bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological context influences pollinator deterrence by alkaloids in floral nectar
Authors: Gegear Robert J. , Manson Jessamyn S. , Thomson James D.
Published: May 2007

Secondary compounds may benefit plants by deterring herbivores, but the presence of these defensive chemicals in floral nectar may also deter beneficial pollinators. This trade‐off between sexual reproduction and defense has received minimal study. We determined whether the pollinator‐deterring effects of a nectar alkaloid found in the perennial vine Gelsemium sempervirens depend on ecological context (i.e. the availability of alternative nectar sources) by monitoring the behavioural response of captive bumblebees (Bombus impatiens, an important pollinator of G. sempervirens in nature) to nectar alkaloids in several ecologically relevant scenarios. Although alkaloids in floral nectar tended to deter visitation by bumblebees, the magnitude of that effect depended greatly on the availability and nectar properties of alternative flowers. Ecological context should thus be considered when assessing ecological costs of plant defense in terms of pollination services. We consider adaptive strategies that would enable plants to minimize pollinator deterrence because of defensive compounds in flowers.
Multilocus sequence analysis of biocontrol fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. producing the antifungal compound 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol
Authors: Frapolli Michele , Défago Geneviève , Moënne‐Loccoz Yvan
Published: May 2007

The genetic and evolutionary relationship among 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol (Phl)‐producing pseudomonads that protect plants from soil‐borne pathogens were investigated by multilocus sequence typing. A total of 65 pseudomonads consisting of 58 Phl‐positive biocontrol strains of worldwide origin and seven Phl‐negative representatives of characterized Pseudomonas species were compared using 10 housekeeping genes (i.e. rrs, dsbA, gyrB, rpoD, fdxA, recA, rpoB, fusA, rpsL and rpsG). Multilocus sequence typing differentiated 51 strains among 58 Phl‐positive pseudomonads and proved to be as discriminative as enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction profiling. As phylogenetic trees inferred from each locus were rather incongruent with one another, we derived the topology from all concatenated loci, which led to the identification of six main groups of Phl‐producing Pseudomonas spp. Taxonomically, these groups could correspond to at least six different species. Linkage disequilibrium analysis pointed to a rather clonal structure, even when the analysis was restricted to Phl‐producing pseudomonads from a same geographic location or a same phylogenetic group. Intragenic recombination was evidenced for gyrB, rpoD and fdxA, but was shown to be a weaker force than mutation in the origin of intragenetic diversity. This is the first multilocus assessment of the phylogeny and population structure of an ecologically important bacterial group involved in plant disease suppression.
KEYWORD EXTRACTION STRATEGY FOR ITEM BANKS TEXT CATEGORIZATION
Authors: Nuntiyagul Atorn , Naruedomkul Kanlaya , Cercone Nick , Wongsawang Damras
Published: May 2007

We proposed a feature selection approach, Patterned Keyword in Phrase (PKIP), to text categorization for item banks. The item bank is a collection of textual question items that are short sentences. Each sentence does not contain enough relevant words for directly categorizing by the traditional approaches such as “bag‐of‐words.” Therefore, PKIP was designed to categorize such question item using only available keywords and their patterns. PKIP identifies the appropriate keywords by computing the weight of all words. In this paper, two keyword selection strategies are suggested to ensure the categorization accuracy of PKIP. PKIP was implemented and tested with the item bank of Thai high primary mathematics questions. The test results have proved that PKIP is able to categorize the question items correctly and the two keyword selection strategies can extract the very informative keywords.
Decision Structuring in Important Real-Life Choices
Authors: Galotti Kathleen M.
Published: May 2007

Results from five studies of real-life decision making are compared. In these studies, participants consistently constrained the amount of information they considered to relatively few options and to a somewhat larger set of criteria. Over time, the number of options considered shrank, but the number of criteria used did not. People's intuitive “calibration” with the predictions of normative linear models is surprisingly good. Although there are effects of education and ability on the amount of information considered, different decision-making styles correlate mostly with affective reactions to, and subjective descriptions of, the approach to a specific decision. Implications for theoretical models of decision making are discussed.
Parental Emotion Coaching and Dismissing in Family Interaction
Authors: Lunkenheimer Erika S. , Shields Ann M. , Cortina Kai S.
Published: May 2007

We observed the positive emotion socialization practice of parental emotion coaching (EC) and the negative socialization practice of emotion dismissing (ED) during a family interaction task and examined their effects on children's emotion regulation and behavior problems in middle childhood. Participants were 87 sociodemographically diverse families (children aged 8–11 years; 46 girls). Outcome measures included mother, father and teacher reports of emotion regulation and behavior problems. ED was a risk factor, contributing to poorer emotion regulation and more behavioral problems. EC did not offer direct benefits for children's emotional and behavioral outcomes, but interacted with ED such that it protected children from the detrimental effects of ED. This protective effect was found for parents' coaching of negative but not positive emotions. Findings suggested that in family emotion conversation, EC and ED interact in complex ways as risk and protective dimensions of family process.
The discourse of didacticization of English in Germany
Authors: SING CHRISTINE S.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Although the significance of foreign languages is eagerly publicized within the European Union (EU), the implementation of supranational educational policies is frequently incompatible with the national ‘context of situation ’ (Kachru, 1992). A case in point is the German education system, in which the necessary reforms are caught between requirements on the European level and the structural ills of the national system, while still struggling to integrate the global and local implications of English use. The line of argument pursued highlights the importance of the discourse of the didacticization of English in the attempt to standardize European educational policies. The first part of the paper analyzes the most salient positions held in the ongoing discussions, ranging from the promotion of multilingualism to the endorsement of English as a lingua franca (House, 2003). Second, the proposals of didacticization made on the basis of linguistic theorizing are reviewed. The third part explores the specificity of the German education system, focusing on the extent to which the reforms have conceptually incorporated the notion of world Englishes. The analysis illustrates the incongruity of the German context of situation, suggesting that secondary education, in particular, is increasingly pressured by the reforms already under way in the primary and tertiary sectors.
Justice and Third Party Risk: The Ethics of Xenotransplantation
Authors: HUGHES JONATHAN
Published: May 2007

abstract  The question of when it is permissible to inflict risks on others without their consent is one that we all face in our everyday lives, but which is often brought to our attention in contexts of technological innovation and scientific uncertainty. Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs or tissues from animals to humans, has the potential to save or improve the lives of many patients but gives rise to the possibility of infectious agents being transferred from donor animals into the human population. As well as being an important ethical issue in its own right it therefore provides a useful vehicle for exploring the more general question of how to balance the benefits of a practice against the risks to third parties. This paper focuses on the Rawlsian, justice‐based analysis of the risks of xenotransplantation proposed by Robert Veatch. It argues that Veatch is right to take considerations of distributive justice into account, but that his particular approach is flawed. It is hoped that consideration of Veatch's arguments, and of the underlying assumptions will suggest better ways of executing a justice‐based approach.
The Body Politic: Theorising Disability and Impairment
Authors: COLE PHILLIP
Published: May 2007

abstract  In her critique of the social model of disability, Lorella Terzi argues that it over‐socialises disability, and that some kind of connection must be made between disability and bodily impairment. In this paper I argue that, far from over‐socialising disability, the social model does not go far enough. The important contribution of the social model is that it politicises disability. I argue that bodily impairment must itself be politicised, and the insights of the social model should be extended to the body itself.
The Value in Equal Opportunity: Reply to Kershnar
Authors: O'DEA JOHN
Published: May 2007

abstract Stephen Kershnar (2004) recently argues that under its most plausible interpretation, equality of opportunity is simply not something worth pursuing; at least, not for itself. In this paper I try to show that even if we accept Kershnar's characterisation of equality of opportunity in terms of weighted aggregate chances, none of his objections succeed. Opportunities, not outcomes, are the appropriate focus of EO advocates; hedonic treadmills are irrelevant to the issue; we do not need to assume general equality in some attribute to ground equality of opportunity; finally, it is possible to show that it is permissible to promote EO at some cost to other independent values.
Glutamate production by HIV‐1 infected human macrophage is blocked by the inhibition of glutaminase
Authors: Erdmann Nathan , Zhao Jianxing , Lopez Alicia L. , Herek Shelley , Curthoys Norman , Hexum Terry D. , Tsukamoto Takashi , Ferraris Dana , Zheng Jialin
Published: May 2007

Mononuclear phagocyte (macrophages and microglia) dysfunction plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated dementia (HAD) through the production and release of soluble neurotoxic factors including glutamate. The mechanism of glutamate regulation by HIV‐1 infection remains unclear. In this report, we investigated whether the enzyme glutaminase is responsible for glutamate generation by HIV‐1 infected monocyte‐derived macrophages. We tested the functionality of novel small molecule inhibitors designed to specifically block the activity of glutaminase. Glutaminase inhibitors were first characterized in a kinetic assay with crude glutaminase from rat brain revealing an uncompetitive mechanism of inhibition. The inhibitors were then tested in vitro for their ability to prevent glutamate generation by HIV‐infected macrophages, their effect upon macrophage viability, and HIV infection. To validate these findings, glutaminase specific siRNA was tested for its ability to prevent glutamate increase during infection. Our results show that both glutaminase specific small molecule inhibitors and glutaminase specific siRNA were effective at preventing increases in glutamate by HIV‐1 infected macrophage. These findings support glutaminase as a potential component of the HAD pathogenic process and identify a possible therapeutic avenue for the treatment of neuroinflammatory states such as HAD.
Chronic second‐by‐second measures of l‐glutamate in the central nervous system of freely moving rats
Authors: Rutherford Erin C. , Pomerleau Francois , Huettl Peter , Strömberg Ingrid , Gerhardt Greg A.
Published: May 2007

l‐glutamate (Glu) is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and is associated with motor behavior and sensory perception. While microdialysis methods have been used to record tonic levels of Glu, little is known about the more rapid changes in Glu signals that may be observed in awake rats. We have reported acute recording methods using enzyme‐based microelectrode arrays (MEA) with fast response time and low detection levels of Glu in anesthetized animals with minimal interference. The current paper concerns modification of the MEA design to allow for reliable measures in the brain of conscious rats. In this study, we characterized the effects of chronic implantation of the MEA into the brains of rats. We were capable of measuring Glu levels for 7 days without loss of sensitivity. We performed studies of tail‐pinch induced stress, which caused a robust biphasic increase in Glu. Histological data show chronic implantation of the MEAs caused minimal injury to the CNS. Taken together, our data show that chronic recordings of tonic and phasic Glu can be carried out in awake rats for up to 17 days in vivo allowing longer term studies of Glu regulation in behaving rats.
Curcumin labels amyloid pathology in vivo, disrupts existing plaques, and partially restores distorted neurites in an Alzheimer mouse model
Authors: Garcia‐Alloza M. , Borrelli L. A. , Rozkalne A. , Hyman B. T. , Bacskai B. J.
Published: May 2007

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by senile plaques and neurodegeneration although the neurotoxic mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. It is clear that both oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the illness. The compound curcumin, with a broad spectrum of anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐fibrilogenic activities may represent a promising approach for preventing or treating AD. Curcumin is a small fluorescent compound that binds to amyloid deposits. In the present work we used in vivo multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to demonstrate that curcumin crosses the blood–brain barrier and labels senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Moreover, systemic treatment of mice with curcumin for 7 days clears and reduces existing plaques, as monitored with longitudinal imaging, suggesting a potent disaggregation effect. Curcumin also led to a limited, but significant reversal of structural changes in dystrophic dendrites, including abnormal curvature and dystrophy size. Together, these data suggest that curcumin reverses existing amyloid pathology and associated neurotoxicity in a mouse model of AD. This approach could lead to more effective clinical therapies for the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotoxicity associated with AD.
Role of aromatic and charged ectodomain residues in the P2X4receptor functions
Authors: Zemkova Hana , Yan Zonghe , Liang Zhaodong , Jelinkova Irena , Tomic Melanija , Stojilkovic Stanko S.
Published: May 2007

The localization of ATP binding site(s) at P2X receptors and the molecular rearrangements associated with opening and closing of channels are still not well understood. At P2X4receptor, substitution of the K67, F185, K190, F230, R278, D280, R295, and K313 ectodomain residues with alanine generated low or non‐responsive mutants, whereas the F294A mutant was functional. The loss of receptor function was also observed in K67R, R295K, and K313R mutants, but not in F185W, K190R, F230W, R278K, and D280E mutants. To examine whether the loss of function reflects decreased sensitivity of mutants for ATP, we treated cells with ivermectin, an antiparasitic agent that enhances responsiveness of P2X4R. In the presence of ivermectin, all low or non‐responsive mutants responded to ATP in a dose‐dependent manner, with the EC50values for ATP of about 1, 2, 4, 20, 60, 125, 270, 420, 1000 and 2300 μmol/L at D280A, R278A, F185A, K190A, R295K, K313R, R295A, K313A, K67A and K67R mutants, respectively. These results indicate that lysines 67 and 313 and arginine 295 play a critical role in forming the proper three‐dimensional structure of P2X4R for agonist binding and/or channel gating.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Douglas‐fir pathogen Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, causal agent of Swiss Needle Cast disease
Authors: WINTON L. M. , STONE J. K. , HANSEN E. M.
Published: May 2007

Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated from Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, causal agent of the Douglas‐fir foliage disease Swiss Needle Cast. The primer sets were tested on 60 isolates that had, with more conservative markers, previously segregated into three reproductively isolated lineages comprising nine genotypes. The microsatellite data yielded 46 multilocus genotypes that segregated into three groups identical to the three lineages previously recovered. Microsatellite genotypic diversity ranged from 0.85 to 0.99 within lineages and was lowest where both pathogen and host are exotic.
Parental role division predicts avian preen wax cycles
Authors: RENEERKENS JEROEN , ALMEIDA JULIANA B. , LANK DAVID B. , JUKEMA JOOP , LANCTOT RICHARD B. , MORRISON R. I. GUY , RIJPSTRA W. IRENE C. , SCHAMEL DOUGLAS , SCHEKKERMAN HANS , SINNINGHE DAMSTÉ JAAP S. , TOMKOVICH PAVEL S. , TRACY DIANE M. , TULP INGRID , PIERSMA THEUNIS
Published: May 2007

Previous studies have shown that preen wax composition in some sandpipers shifts from the usual monoesters to diesters during the breeding season, possibly to reduce the ability of mammalian predators to find nests using olfactory cues. To investigate further the relationship between incubation and wax secretion, we examined seven sandpiper species with different incubation patterns (species in which both sexes incubate, in which only males incubate and in which only females incubate). During the breeding period, diester preen wax was secreted almost exclusively by the incubating sex in species with uniparental incubation, and by both sexes in species with biparental incubation. These findings suggest that diester preen waxes have a function that is directly related to incubation. Unexpectedly, in female‐incubating Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea and Buff‐breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis, some males also secreted diester preen waxes during the breeding period. This suggests that some males may in fact incubate, that these waxes may be a remnant from their evolutionary past when both sexes incubated, or that males need to be olfactorally cryptic because they are involved in the making of nest scrapes. The seasonal pattern of preen wax composition was also studied in captive male, female and female‐mimicking male (‘faeder’) Ruff Philomachus pugnax. Captive female Ruff changed preen wax composition from monoesters to diesters in the spring despite the fact that no incubation took place. This suggests that circannual rhythms rather than actual incubation behaviour may trigger the shift to diester waxes. All captive male Ruff, including the faeders, continued to secrete monoesters, supporting the hypothesis that only the incubating sex secretes diesters.
Poor recognition of the UK minimum driving vision standard by motorists attending optometric practice
Authors: Pointer Jonathan S.
Published: May 2007

Purpose:  To evaluate the current level of recollection of the vehicle number plate viewing distance in a group of motorists. Knowledge of this distance is required to self‐check compliance with the UK legal minimum driving vision standard.

Methods:  A cohort of 480 motorists aged ≥17 years attending optometric practice for a routine sight test agreed to participate in a short verbal survey. They were asked whether they could state the current UK statutory vehicle number plate viewing distance as specified in the Highway Code. Also recorded were each motorist's high contrast logMAR visual acuity, whether or not an optical prescription was habitually worn when driving, and brief demographic details (age, gender).

Results:  No statistically significant gender‐based difference was present in age distribution, mean logMAR binocular acuity, or age and number (proportion) of motorists who habitually wore a refractive correction when driving. The level of mean binocular acuity was uniformly good (<0.0 logMAR, or better than 6/6 Snellen). However, the recollection by respondents of the statutory viewing distance was poor: only 5% were able to state correctly the current distance (20 m), and 22% recalled the previous (20.5 m/67 ft) or the original (22.9 m/75 ft) statutory distance. Of the remainder, 28% underestimated and 45% overestimated the distance. A statistically significant gender‐based difference (p = 0.01) between the recollections of non‐prescription wearers became marked (p = 0.001) for habitual wearers, in which latter case the median value and range of estimates by female motorists was greater than their male counterparts.

Conclusions:  The level of recognition by these motorists of the viewing distance necessary to satisfy the legal minimum vision standard required for driving on UK roads was low and comparable to the levels recorded in two similar surveys undertaken by other authors 10 and 20 years ago. An inexpensive and easily implemented publicity innovation is suggested which could help improve driver appreciation of the statutory distance and promote compliance with the legal vision standard.
Investigation of the effect of simulated lens yellowing, transparency loss and refractive error on in vivo resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Hogg R. E. , Zlatkova M. B. , Chakravarthy U. , Anderson R. S.
Published: May 2007

Purpose:  To separately investigate the impact of simulated age‐related lens yellowing, transparency loss and refractive error on measurements of macular pigment (MP) using resonance Raman spectroscopy.

Methods:  Two healthy young subjects with clear media underwent Raman spectroscopy under the following conditions: age‐related lens yellowing was simulated using seven broad‐band yellow filters with transmittance at 488 nm ranging from 0.54 to 0.90; cataract was simulated using five white filters of increasing opacity (scatter filters), the transmittance of which ranged from 0.42 to 0.86, each of which reduced peak contrast sensitivity by approximately 0.1 log units over the previous filter. Refractive error up to +6.25 D was achieved using soft contact lenses.

Results:  The Raman signal declined steadily to an average value of 43% of the starting value with the densest yellow filter in place. The white scatter filters produced a progressive linear reduction in signal resulting in almost complete signal loss with the densest filter. Refractive error resulted in an initial slight improvement in Raman count up to a value of +2.00 D followed by a decline thereafter.

Conclusions:  These results imply that lens yellowing and increasing scatter has an influence on the Raman signal and suggest that studies using this technology to estimate MP levels in older populations should carefully account for the status of the lens.
The Noble Traders: the Islamic Tradition of “Spiritual Chivalry” (futuwwa) in Bosnian Trade‐guilds (16th−19th centuries)
Authors: Aščerić‐Todd Ines
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Originally linked to the military associations of the Middle Ages, the Islamic tradition of futuwwa was with time inherited by artisanship associations. The Anatolian Akh?s of the 14th century represent an important link in the evolution of the futuwwa tradition, and it was thanks to them that this tradition survived well into the Ottoman era, this time within the framework of the more centralized, professional trade‐guilds. Together with other Ottoman institutions, administrative, military and economic, Ottoman crafts and their trade‐guilds appeared in Bosnia soon after the final fall of the country to the Ottomans in 1463. Sources which provide information on the organization and activities of Bosnian guilds also give a picture of their religious character and, related to it, the presence of futuwwa tradition within them. The most important of these sources are those that originate from the guilds themselves, the guild defters and their statutes, which are often called fütüvetnames. A number of documents of this kind found in Bosnia illustrate a strong presence of different futuwwa traditions within Bosnian guilds from their establishment well into the 19th century, while some also provide valuable information on the futuwwa tradition in Ottoman guilds in general.
Ascetic And Devotional Elements In The Mu‘tazilite Tradition: The Suf? Mu‘tazilites
Authors: Aydinli Osman
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The Mutazilite thinkers are most often defined as rationalist, individualist, liberal and eccentric figures. To the above qualities, one should add ascetic and devotional aspects. Among the Mutazilite famous ascetics are Abū Mūsā al‐Murdar and his followers, Ja‘far b. Harb, Ja‘far b. Mubashshir and ‘?sā b. al‐Haytham. The accounts about these figures vigorously reflect the Mutazilite outlook of the ascetic life and practices. As a matter of fact, one can see the ascetic propensities in all the sects and schools of the early Islamic period. In view of their emphasis upon the love for God, they placed piety and austerity at the center of the relationship between the servant and God. In this context, this article attempts to provide insights into the pietistic dimension of the Mutazilite tradition.
Human Rights Provisions in the Second Amendment to the Indonesian Constitution from Shar?‘ah Perspective
Authors: Hosen Nadirsyah
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The paper examines provisions of the Second Amendment to the 1945 Indonesian Constitution dealing with equality, women's rights, freedom of religion and freedom of opinion, and then compares the terms of those provisions with similar provisions in the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights, the Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights (UIDHR) and the constitutions of several majority Muslim nations. On the basis that, unlike the Cairo Declaration, the UIDHR and the other constitutions, the Indonesian constitutional provisions make no explicit reference to Shar?‘ah or Islam despite the fact that Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, the author concludes that Indonesian political parties who participated in enacting the amendments adhere to a substantive view of the Shar?‘ah.
Babri Mosque: A Historic Bone of Contention
Authors: Islam Arshad
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Since 1855, the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya has been the source of sporadic clashes between Hindus and Muslims. After a thorough scrutiny of the available historical literature on the Mosque, this article argues that to regard it as the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama is untenable and the notion was actually put into circulation by British colonial officials to serve British interests in the Indian subcontinent. Successive colonial administrations tried to strengthen their grip on South Asia by playing off one group against another in the name of caste, race, and, most importantly, religion. The ongoing Hindu‐Muslim conflict in India is largely the outcome of British policies. With their agenda of ‘divide and rule’ that aimed at consolidating their hold over the subcontinent the British tried to create a huge chasm between Hindus and Muslims. They labelled Muslims as the oppressors and Hindus as the oppressed, working to gain the support of the Hindu masses by provoking their hatred of the Muslims; and they strongly backed their religious and other claims in a vast amount of biased literature. It was with this colonial agenda that they endorsed the Hindu claim to the site of the Babri Mosque.
Manganese superoxide dismutase activity and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Child–Pugh class A liver cirrhosis: a 7‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Clemente Caterina , Elba Silvana , Buongiorno Gianpiero , Guerra Vito , D'Attoma Benedetta , Orlando Antonella , Russo Francesco
Published: May 2007

Aims: To evaluate possible modifications in the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity during neoplastic transformation of a cirrhotic liver and to find out whether its assessment may have predictive value to identify cirrhotic patients at a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: Seventy‐one consecutive subjects with Child–Pugh class A liver cirrhosis were recruited. At the time of enrolment, HCC was diagnosed in 20 cirrhotic patients. The 51 cirrhotic patients without HCC were followed up for the occurrence of tumour by 6‐monthly screening for 7 years. During follow‐up, 16 patients developed HCC. Seventy healthy subjects formed the control group. MnSOD activity was assayed spectrophotometrically.

Results: Serum MnSOD activity was significantly lower in 70 healthy subjects compared with 51 cirrhotic patients and 20 cirrhotic patients with HCC. Cirrhotic patients who developed HCC during follow‐up showed significantly higher values of MnSOD activity than HCC‐free patients. The best cut‐off of MnSOD activity was 0.40 U/ml. At this cut‐off, χ2 analysis revealed that MnSOD activity was significantly different between the HCC‐free cirrhotic patients and cirrhotic patients who developed HCC.

Conclusion: The present findings suggest that during neoplastic transformation of cirrhotic liver, an increase in MnSOD activity may occur already during the precancerous phase, making this enzyme a probable malignancy‐associated parameter.
Quantitative ultrasonic tissue characterization as a new tool for continuous monitoring of chronic liver remodelling in mice
Authors: Guimond Alain , Teletin Marius , Garo Erwan , D'Sa Alwyn , Selloum Mohamed , Champy Marie‐France , Vonesch Jean‐Luc , Monassier Laurent
Published: May 2007

Background/Aim: Recognition of the limitations of liver biopsies has led to the need for non‐invasive tests to assess liver fibrosis from intensity and kinetic point of views. The aim of the present study was to evaluate non‐invasive ultrasonic tissue characterization for the continuous monitoring of this process in mice.

Methods: Twelve‐week‐old male and female C57Bl6/J mice were submitted to repetitive carbon‐tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneal injections during 8 weeks or analysed 28 days after common bile duct ligation (BDL). The extent and kinetic of the disease progression were followed by the measurement of ultrasound backscatter intensity. This was compared with histological and blood parameter analysis.

Results: CCl4 induced a progressive increase in in vivo liver tissue backscatter intensity in both males and females. This increase was mainly correlated with interstitial fibrosis and, to a lower extent, with nuclear surface of the hepatocytes. A similar result was found after BDL.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate for the first time in a systematic study that ultrasound tissue characterization can be used as a reliable tool to follow liver remodelling in mice continuously.
P21/WAF1 is an independent survival prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after resection
Authors: Kao Jung‐Ta , Chuah Seng‐Kee , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Chen Chao‐Long , Wang Chih‐Chi , Hung Chao‐Hung , Chen Chien‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Hu Tsung‐Hui
Published: May 2007

Background/Aims: The cyclin kinase inhibitor p21/WAF1 is regulated by p53‐dependent or independent pathways and inhibits the action of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The prognostic role of p21/WAF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ambiguous. To further clarify this, we examined the expression of three genes in HCC.

Methods: A total of 122 resected HCC specimens were collected from 1987 to 1998. Expression of p21/WAF1, p53, and PCNA in HCC was analysed by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Immunoreactivity was detectable for p21/WAF1 in 37%, and for p53 in 41.8% of HCCs. Positive expression of both genes does not relate to each other, but both are associated with a high PCNA labelling index (LI) (P<0.05) in tumour. p53 (+) is also associated with high serum α‐foetoprotein (αFP) (P<0.001), tumour dedifferentiation (P=0.001) and advanced pathologic stages (P=0.017). However, p21/WAF1 (+) did not show clinicopathologic significance. Survival analysis indicated that poor prognostic factors were p21/WAF1 (−) (P=0.024), p53 (+) (P=0.008), high PCNA (P<0.001), tumour without capsule (P=0.001), poor tumour differentiation (P=0.004), advanced pathologic stage (P<0.001), and high serum αFP(P<0.001). Independent factors were p21/WAF1 expression, pathologic stage, and PCNA.

Conclusion: In HCC, increased proliferation index PCNA is significantly associated with positive p53 and p21/WAF1. But p21/WAF1 expression did not relate to p53 expression. P21/WAF1 (+) is a good event and serves as an independent survival prognostic factor for HCC, which is a novel finding apart from previous reports.
Effect of Repeated Doses of Ethanol on Hepatic Mg2+Homeostasis and Mobilization
Authors: Young Andrew , Berti‐Mattera Liliana , Romani Andrea
Published: May 2007

The acute administration of a first dose of ethanol (EtOH) to rat liver cells reduces the amount of Mg2+extruded by a second dose of EtOH or the subsequent addition of adrenergic agonists. In contrast, the Mg2+extrusion normally elicited by theα1‐adrenergic orβ‐adrenergic agonist does not impair the Mg2+mobilization induced by the subsequent addition of EtOH. Inhibition of EtOH metabolism by 4‐methylpyrazole abolishes almost completely the Mg2+extrusion induced by the first dose of EtOH, and partially enlarges that elicited by the second dose of alcohol or the subsequent adrenergic stimulation. Ethanol‐treated liver cells stimulated by the adrenergic agonist show a reduced level of membrane‐bound Gαs as well as a reduced cellular cAMP content. Analysis of cellular Mg2+distribution indicates that EtOH administration decreases the Mg2+content of the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum to a comparable extent. These data indicate that acute EtOH administration directly impairs cellular Mg2+homeostasis and also prevents a further Mg2+mobilization by additional doses of alcohol orα1‐adrenoceptor andβ‐adrenoceptor agonist by decreasing cytosolic and intraorganelle Mg2+content and by affecting G‐protein membrane distribution/signaling.
The intention‐to‐treat principle in clinical trials and meta‐analyses of leukoreduced blood transfusions in surgical patients
Authors: Blumberg Neil , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Hongkun , Messing Susan , Heal Joanna M. , Lyman Gary H.
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: The scientific method requires that only experiments actually and correctly performed be used to draw conclusions. The intention‐to‐treat principle requires that all patients, even those not or improperly treated, be included. In clinical trials and meta‐analyses investigating leukoreduced blood transfusions to reduce postoperative infections, the intention‐to‐treat principle and the scientific method have been variably applied.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Clinical trials and meta‐analyses were retrieved from the literature, and their scientific and statistical methods were assessed. A meta‐analysis emphasizing the scientific method was created, restricted to patients who actually received transfusions, given that patients who did not receive transfusions cannot benefit from leukoreduction.

RESULTS: Nine clinical trials and 11 meta‐analyses were identified. In 2 of the trials and all but 1 of the meta‐analyses, conclusions were based on data that included many (>10%) patients who had been randomly assigned but not received a transfusion or data not derived from investigative results. Limiting the meta‐analysis to patients who actually received transfusions (n = 3093), demonstrated that leukoreduced transfusions significantly reduced the odds of postoperative infection (summary odds ratio, 0.522; 95% confidence interval, 0.332‐0.821; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION: When data restricted to patients receiving transfusions are analyzed, and no data absent from the actual investigations are introduced, leukoreduced transfusions substantially and significantly reduce the odds of postoperative infection by approximately 50 percent. These results demonstrate the importance of including only scientifically valid data in clinical trials and meta‐analyses. The intention‐to‐treat principle should never lead to inclusion of data not actually derived from experimental results.
Rapid detection of HPA‐1 alloantibodies by platelet antigens immobilized onto microbeads
Authors: Bakchoul Tamam , Meyer Oliver , Agaylan Ashraf , Bombard Stephane , Bein Gregor , Sachs Ulrich J.H. , Salama Abdulgabar , Santoso Sentot
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is one of the most common bleeding disorders in neonates. It occurs when alloantibodies from an immunized mother react with paternally inherited alloantigens, mostly human platelet antigen 1a (HPA‐1a), on the fetal platelets (PLTs). Currently, monoclonal antibody–immobilized PLT antigen (MAIPA) assay represents the standard technique for the serologic diagnosis of NAIT. MAIPA is time‐consuming, however, and limited by the availability of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). Here, a gel antigen‐specific assay (GASA) was developed, which allows rapid detection of HPA‐1 alloantibodies without the use of MoAbs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa was purified by affinity chromatography from outdated PLT concentrates derived from HPA‐1aa or HPA‐1bb donors. Purified GPs were biotinylated, immobilized onto streptavidin beads, and used for the analysis of HPA‐1a alloantibodies by a microtyping system. HPA‐1a serum samples derived from mothers with NAIT (n = 36) and from posttransfusion purpura patients (n = 2) as well as HPA‐1b (n = 4), HPA‐5b (n = 2), HPA‐3a (n = 4), and HLA Class I (n = 2) alloantiserum samples from multitransfused patients were investigated in GASA and MAIPA assays.

RESULTS: GASA was able to detect all HPA‐1a and ‐1b alloantibodies recognized by MAIPA. Cross‐reactivity with other PLT‐reactive alloantibodies was not observed. Interestingly, 3 of 36 serum samples, which showed only moderate reactivity in MAIPA, reacted strongly in GASA.

CONCLUSION: GASA has proved to be a rapid method for the detection of HPA‐1a alloantibodies and maybe useful for PLT antibody screening, especially in initial assessment of suspected NAIT cases.
A Rate‐Independent Method of Assessing QT‐RR Slope Following Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: DARBAR DAWOOD , HARDIN BRADLEY , HARRIS PAUL , RODEN DAN M.
Published: May 2007

Introduction: Following conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF), QT interval transiently and variably prolongs and can trigger Torsades de Pointes (TdP). However, quantitative analysis of risk in this setting is difficult because cycle length variability during AF makes rate‐corrected QT impossible to calculate. In this study, a newly developed method to study heart rate dependence of the QT interval during AF was applied to assess the QT–RR relationships prior to and following cardioversion in patients with AF.

Methods and Results: Cardiac rhythm was digitized for ≥30 minutes prior to and following elective cardioversion to sinus rhythm (SR) in 12 patients. Each QT interval was placed in a “bin” (50 ms), according to the preceding RR interval. All QT intervals within a bin were averaged and RR bin‐specific QT values were derived. The slope of the QT–RR relationship was much flatter in AF (0.058 ± 0.02) compared with that predicted by conventionally used QT rate corrections (0.130 [Bazett], 0.096 [Fridericia]) and much steeper after cardioversion (0.238 ± 0.14, P < 0.01 compared with AF). The method also allowed us to establish that QT at any given RR interval prolonged when SR was restored (e.g., at RR interval 800 ms: QT = 0.38 ± 0.03 second [AF] vs 0.46 ± 0.05 second [SR], P < 0.01). The longest QT values were in patients receiving sotalol or quinidine.

Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that QT interval can be reliably measured in AF using a method that is independent of heart rate. We also showed that cardioversion of AF acutely increases the QT interval and the steepness of the QT–RR slope.
Cryoablation of Accessory Pathways in the Coronary Sinus in Young Patients: A Multicenter Study from the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society's Working Group on Cryoablation
Authors: COLLINS KATHRYN K. , RHEE EDWARD K. , KIRSH JOEL A. , CANNON BRYAN C. , FISH FRANK A. , DUBIN ANNE M. , VAN HARE GEORGE F.
Published: May 2007

Introduction: This is a multicenter retrospective study evaluating the immediate‐ and mid‐term outcomes of cryoablation of accessory pathways in the coronary sinus in children or in patients with congenital heart disease.

Methods and Results: Twenty‐one patients (median age 13.0 years, range 2–40) from six institutions were included. The accessory pathways were concealed in 11 and manifest in 10. Of 12 patients who had coronary sinus angiography, two had large coronary sinus diverticula, one had a dilated coronary sinus due to a left superior vena cava to coronary sinus, and one had a “pouch” at the mouth of the coronary sinus. Six patients underwent ablation procedures with cryoablation alone, while in the remaining 15 patients, both cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation were utilized. The ablation procedure included left‐sided endocardial mapping via a retrograde or transeptal approach in 13 (62%). Procedural success was achieved with cryoablation in the coronary sinus in 15/21 (71%). Four patients (19%) had successful radiofrequency ablation at the right or left posterior septum. Two patients (10%) had unsuccessful procedures. Of the 15 patients with initially successful cryoablation procedures, six (40%) had arrhythmia recurrences at a median of 17 days (range 1–120). Recurrences could not be explained by differences in patient or procedural variables.

Conclusion: Cryoablation in the coronary venous system in young patients is feasible but associated with a high arrhythmia recurrence rate. Cryoablation techniques and/or equipment need to be improved in order to safely create more permanent lesions in this arrhythmia substrate.
Understanding and Interpreting Dominant Frequency Analysis of AF Electrograms
Authors: NG JASON , GOLDBERGER JEFFREY J
Published: May 2007

Dominant frequency analysis of atrial electrograms has been used to understand the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although dominant frequency is an effective tool to estimate activation rate during AF, other factors besides activation rate may alter the results. Therefore, an adequate conceptual understanding of frequency domain analysis is required to properly use this technique and interpret the results. This review, while avoiding the use of formulas and equations, aims to explain fundamental theory of how signals can be decomposed into sine waves and how these sine waves relate to the activation rate detected from the electrograms. Through a series of examples and illustrations this relationship can be easily conceptualized. This will in turn allow the strengths and limitations of dominant frequency analysis to be better understood and improve its applicability to potential clinical usages.
Myocardial Functional and Textural Findings of the Right and Left Ventricles and Their Association with Cellular Adhesion Molecules in Behçet's Disease
Authors: Yildirim Nesligul , Tekin Nilgun Solak , Tekin Ishak Ozel , Dogan Sait , Aydin Mustafa , Gursurer Metin , Dursun Aydin , Bozboga Seher
Published: May 2007

Aim: This study was designed to assess whether ultrasonic reflectivity, evaluated by integrated backscatter analysis was associated with the severity of inflammation and diastolic dysfunction of the left (LV) and right ventricles (RV) in Behçet's disease (BD). Methods: The study consisted of 20 patients with BD and 18 healthy controls. The expression of CD11b and CD63 on the surface of granulocytes and monocytes were measured by flow cytometry. RV and LV diastolic functions were assessed by tricuspid and mitral annular tissue Doppler recordings, respectively. Backscatter cyclic variation (CV) and maximal intensity (IB) were measured in RV lateral wall, interventricular septum, and posterior LV wall from parasternal long‐axis view, apex from apical four‐chamber view, anterior, inferior, and lateral LV walls from parasternal short axis view. Results: The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD11b on granulocytes and CD63 on monocytes in BD patients was higher than those of controls. Patients with BD had smaller mitral and tricuspid annular early diastolic wave velocities and early/late diastolic wave velocity ratios (E/A) than controls. MFI of CD11b and CD63 was inversely correlated with tricuspid and mitral annular E/A in BD patients. CV of RV and global CV of LV were found to be diminished in BD patients than controls. CV of RV and global CV of LV showed a direct correlation with tricuspid and mitral annular E/A ratio, respectively. Conclusion: There is an association between the levels of cellular adhesion molecules, deterioration of diastolic function, and altered myocardial ultrasonic reflectivity in BD.
Systolic Tissue Velocity Is a Useful Echocardiographic Parameter in Assessment of Left Atrial Appendage Function in Patients with Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Çayli Murat , Acartürk Esmeray , Demir Mesut. , Kanadaşi Mehmet
Published: May 2007

Background: The incidence of thromboembolism remains high in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a potential site for development of thrombus and LAA dysfunction is an independent predictor of thromboembolism. The LAA dysfunction is represented by reduced LAA late emptying velocity. But the magnitude of LAA flow velocities is dependent on acute changes in loading conditions. Aim: To investigate the value of the LAA tissue velocities obtained by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in assessment of LAA function in MS patients with and without thromboembolic events. Methods: The study population consisted of 98 isolated MS patients of 32 age and sex‐matched healthy controls. All subjects underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). LAA late peak emptying (LAAEV) and filling (LAAFV) flow velocities were recorded. LAA peak late tissue systolic (LSV) and diastolic (LDV) tissue velocities by TDI were measured. The patients were divided into three groups as Group I (n = 38, sinus rhythm and LAAEV ≥ 25 cm/s), Group II (n = 26, sinus rhythm and LAAEV < 25 cm/s), and Group III (n = 34, atrial fibrillation). Results: Twenty‐one patients had thromboembolic events. LAAEV, LAAFV, LSV, and LDV were significantly reduced in patients with embolic events. Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) density was strongly negative correlated with LSV, whereas weakly negative correlated with LAAEV. Multivariate regression analysis showed that LSV and the presence of SEC were independently associated with embolic events. Conclusion: LSV seems more reliable and useful parameter in evaluating LAA function. LAA function is more depressed among patients with embolic events.
Paradoxical Symptomatic Air Embolism after Saline Contrast Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Christin Françoise , Bouffard Yves , Rossi Roland , Delafosse Bertrand
Published: May 2007

We describe one case of paradoxical air embolism after contrast transesophageal echocardiography realized to detect a patent foramen ovale. At the end of this procedure, the patient presented a left lateral homonymous hemianopsia attributed to air embolism. Total recovery was obtained after one therapeutic recompression.
Itaamar der Sabäer: Zur Datierung der Monumentalinschrift des Yiaamar Watar aus irwā
Authors: Nebes Norbert
Published: May 2007

In December, 2005, a monumental inscription of the Sabaean ruler Yi
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a
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amar Watar bin Yakrubmalik was discovered during excavations in the
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Almaqah temple at
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irwā
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by a German Archaeological Institute expedition. The text is not only the longest ever discovered in Yemen in a scientific excavation, but also the earliest datable inscription known in South Arabia. Yi
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a
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amar Watar bin Yakrubmalik, who was completely unknown until recently, may be identified with Ita
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amar, the Sabaean ruler who brought gifts to the Assyrian monarch Sargon II around 715 B.C.