bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of exercise and phosphoinositide 3-kinase(p110α) signaling in dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: McMullen Julie R. , Amirahmadi Fatemeh , Woodcock Elizabeth A. , Schinke-Braun Martina , Bouwman Russell D. , Hewitt Kimberly A. , Mollica Janelle P. , Zhang Li , Zhang Yunyu , Shioi Tetsuo , Buerger Antje , Izumo Seigo , Jay Patrick Y. , Jennings Garry L.
Published: January 2007

Physical activity protects against cardiovascular disease, and physiological cardiac hypertrophy associated with regular exercise is usually beneficial, in marked contrast to pathological hypertrophy associated with disease. The p110α isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays a critical role in the induction of exercise-induced hypertrophy. Whether it or other genes activated in the athlete's heart might have an impact on cardiac function and survival in a setting of heart failure is unknown. To examine whether progressive exercise training and PI3K(p110α) activity affect survival and/or cardiac function in two models of heart disease, we subjected a transgenic mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to swim training, genetically crossed cardiac-specific transgenic mice with increased or decreased PI3K(p110α) activity to the DCM model, and subjected PI3K(p110α) transgenics to acute pressure overload (ascending aortic constriction). Life-span, cardiac function, and molecular markers of pathological hypertrophy were examined. Exercise training and increased cardiac PI3K(p110α) activity prolonged survival in the DCM model by 15–20%. In contrast, reduced PI3K(p110α) activity drastically shortened lifespan by ≈50%. Increased PI3K(p110α) activity had a favorable effect on cardiac function and fibrosis in the pressure-overload model and attenuated pathological growth. PI3K(p110α) signaling negatively regulated G protein-coupled receptor stimulated extracellular responsive kinase and Akt (via PI3K, p110γ) activation in isolated cardiomyocytes. These findings suggest that exercise and enhanced PI3K(p110α) activity delay or prevent progression of heart disease, and that supraphysiologic activity can be beneficial. Identification of genes important for hypertrophy in the athlete's heart could offer new strategies for treating heart failure.
Structural similarity between the flagellar type III ATPase FliI and F
1
-ATPase subunits
Authors: Imada Katsumi , Minamino Tohru , Tahara Aiko , Namba Keiichi
Published: January 2007

Construction of the bacterial flagellum in the cell exterior proceeds at its distal end by highly ordered self-assembly of many different component proteins, which are selectively exported through the central channel of the growing flagellum by the flagellar type III export apparatus. FliI is the ATPase of the export apparatus that drives the export process. Here we report the 2.4 Å resolution crystal structure of FliI in the ADP-bound form. FliI consists of three domains, and the whole structure shows extensive similarities to the α and β subunits of F
0
F
1
-ATPsynthase, a rotary motor that drives the chemical reaction of ATP synthesis. A hexamer model of FliI has been constructed based on the F
1
-ATPase structure composed of the α
3
β
3
γ subunits. Although the regions that differ in conformation between FliI and the F
1
-α/β subunits are all located on the outer surface of the hexamer ring, the main chain structures at the subunit interface and those surrounding the central channel of the ring are well conserved. These results imply an evolutionary relation between the flagellum and F
0
F
1
-ATPsynthase and a similarity in the mechanism between FliI and F
1
-ATPase despite the apparently different functions of these proteins.
Validation of Surgical Site Infection Surveillance in The Netherlands
Authors: Manniën J. , van der Zeeuw A. E. , Wille J. C. , van den Hof S.
Published: January 2007

Objectives.

To describe how continuous validation of data on surgical site infection (SSI) is being performed in the Dutch National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (Preventie Ziekenhuisinfecties door Surveillance [PREZIES]), to assess the quality and accuracy of the PREZIES data, and to present the corresponding outcomes of the assessment.

Design.

Mandatory, 1-day on-site validation visit to participating hospitals every 3 years. The process of surveillance, including the quality of the method of data collection, is validated by means of a structured interview. The use of SSI criteria is validated by review of medical records, with the judgment of the validation team as the criterion standard.

Setting.

Hospitals participating in PREZIES.

Results.

During 1999-2004, the validation team visited 40 hospitals and reviewed 859 medical charts. There was no deviation between reports of SSI by infection control professionals and findings by the PREZIES validation team at 30 hospitals and 1 deviation in each of 10 hospitals; the positive predictive value was 0.97, and the negative predictive value was 0.99. The validation team often gave advice to the hospital, aimed at perfecting the process of surveillance. On 2 occasions, data were removed from the PREZIES database after the validation visit revealed deviations from the SSI surveillance protocol that could have resulted in nonrepresentative SSI rate data.

Conclusions.

PREZIES is confident that the assembled Dutch SSI surveillance data are reliable and robust and are sufficiently accurate to be used as a reference for interhospital comparison. PREZIES will continue performing on-site validation visits, to improve the process of surveillance and ensure the reliability of the surveillance data.
Introducing Alcohol-Based Hand Rub for Hand Hygiene The Critical Need for Training
Authors: Widmer Andreas F. , Conzelmann Martin , Tomic Milanka , Frei Reno , Stranden Anne M.
Published: January 2007

Background.

Use of an alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene has recently been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the proper technique for using hand rub has not been well described and is not routinely taught in hospitals.

Objective.

To evaluate the impact of training on proper technique as outlined by the European Standard for testing alcohol-based hand rubs (European Norm 1500) in a clinical study.

Design, Setting, and Patients.

Prospective study including 180 healthcare workers (HCWs) in a 450-bed, university-affiliated geriatric hospital where alcohol-based hand rub was introduced in the late 1970s.

Intervention.

Structured training program in hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub. Technique for using hand rub was tested by the addition of a fluorescent dye to the disinfectant and the number of areas missed was quantified by a validated visual assessment method. In addition, the number of bacteria eradicated was estimated by calculating the difference between the log10 number of colony-forming units (cfu) of bacteria on the fingertips before and after the procedure, and reported as reduction factor (RF).

Main Outcome Measure.

Log10 cfu bacterial counts on fingertips before and after training in the appropriate technique for using hand rub.

Results.

At baseline, only 31% of HCWs used proper technique, yielding a low RF of 1.4 log10 cfu bacterial count. Training improved HCW compliance to 74% and increased the RF to 2.2 log10 cfu bacterial count, an increase of almost 50% (P < .001). Several factors, such as applying the proper amount of hand rub, were significantly associated with the increased RF.

Conclusion.

These results demonstrate that education on the proper technique for using hand rub, as outlined in EN 1500, can significantly increase the degree of bacterial killing.
Inhibition by pentachlorophenol of the initiating and promoting activities of 1′-hydroxysafrole for the formation of enzyme-altered foci and tumors in rat liver
Authors: Boberg Eric W. , Liem Amy , Miller Elizabeth C. , Miller James A.
Published: January 2007

The hepatocarcinogen 1′-hydroxysafrole (HOS) exhibited weak initiating activity and strong promoting activity for the induction of enzyme-altered foci and tumors in rat liver. Thus, administration of a single dose of HOS to rats 18 h after a 70% hepatectomy, followed by administration of phenobar-bital (PB) in the diet for 6 months, induced a low, but statistically significant, number of foci of enzyme-altered cells. This treatment did not result in gross liver tumors, even when the PB treatment was continued for 16 months. Large numbers of enzyme-altered foci developed when HOS was administered in the diet at levels of 0.05–0.25% to rats previously administered a single dose of N , N -diethylnitros-amine (DEN) 24 h after a 70% hepatectomy. Similarly, rats given a single dose of DEN 24 h after a partial hepatectomy and then fed 0.10 or 0.25% of HOS in the diet for 10 months developed a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas. In the absence of pretreatment with DEN, dietary administration for at least 4 months of 0.10 or 0.25% of HOS induced significant numbers of enzyme-altered foci; these data and liver tumor induction by continuous feeding of HOS, in the absence of pretreatment with DEN, provide additional evidence for an initiating, as well as a promoting, activity of HOS in rat liver. Concurrent administration of the hepatic sulfotransferase inhibitor pentachlorophenol with HOS in each of the above assays almost completely inhibited the initiating and promoting activities of HOS for the formation of enzyme-altered foci and tumors; these data strongly suggest that both the initiating and promoting activities are mediated by the sulfuric acid ester, 1′-sulfooxysafrole. HOS also exhibited initiating activity in adult mouse liver. Thus, dietary administration of 0.25% of HOS for only 1 month, followed by administration of the hepatic tumor promoter 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene resulted in a high incidence and multiplicity of hepatomas by 10 months. In the absence of the promoter, administration of HOS for only 1 month induced no hepatomas; 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene alone induced only a low incidence. In mice not given the promoter, continuous administration of HOS
Effects of separate and combined treatments with gamma radiation and diethylnitrosamine in neonatal rats on the induction of altered hepatocyte foci and hepatic tumors
Authors: Peraino Carl , Grdina David J. , Everett F. Staffeldt , Russell John J. , Prapuolenis Aldona , Carnes Bruce A.
Published: January 2007

To characterize the effects of combined treatments with gamma radiation and diethylnitrosamine (DEN) on the induction of histochemically detectable altered hepatocyte foci and hepatic tumors, we assessed the yields of these lesions in the livers of 150-day-old rats that had been treated neonatally with a single dose of gamma radiation (75 red, whole body) and i.p.-injected DEN (0.15 μmol/g body wt), either separately or in combination. The combined treatments involved the administration of the two stimuli in both possible sequences, with the interval between treatments set at 1 h. The focus population was examined for two histochemical markers (elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [GGT(+)J and iron exclusion [FE(−)], giving rise to three detectable focus phenotypes, i.e. GGT(+) foci, FE(−) foci, and GGT(+), FE(−) foci. Frequencies of the three phenotypes were quantitated through the use of serial frozen sectioning techniques and computer-assisted image analysis. GGT(+) focus induction was synergistkally enhanced by the combined treatment irrespective of the order in which the two stimuli were administered; the remaining two phenotypes did not show such enhancement. The magnitude of the GGT(+) focus response was significantly greater when the treatment sequence was gamma → DEN as opposed to DEN → gamma. Tumor yields in rats receiving combined gamma-DEN treatment were similar to those in rats receiving the DEN alone, irrespective of the gamma-DEN treatment sequence. These results suggest that (i) phenotypically distinguishable lesions, including foci with different histochemical marker patterns and tumors, originate from specific types of damage at different genetic loci and are developmentally independent; and (ii) the expression of the GGT(+) marker per se in altered hepatocyte foci is not a reliable index of incipient hepatic neoplasia.
The International Court and ‘Its Freedom to Select the Ground Upon Which it Will Base its Judgment’
Authors: Orakhelashvili Alexander
Published: January 2007

The outcome of the litigation before the International Court of Justice can be seriously affected by the Court's treatment of the parties' submissions, not just because the Court's disregard of the submission of the party can affect the legal rights of that party. The final decision can end up being substantially different from what most people would expect. This happened, for instance, in some cases in which much was at stake, such asArrest Warrant, Oil PlatformsorLegality of the Use of Force. The reasoning and outcome of these cases, involving the issues of the use of force and the account-ability for serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law, was important not merely for the parties' rights and interests, but also had a wider dimension of clarifying the applicable law on the important questions that very frequently arises within the international legal system and affects its operation and efficiency. It is therefore crucial to ascertain what the Court's powers are in dealing with the parties' submissions and if such powers are subject to certain limits.
Localization of Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Root Meristems
Authors: CLOWES F. A. L.
Published: January 2007

Adenine-8-C114 was supplied to roots of Vicia faba and Allium ascalonicum and its incorporation into DNA was studied from autoradiographs of hydrolysed sections. These roots have a quiescent centre to the meristem where the cells do not synthesize DNA and probably, therefore, play no part in the construction of the root. The boundary between the quiescent centre and the central cap initials is clearly defined and this suggests that there is as little cell interchange between the histogens as there is in roots with visibly discrete histogens.
Lower Eyelid Splinting: An Alternative to the Frost Suture
Authors: Jothi Sumana , Moe Kris S.
Published: January 2007

Objectives: To describe a new method of postoperative eyelid suspension used for the prevention of eyelid malposition and to report its efficacy through an outcome study.

Study Design: An outcome study was performed on 10 patients who would potentially need postoperative eyelid suspension. Candidates included patients with entropion, ectropion, or orbital fractures requiring transconjunctival approaches. Patients were photographed pre‐ and postoperatively and followed for signs of eyelid malposition.

Methods: At the conclusion of the surgical procedure, a sheet of Xeroform gauze was folded into 6 overlapping layers and cut to conform to the shape of the inferior orbital rim. The superior edge of the gauze was sutured to the lower eyelid using interrupted 5‐0 nylon suture. Sutures were placed at the medial and lateral canthi to raise the eyelid above the inferior limbus and along the inferior orbital rim. The splint was removed between postoperative days 7 and 14.

Results: There were no perioperative complications related to the surgery or placement of the splint. No cutaneous marks persisted after healing. No complications such as shifting of the splint, ocular damage, or recurrent eyelid malposition occurred. One patient had asymptomatic restriction of lower eyelid elevation on upward gaze, which resolved at 6 months.

Conclusions: The lower eyelid splint appears effective in maintaining lower eyelid position postoperatively. There were no complications with its use, and the splint was tolerated well. Benefits of the splint over the Frost suture include less risk of corneal abrasion, ability to check visual function, and ability to use the splint bilaterally.
Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Anthropometry to Measure Fat‐free Mass in Children and Adolescents With Crohn Disease
Authors: Dung Nguyen Quang , Fusch Gerhard , Armbrust Sven , Jochum Frank , Fusch Christoph
Published: January 2007

Objectives:

To investigate the precision of published prediction equations for fat‐free mass (FFM) from bioimpedance measurements in children with Crohn disease using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) as an in vivo gold standard.

Methods:

Fat‐free mass of 49 white boys and girls ages 7.3 to 16.9 y suffering from Crohn disease was measured by DXA. Body weight, height and bioimpedance measurements were also collected. FFM measured by DXA (FFMDXA) was compared with FFM predicted by the only 5 published prediction equations available for children and adolescents. An equation was developed for predicting FFM and was validated using a bootstrap method.

Results:

When correlating predicted FFM with FFMDXA, Schaefer's equation showed the highest R2 (0.950), the smallest standard error of estimate (SEE) (2.05 kg) and the smallest percentage error (0.28%). Our prediction equation for estimating FFM was FFM = 0.652 Ht2/Z + 0.0385 Wt + 0.586 Age − 0.327, R2 = 0.951, SEE = 2.08, P < 0.0005, where Ht2/Z is the impedance index in cm2/Ω, Wt is body weight in kilograms, age is in years. R2 value from bootstrap method was 0.950 ± 0.01 (95% confidence interval 0.927–0.968), indicating an acceptable validation of the derived formula.

Conclusions:

The formula of Schaefer is the best for predicting FFM. The present study provides a new prediction equation for estimating FFM in children with Crohn disease that may be used in clinical settings in which more sophisticated body composition measuring equipments are not available.
Age validation and growth of three commercially important hemiramphids in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Stewart J. , Hughes J. M.
Published: January 2007

The method of using sectioned otoliths to estimate age in three species of garfishes (family Hemiramphidae) was validated by: (1) staining fishes with the vital stain alizarin complexone (ALC) and periodically examining their otolith growth, and (2) marginal increment analyses. Staining fishes with ALC indicated that opaque zones were formed during winter and spring, but did not become visible on the otolith edge until late spring and summer. Hyporhamphus australis were found to be similar to the hemiramphids of the Atlantic in having fast growth rates and a maximum observed age of 4+ years old. Hyporhamphus regularis ardelio and Arrhamphus sclerolepis krefftii were found to be more similar to the southern sea garfish, Hyporhamphus melanochir, in being moderately long‐lived, with maximum observed ages of 7+ years old for both species. Females grew faster and attained greater fork lengths than males for each species. Sectioned otoliths showed large variation in the appearance of opaque zones between the three species studied, with those from the wide‐ranging, oceanic H. australis appearing inconsistent and diffuse when compared to the estuarine H. r. ardelio and A. s. krefftii. This variation was also apparent from fishes kept in aquaria, suggesting that the appearance of opaque zones in otoliths of these species is largely influenced by physiology, rather than by environmental conditions.
Magnetic counter‐gravity flow separation of electrically prepolarised lymphoid cells
Authors: Popa C. , Su B. , Vadgama P. , Cotter F.
Published: January 2007

A novel principle is proposed for a differential separation of live cells (such as leucocytes) from a main flow. A microfluidic device with planar insulated electrodes as the side walls of the channel was manufactured and tested. An array of insulated vertical conductor wires was inserted along the axis of the channel and used to impose Lorentz forces upon polarisable particles that moved with the flow. Polystyrene microspheres and lymphoid cell lines (DOHH2 and K562) were used to test the ability of the setting to impose a force field that induced consistent vertical motion. The direction of electric current was found to directly influence the number of cells or microspheres that were sampled at the surface of the flow. Lorentz force was considered to be active upon cells due to an overall polarisation of the membrane surface. The consequence of the magnetic force was that the polarised cells were moved vertically upwards (opposing gravity). The setting was effective for increasing the number of extracted cells from a main flow or for increasing the concentration of DOHH2 cells in a mixed population with K562 in culture medium. The limitations of the work parameters (potential–current) were found to be dependent upon the cell type.
Biomolecular characterisation of leucocytes by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Kan‐Zhi , Xu Minqi , Scott David A.
Published: January 2007

Over the last 15 years, infrared (IR) spectroscopy has developed into a novel and powerful biomedical tool that has multiple applications in the field of haematology. By revealing subtle alterations in both the conformation and concentration of key macromolecules, such as DNA, protein and lipids, IR spectroscopy has been employed to investigate multiple aspects of leucocyte physiology. IR spectroscopy has been used, for example, to diagnose and prognose leukaemia; to characterise differentiation and apoptotic processes; to predict drug sensitivity and resistance in leukaemic patients undergoing chemotherapy; to monitor the response of leucocytes to chemotherapy and to perform human leucocyte antigen matching for bone marrow transplant patients. Such studies have provided insight into pathogenic mechanisms underlying specific leucocyte disorders, especially leukaemia. While it is likely to be some considerable time before IR spectroscopy is sufficiently developed to displace the established technologies, IR spectroscopy has the potential to become a valuable analytic tool in basic and clinical haematology.
Novel risk factors for hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia: a matched case–control study
Authors: Beukhof Carolien M. , Hoorn Ewout J. , Lindemans Jan , Zietse Robert
Published: January 2007

Background  Hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia is a common and potentially serious condition. Risk factors for hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia have not been studied in a controlled fashion.

Methods  From 1501 patients in whom serum sodium (SNa) was determined, 50 cases with hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia (in‐hospital decrease in SNa≥ 7 mmol/l to < 136 mmol/l) were identified. They were matched by age, gender and department to 69 normonatraemic controls.

Results  In the 50 cases, SNa fell from 141 ± 2 to 130 ± 4 mmol/l, while controls remained normonatraemic. During the development of hyponatraemia, C‐reactive protein (CRP) increased in cases (median from 23 to 146 mg/l), whereas it decreased in controls (median from 31 to 24 mg/l, P = 0·008). Additional factors associated with hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia included diabetes mellitus (16/50 vs. 10/69, P = 0·009) and the use of insulin (12/50 vs. 4/69, P = 0·007), antibiotics (41/50 vs. 38/69, P = 0·006) and opioids (32/50 vs. 27/69, P = 0·005). Multivariate conditional logistic regression showed that the use of insulin [odds ratio (OR) 10·5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·5–72·4], antibiotics (OR 4·5, 95% CI 1·4–14·6) and opioids (OR 2·9, 95% CI 1·1–7·8) was also independently associated with hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia. Mortality (6/50 vs. 1/69, P = 0·04) and intensive care admission (15/50 vs. 7/69, P = 0·008) were higher in cases.

Conclusions  An increase in CRP and the use of insulin, antibiotics and opioids are novel risk factors for hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia. These factors represent interesting new clues regarding the pathophysiology of hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia, suggesting that the acute‐phase response, pain and/or direct drug effects could be involved in the release of antidiuretic hormone.
A randomized controlled trial of the diagnostic accuracy of internet‐based telepathology compared with conventional microscopy
Authors: Furness P
Published: January 2007

Aims:  To compare the diagnostic accuracy of internet‐based virtual microscopy with conventional light microscopy, in the context of renal biopsies assessed by participants in the UK National Renal Pathology External Quality Assessment (EQA) Scheme.

Methods and results:  ‘Virtual slides’ of current EQA cases were made available over the internet to participants in the scheme. The approach permitted what may reasonably be described as a randomized controlled trial of the diagnostic accuracy of this mode of telepathology, in the context of renal pathology. No significant difference in diagnostic accuracy could be detected between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of virtual slides and conventional slides; but using virtual slides took pathologists considerably longer.

Conclusions:  This result provides some encouragement for the implementation of such virtual slide‐based telepathology systems. However, in failing to detect a difference, equivalence of diagnostic accuracy has not been proved; nor has the relevance of this result to other fields of histopathology been demonstrated. A decision to implement a diagnostic telepathology system requires consideration of numerous factors beyond diagnostic accuracy, including financial, legal, professional and ethical issues.
Chromosomal imbalances and NF2 mutational analysis in a series of 10 spinal nerve sheath myxomas
Authors: Rickert C H , Schwering E‐M , Siebers J , Hartmann C , Von Deimling A , Paulus W
Published: January 2007

Aims:  To report the demographic, clinical and molecular profile of a series of intraspinal nerve sheath myxomas. Nerve sheath myxomas are diagnostically challenging, mainly cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms exhibiting Schwann cell differentiation. They are frequently mistaken for neurothekeomas and their genetic features are essentially unknown.

Methods and results:  Ten spinal nerve sheath myxomas with a preferential location in the lumbar spine (70%) were investigated. Presenting symptoms consisted of sciatic pain (100%), muscle weakness and paraesthesia (60% each). Intraoperatively, all tumours were attached to a spinal nerve. Chromosomal imbalances by comparative genomic hybridization were found in 8/10 cases, consisting of −22q (80%) and −19 (30%). Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the NF2 gene (exons 1–16) revealed two tumours with mutations in exon 8 and 14, respectively.

Conclusions:  Although these 10 nerve sheath myxomas exhibited Schwann cell differentiation and frequently showed loss of chromosome 22q typically encountered in peripheral nerve tumours, only two cases demonstrated mutations of the NF2 gene. This may indicate involvement of other tumour suppressor genes on 22q in nerve sheath myxomas and shows that they are more closely related at the molecular level to sporadic schwannomas, underscoring the presumption that they are true nerve sheath tumours.
A highly conserved MAPK‐docking site in Mst7 is essential for Pmk1 activation in Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Zhao Xinhua , Xu Jin‐Rong
Published: January 2007

In Magnaporthe grisea, the MST11‐MST7‐PMK1 MAP kinase (MAPK) cascade is essential for appressorium formation and plant infection. Although expressing a dominant active MST7 allele results in Pmk1 activation in the absence of Mst11 and improper regulation of appressorium formation, the direct interaction between Mst7 and Pmk1 is not observed in yeast two‐hybrid assays. Thus, it is not clear how Mst7 transmits the upstream signals to Pmk1. Like its homologues from other ascomycetes, Mst7 contains a putative MAPK‐docking site (12–20) at its N‐terminus. Deletion of this MAPK‐docking site had no obvious effect on the expression of MST7 but blocked appressorium formation and plant infection. The kinase activity of Mst7 was not affected by the docking site deletion but Mst7Δ12−20 failed to activate Pmk1. Mutations in the putative docking region of Pmk1 also abolished appressorium formation. In both co‐immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays, the direct interaction between Mst7 and Pmk1 was detected only during appressorium formation. Deletion of the MAPK‐docking site of Mst7 eliminated the Mst7–Pmk1 interaction in M. grisea. These data indicate that the MAPK‐docking site of Mst7 is essential for its association and activation of downstream Pmk1, and the Mst7–Pmk1 interaction is enhanced or stabilized during appressorium formation.
Sedimentation in shallow to deep water carbonate environments across a sequence boundary: effects of a fall in sea‐level on the evolution of a carbonate system (Ladinian‐Carnian, eastern Lombardy, Italy)
Authors: BERRA FABRIZIO
Published: January 2007

In the Concarena‐Pizzo Camino Massif (Lombardy Basin, Southern Alps, Italy) the lateral transition from Ladinian‐Carnian carbonate platforms to coeval intraplatform basins is preserved. The succession records the sedimentological evidence of a sea‐level fall on a flat‐topped platform with a narrow marginal reef rim and its effects in the adjacent deeper‐water basin. Repeated high‐frequency exposures of the platform top are recorded by a peritidal–supratidal succession that overlies subtidal inner platform facies of the former highstand system tract (HST). On the slope and in the basin, the sea‐level fall is recorded by a few metre thick succession of bioclastic packstones. These facies directly lie on coarse clinostratified breccia bodies (slope facies of the former HST) or on resedimented, well‐bedded, dark laminated limestones (basinal facies of the HST). This facies distribution indicates that during the sea‐level fall carbonate production on the platform top decreased rapidly and that sedimentation in the basin was mainly represented by condensed facies. Microfacies record an enrichment, during low stand, in pelagic biota (packstones with radiolarians and spiculae), whereas the occurrence of platform‐derived, shallow‐water materials is limited to thin lenses of reworked and micritized Fe‐rich oolites and bioclasts (mainly pelecypods and echinoderms). The facies association in the Concarena‐Pizzo Camino Massif demonstrates that a highly‐productive carbonate factory was almost completely turned off during the emergence of the platform top at a sequence boundary, leading to low‐stand starvation in the basin. The reconstruction of the stratigraphic evolution of the Concarena‐Pizzo Camino carbonate platform therefore represents a significant case history for the study of the behaviour of ancient carbonate systems during a fall in sea‐level, independent of its origin (eustatic or tectonic).
Blepharophimosis–ptosis–epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES)
Authors: Leon‐Mateos Alvaro , Ginarte Manuel , Ruiz‐Ponte Clara , Carracedo Angel , Toribio Jaime
Published: January 2007

Blepharophimosis–ptosis–epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is a rare inherited condition that includes characteristic eyelid malformations and sometimes reduced fertility in females. Genetic studies have implicated mutations in the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2 as responsible for BPES.

We report a female and her father with BPES type I, who presented the 1092–1108dup17 mutation in the FOXL2 gene. Molecular studies and the typical clinical features of BPES should allow the dermatologist to reach an early diagnosis and permit the treatment of eyelid alterations and the investigation of infertility.
Pediatric liver transplantation in Iran: Evaluation of the first 50 cases
Authors: Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Bahador Ali , Gholami Siavash , Nikeghbalian Saman , Salahi Heshmatollah , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Haghighat Mahmood , Davari Hamid Reza , Serati Zahra , Mehrabani Davood , Malek‐Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: January 2007

Abstract: LT is nowadays accepted as the definitive therapy for end‐stage liver disease. We report our experiences with pediatric LT using grafts from living related and DD. From April 1999 to March 2006, 50 infants and children who underwent LT were studied for pretransplantation status, medical and surgical complications and survival rate. There were 33 (66%) boys and 17 (34%) girls. The mean age of patients was 9.9 ± 4.8 yr (range: 0.9–17.7) with a mean weight of 33.4 ± 18.4 kg (range: 7.5–80). The main indications were cryptogenic cirrhosis (30%), autoimmune cirrhosis (24%), followed by biliary atresia (22%), Wilson disease (14%), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (4%), fulminant hepatitis (4%) and tyrosinemia (2%). We used living‐related donor in 14 (28%) and split liver in 5 (10%) cases and other patients received whole liver from DD. The mean follow‐up of patients was 24.7 ± 22.6 months (range: 1–72). The main postoperative complications were acute cellular rejection (44%) and infections (30%), whereas chronic rejection was seen in 26% of cases. The mortality rate was 24%. Overall mean survival (76% alive) was 63.5 ± 5.7, 95% CI: 52.3–74.6. Our results demonstrate that pediatric LT is a feasible undertaking in Iran. Organ shortage in our area led to liberal use of living related and split liver techniques. The overall results of the pediatric LT in Iran are encouraging.
Growth charts for use in Australia
Authors: Davies Peter SW
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Growth charts for use in Australia have recently been modified. Changes have been made to both height for age and weight for age charts as well as body mass index for age. The charts are now based on the published CDC 2000 growth data which are more contemporary than the data used to construct the previous charts. A first centile for height for age has been included as this is used as a screening tool for the provision of growth hormone to children in Australia. The calculation of a precise first centile has been possible as the CDC data includes LMS values which have other significant advantages in the creation of the growth charts. It is noteworthy that the most recently collected anthropometric data for weight (and hence body mass index) have not been included in the calculation of these two charts as it was believed that increasing numbers of children who are overweight or obese in the population would skew these charts in an undesirable way. Height velocity for age and other charts remain unchanged.
Papilio aegeus Donovan (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) host plant range evaluated experimentally on ancient angiosperms
Authors: Scriber J Mark , Larsen Michelle L , Zalucki Myron P
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Chemical similarities among ancient Angiosperms presumably played a role in the ecological and evolutionary diversification of the swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae). The abilities of neonate larvae of the Citrus swallowtail, Papilio (=Princeps) aegeus (from Queensland, Australia), to eat, survive and grow on leaves (a choice of young and old) of 34 plant species from families of ancient Angiosperms; 8 Rutaceae, 3 Magnoliaceae, 13 Lauraceae, 3 Monimiaceae, 1 Aristolochiaceae, 2 Apiaceae, 1 Sapotaceae, 1 Winteraceae and 2 Annonaceae were tested. It was apparent that there is genetic variation in populations of Rutaceae‐specialised Australian P. aegeus for acceptance, consumption and larval growth, reflecting differential suitability of some native Australian Lauraceae species as food plants (as well as certain Winteraceae, Monimiaceae and non‐Australian Magnoliaceae, Lauraceae and Annonaceae). No consumption or survival of P. aegeus was seen on Aristolochia elegans (Aristolochiaceae) or Pouteria australis (Sapotaceae) despite literature records alluding to this possibility. The Rutaceae specialist P. aegeus appears to have the fundamental detoxification capabilities for processing many existing species of the basal Angiosperm families, without having direct ancestors that historically had fed on them.
Reconstructing the corporate social responsibility construct in Utlish
Authors: Amaeshi Kenneth M. , Adi Bongo
Published: January 2007

The charged debate on the ‘C‐S‐R‐ization’ of organizational practices seems to have produced two opposing and seemingly incompatible explanations for why organizations should engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR): one, the normative rationale based on an appeal to ethics; and the other, the instrumental rationale, based on an appeal to business pragmatism. This paper argues that a missing link in this debate is the failure to recognize that the normative and instrumental approaches to corporate social responsibility are underpinned by substantively, differentiating, relative logics of emotional rationalism on the one hand, and instrumental rationalism on the other. The paper makes a case that for CSR as a management practice to be practicable and actionable within a sustainable business agenda, it will need to be stripped of its current normative undertone and reconstructed in the instrumentally, pragmatic (utlish) language of business. Otherwise, the whole concept of CSR may continue to dwell in the realm of abstract theorizing without yielding many beneficial and practicable outcomes. The paper concludes that such an approach that situates CSR within a pragmatic business lingua, rather than a non‐business lingua, will help in legitimizing CSR as a ‘neutral’ management practice.
What Codes of Conduct Tell Us: corporate social responsibility and the nature of the multinational corporation
Authors: Béthoux Élodie , Didry Claude , Mias Arnaud
Published: January 2007

This article examines the corpus of multinationals’ codes of conduct on CSR issues which has been collated by the ILO. Through lexical software analysis we identify three main points of reference in CSR codes of conduct: respect for ILO norms, discussion of the company’s relationship to society, and reinforcement of its internal discipline and organisation. Surprisingly, the issue of corporate responsibility itself constitutes a small part of the text of the codes. Their main targets are employees, who are charged with a dual task: to ensure the implementation of the principles stated in the codes, and to protect the assets of the company. In a reflexive dimension, codes of conduct help us to understand the key characteristics of the companies which made them.
PERSONAL ATTACHMENT TO BELIEFS
Authors: LUGENBEHL DALE
Published: January 2007

Abstract: There is a tendency in philosophical discussions to see beliefs as belonging to specific people—to see things in terms of “your” belief, or “my” belief, or “Smith's” belief. I call this “personal attachment to beliefs.” This mindset is unconscious, deeply ingrained, and a powerful background stance in discussion and thinking. Attachment has a negative impact on the quality of philosophical discussion and learning: difficulties in acknowledging error and changing beliefs, blindness to new evidence, difficulties in understanding new ideas, entrenchment in views, rancorous behavior, and the encouragement of competitive personal contests rather than collaborative searches for the truth. This article investigates the nature of attachment and traces out some of the undesirable consequences for classroom philosophical discussion, thinking, writing, and learning. It presents an alternative model to attachment and offers constructive suggestions for implementing the results of the investigation in the philosophy classroom and elsewhere.
BEALER ON THE AUTONOMY OF PHILOSOPHICAL AND SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE
Authors: SHAFFER MICHAEL J.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: In a series of influential articles, George Bealer argues for the autonomy of philosophical knowledge on the basis that philosophically known truths must be necessary truths. The main point of his argument is that the truths investigated by the sciences are contingent truths to be discovered a posteriori by observation, while the truths of philosophy are necessary truths to be discovered a priori by intuition. The project of assimilating philosophy to the sciences is supposed to be rendered illegitimate by the more or less sharp distinction in these characteristic methods and its modal basis. In this article Bealer's particular way of drawing the distinction between philosophy and science is challenged in a novel manner, and thereby philosophical naturalism is further defended.
Growth, Industrialization, and the Intergenerational Correlation of Advantage
Authors: LEVINE DAVID I. , JELLEMA JON R.
Published: January 2007

The shift from feudalism to industrial capitalism was generally accompanied by an increase in social mobility. We ask whether such an increase has occurred in a developing nation currently undergoing rapid industrialization, Indonesia. It has, at least as measured by a declining intergenerational correlation of education. To highlight the effects of economic growth on intergenerational mobility, we contrast Indonesia's experience with that of Bangladesh, where industrialization has proceeded more slowly and the correlation between parents’ and children's education has been roughly stable. We also examine potential causal channels for the rising educational mobility we find in Indonesia, but cannot identify specific pathways related to above‐average school building or rapid industrialization in a region.
Treatment of lipomas assisted with tumescent liposuction
Authors: Choi CW , Kim BJ , Moon SE , Youn SW , Park KC , Huh CH
Published: January 2007

Background  Lipoma is a common soft‐tissue tumour of mature fat cells. Although surgical excision is effective, treatments that are less invasive and not associated with disfigurement of scar would be ideal for the treatment of lipomas. Recently, tumescent liposuction has been used for the treatment of lipomas.

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy of tumescent liposuction in lipoma treatment, we reviewed our experience of lipoma treatment by tumescent liposuction.

Methods  A total of 21 patients presenting with 31 lipomas were treated with tumescent liposuction. After liposuction, remaining stromas were removed by a haemostat through the small incision. Tumour size and post‐operative complications were recorded before and after treatment.

Results  A total of 31 lipomas of 21 patients were treated by tumescent liposuction. The size of lipomas ranged between 1.2 and 11 cm (mean size, 4.1 cm). In 23 cases, there were no complications. However, remnant lipomas, bruise, haematoma and immediate dimpling were found as complications.

Conclusion  Tumescent liposuctions with extracting remnant fat tissue and fibrous tissue through the opening for liposuction can be an effective treatment technique in lipoma treatment in the efficacy and cosmetic outcomes and this method can be a substitute for excision in treating large lipomas.
Politicians without Parties and Parties without Politicians: The Foibles of the Peruvian Political Class, 2000–2006*
Authors: TAYLOR LEWIS
Published: January 2007

Since the collapse of the Fujimori regime in November 2000, the Peruvian political system has experienced considerable turbulence, which has focused attention on the capabilities and comportment of the country’s elected politicians. While some analysts hold that ‘there is no political class in Peru’, others maintain that since Fujimori’s demise a ‘resurrection’ has occurred in the fortunes of both parties and politicians who occupied centre stage during the 1980s. This article examines these claims, arguing that despite appearances to the contrary, the core of Peru’s political class operates in a rational and responsible fashion.
The Hayman technique: a simple method to treat postpartum haemorrhage
Authors: Ghezzi F , Cromi A , Uccella S , Raio L , Bolis P , Surbek D
Published: January 2007

Of the several uterine compression sutures described in more recent years to treat postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), the Hayman suture offers the potential advantages that can be applied faster and easier, avoiding the performance of a lower segment hysterotomy when PPH follows a vaginal delivery. Data on efficacy and safety are limited, and long‐term follow‐up information are lacking. We report our experience with the Hayman suture in 11 consecutive women with massive PPH. Of these, ten were successfully treated without further interventions. One woman ultimately required a hysterectomy. Postoperative course was uncomplicated in all the cases. The median follow‐up time was 11 months (range 1–19). One woman conceived spontaneously 10 months after the procedure. Our results suggest that the Hayman suture is an effective and safe treatment for PPH.
The CB2 cannabinoid agonist AM‐1241 prolongs survival in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis when initiated at symptom onset
Authors: Shoemaker Jennifer L. , Seely Kathryn A. , Reed Ronald L. , Crow John P. , Prather Paul L.
Published: January 2007

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss, paralysis and death within 2–5 years of diagnosis. Currently, no effective pharmacological agents exist for the treatment of this devastating disease. Neuroinflammation may accelerate the progression of ALS. Cannabinoids produce anti‐inflammatory actions via cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), and delay the progression of neuroinflammatory diseases. Additionally, CB2 receptors, which normally exist primarily in the periphery, are dramatically up‐regulated in inflamed neural tissues associated with CNS disorders. In G93A‐SOD1 mutant mice, the most well‐characterized animal model of ALS, endogenous cannabinoids are elevated in spinal cords of symptomatic mice. Furthermore, treatment with non‐selective cannabinoid partial agonists prior to, or upon, symptom appearance minimally delays disease onset and prolongs survival through undefined mechanisms. We demonstrate that mRNA, receptor binding and function of CB2, but not CB1, receptors are dramatically and selectively up‐regulated in spinal cords of G93A‐SOD1 mice in a temporal pattern paralleling disease progression. More importantly, daily injections of the selective CB2 agonist AM‐1241, initiated at symptom onset, increase the survival interval after disease onset by 56%. Therefore, CB2 agonists may slow motor neuron degeneration and preserve motor function, and represent a novel therapeutic modality for treatment of ALS.
Media Coverage of Hazard Events: Analyzing the Assumptions*
Authors: Freudenburg William R. , Coleman Cynthia‐Lou , Gonzales James , Helgeland Catherine
Published: January 2007

Despite the widespread conviction that the mass media tend to “blow risks out of proportion,” the question has received little systematic attention. The mass‐media literature also presents the opposite argument, namely that the media minimize the kinds of reporting that might upset large‐scale capitalistic industries. Still other perspectives hold, on the one hand, that media reports tend to have more subtle anti‐technology effects, created by “even‐handed” coverage and on the other hand, that reporters give “establishment” figures the opportunity to “keynote” or “put the facts in perspective” in ways that exert a subtly pro‐technology effect. Drawing on a systematic sample of 128 hazard events developed by researchers at another university and factually summarized by Lexis‐Nexis, we analyze the effects of emotionalism on actual levels of coverage; a variety of analyses show that the only variables to exert significant effects are those that involve objective information, such as the number of casualties or the level of damage created. Given the argument that the effects of emotionalism can be conveyed in ways that are largely independent of the facts, e.g., by headlines, photographs, and “loaded” words, we next compare the emotionalism conveyed by factual summaries vs. the original stories and headlines. Even for incidents involving nuclear and/or toxic hazards, we find the net effect of the full stories is to lessen the emotionalism. Overall, the hypothesis receiving strongest support is that the “keynoting” helps create an overall impression that the “responsible authorities” are acting more responsibly than might be assumed on the basis of factual summaries alone. The widespread impression within the technical community, while understandable, may well have as much to do with the selective perceptions of scientists and engineers as with the actual pattern of media reporting.