bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of receptor internalization in the agonist‐induced desensitization of cannabinoid type 1 receptors
Authors: Wu Dai‐Fei , Yang Li‐Quan , Goschke Andrea , Stumm Ralf , Brandenburg Lars‐Ove , Liang Ying‐Jian , Höllt Volker , Koch Thomas
Published: November 2007

Agonist‐induced internalization of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) is an important mechanism for regulating signaling transduction of functional receptors at the plasma membrane. We demonstrate here that both caveolae/lipid‐rafts‐ and clathrin‐coated‐pits‐mediated pathways were involved in agonist‐induced endocytosis of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) in stably transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and that the internalized receptors were predominantly sorted into recycling pathway for reactivation. The treatment of CB1 receptors with the low endocytotic agonist Δ9‐THC induced a faster receptor desensitization and slower resensitization than the high endocytotic agonist WIN 55,212‐2. In addition, the blockade of receptor endocytosis or recycling pathway markedly enhanced agonist‐induced CB1 receptor desensitization. Furthermore, co‐expression of phospholipase D2, an enhancer of receptor endocytosis, reduced CB1 receptor desensitization, whereas co‐expression of a phospholipase D2 negative mutant significantly increased the desensitization after WIN 55,212‐2 treatment. These findings provide evidences for the importance of receptor endocytosis in counteracting CB1 receptor desensitization by facilitating receptor reactivation. Moreover, in primary cultured neurons, the low endocytotic agonist Δ9‐THC or anandamide exhibited a greater desensitization of endogenous CB1 receptors than the high endocytotic agonist WIN 55,212‐2, CP 55940 or 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol, indicating that cannabinoids with high endocytotic efficacy might cause reduced development of cannabinoid tolerance to some kind cannabinoid‐mediated effects.
Test Conditions Effect on the Fracture Toughness of Hollow Glass Micro‐sphere Filled Composites
Authors: Capela C. , Costa J. D. , Ferreira J. A. M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Low‐density sheet‐moulding compounds based on hollow glass micro‐spheres are usually classified as syntactic foams if the filler content is relatively high. Syntactic foams are potentially suitable materials for applications where impact loads occur as they are able to reduce impact force. The addition of hollow micro‐spheres tends to increase the specific values in terms of impact force and, marginally, in flexural modulus for high‐volume fractions of micro‐spheres. In this study, the effects of load rate and of immersion of the specimens in water up to 67 days were studied on the flexural mechanical properties and particularly on the fracture toughness, KIC. Hollow micro‐spheres (Verre ScotchitTM‐K20) with epoxy and polyester polymer binder were used. Fracture toughness, KIC, flexural stiffness modulus and ultimate strength were obtained as functions of load rate and immersion time. The increase of load rate tends to increase stiffness modulus, but effects on KIC were found to be only marginal. Ultimate strength increases significantly with the increase of load rate for epoxy‐based composites, but for the case of the polyester‐based foams, only a negligible effect was observed. The increase of the immersion time in water tends to reduce stiffness modulus. KIC decreases slightly after 15 days for the polyester‐based composites and after 67 days for epoxy‐based foams, and only negligible effects on ultimate strength were observed.
Out‐of‐Plane Strain Measurement in Sandwich Plates with Single Fully Potted Insert by using Digital Shearography
Authors: Huang S.‐J. , Lin Y.‐T.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The construction and operation of digital shearography (DS) applied to sandwich plates with a single fully potted insert have been presented. The proposed DS has the advantage of full‐field and non‐destructive testing, that can measure tiny out‐of‐plane strain in the elastic region without wasting specimen. For validation purposes, analytical solution analysis (ASA) stemming from our previous study [S. J. Huang, L. W. Chiu, M. T. Kao (2004) Structural Analysis of Sandwich Plates with Inserts – Five Layers Theory, Proc. 2004 AASRC/CCAS Joint Conf.] was conducted. By comparing the results of DS and ASA strain fields throughout the sandwich surface a convincing agreement is revealed, thus successfully showing the full‐field strain measurement of the single fully inserted sandwich plates using DS.
Creating a greater partnership: analysing partnership in the Catholic Church development chain
Authors: Morse Stephen , McNamara Nora
Published: November 2007

This paper presents results from a project designed to explore the meaning and function of partnership within the Catholic Church development chain. The geography literature has had little to say about such aid chains, especially those founded on faith‐based groups. The relationships between three Catholic Church‐based donors – referred to as A, B and C – with development personnel of the diocese of the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province (AEP) as well as other Catholic Church structures in Nigeria were analysed. The aim was to explore the forces behind the relationships and how ‘patchy’ these relationships were in AEP. Respondents were asked to give each of the donors a score in relation to four questions covering their relationship with the donors. Results suggest that the modus operandi of donor ‘A’ allows it to be perceived as the ‘best’ partner, while ‘B’ was scored less favourably because of a perception that it attempts to act independently of existing structures in Nigeria rather than work through them. There was significant variation between diocese in this regard, as well as between the diocese and other structures of the Church (Provinces, Inter‐Provinces and National Secretariat). Thus ‘partnership’ in the Catholic Church aid chain is a highly complex, contested and ‘visioned’ term and the development of an analytical framework has to take account of these fundamentals.
Climate change in the Arctic: current and future vulnerability in two Inuit communities in Canada
Authors: FORD JAMES D , SMIT BARRY , WANDEL JOHANNA , ALLURUT MISHAK , SHAPPA KIK , ITTUSARJUAT HARRY , QRUNNUT KEVIN
Published: November 2007

Climate change is already occurring in the Arctic and the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment recently concluded that future climate change could be devastating for Inuit. This paper characterises vulnerability to climate change in two Inuit communities in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, focusing on the resource harvesting sector. In both communities, Inuit have demonstrated significant adaptability in the face of current changes in climatic conditions. This adaptability is facilitated by traditional Inuit knowledge, strong social networks, flexibility in resource use, and institutional support. Changing Inuit livelihoods, however, have undermined certain aspects of adaptive capacity and have resulted in emerging vulnerabilities. Global and regional climate projections indicate that climatic conditions which currently pose risks are expected to be negatively affected by future climate change. These projections are not without precedent and analysis of current vulnerability and identification of adaptation constraints by Inuit in the two communities indicate the continued importance of traditional coping mechanisms. The ability to draw on these coping mechanisms in light of future climate change, however, will be unequal and the research indicates that young Inuit and those without access to economic resources, in particular, are vulnerable.
Future Changes in British Agriculture: Projecting Divergent Farm Household Behaviour
Authors: Shucksmith Mark , Herrmann Vera
Published: November 2007

The recent decline in farm incomes has focused attention on farmers' uneven propensity to adjust and adapt. Changes in farm policies are slowly redirecting the support paid to farmers in Europe, and further reforms are envisaged. This paper argues that farmers in Britain are likely to pursue highly diverse strategies in this changed context, according to their individual circumstances, values and attitudes. These groups (essentially ideal types) are derived both from in‐depth qualitative interviews and from a cluster analysis of variables relating to the farm and to the farm household's socialisation and attitudes. The paper seeks to draw out the implications of divergent farm household behaviour for future structural change, and for agricultural and rural policy. Opportunities are identified for the UK government to implement the EU Rural Development Regulation in ways that would suit the varied circumstances of British farmers in the postproductivist transition.
Farmer Decision‐Making with Conflicting Goals: A Recursive Strategic Programming Analysis
Authors: Wallace Michael T. , Moss Joan E.
Published: November 2007

This paper concerns the analysis of farmers' goal trade‐offs using a series of representative dairying and beef/sheep farm models. The models employ an adaptive feedback structure and expectations model to track adjustment processes over a seven‐year planning horizon, 1991/92 to 1997/98. Model solutions, under a conventional profit maximising objective function, and using a weighted goal programming formulation, under a series of empirically specified alternative goal orientations, are examined and compared. The paper identifies significant variation among farm families in terms of ability to attain key goals concerning farm profitability, family consumption, farm investment, growth and cash flow. The results quantify the trade‐off between family consumption and farm investment/growth goals.
Derived Demand and Relationships between Prices at Different Levels in the Value Chain: A Note
Authors: Asche Frank , Flaaten Ola , Isaksen John R. , Vassdal Terje
Published: November 2007

In this paper we note that when there is only one variable factor in the intermediaries' production technology, prices at different levels in the value chain will move proportionally to each other over time. This is also the only general condition under which the elasticity of price transmission is equal to one, so that retail price signals are perfectly transmitted to primary product producers and vice versa. This allows a test of whether derived demand elasticities contain information about consumer elasticities using only prices. An empirical illustration is provided using data from the Norwegian cod sector.
Determinants of the Willingness of Belgian Farmers to Participate in Agri‐environmental Measures
Authors: Vanslembrouck Isabel , Van Huylenbroeck Guido , Verbeke Wim
Published: November 2007

This paper explores the willingness of Belgian farmers to participate in two voluntary agri‐environmental policies. Farmers' contingent behaviour is analysed on the basis of survey data. Derivations based on a conceptual micro‐economic model indicate that decision subject and decision maker characteristics are important for farmers' participation. The model is empirically tested through the specification and estimation of a probit model. Consistency is found between the theoretical framework and the empirical results indicating that both the expected effect on farm production and the farmers' environmental attitude, which is more positive among younger and better educated farmers, are significant determinants of the acceptance rate of agri‐environmental policies. Other variables which influence participation decisions are farm size and previous experience of farmers themselves or of neighbouring farmers with agri‐environmental measures.
Market‐orientated Positioning of On‐farm Processed Foods as a Condition for Successful Farm Diversification
Authors: Gellynck Xavier , Viaene Jacques
Published: November 2007

Farm diversification is stimulated within the reform of the common agricultural policy. On‐farm processing and direct marketing are options, but farmers often lack a marketoriented approach. This paper illustrates the problem by presenting a consumer survey regarding on‐farm processed yoghurt. Conjoint analysis is used to define the most preferred yoghurt in different market segments. Results of the price sensitivity meter are similar to the conjoint analysis. Farmers' price setting is not always adequate, which means that opportunities and additional income are lost. Providing the necessary assistance in collecting market information and commercial training is essential in obtaining sustainable benefits from on‐farm processing and direct marketing.
The ‘Direct Costs’of Livestock Disease: The Development of a System of Models for the Analysis of 30 Endemic Livestock Diseases in Great Britain
Authors: Bennett Richard
Published: November 2007

The ‘direct costs’attributable to 30 different endemic diseases of farm animals in Great Britain are estimated using a standardised method to construct a simple model for each disease that includes consideration of disease prevention and treatment costs. The models so far developed provide a basis for further analyses including cost‐benefit analyses for the economic assessment of disease control options. The approach used reflects the inherent livestock disease information constraints, which limit the application of other economic analytical methods. It is a practical and transparent approach that is relatively easily communicated to veterinary scientists and policy makers. The next step is to develop the approach by incorporating wider economic considerations into the analyses in a way that will demonstrate to policy makers and others the importance of an economic perspective to livestock disease issues.
Estimating the Extent of Imperfect Competition in the Food Industry: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Sheldon Ian , Sperling Richard
Published: November 2007

Since the late‐1980s, empirical analysis has typically analysed the extent of market power in the food industry using structural econometric models drawing on an approach commonly termed the new empirical industrial organisation (NEIO). In this paper, we examine what has been learned from the use of this methodology, and consider whether it has relevance for empirical analysis of market power in food retailing, and the nature of vertical contractual arrangements between food manufacturers and retailers.
Findings from the Competition Commission's Inquiry into Supermarkets
Authors: Cooper Douglas
Published: November 2007

This paper summarises some of the findings from the Competition Commission's report into supermarkets. First, the paper explains the background to the inquiry. It then presents data showing national and regional concentration, and explores indicators of profitability for the major UK supermarkets, to see if these indicate patterns of excessive profitability. It discusses whether international price comparisons have any role to play in the assessment of the competitiveness of this market. It then addresses pricing issues, particularly: company pricing strategies, evidence on price leading and matching, below‐cost selling, and differential pricing between stores in a chain. The paper then turns to the other main area of the report ‐ supplier relations with supermarkets. A large number of practices were found where supermarkets unreasonably exerted their market power to the detriment of those suppliers and competitors, and because of this the Commission recommended that the OFT should negotiate a code of conduct to govern supermarkets’relations with suppliers. The nature of these practices and the reasons for their being found against the public interest are explained.
Are People Ashamed of Paying with Food Stamps?
Authors: Breunig Robert , Dasgupta Indraneel
Published: November 2007

We evaluate the claim that marginal ‘welfare stigma’causes a dollar of food to provide less utility if bought with food stamps rather than cash, and that this explains why, in the United States, the marginal propensity to consume food out of food stamps is larger than that out of income. This hypothesis has been advanced to explain the so‐called ‘cash‐out puzzle’: the empirical observation that the marginal propensity to consume food out of food stamps is much higher than that out of income, even for households who spend some cash income on food. We develop a theoretical model to identify the restrictions imposed by the hypothesis that the puzzle is indeed caused by such stigma. Using data from San Diego County, we find that two of the three predictions of the marginal stigma model are violated. These results cast serious doubt on the marginal stigma hypothesis.
An Old Problem Revisited—and Solved: Upton and Dalton's Linear Production Response: A Note
Authors: Holloway Garth
Published: November 2007

This note presents a robust method for estimating response surfaces that consist of linear response regimes and a linear plateau. The linear response‐and‐plateau model has fascinated production scientists since von Liebig (1855) and, as Upton and Dalton indicated, some years ago in this Journal the response‐and‐plateau model seems to fit the data in many empirical studies. The estimation algorithm evolves from Bayesian implementation of a switching‐regression (finite mixtures) model and demonstrates routine application of Gibbs sampling and data augmentation—techniques that are now in widespread application in other disciplines.
Estimation of a Social Rate of Interest for India
Authors: Kula Erhun
Published: November 2007

This paper estimates a social discount rate in India for the purpose of economic evaluation of investment projects, such as those aimed at improving the nation's agricultural performance. The component parameters of this rate are: the growth rate of per capita consumption in real terms, the elasticity of the marginal utility of consumption and the mortality‐based discount rate. Based upon time series data, the overall figure turns out to be 5.2 percent. This, it is contended, is reasonable and may be used in cost benefit analysis in that country.
Shrinking the Posterior: A Note on the Nerlovian Model
Authors: Tiffin Richard
Published: November 2007

Diebold and Lamb (1997) argue that since the long‐run elasticity of supply derived from the Nerlovian model entails a ratio of random variables, it is without moments. They propose minimum expected loss estimation to correct this problem but in sodoing ignore the fact that a non white‐noise‐error is implicit in the model. We show that, as a consequence the estimator is biased and demonstrate that Bayesian estimation which fully accounts for the error structure is preferable.
The Acquisition and Diffusion of Knowledge: The Case of Pest Management Training in Farmer Field Schools, Indonesia
Authors: Feder Gershon , Murgai Rinku , Quizon Jaime B.
Published: November 2007

Farmer Field Schools (FFS) are an intensive training approach introduced in the last decade in many developing countries to promote knowledge and uptake of ecologically sensible production approaches, and in particular, integrated pest management which minimises pesticide use. Because of the high training cost, the viability of the program depends crucially on the effectiveness of knowledge diffusion from trained farmers to other farmers. This paper uses panel data from Indonesia to assess the extent of diffusion of knowledge regarding integrated pest management from trained farmers to other farmers. The results confirm that better knowledge leads indeed to reduced pesticide use, and that trained farmers make a modest gain in knowledge. However, there is no significant diffusion of knowledge to other farmers who reside in the same villages as the trained farmers. These results imply that revision in the training procedures and curriculum need to be considered if the FFS approach is to become viable and effective.
Economic Impacts of Technology, Population Growth And Soil Erosion At Watershed Level: The Case Of the Ginchi in Ethiopia
Authors: Okumu B.N. , Russell N. , Jabbar M.A. , Colman D. , Saleem M A Mohamed , Pender J.
Published: November 2007

A dynamic bio‐economic model is used to show that, without technological and policy intervention, soil loss levels, income and nutrition could not be substantially or sustainably improved in a highland area of Ethiopia. Although cash incomes could rise by more than 40% over a twelve‐year planning period, average per ha soil losses could be as high as 31 tonnes per ha. With the adoption of an integrated package of new technologies, however, results show the possibility of an average two‐and‐a‐half‐fold increase in cash incomes and a 28% decline in aggregate erosion levels even with a population growth rate of 2.3%. Moreover, a minimum daily calorie intake of 2000 per adult equivalent could be met from on‐farm production with no significant increases in erosion. However, higher rates of growth in nutritional requirements and population introduce significant strains on the watershed system. From a policy perspective, there is a need for a more secure land tenure policy than currently prevailing to facilitate uptake of the new technology package, and a shift from the current livestock management strategy to one that encourages livestock keeping as a commercial enterprise. It would also imply a shift to a more site‐specific approach to land management.
Asymmetric Price Transmission: A Survey
Authors: Meyer Jochen , von Cramon‐Taubadel Stephan
Published: November 2007

Asymmetric price transmission has been the subject of considerable attention in agricultural economics. It is not only important because it may point to gaps in economic theory, but also because its presence is often considered for policy purposes to be evidence of market failure. In this paper we survey the literature on asymmetric price transmission. A wide variety of often conflicting theories of, and empirical tests for, asymmetry co‐exist in this literature. We classify the different types and causes of asymmetric price transmission and describe the econometric techniques used to quantify it. We also briefly review the results of empirical applications. Outstanding methodological problems and suggestions for future research are discussed. Our main conclusion is that the existing literature is far from being unified or conclusive, and that it has often been largely method‐driven, with little attention devoted to theoretical underpinnings and the plausible interpretation of results. Hence, much interesting theoretical and empirical work remains to be done.
Factors Affecting Capacity Utilisation in English Channel Fisheries
Authors: Tingley Diana , Pascoe Sean
Published: November 2007

The harvesting capacity of the European fishing fleet far exceeds the reproductive potential of the resource base. As a result, most European Union fisheries are both biologically and economically over‐exploited. A series of fleet‐reduction policies have been introduced in order to bring the harvesting capacity in line with target output levels. However, the existence of unutilised capacity may reduce the effectiveness of these schemes as the remaining vessels may increase their individual capacity utilisation (CU), thus offsetting the effects of fleet reduction. In this paper, the effects of stock abundance, output prices, fuel prices and fleet size on the rate of capacity utilisation are examined for a range of UK fleet segments operating in the English Channel. Estimates of CU are derived using data envelopment analysis. Results indicate that the average beam trawl vessel, using existing physical inputs, could potentially increase its revenue by a further 50%, assuming current fish stock levels and unrestricted access to resources. The average gill net vessel could similarly increase its output by 43%, scallop dredge by 28% and otter trawl by 14%. The results suggest that changes in stock abundance are the main factor affecting CU, with no significant trends being observed for the economic variables.
Semi‐parametric Modelling of Investments in Heating Installations: The Case of the Dutch Glasshouse Industry
Authors: Lansink Alfons Oude , Pietola Kyosti
Published: November 2007

This paper applies a semi‐parametric approach to estimating a generalised model of investments in heating installations. The results suggest that marginal costs of investments in heating installations increase quickly at small investment levels, whereas the increase slows down at higher investment levels. Therefore, standard parametric adjustment cost models are probably biased such that they underestimate the costs of small investments and overestimate the costs of large investments. Results also show that investments in heating installations are very responsive to changes in energy prices. Therefore, an energy tax may be an effective instrument to encourage investments in new energy‐saving heating installations.
On the Segregation of Genetically Modified, Conventional and Organic Products in European Agriculture: A Multi‐market Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Moschini GianCarlo , Bulut Harun , Cembalo Luigi
Published: November 2007

Evaluating the possible benefits of the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops must address the issue of consumer resistance as well as the complex regulation that has ensued. In the European Union (EU), this regulation envisions the co‐existence of GM food with conventional and quality‐enhanced products, mandates the labelling and traceability of GM products and allows only a stringent adventitious presence of GM content in other products. All these elements are brought together within a partial equilibrium model of the EU agricultural food sector. The model comprises conventional, GM and organic food. Demand is modelled in a novel fashion, whereby organic and conventional products are treated as horizontally differentiated but GM products are vertically differentiated (weakly inferior) relative to conventional ones. Supply accounts explicitly for the land constraint at the sector level and for the need for additional resources to produce organic food. Model calibration and simulation allow insights into the qualitative and quantitative effects of the large‐scale introduction of GM products in the EU market. We find that the introduction of GM food reduces overall EU welfare, mostly because of the associated need for costly segregation of non‐GM products, but the producers of quality‐enhanced products actually benefit.
The Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy: The first 1002 pregnancies
Authors: VAJDA Frank J. E. , HITCHCOCK Alison , GRAHAM Janet , O’BRIEN Terence , LANDER Cecilie , EADIE Mervyn
Published: November 2007

Background:  Prospective studies are needed to assess the maternal and fetal hazards of antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy in pregnancy.

Aims:  To make the Australian Register of AEDs in Pregnancy better known to the Australian obstetric community by presenting results derived from it.

Methods:  Analysis of data collected by the Register between 1999 and December 2006.

Results:  The Register contained data on 1002 epileptic or AED‐treated pregnancies, 992 with known outcomes, 83 not exposed to AEDs in at least their first trimester, and 30 prescribed AEDs for indications other than epilepsy. Statistically significant findings included more frequent folate supplementation and decreased alcohol intake during pregnancy in women with epilepsy; a dose‐related increased risk of fetal malformation associated with valproate therapy; a tendency towards lower birthweights in live‐born malformed offspring; and a substantially reduced decreased risk of seizures in pregnancy with one year seizure freedom before pregnancy. The small numbers of patients may have prevented other differences from reaching a P < 0.05 value.

Conclusions:  The Register has already produced important information for the management of pregnant women with epilepsy in Australia, but greater rates of recruitment into the Register are desirable to allow it to achieve its full potential.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene polymorphism in pre‐eclampsia: A pilot study in North India
Authors: BHATNAGAR Sonu , BHATTACHARJEE Jayashree , VAID Mudit , MADAN Taruna , TRIVEDI Shubha S. , SARMA Puranam U.
Published: November 2007

Background:  Pre‐eclampsia is one of the most frequent complications of pregnancy, however, little is known about its aetiology.

Aims:  The objective of this study was to investigate the association between inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genotypes and pre‐eclampsia. We also measured the concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in patients with pre‐eclampsia to evaluate their relations to the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) observed.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study included 30 pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia and 30 healthy pregnant women. They were screened at 28th, 36th weeks of gestation and just after delivery (within 48 h), and their blood samples were analysed for NO, SOD, TNF‐α and iNOS gene polymorphism.

Results:  Patients with pre‐eclampsia at 36 weeks gestation showed significantly increased serum NO levels (P = 0.007), whereas SOD activity was decreased significantly (P = 0.004). A doublefold increase was observed in TNF‐α levels at 36 weeks in patients with pre‐eclampsia (P = 0.003) which decreased significantly (P = 0.001) after delivery. A total of four SNPs were observed, of which two (G300A exon 8 and G274T exon 16) showed statistically significant association with pre‐eclampsia. When compared, G274T exon 16 SNP also showed association with TNF‐α levels and SOD activity in pre‐eclamptic patients.

Conclusion:  As pre‐eclampsia is a disease of multifactorial aetiopathology, NO, TNF‐α, SOD activity and NOS2A polymorphism might play an intermingled role in its development.
Long‐term follow up of women with laparoscopic ovarian diathermy for women with clomiphene‐resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: MOHIUDDIN Seema , BESSELLINK Dagmar , FARQUHAR Cynthia
Published: November 2007

Background:  Laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD) is one of the options for managing women with anovulation secondary to polycystic ovarian syndrome. The long‐term benefits and harms of LOD are unknown.

Aims:  The aim of this report was to establish the long‐term benefits and harms of LOD in the group of women who took part in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) six to ten years earlier.

Methods:  Women who took part in the fertility PLUS RCT comparing laparoscopic ovarian diathermy and gonadotrophins were contacted six to ten years following the end of the study. A postal questionnaire of clinical symptoms and pregnancy outcomes was collected, and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured.

Results:  Of the 33 women who completed the postal questionnaire, 29 had subsequently undergone LOD. The mean FSH level of these women was 5.7 IU/L (SD 3.7) ranging from < 0.1 to 18.4 IU/L. The number of periods per year increased from 3.5 at study entry to 7.8 in the follow‐up period in women not on the oral contraceptive. At the follow up, 15 of 29 women undergoing LOD (52%) reported symptoms of hirsutism and 14.0% reported acne. After undergoing laparoscopic ovarian diathermy, 79.0% (23 of 29) of the women delivered live infants, and over the follow‐up period, 35 babies were delivered. Further fertility treatment was needed by 14 of 29 women who underwent LOD.

Conclusions:  There are the benefits of ongoing fertility and regular menstrual cycles in more than half of the women who underwent LOD.
Methods to Detect Helicobacter pylori: From Culture to Molecular Biology
Authors: Hirschl Alexander M. , Makristathis Athanasios
Published: November 2007

Since the first successful attempts of growing Helicobacter pylori, a variety of tests for detecting infection with this pathogen has been described. These tests may be classified as invasive and noninvasive or minimally invasive tests. Conventional tests such as histology and culture still play a major role in the diagnostic spectrum. Culture continues to be the only test allowing for a comprehensive analysis of pathogen characteristics and susceptibility to antibiotics. Urea breath test is the gold standard among noninvasive tests, with both stool antigen test and serology as appropriate substitutes or alternatives in specific situations. Among the multiple potential uses of molecular tests, noninvasive determination of resistance to antibiotics is of particular interest.
The Long‐term Impact of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Gastric Histology: a Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Rokkas Theodoros , Pistiolas Dimitios , Sechopoulos Panos , Robotis Ioannis , Margantinis Georgios
Published: November 2007

Background:  Helicobacter pylori infection is a crucial factor in the multistep carcinogenic process of gastric cancer. In this process the gastric mucosa evolves through the stages of acute gastritis, chronic gastritis, gastric atrophy (GA), and intestinal metaplasia (IM) before developing gastric adenocarcinoma.

Aims:  The main aim of this study was to systematically review the long‐term effects of H. pylori eradication on gastric histology (i.e. effects on GA and IM for both antrum and corpus) by meta‐analyzing all relevant studies.

Methods:  Extensive English‐language medical literature searches for human studies were performed through October 2006, using suitable key words. Pooled estimates [odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were obtained using random‐effects model.

Results:  For antrum GA the pooled OR with 95% CI was 0.554 (0.372–0.825), p = 0.004. For corpus GA the pooled OR was 0.209 (0.081–0.538), p < 0.001. For antrum IM the pooled OR was 0.795 (0.587–1.078), p = 0.14. For corpus IM the pooled OR was 0.891 (0.663–1.253), p = 0.506.

Conclusion:  The results showed significant improvement of GA, whereas improvement was not shown for IM.
Evolution of Helicobacter pylori Therapy from a Meta‐analytical Perspective
Authors: Gisbert Javier P. , Pajares Ramón , Pajares José María
Published: November 2007

Even before the discovery of Helicobacter pylori as their cause, chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease were empirically treated with anti‐infectious agents. However, it was not until that finding that an antibiotic approach began to be used systematically. The main aim of this article is to review the evolution of H. pylori therapy from a meta‐analytical perspective. Initially, antibiotic monotherapy had a minor efficacy on H. pylori. Dual therapy including either bismuth compounds or proton‐pump inhibitors (PPI) and one antibiotic also resulted in insufficient cure rates. Bismuth‐based triple therapy (the first used) and PPI‐based triple therapies (combined with two antibiotics, including amoxicillin, nitroimidazole, or clarithromycin) have been the most widely recommended. PPI‐based regimens are superior to H2‐antagonist–based ones. The influence of the type of PPI, the dose and the duration of the treatment will be discussed. Among the factors influencing the efficacy of therapy, resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole are the most important risk factors for eradication failure. Several rescue therapies can be used. Bismuth‐based quadruple therapy is effective, but the complexity of the regimen and the associated adverse effects limit the compliance. PPI‐based triple therapy with amoxicillin and levofloxacin is at least equally effective and better tolerated.
Helicobacter pylori– a Timeless Source of Lessons and Research Initiatives
Authors: Malfertheiner Peter
Published: November 2007

The beginning of the H. pylori era was characterized by objections and even refusal to accept the new H. pylori‐related theories. The shift from peptic ulcer disease as an acid‐driven disease to a disease with an infectious etiology had to overcome major obstacles and the dogma of the stomach as a sterile organ. Strong effort and commitment of several medical disciplines with a large collection of scientific data gave decisive support to it. However what had started as a revolutionary and completely opposing concept to the one pre‐existing evolved to a novel but integrative concept.

The new theories were able to reconcile the new critical factor H. pylori with pre‐existing knowledge carefully build up during several decades of intensive studies reserved to mechanisms regulating gastric physiology.

On its way to full recognition and praise the difficult story of H. pylori has allowed the collection of many lessons which have allowed the medical and scientific profession to progress, and these lessons are also valuable for life beyond scientific boundaries.
Microscopic and physiologic evidence for biofilm‐associated wound colonization in vivo
Authors: Davis Stephen C. , Ricotti Carlos , Cazzaniga Alex , Welsh Esperanza , Eaglstein William H. , Mertz Patricia M.
Published: November 2007

A biofilm is a collection of microbial cells that are attached to a surface and embedded in a self‐produced extrapolymeric substance. The understanding of the biofilm phenotype is important in the understanding of bacteria in vitro but it has been difficult to translate biofilm science to the clinical setting. More recently, preliminary criteria for defining biofilm associated diseases have been proposed and the purpose of this study was to create a biofilm‐associated wound model based on these criteria. Using a porcine model, partial thickness wounds were inoculated with a wound isolate Staphylococcus aureus strain. Wounds were then treated with either one of two topical antimicrobial agents (mupriocin cream or triple antibiotic ointment) within 15 minutes to represent planktonic bacteria or 48 hours after initial inoculation to represent biofilm‐associated wound infection. Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy, we were able to observe biofilm‐like structures in wounds after 48 hours of inoculation and occlusion. The in vivo antimicrobial assay was used to demonstrate that both mupirocin cream and the triple antibiotic ointment were effective in reducing planktonic S. aureus but had reduced efficacy against biofilm‐embedded S. aureus. Our results demonstrated that S. aureus form firmly attached microcolonies and colonies of bacteria encased in an extracellular matrix on the surface of the wounds. These biofilm‐like communities also demonstrated increased antimicrobial resistance when compared with their planktonic phenotype in vivo. The structural and physiological results support the hypothesis that bacterial biofilms play a role in wound colonization and infection.
Randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled trial using topical recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor for deep partial‐thickness burns and skin graft donor site
Authors: Bing Ma , Da‐Sheng Cheng , Zhao‐Fan Xia , Dao‐Feng Ben , Wei Lu , Zhi‐Fang Cao , Qiang Wang , Jia He , Jia‐Ke Chai , Chuan‐An Shen , Yong‐Hua Sun , Guo‐An Zhang , Xiao‐Hua Hu
Published: November 2007

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex biologic process that could be accelerated by growth factors. To investigate the efficacy of topical recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor (rh‐aFGF) treatment in deep partial‐thickness burn or skin graft donor sites, we designed a randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled clinical trial. The healing rate, fully healed rate, and healing time were evaluated to assess the efficacy of rh‐aFGF application. Laboratory examinations and abnormal signs were used to assess the side and toxic effects. The results showed that the healing rate of burn wounds and skin graft donor sites treated by rh‐aFGF was significantly higher than that by placebo, and the mean healed time of burn wounds and skin graft donor sites in the rh‐aFGF group was significantly the shorter than that in the placebo group. In conclusion, topical administration of rh‐aFGF can accelerate the wound healing process and shorten the healed time. It is a potential therapeutic application for promoting healing of deep partial‐thickness burns or skin graft donor sites.
Complicated Pain Management in a CYP450 2D6 Poor Metabolizer
Authors: Foster Adriana , Mobley Elizabeth , Wang Zixuan
Published: November 2007

▪ Abstract: We describe the case of a patient with significant adverse effects from posttraumatic analgesic therapy with opioid analgesics who was found by microarray analysis to have a CYP2D6 genotype predictive of a poor metabolizer phenotype. In addition to her poor tolerance and limited response to opioid analgesics, she developed further discomfort when the antiemetic promethazine was administered to treat her gastrointestinal adverse effects. In our discussion we review the literature about the clinical impact of CYP450 2D6 polymorphisms in treatment with the commonly used opioid analgesics codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and morphine, as well as the antiemetic promethazine. The case we present, as well as the literature we review, demonstrates the clinical utility of CYP2D6 genotyping in patients with adverse effects from analgesia therapy. ▪
Improved Cancer Pain Treatment Using Combined Fentanyl‐TTS and Tramadol
Authors: Marinangeli Franco , Ciccozzi Alessandra , Aloisio Luca , Colangeli Antonello , Paladini Antonella , Bajocco Chiara , Coaccioli Stefano , Varrassi Giustino
Published: November 2007

▪ Abstract:  The aim of the study was to facilitate dose escalation of strong opioids. In this randomized open‐label study the influence of tramadol on dose adjustment of transdermal fentanyl in advanced cancer pain control was prospectively evaluated. Seventy patients affected by intractable cancer disease with visual analog scale (VAS) score >3 were enrolled. Thirty‐five patients were treated conventionally with increasing transdermal fentanyl dosage as required (group F) and 35 patients received oral tramadol added to their transdermal fentanyl before each increment of the transdermal opioid dosage (group T). Pain control was equally satisfactory in the two groups. VAS scores at baseline (T: 4.36 ± 1.53; F: 4.51 ± 1.36; n.s.) and at the end of the study (T: 1.8 ± 1.6; F: 1.6 ± 1.5; n.s.) did not differ. However, in the tramadol group this level of pain control was achieved with much slower dose escalation of fentanyl. The mean application time of the fentanyl‐Transdermal Therapeutic System patch for each dosage (25, 50, 75 μg/hour) was significantly greater in patients receiving tramadol. No patient in group T escalated to the 100 μg/hour patch, while in 12 patients of group F the 100 μg/hour patch was applied after a 75 μg/hour patch mean application period of 18.6 ± 4.7 days. The number of fentanyl‐TTS dosage changes was significantly lower in group T (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.3 ± 0.5; P < 0.05). The mean total duration of treatment in group T, was 37.1 ± 11.6 days. The amount of fentanyl used at study end was 56.6 ± 11.2 μg/hour plus 141.1 ± 151.9 mg tramadol per day (median: 200 mg/day) in group T patients compared with 84.1 ± 12.2 μg/hour in group F patients (P < 0.05). The combination of a strong opioid with a weak opioid to treat severe cancer pain allowed a more gradual increase of analgesic delivery than was possible using fentanyl‐TTS alone, minimizing periods of under‐ and overdosing. In addition, it considerably slowed the pace of fentanyl dose escalation. In conclusion, this TTS fentanyl‐tramadol analgesic protocol provides a useful alternative to the usual treatment of cancer pain with fentanyl‐TTS alone, especially in case of quick progression of disease and pain. ▪
Redressing the Roles of Correction and Repair in Research on Second and Foreign Language Learning
Authors: HALL JOAN KELLY
Published: November 2007

Correction and repair as components of an instructional practice that facilitates learning have figured prominently in research on classroom‐based second and foreign language learning.1 Recent studies incorporating a conversation analytic (CA) perspective on second language acquisition (SLA) have also focused on repair and correction. From a CA perspective, the practice of repair is a fundamental organization of interaction for dealing with troubles in achieving common understanding about the interactional work that parties in an interaction are doing together. Correction is a particular type of repair in which errors are replaced with what is correct. Applying this understanding to studies using CA to examine language classroom interaction, we find that although the CA terms repair and correction are used, in many cases, the focus of analysis is on the instructional components of correction and repair. I argue that conflating the CA practice and the instructional components misconstrues the former and, in so doing, conceals the important role that each set of practices plays in language classrooms. To make my case, I review research on correction and repair from both CA and SLA perspectives, laying out their distinctive features, and then use these understandings to examine the treatment of repair and correction in studies using CA to study SLA. I conclude with a brief discussion of implications for CA‐based research on second and foreign language learning.
Willingness to Communicate in the Second Language: Understanding the Decision to Speak as a Volitional Process
Authors: MACINTYRE PETER D.
Published: November 2007

Previous research has devoted a great deal of attention to describing the long‐term patterns and relationships among trait‐level or situation‐specific variables. The present discussion extracts kernels of wisdom, based on the literatures on language anxiety and language learning motivation, that are used to frame the argument that choosing to initiate communication at a particular moment in time can be conceptualized as a volitional (freely chosen) process. The result is a degree of willingness to communicate (WTC) with the potential to rise and fall rapidly as the situation changes. Previous research based on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies is described that demonstrates the complexity of the processes involved in creating WTC. It is argued that methodologies must be adapted to focus upon the dynamic process of choosing to initiate or avoid second language communication when the opportunity arises.
Second Language Socialization Through Team Interaction Among Electrical and Computer Engineering Students
Authors: VICKERS CAROLINE H.
Published: November 2007

This article, based on a longitudinal, ethnographic study among engineering students, examines the interactional processes surrounding second language (L2) socialization. L2 socialization perspectives argue that the cognitive and the social are interconnected, and that learning an L2 is a process of coming to understand socially constructed meaning distinctions. Recent studies examining L2 socialization have demonstrated that L2 instruction, or L2 instruction in combination with participation in particular speech communities, serves to socialize nonnative speakers into the community's speech norms. This study, with its focus on naturalistic L2 socialization, demonstrates that particular interactional processes define expert, socialized participants, and that particular interactional processes work to socialize novice participants in the electrical and computer engineering team meeting. The study ultimately demonstrates that L2 socialization is part of a larger process of socialization in human development, which is dependent on the novice participants’ access to opportunities for interaction with socialized members of the community.