bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using electronic textbooks: promoting, placing and embedding
Authors: Appleton Leo
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The paper illustrates the experiences of both academic and support staff in the use of electronic books within a higher education setting. The case studies report upon practice at Edge Hill College of Higher Education, which has allowed for successful e‐book development strategies to be employed in teaching and learning within the college. The paper will deal particularly with e‐book marketing, implementation and evaluation strategies, as well as embedding e‐books into virtual learning environments (VLEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports upon two significant chapters within e‐book development at the college. The first of these is an initial evaluative e‐book research project, from which strategy and policy were formulated. The second part of the paper introduces case studies in which the findings of the initial research impact upon the embedding of e‐books into teaching and learning and subsequently into the college's VLE.

Findings

User evaluations provide qualitative analytic data into the benefits and disadvantages of using e‐books in higher education teaching and learning activity.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited to one particular higher education institution and specific curriculum areas within.

Originality/value

The evaluative data, as well as particular e‐book strategies identified, make the paper of value to those researching e‐book usage and activity, in particular within online learning.
Implications for electronic publishing in libraries and information centres in Africa
Authors: Igun Stella E.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To identify the challenges facing libraries and information centres in Africa in the establishment of electronic publishing.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical/literature survey and observation were carried out by the researcher in‐depth. All literature surveyed showed that electronic publishing is still a new concept in Africa.

Findings

Apart from the information source that can be obtained through the internet and downloaded online, the actual acquisition of electronic books is still not possible. At present the libraries and information centres in Africa must have to rely more on print publication than the electronic.

Practical implications

Libraries and information centres in Africa must have to harness all available information resources, electronic/downloadable which are referred to as electronic aided publishing and print publishing to meet the growing users information needs. Libraries and information centres in Africa are advised to enter into networking with other libraries and information centres to prepare the environment for real electronic publishing in Africa.

Originality/value

Provides information on some of the challenges facing libraries in Africa.
Continuous innovation through company wide employee participation
Authors: Tonnessen Tor
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to address the failure of prevailing international management concepts to utilize the potentials of company wide employee participation in innovation, and give the reader some practical solutions and some ideas about how to exploit these potentials more efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

These solutions and ideas are developed mainly through two Norwegian action research programmes that have been carried out together with industry over a ten‐year period. The main topic of research has been to see how good practice from prevailing international management concepts like total quality management and business process re‐engineering may be integrated with good practice from the Norwegian industrial democracy tradition into a new approach to continuous innovation. A case study approach has been used.

Findings

The case studies showed that a better utilization of the potentials of company wide employee participation in innovation gives efficiency as well as working environment improvements.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies also showed that more knowledge and a further development of practical tools that ease participation in innovation is an important challenge for future R&D.

Practical implications

In order to fully exploit the potentials of employee participation in innovation companies and consultants need to adjust their practice in the direction of a more participatory approach.

Originality/value

The paper gives consultants, academics, managers and shop stewards a framework and some practical tools for employee participation in innovation that may be used at the different company levels. It is argued and shown how activities at the different levels may be co‐ordinated and work reciprocal supportive.
Consumer adoption of online grocery buying: a discriminant analysis
Authors: Hansen Torben
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To empirically investigate whether consumers who have adopted online grocery buying perceive this way of shopping differently from other online consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The data presented in this study were collected from an online (web‐based) survey of US consumers using self‐administered questionnaires. Data from 784 US online consumers are analyzed.

Findings

Multiple discriminant results suggest that online grocery shopping adopters attach higher compatibility, higher relative advantage, more positive social norms, and lower complexity to internet grocery shopping both compared with consumers who have never bought anything on the internet yet and also compared with consumers who have purchased goods/services on the internet but not groceries. The results also suggest that online grocery shopping adopters have higher household incomes than non‐adopters.

Research limitations/implications

This research used a single respondent as a household representative. Since grocery buying concerns the entire household, this procedure assumes that the selected respondent provides answers which are representative of the household's opinion.

Practical implications

Provides practical advice to online retail managers on how to attract different consumer online grocery segments.

Originality/value

This paper investigates both experienced and inexperienced online grocery consumers. Thereby the paper adds to the understanding on how different groups of online consumers perceive characteristics of the online grocery channel.
Convergence of the health industry
Authors: Pierce Marc E.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the roles of the key health industry constituents – patients, employers, health insurers, hospitals, physicians, Government, pharmaceutical companies and other industry suppliers, plagued with the decline of the health status and affordability in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews literature to back up the author's views.

Findings

As health‐care demands increase and the constituent roles blur, the industry will experience a gradual convergence. Convergence will redefine and create overlap in the boundaries between the traditional health industry suppliers and in the end this convergence will reshape the future of the health industry.

Originality/value

Predicts that the drivers of change – deteriorating public health, poor quality and safety, and unaffordable health care – will continue to accelerate. Convergence will be gradual and the impact may not be immediately obvious, but the long‐term outcome will dramatically reshape the industry. For the major suppliers in the industry, recognizing convergence is only the first step. Navigating convergence so the decisions made by an organization are both productive and profitable, rather than debilitating, is a far more complicated endeavor. The decisions made will not only affect the future of each supplier but also significantly impact the constituent at the center of this industry – the patient.
Competitive advantage and entrepreneurial power
Authors: Beaver Graham , Jennings Peter
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To show that the inability to adapt to a series of crises caused by business development is one of the principal causes of failure for all organisations and that one of the primary components in small business success must be the managerial competence of the principal actors, inevitably the owner‐manager.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the divergence between the prescribed and assumed models of entrepreneurial behaviour provided by contemporary management theorists and the real, observed and reported behaviour of small business practitioners and owner‐managers. It reports on case study examples and highlights the dichotomy between expected and actual behaviour in typical management situations.

Findings

The paper suggests that the almost egotistical attitude displayed by many entrepreneurs, constitutes an abuse of the trust and the power placed in the hands of small business owner‐managers and that in extreme instances, the abuse of entrepreneurial power may lead directly to the failure of the small firm.

Originality/value

Many surveys of small business failure and sub‐optimal performance often suggest situational and operational causes and explanations. This paper offers a different perspective for future research because the cause may be seen to lie with the apparently non‐rational behaviour of the entrepreneur or owner‐manager who does not adhere to the “rules” and expectations of classical management theory.
Rethinking entrepreneurship methodology and definitions of the entrepreneur
Authors: Howorth Carole , Tempest Sue , Coupland Christine
Published: March 2005

Purpose– The paper aims to highlight the potential of paradigm interplay for providing greater insight into entrepreneurship research, in this case definitions of the entrepreneur.Design/methodology/approach– Literature from entrepreneurship, organisation studies and strategy highlights the potential of multiple paradigm research. We demonstrate how to conduct such a study through paradigm interplay by applying four contrasting research perspectives to four case studies of habitual entrepreneurs.Findings– The practical challenges of conducting multiple paradigm research are illustrated. A number of consistent themes across all four paradigms provide some insight into the reasons why it is difficult to agree on a single definition of the entrepreneur. Insights into the value and operationalisation of multiple paradigm research in the field of entrepreneurship are provided.Research limitations/implications– An exhaustive review of definitions of the entrepreneur is not provided. This is a study into how multiple paradigm research can be used to enrich understanding. Advice for the conduct of studies employing paradigm interplay is presented.Practical implications– The same individuals or firms can be included or excluded depending on the definition employed. This can lead to confusion particularly in establishing eligibility and applicability of specific policy measures. Full awareness of underlying assumptions is required.Originality/value– Paradigm interplay is a new approach for entrepreneurship research
The extracellular matrix of Gadus morhua muscle contains types III, V, VI and IV collagens in addition to type I
Authors: Brüggemann D. A. , Lawson M. A.
Published: March 2005

Confocal microscopy and immuno‐histochemistry were used to examine collagens in the extracellular matrix of cod Gadus morhua swimming muscle. In addition to the well known presence of type I fibrous collagen, types III and VI were also found in the myocommata and the endomysium. The beaded collagen, type VI, was found in the endomysium and the network forming collagen, type IV, was found in the basement membrane. This is the first report of type V collagen in cod muscle and of types II, IV and VI in the muscle of a teleost.
Evidence of multiple migrations between freshwater and marine habitats of Salvelinus leucomaenis
Authors: Arai T. , Morita K.
Published: March 2005

The migratory history of the white‐spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis was examined using otolith microchemical analysis. The fish migrated between freshwater and marine environments multiple times during their life history. Some white‐spotted charr used an estuarine habitat prior to smolting and repeated seaward migration within a year.
Epidemiological and clinical interaction between HTLV‐1 and Strongyloides stercoralis
Authors: Carvalho E. M. , Da Fonseca Porto A.
Published: March 2005

Strongyloides stercoralis is the most common human parasitic nematode that is able to complete a life cycle and proliferate within its host. The majority of patients with strongyloidiasis have an asymptomatic infection or mild disease. However, when autoinfection occurs, a high number of infecting larvae can gain access to the bloodstream by penetrating the colonic mucosa leading to a severe hyperinfection and the development of disseminated strongyloidiasis.

The human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) predominantly infects T cells and induces spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation and secretion of high levels of type 1 cytokines. Strongyloides stercoralis patients with HTLV‐1 co‐infection have a modified immunological responses against parasite antigens and co‐infection has clinical implications for strongyloidiasis. The high production of IFN‐γ observed in patients co‐infected with HTLV‐1 and Strongyloides stercoralis decreases the production of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and IgE, molecules that participate in the host defence mechanism against helminths. Moreover, there is a decrease in the efficacy of treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis in patients co‐infected with HTLV‐1. Alterations in the immune response against Strongyloides stercoralis and the decrease in the efficacy of anti‐parasitic drugs are responsible for the increased prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis among HTLV‐1 infected subjects and make HTLV‐1 infection the most important risk factor for disseminated strongyloidiasis.
The immunoepidemiology of human hookworm infection
Authors: Quinnell R. J. , Bethony J. , Pritchard D. I.
Published: March 2005

Advances in hookworm immunoepidemiology are reviewed. Recent studies demonstrate a mixed Th1/Th2 response in human hookworm infection, with immunosuppression of specific and nonspecific IFN‐γ responses. There is increasing evidence for protective immunity in human hookworm infection, including anti‐larval IL‐5‐ and IgE‐dependent mechanisms, and for immunological interactions between hookworm infection and other diseases.
The immuno‐epidemiology of pregnancy‐associated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a variant surface antigen‐specific perspective
Authors: Hviid L.
Published: March 2005

Women living in areas of intense P. falciparum transmission have acquired substantial protective immunity to malaria when they reach childbearing age. Nevertheless, pregnancies in such areas are associated with substantial malaria‐related morbidity and mortality, particularly among women of low parity. The parity‐dependency of susceptibility to malaria in pregnant women suggests that protective immunity to this type of malaria can be developed. However, until recently it has been poorly understood why the clinical protection against malaria, which young women in endemic areas acquire well before their first pregnancy, is suddenly rendered inadequate when they become pregnant, only to be regained during the course of a few pregnancies. In this article, I discuss some recent immuno‐epidemiological studies of pregnancy‐associated malaria, which, in combination with the generally improved understanding of how protective immunity to P. falciparum malaria operates and is acquired, have provided important insights into this enigma.
Do woodlice and earthworms interact synergistically in leaf litter decomposition?
Authors: ZIMMER MARTIN , KAUTZ GUIDO , TOPP WERNER
Published: March 2005

In laboratory microcosms, we investigated the influence of diversity of both leaf litter and detritivores on decomposition processes. Either woodlice or earthworms, or a combination of woodlice and earthworms, fed on leaf litter of either oak or alder, or oak and alder for 8 weeks. Mass loss of leaf litter, soil microbial respiration and soil nutrient concentrations were determined every 2 weeks.

For four out of seven decomposition parameters, the joint effects of woodlice and earthworms were stronger than the sum of single‐species effects when they had fed on alder litter. When feeding on oak litter, however, woodlice and earthworms together revealed lower decomposition rates than predicted from their single effects. Joint effects of detritivores on decomposition of mixed litter were always lower than predicted from the sum of their effects.

In mixed‐litter assays, we obtained intermediate values of decomposition parameters, indicating that doubling the species richness of leaf litter from one to two species did not promote decomposition processes. Effects of mixing litter were, thus, mostly additive; essentially only when earthworms fed on mixed litter we observed, mostly positive, non‐additive effects of diverse litter.

Our findings provide evidence for a potential effect on ecosystem functioning through joint action of detritivores even at low species diversity, while litter diversity seems to be less significant. On high‐quality litter, isopods and earthworms are not functionally redundant but act synergistically on litter decomposition. The effects of detritivore diversity on ecosystem processes, however, are context‐specific and depend on the quality and diversity of the available food sources, and on species‐specific characteristics of the detritivores.
Does dewlap size predict male bite performance in Jamaican Anolis lizards?
Authors: VANHOOYDONCK B. , HERREL A. Y. , VAN DAMME R. , IRSCHICK D. J.
Published: March 2005

The theory of the evolution of secondary sexual traits through male–male competition is based on the assumption that these traits are reliable cues for an animal's fighting capacity. In this paper, we test whether a secondary sexual trait, dewlap size, is an honest predictor of bite strength in Anolis lizards. Since male anoles will bite one another during territorial fights, bite performance may play an important role in determining the outcome of male–male fights.

We measured dewlap size and bite force in a size series of adult males of three Jamaican anoles, i.e. Anolis grahami Gray 1845, A. lineatopus Gray 1840 and A. valencienni Duméril & Bibron 1837.

In both A. grahami and A. lineatopus, males with relatively large dewlaps tend to bite relatively harder, while the relationship between relative dewlap size and bite force was clearly non‐significant within the twig anole A. valencienni.

Our results thus suggest that dewlap size is an indicator of relative bite force in the former two species, but not in the latter. We argue that interspecific variation in territorial behaviour might explain this difference.
Effects of climate on intra‐ and interspecific size variation in bumble‐bees
Authors: PEAT J. , DARVILL B. , ELLIS J. , GOULSON D.
Published: March 2005

In contrast to other social bees, bumble‐bees exhibit considerable size variation within the worker caste. This size variation has not been adequately explained, although it is known that larger workers tend to be foragers and smaller bees spend more time in the nest. We quantify size variation and mean size for foragers of 22 bumble‐bee species inhabiting climates ranging from arctic and montane to the lowland tropics.

Mean size was larger in bee species from cold climates compared with temperate bumble‐bees. Within species, individuals from Scotland tended to be larger than those from southern England. However, tropical bumble‐bees (mostly belonging to the subgenus Fervidobombus) were largest of all. We suggest that although a lower limit to size may be imposed by inhabiting cold climates, overheating does not constrain large size in bumble‐bees from hot climates, perhaps because they have efficient mechanisms for heat loss through shunting heat to their extremities.

Tropical bees had shorter thoracic setae than species from cooler climates, while B. terrestris from Greece had shorter setae than those from southern UK. Presumably shorter setae enhance heat loss in warm climates.

Larger workers of B. terrestris were found to have smaller extremities, in proportion to their size, than small workers. We suggest that heat retention is more important in large bees that spend more of their time foraging, than in small bees which spend much of their time in the nest where incubation of the brood requires them to lose heat.

In the temperate climate of southern UK, we found no evidence for ambient temperature having a differential effect on activity of workers of B. terrestris according to their size. We suggest that, at least in temperate climates, size variation in bumble‐bee foragers is probably not an adaptation to temperature variation. Instead it may improve colony foraging efficiency since foragers of different sizes are suited to, and tend to visit, different flower species.
Early activation of cutaneous vessels and epithelial cells is characteristic of acute systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Frosch Michael , Metze Dieter , Foell Dirk , Vogl Thomas , Sorg Clemens , Sunderkötter Cord , Roth Johannes
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  In biopsies of 16 patients (mean: 5.2 years) with acute systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SOJIA), we analysed the initial cellular events during the characteristic cutaneous rash for composition of the infiltrate and for expression of activation markers on epithelial and endothelial cells. Despite the fleeting nature of the rash, there was a characteristic infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes, accompanied by a marked expression of endothelial adhesion receptors. In addition, we found a general activation of the cutaneous epithelium reflected by the expression of the pro‐inflammatory S100‐proteins – myeloid‐related protein 8 (MRP8) and MRP14. In responders to therapy, follow‐up biopsies showed a complete normalization of these inflammatory parameters, whereas non‐responders presented with continuous signs of activation. In conjunction with the high level of epithelial activation, we detected an infiltrate of leucocytes within epithelium of sweat gland ducts during active SOJIA. Such a pattern has not been described for other inflammatory skin diseases nor did we find it in biopsies from nine patients with acute urticaria. It was accompanied by exclusive expression of MRP8, but not MRP14 by the secretory cells of sweat glands. Because MRP8 and MRP14, released by epithelial cells, exhibit pro‐inflammatory effects on endothelial cells and leucocytes, the particular expression pattern of MRP8 and MRP14 in SOJIA is likely to represent a decisive early constitutive component in this inflammatory disease. Their differential expression further points to distinct roles of the individual molecules in inflammatory processes.
Nucleofection: a new, highly efficient transfection method for primary human keratinocytes*
Authors: Distler Jörg H. W. , Jüngel Astrid , Kurowska‐Stolarska Mariola , Michel Beat A. , Gay Renate E. , Gay Steffen , Distler Oliver
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Transfection is an essential tool for numerous in vitro applications including studies of gene expression, promoter analysis, and intracellular signaling pathways and also for therapeutic strategies such as tissue engineering and gene therapy. However, transfection of primary cells including keratinocytes with common methods such as calcium phosphate, DEAE‐dextran, liposome‐mediated transfer, electroporation or viral vectors is problematic because of low transfection efficiency and the induction of terminal differentiation. Here we analyzed the use of nucleofection, a new, electroporation‐based transfection method that enables the DNA to enter directly the nucleus, for the transfection of keratinocytes. Several different conditions were tested and optimized, resulting in a final transfection efficiency of 56% in primary human epidermal keratinocytes. This efficiency is superior to all non‐viral transfection methods reported so far. The number of non‐viable keratinocytes after nucleofection was low, varying between 14 and 16%. In contrast to other transfection protocols, nucleofection did not induce terminal differentiation in the transfected keratinocytes. In addition, nucleofection is a fast method, because the results can be analyzed within 7 h. In summary, nucleofection is a fast, easy and highly effective alternative for the transfection of primary human keratinocytes, which offers new opportunities for various research applications.
Inhibition of monocyte‐derived dendritic cell differentiation and interleukin‐12 production by complement iC3b via a mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway
Authors: Luo Xiaoqun , Liu Liming , Tang Ningfeng , Lu Kurt Q , McCormick Thomas S. , Kang Kefei , Cooper Kevin D.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  We have previously demonstrated that iC3b is deposited at the dermal – epidermal junction of the skin following ultraviolet (UV) exposure and that it plays a role in UV‐induced immunosuppression and antigenic tolerance. In vitro, iC3b differentially regulates monocyte production of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and IL‐12. Additionally, iC3b arrests monocytic cell differentiation into CD1c‐expressing dendritic cell (DC) precursors. The present study addresses mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling following the cross‐linking of CR3 by its ligand iC3b with regard to monocyte differentiation and cytokine regulation. Sheep erythrocytes were coated with IgM alone (EA) or iC3b (EAiC3b) to allow for CR3 cross‐linking onto monocytes. EAiC3b increased the phosphorylation (p) of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) MAPK in fresh human monocyte, particularly in monocyte‐derived DC (MDDC) that were differentiated by means of GM‐CSF (1000 U/ml) and IL‐4 (200 U/ml) for 2 days before iC3b exposure for an additional 24 h (P = 0.034, n = 3). CD1a expression, induced by GM‐CSF and IL‐4, was inhibited by iC3b (EAiC3b vs. EA, P = 0.012, n = 4). Conversely, the inhibition of ERK by the specific inhibitor (PD98059), but not the p‐38 inhibitor SB203580, restored CD1a expression (P = 0.011, n = 4) in iC3b‐stimulated MDDC. Concordantly, the inhibition of ERK during iC3b exposure fully reversed the inhibition of IL‐12p70 induction in MDDC by 95% (P < 0.01, n = 4) and decreased IL‐10 production. Taken together, our data demonstrate that iC3b interferes with MDDC differentiation and IL‐12 and IL‐10 production is mediated via an ERK MAPK‐dependent mechanism. Thus, ERK MAPK inhibition may represent a therapeutic strategy for preventing monocytic precursor diversion away from DC differentiation when monocytes enter injured tissues in which iC3b is generated, such as UV‐exposed skin.
The lateral extent of the subsidy from an upland stream to riparian lycosid spiders
Authors: Briers Robert A. , Cariss Helen M. , Geoghegan Rory , Gee John H. R.
Published: March 2005

Adult aquatic insects emerging from streams can subsidize riparian food webs, but little is known of the spatial extent of these subsidies. Stable isotope (15N) enrichment of aquatic insects, principally a species of stonefly (Plecoptera: Leuctridae), emerging from an upland stream was used to trace the subsidy from the stream ecosystem to riparian spiders (Lycosidae). The downstream profile of spider δ15N correlated closely with that of adult stoneflies, indicating that they were deriving nutrition from aquatic sources. The contribution of adult aquatic insects to spider diets was determined using a two‐source mixing model. Adult aquatic insects made up over 40% of spider diets adjacent to the stream, but <1% at 20 m from the stream. Enrichment of riparian spiders declined exponentially with distance from the stream channel. Aquatic‐terrestrial subsidies were spatially restricted, but locally important, to riparian lycosid spiders at the study site.
Acquired haemophilia in a patient with gram‐negative urosepsis and bladder cancer
Authors: Kreuter M. , Retzlaff S. , Enser‐Weis U. , Berdel W. E. , Mesters R. M.
Published: March 2005

Summary.  We here report a patient who developed a high titer antibody to factor VIII (FVIII) during gram‐negative urosepsis caused by enterobacter cloacae after complete resection of rectal cancer. The patient initially presented with a life threatening spontaneous hematothorax and multiple large haematomas. Coagulation studies revealed a severe FVIII deficiency <1% with a high FVIII antibody titer of 64 BU. The bleeding responded rapidly to infusions of recombinant factor VIIa. After achievement of a partial remission (FVIII activity 28%) by combined immunosuppressive therapy (prednisone, cyclophosphamide, plasmapheresis and immunoadsorption), subsequently, two relapses occurred following steroid tapering. Resumption of prednisone and cyclophosphamide treatment combined with immunoadsorption induced a second and third remission, respectively. After resection of a papillary carcinoma of the bladder 6 months later and continuous immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide, FVIII levels remained stable within normal ranges. This clinical course suggests that the cause of inhibitor formation against FVIII resulting in severe acquired haemophilia was multifactorial and was initiated by the gram‐negative urosepsis and probably by the underlying malignancies.
Mutation analysis in 51 patients with haemophilia A: report of 10 novel mutations and correlations between genotype and clinical phenotype
Authors: Hill M. , Deam S. , Gordon B. , Dolan G.
Published: March 2005

Summary.  We report the results of genetic analysis on a series of 51 patients attending this Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre. The most common cause of severe haemophilia A – the factor VIII intron 22 inversion was detected in eight families and the factor VIII intron 1 inversion in three families. Mutation analysis was carried out on the remaining patients by nucleotide sequencing of genomic DNA after screening with conformation‐sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE) or denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC). A total of 27 different FVIII non‐inversion mutations were detected. Severe haemophilia was associated with 12 null mutations (six nonsense, six frameshift) and four missense mutations. A further 11 different missense mutations were associated with moderate or mild disease. To our knowledge, six null mutations [1950del 4(tttg), 3270–75insA, 4416del 10, 6735–38delA, W1029X, Y1792X] and four missense mutations (E1682K, M1947V, P2048L, P2143L) have not been previously published. Each novel missense mutation occurred at a highly conserved residue, no other candidate mutation was detected on screening the entire coding region of the FVIII gene and they were not detected in a screen of individuals without haemophilia A. The genotype–phenotype correlations of the FVIII mutations detected will be discussed.
Colostomy irrigation: results of 25 cases with particular reference to quality of life
Authors: Karadağ Ayişe , Bülent Menteş B , Ayaz Sultan
Published: March 2005

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to document our results with colostomy irrigation with particular emphasis on the possible contribution of irrigation on quality of life.

Background.  Colostomy irrigation is a useful method of achieving faecal continence in selected conditions, and may improve quality of life. When successful, irrigation offers a regular, predictable elimination pattern and only a small covering is needed for security between irrigations.

Methods.  The digestive disease quality of life questionnaire‐15 (DDQ‐15) and Short Form‐36 were used to analyse quality of life before and 12 months after stomatherapy in a series of 25 irrigating patients with permanent end colostomies. During the same time period, 10 similar patients with left‐end colostomies who also received counselling but did not consent to colostomy irrigation were also analysed for comparison.

Results.  Colostomy irrigation was found to be effective for achieving faecal continence in selected patients with end colostomies with no complications or significant side‐effects, The digestive disease quality of life questionnaire‐15 score improved significantly in both groups after stomatherapy (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.009 in the irrigating and non‐irrigating groups respectively). The poststomatherapy digestive disease quality of life questionnaire‐15 score of the irrigating group was also significantly higher than that of the non‐irrigating group (P = 0.039). Although none of the poststomatherapy item scales of Short Form‐36 differed significantly between the two groups, stomatherapy with CI resulted in significant improvements in role limitation due to physical problems, social functioning, role limitation due to emotional problems, general mental health, vitality and bodily pain (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). On the contrary, the non‐irrigating patient group showed significant improvements only in social functioning and general mental health.

Conclusion.  Our findings suggest that colostomy irrigation can be a useful method of achieving faecal continence in selected conditions, it is safe, and it may help improve many aspects of quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Colostomy irrigation is free from complications and significant side‐effects, and it may serve as a useful adjunct to conventional stomatherapy. Therefore, the enterostomal therapy nurse should assess the appropriateness of routine irrigation as a method of stoma management for patients with left‐end colostomy.
A cohesion/tension model for the gating of aquaporins allows estimation of water channel pore volumes in Chara
Authors: YE QING , MUHR JAN , STEUDLE ERNST
Published: March 2005

The water permeability (hydraulic conductivity; Lp) of turgid, intact internodes of Chara corallina decreased exponentially as the concentration of osmolytes applied in the medium increased. Membranes were permeable to osmolytes and therefore they could be applied on both sides of the plasma membrane at concentrations of up to 2.0 m (5.0 MPa of osmotic pressure). Organic solutes of different molecular size (molecular weight, MW) and reflection coefficients (σs) were used [heavy water HDO, MW: 19, σs: 0.004; acetone, MW: 58, σs: 0.15; dimethyl formamide (DMF), MW: 73, σs: 0.76; ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGMME), MW: 76, σs: 0.59; diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DEGMME), MW: 120, σs: 0.78 and triethylene glycol monoethyl ether (TEGMEE), MW: 178, σs: 0.80]. The larger the molecular size of the osmolyte, the more efficient it was in reducing cell Lp at a given concentration. The residual cell Lp decreased with increasing size of osmolytes. The findings are in agreement with a cohesion/tension model of the osmotic dehydration of water channels (aquaporins; AQPs), which predicts both reversible exponential dehydration curves and the dependence on the size of osmolytes which are more or less excluded from AQPs (Ye, Wiera & Steudle, Journal of Experimental Botany 55, 449–461, 2004). In the presence of big osmolytes, dehydration curves were best described by the sum of two exponentials (as predicted from the theory in the presence of two different types of AQPs with differing pore diameters and volumes). AQPs with big diameters could not be closed in the presence of osmolytes of small molecular size, even at very high concentrations. The cohesion/tension theory allowed pore volumes of AQPs to be evaluated, which was 2.3 ± 0.2 nm3 for the narrow pore and between 5.5 ± 0.8 and 6.1 ± 0.8 nm3 for the wider pores. The existence of different types of pores was also evident from differences in the residual Lp. Alternatively, pore volumes were estimated from ratios between osmotic (Pf) and diffusional (Pd) water flow, yielding the number of water molecules (N) in the pores. N‐values ranged between 35 and 60, which referred to volumes of 0.51 and 0.88 nm3/pore. Values of pore volumes obtained by either method were bigger than those reported in the literature for other AQPs. Absolute values of pore volumes and differences obtained by the two methods are discussed in terms of an inclusion of mouth parts of AQPs during osmotic dehydration. It is concluded that the mouth part contributed to the absolute values of pore volumes depending on the size of osmolytes. However, this can not explain the finding of the existence of two different types or groups of AQPs in the plasma membrane of Chara.
Suberin lamella development in maize seedling roots grown in aerated and stagnant conditions
Authors: ENSTONE DARYL E. , PETERSON CAROL A.
Published: March 2005

Hypoxia can stimulate the development of a suberized exodermis in aquatic plants; however, its influence on this aspect of terrestrial root development is sparsely documented. To determine the effects of hypoxia on maize (Zea mays cv. Seneca Horizon) roots, seedlings were grown in vermiculite (VERM), aerated hydroponics (AER), stagnant hydroponics with agar (STAG), or aerated hydroponics with agar (AERAG). The endo‐ and exodermis were examined for wall modifications. Lateral root emergence and aerenchyma formation were documented qualitatively. The endodermal Casparian band formation was unaffected by treatment. Endodermal and exodermal suberin lamella formation was earliest and most extensive in VERM. Suberization, especially in the exodermis of aerated treatments, was depressed in all hydroponic media. In comparison with AER, STAG exodermal lamellae were increased, but endodermal lamellae were decreased. Since the suberized exodermis forms a barrier to radial oxygen loss from roots to the medium, its stimulation in STAG roots (which also developed extensive aerenchyma) would help retain oxygen in the root. The reduction of endodermal lamellae should facilitate oxygen diffusion into the stele. Clearly, the response to environmental conditions is variable within individual cortical cell layers. Additionally, the observed patterns of lamellae, aerenchyma and lateral root development indicate a tight radial co‐ordination of root development.
Metabolic responses to oral tryptophan supplementation before exercise in horses
Authors: Vervuert I. , Coenen M. , Watermülder E.
Published: March 2005

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on exercise capacity and metabolic responses in horses. Three horses had to perform an exercise test: a 15‐min warm‐up followed by a 60‐min walk (1.7 m/s, W1), a 10‐min trot (3.1 m/s, T1), a second 60‐min walk (1.7 m/s, W2), a second 10‐min trot (3.1 m/s, T2) and a final 30‐min walk (1.7 m/s, W3) until the horses were unwilling to continue. The horses exercised on a treadmill at a 6% incline and with a constant draught load of 40 kg (0.44 kN). Two hours before exercise horses were given 50 g Trp (9.8–10.7 g Trp/100 kg BW) by nasogastric tube. A control exercise test was conducted without Trp. During the control test, one horse was able to finish the final 30‐min walk (W3), whereas two horses finished W3 after Trp administration. Higher plasma Trp levels after Trp administration did not change significantly during exercise (Trp: start exercise, 524 ± 41 μmol/l; end exercise 547 ± 20 μmol/l; control: start exercise, 70 ± 10 μmol/l; end exercise, 58 ± 21 μmol/l). After Trp supplementation, blood lactate concentrations were significantly lower after the first and second trotting periods. Free fatty acids in plasma increased during exercise without any treatment‐related differences. Although experimental plasma Trp levels were seven times higher than the control levels, Trp supplementation had no effect on exercise performance and metabolic responses to draught load exercise.
Digestibility rates of major and trace elements in pancreatic duct‐ligated pigs
Authors: Kammlott E. , Karthoff J. , Stemme K. , Gregory P. , Kamphues J.
Published: March 2005

Ligation of pancreatic duct in pigs leads to a severe maldigestion of calcium and magnesium. Substitution of missing enzymes results in a ‘normalization’ of the digestibility rates of these elements. In comparison to controls the pre‐caecal phosphorus digestibility decreased, but the total digestibility rates increased, after ligation of the pancreatic duct. Furthermore, the total amount of absorbed phosphorus was significantly higher in pancreatic duct ligated pigs. Further studies have to be carried out to investigate, whether phosphorus in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is excreted with urine, as in this study the observed Ca:P‐ratio in blood was in a physiological range. Without a forced renal excretion of phosphorus, consequences and risks (e.g. secondary hyperparathyroidism) of the regulation have to be considered. Regarding the elements sodium, potassium and chloride, an increased faecal excretion could be observed in pancreatic duct ligated pigs. As a substitution with enzyme products led to digestibility rates similar to those in controls, no losses of electrolytes have to be feared. Even though pancreatic juice seems to have influences on the digestibility of investigated trace elements (copper, zinc, iron and manganese), it did not lead to severe imbalances in the corresponding mineral metabolism.
Influences of fertilization on Aphis gossypii and insecticide usage
Authors: Chau A. , Heinz K. M. , Davies F. T.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Fertilization levels for ornamental crops may influence pest population dynamics, crop quality, and pest management strategy. We examined the effect of fertilization on population growth and within‐plant distribution of melon or cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, on potted chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandiflora (Tzvelev). In terms of pest management implications, we also investigated the effect of fertilization on the number of insecticide applications needed to control A. gossypii on potted chrysanthemum. Population growth rate of A. gossypii increased with fertilization levels from 0 to 38 ppm N and reached a plateau from 38 to 488 ppm N. Increased fertilization beyond 38 ppm N, 10% of the commercial standard, did not result in higher aphid number. Aphids responded to nutrient availability of plants by distributing themselves in areas with higher level of nitrogen. More aphids were found in the apical and middle strata of the plants than the basal stratum, which had the lowest nitrogen content. Leaf nitrogen content increased with increased fertilization level and was consistently higher in the apical and middle strata than the basal stratum. Increased fertilization from 0 to 375 ppm N did not result in higher number of insecticide applications. All three insecticides (bifenthrin, kinoprene or pymetrozine) were effective in keeping the aphid infestation below a pre‐determined level, five aphids per plant, but pymetrozine required the least number of applications. For chrysanthemum, a fast‐growing crop and heavy utilizer of nitrogen, increased fertilization shortened the time to flowering, which would allow growers to harvest their crop sooner and reduce the time for aphid population growth. Reduction in time to harvest could result in significant reduction of insecticide usage by reducing the time for aphid population growth. As a result, high fertilization together with minimal runoff may be a useful tactic to an integrated pest management (IPM) programme for managing A. gossypii on potted chrysanthemums.
Characterization of Maize Iranian Mosaic Virus and Comparison with Hawaiian and Other Isolates of Maize Mosaic Virus (Rhabdoviridae)
Authors: Ammar E.‐D. , Gomez‐Luengo R. G. , Gordon D. T. , Hogenhout S. A.
Published: March 2005

Maize Iranian mosaic virus (MIMV) was characterized and compared with isolates of Maize mosaic virus (MMV, genus Nucleorhabdovirus, family Rhabdoviridae) in insect transmission, cytopathology and ultrastructure of infected maize cells, virion proteins and serologically. MIMV is naturally transmitted by Ribautodelphax notabilis, a delphacid planthopper, in Iran. In this study, another planthopper, Peregrinus maidis, vector of MMV, transmitted MIMV with an estimated efficiency of 0.4–1.6% following feeding on MIMV‐infected maize plants and 64% following injection of MIMV into the hemolymph, suggesting that P. maidis gut tissues largely blocked MIMV transmission. MIMV and MMV‐HI (Hawaii) induced similar cytopathologies in cells of infected maize leaves, with virions budding through inner nuclear and endoplasmic reticulum membranes. In thin sections, virions of MIMV were significantly shorter than those of MMV‐HI. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of virions of MIMV, MMV‐HI, MMV‐CR (Costa Rica) and MMV‐FL (Florida) yielded six proteins of which four were identified as the putative G, N, P and M proteins of plant rhabdoviruses. The N, P and M proteins of MIMV migrated faster in gels than those of the MMV isolates indicating a lower molecular weight, whereas the bands corresponding to the G proteins migrated similarly for both viruses. Polyclonal antibodies to MMV‐HI failed to react with virions of MIMV in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and with MIMV proteins in Western blots. In contrast, these antibodies reacted strongly with MMV‐HI and MMV‐FL virions in ELISA and with MMV‐HI, MMV‐CR and MMV‐FL proteins in Western blots. Further, in ELISA, polyclonal antibodies to MMV‐MR (Mauritius) reacted weakly with MIMV virions but strongly with MMV‐HI and MMV‐FL virions. Thus, it is concluded that MIMV is a new virus of the Nucleorhabdovirus genus that may be distantly related to MMV.
Detection of Races 1 and 2 of Fusarium solani f. sp. cucurbitae and their Distribution in Watermelon Fields in Tunisia
Authors: Boughalleb N. , Armengol J. , El Mahjoub M.
Published: March 2005

A crown, foot and fruit rot of watermelon has been observed in most of the watermelon production areas in Tunisia. A survey conducted from 2000 to 2001 allowed the isolation of 291 isolates which were identified as Fusarium solani. These isolates were identified as F. solani f. sp. cucurbitae (Fsc) and races 1 and 2 characterized on the basis of pathogenicity tests on watermelon seedlings and muskmelon fruits. These results were confirmed by counts of the number of septa in the macroconidia. About 271 isolates were identified as Fsc race 1, 12 isolates were identified as Fsc race 2 and eight isolates were not pathogenic. Race 1 is widely distributed in watermelon production areas in Tunisia and race 2 has a lower incidence but it is present in the north, the middle and southern Tunisian watermelon cropping areas. Additionally, a study to compare the virulence of 122 isolates of Fsc race 1 showed different degrees of virulence among them. This is the first report of Fsc races 1 and 2 in Tunisia.
Expression of P‐cadherin distinct from that of E‐cadherin in re‐epithelialization in neonatal rat skin
Authors: Koizumi Michiko , Matsuzaki Takashi , Ihara Setsunosuke
Published: March 2005

Our previous study showed that an open wound made in neonatal rat skin was covered by migration of certain undifferentiated populations of keratinocytes as a multilayered cell sheet. In this study, the expression of the components of adherens junctions (AJ), E‐ and P‐cadherins, and beta‐catenin, was examined to understand the underlying mechanisms. Both E‐ and P‐cadherins were downregulated in the basal layer at 6 h post‐wounding (PW), indicating a reduction in the intercellular adhesiveness. The expression of P‐cadherin but not E‐cadherin was expanded to the suprabasal layers at the wound margin at 12 h PW. Moreover, the expression pattern of P‐cadherin at sites of cell–cell contact was punctate rather than linear. By 24 h PW, cells accumulated beta‐catenin in the cytoplasm in a suprabasal layer contacting the basal layer at the wound margin. Both the E‐ and P‐cadherins showed a punctate AJ pattern at the confined suprabasal layer. Such differential expression of the E‐ and P‐cadherins strongly suggests that these two classic cadherins play distinct roles in re‐epithelialization. The changing of the E‐ and/or P‐cadherin expression may participate in a delay of terminal differentiation of keratinocytes for cell supply toward a wound.