bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextual and Serial Discriminations: A New Learning Paradigm to Assess Simultaneously the Effects of Acute Stress on Retrieval of Flexible or Stable Information in Mice
Authors: Célérier Aurélie , Piérard Christophe , Rachbauer Dagmar , Sarrieau Alain , Béracochéa Daniel
Published: March 2004

The present study was aimed at simultaneously determining on the same subject, the effects of stress on retrieval of flexible (contextual or temporal) or stable (spatial) information. Three behavioral paradigms carried out in a four-hole board were designed as follows: (1) Simple Discrimination (SD), in which mice learned a single discrimination; (2) Contextual and Serial Discriminations (CSD), in which mice learned two successive discriminations on two different internal contexts; (3) Spatial Serial Discriminations (SSD), in which mice learned two successive discriminations on an identical internal context. The stressor (three inescapable electric footshocks) was delivered 5 min before retention, occurring 5 min or 24 h after acquisition. Results showed that this stressor increased plasmatic corticosterone levels and fear reactivity in an elevated-plus-maze, as compared with nonstressed mice. The stressor reversed the normal pattern of retrieval observed in nonstressed controls in the CSD task, this effect being context dependent, as it was not observed in the SSD task. Overall, our study shows that stress affected the retrieval of flexible and old information, but spared the retrieval of stable or recent ones. Therefore, these behavioral paradigms allow us to study simultaneously, on the same animal, the effects of stress on distinct forms of memory retrieval.
The Relevance of the Nature of Learned Associations for the Differentiation of Human Memory Systems
Authors: Rose Michael , Haider Hilde , Weiller Cornelius , Büchel Christian
Published: March 2004

In a previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study we
demonstrated an involvement of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) during an
implicit learning task. We concluded that the MTL was engaged because of the
complex contingencies that were implicitly learned. In addition, the basal
ganglia demonstrated effects of a paralleled proceduralization of fixed
stimulus-response associations. In the present study we directly tested the
hypothesis that the MTL activation depends upon implementing the complex
regularity in task material, whereas activation of basal ganglia does not.
Therefore, we rearranged task material such that it did not contain any
complex regularity. The statistical comparison of behavioral and fMRI data
between the materials allowed for isolating effects that were directly related
to the implicit learning process regarding the complex regularity. The results
showed a reliable difference of fMRI signal limited to the MTL, indicating a
specific functional role of the MTL in implicit learning of complex
contingencies. Furthermore, no difference of BOLD (Blood-Oxygenation Level
Dependent) signal in the basal ganglia and cerebellum were detected,
supporting the assumption of a functional involvement of the structures in
proceduralization of simple stimulus-response associations but not in
implicitly learning complex relations. We therefore conclude that the nature
of the learned associations is relevant for determining the neuronal focus of
learning, rather than the accompanying awareness.
Functional Amnesia: Clinical Description and Neuropsychological Profile of 10 Cases
Authors: Kritchevsky Mark , Chang Judy , Squire Larry R.
Published: March 2004

We carried out the first neuropsychological study of a series of patients
with functional amnesia. We evaluated 10 patients, first with a neurological
examination and then with three tests of anterograde amnesia and four tests of
retrograde amnesia. Excluding one patient who later admitted to malingering,
all patients had a significant premorbid psychiatric history and one or more
possible precipitating factors for their amnesia. Eight of the 10 patients
still had persistent retrograde amnesia at our last contact with them (median
= 14 mo after the onset of amnesia). On tests of anterograde amnesia, the
patients performed normally as a group, though some patients scored poorly on
tests of verbal memory. On tests of retrograde amnesia, all patients had
difficulty recollecting well-formed autobiographical memories of specific
events from their past. In contrast, patients performed as well as controls at
distinguishing the names of cities from fictitious city names. On remote
memory tests for past public events and famous faces, different patients
exhibited different but internally consistent patterns of impaired and spared
performance. The variability in the clinical and neuropsychological findings
among our patients may be understood by supposing that memory performance is
poor in proportion to how directly a test appears to assess a patient's
commonsense concept of memory. The presentation of patients with functional
amnesia is as variable as humankind's concept of what memory is and how it
works.
Adrenergic Transmission Facilitates Extinction of Conditional Fear in Mice
Authors: Cain Christopher K. , Blouin Ashley M. , Barad Mark
Published: March 2004

Extinction of classically conditioned fear, like its acquisition, is active
learning, but little is known about its molecular mechanisms. We recently
reported that temporal massing of conditional stimulus (CS) presentations
improves extinction memory acquisition, and suggested that temporal spacing
was less effective because individual CS exposures trigger two opposing
processes: (1) fear extinction, which is favored by CS massing, and (2) fear
incubation (increase), which is favored by spacing. We here report the effects
of manipulating the adrenergic system during massed or spaced CS presentations
in fear-conditioned mice. We administered yohimbine (5 mg/kg), an
α2-receptor antagonist, or propranolol (10 mg/kg), a
β-receptor antagonist, systemically prior to CS presentation sessions and
recorded both short- and long-term changes in conditional freezing. Yohimbine
treatment facilitated extinction of both cue and context fear with massed
protocols. When given before spaced CS presentations, propranolol led to a
persistent incubation of cue fear, whereas yohimbine led to persistent
extinction, compared with vehicle-treated animals, which showed no change in
fear. These results suggest that norepinephrine positively modulates the
formation of fear extinction memories in mice. They also provide clear
evidence that spaced CS presentations trigger both fear-reducing (extinction)
and fear-increasing (incubation) mechanisms.
Multi‐channel information seeking: a fuzzy conceptual model
Authors: Boyd Andrew
Published: March 2004

Information seeking is a fluid and situation dependent activity where a seeker's actions are influenced by access to information, perceived quality (or information fit) and trust in the information source. All of these factors combined create an ever‐changing information‐seeking environment. Generally, traditional models and survey methodologies capture a “snapshot in time” of a particular information‐seeking activity, but fail to capture the multivalent influences of things such as chance, frequency of encounters, strength of source or the introduction of new or multiple influencers. Using the tool of fuzzy control systems, a new conceptual model is introduced that not only diagrams the influences on the information seeker, but also provides a framework to devise (or refine existing) communications strategies.
Evolution and information
Authors: Madden A.D.
Published: March 2004

The association between life and information is discussed. Information is considered to be “a stimulus which expands or amends the World View of the informed”. Using this definition, the standard chain of evolutionary development is reconsidered. It is proposed that information was derived from the environment as a direct result of the evolution of organisms that used other organisms as a food source. Only with the evolution of sexual reproduction did it become necessary for organisms to be aware of others of the same species. It is argued that one of the consequences of the evolution of different sexes is that often, prospective mates had to evolve means of communication, making it possible for animals to expand their World Views by other means. Such reinterpretation of evolutionary thinking has numerous implications for the information scientist. Some of these are discussed.
Re‐appraising information seeking behaviour in a digital environment
Authors: Nicholas David , Huntington Paul , Williams Peter , Dobrowolski Tom
Published: March 2004

Collating data from a number of log and questionnaire studies conducted largely into the use of a range of consumer health digital information platforms, Centre for Information Behaviour and the Evaluation of Research (Ciber) researchers describe some new thoughts on characterising (and naming) information seeking behaviour in the digital environment, and in so doing, suggest a new typology of digital users. The characteristic behaviour found is one of bouncing in which users seldom penetrate a site to any depth, tend to visit a number of sites for any given information need and seldom return to sites they once visited. They tend to “feed” for information horizontally, and whether they search a site of not depends heavily on “digital visibility”, which in turn creates all the conditions for “bouncing”. The question whether this type of information seeking represents a form of “dumbing down or up”, and what it all means for publishers, librarians and information providers, who might be working on other, possible outdated usage paradigms, is discussed.
Web pages of Slovenian public libraries: evaluation and guidelines
Authors: Novljan Silva , Žumer Maja
Published: March 2004

The content and quality of 28 Slovenian public library Web pages were studied in 2001 and 2002. The research was performed by students of Department of Library and Information Science and Book Studies (University of Ljubljana). In that way, student ability of Web page evaluation was also tested. The results show that while libraries are trying to modernise their work, the content of their Web pages is still predominantly oriented towards traditional library materials and services. Not enough emphasis is given to electronic resources. The potential of new ways of direct communication with the users is not realized. In addition, libraries have problems maintaining their Web sites: often the information is erroneous or outdated. In order to help and guide libraries in the future, a common concept of public library Web site is proposed, followed by content guidelines. Some additional activities (e.g. cooperation of libraries, changes in library education curricula) are proposed.
Introduction: Company training and services with a focus on low skills
Authors: Asplund Rita , Salverda Wiemer
Published: March 2004

This special issue of theInternational Journal of Manpoweraims to make a contribution to broadening our limited understanding of the role and impact of employer‐provided training for low‐skilled service sector workers. It brings together seven of the papers that were presented at the international conference “Adapting Education and Training for the Enhancement of Low‐Skilled Jobs” held at Helsinki in May 2002. The papers are situated at the crossroads where three different strands of research and policymaking meet: the training of the low skilled, the system of vocational training and the role of training for the service sector. The contributions cover an interesting variety of European countries: Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Spain and the UK, with diverging levels of low‐skilled (un)employment, vocational training and service‐sector employment.
Labour market effects of apprenticeship training in Austria
Authors: Hofer Helmut , Lietz Christine
Published: March 2004

In Austria, the apprenticeship system provides all citizens, including the less able among them, with a training option. Based on social security data, this article examines earnings and the stability of the occupational career of young workers with an apprenticeship diploma. As control groups, workers with a full‐time secondary school education and workers who did not receive any further education after completing their compulsory education were used. One of the main findings is that workers with an apprenticeship diploma are much better off than those without further education. The article finds the following ranking with respect to education: high‐school graduates, ex‐apprentices and unskilled workers, with more pronounced differences between ex‐apprentices and unskilled workers.
The two worlds of operations management research and practice
Authors: Slack Nigel , Lewis Michael , Bates Hilary
Published: March 2004

The paper presents a brief history of the development of operations management (OM). This provides the backdrop for a content analysis of journal articles published in the Journal of Operations Management and the International Journal of Operations & Production Management between January 1990 and June 2003. MBA student survey data are then used to explore any gaps that may exist between the focus of academic research and the perceived importance of given OM subject areas to practitioners. The practical and conceptual insights highlighted are then used as the basis for a discussion of extant research priorities. The paper concludes with a preliminary conceptual framework that distinguishes between OM research seeking to consolidate operations practice and that which seeks to apply theoretical concepts into a practical context.
University accreditation and the corporate learning agenda
Authors: Prince Christopher
Published: March 2004

This paper explores the increasingly important issue of the accreditation of work‐based learning for the award of university level qualifications and divided into a number of sections. Defines accreditation and explores its historical development in the UK. This is followed by a review of the various types of accreditation options that are open to organisations drawing on real life case histories. Concludes by highlighting a number of factors client organisations and providers should take into account when considering accrediting corporate training and development activities.
Mobile agent technology and application for online global logistic services
Authors: Trappey Amy J.C. , Trappey Charles V. , Hou Jiang‐Liang , Chen Bird J.G.
Published: March 2004

With the growing trend toward the use of international supply chain and e‐commerce, logistic service providers for product warehousing, transportation and delivery are placing great emphasis on information technology (IT) to be competitive globally. Realizing that the current service tracking system merely supports order status tracking within a service provider, applies mobile agent technology for online order tracking across the global logistic alliances. Utilizes a three‐tier architecture for mobile agent technology and develops a prototype system for global logistic service tracking. Demonstrates the concept and technology proposed. The online service tracking services enable customers to monitor the real‐time status of their service requests and therefore becomes key tool for modern enterprises to compete successfully in a global marketplace.
The distributional role of small business in development
Authors: Amini Amin
Published: March 2004

Economic growth, without distributional measures and policies, engenders inequality and concentration. National income may be distributed either through the establishment of a proper welfare system, or by the encouragement of and incentive for economic activities and policies with built‐in distributional factors. The prerequisites for sustainable income distribution are fair distribution of assets, investments and power. The main outcome of the growth‐based developing theories and activities are concentration of production, people and financial and political power. These concentrations are the sources of many problems of both developing and industrialised countries. Although there have been countless studies about development, few have made an attempt to investigate the social and economic interactions of small business with sustainable development. Small business’ contributions to the process of development, in terms of distribution of economic and non‐economic resources, are substantial. This article will explore the economic and political distributional power of small business and their roles in the process of socio‐economic development.
Towards rigour in action research: a case study in marketing planning
Authors: Wilson Hugh N.
Published: March 2004

A research study is described exploring the potential of decision support systems to improve marketing planning practice, using a combination of project action research and case research approaches. The paper focuses on solutions to two practical methodological problems: how to analyse action research data in as rigorous a way as possible; and how to minimise the biases which can arise from the action researcher's dual role as participant and observer. In particular, the paper describes an adaptation of the research design termed analytic induction to the complex, multi‐propositional theory common in action research, and indeed in much qualitative management research. The findings of the study itself are also reported briefly.
Uncovering “theories‐in‐use”: building luxury wine brands
Authors: Beverland Michael
Published: March 2004

Despite the high profile of many international luxury brands, little is known about the processes by which these brands are created and how their market position is maintained. Research and practitioner experience suggests that these brands focus on building abstract, “timeless” images or dreams. However, no systematic research has been carried out on the processes and strategies of luxury marketers. Based upon case studies in the luxury wine trade, this research sought to uncover the tacit processes underlying the creation and maintenance of luxury wine brands. Results highlight that luxury brands are a complex combination of dedication to product quality, a strong set of values, tacit understanding of marketing, a focus on detail, and strategic emergence.
The influence of employee organizational citizenship behavior on customer loyalty
Authors: Barroso Castro Carmen , Martín Armario Enrique , Martín Ruiz David
Published: March 2004

This work analyzes the effect that service company employee behavior has on customer perceptions of the quality of services received, and the consequent company performance. Organizational citizenship behavior has been recognized as relevant behavior of some employees, but its role regarding customer perceptions and company profitability remains unexplored. Beginning with a brief review of the conceptual background of organizational citizenship behavior, service quality, and its consequences, this paper proposes a model to test these relationships empirically. Some helpful recommendations for managing service companies are presented.
The brand images of tourism destinations: a study of the saliency of organic images
Authors: Hankinson Graham
Published: March 2004

Assesses the relative saliency of image attributes associated with history, heritage and culture in shaping the perceptions of places as tourism destinations. Such images tend to have been formed over a long period of time and result from exposure to communication processes largely outside marketing's core sphere of influence such as education, literature and the arts. Images formed in this way are referred to in this paper as organic images. The research used the repertory grid technique developed by George A. Kelly in the context of Personal Construct Theory combined with depth interviews to elicit the attributes associated with the images of 25 destinations in the UK. The study identified 11 categories of image attribute. Those associated with a destination's history, heritage and culture were found to be the second most salient category. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Pricing and pirate product market formation
Authors: Papadopoulos Theo
Published: March 2004

Explores the relationship between legitimate product pricing, copyright law enforcement and the formation of black markets for pirate products. The analytical framework is illustrated using the market for sound recordings as a case study. Investigates copyright owner strategies to combat piracy, including price discounting to establish a legitimate market and lobbying for increased enforcement and infringement penalties. An elementary regression model is employed to examine the empirical relationship between legitimate sound recording price, black market distribution channels and piracy. The empirical model supports the hypotheses that piracy is directly related to legitimate price and the size of black markets.
“Interpreneurship” Organisational (re)emergence and entrepreneurial development in a second‐generation family firm
Authors: Fletcher Denise
Published: March 2004

Although there has been some attention to how notions of entrepreneurship and family intersect in the life of family businesses, analysis of these issues in relation to inter‐generational and organisational emergence in small family firms is underdeveloped. In order to redress this imbalance, it is important to undertake analysis of entrepreneurial issues alongside those of family, ownership, management and inter‐generational emergence. A fourth entrepreneurial axis is added to Gersick's developmental life cycle framework to facilitate this. This is then applied to aid interpretive analysis of two second generation owner‐managers and sons‐in‐law of the original founders of a small manufacturing company in the UK. Working with his younger brother‐in‐law, the two family members are responsible for taking a small steeplejack company into its third generation and a new electrical engineering market. As the younger brother‐in‐law takes on an entrepreneurial role within the company and endeavours to develop new opportunities, the chairman gives an account of the struggles involved in achieving a balance between ownership, management and family tensions. The notion of “interpreneurship” whereby family members are interacting and creating new possibilities for themselves, their lives, their organizations whilst drawing upon past events, happenings, experiences and conversations that have gone before, is also considered.
The relationship between succession issues and business performance
Authors: Wang Yong , Watkins David , Harris Neil , Spicer Keith
Published: March 2004

Researchers widely argue that the most significant difference between family controlled and non‐family business concerns the way in which executive succession occurs, and more specifically, unique aspects of the process of intergenerational family business transfer. The importance of this study is acknowledged by the fact that it offers researchers and practitioners empirical evidence that links succession issues and the state of performance in UK‐based small‐ and medium‐sized family businesses. The article commences with a review of the conceptual framework that relates to the critical factors influencing the succession process, followed by an introduction of the methodology. Then the article proceeds with a detailed statistical analysis based on a stratified randomly selected sample (169 small‐ and medium‐sized family controlled businesses). In summary, the article concludes with a set of tentative recommendations. It is anticipated that this study will enable a deep debate of the issues surrounding the succession practice and raise a wide awareness of the critical factors shaping the ownership transition.
Spending on clothing and attitudes to debt in the UK
Authors: Weekes Tanya
Published: March 2004

Presents results of a recent small‐scale survey, carried out among young people in the UK, to examine the proposition that consumers tend to reduce spending on clothing before cutting back on other items, in times of economic recession, and also to examine those consumers' attitudes to debt and borrowing.
Urban regeneration, property performance and office markets in Dublin
Authors: McGreal Stanley , Berry Jim , McParland Clare , Turner Brian
Published: March 2004

Regeneration concerns the physical and economic renewal of locations with development and investment in property a fundamental part of the process and product. Considers the case of Dublin, where designated areas, including the dock‐lands, have been stimulated by taxation breaks within a structure‐agency model. These mechanisms are initially reviewed to provide a context in which the property market has been operating. Focuses on the performance of office property in Dublin and compares rental return evidence for the city centre market with that for the International Financial Services Centre, one of the original designated renewal areas in the dock‐lands. Conclusions focus on how taxation breaks can be used to create new office locations and how the regeneration market can become tax‐driven with dual structures existing between urban regeneration areas and the prime market.
Property appraisal in Government
Authors: Andrew Anthony , Pitt Michael
Published: March 2004

In 2003 HM Treasury published a revised “Green Book”, otherwise known as The Green Book Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government – a technical guide, which is designed to help decision makers appraise and evaluate capital expenditure decisions more effectively. Coincidentally, the RICS brought out its revised edition of the “Red Book”, now called The Appraisal and Valuation Standards, in March 2003. This paper looks at the development and recent changes to these documents particularly from the viewpoint of a public sector property practitioner involved in day‐to‐day appraisal.
An alternative to current thinking about positive selection, negative selection and activation of T cells
Authors: Cohn Melvin
Published: March 2004

Given that recognition by the T‐cell receptor (TCR) of allele‐specific determinants on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐encoded restricting elements (Rs) is germline encoded, whereas recognition of peptide (P) is somatically encoded, two combining site repertoires, anti‐R and anti‐P, are implied. As a consequence, the three pathways of T cells, positive selection, negative selection and activation, must be signalled by qualitatively distinct interactions engaging the TCR. These are spelled out as they provide an alternative to the current thinking that these pathways depend on affinity‐based quantitatively distinguishable interactions.
Noninvasive Coronary Flow Velocity Reserve Measurement in the Posterior Descending Coronary Artery for Detecting Coronary Stenosis in the Right Coronary Artery Using Contrast‐Enhanced Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Watanabe Hiroyuki , Hozumi Takeshi , Hirata Kumiko , Otsuka Ryo , Tokai Kotaro , Muro Takashi , Shimada Kenei , Yoshiyama Minoru , Takeuchi Kazuhide , Yoshikawa Junichi
Published: March 2004

Background: Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) measurement by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) has been found to be useful for assessing left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis. However, this method has been restricted only for the LAD. The purpose of this study was to detect severe right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis by CFVR measurement using contrast‐enhanced TTDE. Methods: In 60 consecutive patients with angina pectoris (mean (SD) age: 60 (11), 18 women), coronary flow velocities in the RCA were recorded in the postero‐descending coronary artery by contrast‐enhanced TTDE at rest and during hyperemia induced by intravenous infusion of adenosine triphosphate (140 mcg/ml/kg). CFVR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to basal peak and mean diastolic flow velocity. CFVR measurements by TTDE were compared with the results of coronary angiography performed within 1 week. Results: Coronary flow velocity was successfully recorded in 49 (82%) of the 60 patients with contrast agent. CFVR (mean (SD)) was 1.4 (0.4) in patients with, and 2.6 (0.6) in patients without significant stenosis in the RCA (%diameter stenosis > 75%, P < 0.001). Using the cutoff value 2.0 for CFVR in the RCA, its sensitivity and specificity in detecting significant stenosis in the RCA were 88% and 91%, respectively. Conclusion: CFVR measurement in the postero‐descending coronary artery by contrast enhanced TTDE is a new, noninvasive method to detect significant stenosis in the RCA. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Determination of Asymmetric Cavity Volumes Using Real‐Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography: An In Vitro Balloon Model Study
Authors: Prakash Kesavan , Li Xiaokui , Hejmadi Aarti , Hashimoto Ikuo , Sahn David J.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: We designed a new in vitro model to test the accuracy and reproducibility of real‐time three‐dimensional (RT3D) ultrasound imaging for determining a variety of asymmetric cavity volumes with aneurysm. Methods: Fifteen individual balloon models mimicking ventricular aneurysm were filled with water (170–322.5 ml) without air bubbles and kept in a compressor pump. Compression of the models produced only a change in shape of the balloon and no change in volume. The models were scanned with RT3D echocardiography (RT3DE) and the images recorded on an optical disk. Volumes were measured off line in two phases; maximal compression, where there was maximal change in shape and nil compression, where there was minimal or no change in shape. Volumes were measured by manual tracing technique of the inner border of B‐scan images and compared with the drained volume of water from the balloon. Results: There was a high correlation between the drained volume and measured volume at maximal compression (equivalent to end‐systole, r = 0.99, y = 0.99x + 3.69, SEE = 6.5 ml), between the drained volume and measured volume at nil compression (equivalent to end‐diastole, r = 0.99, y = 0.94x + 12.07, SEE = 5.9 ml), and between volumes measured at maximal and nil compressions (r = 0.99, y = 0.94x + 10.55, SEE = 4.6 ml). Conclusion: The results of this experiment show that RT3DE can accurately measure the volumes of a variety of asymmetric ventricular cavities. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Identification of Intrathoracic Lymph Nodes by Transesophageal Echocardiography—A Novel Role of TEE
Authors: Sorrell Vincent L. , Atieh Mamoud K.
Published: March 2004

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers an excellent view of the heart and the descending aorta because of the close anatomic relationship between the esophagus and the heart and the absence of obstructing tissues common to the transthoracic approach. TEE is considered the procedure of choice in evaluating aortic diseases. As illustrated in this example, it may also be used to evaluate para‐aortic pathology. We present a TEE example of large hilar lymphadenopathy that was directly compared with computed tomography (CT) scanning to provide additional clarification of this anatomic relationship for the echocardiographer. A brief review of the literature is also included. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Pericardial Cyst: Case Reports and a Literature Review
Authors: Patel Jagruti , Park Chong , Michaels Jeremy , Rosen Stacey , Kort Smadar
Published: March 2004

Pericardial cysts are rare mediastinal abnormalities, which are usually congenital but may also be acquired after cardiothoracic surgery. Cysts frequently occur in the right cardiophrenic angle and their diagnosis is usually suspected after an abnormal chest X ray is obtained. The presence of a pericardial cyst in this typical location or, less frequently, in an unusual location, poses a diagnostic challenge in distinguishing it from other intracardiac or mediastinal abnormalities. Two‐dimensional echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography are extremely valuable in diagnosing the presence of a pericardial cyst. Although most pericardial cysts are asymptomatic, patients may present with chest pain and dyspnea. In addition, life‐threatening complications such as pericardial tamponade have been reported in association with pericardial cysts. The following cases illustrate the usefulness of two‐dimensional echocardiography in making an accurate diagnosis of a pericardial cyst, as well as in follow‐up of these patients for the development of possible complications. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Mediastinal Lymphoma Presenting as Asystolic Arrest
Authors: Makaryus Amgad N. , Makaryus John N. , Kort Smadar
Published: March 2004

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
The adhesion molecules NCAM, HCAM, PECAM‐1 and ICAM‐1 in normal salivary gland tissues and salivary gland malignancies
Authors: Perschbacher Kristina , Jackson‐Boeters Linda , Daley Tom
Published: March 2004

Background:  Some malignant salivary gland tumors are known for their propensity to exhibit perineural invasion and vascular metastases. It was hypothesized that alterations in the expression of cell adhesion molecules are involved in these processes.

Methods:  The expression and distribution of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), HCAM (CD44), platelet‐endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in normal salivary gland tissues and selected salivary gland malignancies, especially adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCyCa) and polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (PMLG), were determined immunohistochemically, and their influence on histologically demonstrated perineural invasion, vascular invasion, and tumor recurrence/patient death were investigated.

Results:  NCAM, HCAM, and ICAM‐1 were often found to be expressed by neoplastic cells, but no correlation to perineural invasion, tumor behavior, or patient prognosis was found. PECAM‐1 was rarely and only focally expressed in three tumors, all of which were related to tumor metastases and patient death.

Conclusions:  Immunohistochemical demonstration of NCAM, HCAM, and ICAM‐1 is not related to perineural invasion or tumor behavior. PECAM‐1 expression was related to vascular invasion and poor patient prognosis in three cases.
Facial Candida albicans cellulitis occurring in a patient with oral submucous fibrosis and unknown diabetes mellitus after local corticosteroid injection treatment
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Ming , Shih Chiang‐Ching , Yen K. Lawrence , Wang Sheng‐Ming , Kuo Ying‐Shiung , Kuo Mark Yen‐Ping , Chiang Chun‐Pin
Published: March 2004

Facial cellulitis caused by odontogenic bacterial infection is frequently encountered; however, facial cellulitis caused by Candida albicans infection is rarely found. A patient with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and unknown diabetes mellitus (DM) was treated in our out‐patient dental clinic by biweekly submucosal injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide into bilateral buccal mucosae plus forced mouth opening performed by the two hands of the clinician. The interincisal distance of the patient improved from 28 to 48 mm after four times of steroid injection. The symptoms and signs of OSF also improved markedly. Unfortunately, facial candidal cellulitis occurred 2 months after the last time of steroid injection treatment. The infection was cured by incision and drainage, intravenous administration of amphotericin B (100 mg once a day for a week), and an appropriate medical control of DM. No recurrence of facial cellulitis was found during the follow‐up period of 18 months. To prevent the occurrence of facial cellulitis after a high‐dose steroid therapy, some prophylactic procedures should be taken before the initiation of the steroid treatment.
Arthropod biodiversity after forest fires: winners and losers in the winter fire regime of the southern Alps
Authors: Moretti Marco , Obrist Martin K. , Duelli Peter
Published: March 2004

Since prehistoric times, natural and man made fires have been important factors of natural disturbance in many forest ecosystems, like those on the southern slopes of the Alps. Their effect on scarce, endangered or stenotopic species and on the diversity of invertebrate species assemblages which depend on a mosaic of successional habitat stages, is controversially discussed. In southern Switzerland, in a region affected by regular winter fires, we investigated the effect of the fire frequency on a large spectrum of taxonomic groups. We focussed on total biodiversity, taxonomic groups specific to certain habitat types, and on scarce and endangered species. Overall species richness was significantly higher in plots with repeated fires than in the unburnt control sites. Plots with only one fire in the last 30 yr harboured intermediate species numbers. Fire frequency had a significantly positive effect on species richness of the guilds of interior forest species and forest edge specialists. Species of open landscape, open forests and interior forests were not influenced by fire frequency. A positive effect of fire on species richness was observed for ground beetles (Carabidae), hoverflies (Syrphidae), bees and wasps (Hymenoptera aculeata, without Formicidae), and spiders (Araneae). True bugs (Heteroptera), lacewings (Neuroptera) and the saproxylic beetle families Cerambycidae, Buprestidae and Lucanidae showed positive trends, but no statistically significant effects of fire on species numbers or/and abundances. Negative effects of fire on species numbers or/and abundances were found only for isopods and weevils (Curculionidae). A compromise for forest management is suggested, which considers the risk of damage by fire to people and goods, while avoiding the risk of damage to biodiversity by imitating the effects of sporadic fires and providing a mosaic forest with open gaps of different successional stages.
Plant species coexistence and dispersion of seed traits in a grassland
Authors: Franzén Daniel
Published: March 2004

There is increasing attention being given to the importance of colonization traits like seed number and seed size for species coexistence and distribution in plant communities. In this study a null‐model analyses of species co‐occurrence and trait dispersion was performed to evaluate the importance of seed size and seed number for coexistence in a Swedish semi‐natural grassland. Species abundance was inventoried in two grids based on quadrats differing in size (1 dm2 and 25 dm2). For both grids Monte Carlo simulations showed that species (in general) co‐occurred more often than expected from a null model. Both seed size and seed number were underdispersed, species possessing similar seed traits tended to co‐occur more often than expected from a random model. Species packing in a niche space based on seed number and seed size was found to be positively correlated to species richness. In species‐rich sites species were more densely packed. The results contradict predictions from classical competition theories concerning species coexistence, and suggest that seed traits are important for species coexistence.
Sperm storage and antioxidative enzyme expression in the honey bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Collins A. M. , Williams V. , Evans J. D.
Published: March 2004

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) sperm remains viable in the spermatheca of mated female honey bees for several years. During this time, the sperm retains respiratory activity, placing it at risk of the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species common to many biological processes. Antioxidative enzymes might help reduce this damage. Here we use quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR to establish gene‐expression profiles in male and female honey bee reproductive tissues for three antioxidative enzymes: catalase, glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1, cytosolic). Catalase and GST showed ten‐ to twenty‐fold transcript increases in the sperm storage organs of mated queens vs. unmated queens, whereas SOD1 levels are high in both mated and unmated queens. Male reproductive and somatic tissues showed relatively high levels of all three antioxidant‐encoding transcripts. All three enzymes screened were higher in mature males vs. young males, although this effect did not appear to be confined to reproductive tissues and, hence, need not reflect a role in sperm longevity. Furthermore, antioxidative enzyme transcripts remained present, and apparently increased, in male tissues long after sperm had matured and seminal fluid was produced. We also found measurable levels of catalase transcripts in honey bee semen. The presence of catalase transcripts in both reproductive tissues and semen in bees suggests that this enzyme might play a key role in antioxidative protection.
Identification and characterization of gp65, a salivary‐gland‐specific molecule expressed in the malaria vector Anopheles albimanus
Authors: Montero‐Solis C. , Gonzalez‐Ceron L. , Rodriguez M. H. , Cirerol B. E. , Zamudio F. , Possanni L. D. , James A. A. , De La Cruz Hernandez‐Hernandez F.
Published: March 2004

A group of salivary‐gland‐specific proteins, designated gp65, were identified in the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis resolved this group into at least four molecules with pI 6.4–6.5. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence was determined for the major species, gp65‐1, and degenerate oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify a specific probe for library screening. A 1312 bp cDNA clone encoding a predicted translation product of 386 amino acids was recovered. gp65‐1 is expressed abundantly in the medial and distal–lateral lobes of the adult female glands, and is secreted in the saliva. The amino acid sequence has potential sites for N‐glycosylation, phosphorylation and myristylation, and is similar to a number of proteins of unknown function from other mosquito species.
Variants of U1 small nuclear RNA assemble into spliceosomal complexes
Authors: Pereira‐Simon S. , Sierra‐Montes J. M. , Ayesh K. , Martinez L. , Socorro A. , Herrera R. J.
Published: March 2004

In this study, the existence of additional U1 snRNA variants in the posterior silk gland of the Bombyx mori Nistari strain from India was investigated. Three new U1 variants were detected. One of the new isoforms (U1 SG1) was found to be preferentially assembled into high molecular weight spliceosomal complexes in comparison with the total cellular lysate RNA control. Structural and nucleotide differences were examined in these new isoforms and compared with the previously reported U1 variants. Free energy (ΔG) values for the entire U1 snRNA secondary structures as well as the individual stem/loops (I, II, III and IV) domains of the isoforms were estimated to determine their structural stability.
Protein contents, physical and sensory properties of Nigerian snack foods (cake, chin‐chin and puff‐puff) prepared from cowpea – wheat flour blends
Authors: Akubor Peter I.
Published: March 2004

Some Nigerian snack foods, particularly cake, chin‐chin and puff‐puff, were prepared from blends of cowpea and wheat flours. The snack foods were evaluated for their protein content, physical and sensory characteristics. The latter included colour, flavor, texture and overall acceptability. All the snack foods showed higher protein content when compared with the 100% wheat flour based snack foods. The protein content increased with the increasing levels of cowpea flour in the blend. The physical properties of the supplemented snack foods were not adversely affected by supplementation with cowpea. Similarly, at all levels of cowpea supplementation, the sensory characteristics of the snack foods did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) from those of the 100% wheat flour based snack foods.
Identification of irradiation treatment in black pepper by electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Franco Roberto W. A. , Martin‐Neto Ladislau , Kato Maria S. A. , Furlan Gilberto R. , Walder Júlio M. M. , Colnago Luiz A.
Published: March 2004

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to study free radicals in black pepper, and to evaluate the potential of these radicals in identifying radiation treatment. A doublet signal was detected at g = 2.0042 and a = 1.83 mT, produced exclusively by radiolysis. This signal is as stable as that of irradiated cellulose, and can be used to identify recent radiation treatment. A line produced both by radiolysis and thermolysis was observed, and its behaviour with thermal treatments suggests that it cannot be used as an irradiation indicator for doses up to 30 kGy, contradicting a model proposed in the literature.
The thermal kinetics of texture change and the analysis of texture variability for raw and roasted hazelnuts
Authors: Demir Ali Doǧan , Cronin Kevin
Published: March 2004

Texture changes of hazelnuts which were dry roasted at temperatures from 120 to 180 °C, for durations ranging from 5 up to 60 min, were studied using instrumental analysis. The textural changes in hazelnuts were represented by the fracture force obtained from compression tests. The magnitudes of the parameters for the corresponding texture change model were determined using one step non‐linear regression. The order of the reaction was found by plotting isothermal curves of texture response against time; statistical analysis of the data showed that it was best represented by a first‐order reaction. The rate constants were assumed to have an Arrhenius‐type dependence on temperature. The activation energy and the frequency (pre‐exponential) factor at a reference temperature (150 °C) were determined to be 39.25 kJ mol−1 and 0.0421 s−1, respectively. Young's modulus and the fracture stress for roasted hazelnuts were calculated to be 4.93 and 1.54 MPa, respectively. Both roasting temperature and time had significant effects on the textural changes in hazelnuts, and the variability in the texture decreased during the roasting process. The physical properties of hazelnuts were correlated with the texture response. A possible major factor causing the high variability in texture was the internal cavity present at the core of each hazelnut. The development of a model of the thermal kinetics of texture change over a large roasting temperature and time range should allow optimization studies to be used for determining the best roasting schedule in terms of delivering the required product texture.
Chemical analysis and identification of pollen grains from different jordanian honey samples
Authors: Atrouse Omar M. , Oran Sawsan A. , Al‐Abbadi Soud Y.
Published: March 2004

Studies on eight samples of Jordanian honey of known origin included chemical, physical, trace element and heavy metals analysis as well as pollen identification. Results indicated that the quality of Jordanian honey was different depending on processing conditions; the composition of the different types of active compounds that they contain is dependant on the pollen grains that are present. Pollen composition was directly related to the plants on which the honeybees fed. Identification of pollen grains suggested that there were differences in the plants and therefore differences in the composition of the active compounds. Measurements of some trace elements also indicated differences that would affect the quality of the honey samples. Testing the honey samples for the presence of lead and cadmium was used as evidence of pollution. The results reaffirm the presence of heavy metals, giving a warning of pollution in the areas from where pollen is collected.