bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VALVE MORPHOGENESIS AND THE MICROTUBULE CENTER IN THREE SPECIES OF THE DIATOM NITZSCHIA1
Authors: Pickett‐Heaps Jeremy
Published: November 2004

The relationship of cell organelles to valve morphogenesis was investigated in three species of Nitzschia. One, N. sigmoidea (Nitzsch) W. Sm., showed consistent ability to generate both nitzschioid and hantzschioid symmetry in daughter cells following cytokinesis; the other two maintained nitzschioid symmetry stably. From previous work with Hantzschia, a certain sequence of events could be anticipated in the cytoplasm. In two significant areas–the behavior of the Microtubule Center (MC) and its microtubule (MT) system, and the central origin of the silicalemma–not only were the results unexpected, but the three species showed fundamental differences among themselves. In N. sigmoidea, the silicalemma (and the future raphe region) arises centrally on the cleavage furrow, and after some lateral expansion, the silicalemmas and their associated organelles move in opposite directions in daughter cells, so that the raphe and the raphe canals end up along the girdle side of the cell as expected. However, the MCs never become associated with their silicalemma, remaining throughout near the girdle bands. In N. sigma (Kütz) W. Sm., the silicalemmas arise centrally and after lateral growth, move in opposite directions to generate nitzschioid symmetry. In this case, the MCs move to the vicinity of but never close to the silicalemmas, and follow them distantly during their lateral movement. In N. tryblionella Hantzsch, the new silicalemmas arise opposite one another, on one side of the daughter cells; each MC soon moves very close to its silicalemma, and remains thus through most of valve morphogenesis. Later, only one silicalemma/MC complex moves laterally, establishing the nitzschioid symmetry in both daughter cells. In all three species, as in Hantzschia, linear arrays of mitochondria aligned along MTs occupy the forming raphe canal, and microfilaments line the outer edge of the expanding silicalemma. The fibulae (the wall struts arching across the raphe canal) in Hantzschia always grow from the valve surface to the girdle surface of the forming valves. In these three Nitzschiae, this invariably happens in only one daughter cell of any pair; in the other, all the fibulae grow from the girdle surface to the valve surface. An explanation of these variations is proposed: that the morphogenetic machinery of Nitzschia and Hantzschia have a common origin, with present Nitzschiae having undergone considerable diversification at the intracellular level, causing the unstable cell symmetry exhibited by several modern species. Perhaps a taxonomic distinction between Hantzschia and Nitzschia lies in whether the morphogenetic machinery associated with valve morphogenesis moves laterally in the same or in opposite directions.
NTAGONISM BETWEEN CADMIUM AND IRON IN THE MARINE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA WEISSFLOGII1
Authors: Harrison Gail I. , Francois M. M. Morel
Published: November 2004

Cadmium inhibits iron uptake and assimilation in the coastal diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii Grun. The effect of cadmium on short term Fe uptake fits ft competitive binding model:

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where (Fe3+) and (Cd2++) tire the free ferric and cadmium ion concentrations, respectively. The apparent binding constant Kcds, is calculated to be ca. lO8.2M‐1 compared to a Kfe of lO19 M‐1. At low free ferric ion concentrations. interference of cadmium with iron transport (at pCd = 8 and pFe* < 20) results in a simultaneous decrease in growth rate and Fe accumulation to a level known 1o limit growth. Upon decreasing the free cadmium ion concentration, cells accumulate a large amount oj iron prior to resumption of normal growth. At higher free ferric ion concentrations (pFe* < 20) normal or elevated Fe quotas are absented but “luxury consumption” of iron still occurs upon reversal of toxicity. Evidence that these algae with high cellular iron quotas are effectively Fe deficient is provided by a decrease in the cytochrome f/chlorophyll a ratio and a much greater decrease in NO3‐ reductase activity than in aldolase activity or H14C03 assimilation. Under the conditions of this study, cadmium had little effect on Si accumulation. The transport of methylamine (an analog of NH+4) is unaffected by short term exposure to high free cadmium ion concentration but is greatly inhibited upon long term (97 h) exposure.
Feeding insects with a phytopathogenic fungus influences their diapause and population dynamics
Authors: Mondy Nathalie , Corio‐Costet Marie‐France
Published: November 2004

Abstract.  1. A facultative mutualistic relationship between a herbivorous moth, Lobesia botrana, and a phytopathogenic fungus, Botrytis cinerea, both damaging the same plant, the vine, has been demonstrated recently. Laboratory and field studies were carried out to determine the influence of the presence of the fungus in food on larvae during the pre‐ and post‐diapause periods and on the global fitness of the insect.

2. During the pre‐diapause period, larvae fed on fungus exhibited a higher survival rate and a faster larval development than insects reared without fungus.

3. After the wintering diapause, insects reared with fungus displayed a better synchronisation of adult emergence and an increased fecundity compared with control insects.

4. These results indicate that food containing fungus provides an improved diet, permitting the herbivorous insect to obtain nutrients required to optimise their life‐history traits.

5. In addition, the results emphasise the importance of the nutritional quality of larval diet, improved by addition of the fungus, on diapause termination and on the demography of the insect before and after the wintering diapause.
Influence of a bimodal emergence strategy of a Dipteran host on life‐history traits of its main parasitoids
Authors: Fournet S. , Astier N. , Cortesero A. M. , Biron D. G.
Published: November 2004

Abstract.  1. Among a great diversity of other strategies, insects have evolved polymodal emergence patterns that can increase survival in the face of annual variations in environmental conditions. Delia radicum L. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) is a polyvoltine pest that attacks several cultivated cruciferous species. At the time of emergence, most populations show a polymodal emergence of type A (i.e. all individuals that enter diapause in the same year terminate diapause the following growing season, and exhibit a bimodal emergence curve). This results in the occurrence of two sympatric phenotypes, early and late, which differ by the timing of adult emergence in both diapausing and non‐diapausing generations.

2. In Brittany, D. radicum pupae can be heavily parasitised by three parasitoids, Aleochara bilineata Gyll. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), Aleochara bipustulata L., and Trybliographa rapae (Hymenoptera: Eucoilidae). As in all parasitoids species, the successful development of both Aleochara species and T. rapae larvae depends mainly on the amount and quality of the food provided by the host.

3. The relationship between early and late host phenotype and (i) the parasitism efficiency, (ii) emergence patterns, and (iii) host selection behaviour were investigated for the three parasitoid species.

4. Depending on parasitoid species and their different parasitism and development mode, the results reveal that host phenotype can influence (i) survival and development time in T. rapae, and (ii) survival in Aleochara species. Aleochara larvae did not appear to discriminate between early and late host pupae on the basis of phenotype, but rather selected them according to their developmental stage. Furthermore, it was discovered that the same phenological strategy occurred in T. rapae and in D. radicum. However, for D. radicum the results indicate that such a strategy has a cost as the longer development time of late host pupae results in a longer period of time favourable for parasitism.
Interactive effects of photoperiod and temperature on diapause induction and termination in the yellow‐spotted longicorn beetle, Psacothea hilaris
Authors: Asano Wataru , Munyiri Florence N. , Shintani Yoshinori , Ishikawa Yukio
Published: November 2004

Abstract.  The interactive effects of temperature (20 °C or 25 °C) and photoperiod (LD 12 : 12 h or LD 15 : 9 h) on diapause induction and termination are investigated in the west‐Japan type yellow‐spotted longicorn beetle, Psacothea hilaris (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Larval diapause of P. hilaris is induced under three diapause‐inducing conditions (20 °C–SD, 20 °C–LD and 25 °C–SD), and the diapause larvae are transferred to one of four conditions (20 °C–SD, 20 °C–LD, 25 °C–SD or 25 °C–LD) for observation of pupation, which indicates termination of diapause. The intensity of diapause induced under the three conditions increases in the order 20 °C–SD < 25 °C–SD < 20 °C–LD, when assessed by the time course of pupation after the transfer. On the other hand, the effectiveness of the temperature–photoperiod combinations to terminate diapause is in the order 25 °C–SD (ineffective) < < 20 °C–LD < 25 °C–LD < 20 °C–SD. Among the temperatures (5, 10, 15 and 20 °C) examined, 15 °C is the most effective in terminating diapause under the short day; diapause in most larvae appears to have been completed in 15 days.
Group Counseling for Mothers After Emergency Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intervention
Authors: Ryding Elsa Lena , Wirén Ewa , Johansson Gunilla , Ceder Barbro , Dahlström Anne‐Marie
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Background:An emergency cesarean section is often a traumatic experience for women, and can be associated with postnatal depression and posttraumatic stress. Various types of interventions have been tested to prevent such consequences. The purpose of this study was to test a model of group counseling for mothers after emergency cesarean section, and to examine its possible effects.Method:After undergoing an emergency cesarean section, 162 Swedish‐speaking women were randomized to group counseling or the control group. The participation rate was 75 percent. The counseling consisted of 2 sessions, conducted at about 2 months postpartum; 72 percent of the women randomized to the counseling group actually attended the sessions. At 6 months postpartum, all study participants completed a postal questionnaire (response rates were 92% in the counseling group and 89% in the control group).Results:No difference between the groups was found in terms of the level of fear after childbirth, symptoms of posttraumatic stress, or postnatal depression at 6 months after the emergency cesarean. The group counseling was much appreciated by the participating women, some of whose experiences are reported in this paper.Conclusion:Group counseling for mothers after emergency cesarean section did not influence their views on the recent delivery or prevent symptoms of posttraumatic stress or postnatal depression. It was, however, appreciated and did no harm. In future studies, other outcomes should be measured.
Down‐regulation of pathogenic autoantibody response in a slowly progressive Heymann nephritis kidney disease model
Authors: Barabas Arpad Z. , Cole Chad D. , Barabas Arpad D. , Lafreniere Rene
Published: November 2004

In the present article, we describe an antigen‐specific down‐regulation of a pathogenic autoantibody (aab)‐mediated disease process in an experimental autoimmune kidney disease in rats called slowly progressive Heymann nephritis (SPHN). This autoimmune disease is initiated and maintained by pathogenic immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies (aabs), which cause an immune‐complex (IC) glomerulonephritis associated with proteinuria. We achieved down‐regulated pathogenic aab response in SPHN rats by injections of an IC containing the native nephritogenic antigen and specific high‐titred nonpathogenic IgM aabs, in antigen excess. The injected IC increased the level of circulating nonpathogenic IgM aabs; the increased levels of specific IgM aabs in turn facilitated the removal of the injected altered nephritogenic and liberated autoantigens from the renal tubules and greatly diminished the production of pathogenic aabs and the build up of immune deposits in the glomeruli. While animals treated early had advantages over rats whose kidney disease was well established before treatment; animals treated late into the disease still manifested noticeable improvements in similar areas, i.e. with lessened proteinuria, kidney lesion reduction and a decreased pathogenic aab response. At the end of the experiment at 29 weeks, 80% of all the treated rats had insignificantly low levels of circulating IgG aabs, indicating cessation of pathogenic aab production and corresponding termination of the disease process. In contrast, most untreated rats with the kidney disease still had high levels of circulating pathogenic aabs at the end of the experiment, which maintained disease progression.
Production performance and meat quality of grazing lambs finished on red clover, lucerne or perennial ryegrass swards
Authors: Fraser M. D. , Speijers M. H. M. , Theobald V. J. , Fychan R. , Jones R.
Published: November 2004

The combined benefits of a high crude protein concentration, and possible protein protection and growth‐promoting properties, make forage legumes potentially attractive as a natural means of increasing liveweight gain and time to slaughter of lambs in lamb finishing systems. An experiment was conducted to compare the production performance and meat quality of grazing lambs finished on red clover (Trifolium pratense), lucerne (Medicago sativa) or perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) swards. Replicate (n = 2) swards of red clover, lucerne and perennial ryegrass were rotationally grazed by ten ram lambs and ten ewe lambs from weaning until selection for slaughter at UK fat class 3L. Lambs grazing the red clover sward had a significantly higher liveweight gain and required significantly fewer days to slaughter than lambs grazing the lucerne sward (305 g d−1 vs. 243 g d−1; 38 d vs. 50 d), which in turn had a higher liveweight gain and required fewer days to slaughter than lambs grazing the perennial ryegrass sward (184 g d−1; 66 d). Lambs grazing the red clover and lucerne swards had significantly higher herbage intakes than those grazing the perennial ryegrass sward (2·06, 1·72 and 1·16 kg DM d−1 respectively), but in vivo digestibility of herbage was similar. Lambs grazing the red clover and lucerne swards also had significantly higher serum urea concentrations than those grazing ryegrass (12·5, 11·1 and 6·2 mmol L−1 respectively). Killing‐out percentage was significantly higher for lambs grazing the red clover sward than for lambs grazing the perennial ryegrass sward (48% vs. 46%). There were no significant effects of finishing system on meat flavour, but meat from lambs finished on the lucerne sward was oxidatively less stable than that from lambs finished on the perennial ryegrass sward. Grazing the forage legume swards significantly increased the proportion of linoleic and linolenic acid in muscle tissue, and therefore the proportion of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids (0·19, 0·16 and 0·12 for the red clover, lucerne and perennial ryegrass swards respectively). However, the n−6/n−3 ratio was significantly lower for the muscle of lambs grazing the perennial ryegrass sward compared with those grazing the forage legume swards (1·13, 1·08 and 0·98 for the red clover, lucerne and perennial ryegrass swards respectively). The results indicate that by grazing lambs on forage legume swards it is possible to increase individual lamb performance without compromising meat quality.
Unravelling the microfacies signatures of parasequences using computer‐optimized similarity matrices
Authors: Spence Guy H. , Arnaud‐Vanneau Annie , Arnaud Hubert , Tucker Maurice E.
Published: November 2004

The microfacies of a Lower Cretaceous carbonate drillcore from Oman are characterized using optimizing matrices of Jaccard's similarity coefficients of community. Other than systems tract boundaries, there is no obvious evidence of individual parasequences in the core. However, diagnostic patterns in microfossil distribution identify environmental gradients recording changes in water depth. These gradients are used to define individual parasequences, parasequence sets, stacking patterns and key surfaces. The patterns suggest that deposition was controlled by successive fourth‐ to fifth‐order (high‐frequency) relative sea‐level cycles superimposed on an underlying third‐order relative sea‐level rise. Although the correlation of these depositional subunits to systematic changes in water depth and the rate of carbonate accumulation alone is not incontrovertible proof of such a sea‐level control, concurrent multiorder relative sea‐level cyclicity provides by far the most likely explanation. A microfacies deposited when the water depth was shallowing is characterized by a relay of microfossils with affinities that shallow upwards. Conversely, a microfacies that records a gradual increase in water depth has a relay of microfossils with affinities that deepen upwards. Microfacies characterized by an assemblage of microfossils with similar affinities record deposition when the benthic environmental conditions remained stable, either because of an equilibrium between shallow water carbonate deposition and rising sea level, or in deeper water where sediment composition was relatively insensitive to changes of water depth. Microfacies characterized by mixed affinity assemblages record syndepositional reworking. During periods of embedded multiorder sea‐level changes, individual parasequences within systems tracts are shown to record more complex environmental gradients than simply the repetition of successive shallowing‐up units as traditionally represented in carbonate sequence stratigraphic models. The microfacies of an individual parasequence may shallow up, or may record both deepening‐up and shallowing‐up depositional phases, as well as periods of sedimentation when benthic environments remained stable. Individual parasequence boundaries may be submarine or subaerial unconformities, or be conformable, as part of a predictable stratigraphic pattern related to the temporal position of an individual parasequence within the underlying third‐order cycle of relative sea‐level change. The hitherto ubiquitous use of assemblages to describe carbonate microfacies, coupled with the widespread use of the metre‐scale shallowing‐up template to identify parasequences, may have led to such complexities previously being overlooked.
Stability of coagulation factors in thawed, solvent/detergent‐treated plasma during storage at 4 °C for 6 days
Authors: Buchta C. , Felfernig M. , Höcker P. , Macher M. , Körmöczi G. F. , Quehenberger P. , Heinzl H. , Knöbl P.
Published: November 2004

Background and Objectives  Transfusion of fresh‐frozen plasma is still a pillar in emergency medicine for using to prevent dilutional coagulopathy or disseminated intravascular coagulation after severe blood loss, but thawing procedures can delay its availability. On the other hand, the wastage of plasma, once thawed and not transfused within a defined time‐period, represents an inefficient handling of economic resources and is contradictory to blood donor intentions. In this study we investigated the stability of coagulation factor activities and plasma protein levels during 6 days of storage of thawed solvent/detergent (S/D)‐treated plasma at +4 °C. Our results may form the basis for reconsideration of expiry times of thawed S/D‐treated plasma.

Materials and Methods  Five units of S/D‐treated plasma (Octaplas®) were thawed and warmed to 20 °C, then recooled and stored at +4 °C for 6 days. The activities of coagulation factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII, fibrinogen, antithrombin (AT), protein C, protein S and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) were measured on days 0, 1, 2, 3 and 6.

Results  Except for protein S, the activities of all coagulation factors and inhibitors were at least 0·5 U/ml during storage at 4 °C for 6 days. The mean levels, during storage, of factors IX, X, XI and XII, vWF:Ag, fibrinogen and protein C were at least 94%, and of factors II, V and VIII, and AT at least 78%, of the levels immediately after thawing; the activity of factor VII decreased to 83% and of protein S to 43% of the baseline values.

Conclusions  Thawed S/D‐treated plasma stored at +4 °C for up to 6 days still contains sufficient coagulation activities and plasma proteins to be regarded as suitable for transfusion in the established indications.
The number of ribs and vertebrae in a Piétrain cross: variation, heritability and effects on performance traits
Authors: Borchers N. , Reinsch N. , Kalm E.
Published: November 2004

In a three‐generation experiment with five purebred Piétrain boars and one Landrace, one Large White and 12 Landrace × Large White crossbred sows as founder animals the number of ribs and presacral vertebrae was determined. These numbers were recorded for 111 F1‐animals and for 2711 F2‐animals. The number of ribs varied from 13 to 17 and the number of presacral vertebrae ranged from 26 to 30. Means of 15.5 for the number of ribs and 28.6 for the number of vertebrae with a standard deviation of 0.6 for both were calculated. Bayesian heritability estimates were 0.51 for the rib number and 0.62 for the vertebrae number. A phenotypic correlation of 0.76 and a genetic correlation of 0.97 indicated a close relationship of both traits. In additional analyses possible direct or linked effects of rib and vertebrae number on different growth and carcass traits were investigated. Significant effects were found for several traits related to growth, fatness, muscularity and meat quality. Genes for the presacral vertebrae number or linked quantitative trait loci (QTL) accounted for 11.5% of the phenotypic variation in carcass length and for 2.4% of the phenotypic variation in ham weight.
NITROREDUCTASE: A PRODRUG‐ACTIVATING ENZYME FOR CANCER GENE THERAPY
Authors: Searle Peter F , Chen Ming‐Jen , Hu Longqin , Race Paul R , Lovering Andrew L , Grove Jane I , Guise Chris , Jaberipour Mansooreh , James Nicholas D , Mautner Vivien , Young Lawrence S , Kerr David J , Mountain Andrew , White Scott A , Hyde Eva I
Published: November 2004

1. The prodrug CB1954 (5‐(aziridin‐1‐yl)‐2,4‐dinitrobenzamide) is activated by Escherichia coli nitroreductase (NTR) to a potent DNA‐crosslinking agent.

2. Virus‐mediated expression of NTR in tumour cells sensitizes them to CB1954 in vitro and in vivo, providing the basis for a strategy of cancer gene therapy.

3. A phase I trial of CB1954 in cancer patients has been completed, documenting the pharmacokinetics and establishing an acceptable dose. Subsequent trials of the replication‐defective adenovirus CTL102 in patients with resectable tumours have documented expression of NTR in injected colorectal liver metastases, hepatocellular carcinoma, head and neck cancer and prostate cancer. Trials combining CTL102 and CB1954 are underway.

4. An oncolytic (replication‐competent) adenovirus vector allowed increased expression of NTR in vitro and in a mouse tumour model, resulting in a greater reduction in tumour growth when combined with CB1954 treatment.

5. Alternative prodrugs may eventually prove superior to CB1954; a nitroaryl phosphoramide mustard prodrug activated by NTR shows a greater therapeutic index than CB1954 in a human ovarian carcinoma.

6. The crystal structure of NTR provided the basis for site‐directed mutagenesis, which has identified a number of mutants with improved kinetics of CB1954 activation. These can provide improved cell sensitization to CB1954. Combinations of these are being tested.

7. The basis for a positive selection for improved NTR variants has been demonstrated.
RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF A SINGLE, DOUBLE AND TRIPLE DOSE OF 10 MG/KG OF A HUMAN FORMULATION OF TRICLABENDAZOLE IN PATIENTS WITH FASCIOLIASIS
Authors: Talaie Haleh , Emami Habib , Yadegarinia Davood , Nava‐Ocampo Alejandro A , Massoud Jafar , Azmoudeh Mohammad , Mas‐Coma Santiago
Published: November 2004

1. A study performed > 10 years ago and case reports published recently suggest that triclabendazole is effective for the treatment of patients with fascioliasis.

2. To confirm the efficacy of a human formulation of triclabendazole, we enrolled 165 patients into the present study and divided the subjects into two groups: (i) those who had fascioliasis, as evidenced by the presence of ova in their stools; and (ii) patients with clinical and laboratory data suggesting fascioliasis.

3. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 10 mg/kg, p.o., triclabendazole for 1, 2 or 3 days (single‐, double‐ and triple‐dose groups, respectively). Medical history and physical and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline and at 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after treatment. Results were based on 152 patients who completed the study.

4. A sharp decrease in the proportion of clinical signs and symptoms was observed in all groups immediately after treatment. Ova disappeared from the stools of all patients in the single‐ and double‐dose groups. Thirty days after treatment, ova were identified in the stools of two patients in the triple‐dose group who received a second course of triclabendazole.

5. All cases were cured on day 60. However, the cure rate was lower when the patients with suggestive fascioliasis were included in the analysis. The cure rate was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the three dose groups. No cases of toxic hepatitis were observed.

6. In conclusion, oral administration of 10 mg/kg of the human pharmaceutical preparation of triclabendazole for 1–3 days is safe and effective in the treatment of human fascioliasis.
Reversible cognitive deterioration after a single episode of severe hypoglycaemia: a case report
Authors: Kubiak T. , Kuhr B. , Inselmann D. , Hermanns N. , Kulzer B. , Haak T.
Published: November 2004

A case of a male 34‐year‐old Type 1 diabetic patient who experienced a prolonged severe hypoglycaemic episode is presented. After the hypoglycaemic event, the patient suffered from moderate to severe neuropsychological impairments. On the basis of neuropsychological assessment results, diabetes therapy was modified (less complex insulin regimen, fixed insulin doses and fixed carbohydrate distribution). At a follow‐up examination (3 months), presumable complete recovery of cognitive function was observed. This case demonstrates the possible detrimental neuropsychological effects of severe hypoglycaemia, that, in this case, turned out to be reversible. It highlights the clinical implications of impaired cognitive function on self‐care and self‐management abilities and the usefulness of neuropsychological testing in clinical diabetes care.
Feasibility of a quality assurance programme of bedside blood glucose testing in a hospital setting: 7 years’ experience
Authors: Nobels F. , Beckers F. , Bailleul E. , De Schrijver P. , Sierens L. , Van Crombrugge P.
Published: November 2004

Aims  Description of the long‐term use of a quality assurance (QA) programme for bedside capillary blood glucose (CBG) testing in a general hospital.

Methods  The main points of the programme were selection of instrumentation using a standardized testing procedure, design and implementation of a quality control (QC) procedure, and training and motivation of nurses. The QC procedures consisted of a daily aqueous control and a weekly split‐sample control (a measurement on a capillary blood sample using the glucose meter and on a simultaneously drawn venous sample with the laboratory analyser). When the result was out of range, a laboratory technician visited the ward to investigate the problem. All wards received a weekly report.

Results  The programme was introduced in 1995 and followed up through 2002. The split‐sample control was more efficient in detecting clinically relevant errors than the aqueous control. Most errors (91–97%) were operator‐related rather than instrument‐related. The compliance with the split‐sample controls remained high, with 84–91% of weekly controls performed over 7 years. Respectively 91, 95 and 96% of the measurements remained within the range of ± 20% of the laboratory value in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Conclusion  A QA programme of bedside CBG testing can successfully be implemented. It is feasible to obtain a satisfying level of measurement accuracy and to maintain a high level of compliance with the programme over several years. Split‐sample controls are an essential part of the control procedure.
ON TECHNOLOGY LICENSING IN A STACKELBERG DUOPOLY
Authors: HENRY WANG X. , YANG BILL Z.
Published: November 2004

This paper finds that in a linear Stackelberg duopoly model, the follower is more likely to license a cost‐reducing innovation to the leader than the leader is to the follower, regardless of whether licensing is in the form of a fixed fee or royalty per unit of output. Under fixed‐fee licensing, the follower gains more from small innovations while the leader gains more from large non‐drastic innovations. Under royalty licensing, the follower always gains more than the leader from an innovation.
Electrodermal reactivity and its association to substance use disorders
Authors: Taylor Jeanette
Published: November 2004

Poor electrodermal response modulation is associated with substance use disorders, but the specificity of the relationship has not been tested. To test this, 112 college students were assessed for psychiatric symptoms using structured interviews and for ability to modulate skin conductance responses to 2‐s 92‐ or 110‐dB white noise blasts that varied in temporal predictability. Twenty‐eight good and 28 poor modulators were compared on symptoms of alcohol and illicit drug use disorders, personality disorders (antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic), social and specific phobia, and depression. As expected, poor modulators had significantly more symptoms of substance use disorders than good modulators. Groups did not differ in symptoms of anxiety disorder, depression, or personality disorders marked by disinhibition. Poor electrodermal response modulation may reflect a biological risk factor for substance use disorders in particular.
P300 amplitude in nonalcoholic adolescent twin pairs who become discordant for alcoholism as adults
Authors: Carlson Scott R. , Iacono William G. , McGue Matt
Published: November 2004

Past reports suggest that reduced P300 amplitude is associated with risk for alcoholism. We examined whether visual P300 amplitude could identify familial risk for alcohol disorders in individuals not known to be at risk at the time P300 was recorded. These individuals were twins from pairs where neither twin had an alcohol disorder at age 17 but familial risk was established at age 20 when one twin developed an alcohol disorder whereas the other did not. Of special interest was the P300 of the unaffected twin recorded at age 17 when both twins were alcoholism free. We found reduced P300 in the unaffected twin compared to pairs where both members were continuously disorder free. Hence, P300 was reduced in alcohol disorder‐free individuals whose twin siblings subsequently developed alcoholism, further supporting reduced P300 amplitude as an endophenotype indexing familial risk for alcoholism.
The application of jackknife‐based onset detection of lateralized readiness potential in correlative approaches
Authors: Stahl Jutta , Gibbons Henning
Published: November 2004

The onset of the lateralized readiness potential (LRP) represents an interesting parameter within mental chronometry. According toMiller, Patterson, and Ulrich (1998), reliability increases when LRP onsets are detected in jackknifed LRP waveforms. Until now, jackknifed LRP onsets could be analyzed in factorial designs only. The aim of the present study was to extend the application of jackknifing to correlative approaches (e.g., in personality research). Using different onset scoring techniques, in several simulations run on realistic LRP data jackknifing and single‐subject procedures were compared regarding their estimates of a simulated true correlation. For all scoring techniques but regression, jackknifed coefficients were on average higher than the respective single‐subject coefficients, and statistical power was higher. Overall, combining jackknifing with a 50%‐relative onset criterion is recommended.
Hemodynamic effects of dietary caffeine, sleep restriction, and laboratory stress
Authors: James Jack E. , Gregg M. Elizabeth
Published: November 2004

This study examined the separate and interactive effects of caffeine, sleep restriction, and task‐induced laboratory stress in 96 healthy male and female volunteers. Participants alternated weekly between ingesting placebo and caffeine (1.75 mg/kg) three times daily for 4 consecutive weeks, while being either rested or sleep restricted. Finapres measurements of blood pressure, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance showed that caffeine produced persistent blood pressure increases with a vascular hemodynamic profile. Sleep restriction produced a pronounced vascular response not associated with appreciable changes in blood pressure, whereas blood pressure increases induced by cognitive activity showed mixed cardiac and vascular responses. The findings suggest that life‐long dietary caffeine may contribute significantly to the development of cardiovascular disease.
Introducing a baroreflex model for studying cardiovascular effects of mental workload
Authors: Van Roon Arie M. , Mulder Lambertus J.M. , Althaus Monika , Mulder Gijsbertus
Published: November 2004

A quantitative baroreflex control model is presented aimed at estimating differences in autonomic activation due to mental task performance. The model, which builds on earlier work of Wesseling and colleagues, is strongly supported by well‐established knowledge of physiological control processes. Spectral measures of heart rate and blood pressure variability provide the information to estimate autonomic gain and tone parameters. The article gives a detailed model description as well as an evaluation in terms of spectral variability distributions, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and vagal control mechanisms. The estimation procedure is outlined while presenting two studies that describe the effects of mental workload and vagal blockade, respectively. It is concluded that, using the model approach, cardiovascular effects of mental task performance can be interpreted in terms of specific changes in autonomic state. The model is implemented in a Matlab/Simulink environment and is available for other researchers in the field.
In Vitro Activities of OPT-80 and Comparator Drugs against Intestinal Bacteria
Authors: Finegold Sydney M. , Molitoris Denise , Vaisanen Marja-Liisa , Song Yuli , Liu Chengxu , Bolaños Mauricio
Published: November 2004

The activities of OPT-80 against 453 intestinal bacteria were compared with those of seven other drugs. OPT-80 showed good activity against most clostridia, staphylococci, and enterococci, but streptococci, aerobic and facultative gram-negative rods, anaerobic gram-negative rods, and
Clostridium ramosum
were resistant. Poor activity against anaerobic gram-negative rods may maintain colonization resistance.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ofBordetella bronchisepticaIsolates from Porcine Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Kadlec Kristina , Kehrenberg Corinna , Wallmann Jürgen , Schwarz Stefan
Published: November 2004

MICs for 349Bordetella bronchisepticaisolates from respiratory tract infections of swine were determined by broth microdilution. The lowest MIC at which 90% of isolates tested are inhibited (MIC90) was that of tetracycline and enrofloxacin (0.5μ g/ml), whereas the highest MIC90s were those of tilmicosin and cephalothin (32 μg/ml) as well as streptomycin (256μ g/ml).
Members of the Genera
Paenibacillus
and
Rhodococcus
Harbor Genes Homologous to Enterococcal Glycopeptide Resistance Genes
vanA
and
vanB
Authors: Guardabassi L. , Christensen H. , Hasman H. , Dalsgaard A.
Published: November 2004

Genes homologous to enterococcal glycopeptide resistance genes
vanA
and
vanB
were found in glycopeptide-resistant
Paenibacillus
and
Rhodococcus
strains from soil. The putative
d
-Ala:
d
-Lac ligase genes in
Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus
PT-2B1 and
Paenibacillus apiarius
PA-B2B were closely related to
vanA
(92 and 87%) and flanked by genes homologous to
vanH
and
vanX
in
vanA
operons.
Identification of a Naturally Processed Cytotoxic CD8 T-Cell Epitope of Coxsackievirus B4, Presented by HLA-A2.1 and Located in the PEVKEK Region of the P2C Nonstructural Protein
Authors: Varela-Calvino Ruben , Skowera Ania , Arif Sefina , Peakman Mark
Published: November 2004

The adaptive immune system generates CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) as a major component of the protective response against viruses. Knowledge regarding the nature of the peptide sequences presented by HLA class I molecules and recognized by CTLs is thus important for understanding host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we focused on identification of a CTL epitope generated from coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4), a member of the enterovirus group responsible for several inflammatory diseases in humans and often implicated in the triggering and/or acceleration of the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes. We identified a 9-mer peptide epitope that can be generated from the P2C nonstructural protein of CVB4 (P2C1137-1145) and from whole virus by antigen-presenting cells and presented by HLA-A2.1. This epitope is recognized by effector memory (gamma interferon [IFN-γ]-producing) CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood at a frequency of responders that suggests that it is a major focus of the anti-CVB4 response. Short-term CD8 T-cell lines generated against P2C1137-1145are cytotoxic against peptide-loaded target cells. Of particular interest, the epitope lies within a region of viral homology with the diabetes-related autoantigen, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65). However, P2C1137-1145-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines were not activated to produce IFN-γ by the GAD65peptide homologue and did not show cytotoxic activity in the presence of appropriately labeled targets. These results describe the first CD8 T-cell epitope of CVB4 that will prove useful in the study of CVB4-associated disease.
Surface Stability and Immunogenicity of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope Glycoprotein: Role of the Cytoplasmic Domain
Authors: Ye Ling , Bu Zhigao , Vzorov Andrei , Taylor Dahnide , Compans Richard W. , Yang Chinglai
Published: November 2004

The effects of two functional domains, the membrane-proximal YXXΦ motif and the membrane-distal inhibitory sequence in the long cytoplasmic tail of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein (Env), on immunogenicity of the envelope protein were investigated. Genes with codons optimized for mammalian expression were synthesized for the HIV 89.6 Env and a truncated Env with 50 amino acids in the cytoplasmic domain to delete the membrane distal inhibitory sequence for surface expression. Additional genes were generated in which the tyrosine residue in the YXXΦ motif was changed into a serine. Pulse-chase radioactive labeling and immunoprecipitation studies indicated that both domains can mediate endocytosis of the HIV Env, and removal of both domains is required to enhance HIV Env protein surface stability. Analysis of immune responses induced by DNA immunization of mice showed that the DNA construct for the mutant Env exhibiting enhanced surface stability induced significantly higher levels of antibody responses against the HIV Env protein. Our results suggest that the HIV Env cytoplasmic domain may play important roles in virus infection and pathogenesis by modulating its immunogenicity.
Efficient Replication by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Involves Activation of the IκB Kinase-IκB-p65 Pathway
Authors: Gregory D. , Hargett D. , Holmes D. , Money E. , Bachenheimer S. L.
Published: November 2004

Infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) induces a persistent nuclear translocation of NFκB. To identify upstream effectors of NFκB and their effect on virus replication, we employed mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF)-derived cell lines with deletions of either IKK1 or IKK2, the catalytic subunits of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex. Infected MEFs were assayed for virus yield, loss of IκBα, nuclear translocation of p65, and NFκB DNA-binding activity. Absence of either IKK1 or IKK2 resulted in an 86 to 94% loss of virus yield compared to that of normal MEFs, little or no loss of IκBα, and greatly reduced NFκB nuclear translocation. Consistent with reduced virus yield, accumulation of the late proteins VP16 and gC was severely depressed. Infection of normal MEFs, Hep2, or A549 cells with an adenovirus vector expressing a dominant-negative (DN) IκBα, followed by superinfection with HSV, resulted in a 98% drop in virus yield. These results indicate that the IKK-IκB-p65 pathway activates NFκB after virus infection. Analysis of NFκB activation and virus replication in control and double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-null MEFs indicated that this kinase plays no role in the NFκB activation pathway. Finally, in cells where NFκB was blocked because of DNIκB expression, HSV failed to suppress two markers of apoptosis, cell surface Annexin V staining and PARP cleavage. These results support a model in which activation of NFκB promotes efficient replication by HSV, at least in part by suppressing a host innate response to virus infection.
Protein Transduction Domains Fused to Virus Receptors Improve Cellular Virus Uptake and Enhance Oncolysis by Tumor-Specific Replicating Vectors
Authors: Kühnel Florian , Schulte Bernd , Wirth Thomas , Woller Norman , Schäfers Sonja , Zender Lars , Manns Michael , Kubicka Stefan
Published: November 2004

Expression of cellular receptors determines viral tropism and limits gene delivery by viral vectors. Protein transduction domains (PTDs) have been shown to deliver proteins, antisense oligonucleotides, liposomes, or plasmid DNA into cells. In our study, we investigated the role of several PTD motifs in adenoviral infection. When physiologically expressed, a PTD from human immunodeficiency virus transactivator of transcription (Tat) did not improve adenoviral infection. We therefore fused PTDs to the ectodomain of the coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor (CAR
ex
) to attach PTDs to adenoviral fiber knobs. CAR
ex
-Tat and CAR
ex
-VP22 allowed efficient adenoviral infection in nonpermissive cells and significantly improved viral uptake rates in permissive cells. Dose-dependent competition of CAR
ex
-PTD-mediated infection using CAR
ex
and inhibition experiments with heparin showed that binding of CAR
ex
-PTD to both adenoviral fiber and cellular glycosaminoglycans is essential for the improvement of infection. CAR
ex
-PTD-treated adenoviruses retained their properties after density gradient ultracentrifugation, indicating stable binding of CAR
ex
-PTD to adenoviral particles. Consequently, the mechanism of CAR
ex
-PTD-mediated infection involves coating of the viral fiber knobs by CAR
ex
-PTD, rather than placement of CAR
ex
domains on cell surfaces. Expression of CAR
ex
-PTDs led to enhanced lysis of permissive and nonpermissive tumor cells by replicating adenoviruses, indicating that CAR
ex
-PTDs are valuable tools to improve the efficacy of oncolytic therapy. Together, our study shows that CAR
ex
-PTDs facilitate gene transfer in nonpermissive cells and improve viral uptake at reduced titers and infection times. The data suggest that PTDs fused to virus binding receptors may be a valuable tool to overcome natural tropism of vectors and could be of great interest for gene therapeutic approaches.
Traumatic tear of tibialis anterior during a Gaelic football game: a case report
Authors: Constantinou M , Wilson A
Published: November 2004

Reports of traumatic injury to the anterior lower leg muscles are scarce, with only a handful of reports of traumatic injury to the tibialis anterior. A database search of Medline, Cinhal, and Sports Discus only revealed three such cases, and they did not result from a direct sporting injury. This report documents the case of a traumatic rupture of tibialis anterior muscle in a young female Gaelic football player. It details the surgical repair and management of tibialis anterior muscle and the physiotherapy rehabilitation to full function.
Unusual stress fractures of the proximal phalanx of the great toe: a report of two cases
Authors: Pitsis G C , Best J P , Sullivan M R
Published: November 2004

Stress fractures of the toes are rare. Most reported fractures of the proximal phalanx of the great toe have been associated with halux valgus deformity. Two cases are presented that illustrate several unique features of this rare injury which have not been reported before. One of the cases went on to non-union, requiring bone grafting and internal fixation.
Pulmonary oedema precipitated by cold water swimming
Authors: Biswas R , Shibu P K , James C M
Published: November 2004

The case is reported of a physically fit man, who, while training for a triathlon, developed pulmonary oedema secondary to swimming in cold water. Pulmonary oedema is usually caused by a combination of exercise and cold water, resulting in an increase in cardiac preload and after load, which causes an increase in pulmonary capillary pressure. Most cases improve spontaneously and quickly with no recurrence of symptoms.
MUC4 is increased in high grade intraepithelial neoplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus and is associated with a proapoptotic Bax to Bcl-2 ratio
Authors: Bax D A , Haringsma J , Einerhand A W C , van Dekken H , Blok P , Siersema P D , Kuipers E J , Kusters J G
Published: November 2004

Background:Patients with Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) are at risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Because the pattern of mucosal mucins changes during neoplastic progression, it may serve as a marker of intraepithelial neoplasia.

Aims:To determine the expression pattern of mucins in neoplastic BO epithelium (high grade dysplasia) and correlate it with the expression of apoptosis markers Bax and Bcl-2.

Methods:Thirty seven patients with BO were studied: 16 without intraepithelial neoplasia, six with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGN), and 15 with infiltrating adenocarcinoma. Biopsies were obtained from squamous epithelium, Barrett’s epithelium, and (when present) foci of suspected HGN or adenocarcinoma. MUC1–4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC6, Bax, and Bcl-2 mRNA were determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR. MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 protein was determined by immunoblotting.

Results:Mucin expression varied between neoplastic progression stages in BO. Mucin mRNA levels were low in squamous epithelium, except for MUC4, and were at least four times higher in BO and HGN (p<0.001), but less so in adenocarcinoma. MUC4 expression was significantly lower in BO than in normal squamous epithelium, whereas in HGN and adenocarcinoma, levels were significantly higher than in BO (p = 0.037). The Bax:Bcl-2 ratio was increased in HGN compared with BO (p = 0.04). MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 protein values correlated with mRNA data.

Conclusions:Mucin expression varies during the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in BO. MUC4 could serve as a tumour marker in this process. In contrast to animal studies, upregulation of MUC4 in HGN is associated with increased apoptosis, suggesting that MUC4 plays a minor role in apoptosis regulation in BO.
COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR OF FEEDBACK NETWORKS WITH DISTRIBUTED DYNAMICS
Authors: Herz Andreas V.M. , Marcus Charles M.
Published: November 2004

We analyze the collective behavior of feedback neural networks with discrete-time dynamics in which groups of one or more neurons may change their state simultaneously. Such partially parallel updating rules generalize beyond the one-at-a-time dynamics of the Hopfield model and the fully synchronous dynamics of the Little model. We derive sufficient conditions under which this type of distributed network dynamics leads to fixed point attractors only and report quantitative results on the emergent network properties.