bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacement of dietary fat with palm oil: effect on human serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins
Authors: Sundram Kalyana , Hornstra Gerard , Houwelingen Adriana C. v. , Kester Arnold D. M.
Published: September 2005

Thirty-eight male volunteers participated in a double-blind cross-over trial evaluating the effect of replacing the usual sources of saturated fat in the Dutch diet (animal fats and hydrogenated oils) by palm oil, which is virtually free of cholesterol andtrans-fatty acids, on serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. Maximum (about 70%) replacement had no significant effect on serum total cholesterol or most lipoprotein fractions, but resulted in an 11% increase in serum high-density-lipoprotein (HDL)2-cholesterol relative to the control (P2= 0.01). The palm-oil diet also caused an 8% decrease in low-density-lipoprotein (LDL):HDL2+HDL3-cholesterol ratio (P2= 0.02) as well as a 9% decrease in triacylglycerols in the low-density-lipoprotein fractions (P2= 0.01). Palm oil consumption resulted in a 4% increase in serum apolipoprotein AI (P2= 0.008) and a 4% decrease in apolipoprotein B (P2= 0.01) relative to the control diet; the B:AI apolipoprotein ratio was decreased by 8% (P2< 0.0001). These results were not significantly affected by the different lipoprotein E phenotypes of the volunteers. Although the observed differences were relatively modest, the present study, nonetheless, indicates that dietary palm oil, when replacing a major part of the normal fat content in a Dutch diet, may slightly reduce the lipoprotein- and apolipoprotein-associated cardiovascular risk profiles
Effects of guar gum and cellulose on glucose absorption, hormonal release and hepatic metabolism in the pig
Authors: Nunes C. Simões , Malmlöf K.
Published: September 2005

Six Large White pigs (mean body-weight 59 (se 1.7) kg) were surgically fitted with permanent catheters in the portal vein, the brachiocephalic artery and the right hepatic vein, as well as with electromagnetic flow probes around the portal vein and the hepatic artery, and allowed to recover. The non-anaesthetized animals were given a basal non-fibre diet (diet A) alone or together with 60 g guar gum/kg (diet B) or 150 g purified cellulose/kg (diet C) by substitution for mica. The diets were given for weekly periods and according to a replicated 3x3 Latin square design. On the last day of each such adaptation period, test meals of 800 g were given before blood sampling. Sampling was continued for 8 h. Guar gum strongly reduced glucose apparent absorption without changing the absorption and the hepatic uptake profiles. Production rates of insulin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were lowest after guar gum ingestion. However, the reductions in peripheral blood insulin levels caused by guar gum were not associated with a change in hepatic insulin extraction. IGF-1 appeared to be strongly secreted by the gut, whereas the liver had a net uptake of the peptide. Ingestion of guar gum increased the hepatic extraction coefficient of gut-produced IGF-1. Guar gum ingestion appeared also to decrease glucagon secretion.

Cellulose at the level consumed had very few effects on the variables considered.

It is suggested that the modulation of intestinal mechanisms by guar gum was sufficient to mediate the metabolic effects described
Influence of saline drinking water on eggshell quality and formation
Authors: Balnave D.
Published: September 2005

Many studies have shown that saline drinking water supplied to mature laying hens at concentrations similar to those found in underground bore water has an adverse effect on eggshell quality and on the incidence of eggshell defects. This response can be observed in the absence of any adverse effects on production parameters such as food intake, egg production and egg weight. Strain differences appear to exist, and even within a strain there is considerable variation in the responses of individual hens to saline drinking water. The sensitivity of the hen also increases with age with a greater occurrence of broken and shell-less eggs. The incidence of shell-less eggs also increases with higher concentrations of NaC1 in the water. The use of saline drinking water with breeder flocks significantly reduces the production of day-old chicks through reduced numbers of settable eggs and lower hatchability. The primary metabolic lesion associated with the poor eggshell quality which results from the intake of saline drinking water appears to be related to the supply of bicarbonate rather than calcium to the lumen of the shell gland for eggshell formation. A reduced activity of carbonic anhydrase in the shell gland mucosa is of particular importance. This limits the supply of bicarbonate and the dependent calcium to the lumen of the shell gland. Treatments which have been found to be effective are preventive rather than remedial in nature. The two most promising treatments, apart from desalination of drinking water, appear to be the use of ascorbic acid supplements in the diet or drinking water appear to be the use of ascorbic acid supplements in the diet or drinking water and the use of zinc–methionine supplements in the diet. The mechanism by which ascorbic acid exerts its effect is unknown but the response is dose-dependent. The zinc component of zinc–methionine appears to be the important factor with this treatment, perhaps through its effect on carbonic anhydrase, a zinc-requiring enzyme.
Avoiding pollution from poultry manure
Authors: Archer J.
Published: September 2005

In the UK the poultry industry has a good record with regard to surface water contamination and has been responsible for only a small proportion of the total pollution incidents attributable to agriculture. Guidance is provided to farmers by a Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water. Because poultry manures have high concentrations of total nitrogen, with much of this in soluble form, the pollution of ground water with nitrates is a more serious problem. A voluntary Pilot Nitrate Scheme has been introduced in some parts of the UK which controls the quantities of animal waste applied to the land and also the timing of waste application. Linked to the scheme is a comprehensive programme of scientific monitoring. The broad requirements of the European Community Nitrate Directive are described. In the case of air pollution due to odours, poultry farms were reported to be responsible for 17% of complaints attributed to agriculture. Where appropriate, legislative means exist to reduce the nuisance and a Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Air has been published. Some implications for poultry production in the future are considered.
Arteriolization of Capillaries and FGF‐2 Upregulation in Skeletal Muscles of Patients with Chronic Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: BAUM OLIVER , DJONOV VALENTIN , GANSTER MURIELLE , WIDMER MATTHIAS , BAUMGARTNER IRIS
Published: September 2005

Objective: Microvascular changes in ischemic skeletal muscle are described derived from patients with long‐lasting peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods: Skeletal muscles from the lower limb of 17 patients (obtained after amputation) with chronic PAD and 4 asymptomatic controls (obtained from biopsies after bypass surgery) were evaluated by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.

Results: The capillaries in skeletal muscles of PAD patients were surrounded by a more than 1μ m‐thick coat, which was positively stained for basement membrane pericapillary coat collagen type IV. Thickness of the coat correlated with presence of PAD (p < .0001), and less strongly with diabetes mellitus (p = .023) and age of patients (p = .019). The majority of the capillaries in skeletal muscles of PAD patients (71.1 ± 15.3%) were covered with cells positive for smooth muscle cell actin (sma) as compared to samples from asymptomatic controls (22.8% ± 9.6%; p < .0001) suggesting advanced arteriolization. Semiquantitative analysis revealed that patients with PAD demonstrate a higher expression of FGF‐2 in capillary endothelial cells (67.8 ± 17.5%) as compared to controls (10.2 ± 8.4%; p < .0001), whereas VEGF immunoreactivity was only occasionally present in extravascular cells.

Conclusion: Thickened collagen type IV‐positive basement membranes in combination with a significant increase in sma‐coverage indicate arteriolization of capillaries characteristic for chronic PAD, what may be related to high FGF‐2 expression in capillary endothelial cells.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)-Induced Fetal Thymic Atrophy in C57BL/6 Mice: Inhibited Thymocyte Differentiation and Increased Apoptotic Cell Death
Authors: Besteman Elizabeth G. , Zimmerman Kurt L. , Holladay Steven D.
Published: September 2005

Treatment of pregnant C57Bl/6 mice with 48 μg/kg diethylstilbestrol (DES) on gestation days (GDs) 14 and 16 resulted in both decreased day 18 fetal thymic cellularity as well as alterations in thymocyte phenotype. Histopathologic examination of GD 18 fetal thymi from DES-exposed dams demonstrated a decrease in thymic size and cellularity and an increase in pyknotic nuclei, indicative of apoptosis, relative to control thymi. Thymic architecture was also altered by DES treatment with a decrease in the distinction between the cortical and medullary regions. Flow cytometric staining of day 18 thymocyte suspensions with the apoptotic marker 7-aminoactinomycin D showed a decrease in thymocyte viability after DES, and a concomitant increase of thymocytes in early apoptosis. When thymocytes were co-identified by CD4 and CD8 cell surface antigen expression, trends toward increased apoptosis were present in the CD4+CD8+ and CD4+CD8− subpopulations, and significantly increased apoptosis occurred in the CD4−CD8−and CD4−CD8+ subpopulations. These histopathologic and flow cytometric findings support enhanced apoptosis of thymocytes as a contributing factor to fetal thymic atrophy caused by DES.
Role of upper mixed layer depth in forecasting contaminated sediment recovery rates
Authors: Redder Todd M. , DePinto Joseph V. , Holmberg Hans P. , Wolfe John R.
Published: September 2005

A critical step in evaluating and selecting contaminated sediment remediation options is the simulation of a long-term future trend of exposure concentrations that will occur under natural conditions without active in situ remediation. This ‘natural attenuation’ forecast provides a baseline reference against which to compare alternative sediment management options. Model development and application at a number of contaminated sediment sites has indicated that one of the most important parameters for accurately simulating natural attenuation is the depth of the upper mixed (i.e., ‘active’) sediment layer. The upper mixed sediment layer essentially acts as a biologically available contaminant reservoir, determining risks to ecological and human health. Contaminant concentrations in the upper mixed sediment layer are dynamic and determined by: the sediment inventory created by historical loadings to the sediment; a balance of fate and transport processes both into and out of the mixed layer at the sediment water interface; and burial of contaminants from the mixed layer into deeply buried ‘inactive’ sediments. Model sensitivity analyses at one of our sediment management sites, the Lower Fox River, has demonstrated that the rate at which polychlorinated biphenyl exposure decreases with time under natural processes is inversely proportional and very sensitive to the depth of mixing in the surficial sediments of the system. These studies have shown that increasing the assumed mixed layer depth in the model from 10 cm to 30 cm increases the simulated recovery half-time—as measured by the rate of change of the upper layer sediment polychlorinated biphenyl concentration—from about 20 years to more than 100 years. In the case of the Lower Fox River, radioisotope and polychlorinated biphenyl concentration depth profiling supports a 10 cm mixed depth layer. Implementing a 30 cm mixed depth in the model smears the existing polychlorinated biphenyl profile, artificially mixing higher concentrations in the 10 to 30 cm layer with lower concentrations in the 0 to 10 cm layer, resulting in the increased simulated recovery times.
An assessment of sediment contamination in Presque Isle Bay, PA, with historical comparisons
Authors: Diz Harry R.
Published: September 2005

The harbor at Erie, Pennsylvania, known as Presque Isle Bay (the 43rd Great Lakes Area of Concern), has been designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as being in a stage of recovery. The impaired beneficial uses include the high incidence of fish tumors and restrictions on dredging. The goal of this study was to assess the level of chemical contamination in Bay sediments, and to some extent its tributaries, and to compare the findings to prior studies. Parameters investigated were the previously identified contaminants of concern: selected heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The acid volatile sulfide/simultaneously extracted metals ratio was used to estimate bioavailability of metals.

It appeared that the deepest sediments and the most recent sediments were less contaminated with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than those sediments in the middle region studied, that is, from about 10 cm below the surface to about 30 cm below the surface. These more highly contaminated sediments are estimated to represent deposition during the second half of the 20th century.

The most recent results for the most superficial sediments are encouraging for stakeholders because there were fewer cases of heavy metals exceeding their respective probable effects concentrations. The metals of greatest concern continued to be Cd, Ni and Pb, in that order. The sites most contaminated with heavy metals were those off Cascade Creek and the site least contaminated with heavy metals was the one nearest the mouth of Mill Creek. Data on stream sediments suggest that more work must be done within the watershed, especially the Cascade Creek and Myrtle Street drainages, to reduce the level of metal contamination reaching the Bay via sediment particles. In the most recently studied sediments certain metals continued to exist at levels approaching or exceeding their probable effects concentrations. However, the acid volatile sulfide/simultaneously extracted metals hypothesis suggests that those metals are not bioavailable.

The pattern of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination is similar to that of the metals, with the most highly contaminated sites being those along the city's waterfront and in the center of the Bay. The hydrocarbons measured in the most recent sediments were all lower than those measured in 1994, and were well below the probable effects concentration for total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. While there may be other important factors not studied or reviewed in this paper, these findings suggest that heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as of 2003, likely exert only a moderate adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem of Presque Isle Bay.
P54nrb Forms a Heterodimer with PSP1 That Localizes to Paraspeckles in an RNA-dependent Manner
Authors: Fox Archa H. , Bond Charles S. , Lamond Angus I.
Published: September 2005

P54nrb is a protein implicated in multiple nuclear processes whose specific functions may correlate with its presence at different nuclear locations. Here we characterize paraspeckles, a subnuclear domain containing p54nrb and other RNA-binding proteins including PSP1, a protein with sequence similarity to p54nrb that acts as a marker for paraspeckles. We show that PSP1 interacts in vivo with a subset of the total cellular pool of p54nrb. We map the domain within PSP1 that is mediating this interaction and show it is required for the correct localization of PSP1 to paraspeckles. This interaction is necessary but not sufficient for paraspeckle targeting by PSP1, which also requires an RRM capable of RNA binding. Blocking the reinitiation of RNA Pol II transcription at the end of mitosis with DRB prevents paraspeckle formation, which recommences after removal of DRB, indicating that paraspeckle formation is dependent on RNA Polymerase II transcription. Thus paraspeckles are the sites where a subset of the total cellular pool of p54nrb is targeted in a RNA Polymerase II-dependent manner.
Cytokinesis Depends on the Motor Domains of Myosin-II in Fission Yeast but Not in Budding Yeast
Authors: Lord Matthew , Laves Ellen , Pollard Thomas D.
Published: September 2005

Budding yeast possesses one myosin-II, Myo1p, whereas fission yeast has two, Myo2p and Myp2p, all of which contribute to cytokinesis. We find that chimeras consisting of Myo2p or Myp2p motor domains fused to the tail of Myo1p are fully functional in supporting budding yeast cytokinesis. Remarkably, the tail alone of budding yeast Myo1p localizes to the contractile ring, supporting both its constriction and cytokinesis. In contrast, fission yeast Myo2p and Myp2p require both the catalytic head domain as well as tail domains for function, with the tails providing distinct functions ( Bezanilla and Pollard, 2000 ). Myo1p is the first example of a myosin whose cellular function does not require a catalytic motor domain revealing a novel mechanism of action for budding yeast myosin-II independent of actin binding and ATPase activity.
EB1 and EB3 Control CLIP Dissociation from the Ends of Growing Microtubules
Authors: Komarova Yulia , Lansbergen Gideon , Galjart Niels , Grosveld Frank , Borisy Gary G. , Akhmanova Anna
Published: September 2005

EBs and CLIPs are evolutionarily conserved proteins, which associate with the tips of growing microtubules, and regulate microtubule dynamics and their interactions with intracellular structures. In this study we investigated the functional relationship of CLIP-170 and CLIP-115 with the three EB family members, EB1, EB2(RP1), and EB3 in mammalian cells. We showed that both CLIPs bind to EB proteins directly. The C-terminal tyrosine residue of EB proteins is important for this interaction. When EB1 and EB3 or all three EBs were significantly depleted using RNA interference, CLIPs accumulated at the MT tips at a reduced level, because CLIP dissociation from the tips was accelerated. Normal CLIP localization was restored by expression of EB1 but not of EB2. An EB1 mutant lacking the C-terminal tail could also fully rescue CLIP dissociation kinetics, but could only partially restore CLIP accumulation at the tips, suggesting that the interaction of CLIPs with the EB tails contributes to CLIP localization. When EB1 was distributed evenly along the microtubules because of overexpression, it slowed down CLIP dissociation but did not abolish its preferential plus-end localization, indicating that CLIPs possess an intrinsic affinity for growing microtubule ends, which is enhanced by an interaction with the EBs.
Nocardia concava sp. nov., isolated from Japanese patients
Authors: Kageyama Akiko , Yazawa Katsukiyo , Taniguchi Hiroko , Chibana Hiroji , Nishimura Kazuko , Kroppenstedt Reiner M. , Mikami Yuzuru
Published: September 2005

Two actinomycete strains, IFM 0354T and IFM 0576, isolated from Japanese patients, were found to have morphological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with their classification in the genus Nocardia. The strains resembled Nocardia otitidiscaviarum and Nocardia uniformis in their phenotypic properties. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strains are closely related to Nocardia seriolae. DNA–DNA relatedness values and phenotypic differences from N. seriolae indicated that the strains belong to a novel species of Nocardia, for which the name Nocardia concava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IFM 0354T (=NBRC 100430T=JCM 12351T=DSM 44804T).
Aeromicrobium alkaliterrae sp. nov., isolated from an alkaline soil, and emended description of the genus Aeromicrobium
Authors: Yoon Jung-Hoon , Lee Choong-Hwan , Oh Tae-Kwang
Published: September 2005

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile bacterial strain, KSL-107T, was isolated from an alkaline soil from Korea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain KSL-107T grew optimally at 25 °C and pH 7·0–7·5. Strain KSL-107T had a cell-wall peptidoglycan based on ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid. It contained MK-9(H4) as the predominant menaquinone and C16 : 0, C16 : 0 2-OH and 10-methyl C18 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 71·5 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that strain KSL-107T was phylogenetically affiliated to the genus Aeromicrobium of the family Nocardioidaceae. Similarity values between the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain KSL-107T and those of type strains of Aeromicrobium species were in the range 97·9–98·2 %. The isolate could be distinguished from other Aeromicrobium species by levels of DNA–DNA relatedness and differences in some phenotypic characteristics. On the basis of the data presented, it is suggested that strain KSL-107T (=KCTC 19073T=DSM 16824T) represents a novel Aeromicrobium species, for which the name Aeromicrobium alkaliterrae sp. nov. is proposed. An emended description of the genus Aeromicrobium is also proposed.
Phenylobacterium koreense sp. nov., isolated from South Korea
Authors: Aslam Zubair , Im Wan-Taek , Ten Leonid N. , Lee Sung-Taik
Published: September 2005

A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, Slu-01T, was isolated from activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant in Daejeon, South Korea. After 3 days on R2A medium, strain Slu-01T developed colourless colonies (0·7–1·2 mm). The non-motile rods (0·7–1·0×1·0–2·0 μm) were slightly curved and occurred singly and in pairs. No filamentous cells were found. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Slu-01T was shown to belong to the family Caulobacteraceae and was most closely related to Phenylobacterium immobile (96·6 %) and Phenylobacterium lituiforme (96·5 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Slu-01T was 68·1 mol%, within the range of 67·3–68·4 mol% for the genus Phenylobacterium. Chemotaxonomic data (major ubiquinone, Q-10; major fatty acids C18 : 1
ω7c, C16 : 0, C15 : 0 and C17 : 0) and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis supported the affiliation of strain Slu-01T to the genus Phenylobacterium. However, DNA–DNA hybridization data and phenotypic properties showed that strain Slu-01T could be distinguished from the two other Phenylobacterium species with validly published names. Thus, it is suggested that strain Slu-01T represents a novel species of the genus Phenylobacterium, for which the name Phenylobacterium koreense is proposed. The type strain is Slu-01T (=KCTC 12206T=IAM 15119T).
Ferrimonas marina sp. nov.
Authors: Katsuta Atsuko , Adachi Kyoko , Matsuda Satoru , Shizuri Yoshikazu , Kasai Hiroaki
Published: September 2005

A novel Ferrimonas species is described on the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic studies. Four halophilic organisms were isolated from marine sand and marine macroalgae samples by using high-pH marine agar 2216. An analysis of the nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences of these new isolates indicated that they were phylogenetically close (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity >99·5 %, gyrB gene sequence similarity >97·8 %), and were most closely related to Ferrimonas balearica (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity 97·1–97·3 %, gyrB gene sequence similarity 84·4–85·0 %). Chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone MK7; major fatty acids C16 : 0 and C18 : 1
ω9c) supported the affiliation of the new isolates to the genus Ferrimonas. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of the isolates from F. balearica. It is therefore proposed that the new isolates represent a novel species with the name Ferrimonas marina sp. nov. and type strain A4D-4T (=MBIC06480T=DSM 16917T).
Enterococcus aquimarinus sp. nov., isolated from sea water
Authors: Švec Pavel , Vancanneyt Marc , Devriese Luc A. , Naser Sabri M. , Snauwaert Cindy , Lefebvre Karen , Hoste Bart , Swings Jean
Published: September 2005

Two enterococcal strains LMG 16607T and LMG 16612 originating from sea water were analysed in a polyphasic taxonomic study. Both strains, assigned as Enterococcus sp. in the BCCM/LMG culture collection, possessed analogous protein profiles, but these were different from all other enterococcal species. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of one strain showed the highest similarity, 96·9–96·1 %, with its closest phylogenetic neighbours Enterococcus saccharolyticus, Enterococcus sulfureus, Enterococcus saccharominimus and Enterococcus italicus. Further genomic analysis by (GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting and sequence analysis of the housekeeping gene phenylalanyl-tRNA synthase (pheS) and distinct biochemical features confirmed that the two strains represent a novel enterococcal species for which the name Enterococcus aquimarinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LMG 16607T (=CCM 7283T).
Isolation of Ralstonia solanacearum hrpB constitutive mutants and secretion analysis of hrpB-regulated gene products that share homology with known type III effectors and enzymes
Authors: Tamura Naoyuki , Murata Yukio , Mukaihara Takafumi
Published: September 2005

The Hrp type III secretion system (TTSS) is essential for the pathogenicity of the Gram-negative plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. To examine the secretion of type III effector proteins via the Hrp TTSS, a screen was done of mutants constitutively expressing the hrpB gene, which encodes an AraC-type transcriptional activator for the hrp regulon. A mutant was isolated that in an hrp-inducing medium expresses several hrpB-regulated genes 4·9–83-fold higher than the wild-type. R. solanacearum Hrp-secreted outer proteins PopA and PopC were secreted at high levels into the culture supernatants of the hrpB constitutive (hrpB
c) mutant. Using hrpB
c mutants, the extracellular secretion of several hrpB-regulated (hpx) gene products that share homology with known type III effectors and enzymes was examined. Hpx23, Hpx24 and Hpx25, which are similar in sequence to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato effector proteins HopPtoA1, HolPtoR and HopPtoD1, are also secreted via the Hrp TTSS in R. solanacearum. The secretion of two hpx gene products that share homology with known enzymes, glyoxalase I (Hpx19) and Nudix hydrolase (Hpx26), was also examined. Hpx19 is accumulated inside the cell, but interestingly, Hpx26 is secreted outside the cell as an Hrp-secreted outer protein, suggesting that Hpx19 functions intracellularly but Hpx26 is a novel effector protein of R. solanacearum.
Board Monitoring and Earnings Management: Do Outside Directors Influence Abnormal Accruals?
Authors: Peasnell K.V. , Pope P.F. , Young S.
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  This paper examines whether the incidence of earnings management by UK firms depends on board monitoring. We focus on two aspects of board monitoring: the role of outside board members and the audit committee. Results indicate that the likelihood of managers making income‐increasing abnormal accruals to avoid reporting losses and earnings reductions is negatively related to the proportion of outsiders on the board. We also find that the chance of abnormal accruals being large enough to turn a loss into a profit or to ensure that profit does not decline is significantly lower for firms with a high proportion of outside board members. In contrast, we find little evidence that outside directors influence income‐decreasing abnormal accruals when pre‐managed earnings are high. We find no evidence that the presence of an audit committee directly affects the extent of income‐increasing manipulations to meet or exceed these thresholds. Neither do audit committees appear to have a direct effect on the degree of downward manipulation, when pre‐managed earnings exceed thresholds by a large margin. Our findings suggest that boards contribute towards the integrity of financial statements, as predicted by agency theory.
Weekend Effect, ‘Reverse’ Weekend Effect, and Investor Trading Activities
Authors: Brusa Jorge , Liu Pu , Schulman Craig
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  In this study, we document evidence of a ‘reverse’ weekend effect – whereby Monday returns are significantly positive and they are higher than the returns on other days of the week – over an extended period of eleven years (from 1988 to 1998). We also find that the ‘traditional’ weekend effect and the ‘reverse’ effect are related to firm size in that the ‘traditional’ weekend effect tends to be associated with small firms while the ‘reverse’ weekend effect tends to be associated with large firms. In addition, we find that during the period in which the ‘reverse’ weekend effect is observed, Monday returns for large firms tend to follow previous Friday returns when previous Friday returns are positive, but they do not follow the previous Friday returns when Friday returns are negative. Furthermore, we find that during the period in which the ‘reverse’ weekend effect is observed, Monday returns are positively related to the volume of medium‐size and block transactions, but negatively related to the volume of odd‐lot transactions.
Institutional Traders’ Behavior in an Emerging Stock Market: Empirical Evidence on Polish Pension Fund Investors
Authors: Voronkova Svitlana , Bohl Martin T.
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  In this paper, we contribute to the literature on institutional herding and feedback trading by analysing the investment behavior of pension funds on the Polish stock market. Pension funds entered into the stock market due to the national pension system reform in 1999, providing a unique opportunity to receive deeper insight into the behavior of institutional investors in an emerging capital market. Our results show that Polish pension fund investors are to a greater extent involved in herd‐like behavior and pursue feedback trading strategies more often than their counterparts in mature markets. This finding is primarily attributed to a stringent investment regulation and high market concentration. We do not detect, however, that trading by the pension funds exerts significant influence on the future stock prices.
Tests of Weak‐Form Efficiency of the Dhaka Stock Exchange
Authors: Islam Ainul , Khaled Mohammed
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  Conflicting evidence on weak form efficiency of the Dhaka Stock Market appears to stem from the use of monthly versus daily data, structural changes after the 1996 market crash, and the use of tests with or without heteroscedasticity adjustment. Heteroscedasticity‐robust tests indicate short‐term predictability of share prices prior to the crash, but not afterwards. Although a heteroscedasticity‐robust Box‐Pierce test was used by Lo and MacKinlay (1989) in their simulations, our study appears to be the first to apply this test to stock prices. Typical rejection of weak‐form market efficiency by the usual autocorrelation tests may be reversed by a heteroscedasticity‐robust test.
Possible involvement of bcl‐2 in regulation of cell‐cycle progression of haemopoietic cells by transforming growth factor‐β1
Authors: Mahmud Nadim , Katayama Naoyuki , Nishii Kazuhiro , Sugawara Takayuki , Komada Yoshihiro , Mitani Hidetsugu , Araki Hiroto , Ohishi Koshi , Watanabe Masato , Masuya Masahiro , Nishikawa Masakatsu , Minami Nobuyuki , Ohashi Hideya , Shiku Hiroshi
Published: September 2005

Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) acts directly on haemopoietic progenitor cells to regulate their growth. To investigate a possible link between the action of TGF‐β1 and cell death regulators such as bcl‐2, we utilized Ba/F3 cells, the interleukin‐3 (IL‐3)‐dependent growth of which could be modulated by TGF‐β1, as well as haemopoietic progenitor cells. We demonstrate here that up‐regulation of bcl‐2 protein (Bcl‐2) as well as that of an inhibitor of cyclin/cyclin‐dependent kinase complex, p27, was associated with TGF‐β1‐induced deceleration of the cell‐cycling of haemopoietic progenitor cells and Ba/F3 cells. The data from cell‐cycle analysis of Ba/F3 cells showed that TGF‐β1 retarded the G1 to S phase transition. Analysis of cells with the potential to express Bcl‐2 in an inducible manner indicated that up‐regulation of Bcl‐2 was sufficient for not only an increase in the level of p27 but also to inhibit the cell growth. Using c‐kit‐overexpressing cells, we observed that the potential of TGF‐β1 to up‐regulate the expression of Bcl‐2 and p27 could be counteracted by the c‐kit ligand, stem cell factor. These results demonstrate that Bcl‐2 exerts an essential function in the regulation of G1 to S phase transition of haemopoietic cells by TGF‐β1.
Defective human T‐lymphotrophic virus type I provirus in T‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Kojima Kensuke , Sawada Takashi , Ikezoe Takayuki , Matsuo Yoshinobu , Kobayashi Hajime , Yano Tomofumi , Sugimoto Takeshi , Imoto Shion , Nakagawa Toshitaro , Matsui Toshimitsu , Yasukawa Masaki , Hara Masamichi , Taguchi Hirokuni
Published: September 2005

T‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T‐PLL) is a rare form of post‐thymic T‐cell neoplasm, the aetiology of which remains unknown. We examined human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV) provirus in five HTLV‐I/II seronegative patients with T‐PLL. Southern blotting did not show monoclonal integration of the HTLV‐I genome in any of the DNA samples. However, two of the five DNA samples contained an HTLV‐I tax sequence. Other sets of oligonucleotide primers for HTLV‐I gag, pol, env and LTR regions were all negative. HTLV‐I tax gene expression and p40tax antibody were not detected in samples from cases with HTLV‐I tax sequence. Our findings suggest that there may be alternative mechanisms involved in HTLV‐associated leukaemogenesis, in which HTLV‐I genome insertion triggers T‐PLL but the deletion of various regions of the integrated provirus subsequently prevents active replication and the expression of the virus.
Haemopoietic reconstitution by donor‐derived myelodysplastic progenitor cells after haemopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mielcarek Marco , Bryant Eileen , Loken Michael , Torok‐Storb Beverly , Storb Rainer
Published: September 2005

A 50‐year‐old woman who was retrospectively diagnosed with an early asymptomatic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) served as a haemopoietic stem cell donor for her HLA‐identical sister who had chemotherapy‐refractory non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. The MDS of the donor was classified as refractory anaemia (RA) and cytogenetically characterized by deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20 [del(20q)]. Donor cell engraftment in marrow and peripheral blood was analysed over a period of 5 months after transplant using conventional cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and variable number of tandem repeats. Neutrophil counts >0.5 × 109/l and platelet counts >20 × 109/l were reached promptly on days 12 and 24, respectively. Throughout the period of observation the percentage of cells with the del(20q) abnormality in the recipient's marrow and peripheral blood was comparable to the proportion of these cells in the donor. These data indicate that the abnormal clone was capable of homing to the marrow, proliferating, differentiating, and therefore contributing to haemopoiesis in a relatively efficient manner. This implies that MDS progenitor cells may not have homing and growth deficiencies, a finding that has particular relevance for autologous transplantation in MDS patients where tumour cells potentially contaminate the graft.
Etoposide‐induced DNA strand breaks in relation to p‐glycoprotein and topoisomerase II protein expression in leukaemic cells from patients with AML and CLL
Authors: Zhou R. , Vitols S. , Gruber A. , Liliemark J. , Wang Y. , Liliemark E.
Published: September 2005

Elevated expression of the membrane transporter p‐glycoprotein (pgp) and impaired expression of the nuclear enzyme topoisomerase II (topo II) are well‐known mechanisms for in vitro acquired drug resistance. The clinical relevance of topo II remains unclear, whereas a relationship between pgp levels and treatment results has been shown in acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). We have investigated the relationships between the levels of topo II and pgp, and in vitro sensitivity to etoposide in mononuclear blood cells from 24 patients with AML, 16 with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and five healthy blood donors.

Following incubation with etoposide, AML cells showed more DNA damage, determined by a DNA unwinding technique, than CLL cells (P  =  0.001), whereas there was no difference in cellular etoposide accumulation. Pgp and topo IIβ levels, determined by Western blot, showed a pronounced variation between patients, but no correlation with induced DNA damage, whereas topo IIα protein was undetectable. In the AML group, topo IIβ expression correlated with pgp expression (ρ  =  0.7, P  =  0.001, n  =  24). The topo IIβ expression was 147.4(±74.6)% in the pgp+ AML cells (n  =  10), compared to 33.4(±27.8)% in pgp− AML cells (n  =  14) (P  =  0.0001). Our results show a previously unknown coexpression of topo IIβ and pgp in AML, thereby suggesting that topo IIβ is a potentially interesting resistance factor in AML.
Acute leukaemia immunophenotyping in bone‐marrow routine sections
Authors: Pileri Stefano Aldo , Ascani Stefano , Milani Marina , Visani Giuseppe , Piccioli Milena , Orcioni Giulio Fraternali , Poggi Simonetta , Sabattini Elena , Santini Donatella , Falini Brunangelo
Published: September 2005

Immunohistochemistry of acute leukaemias in bone‐marrow paraffin sections is commonly thought to be useless because of the poor preservation of many lineage‐related markers. The recent development of antibodies against fixative‐resistant epitopes and of new antigen retrieval techniques, however, has expanded the possibility of accurately testing routine samples. To assess the relevance of paraffin section phenotyping in lineage determination, 110 examples of acute leukaemia were studied by specific antibodies against CD1a, CD3, CD15, CD20, CD34, CD68, CD79a, TdT, myeloperoxidase, glycophorin A, and factor‐VIII‐related antigen. The cases included 59 acute myeloid leukaemias, classified according to the FAB cooperative group criteria, 39 precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (ALLs), seven T‐ALLs, and five mixed precursor B‐cell/myeloid acute leukaemias. The combination of the markers employed always allowed the identification of the cell lineage (myeloid, lymphoid or mixed) and, in some instances, of phenotypic profiles characteristic of distinct acute leukaemia subtypes. According to the results obtained, bone‐marrow biopsy may be regarded as a reliable tool for acute leukaemia diagnosis; this observation is of practical relevance especially for the classification of cases which lack circulating blasts in the peripheral blood or showing dry tap at bone‐marrow aspiration.
Conditions under which immobilized platelets activate as well as capture flowing neutrophils
Authors: Stone Philip C. W. , Nash Gerard B.
Published: September 2005

Immobilized activated platelets present P‐selectin and efficiently capture flowing neutrophils. We investigated how the treatment of the platelets affected whether adherent neutrophils rolled continuously or became immobilized. Washed platelets were maintained in a ‘resting’ state by Ca++ chelation, prostacyclin and theophylline. When these platelets were adhered to glass that had been coated with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APES) they retained discoidal morphology. Compared to a confluent surface of spread platelets prepared by allowing heparinized platelet‐rich plasma to settle on APES‐glass, ‘resting’ platelets captured far fewer flowing neutrophils, which rolled rapidly. However, if neutrophils were perfused along with thrombin ( 0.2 U/ml), then the resting platelets rapidly changed shape, neutrophil binding increased markedly, rolling velocity decreased, and 40–70% of the neutrophils were immobilized via β2‐integrins. Similar effects could be induced using ADP perfused with the neutrophils. Thrombin did not itself activate neutrophils, and stationary adhesion could also be induced if platelets were treated with thrombin before addition of neutrophils. After thrombin treatment of platelets, rolling adhesion was only fully re‐established after a prolonged period of washout. Thus, platelets presented a stable surface‐bound agent able to activate neutrophils. Blockade of platelet‐activating factor receptor, leukotriene B4 receptor, or CXC‐chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) on neutrophils did not inhibit conversion from rolling to stationary adhesion, but blockade of CXCR2 maintained a higher proportion of rolling adhesion. Thus, platelets attached to damaged vessels may capture flowing neutrophils, but the stability of neutrophil deposition will depend on the scale of the local generation of platelet agonists such as thrombin and ADP.
Plant interactions govern population dynamics in a semi‐arid plant community
Authors: ARMAS CRISTINA , PUGNAIRE FRANCISCO I.
Published: September 2005

The structure and composition of plant communities are influenced by positive and negative interactions between plants, the balance of which may change in intensity and sign through time and space, depending on availability of resources and on plant life history.

Over a 2‐year period we analysed the balance of interactions between different life stages of a perennial grass,Stipa tenacissima, and a shrub,Cistus clusii, the dominant species in a semi‐arid community in south‐east Spain.

Cistusshrubs acted as nurses for juvenileStipaplants, improving their water status, nutrient content, carbon assimilation rates and growth. The mechanisms underlying this facilitation effect were mainly the improvement of microclimatic conditions and soil physical and chemical properties under shrub canopies. By contrast, juvenileStipaplants had an overall neutral effect onCistusshrubs, althoughCistussuffered some competitive effects during periods of water shortage. At this life stage, the short‐term outcome of the interaction for both species was dependent on resource availability.

Close spatial association between adult plants had no negative effects for the interacting species, although positive effects most likely counterbalanced negative effects.

The long‐term outcome of the interaction is reflected in the spatial distribution of both species, and determines population dynamics in this semi‐arid plant community.

Our data show that the short‐term balance of plant interactions may easily shift in response to environmental variability, which in turn may have important consequences for plant community structure.
The tension between dispersal and persistence regulates the current distribution of rare palaeo‐endemic rain forest flora: a case study
Authors: ROSSETTO MAURIZIO , KOOYMAN ROBERT M.
Published: September 2005

Eidothea hardeniana (Proteaceae) is a narrow endemic representative of an ancient lineage restricted to a single site in northern New South Wales (Australia). This study aims to identify the life‐history traits most likely to have influenced the current distribution pattern of this rain forest tree.

Using ecological and molecular analyses we found that its range is limited by the absence of efficient dispersal mechanisms rather than by habitat availability, or as a result of a recent bottleneck or of reproductive failure.

Resprouts can take over the position of senesced plants, even in the absence of disturbance, allowing local persistence and the maintenance of genetic diversity. Long‐term persistence and preferential outcrossing further favour relatively high levels of diversity (HE = 0.542) despite a small effective population size (Ne = 21.6).

We used eight life‐history traits to assess if the E. hardeniana findings were valid across 258 local taxa. Current distribution patterns of rain forest species within a species‐rich community were accounted for by linking two important components of community assembly theory: dispersal and niche assembly.

The interaction of the seed‐based dispersal dimension and resprouting potential best explains the current distribution of rare local taxa. Major dimensions of life‐history trait variation were identified among local plant species, suggesting that a range of interacting traits contribute to a species’ response to environmental variables and mitigate the influence of potentially adverse circumstances.

The benefits of merging ecological and genetic approaches to interpret species distribution and population structure are applicable across a broader range of studies. Our findings highlight how currently constrained palaeo‐endemic species with small populations in refugial habitats may retain the capacity to both persist and expand in response to changing circumstances and opportunities. This has important implications for species conservation, habitat management and reserve design.
Fat intakes of children with PKU on low phenylalanine diets
Authors: Rose H. J. , White F. , MacDonald A. , Rutherford P. J. , Favre E.
Published: September 2005

Background  As part of a study on the effects of a fat‐supplemented phenylalanine (phe)‐free protein substitute on the fatty acid status of children with phenylketonuria (PKU), the adequacy of the diets of children aged 1–10 years for fat and essential fatty acids (EFA) was assessed.

Methods  Subjects randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to a phe‐free protein substitute supplemented with EFA (test‐treatment group) or a phe‐free, fat‐free protein substitute (control group) for 20 weeks. 3‐day semi‐weighed records of food intakes collected at the end of the study period.

Results  Total fat and α‐linolenic acid (α‐LA) intakes were found to be poor in the control group (n = 19). Those in the test‐treatment group (n = 24) had higher fat and EFA intakes (P < 0.05), bringing intakes closer to population norms. The youngest children (<5 years of age) in the control group appeared to be especially vulnerable to poor fat intakes because of the restricted diversity of their diets and, regardless of age, α‐LA intakes by this group were poor compared with the non‐PKU population.

Conclusions  The quantity and quality of fat in the diets of children with PKU, in particular young children, should be given careful consideration in trying to optimize the ratio of linoleic acid: α‐LA in their diets and in satisfying the requirements of this group for fat and α‐LA.
Mental health nurse prescribing: issues for the UK
Authors: JONES A. , JONES M.
Published: September 2005

Supplementary nurse prescribing holds the key to rapid developments in psychiatric nursing and the care received by patients. In this paper, the origins, context and research data on nurse prescribing are reviewed, as a backdrop to a discussion on potential application of supplementary prescribing in a number of mental health settings. We describe a number of practice settings where nurse prescribing could be implemented, and argue that given service changes and informative educational preparation, access to care and user experience of that care will be enhanced. We conclude the paper by reviewing a number of clinical, organizational and research factors important for the success of nurse prescribing.
Real world application of an intervention to reduce absconding
Authors: BOWERS L. , SIMPSON A. , ALEXANDER J.
Published: September 2005

Absconding by acute psychiatric inpatients is associated with risk of harm to self and others, and creates considerable emotional as well as tangible burdens for staff. Previous research has led to the development of an effective nursing intervention to reduce absconding. In this project, that intervention was encapsulated in a self‐training package, and offered freely to wards across the UK who agreed to implement it and audit the results. Fifteen wards completed this distributed audit, and achieved overall a 25.5% decrease in their absconding rates, as measured by official reports. The results support the efficacy of the intervention, and indicate that significant reductions can be made in absconding rates from unlocked or partially locked acute psychiatric wards.