bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auroral electrojet configuration during substorm growth phase
Authors: Gjerloev J. W. , Hoffman R. A. , Tanskanen E. , Friel M. , Frank L. A. , Sigwarth J. B.
Published: September 2003

The spatial configuration of the auroral electrojets during the growth phase of classical substorms is investigated. Electrojet intensities are determined from measurements of the convection electric field and calculated height integrated conductivity. Both the westward and eastward electrojets decrease in latitudinal width towards ∼21–23 MLT where they both are terminated. The latitudinal widths of the eastward electrojet as a function of MLT, however, show significant scatter. This scatter is shown to be effectively minimized by organizing the data by the local time distance to the future optical onset location rather than using magnetic local time. We find that the future optical onset will be located in the region of overlapping eastward and westward electrojets. The fact that the future onset location better organizes the data suggests that during the growth phase the magnetosphere is organizing itself for an onset at an already determined MLT as seen at ionospheric altitudes. Neither the IMF By nor IMF clockangle provide a simple explanation of the variation in the onset location.
Seismic evidence for accumulated oceanic crust above the 660‐km discontinuity beneath southern Africa
Authors: Shen Yang , Blum John
Published: September 2003

High‐pressure assemblages of subducted oceanic crust are denser than the normal upper mantle but less dense than the uppermost lower mantle. Thus subducted oceanic crust may accumulate at the base of the upper mantle. Direct observational evidence for this hypothesis, however, remains elusive. We present an analysis of a negative‐polarity shear wave converted from compressional wave at a seismic discontinuity near 570–600 km depth beneath southern Africa. The negative polarity of the converted phase indicates a ∼2.2 ± 0.2% S‐velocity decrease with depth at the seismic discontinuity. This velocity reduction is associated, however, with a low velocity contrast at the 660‐km discontinuity. The exsolution of Ca‐perovskite in former oceanic crust at depth greater than 600 km and the associated small volume fraction of ringwoodite are plausible explanations for the apparent paradox between the negative velocity discontinuity and the low velocity contrast at the 660‐km discontinuity.
Influence of continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in liver transplant recipients with small‐for‐size grafts
Authors: Kishino S , Takekuma Y , Sugawara M , Shimamura T , Furukawa H , Todo S , Miyazaki K
Published: September 2003

Abstract: In adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the graft volume is inevitably much smaller than the ideal liver mass (standard liver volume) for the recipient's metabolic demand. Patients with small‐for‐size grafts are treated with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHD) for the artificial liver support. However, little is known about the influence of CVVHD on the elimination of tacrolimus. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of CVVHD on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in recipients of LDLT with small‐for‐size grafts. Three liver transplant recipients (one male and two females) and donors (two males and one female) were enrolled in this study. Blood samples from inflow port and outflow port were obtained on the first day at the start of CVVHD. Whole‐blood concentrations of tacrolimus were measured immediately using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA; Abbott Laboratories). There was no significant difference between concentrations of tacrolimus in blood sampled at inflow port and outflow port sites and t1/2‐values of tacrolimus in the three recipients were 29.9, 63.6 and 28.8 h. CVVHD did not cause a decrease in the blood tacrolimus concentration. Adjustment to the dose or dosing interval is not required for patients treated with tacrolimus during CVVHD.
Humanized anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab) treatment for post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder*
Authors: Ganne Vasundhara , Siddiqi Nauman , Kamaplath Bal , Chang Chung‐Che , Cohen Eric P , Bresnahan Barbara A , Hariharan Sundaram
Published: September 2003

Abstract: Introduction: Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) is a consequence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection and is a B‐cell hyperplasia with CD‐20 positive lymphocytes. The treatment of PTLD includes reduction/withdrawal of immunosuppression and chemotherapy. This study reports our center experience with humanized monoclonal antibody against CD‐20 (Rituximab) for the treatment of PTLD.

Material and methods: Eight cases of PTLD after solid organ transplantation [six kidney, one kidney/pancreas (KP) and one liver] occurred between September 1998 and October 2001. The mean time between transplant and the diagnosis of PTLD was 57.3 months (range 3 months to 10 yr). Five patients underwent cadaveric transplant, five males and six were Caucasians with mean age of 48 yr (range 20–67 yr).

Results: The clinical presentation was as follows: lymphadenopathy‐5, gastrointestinal bleeding‐2 and tonsillar enlargement‐1. The diagnosis was made by a lymph node biopsy in five, a gastric ulcer biopsy in two and a tonsillar biopsy in one case. Six of them had polymorphous, two had monoclonal B‐cell lymphoma, and all were positive for CD‐20. Six were related to EBV, documented by latent membrane protein (LMP) or Epstein–Barr encoded RNA (EBER) staining. Immunosuppression at the time of PTLD diagnosis consisted of tacrolimus in six cases and cyclosporine A (CsA) in two with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine‐3 each and sirolimus‐1. Rituximab was administered at a dose of 375 mg/m2 once a week for 4 wk. There were no side effects seen with this therapy. Immunosuppression was reduced in all patients. Complete remission was observed in seven cases (one required two courses). One patient who did not respond received chemotherapy. Patients were followed for a mean period of 22.5 months (range 10–45 months post‐PTLD diagnosis. At the last follow‐up all eight patients were alive, seven with a functioning graft and one on maintenance dialysis. Three of these patients had been in remission for more than 2.5 yr.

Conclusion: Rituximab is an effective agent in the treatment of PTLD without the morbidity characteristic of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy should be reserved only for those refractory to Rituximab therapy.
Use of kidneys from hepatitis C seropositive donors shortens waitlist time but does not alter one‐yr outcome*
Authors: Woodside Kenneth J , Ishihara Kanae , Theisen James E , Early Marilyn G , Covert Lesa G , Hunter Glenn C , Gugliuzza Kristene K , Daller John A
Published: September 2003

Utilization of hepatitis C seropositive kidney donors remains controversial. We examined the use of hepatitis C seropositive donors for renal transplantation. Data for creatinine, liver function tests, cold ischemia time, and graft and patient survival were analyzed from 20 hepatitis C seropositive recipients receiving cadaveric renal allografts from seropositive donors and were compared with 20 hepatitis C seropositive recipients receiving allografts from seronegative donors. Recipients receiving a kidney from a hepatitis C seropositive donor were on the waitlist for 9.9 ± 1.8 months, compared with 17.8 ± 3.3 months for those receiving a kidney from a seronegative donor (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in graft or patient survival. Incidences of acute cellular rejection and acute tubular necrosis were similar. There were no significant differences in creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, or bilirubin values. While there was a significant difference in aspartate aminotransferase at 2 wk and 6 months, these differences were of questionable clinical importance. In conclusion, donor seropositivity for hepatitis C should not preclude renal transplantation into a hepatitis C seropositive recipient and utilization of these organs decreases waitlist time for hepatitis C seropositive recipients.
Hepatitis B virus vaccination of recipients and donors of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Idilman Ramazan , Üstün Celalettin , Karayalçın Selim , Aktemel Aslihan , Turkyilmaz Ahmet R , Özcan Muhit , Arslan Onder , Bozdayi A Mithat , Van Thiel David H , Akan Hamdi
Published: September 2003

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to determine the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination as defined by the seroconversion to hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) positivity in peripheral blood stem cell transplants.

Methods: A total of 65 recipients and their donors were enrolled in this study. Recipients were divided into four distinct groups. Group 1 consisted of individuals who were vaccinated, group 2 consisted of individuals who were naturally immunized, group 3 consisted of individuals who were HBs‐Ag positive, and group 4 consisted of individuals who were HBV naïve and not vaccinated.

Results: Eighty‐eight percent of the HBV‐vaccinated recipients (14 of 16), who had vaccinated‐donors, seroconverted to anti‐HBs positivity. Eighty‐three percent of HBV‐naïve recipients (five of six), who received stem cells from HBV‐immune donors, seroconverted to anti‐HBs positivity. Two of the four HBs‐Ag positive recipients with HBV‐immune donors seroconverted to anti‐HBs positivity after transplantation. Fifty‐seven percent of previously vaccinated‐recipients (eight of 14) lost detectable anti‐HBs antibody following transplantation. Finally, 31% of HBV‐naïve recipients with HBV‐naïve donors acquired a de novo HBV infection.

Conclusions: (i) Hepatitis B virus immunization of recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation results in an effective antibody response. (ii) The HBV‐immune status of the donor plays an important role in post‐transplantation HBs‐Ab on seroconversion. (iii) Systematic re‐immunization of recipients will be necessary to maintain HBV immunity in long‐term serving recipients.
Estrogen replacement therapy mitigates the loss of joint cartilage proteoglycans and bone mineral density induced by ovariectomy and osteoarthritis
Authors: Parker D. , Hwa S.‐Y. , Sambrook P. , Ghosh P.
Published: September 2003

Aims: To investigate the effects of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on the structural integrity and proteoglycan (PG) content of articular cartilage (AC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in an ovine model of osteoarthritis (OA) induced by meniscectomy.

Method:  Thirty aged ewes were used for the study. Six had ovariectomy alone (OVX), 6 meniscectomy alone (OA) and 12 ovariectomy and meniscectomy (OVX + OA). Six of the (OVX + OA) sheep received Femtran‐50 (3M) estrogen (50 µg/day) patches (OVX + OA + ERT). Six animals were used as non‐operated controls (NOC). Three months post‐surgery all animals were sacrificed, the stifle joints dissected through the site of lesions, and coronal sections of the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) and lateral tibial plateau (LTP) were cut which were each subdivided into inner (I), middle (M) and outer (O) zones. Toluidine blue stained sections were examined using a modified Mankin scoring system, and AC–PG content determined via computer image analysis.

Results:  There were no significant differences between lesion scores among the OA, OVX + OA and OVX + OA + ERT groups, yet all had significantly higher scores than NOC and OVX in each region (P < 0.005). Computer image analysis of PG content in stained sections showed no difference between OVX and NOC. However, in LFC‐AC the loss of PG was highest in the OVX + OA group (P < 0.005) compared to the NOC or OVX groups. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the LFC averaged for all zones was higher in the OVX + OA + ERT group than the OVX + OA group (P < 0.02) with the most significant rise being in the I‐zone (P < 0.002). Significantly in this same zone of the OVX + OA + ERT group the AC‐PG content was higher than in the corresponding zone of the OVX + OA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  While ERT did not reduce the focal AC lesions scores in the lateral compartment of this OA model it did mitigate the loss of PG from adjacent joint cartilage and increase the bone mineral density (BMD), especially in the I‐zone. These findings are consistent with epidemiological studies which suggest that ERT may slow the progression of OA in postmenopausal women.
Rheumatological presentations of anticoagulation related hemorrhages
Authors: Cox S. R. , Ahern M. J. , Smith M. D. , Slavotinek J. P. , Walker J. G. , Smith A. J. , Roberts‐Thomson P. J.
Published: September 2003

Background: Joint, back and muscle pain are common in patients referred to a rheumatology unit. Acute pain due to hemorrhage may be difficult to distinguish from more common causes of pain in these patients. This article describes a small case‐series of patients who presented acutely with hemarthroses, spinal hemorrhage or muscle hematomas while receiving anticoagulant treatment.

Methods: Case notes of nine patients were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics, indication for anticoagulation, international normalized ratio, and management were evaluated.

Results: The majority of hemorrhages occurred when the INR was within the therapeutic range. Anticoagulation was held in all cases. Joint aspiration was performed in all cases of hemarthrosis. Surgical intervention was required in management of the spinal epidural bleed and also in one case of muscle hematoma.

Conclusion: Cases described represent major hemorrhages in anticoagulated patients. There is little literature on specific treatment and prognosis, particularly with respect to hemarthrosis, and further studies are needed.
Measuring functional status in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Thumboo Julian
Published: September 2003

With improvements in mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the functional status of these patients, assessed using health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) measures, is increasingly being recognized as an important outcome measure in clinical research. Domains of HRQoL of particular importance to SLE patients include fatigue, ability to work, good health, independence and social and family life. The SF‐36 currently appears to be the best available measure for assessment of HRQoL in SLE. It measures some of the domains of importance to SLE patients, has good psychometric properties, patient acceptability, construct validity and has been validated for use in many languages. Using HRQoL measures, it has been shown that SLE patients have poorer functional status than the general population, and that specific manifestations of SLE (e.g. fibromyalgia and renal failure) may influence HRQoL in these patients. Prospective and cross‐sectional studies have identified a variety of factors – some potentially modifiable – which influence HRQoL in SLE. Additional research is needed to identify strategies which can improve HRQoL in SLE patients.
Optimal length of leys in an area with winter damage problems
Authors: Lien G. , Kristensen A. R. , Hegrenes A. , Hardaker J. B.
Published: September 2003

A model is presented to investigate the optimal economic life cycle of grass leys with winter damage problems in northern Norway and to determine the threshold of winter damage before it is profitable to reseed. A two‐level hierarchic Markov process has been constructed using the MLHMP software (the MLHMP software and the plug‐in constructed for this model are available for download at http://www.prodstyr.ihh.kvl.dk/software/mlhmp.html). The model takes uncertainty concerning yield potential, damage estimation and weather‐dependent random fluctuations into account. A Kalman filter technique is used for updating the knowledge of yield potential and damage level.

The application of the model is demonstrated using data from two commercial Norwegian farms. As parameter estimates vary considerably among farms, it is concluded that decision support concerning optimal economic life cycle of grass leys should be done at farm level. The results also show the importance of using a flexible dynamic replacement strategy. Use of the model for specific farm situations is illustrated.
Nutritive value of barley/kale bi‐crop silage for lactating dairy cows
Authors: Moorby J. M. , Evans P. R. , Young N. E.
Published: September 2003

Six mid‐lactation multiparous Holstein–Friesian dairy cows were used to examine the potential of a fermented whole‐crop barley (Hordeum vulgare)/kale (Brassica oleracea) bi‐crop as a feed compared with a first‐cut perennial ryegrass silage. The barley/kale bi‐crop was grown as a strip intercrop, and was harvested and ensiled as an intimate mixture [0·80 barley and 0·20 kale on a dry‐matter (DM) basis]. Animals were offered ad libitum access to one of three experimental diets in a duplicated Latin Square design experiment: (i) Bi‐crop (the barley/kale bi‐crop); (ii) Grass (the grass silage); and (iii) Mix (a 1:1 fresh mixture of Bi‐crop and Grass). All animals also received a standard dairy concentrate at a rate of 4 kg d−1 in equal portions at each of two milkings. The Bi‐crop and Grass silages contained 346 and 293 g DM kg−1, 108 and 168 g crude protein kg−1 DM, 268 and 36 g starch kg−1 DM, and had pH values of 3·87 and 3·80 respectively. Animals offered the two bi‐crop silage‐containing diets consumed more forage DM than those offered grass silage (14·6, 14·9 and 12·6 kg DM d−1 for Bi‐crop, Mix and Grass respectively; s.e.d. 0·45, P < 0·01) and yielded more milk (24·0, 23·9, 22·6 kg d−1 for Bi‐crop, Mix and Grass respectively; s.e.d. 0·26, P < 0·01). However, differences in the partitioning of dietary nitrogen towards milk protein and away from excretion in urine suggest a more efficient (rumen) utilization of feed protein by animals offered diets containing the bi‐crop silage. It is concluded that, despite having a low crude protein concentration, barley/kale bi‐crop silage offers excellent potential as a feed for lactating dairy cows.
A short‐term comparison of the performance of four grassland‐based systems of milk production for autumn‐calving dairy cows
Authors: Ferris C. P. , Gordon F. J. , Patterson D. C. , Mayne C. S. , McCoy M. A.
Published: September 2003

Eighty winter‐calving dairy cows of mixed parity were managed in four grassland‐based systems of milk production (F‐F, F‐C, C‐F and C‐C) over a full lactation (year 1) and during the winter period of the subsequent lactation (year 2). During the winter periods cows on systems F‐F and F‐C were offered silages of high feeding value, supplemented with 6·0 kg d−1 of concentrate [crude protein (CP), 307 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)] through an out‐of‐parlour feeding system, while cows on systems C‐F and C‐C were offered silages of medium feeding value, supplemented with c. 12·8 kg d−1 of concentrate (CP, 204 g kg−1 DM), in the form of a complete diet. After 25 February in year 1, cows on systems F‐F and C‐F were given access to grazing for periods of increasing duration, achieving full turnout on 17 April. Thereafter, until 21 October, these cows were offered a high daily allowance of herbage within a flexible grazing system (23·0 kg DM per cow, measured above a height of 4·0 cm), supplemented with 0·5 kg d−1 of a ‘high magnesium’ concentrate. Cows on systems F‐C and C‐C (year 1) commenced grazing on 1 April, achieving full turnout on 17 April. Thereafter, until 20 October, these cows were managed on a restricted allowance of herbage in a rotational paddock grazing system, with concentrates (average allocation, 3·9 kg d−1) being offered according to yield. In year 2, cows on systems F‐F and C‐F were given access to grazing for periods of increasing duration, from 11 March to 8 April, at which point the study was terminated.

With systems F‐F, F‐C, C‐F and C‐C, mean feed inputs and milk outputs (per animal) during year 1 of the study were as follows: total concentrate DM intakes [881, 1272, 1729 and 2171 kg (s.e.m. 96·1)]; total silage DM intakes [1722, 1713, 1047 and 1154 kg (s.e.m. 70·7)], total grass DM intakes (3245, 2479, 3057 and 2481 kg) and total milk outputs [7541, 7527, 7459 and 7825 kg (s.e.m. 305·8)] respectively. Stocking rates associated with each of the four systems were 2·2, 2·5, 2·6 and 2·9 cows per hectare respectively. Performance of dairy cows on the systems during the winter of year 2 was similar to that recorded during year 1. The results of this study indicate that similar levels of milk output, DM intakes, tissue changes and plasma metabolite profiles can be achieved from grassland‐based systems involving very different combinations of grass silage, grazed grass and concentrate feeds.
Changes in the expression of claudins and transepithelial electrical resistance of mouse Sertoli cells by Leydig cell coculture
Authors: Gye M. C.
Published: September 2003

In the testis, tight junctions (TJs) between adjacent Sertoli cells are important for the formation of blood–testis barrier (BTB). To verify the role of paracrine interactions between the Sertoli and Leydig cells in the structure and function of BTB in testis, the expression of claudin‐1 and ‐11, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of the mouse Sertoli cells were examined under the Leydig cell coculture. TER of Sertoli cell monolayer was significantly larger under the Leydig cell coculture in comparison with the control culture. Meanwhile, the expression of claudin‐1 slightly decreased and claudin‐11 significantly increased in the Sertoli cells in the Leydig cell coculture compared with control. Testosterone significantly increased claudin‐11 expression in cultured Sertoli cells. Taken together, it suggested that Leydig cell coculture changed the structure and functions of inter‐Sertoli TJs in vitro. Interactions between Leydig and Sertoli cells might be involved in the development of functional blood testis barrier in mouse testis.
Mathematical modelling of the urea cycle
Authors: Maher Anthony D. , Kuchel Philip W. , Ortega Fernando , de Atauri Pedro , Centelles Josep , Cascante Marta
Published: September 2003

Metabolite channelling, the process in which consecutive enzymes have confined substrate transfer in metabolic pathways, has been proposed as a biochemical mechanism that has evolved because it enhances catalytic rates and protects unstable intermediates. Results from experiments on the synthesis of radioactive urea [Cheung, C., Cohen, N.S. & Raijman, L (1989) J. Biol. Chem.264, 4038–4044] have been interpreted as implying channelling of arginine between argininosuccinate lyase and arginase in permeabilized hepatocytes. To investigate this interpretation further, a mathematical model of the urea cycle was written, using Mathematica it simulates time courses of the reactions. The model includes all relevant intermediates, peripheral metabolites, and subcellular compartmentalization. Analysis of the output from the simulations supports the argument for a high degree of, but not absolute, channelling and offers insights for future experiments that could shed more light on the quantitative aspects of this phenomenon in the urea cycle and other pathways.
Human proteoglycan testican‐1 inhibits the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin L
Authors: Bocock Jeffrey P. , Edgell Cora‐Jean S. , Marr Henry S. , Erickson Ann H.
Published: September 2003

Testican‐1, a secreted proteoglycan enriched in brain, has a single thyropin domain that is highly homologous to domains previously shown to inhibit cysteine proteases. We demonstrate that purified recombinant human testican‐1 is a strong competitive inhibitor of the lysosomal cysteine protease, cathepsin L, with aKiof 0.7 nm, but it does not inhibit the structurally related lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin B. Testican‐1 inhibition of cathepsin L is independent of its chondroitin sulfate chains and is effective at both pH 5.5 and 7.2. At neutral pH, testican‐1 also stabilizes cathepsin L, slowing pH‐induced denaturation and allowing the protease to remain active longer, although the rate of proteolysis is reduced. These data indicate that testican‐1 is capable of modulating cathepsin L activity both in intracellular vesicles and in the extracellular milieu.
Linear methods to estimate kinships from genetic marker data for the construction of core sets in genetic conservation schemes
Authors: Eding H. , Meuwissen T. H. E.
Published: September 2003

Three log‐linear models were developed to improve the estimates of kinships between breeds (MEK) and of alike in state probabilities (AIS) using all marker data and all pairs of animals simultaneously. These models were developed to (i) increase accuracy of MEK, (ii) improve AIS estimates (especially compared to methods that simply take average allele frequencies) and (iii) to reduce the number of zero contributions of breeds to the core set where actual contributions are larger than zero. The models are: unweighted log‐linear model (ULM), weighted log‐linear model (WLM), where marker data is weighted to account for the amount of information per locus and weighted log‐linear mixed model (WLMM), where the solution is restricted such that a maximum of one zero‐contribution remains. These models were tested using simulated data from a tree‐like phylogeny and compared with the results from the weighted least similarity, where the per locus probabilities of alleles AIS are taken from the similarities between the pair of populations with the minimum average similarity. An example using field data on 10 cattle populations in the Netherlands is discussed. Differences in accuracy between the four methods were small, although substantial differences in contribution of breeds to the core set were found. In terms of conserved variation WLM tended to be the most efficient, followed by WLMM. WLMM yielded the smallest number of zero contributions of breeds and provides a more conservative solution (i.e. fewer breeds will be erroneously excluded). It is argued that the small differences between the methods in accuracy of the MEKs may be due to the relatively well‐behaving simulated data, and that the methods that use all information simultaneously (WLM and WLMM) may prove more robust when complications occur in field data.
Relationships between performance traits and the expression of growth hormone, insulin‐like growth factor‐I, and insulin in pigs selected for growth or leanness
Authors: Te Pas M. F. W. , Gerritsen C. L. M. , Visscher A. H. , de Greef K. H.
Published: September 2003

Selection for growth rate or backfat thickness (BFT) in pigs is related with changes in the blood plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I). Two experimental pig selection lines based upon a common commercial Large White (LW) selection line were selected for increased growth rate (F‐line), or decreased BFT (L‐line), respectively. We report here on the statistical evaluation of the phenotypic relationships between growth rate and BFT on the one hand, and (1) mRNA expression levels of GH and its transcription factor pituitary‐specific transcription factor‐1 (Pit‐1), (2) GH protein plasma pulse pattern components and (3) IGF‐I and insulin plasma concentrations on the other hand. Residual regression coefficients (RRC) and residual correlation coefficients (RCC) were used to evaluate the phenotypic residual relations between the traits and the hormone levels. Growth hormone mRNA levels, and to a lesser extent Pit‐1 mRNA levels, were inversely related with BFT and growth rate when these traits were fitted separately in the model suggesting that GH is more closely related to the traits than Pit‐1. Within line evaluation showed that GH mRNA levels had significant RRC with the performance traits in both lines, while Pit‐1 mRNA levels were only significantly related to BFT in the L‐line in both analyses. When growth rate and BFT were fitted together in the model GH mRNA levels had also significantly RRC with growth rate and BFT. Growth hormone mRNA levels seem to be more closely related with BFT than with growth rate. Growth rate was inversely related with the GH plasma baseline value in both lines. Growth hormone baseline concentration, and to a lesser extent GH area under the curve, were inversely related to BFT. However, GH level‐line‐specific effects were only found for the baseline concentration in the F‐line. A positive relationship between growth rate and plasma IGF‐I concentrations was found in the L‐line. These results suggest a relationship between GH mRNA expression and performance traits in pig lines selected for growth rate or against BFT. No such relationship could be found for its pituitary‐specific transcription factor. Furthermore, specific components of the GH blood plasma pulse pattern were related to specific performance traits in these selection lines. The IGF‐I blood plasma concentrations were related to growth rate in these selection lines.
Losartan and atenolol on hypertension induced by adenosine receptor blockade
Authors: Morato M. , Sousa T. , Guimarães S. , Moura D. , Albino‐Teixeira A.
Published: September 2003

1 The prolonged infusion of 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐sulfophenylxanthine (DPSPX), a non‐selective antagonist of adenosine receptors, induces hypertension, an increase in plasma renin activity and morphological cardiovascular changes.

2 The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of losartan, a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, and atenolol, a β‐adrenoceptor antagonist, on DPSPX‐induced hypertension.

3 Male Wistar rats (250–300 g, n = 4–6) were treated for 1 or 4 weeks with: saline i.p.; DPSPX (90 μg kg−1 h−1) i.p.; losartan (15 mg kg−1 day−1) p.o.; atenolol (25 mg kg−1 day−1) p.o.; DPSPX (90 μg kg−1 h−1) i.p. + losartan (15 mg kg−1 day−1) p.o.; DPSPX (90 μg kg−1 h−1) i.p. + atenolol (25 mg kg−1 day−1) p.o. Blood pressure was measured by the ‘tail‐cuff’ method in conscious animals. Fragments of the mesenteric and tail arteries were processed for morphological study and the mean diameter of the vascular smooth muscle cells was determined.

4 DPSPX increased blood pressure. Losartan and atenolol prevented this rise but had no effect on blood pressure of control rats. DPSPX‐treated groups showed hypertrophy of the vascular smooth muscle cells and proliferation of subintimal cells. Losartan but not atenolol prevented these changes. Losartan had no effect on the vascular morphology of control rats, while treatment with atenolol for 4 weeks induced hypertrophy of the vascular smooth muscle cells.

5 Both losartan and atenolol counteract the development of DPSPX‐induced hypertension but only losartan prevents the alterations in vascular morphology.
Prostanoid‐induced modulation of neuropeptide Y and noradrenaline release from the rat mesenteric bed
Authors: Hoang D. , Macarthur H. , Gardner A. , Yang C.‐L. , Westfall T. C.
Published: September 2003

1 A variety of prostanoids were examined for their ability to alter the periarterial nerve stimulation‐induced release of noradrenaline (NA) and neuropeptide Y immunoreactive compounds (NPY‐ir) from the perfused mesenteric arterial bed of the rat.

2 Periarterial nerve stimulation (16 Hz) increased the overflow of NA, NPY‐ir and perfusion pressure.

3 The prostacyclin (PGI2) analogues, carbaPGI2 and cicaprost both produced a concentration‐dependent attenuation of the nerve stimulation‐induced increase in NA, NPY‐ir overflow and perfusion pressure.

4 The prostaglandin (PG) analogue PGE2 attenuated the evoked increase in NPY‐ir overflow as well as a modest decrease in NA.

5 PGE1, sulprostone and iloprost attenuated the nerve stimulation‐induced increase in NA overflow but not NPY‐ir.

6 Neither PGF2α nor the thromboxane A2 analogue U46619 altered the evoked increase in NA or NPY‐ir overflow.

7 The results support the view that sympathetic co‐transmitter release can be differentially modulated by paracrine/autocrine mediators at sympathetic neuroeffector junctions.
Characterization of Mannuronan C-5-Epimerase Genes from the Brown Alga Laminaria digitata
Authors: Nyvall Pi , Corre Erwan , Boisset Claire , Barbeyron Tristan , Rousvoal Sylvie , Scornet Delphine , Kloareg Bernard , Boyen Catherine
Published: October 2003

Alginate is an industrially important polysaccharide obtained commercially by harvesting brown algae. The final step in alginate biosynthesis, the epimerization of β-1,4-d-mannuronic acid to α-1,4-l-guluronic acid, a structural change that controls the physicochemical properties of the alginate, is catalyzed by the enzyme mannuronan C-5-epimerase. Six different cDNAs with homology to bacterial mannuronan C-5-epimerases were isolated from the brown alga Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae). Hydrophobic cluster analysis indicated that the proteins encoded by the L. digitata sequences have important structural similarities to the bacterial mannuronan C-5-epimerases, including conservation of the catalytic site. The expression of the C-5-epimerase genes was examined by northern-blot analysis and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in L. digitata throughout a year. Expression was also monitored in protoplast cultures by northern and western blot, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and activity measurements. From both the structural comparisons and the expression pattern, it appears that the cDNAs isolated from L. digitata encode functional mannuronan C-5-epimerases. The phylogenetic relationships of the bacterial and brown algal enzymes and the inferences on the origin of alginate biosynthetic machinery are discussed.
Altered Life Cycle in Arabidopsis Plants Expressing PsUGT1, a UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase-Encoding Gene from Pea
Authors: Woo Ho-Hyung , Faull Kym F. , Hirsch Ann M. , Hawes Martha C.
Published: October 2003

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Arabidopsis were used as model systems to examine molecular mechanisms underlying developmental effects of a microsomal UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-encoding gene from pea (Pisum sativum; PsUGT1). Alfalfa expressing PsUGT1 antisense mRNA under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter exhibited delayed root emergence, reduced root growth, and increased lateral root development. The timing of root emergence in wild-type and antisense plants was correlated with the transient accumulation of auxin at the site of root emergence. Cell suspension cultures derived from the antisense alfalfa plants exhibited a delay in cell cycle from 24-h in the wild-type plants to 48-h in the antisense plants. PsUGT1::uidA was introduced into Arabidopsis to demonstrate that, as in alfalfa and pea, PsUGT1 expression occurs in regions of active cell division. This includes the root cap and root apical meristems, leaf primordia, tips of older leaves, and the transition zone between the hypocotyl and the root. Expression of PsUGT1::uidA colocalized with the expression of the auxin-responding reporter DR5::uidA. Co-expression of DR5::uidA in transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing CaMV35S::PsUGT1 revealed that ectopic expression of CaMV35S::PsUGT1 is correlated with a change in endogenous auxin gradients in roots. Roots of ecotype Columbia expressing CaMV35S::PsUGT1 exhibited distinctive responses to exogenous naphthalene acetic acid. Completion of the life cycle occurred in 4 to 6 weeks compared with 6 to 7 weeks for wild-type Columbia. Inhibition of endogenous ethylene did not correct this early senescence phenotype.
Key issues of accounting information quality management: Australian case studies
Authors: Xu Hongjiang , Horn Nord Jeretta , Daryl Nord G. , Lin Binshan
Published: September 2003

This paper discusses the results of Australian case studies illustrating the key issues that need to be addressed for accounting information quality management. In previous studies from the existing literature, the factors that may impact on information quality have been summarized. In this paper, a model for key issues that impact on accounting quality was proposed based on the literature. The case study results were then used to discuss the key components of the research model.
Cause maps and school leaders’ tacit knowledge
Authors: Wassink Hartger , Sleegers Peter , Imants Jeroen
Published: September 2003

The complexity of the work of school leaders has intensified in recent years. The basic assumption underlying this article is that school leaders should develop a coherent vision of the school to effectively cope with the increased complexity of their work. In order to develop such a coherent vision, integration at a cognitive level is needed. In order to gain insight into both the complexity and integrity of the visions of school leaders, their tacit knowledge is studied using cause maps. More specifically, a method to elicit and interpret cause maps is explored and the analysis of the tacit knowledge, as expressed in the structure and content of their cause maps, indeed shows them to differ with regard to the level of cognitive integrity and balance within their cognitive repertoires.
Linking team competences to organisational capacity
Authors: Hyland Paul , Davison Graydon , Sloan Terry
Published: September 2003

Palliative care is a complex environment in which teams of health care professionals are constantly challenged to match the configuration of care delivery to suit the dynamics of the whole of a patient’s bio‐medical, social and spiritual situations as they change during the end of life process. In such an environment these teams need to engage in ongoing interaction between different professional disciplines, incremental improvement in care delivery, learning and radical innovation. This is aimed at combining operational effectiveness and strategic flexibility, exploitation and exploration in a way that ensures the best possible end of life experience for the patient. This paper examines previous research on the management competences and the organisational capabilities necessary for continuous innovation, and analyses evidence emerging from a study of palliative care. Work on the relationships between innovation capacities, organisational capabilities and team‐based competence is drawn together. Evidence is presented from research into the management of innovation in palliative care.
Debating the ‘Power’ of Audit
Authors: Humphrey Christopher , Owen David
Published: September 2003

This paper provides a critical but constructive review of Michael Power's recent text entitled The Audit Society: Rituals of Verification (1997). The paper first summarises the essential ideas put forward by Power with regard to the scale and significance of the Audit Society. It then debates some of Power's central arguments and claims, focusing, among other things, on the causes underlying the rise of the audit society, the definition of audit, the meaning of auditability and the relationship between audit and performance measurment. The paper concludes by considering the possibilities for auditing to serve a more positive role in society than that generally portrayed by Power.
The Audit Society — Second Thoughts
Authors: Power Michael
Published: September 2003

This essay reviews the central arguments of The Audit Society (Power, 1999) and re‐considers the causes and consequences of the audit explosion. It is argued that many of the claims require further empirical support and that more research is needed, particularly to demonstrate that the audit explosion is not simply a UK phenomenon. Although the word ‘audit’ may have decreased in significance since the book was written, the arguments can be applied to other forms of monitoring activity.
Demand and Supply of Auditing in IPOs: An Empirical Analysis of the Québec Market
Authors: Bédard Jean , Coulombe Daniel , Courteau Lucie
Published: September 2003

This study examines the factors affecting the demand for higher‐quality auditors at the time of an initial public offering in a small market characterized by low‐litigation risk, government subsidies for companies going public, and the presence of large non‐Big Six auditors, namely, the Canadian province of Québec. Our results, from an analysis of 212 Québec IPOs between 1983 and 1997, indicate that the choice of an auditor at the time of an IPO is significantly affected by the company's risk, size, and geographical dispersion. They also suggest that the Québec audit market is segmented between three types of service providers: the Big Six, the National firms and the Local firms. Local firms audit small local companies with low risk, National firms audit large local companies with moderate risk, and the Big Six audit large geographically dispersed companies with high risk.
Auditors' Assessment of Hedge Effectiveness
Authors: Gniewosz Gerlinde , Fargher Neil , Simnett Roger
Published: September 2003

There is very little authoritative guidance and very little is known about how auditors assess the effectiveness of derivative hedges. This study investigates the approaches undertaken by auditors in the absence of such guidance. Descriptive evidence on firm procedures was collected in 1997 from the technical offices of each of the then Big 6 audit firms in Australia. This was achieved by means of a structured questionnaire, supported with evidence from specific audits. From the responses a diversity of procedures was discernible. There was not a consensus regarding the hedge qualifying criteria necessary for hedge accounting. The firms differed in their perceptions as to whether a high degree of inverse correlation is a significant criterion for determining the applicability of hedge accounting. When they did consider a correlation measure, there was some similarity in the range of correlation considered to be effective. Auditors primarily relied on a review of client calculations when examining hedge effectiveness.
The Influence of Gender, Ethnicity, and Individual Differences on Perceptions of Career Progression in Public Accounting
Authors: Lowe D. Jordan , Reckers Philip M.J. , Sanders Debra
Published: September 2003

Prior research examining gender and diversity issues has generally lacked supporting theory and experimental investigation. This study provides theory‐based experimental evidence regarding the effects of gender, ethnicity, and other individual differences on performance evaluations of audit seniors. We utilized organizational socialization theory in examining the accounting profession's view of diversity issues. The process model of performance evaluation provided guidance in the selection of ratee, rater, and contextual characteristics as factors to analyze. An experiment was conducted with 95 audit seniors from one of the Big 5 public accounting firms. Results indicate that gender and ethnic heritage are important factors in the career prospects of audit seniors. The demeanor of an auditor was also important as an interactive factor and influences judgments differently depending on the gender or ethnic origin of the auditor evaluated. These results suggest that diversity is a very complex issue. Examining single factors without considering the interactions of a variety of factors may lead to incorrect conclusions.
Universals and Cultural Differences in Recognizing Emotions
Authors: Elfenbein Hillary Anger , Ambady Nalini
Published: September 2003

Moving beyond the earlier nature-versus-nurture debate, modern work on the communication of emotion has incorporated both universals and cultural differences. Classic research demonstrated that the intended emotions in posed expressions were recognized by members of many different cultural groups at rates better than predicted by random guessing. However, recent research has also documented evidence for an in-group advantage, meaning that people are generally more accurate at judging emotions when the emotions are expressed by members of their own cultural group rather than by members of a different cultural group. These new findings provide initial support for a dialect theory of emotion that has the potential to integrate both classic and recent findings. Further research in this area has the potential to improve cross-cultural communication.
Job Burnout
Authors: Maslach Christina
Published: September 2003

Job burnout is a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job and is defined here by the three dimensions of exhaustion, cynicism, and sense of inefficacy. Its presence as a social problem in many human services professions was the impetus for the research that is now taking place in many countries. That research has established the complexity of the problem and has examined the individual stress experience within a larger social and organizational context of people's response to their work. The framework, which focuses attention on the interpersonal dynamics between the worker and other people in the workplace, has yielded new insights into the sources of stress, but effective interventions have yet to be developed and evaluated.
Accessibility to freight transport networks in Belgium: a geographical approach
Authors: Thomas Isabelle , Hermia Jean‐Pierre , Vanelslander Thierry , Verhetsel Ann
Published: September 2003

This paper focuses on the role of transportation infrastructure in freight accessibility from a sustainable and multi‐modal perspective. Several accessibility measures are applied separately yet simultaneously to water, rail and road transportation systems. It appears that the transportation system is structuring the Belgian space geographically and topographically (inertia of space due to transportation infrastructure), but that economic activities are less associated with transporta‐tion systems than with the population. This means that either economic activities are footloose, or that there is a major discrepancy between transportation infrastructure and economic locations. Land‐use planners should be aware of this when making decisions about the mobility of the future.
The odd role of proximity in knowledge relations: high‐tech in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Der Panne Gerben , Dolfsma Wilfred
Published: September 2003

In contrast to findings in other countries, and surprisingly in view of the literature, high‐tech economic activity in the Netherlands is not spread geographically according to either relevant labour market characteristics or to localised agglomeration economies. Instead, statistical analysis shows that the Netherlands is an urban field, and that the knowledge infrastructure is the only variable that can offer an explanation of the high‐tech presence throughout the country. By analysing similar relationships for younger firms, we are able to make quite a strong case about causation.
Rethink Strategy or Perish
Authors: Jelinek Mariann
Published: September 2003

Not long ago, the telecommunications industry was a dusty strategic backwater of little interest, primarily concerned with proprietary technologies and enjoying a protected status. Not any more; the application of silicon and software to telecom has obliterated entry barriers, forced open the market, and, according to Mariann Jelinek, created a whole new strategic situation. Telecom is now a highly competitive, innovative, high‐technology industry, with a worldwide market. Professor Jelinek suggests that the key to understanding the shift lies in comprehending the new technologies being applied and understanding their impact on the traditional markets and missions of the firms that use them. The lessons of these changes are important for all managers, especially those in mature industries, since microelectronics and software applications seem to know no industry boundaries. They are invading our lives on all sides.
Significant Issues for the Future: Some Additional Perspectives
Authors: Little Blair , Holt Knut , Till Derek E. , Voss Christopher A. , Wind Yoram
Published: September 2003

The rational elements of management dominated the questions raised by our Editorial Board members in the previous issue of JPIM when they offered their ideas in, “Significant Issues For the Future of Product Innovation.” In this article, the discussion is continued with some other Board members but this time the human side of managements gets its due attention. The issues presented here add to the picture of complexity that is the reality of product innovation but they also may provoke the thinking that can lead to an improvement in management performance.