bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acculturation orientations towards Israeli Arabs and Jewish immigrants in Israel
Authors: Bourhis Richard V. , Dayan Joelle
Published: April 2004

The State of Israel can be characterized as having two integration policies: an assimilationist one towards “valued” Jewish immigrants and a somewhat ethnist one towards its “devalued” national minority, namely Israeli Arabs. Using the Host Community Acculturation Scale (HCAS), this study explored Jewish undergraduate (N = 153) acculturation orientations towards “valued” Jewish immigrants of Russian and Ethiopian background and towards “devalued” Israeli Arabs. Results showed that Jewish undergraduates mainly endorsed the integrationism and individualism acculturation orientations towards Jewish immigrants. However, they were more segregationist and exclusionist towards Israeli Arabs than towards Jewish immigrants of Russian and Ethiopian background. Assimilation was weakly endorsed towards both Jewish immigrants and Israeli Arabs. Based on an extensive questionnaire, multiple regression analyses showed that each acculturation orientation had a distinct psychological profile. The integrationism and individualism orientations were endorsed by undergraduates who were tolerant towards ethnic diversity, felt secure personally, culturally, and militarily, and did not endorse the social dominance orientation (SDO). In addition to not feeling threatened by the presence of Israeli Arabs, integrationists and individualists were identified as secular Israelis and Labour Party sympathizers rather than as religious Jews. In contrast, the assimilationism, segregationism, and exclusionism orientations were endorsed by undergraduates who felt insecure personally, religiously, culturally, and militarily, who tended to be less tolerant towards ethnic diversity, and who were more prone to endorse the SDO. In addition to feeling threatened by Israeli Arabs, they avoided close relations with Russian and Ethiopian immigrants. Segregationists and exclusionists were identified mainly as Jewish nationals. Orthodox Jews, and as Likud Party sympathizers. Exclusionists were distinctive in also feeling threatened by the presence Jewish immigrants of Russian and Ethiopian background. While taking into consideration the context of intergroup relations in Israel, results are discussed using the Interactive Acculturation Model (Bourhis, Moïse, Perreault, & Senecal, 1997).
Middle East and North Africa Regional Conference of Psychology, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sabourin Michel , Knowles Mike
Published: April 2004

The first Middle East and North Africa Regional Conference of Psychology (MENA RCP) was held in Dubai. United Arab Emirates, December 13–18, 2003, under the auspices of the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS), the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP), and the International Association for Cross–Cultural Psychology (IACCP). It was organized by a local Conference Committee and by the Yemen Psychological Association (YPA), in collaboration with the Egyptian Association for Psychological Studies (EAPS). High attendance, with participation from 35 countries, including 17 from the neighbouring Middle East and North Africa region, was a major achievement of the conference. Conference participants, many of them leaders of their national psychology associations, who also attended the concomitant National Capacity Building Workshop organized by the IUPsyS, signed an official Declaration to create a Regional Council of Arab Psychological Associations during the coming year and to follow this first MENA Conference with a second conference to be held in Amman. Jordan, in 2005.
Ultrasound‐guided large needle core biopsy of the axilla
Authors: Abdsaleh S. , Azavedo E. , Lindgren P. G.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To study the diagnostic yield and safety aspects of large needle core biopsy of pathologic lesions in the axillary region using a semi‐automatic biopsy gun.

Material and Methods: A series of 21 consecutive large needle core (14G, 2.1 mm) biopsies of the axilla was evaluated. The biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance with one ( n=13) or two ( n=8) needle passes. The results were correlated to the clinical, mammographic, ultrasound and surgical histopathologic findings.

Results: In 18 patients, specimens large enough for diagnosis were retrieved. In two patients the specimens were insufficient and non‐diagnostic. In one patient with a non‐malignant yield the result was false‐negative. No neural or vascular injury occurred.

Conclusion: The procedure might be safely employed in the diagnosis of ultrasonographically demonstrable lesions of the axilla, whenever specimens larger than those obtainable with a fine needle are desired.
Complications associated with percutaneous nephrostomies. a retrospective study
Authors: Radecka E. , Magnusson A.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To determine the morbidity and mortality associated with radiologically guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN).

Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 401 patients treated with 569 PCN over a 5‐year period was performed. Using the Seldinger technique, the catheters (6–10 F) were placed under fluoroscopic, ultrasonographic, or CT guidance. Data on underlying disease, complications, subsequent management, and long‐term management were collected.

Results: PCN was successful in 558 of the 569 attempts (98%). There were 22 major complications (4%) in 569 procedures, including cardiac arrest, bleeding requiring transfusion or embolization, septicemia, hydrothorax or pneumothorax. There were 38% minor complications, including urinary tract infection, catheter dislodgement, catheter obstruction by debris, urinary leakage, and inflammation of the skin at the site of insertion of the percutaneous catheter. Seventy‐seven (14%) of the procedures were followed by urinary tract infection during the PCN treatment. Seventy‐nine (14%) catheters slipped out unintentionally.

Conclusion: Percutaneous nephrostomy is a gentle procedure associated with high technical success and low morbidity. However, the risk of the procedure has to be weighed against the expected benefit.
Assessment of hepatic iron content using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Li T. Q. , Aisen A. M. , Hindmarsh T.
Published: April 2004

Numerous studies over the past decade have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has great potential for detecting and quantifying the distribution of iron in the body. With MRI, tissue iron is indirectly identified by the paramagnetic effects of iron on the shortening of water proton MR relaxation times. However, these effects are complex and involve a number of factors, such as tissue hydration, distribution of iron and water within the tissue, and the amount of iron loading within the iron storage molecules. A coherent understanding of how these factors influence the MRI signal is still lacking. The dependence on experimental conditions, such as magnet field strength, pulse sequences, and data acquisition parameters, further complicates iron quantification with MRI. To date, there is no generally accepted MRI approach available for clinical application. In this review, we first explain the basic MR relaxation mechanisms underlying the detection of iron with MRI. We then review the literature on empirical MRI studies of hepatic iron. Finally, we summarize the critical issues that need to be addressed to develop MRI techniques for non‐invasive iron detection in the body.
Safety of heparin reversal with protamin and immediate sheath removal after coronary angioplasty
Authors: Lohne F. , Kløw N. E. , Stavnes S. , Brekke M. , Hoffmann P. , Stensæth K. H. , Søvik E. , Pettersen M. S.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To study the safety of giving protamin after coronary angioplasty to reverse heparin for immediate removal of the femoral sheath.

Material and Methods: After successful angioplasty, 100 patients were randomized to receive protamin and immediate sheath removal or to the control group with sheath removal after 3 h. Patients were followed for 30 days so that groin complications and coronary events could be compared. After 6 months, target vessel revascularization and death were recorded.

Results: The time to mobilization was significantly shorter in the protamin group compared to the control group; 6 versus 19 h. The protamin patients were more satisfied than the control patients, in particular during bed rest after compression. Puncture site complications were one (2%) and two (4%) pseudoaneurysms in the protamin group and the control group, respectively. Early angina and restenosis/reocclusion before 30 days were seen in 4 patients in the protamin group and in 1 in the control group. Adverse incidents between 30 days and 6 months were the same for both groups.

Conclusion: Protamin reversal improved patient comfort and reduced immobilization time. The cardiac safety concern observed requires the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel to be given before the procedure.
Threshold selection in virtual bronchoscopy: phantom study and clinical implications
Authors: Maniatis P. N. , Triantopoulou C. C. , Tsalafoutas I. A. , Malagari K. S. , Siafas I. G. , Psatha E. A. , Koulentianos E. D. , Kelekis D. A.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the threshold selection on the apparent diameter of a virtual bronchus and the virtual wall morphology and to examine the parameters that can affect the selection of the appropriate threshold for virtual bronchoscopy with single slice computed tomography.

Material and Methods: A bronchial phantom containing plastic tubes simulating the airways of the tracheobronchial tree was constructed. The diameters of the virtual images of these tubes were measured using various thresholds for two different materials surrounding the tubes: air and water. These measurements were correlated with the density in HU of the walls. Furthermore, data from 20 virtual bronchoscopies in patients were retrospectively analyzed in the same way.

Results: The diameter of a virtual bronchus is strongly affected by the selected threshold. The appropriate threshold for accurate diameter representation depends on the density of the bronchial wall.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that in clinical practice a single threshold value cannot be used for imaging all segments of the tracheobronchial tree. While a value of −520 is appropriate for the trachea and lobar segments, values down to −720 could be needed on the level of segmental and subsegmental bronchi. At these levels, a threshold value about 65 HU more negative than the value where the artificial holes appear on the virtual bronchial walls could be used.
Stereotactic core needle biopsy in non‐palpable breast lesions. what number is needed?
Authors: Leifland K. , Lundquist H. , Lagerstedt U. , Svane G.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To investigate whether three stereotactic core needle biopsies (S‐CNB) in non‐palpable breast lesion are enough for accurate preoperative diagnosis.

Material and Methods: Between September 1994 and December 2000, 523 patients with mammographically detected breast lesions and who proceeded to surgery were preoperatively stereotactically biopsied with an automated 14‐gauge biopsy device. Three samples were taken from each lesion irrespective of whether the lesion presented as “microcalcifications only”, “microcalcifications and a mass”, or a “mass, architectural distorsion, or stellate lesion without microcalcifications”. The histopathology was divided into three subgroups: diagnostic, atypia (ranging from atypical cells to probably cancer), and non‐diagnostic material.

Results: Post‐surgical histopathology diagnosed 454 (87%) malignant tumors and 69 (13%) benign lesions. Three S‐CNB correctly diagnosed the malignant tumors in 84% in the subgroup “microcalcifications only”. In the category “microcalcifications and a mass”, the diagnostic accuracy was 97% and in the subgroup “mass, architectural distorsion, or stellate lesion without microcalcifications” 3 S‐CNB resulted in 93% correct diagnostic material. In 19 of the 454 patients (4%) 1, 2 or all 3 preoperative S‐CNB showed atypia. In 20 patients (4%), all 3 S‐CNB were non‐diagnostic. Thirteen of these 20 patients had “microcalcifications only” and 7 had a mass without microcalcifications.

Conclusion: Three S‐CNB were enough for correct diagnosis in “masses, architectural distorsions, or stellate lesions without microcalcifications” and in “microcalcifications and a mass”, but were not sufficient in “microcalcifications only”.
Magnetic resonance evaluation of cerebral toxoplasmosis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Batra A. , Tripathi R. P. , Gorthi S. P.
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To evaluate and delineate the characteristics of cerebral toxoplasmosis lesions using a combination of magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy, diffusion, and perfusion studies.

Material and Methods: A total of 8 patients with 23 lesions were evaluated on a 1.5‐T MR system. Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) was performed with three ‘b’ values of 50, 500, and 1000 s/mm2, and the apparent diffusion coefficient maps were calculated. The diffusion‐weighted appearances and the T2‐weighted MR appearances of the lesions were compared. MR spectroscopy was performed using the point‐resolved single‐voxel technique with two TE values of 135 ms and 270 ms. Perfusion studies were carried out using the dynamic contrast‐enhanced technique, and the relative cerebral blood volume maps were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed.

Results: DWI revealed the majority of the lesions as having increased diffusion within their necrotic centers, with the ADC ranging from 0.5 to 3.01 (mean±SD: 1.49±0.7). All the lesions revealed a predominant lipid peak on MR spectroscopy and were extremely hypovascular on perfusion MR studies.

Conclusion: MR diffusion, spectroscopy, and perfusion studies help in characterizing toxoplasmosis lesions and, in most cases, can be used in combination to help establish the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
Congenital subglottic stenosis in two unrelated pairs of siblings
Authors: Linna O , Hyrynkangas K , Kaukola T , Pajunen L
Published: April 2004

Subglottic stenosis in infants is mostly acquired (secondary) and caused by granulation tissue or submucosal mucous gland hyperplasia after prolonged endotracheal intubation. Subglottic stenosis may also be congenital (primary), and it usually occurs sporadically. There are some reports of its association with inherited anomalies, but there are no previous reports of its familial occurrence in otherwise healthy children. This report describes two pairs of siblings referred for acute inspiratory stridor in whom subglottic stenosis was diagnosed by endoscopy. They were all born at term, and their parents were unrelated. One child had an anteriorly located anus but no other abnormalities.

Conclusion: Without any surgical intervention all had normal breathing at rest, but inspiratory stridor during respiratory infections and upon physical exercise at follow‐up 4‐9 y later.
Analgesic effect of expressed breast milk in procedural pain in term neonates: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial
Authors: Upadhyay A , Aggarwal R , Narayan S , Joshi M , Paul VK , Deorari AK
Published: April 2004

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of expressed breast milk (EBM) in reducing pain due to venepuncture, in term neonates, as measured by behavioural and physiological observations. Methods: This randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial involved 81 full‐term neonates, up to 4wk of postnatal age, who needed venepuncture for blood investigations. Two minutes before the venepuncture, in the intervention arm, 40 babies received 5 ml of EBM, while 41 babies in control group received 5 ml of distilled water (DW) as placebo. Two observers who were blinded to the intervention recorded the physiological (heart rate and oxygen saturation) and behavioural parameters [duration of crying and modified Neonatal Facial Coding Scores (NFCS)] after the venepuncture. Results: There was no difference in the baseline characteristics of the neonates in the two groups. The duration of crying was significantly shorter in babies fed EBM [median 38.5 s, interquartile range (IQR) 9.5–57.5 s] than in those fed DW (median 90 s, IQR 28–210 s). The mean duration of crying in EBM group was shorter by 70.7 (95% confidence interval 36.6–104.9) s. The modified NFCS at 0, 1 and 3 min was significantly lower (p > 0.01) in the EBM than in the DW group. The change in heart rate and oxygen saturation was significantly lower in the EBM group and returned to baseline values sooner than in the DW group.

Conclusion: Feeding 5 ml of EBM before venepuncture is effective in reducing symptoms due to pain in term neonates.
Ultrasound scanning may reduce the need for barium radiology in the assessment of small‐bowel Crohn's disease
Authors: Bremner AR , Pridgeon J , Fairhurst J , Beattie RM
Published: April 2004

Aim: Bowel wall thickening on transabdominal ultrasound scanning (USS) correlates well with Crohn's disease (CD) activity. However, the role of USS in the assessment of CD has not been fully defined. This study compared USS and barium follow‐through (BaFT) in the assessment of CD. Methods: A retrospective case series was undertaken of 24 children with CD who underwent USS and BaFT during the same period of clinical disease activity. Results: For terminal ileum abnormality, all 13 cases with abnormal USS had abnormality on BaFT. USS did not detect five cases with affected terminal ileum and two cases with isolated proximal small‐bowel CD.

Conclusion: BaFT is a more sensitive indicator of small‐bowel CD than USS. USS has good positive predictive value of distal small‐bowel CD, but BaFT should be performed in the presence of a normal USS where there is strong clinical evidence of CD.
Feeding infants with undiluted goat's milk can mimic tyrosinaemia type 1
Authors: Hendriksz CJ , Walter JH
Published: April 2004

Undiluted goat's milk should not be given to infants. High protein infant feeds are a forgotten cause of metabolic acidosis.

Conclusion: The metabolic abnormalities associated with goat's milk ingestion can cause a clinical picture very similar to tyrosinaemia type 1.
Celiac disease and glycogenic acanthosis: a new association?
Authors: Suoglu OD , Emiroglu HH , Sokucu S , Cantez S , Cevikbas U , Saner G
Published: April 2004

A 6‐y‐old boy and an 8‐y‐old girl were admitted to our clinic with anaemia and failure to thrive. Laboratory tests revealed iron deficiency anaemia and positive antigliadin antibodies in both of the patients. Slightly raised grey‐white plaques were observed on oesophageal mucosa during endoscopical investigation of the patients. While intestinal mucosal samples confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease histologically, histopathological assessment of oesophageal lesions demonstrated glycogenic acanthosis. Since glycogenic acanthosis associated with celiac disease hasn't been reported in the literature previously to our knowledge, case reports of our patients were presented.

Conclusion: We suggest that glycogenic acanthosis needs to be investigated as a possible new association of celiac disease in greater paediatric series.
Insulin treatment in children and adolescents
Authors: Williams RM , Dunger DB
Published: April 2004

The management of diabetes in children presents a number of challenges. The ideal is to achieve optimal glycaemic control using an insulin regimen that is acceptable to the child and family, which improves glycaemic control, whilst avoiding hypoglycaemia. The paediatric population differ from their adult counterparts in several ways, such as variability of exercise and eating patterns, and the hormonal influences of puberty, which means that the insulin regimen must be tailored to suit an individual child and their family.

Conclusion: This review will focus on the particular difficulties of managing diabetes in children and, in particular, the problem of avoiding hypoglycaemia while maintaining adequate glycaemic control.
SIDS prevention—good progress, but now we need to focus on avoiding nicotine
Authors: Sundell HW
Published: April 2004

Chong et al. examined risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) before and after the start of the Swedish campaign to reduce the risk of SIDS. They found that maternal smoking was the strongest risk factor for SIDS in the post‐campaign compared to the pre‐campaign period.

Conclusion: After successful results of the SIDS campaigns to prevent prone sleeping, strong efforts need to be undertaken to eliminate maternal smoking during pregnancy altogether without replacing cigarette smoking with other nicotine delivery devices such as snuff, gum or patches.
Vitamin K in human milk—still not enough
Authors: Greer FR
Published: April 2004

The breastfed infant has limited sources of vitamin K, as it is transmitted poorly across the placenta and is present in very low concentrations in human milk. The author of this paper reports a concentration of vitamin K in human milk (0.517 ±; 1.521 μ‐g/dl) that is about twice the average of earlier reports (0.25 μg/dl). About half of the increased concentration (0.235 ±; 0.144 μ/dl) is accounted for by vitamin K2 (menaquinone) rather than vitamin K1 (phylloquinone); the latter generally thought to be more important in human nutrition. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia during infancy and childhood
Authors: Zetterströ Rolf
Published: April 2004

The present definition of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia is under debate. Our present figures for the prevalence of iron deficiency in infants and toddlers are thus disputed.

Conclusion: Better understanding of the regulation of iron metabolism and requirement during the critical early period of growth and development is needed for relevant control of iron deficiency anaemia.
Analgesic effect of expressed breast milk in procedural pain in neonates
Authors: Schollin J
Published: April 2004

Prevention, treatment and assessment of neonatal pain have been of major clinical and scientific interest the last decades. Non‐pharmacological interventions such as sweet oral solutions are successful in pain relief. Whether breast milk, with its lactose content of 7%, has any effect on the prevention of pain has been debated.

Conclusion: Randomized studies of breast milk in prevention and treatment of neonatal pain are needed.
Secretion of interleukin‐8 by human‐derived cell lines infected with Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Méndez-Samperio Patricia , Palma-Barrios Janet , Vázquez-Hernández Abraham , García-Martínez Elizabeth
Published: April 2004

Background: The variable efficacy of bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (Mycobacterium bovis BCG) in protecting humans against tuberculosis has prompted a search for the mechanisms through which BCG induces chemokines. In this study, our experiments were designed to determine the role of the transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and intracellular calcium in the production of interleukin (IL)‐8, a main chemotactic factor, by human‐derived monocytic cell line U937 and by a human epithelial HEp‐2 cell line infected with M. bovis BCG.

Methods: The concentrations of IL‐8 in culture supernatants of U937 cells or HEp‐2 cells infected with M. bovis BCG were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We used sulfasalazine and curcumin, which are well‐described inhibitors of NF‐κB activity, and we used ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid to deplete extracellular Ca2+ or used the cell‐permeable agent 1,2‐bis (2‐aminophenoxy) ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid tetra (acetoxymethyl) ester to chelate releasable intracellular stores of Ca2+ in order to investigate the mechanisms through which M. bovis BCG induces IL‐8 secretion in our system.

Results: The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed that IL‐8 protein secretion was elevated in M. bovis‐infected cell lines. This effect was statistically significant (p < 0.01). When calcium influx was suppressed in M. bovis‐infected cell lines, IL‐8 secretion was inhibited. Notably, specific inhibitors of NF‐κB (sulfasalazine and curcumin) inhibited M. bovis‐induced IL‐8 secretion from U937 cells or HEp‐2 cells.

Conclusions: Collectively, these results indicate that activation of NF‐κB is an important signal transduction pathway in M. bovis‐induced IL‐8 secretion in monocytic or epithelial cells. Furthermore, the results showed that calcium influx had a direct effect on IL‐8 secretion in U937 cells or HEp‐2 cells infected with M. bovis.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Petrkova Jana , Szotkowska Jaroslava , Hermanova Zuzana , Lukl Jan , Petrek Martin
Published: April 2004

Background: Chemokine‐driven migration of inflammatory cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic conditions including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) is elevated in patients with coronary artery disease and in hypertensive patients. This study therefore investigated MCP‐1 in patients with PAD.

Methods: Serum MCP‐1 was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 36 healthy, control subjects and in 19 patients with PAD. Statistical analysis utilised the Mann‐Whitney test and Spearman correlation (p < 0.05).

Results: MCP‐1 (pg/ml) was increased in patients compared with in controls (mean±standard error of the mean: PAD group, 748±60; control group, 459±27; p=0.0001). MCP‐1 levels tended to decrease with progressing disease. From atherosclerosis risk factors, diabetes inclined to increase MCP‐1 levels; hypertension had no effect. Serum MCP‐1 correlated with cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein but not high‐density lipoprotein.

Conclusion: Elevation of MCP‐1 in the circulation of PAD patients shown in the present pilot study implicates this CC chemokine ligand 2 in inflammatory processes contributing to PAD clinical symptomatology. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate whether MCP‐1 can be used as a potential marker of peripheral arterial disease follow‐up and/or prognosis.
Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 are not increased in dyspeptic patients with Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastritis
Authors: Bayraktaroğlu Taner , Aras Ahmet Şükrü , Aydemir Selim , Davutoğlu Can , Üstündağ Yücel , Atmaca Hulusi , Borazan Ali
Published: April 2004

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a non‐invasive microorganism causing intense gastric mucosal inflammatory and immune reaction. H. pylori‐induced gastric mucosal cytokine overproduction has been clearly documented previously. The stomach has a large surface area and continuous spill‐over of locally produced cytokines into the blood stream is a possibility. There are few and conflicting data on circulatory proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with H. pylori infection.

Materials and methods: Forty‐two dyspeptic patients were enrolled into the study. The presence of H. pylori infection was diagnosed with antral histopathologic examination. After overnight fasting; serum samples were obtained from each patient to determine circulating interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels.

Results: H. pylori was shown in 30 cases using Giemsa stain in antral histopathologic evaluation. Twelve cases were negative for H. pylori staining. Both the age and sex distribution had an insignificant difference in both H. pylori‐positive and H. pylori‐negative groups. The mean circulatory levels of IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐a in both groups were not different. The situation was same in respect to the serum levels of these cytokines and the degree of inflammation, H. pylori density and activation scores according to Sydney classification.

Conclusion: We could not show elevated circulatory levels of IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α in H. pylori‐infected cases. We believe that H. pylori‐related cytokine activation become concentrated on gastric mucosa and this pathogen‐induced local inflammatory cascade does not cause changes in circulatory levels of these cytokines. Moreover, there is no correlation between the levels of serum cytokines and Sydney parameters.
Suppression of neutrophil recruitment in mice by geranium essential oil
Authors: Abe Shigeru , Maruyama Naho , Hayama Kazumi , Inouye Shigeharu , Oshima Haruyuki , Yamaguchi Hideyo
Published: April 2004

Background: In aromatherapy, essential oils are used as anti‐inflammatory remedies, but experimental studies on their action mechanisms are very limited.

Aims of the study: To assess their anti‐inflammatory activities, the effects of essential oils on neutrophil recruitment in mice were examined in vivo.

Method: The effect of essential oils on leukocyte and neutrophil recruitment induced 6 h after intraperitoneal injection of casein in mice was examined.

Results: Leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity in mice was suppressed by intraperitoneal injections of geranium, lemongrass and spearmint oils at the dose of 5 μl/mouse, but was not by tea tree oil. This recruitment was inhibited dose‐dependently by geranium oil. The suppression of leukocyte recruitment resulted from inhibition of neutrophil accumulation.

Conclusion: Some essential oils used as anti‐inflammatory remedies suppress neutrophil recruitment into the peritoneal cavity in mice.
Protection by ozone preconditioning is mediated by the antioxidant system in cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Borrego Aluet , Zamora Zullyt B. , González Ricardo , Romay Cheyla , Menéndez Silvia , Hernández Frank , Montero Teresita , Rojas Enys
Published: April 2004

Background: Acute renal failure is a dose‐limiting factor of cisplatin chemotherapy. Here, we show the protective effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning against cisplatin‐induced renal dysfunction in rats. Ozone oxidative preconditioning is a prophylactic approach, which favors the antioxidant–pro‐oxidant balance for preservation of the cell redox state by increasing antioxidant endogenous systems in various in vivo and in vitro experimental models.

Aims: To analyze the protective role of ozone oxidative preconditioning against cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were pretreated with 15 intrarectal applications of ozone/oxygen mixture at 0.36, 0.72, 1.1, 1.8 and 2.5 mg/kg before cisplatin intraperitoneal injection (6 mg/kg). Serum and kidneys were extracted and analyzed 5 days after cisplatin treatment for determinations of the renal content of glutathione, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, renal concentration and enzymatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.

Results: Ozone pretreatment prevented the increase in serum creatinine levels, the glutathione depletion and the inhibition of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities induced by cisplatin in the rat kidney. Also, the renal content of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances was decreased by ozone therapy. These protective effects of ozone were dose dependent.

Conclusions: Intrarectal ozone therapy prevented effectively the renal antioxidant unbalance induced by cisplatin treatment.
Configuring School and Community for Learning: the role of governance
Authors: Ranson Stewart
Published: April 2004

The argument of the paper proposes that learning grows out of motivation which depends upon recognising and valuing the distinctive qualities of each and the cultural traditions they embody. If learning expresses a journey between worlds, the challenge for the school is to create a
learning community that brings together local and cosmopolitan in its pedagogic practices. This configuration of the school and its communities, by interconnecting the symbolic orders of each, creates the conditions for relevance, motivation and learning. Excellent teachers have always sought,
as a defining principle of their individual practice, to relate activities within their classroom to the interests of the child. But the argument being developed here proposes that this configuration is a strategic and systemic task for the governance of school as a whole institution.
Ghost inflation
Authors: Nima Arkani-Hamed  , Paolo Creminelli  , Shinji Mukohyama  , Matias Zaldarriaga
Published: April 2004

We propose a new scenario for early cosmology, where an inflationary de Sitter phase is obtained with a ghost condensate. The transition to radiation dominance is triggered by the ghost itself, without any slow-roll potential. Density perturbations are generated by fluctuations around the ghost condensate and can be reliably computed in the effective field theory. The fluctuations are scale invariant as a consequence of the de Sitter symmetries; however, the size of the perturbations are parametrically different from conventional slow-roll inflation, and the inflation happens at far lower energy scales. The model makes definite predictions that distinguish it from standard inflation, and can be sharply excluded or confirmed by experiments in the near future. The tilt in the scalar spectrum is predicted to vanish (ns= 1), and the gravity wave signal is negligible. The non-Gaussianities in the spectrum are predicted to be observable: the 3-point function is determined up to an overall 𝒪(1) constant, and its magnitude is much bigger than in conventional inflation, with an equivalentfNL≃100, not far from the present WMAP bounds.
Genetic Interaction of an Origin Recognition Complex Subunit and thePolycombGroup GeneMEDEAduring Seed Development[W]
Authors: Collinge Margaret A. , Spillane Charles , Köhler Claudia , Gheyselinck Jacqueline , Grossniklaus Ueli
Published: April 2004

The eukaryotic origin recognition complex (ORC) is made up of six subunits and functions in nuclear DNA replication, chromatin structure, and gene silencing in both fungi and metazoans. We demonstrate that disruption of a plant ORC subunit homolog, AtORC2 of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), causes a zygotic lethal mutant phenotype (orc2). Seeds of orc2 abort early, typically producing embryos with up to eight cells. Nuclear division in the endosperm is arrested at an earlier developmental stage: only approximately four nuclei are detected in orc2 endosperm. The endosperm nuclei in orc2 are dramatically enlarged, a phenotype that is most similar to class B titan mutants, which include mutants in structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) cohesins. The highest levels of ORC2 gene expression were found in preglobular embryos, coinciding with the stage at which homozygous orc2 mutant seeds arrest. The homologs of the other five Arabidopsis ORC subunits are also expressed at this developmental stage. The orc2 mutant phenotype is partly suppressed by a mutation in the Polycomb group gene MEDEA. In double mutants between orc2 and medea (mea), orc2 homozygotes arrest later with a phenotype intermediate between those of mea and orc2 single mutants. Either alterations in chromatin structure or the release of cell cycle checkpoints by the mea mutation may allow more cell and nuclear divisions to occur in orc2 homozygous seeds.
The Arabidopsis Chloroplastic NifU-Like Protein CnfU, Which Can Act as an Iron-Sulfur Cluster Scaffold Protein, Is Required for Biogenesis of Ferredoxin and Photosystem I[W]
Authors: Yabe Toshiki , Morimoto Kozo , Kikuchi Shingo , Nishio Kazuaki , Terashima Ichiro , Nakai Masato
Published: April 2004

The biosynthesis of iron-sulfur clusters is a highly regulated process involving several proteins. Among them, so-called scaffold proteins play pivotal roles in both the assembly and delivery of iron-sulfur clusters. Here, we report the identification of two chloroplast-localized NifU-like proteins, AtCnfU-V and AtCnfU-IVb, from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) with high sequence similarity to a cyanobacterial NifU-like protein that was proposed to serve as a molecular scaffold. AtCnfU-V is constitutively expressed in several tissues of Arabidopsis, whereas the expression of AtCnfU-IVb is prominent in the aerial parts. Mutant Arabidopsis lacking AtCnfU-V exhibited a dwarf phenotype with faint pale-green leaves and had drastically impaired photosystem I accumulation. Chloroplasts in the mutants also showed a decrease in both the amount of ferredoxin, a major electron carrier of the stroma that contains a [2Fe-2S] cluster, and in the in vitro activity of iron-sulfur cluster insertion into apo-ferredoxin. When expressed in Escherichia coli cells, AtCnfU-V formed a homodimer carrying a [2Fe-2S]-like cluster, and this cluster could be transferred to apo-ferredoxin in vitro to form holo-ferredoxin. We propose that AtCnfU has an important function as a molecular scaffold for iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis in chloroplasts and thereby is required for biogenesis of ferredoxin and photosystem I.
Tissue-Specific Gene Silencing Mediated by a Naturally Occurring Chalcone Synthase Gene Cluster inGlycine max [W]
Authors: Tuteja Jigyasa H. , Clough Steven J. , Chan Wan-Ching , Vodkin Lila O.
Published: April 2004

Chalcone synthase, a key regulatory enzyme in the flavonoid pathway, constitutes an eight-member gene family in Glycine max (soybean). Three of the chalcone synthase (CHS) gene family members are arranged as inverted repeats in a 10-kb region, corresponding to the I locus (inhibitor). Spontaneous mutations of a dominant allele (I or ii) to a recessive allele (i) have been shown to delete promoter sequences, paradoxically increasing total CHS transcript levels and resulting in black seed coats. However, it is not known which of the gene family members contribute toward pigmentation and how this locus affects CHS expression in other tissues. We investigated the unusual nature of the I locus using four pairs of isogenic lines differing with respect to alleles of the I locus. RNA gel blots using a generic open reading frame CHS probe detected similar CHS transcript levels in stems, roots, leaves, young pods, and cotyledons of the yellow and black isolines but not in the seed coats, which is consistent with the dominant I and ii alleles mediating CHS gene silencing in a tissue-specific manner. Using real-time RT-PCR, a variable pattern of expression of CHS genes in different tissues was demonstrated. However, increase in pigmentation in the black seed coats was associated with release of the silencing effect specifically on CHS7/CHS8, which occurred at all stages of seed coat development. These expression changes were linked to structural changes taking place at the I locus, shown to encompass a much wider region of at least 27 kb, comprising two identical 10.91-kb stretches of CHS gene duplications. The suppressive effect of this 27-kb I locus in a specific tissue of the G. max plant represents a unique endogenous gene silencing mechanism.
A scalable, on‐board localisation and communication system for indoor multi‐robot experiments
Authors: Kelly Ian , Martinoli Alcherio
Published: March 2004

We describe the first prototypes of an inter‐robot infrared localisation and communication system. The system detects the relative positions (both range and bearing) of autonomous mobile robots with an update rate of up to 20 Hz, a range of up to 3 m and an accuracy of 40 cm for range and 45° for bearing. In addition, each robot can send at least 1 byte of data to all the other robots within the range per update cycle. Flocking on a group of eight robots is used as a non‐trivial real‐world test of this system. We conclude the paper by discussing advantages, limitations, and future improvements of the system.
In search of market orientation
Authors: Brady Norman
Published: March 2004

The growth in literature on relationship marketing which accelerated during the 1990s continues apace in the twenty‐first century. However, as a number of authors have noted, to date, little empirical evidence of relationship marketing strategies has been presented. This article focuses on Romalia (a pseudonym used to protect the anonymity of the company), a large (£8 billion turnover) UK distribution service supplier. Between 1999 and 2002, Romalia implemented a key account management (KAM) strategy targeted at its top 50 UK corporate clients. A designated KAM unit was created, configured to a large extent as virtual KAM teams. This article offers empirical evidence of a large service supplier's relationship marketing strategy and the problems it encountered in its implementation. The purpose of this study will be to offer insights into Romalia's approach to B2B relationships and to locate the phenomenon in the extant literature. In particular, the literature on internal marketing and market orientation will be evaluated in the light of the evidence from this case study.
Marketing consumer services internationally
Authors: Kanso Ali , Kitchen Philip J.
Published: March 2004

This paper investigates international advertising approaches of USA‐based corporations that offer consumer services in overseas markets. Based on the empirical findings, the data reveal that the majority of the respondent executives tend to follow a localized rather than a standardized advertising approach in marketing such services. Respondents also indicate that companies using such a localized advertising approach take cultural variables more seriously than do companies following a standardized approach. Here, however, respondents on either side of the standardized/localized debate concur. For example, there is virtual unanimity from respondents in terms of their perception that government regulations make it difficult to create and use universal campaigns, and that language diversity necessitates the use of local communication expertise in each market. Furthermore, and perhaps important in terms of the constant stress placed these days upon globalization, both groups seem unconvinced that advertisements can be universally understood, and that an advertising theme can be the same for all markets. Thus, this paper supports the notion that perceived differences in consumers' lifestyles do act as major obstacles to universal advertising campaigns.
The strategic corporate intelligence and transformational marketing model
Authors: Trim Peter R.J.
Published: March 2004

Reference to the strategic marketing and corporate intelligence interface is made explicit in this paper, and various contributions to the field of competitive intelligence are highlighted. A conceptual model, known as the strategic corporate intelligence and transformational marketing (SATELLITE) model is outlined, and can be used by corporate intelligence staff to provide better marketing intelligence. The SATELLITE model provides a framework within which strategic marketing staff and corporate intelligence staff can develop intelligence and security related strategies that can counter the moves of competitors and unwelcome protagonists. The model can also be used to identify areas of organizational weakness and can assist senior managers in identifying future areas of market opportunity.
Sarbanes‐Oxley and audit failure
Authors: Tackett James , Wolf Fran , Claypool Gregory
Published: March 2004

The highly publicized accounting scandals of the recent past seriously damaged the credibility of the accounting profession. In an effort to restore public confidence in the capital markets, the US Congress passed the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002. A central theme of this new law is the attempted reduction of major audit failure by stricter governmental regulation of the accounting profession and the creation of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. This paper discusses the likely effectiveness of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act in the reduction of major audit failures. Four root causes of audit failure are identified, and issues not addressed by the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act that may have audit failure implications are discussed. Recommendations for improvements that potentially further reduce the likelihood of audit failure are presented.
Implementing the impairment of assets requirements of SFAS No. 144
Authors: Reinstein Alan , Lander Gerald H.
Published: March 2004

The provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long‐lived Assets, have raised many implementation issues for entities adhering to its increased requirements to recognize and measure the costs associated with the impairment of assets. After outlining these new requirements and some general implementation issues, the paper discusses how members of key groups view the new standard, using the responses to a mail survey. It was found that user‐oriented groups expressed significantly different viewpoints than did preparer‐oriented groups. The survey results also found many respondents stating that the new standard provides improved guidance for many complex situations, while others do not believe that the standard is cost justified.
Developing a digital preservation strategy at Edinburgh University Library
Authors: Semple Najla
Published: March 2004

Digital preservation poses an increasing cause for concern in UK higher education institutions. This paper provides a general overview of the development of a digital preservation pilot project within a university library, including the future integration of the METS and OAIS standards. It also considers how it is planned to automate these digital preservation practices in Edinburgh University Library's new digital object management system.
A preliminary crosswalk from METS to IMS content packaging
Authors: Yee Raymond , Beaubien Rick
Published: March 2004

As educational technology becomes pervasive, demand will grow for library content to be incorporated into courseware. Among the barriers impeding interoperability between libraries and educational tools is the difference in specifications commonly used for the exchange of digital objects and metadata. Among libraries, Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard (METS) is a new but increasingly popular standard; the IMS content‐package (IMS‐CP) plays a parallel role in educational technology. This article describes how METS‐encoded library content can be converted into digital objects for IMS‐compliant systems through an XSLT‐based crosswalk. The conceptual models behind METS and IMS‐CP are compared, the design and limitations of an XSLT‐based translation are described, and the crosswalks are related to other techniques to enhance interoperability.
Libraries and networked information services: issues and consideration in measurement
Authors: Carlo Bertot John
Published: March 2004

The Internet is an integral part of library service that can take many forms – an extension of library collections and resources through licensed and/or digitized content, a gateway service through public access workstations, or as a means through which customers can interact with the library through such services as digital reference. Along with these evolving forms of electronic library services, there is a need to examine our ability to engage in a multi‐faceted assessment of network‐based information services and resources that includes input/output evaluation approaches as well as those grounded in service quality, outcomes, and other frameworks as determined by the data needs of the library. Information professionals, and those relying on information professionals, face a number of challenges in the networked information resources and services environment. Meeting these challenges requires a variety of issues and strategies for libraries to consider, particularly when engaging in evaluation activities.
Trying to Stem the Flow: Union Membership Turnover in the Public Sector
Authors: Waddington Jeremy , Kerr Allan
Published: April 2004

Based on a survey of members leaving UNISON, this study suggests that more than 40,000 members leave the union every year because of their dissatisfaction with some aspect of structure, organisation or policy. This analysis identifies some of the barriers faced by unions that are attempting to promote more participative unionism in order to reduce rates of membership turnover.
The Trade Union Role in Career Development: a Membership Perspective
Authors: Healy Geraldine
Published: April 2004

This article explores how a highly unionised and professional occupational group, school teachers, want their trade union to be involved in their career development. By taking an apparently individualistic concept and considering it from a collective perspective, the article provides insights into a neglected aspect of career development.