bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute rheumatic fever: Adherence to secondary prophylaxis and follow up of Indigenous patients in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory
Authors: Stewart Tanya , McDonald Robert , Currie Bart
Published: July 2007

Objective:  This paper evaluates adherence with secondary preventative treatment and follow up of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) within the Katherine region of the Northern Territory after the introduction of an ARF register. We aimed to assess the rate of adherence with penicillin prophylaxis and follow‐up guidelines in patients with previous ARF and the effect of factors such as age, sex, disease severity and clinic attendance.

Design:  Retrospective study.

Setting:  Five Indigenous Community Health Centres located in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory, Australia.

Participants:  Fifty‐nine people resident in five communities who were prescribed monthly prophylactic penicillin for ARF during the 24 months between September 2002 and September 2004. All subjects were Indigenous.

Main outcome measure:  Main outcome measures were the number of penicillin injections received over the 24‐month period and frequency of echocardiogram and specialist follow up in comparison to Rheumatic Fever Registry Guidelines.

Results:  Mean adherence with prophylaxis was 56% of prescribed doses. A non‐significant trend towards improved adherence was seen in children, patients with less severe disease and those who attended the clinic more frequently. Rheumatic Fever Registry Guidelines for echocardiogram and specialist review were met by 63% and 59% of subjects, respectively.

Conclusion:  Within this population adherence with penicillin prophylaxis is inadequate to protect against recurrence of ARF and consequent worsening of rheumatic heart disease. In addition, the Rheumatic Fever Registry Guidelines for specialist follow up and echocardiogram are not being adhered to for many patients.
Evidence‐based use of medications in patients with coronary artery disease in a rural Australian community
Authors: Granmyr Jenny , Ball Patrick , Curran Shane , Wang Lexin
Published: July 2007

Objective:  To evaluate the evidence‐based use of major drug groups for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chronic heart failure and to identify potential interactions.

Design:  A retrospective study.

Setting:  A major non‐metropolitan teaching hospital in rural New South Wales.

Participants:  Includes 24 men and 25 women, with an age average of 77.2 ± 7.5 years, range 60–96 years. All patients were over 18 years old with CAD and heart failure.

Main outcome measures:  The evidence‐based use of medications and potential drug interactions.

Results:  On admission, 71% were treated with aspirin/clopidogrel, 71% with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocker, 39% with beta‐blockers, 29% with short‐acting nitrates and 59% with statins. The use of these medications remained unchanged at time of discharge (P > 0.05). Of the 23 patients with hypertension at admission, blood pressure was controlled in seven (30%) before discharge. Potential drug interactions were identified in 37% of the patients. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were used in seven (14%) patients.

Conclusions:  The use of aspirin, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blocker, beta‐blockers, short‐acting nitrate and statins in patients with CAD compares favourably with international literatures. However, there is room for improvement in the use of beta‐blockers and statins. A greater effort needs to be made to prevent clinically significant drug interactions.
Reciprocal relationships and potential feedbacks between biodiversity and disturbance
Authors: Randall Hughes A. , Byrnes Jarrett E. , Kimbro David L. , Stachowicz John J.
Published: July 2007

Two major foci of ecological research involve reciprocal views of the relationship between biodiversity and disturbance: disturbance determines community diversity or diversity determines realized disturbance severity. Here, we present an initial attempt to synthesize these two approaches in order to understand whether feedbacks occur, and what their effects on patterns of diversity might be. Our review of published experiments shows that (i) disturbance severity can be both a cause and a consequence of local diversity in a wide range of ecosystems and (ii) shapes of the unidirectional relationships between diversity and disturbance can be quite variable. To explore how feedbacks between diversity and disturbance might operate to alter expected patterns of diversity in nature, we develop and then evaluate a conceptual model that decomposes the relationships into component parts, considering sequentially the effect of diversity on disturbance severity, and the effect of realized disturbance on diversity loss, subsequent recruitment, and competitive exclusion. Our model suggests that feedbacks can increase mean values of richness, decrease variability, and alter the patterns of correlation between diversity and disturbance in nature. We close by offering ideas for future research to help fill gaps in our understanding of reciprocal relationships among ecological variables like diversity and disturbance.
A nuclear DNA phylogeny and proposed taxonomic revision of African greenbuls (Aves, Passeriformes, Pycnonotidae)
Authors: Johansson Ulf S. , Fjeldså Jon , Lokugalappatti L. G. Sampath , Bowie Rauri C. K
Published: July 2007

The Pycnonotidae (bulbuls and greenbuls) comprise approximately 130 species and are widely distributed across Africa and Asia, mainly in evergreen thickets and forest. Recent molecular findings suggest a basal split between the African and the Asian species, although the three AfricanPycnonotusspecies are part of the Asian radiation and represent a relative recent immigration to Africa. In this study we investigate the phylogenetic relationships within the African clade, which with the exclusion ofPycnonotuscontains approximately 50 species, of which the majority are placed in three large generaAndropadus,PhyllastrephusandChlorocichla. We use three nuclear markers (myoglobin intron 2, ODC introns 6 and 7 along with intervening exon 7, and β‐fibrinogen intron 5), together encompassing 2072 aligned positions, to infer the relationships within the African clade. The resulting tree is generally well supported and indicates that none of the three largest currently recognized genera are monophyletic. For instance, the species included inAndropadusrepresent three different clades that are not each other's closest relatives. The montane species currently placed in that genus form a strongly supported clade, which is sister toIxonotus,Thescelocichla, BaeopogonandChlorocichla, although within this clade the genusChlorocichlais polyphyletic. The remainingAndropadusspecies fall into two groups, one of these withA.importunusandA.gracilirostris, which along withCalyptocichla serinaform a basal branch in the African greenbul radiation. In support of some previous studies the Leaf‐love (Pyrrhurus scandens) is placed withinPhyllastrephus. We also propose a new classification that reflects the phylogenetic relationships among African greenbuls.
Subcellular targeting is a key condition for high‐level accumulation of cellulase protein in transgenic maize seed
Authors: Hood Elizabeth E. , Love Robert , Lane Jeff , Bray Jeff , Clough Richard , Pappu Kamesh , Drees Carol , Hood Kendall R. , Yoon Sangwoong , Ahmad Atta , Howard John A.
Published: July 2007

Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is being pursued as an alternative to petroleum‐based transportation fuels. To succeed in this endeavour, efficient digestion of cellulose into monomeric sugar streams is a key step. Current production systems for cellulase enzymes, i.e. fungi and bacteria, cannot meet the cost and huge volume requirements of this commodity‐based industry. Transgenic maize (Zea mays L.) seed containing cellulase protein in embryo tissue, with protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, cell wall or vacuole, allows the recovery of commercial amounts of enzyme. E1 cellulase, an endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase from Acidothermus cellulolyticus, was recovered at levels greater than 16% total soluble protein (TSP) in single seed. More significantly, cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I), an exocellulase from Trichoderma reesei, also accumulated to levels greater than 16% TSP in single seed, nearly 1000‐fold higher than the expression in any other plant reported in the literature. The catalytic domain was the dominant form of E1 that was detected in the endoplasmic reticulum and vacuole, whereas CBH I holoenzyme was present in the cell wall. With one exception, individual transgenic events contained single inserts. Recovery of high levels of enzyme in T2 ears demonstrated that expression is likely to be stable over multiple generations. The enzymes were active in cleaving soluble substrate.
The Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities Test for Persons with Intellectual Disability: A Valuable Clinical Tool
Authors: Vause Tricia , Yu C. T. , Martin Garry L.
Published: July 2007

The Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test requires a tester to attempt to teach to a person, using standard prompting and reinforcement procedures, six tasks that are hierarchically ordered in difficulty. Performance on the test provides valuable information for teachers and rehabilitation workers to match the difficulty of training tasks with the learning ability of persons with profound, severe and moderate intellectual disabilities. This paper summarizes the characteristics of the test, outlines the testing procedures, and reviews supporting data and practical guidelines for clinicians.
Association of P‐Wave Duration, Dispersion, and Terminal Force in Relation to P‐Wave Axis among Outpatients
Authors: Prajapat Laxman , Ariyarajah Vignendra , Frisella Mary E. , Apiyasawat Sirin , Spodick David H.
Published: July 2007

Background: While P‐wave duration (P‐dur) and dispersion (P‐disp) could both reflect fractionated and inhomogeneous propagation of sinus cardiac impulses, and may therefore be associated with each other, a clear relationship has not been extensively studied. We studied these markers as well as the significance of P‐wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) in relation to the P‐wave axis (P‐axis).

Methods: We appraised our previously studied sample of 500 consecutively numbered, otherwise unselected, electrocardiograms (ECGs) of outpatients from the University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, for the foregoing P‐wave characteristics. P‐disp, defined as the difference of the duration between the widest and narrowest P wave, and the greatest P‐dur after a 12‐lead ECG search, was measured manually to the nearest 10 ms. PTFV1 was considered positive when ≥40 mm2 terminal deflection was present on biphasic P waves on lead V1. Normal P‐axis was considered 0° to +75° by manually constructing the mean frontal plane electrical P‐axis from standard limb leads.

Results: After excluding those with atrial arrhythmias, paced rhythms, errors in lead placement, P waves with low amplitude or overall technically poor tracing, 428 ECGs formed our final sample. P‐dur was strongly associated with P‐disp (P < 0.0001), but the correlation remained weak (r = 0.42). Overall, P‐dur was not significantly associated with P‐axis but when divided into tertiles and quintiles, the significance was evident within the range of the normal P‐axis, particularly 0° to +60° (P < 0.0001). In a subanalysis of 380 ECGs that had appreciable biphasic P waves on lead V1, PTFV1 was noted on 178 (47%) ECGs and was significantly associated with P‐dur (P < 0.0001), P‐disp (P < 0.0001), and P‐axis (P = 002). When considering P‐axis in tertiles and quintiles, P‐dur was greater in patients with a positive PTFV1 and significant within the normal range of the P‐axis, especially from 0° to +60°.

Conclusion: P‐dur, P‐disp, and PTFV1 appear to share a significant tripartite association in relation to the normal P‐axis, particularly when P‐axis ranges 0° to +60°. Therefore, for optimal clinical assessment, these markers should be evaluated in relation to the normal P‐axis.
C‐Reactive Protein Is Associated with Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Madsen Trine , Christensen Jeppe Hagstrup , Toft Egon , Schmidt Erik Berg
Published: July 2007

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between low‐grade inflammation and autonomic dysfunction, both of which may be risk markers for sudden cardiac death.

Methods: A total of 269 subjects referred for elective coronary angiography because of clinically suspected coronary heart disease were included in the study. Of these 27% had a previous myocardial infarction and 70% had significant coronary stenoses. A 24‐hour Holter‐recording was obtained from all subjects, and time‐domain heart rate variability indices were analyzed. C‐reactive protein was measured using a high‐sensitivity assay.

Results: Mean SDNN was significantly higher in the lower compared to the upper hs‐CRP quartile (140 ± 34 ms vs 113 ± 29 ms; P < 0.001). Similar results were found for SDNNindex (54 ± 16 ms vs 46 ± 12 ms; P = 0.002) and SDANN (125 ± 33 ms vs 101 ± 31 ms; P < 0.001). The association was strongest for subjects with a previous myocardial infarction, subjects with significant coronary stenoses, and males. In a linear regression analysis, hs‐CRP remained an independent determinant of each of these three heart rate variability indices (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion: C‐reactive protein and heart rate variability are independently associated. This may support a link between low‐grade inflammation and autonomic dysfunction.
Dynamic Changes in T‐Wave Amplitude during Tilt Table Testing: Correlation with Outcomes
Authors: Mayuga Kenneth A. , Fouad‐Tarazi Fetnat
Published: July 2007

Background: Changes in autonomic tone may play a role in syncope. Autonomic tone has been shown to affect cardiac repolarization in the ECG. Changes in the T wave can be seen during head‐up tilt table (HUT) testing with unknown significance or relationship to outcomes.

Methods: Twelve‐lead ECGs during HUT testing from 150 patients were reviewed from a prospectively collected registry database. ECGs during supine‐rest, 30‐45‐70° tilt, and 5‐minute supine recovery were reviewed. Changes in the T wave, that is, decreased amplitude with or without becoming negative or flipping from negative to positive, were recorded for each stage. Outcomes of the HUT test include nondiagnostic, postural orthostatic hypotension (POH), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and vasovagal response (VVR). Age (Younger: <50 year old; Older: ≥50 year old) and gender were analyzed.

Results: Of 150 patients (108 women; 80 Younger), 135 had T‐wave changes during HUT; changes resolved in 114 patients during supine recovery. Changes mostly occurred in inferior and anterolateral leads. POH occurred in 114 patients, POTS in 67, and VVR in 30. T‐wave changes in V1 inversely correlated with POH (P = 0.005). T‐wave changes in inferior leads II, III, aVF and in anterolateral leads V3–V6 positively correlated with POTS (P < 0.05). Female gender and younger age correlated with POTS independent of the leads (P < 0.05). Concomitant T‐wave changes in V5 and V6 correlated with VVR; changes in aVF also correlated with VVR (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Dynamic T‐wave changes during HUT testing in inferior and anterolateral leads are associated with POTS and VVR independent of age and gender. Changes in autonomic tone may play a role and need further study.
Electrical and Structural Remodeling in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy—A Substrate for a Decrease in QRS Voltage?
Authors: Bacharova Ljuba
Published: July 2007

Electrical remodeling in advanced stages of cardiovascular diseases creates a substrate for triggering and maintenance of arrhythmias. The electrical remodeling is a continuous process initiated already in the early stages of cardiological pathology. The aim of this opinion article was to discuss the changes in electrical properties of myocardium in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), with special focus on its early stage, as well as their possible reflection in the QRS amplitude of the electrocardiogram. It critically appraises the classical hypothesis related to the QRS voltage changes in LVH. The hypothesis of the relative voltage deficit is discussed in the context of supporting evidence from clinical studies, animal experiments, and simulation studies. The underlying determinants of electrical impulse propagation which may explain discrepancies between “normal” ECG findings and increased left ventricular size/mass in LVH are reviewed.
Consumption estimates of walleye stocked as fry to suppress fathead minnow populations in west‐central Minnesota wetlands
Authors: Ward M. C. , Willis D. W. , Herwig B. R. , Chipps S. R. , Parsons B. G. , Reed J. R. , Hanson M. A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Fisheries managers throughout the Prairie Pothole Region of Minnesota often use semi‐permanent and permanent wetland basins to extensively culture walleye Sander vitreus fry. Waterfowl managers have expressed concern over this practice because of the potential influence that fish have on food resources used by waterfowl during development and migration. It is well known that native fathead minnows Pimephales promelas can have detrimental effects on macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, water clarity, epiphyton, and macrophytes in wetlands. Because walleye commonly become piscivorous as soon as mouth gape allows, walleye fry may suppress fathead minnow populations and improve wetland conditions for waterfowl. In this study, we quantify consumption estimates, specifically predation on fathead minnows, by age‐0 and age‐1 walleye reared in natural wetland basins. Six wetlands were stocked in mid‐May 2001 and 2002 at a rate of 12,000 walleye fry ha–1. Age‐0 walleye were sampled bi‐weekly from mid‐June through mid‐September 2001. Age‐0 and age‐1 walleye were sampled monthly from mid‐May through mid‐September 2002. A generalised diet shift from zooplankton to fish to macroinvertebrates was observed in 2001, whereas diets of juvenile walleye contained primarily macroinvertebrates in 2002. Stocked walleye quickly reduced fathead minnow populations in 2001 and suppression was maintained throughout 2002. Although walleye consumed primarily macroinvertebrates once prey fish populations became suppressed, consumption estimates of invertebrates by walleye were substantially less than those documented for fathead minnow populations. Thus, stocking age‐0 walleye was an effective biomanipulation tool that substantially reduced fathead minnow densities and influenced lower trophic levels in these aquatic communities.
DmGEN shows a flap endonuclease activity, cleaving the blocked‐flap structure and model replication fork
Authors: Kanai Yoshihiro , Ishikawa Gen , Takeuchi Ryo , Ruike Tatsushi , Nakamura Ryo‐ichi , Ihara Ayumi , Ohashi Tetsuyuki , Takata Kei‐ichi , Kimura Seisuke , Sakaguchi Kengo
Published: July 2007

Drosophila melanogaster XPG‐like endonuclease (DmGEN) is a new category of nuclease belonging to the RAD2/XPG family. The DmGEN protein has two nuclease domains (N and I domains) similar to XPG/class I nucleases; however, unlike class I nucleases, in DmGEN these two nuclease domains are positioned close to each other as in FEN‐1/class II and EXO‐1/class III nucleases. To confirm the properties of DmGEN, we characterized the active‐site mutant protein (E143A E145A) and found that DmGEN had flap endonuclease activity. DmGEN possessed weak nick‐dependent 5′−3′ exonuclease activity. Unlike XPG, DmGEN could not incise the bubble structure. Interestingly, based on characterization of flap endonuclease activity, DmGEN preferred the blocked‐flap structure as a substrate. This feature is distinctly different from FEN‐1. Furthermore, DmGEN cleaved the lagging strand of the model replication fork. Immunostaining revealed that DmGEN was present in the nucleus of actively proliferating Drosophila embryos. Thus, our studies revealed that DmGEN belongs to a new class (class IV) of the RAD2/XPG nuclease family. The biochemical properties of DmGEN and its possible role are also discussed.
SDSS J104341.53+085558.2: a second white dwarf with a gaseous debris disc
Authors: Gänsicke B. T. , Marsh T. R. , Southworth J.
Published: July 2007

Intermediate-resolution spectroscopy of the white dwarf SDSS J104341.53+085558.2 (SDSS J1043+0855) contains double-peaked emission lines of Ca iiλλ8498, 8542, 8662 and identifies this object to be the second single white dwarf to be surrounded by a gaseous disc of metal-rich material, similar to the recently discovered SDSS J1228+1040. A photospheric magnesium abundance of 0.3 times the solar value, determined from the observed Mg iiλ4481 absorption line, implies that the white dwarf is accreting from the circumstellar material. The absence of Balmer emission lines and of photospheric He iλ4471 absorption indicates that the accreted material is depleted in volatile elements and, by analogy with SDSS J1228+1040, may be the result of the tidal disruption of an asteroid. Additional spectroscopy of the DAZ white dwarfs WD 1337+705 and GD 362 does not reveal Ca ii emission lines. GD 362 is one of the few cool DAZ white dwarfs that display strong infrared flux excess, thought to be originating in a circumstellar dust disc, and its temperature is probably too low to sublimate sufficient amounts of disc material to generate detectable Ca ii emission. WD 1337+705 is, like SDSS J1228+1040 and SDSS J1043+0855, moderately hot, but has the lowest Mg abundance of those three stars, suggesting a possible correlation between the photospheric Mg abundance and the equivalent width of the Ca ii emission triplet. Our inspection of 7360 white dwarfs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 4 fails to unveil additional strong ‘metal gas disc’ candidates, and implies that these objects are rather rare.
On the detection of very high redshift gamma-ray bursts with Swift
Authors: Salvaterra R. , Campana S. , Chincarini G. , Tagliaferri G. , Covino S.
Published: July 2007

We compute the probability of detecting long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) at z≥ 5 with Swift, assuming that GRBs form preferentially in low-metallicity environments. The model fits both the observed Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) and Swift GRB differential peak flux distributions well and is consistent with the number of z≥ 2.5 detections in the 2-yr Swift data. We find that the probability of observing a burst at z≥ 5 becomes larger than 10 per cent for photon fluxes P < 1 ph s−1 cm−2, consistent with the number of confirmed detections. The corresponding fraction of z≥ 5 bursts in the Swift catalogue is ∼10–30 per cent depending on the adopted metallicity threshold for GRB formation. We propose to use the computed probability as a tool to identify high-redshift GRBs. By jointly considering promptly available information provided by Swift and model results, we can select reliable z≥ 5 candidates in a few hours from the BAT detection. We test the procedure against last year Swift data: only three bursts match all our requirements, two being confirmed at z≥ 5. Another three possible candidates are picked up by slightly relaxing the adopted criteria. No low-z interloper is found among the six candidates.
CHANGES IN QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF TURKEY DÖNER DURING FROZEN STORAGE
Authors: ERGÖNÜL BÜLENT , KUNDAKCI AKİF
Published: July 2007

The aim of this research was to determine the quality changes of turkey döner during frozen storage. Turkey döner was prepared from turkey breast meat and stored under frozen conditions at −18C for 7.5 months. In 45‐day intervals, chemical and sensory analyses were performed. The main changes that took place in turkey döner during frozen storage were investigated by means of sensory assessments, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and pH values. Peroxide, TBA and pH values were significantly (P < 0.05) different following frozen storage, but were under the upper limits. All of the measurements indicated that turkey döner kept its good quality at −18C for 7.5 months.
Spatial and temporal changes of hydrogeochemistry in ancient tank cascade systems in Sri Lanka: evidence for a constructed wetland
Authors: Mahatantila Kushani , Chandrajith Rohana , Jayasena H. A. H. , Ranawana K. B.
Published: July 2007

The tank cascade system (TCS) in Sri Lanka is one of the most advanced water‐conveyance mechanisms among the medieval hydraulic civilizations in the world. In this study, temporal and spatial variations of the hydrogeochemistry of a small cascade system were investigated. A cascade system at Malagane in the Deduru Oya basin, located in the north‐west of Sri Lanka, was selected. Measurements of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, sulphates, alkalinity, chloride, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were carried out fortnightly throughout the year, to understand the nutrient dynamics in TCSs. Most parameters show a decreasing trend when water passes through ‘Thaulla’, which is located in the upper peripheral region of the tank. However, phosphate behaves differently, probably due to human activities that dominated along the tank bund. The results suggested thatThaulla, which abounds with numerous hydrophytes, acts as an active ‘constructed wetland’ and efficiently removes pollutants in order to sustain the system. The water quality monitoring described in this paper provides evidence for the wetland function ofThaullain the ancient irrigation hydraulic system in Sri Lanka.
Institutional competitiveness in the global economy: Denmark, the United States, and the varieties of capitalism
Authors: Campbell John L. , Pedersen Ove K.
Published: July 2007

Despite high taxes, a large welfare state, and much economic regulation, Denmark competes successfully against other advanced capitalist economies. Denmark’s success is based in large part on its institutional competitiveness – its capacity to achieve socioeconomic success as a result of the competitive advantages that firms derive from operating within a particular set of institutions. The institutional basis for successfully coordinating labor markets and vocational training programs are examined for Denmark and the US – two countries that were very different institutionally but very successful in the 1990s and in the 2000s. We show that there is no one best way to achieve success in today’s global economy, except with respect to social inequality; that the mechanisms underlying institutional competitiveness are more complex than often recognized; that institutional hybrids can be as successful as purer political economic cases; and that high taxes and state spending can enhance socioeconomic performance. As such, this paper challenges both neoliberalism and the varieties of capitalism school of comparative political economy.
Globalization and institutional competitiveness
Authors: Marcussen Martin , Kaspersen Lars Bo
Published: July 2007

Only dead institutions do not change and only rarely do institutions change by themselves. To maintain performing institutions takes institutional entrepreneurs who are willing to take risks and who possess the capacity and the talent to innovate. A regulation discourse, in contrast to a marketization discourse, would not picture the relationship between globalization and institutional change as a deterministic one. Rather, it would expect that all kinds of actors play a large number of different roles in the course of ongoing institutional change. The result of such complex institutional change, at the level of welfare states, multinational businesses, public administration, and training systems, to mention just a few of the empirical areas covered in this special issue, cannot be fully understood by applying an overly rigid, static, and dualistic approach to modern capitalist economies. The concept of institutional competitiveness, on the contrary, allows for institutional entrepreneurship and institutional hybrids constituting pulsating polities.
Application of flow cytometry‐based genotyping for rapid detection of hemoglobin variants
Authors: ASLANIAN S. , AZIMI M. , NOBLE J. , HOPPE C.
Published: July 2007

The hemoglobinopathies represent a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. Clinically important hemoglobin variants have been increasingly reported in the USA. Consequently, rapid and accurate testing methods are needed to address the growing diagnostic challenges of identifying these variants. To evaluate the utility of the Luminex LabMAPTM system for hemoglobinopathy testing, we adapted single base primer extension (SBPE) to this platform to detect 11 clinically important hemoglobin variants. Clinical samples from 11 individuals were tested for five β‐globin mutations (C‐Harlem, D‐Iran, Fannin‐Lubbock and Hope) and six α‐globin mutations (J‐Toronto, Hasharon, G‐Philadelphia, G‐Norfolk, Constant‐Spring and Quong‐Sze). Two separate multiplexed SBPE assays were developed. Biotinylated amplification products were hybridized to fluorescent microspheres tagged with allele‐specific capture probes and analyzed by flow cytometry on the Luminex100 instrument. The median fluorescent intensity (MFI) ranged from 1255 to 7478 fluorescence units (FU) and from 282 to 2609 FU above background for all positive β‐globin and α‐globin alleles, respectively. Using the highest background MFI + 3 SD as a conservative threshold, MFI values uniformly discriminated wild type from mutant alleles, and genotypes were correctly identified in all samples tested. This pilot study demonstrates the potential application of the Luminex LabMAPTM genotyping platform to newborn screening for definitive hemoglobinopathy testing.
Oval cell proliferation in cirrhosis in rats. An experimental study
Authors: Tsamandas Athanassios C. , Antonacopoulou Anna , Kalogeropoulou Christine , Tsota Irene , Zabakis Peter , Giannopoulou Efstathia , Liava Anna , Tzelepi Vassiliki , Tepetes Konstantinos , Petsas Theodore , Kardamakis Dimitrios , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: July 2007

Aim:  Oval cells are liver stem cells involved in liver regeneration following liver damage. Previous studies have shown that pretreatment with a hepatocyte inhibitor is required to allow full oval cell activation. This study investigates whether oval cells develop and proliferate in a model of experimental liver fibrosis without pretreatment with a known hepatocyte inhibitor.

Methods:  The study comprised 66 male Wistar rats divided into two groups: A (n = 6): controls; and B (n = 60): CCl4 injection (intraperitoneally 2 mL/kg bodyweight 1:1 volume in corn oil twice weekly). Rats were sacrificed at four, eight and 12 weeks. Liver tissues were evaluated for the degree of fibrosis (Masson's trichrome), cell proliferation (Ki67 antigen), expression of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA (RT–PCR and in situ hybridization), AFP protein (Western blot) and cytokeratin‐19. Cells with morphologic features of oval cells that were cytokeratin 19 (CK19)+ and AFP mRNA+ were scored in morphometric analysis.

Results:  Oval cells were present in all 66 specimens; their percentage was higher in group B compared to group A (P < 0.001). AFP mRNA and protein expression increased as fibrosis advanced. Similarly, the numbers of CK19+, AFP mRNA+ and Ki67+ oval cells were higher in advanced fibrosis stages.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that oval cells develop and proliferate in a model of experimental liver fibrosis without pretreatment with a known hepatocytic inhibitor. However, further research is warranted in order to identify the exact molecular mechanisms involved in this process.
Radiation‐induced hepatic toxicity after radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shim Su J. , Seong Jinsil , Lee Ik J. , Han Kwang H. , Chon Chae Y. , Ahn Sang H.
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The purpose of the present study was to analyze hepatic toxicity following radiotherapy combined with regional chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  From 2001 to 2003, a total of 132 patients with HCC received 3‐D conformal radiation therapy (3D‐CRT) combined with chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups based on drug localization: the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) group, where the chemotherapeutic drug (adriamycin) was localized within the tumor, and the non‐TACE group, where the drugs (adriamycin, cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil) were diffusely spread over the entire liver.

Results:  Patients were evaluated by biochemical parameters for any hepatic toxicity prior to, during, and until 12 months after 3D‐CRT. Hepatic toxicity was defined as radiation‐induced liver disease (RILD) or combined modality‐induced liver disease (CMILD), which is defined as RILD with abnormal elevation of total bilirubin levels. In the TACE group, three patients developed RILD (5.6%) and none developed CMILD. In the non‐TACE group, three patients (3.7%) and seven patients (8.8%) developed RILD and CMILD, respectively.

Conclusion:  Hepatic toxicity following radiotherapy combined with regional chemotherapy for HCC might be influenced by the distribution of the chemotherapeutic drugs. A more precise understanding of hepatic toxicity from chemoradiotherapy will help design optimal treatments for HCC.
Influence of age and gender in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Yatsuji Satoru , Hashimoto Etsuko , Tobari Maki , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Shiratori Keiko
Published: July 2007

Aim: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is considered to be a manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Because prevalence and severity of metabolic syndrome are different according to ages, gender and ethnic group, it is speculated that the clinicopathological features of NASH may also vary in relation to these factors. The present study was performed to clarify the influence of age and gender on the development of Japanese NASH.

Subjects: One hundred 93 biopsy‐proven NASH patients (86 women and 107 men) were included in this cross‐sectional study. The patients were separately analyzed by generation; a younger group (<55 years old) and an older group (≥55 years old). These groups were compared for their clinical and histological features. Independent risk factors for advanced fibrosis were also analyzed.

Results: Comparison of our younger and older groups showed that older patients had much more advanced fibrosis than the younger ones (advanced fibrosis: 23.8%; youngergroup vs. 54.3%; older group,P < 0.001). Women were predominant in the older group (23.8%; younger group vs. 67.4%; older group,P < 0.001). According to the multivariate analysis for risk factors for advanced fibrosis, age (P = 0.007) and BMI (P = 0.028) were independent predictors of advanced fibrosis in the younger group. In contrast, the absence of hyperlipidemia (P = 0.042) was the only significant independent predictor of advanced fibrosis in the older group. Gender was not a risk factor for the severity of NASH.

Conclusions: Clinicians need to be aware of age‐ and gender‐specific differences when assessing the characteristics of NASH, and the findings may be useful for prevention and treatment of this disease.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic genome composition of Solanum bulbocastanum (+) S. tuberosum somatic hybrids
Authors: Iovene Marina , Savarese Salvatore , Cardi Teodoro , Frusciante Luigi , Scotti Nunzia , Simon Philipp W. , Carputo Domenico
Published: July 2007

Somatic hybrids between the wild incongruent species Solanum bulbocastanum (2n = 2x = 24) and S. tuberosum haploids (2n = 2x = 24) have been characterized for their nuclear and cytoplasmic genome composition. Cytologic observations revealed the recovery of 8 (near-)tetraploid and 3 hexaploid somatic hybrids. Multicolor genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analysis was carried out to study the genomic dosage of the parental species in 5 somatic hybrids with different ploidy. The GISH procedure used was effective in discriminating parental genomes in the hybrids; most chromosomes were unambiguously colored. Two (near-)tetraploid somatic hybrids showed the expected 2:2 cultivated-to-wild genomic dosage; 2 hexaploids revealed a 4:2 cultivated-to-wild genomic dosage, and 1 hexaploid had a 2:4 cultivated-to-wild genomic dosage. Characterization of hybrid cytoplasmic genomes was performed using gene-specific primers that detected polymorphisms between the fusion parents in the intergenic regions. The analysis showed that most of the somatic hybrids inherited the plastidial and mitochondrial DNA of the cultivated parent. A few hybrids, with a rearranged mitochondrial genome (showing fragments derived from both parents), were also identified. These results confirmed the potential of somatic hybridization in producing new variability for genetic studies and breeding.
Abnormal function and glucose metabolism in the type-2 diabetic db/db mouse heartThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cardiovascular Dysfunction, Dhalla 70th Birthday Tribute.
Authors: Panagia Marcello , Schneider Jürgen E. , Brown Ben , Cole Mark A. , Clarke Kieran
Published: July 2007

This study examined cardiac function and glucose metabolism in the 6-month-old db/db mouse, a model of type-2 diabetes. Cine magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRI) was used to measure cardiac function in vivo. The db/db mice had decreased heart rates (17%, p < 0.01) and stroke volumes (21%, p < 0.05) that resulted in lower cardiac output (35%, p < 0.01) than controls. Although there was no difference in ejection fraction between the 2 groups, db/db mouse hearts had a 35% lower maximum rate of ejection (p < 0.01) than controls. In a protocol designed to assess maximal insulin-independent glucose uptake, hearts were isolated and perfused in Langendorff mode and subjected to 0.75 mL·min–1·(g wet mass)–1 low flow ischemia for 32 min. Glucose uptake during ischemia was 21% lower than in controls, and post-ischemic recovery of cardiac function was decreased by 30% in db/db mouse hearts (p < 0.05). Total cardiac GLUT 4 protein was 56% lower (p < 0.01) in db/db mice than in controls. In summary, the db/db mouse has abnormal left ventricular function in vivo, with impaired glucose uptake during ischemia, leading to increased myocardial damage.
Vascular endothelium: target or victim of cytostatic therapy?This paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cardiovascular Dysfunction, Dhalla 70th Birthday Tribute.
Authors: Romanov Yuri A. , Chervontseva Alevtina M. , Savchenko Valery G. , Smirnov Vladimir N.
Published: July 2007

Chemotherapy continues to be the main therapeutic approach in the treatment of hematological malignancies including acute leukemia. Generally, chemotherapy is used to eliminate cancer cells and to restore normal bone marrow function. Simultaneous action of cytostatic drugs on bone marrow angiogenesis decreases the formation of new capillaries and improves therapeutic effect. However, chemotherapeutic agents may also be cytodestructive for cellular elements of other tissues, particularly the vascular endothelium, which can lead to various cardiovascular complications. In this work, we studied the effects of 2 cytostatic drugs, cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) and daunorubicin (DNR), on cultured human vascular (i.e., umbilical) endothelial cells (ECs). Ara-C and DNR were added to cultured cells at concentrations ranging from 1 ng/mL to 100 μg/mL. Drug effects were studied using phase-contrast microscopy, cell viability tests, BRDU incorporation, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and cell cloning. At various concentrations, ara-C and DNR are able to induce morphological and functional changes in cultured cells related to either cytostatic or cytotoxic action. Moreover, ara-C-treated cultured cells displayed significant disturbances in cell adhesion molecule expression and interaction with blood leukocytes. Preliminary data obtained on acute leukemia patients undergoing standard cytostatic therapy (“7+3” regimen) have shown that concentration of the circulating ECs was significantly increased compared with the control group and could be as high as 500–1500 cells/mL of blood. Results obtained suggest that anticancer chemotherapy may induce systemic damage of vascular endothelium related to massive cell loss and (or) alterations of endothelial function.
ON BIAUTOMATICITY OF NON-HOMOGENOUS SMALL-CANCELLATION GROUPS
Authors: WEISS URI
Published: July 2007

We define the notion of V(6) presentations that naturally generalize C(4)&T(4) and C(6) small-cancellation presentations. We consider V(6) groups (i.e. groups having V(6) presentations) where every piece is of length one. No natural geometrical interpretation is known for this class of groups. However, by using combinatorial and diagrammatical arguments, we construct a biautomatic structure for these groups.
NONQUASI-PERIODIC FACTORIZATIONS FOR CERTAIN FINITE ABELIAN GROUPS
Authors: SANDS ARTHUR D. , SZABÓ SÁNDOR
Published: July 2007

Hajós [2] asked if each factorization of a finite abelian group is quasi-periodic. Sands [5] exhibited a counter-example. We will show that a sizeable family of finite abelian groups admits nonquasi-periodic factorizations. We also describe a small family whose members have only quasi-periodic factorizations.
WELL- AND BETTER-QUASI-ORDERINGS IN THE LATTICE OF VARIETIES OF COMMUTATIVE SEMIGROUPS
Authors: GRECH MARIUSZ
Published: July 2007

In this paper, we describe all subsets of the lattices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of varieties (and pseudovarieties) of commutative semigroups which have the property of being a better-quasi-ordering (well-quasi-ordering). In particular, we show that the lattice [Formula: see text] of varieties of commutative nilpotent semigroups is a better-quasi-ordering, which solves a problem posed by Almeida.1.
FINITE COMPLETIONS VIA FACTORIZING CODES
Authors: DE FELICE CLELIA
Published: July 2007

Several results relate finite maximal codes to factorizations of cyclic groups. In the case of factorizing codes C, i.e. finite maximal codes which satisfy the still open Schützenberger's factorization conjecture, special factorizations, discovered by Hajós, intervene. In particular, given a two-letter alphabet {a,b}, it is known that the set C1 = C ∩ a*ba* satisfies a structural property defined by means of the Hajós factorizations. Conversely, it is not true that a set satisfying this structural property can be embedded in a factorizing code and some partial results are known on the problem of finding additional hypotheses that guarantee the existence of such embedding. Let C be a factorizing code. Inspired by the recursive construction of the Hajós factorizations and starting with a special equation associated with C1 = C ∩ a*ba*, we define a family [Formula: see text] of subsets of a*ba*, each of them still satisfying the above-mentioned structural property. We prove that for each set [Formula: see text], there exists a factorizing code C with C1 = C ∩ a*ba* and as a consequence C1 is a code. C is obtained starting with prefix/suffix codes and by using two types of operations on codes — composition and substitution. We extend all these results to alphabets of size greater than two. We conjecture that for each factorizing code C, we have [Formula: see text]. We also give a method of finding solutions to the above-mentioned equation associated with C1 and we conjecture that this method constructs all these solutions.
EFFECT OF PLASMA SPRAYING PARAMETERS ON THE SPRAYED HYDROXYAPATITE COATING
Authors: WANG AI-JUAN , LU YU-PENG , CHEN CHUAN-ZHONG , SUN RUI-XUE
Published: July 2007

As the most favorable technology, plasma spray has been used to produce the hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings with the desired phase, high crystallinity, adequate porosity, and good biocompatibility. The characteristics of the HA coating are affected by many variables of the fabricating process, such as the starting particle size, spraying distance, gas flow rate, and electric arc power, etc. This paper reviews the effect of the plasma spraying parameters on the morphology and microstructure of the HA coating, and introduces several typical HA coatings fabricated with different plasma spraying parameters.
EFFECT OF PRE-HEATING TEMPERATURE ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PZT THIN FILMS GROWN BY USING A TRIOL SOL–GEL ROUTE
Authors: THOUNTOM SARAWUT , NAKSATA MANOCH , MACKENZIE KENNETH , TUNKASIRI TAWEE
Published: July 2007

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films with compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary were fabricated on Pt (111)/ Ti / SiO 2/ Si (100) using the triol sol–gel method. The effect of the pre-heating temperature on the phase transformations, microstructures, electrical properties, and ferroelectric properties of the PZT thin films was investigated. Randomly oriented PZT thin films pre-heated at 400°C for 10 min and annealed at 600°C for 30 min showed well-defined ferroelectric hysteresis loops with a remnant polarization of 26.57 μC/cm2 and a coercive field of 115.42 kV/cm. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the PZT films were 621 and 0.0395, respectively. The microstructures of the thin films are dense, crack-free, and homogeneous with fine grains about 15–20 nm in size.
MAGNETORESISTANCE EFFECT IN A MAGNETIC–ELECTRIC-BARRIER STRUCTURE
Authors: LI CHUN-SHU , KONG YONG-HONG , TANG WEI-HUA , ZHANG GUI-LIAN
Published: July 2007

A Magnetoresistance device is proposed in a both magnetically and electrically modulated two-dimensional electron gas, which can be realized experimentally by the deposition, on the top and bottom of a semiconductor heterostructure, of two parallel metallic ferromagnetic strips under an applied voltage. It is shown that a considerable magnetoresistance effect can be achieved in such a device due to the significant transmission difference for electrons through parallel and antiparallel magnetization configurations. It is also shown that the magnetoresistance ratio depends strongly on the applied voltage to the stripe in the device. These interesting properties may provide an alternative scheme to realize magnetoresistance effect in hybrid ferromagnetic and semiconductor systems, and this system may be used as a voltage-tunable magnetoresistance device.
DYNAMICS OF AMORPHIZATION INDUCED IN CRYSTALLINE Ge1Sb2Te4 FILMS BY SINGLE FEMTOSECOND PULSES
Authors: LI X. D. , YAO L. G. , JIN C. X. , CHEN Y. W. , SUN Z. , HUANG S. M.
Published: July 2007

The dynamics and the conditions of amorphous transitions induced in a Ge 1 Sb 2 Te 4 system upon a single femtosecond (fs) pulse melting were studied by real-time reflectivity measurements. The system has a multilayer structure of 100 nm ZnS – SiO 2/(15–100 nm) Ge 1 Sb 2 Te 4/120 nm ZnS – SiO 2/0.6 mm polycarbonate substrate. It is shown that under optimum conditions amorphization is completed within 900 ps. The thickness of the phase change layer plays an important role in controlling the heat flow conditions in the system upon a fs pulse irradiation. The use of the fs laser pulse leads to a situation in which the pulse energy is deposited within a very short time in a thin surface layer, leading to heating or melting. The so-generated steep temperature gradient is subsequently smoothed by heat diffusion toward the substrate. The relative thermal process and effects are estimated. The calculated results are consisted with those from real-time reflectivity measurements. The mechanism of crystalline to amorphous transition triggered by single fs laser pulses is discussed.