bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural equation modeling of value‐psychographic trait‐clothing purchase behavior: a study on the urban college‐goers of India
Authors: Roy Sudas , Goswami Paromita
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to understand the frequent clothing purchase behavior of undergraduate urban college‐goers of India aged 18‐23 years and empirically prove the value‐psychographic traits‐clothing (VPC) purchase behavior hierarchy.

Design/methodology/approach

A stratified systematic sample of 275 respondents was used to test the hierarchy. The List of Values (LOV) scale was submitted to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with principal components analysis and varimax rotation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to validate EFA results. Next, structural equation modeling (SEM) with maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) was used to empirically prove VPC of the urban Indian college‐goers.

Findings

The study finds that EFA of the LOV scale yielded two dimensions‐ outer‐directed values and inner‐directed values. Outer‐directed values influenced the psychographic traits – fashion‐consciousness and innovativeness positively, while fashion‐consciousness and innovativeness positively influenced clothing purchase frequency. Thus, VPC hierarchy is empirically proved with the help of SEM.

Research limitations/implications

In the context of frequent clothing purchases of college‐goers, values affect behavior indirectly through psychographic traits of fashion‐consciousness and innovativeness. Psychographic traits of fashion‐consciousness and innovativeness act as intervening variables between values and clothing purchase behavior. EFA and CFA were done on the same sample thereby limiting the scope of the study.

Practical implications

The marketer of clothing for college‐goers should frame his/her product and communication strategy in such a way that it appeals to the fashion‐conscious and innovative consumers with outer‐directed values.

Originality/value

An attempt has been made for the first time to prove the VPC hierarchy empirically in the context of frequent clothing purchases of young college‐goers.
Beyond advertising: in‐home promotion of “fast food”
Authors: Eagle Lynne , Brennan Ross
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the range of potential influences on children's food choices, while suggesting that recent restrictions on advertising of some foods may not be as effective as expected. It aims to use home‐delivered food promotional materials to illustrate the types of promotional activity that are not covered by recent regulatory actions.

Design/methodology/approach

All food promotional leaflets and flyers delivered to households over a four‐month period were analysed in terms of their overall content and whether healthy options were included in the content or in special promotional offers.

Findings

The study finds that 90 per cent of the material featured foods whose advertising would potentially be restricted if it were placed in media for which regulations were tightened in early 2007. Few included healthy options in menus – and none offered these as part of their special promotions.

Research limitations/implications

Material was collected from only one area of a large English city; however it is reasonable to assume that the type of material received is broadly representative of the material likely to be distributed across the UK and possibly other countries as well.

Practical implications

Increased restriction of advertising of some types of food products does not address myriad influences on children's food choices. If the restrictions fail to deliver the expected benefits, further restrictions are likely to follow, but concentrating on one potential factor in isolation while failing to consider the wide range of influences on food choices means that even tighter restrictions are unlikely to achieve the intended results. Policy makers should consider the wider environmental factors that may influence food choices, and the development of health promotion strategies that reflect a more holistic and integrated approach than is currently occurring.

Originality/value

There are few studies of the potential impact of factors other than advertising. The findings of this study suggest that lobbyists, policy makers and advertisers alike should take a more holistic view of potential influences on dietary choice.
Transcomplementation and synergism in plants: implications for viral transgenes?
Authors: LATHAM JONATHAN R. , WILSON ALLISON K.
Published: November 2007

In plants, viral synergisms occur when one virus enhances infection by a distinct or unrelated virus. Such synergisms may be unidirectional or mutualistic but, in either case, synergism implies that protein(s) from one virus can enhance infection by another. A mechanistically related phenomenon is transcomplementation, in which a viral protein, usually expressed from a transgene, enhances or supports the infection of a virus from a distinct species. To gain an insight into the characteristics and limitations of these helper functions of individual viral genes, and to assess their effects on the plant–pathogen relationship, reports of successful synergism and transcomplementation were compiled from the peer‐reviewed literature and combined with data from successful viral gene exchange experiments. Results from these experiments were tabulated to highlight the phylogenetic relationship between the helper and dependent viruses and, where possible, to identify the protein responsible for the altered infection process. The analysis of more than 150 publications, each containing one or more reports of successful exchanges, transcomplementation or synergism, revealed the following: (i) diverse viral traits can be enhanced by synergism and transcomplementation; these include the expansion of host range, acquisition of mechanical transmission, enhanced specific infectivity, enhanced cell‐to‐cell and long‐distance movement, elevated or novel vector transmission, elevated viral titre and enhanced seed transmission; (ii) transcomplementation and synergism are mediated by many viral proteins, including inhibitors of gene silencing, replicases, coat proteins and movement proteins; (iii) although more frequent between closely related viruses, transcomplementation and synergism can occur between viruses that are phylogenetically highly divergent. As indicators of the interoperability of viral genes, these results are of general interest, but they can also be applied to the risk assessment of transgenic crops expressing viral proteins. In particular, they can contribute to the identification of potential hazards, and can be used to identify data gaps and limitations in predicting the likelihood of transgene‐mediated transcomplementation.
The mast cell and allergic diseases: role in pathogenesis and implications for therapy
Authors: Brown J. M. , Wilson T. M. , Metcalfe D. D.
Published: November 2007

Mast cells have long been recognized for their role in the genesis of allergic inflammation; and more recently for their participation in innate and acquired immune responses. Mast cells reside within tissues including the skin and mucosal membranes, which interface with the external environment; as well as being found within vascularized tissues next to nerves, blood vessels and glandular structures. Mast cells have the capability of reacting both within minutes and over hours to specific stimuli, with local and systemic effects. Mast cells express the high affinity IgE receptor (FcɛRI) and upon aggregation of FcɛRI by allergen‐specific IgE, mast cells release and generate biologically active preformed and newly synthesized mediators which are involved in many aspects of allergic inflammation. While mast cells have been well documented to be essential for acute allergic reactions, more recently the importance of mast cells in reacting through pattern recognition receptors in innate immune responses has become recognized. Moreover, as our molecular understanding of the mast cell has evolved, novel targets for modulation have been identified with promising therapeutic potential.
Ozone and density affect the response of biomass and seed yield to elevated CO2 in rice
Authors: REID CHANTAL D. , FISCUS EDWIN L.
Published: November 2007

Tropospheric O3 reduces growth and yield of many crop species, whereas CO2 ameliorates the negative effects of O3. Thus, in a combined elevated CO2 and O3 atmosphere, seed yield is at least restored to that of charcoal‐filtered (CF) air at ambient CO2. The CO2‐induced yield increase in CF air is highly variable, suggesting other potential resource limitations. To understand such variability in response, we tested that (1) competition for resources precludes some of the CO2 enhancement on biomass and yield; and (2) O3 reduces competition in elevated CO2. We grew rice (Oryza sativa L.) at five densities in CF and O3‐fumigated (+O3) air at ambient (A) and elevated [CO2] (+CO2) in 1997 and 1998. O3 reduced biomass by 25% and seed yield by 13–20% in A, but had little effect in +CO2. A competition model of biomass and yield response to density based on resource availability without competition showed that fewer resources were used for biomass in +O3 than in CF (average 53% vs. 70%) in A, while in +CO2 85% of resources were used for biomass regardless of O3 suggesting greater depletion of resources. The enhanced biomass response to CO2 with O3 is consistent with a 22% greater CO2 enhancement ratio [mass in +CO2 air/mass in A air; enhancement ratio (ER)] in +O3 than in CF air. For seed yield, few resources were used (average 17% and 25% for CF in 1997 and 1998, respectively), and ER was 13% greater in +O3. With competition the rate of change of individual plant biomass to density was not affected by +CO2 in CF air in 1997 but was increased 19% with more nutrients in 1998, indicating resource limitations with +CO2. The rate of change of individual plant yield to density was reduced with CO2 in 1997 and unchanged in 1998 showing a different response to resource limitation for reproductive biomass. The resource use in +O3‐A suggested that increased density and soil fertility might compensate for pollutant damage. Although ambient [O3] can modulate the response to elevated CO2, resource limitation precludes the CO2 fertilization impact and both factors need consideration for better management and forecasts of future productivity.
Nitrous oxide emissions from a cropped soil in a semi‐arid climate
Authors: BARTON LOUISE , KIESE RALF , GATTER DAVID , BUTTERBACH‐BAHL KLAUS , BUCK RENEE , HINZ CHRISTOPH , MURPHY DANIEL V.
Published: November 2007

Understanding nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural soils in semi‐arid regions is required to better understand global terrestrial N2O losses. Nitrous oxide emissions were measured from a rain‐fed, cropped soil in a semi‐arid region of south‐western Australia for one year on a sub‐daily basis. The site included N‐fertilized (100 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and nonfertilized plots. Emissions were measured using soil chambers connected to a fully automated system that measured N2O using gas chromatography. Daily N2O emissions were low (−1.8 to 7.3 g N2O‐N ha−1 day−1) and culminated in an annual loss of 0.11 kg N2O‐N ha−1 from N‐fertilized soil and 0.09 kg N2O‐N ha−1 from nonfertilized soil. Over half (55%) the annual N2O emission occurred from both N treatments when the soil was fallow, following a series of summer rainfall events. At this time of the year, conditions were conducive for soil microbial N2O production: elevated soil water content, available N, soil temperatures generally >25 °C and no active plant growth. The proportion of N fertilizer emitted as N2O in 1 year, after correction for the ‘background’ emission (no N fertilizer applied), was 0.02%. The emission factor reported in this study was 60 times lower than the IPCC default value for the application of synthetic fertilizers to land (1.25%), suggesting that the default may not be suitable for cropped soils in semi‐arid regions. Applying N fertilizer did not significantly increase the annual N2O emission, demonstrating that a proportion of N2O emitted from agricultural soils may not be directly derived from the application of N fertilizer. ‘Background’ emissions, resulting from other agricultural practices, need to be accounted for if we are to fully assess the impact of agriculture in semi‐arid regions on global terrestrial N2O emissions.
Water, temperature, and vegetation regulation of methyl chloride and methyl bromide fluxes from a shortgrass steppe ecosystem
Authors: TEH YIT ARN , RHEW ROBERT C. , ATWOOD ALYSSA , ABEL TRIFFID
Published: November 2007

Temperate grasslands are considered to be a significant sink for CH3Br, although large uncertainties exist about the magnitude of this sink because of a paucity of field measurements. Here, we report the results of a combined field and laboratory study that investigated the effects of water, temperature, and plant community composition on CH3Cl and CH3Br fluxes in a semiarid temperate grassland. A novel stable isotope tracer technique was also employed to deconvolute simultaneous production and oxidation of CH3Cl and CH3Br. Net and gross fluxes were measured from different landforms (ridges, floodplains) and cover types (grass‐dominated, shrub‐dominated) to capture a representative range of hydrologic regimes, temperatures, and plant communities. In field experiments, net CH3Cl and CH3Br uptake was observed at all grass‐dominated sites (−400±77 nmol CH3Cl m−2 day−1 and −3.4±0.9 nmol CH3Br m−2 day−1), while net CH3Cl emission (439±58 nmol CH3Cl m−2 day−1) was observed at sites dominated by the shrub Atriplex canescens, indicating that this plant is a strong CH3Cl producer. Gross CH3Cl and CH3Br oxidation were comparable with estimates from other dryland ecosystems (507±115 nmol CH3Cl m−2 day−1 and 9.1±2.2 nmol CH3Br m−2 day−1), although CH3Br oxidation rates were at least five times lower than those observed in more mesic temperate grasslands. We suggest that estimates of the temperate grassland CH3Br sink should be reduced by ≥19% (≥1.8 Gg yr−1) to account for the weaker sink strength of semiarid environments. Identification of A. canescens as a ‘new’ CH3Cl source may have important ramifications for the global atmospheric budget of CH3Cl, given the global distribution of this plant and its congeners and their widespread presence in many dryland ecosystems. Laboratory experiments revealed that soil water was the chief regulator of CH3Cl and CH3Br oxidation, while temperature had no observed effect between 14 and 26 °C. Oxidation rates rose most rapidly between 0.4% and 5% volumetric water content, suggesting that methyl halide‐oxidizing bacteria respond strongly to small inputs of water under the very driest conditions. Soil drying and rewetting experiments did not appear to affect the oxidation of CH3Cl and CH3Br by soil microorganisms, which are presumably adapted to frequent wet/dry cycles.
Tyr346→Cys mutation results in factor VIII:C assay discrepancy and a normal bleeding phenotype – is this mild haemophilia A?
Authors: LYALL H. , HILL M. , WESTBY J. , GRIMLEY C. , DOLAN G.
Published: November 2007

Summary.  Patients with mild haemophilia A may have a discrepancy in the factor VIII (FVIII) level when measured with a one‐stage assay (FVIII:C1) compared with a two‐stage assay (FVIII:C2). This discrepancy usually results in the one‐stage level being higher than the two‐stage level. A F8 mutation resulting in a Tyr346→Cys substitution within the a1 interdomain region has been described which results in the converse assay discrepancy. We report four individuals (three families) who have this mutation. Mean FVIII:C1 level was 25 IU dL−1 compared with a mean FVIII:C2 level of 63 IU dL−1. These individuals had presented opportunistically and did not have a clinically significant bleeding disorder. The bleeding phenotype correlated with the two‐stage assay result rather than the one‐stage result. FVIII replacement therapy does not appear to be required for these individuals.
From ideals towards practice: paradigmatic mismatches and drifts in method deployment
Authors: Päivärinta Tero , Sein Maung K. , Peltola Tuomo
Published: November 2007

There is considerable debate in the information systems literature on how systems development methods (SDMs) are used in practice. On one side are those who take the position that these methods are not used at all. The other side posits that SDMs are used but not in the manner intended by the method developers. In practice, SDMs are adapted and modified to meet project exigencies, which results in unique methods‐in‐use in each project. We subscribe to the latter view and extend the argument by proposing that SDM modifications happen due to mismatches between the paradigmatic values inherent in the SDM, the method users and the organizational context. Further, planned modifications themselves result in shifts of paradigmatic values inherent in the SDM. To examine our contention, we conduct a case study in which we trace an SDM from its development to its deployment and use in an organization. We show where the mismatches occurred and provide explanations for the mismatches. Our results indicate that paradigm differences explain most of the mismatches, and different factors contribute to the paradigm drifts simultaneously, even towards diverging orientations. We conclude that the true value of an SDM, in addition to its tool and technique use, is a basis for examining and self‐reflecting about paradigmatic values. This is an essential part of learning to develop systems.
Assessing COTS software in a certifiable safety‐critical domain
Authors: Kesseler Ernst
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  Commercial off‐the‐shelf (COTS) software solutions have become commonplace in many domains, including the military, because they can provide standardized functionality with more responsiveness, a shorter time‐to‐market and at lower costs than custom‐made solutions. In one domain, however, that of certifiable safety‐critical applications, COTS software has not been adopted. One particular type of certifiable safety‐critical domain, the civil air transport industry, is under pressure to reduce cost and time‐to‐market while simultaneously increasing safety. Therefore, the use of COTS software, rather than exclusive reliance on custom‐made software, would appear to be a solution worthy of investigation. This study examines the certifiability of COTS software, its technical feasibility in this environment, and the ability to achieve the expected responsiveness, time‐to‐market and cost benefits. A detailed evaluation of COTS software and domain‐specific certification requirements is used to demonstrate that the certification of COTS‐based systems is possible. A prototype COTS‐based system (built upon a number of COTS components) is created to illustrate the technical feasibility of such a system in the civil air transport domain. Expected benefits from COTS solutions are evaluated both by examining process artefacts from the development of the COTS‐based system and by comparing this development process with the domain's traditional custom‐development process.
Information technology innovation diffusion: an information requirements paradigm
Authors: Melville Nigel , Ramirez Ronald
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  Information technology (IT) innovation research examines the organizational and technological factors that determine IT adoption and diffusion, including firm size and scope, technological competency and expected benefits. We extend the literature by focusing on information requirements as a driver of IT innovation adoption and diffusion. Our framework of IT innovation diffusion incorporates three industry‐level sources of information requirements: process complexity, clock speed and supply chain complexity. We apply the framework to US manufacturing industries using aggregate data of internet‐based innovations and qualitative analysis of two industries: wood products and beverage manufacturing. Results show systematic patterns supporting the basic thesis of the information processing paradigm: higher IT innovation diffusion in industries with higher information processing requirements; the salience of downstream industry structure in the adoption of interorganizational systems; and the role of the location of information intensity in the supply chain in determining IT adoption and diffusion. Our study provides a new explanation for why certain industries were early and deep adopters of internet‐based innovations while others were not: variation in information processing requirements.
DNA sequence heterogeneity in Fim tyrosine‐integrase recombinase‐binding elements and functional motif asymmetries determine the directionality of the fim genetic switch in Escherichia coli K‐12
Authors: McCusker Matthew P. , Turner Elizebeth C. , Dorman Charles J.
Published: November 2007

Phase‐variable expression of type 1 fimbriae in Escherichia coli K‐12 involves inversion by site‐specific recombination of a 314 bp sequence containing the promoter for fim structural gene expression. The invertible sequence is flanked by 9 bp inverted repeats, and each repeat is in turn flanked by non‐identical recombinase‐binding elements (RBEs) to which the FimB or FimE site‐specific recombinases bind. These proteins have distinct DNA inversion preferences: FimB inverts the switch in the ON‐to‐OFF and OFF‐to‐ON directions with similar efficiencies, whereas FimE inverts it predominantly in the ON‐to‐OFF direction. We have found that FimB and FimE invert the switch through a common mechanism. A genetic investigation involving base‐by‐base substitution combined with a biochemical study shows that the same DNA cleavage and religation sites are used within the 9 bp inverted repeats, and that each recombination involves a common 3 bp spacer region. A comprehensive programme of RBE exchanges and replacements reveals that FimB is much more tolerant of RBE sequence variation than FimE. The asymmetric location of conserved 5′‐CA motifs at either side of each spacer region allows the inside and outside of the switch to be differentiated while the RBE sequence heterogeneity permits its ON and OFF forms to be distinguished by the recombinases.
Colonosphincteric electromyographic responses to sacral root stimulation: evidence for a somatosympathetic reflex
Authors: Vitton V. , Abysique A. , Gaigé S. , Leroi A.‐m. , Bouvier M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of selectively stimulating the afferent fibres running in the dorsal sacral roots (S1, S2, S3) and the somatic (radial and sciatic) nerves on colonic and internal anal sphincter (IAS) electromyographic (EMG) activity in anaesthetized cats to try to understand how sacral nerve stimulation can improve fecal continence in human. Electrically stimulating the afferent fibres present in the sacral dorsal roots and somatic nerves inhibited the colonic spike potential frequency (n = 97) and increased the slow variations in the sphincteric membrane potential (n = 76). These effects were found to have disappeared after administering an α‐noradrenergic receptor blocker (n = 64) or sectioning the sympathetic efferent fibres innervating these organs (n = 69) suggesting the involvement of the sympathetic system in the effects observed. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the effects of sacral dorsal root vs somatic nerve stimulation on colonic and sphincteric EMG activity. In conclusion, the data obtained here show that neurostimulation applied to the sacral spinal roots may improve fecal continence by inhibiting colonic activity and enhancing IAS activity via a somatosympathetic reflex.
Nutrition–parasite interactions in goats: is immunoregulation involved in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes?
Authors: HOSTE H. , TORRES‐ACOSTA J. F. J. , AGUILAR‐CABALLERO A. J.
Published: November 2007

Compared to sheep, goats seem to develop a low immune response against the parasitic nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, some variability in the host response has been observed either at the individual level or depending on internal (genetic) or external (physiological status, nutrition) factors suggesting the possibility to exploit and manipulate this response. There is good evidence from field studies to suggest that a better plane of nutrition might contribute to improve goat resilience. However, the effects on immunoregulation and host resistance remain less clear. Due to their peculiarities in feeding behaviour (‘intermediate browser’), goats represent a valuable model to explore the relationships between the three possible strategies to control nematode infection through nutrition: (i) by increasing the immune response; (ii) by avoiding the infective larvae; and (iii) by selecting plants with direct anthelmintic properties (self medication).
Vaccine testing of a recombinant activation‐associated secreted protein (ASP1) from Ostertagia ostertagi
Authors: GELDHOF P. , MEYVIS Y. , VERCRUYSSE J. , CLAEREBOUT E.
Published: November 2007

Previous vaccination trials against the economically important cattle parasite Ostertagia ostertagi have indicated the protective capacity of activation‐associated secreted proteins (ASPs). The further development of these antigens into a commercial vaccine will require their recombinant expression. The aim of the current study was to clone and express Oo‐asp1 in a baculovirus expression system and to evaluate the protective capacity of the recombinant protein against an O. ostertagi challenge infection in cattle. The full coding sequence of Oo‐asp1 was cloned in a baculovirus expression vector in frame with a carboxy‐terminal Histidine tag and recombinant virus was used to infect an insect cell culture. Western blot analysis with anti‐His and anti‐Oo‐ASP1 antibodies showed the production of recombinant Oo‐ASP1. The cell pellet containing the recombinant was subsequently used to immunize seven calves three times intramuscularly with QuilA as adjuvant. Control animals were solely injected with the QuilA adjuvant. The challenge infection with O. ostertagi consisted of 30 000 L3 larvae per animal given over 30 days (1000 larvae/day, 5 days/week) and started the same day as the final immunization. Immunization with the recombinant Oo‐ASP1 did not result in any level of protection against the challenge infection. There was no reduction in faecal egg output or in worm burdens. Moreover, Western blot analyses and ELISA indicated that, although the animals raised an antibody response against the recombinant Oo‐ASP1, there was hardly a response against the native Oo‐ASP1, suggesting that the baculovirus expressed recombinant was wrongly folded or lacked essential secondary modifications. Further analysis of the structure of the native ASPs and their glycosylations is being done.
Metabolomics of temperature stress
Authors: Guy Charles , Kaplan Fatma , Kopka Joachim , Selbig Joachim , Hincha Dirk K.
Published: November 2007

Plants possess inducible tolerance mechanisms that extend the temperature range for survival during acute temperature stress. The inducible mechanisms of cold acclimation and acquired thermotolerance involve highly complex processes. These include perception and signal transduction of non‐optimal temperatures or their physical consequences on cellular components that program extensive modification of the transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and composition and physical structure of the cytoplasm, membranes and cell walls. Therefore, a systems biology approach will be necessary to advance the understanding of plant stress responses and tolerance mechanisms. One promise of systems biology is that it will greatly enhance our understanding of individual and collective functions and thereby provide a more holistic view of plant stress responses. Past studies have found that several metabolites that could functionally contribute to induced stress tolerance have been associated with stress responses. Recent metabolite‐profiling studies have refocused attention on these and other potentially important components found in the ‘temperature‐stress metabolome’. These metabolomic studies have demonstrated that active reconfiguration of the metabolome is regulated in part by changes in gene expression initiated by temperature‐stress‐activated signaling and stress‐related transcription factors. One aspect of metabolism that is consistent across all of the temperature‐stress metabolomic studies to date is the prominent role of central carbohydrate metabolism, which seems to be a major feature of the reprogramming of the metabolome during temperature stress. Future metabolomic studies of plant temperature‐stress responses should reveal additional metabolic pathways that have important functions in temperature‐stress tolerance mechanisms.
Metabolomic technologies and their application to the study of plants and plant–host interactions
Authors: Allwood J. William , Ellis David I. , Goodacre Royston
Published: November 2007

Metabolomics is perhaps the ultimate level of post‐genomic analysis as it can reveal changes in metabolite fluxes that are controlled by only minor changes within gene expression measured using transcriptomics and/or by analysing the proteome that elucidates post‐translational control over enzyme activity. Metabolic change is a major feature of plant genetic modification and plant interactions with pathogens, pests, and their environment. In the assessment of genetically modified plant tissues, metabolomics has been used extensively to explore by‐products resulting from transgene expression and scenarios of substantial equivalence. Many studies have concentrated on the physiological development of plant tissues as well as on the stress responses involved in heat shock or treatment with stress‐eliciting molecules such as methyl jasmonic acid, yeast elicitor or bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Plant–host interactions represent one of the most biochemically complex and challenging scenarios that are currently being assessed by metabolomic approaches. For example, the mixtures of pathogen‐colonised and non‐challenged plant cells represent an extremely heterogeneous and biochemically rich sample; there is also the further complication of identifying which metabolites are derived from the plant host and which are from the interacting pathogen. This review will present an overview of the analytical instrumentation currently applied to plant metabolomic analysis, literature within the field will be reviewed paying particular regard to studies based on plant–host interactions and finally the future prospects on the metabolomic analysis of plants and plant–host interactions will be discussed.
Transcriptome analyses give insights into selenium‐stress responses and selenium tolerance mechanisms in Arabidopsis
Authors: Van Hoewyk Doug , Takahashi Hideki , Inoue Eri , Hess Ann , Tamaoki Masanori , Pilon‐Smits Elizabeth A. H.
Published: November 2007

Selenate is chemically similar to sulfate and can be taken up and assimilated by plants via the same transporters and enzymes. In contrast to many other organisms, selenium (Se) has not been shown to be essential for higher plants. In excess, Se is toxic and restricts development. Both Se deficiency and toxicity pose problems worldwide. To obtain better insights into the effects of Se on plant metabolism and into plant mechanisms involved in Se tolerance, the transcriptome of Arabidopsis plants grown with or without selenate was studied and Se‐responsive genes identified. Roots and shoots exhibited different Se‐related changes in gene regulation and metabolism. Many genes involved in sulfur (S) uptake and assimilation were upregulated. Accordingly, Se treatment enhanced sulfate levels in plants, but the quantity of organic S metabolites decreased. Transcripts regulating the synthesis and signaling of ethylene and jasmonic acid were also upregulated by Se. Arabidopsis mutants defective in ethylene or jasmonate response pathways exhibited reduced tolerance to Se, suggesting an important role for these two stress hormones in Se tolerance. Selenate upregulated a variety of transcripts that were also reportedly induced by salt and osmotic stress. Selenate appeared to repress plant development, as suggested by the downregulation of genes involved in cell wall synthesis and auxin‐regulated proteins. The Se‐responsive genes discovered in this study may help create plants that can better tolerate and accumulate Se, which may enhance the effectiveness of Se phytoremediation or serve as Se‐fortified food.
Lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma of the renal pelvis
Authors: Yamada Yuta , Fujimura Tetsuya , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Hirano Yoshikazu , Kawamura Takeshi , Teshima Shinichi , Takeuchi Takumi , Kitamura Tadaichi
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Lymphoepithelial‐like carcinoma of the renal pelvis is an extremely rare entity. Only four cases involving the renal pelvis have been previously reported. We report the fifth case of lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma of the renal pelvis.
Bladder evisceration in a child with antenatally detected gastroschisis: Outcome of bladder function
Authors: Matsumoto Fumi , Matsui Futoshi , Kawagoe Mari , Shimada Kenji , Kawahara Hisayoshi , Kubota Akio
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  In patients with gastroschisis, evisceration of the bladder is rare. To date, little is known about functional outcome of the antenatally eviscerated bladder. We present a case of antenatally detected gastroschisis associated with entire bladder evisceration and fetal hydronephrosis. Full urological evaluation was carried out after primary closure of the abdominal wall defect. The postoperative period was uneventful and there were no abnormal findings in the kidney or urinary tract. This indicated good prognosis of the antenatally eviscerated bladder.
Pathological evidence of necrosis in recurrent renal mass following treatment with sunitinib
Authors: Baccala Angelo , Hedgepeth Ryan , Kaouk Jihad , Magi‐Galluzzi Christina , Gilligan Timothy , Fergany Amr
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Sunitinib is a highly potent, selective vascular endothelial growth factor‐receptor types 1 to 3, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐R‐α, and PDGF‐R‐ß. Preclinical data suggest that sunitinib (SU11248) has antitumor activity that may result from both inhibition of angiogenesis and direct antiproliferative effects on certain tumor cell types. Sunitinib resulted in tumor shrinkage in 80% of patients who had failed treatment with Bevacizumab and 13% of patients demonstrated an objective Response Evaluation Criteria in solid Tumors (RECIST) in a study presented at the 2006 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting. We report the first published pathological evidence of sunitinib's effect on recurrent renal cell carcinoma. This was seen in a patient with renal cell carcinoma who developed a renal fossa recurrence 2 years following radical nephrectomy. Tumor shrinkage was evident in the nephrectomy bed after treatment with sunitinib. The pathology of the resected retroperitoneal mass and its implications are discussed.
Oral calcium supplementation associated with decreased likelihood of nephrolithiasis prior to surgery for hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Cooperberg Matthew R , Duh Quan‐Yang , Stackhouse G Bennett , Stoller Marshall L
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  We aimed to assess the impact of oral calcium supplementation (OCS) on the prevalence of nephrolithiasis among a cohort of patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). There were 339 patients undergoing surgery for PHPT with detailed past medical history data that were analyzed. 73 patients (22%) had a history of nephrolithiasis prior to parathyroid surgery. Nephrolithiasis was more common among men than women (40% vs 15%, P < 0.001), despite the predominance of women (73% of patients) with hyperparathyroidism. 83 patients (25%) used OCS. OCS was associated with a lower prevalence of nephrolithiasis (9.6% vs 25.4% without OCS, P = 0.002). This protective effect included both men and women (rates of nephrolithiasis with and without supplements: men 19% vs 46%, P = 0.027; women 7% vs 17%, P = 0.04). The mechanism for the apparent protective effect of OCS on rates of nephrolithiasis is unclear, and further research is required to elucidate the variable penetrance of nephrolithiasis among PHPT patients.
Carbohydrate antigen 19‐9‐positive prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma effectively treated with cisplatin and gemcitabine
Authors: Kato Toshiki , Hashimoto Yoshihiro , Okada Shinsuke , Tozawa Keiichi , Takahashi Satoru , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  We performed a radical retropubic prostatectomy on a 59‐year‐old male patient who was diagnosed with prostatic carcinoma. Pathological findings revealed a ductal adenocarcinoma in the left lobe of the prostate, and a conventional well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma in the right lobe. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CA19‐9 was positive in the ductal adenocarcinoma, and prostate‐specific antigen was positive in the conventional well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma. Since there was an increase in the level of serum CA19‐9, which had decreased postoperatively, along with the appearance of local recurrence and bone metastasis, we treated the patient with cisplatin and gemcitabine. As a result, the level of serum CA19‐9 was normalized and a reduction of the metastatic focus was observed.
The Second Joint Meeting of American Urological Association (AUA)/Japanese Urological Association (JUA) International Program on the 102nd Annual Meeting of American Urological Association at Anaheim 2007
Authors: Ogan Kenneth , Kawai Koji , Gill Inderbir Singh , Naito Seiji , B Isaacs Williams , Suzuki Kazuhiro , S Kibel Adam , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Yoshimura Naoki , Yokoyama Osamu , B Chancellor Michael , Takahashi Satoru
Published: November 2007

Preface:  We owe the success of the 2nd JUA/AUA joint Meeting at the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (19–24 May 2007, Anaheim, California, USA) entirely to the warm support of all the people concerned, including the moderators and panelists of both countries. Joint programs have been held by the societies of France and Latin America in recent years and China started holding the ‘World China’ last year. It has not been easy to maintain the joint meeting because of constraints in planning, financial support and the workforce, and therefore some societies have been unable to hold their meetings continuously. Nevertheless, there are long‐term plans to hold the meeting with the cooperation of both AUA and JUA sharing the moderators and panelists. Fortunately, since CME Credit was adopted for our meeting, the AUA members who participated in our meeting were given credits. It is now time to consider the accreditation for the JUA members too. We would like to thank Professor Robert C Flanigan, the Secretary General of AUA, Professor Glenn M Preminger, the Chairman of AUA Office of Education and the staff of AUA and JUA for introduction CME. The meeting was a great success with more than 200 participants from both countries. We hope to keep holding the joint meeting and have plenty of ideas on themes and forms. We believe that this international program helps to establish a closer relationship between JUA and AUA in the scientific field. Luckily, the abstract of this program is arranged not only as a monograph but as part of this issue of the International Journal of Urology. I believe this is an excellent opportunity for us to promote our meeting to a broader audience.

Akihiko Okuyama md, President of JUA 
Hideyuki Akaza md, Chairman of the International Committee of JUA
Physical Abuse, Cognitive and Emotional Processes, and Aggressive/Disruptive Behavior Problems
Authors: Teisl Michael , Cicchetti Dante
Published: November 2007

Cognitive and emotional processes were examined in maltreated children with a history of physical abuse (n = 76), children with a history of maltreatment other than physical abuse (i.e., sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional maltreatment; n = 91), and a group of non‐maltreated comparison children (N = 100). Physical abuse was associated with errors in cue interpretation, easy access to aggressive responses to conflict, and poor emotion regulation. In turn, maladaptive cognitive and emotional processes made unique contributions to explaining the relationship between physical abuse and peer nominations of aggression and disruptive behavior. Maltreated children who had not been physically abused evidenced a trend toward cognitive and emotional maladaptation, but only poor emotion regulation accounted for aggression and disruptive behavior in these children. The findings emphasize the importance of considering multiple domains of development in efforts to understand how varying forms of child maltreatment contribute to later maladjustment.
Teachers' Perceptions of Conflict with Young Students: Looking beyond Problem Behaviors
Authors: Hamre Bridget K. , Pianta Robert C. , Downer Jason T. , Mashburn Andrew J.
Published: November 2007

Teachers' judgments of relational conflict are unique indicators of children's academic and social adjustment. Using a large, hierarchically nested sample of preschoolers (N = 2282) and teachers (N = 597) this study examines the individual and classroom factors associated with teachers' ratings of conflict, both before and after adjusting for problem behaviors ratings. Over half of the variance in teachers' reports of conflict with children was explained by ratings of children's problem behaviors. However, many children had more (or less) conflict than predicted based on teacher‐rated problem behavior. Older children were more likely to have conflictual relationships with teachers than expected based on their level of problem behavior. Furthermore, teachers who reported more depression and lower self‐efficacy and teachers who were observed to provide less emotional support in the classroom tended to report more conflict with students in their classroom than expected based on levels of problem behaviors.
Women's Scientific Employment and Family Formation: A Longitudinal Perspective
Authors: Blackwell Louisa , Glover Judith
Published: November 2007

We focus here on the retention of highly qualified women scientists in science‐based employment in England and Wales. Using linked Census records from the Longitudinal Study 1971–1991 we show that women's education and employment rates in science, engineering and technology increased somewhat, although some fields show persistently low representation. We then compare retention in employing women with health‐related degrees with that of women with degrees in science, engineering and technology, showing that the latter group has markedly lower retention rates. Those who stay on in science‐based employment have children later than other types of graduate and their rates of non‐motherhood are higher. Four‐fifths of women in health‐related occupations were mothers, compared to only two‐fifths in science, engineering and technology. Our findings have implications for policymakers who wish to make best use of the knowledge base: attention should be paid to retention, as well as the more usual focus on qualifications and recruitment. The findings also suggest the potential for institutionally based theories to explain why highly qualified women have such low retention rates in science‐based employment.
Allergic rhinitis with hyper‐responsiveness differ from asthma in degree of peripheral obstruction during metacholine challenge test
Authors: Aronsson David , Tufvesson Ellen , Ankerst Jaro , Bjermer Leif
Published: November 2007

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a risk factor for developing clinical asthma. Moreover, AR is often associated with bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR). The aim of this study was to compare the degree of involvement of the peripheral airways during metacholine (MCh) challenge test in asthmatics and patients with AR with or without BHR by using the impulse oscillometry (IOS) technique. Fifty‐three patients with seasonal AR were investigated with MCh challenge test and IOS. Thirteen healthy non‐reactive subjects served as controls. MCh challenge test was performed, cut‐off value FEV1PD20 2000 μg. Linear regression analysis was used to calculate a MCh/FEV1 slope (Slope‐FEV1MCh), which was used as an index of BHR. IOS was performed, measuring respiratory resistance and reactance during the MCh challenge test. Twenty‐six subjects had both AR and asthma symptoms, 27 patients reported AR only, without asthma symptoms, 17 (63%) manifested BHR by spirometric criteria. Patients with AR and symptoms of asthma manifested greater peripheral airway obstruction compared to those with AR only with BHR. Increased peripheral obstruction in the asthmatic group compared to patients with AR and BHR may explain previous findings that asthmatics perceive greater airway obstruction during MCh challenge tests.
Acanthosis Nigricans: A Common Finding in Overweight Youth
Authors: Brickman Wendy J. , Binns Helen J. , Jovanovic Borko D. , Kolesky Scott , Mancini Anthony J. , Metzger Boyd E. ,   for the Pediatric Practice Research Group
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  We evaluated the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans among urban youth. Youth (7–17 years) at nine pediatric practices completed surveys on demographics and family history of diabetes and had weight and height measured. Acanthosis nigricans was scored and digital photography of the neck performed. A total of 618 youth were included in the analysis: mean age 11.5 years; 51% female; 61% African American, 27% Hispanic, 12% Caucasian, and 32% with body mass index ≥95th percentile. Acanthosis was found in 19%, 23%, and 4% of the African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian youth, respectively, and in 62% of youth with a body mass index ≥98th percentile. Using multiple logistic regression, we found increasing body mass index z‐score, presence of maternal gestational diabetes, female gender, and not being Caucasian each were independently associated with acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis was common among overweight youth and was associated with risk factors for glucose homeostasis abnormalities. Acanthosis nigricans can be a trigger to counsel families on its causes and consequences; and thus motivate them to make healthy lifestyle changes that can decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Immunologic Changes in TNF‐alpha, sE‐selectin, sP‐selectin, sICAM‐1, and IL‐8 in Pediatric Patients Treated for Psoriasis with the Goeckerman Regimen
Authors: Borska Lenka , Fiala Zdenek , Krejsek Jan , Andrys Ctirad , Vokurkova Doris , Hamakova Kvetoslava , Kremlacek Jan , Ettler Karel
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which is often manifested during childhood. The present study investigated changes in the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and soluble forms of adhesion molecules in children with psoriasis. The observed patient group of 26 children was treated with the Goeckerman regimen. This therapy combines dermal application of crude coal tar with ultraviolet radiation. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index decreased significantly after treatment by with the Goeckerman regimen (p < 0.001). Serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐alpha and adhesion molecules sICAM‐1, sP‐selectin and sE‐selectin decreased after the Goeckerman regimen. The TNF‐alpha and sICAM‐1 decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Our findings support the complex role of these immune parameters in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis in children. The serum level of IL‐8 increased after the Goeckerman regimen. This fact indicates that the chemokine pathway of IL‐8 activity could be modulated by this treatment, most likely by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.