bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences for biodiversity of reducing inputs to upland temperate pastures: effects on beetles (Coleoptera) of cessation of nitrogen fertilizer application and reductions in stocking rates of sheep
Authors: Dennis P. , Doering J. , Stockan J. A. , Jones J. R. , Rees M. E. , Vale J. E. , Sibbald A. R.
Published: May 2004

Current policies for upland pasture management in the UK encourage the integration of environmental objectives with livestock production through extensification of grazing systems. This study tested the hypothesis that a greater sward height in the summer would increase the diversity and abundance of grassland beetles (Coleoptera) as has been demonstrated for insects of indigenous grasslands.

The hypothesis was tested with an experiment on an upland sheep pasture in mid‐Wales. Experimental treatments received different nitrogen fertilizer inputs (0 or 50 kg ha−1), sheep stocking densities (12 or 9 ewes ha−1) and average sward heights in summer were constrained to 3·5 or 5·5 cm by conserving surplus grass for silage in subplots. Five treatments, replicated in three randomized blocks, combined the two stocking densities and two sward heights without nitrogen fertilizer inputs, with the fifth combining the higher stocking density, shortest sward height and the nitrogen fertilizer input. Beetles were sampled with twelve pitfall traps in each of the fifteen plots from June to September in 1993 and 1995.

In years 1 (1993) and 3 (1995) of the experiment, more Coleoptera species occurred in the tall sward (an average of nine species in addition to the forty‐one species present in the sward with the conventional sward height). Continuously grazed as opposed to ensiled subplots supported more beetle species but fewer individuals. Species composition of ground (Carabidae) and rove (Staphylinidae) beetles varied between treatments more than the arithmetic differences in species number.

The experimental results supported the hypothesis but the benefits of taller swards to species diversity were small in the sown pastures of the study compared with indigenous upland grasslands (c.33% fewer species). Inheritance effects of drainage, fertilizer and lime inputs, and the different species and management of cultivated pastures, may constrain the conservation benefits of altered pasture management compared with indigenous grasslands.
Responses of Leymus chinensis (Poaceae) to long‐term grazing disturbance in the Songnen grasslands of north‐eastern China
Authors: Wang R. Z.
Published: May 2004

A field study was conducted to test the responses of Leymus chinensis to long‐term grazing disturbance on a native grassland in the Songnen plain, north‐eastern China. Six grazing intensities were examined using thirty random sample plots in each. Components of biomass, and shoot and tiller densities of L. chinensis decreased significantly (P < 0·05) with increased grazing intensity, especially at the extremely high grazing intensity. Conversely, the proportion of the total biomass as rhizomes increased considerably with increased grazing intensity, and peaked on the extremely high grazing treatment (at 0·91 of the total biomass). Shoot and tiller densities, and the proportion of the total biomass as rhizomes were strongly negatively correlated with soil organic matter content and soil moisture content and negatively correlated with soil pH and soil bulk density along the grazing gradient, indicating that the responses of L. chinensis to the canopy removal by long‐term grazing are likely to have influenced changes in the soil.
Seed‐set and pollen–stigma compatibility in Leymus chinensis
Authors: Zhang W. D. , Chen S. Y. , Liu G. S. , Jan C. C.
Published: May 2004

Chinese leymus [Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel.] is an important forage distributed in East Asia. The seed‐set rates and the pollen–stigma compatibility in six populations were investigated in 2001. Proportionately seed‐set ranged from 0·065 to 0·567 under open pollination and 0·0056 to 0·0426 under self‐pollination. The former is significantly higher than the latter in each population. Microscopic observations showed that proportionately only 0·0551 to 0·1167 of self‐pollinated pollen grains were compatible but most cross‐pollinated pollen grains were compatible. The tubes of most incompatible pollen grains aborted upon entering into the stigmas. Among the six populations, there was a significant correlation between seed‐set under open pollination and the compatible pollen rates under cross‐pollination. These results suggest that Chinese leymus is a self‐incompatible species, and the compatibility of pollen and stigma might be one of the factors influencing seed‐set in natural conditions. This information will be useful for future breeding efforts.
Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing thylakoidal ascorbate peroxidase show increased resistance to Paraquat‐induced photooxidative stress and to nitric oxide‐induced cell death
Authors: Murgia Irene , Tarantino Delia , Vannini Candida , Bracale Marcella , Carravieri Sara , Soave Carlo
Published: May 2004

Ascorbate peroxidases (APX), localized in the cytosol, peroxisomes, mitochondria and chloroplasts of plant cells, catalyze the reduction of H2O2 to water by using ascorbic acid (ASA) as specific electron donor. The chloroplastic isoenzymes of APX are involved in the water–water cycle, which contributes to the photophosphorylation coupled to the photosynthetic electron transport. In order to better clarify the contribution of thylakoidal APX (tAPX) to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, as well as to the fine modulation of ROS for signaling, we produced Arabidopsis lines overexpressing tAPX. These lines show an increased resistance to treatment with the O2− generating herbicide Paraquat (Pq). However, when challenged with photoinhibitory treatments at high light or low temperature, or with iron (Fe) or copper (Cu) overload, the tAPX‐overexpressing lines show no increased resistance with respect to controls, indicating that in such experimental conditions, tAPX overexpression does not reinforce plant defenses against the oxidative stresses tested. Interestingly, the nitric oxide (NO)–donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) represses accumulation of tAPX transcript; SNP also partially inhibits tAPX enzymatic activity. After treatment with SNP, the tAPX‐overexpressing lines show reduced symptoms of damage with respect to control plants treated with SNP. These transgenic lines confirm that H2O2 acts in partnership with NO in causing cell death and highlight the important role of tAPX in the fine modulation of H2O2 for signaling.
Identification and characterization of a novel anthocyanin malonyltransferase from scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) flowers: an enzyme that is phylogenetically separated from other anthocyanin acyltransferases
Authors: Suzuki Hirokazu , Sawada Shin'ya , Watanabe Kazufumi , Nagae Shiro , Yamaguchi Masa‐atsu , Nakayama Toru , Nishino Tokuzo
Published: May 2004

Anthocyanin acyltransferases (AATs) catalyze a regiospecific acyl transfer from acyl‐CoA to the glycosyl moiety of anthocyanins, thus playing an important role in flower coloration. The known AATs are subfamily members of an acyltransferase family, the BAHD family, which play important roles in secondary metabolism in plants. Here, we describe the purification, characterization, and cDNA cloning of a novel anthocyanin malonyltransferase from scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) flowers. The purified enzyme (hereafter referred to as Ss5MaT2) is a monomeric 46‐kDa protein that catalyzes the transfer of the malonyl group from malonyl‐CoA to the 4′′′‐hydroxyl group of the 5‐glucosyl moiety of anthocyanins. Thus, it is a malonyl‐CoA:anthocyanin 5‐glucoside 4′′′‐O‐malonyltransferase. On the basis of the partial amino acid sequences of the purified enzyme, we isolated a cDNA that encodes an acyltransferase protein. The steady‐state transcript level of the gene was the highest in recently opened, fully pigmented flowers and was also correlated with the trend observed for an AAT gene responsible for the first malonylation step during salvianin biosynthesis. Immunoprecipitation studies using antibodies against the recombinant acyltransferase protein corroborated the identity of this cDNA as that encoding Ss5MaT2. The deduced amino acid sequence of Ss5MaT2 showed a low similarity (22–24% identity) to those of AATs and lacked the AAT‐specific signature sequence. A phylogenetic analysis suggested that Ss5MaT2 is more related to acetyl‐CoA:benzylalcohol acetyltransferase (BEAT) rather than to AAT. This is another example in which enzymes with similar, although not identical, substrate evolved from different branches of the BAHD family.
Phytocalpain controls the proliferation and differentiation fates of cells in plant organ development
Authors: Ahn Joon‐Woo , Kim Moonil , Lim Jeong Hwa , Kim Gyung‐Tae , Pai Hyun‐Sook
Published: May 2004

Calpain, a calcium‐dependent cysteine protease, plays an essential role in basic cellular processes in animal cells, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. NbDEK encodes the calpain homolog of N. benthamiana. In this study, virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of NbDEK resulted in arrested organ development and hyperplasia in all the major plant organs examined. The epidermal layers of the leaves and stems were covered with hyperproliferating cell masses, and stomata and trichome development was severely inhibited. During flower development, a single dome‐like structure was grown from the flower meristem to generate a large cylinder‐shaped flower lacking any floral organs. At the cellular level, cell division was sustained in tissues that were otherwise already differentiated, and cell differentiation was severely hampered. NbDEK is ubiquitously expressed in all the plant tissues examined. In the abnormal organs of the NbDEK VIGS lines, protein levels of D‐type cyclins (CycD)2, CycD3, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were greatly elevated, and transcription of E2F (E2 promoter binding factor), E2F‐regulated genes, retinoblastoma (Rb), and KNOTTED1 (KN1)‐type homeobox genes was also stimulated. These results suggest that phytocalpain is a key regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation during plant organogenesis, and that it acts partly by controlling the CycD/Rb pathway.
Spontaneous peripelvic extravasation of urine due to an inflammatory aneurysm of the abdominal aorta
Authors: MORI KEN‐ICHI , KOGA SHIGEHIKO , NOGUCHI MITSURU , KANETAKE HIROSHI , SUDA HISAO , YAMASHITA SHUJI
Published: May 2004

A 71‐year‐old man presented complaining of severe left flank pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen disclosed a left peripelvic extravasation of urine and a 4.0‐cm abdominal aortic aneurysm with a significant amount of perianeurysmal thickening and prominent left hydroureter. The patient was diagnosed as having an inflammatory aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (IAAA) with peripelvic extravasations of urine. We report the results of a patient with IAAA with ureteral obstruction successfully treated with steroid therapy and a ureteral stent.
A rare case of leiomyosarcoma of the penis with a reappraisal of the literature
Authors: DOMINICI ALBERTO , ROSE AUGUSTO DELLE , STOMACI NICETA , PUGLIESE LAVINIA , POSTI ALESSANDRO , NESI GABRIELLA
Published: May 2004

Primary leiomyosarcomas arising in the penis are rare, with only 29 reported cases to date. We review the published records on this entity and describe an additional case of penile leiomyosarcoma occurring in a 53‐year‐old patient who underwent postectomy for a firm nodule in the prepuce. Four years later he experienced local recurrence which was successfully treated with partial penectomy.
Results of the ureteral reimplantation with serous‐lined extramural tunnel in orthotopic ileal W‐neobladder
Authors: TÜRKÖLMEZ KADIR , BALTACI SÜMER , GÖǦÜŞ ÇAǦATAY , BEDÜK YAŞAR , GÖǦÜŞ ORHAN
Published: May 2004

Background: Our experience in uretero‐ileal anastomosis using the serous‐lined extramural tunnel in orthotopic ileal W‐neobladder is presented.

Methods: Between June 1998 and November 2001, 42 patients (40 men and two women) underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder for invasive bladder cancer. The ureters were reimplanted into serous‐lined extramural tunnels as described by Abol‐Enein and Ghoneim. However, we made minor modifications during the ureteral reimplantation in cases that necessitated distal ureteral excision and with grossly dilated ureters. Evaluation included clinical and radiographic studies to determine functional and oncological outcomes.

Results: There was no operative mortality. The mean follow‐up period was 28 months (range 12–52). Early complications occurred in four patients (9.5%). An endarterectomy for acute popliteal arterial embolism, the excision of the pouchointestinal fistula and a temporary colostomy were performed in two of these four patients. The other two patients were treated conservatively. Late complications occurred in eight patients (19%). Reflux was observed in three renal units (3.7%), ureterointestinal strictures in another three renal units (3.7%) and urethroileal stenosis in two patients (4.8%). In all cases, stabilization or improvement of renal function was achieved. No metabolic complications were observed.

Conclusions: Ileal W‐neobladder with a serous‐lined extramural tunnel is a safe, reliable form of lower urinary tract reconstruction. The method can be carried out with equal ease in grossly dilated ureters and in cases that necessitate distal ureteral excision.
Prognostic significance of thrombocytosis in renal cell carcinoma patients
Authors: INOUE KATSUKI , KOHASHIKAWA KEI , SUZUKI SHUNICHI , SHIMADA MAKOTO , YOSHIDA HIDEKI
Published: May 2004

Background: Thrombocytosis has been reported in many types of malignancies and has been studied as a prognostic factor. In the present study, we examined the incidence of thrombocytosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in order to evaluate the prognostic value of thrombocytosis.

Methods: One hundred and ninety‐six patients treated by radical nephrectomy for RCC were enrolled in this study. We divided the patients into a normal platelet count group and a thrombocytosis group according to the presurgical platelet count. The two groups were compared pathologically and clinically, including prognosis.

Results: Thrombocytosis was present in 16 patients (8.2%). Platelet counts had normalized after nephrectomy in all patients with thrombocytosis. There was no correlation between histological type or grade and thrombocytosis. However, there were correlations between thrombocytosis and tumor size and tumor stage. Patients with thrombocytosis had a worse prognosis than patients without thrombocytosis (P = 0.0028). When adjusted for stage or tumor size, the correlation was limited to low stage (stage 1 + 2: P = 0.0041, stage 3 + 4: P = 0.2983) or small tumors (tumor size: ≤4 cm, P = 0.0021; 4–7 cm, P = 0.0142; >7 cm, P = 0.8158).

Conclusion: Thrombocytosis is an inexpensive and easy tool with which to evaluate the prognosis of RCC patients in daily medical practice.
Symptomatic renal metastasis 5 years after the management of a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: AKDUMAN BULENT , ALTUN REMZI , YESILLI CETIN , YENIDUNYA SIBEL , OZDEMIR HUSEYIN , MUNGAN NECMETTIN AYDIN
Published: May 2004

A case of solitary renal metastasis five years after the management of a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is presented.
Bulbous urethra involved in perineal extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma in a child
Authors: WON YI JEONG , PARK YONG‐KOO , CHOI YONG‐MOOK , PYO HONG HOON , CHANG SUNG‐GOO
Published: May 2004

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is a rare soft‐tissue sarcoma that usually occurs in deep soft tissues, especially those of the proximal extremities and limb girdles, but is rare in children. We present an unusual case of a tumor arising in the perineum and involving the bulbous urethra in a 21‐month‐old boy. The patient was treated with surgical excision and urethroplasty followed by combination chemotherapy.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting as a scrotal mass
Authors: FROEHNER MICHAEL , OCKERT DETLEF , AUST DANIELA E , WIRTH MANFRED P , SAEGER HANS‐DETLEV
Published: May 2004

We describe a huge abdominal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) extending through the right inguinal canal. The reported case illustrates that the scrotum might be a place of initial presentation of a GIST growing along preformed anatomical structures. Urologists should be aware of this condition that might be mistaken for a primarily testicular malignancy.
Does transrectal ultrasound guided eight‐core prostate biopsy improve cancer detection rates in patients with prostate‐specific antigen levels of 4.1–10 ng/mL?
Authors: YAMAMOTO SHINYA , ITO TAKAAKI , AIZAWA TAKU , NODA KENJIRO , UMEZU KIYOKAZU , OHTSURU NORIHIKO , HATA KENICHI
Published: May 2004

Background: To investigate retrospectively whether the eight‐core biopsy method improves the prostate cancer detection rate when compared with the standard sextant biopsy method in patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels of 4.1–10 ng/mL.

Material and methods: Of 437 patients whose PSA levels ranged from 4.1 to 10 ng/mL, 237 underwent a transrectal ultrasound guided sextant biopsy (sextant group), and 200 underwent an eight‐core biopsy (eight‐core group). Eight core samples were obtained from each of the far lateral regions in addition to the standard sextant biopsy cores. None of the patients had a previous history of prostate biopsy.

Results: Of the 237 patients in the sextant group, prostate cancer was detected in 47 patients (19.8%) and in 50 of the 200 patients in the eight‐ core group (25.0%). The rates of detection in the two methods were not statistically significant. However, in patients whose PSA density was less than 0.1 ng/mL per cc, the cancer detection rates in the sextant group and the eight‐core group were 4.5% and 18.8%, respectively (P = 0.046). The morbidity and complications of the eight‐core biopsy method were not notable.

Conclusions: Only in patients with PSA levels of 4.1–10 ng/mL and density of less than 0.1 ng/mL per cc was the eight‐core biopsy method an improvement on the sextant biopsy method in terms of prostate cancer detection rate. Accordingly, a number of cores greater than eight will be required to improve the cancer detection rates in patients with PSA levels of 4.1–10 ng/mL and PSA densities of more than 0.1 ng/mL per cc.
Medical management of recurrent aggressive angiomyxoma with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist
Authors: SHINOHARA NOBUO , NONOMURA KATSUYA , ISHIKAWA SHUHEI , SEKI HARUO , KOYANAGI TOMOHIKO
Published: May 2004

Patients with aggressive angiomyxoma may experience local recurrences. We report a case of recurrent aggressive angiomyxoma medically treated successfully with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist. A 34‐year‐old woman with a huge perineal tumor underwent an extensive resection of the abdominoperineal tumor combined with total pelvic exenteration. Histology showed aggressive angiomyxoma and the tumor cells were immunoreactive for estrogen and progesterone receptors. Although the patient had experienced no local recurrence for 12 months under adjuvant therapy with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist, a recurrence occurred 3 months after the completion of adjuvant therapy. The patient underwent medical treatment with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist and had a complete resolution of the recurrent tumor again. Hormonal treatment with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist can be applied for small primary aggressive angiomyxomas in addition to adjuvant therapy for residual tumors.
Cut‐to‐the‐light technique and potassium titanyl phosphate laser ureterotomy for complete ureteral obstruction
Authors: GODA KAZUMASA , KAWABATA GAKU , YASUFUKU TOMIHIKO , HARA ISAO , FUJISAWA MASATO , KAMIDONO SADAO , OKADA HIROSHI
Published: May 2004

We describe a case of complete ureteral obstruction managed by endoscopic recanalization using a ‘cut‐to‐the‐light’ technique followed by potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser ureterotomy. A 53‐year‐old man developed a ureteral obstruction following the transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TUR‐Bt) at the left ureteral orifice. The length of the obstructed segment was estimated at 1 cm based on combined antegrade and retrograde contrast studies. Histopathological analysis indicated that the obstruction was caused by fibrosis. The ‘cut‐to‐the‐light’ technique was used for recanalization, and KTP laser ureterotomy was performed to obtain an adequate ureteral lumen. A 14 F/7 F endoureterotomy stent was removed 6 weeks after the operation. No significant complications and no signs of stenosis were observed 24 months after endoscopic repair. Endoscopic recanalization is a safe, effective technique for the management of a completely obliterated ureteral segment, especially in combination with subsequent KTP laser ureterotomy.
Long‐term results of adjuvant hormonal therapy plus radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy for patients with pT3N0 or pT3N1 prostate cancer
Authors: MIYAKE HIDEAKI , SAKAI IORI , HARADA KEN‐ICHI , HARA ISAO , ETO HIROSHI
Published: May 2004

Background: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant androgen suppression in conjunction with external beam irradiation after radical prostatectomy in patients with pathologically confirmed extraprostatic disease.

Methods: Between July 1988 and October 1999, 38 patients with pT3N0 or pT3N1 prostate cancer received adjuvant hormonal therapy and external beam irradiation following radical retropubic prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Administration of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analog or castration were initiated as an adjuvant androgen suppression within 4 weeks after surgery, whereas pelvic irradiation was performed at a median dose of 50 G within 3 months after surgery. The prognostic advantage of this combined adjuvant therapy was analyzed.

Results: During the median observation period of 92 months, biochemical recurrence occurred in four of the 38 patients and five patients died. Of these five patients, only one died of prostate cancer progression. The 10‐year biochemical recurrence‐free, cancer‐specific and overall survival rates of the 38 patients were 86.7%, 90.9% and 78.7%, respectively. Among several factors examined, only tumor grade was significantly associated with biochemical recurrence‐free survival in these patients; however, there were no factors that were independent predictors for biochemical recurrence, based on multivariate analysis. Furthermore, biochemical recurrence‐free survival in the 38 patients was significantly superior to that in 54 patients with locally advanced disease who did not receive any postoperative therapies until biochemical recurrence; however, there was no significant difference in cancer‐specific and overall survival between these two groups.

Conclusion: Despite retrospective analysis with a relatively small number of patients, results of the present study suggest favorable effects of the combined adjuvant treatments with androgen ablation and pelvic irradiation on cancer control for patients with pT3N0 or pT3N1 disease. However, considering the absence of a significant difference in cancer‐specific and overall survival between patients with and without adjuvant treatments, it might not be necessary to routinely perform combined hormonal and radiation therapies in an adjuvant setting for pT3N0 or pT3N1 prostate cancer.
Metastatic malignant ameloblastoma of the kidneys
Authors: HAYAKAWA KUNIHIRO , HAYASHI EIRI , AOYAGI TEIICHIRO , HATA MAKOTO , KURAMOTO CHIKA , TONOGI MORIO , YAMANE GEN‐YUKI , TANAKA YOUICHI
Published: May 2004

Ameloblastoma is an uncommon disease in the urological field. The resulting tumors or cysts are of odontogenic epithelial origin, are usually benign in nature and rarely metastasize to distant organs. We describe a case of metastatic ameloblastic carcinoma in both kidneys of a 38‐year‐old Japanese man, who had a history of malignant ameloblastoma and was referred to us for evaluation because of gross hematuria and left flank pain. Computed tomography showed irregular cystic masses in both kidneys. After we confirmed that the primary lesion and the lung metastatic lesion had not recurred, we treated the patient surgically. Approximately 4 months postoperatively the patient suffered a local recurrence of tumors that was very invasive and aggressive. The patient died 2 months later and the autopsy showed local metastasis only, without any metastatic lesion in the lungs or other organs. The present case showed that malignant ameloblastoma is highly aggressive, and in the case of metastases the prognosis is usually extremely poor.
Journal Rankings in Business and Management and the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise in the UK
Authors: Geary Janet , Marriott Liz , Rowlinson Michael
Published: May 2004

The public availability of detailed data from the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise in the UK allows an analysis of the publications cited in submissions to the Business and Management panel. Eighty per cent of the 9,942 publications submitted were journal articles. Submissions to the RAE can be scored in terms of the number of citations they make to journals that appear on various lists, such as the Financial Times list. The concentration of articles in a minority of journals, with 50% of all citations to just 126 journals, means that a core list of business and management journals can be compiled. The core list presented contains 562 journals out of the 1582 journal titles that were cited in Business and Management submissions. It includes all journals with more than two citations overall at least one citation in a 5*, 5 or 4 rated submission. It also includes all journals cited in the RAE from Starbuck's ranked lists of journals and the Financial Times list.
The effects of funding source and management ownership on the productivity of R&D
Authors: Billings B.Anthony , Musazi Buagu G.N. , Moore John W.
Published: May 2004

This study investigates the influence of the source of R&D funds and management ownership on R&D productivity. The lagged effect of the source of R&D funds on R&D output is investigated for a sample of US manufacturing firms in five industries over the 1996–99 period. Estimates based on 779 firm‐years show that R&D productivity increases with the proportion of stock held by managers and directors of firms primarily in the Other Electronics industry. The estimates also show that recipients of government‐sponsored R&D funds in the Chemicals industry have lower levels of output (sales) for each dollar committed to R&D. In addition, output for firms in the Chemicals industry worsens as management stockholding increases, implying an agency cost rationale for the observed difference in output. The implication is that firms with high manager‐owner content are less productive with government‐sponsored R&D than with company‐financed R&D. The reported results suggest that potential agency costs should be incorporated in government‐sponsored R&D contracts. It also suggests that the source of R&D funds should be disclosed and incorporated into the valuation of intangible assets attributable to research and development.
The effects of knowledge attribute, alliance characteristics, and absorptive capacity on knowledge transfer performance
Authors: Chen Chung‐Jen
Published: May 2004

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of knowledge attribute, alliance characteristics, and firm's absorptive capacity on the performance of knowledge transfer. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses in a sample of 137 alliance cases. The findings suggest that knowledge transfer performance is positively affected by the explicitness of knowledge and firm's absorptive capacity; that equity‐based alliance will transfer tacit knowledge more effectively while contract‐base alliance is more effective for the transfer of explicit knowledge; and that trust and adjustment have positive effects while conflict possesses a curvilinear effect on knowledge transfer performance.
Inhibitory Effects of Etidronate on the Progression of Vascular Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hashiba Hirotake , Aizawa Sumio , Tamura Kazuhiro , Shigematsu Takashi , Kogo Hiroshi
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  The present study was designed to determine if etidronate inhibits the development of aortic calcification in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Eighteen Japanese HD patients were divided randomly into etidronate‐treated or control groups. Etidronate was given orally at the dose of 200 mg just before sleep on the day of dialysis, which was performed three times per week. In the control group, the aortic calcification area (ACA) increased after 6 months. In the patients who received etidronate, however, when compared to the control group, increases in ACA were significantly suppressed. Serum Ca, P, and the Ca × P product did not change during etidronate treatment. These results suggest that etidronate inhibits the progression of vascular calcification without changes in serum Ca and P levels.
Protective Effect of an Oral Adsorbent on Renal Function in Chronic Renal Failure: Determinants of its Efficacy in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Sanaka Tsutomu , Akizawa Tadao , Koide Keizou , Koshikawa Shozo
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Large‐scale clinical trials have shown that the oral adsorbent AST‐120 improves renal function and delays the initiation of dialysis in chronic renal failure (CRF) secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis. If renal failure progresses via common mechanisms, then the same effects can be expected in diabetic nephropathy. However, no study on diabetic nephropathy has been reported. Thus, we enrolled patients with statistically significant progression of CRF secondary to diabetic nephropathy, and analyzed the changes in renal function after AST‐120 therapy, and the clinical factors associated with response to therapy. We enrolled 276 patients with diabetic nephropathy, whose serum creatinine (Scr) had increased from 3.4 to 4.5 mg/dL during the 4.5 ± 3.7 months prior to the study. These patients took AST‐120 at a dose of 5.0 ± 1.4 g/day for 6 months. The clinical data were analyzed by dividing the patients into three groups based on the changes in Scr after AST‐120 therapy, with responders showing a decrease (N = 82), partial responders showing <1.5‐fold increase (N = 144), and non‐responders showing ≥1.5‐fold increase (N = 50). AST‐120 significantly lowered the slope of 1/Scr–time line, suggesting that AST‐120 suppressed the progression of renal impairment. No responders required dialysis, whereas 24.3% of the partial responders and 36.0% of the non‐responders started dialysis therapy. In responders, the 1/Scr–time slope showed a negative‐to‐positive shift and serum urea nitrogen decreased significantly, whereas the improvement was moderate in partial responders and minimal in non‐responders. Among responders, AST‐120 therapy significantly improved renal function despite the presence of hypoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, anemia or hypertension in many patients. The beneficial effect of AST‐120 was significantly more marked in patients with blood pressure controlled within the normal ranges and hematocrit maintained at 30% or above. AST‐120 reversed renal dysfunction or delayed the initiation of dialysis therapy in patients with progressive aggravation of CRF secondary to diabetic nephropathy, independent of hypoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, anemia and hypertension. Active use of AST‐120 may be recommended in patients with good control of blood pressure and hematocrit above 30%.
Extracorporeal Albumin Dialysis
Authors: Abe Takaya , Shono Mineo , Kodama Toshihiro , Kita Yuji , Fukagawa Masafumi , Akizawa Tadao
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Previous studies reported that dialysis with albumin dialysate (AD) was effective in removing albumin‐binding toxins (ABT), and the Molecular Adsorption Recycling System (MARS) and Continuous Albumin Purification System (CAPS) have been developed. These blood purification therapies were categorized into the concept of extracorporeal albumin dialysis (ECAD). ECAD is defined as extracorporeal therapies using AD for the removal of not only water‐soluble but also ABT. It was reported that symmetric as well as asymmetric membrane dialyzers had the effect of the removal of bilirubin by AD. The larger pore size membrane can remove more bilirubin. In the greater albumin concentration in AD, the removal capacity for bilirubin by AD increased. Bilirubin in AD could be removed by a charcoal and a bilirubin adsorption column, and its concentration in AD remained approximately constant. In clinical performance of CAPS, cellulose triacetate membrane, 5% AD, bilirubin adsorber columns, and charcoal adsorber columns were used. This system was applied continuously for 24 h for treatment. CAPS could control not only renal but also liver function during the 24 h, without any adverse effect. MARS removes many toxic substances including ABT, and has beneficial effect on brain, liver, renal, and cardiovascular functions, and improvement of 30‐day survival were reported. ECAD may become a possible therapeutic tool in patients with the disease state of ABT accumulation as an artificial kidney and liver. However, several attempts such as the application of recombinant human albumin and acetate free dialysate, should be required.
A Case of Chronic Relapsing ANCA‐associated Microscopic Polyangiitis Successfully Treated with Plasma Exchange
Authors: Akioka Yuko , Hattori Motoshi , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Ito Katsumi
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  We report the case of a 4.5‐year‐old girl with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) manifesting antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)‐positive necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. She was initially on induction therapy with corticosteroids and azathioprine. Plasma exchange (PE) combined with immunosuppressants was used to treat an episode of recurrent pulmonary hemorrhage, and achieved remission. At 9.8 years of age her kidney disease relapsed, associated with renal dysfunction and increased proteinuria. To minimize the toxic effects of immunossuppressants, she was treated with PE again, and her renal dysfunction resolved. Plasma exchange was effective in reducing the risk of death and preserving long‐term renal function without the severe adverse effects of immunosuppressants. Our preliminary results indicate that PE is likely to be a treatment option for children in acute phase of ANCA‐associated MPA, who should be protected from the toxic effects of immunosuppressants.
Office Evaluation and Treatment of Elderly Patients with Acute Bronchitis
Authors: Steinman Michael A. , Sauaia Angela , Maselli Judy H. , Houck Peter M. , Gonzales Ralph
Published: May 2004

Objectives: To assess the office evaluation of seniors with uncomplicated acute bronchitis and to determine the association between elements of the clinical evaluation and antibiotic prescribing decisions.

Design: Cross‐sectional chart review.

Setting: Seventy‐seven community‐based office practices in the Denver metropolitan area.

Participants: Elderly fee‐for‐service Medicare patients.

Measurements: Medicare administrative data to identify patients with acute bronchitis; medical record review to confirm the diagnosis and record other clinical data.

Results: Of 198 elderly patients with acute bronchitis, the mean age±standard deviation was 76±8.6; 53% had at least one comorbid condition. Clinically important vital signs were frequently not recorded; temperature was missing from 34% of charts and pulse from 50% of charts. When recorded, significant vital sign abnormalities were uncommon, with 7% having a temperature of 100°F and 8% having a pulse of 100 beats per minute or greater. However, antibiotics were prescribed to 83% of patients, with more than half of these prescriptions being for extended‐spectrum antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics was more common in men than women (92% vs 78%, P=.007) but was not associated with clinical factors including vital sign measurement, vital sign results, chest radiography, patient age, duration of illness, or the presence of comorbidities.

Conclusion: The vast majority of seniors with acute bronchitis are treated with antibiotics, regardless of patient characteristics or the type of evaluation received. Reducing inappropriate antibiotic use in seniors with acute bronchitis may depend on improving the evaluation of these patients and encouraging clinicians to act appropriately on the results.
Body Mass Index, Body Cell Mass, and 4‐Year All‐Cause Mortality Risk in Older Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Volpato Stefano , Romagnoni Franco , Soattin Lucia , Blè Alessandro , Leoci Vincenzo , Bollini Cristina , Fellin Renato , Zuliani Giovanni
Published: May 2004

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between body composition (assessed using body mass index (BMI) and body cell mass (BCM)) and all‐cause mortality in a sample of older nursing home residents.

Design: Prospective study with a median follow‐up period of 3.5 years.

Setting: Istituto di Riposo per Anziani, Padua, Italy.

Participants: A total of 344 participants (79.1% women) aged 65 and older at baseline.

Measurements: Anthropometric, nutritional, and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline. BCM was measured using tetrapolar bioelectric impedance analysis. Up to 4 years of follow‐up data for vital status were available. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan‐Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: During the follow‐up period, there were 179 deaths. After adjustment for age and sex, subjects with low BMI and low BCM (lowest sex‐specific tertiles) had significantly higher mortality than those with higher BMI or BCM levels. In a fully adjusted regression model, there was no association between BMI levels and risk of mortality, with subjects in the top tertile having the same likelihood of mortality as subjects in the lowest tertile (relative risk (RR)=0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.61–1.43). Conversely, there was a strong and significant inverse association between BCM levels and mortality (RR for tertile III=0.55, 95% CI=0.35–0.87; P<.01). Furthermore, participants who had high BCM had comparable survival rates in all BMI tertiles.

Conclusion: In this sample of older nursing home residents, BCM was a strong and independent risk factor for mortality. BCM assessment might provide more useful prognostic information for clinicians than BMI.
Tai Chi and Self‐Rated Quality of Sleep and Daytime Sleepiness in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Fuzhong , Fisher K. John , Harmer Peter , Irbe Dainis , Tearse Robert G. , Weimer Cheryl
Published: May 2004

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of tai chi on self‐rated sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in older adults reporting moderate sleep complaints.

Design: Randomized, controlled trial with allocation to tai chi or exercise control.

Setting: General community.

Participants: One hundred eighteen women and men aged 60 to 92.

Intervention: Participants were randomized into tai chi or low‐impact exercise and participated in a 60‐minute session, three times per week, for 24 consecutive weeks.

Measurements: Primary outcome measures were the seven subscales of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), PSQI global score, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Secondary outcome measures were physical performance (single leg stand, timed chair rise, 50‐foot speed walk) and 12‐item short form (SF‐12) physical and mental summary scores.

Results: Tai chi participants reported significant improvements in five of the PSQI subscale scores (sleep quality, sleep‐onset latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances) (P<.01), PSQI global score (P=.001), and ESS scores (P=.002) in comparison with the low‐impact exercise participants. Tai chi participants reported sleep‐onset latency of about 18 minutes less per night (95% confidence interval (CI)=–28.64 to –7.12) and sleep duration of about 48 minutes more per night (95% CI=14.71–82.41) than low‐impact exercise participants. Tai chi participants also showed better scores in secondary outcome measures than low‐impact exercise participants. Both groups reported improvements in SF‐12 mental summary scores.

Conclusion: Older adults with moderate sleep complaints can improve self‐rated sleep quality through a 6‐month, low‐ to moderate‐intensity tai chi program. Tai chi appears to be effective as a nonpharmacological approach to sleep enhancement for sleep‐disturbed elderly individuals.
Whole‐Body‐Vibration Training Increases Knee‐Extension Strength and Speed of Movement in Older Women
Authors: Roelants Machteld , Delecluse Christophe , Verschueren Sabine M.
Published: May 2004

Objectives: To investigate the effects of 24 weeks of whole‐body‐vibration (WBV) training on knee‐extension strength and speed of movement and on counter‐movement jump performance in older women.

Design: A randomized, controlled trial.

Setting: Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory, Leuven, Belgium

Participants: Eighty‐nine postmenopausal women, off hormone replacement therapy, aged 58 to 74, were randomly assigned to a WBV group (n=30), a resistance‐training group (RES, n=30), or a control group (n=29).

Intervention: The WBV group and the RES group trained three times a week for 24 weeks. The WBV group performed unloaded static and dynamic knee‐extensor exercises on a vibration platform, which provokes reflexive muscle activity. The RES group trained knee‐extensors by performing dynamic leg‐press and leg‐extension exercises increasing from low (20 repetitions maximum (RM)) to high (8RM) resistance. The control group did not participate in any training.

Measurements: Pre‐, mid‐ (12 weeks), and post‐ (24 weeks) isometric strength and dynamic strength of knee extensors were measured using a motor‐driven dynamometer. Speed of movement of knee extension was assessed using an external resistance equivalent to 1%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of isometric maximum. Counter‐movement jump performance was determined using a contact mat.

Results: Isometric and dynamic knee extensor strength increased significantly (P<.001) in the WBV group (mean±standard error 15.0±2.1% and 16.1±3.1%, respectively) and the RES group (18.4±2.8% and 13.9±2.7%, respectively) after 24 weeks of training, with the training effects not significantly different between the groups (P=.558). Speed of movement of knee extension significantly increased at low resistance (1% or 20% of isometric maximum) in the WBV group only (7.4±1.8% and 6.3±2.0%, respectively) after 24 weeks of training, with no significant differences in training effect between the WBV and the RES groups (P=.391; P=.142). Counter‐movement jump height enhanced significantly (P<.001) in the WBV group (19.4±2.8%) and the RES group (12.9±2.9%) after 24 weeks of training. Most of the gain in knee‐extension strength and speed of movement and in counter‐movement jump performance had been realized after 12 weeks of training.

Conclusion: WBV is a suitable training method and is as efficient as conventional RES training to improve knee‐extension strength and speed of movement and counter‐movement jump performance in older women. As previously shown in young women, it is suggested that the strength gain in older women is mainly due to the vibration stimulus and not only to the unloaded exercises performed on the WBV platform.
Thoracic Kyphosis and Ventilatory Dysfunction in Unselected Older Persons: An Epidemiological Study in Dicomano, Italy
Authors: Di Bari Mauro , Chiarlone Melisenda , Matteuzzi Daniela , Zacchei Simona , Pozzi Claudia , Bellia Vincenzo , Tarantini Francesca , Pini Riccardo , Masotti Giulio , Marchionni Niccoló
Published: May 2004

Objectives: To assess whether kyphosis is associated with ventilatory dysfunction in older community dwellers.

Design: Cross‐sectional study.

Setting: The unselected population of Dicomano, Italy aged≥65 years.

Participants: A total of 323 nonheart failure participants underwent clinical evaluation for the presence of kyphosis and spirometry. The severity of kyphosis was estimated from the difference between standing stature and knee‐height‐derived stature and from the occiput‐wall distance.

Measurements: Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and prevalence of obstructive and restrictive ventilatory pattern.

Results: The 130 kyphotic participants (40.2%) had an adjusted 2.5 prevalence odds ratio (POR) for dyspnea (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.1–5.8). FVC% and FEV1% were lower in the presence of kyphosis (P<.01); their deficit was proportional to kyphosis severity. The ventilatory dysfunction was underestimated when reference spirometric parameters were calculated based on standing stature, compared with knee‐height derived stature. Of the kyphotic participants, 56.2%, 26.9%, and 16.9% had spirometric normal, obstructive, and restrictive patterns, respectively. Kyphosis was associated with a restrictive (adjusted POR=2.3, 95% CI=1.1–4.8; P=.021) and an obstructive ventilatory pattern (adjusted POR=3.3, 95% CI=1.7–6.5; P<.001).

Conclusion: In unselected older persons, kyphosis is associated with dyspnea and ventilatory dysfunction of a restrictive and an obstructive type. Kyphosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea and ventilatory dysfunction in the elderly.
Determinants of Lower‐Body Muscle Power in Early Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Sipilä Sarianna , Koskinen Satu O. A. , Taaffe Dennis R. , Takala Timo E. S. , Cheng Sulin , Rantanen Taina , Toivanen Jarmo , Suominen Harri
Published: May 2004

Objectives: To investigate the association between muscle size, density, and fiber composition; body composition; maximal isometric knee extension strength (KES); and lower‐body muscle power in healthy postmenopausal women.

Design: Cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from a 1‐year randomized controlled experiment.

Setting: University‐based research laboratory.

Participants: Seventy‐eight healthy postmenopausal women aged 50 to 57.

Measurements: Maximal lower‐body muscle power was assessed using vertical jump height (VJH). Maximal isometric KES was measured on a dynamometer chair. Computed tomography scans were used to determine lean‐tissue cross‐sectional area and density of the thigh and lower leg muscles. Relative area occupied by type I, IIa, IIax, and IIx muscle fibers was assessed from the vastus lateralis muscle. Lean body mass and total body fat mass were assessed using bioelectrical impedance.

Results: High VJH was associated with low body fat mass, high KES, and high density of thigh and lower leg muscles. Multivariate linear regression modeling revealed that high thigh muscle density (β=0.242; P=.019), relative area occupied by the fastest muscle fiber types (IIax+IIx; β=0.246; P=.007), KES (β=0.247; P=.007), and low body fat mass (β=−0.455; P<.001) were independently associated with high VJH, accounting for 45% of the variability in VJH.

Conclusion: This study showed that thigh muscle composition, muscle strength, and body fat mass are important determinants of lower‐body muscle power production during weight‐bearing activity in healthy postmenopausal women.