main Outcome Measures

Vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) and self-reported sexual response.

Methods

Randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial of 5 mg MT, consisting of two separate 8-hour visits. Participants were 10 postmenopausal women without sexual dysfunction. Participants viewed both neutral and erotic video segments during five post-dose trials while their genital and subjective responses were monitored.

Results

The Wilcoxon signed rank test indicated a significant difference in VPA between the T (M=0.018, SD=0.018) and placebo (M=0.016, SD=0.017) conditions at 4.5 hours post-dose (P =0.03). Higher difference scores were noted for 80% of subjects during the T condition at 4.5 hours, in contrast with only 50% of subjects responding to T at the other four time points. No differences were found on VPA relative change scores or subjective sexual arousal scores. When summed across all five time points, genital and subjective measures were correlated regardless of medication condition (0.62 and 0.60 for self-reported physical and mental sexual arousal scores, respectively).

Conclusion

These findings in postmenopausal women combined with those of two previous investigations in premenopausal women demonstrate a probable acute-dose time delay for genital sexual effects of exogenous T with no change in self-reported sexual arousal. Further investigation is needed to determine whether acute dosing of T has a consistent and predictable impact on genital arousal that has promise for the treatment of any subgroup of women with sexual disorders.
Design of Flexure Pivot Tilting Pads Gas Bearings for High-speed Oil-Free Microturbomachinery
Authors: Sim Kyuho , Kim Daejong
Published: January 2007

This paper introduces flexure pivot tilting pad gas bearings with pad radial compliance for high-speed oil-free microturbomachinery. The pad radial compliance was for accommodation of rotor centrifugal growth at high speeds. Analytical equation for the rotor centrifugal growth based on plane stress model agreed very well with finite element method results. Parametric studies on pivot offset, preload, and tilting stiffness were performed using nonlinear orbit simulations and coast-down simulations. Higher preload and pivot offset increased both critical speeds of the rotor-bearing system and onset speeds of instability due to the increased wedge effect. Pad radial stiffness and nominal bearing clearance were very important design parameters for high-speed applications due to the physically existing rotor centrifugal growth. From the series of parametric studies, the maximum achievable rotor speed was limited by the minimum clearance at the pad pivot calculated from the rotor growth and radial deflection of pads due to hydrodynamic pressure. Pad radial stiffness also affects the rotor instability significantly. Small radial stiffness could accommodate rotor growth more effectively but deteriorated rotor instability. From parametric studies on a bearing with 28.5mm in diameter and 33.2mm in length, optimum pad radial stiffness and bearing clearance are 1-2×107N∕m and 35μm, respectively, and the maximum achievable speed appears 180krpm. The final design with suggested optimum design variables could be also stable under relatively large destabilizing forces.
Substantial Improvements in Performance Indicators Achieved in a Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Cryopreservation Quality Assurance Program Using Single Donor Samples
Authors: Dyer Wayne B. , Pett Sarah L. , Sullivan John S. , Emery Sean , Cooper David A. , Kelleher Anthony D. , Lloyd Andrew , Lewin Sharon R.
Published: January 2007

Storage of high-quality cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) is often a requirement for multicenter clinical trials and requires a reproducibly high standard of practice. A quality assurance program (QAP) was established to assess an Australia-wide network of laboratories in the provision of high-quality PBMC (determined by yield, viability, and function), using blood taken from single donors (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] positive and HIV negative) and shipped to each site for preparation and cryopreservation of PBMC. The aim of the QAP was to provide laboratory accreditation for participation in clinical trials and cohort studies which require preparation and cryopreservation of PBMC and to assist all laboratories to prepare PBMC with a viability of >80% and yield of >50% following thawing. Many laboratories failed to reach this standard on the initial QAP round. Interventions to improve performance included telephone interviews with the staff at each laboratory, two annual wet workshops, and direct access to a senior scientist to discuss performance following each QAP round. Performance improved substantially in the majority of sites that initially failed the QAP (
P
= 0.002 and
P
= 0.001 for viability and yield, respectively). In a minority of laboratories, there was no improvement (
n
= 2), while a high standard was retained at the laboratories that commenced with adequate performance (
n
= 3). These findings demonstrate that simple interventions and monitoring of PBMC preparation and cryopreservation from multiple laboratories can significantly improve performance and contribute to maintenance of a network of laboratories accredited for quality PBMC fractionation and cryopreservation.
Validation of MERIS Cloud-Top Pressure Using Airborne Lidar Measurements
Authors: Lindstrot Rasmus , Preusker Rene , Ruhtz Thomas , Heese Birgit , Wiegner Matthias , Lindemann Carsten , Fischer Jürgen
Published: January 2007

The results of a validation of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) operational Medium-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) cloud-top pressure (CTP) product by airborne lidar measurements are presented. MERIS, mounted on the polar-orbiting ESA Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT), provides radiance measurements within the oxygen A absorption band around 761 nm. The exploitation of these data allows the retrieval of CTP. The validation flights were performed in the northeastern part of Germany between April and June 2004 and were temporally and spatially synchronized with the ENVISAT overpasses. The Cessna 207T of the Freie Universität Berlin was equipped with the portable lidar system (POLIS) of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and a GPS navigation system. The maximum flying altitude was around 3000 m; therefore, the validation measurements were limited to situations with low-level clouds only. The validation was done by comparing MERIS data and lidar data. The statistical analysis of the observations revealed a high accuracy of the MERIS CTP product for low-level clouds, apart from a slight systematic overestimation of cloud-top heights. The root-mean-square error was 249 m, with a bias of +232 m. In the average top height level of ∼2000 m, these values are commensurate to pressure values of 24 hPa (rmse) and −22 hPa (bias). Furthermore, this validation campaign revealed deficiencies of the MERIS cloud mask to detect small-scale broken clouds.
The Influence of Corporate Front-Group Stealth Campaigns
Authors: Pfau Michael , Haigh Michel M. , Sims Jeanetta , Wigley Shelley
Published: January 2007

This research examined corporate front-group stealth campaigns. An experiment was conducted to examine the influence of front-group stealth campaigns on a variety of measures. It was anticipated that corporate front-group stealth campaigns, which feature names that mask the true interests of sponsors, positively affect public opinion, unless they are exposed as intentionally misleading, in which case they boomerang against sponsors. The experiment examined the potential of the inoculation strategy to preempt the influence of corporate front-group stealth campaigns. The pattern of results supported all of these expectations. Front-group stealth campaigns proved to be effective, at least in the short term. Front-group stealth campaigns eroded public attitudes toward the issue in question and boosted perceptions of the front group, but not the corporate sponsor. However, when front-group stealth campaigns were subsequently exposed, positive effects dissipated and perceptions of corporate sponsors boomeranged. Results revealed that inoculation can protect against the influence of front-group stealth campaigns.
Defending workers’ rights in China
Authors: Harris Jerry , Munro Robin , Zhang Michael
Published: January 2007

China’s tremendous economic growth over the last two decades has begun a historic shift away from the economic dominance of the West that is the subject of much commentary and debate. Far less known is the impact on Chinese workers themselves, who are frequently denied the rights laid down in labour laws and also lack the protection of public health services or unemployment benefits. Protests against these conditions are steadily growing. China Labour Bulletin is one NGO that acts to defend workers’ rights and publicise the present situation.
The Philosophical Foundations of Knowledge Management: Editors' Introduction
Authors: Spender J.-C. , Scherer Andreas Georg
Published: January 2007

Our work on this Special Issue began with a showcase symposium on the philosophical foundations of knowledge management (KM) at the AoM 2004 Meeting and was continued through KM tracks at the EURAM 2005 and EGOS 2005 Conferences. Our hope was to corral the variety of approaches in the KM literature and expose solid underpinnings against which the field's development might be gauged. We were unclear whether these would be axiomatic principles that defined the field or a set of professionally accepted KM practices. The call for papers went out in Fall 2004 and was published in the November 2004 issue of Organization. In our call we asked for advances to the discussion rather than mere reiteration of the already appreciated. Our authors and reviewers made great efforts and we learned much from their submissions, both those included and those turned away, and from the many reviews. However, we found deep disagreements, both among our reviewers about the submissions—and among everyone about the topic area generally. Clearly KM frustrates readers, authors, and reviewers alike; hence the temptation to dismiss it as yet another management fad, as many do. But there is an undeniable enthusiasm for KM among managers and academics, so our first thought was ‘To what problem is KM the answer?’. Framing the question well often takes one towards the answer—so if we puzzle out KM's problematics we may find ourselves moving towards the underpinnings we are looking for.
Effect of a school health programme on ensuring safe environments for primary school children
Authors: Adegbenro Caleb A
Published: January 2007

Aim: The school health programme (SHP), which focuses on promoting safe environments for school children, has not been given proper attention in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of SHP on ensuring safe environments for primary school children.

Methods: The study was conducted in ten primary schools in Ife-Central Local Government Area (IFLGA) of Osun State, Nigeria. The ten schools were those that are used by medical students of Obafemi Awolowo University for their clinical rotation posting in Community Health. Hence, these students were used as research assistants. The study employed experimental design and an observational checklist was used to collect data. The project was carried out over a period of three years from 2002–2005. During this period, the students carried out some aspects of SHP by constantly giving health talks to pupils and school personnel on the promotion of optimum sanitary condition in schools. Data were collected on existing facilities in schools and behavioural practices that can promote safe environments both pre-and post-intervention by the SHP.

Results: Comparing the two results showed that a well organized and properly executed SHP can be used to create safe environments for school children.

Concluion: The study recommends that the SHP should be implemented in all primary schools in Nigeria.
Expression patterns of CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 in primary and metastatic cancers
Authors: Blumenthal Rosalyn D , Leon Evelyn , Hansen Hans J , Goldenberg David M
Published: January 2007

Background

Many breast, pancreatic, colonic and non-small-cell lung carcinoma lines express CEACAM6 (NCA-90) and CEACAM5 (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA), and antibodies to both can affect tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Here, we compare both antigens as a function of histological phenotype in breast, pancreatic, lung, ovarian, and prostatic cancers, including patient-matched normal, primary tumor, and metastatic breast and colonic cancer specimens.

Methods

Antigen expression was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using tissue microarrays with MN-15 and MN-3 antibodies targeting the A1B1- and N-domains of CEACAM6, respectively, and the MN-14 antibody targeting the A3B3 domain of CEACAM5. IHC was performed using avidin-biotin-diaminobenzide staining. The average score ± SD (0 = negative/8 = highest) for each histotype was recorded.

Results

For all tumors, the amount of CEACAM6 expressed was greater than that of CEACAM5, and reflected tumor histotype. In breast tumors, CEACAM6 was highest in papillary > infiltrating ductal > lobular > phyllodes; in pancreatic tumors, moderately-differentiated > well-differentiated > poorly-differentiated tumors; mucinous ovarian adenocarcinomas had almost 3-fold more CEACAM6 than serous ovarian adenocarcinomas; lung adenocarcinomas > squamous tumors; and liver metastases of colonic carcinoma > primary tumors = lymph nodes metastases > normal intestine. However, CEACAM6 expression was similar in prostate cancer and normal tissues. The amount of CEACAM6 in metastatic colon tumors found in liver was higher than in many primary colon tumors. In contrast, CEACAM6 immunostaining of lymph node metastases from breast, colon, or lung tumors was similar to the primary tumor.

Conclusion

CEACAM6 expression is elevated in many solid tumors, but variable as a function of histotype. Based on previous work demonstrating a role for CEACAM6 in tumor cell migration, invasion and adhesion, and formation of distant metastases (Blumenthal et al., Cancer Res 65: 8809–8817, 2005), it may be a promising target for antibody-based therapy.
Prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype 2 (EP2) regulates microglial activation and associated neurotoxicity induced by aggregated α-synuclein
Authors: Jin Jinghua , Shie Feng-Shiun , Liu Jun , Wang Yan , Davis Jeanne , Schantz Aimee M , Montine Kathleen S , Montine Thomas J , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2007

Background

The pathogenesis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) remains elusive, although evidence has suggested that neuroinflammation characterized by activation of resident microglia in the brain may contribute significantly to neurodegeneration in PD. It has been demonstrated that aggregated α-synuclein potently activates microglia and causes neurotoxicity. However, the mechanisms by which aggregated α-synuclein activates microglia are not understood fully.

Methods

We investigated the role of prostaglandin E2receptor subtype 2 (EP2) in α-synuclein aggregation-induced microglial activation usingex vivo, in vivo and in vitroexperimental systems.

Results

Results demonstrated that ablation of EP2(EP2-/-) significantly enhanced microglia-mediatedex vivoclearance of α-synuclein aggregates (from mesocortex of Lewy body disease patients) while significantly attenuating neurotoxicity and extent of α-synuclein aggregation in mice treated with a parkinsonian toxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Furthermore, we report that reduced neurotoxicity by EP2-/-microglia could be attributed to suppressed translocation of a critical cytoplasmic subunit (p47-phox) of NADPH oxidase (PHOX) to the membranous compartment after exposure to aggregated α-synuclein.

Conclusion

Thus, it appears that microglial EP2 plays a critical role in α-synuclein-mediated neurotoxicity.
Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) after thoracic radiotherapy for breast carcinoma
Authors: Cornelissen Robin , Senan Suresh , Antonisse Imogeen E , Liem Hauw , Tan Youke KY , Rudolphus Arjan , Aerts Joachim GJV
Published: January 2007

Common complications of thoracic radiotherapy include esophagitis and radiation pneumonitis. However, it is important to be aware of uncommon post-radiotherapy complications such as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP). We report on two patients with carcinoma of the breast who developed an interstitial lung disease consistent with BOOP. BOOP responds to treatment with corticosteroids and the prognosis is generally good despite of the need for long-term administration of corticosteroids as relapses can occur during tapering of steroids. This report provides guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of patients with pulmonary infiltrates after radiotherapy.
Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Cerebellar Infarction
Authors: Savitz Sean I. , Caplan Louis R. , Edlow Jonathan A.
Published: January 2007

Background

Cerebellar infarctions are an important cause of neurologic disease. Failure to recognize and rapidly diagnose cerebellar infarction may lead to serious morbidity and mortality due to hydrocephalus and brain stem infarction.

Objectives

To identify sources of preventable medical errors, the authors obtained pilot data on cerebellar ischemic strokes that were initially misdiagnosed in the emergency department.

Methods

Fifteen cases of misdiagnosed cerebellar infarctions were collected, all seen, or reviewed by the authors during a five‐year period. For each patient, they report the presenting symptoms, the findings on neurologic examination performed in the emergency department, specific areas of the examination not performed or documented, diagnostic testing, the follow‐up course after misdiagnosis, and outcome. The different types of errors leading to misdiagnosis are categorized.

Results

Half of the patients were younger than 50 years and presented with headache and dizziness. All patients had either incomplete or poorly documented neurologic examinations. Almost all patients had a computed tomographic scan of the head interpreted as normal, and most of these patients underwent subsequent magnetic resonance imaging showing cerebellar infarction. The initial incorrect diagnoses included migraine, toxic encephalopathy, gastritis, meningitis, myocardial infarction, and polyneuropathy. The overall mortality in this patient cohort was 40%. Among the survivors, about 50% had disabling deficits. Pitfalls leading to misdiagnosis involved the clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, and establishing a diagnosis and disposition.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates how the diagnosis of cerebellar infarction can be missed or delayed in patients presenting to the emergency department.