bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ConSSeq: a web-based application for analysis of amino acid conservation based on HSSP database and within context of structure
Authors: Higa R. H. , Montagner A. J. , Togawa R. C. , Kuser P. R. , Yamagishi M. E. B. , Mancini A. L. , Pappas G. , Miura R. T. , Horita L. G. , Neshich G.
Published: March 2004

Summary: A web-based application to analyze protein amino acids conservation—Consensus Sequence (ConSSeq) is presented. ConSSeq graphically represents information about amino acid conservation based on sequence alignments reported in homology-derived structures of proteins. Beyond the relative entropy for each position in the alignment, ConSSeq also presents the consensus sequence and information about the amino acids, which are predominant at each position of the alignment. ConSSeq is part of the STING Millennium Suite and is implemented as a Java Applet.

Availability:  http://sms.cbi.cnptia.embrapa.br/SMS/STINGm/consseq/, http://trantor.bioc.columbia.edu/SMS/STINGm/consseq/, http://mirrors.rcsb.org//SMS/STINGm/consseq/, http://www.es.embnet.org/SMS/STINGm/consseq/ and http://www.ar.embnet.org/SMS/STINGm/consseq/
UniProt archive
Authors: Leinonen Rasko , Diez Federico Garcia , Binns David , Fleischmann Wolfgang , Lopez Rodrigo , Apweiler Rolf
Published: March 2004

Summary: UniProt Archive (UniParc) is the most comprehensive, non-redundant protein sequence database available. Its protein sequences are retrieved from predominant, publicly accessible resources. All new and updated protein sequences are collected and loaded daily into UniParc for full coverage. To avoid redundancy, each unique sequence is stored only once with a stable protein identifier, which can be used later in UniParc to identify the same protein in all source databases. When proteins are loaded into the database, database cross-references are created to link them to the origins of the sequences. As a result, performing a sequence search against UniParc is equivalent to performing the same search against all databases cross-referenced by UniParc. UniParc contains only protein sequences and database cross-references; all other information must be retrieved from the source databases.

Availability:  http://www.ebi.ac.uk/uniparc/
Phylogenetic trees based on gene content
Authors: Huson Daniel H. , Steel Mike
Published: March 2004

Summary: Comparing gene content between species can be a useful approach for reconstructing phylogenetic trees. In this paper, we derive a maximum-likelihood estimation of evolutionary distance between species under a simple model of gene genesis and gene loss. Using simulated data on a biological tree with 107 taxa (and on a number of randomly generated trees), we compare the accuracy of tree reconstruction using this ML distance measure to an earlier ad hoc distance. We then compare these distance-based approaches to a character-based tree reconstruction method (Dollo parsimony) which seems well suited to the analysis of gene content data. To simplify simulations, we give a formal proof of the well-known ‘fact’ that the Dollo parsimony score is independent of the choice of root. Our results show a consistent trend, with the character-based method and ML distance measure outperforming the earlier ad hoc distance method.

Availability:  http://www.ab.informatik.uni-tuebingen.de/software/genecontent/welcome_en.html
Impact of Resection of the Turbinates and the Lateral Nasal Wall on Particle Deposition
Authors: Rozsasi Ajnacska , Leiacker Richard , Rettinger Gerhard , Lindemann Jörg , Keck Tilman
Published: March 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis The aim of the investigation was to determine the influence of complete resection of the turbinates and the lateral nasal wall on nasal deposition of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (pm10) and its relation to nasal patency and geometry.

Study Design Retrospective study.

Methods Eight patients were enrolled in the study after unilateral sinus surgery for a unilateral inverted papilloma of the sinuses. Particle deposition from the inhaled and exhaled air was measured by means of a laser particle counter in the nasal valve area and the nasopharynx during nose‐only breathing and nose‐in, mouth‐out breathing. The data on deposited fraction for the operated side were compared with the data for the untreated, healthy side. Rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were performed.

Results Particle deposition did not differ significantly between the operated and untreated sides of the nose at both detection sites. No correlation between the deposited fraction and rhinomanometric and rhinometric values was found.

Conclusion Radical resection of the turbinates does not seem to disturb particle deposition (pm10) measured in the nose to a significant degree. Factors other than impaction and sedimentation onto the mucosal surface of the turbinates seem to be sufficient for effective particle deposition after radical removal of the turbinates.
Determination of Reactive Oxygen Species in Myringotomized Tympanic Membranes: Effect of Vitamin E Treatment
Authors: Polat Senol , Öztürk Özmen , Üneri Cüneyd , Yüksel Meral , Haklar Goncagül , Bozkurt Süheyla , Küllü Sevgi
Published: March 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis Recent studies have established a strong relationship between the development of myringosclerosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aims of the present study were to directly detect ROS in the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosa of rats by measuring luminol amplified chemiluminescence, to evaluate the changes in the levels of ROS after treatment with vitamin E, and to examine the possible changes in the tympanic membranes otomicroscopically and histologically.

Study Design Prospective controlled animal study.

Methods Forty healthy Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into five groups of eight animals each. Animals in all groups except group 1 were bilaterally myringotomized. Group 2 received no treatment, group 3 was treated with topical olive oil, group 4 received topical vitamin E, and group 5 received intramuscular vitamin E. After 24 hours of myringotomy, tympanic membranes were examined otomicroscopically; thereafter, tympanic membranes and middle ear mucosa were peeled off. The right ears of the animals were used for biochemical assay, and the left ears were used for histological study.

Results Reactive oxygen species levels were significantly decreased in group 4 with topical application of vitamin E compared with untreated and myringotomized animals in group 2. Reactive oxygen species levels were also decreased in group 5, although the decrease was not statistically significant when compared with groups 2 and 3. Histological studies confirmed sclerotic changes in the untreated myringotomized animals. The tympanic membranes of animals in groups 2 and 3 showed a white, chalk‐like pattern of sclerotic changes, whereas animals in groups 4 and 5, with the exception of two animals in group 5, lacked these changes.

Conclusion Although the relationship between the development of myringosclerosis and ROS had been well documented previously, the present study is the first that has directly measured the levels of ROS in the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosa. These results are relevant because they correlate with histological findings. It has also been demonstrated that topically applied vitamin E is effective in decreasing the ROS levels.
A conceptual framework for the holistic measurement and cumulative evaluation of library services
Authors: Nicholson Scott
Published: March 2004

This conceptual piece presents a framework to aid libraries in gaining a more thorough and holistic understanding of their users and services. Through a presentation of the history of library evaluation, a multidimensional matrix of measures is developed that demonstrates the relationship between the topics and perspectives of measurement. These measurements are then combined through evaluation criteria, and then different participants in the library system view those criteria for decision making. By implementing this framework for holistic measurement and cumulative evaluation, library evaluators can gain a more holistic knowledge of the library system and library administrators can be better informed for their decision‐making processes.
Documentation in an information society
Authors: Bawden David
Published: March 2004

The contributions of the theories and practices of “documentation”, located with the library/information disciplines, to the development of information society are real, but limited. The scope for further input is considerable.
Human capital spillovers in the workplace: evidence for the service sector in Britain
Authors: Battu H. , Belfield C.R. , Sloane P.J.
Published: March 2004

An individual's human capital has a strong influence in earnings. Yet, individual worker‐level estimations of earnings rarely include the characteristics of co‐workers or detailed firm‐level controls. In particular, co‐workers skills are ignored which may be particularly significant where team work is important. This paper utilises a unique matched work‐place data set to estimate the effect on the earnings of co‐workers' education and training in the Hotel and Catering sector, which contains a high proportion of low paying establishments and in the Retail sector which contains a large absolute number of low paying establishments. The data are derived from the 1998 British Workplace Employment Relations Survey. This is a national sample based on interviews with managers in 2,191 establishments with at least ten workers. In addition, a survey of up to 25 randomly selected employees in each establishment was undertaken which included questions on education, training, pay and job satisfaction, as well as a range of other personal and workplace characteristics. We have, therefore, a matched workplace employee sample which is essential for this type of analysis. The results suggest that there are strong co‐worker effects in the earnings of individuals when controlling the individual's own level of education. While there are also high returns to training for individual workers, there are no similar spillover effects from the training of co‐workers in these sectors. Nevertheless, this suggests that there could well be a pay‐off to the professionalisation of service sector jobs.
Prediction of CASE adoption: a neural network approach
Authors: Morris Steven A. , Greer Timothy H. , Hughes Cary , Jeff Clark W.
Published: March 2004

The failure of organizations to adopt CASE tools has been an area of interest to business researchers for over a decade. The purpose of this study is to test whether the previous research provides a basis for predicting the current adoption of CASE tools by organizations. This study uses a neural network methodology to predict CASE tool adoption using factors that were previously identified in the literature. The model consisted of six variables: IS department stability, need to improve IS department performance, use of external sources of knowledge, job rotation, pressure to reduce development time, and CASE champion. The study found that all the variables were relevant in the prediction of CASE tool adoption with an average accuracy of 71.43 percent.
Gender, human capabilities and culture within the household economy
Authors: Altman Morris , Lamontagne Louise
Published: March 2004

An important hypothesis put forth by Amartya Sen is that a given level of per capita real income in a population can generate quite different levels of socio‐economic well‐being depending on the economic infrastructure of that population and the distribution of income. Sen's hypothesis is refined in this paper to reflect the manner in which income is spent and labor is allocated and utilized within a household specific to particular groups within society and how this impacts upon both the level of well‐being and economic efficiency. The evidence on living conditions and mortality presented here from early twentieth century New York City, underlies the potential significance of the household economy as a key determinant of economic well‐being. Focusing simply on per capita income estimates, even corrected for the distribution of income, misses fundamentally important determinants of human capabilities and economic well‐being with potentially important implications for public policy.
International trade and sustainable development in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Asafu‐Adjaye John
Published: March 2004

Examines the role of trade in promoting sustainable economic development in Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. Opponents of trade liberalization argue that it results in environmental degradation. While there may be adverse environmental impacts from certain trade‐related economic activities, trade expansion could lead to increase in income that could be used to fund poverty reduction programs. Factors such as lack of macroeconomic and political stability, high labour costs, low skills and inability to tap into international marketing networks have inhibited trade expansion in the region. Firms in SSA could exploit their export potential by forming links with counterparts in the advanced countries. Advocates for governments in SSA to move away from command and control mechanisms towards market‐based incentive mechanisms.
Towards unitary economics
Authors: Thampapillai Dodo J. , Thangavelu Shandre M.
Published: March 2004

The paper presents a simple method of valuation that can sit beside ideology of a unitary economics, which seeks a synergy between materialistic and non‐materialistic aspects of welfare. The non‐materialistic item considered here is environmental stewardship, the lack of which is widespread among neoclassical economists. This is due to the belief that technology could always offset the problems of resource scarcity. The paper uses the basic tools of neoclassical economics to illustrate that resource scarcity is a real issue and that an improved sense of environmental stewardship is warranted. This illustration involves the valuation of environmental capital from the statement of national accounts. Scarcity indicators are defined in terms of the price of environmental capital. This price, which consists of an interest rate and a cost of depreciation, is empirically estimated for Australia.
Packages and physical distribution
Authors: Jahre Marianne , Johan Hatteland Carl
Published: March 2004

This paper addresses the question of trade‐offs in supply chains by exploring the roles of packaging in distribution networks. Taking a starting point in the logistical role of packaging and the potential trade‐offs with its marketing and environmental roles, the paper illustrates some difficulties with integrated systems. The paper discusses the concept of packaging as an integrated system and presents a case study of a transport package, a roll‐rack, for distribution of fresh milk. The analysis shows that although it fulfils well all its three roles for milk, the roll‐rack's efficiency is decreasing as continuously larger volumes of products for which it was not designed, are distributed through the network. Because it is so integrated in the milk‐chain and adaptations have developed between the roll‐rack and other resources such as vehicles, terminals and display facilities in the stores, it is difficult to use for other products. As similar adaptations have developed within the other package/product chains, it is also difficult to replace other transport packages with the roll‐rack. The paper contributes to the understanding of use and development of logistics resources, trade‐offs between adaptation and adaptability, integration and standardisation.
Using the assortment forecasting method to enable sales force involvement in forecasting
Authors: Småros Johanna , Hellström Markus
Published: March 2004

The paper presents how a European pick‐and‐mix confectionery company has employed a new forecasting approach – assortment forecasting – to reduce significantly time spent on forecasting by working with an entire assortment at a time instead of producing a forecast for each product individually. The implementation of a less time‐consuming forecasting method has enabled the company to involve its salespeople in forecasting and in this way gain access to their product and market knowledge. The case company's implementation of the new forecasting method is described and its forecasting accuracy and time spent on forecasting before and after the implementation are measured. The results demonstrate a remarkable increase in forecasting efficiency as well as improved communication within the company.
Alienation in the distribution channel
Authors: Gaski John F. , Ray Nina M.
Published: March 2004

Of all the social phenomena that have been investigated in the distribution channel context – including power, conflict, dependence, role performance, and opportunism – one that has escaped attention until now is alienation. Borrowing from traditional behavioral science and consumer behavior, the following monograph defines the concept of distributor alienation and elaborates a method for its measurement. After surviving a validation regimen, the measure is applied within the confines of a test of a theoretical model. The results may provide a preliminary framework for a future structure of channel alienation theory.
Using focus group data to set new product prices
Authors: Allen Theodore T. , Maybin Kristen M.
Published: March 2004

Describes a method for setting new product prices at time of launch using data from focus groups and illustrates its application to recommending the price of toothpaste gum for product launch. The proposed method is based on optimization of the expected utility estimated from participant responses to four simple questions. The method is designed to address uncertainties from sampling error and consumer overconfidence. In addition to the formal optimization‐based procedure, introduces plotting techniques to facilitate subjective decision making. Also, compares the proposed approach with the popular “Van Westendorp method” and demonstrates plausible conditions under which the Van Westendorp recommendations would result in prices below those that maximize expected profit.
Guest editorial A commentary on family business entrepreneurial developments
Authors: Zata Poutziouris Panikkos , Steier Lloyd , Smyrnios Kosmas X.
Published: March 2004

Introduces the special issue which focuses on family business entrepreneurial developments. Outlines the articles in the issue which not only increase our repository of family business research, but also provide useful insights for new research addressing topics such as family business centred ethnic entrepreneurship, “interpreneurship” and “intrapreneurship”, succession planning, financial philosophies; governance‐boards, consultation‐communication practices, and strategy formulation.
Entrepreneurial aspirations among family business owners
Authors: Basu Anuradha
Published: March 2004

This paper contributes to our understanding of the intersection between entrepreneurship and family businesses by examining the business aspirations of immigrant entrepreneurs from five different ethnic minority communities in the UK. It explores differences in the entrepreneurs' antecedents that might explain differences in their aspirations and examines the interaction between aspirations and business behaviour and outcomes. It finds that despite the importance of the family in their businesses, ethnic minority entrepreneurs have diverse aspirations. It is possible to distinguish between those with business‐first, family‐first, money‐first and lifestyle‐first aspirations. Their educational and family background affects entrepreneurs' aspirations, as does their stage on the family life cycle. Differences in aspirations are related to the nature of business, the way in which it is managed, the recruitment of professional managers and entrepreneurial performance. Our findings highlight the diversity in aspirations among family business owners and the complexity of the interaction between ethnicity, culture, class and entrepreneurship.
Governance in Spanish family business
Authors: Suáre K.C. , Santana‐Martín D.J.
Published: March 2004

This explorative research paper illuminates the governance systems in Spanish family businesses, and evaluates the extent to which they pursue good governance practise both in the business and family areas. Empirical evidence is drawn from a database of 112 sizeable Spanish firms, and the results show the absolute dominance of the leading family in the ownership, control and management of sample firms. Approximately half of the members of the board tend to be insiders and more than two‐thirds are family members. It emerges that generational firms (with third generation and beyond owner‐managers) exhibit greater similarity in their governance structures to first generation firms than second generation ones; this might be due to the so‐called “pruning” which is used as a survival mechanism. Overall, it emerges that family firms have a very low degree of board regulation by formal rules and family governance systems are hardly developed.
The interaction of streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) and its proteolytic fragments with the human beta defensins
Authors: Fernie‐King Barbara A. , Seilly David J. , Lachmann Peter J.
Published: March 2004

Streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) is a 31 kDa extracellular protein produced by a few highly virulent strains of Streptococcus pyogenes (in particular the M1 strain). It has been shown additionally to inhibit four further components of the mucosal innate response—lysozyme, secretory leucocyte proteinase inhibitor, human α‐defensin 1 and the cathelicidin LL‐37 which are all bactericidal against Group A Streptococci (GAS). We now show that SIC also inhibits variably the antibacterial action of hBD‐1, ‐2 and ‐3. By enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), SIC binds strongly to hBD‐2 and hBD‐3, but not at all to hBD‐1. Investigation of the antimicrobial action of β‐defensins hBD‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 against GAS in two different buffer systems shows that both the killing efficiencies of all three defensins, and the binding of SIC to them, occurs more efficiently in 10 mm Tris buffer than in 10 mm phosphate. The lower ionic strength of the Tris buffer may underlie this effect. hBD‐1 kills the M1 strain of GAS only in 10 mm Tris, but is able to kill an M6 (SIC negative) strain in 10 mm phosphate. The inhibition of hBD‐3 by SIC is clearly of physiological relevance, that of hBD‐2 is likely to be so, but the inhibition of hBD‐1 occurs only at lower ionic strength than is likely to be encountered in vivo. Elastase digestion of SIC yields three major fragments of MW 3·843 kDa comprising residues 1–33 (fragment A); 10·369 kDa comprising residues 34–126 (fragment B); and MW 16·487 kDa, comprising residues 127–273 (fragment C). By ELISA, only fragment B binds to hBD‐2 and hBD‐3 and this may indicate the inhibitory portion of the SIC molecule.
Incidental Echocardiographic Detection of Coronary Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Multiple Vascular Aneurysms
Authors: Desai Milind Y. , Biederman Robert W. W. , Mankad Sunil
Published: March 2004

This is a case of a 74‐year‐old male with known multiple peripheral aneurysms. The patient presented for resection of a right popliteal aneurysm. During a routine preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, we detected a cystic structure on the inferolateral aspect of the basal left ventricle and the left atrium along the atrioventricular groove. A CT scan confirmed this to be a left circumflex artery aneurysm. The patient subsequently died of a ruptured berry aneurysm and an intracranial bleed. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Mild Sedation Before Transesophageal Echo Induces Significant Hemodynamic and Respiratory Depression
Authors: Blondheim David S. , Levi Dalia , Marmor Alon T.
Published: March 2004

Aims: Midazolam is often used for conscious sedation before transesophageal echo (TEE) studies. It is not clear to what extent midazolam administration or the insertion of the TEE probe itself is responsible for the respiratory and hemodynamic depression during TEE examinations. We compared the performance of TEE with versus without midazolam to elucidate the effects of each. Methods: Patients were given the choice of having midazolam prior to their TEE. Thirty‐one patients preferred to have sedation (Sed+) and 31 others declined sedation (Sed−). Both groups had SaO2 and blood pressure measured before the study, following sedation (in Sed+) and at the end of the TEE study. Results: Increase in HR was greater in Sed+ than in Sed− (12 ± 19% vs 6 ± 11%, both P < 0.05). There was a greater decrease in saturation of O2 in Sed+ than in Sed− (3 ± 3% vs 2 ± 3%, both P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased in Sed− by 6 ± 11% (P< 0.05) but dropped in Sed+ immediately after sedation (16 ± 8%, P < 0.000001). Diastolic blood pressure decreased in Sed+ after sedation by 11 ± 9% (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Midazolam sedation before TEE examinations causes more prominent tachycardia and depression of SaO2
than insertion of the TEE probe alone. It also causes a substantial drop in SBP. Midazolam should be offered only to hemodynamically stable patients without preceding respiratory depression. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Metoprolol CR/XL Improves Systolic and Diastolic Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Hole Torstein , Frøland Gisle , Gullestad Lars , Offstad Jon , Skjærpe Terje
Published: March 2004

Aims: To investigate whether metoprolol controlled release/extended release (CR/XL) once daily would improve diastolic and systolic left ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure and decreased ejection fraction. Methods: In an echocardiographic substudy to the Metoprolol CR/XL Randomized Intervention Trial in Heart Failure (MERIT‐HF), 66 patients were examined three times during a 12‐month period blinded to treatment group, assessing left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction, and Doppler mitral inflow parameters, all measured in a core laboratory. Results: In the metoprolol CR/XL group left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 0.26 to 0.31 (P = 0.009) after a mean observation period of 10.6 months, and deceleration time of the early mitral filling wave (E) increased from 189 to 246 ms (P = 0.0012), time velocity integral of E‐wave increased from 8.7 to 11.2 cm (P = 0.018), and the duration of the late mitral filling wave (A) increased from 122 to 145 ms (P = 0.014). No significant changes were seen in the placebo group regarding any of these variables. Conclusion: Metoprolol CR/XL once daily in addition to standard therapy improved both diastolic and systolic function in patients with chronic heart failure and decreased ejection fraction. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
A decrease in the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid from patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Takahashi Tetsu , Tominaga Kazuhiro , Takano Hiroshi , Ariyoshi Wataru , Habu Manabu , Fukuda Jinichi , Maeda Hiroshi
Published: March 2004

Background:  The molecular weight (MW) of hyaluronic acid (HA) in joints generally declines in inflammatory arthritis. As inflammation exists in certain temporomandibular disorders (TMD), we measured the MW of HA in synovial fluid (SF) recovered from patients with TMD and compared it with that from normal controls.

Methods:  Synovial fluid was obtained from patients with TMD (21 TMJs) and normal controls (5 TMJs). The MW of HA was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results:  In the controls, the MW of HA in SF exceeded the detection limit, 3000 kDa. In contrast, 19 (90.5%) of 21 SF samples from patients showed a decreased MW of HA. The median MW of HA (1570 kDa) in TMD was significantly lower than that in the controls (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  The MW of HA in SF from patients with TMD is decreased.
Association of CTLA‐4 gene polymorphism with oral submucous fibrosis in Taiwan
Authors: Shin Yi‐Ning , Liu Chung‐Ji , Chang Kuo‐Wei , Lee Yann‐Jinn , Liu Hsin‐Fu
Published: March 2004

Background:  Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is an insidious, pre‐cancerous, chronic disease that may affect the entire oral cavity and sometimes extend to the pharynx. It has been reported to be associated with immune function. Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA‐4; CD (cluster of differentiation) 152) is a negative regulator of T‐lymphocyte activation. Particular genotypes of the locus encoding the CTLA‐4 glycoprotein have been associated with susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases. This study was designed to investigate the role of CTLA‐4 polymorphism in susceptibility to OSF.

Methods:  We genotyped 62 patients with OSF and 147 healthy controls for allelic determinants at the exon 1 +49 polymorphism site by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Genotype and phenotype frequencies were evaluated with Chi‐squared test.

Results:  The G allele at position +49 of exon 1 was significantly associated with OSF. The frequency of A/A homozygotes was higher in controls than in patients (17.0% vs. 3.2%; χ2 = 7.65, P = 0.02); the G phenotype was more frequent in patients than in controls (96.8% vs. 83.0%; χ2 = 9.31, P = 0.002). Compared with controls, the G allele genotype and phenotype frequencies were increased in patients with OSF.

Conclusion:  This is the first report that the CTLA‐4 +49 G allele confers an increased risk of OSF in Taiwan.
Isolation and characterization of a C‐type lectin cDNA specifically expressed in the tip of mouthparts of the flesh fly Sarcophaga peregrina
Authors: Yamamoto‐Kihara M. , Kotani E.
Published: March 2004

We have isolated a novel gene, CLEM 36, of the flesh fly Sarcophaga peregrina, which shows significant homology to the C‐type lectin family. CLEM 36 mRNA was transcribed excessively from the second day after eclosion only in the tip of mouthparts. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed that CLEM 36 mRNA was expressed in the C‐type lectin‐producing tissue (CLPT) located at the entrance of the food canal and between the labellum and haustellum. Immunoblot analysis showed that the mature form of CLEM 36 protein was synthesized in the CLPT, then secreted into saliva. Our results indicate that CLEM 36 protein may play an important role in biological defence against pathogens during the food intake of this insect.
Cloning and characterization of a gut‐specific cathepsin L from the aphid Aphis gossypii
Authors: Deraison C. , Darboux I. , Duportets L. , Gorojankina T. , Rahbé Y. , Jouanin L.
Published: March 2004

We have characterized proteinase activities in gut extracts from the cotton‐melon aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover), an insect feeding strictly on protein‐poor phloem. The major, if not exclusive, intestinal proteinases of this aphid are of the cysteine type. A cDNA has been cloned from a gut library and codes for the cysteine proteinase AgCatL, a cathepsin L‐like cysteine proteinase. The AgCatL protein shows high sequence similarity with mammalian and some arthropod cathepsin L‐like proteinases, but can be reliably distinguished from the secreted (digestive) proteinases identified in other arthropods. AgCatL is widely expressed in aphid intestinal cells. Immunolocalization of AgCatL showed an intense signal at the level of the anterior ‘stomach’ part of the midgut, and especially at intracellular localization. Although the precise role of AgCatL in aphid midgut physiology is still unclear, this enzyme could be involved in the processing of exogenous ingested polypeptides.
Cancer and Cancer Risk in South Australia: What Evidence for a Rural–Urban Health Differential?
Authors: Wilkinson David , Cameron Kate
Published: March 2004

Objective:  To determine the extent of evidence for a rural–urban health differential in cancer and cancer risk in South Australia

Design:  Secondary analysis and synthesis of data available between 1977 and 2000 from the publications of the South Australian Cancer Registry and reports of population health surveys carried out by the South Australian Department of Human Services.

Results:  The mean annual age‐standardised incidence of all forms of cancer combined was about 4% lower for rural residents (265.2 per 100 000 cf. 274.9 per 100 000). Of 31 types of cancer listed, the incidence of three was significantly higher among rural residents, the incidence of eight was significantly higher among urban residents and for 20 types there was no significant difference. Five year case survival for all cancers combined was 52% in both urban and rural residents. Significant survival differences were identified for only 10 cancers and survival for each was higher among urban residents. Melanomas were diagnosed
in situ
more often in the country, but invasive cases tended to be thicker. There was no rural–urban difference in early detection rates for breast cancer or bladder cancer. There were no substantial reported differences in major risk factors and early detection experiences apart from higher rates of smoking in the country.

Conclusions:  There is little evidence for substantial or systematic differences in risk factors for, and incidence and early detection of cancers between urban and rural South Australia. However, the apparent consistently poorer survival among rural residents warrants further study.

What this paper adds:   It is widely reported that the health status of rural Australians is worse than that of their urban counterparts. There is an apparent increasing gradient in mortality from urban to remote areas of Australia. However, this apparent gradient is not evident for all diseases. This paper seeks to answer the question: is there any difference in the cancer disease experience (incidence, survival and early detection) and cancer risk factors between residents of rural and urban South Australia. Cancer registry data indicate that overall, the incidence of cancer is similar in rural and urban South Australia. The findings on survival differentials are of concern. While overall survival rates are very similar in country and city, and this is encouraging, analysis of individual types of cancer raises some concerns. The registry reports that significant differences in survival were only measured for 10 cancers and for all of these rural residents experienced higher mortality rates.
Educational Needs of Rural and Remote Australian Non‐Specialist Medical Practitioners For Obstetric Ultrasound
Authors: Glazebrook Roz , Manahan Dan , Chater Bruce , Barker Peter , Row David , Steele Brendan , Morris Graham , Cornelius Sally , McLellan Tony
Published: March 2004

Objective:  To determine the educational needs of rural and remote non‐specialist Australian doctors for obstetric ultrasound.

Design:  Survey design.

Setting:  The study surveyed rural and remote doctors practising in a variety of settings including general practice, rural hospitals, Aboriginal communities and flying doctor organisations throughout Australia.

Subjects:  Subjects included 314 solo and group practice rural general practitioners, rural hospital medical superintendents, senior medical officers, Aboriginal community controlled health service doctors, flying doctors, rural locums, registrars and two rural obstetricians. A total of 55% of the subjects were general practitioners in group practice. Respondents included 68 (22%) women and 246 (78%) men.

Results:  The response rate was 32%. The highest priority areas of need for education included detecting foetal abnormalities and anomalies (19.1%), basic routine ultrasonography (17.17%), placental position (17.17%), dating (17.17%), foetal viability (12.88%) and morphology scan (12.26%). The main areas where doctors stated they lacked confidence included detecting foetal abnormalities (29.09%), basic routine ultrasonography (including machine use), such as, carrying out and interpreting obstetric ultrasound scans (27.27%), morphology scans (16.36%) and placental position (14.54%).

Conclusion:  The study showed there was a large unmet need for education in obstetric ultrasound among rural and remote non‐specialist doctors. Information from the needs assessment was used to develop the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine national obstetric ultrasound professional development program.

What is already known:  The authors could not find any published work on the educational needs of Australian non‐specialist rural and remote doctors for obstetric ultrasound. There is research about the outcome of obstetric ultrasound education for urban family physicians in the USA, but no information about rural doctors’ educational needs or education outcomes. The study needed to be done so that obstetric ultrasound professional development program of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine could be based on the real needs of the target group.

What this paper adds:  As a result of this research, there is now information on the educational needs of rural and remote Australian non‐specialist medical practitioners that can be used by education providers to develop quality education programs in obstetric ultrasound.
α6‐Integrin is expressed on germinal centre B cells and modifies growth of a B‐cell line
Authors: Ambrose Helen E. , Wagner Simon D.
Published: March 2004

The production of high‐affinity antibodies requires diversification of the antibody repertoire by somatic hypermutation followed by selection of those B cells bearing the highest affinity antibodies. Whilst many surface molecules that mediate the cell–cell interactions required for germinal centre formation have been identified, little is known of the importance of interactions with components of the extracellular matrix, i.e. fibronectin, collagen and laminin. We demonstrate that the laminin‐binding α6‐integrin is expressed on germinal centre B cells and is induced during the in vitro activation of naïve splenic B cells. A laminin network is demonstrated within the germinal centre. Analysis of an α6‐integrin‐expressing mouse B‐cell line, A20, demonstrates that this molecule is essential for binding to laminin, and that blocking by anti‐α6‐integrin immunoglobulin causes loss of adhesion associated with an increase in proliferation. There is no correlation with changes in BCL‐6 or Blimp‐1 expression, suggesting that α6‐integrin does not play a role in differentiation.
Dendritic cell‐based assays, but not mannosylation of antigen, improves detection of T‐cell responses to proinsulin in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Narendran Parth , Elsegood Kathryn , Leech Nicola J. , Macindoe Wallace M. , Boons Geert‐Jan , Dayan Colin M.
Published: March 2004

In vitro detection of T‐cell responses to autoantigens in type 1 diabetes is recognized as being technically challenging. We aimed to accurately measure cellular responses to proinsulin in patients with diabetes, and speculated that presentation of antigen by dendritic cells (DCs) would enhance the sensitivity of the peripheral blood assay. Antigen was mannosylated to facilitate uptake through DC surface mannose receptors to further improve the assay. Whole proinsulin, as well as mannosylated peptides of proinsulin, were combined with peripheral T cells and autologous immature DCs in a proliferative assay in a panel of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients. The DC‐based assay detected responses to proinsulin in five of 15 diabetic patients compared to one of 15 diabetic patients detected using the standard mononuclear cell assay. When the results of all patients were combined, the DC assay, but not the mononuclear cell assay, had a proinsulin response that was significantly higher than background (P < 0·001). The DC assay was, however, associated with high autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions that possibly masked responses in individual patients. Mannosylated antigen was taken up in larger quantities than non‐mannosylated antigen, but not presented any more powerfully. Our data suggest that autologous DC‐based assays are more powerful than standard peripheral blood mononuclear cell assays. However, they are compromised by high autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions and this requires addressing before they can be used as a routine readout of in vitro peripheral T‐cell responses.
Postoperative pain: strategy for improving patient experiences
Authors: Mac Lellan Kathleen
Published: March 2004

Background.  Many patients continue to suffer moderate pain following surgery. Much of this may be unnecessary and could be alleviated with careful strategic pain management. It appears that the knowledge and attitudes of both health care professionals and patients are pivotal to patients’ pain experiences.

Aim.  This paper reports the introduction and evaluation of a nurse‐led intervention to improve pain management after surgery.

Methods.  The study design was experimental (pretest–post‐test), comparing patients’ pain scores in a control and an intervention hospital over time. The control hospital was included to assess if temporal effects reduced pain scores during the study period. A convenience patient sample was used, and patients’ pain scores were measured in two phases (n = 800). Baseline data were compared with subsequent data collected after the introduction of the nurse‐led intervention. The intervention included education for nurses in the form of short pain courses, introduction of regular pain assessment and profiling of pain at hospital level.

Results.  Introduction of the nurse‐led intervention reduced patients’ pain scores. This reduction, in the order of 0·73 cm (7·3%) on a visual analogue scale (0–10 cm), was statistically significant for day of surgery and 2 days postsurgery (P < 0·05) in the intervention hospital. A reduction was not seen in the control hospital.

Conclusion.  Improvements in pain management can be made by embracing basic pain management principles.
Mechanical effects of plant cell wall enzymes on cellulose/xyloglucan composites
Authors: Chanliaud Elisabeth , De Silva Jacquie , Strongitharm Barbara , Jeronimidis George , Gidley Michael J.
Published: March 2004

Xyloglucan‐acting enzymes are believed to have effects on type I primary plant cell wall mechanical properties. In order to get a better understanding of these effects, a range of enzymes with different in vitro modes of action were tested against cell wall analogues (bio‐composite materials based on Acetobacter xylinus cellulose and xyloglucan). Tomato pericarp xyloglucan endo transglycosylase (tXET) and nasturtium seed xyloglucanase (nXGase) were produced heterologously in Pichia pastoris. Their action against the cell wall analogues was compared with that of a commercial preparation of Trichoderma endo‐glucanase (EndoGase). Both ‘hydrolytic’ enzymes (nXGase and EndoGase) were able to depolymerise not only the cross‐link xyloglucan fraction but also the surface‐bound fraction. Consequent major changes in cellulose fibril architecture were observed. In mechanical terms, removal of xyloglucan cross‐links from composites resulted in increased stiffness (at high strain) and decreased visco‐elasticity with similar extensibility. On the other hand, true transglycosylase activity (tXET) did not affect the cellulose/xyloglucan ratio. No change in composite stiffness or extensibility resulted, but a significant increase in creep behaviour was observed in the presence of active tXET. These results provide direct in vitro evidence for the involvement of cell wall xyloglucan‐specific enzymes in mechanical changes underlying plant cell wall re‐modelling and growth processes. Mechanical consequences of tXET action are shown to be complimentary to those of cucumber expansin.
An outer envelope membrane component of the plastid protein import apparatus plays an essential role in Arabidopsis
Authors: Constan Diane , Patel Ramesh , Keegstra Kenneth , Jarvis Paul
Published: March 2004

Translocon at the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts, 34 kDa (Toc34) is a GTP‐binding component of the protein import apparatus within the outer envelope membrane of plastids. The Arabidopsis genome encodes two homologues of Toc34, designated atToc33 and atToc34. In this report, we describe the identification and characterization of two atToc34 knockout mutants, plastid protein import 3‐1 (ppi3‐1) and ppi3‐2. Aerial tissues of the ppi3 mutants appeared similar to the wild type throughout development, and contained structurally normal chloroplasts that were able to efficiently import the Rubisco small subunit precursor (prSS) in vitro. The absence of an obvious ppi3 phenotype in green tissues presumably reflects the ability of atToc33 to substitute for atToc34 in the mutant, and the relatively high level of expression of the atTOC33 gene in these tissues. In the roots, where atTOC33 is expressed at a much lower level, significant growth defects were observed in both mutants: ppi3 roots were approximately 20–30% shorter than wild‐type roots. Attempts to identify a double homozygote lacking atToc34 and atToc33 (by crossing the ppi3 mutants with ppi1, an atToc33 knockout mutant) were unsuccessful, indicating that the function provided by atToc33/atToc34 is essential during early development. Plants that were homozygous for ppi1 and heterozygous for ppi3 displayed a chlorotic phenotype much more severe than that of the ppi1 single mutant. Furthermore, the siliques of these plants contained approximately 25% aborted seeds, indicating that the double homozygous mutation is embryo lethal. The data demonstrate that atToc33/atToc34 performs a central and essential role during plastid protein import, and indicate that the atToc34 isoform is relatively more important for plastid biogenesis in roots.
Activation of a mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade induces WRKY family of transcription factors and defense genes in tobacco
Authors: Kim Cha Young , Zhang Shuqun
Published: March 2004

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are important signaling modules in eukaryotic cells that convert signals generated from the receptors/sensors to cellular responses. Upon activation, MAPKs can be translocated into nuclei where they phosphorylate transcription factors, which in turn activate gene expression. We recently identified NtMEK2, a tobacco MAPK kinase, as the upstream kinase of SIPK and WIPK, two well‐characterized tobacco stress‐responsive MAPKs. In the conditional gain‐of‐function NtMEK2DD transgenic tobacco plants, the activation of endogenous SIPK and WIPK by NtMEK2DD induces several groups of defense genes, including 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methlyglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR), basic pathogenesis related (PR) genes, systemic acquired resistance gene 8.2 (Sar 8.2), and harpin‐induced gene1 (Hin1). To identify the transcription factor(s) involved in the activation of these defense genes, we performed gel‐mobility shift assays using nuclear extracts from NtMEK2DD plants. Among the common cis‐acting elements present in the promoters of defense‐related genes, we observed a strong increase in the binding activity to the W box in nuclear extracts from the NtMEK2DD plants but not the control NtMEK2KR plants. The elevated W‐box‐binding activity in the nuclear extracts cannot be reversed by phosphatase treatment, excluding the possibility of a direct phosphorylation regulation of WRKY transcription factors by SIPK/WIPK. Instead, we observed a rapid increase in the expression of several WRKY genes in the NtMEK2DD plants. These results suggest that the increase in W‐box‐binding activity after SIPK/WIPK activation is a result of WRKY gene activation, and the NtMEK2–SIPK/WIPK cascade is involved in regulating the expression of genes ranging from transcription factors to defense genes further downstream during plant defense responses.