bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementation of xylanase and phospholipase to wheat‐based diets for weaner pigs
Authors: Diebold G. , Mosenthin R. , Sauer W. C. , Dugan M. E. R. , Lien K. A.
Published: August 2005

The effects of supplementing a wheat‐based diet for weaner pigs with exogenous xylanase and phospholipase on ileal and faecal nutrient digestibilities and on the level of microbial metabolites in ileal digesta were examined. Fourteen piglets, weaned at 11 days, were fitted with a simple T‐cannula at the distal ileum. The pigs were offered a control diet or diets supplemented with xylanase and phospholipase individually or in combination, in a two period crossover design. The combination of xylanase and phospholipase tended to increase the ileal recovery of the amino sugar galactosamine, whereas the concentration expressed in mg/kg dry matter intake of glucosamine was slightly decreased (p < 0.10). There was neither an effect of enzyme supplementation on ileal and faecal digestibility of the other nutrients and energy, nor was there an effect on pH and on the level of microbial metabolites in ileal digesta. However, an increase in ileal and faecal nutrient and energy digestibility with increasing age was observed. The ileal and faecal digestibility coefficients (except for ether extract) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in experimental period I than in period II. These higher values may be attributed to a lower feed intake during period I. Since a lower level of feed intake is generally associated with a slower rate of passage and a longer retention time of digesta, a positive impact on digestion and absorption of nutrients can be assumed, which, on the other hand, limits the potential of additional enzyme effects.
Relationship between plasma leptin concentrations and carcass composition in fattening mutton: a comparison with ultrasound results
Authors: Altmann M. , Sauerwein H. , Von Borell E.
Published: August 2005

Positive relationships between circulating leptin concentrations and body fat content have been established in sheep when covering a rather broad range of age and/or body weight. The usefulness of leptin measurements for predicting carcass fat has yet to be evaluated specifically in fattening lambs. We therefore measured plasma leptin concentrations in 56 male lambs half and half Merino Mutton and Blackheaded Mutton. Subcutaneous fat thickness was measured by ultrasound 1 day before the lambs were slaughtered at 35 or 45 kg live weight. Carcass composition was determined by tissue dissection. The coefficients of correlations between leptin and the different amounts in fat depots ranged from 0.40 to 0.56 within the two live weight groups, and from 0.53 to 0.64 when taking the two groups together. Carcass fat percentage was estimated by leptin concentrations with the same accuracy (R2 = 0.34) as with ultrasound fat thickness. The accuracy was higher for leptin in the 35 kg‐group whereas the accuracy was higher for ultrasound fat thickness in the 45 kg‐group (R2 = 0.26 vs. 0.31). A combination of leptin and ultrasound fat thickness clearly enhanced the precision of estimation in all groups. Further investigations on the influence of factors such as breed, gender, duration of feed withdrawal or photoperiod on the association between leptin and carcass composition are necessary before the suitability of plasma leptin concentration for practical application can be evaluated.
The effect of tryptophan supplementation of diets of restricted‐ and unrestricted‐fed young pigs
Authors: Susenbeth A. , Lucanus U.
Published: August 2005

Young pigs (body weight 15–25 kg) were used to study the effect of graded levels of tryptophan supplementation to a diet containing 2.5 g tryptophan/kg dry matter (DM) and having a tryptophan to lysine ratio of 0.17 under restricted and unrestricted feeding conditions. Ad libitum feed intake and growth rate were 0.99 kg DM/day and 0.84 kg/day, respectively, and were not affected by supplementation of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 g tryptophan/kg diet. In restricted‐fed piglets (80% of ad libitum intake) tryptophan supplementation did not improve growth rate. Therefore, greater optimum tryptophan to lysine ratios for young fast growing pigs, as concluded from results of some recently published studies in contrast to results of other studies, could not be confirmed. Possible reasons for discrepancies in published values for optimum tryptophan supply are briefly discussed. In accordance with general recommendations given in the literature, it can be concluded that a tryptophan to lysine ratio between 0.17 and 0.18 is sufficient to reach high feed intake and high growth rate in young pigs, when adequately supplied with lysine and other amino acids.
Cholate and deoxycholate counteract the calcium‐induced lowering of fat digestion in rats
Authors: Yuangklang C. , Wensing Th. , Lankhorst Æ. , Lemmens A. G. , Fielmich‐Bouman X. M. , Jittakhot S. , Beynen A. C.
Published: August 2005

The objective of the present experiment was to investigate whether deoxycholate and cholate would differ in their effectiveness of counteracting the inhibitory effect of calcium on fat digestibility in rats. Rats were fed one of four experimental diets, a diet low in calcium, high in calcium or high in calcium with either 0.5% sodium cholate or 0.5% sodium deoxycholate. Both deoxycholate and cholate supplementation of the high‐calcium diet reduced feed intake and body‐weight gain. Low‐calcium intake increased fat digestibility. Supplemental bile acids partially counteracted the calcium‐induced inhibition of fat digestion, cholate being more effective than deoxycholate. The outcome is explained by the suggestion that cholate is bound to the calcium phosphate sediment in the small intestinal lumen with less affinity than deoxycholate. As a result, more cholate than deoxycholate would be available to support the process of fat digestion. Rats fed cholate had higher liver and serum cholesterol concentrations than did the rats fed deoxycholate.
Insecticidal activities of secondary metabolites of endophytic Pencillium sp. in Derris elliptica Benth
Authors: Hu M. Y. , Zhong G. H. , Sun Zh. T. , Sh G , Liu H. M. , Liu X. Q.
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  A strain of endophytic Pencillium sp., which might produce rotenone or its analogues and showed bioactivity against aphids, was isolated from the fresh roots of Derris elliptica Benth. A total of 12 fractions, isolated from the chloroform extract of endophytic Pencillium sp. mycelia by silica gel column, were tested by bioassay and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the more bioactive fractions were found to be D, E and J. Against the adult turnip aphid, Lipaphis erysimi, by dipping at a concentration of 1 mg/ml, the corrected mortalities of fraction D, E and J were 57.68, 63.28 and 69.74% after 48 h of treatment respectively. The three fractions also showed strong antifeeding activity against third instar larvae of Plutella xylostella in a laboratory bioassay. One absorption peak was detected in the HPLC picture of fraction D, it had a similar retention time as that of rotenone, and the chemical constituent, related to the absoption peak, had the same ultraviolet absorption picture as that of rotenone. Then it could be further concluded that the bioactive compounds in the fraction D could be rotenone or its analogous compounds.
Interspecific interactions between Bemisia tabaci (Hem., Aleyrodidae) and Liriomyza sativae (Dipt., Agromyzidae)
Authors: Zhang L.‐P. , Zhang G.‐Y. , Zhang Y.‐J. , Zhang W.‐J. , Liu Z.
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  The study examines interspecific interactions between Bemisia tabaci (Hem., Aleyrodidae) and Liriomyza sativae (Dipt., Agromyzidae) feeding on pumpkins and cucumbers. L. sativae density on control pumpkins and cucumbers peaked 3 and 2 weeks after adults were seen, respectively. Compared with controls, L. sativae densities observed for weeks 3–6 and 2–6 in the B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants were significantly lower, respectively (F2.00 = 22.66, P < 0.01). The survival of L. sativae larvae transplanted to B. tabaci‐pre‐infested pumpkins and cucumbers was 16.06%, 10.02% and 13.09%, 9.21%, whereas those transplanted to control plants were 52.20%, 36.06% and 48.25%, 28.22% after 5 and 10 days, respectively (χ2 = 6.9, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01). Pupation rates of L. sativae feeding on control plants were 20.25% and 16.45%, whereas those feeding on the B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants only 4.08% and 4.21%, respectively (χ2 = 7.0, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01). The length and number of mines of L. sativae on the control pumpkins and cucumbers were 54.05%, 54.10% and 89.06%, 76.22% longer or higher than those on B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants, respectively. Leaf positions of L. sativae feeding on the plants were also affected by B. tabaci‐pre‐infested. These results showed that B. tabaci infestations had a significantly negative effect on L. sativae when they were feeding simultaneously on the same host plant.
Cholecystocolonic fistula preoperatively diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound of the colon
Authors: OKADA NAOTO , HIROOKA YOSHIKI , ITOH AKIHIRO , HASHIMOTO SENJU , ISHIKAWA HIDEKI , ITOH TERUTOMO , KAWASHIMA HIROKI , GOTO HIDEMI
Published: August 2005

Abstract  The patient was a 58‐year‐old woman. Gallbladder stones and occult blood in feces were detected during a physical check‐up, then the patient was referred to Nagoya University Hospital. In this case the fistula was difficult to diagnosed by ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) of the upper intestinal tract because the gallbladder was filled with stones. Barium enema and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography did not reveal fistula. Curved‐linear array EUS of the colon showed fistula.
Role of tissue harmonic imaging in focal hepatic lesions: Comparison with conventional sonography
Authors: SODHI KUSHALJIT SINGH , SIDHU RAVINDER , GULATI MADHU , SAXENA AKSHAY , SURI SUDHA , CHAWLA YOGESH
Published: August 2005

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare iissue harmonic imaging (THI) and conventional sonography in focal hepatic lesions.

Methods: Fifty patients with focal hepatic lesions were enrolled for study. Conventional grayscale and THI was performed in all the patients and two sets of images of the lesions were recorded (one each for THI and conventional) and assessed for fluid–solid differentiation, detail and overall image quality. These images were compared with conventional sonographic images and graded better, same or worse as per the case. Lesions were confirmed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)/surgery/other modalities such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: Out of 50 patients with focal hepatic lesions, 21 patients had metastatic lesions (two single; 19 multiple) five patients had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), five patients had hydatid cysts, nine had simple hepatic cyst whereas five patients had liver abscess, three had focal fatty infiltration; and lymphoma and hemangioma were seen in one patient each. The first observer ranked THI better than standard sonography in 40 patients (80%) for fluid–solid differentiation, in 38 (76%) for detail and in 39 (78%) for overall image quality. The second observer ranked THI better than standard sonography in 39 patients (78%) for fluid–solid differentiation, in 40 (80%) for detail and in 42 (84%) for overall image quality. Tissue harmonic imaging provided additional information in eight patients (16%) and resulted in treatment alteration in three patients (6%).

Conclusion: Tissue harmonic imaging was significantly better than conventional sonography for fluid–solid differentiation, detail and total image quality in focal hepatic lesions, especially in obese patients and patients with poor acoustic window.
Role of serum factors in epithelial cell responses to Helicobacter pylori infection in vitro
Authors: SIEVEKING DANIEL , LEACH STEVEN T , MITCHELL HAZEL M , DAY ANDREW S
Published: August 2005

Background: Gastric epithelial cell lines have been utilized extensively as tools to define aspects of the interactions between Helicobacter pylori and host epithelial cells. Fetal calf serum (FCS) is employed as a growth stimulant, but it is unclear whether this agent may in itself alter host responses

Methods: Two gastric epithelial cell lines were utilized to ascertain the effects of varying FCS concentration on cellular responses following H. pylori infection. Media containing 0%, 5% or 10% FCS was added to cell lines prior to infection with H. pylori of defined genotype. Cellular interleukin (IL)‐8 production was measured as a marker of cellular response. Effects of altered FCS upon cell viability were also determined by trypan blue exclusion.

Results: Interleukin‐8 production by AGS cells following H. pylori infection was not altered by variation of media FCS concentration. However, KATO‐III cells produced greater amounts of IL‐8 when media was FCS‐free than at 5% or 10% FCS. Although cellular viability was not altered in AGS cells exposed to varied concentrations of FCS, viability was decreased in serum‐free KATO‐III cells, but not when cells were kept at 5% FCS.

Conclusions: Serum‐derived factors alter cellular responses to H. pylori infection in a cell‐line‐dependent manner and impaired cellular viability may relate to this effect. However, the mechanisms for these observations are unclear and further work is now required to determine the nature of these important interactions.
Timing of lamivudine administration according to Child class in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: BAE SI HYUN , YOON SEUNG KEW , CHOI JONG YOUNG , JANG JEONG WON , CHO SE HYUN , YANG JIN MO , HAN NAM IK , AHN BYUNG MIN , CHUNG KYU WON , SUN HEE SIK
Published: August 2005

Background:  Few clinical trials have investigated the use of lamivudine (LAM) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis related to chronic hepatitis B. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of extended LAM treatment and to determine the timing of LAM administration in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods:  A total of 17 patients were treated with LAM 100 mg/day. The mean duration of follow up was 28 ± 8.4 months (range: 14–42 months). All patients were evaluated for evidence of clinical, biochemical and serologic replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. There were 12 patients with Child class B and five with Child class C.

Results:  Ten of 17 patients (58.2%) responded to LAM treatment. Of the breakthrough patients, six (86%) had YMDD motif variants. Clinical improvement was observed in nine out of 10 responders (90%), six of the seven breakthrough patients (86%) and five of six patients with YMDD variant DNA. Mean time to achieve a 2‐point reduction in Child–Pugh–Turcotte score was 14 months in patients with Child class C, compared with 5.9 months in those with Child class B (P < 0.001). Mean time required to gain a 0.5 g/dL increment in albumin was 14 months in Child class C and 5.8 months in Child class B. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion was achieved in five of 13 HBeAg‐positive patients at the last follow up and during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion:  Long‐term administration of LAM for patients with decompensated cirrhosis is effective. Earlier LAM administration in Child class B patients led to improved clinical outcomes.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Analysis of abnormal recovery pattern of liver function tests after surgical repair of bile duct strictures
Authors: NEGI SANJAY SINGH , CHAUDHARY ADARSH
Published: August 2005

Background: Gradual normalization of conventional liver function tests occurs in a majority of patients with extrahepatic biliary obstruction following adequate biliary drainage. Abnormal recovery pattern of liver function has been reported in up to 70% of these patients and there is scarcity of relevant information about this. The purpose of the present paper was to identify variables predictive of abnormal recovery pattern of liver function tests after surgical repair of benign biliary stricture.

Methods: Patient data, disease‐related characteristics and serial liver function tests were prospectively collected in 64 patients with post‐cholecystectomy bile duct strictures undergoing hepaticojejunostomy. Hepatic histology (fibrosis, portal inflammation, ductular proliferation and cholestasis) was independently graded by two pathologists using a previously validated scale. A cut‐off limit of longer than 2 weeks for normalization of liver function tests following definitive surgical repair was considered abnormal. The patients were accordingly dichotomized into groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed.

Results: Fourteen patients (22%) each had abnormal recovery pattern of serum bilirubin and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels while 13 (20%) had abnormal recovery pattern of serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) levels. Multivariate analysis revealed basal serum bilirubin level was an independent predictor of abnormal recovery pattern of serum bilirubin level while basal ALT level as well as degree of hepatic fibrosis were independent predictors of abnormal recovery of serum ALT level. Similarly, basal SAP level and degree of hepatic fibrosis were independent predictors of abnormal recovery of SAP level.

Conclusions: Basal values of liver function tests and degree of hepatic fibrosis are the most important predictors of abnormal recovery pattern of liver function following adequate biliary decompression in patients with post‐cholecystectomy bile duct stricture.
Distribution of the heterogeneity of des‐γ‐carboxyprothrombin in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: UEHARA SOICHIRO , GOTOH KATSUHIRO , HANDA HIROSHI , TOMITA HIROSHI , SENSHUU MITIKO
Published: August 2005

Background and Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the heterogeneity of des‐γ‐carboxyprothrombin (DCP) in the plasma of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), benign liver diseases, and normal controls and compare the DCP values by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for two types monoclonal antibodies (MU‐3 and 19B7).

Methods: We purified DCP from the plasma of 17 patients with HCC, three patients with metastatic liver tumors (MTLT), 12 with acute hepatitis (AH), five with chronic hepatitis (CH), nine with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 10 normal controls (NC). The DCP was analyzed by using immunoaffinity chromatography, reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography and measured by using an ELISA.

Results: In HCC, the synthesis of the 1‐, 3‐, and 4‐Gla (γ‐carboxyglutamic acid) DCP variants markedly increased, and those levels accounted for more than 50% of the DCP. The synthesis of the 3‐, and 4‐Gla DCP gradually increased in order of AH, CH, and LC patients. The MU‐3 antibody reacted with the 1‐, 3‐ and 4‐Gla DCP variants, whereas the 19B7 antibody reacted with the 6‐, 7‐ and 8‐Gla variants. The DCP was measured by ELISA, markedly increased in order of NC, AH, CH, LC, and HCC cases. The correlation of the ratios (1 + 3 + 4)‐Gla/(6 + 7 + 8)‐Gla DCP and MU‐3/19B7 was positive and statistically significant (r = 0.786, n = 56).

Conclusions: According to the severity of liver damages, the synthesis of the 1‐, 3‐ and 4‐Gla DCP variants that lost the Ca binding from the outside of the Gla‐domain of the prothrombin molecule increases and the MU‐3/19B7 ratio is believed to reflect this.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Response to vaccination against hepatitis B in patients with Behcet's disease
Authors: ERKEK EMEL , AYASLIOGLU ERGIN , ERKEK AYHAN BULENT , KURTIPEK GULCAN SAYLAM , BAGCI YETER
Published: August 2005

Background and Aim:  Hepatitis B virus infection is an important public health problem in Turkey. Although hepatitis B vaccination is regarded as safe and effective for the general population, recommendations for hepatitis B immunization in patients with Behcet's disease are not clear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the response of patients with Behcet's disease to hepatitis B vaccination and to determine whether hepatitis B vaccination has any adverse effects on the course of the disease.

Methods:  Thirteen patients with Behcet's disease and 15 healthy individuals were enrolled into a prospective study. All subjects received the 3‐dose series of routine hepatitis B vaccine. Anti‐hepatitis B surface response was evaluated 1–3 months after the third dose of vaccine.

Results:  The responder rates for patient and control groups were 12/13 (92.8%) and 14/15 (93.8%), respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of both the responder rates and mean antibody titers.

Conclusions:  These preliminary findings might suggest that the majority of patients with Behcet's disease develop protective antibody response after hepatitis B vaccination and that the immune response against hepatitis B surface antigen is adequate, efficient and intact.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Adverse hepatic events caused by radiotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: FURUSE JUNJI , ISHII HIROSHI , NAGASE MICHITAKA , KAWASHIMA MITSUHIKO , OGINO TAKASHI , YOSHINO MASAHIRO
Published: August 2005

Background:  Radiotherapy is often used to treat patients with unresectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study examines the nature and frequency of adverse events with respect to liver function in such patients after radiotherapy.

Methods:  Forty‐six patients with HCC who underwent radiotherapy were retrospectively examined. Radiotherapy was applied using coplanar 2–3‐beam arrangements to a target dose of 50 Gy/5 weeks. The adverse hepatic events were evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Scheme during the acute phase and the late phase by following the patients for up to 1 year. The influence on survival by adverse hepatic events and other factors was analyzed.

Results:  The full irradiation dose of 50 Gy was given to 40 patients (87.0%). Grade 3 or 4 toxicity was observed in 18 (39.1%) within 3 months after radiotherapy and in 11 (33.3%) of 33 thereafter, respectively. The most frequent and serious adverse events were hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and ascites. The independent adverse prognostic factors for survival were portal vein tumor thrombus (P = 0.0012), tumor response (P = 0.011), acute adverse hepatic event (P = 0.012), and late adverse hepatic event (P = 0.015).

Conclusions:  Hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and ascites were important hepatic adverse events that developed after applying radiotherapy to treat advanced HCC. These adverse events seriously affected survival.
Prognostic potential of hepatocyte volume and cytokine expression in cirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: KHAN SABOOR , DODSON ANDREW , CAMPBELL FIONA , KAWESHA ANTHONY , GRIME J STEVEN , CRITCHLEY MAIR , SUTTON ROBERT
Published: August 2005

Background: Differentiating the prognosis of Child‐Pugh A and B patients is difficult, particularly following an acute variceal hemorrhage. We have examined the prognostic significance of hepatocyte volume (HV) and the expression of selected cytokines controlling liver repair and regeneration.

Methods: Forty Child‐Pugh A and B cirrhotic patients surviving a first acute variceal hemorrhage were recruited prospectively. Hematological, biochemical, neurological, hemodynamic, radio‐nuclear and histological  assessments  were  carried  out  following  recovery  (at  3 weeks).  Fibrosis  (%)  and  HV  were calculated using histological morphometry and radio‐nuclear liver volume assessment. Immunohistochemistry was used in liver biopsy specimens to assess markers of proliferation (PCNA) and the expression of mitogens (TGF‐α, TGF‐β1) or their receptors (C‐met and EGFR).

Results: In total, 27 patients died during the follow‐up period. HV was predictive of survival in Child‐Pugh grade A patients (χ2 = 10.5,P = 0.0012), but percentage fibrosis and regeneration factor expression were not predictive in either Child‐Pugh A or B patients. Cox regression modeling with Child‐Pugh grade demonstrated HV to be an independent predictor of survival (χ2 = 7.1,P = 0.02).

Conclusions: HV predicts survival independently in cirrhotic portal hypertension, and may help to differentiate prognosis in those at the more favorable end of the disease spectrum. Liver cytokine expression 3 weeks following an acute variceal bleed did not appear useful in determining prognosis.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Polymerase chain reaction based analysis of the cytotoxin associated gene pathogenicity island of Helicobacter pylori from saliva: An approach for rapid molecular genotyping in relation to disease status
Authors: TIWARI SANTOSH K , KHAN ALEEM A , AHMED KHAJA S , ALI S MAHABOOB , AHMED IRSHAD , HABEEB AEJAZ , KAUSER FARHANA , HUSSAIN M ABID , AHMED NIYAZ , HABIBULLAH CHITTOOR M
Published: August 2005

Background and Aims: The genetic composition of the intricate cytotoxin associated gene pathogenicity island (cag PAI) of Helicobacter pylori is known to significantly influence the outcome of the disease. Hence, analysis of complete cag PAI of H. pylori isolated from saliva would be of immense importance in standardizing saliva as a reliable non‐invasive diagnostic specimen and also to evaluate the type of H. pylori infection. The aim of the present study was to analyze the genes of cag PAI of H. pylori for their presence and correlating them with the disease status of the patients.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty patients (55 duodenal ulcer [DU], 25 gastric ulcer and 40 non‐ulcer dyspepsia [NUD]) were investigated for the present study. Eight pairs of oligonucleotide primers (cagA1, cagA2, cagAP1, cagAP2, cagE, cagT, LEC1 and LEC2) of five different loci; cagA, cagA promoter region, cagE which represents cagI region, cagT and LEC representing cagII were used to detect the presence of the cag PAI genes by polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The comprehensive analysis of the genes constituting cag PAI showed almost equivalent prevalence of all the genes between both the study groups (ulcer and NUD) included. Little significant difference was found in the percentage distribution in both the clinical groups. cagE and cagT were found in a larger proportion of the ulcer group (92.5% and 96.2%) compared with the NUD group (77.5% and 85%), respectively.

Conclusion:  Saliva could be efficiently used as a non‐invasive source for H. pylori and cagT might be an important locus of the cag PAI, thus greatly influencing the disease condition of the subjects.
DNAzyme‐mediated cleavage of survivin mRNA and inhibition of the growth of PANC‐1 cells
Authors: LIANG ZHIYONG , WEI SHUANZENG , GUAN JIAN , LUO YUFENG , GAO JIE , ZHU HONG , WU SHAFEI , LIU TONGHUA
Published: August 2005

Background and Aim:  Survivin has functions in both the regulation of cell division and the inhibition of apoptosis, and it is expressed in most human tumors but not in normal adult tissues. It is a potential target for cancer gene therapy. In the present study, we designed a DNAzyme targeting human survivin mRNA and tried to determine its effect on human pancreatic carcinoma cell line PANC‐1.

Methods:  We designed and synthesized a ‘10–23’ antisurvivin mRNA DNAzyme, testified its cleavage activity by cell‐free test, then delivered it into the PANC‐1 cell line through liposome, and detected its effect on survivin mRNA expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot methods, evaluated its influence on the growth of PANC‐1 cells by apoptosis detection, growth curve, and flow cytometry.

Results:  Our results showed that the DNAzyme digested mRNA substrates of survivin efficiently in a dosage‐ and time‐dependent manner, markedly increased apoptosis and inhibited the growth of human pancreatic carcinoma cell line PANC‐1, compared with the disabled DNAzyme and untreated controls.

Conclusions:  Our results showed that the designed DNAzyme against survivin mRNA is a good candidate for cancer gene therapy of human pancreatic carcinoma.
A continuum damage model applied to high‐temperature fatigue lifetime prediction of a martensitic tool steel
Authors: VELAY V. , BERNHART G. , DELAGNES D. , PENAZZI L.
Published: September 2005

High‐temperature operational conditions of hot work tool steels induce several thermomechanical loads. Depending on the processes, (i.e. forging, die casting or extrusion), stress, strain, strain rate and temperature levels applied on the material are nevertheless very different. Thus, lifetime prediction models need to be able to take into account a broad range of working conditions. In this paper, a non‐isothermal continuum damage model is identified for a widely used hot work tool steel AISI H11 (X38CrMoV5) with a nominal hardness of 47 HRc. This investigation is based on an extensive high‐temperature, low‐cycle fatigue database performed under strain rate controlled conditions with and without dwell times in the temperature range 300–600°C . As analysis of experimental results does not reveal significant time‐dependent damage mechanisms, only a fatigue damage component was activated in the model formulation. After normalization, all fatigue results are defined on a master Woehler curve defined by a nonlinear damage model, which allows the parameter identification. Last, a validation stage of the model is performed from thermomechanical fatigue tests.
Coping With Interpersonal Stress: Role of Big Five Traits
Authors: Lee‐Baggley Dayna , Preece Melady , DeLongis Anita
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Seventy‐one couples living in a stepfamily context reported interpersonal family stressors and related coping strategies daily for 1 week in a daily process study. The role of personality and of the stressful context in each of the spouse's coping was examined. Personality was assessed via the Five‐Factor Model (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness). Two types of stressors emerged as primary dimensions of stepfamily stress: marital conflict and child misbehavior. These were treated as contextual factors in multilevel modeling analyses examining the independent and interactive effects of personality and situation on coping. Nine subscales of coping were examined based on three main functions of coping: problem‐, emotion‐ and relationship‐focused. Both the situational context and the five dimensions of personality examined were significantly and independently related to coping‐strategy use. Moreover, there were significant personality‐by‐context interactions. The present study highlights the importance of considering personality in context when examining coping behaviors.
A Longitudinal Study of the Relationship of Maternal Autonomy Support to Children's Adjustment and Achievement in School
Authors: Joussemet Mireille , Koestner Richard , Lekes Natasha , Landry Renée
Published: August 2005

Abstract
A longitudinal study examined the relations of maternal autonomy support to children's school adjustment. Autonomy support and other parenting dimensions were measured when children were 5 years old. School measures were teacher‐rated academic and social adjustment and achievement in reading and math in grade 3. Regression analyses controlling for age 5 family and child factors (e.g., socioeconomic status [SES], kindergarten adjustment, IQ) revealed that autonomy support was positively related to grade 3 adjustment (social and academic) and reading achievement. Maternal emphasis on school performance was positively related to achievement measures but negatively related to social adjustment. Maternal use of rewards and praise was unrelated to grade 3 school measures. Finally, supplemental analyses revealed that autonomy support was associated with greater consistency in children's adjustment across social and academic domains as well as higher overall adjustment. These results highlight the developmental significance of parental autonomy support in early childhood.
Honesty‐Humility, the Big Five, and the Five‐Factor Model
Authors: Ashton Michael C. , Lee Kibeom
Published: August 2005

Abstract
This study investigated the relations of the proposed sixth factor of personality, Honesty‐Humility, with the dimensions of the classic English lexical Big Five and the closely related Five‐Factor Model (FFM). Results showed that although Honesty‐Humility was largely unrelated to markers of the Big Five factors, it was substantially correlated with the FFM Agreeableness domain. This relation was largely due to the Straightforwardness and Modesty facets of FFM Agreeableness, which were only weakly correlated with the Big Five version of Agreeableness. A realignment of FFM facets to produce separate Honesty‐Humility and Agreeableness factors provided better prediction of personality variables that involve deceit without hostility, such as Social Adroitness and Self‐Monitoring. Results indicate the importance of assessing Honesty‐Humility as a separate factor.
Perfectionism, Ego Defense Styles, and Depression: A Comparison of Self‐Reports Versus Informant Ratings
Authors: Flett Gordon L. , Besser Avi , Hewitt Paul L.
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe present study examined the associations among perfectionism, defense styles, and depression in an Israeli community sample of young adults. This study involved a comparison of self‐reports and informant ratings on all measures. A community sample of 210 pairs of same‐sex best friends from Israel completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Defense Styles Questionnaire – 40, and a depression measure. Analyses confirmed that socially prescribed perfectionism is associated with depression, not only in terms of self‐reports but also in terms of informant ratings. In addition, informant ratings revealed a link between other‐oriented perfectionism and depression. Both self‐reports and informant ratings also indicated that socially prescribed perfectionism is associated with immature defense styles and neurotic defense styles. Further simultaneous Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analyses of self‐reports and informant ratings showed that maladaptive defense styles mediate the link between socially prescribed perfectionism and depression. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Extraversion, Threat Categorizations, and Negative Affect: A Reaction Time Approach to Avoidance Motivation
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Meier Brian P. , Vargas Patrick T.
Published: August 2005

Abstract
The authors sought to measure a component of the avoidance self‐regulation system, specifically one related to object appraisal functions. Participants performed a choice reaction time task (Studies 1 & 2) or a go/no go task (Study 3) in which they were asked to categorize words (e.g., knife) as threatening in nature. In a series of three studies involving 236 undergraduates, the authors found that introverts who were skilled at categorizing events as threatening (vs. introverts slow to do so) experienced more negative affect in their daily lives. Among extraverts, threat categorization performance did not predict negative affect. The authors suggest that implicit threat categorizations render individuals vulnerable to negative affect but that high levels of Extraversion are capable of inhibiting such affective consequences. The authors discuss implications of the findings for extant views of Extraversion, avoidance motivation, and self‐regulation.
Predicting Entrepreneurship From Ideation and Divergent Thinking
Authors: Ames Michael , Runco Mark A.
Published: August 2005

In order to find out why certain entrepreneurs are successful we administered two measures of ideational skill to 47 successful entrepreneurs. The first asked about the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) to their own businesses; it assessed the participants’ ideational productivity (i.e. fluency) and originality. The second measure was a self‐report of ideational tendencies in the natural environment. Statistical analyses indicated that the more successful entrepreneurs did indeed have particular ideational tendencies. This was especially apparent in the self‐report measure of ideation. The two groups did not differ in terms of secondary criterion questions (e.g. profitable years within the last five, number of employees), nor in their SWOT scores. This last finding with the SWOT was unexpected but easy to understand, given the paper‐and‐pencil format of the test. The significant difference that were uncovered suggest that ideation is an important talent for entrepreneurs. Predictions about entrepreneurial success may, for example, be improved if an individual's ideational skills are assessed. Furthermore, it would be reasonable to encourage and support entrepreneurial potentials via programmes that target ideation.
Organizing for Continuous Innovation: On the Sustainability of Ambidextrous Organizations
Authors: Van Looy Bart , Martens Thierry , Debackere Koenraad
Published: August 2005

Organizing for innovation does not present itself as a straightforward exercise. The complexities entailed when implementing an innovation strategy can be related directly to the multitude of objectives it comprises. Recently, several scholars have advanced the notions of semi‐ or quasi‐structures and ambidextrous organizations to handle these multiple requirements. These organizational forms imply the simultaneous presence of different activities, exhibiting differences in technology and market maturation. As a consequence, financial returns will reflect this diversified resource allocation pattern. Moreover, as higher levels of complexity are being introduced; ambidextrous organizations will encounter additional, organizational, costs. Compared to organizations that focus on the most profitable part of the portfolio, ambidextrous organizations – ceteris paribus – tend to be inferior in terms of financial returns. Within this contribution we explore under which conditions ambidextrous organizations can outperform focused firms; considered a prerequisite for their sustainability. In order to do so, we develop an analytical framework depicting the differential value dynamics, focused and ambidextrous firms can enact. Our findings reveal the relevancy of adopting extended time frames as well as introducing interface management practices aimed at cross‐fertilization. Finally, the synergetic potential of (underlying) technologies comes to the forefront as necessary in order for ambidextrous organizations to become sustainable.
Characteristics of Innovative Companies: A Case Study of Companies in Different Sectors
Authors: Medina Carmen Cabello , Lavado Antonio Carmona , Cabrera Ramón Valle
Published: August 2005

The literature on new organizational forms offers an up‐to‐date picture of organizations that combines traditional variables with new ones, and contributes to a more productive analysis of the relationship between organization and innovation. Our review of the literature highlights several research topics dealing with new organizational forms and innovation, such as strategic flexibility (in the form of customization of output, subcontracting or outsourcing and the use of contingent workers), informal communication throughout the entire organization made feasible by information technology and collaboration with other organizations and institutions. These topics have been analysed in a study of four companies that differ in size and sector, but that have all been classified as innovative. This article confirms the existence of certain factors that operate as described in the literature, and reveals other factors that have to be taken into account because they contribute to a better understanding of how innovation takes place in the four companies.
Organizing Pharmaceutical Innovation: From Science‐based Knowledge Creators to Drug‐oriented Knowledge Brokers
Authors: Gassmann Oliver , Reepmeyer Gerrit
Published: August 2005

The pharmaceutical industry is exposed to severe conditions: while a typical R&D process lasts up to 13 years, only one out of 10,000 substances becomes a marketable product. In addition, markets for pharmaceutical products tend to become more fragmented, leading to an increased risk of market failure. At the same time, R&D productivity has been deteriorating for several years. The number of new drug approvals is constantly declining, while R&D expenditures are escalating as a result of high investments in new drug discovery technologies and more complex clinical studies. As a response, pharmaceutical firms have started to focus on balancing the right size and structure of their R&D activities. This leads to several organizational trends: (1) novel management of technologies; (2) R&D internationalization; and (3) open innovation modes.
The Virtues of ‘Blue Sky’ Projects: How Lunar Design Taps into the Power of Imagination
Authors: Andriopoulos Constantine , Gotsi Manto
Published: August 2005

In an era of globalization, intense competition and unpredictability, organizational creativity is increasingly important and, hence, tapping into the power of imagination in the work setting is propelled to unprecedented heights. This article explores how imagination is encouraged among employees within a successful NPD consultancy (Lunar Design Inc.) through the processes of ‘initiating’, ‘defining’, ‘imagining’ and ‘implementing’‘blue sky’ projects. Such activities enhance creative thinking, generate new knowledge, break down stereotypes, enhance employees’ morale and satisfaction and build a reputation of a visionary organization. We urge managers to address the hidden danger of pigeonholing conventional work as mundane, especially in times of a recession where more structure needs to be incorporated in ‘blue sky’ activities.
The Optimal Shape of a Javelin
Authors: Farjoun Yossi , Neu John
Published: September 2005

The problem of finding the optimal tapering of a free (nonsupported) javelin is described and solved. For the optimal javelin, the lowest mode of vibration has the highest possible frequency. With this tapering inner damping will lead to the cessation of the vibration at the fastest possible rate. The javelin is modeled as a beam of uniform material. The differential equations governing the vibration and the tapering of the beam are derived. These equations have a difficult singularity at the tips of the beam. A procedure using a similarity solution, as in [1], is used to solve this singular system, and the solution is found. The maximal frequency is found to be almost five times larger than the frequency of a cylindrical rod.
LÉVI‐STRAUSS AND THE POLITICAL:THE ELEMENTARY STRUCTURES OF KINSHIPAND THE RESOLUTION OF RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND SETTLER STATES
Authors: Asch Michael
Published: August 2005

This article addresses the contribution of Lévi‐Strauss'sThe elementary structures of kinshipto resolving political relations between indigenous peoples and the settler states. To this end, it explores his discussion of the origins of society within the context of Enlightenment‐inspired political thought and concludes that he provides a unique, counter‐hegemonic alternative to conventional narratives. It then shows how this argument thwarts the presumption in Canadian jurisprudence that indigenous peoples were automatically incorporated into the state through European settlement, and fosters an understanding that a relationship based on the concept of ‘Treaty’ as understood in indigenous political thought promotes a political relationship that affirms the integrity of all parties.
VEINGLORY: EXPLORING PROCESSES OF BLOOD TRANSFER BETWEEN PERSONS
Authors: Copeman Jacob
Published: August 2005

This article examines processes involved in blood donation and ‘blood management’ in an anthropological light. It claims that blood management is not restricted to the procedures that medical professionals employ on blood outside of bodies, but that ‘management’ practice is enforced by donors themselves onto their own internal bodily processes. It suggests that donation and transfusion centre on issues of time‐management and production; concepts of temporal synchrony and investment are employed to explore the implications of this dimension of blood donation. By way of a comparison with gift‐giving amongst Jains in India, this article argues for an ‘overlapping’ of – and dependency between – different economies within blood‐banking processes. In examining the general processes involved in blood donation, it aims to provide the groundwork for future comparative analyses of blood‐banking processes.
‘BETWEEN BELIEF AND UNBELIEF LIES THE PERFORMANCE OFSALĀT’: MEANING AND EFFICACY OF A MUSLIM RITUAL
Authors: Henkel Heiko
Published: August 2005

Drawing on fieldwork in Istanbul, Turkey, the article analyses the role of the Muslim five‐times‐daily prayer (salāt), within the Islamic tradition. It is argued that the prayer, with its intricate ritual format, provides practitioners with a formidable resource for strengthening their commitment to Islam and asserting membership in a community of believers while at the same time enabling religious Muslims to pursue new and diverse interpretations of Islam. The character of theātas a mobile discipline that can easily be inserted into very different forms of life has become especially important as religious Muslims have increasingly been incorporated into liberal society in Turkey in the past decades.
GOING BACK A LONG WAY: ‘HOME PLACE’, THRIFT AND TEMPORAL ORIENTATIONS IN NORTHERN VIETNAM
Authors: Schlecker Markus
Published: August 2005

This article draws attention to the deep sense of attachment maintained by Hanoi families to their ancestral villages or rural ‘home places’ (que). It explores both the emotional and material dimensions of these attachments against the background of a now‐defunct system of state rationing in late socialist Vietnam. It is suggested that for urban dwellers the home place has become an image of human relatedness and belonging that has evolved along with and in response to state‐socialist efforts of social integration. This image promotes a time orientation that had been discredited in Vietnamese state socialism. The latter defined thrift as a duty of families and individuals toward the progress ofxa hoi(‘society’). The experience of shortage and self‐restraint in socialist states and the question of how collectivism affected customary notions of community have thus far remained mostly distinct research areas. This article seeks to bring both together within a single framework of analysis by drawing attention to the question of temporality.
FACTORY, FAMILY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF INFORMAL LABOUR IN SHEFFIELD
Authors: Mollona Massimiliano
Published: August 2005

This article explores the experience of formal and informal steel labour in the contexts of the factory, the family, and the neighbourhood in ‘Endcliffe’, an ex‐industrial district of Sheffield, UK. The article reiterates Claude Meillassoux's claim, in his book Maidens, meal and money, that the informal economy is an ideological space for the cheap reproduction of labour in the interests of capital. Nevertheless, it also examines subjective and ethnographic understandings of the meanings of ‘capital’ and ‘labour’ and of the political nature of their shifting boundaries. In Endcliffe, capitalist subcontracting, state welfare, and economic policies of local regeneration have increased the informalization and casualization of steel labour and blurred the social spaces of the factory, the family, and the neighbourhood. The increased permeability between formal and informal economic processes and the re‐embeddedness of production in the social and political texture of the neighbourhood tangles idioms of kinship and capitalist ideologies of production and turns the structural conflict between ‘capital’ and ‘labour’ into a generational and gender conflict within the working class. The article shows that the ‘New Labour’ government's attempt to transform Britain into a post‐industrial and classless society has paradoxically fostered the re‐emergence of ancient modes of production and forms of bonded labour.