bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Alfvén and compressive resonances in a dusty self-gravitating plasma
Authors: Cramer N. F. , Verheest F.
Published: August 2005

The effects of self-gravity of a dusty plasma on the Alfvén and compressive resonance absorption processes are investigated. Instead of questions on the stability of waves in a gravitating plasma, which leads to the Jeans instability, we investigate the spatial behavior of the fields of a wave of real frequency, in a magnetized, self-gravitating, dusty plasma, in which the Alfvén and compressive resonances are encountered. The equilibrium state of the system is discussed, next the resonance process at frequencies much lower than the dust-cyclotron frequency, then resonance at frequencies comparable to the cyclotron frequency. It is found that self-gravity can lead to considerable modification of the resonance processes, with removal of the resonances in some circumstances. These results are applicable to interstellar clouds and star-formation regions.
Toward over unity proton sputtering yields from a hydrogen-terminated Si(111) 1×1 surface irradiated by slow highly charged Xe ions
Authors: Takahashi Satoshi , Tona Masahide , Nagata Kazuo , Nakamura Nobuyuki , Yoshiyasu Nobuo , Yamada Chikashi , Ohtani Shunsuke , Sakurai Makoto
Published: August 2005

The emission of sputtered ions from a hydrogen-terminated Si(111) 1×1 surface has been measured for impact of slow (v<0.25vBohr) highly charged Xe ions. Proton sputtering yields increase strongly with projectile charge q (qγ;γ∼4) and reach to the value greater than one for Xeq+ impact (q≧44). Yields of Si+ remain constant (∼0.1) for lower q (14≦q≦29) but increase with q for higher q region which shows that the apparent Coulomb explosion-like potential sputtering might set in and enhances the sputtering yield drastically over q=29.
Recruitment of myosin VIII towards plastid surfaces is root-cap specific and provides the evidence for actomyosin involvement in root osmosensing
Authors: Wojtaszek Przemysław , Anielska-Mazur Anna , Gabryś Halina , Baluška František , Volkmann Dieter
Published: August 2005

The existence of a cell wall–plasma membrane–cytoskeleton (WMC) continuum in plants has long been postulated. However, the individual molecules building such a continuum are still largely unknown. We test here the hypothesis that the integrin-based multiprotein complexes of animal cells have been replaced in plants with more dynamic entities. Using an experimental approach based on protoplast digestion mixtures, and utilising specific antibodies against Arabidopsis ATM1 myosin, we reveal possible roles played by plant-specific unconventional myosin VIII in the functioning of WMC continuum. We demonstrate rapid relocation (less than 5 min) of myosin VIII to statolith surfaces in maize root-cap cells, which is accompanied by the reorganisation of actin cytoskeleton. Upon prolonged stimulation, myosin VIII is also recruited to plasmodesmata and pit-fields of plasmolysing root cap statocytes. The osmotic stimulus is the major factor inducing relocation, but the cell wall–cytoskeleton interactions also play an important role. In addition, we demonstrate the tight association of myosin VIII with the surfaces of chloroplasts, and provide an indication for the differences in the mechanisms of plastid movement in roots and leaves of plants. Overall, our data provide evidence for the active involvement of actomyosin complexes, rooted in the WMC continuum, in the cellular volume control and maintenance of spatial relationships between cellular compartments.
WebACT—an online companion for the Artemis Comparison Tool
Authors: Abbott J. C. , Aanensen D. M. , Rutherford K. , Butcher S. , Spratt B. G.
Published: August 2005

Summary: WebACT is an online resource which enables the rapid provision of simultaneous BLAST comparisons between up to five genomic sequences in a format amenable for visualization with the well-known Artemis Comparison Tool (ACT). Comparisons can be generated on-the-fly using sequences directly retrieved via EMBL database queries, or by entering or uploading user sequences. Furthermore, pre-computed comparisons are available between all publicly available, completed prokaryotic genomes and plasmids currently contained within the Genome Reviews database (372 sequences, representing 175 different species). The system is designed to minimize the volume of downloaded data and maximize performance. Genome sequences, annotation and pre-computed comparisons are stored in a relational database allowing flexible querying based on user-defined sequence regions, from whole genome to a defined region flanking a specified gene. Comparison and sequence files, whether computed online or retrieved from the database of pre-computed genome comparisons, can be viewed online using ACT and are available for download.

Availability: Freely accessible at http://www.webact.org

Contact:  admin@webact.org

Supplementary information: User guide and worked examples are available at http://www.webact.org/WebACT/docs
GenColors: accelerated comparative analysis and annotation of prokaryotic genomes at various stages of completeness
Authors: Romualdi Alessandro , Siddiqui Roman , Glöckner Gernot , Lehmann Rüdiger , Sühnel Jürgen
Published: August 2005

Summary: GenColors is a new web-based software/database system aimed at an improved and accelerated annotation of prokaryotic genomes, considering information on related genomes and making extensive use of genome comparison. It offers a seamless integration of data from ongoing sequencing projects and annotated genomic sequences obtained from GenBank. The genome comparison tools determine, for example, best-bidirectional hits, gene conservation, syntenies and gene core sets. Swiss-Prot/TrEMBL hits allow annotations in an effective manner. To further support the annotation base-specific quality data can also be displayed if available. With GenColors dedicated genome browsers containing a group of related genomes can be easily set up and maintained. It has been efficiently used for Borrelia garinii and is currently applied to various ongoing genome projects.

Availability: Detailed information on GenColors is available at http://gencolors.imb-jena.de. Online usage of GenColors-based genome browsers is the preferred application mode. The system is also available upon request for local installation.

Contact:  jsuehnel@imb-jena.de
Subtractive hybridization reveals a high genetic diversity in the fish pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida: evidence of a SXT-like element
Authors: Juíz-Río Sandra , Osorio Carlos R. , de Lorenzo Víctor , Lemos Manuel L.
Published: August 2005

Photobacterium damselaesubsp.piscicidais the causative agent of fish pasteurellosis, a severe disease affecting cultured marine fish worldwide. In this study, suppression subtractive hybridization was used to identify DNA fragments present in the virulent strain PC554.2, but absent in the avirulent strain EPOY 8803-II. Twenty-one genomic regions of this type (that included twenty-six distinct putative ORFs) were analysed by DNA sequencing. Twenty ORFs encoded proteins with homology to proteins in other bacteria, including four homologues involved in siderophore biosynthesis, and four homologues related to mobile elements; three of these were putative transposases and one was a putative conjugative transposon related to theVibrio choleraeSXT element. This sequence was shown to be integrated into aprfCgene homologue. Six ORFs showed no significant homology to known bacterial proteins. Among the 21 DNA fragments specific to strain PC554.2, 5 DNA fragments (representing 7 ORFs) were also absent in the avirulent strain ATCC 29690. The analysis of these differential regions, as well as the screening of their presence in a collection of strains, demonstrated the high genetic heterogeneity of this pathogen.
Adaptation and acclimatization to formaldehyde in methylotrophs capable of high-concentration formaldehyde detoxification
Authors: Chongcharoen Rotsaman , Smith Thomas J. , Flint Kenneth P. , Dalton Howard
Published: August 2005

Formaldehyde is a highly toxic chemical common in industrial effluents, and it is also an intermediate in bacterial metabolism of one-carbon growth substrates, although its role as a bacterial growth substrate per se has not been extensively reported. This study investigated two highly formaldehyde-resistant formaldehyde utilizers, strains BIP and ROS1; the former strain has been used for industrial remediation of formaldehyde-containing effluents. The two strains were shown by means of 16S rRNA characterization to be closely related members of the genus Methylobacterium. Both strains were able to use formaldehyde, methanol and a range of multicarbon compounds as their principal growth substrate. Growth on formaldehyde was possible up to a concentration of at least 58 mM, and survival at up to 100 mM was possible after stepwise acclimatization by growth at increasing concentrations of formaldehyde. At such high concentrations of formaldehyde, the cultures underwent a period of formaldehyde removal without growth before the formaldehyde concentration fell below 60 mM, and growth could resume. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and MS characterization of formaldehyde-induced proteins in strain BIP revealed that the pathways of formaldehyde metabolism, and adaptations to methylotrophic growth, were very similar to those seen in the well-characterized methanol-utilizing methylotroph Methylobacterium extorquens AM1. Thus, it appears that many of the changes in protein expression that allow strain BIP to grow using high formaldehyde concentrations are associated with expression of the same enzymes used by M. extorquens AM1 to process formaldehyde as a metabolic intermediate during growth on methanol.
Candida albicans strains deficient in CHS7, a key regulator of chitin synthase III, exhibit morphogenetic alterations and attenuated virulence
Authors: Sanz María , Carrano Lucia , Jiménez Cristina , Candiani Gianpaolo , Trilla José A. , Durán Angel , Roncero César
Published: August 2005

Chitin is a structural polysaccharide present in most fungal cell walls, whose synthesis depends on a family of enzymic activities named chitin synthases (CSs). The specific role of each of them, as well as of their regulatory proteins, in cell morphogenesis and virulence is not well understood. Here, it is shown that most chitin synthesis inCandida albicans, one of the fungi most commonly isolated from opportunistic mycoses and infections, depends onCHS7. Thus,C. albicans chs7Δ null mutants showed reduced levels of chitin and CS activity, and were resistant to Calcofluor. Despite the sequence similarity and functional relationship with ScChs7p, CaChs7p was unable to restore CSIII activity in aSaccharomyces cerevisiae chs7Δ null mutant, because it was unable to direct ScChs3p export from the endoplasmic reticulum.C. albicans chs7Δ null mutants did not show any defect in growth rate, but yeast cells displayed minor morphogenetic defects affecting septum formation, and showed an increased tendency to form filaments. CaChs7p was not required for germ-tube emission, and null mutant strains underwent the dimorphic transition correctly. However, colony morphology appeared distinctively affected.chs7Δ hyphae were very curved and had irregular lateral walls, resulting in very compact colonies that seemed unable to spread out radially on the surface, unlike the wild-type. This growth pattern may be associated with the reduced virulence and high clearance rate observed when thechs7Δ strain was used in a murine model of infection. Therefore, CaChs7p is required for normal hyphal morphogenesis, suggesting that inC. albicansCSIII plays an important role in maintaining cell wall integrity, being essential when invading surrounding tissues.
Identification of tailoring genes involved in the modification of the polyketide backbone of rifamycin B by Amycolatopsis mediterranei S699
Authors: Xu Jun , Wan Eva , Kim Chang-Joon , Floss Heinz G. , Mahmud Taifo
Published: August 2005

Rifamycin B biosynthesis by Amycolatopsis mediterranei S699 involves a number of unusual modification reactions in the formation of the unique polyketide backbone and decoration of the molecule. A number of genes believed to be involved in the tailoring of rifamycin B were investigated and the results confirmed that the formation of the naphthalene ring moiety of rifamycin takes place during the polyketide chain extension and is catalysed by Rif-Orf19, a 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionate hydroxylase-like protein. The cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase encoded by rif-orf5 is required for the conversion of the Δ12, 29 olefinic bond in the polyketide backbone of rifamycin W into the ketal moiety of rifamycin B. Furthermore, Rif-Orf3 may be involved in the regulation of rifamycin B production, as its knock-out mutant produced about 40 % more rifamycin B than the wild-type. The work also revealed that many of the genes located in the cluster are not involved in rifamycin biosynthesis, but might be evolutionary remnants carried over from an ancestral lineage.
Modulation of quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through alteration of membrane properties
Authors: Baysse Christine , Cullinane Méabh , Dénervaud Valérie , Burrowes Elizabeth , Dow J. Maxwell , Morrissey John P. , Tam Ling , Trevors Jack T. , O'Gara Fergal
Published: August 2005

Changes in the cellular envelope are major physiological adaptations that occur when micro-organisms encounter extreme environmental conditions. An appropriate degree of membrane fluidity is crucial for survival, and alteration of membrane lipids is an essential adaptive response. Emerging data suggest that microbial cells may recognize alterations in their membrane viscosity resulting from certain environmental changes as a trigger for adaptive cellular responses. InPseudomonas aeruginosa, the quorum-sensing (QS) system involves a complex regulatory circuitry that coordinates the expression of genes according to a critical population density. Interestingly, it has been shown that the QS system ofP. aeruginosacan also be activated by nutritional stress, independently of the cell density, and therefore may be part of a more general adaptive response to stressful environmental conditions. In order to examine the proposed link between membrane properties and stress signalling, the effects of genetically engineered alterations of the membrane phospholipid composition ofP. aeruginosaPAO1 on the activation of the stringent response and the QS system were examined. ThelptAgene encoding a functional homologue of PlsC, anEscherichia colienzyme that catalyses the second step of the phospholipid biosynthesis pathway, was identified and disrupted. Inactivation oflptAaltered the fatty acid profile of phospholipids and the membrane properties, resulting in decreased membrane fluidity. This resulted in a premature production of the QS signalsN-butanoyl- andN-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL and C6-HSL) and a repression of 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS) synthesis at later growth phases. The effects on C4- and C6-HSL depended upon the expression ofrelA, encoding the (p)ppGpp alarmone synthase, which was increased in thelptAmutant. Together, the findings support the concept that alterations in membrane properties can act as a trigger for stress-related gene expression.
Towards improved performance and interoperability in distributed and physical union catalogues
Authors: Macgregor George , Nicolaides Fraser
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Detail research undertaken to determine the key differences in the performance of certain centralised (physical) and distributed (virtual) bibliographic catalogue services, and to suggest strategies for improving interoperability and performance in, and between, physical and virtual models.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodically defined searches of a centralised catalogue service and selected distributed catalogues were conducted using the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol, allowing search types to be semantically defined. The methodology also entailed the use of two workshops comprising systems librarians and cataloguers to inform suggested strategies for improving performance and interoperability within both environments.

Findings

Technical interoperability was permitted easily between centralised and distributed models, however, the various individual configurations permitted only limited semantic interoperability. Significant prescription in cataloguing and indexing guidelines, greater participation in the program for collaborative cataloguing, consideration of future functional requirements for bibliographic records migration, and greater disclosure to end users are some of the suggested strategies to improve performance and semantic interoperability.

Practical implications

This paper not only informs the library and information science research community and union catalogue administrators, but also has numerous practical implications for those establishing distributed systems based on Z39.50 and search/retrieve web services as well as those establishing centralised systems.

Originality/value

The paper moves the discussion of Z39.50‐based systems away from anecdotal evidence and provides recommendations based on testing, and is intimately informed by the UK cataloguing and systems librarian community.
London and County Securities: a case study in audit and regulatory failure
Authors: Matthews Derek
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to look in detail into the collapse and its subsequent implications of the London and County Securities bank (L&C) in 1973, one of the most significant UK corporate fraud scandals and regulatory failures in recent decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is a case study drawing on the report on L&C by the Department of Trade (DT) inspectors and the national and trade press, interviews with and the private papers of some of the major participants.

Findings

The study identifies and explains the nature of the fraud, the shortcomings of the auditing of the bank, the poor performance of the DT inspectors, and the weaknesses of the subsequent changes in the regulatory system.

Research implications

The implications of the article's findings are: that commentators, and the regulatory and legal system need to distinguish between different types of fraud; that commercial pressures impact adversely on the audit process; that DT inspections conducted by accountants are not independent in their judgements; and that self‐regulation is always likely to be ineffective.

Practical implications

The findings are likely to be of interest to accounting academics and historians, practitioners and regulators.

Originality/value

Provides an insight into the collapse of the London and County Securities bank.
A project control process in pre‐construction phases
Authors: Al‐Reshaid Khaled , Kartam Nabil , Tewari Narendra , Al‐Bader Haya
Published: August 2005

Purpose

It is a well‐known fact that the construction industry always passes through two distinctive problems during the construction stage: slippages of project‐schedules, i.e. time‐frame, and overruns of project‐costs, i.e. budget. However, limited literature is available to solve or dilute these two problems before they even occur. It is strongly believed that the bulk of the two mentioned problems can be mitigated to a great extent, if not eliminated, provided that proper attention is paid to the pre‐construction phases of projects. Normally projects are implemented through traditionally old techniques which generally emphasize only solving “construction problems during the construction phase”. The aim of this article is therefore to unveil a professional methodology known as Project Control System (PCS) focusing on pre‐construction phases of construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, the authors share the lessons learned during implementation of Kuwait University projects worth approximately $400 million in a span of ten years. The task of the project management/construction management (PM/CM) is being provided to the university by a joint venture team of international and local specialists.

Findings

The pre‐construction methodology ensures smooth and successful implementation during construction phases of the projects as they are generally executed in a fast‐pace, deadline‐driven and cost‐conscious environment. The intuitive proactive methods, if implemented during pre‐construction stage, automatically answer the questions that are encountered during the execution periods of projects.

Originality/value

In this article, the authors share the lessons learned during PM/CM during projects over a span of ten years, which could be of use to others.
Measuring affective reactions to print apparel advertisements: a scale development
Authors: Oh Hyunjoo
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To develop and validate a new scale for affective reactions to print apparel advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the guidelines suggested by Churchill, the scale for measuring affective reactions to print advertisements was developed. A questionnaire was then administered to assess validity and reliability of measures. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted by using the LISREL.

Findings

The confirmatory factor model supported that unipolar categories of warm, negative, upbeat, sensual, and bored feelings effectively represent affective reactions to apparel advertisements. Evidence was established for reliability and validity.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study was the reliance on student subjects for scale development and testing. It limits the generalizability of the results to other populations. Further research is recommended to test the scale by using different samples and stimuli.

Practical implications

The identification of the five categories of affective reactions to apparel advertisements allows marketers to target the specific types of affective reactions that lead to favorable attitudes toward advertisements, which, in turn, lead to favorable attitudes toward brands and purchase behaviors.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils needs for the scales that measure emotional aspects of clothing behaviors. Scholars could use the scale developed in this study to investigate how the specific categories of affective reactions influence subsequent information processing and attitude formation for advertised products or brands.
Application of a multi‐criteria model for determining risk premium
Authors: Palliam Ralph
Published: August 2005

Purpose

For publicly traded firms, calculating the cost of capital is predicated typically on information from the financial markets. Small businesses do not have the necessary market‐based information. As an alternative to traditional proxy approaches, this paper presents a multi‐criteria model to determine an appropriate equity risk premium, and thereby, a cost of capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a multi‐criteria model – an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) – to determine the cost of capital for small businesses. It is a useful tool for the complex world in which small businesses function. Arbitrary and capricious ways of allocating resources is a luxury that small businesses can ill afford. The application of the model to a small business in South Africa is shown in this study.

Findings

The use of the AHP model is clearly a method to determine the equity risk premium and the cost of capital for small businesses.

Research limitations/implications

The model requires small business managers to identify all information sources for the required input data. This prepares the managers in advance for their information need. Thereafter, management is required to offer subjective thoughts on qualitative oriented criteria. This is attractive particularly to small business management since AHP pairwise comparison procedure allows managers to provide relative rather than absolute preference assessment one at a time on those qualitative factors. The inconsistency checking mechanisms within the AHP model allows management to identify inconsistencies at early stages of the solution process.

Originality/value

The paper offers practical help to lenders and small businesses wishing to invest in new capital projects.
The adoption and success of profit‐sharing plans in strategic business units
Authors: Magnan Michel , St‐Onge Sylvie , Cormier Denis
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To provide insights as to the determinants of profit‐sharing plan (PSP) adoption, as well as conditions that underlie their successful implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises strategic business units (SBUs) within a large financial services organization, some of which voluntarily adopted a PSP while others did not. All sample SBUs face similar economic and market conditions. Through a logit analysis, we identify determinants of PSP adoption. Through longitudinal cross‐sectional design, we assess the impact of PSP adoption on earnings growth, as well as conditions that underlie successful implementations.

Findings

Larger SBUs as well as SBUs exhibiting superior asset growth are more likely to adopt a PSP than other SBUs. Prior earnings performance is not found to be a determinant of PSP adoption. PSP adoption translates into superior earnings growth, but such impact quickly declines over time. Among PSP adopters, earnings growth following PSP adoption is greater for SBUs that adopt late (late adopters) and for those which had poor prior earnings performance.

Research limitations/implications

Limited external validity as the analysis is performed within a single North American organization.

Practical implications

PSPs are found to be an effective performance turnaround tool. In addition, their limited life cycle suggests that continuous reinforcements and communications are needed to maintain effectiveness.

Originality/value

In contrast to most prior research that uses multi‐industry samples, the paper relies on a unique organizational database that controls for confounding factors and different earnings generation processes. Moreover, the paper provides additional insights as to the conditions for success.
Policy Divergence in Races for the U.S. House of Representatives*
Authors: Magee Christopher S. P. , Wolaver Amy M.
Published: August 2005

Objective. This article investigates the extent to which opposing candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives adopt differing policy stances and examines explanations for policy divergence.

Methods. We use a Congressional Quarterly survey of 1996 House candidates to measure policy divergence on eight issues. We then test explanations for this divergence: party pressures, primaries, third‐party candidates, campaign contributions, candidate preferences, and uncertainty.

Results. Primaries, third‐party challenges, and contributions play little role in explaining policy divergence. We find that party and candidate preferences contribute to differences in the policy platforms of opposing candidates while uncertainty weakens the pressure for policy convergence.

Conclusion. Imperfect information weakens pressure on candidates to adopt positions favored by the majority of voters in a district. This lack of pressure allows candidates to indulge their personal and party preferences in taking policy stances.
Was Wright Wrong? High‐Class Jobs and the Professional Earnings Advantage*
Authors: Hogan Richard
Published: August 2005

Objectives. Wright and Perrone (1977) was an outstanding empirical analysis of social stratification, a major contribution to Marxist analysis of classes in modern capitalism, and an important contribution to popular discourse and academic research on “social class” in the United States. Since 1977, however, debates with “bean counters” in sociology and “epistemological and ontological purists” within Marxism have yielded a multidimensional game‐theoretic exploitation model that falls far short of Wright and Perrone (1977) on standards of social science, Marxism, commonsense, and the potential for inspiring future scholarship. Thus I propose moving away from game theory and toward Tilly's (1998) model of durable inequality, which might accommodate the dialectic of life and work.

Methods. An OLS regression analysis of income inequality among white men in the United States illustrates the benefits of this reconceptualization in capturing the interactive effects of occupational titles, educational credentials, and class relations.

Results. Specifically, we find that the professional earnings advantage is associated with J.D. and M.D. credentials and small‐scale proprietorship, rather than supervisorial authority or ownership in large‐scale corporate practice.

Conclusions. These results suggest that we should reconsider the Wright (1997) conceptualization of Marxist class categories.
Lipid metabolism and TNF‐α secretion in response to dietary sterols in human monocyte derived macrophages
Authors: Napolitano M. , Bravo E.
Published: August 2005

Background  The postprandial phase is characterized by the circulation of atherogenic dietary‐triacylglycerol rich lipoproteins. Little is known about the modulation of lipid and immune functions in macrophages by these particles or of the role of the oxysterols found in food such as 7β‐hydroxycholesterol and 7‐ketocholesterol.

Materials and methods  Human macrophages were tested with different concentrations of chylomicron remnant‐like particles (CRLP) with or without incorporated oxysterols to study their uptake by the cells, and their effects on cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol synthesis and the secretion of inflammatory mediators, including tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and interleukin 10 (IL‐10).

Results  Independently of the presence of oxysterols, CRLP caused cholesterol accumulation. However, the dose‐dependent increase in [3H]cholesterol internalization by macrophages after incubation with [3H]cholesteryl ester‐labelled CRLP was abolished by the presence of oxysterols in the particles. TNF‐α secretion was decreased and that of IL‐10 unaffected by CRLP independently of the presence of oxysterol. Exposure to CRLP containing 7β‐hydroxysterol, but not to CRLP or 7‐ketosterol‐containing CRLP, reduced IL‐6 secretion with respect to cells not exposed to any particles. Because TNF‐α levels have been related to scavenger receptor expression, we tested the uptake of modified LDL in macrophages exposed to human postprandial triacylglycerol‐rich lipoproteins and found it to be markedly increased.

Conclusions  Cholesterol loading as a result of dietary lipids depresses the inflammatory response of macrophages and the presence of 7β‐hydroxysterol may exacerbate this effect. In addition, exposure to dietary lipids enhances scavenger receptor activity in macrophages. These results suggest that changes induced by dietary lipids in human macrophage function are related to an increased propensity of the cells to accumulate lipids during the postprandial phase.
Three‐dimensional biomechanical properties of the human rectum evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Frøkjær J. B. , Liao D. , Bergmann A. , Mcmahon B. P. , Steffensen E. , Drewes A. M. , Gregersen H.
Published: August 2005

Abstract A method to evaluate the three‐dimensional (3‐D) geometry of the human gastrointestinal wall may be valuable for understanding tissue biomechanics, mechano‐sensation and function. In this paper we present a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based method to determine rectal geometry and validation of data obtained in three volunteers. A specially designed rectal bag was filled in a stepwise manner while MRI and bag pressure were recorded. 3‐D models of curvatures, radii of curvature, tension and stress were generated and the circumferential and longitudinal strains were calculated. The computed bag volumes corresponded to the infused volumes. A pronounced bag elongation and decrease in wall thickness was observed during the bag filling. The spatial distributions of the biomechanical parameters were distinctly different between individuals and non‐homogeneous throughout the rectal wall due to its complex geometry. The average tension and stress increased as a function of infused volume and circumferential strain. The present study provides a method for characterizing the complexin vivo3‐D geometry of the human rectum. The non‐homogenous spatial curvature distribution suggests that simple estimates of tension based on pressure and volume do not reflect the true 3‐D biomechanical properties of the rectum.
Caspase inhibition increases survival of neural stem cells in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Micci M.‐a . , Pattillo M. T . , Kahrig K. M . , Pasricha P. J .
Published: August 2005

Abstract  Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is a promising tool for the restoration of the enteric nervous system in a variety of motility disorders. Post‐transplant survival represents a critical limiting factor for successful repopulation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of both immunological as well as non‐immune‐mediated mechanisms on post‐transplant survival of NSC in the gut. Mouse CNS‐derived NSC (CNS‐NSC) were transplanted into the pylorus of recipient mice with and without the addition of a caspase‐1 inhibitor (Ac‐YVAD‐cmk) in the injection media. In a separate experiment, CNS‐NSC were transplanted in the pylorus of mice that were immunosuppressed by administration of cyclosporin A (CsA). Apoptosis and proliferation of the implanted cells was assessed 1 and 7 days post‐transplantation. Survival was assessed 1 week post‐transplantation. The degree of immunoresponse was also measured. The addition of a caspase‐1 inhibitor significantly reduced apoptosis, increased proliferation and enhanced survival of CNS‐NSC. CsA‐treatment did not result in improved survival. Our results indicate that caspase‐1 inhibition, but not immunosuppression, improves survival of CNS‐NSC in the gut. Pre‐treatment with a caspase‐1 inhibitor may be a practical method to enhance the ability of transplanted CNS‐NSC to survive in their new environment.
Adjuvant activity of pollen grains
Authors: Allakhverdi Z. , Bouguermouh S. , Rubio M. , Delespesse G.
Published: August 2005

Background:  The induction of an immune response to a biologically inert soluble protein requires an adjuvant. Here we have examined whether intact grains of pollen display such adjuvant effect, accounting for the immunogenic activity of pollen protein allergens that are devoid of intrinsic pro‐inflammatory/adjuvant property.

Methods:  Human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs) were cultured with intact grains of grass or ragweed pollen for 48 h. The state of DCs maturation was analyzed by FACS and their cytokine production by ELISA. T cell priming activity of DCs was examined in co‐cultures with naïve cord blood‐derived CD4+ T cells.

Results:  Contact with grains of pollen induced a distinct maturation program in immature DCs. Pollen up‐regulated the expression of CD54, CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA‐DR, CCR7, and CD40 on DCs. Moreover, CCR5 expression was up‐regulated by pollen but suppressed by LPS. In sharp contrast to LPS‐stimulated DCs, pollen‐treated DCs did not produce cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α] but retained the ability to secrete high levels of these cytokines upon simulation with soluble CD40 ligand and interferon (IFN)‐γ. Pollen‐primed DCs strongly stimulated the proliferation of allogeneic naïve CD4+ T cells and promoted their development into effector cells producing high levels of IL‐5 and IL‐13 together with moderate levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐4.

Conclusion:  Intact grains of pollen induce activation and maturation of DCs in vitro. Similar mechanisms may be effective in vivo, suggesting that pollen grain is not only an allergen carrier but also acts as an adjuvant in the induction phase of the allergic immune response.
Measuring men's opinions of prostate needle biopsy
Authors: Medd Jessica C. C. , Stockler Martin R. , Collins Ruth , Lalak Andre
Published: August 2005

Background: Needle biopsy of the prostate is an important, common, invasive procedure. Little is known about men's perceptions of it. The present study was designed to assess men's experience of prostate biopsy, to determine the feasibility of a randomized trial of interventions to alleviate distress during prostate biopsy, and to develop a pragmatic outcome measure for such a trial.

Methods: Of 33 consecutive men undergoing prostate biopsy at a Sydney (Australia), tertiary referral urology centre 31 men were selected for study. A cross‐sectional, observational was performed. Participants completed both a 24‐item questionnaire assessing relevant symptoms, attitudes and emotional responses and a semistructured interview shortly after their prostate biopsy. Each item of the questionnaire was rated on an 11‐point scale from 0 (no trouble at all), to 10 (worst they could imagine).

Results: The mean score for discomfort was 4.4 with 32% scoring ≥7; the mean score for pain was 4.2 with 29% scoring ≥7. The other most troubling aspects were: ‘waiting for the result’ (mean 4.4, 32% ≥7) and ‘fear of the result’ (mean 3.7, 32% ≥7). Seventy‐one per cent of subjects stated that they would have been willing to participate in a randomized trial of interventions to make prostate biopsies less unpleasant. Thirteen of the 24 items were retained and refined for use as an outcome measure for subsequent trials.

Conclusions: Many men experience pain, discomfort and anxiety during prostate needle biopsy and most would be willing to participate in trials of interventions to make it less unpleasant.
Long‐term results of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal herniorrhaphy
Authors: Taylor Craig John , Wilson Tim
Published: August 2005

Background:  The short‐term advantages of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal mesh herniorrhaphy (TEP) are well documented, but the long‐term results remain unclear. The purpose of the present paper is to clarify this issue with particular reference to hernia recurrence and chronic pain.

Methods:  A retrospective case series of 100 consecutive patients undergoing TEP 5 years ago by a single surgeon were followed up prospectively with a focused physical examination and interview. Data collected included recurrence, chronic groin pain, tenderness, sensory disturbance, activity or occupational limitation, and personal satisfaction.

Results:  During the period between 1997 and 1999, 100 consecutive patients underwent 110 TEP hernia repairs. The mean age was 56 years. Two patients were excluded from the study because they had had open repairs for technical reasons. Median follow up was 64 months. Follow up was complete (interview and physical examination) in 88% and partial (telephone interview only) in a further 5%. There was no major morbidity or mortality. Hernia recurrence rate was 1%. Chronic pain occurred in 14 patients (14%), which was mild in 13 patients and moderate in one. Ninety‐eight per cent of patients were satisfied with their repair and would or had recommended TEP to others.

Conclusions:  Long‐term results of TEP demonstrate it to be an effective and safe procedure with a low recurrence and low prevalence of chronic pain that is generally of a mild, infrequent nature.
Mental Health and Social Care Needs of Older People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Strydom Andre , Hassiotis Angela , Livingston Gill
Published: August 2005

Background Older people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are a growing population but their age‐related needs are rarely considered and community services are still geared towards the younger age group. We aimed to examine the mental health and social care needs of this new service user group.

Methods We identified all adults with ID without Down syndrome (DS) aged 65+ living in the London boroughs of Camden and Islington. The Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with a Developmental Disability (PASADD) checklist was used to detect psychiatric disorder, the Vineland behaviour scale (maladaptive domain) for problem behaviours and the Dementia Questionnaire for persons with Mental Retardation (DMR) to screen for dementia. Carers reported health problems and disability. Needs were measured with the Camberwell Assessment of Need for adults with Intellectual Disabilities (CANDID‐S).

Results A total of 23 older people with ID (13 had mild ID and nine more severe ID) and their carers participated in the survey. In which, 74% had one or more psychiatric symptoms; 30% were previously known with a diagnosis of mental illness. One‐third of the older people screened positive for dementia (range: 17–44%, depending on sensitivity of DMR scores used). Three quarters of the group had physical health problems, 74% had poor sight, 22% had hearing loss and 30% had mobility problems. Carers rated unmet needs for accommodation (22%), day activities, and eyesight and hearing. The people with ID rated unmet needs to be social relationships (44%), information and physical health.

Conclusion Older people with ID without DS have considerable prevalence of health problems and psychiatric disorders, including symptoms of functional decline and dementia. Such symptoms are often not recognised and further research into their needs is a priority.
The cosmetic treatment of urticaria pigmentosa with Nd:YAG laser at 532 nanometers
Authors: Resh Brooke , Jones Evan , Glaser Dee Anna
Published: August 2005

Background  Urticaria pigmentosa is a cutaneous disorder involving infiltration of the skin with mast cells. Histologically the papillary dermis has an increased number of mast cells with an increase in basal layer pigmentation. In addition to possible systemic symptoms, patients with urticaria pigmentosa can suffer emotionally from the cosmetic nature of this skin disease.

Objective  The purpose was to investigate the use of a diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm for the treatment of the cosmetic comorbidity of urticaria pigmentosa lesions.

Methods  A 19‐year‐old white male with urticaria pigmentosa had multiple lesions on the dorsum of the hands and forearms. A test site on the right inner arm was treated with a DioLite™ 532 nanometer laser. Because of satisfaction with the treatment of the test site lesions, multiple lesions on the dorsal hands and forearms were also treated with the DioLite™ 532 nanometer laser.

Results  There was a dramatic clinical reduction in the amount of lesions on the dorsum of the hands and forearms. The test site lesions on the right inner arm had not recurred.

Conclusion  The diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser at 532 nanometers should be considered part of a dermatologist's armamentarium for the treatment of a patient's cosmetic concerns with lesions of cutaneous mastocytosis.
Education and behavioral change for sun protection
Authors: Stengel Fernando M , Fernandez J Förster
Published: August 2005

We proposed the term photoeducation in 19881 to integrate the basic concepts of sun protection in one word: why, how, when, and how much one should protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Subsequent use of the word expanded the concept further, emphasizing the positive and negative role of sunlight in man and nature.
Epilepsy and Traffic Safety
Authors: Hansotia Phiroze , Broste Steven K.
Published: August 2005

We previously reported that drivers with epi lepsy have somewhat higher age‐adjusted rates of traffic accidents and moving violations than do drivers without epilepsy. We attempted to identify medical and other fac tors contributing to this increase. Medical records of 241 drivers with a history of seizures, representing essentially all such persons from a contiguous seven ZIP postal code area served by the Marshfield Clinic were studied. This zip code refers to a defined geographic area around Marshfield where virtually the entire population receives its care at the Marshfield Clinic and for which we have accurate records. Information abstracted from medical charts was used to identify potential risk factors for traffic accidents and violations among these drivers. Careless driving violations, alcohol or drug violations, and accidents (especially injury accidents) occurred at higher rates and speeding violations occurred at lower rates for drivers with epilepsy. Young age, unmarried state, history of multiple seizures, and lack of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment appear to be risk factors for accidents among drivers who had a history of seizures. Male sex, psychiatric disorders, alcohol abuse, and generalized seizures or complex partial seizures (CPS) were also suggestively associated with higher risk. For moving violations, young age, male sex, unmarried state, symptomatic etiology, and history of alcohol abuse contributed to in creased risk. We conclude that drivers with epilepsy appear to have identifiable risk factors for traffic mishaps, especially accidents.
Felbamate Monotherapy: Implications for Antiepileptic Drug Development
Authors: Theodore William H. , Albert Paul , Stertz Barbara , Malow Beth , Ko David , White Steven , Flamini Robert , Ketter Terry
Published: August 2005

Summary: We studied the effect of felbamate (FBM) monotherapy on seizure rate in patients with partial and secondarily generalized seizures undergoing presurgical monitoring at a single site. The study design was a double‐blind placebo‐controlled parallel monotherapy trial. Forty patients whose seizures had not been controlled by standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were randomized. Seizure type was confirmed by video‐EEG monitoring. All baseline AEDs were discontinued, and patients were drug‐free for 5.3 ± 2.4 days before randomization to FBM or placebo. After a 4‐day titration, seizures were counted for 14 days. Patients receiving FBM had significantly lower seizure rates, whether all randomized patients, patients who survived titration, or study completers were compared. Eight of 19 placebo patients randomized to placebo, as compared with 13 of 21 receiving FBM, completed the 18‐day study. Two FBM patients dropped out due to seizures, and 6 dropped out due to side effects, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, abdominal discomfort, acute psychosis, and orobuccal dyskinesias. Ten placebo patients met the criteria for premature discontinuation owing to seizures, and 1 had an episode of panic. There was no evidence of hepatic or hematologic toxicity. FBM reduces seizure frequency in patients with localization‐related epilepsy.
Predictive Value of the First Ictal Recording in Determining Localization of the Epileptogenic Region by Scalp/Sphenoidal EEG
Authors: Sum John M. , Morrell Martha J.
Published: August 2005

Summary: The number of seizures recorded during a noninvasive evaluation for epilepsy surgery varies across centers. We retrospectively studied the accuracy of the first recorded seizure in predicting the final localization of the epileptogenic region. Sixty‐six consecutive patients undergoing continuous EEG monitoring with scalp and sphenoidal electrodes were studied. The first recorded seizure was determined to be either well localized or non‐localized and was compared with the ultimate localization after multiple seizures were recorded. The first seizure was well localized in 28 and non‐localized in 38 patients. In the localized group, the first seizure correctly predicted the final localization of the EEG monitoring study in 26 patients, whereas 2 patients had bilateral independent temporal seizures. In the nonlocalized group, ictal onset remained nonlocalized in 34 patients despite recording of multiple (median of five) seizures. This gave a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 94% for the first recorded seizure to predict the final results of noninvasive EEG monitoring. We conclude that the first recorded seizure is highly predictive of the final results of prolonged noninvasive ictal EEG recordings but it cannot exclude the possibility of multiple epileptogenic foci.