bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adopting an ICT code of conduct
Authors: Bia Marie , Kalika Michel
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Following the example of Anglo‐Saxon companies, French companies are increasingly establishing codes of conduct specific to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). A review of literature reveals that such codes have multiple goals, such as improving efficiency of use, IS security awareness, and ethics. This paper aims to identify organizational factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of a formal code of conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 505 companies. In order to highlight the emerging nature of this practice, the study was conducted in similar conditions for two consecutive years (2002 and 2003).

Findings

Results indicate that though still marginal, the adoption of ICT codes of conduct concerns an increasing number of companies. This practice is related to the degree of standardization, technological context (the degree of virtualization and the strategic importance placed on ICT by the management) and size of the organization. However, the adoption of ICT codes of conduct is not associated with specific industry sectors and nationalities.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in France and a generalization of the results to other countries may be questionable.

Originality/value

The paper deals with a topic that has received little attention to date. The contribution of this paper is two‐fold: a previously unperformed review of research involving ICT codes of conduct, and empirical results describing the organizational factors of an ICT code of conduct diffusion. It allows a better understanding of this emerging IS management practice.
Information behaviour in e‐reverse auctions
Authors: Lösch Andrea , Siân Lambert J.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The study aims to explore information behaviour and its potential impact on buyer‐supplier relationships in electronic reverse auction (e‐RA). In spite of the widely assumed benefits of e‐RAs, recent studies have identified negative effects of e‐RAs on buyer‐supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on nine interviews with automotive buyers and suppliers who use e‐RAs and 15 interviews with automotive companies who do not use e‐RAs. The interviews were analysed using the method of content analysis. The analysis process was supported relying on the qualitative software package Atlas/ti.

Findings

Overall, the results indicate that differences in information behaviour may affect buyer‐supplier relationships. Particularly the inadequate treatment of suppliers and the reduced quality of the communication proved to be the major mediating factors for negative outcomes. Also, the use of e‐RAs is believed not to be as widespread as generally assumed.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the limited scope of this research, further investigation of the above topic is required incorporating several sources of data, e.g. as part of a case study approach. Also, the generalisability of the results might be improved by obtaining responses from more buyers and suppliers through a larger scale survey.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the adequate consideration of context and the careful preparation of the event including strictly equal treatment of all participants and effective communication are key factors for obtaining benefits from e‐RAs.

Originality/value

Considering the limited evidence on how specific characteristics may affect buyer‐seller relations, this research provides a first step in opening up the e‐RA “black box”.
Developing an integrated management system for optimising project options
Authors: Doloi Hemanta Kumar
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the development of an integrated management system (IMS) by linking quantitative and qualitative decision parameters with a view to rank and optimise capital projects. Roles and impacts of the non‐financial criteria have been combined with traditional financial criteria for decision‐making and management processes in dynamic project environment.

Design methodology/approach

Both tangible and intangible information associated over project life cycle have been integrated and the dynamic operating environment is evaluated in proactive decision‐making process. In this research, a closed loop feedback system incorporating stakeholder's input with project's business objectives has been developed. The triple bottom line has been employed as decision‐making criteria. While the architecture, communication protocols and conceptual modelling framework of the overall system are briefly discussed, modelling of soft issues and underlying impacts have been discussed in details. The overall functionality of the system has been established incorporating a multi‐criteria decision hierarchy module and a number of intelligent functions. Integration of the system is achieved through a common database and appropriate user's interfaces.

Findings

The capability and functionality of the system prototype have been discussed with the focus on a road infrastructure project. Implementation of the model has been highlighted with appropriate examples.

Practical implications

The initial design of the model is based on data gathered from a real life project. The practical implication of the prototype is significant for holistic analysis of investment decisions on complex projects.

Originality/value

The stated modelling technique of soft issues (e.g. overall satisfaction level and stakeholders benefit values) along with project's financial objectives in an integrated framework will benefit all industry sectors.
Historical analysis of performance measurement and management in operations management
Authors: Radnor Zoe J. , Barnes David
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to take a historic perspective on performance measurement and management (PMM) within operations management (OM) across all sectors (manufacturing, service and public) in order to reflect on and undercover relevant lessons and issues about PMM in OM.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from a range of documents and experts, three historic phases were identified which reflected changing aspects of PMM in OM from the early twentieth century until today.

Findings

The analysis shows that most of PMM within OM derives from work study and productivity measurement within manufacturing during the industrial revolution. The general trend shows a movement away from performance measurement towards performance management. The paper illustrates how views of PMM have moved in three directions: the broadening of the unit of analysis; the deepening of performance measures; and the increasing range of performance measures.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes by presenting four reflections and challenges including the fact that the drive for productivity still exists and there is a need to continue to develop measures across organisations which are also predictive. Finally, that lessons between private and public sectors regarding PMM are shared.

Originality/value

The paper argues that in order to evaluate the movement in the three directions effectively it is necessary to differentiate between the terms performance measurement, performance reporting and performance management.
A performance measurement system for facility management
Authors: Felice De Toni Alberto , Fornasier Andrea , Montagner Mattia , Nonino Fabio
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This study sets out to introduce an innovative performance measurement system (PMS) for business process outsourcing in facility management (FM) industry and analyse, comprehend and explain the main criticalities in the relationship among the actors involved in an outsourcing non core services contract, which is typical of the FM business sector. The aim of the tool is to improve performances and enhance their integration towards a partnership.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study research has been carried out on a medical service authority and on its FM service provider in order to investigate, understand and explain the main criticalities in their relationships. Starting from a literature analysis on empirical applications of PMS, an adaptation of a balanced scorecard (BSC) has been realized to exceed the criticalities of the case study and to propose a PMS for facility management.

Findings

As highlighted in the case study, the need for an improved actors' partnership has been fulfilled through an innovative approach, i.e. a performance measurement system which shares some indicators among FM service provider and customer.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this research lies in the fact that PMS has been designed from a single case study. Despite this fact, the PMS can be easily adapted for wide applications inside the FM business sector.

Practical implications

The PMS allows a better integration and coordination of the actors involved in an outsourcing services contract. It could be implemented in FM software tools.

Originality/value

The proposed performance measurement system is an innovative integration between the balanced scorecard and service balanced scorecard (SBC) for the facility management service industry. Furthermore, it shares some indicators which solve the main criticalities in the relationships among the actors involved in an outsourcing services contract and enhance partnership.
A triple analysis of ISO 9000 effects on company performance
Authors: Martínez‐Costa Micaela , Martínez‐Lorente Ángel R.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

ISO 9000 certification has a growing importance for companies, mainly in Europe but also in other countries. Several papers have analysed the effects of ISO 9000 certification on company results, with contradictory conclusions. The purpose of this work is to clarify these possible effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports new findings on the topic following a study using data from 713 companies and using the two methodologies that have been applied in the scientific literature: the comparison of certified and non‐certified companies and a longitudinal study of the results of certification.

Findings

The data suggest that not only is ISO 9000 positive for companies but also it can actually reduce benefits and profitability.

Practical implications

Several reasons for these results can be suggested and constitute a critique of the almost compulsory character of ISO 9000 as a norm for performance in some markets. Companies should be aware that implementing ISO 9000 just for compliance does not constitute a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This research uses objective measures of performance and combines two methodologies: the comparison between certified and non‐certified companies and a longitudinal analysis.
A review of work on rhizosphere microbiota in Uganda
Authors: Rwakaikara Silver M. C. , Nkwiine C.
Published: July 2007

The rhizosphere is broadly defined as the soil volume under the influence of plant roots, enriched with exudates, secretions and mucilaginous materials. It supports an active microbial population distinctive from the bulk soil. Subsequently, there are many interactions between plant‐microflora, plant‐macro‐fauna, microflora–macrofauna and soil‐plant‐microflora. Some relationships are positive and others parasitic. Significant among the beneficial ones are symbioses between leguminous plant species and legume nodule bacteria and mycorrhizal association occurring widely among plants. The former has been extensively studied and substantial gain made in harnessing biologically fixed nitrogen. Mycorrhizal investigations are still inadequate, especially production of commercial inoculants. Similarly, plant disease and their causative agents raise great concern hence a lot of work has been done. There other benefits that have not been well tapped like production of growth promoting substances and bio‐control agents. Despite the evident importance of the rhizosphere there are no specific citations of deliberate studies on its micro‐biota in Uganda. Therefore there is urgent need for research to determine, the abundance, diversity and distribution of rhizosphere biota, their impact on natural and agro‐ecosystem functioning. The studies should also document indigenous knowledge, impact of current policies and build physical and human capacities to handle current and future challenges.
High levels of genetic variability and panmixia of the tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1816) in the main channel of the Amazon River
Authors: Santos M. C. F. , Ruffino M. L. , Farias I. P.
Published: July 2007

In this study, the complete mitochondrial control region of 48 tambaqui Colossoma macropomum specimens from five localities along a 2200 km transect of the Amazon basin was analysed. High genetic variability was observed in all localities sampled. Analyses of molecular variance indicated that nearly all of the molecular variance was contained within localities, and estimates of gene flow among localities were high. These results suggest that the tambaqui forms a panmictic population along the Solimões‐Amazon River channel and are in agreement with species‐typical behaviour of semi‐migratory movements driven by dispersal for feeding and reproduction during its life cycle. Inspite of the observed high levels of genetic variability and mutation‐drift equilibrium of the mtDNA control region, the tambaqui has experienced a 90% demographic decrease and reduction of size at maturity in the past two decades. Population estimates based on molecular markers therefore do not reflect its current demographic status but rather its status in ecological time.
Length and sequence variation in the mitochondrialDNA control region of the Etruscan freshwater goby Padogobius nigricans (Teleostei, Gobiidae)
Authors: Cervelli M. , Bianchi M. , Scalici M. , Gibertini G. , Oliverio M. , Mariottini P.
Published: July 2007

The primary structures of the mtDNA control region, the flanking tRNAPro and tRNAPhe genes and the partial 12S rRNA gene of the freshwater Etruscan goby Padogobius nigricans (Teleostei, Gobiidae) were determined. A tandem array of variable 17‐bp repeats, named R1–7, was found to be responsible for most of the observed length and sequence variation between individuals.
Comparative phylogeography of endemic cyprinids in the south‐west Iberian Peninsula: evidence for a new ichthyogeographic area
Authors: Mesquita N. , Cunha C. , Carvalho G. R. , Coelho M. M.
Published: July 2007

The comparative phylogeography and evolutionary history of three native cyprinid genera, Squalius (subfamily Leuciscinae), Chondrostoma (subfamily Leuciscinae) and Barbus (subgenus Luciobarbus; subfamily Cyprininae), were examined focusing mainly in the South‐Western region of the Iberian Peninsula, where recently described endemic species are present with considerably restricted distribution areas. In order to accomplish that the variation at the complete cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) was analysed for specimens from the South‐Western region, and also for representatives of the three genera from all over the Iberian Peninsula. Data indicate different evolutionary histories, with distinct time periods of colonization between the two cyprinid subfamilies in the Iberian Peninsula. Four new Iberian ichthyogeographic areas are accordingly proposed based on congruent phylogeographic and geological evidences: the South‐Western, the South‐Eastern, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Evidence was provided for the older isolation of the South‐Western area in the Miocene during the Endorheic Drainages phase, designating a clearly defined and distinct ichthyogeographic area. A new molecular clock calibration is proposed for the subgenus Luciobarbus.
A new species of mullet (Teleostei: Mugilidae) from Venezuela, with a discussion on the taxonomy of Mugil gaimardianus
Authors: Harrison I. J. , Nirchio M. , Oliveira C. , Ron E. , Gaviria J.
Published: July 2007

The original description of Mugil gaimardianus has created various taxonomic problems in the past since the description is ambiguous and the type specimen is apparently lost. The name M. gaimardianus could not be reliably applied to any known species and was suppressed by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) (Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature, 51: 286–287, 1994). Nevertheless, karyological evidence has shown that there is a species of mullet in Venezuelan coastal waters that does not conform to the description of any other mullet from the Western Central Atlantic and has the feature of a red eye that was often used by earlier authors to define nominal M. gaimardianus. The purpose of this study was to make a morphological description of these unusual specimens, provide a morphological diagnosis from other species of Mugil present in the Caribbean and Western Central Atlantic and establish a valid name for the species.
Genotoxicity assessment in fish peripheral blood: a method for a more efficient analysis of micronuclei
Authors: Costa P. M. , Costa M. H.
Published: July 2007

The authors describe a method for analysis of micronuclei using a nucleic acid‐specific fluorochrome, acridine orange, and ultraviolet microscopy in order to establish a simple and reliable technique for routine genotoxicity assessment in fish peripheral erythrocytes.
Lumping lumpsuckers: molecular and morphological insights into the taxonomic status of Eumicrotremus spinosus (Fabricius, 1776) and Eumicrotremus eggvinii Koefoed, 1956 (Teleostei: Cyclopteridae)
Authors: Byrkjedal I. , Rees D. J. , Willassen E.
Published: July 2007

The genus Eumicrotremus comprises 16 lumpsucker species distributed in the Arctic and northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The most common species in the North Atlantic is Eumicrotremus spinosus, described in 1776, and characterized partly by numerous bony tubercles on the head and body. Another Atlantic species, Eumicrotremus eggvinii, described in 1956, remained known only from a single specimen until additional specimens were recently recovered. To reassess the status of E. eggvinii, 21 meristic and 32 morphometric characters were analysed for a total of 83 specimens of E. spinosus and E. eggvinii. Mitochondrial (COI, COII and cyt‐b) and nuclear (Tmo‐4C4) genes were also sequenced for both species, along with Eumicrotremus derjugini. The results indicate that although E. spinosus and E. eggvinii are clearly separated by a considerable number of morphological characters, they in fact constitute a single, sexually dimorphic species. Thirteen specimens of E. eggvinii (including the holotype) and 59 E. spinosus could be sexed; all individuals of E. eggvinii turned out to be males and all E. spinosus were females. Identical DNA sequences were found in all E. eggvinii and E. spinosus for COI, COII and Tmo‐4C4, and a single shared synonymous substitution found in cyt‐b. In contrast, E. spinosus, E. eggvinii and E. derjugini differed by 5·9% for COI and COII, 1·2% for Tmo‐4C4 and 8·3% for cyt‐b.
Stress signaling in cancer
Authors: Murakami Shiori , Noguchi Takuya , Takeda Kohsuke , Ichijo Hidenori
Published: July 2007

The human body is continuously exposed to a wide variety of physical, chemical, and biological stress stimuli from both the external and internal environments. In order to adapt to or resist stress, cells are equipped with multiple signaling systems, which elicit a wide range of stress responses. Stress signaling also operates to eliminate cells with severe stress‐induced damage through the induction of apoptosis. Once stress signaling is compromised in certain adverse conditions, however, cells exhibit aberrant responses to stress, which can eventually cause various diseases including cancer. In the present review, the authors focus on the current understanding of the critical linkage between stress signaling and cancer. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1521–1527)
Extracellular heat shock protein 90: A role for a molecular chaperone in cell motility and cancer metastasis
Authors: Tsutsumi Shinji , Neckers Len
Published: July 2007

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone whose association is required for the stability and function of multiple mutated, chimeric and over‐expressed signaling proteins that promote the growth and/or survival of cancer cells. Hsp90 client proteins include mutated p53, Bcr‐Abl, Raf‐1, Akt, HER2/Neu (ErbB2) and HIF‐1α. Hsp90 inhibitors, by interacting specifically with a single molecular target, cause the destabilization and eventual degradation of Hsp90 client proteins, and the first‐in‐class Hsp90 inhibitor, 17‐allylamino‐17 demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG), is currently in phase II clinical trials. A fraction of Hsp90 has been identified at the cell surface and its presence has recently been shown to correlate with melanoma progression. Inhibition of cell‐surface Hsp90 with antibodies or cell‐impermeable Hsp90 inhibitors blocks cell motility and invasion in vitro and cancer metastasis in vivo. Thus, cell‐surface Hsp90 may play a unique role in tumor metastasis, distinct from but perhaps overlapping with its intracellular function. In addition, because cell‐surface Hsp90 may be the point of contact between some viruses and host cells, this pool of the chaperone may play a distinct role in initiation of infectious disease. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1536–1539)
Notch ligand Delta‐1 differentially modulates the effects of gp130 activation on interleukin‐6 receptor α‐positive and ‐negative human hematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Yamamura Kentaro , Ohishi Kohshi , Katayama Naoyuki , Kato Keizo , Shibasaki Tetsunori , Sugimoto Yuka , Miyata Eri , Shiku Hiroshi , Masuya Masahiro , Nishioka Junji , Nobori Tsutomu , Nishikawa Mitsuo , Inagaki Yoshimasa , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Nakahata Tatsutoshi
Published: July 2007

Interleukin (IL)‐6 plays pleiotropic roles in human hematopoiesis and immune responses by acting on not only the IL‐6 receptor‐α subunit (IL‐6Rα)+ but also IL‐6Rα− hematopoietic progenitors via soluble IL‐6R. The Notch ligand Delta‐1 has been identified as an important modulator of the differentiation and proliferation of human hematopoietic progenitors. Here, it was investigated whether these actions of IL‐6 are influenced by Delta‐1. When CD34+CD38− hematopoietic progenitors were cultured with stem cell factor, flt3 ligand, thrombopoietin and IL‐3, Delta‐1, in combination with the IL‐6R/IL‐6 fusion protein FP6, increased the generation of glycophorin A+ erythroid cells but counteracted the effects of IL‐6 and FP6 on the generation of CD14+ monocytic and CD15+ granulocytic cells. Although freshly isolated CD34+CD38− cells expressed no or only low levels of IL‐6Rα, its expression was increased in myeloid progenitors after culture but remained negative in erythroid progenitors. It was found that Delta‐1 acted in synergy with FP6 to enhance the generation of erythroid cells from the IL‐6Rα− erythroid progenitors. In contrast, Delta‐1 antagonized the effects of IL‐6 and FP6 on the development of monocytic and granulocytic cells, as well as CD14−CD1a+ dendritic cells, from the IL‐6Rα+ myeloid progenitors. These results indicate that Delta‐1 interacts differentially with gp130 activation in IL‐6Rα− erythroid and IL‐6Rα+ myeloid progenitors. The present data suggest a divergent interaction between Delta‐1 and gp130 activation in human hematopoiesis. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1597–1603)
PolyADP‐ribosylation and cancer
Authors: Miwa Masanao , Masutani Mitsuko
Published: July 2007

The polyADP‐ribosylation reaction results in a unique post‐translational modification involved in various cellular processes and conditions, including DNA repair, transcriptional control, genomic stability, cell death and transformation. The existence of 17 members of the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) family has so far been documented, with overlapping functional consequences. PARP‐1 is known to be involved in DNA base excision repair and this explains the susceptibility spectrum of PARP‐1 knockout animals to genotoxic carcinogens. The fact that centrosome amplification is induced by a non‐genotoxic inhibitor of PARP and in PARP‐1 knockout mouse cells, is in line with aneuploidy, which is frequent in cancers. Genetically engineered animal models have revealed that PARP‐1 and VPARP impact carcinogenesis. Furthermore, accumulating experimental evidence supports the utility of PARP and PARG inhibitors in cancer therapy and several clinical trials are now ongoing. Increasing NAD+ levels by pharmacological supplementation with niacin has also been found to exert preventive effects against cancer. In the present review, recent research progress on polyADP‐ribosylation related to neoplasia is summarized and discussed. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1528–1535)
Reduced sulfation of chondroitin sulfate in thyroglobulin derived from human papillary thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Emoto Naoya , Kunii Yo Kidokoro , Ashizawa Masayo , Oikawa Shinichi , Shimizu Kazuo , Shimonaka Motoyuki , Toyoda Akiko , Toyoda Hidenao
Published: July 2007

The presence of a chondroitin sulfate (CS) chain on human thyroglobulin (Tg) distinguishes it from Tg of other species; the role played by this chain in normal thyroid function is unclear. In the present study, we determined the structure of the CS oligosaccharides in human thyroid‐derived Tg. Q‐Sepharose anion exchange column chromatography of thyroid extracts indicated that the negative charge of human Tg was primarily due to the presence of the CS chain. Interestingly, the Tg of papillary carcinomas was less negatively charged, suggesting that its CS side chain was less sulfated. Structural analysis of the CS in Tg revealed that its most abundant disaccharide is the ΔDi‐0S unit (50.2 ± 18.3%), which is not sulfated. The ΔDi‐0S, ΔDi‐6S (31.7 ± 13.7%) and ΔDi‐diSD (12.8 ± 4.3%) units comprise more than 90% of the disaccharides in normal Tg. However, the ΔDi‐6S (0.0–21.2%) and ΔDi‐diSD (0.0–7.7%) units were significantly reduced in Tg extracted from papillary thyroid carcinomas, whereas ΔDi‐0S (86.0 ± 21.3%) was increased. These results suggest that the Tg in papillary carcinomas has a less sulfated CS side chain and, by virtue of that fact, is less negatively charged. What role this change in carcinoma cells has in their transformation and spread remains to be determined. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1577–1581)
Therapeutic strategy using phenotypic modulation of cancer cells by differentiation‐inducing agents
Authors: Honma Yoshio , Akimoto Miho
Published: July 2007

A low concentration of differentiation inducers greatly enhances the in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative effects of interferon (IFN)α in several human cancer cells. Among the differentiation inducers tested, the sensitivity of cancer cells to IFNα was most strongly affected by cotylenin A. Cotylenin A, which is a novel fusicoccane diterpene glycoside with a complex sugar moiety, affected the differentiation of leukemia cells that were freshly isolated from acute myelogenous leukemia patients in primary culture. Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptor DR5 were early genes induced by the combination of cotylenin A and IFNα in carcinoma cells. Neutralizing antibody to TRAIL inhibited apoptosis, suggesting that cotylenin A and IFNα cooperatively induced apoptosis through the TRAIL signaling system. Combined treatment preferentially induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells while sparing normal lung epithelial cells. In an analysis of various cancer cell lines, ovarian cancer cells were highly sensitive to combined treatment with cotylenin A and IFNα in terms of the inhibition of cell growth. This treatment was also effective toward ovarian cancer cells that were refractory to cisplatin, and significantly inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells as xenografts without apparent adverse effects. Ovarian cancer cells from patients were also sensitive to the combined treatment in primary cultures. Combined treatment with cotylenin A and IFNα may have therapeutic value in treating human cancers including ovarian cancer. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1643–1651)
Crack cocaine trajectories among users in a midwestern American city
Authors: Falck Russel S. , Wang Jichuan , Carlson Robert G.
Published: July 2007

Aims  Although crack cocaine first appeared in cities in the United States in the mid‐1980s, little is known about its use over long periods of time. This study identified crack cocaine user groups on the basis of long‐term trajectories.

Design  Following a natural history approach, data were collected periodically from 1996 to 2005. Group‐based modeling assessed the probability of a crack smoker becoming abstinent during the observation period.

Setting  A targeted sampling plan guided the recruitment of a community sample of crack cocaine users in Dayton, Ohio.

Participants  Crack smokers (n = 430) 18 years or older whose urine tested positive for cocaine metabolites at the baseline interview.

Measurements  Interviewer‐administered and audio computer self‐administered, structured questionnaires were used to collect data on a range of variables, including frequency of crack use. Abstinence was defined as not having used crack for at least 6 consecutive months during the study.

Findings  Three trajectory‐based groups were identified: (1) No Change, characterized by a very low probability of abstinence; (2) Some Change, characterized by a low to moderate probability of abstinence; and (3) Dramatic Change, characterized by a high probability of abstinence. African Americans and men were significantly less likely to become abstinent. For the majority of the people (63.6%), crack use was uninterrupted by extended periods of abstinence during the study.

Conclusion  Crack cocaine use that persists for a decade or longer may well be the norm for a large proportion of people who have experience with the drug.
An activating mutation of the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pac1 gene increases oxalic acid production at low pH but decreases virulence
Authors: KIM YOUNG TAE , PRUSKY DOV , ROLLINS JEFFREY A.
Published: July 2007

The production of oxalic acid by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is regulated by the ambient pH environment. This regulation and that of a few investigated pH‐responsive genes is mediated in part by the zinc finger transcription factor encoded by pac1, an orthologue of the Aspergillus nidulans pacC gene. We manipulated the pac1 sequence by site‐directed mutagenesis to create a dominant activating pac1c mutation and introduced this allele into a pac1 loss‐of‐function (Δpac1) strain. Consistent with a constitutive activation of Pac1 function, oxalic acid accumulation in recovered Δpac1‐pac1c strains was largely independent of ambient pH. Likewise, all three Δpac1‐pac1c strains accumulated detectable pac1 transcripts in a pH 3 environment; however, accumulation of pac1 transcripts remained alkaline‐inducible, but much reduced relative to wild‐type in two of the three Δpac1‐pac1c strains. Surprisingly, the accumulation of pg1 and acp1 transcripts, normally favoured by low pH conditions, were up‐regulated across the range of ambient pH conditions examined (pH 3.4–7.2). Accumulation of neutral pH‐expressed endopolygalacturonase‐6 (pg6) transcripts, however, did not differ from wild‐type. In pathogenicity assays using Arabidopsis and detached tomato leaflets, Δpac1‐pac1c strains were reduced in virulence despite the ability to accumulate oxalic acid independent of the prevailing ambient pH environment. These results support the hypothesis that appropriate gene regulation in response to ambient pH is important for full S. sclerotiorum virulence independent of oxalic acid accumulation.
Prevalence and severity of asthma and allergies in schoolchildren in Lhasa, Tibet
Authors: Droma Y. , Kunii O. , Yangzom Y. , Shan M. , Pingzo L. , Song P.
Published: July 2007

Background
The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) demonstrated that large variations existed in the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema throughout the world and that environmental factors and lifestyle customs are major determinants of the prevalence and severity of these diseases. However, the relevant data about children living at high‐altitude locations were considered to be underreported.

Objective
The ISAAC Phase III programme was carried out in Lhasa, the Tibetan Autonomous Region in China, at an elevation of 3658 m above sea level to examine the occurrence of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in schoolchildren aged 13–14 years.

Methods
All 3196 schoolchildren in eight public junior high schools in urban Lhasa who were confirmed to be 13–14 years old were invited and participated in both written and video questionnaire investigations, among which 3190 pieces of data (49.8% of boys and 50.2% of girls) were validated and analysed.

Results
Among the overall observations, the prevalence of ‘having ever experienced wheezing’, ‘current wheezing’ and ‘diagnosed to have asthma’ was 1.4%, 0.8% and 1.1%, respectively. The prevalence of current exercise‐induced asthma and current nocturnal cough was 7.1% and 4.6%, respectively. The current prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema was 5.2% and 0.4%, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms during the past 12 months showed no discernable differences throughout the year.

Conclusion
The prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema over the past 12 months was the lowest among the centres, that performed ISAAC worldwide.
L‐T3 preparation for whole‐body scintigraphy: a randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Leboeuf Rébecca , Perron Patrice , Carpentier André C. , Verreault Jean , Langlois Marie‐France
Published: July 2007

Background  Patients with thyroid cancer often need whole‐body scintigraphy (WBS) under TSH stimulation after 4–6 weeks withdrawal from levothyroxine (L‐T4). Patients often become severely hypothyroid with impaired quality of life. Liothyronine (L‐T3) substitution is used empirically to prepare patients; however, no data exist to prove its benefit.

Objectives  To compare the hypothyroid state in patients receiving either placebo or L‐T3 following L‐T4 withdrawal and to evaluate the time needed for adequate TSH elevation in preparation for WBS.

Methods  At the time of L‐T4 withdrawal, patients were randomized to receive L‐T3 (50 µg qd) or placebo for 3 weeks, after which treatment was stopped. A validated evaluation of hypothyroidism (Billewicz score) was administered in a double‐blind fashion every 2 weeks until the WBS. TSH, fT4 and fT3 were measured weekly.

Results  A total of 20 patients were randomized between September 2003 and May 2005. There was no difference in the Billewicz score at any time between the two groups. Before WBS, both groups were profoundly hypothyroid. TSH at time of WBS was similar in both groups. The time needed to reach a TSH level of more than 30 mUI/l was longer in L‐T3 group (mean ± SD: 32 ± 4 days vs. 17 ± 9 days in placebo group, P = 0·006).

Conclusion  Preparation for WBS with L‐T3 does not prevent profound hypothyroidism and delays TSH elevation required for WBS. L‐T4 withdrawal alone for 2–3 weeks is simpler and sufficient to allow TSH to reach a level of more than 30 mUI/l in the majority of patients without increasing morbidity from hypothyroidism.
Body fat in nonobese women with prolactinoma treated with dopamine agonists
Authors: Naliato Erika C. O. , Violante Alice H. D. , Caldas Dayse , Filho Adilson Lamounier , Loureiro Christiane R. , Fontes Rosita , Schrank Yolanda , Souza Rodrigo G. , Costa Patricia L. M. , Colao Annamaria
Published: July 2007

Objectives  To evaluate body fat in nonobese women with prolactinoma treated with dopamine agonists, using whole body dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and to correlate DXA results with biochemical data and clinical aspects of the prolactinoma.

Design, patients and measurements  A cross‐sectional study was performed in two University referral centres. Thirty‐one nonobese premenopausal women with prolactinoma were subjected to DXA and blood analysis at clinical evaluation. They were compared with 21 control women of similar age and body mass index (BMI).

Results  Women with prolactinoma treated with dopamine agonists and controls had similar body fat percentages in all sites evaluated with DXA (arms, legs, trunk, android, gynoid and total body). Patients with normal PRL levels at study entry had lower body fat percentages in all sites. In the patient group, arm, leg, truncal, android, gynoid and total body fat were positively associated with PRL levels.

Conclusion  Body fat percentage is similar in nonobese women with prolactinoma and in controls. The lower body fat content in patients with normal PRL levels is likely to be due to the metabolic effects of adequate dopamine receptor type 2 (DR2) activation as a result of regular dopamine agonist treatment. This finding reinforces the importance of the appropriate treatment with dopamine agonists in women with prolactinoma, which, besides normalizing PRL levels, reduces body fat content and the consequent risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome and its complications.
Health outcome measurements in children with sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Georgalas C. , Babar‐Craig H. , Arora A. , Narula A.
Published: July 2007

Objective:  To validate the Child Health Questionnaire, measure quality of life in children with obstructive sleep apnoea and assess the impact of surgery.

Methods:  The primary carer of a consecutive series of 42 patients with sleep disordered breathing referred to a paediatric otolaryngology clinic completed the Child Health Questionnaire (version PF 28). Questionnaires were analysed for data quality and completeness, item/scale correlation, internal consistency and discriminant validity, interscale correlation and reliability. Following overnight pulse oximetry 37 children were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea and underwent adenotonsillectomy.

Results:  Child Health Questionnaire Physical Functioning 28 demonstrated excellent measuring characteristics in our population. Compared with normative data, children with obstructive sleep apnoea and their carers suffer a significant quality of life deficit, involving 10 of 13 subscales of the Child Health Questionnaire. This was most prominent in parental emotional impact, general health perception and family activities. There was no correlation between the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea and quality of life indices. Following surgery, there was a significant improvement in all Child Health Questionnaire subscales, which became equivalent to healthy children.

Conclusion:  The Child Health Questionnaire Physical Functioning 28 is an accurate and reliable way of assessing the impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on the quality of life in children in Britain. This appears to be significant in most aspects of a child's life, but is fully reversed following surgery.
Endonasal endoscopic approach to the petrous apex: an image‐guided quantitative anatomical study1
Authors: Chatrath P. , Nouraei S.A.R. , De Cordova J. , Patel M. , Saleh H.A.
Published: July 2007

Background:  The petrous apex is a relatively inaccessible region, deeply situated within the skull base. Removal of lesions from this area, traditionally accomplished via lateral approaches, can cause significant morbidity. We undertook an anatomical study to investigate the surgical anatomy of the petrous apex through an endonasal endoscopic approach, which has been sporadically described in the literature, to investigate its feasibility and to characterise clear and consistent surgical landmarks for access.

Methods:  Cadaveric dissections were performed on five heads. Pre‐dissection computed tomography scans were used, with the BrainLabTM navigation system, to verify entry into the petrous apex. Surgical landmarks were characterised in relation to fixed sphenoid sinus structures, and surgical access before and after drilling the sphenoid sinus rostrum was quantitatively compared.

Results:  The landmark for entry into the petrous apex was the intersection of a vertical line halfway between the medial surface of the internal carotid artery and the midline, with a horizontal line one‐third of the way up from the postero‐inferior floor of the sphenoid sinus. The dimensions of the postero‐superior sphenoid sinus were characterised by the inter‐carotid distance, pituitary‐to‐sphenoid‐floor distance and the width of the sphenoid sinus floor, which were 15 ± 3 mm, 16 ± 3 mm and 26 ± 1.6 mm respectively. The surface area of surgical access was 193 ± 28 mm2, increasing to 316 ± 39 mm2 after drilling of the sphenoid rostrum (P < 0.001; paired t‐test).

Conclusions:  Endoscopic approach to the petrous apex is anatomically feasible, and, aided by image navigation, could extend the scope of endonasal surgery to access highly‐selected lesions in the middle cranial fossa.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of coblation tonsillectomy versus dissection tonsillectomy with bipolar diathermy haemostasis
Authors: Mitic S. , Tvinnereim M. , Lie E. , Šaltytė B.J.
Published: July 2007

Objectives:  To compare postoperative recovery in children between 4 and 12 years undergoing tonsillectomy, using either coblation tonsillectomy or dissection tonsillectomy with bipolar diathermy haemostasis.

Design:  A prospective, single blind, randomised controlled trial.

Setting:  ENT clinic, University Teaching Hospital.

Participants:  Forty paediatric patients, aged between 4 and 12 years and between 16 and 60 kg in weight with standard indication for tonsillectomy.

Methods:  Patients were randomly allocated to either coblation tonsillectomy or dissection tonsillectomy groups. Patients, parents, and nurses were blinded for operation method. Parents were asked to fill out a postoperative diary from 1 to 10 days.

Main outcome measures:  Primary outcomes were scored for postoperative pain, nutrition, activity, and use of analgetics for each of the 10 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes were estimated from the nurses’ postoperative data and 10‐day follow‐up statistics regarding crossing of the two‐score limit.

Results:  The groups were statistically comparable by age, weight and operation type. There was no significant difference in operation time in two groups. Intra‐operative bleeding was significantly less in the coblation group. Statistically significant differences between dissection tonsillectomy and coblation tonsillectomy were found in the day when a score of two of five was passed in pain scores (9.6 versus 6.2), nutrition scores (8.9 versus 6.6), activity score (8.4 versus 6.6) and medicine intake (9.4 versus 6.4), We found parallelism, between regression lines, that indicates better postoperative life quality for the coblation tonsillectomy group and approximately 2 days’ shorter recovery time.

Conclusion:  In our pilot study, patients undergoing coblation tonsillectomy reported less pain, quicker return to normal diet, quicker return to normal activity, and less use of analgetics over a 10‐day period than patients undergoing dissection tonsillectomy. Our results indicate that the recovery period for coblation tonsillectomy was approximately 2 days shorter and demonstrated less morbidity.
SerenoCemTM‐glass ionomeric granules: a 3‐year follow‐up assessment of their effectiveness in mastoid obliteration
Authors: Clark M.P.A. , Bottrill I.
Published: July 2007

Keypoints

• A chronically discharging cavity is a complication of canal‐wall down mastoidectomy procedures.

• Mastoid obliteration can reduce this otorrhoea, with many techniques and materials for obliteration described.

• This study assesses the effectiveness of SerenoCem™ granules in providing successful obliteration, by recording the need for subsequent aural care and patient satisfaction using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory.

• All ears were made dry by the procedure (three after revision). Aural care visits reduced [down 9.2 (95% CI 4.7–13.8) over 2 years] and quality of life benefited [total postoperative Glasgow Benefit Inventory score 21.8 (95% CI 10.1–33.6)] significantly, suggesting that SerenoCem™ granules are a useful biomaterial to consider in mastoid obliteration.

• Postoperative infection can prevent osseointegration of the SerenoCem™.
Head and neck cancer waiting times
Authors: Webb C.J. , Benton J. , Tandon S. , Jones T.M. , Roland N.J.
Published: July 2007

Keypoints

• The guidelines for treating cancer changed in December 2005 to no longer than 62 days from urgent referral to treatment, or 31 days from diagnosis to treatment.

• The use, by general practitioners, of suspected head and neck cancer proformas has reduced the time taken from referral to first outpatient appointment from 15 days in 2003 to 5.5 days in 2005.

• The introduction of specific radiology request forms for suspected malignancy has allowed easier identification of requests for imaging and subsequently a shorter waiting time for radiological investigations from 23 days in 2003 to 10 days in 2005.

• The appointment of a new dedicated head and neck cancer consultant at Aintree and the provision of another linear accelerator have reduced the waiting time for surgery from 68 days in 2003 to 39 days in 2005 and radiotherapy from 86 days in 2003 to 52.6 days in 2005.

• Patients not referred as suspected cancer patients who subsequently receive primary radiotherapy for a head and neck cancer fall outside the 62 day rule, being treated on average 70 days after referral.
Separating host‐tree and environmental determinants of honeydew production by Ultracoelostoma scale insects in a Nothofagus forest
Authors: DUNGAN ROGER J. , KELLY DAVE , TURNBULL MATTHEW
Published: July 2007

Abstract 1. Sugar‐rich honeydew excreted (‘produced’) by insects feeding on phloem sap is a key energy flow in a range of temperate and tropical ecosystems. The present study measured honeydew produced by Ultracoelostoma sp. (Homoptera: Coelostomidiidae) scale insects feeding on Nothofagus solandri var. solandri (Hook f.) Oerst. trees in a temperate evergreen forest in New Zealand. Simultaneous measurements of environmental variables and canopy photosynthesis were conducted to allow separation of host‐tree and environmental determinants of honeydew production. These relationships were further examined in experiments where canopy photosynthesis was manipulated by shading or plant nitrogen levels increased by foliar spray.

2. Rates of honeydew production varied nine‐fold from a maximum (± 1 SE) of 64.4 ± 15.2 mg dry mass m−2 bark h−1 in early summer (December) to a minimum of 7.4 ± 4.2 mg m−2 h−1 in winter (August). Rates of production measured 1.4 m from the base of the trees’ stems varied significantly with stem diameter, and were higher on medium‐sized (18 cm diameter) than small or large stems.

3. Rates of production were significantly related to environmental conditions over the hours preceding measurement (air temperature and air saturation deficit averaged over the preceding 24 and 12 h respectively). There was no evidence that rates of production were directly related to short‐term changes in the supply of carbohydrates from the canopy (either when compared with measurements of unmanipulated photosynthetic rate, or after sugar levels were manipulated by shading 80% of host‐trees’ leaf area), or to changes in phloem nitrogen content.

4. The results show that there is no clear effect of host‐tree carbon supply on honeydew production; if production is related to photosynthesis, the effect of this is much less important that the large and significant direct effect of environmental conditions on honeydew production.