bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Tolerance to Ozone by Elevating Foliar Ascorbic Acid Confers Greater Protection against Ozone Than Increasing Avoidance
Authors: Chen Zhong , Gallie Daniel R.
Published: June 2005

Ascorbic acid (Asc) is the most abundant antioxidant in plants and serves as a major contributor to the cell redox state. Exposure to environmental ozone can cause significant damage to plants by imposing conditions of oxidative stress. We examined whether increasing the level of Asc through enhanced Asc recycling would limit the deleterious effects of environmental oxidative stress. Plants overexpressing dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), which results in an increase in the endogenous level of Asc, were exposed to acute or chronic levels of ozone. DHAR-overexpressing plants had a lower oxidative load, a lower level of oxidative-related enzyme activities, a higher level of chlorophyll, and a higher level of photosynthetic activity 24 h following an acute exposure (2 h) to 200 ppb ozone than control plants, despite exhibiting a larger stomatal area. Reducing the size of the Asc pool size through suppression of DHAR expression had the opposite effect. Following a chronic exposure (30 d) to 100 ppb ozone, plants with a larger Asc pool size maintained a larger stomatal area and a higher oxidative load, but retained a higher level of photosynthetic activity than control plants, whereas plants suppressed for DHAR had a substantially reduced stomatal area, but also a substantially lower level of photosynthetic activity. Together, these data indicate that, despite a reduced ability to respond to ozone through stomatal closure, increasing the level of Asc through enhanced Asc recycling provided greater protection against oxidative damage than reducing stomatal area.
The inseparability of modern knowledge management and computer‐based technology
Authors: Holsapple Clyde W.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper makes the case that modern knowledge management (KM) is inseparable from a consideration of technology. While recognizing that there are many non‐technological facets to KM research and practice, it takes issue with the perspective proposed by some that knowledge management has little or nothing to do with technology. Similarly, the perspective that equates knowledge management with information management is challenged.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method involves an analysis of the contrasting perspectives to show that each has blind spots that obscure a clear vision of the relationship between computer‐based technology and knowledge management. Building on the ideas of Newell, van Lohuizen, and others, the research advances an alternative perspective to overcome limitations in the other two.

Findings

The KM perspective introduced here neither dismisses technology nor identifies with it. From this perspective, this paper develops the contention that modern KM has been tremendously enriched by advances in computer‐based technology (CBT), discussing several specific examples. Moreover, this paper concludes that CBT needs to be grounded in a clear, deep consideration of knowledge management.

Research limitations/implications

As this is a relatively new perspective, the full extent of its utility will unfold over time as it is adopted, used, and extended. KM researchers can adopt this perspective to guide the conception and design their research projects. Moreover, several implications for business computing systems researchers are outlined.

Practical implications

The new perspective offers students and practitioners a middle‐ground between two extremes for framing their understanding and observation of KM and CBT phenomena.

Originality/value

Both research and practice are shaped by the conceptions that underlie them. The paper furnishes a fresh, inclusive conception of the relationship between KM and CBT.
Universities and social progress in modernising societies: how educational expansion has replaced socialism as an instrument of political reform
Authors: Charlton Bruce G. , Andras Peter
Published: June 2005

University and higher education comprising a multi‐disciplinary training in abstract, systematic reasoning has a vital role in modernizsing societies. Such an education seems to have broadly favourable results both in terms both of the individual and of society; these include benefits to economics, social mobility, happiness and social welfare. In this sense, educational expansion has replaced socialism as the major instrument of political reform. Furthermore, the effects of more education are largely additive, therefore 'positive sum', cognitive benefits. We advocate the continued expansion of university and higher education; while reforming university funding mechanisms and increasing both competition between, and autonomy of, educational institutions.
The long‐term course of alcoholism, 5, 10 and 16 years after treatment
Authors: Mann Karl , Schäfer Dorothee R. , Längle Gerhard , Ackermann Klaus , Croissant Bernhard
Published: June 2005

Aims  To discover the long‐term stability of drinking behaviour following an in‐patient treatment episode.

Design  Three follow‐up periods were used at 5, 10 and 16 years. The patients were classified as being abstinent, improved or unimproved on the basis of self‐reported drinking behaviour. Patients who could not be interviewed at follow‐up were classified as unimproved.

Setting  An alcohol dependence treatment programme at the University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany.

Participants  We were able to locate all 96 patients at the 16‐year follow‐up. Seventy were alive and 26 had died. We collected information from 59 of the 70 surviving patients. The remaining 11 patients could be located and were definitely alive.

Findings  Thirty‐eight of the 70 patients were abstinent, 10 were improved and 22 (including the 11 living patients without further information) were classified as unimproved. Our main finding indicates that the so‐called ‘improved drinking’ is very inconsistent over time. In contrast, the abstinent and unimproved patients were much more stable in their drinking behaviour.

Conclusions  This study extends our knowledge of the drinking trajectory and outcome from only a few years of follow‐up to 16 years. Complete abstinence and unimproved drinking behaviour were the most stable drinking patterns observed over the long term, confirming study results obtained primarily from English‐speaking countries.
Saturday opening of alcohol retail shops in Sweden: an experiment in two phases
Authors: Norström Thor , Skog Ole‐Jørgen
Published: June 2005

Aim In February 2000, a trial started with Saturday opening of alcohol retail shops in certain parts of Sweden (phase I), and in July 2001, Saturday opening was extended to the whole country (phase II). The aim of this study is to assess the impact of phase II, and to probe previous results regarding phase I.

Design Prior to February 2000, all alcohol monopoly outlets were closed on Saturdays. After this date, stores in an experimental area (six counties) were open on Saturdays. In the control area (seven counties) the shops remained closed. To prevent biases due to trade leakage, the experimental and control areas were separated by a buffer area (seven counties). Because continuous evaluations of the trial did not reveal any negative consequences, the Saturday opening was implemented in the whole of Sweden after 17 months.

Data and methods The outcome measures included alcohol sales and indicators of assaults and drunk driving. The pre‐intervention period covered the time period January 1995‐January 2000, phase I of the post‐intervention period February 2000–June 2001 (17 months), and phase II July 2001–July 2002 (13 months). The effects of the two phases were estimated through analyses of monthly data (auto‐regressive integrated moving‐average (ARIMA) modelling) depicting how sales and harm rates evolved in the experimental area compared to the control area during phase I as well as during phase II.

Results The analysis uncovered a statistically significant increase in alcohol sales of 3.7% during phase I, and about the same increase during phase II (3.6%). There were no significant changes in any of the assault indicators, neither during phase I nor during phase II. There was a statistically significant increase in drunk driving (12%) during phase I, but no change during phase II. The analyses suggested that the increase during phase I was mainly due to a change in the surveillance strategy of the police.

Conclusions The results lend support to the public health perspective in that the increased accessibility to alcohol rendered by Saturday opening also seems to have increased consumption. On the other hand, we could not detect any increase in alcohol‐related harm. The question of whether this may be due to insufficient statistical power is discussed, together with some other methodological complications that were highlighted by the study.
Guardians and handlers: the role of bar staff in preventing and managing aggression
Authors: Graham Kathryn , Bernards Sharon , Osgood D. Wayne , Homel Ross , Purcell John
Published: June 2005

Aims  To identify good and bad behaviors by bar staff in aggressive incidents, the extent these behaviors apparently reflect aggressive intent, and the association of aggressive staff behavior with level of aggression by patrons.

Design, setting and participants  Data on staff behavior in incidents of aggression were collected by 148 trained observers in bars and clubs on Friday and Saturday night between midnight and 2 a.m. in Toronto, Canada. Behaviors of 809 staff involved in 417 incidents at 74 different bars/clubs were analysed using descriptive statistics and three‐level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses.

Measurements  Observers’ ratings of 28 staff behaviors were used to construct two scales that measured escalating/aggressive aspects of staff behavior. Apparent intent level for bar staff was dichotomized into (1) no aggressive intent versus (2) probable or definite aggressive intent. Five levels of patron aggression were defined: no aggression, non‐physical, minor physical, moderate physical and severe physical.

Findings  The most common aggressive behaviors of staff were identified. Staff were most aggressive when patrons were either non‐aggressive or highly aggressive and staff were least aggressive when patrons exhibited non‐physical aggression or minor physical aggression. Taking apparent intent into consideration decreased staff aggression scores for incidents in which patrons were highly aggressive indicating that some aggression by staff in these instances had non‐aggressive intent (e.g. to prevent injury); however, apparent intent had little effect on staff aggression scores in incidents with non‐aggressive patrons.

Conclusion  Although there is potential for staff to act as guardians or handlers, they often themselves became offenders when they responded to barroom problems. The practical implications are different for staff aggression with nonaggressive patrons versus with aggressive patrons.
Nasal allergies and beyond: a clinical review of the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of mometasone furoate
Authors: van Drunen C. , Meltzer E. O. , Bachert C. , Bousquet J. , Fokkens W. J.
Published: June 2005

Mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS; Nasonex®, Schering‐Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ, USA) is an effective and well‐tolerated intranasal corticosteroid approved for the prophylactic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, and the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. MFNS is a potent molecule with a rapid onset of action and excellent safety and efficacy profiles. Having recently received approval for the treatment of nasal polyposis, data indicate that MFNS may also be effective in rhinosinusitis.
How Science got Statistics
Authors: Mahon Basil
Published: June 2005

The role of statistics in science today goes well beyond the analysis of experimental results: it extends into the fabric of the science itself. Nature seems to operate as much by statistical laws as physical ones. Yet before the mid-19th century no one had an inkling that this was so. The enfolding of statistical concepts is one of the most profound changes in the history of science. Basil Mahon tells how two remarkable men began this transformation.
Filling in the Blanks: Uncovering Confidential Information Regarding Scotland's Prisoner Escort
Authors: Bird Sheila
Published: June 2005

In November 2003 the Scottish Prison Service signed a contract with Reliance for the provision of prisoner escort and court custody services throughout Scotland. It soon came out that the performance targets and financial penalties in the contract were covered by confidentiality clauses. But Sheila Bird has carried out some statistical detective work to estimate the concealed financial penalties for a prisoner unlawfully at large and to show that Reliance has been in serious breach of a crucial monthly performance threshold.
Asylum and Migration: A Review of Home Office Statistics
Authors: Langham Alison
Published: June 2005

Asylum applications to the UK have been a headline-grabbing topic. Against a background of much criticism in the media of its handling of the statistics, the Home Office asked the National Audit Office (NAO) in April 2004 to examine the reliability of its quarterly asylum statistics. Alison Langham reports on the NAO's work.
Size Matters—How Measurement Defines our World
Authors: Hand David J.
Published: June 2005

“Measurement is the contact of reason with nature”—Henry Margenau

We live in a world of measurements, says David Hand. We talk about the weight of ingredients in cooking, the scores of students in tests, the inflation rate, the distance to the moon, the strength with which an opinion is held, and so on and so on. In brief, we see the world through the spectacles of quantification. But, occasionally, distortions or fractures occur in the lenses of quantification which cast doubt on our understanding of the world–doubts which sometimes raise questions about the reality we believe we are perceiving.
Elicitation
Authors: O'Hagan Tony
Published: June 2005

There are various situations in which it may be important to obtain expert opinion about some unknown quantity or quantities. But it is not enough simply to ask the expert for an estimate of the unknown quantity: we also need to know how far from that estimate the true value might be. Tony O'Hagan describes the process of elicitation: the formulation of the expert's knowledge in the form of a probability distribution.
Positive inotropic and negative lusitropic effects of endothelin receptor agonism in vivo
Authors: Konrad D. , Oldner A. , Wanecek M. , Rudehill A. , Weitzberg E. , Biber B. , Johansson G. , Häggmark S. , Haney M.
Published: June 2005

The endothelin (ET) system is involved in the regulation of myocardial function in health as well as in several diseases, such as congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and septic myocardial depression. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the acute contractile properties of ET-1. We therefore investigated the effects of intracoronary infusions of ET-1 and of the selective ETBreceptor-selective agonist sarafotoxin 6c with increasing doses in anesthetized pigs. Myocardial effects were measured through analysis of the left ventricular pressure-volume relationship. ET-1 elicited increases in the myocardial contractile status (end-systolic elastance value of 0.94 ± 0.11 to 1.48 ± 0.23 and preload recruitable stroke work value of 68.7 ± 4.7 to 83.4 ± 7.2) that appear to be mediated through ETAreceptors, whereas impairment in left ventricular isovolumic relaxation (τ = 41.5 ± 1.4 to 58.1 ± 5.0 and t1/2= 23.0 ± 0.7 to 30.9 ± 2.6, where τ is the time constant for pressure decay and t1/2is the half-time for pressure decay) was ETBreceptor dependent. In addition, intravenous administration of ET-1 impaired ventricular relaxation but had no effect on contractility. Intracoronary sarafotoxin 6c administration caused impairments in left ventricular relaxation (τ from 43.3 ± 1.8 to 54.4 ± 3.4) as well as coronary vasoconstriction. In conclusion, ET-1 elicits positive inotropic and negative lusitropic myocardial effects in a pig model, possibly resulting from ETAand ETBreceptor activation, respectively.
Unusual inflammatory and fibrogenic pulmonary responses to single-walled carbon nanotubes in mice
Authors: Shvedova Anna A. , Kisin Elena R. , Mercer Robert , Murray Ashley R. , Johnson Victor J. , Potapovich Alla I. , Tyurina Yulia Y. , Gorelik Olga , Arepalli Sevaram , Schwegler-Berry Diane , Hubbs Ann F. , Antonini James , Evans Douglas E. , Ku Bon-Ki , Ramsey Dawn , Maynard Andrew , Kagan Valerian E. , Castranova Vincent , Baron Paul
Published: June 2005

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are new materials of emerging technological importance. As SWCNT are introduced into the life cycle of commercial products, their effects on human health and environment should be addressed. We demonstrated that pharyngeal aspiration of SWCNT elicited unusual pulmonary effects in C57BL/6 mice that combined a robust but acute inflammation with early onset yet progressive fibrosis and granulomas. A dose-dependent increase in the protein, LDH, and γ-glutamyl transferase activities in bronchoalveolar lavage were found along with accumulation of 4-hydroxynonenal (oxidative biomarker) and depletion of glutathione in lungs. An early neutrophils accumulation ( day 1), followed by lymphocyte ( day 3) and macrophage ( day 7) influx, was accompanied by early elevation of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β; day 1) followed by fibrogenic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (peaked on day 7). A rapid progressive fibrosis found in mice exhibited two distinct morphologies: 1) SWCNT-induced granulomas mainly associated with hypertrophied epithelial cells surrounding SWCNT aggregates and 2) diffuse interstitial fibrosis and alveolar wall thickening likely associated with dispersed SWCNT. In vitro exposure of murine RAW 264.7 macrophages to SWCNT triggered TGF-β1 production similarly to zymosan but generated less TNF-α and IL-1β. SWCNT did not cause superoxide or NO·production, active SWCNT engulfment, or apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Functional respiratory deficiencies and decreased bacterial clearance ( Listeria monocytogenes) were found in mice treated with SWCNT. Equal doses of ultrafine carbon black particles or fine crystalline silica (SiO2) did not induce granulomas or alveolar wall thickening and caused a significantly weaker pulmonary inflammation and damage.
Respiratory innate immune proteins differentially modulate the neutrophil respiratory burst response to influenza A virus
Authors: White Mitchell R. , Crouch Erika , Vesona Jenny , Tacken Paul J. , Batenburg Joseph J. , Leth-Larsen Rikke , Holmskov Uffe , Hartshorn Kevan L.
Published: June 2005

Oxidants and neutrophils contribute to lung injury during influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Surfactant protein (SP)-D plays a pivotal role in restricting IAV replication and inflammation in the first several days after infection. Despite its potent anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, preincubation of IAV with SP-D in vitro strongly increases neutrophil respiratory burst responses to the virus. Several factors are shown to modify this apparent proinflammatory effect of SP-D. Although multimeric forms of SP-D show dose-dependent augmentation of respiratory burst responses, trimeric, single-arm forms either show no effect or inhibit these responses. Furthermore, if neutrophils are preincubated with multimeric SP-D before IAV is added, oxidant responses to the virus are significantly reduced. The ability of SP-D to increase neutrophil uptake of IAV can be dissociated from enhancement of oxidant responses. Finally, several other innate immune proteins that bind to SP-D and/or IAV (i.e., SP-A, lung glycoprotein-340 or mucin) significantly reduce the ability of SP-D to promote neutrophil oxidant response. As a result, the net effect of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids is to increase neutrophil uptake of IAV while reducing the respiratory burst response to virus.
Regulation of urokinase receptor expression by phosphoglycerate kinase is independent of its catalytic activity
Authors: Shetty Sreerama , Ganachari Malathesha , Liu Ming-Cheh , Azghani Ali , Muniyappa Harish , Idell Steven
Published: June 2005

Posttranscriptional regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) mRNA involves the interaction of a uPAR mRNA coding region sequence with phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), a 50-kDa uPAR mRNA binding protein. PGK catalyzes a reversible transfer of a phosphoryl group from 1,3-biphosphoglycerate to ADP in the glycolytic pathway. Our previous studies showed that overexpression of PGK in uPAR-overproducing H157 lung carcinoma cells results in decreased cytoplasmic uPAR mRNA and cell surface uPAR protein expression through destabilization of the mRNA. In order to determine the role of PGK enzymatic activity on uPAR mRNA stability we mutated PGK by changing amino acid P204H and amino acid D219A. The mutant proteins were expressed in Epicurian coli BL21 cells, and the purified proteins were analyzed for PGK activity. We found that mutation of amino acid P204H and D219A reduced PGK activity by 99 and 83%, respectively. By gel mobility shift and Northwestern assay, we found that the mutant proteins were able to bind to uPAR mRNA as effectively as wild-type PGK. Overexpression of mutant, inactive PGK in H157 cells reduced cell surface uPAR protein as well as uPAR mRNA expression. Run-on transcription analysis indicated that overexpression of mutant PGKs fails to alter the rate of synthesis of uPAR mRNA, whereas transcription chase experiments demonstrated that both mutants and wild-type PGK reduce the stability of the uPAR mRNA transcripts to a similar extent. Overexpression of mutant PGK also inhibited the rate of DNA synthesis and the invasion-migration ratio. These results demonstrate that uPAR mRNA binding activity as well as PGK-mediated regulation of uPAR mRNA are independent of PGK enzymatic activity.
Large Deflections of a Cantilever Beam of Nonlinear Bimodulus Material Subjected to an End Moment
Authors: Baykara Cemal , Guven Ugur , Bayer Ismail
Published: June 2005

In this article, the large deflections of a thin cantilever beam under an end moment is considered. The material behavior of the beam is assumed to be nonlinear bimodulus. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of bimodulus behavior on the horizontal and vertical deflections at the free end. The numerical results obtained are tabulated. It is shown that the bimodulus behavior has a significant effect on the large deflections.
Differentiation of Self and Child Abuse Potential in Young Adulthood
Authors: Skowron Elizabeth A. , Platt Lisa F.
Published: June 2005

The authors examine the role of Bowen family systems theory in predicting physical child abuse potential. Relations between differentiation of self, perceptions of personal problem-solving skills, and child abuse potential were tested in a sample of 210 single young adults who were not yet parents. Greater differentiation of self—that is, lower reactivity, emotional cutoff, or fusion with others, and better ability to take “I” positions in relationships—along with better problem-solving skills, predicted lower physical child abuse potential. Those undecided with respect to college major reported lowest levels of differentiation and highest child abuse potential. Implications for counseling, limitations, and directions for further research are discussed.
Existence, Uniqueness and Regularity of Solutions for a Thermomechanical Model of Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Ratiu Tudor , Timofte Aida , Timofte Vlad
Published: June 2005

This paper considers a thermomechanical model of shape memory alloys (SMA). This new model takes into account the non-isothermal character of the phase transformations, as well as the existence of the intrinsic dissipation. For the governing equations we prove existence, uniqueness and regularity in certain well chosen functions spaces.
Mathematical Modeling of a Solid–Liquid Mixture with Mass Exchange Between Constituents
Authors: Fusi L. , Farina A. , Ambrosi D.
Published: June 2005

The mechanical behavior of a mixture composed by an elastic solid and a fluid that exchange mass is investigated. Both the liquid flow and the solid deformation depend on how the solid phase has increased (diminished) its mass, i.e. on the mass conversion between constituents.

The model is developed introducing a decomposition of the solid phase deformation gradient. In particular, exploiting the criterion of maximization of the rate of entropy production, we determine an explicit evolution equation for the so-called growth tensor which involves directly the solid stress tensor.

An example of a possible choice of the constitutive functions is also presented.
Effect of pre-stroke use of ACE inhibitors on ischemic stroke severity
Authors: Selim Magdy , Savitz Sean , Linfante Italo , Caplan Louis , Schlaug Gottfried
Published: June 2005

Background

Recent trials suggest that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are effective in prevention of ischemic stroke, as measured by reduced stroke incidence. We aimed to compare stroke severity between stroke patients who were taking ACEI before their stroke onset and those who were not, to examine the effects of pretreatment with ACEI on ischemic stroke severity.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 126 consecutive patients presenting within 24 hours of ischemic stroke onset, as confirmed by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI). We calculated the NIHSS score at presentation, as the primary measure of clinical stroke severity, and categorized stroke severity as mild (NIHSS [less than or equal to] 7), moderate (NIHSS 8–13) or severe (NIHSS [greater than or equal to] 14). We analyzed demographic data, risk-factor profile, blood pressure (BP) and medications on admissions, and determined stroke mechanism according to TOAST criteria. We also measured the volumes of admission diffusion- and perfusion-weighted (DWI /PWI) magnetic resonance imaging lesions, as a secondary measure of ischemic tissue volume. We compared these variables among patients on ACEI and those who were not.

Results

Thirty- three patients (26%) were on ACE-inhibitors. The overall median baseline NIHSS score was 5.5 (range 2–21) among ACEI-treated patients vs. 9 (range 1–36) in non-ACEI patients (p = 0.036). Patients on ACEI prior to their stroke had more mild and less severe strokes, and smaller DWI and PWI lesion volumes compared to non-ACEI treated patients. However, none of these differences were significant. Predictably, a higher percentage of patients on ACEI had a history of heart failure (p = 0.03). Age, time-to-imaging or neurological evaluation, risk-factor profile, concomitant therapy with lipid lowering, other antihypertensives or antithrombotic agents, or admission BP were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that ACE-inhibitors may reduce the clinical severity of stroke, as measured by NIHSS score. Further, larger-scale, prospective studies areneeded to validate our findings, and to elucidate the mechanism(s) of ACEImediated benefits in patients with ischemic stroke.
The Uncoupling Protein 2 Ala55Val Polymorphism Is Associated with Diabetes Mellitus: The CARDIA Study
Authors: Yu Xinhua , Jacobs David R , Schreiner Pamela J , Gross Myron D , Steffes Michael W , Fornage Myriam
Published: June 2005

Background: Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) reduce ATP generation with concomitant increased release of heat. The activities of UCPs have been related to obesity and energy metabolism.

Methods: We investigated the association of the commonly observed UCP2 Ala55Val (V) polymorphism with diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) among 3684 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

Results: The V frequency was ∼45% in blacks and 42% in whites. Those with the Val/Val (VV) genotype had a higher incidence of diabetes than those having the Ala/Ala (AA) genotype (5.8% vs 3.3%; P = 0.02). Similarly, the incidences of diabetes in participants without abdominal obesity were 2.8% and 1.0% (P = 0.03) in the VV and AA groups, and 12.4% and 8.3% (P = 0.15) in participants with abdominal obesity. The incidence of IFG was higher in VV vs AA only in those without abdominal obesity (12.9% vs 9.2%). These trends persisted in minimally and fully adjusted models, and in strata of blacks and whites and men and women. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance was highest in VV in the combined group of those with IFG or untreated diabetes, but not in those with normal fasting glucose.

Conclusion: The VV genotype of the UCP2 polymorphism was positively related to diabetes. It may involve increased insulin resistance in those with impaired glucose homeostasis.
Development of a PCR-Based Assay for Detection, Quantification, and Genotyping of Human Adenoviruses
Authors: Chmielewicz Barbara , Nitsche Andreas , Schweiger Brunhilde , Ellerbrok Heinz
Published: June 2005

Background: Adenoviruses (AdVs) can cause serious disease in immunosuppressed patients, particularly those undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. A method for virus quantification in clinical specimens is essential for monitoring patient adenoviral loads and evaluating new therapeutic approaches.

Methods: We developed a PCR-based assay that combines detection and genotyping of human AdVs, targeting a highly conserved region of the adenoviral genome coding for the DNA polymerase (AdV DPol PCR). We tested the diagnostic applicability of this PCR-based assay by analyzing 159 clinical specimens from children with respiratory disease and comparing the results with those obtained by nested PCR analysis.

Results: The PCR assay detected all currently known AdV serotypes, with a detection limit of ∼10 genome equivalents per reaction for 49 of 51 serotypes. No cross-reactivity to human DNA or other DNA viruses was observed. In addition, genotyping of PCR-positive samples was achieved within minutes by fluorescence curve melting analysis in a LightCycler instrument using 6 pairs of hybridization probes, each specific for a single AdV species. Results for clinical specimens were in good concordance with those obtained by nested PCR.

Conclusion: The presented assay is a suitable tool for the detection and genotyping of human AdVs in clinical samples.
Association between Hydrogen Peroxide-Dependent Byproducts of Ascorbic Acid and Increased Hepatic Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Activity
Authors: Knafo Laurent , Chessex Philippe , Rouleau Thérèse , Lavoie Jean-Claude
Published: June 2005

Background: Parenteral multivitamin preparation (MVP) induces fatty liver in neonatal guinea pig pups; this is prevented by photoprotection. Photo-excited riboflavin present in MVP generates H2O2 and molecules with masses of 136 and 208. We hypothesized that H2O2 initiates the peroxidation of ascorbic acid (AA), producing biologically active byproducts affecting hepatic lipid metabolism.

Methods: Mass spectrometry (MS) documented the participation of H2O2 and photo-excited riboflavin (Ribo) in the formation of AA byproducts. Sixteen 3-day-old guinea pig pups received an intravenous solution (50 g/L dextrose + 4.5 g/L NaCl + 1 kIU/L heparin) at 240 mL · kg−1 · day−1, enriched with control or test mixtures, for 4 days. The control mixture was photo-protected AA + Ribo (without byproducts or H2O2), and the test mixture was AA + Ribo treated to generate AA byproducts without H2O2. Hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) activity was determined after 4 days. Fourth-day urine samples were analyzed by MS. Data were treated by ANOVA (α = 0.05).

Results: H2O2 did not influence the classic degradation of AA, as the generation of 2,3-diketogulonic acid was not affected. In contrast, the formation of molecules with masses of 136 and 208 was H2O2 and time dependent. ACC activity was higher (P <0.01) in animals receiving high concentration of these molecules; its hepatic activation correlated (P <0.01) with the urinary concentration of molecule-208.

Conclusions: H2O2 at concentrations found in the clinical setting of total parenteral nutrition induce the transformation of dehydroascorbic acid into compounds that have the potential to affect lipid metabolism. These molecules have peroxide and aldehyde functions.
Cross-Reactivity of Amino Acids and Other Compounds in the Biuret Reaction: Interference with Urinary Peptide Measurements
Authors: Hortin Glen L , Meilinger Bonnie
Published: June 2005

Background: Biuret assays for total protein measurement are considered to react with all peptides longer than 2 residues. Some studies using biuret assays of urine suggest that small peptides generally are more abundant than proteins in urine, but it is not clear whether this is a problem of assay specificity.

Methods: We analyzed the specificity and kinetics of a biuret reaction for solutions of amino acids, organic compounds, peptides, proteins, and ultrafiltered urine specimens and compared the results with standard clinical assays for protein measurement.

Results: The biuret assay cross-reacted with several amino acids, dipeptides, and other organic compounds able to form 5- or 6-member ring chelation complexes with copper. Reactions with amino acids and dipeptides had higher absorbance maxima (blue color) than with larger peptides and proteins (purple). Compounds forming potential 4-, 7-, 8-, or 9-member ring complexes with copper had low reactivity. Amino acid amides, dipeptides, and longer peptides had substantial reactivity, except those containing proline. Proteins and polypeptides had similar biuret reactivities per peptide bond, but reaction kinetics were slower for proteins than peptides. Urine specimens ultrafiltered through 3-kDa–cutoff membranes had substantial biuret reactivity, but absorbance maxima were consistent with cross-reactive amino acids rather than peptides.

Conclusions: Many compounds, including amino acids, amino acid derivatives, and dipeptides, cross-react in biuret assays. Our studies improve understanding of the specificity of endpoint and kinetic biuret assays widely used in clinical laboratories. Amino acids, urea, and creatinine contribute to overestimation of urinary peptide content by biuret assays.
Implementation of Hills' growth curve analysis for unequal‐time intervals using GAUSS
Authors: Schneiderman Emet D. , Kowalski Charles J.
Published: June 2005

Longitudinal data are widely regarded as the most efficient and informative type of data with which to investigate growth. Paradoxically, appropriate statistical methods for analyzing longitudinal data have been unavailable; with the exception of a computer program for executing Rao's (Biometrika 46:49–58, 1959) one‐sample polynomial growth curve analysis (Schneiderman and Kowalski, Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 67:323–333, 1985) and another applying the Preece‐Baines function (Brown and Townsend, Ann. Hum. Biol. 9:495–505, 1982), no programs for analyzing longitudinal data are generally available to the scientific community. Whereas much of the pediatrically oriented work has involved fitting growth curves for individual children, the concern here is the estimation of growth trends for populations. An Adequate understanding of average tendencies is a prerequisite to understanding the growth of individuals. The present paper implements Hills' (Biometrics 24:189–196, 1968) analysis, which is formally equivalent to Rao's but uses finite differences instead of orthogonal polynomials. This method is suitable for data collected at unequal time points and generates explicit measures of velocity and acceleration. The polynomial specification of the curve that best fits the data is also determined with this method. An additional advantage of this approach is that it is conceptually simpler than the classic model of Rao. An application of this method is given using the same craniofacial growth data as in our earlier (1985) paper for comparability. We provide an easy to use program written in GAU's (Edlefson and Jones, Kent, WA; Applied Technical Systems, 1985), a matrix programming language that runs on PC‐compatible microcomputers. This implementation for PCs extends the accessibility to investigators who may not have access to mainframe computers.
Longitudinal growth in height, weight, and bone age of Guatemalan Ladino and Indian schoolchildren
Authors: Bogin Barry , Sullivan Timothy , Hauspie Roland , Macvean Robert B.
Published: June 2005

Three longitudinal samples of Guatemalan schoolchildren are compared for amounts and rates of growth in height, weight, and bone age. The samples include children of two ethnic backgrounds: Ladinos, Spanish‐speaking people of, generally, Western cultural orientation; and Indians, people of Mayan cultural descent. The Indians are of very low socioeconomic status (SES) and attend a public school in a rural village. The Ladinos come from two SES groups living in Guatemala City, one of high SES attending a private school and the other of low SES attending a public school. Graphical and statistical analyses show that for all samples of boys and girls there are generally, significant differences between samples (high SES>low SES>Indian) for amounts of growth in height, weight, and bone age. Boys show significant differences in rates of growth between samples, with the high SES sample growing more rapidly than the two low SES samples. Girls show significant differences in the rate of growth in height, but not in the rate of growth in weight or bone age. For Both boys and girls, rates of growth in height and weight differ more between samples than does rate of Skeltal development. These results demonstrate that (1) SES‐related deficits in growth are cumulative during childhood and early adolescence, that (2) rates of growth for boys are, generally, more sensitive to the influence of SES than are the growth rates of girls, and that (3) childhood growth deficits of low SES children of low SES children are likely to carry over into adulthood.
Method for analyzing complex two‐dimensional forms: Elliptical Fourier functions
Authors: Lestrel Pete E.
Published: June 2005

A generalized procedure, elliptical Fourier analysis, for accurately characterizing the shape of complex morphological forms of the type commonly encountered in the biological sciences, is described. Elliptical Fourier functions are derived as a parametric formulation from conventional Fourier analysis, i.e., as a pair of equations that are functions of a third variable. The use of elliptical Fourier functions circumvents three restrictions that have limited conventional Fourier analysis to certain classes of shapes. These restrictions are (1) equal divisions over the interval or period; (2) dependency on the coordinate system, i.e., conventional Fourier functions are not “coordinate free”; and (3) the presence of shapes with outlines that curve back on themselves, a common occurrence. These three limitations are effectively removed with the utilization of elliptical Fourier functions, facilitating the analysis of a much larger class of two‐dimensional forms.
Statistical estimation of skeletal maturity
Authors: Thissen David
Published: June 2005

Given a number of developing aspects of the skeletal system that may be used as indicators of maturity, some combination rule is required to produce a single numerical description of skeletal maturity from data on several such indicators. In the RWT system for estimation of skeletal maturity from indicators in the knee, a nonlinear statistical model for graded data is used for this purpose. In the application of a similar model in the FELS system for the hand‐wrist, the estimation procedure was extended to include continuous as well as graded indicators. This paper describes the statistical estimation procedure used, with illustrations drawn from the hand‐wrist system.
Maturity and its relationship to plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in adolescents: The Fels longitudinal study
Authors: Siervogel R. M. , Baumgartner R. N. , Roche A. F. , Chumlea Wm. C. , Glueck C. J.
Published: June 2005

During adolescence, changes in lipid and lipoprotein levels have been reported to be associated with changes in body composition and changes in endogenous testosterone and estradiol. These hormone levels are directly correlated with sexual and skeletal maturity levels. The purpose of the present study was to determine if there are associations during pubescence and adolescence, independent of chronological age, between measures of maturity and body composition or plasma lipid and lipoprotein cholesterols. Skeletal maturity was measured on the basis of skeletal assessments of the bones of the knee joint. Age at peak height velocity was determined from serial stature measurements and, in girls, age at menarche was recorded. These measures of maturity, as well as measures of percent body fat, total body fat, total body fat mass, fat‐free mass from underwater weighing, and plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, highdensity lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels from 502 observations on 174 boys and girls enrolled in the Fels Longitudinal Study were used in the analysis. Within annual chronological age groups, no associations were found between level of maturity and lipid and lipoprotein level or percent body fat in boys or girls. However, changes in lipid and lipoprotein levels over time appeared to be more apparent when age grouping were based on skeletal age than when they were based on chronological age.
Monthy growth increments from a longitudinal study of Canadian infants
Authors: Roche Alex F. , Guo Shumei , Yeung David L.
Published: June 2005

Reference data for 1 month increments in weight, recumbent length, and head circumference, at ages 1 to 12 months, have been derived from serial data for 351 full‐term Canadian infants. This derivation was achieved by (1) fitting a family of three parameter mathematical models to the data for each infant, (2) using these models to estimate values 1 month apart (3) calculating 1 month increments from the status values of 1 month intervals, (4) obtaining the distributions of these increments, and (5) presenting the percentiles of these increments in tables and in figures. The 1 month increments decreased with age during infancy in each sex, and these increments tended to be more rapid for boys than for girls. It is suggested that these reference data are suitable for the assessment of growth rates in infants born at term in Canada or in the United States. They can be used to assist the early identification of deviations from expected growth rates for individuals and to compare population samples.
Dietary patterns of older adults in the United States, NHANES II 1976–1980
Authors: Ryan Alan S. , Martinez Gilbert A. , Wysong Jeffrey L. , Davis Maradee A.
Published: June 2005

The second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) 1976–1980 provided detailed information concerning the dietary patterns of older Americans. By using 24‐hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaires, the dietary patterns of 2,615 adults aged 65–74 years were evaluated by types of living arrangements (living alone, with a spouse, or with someone other than a spouse) and income level (below poverty, at or above poverty). Analyzed indicators of dietary quality were caloric and nutrient intake, food group intake and frequency, and number of meals skipped. The most favorable dietary patterns of elderly persons were associated with living with a spouse, especially for men. Low‐income men not living with a spouse were at highest risk of dietary inadequacy. For women, income was more strongly associated with dietary patterns than type of living arrangement. Results from NHANES II compare favorably to those of the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) 1971–1974.
Food restriction research: Its significance for human aging
Authors: Masoro Edward J.
Published: June 2005

The total lack of knowledge concerning the nature of the primary aging processes coupled to the lack of biomarkers of aging has made it difficult to devise fruitful approaches for the study of aging. Indeed, the only index of aging about which there is general agreement is the life span of the species (i.e., the maximum age attained by members of the species). Only one manipulation has been found which extends the life span of a mammalian species and that is food restriction in rodents. In addition to increasing life span, food restriction also retards almost all age‐associated physiological changes and diseases processes. It is concluded that food restriction has these diverse actions because it retards the primary aging processes. Recent research has been focused on the mechanisms by which food restriction influences the primary aging processes because it is believed that such knowledge will provide insight on the basis nature of aging. Available evidence pints to the neural an endocrine system as couplers of food restriction to the aging processes. Of particular current interest are the effects of food restriction on protein turnover and free radical metabolism. The importance of food restriction to human aging relates to the information it is expected to yield on the nature of the primary aging processes in all mammalian species and the database it should provide for interventions of human aging.
Relative utility of carpal skeletal ages
Authors: Roche Alex F.
Published: June 2005

The need to assess the carpal bones when a skeletal age is being obtained for a handwrist radiograph has been determined. The mixed longitudinal data that were analyzed had been obtained from 335 boys and 322 girls at 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16 years of age. The FELS assessment method, which was used to obtain the skeletal ages, provides the standard error of each assessment; each of these standard errors is determined by the amount of relevant information available from a radiograph. Utilizing the standard errors for paired assessments made with and without the inclusion of the carpal bones, it was concluded that the carpal bones should be assessed from 7 to 13 years in boys and from 4 to 10 years in girls, but they need not be assessed before or after these age ranges.
Body weight/height relationship: Exponential solution
Authors: Henneberg Maciej , Hugg John , Townsend Emily J.
Published: June 2005

Regression of weight (W) on height (H) in all higher primates is of exponential form W = a · exp(H · b) and is uniform for both nongrowing adults and growing children. Parameter a values are always close to 2.0 and b to 0.02. The exponential equation fits ontogenetic data better than the traditional allometric power curve. The exponential nature of the W/H regression during growth may be explained by mechanisms of cell proliferation: Arithmetic growth of the skeleton at epiphyseal plates and geometric proliferation of many other tissues of the body. Sexual dimorphism and interpopulational differences in a and b values are interpretable: e.g., girls have lower initial weight (lower a values) than boys, and Africans (low b values) grow “slimmer” than Eskimos. The effects of improved environmental conditions can also be described. Children of the same ethnic group have higher a and lower b values when growing in better condition because of higher initial weights, but acquire elongated physiques during growth. Use of exponential W/H relationship as growth standards and for reconstruction of body build in fossil material is postulated.