bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REGULATION OF FATTY ACID COMPOSITION BY IRRADIANCE LEVEL IN THE EUSTIGMATOPHYTENANNOCHLOROPSISSP.1
Authors: Sukenik Assaf , Carmeli Yael , Berner Tamar
Published: October 2004

Chemical composition and quantitative cytological measurements were determined for the eustigmatophyteNannochloropsissp. Cultures were grown in turbidostats at three irradiance levels: growth‐limiting light, growth‐saturating light and photoinhibiting light. Cellular chlorophyll a content decreased as irradiance level increased, concomitant with a disproportionate reduction in carotenoid content.Nannochloropsissp. grown in saturating light was characterized by a high content of lipid, fatty acids and carbohydrate compared with cells grown in light‐limiting conditions. The increase in cellular lipid content coincided with a reduction in the percentage of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) and arachidonic acid (C20:4), fatty acids that are mainly associated with galactolipids, and with an increase in the relative abundance of palmitic acid (C16:0) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1). At growth limiting light conditions,Nannochloropsissp. preferentially synthesized galactolipids; however, as growth became light saturated, relatively more neutral lipids, mainly triacylglycerols, were synthesized. Changes in lipid content and composition were qualitatively related to changes in cell morphology. Cells grown under low light conditions were characterized by a large relative volume of chloroplast, high surface density of thylakoid membranes and low relative volume of lipid storage bodies. The physiological implications of the changes in cellular lipid composition and ultrastructure are discussed in relation to light/shade adaptation.
FUNCTIONAL‐MORPHOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS IN SARGASSUM POLYCERATIUM (PHAEOPHYTA): PHENOTYPIC AND ONTOGENETIC VARIABILITY IN APPARENT PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND DARK RESPIRATION1
Authors: Kilar John A. , Littler Mark M. , Littler Diane S.
Published: October 2004

Phenotypic and ontogenetic changes in apparent photosynthesis and dark respiration for Sargassum polyceratium Mont. were related to the differential allocation of resources into blades, stems, vesicles, and fertile branches as well as anatomical parameters of surface area, volume, and blade density from a population in the Content Keys, Florida. Three divergent phenotypes were evaluated during four phases of ontogeny: maximum growth (October), peak reproduction (December), senescence (April), and stasis (July). Photosynthetic and respiratory rates changed throughout the year, at different stages of morphogenesis, and among different phenotypes. Photosynthesis was highest during active growth, decreased during reproduction and senescence, and was lowest during stasis. In contrast, respiration was higher during peak reproduction and stasis. Temporal, phenotypic, and ontogenetic changes in apparent photosynthesis were best explained by interactions among anatomical features, growth stages, and source‐sink relationships of metabolic reserves and pigments. Surface area: volume (SA:V) ratios played a secondary role. Photosynthetic performance of mature axes decreased with the allocation of resources away from blades to air bladders and fertile branches. Apparent productivity and development of fertile branches on phenotypes were not correlated. High respiratory rates, SA:V ratios, blade areas, and low blade densities occurred on developing axes and were consistent with adaptations to low light fields. Sargassum polyceratium, because of its morphological differentiation, is a relatively complex, physiologically variable alga.
CYST FORMATION IN THE RED TIDE DINOFLAGELLATEALEXANDRIUM TAMARENSE(DINOPHYCEAE): EFFECTS OF IRON STRESS1
Authors: Doucette Gregory J. , Cembella Allan D. , Boyer Gregory L.
Published: October 2004

The toxic red tide dinoflagellateAlexandrium tamarense(Lebour) Balech (synonymous withProtogonyaulax tamarensis(Lebour) Taylor) was subjected to iron stress in batch culture over a 24‐day time course. Monitoring of life history stages indicated that iron stress induced formation of both temporary (= pellicular) and resting (= hypnozygotic) cysts. Our experimental induction of sexuality appeared to be associated with iron limitation rather than the total depletion of biologically available iron. Degenerative changes in organelle (i.e. chloroplast, mitochondrion and chromosome) ultrastructure were largely restricted to pellicular cysts, suggesting that these temporary cysts were more susceptible to short‐term iron stress effects than were hypnozygotes. These results are consistent with the hypothesized ecological roles of cysts in maintaining viability over brief (pellicular cysts) and extended (hypnozygotes) exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
CELL SIZE DIFFERENTIATION IN THE BLOOM‐FORMING DINOFLAGELLATEGYMNODINIUMCF.NAGASAKIENSE1
Authors: Partensky Frédéric , Vaulot Daniel
Published: October 2004

Two subpopulations differing essentially by their mean cell size were observed regularly in cultures and natural samples of the naked dinoflagellateGymnodiniumcf.nagasakienseTakayama et Adachi (currently known asGyrodinium aureolumHulburt), a species which frequently forms red tides in North European seas. “Large” cells represented the typical forms; they were morphologically similar to cells of the closely related Japanese speciesG. nagasakiense,which did not form any subpopulation of reduced size. “Small” and “large” cells ofG.cf.nagasakiensehad the same DNA content, but the nucleus of the former appeared to be much more condensed during interphase. Each cell type was able to divide and had its own growth dynamics; therefore, any intermediary between pure populations of “small” and of “large” cells were observed in culture. The “large” form generated a “small” cell by an atypical budding‐like division, whereas the “small” form gave back a “large” form, once it ceased to divide, by simple enlargement of its cell body. Factory inducing cell size differentiation are yet unclear. Neither nitrogen nor phosphorus starvation induced a significant increase in the relative proportion of “small” and budding cells. Although cell size differentiation is associated with the formation of gametes in a variety of dinoflagellates, we demonstrated that “small” cells ofG.cf.nagasakienseare able to divide asexually, in contrast to gametes of most other species. The high proliferative power of “small” cells as compared with normal cells suggests that they could play a significant role during red tides ofG.cf.nagasakiense;in contrast, cells of the Japanese speciesG. Nagasakiensecould sustain high growth rates with larger cell size because this species generally blooms in waters much warmer than those found in northern Europe.
A PHYTOL‐SUBSTITUTED CHLOROPHYLL C FROM EMILIANIA HUXLEYI (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Nelson James R. , Wakeham Stuart G.
Published: October 2004

A nonpolar chlorophyll c‐like pigment was isolated by semi‐preparative high performance liquid chromatography from the coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) Hay and Mohler. The visible absorption spectrum of this pigment was similar to that of chlorophyll c2. However, its nonpolar chromatographic properties were quite different from those of the relatively polar chlorophylls c2 and c3 in E. huxleyi and similar to those of chlorophyll a. Analyses by gas chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry showed that the nonpolar character of this new chlorophyll c was due to the presence of phytol, most likely on the acid side chain of the porphyrin macro‐cycle. This is the first example of a phytol‐substituted chlorophyll c‐like pigment.
BACTERIAL ASSOCIATIONS WITH MARINE OSCILLATORIA SP. (TRICHODESMIUM SP.) POPULATIONS: ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS1
Authors: Paerly Hans W. , Bebout Brad M. , Prufert Leslie E.
Published: October 2004

On three separate occasions we investigated morphological and physiological aspects of bacterial associations with planktonic aggregates of the ubiquitous marine N2 fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium sp. Close associations generally characterized Trichodesmium blooms; associations were present during day‐ and night‐time. Colonization by both rod‐shaped and filamentous heterotrophic bacteria occurred on Trichodesmiun aggregates actively fixing N2 (acetylene reduction). Scanning electron and optical microscopy showed bacteria located both around and within aggregates. Microautoradiography demonstrated that associated bacteria largely mediated utilization of trace additions of 3H‐labeled carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, mannitol) and amino acids, whereas Trichodesmium utilized amino acids only. Oxygen measurements using microelectrodes revealed high localized oxygen consumption among aggregates, with rapid (within a minute) changes from supersaturated to subsaturated oxygen following the transition from photosynthetic illuminated to dark periods. Stab culturing techniques confirmed the presence of heterotrophic N2 fixers among aggregate‐associated bacteria. Parallel deployment of oxygen microelectrodes, the tetrazolium salt 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and acetylene reduction assays demonstrated microaerophilic requirements for expression of nitrogenase activity among cultured bacteria.

Trichodesmium aggregates are characterized by dynamic nutrient and oxygen regimes, which promote and maintain simultaneous and contiguous oxygenic photosynthesis and N2 fixation. In part, the above‐mentioned consortial interactions with a variety of heterotrophic bacteria facilitate Trichodesmium biomass production and bloom formation in nitrogen depleted, oligotrophic tropical/subtropical waters.
SUBSTRATUM CONDITIONING AND DIATOM COLONIZATION IN DIFFERENT CURRENT REGIMES1
Authors: Peterson Christopher G. , Stevenson R. Jan
Published: October 2004

Short‐term (3 day) diatom colonization of clean ceramic tiles and tiles conditioned with a thin, nonalgal biofilm was examined in fast‐ and slow‐current outdoor experimental stream channels to assess effects of organic conditioning and current regime on diatom colonization. Colonization rates onto unconditioned tiles were 10 times lower in fast current that in slow. Substratum conditioning reduced the effects of current because organic conditioning of tiles significantly enhanced colonization in fast current, but not in slow current. Two diatom taxa (Nitzschia acicularis W. Sm. and Synedra radians Kütz) colonized unconditioned tiles more rapidly than conditioned tiles in slow current, suggesting the existence of negative interactions between these diatoms and bacteria and/or organics in conditioning films.
TAXONOMIC AFFINITIES OF MARINE COCCOID ULTRAPHYTOPLANKTON: A COMPARISON OF IMMUNOCHEMICAL SURFACE ANTIGEN CROSS‐REACTIONS AND HPLC CHLOROPLAST PIGMENT SIGNATURES1
Authors: Shapiro Lynda P. , Haugen Elin M. , Keller Maureen D. , Bidigare Robert R. , Campbell Lisa , L. Guillard Robert R.
Published: October 2004

Immunological grouping, determined by affinities of polyclonal antibodies to surface antigens of intact cells, was used to characterize 19 clones of marine coccoid ultraplankton. The resulting cross‐reactive antigen groups corresponded to pigment‐groups as defined by HPLC analysis of chloroplast pigments (carotenoids and chlorophylls). Because immunological cross reactions are specific at the species level in groups of algae having well defined morphological criteria, we suggest that immunological methods can be used to recognize algae presently indistinguishable by standard morphological criteria, and especially in oceanographic applications involving qualitative cell enumerations of the ultraplankton.
Public Attitudes Toward the Census: Influences and Trends*
Authors: Weakliem David , Villemez Wayne J.
Published: October 2004

Objective. This article considers the determinants of attitudes toward the census.

Methods. Data from a survey of Connecticut residents are analyzed. Some of the questions replicate items from previous national surveys.

Results. Conservatives and people with low trust in government have more negative views of the census, while interest in politics has no effect. Exposure to advertising has a positive effect on some attitudes.

Conclusions. Despite the Census Bureau's efforts to maintain political neutrality, support of the census is influenced by general outlook on government and politics, suggesting that conflicts over the census are likely to continue.
Ignorance in Congressional Voting? Evidence from Policy Reversal on the Endangered Species Act*
Authors: López Edward J. , Sutter Daniel
Published: October 2004

Objective. In 1978 Congress weakened several key provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which had been enacted only five years earlier. The objective is to compare alternative explanations for this policy reversal.

Methods. Probit and multinomial logit models are used to explain empirically how senators voted in both 1973 and 1978, and to investigate why many senators switched their vote from supporting ESA to weakening it.

Results. The findings here indicate that party affiliation and policy‐maker preferences were not important to the 1973 vote, but they were key variables in the 1978 votes and the vote‐switching decision. Proxies for unexpected economic impacts of ESA on individual states have little explanatory power.

Conclusions. Ignorance, as measured here, does not appear to explain this policy reversal; rather, an influx of relatively conservative Democrats between 1973 and 1978 presents itself as the leading explanation.
Explaining Public Support for the Environmental Movement: A Civic Voluntarism Model*
Authors: Barkan Steven E.
Published: October 2004

Objective.The literature on environmentalism includes many more studies of environmental concern than of the public's practical support for the environmental movement. This article develops several categories of predictors of such support from the civic voluntarism model of Verba and associates.

Methods.These predictors are tested with data from the 2000 General Social Survey, which included a special module of items on environmental attitudes and activities.

Results.Findings generally suggest the utility of the civic voluntarism model for explaining public support for the environmental movement. Additional analysis attempts to untangle reasons for gender and racial differences in the level of this support.

Conclusion.This study elucidates several predictors of practical support by the U.S. public for the environmental movement that merit further attention. Such research should pay attention to the proper operationalization of the kind of movement participation studied here.
Equality in Cyberdemocracy? Gauging Gender Gaps in On‐Line Civic Participation*
Authors: Fuller Jill E.
Published: October 2004

Objectives.This study examines gender gaps in civic participation by describing gaps in on‐line participation and by explaining whether socialization, situation, or structure best account for gaps.

Methods.Cross‐tabulations and OLS regression were used to analyze 2000 GSS data, which show that men are more likely to have used a computer or the web and to use the web or chat rooms more.

Results.Few gender differences exist in on‐line civic participation. Men more frequently use government information websites and discuss political views, the economy, foreign affairs, and taxes on the web. Women tend to visit websites to better understand issue complexities and to discuss or learn about gender or women's issues. Marital or work situations do not influence discussion, but the structural variable of education specifies some on‐line civic participation.

Conclusion.Social status is better than gender at explaining civic participation in general, political information source gathering, and versatility of political interests pursued on‐line.
Presidential Election Cycles and the Turn‐of‐the‐Month Effect*
Authors: Zhao Xiaofeng , Liano Kartono , Hardin William G.
Published: October 2004

Objective. In this research, the presidential election cycle hypothesis is evaluated within the context of the turn‐of‐the‐month effect found in stock returns.

Methods. Returns from the daily Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) index, and the NASDAQ Composite index are grouped into turn‐of‐the month returns and non‐turn‐of‐the‐month returns. Statistical comparisons are conducted to evaluate the returns based on administration subperiod, temporal subperiod, and party affiliation.

Results. The results provide evidence of higher turn‐of‐the‐month returns in the second half of presidential terms. The higher turn‐of‐the‐month returns account for most of the additional returns found in the second half of presidential terms evidenced in prior research.

Conclusions. The persistent higher investment returns for stocks found in the second half of presidential terms can be linked to fiscal and administrative policies that increase household liquidity prior to elections. Incumbents attempt to influence voter choice and energize core constituencies by increasing household liquidity prior to elections through fiscal and administrative policies. These actions create higher turn‐of the‐month returns in the second half of presidential terms, which generate additional overall investment returns for the period.
A Tale of Two Seasons: Participation and Medal Counts at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games*
Authors: Johnson Daniel K. N. , Ali Ayfer
Published: October 2004

Objectives. This article examines all postwar Summer and Winter Olympic Games in order to investigate the economic and political determinants of participation and medal‐winning success.

Methods. Using newly compiled data, regression analysis gives intuitive results with surprisingly accurate predictions beyond the historical sample. We also estimate the rise in income per capita required to send an extra participant, and the “cost” in GDP per capita of an extra medal.

Results. Compared to the Summer Games, Winter participation levels are driven more by income and less by population, have less host nation bias, and a greater effect of climate. Single‐party and communist regimes win more medals in both seasons.

Conclusion. Although their effects differ with the season of the Games, socioeconomic variables explain Olympic participation and success remarkably well.
Ethnicity Effects on Sentence Outcomes in Large Urban Courts: Comparisons Among White, Black, and Hispanic Defendants*
Authors: Demuth Stephen , Steffensmeier Darrell
Published: October 2004

Objective. This study examines Hispanic‐black‐white differences in sentences imposed on offenders appearing in state felony courts.

Methods. The present study uses data collected by the State Court Processing Statistics (SCPS) program of the Bureau of Justice Statistics for the years 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1996.

Results. Hispanic defendants are sentenced more similarly to black defendants than white defendants. Both black and Hispanic defendants tend to receive harsher sentences than white defendants. Also, ethnicity effects are the largest in the sentencing of drug offenders, whereas race effects are largest in the sentencing of property offenders. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates that the failure to consider defendants' ethnicity in comparing black‐white sentence outcomes is likely to result in findings that misrepresent black‐white differences.

Conclusions. The results clearly demonstrate the necessity of considering not only defendants' race (i.e., black‐white differences) in sentencing but expanding our focus to also include defendants' ethnicity (i.e., Hispanic‐white and Hispanic‐black differences).
Interaction for lifelong learning
Authors: Friesen Norm , Anderson Terry
Published: October 2004

The term ‘lifelong’, as applied to education or learning, has been in circulation for more than a quarter of a century. It has played an important role in policy discussions, as well as in studies of the sociology and economics of education. The relationship of this term to the rapidly changing world of information and educational technologies, and to the various conceptions of interaction that are central to these technologies, however, has been considered much less frequently. This paper seeks to shed light on the relationship between lifelong learning and the interactive technologies that have become associated specifically with the Semantic Web. It begins by presenting a fictional narrative to illustrate a lifelong learning scenario in the context of the services and resources that the Semantic Web will be capable of providing. It then proceeds to isolate a number of general characteristics of lifelong learning as they are manifest in this scenario and in recent literature on the subject. The paper then explores how emergent, interactive technologies of the Semantic Web have the general potential to address many of the characteristics of lifelong learning, and hold out the promise of satisfying a wide variety of lifelong learning needs. It will conclude by considering some of the outstanding challenges presented by lifelong learning contexts, and mention some of the limitations of advanced technologies used to address these needs.
New directions for lifelong learning using network technologies
Authors: Koper Rob , Tattersall Colin
Published: October 2004

The requirements placed on learning technologies to support lifelong learning differ considerably from those placed on technologies to support particular fragments of a learning lifetime. The time scales involved in lifelong learning, together with its multi‐institutional and episodic nature are not reflected in today’s mainstream learning technologies and their associated architectures. The article presents an integrated model and architecture to serve as the basis for the realisation of networked learning technologies serving the specific needs and characteristics of lifelong learners. The integrative model is called a ‘Learning Network’ (LN) and its requirements and architecture are explored, together with the ways in which its application can help in reducing barriers to lifelong learning.
The evolutionary design of a Knowledge Network to support knowledge management and sharing for lifelong learning
Authors: McAndrew Patrick , Clow Doug , Taylor Josie , Aczel James
Published: October 2004

Knowledge Management (KM) and knowledge sharing are important factors that support lifelong learning, and enable people to continue developing throughout their careers. The concept of a Community of Practice (Wenger, 2000) is attractive in drawing together people whose work shares similar aspects, and consideration is given here to how technology can be used to develop and support such a community.

In this paper, concepts from the Community of Practice literature are used to consider the development of a software environment for people working as a community in the area of lifelong learning. The intention was to design the system in an evolutionary way, using a minimal set of essential elements which would be elaborated according to user feedback. Three key design questions are considered: Who can contribute resources to such a system? What happens to existing practices? How is the community engaged?

We conclude that, in lifelong learning, knowledge management supported by a software environment offers a good way to bring together communities, resources and experience, but to achieve these benefits, great care needs to be exerted in introducing the system and maintaining existing work practices.
He’s like, she’s like:  The quotative system in Canadian youth
Authors: Tagliamonte Sali , D’Arcy Alex
Published: October 2004

Due to the recent and rapid newcomer, be like, the English quotative system is a good place to catch language change in action. However, since most previous analyses target people in their early twenties, little is known about how be like is diffusing. In this paper we conduct an analysis of Canadian youth between ten and nineteen years old and compare the results with an earlier study. There is a dramatic increase in be like in real time. In apparent time, the content of the quote and grammatical person are significant and the constraints are parallel for all ages except one. The effect of content of the quote has reversed among the oldest speakers, aged between 17 and 19. Moreover, there is a clear shift in the social evaluation of be like: sex is significant and strong for 15–16 year olds onwards, revealing that age and sex interact in sociolinguistic change. Furthermore, we establish ongoing grammaticalization of be like.
Ethnic patterns in the phonetics of Montreal English
Authors: Boberg Charles
Published: October 2004

Most North American cities no longer display strong ethnic differentiation of speech within the European‐origin population. This is not true in the English‐speaking community of Montreal, Canada, where English is a minority language. Differences in the phonetic realization of vowels by Montrealers of Irish, Italian, and Jewish ethnic origin are investigated by means of acoustic analysis. A statistical analysis of ethnic differences in formant frequencies shows that ethnicity has a significant effect on several variables, particularly the phonetic position of /u:/ and /ou/ and the allophonic conditioning of /æ/ and /au/ before nasal consonants. The unusual tenacity of ethnophonetic variation in Montreal English is explained in light of the minority status of English, and the social and residential segregation of ethnic groups in distinct neighborhoods, which limits their exposure to speakers of Standard Canadian English who might otherwise serve as models for assimilation.
BIOETHICS, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE: A VOICE FROM THE MARGINS1
Authors: TANGWA GODFREY B.
Published: October 2004

In this paper I argue for the universality of morality as against and in spite of the plurality and inevitable relativity of human cultures. Universalisability is the litmus test of moral authenticity whereas culture tends to impose an egocentric predicament. I argue equally for the equality of cultures qua cultures and of the importance of different cultural perspectives, given the limitations of each and every particular culture, in a balanced and wholesome appreciation of moral issues, particularly issues of cross‐cultural relevance. I then try to anchor my reflections on a few topical ethical issues of cross‐cultural relevance which have been the subject of controversy in recent times.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: BRUNGER FERN
Published: October 2004

Beyond a Western Bioethics: Voices from the Developing World, edited by Angeles Tan Alora and Josephine M. Lumitao. Washington DC: Georgetown University Press, 2001. xiv + 162 pp. US$59.95 (hardback).
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: FAN Peng Thim
Published: October 2004

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common disorder that affects 3% of the general population. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is less common, with about 1% of adults in the US meeting the current CDC criteria for case definition. Both conditions are controversial because they do not fit either a strictly physical or psychological concept of disease. Their symptoms overlap and they share many clinical features with irritable bowel syndrome, atypical migraine and muscle tension headaches, multiple chemical sensitivities, interstitial cystitis and multiple allergies syndrome, all poorly understood entities. This review provides an historical perspective on both disorders and presents the clinical features and differential diagnoses. The relative success of current classification criteria is discussed. Pathogenic mechanisms are presented, including the relationship of FM and CFS to depression and other psychiatric diseases and the possibility that they may be ‘diseases constructs’ called ‘memes’ that are invented by physicians. A cognitive‐behavioral approach to treatment is presented that emphasizes the roles of education, stress reduction, improvement of sleep, exercise and the effective use of analgesics, antidepressants and other psychoactive medications.
Risk of hospitalization for upper gastrointestinal tract complications associated with non‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in Malaysia: a retrospective case control study
Authors: ONG Jaxinthe Siew Kuen , MENON Shashi Kumar , KEW Siang Tong , MENON Jayaram , MAVROS Panagiotis , THONG Swee Pei , NGAU Yen Yew , GANESANATHAN Shanmuganathan , MATVINDER Singh , GANESALINGAM Kanagasabai , CHENG John , OOI Eng Jin , HUNSCHE Elke
Published: October 2004

Aims:  To assess the association between non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract‐related hospitalizations and to evaluate inpatient healthcare resource utilization associated with these complications in Malaysia.

Methods:  A retrospective case control study was performed using medical records of patients admitted to two Malaysian hospitals during 1999 and 2000. Cases were identified based on mode of presentation at hospital admission. One control was identified for each case, matched by age, sex and admission date. NSAID exposure was determined by drug use during one year prior to admission. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between NSAID use and upper GI complications, adjusting for predictors.

Results:  The 273 cases were significantly more likely to have used NSAIDs in the year prior to hospitalization than controls (27.8%vs. 6.2% of patients; P < 0.0001). Conditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for other predictors showed that the odds of being hospitalized for upper GI tract complications were 4.1 times higher among NSAID users than non‐users (95% CI = 1.88–9.12). Other risk factors for GI‐related hospitalizations were a history of upper GI tract complications (OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 1.28–26.53), use of gastroprotective agents (OR = 5.3, 95% CI = 1.67–16.79), and use of antacids (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.10–11.91) in the previous year.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated that NSAID exposure was significantly higher among patients hospitalized for GI‐related complications than for other reasons, indicating that NSAID use is an independent risk factor for upper GI tract complications in this Malaysian sample.
Pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: CERVERA Ricard , FONT Josep , CARMONA Francisco , BALASCH Juan
Published: October 2004

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the autoimmune disease that most commonly compromises pregnancy. Moreover, the relationship between SLE and pregnancy is in both directions. However, the current experience indicates that pregnancy in patients with SLE should not be regarded as an unacceptable high risk condition for the mother or her baby provided that careful planning of conception and multidisciplinary monitoring and treatment are carried out.
Statins and autoimmune diseases
Authors: MERONI P. L. , VENTURA D.
Published: October 2004

Inhibitors of 3‐hydroxy‐3methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase or statins are effective lipid lowering drugs. The lipid lowering activity is mainly achieved through reduction of cholesterol synthesis and up‐regulation of low density lipoprotein receptors that in turn clear low density lipoproteins and low density lipoprotein precursors from the blood. HMG‐CoA reductase competitively blocks mevalonate, the enzyme reaction product that is the precursor not only of cholesterol but also of several non‐steroidal isoprenoid compounds. Isoprenoids allow the attachment to the cell membrane of signalling proteins involved in various cell functions; their inhibition explains the so‐called pleiotropic effects of statins, which include anti‐inflammatory, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory properties. Such pleiotropic activities have been suggested to justify the benefits of statin therapy besides the simple reduction in plasma cholesterol levels.

Accelerated atherosclerosis has been reported in several autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Non‐traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as inflammation, immune‐mediated responses and thrombophilia, have been suggested to play a major role in sustaining premature atherosclerosis in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

This review focuses on the potential use of statins as a new therapeutical tool for treating autoimmune rheumatic diseases based on their antiatherosclerotic activity and on their pleiotropic effect on inflammation, haemostasis and the immune responses.
Neonatal lupus syndromes
Authors: MERONI P. L. , GEROSA M. , CIMAZ R.
Published: October 2004

Children born from mothers positive for autoantibodies against SSA/Ro and/or anti‐SSB/La ribonucleoproteins may develop heart conduction tissue damage resulting in atrioventricular block and/or transient skin rash, liver enzyme abnormalities and anaemia/thrombocytopenia. Additional transient electrocardiographic abnormalities (sinus bradycardia, QT interval prolongation) have been reported. Such clinical and laboratory manifestations are included in the so‐called neonatal lupus syndromes, independently whether the mother is suffering from a systemic autoimmune disease or is totally asymptomatic. The prevalence of the congenital heart block is around 2%, of neonatal rash around 20%, while laboratory abnormalities in asymptomatic babies can be detected in up to 40% of cases. The risk of recurrence of complete heart block is almost 10 times higher in the following pregnancies. Most of the mothers are asymptomatic at delivery and are identified only by the birth of an affected child. Their long‐term outcome is generally more reassuring than previously assumed and arthralgias and xerophtalmia are the most common symptoms. A standard therapy for heart blocks detected in uterus is still a matter of investigation, although fluorinated corticosteroids have been reported to be effective on myocarditic signs when present. Serial echocardiograms and obstetric sonograms, performed at least every two weeks, starting from the 16 weeks gestation, are recommended in anti‐Ro/SSA positive pregnant women: the goal is to detect early fetal abnormalities, that might precede complete atrioventricular block and that might be a target of preventive therapy. Transplacental passage of maternal anti‐SSA/Ro ‐SSB/La IgG is thought to be pivotal in inducing tissue damage. However, the discordant appearance of the syndrome in twins does suggest a role also for fetal or environmental factors.
Spondyloarthropathy research in APLAR countries: some unanswered questions
Authors: YU David Tak Yan , GU Jieruo , HUANG Feng , CHOU Chung‐Tei
Published: October 2004

The APLAR countries have traditionally been very productive in carrying out clinical research on the spondyloarthropathies. This article discusses the various aspects of setting up classification criteria, preparing for epidemiological surveys, cohort and genetic studies and testing promising treatment. Emphasis is on those aspects which would be useful for young investigators in the APLAR countries.
Pulsed Signal Therapy® for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions: a millennium paradigm
Authors: MARKOLL Richard , DA SILVA FERREIRA Dulce M. , TOOHIL Theresa K.
Published: October 2004

Reports and reviews from various sources, including the World Health Organization and United Nations Population Division, confirm the general increasing trend in the ageing population groups worldwide. There are over 150 types of musculoskeletal conditions, with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, low back pain and limb trauma, accounting for the greatest impact on the population at large. Osteoarthritis (OA) is predicted to become the fourth leading cause of disability by the year 2020. The most common medication prescribed for OA is non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These have long been associated with numerous adverse effects, are costly and short‐term in their ‘therapeutic’ effect. Pulsed Signal Therapy® (PST™) is an innovative treatment modality for musculoskeletal conditions. It has been commercially available since 1992, is currently employed in at least 800 clinics and/or medical institutes, and to‐date, no adverse effects have been reported. Furthermore, it is non‐invasive, non‐pharmacological, painless, with long‐term follow‐up, and sustained efficacy. When connective tissue is injured and physiological signalling is disturbed or absent, PST™, as the external, biophysical signal (stimulus) of physiological energy parameters and waveform, passively induces ‘fluid flow’ in the injured area, creating ‘streaming potentials’, that induce biophysical‐biochemical coupling, subsequent signal transduction, to activate repair and regenerative processes. In doing so, it restores the innate, physiological signalling to enable these regenerative and repair processes to continue naturally.
Effect of Skin Care With an Emollient Containing a High Water Content on Mild Uremic Pruritus
Authors: Okada Kazuyoshi , Matsumoto Koichi
Published: October 2004

Abstract:  Skin care is very important for preventing uremic pruritus. However, mild uremic pruritus has usually been treated with antihistamine and urea‐containing ointments. We therefore examined the effects of an aqueous gel with higher water content. Twenty hemodialysis patients with mild pruritus who were not being treated with any emollient were divided into two groups of 10 each. Patients in one group were treated with an aqueous gel containing 80% water. This emollient was applied twice daily for 2 weeks. No emollient was applied for the next 2 weeks. The other group of patients were not treated with any emollient for the 4 weeks. Visual analog scale scores for itching in the experimental group at week 2 were significantly decreased compared with that at week 0 (3.5 ± 0.3 vs 0.6 ± 0.2, P < 0.01). Skin dryness in the experimental group was significantly improved at week 2 compared with that at week 0. The visual analog scale score for itching increased to 1.2 ± 0.5 and skin dryness reappeared in 40% of patients by week 4, i.e. after the emollient was stopped. There were no significant changes in the control group during the study. It is concluded that the aqueous gel with high water content reduced itching and improved xerosis in patients with mild uremic pruritus. It is reasonable that skin care with an emollient containing a high water content is first started for hemodialysis patients with xerosis, even if  they  do  not feel itching.
Plasmapheresis Treatment in Guillain–Barré Syndrome: Potential Benefit over IVIg in Patients with Axonal Involvement
Authors: Dada Mohammed Atiq , Kaplan André A
Published: October 2004

Abstract:  Response to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was evaluated in patients diagnosed with Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS). Our aim was to assess response to TPE in patients who had failed treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIg). We conducted a retrospective chart review of 10 patients with the diagnosis of Guillain–Barré Syndrome who required TPE. Patients were identified by reviewing data from log books for TPE at The University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington CT, USA. Patients who had failed IVIg treatment prior to being referred for TPE were also identified. Eight out of 10 patients treated with TPE showed improvement in their neurological exam. Four patients had axonal involvement on electromyelogram (EMG). Three patients were referred for TPE after failing IVIg treatment. All three of these had axonal involvement on EMG. Three of the four patients with axonal involvement demonstrated improvement with TPE. TPE may be a superior treatment option as compared to IVIg in patients with GBS and EMG findings of axonal involvement.
Usability Assessment of Pacemaker Programmers
Authors: CHIU CHRISTINE C. , VICENTE KIM J. , BUFFO‐SEQUEIRA ILAN , HAMILTON ROBERT M. , McCRINDLE BRIAN W.
Published: October 2004

There is a perception among clinicians of usability differences in the user interface of pacemaker programmers, but there is an absence of literature in this area. The purpose of this study was to describe usability differences in pacemaker programmers. Forty‐two programmer users completed self‐administered questionnaires and two usability experts independently performed heuristic evaluation to identify features that violated general usability principles. Programmers from seven manufacturers (coded A–G) were evaluated. There was a balanced representation of users: nurses (58%) versus technologists (40%) who are employed in community (50%) versus academic (45%) hospitals, novice versus expert users based on the median users' programming experience of 60 months (range 1–300 months). Significant differences between programmers were found in overall user satisfaction and ease of programmer use (P < 0.0001) in the display, controls, operation, and physical dimension of the programmers (P < 0.05). Heuristic evaluations showed frequent violations of usability principles in all programmers. Problematic areas include reliance on user recall, inconsistency in operation of critical controls, poor readability, and not anticipating user wants or action. Programmer interface designs do not consistently meet user needs or general usability principles. This impacts on the safe and effective use of programmers. Guidelines in programmer design should be established, particularly with respect to labeling, location, and operation of critical controls.
Persistence of Septal Defects After Transeptal Puncture for Pulmonary Vein Isolation Procedures
Authors: OBEL OWEN , MANSOUR MOUSSA , PICARD MICHAEL , RUSKIN JEREMY , KEANE DAVID
Published: October 2004

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is widely practiced as a means of potentially curing atrial fibrillation (AF). Transeptal puncture is performed for PVI procedures, often two such punctures are performed. We sought to examine the prevalence of medium‐ to long‐ term iatrogenic septal defects after such procedures. Thirty‐one patients who were undergoing their second PVI procedure were studied with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with two‐dimensional imaging and color Doppler, examining the fossa ovalis for defects. Mean time from the original PVI to the time of TEE was 35 weeks. Two patients were discovered to have iatrogenic septal defects. The interval between the first PVI procedure and the TEE showing a septal defect was 33.7 weeks in one patient and 14.3 weeks in the other. Iatrogenic septal defects may occur in the medium‐ to long‐term in patients undergoing PVI procedures for AF. The clinical implications of such defects are unknown.
Positional Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: BETSUYAKU TETSUO , YONEZAWA KAZUYA , SAKURAI MASAYUKI , KITABATAKE AKIRA
Published: October 2004

A 60‐year‐old man showed nonsustained repetitive monomorphic VT in the left lateral position, but this was terminated by deep inspiration. Echocardiography and MRI demonstrated a false tendon extending from the apex to the basal septum where the VT could have originated. Spontaneous remission occurred during the16‐year follow‐up.
Gatifloxacin Induced Torsades De Pointes
Authors: FTEHA ALBER , FTEHA ELIE , HAQ SALMAN , KOZER LEONID , SAUL BARRY , KASSOTIS JOHN
Published: October 2004

The authors present an unusual case of torsades de pointes in an elderly woman treated with intravenous gatifloxacin antibiotic therapy.
Dual Site Coronary Sinus Pacing in a Patient with an Artificial Tricuspid Valve Prosthesis
Authors: BOS HANS S. , POP GHEORGHE A.M. , STEL ERIK A. , VAN GELDER BERRY M.
Published: October 2004

For safety reasons, two leads for left ventricular pacing were implanted in the coronary sinus of a pacemaker dependent patient with an artificial tricuspid valve prosthesis.
A Simpler Solution to the Old Problem of Frozen Leads
Authors: FUSCO DANIEL S. , PASSIK CARY S.
Published: October 2004

Pacemaker generator replacement is usually a straightforward and simple procedure. However, it is occasionally complicated by entrapment of the lead in the header. Solutions to this problem have been described previously. We describe a simpler and safer technique to solve this old problem.
Reflections on six years of the National Literacy Strategy in England: an interview with Stephen Anwyll, Director of the NLS 2001–2004
Authors: Hall Kathy
Published: October 2004

This recorded interview with Stephen Anwyll took place in Summer 2004, just prior to his departure from the post of Director of the National Literacy Strategy to take up a new post. In the interview, Stephen challenges those critics who characterise the Strategy as reductive and mechanistic, but recognises the potential for it to be interpreted in this way if not mediated through knowledgeable and confident teachers. He reflects on how the Strategy has changed and developed over time, and talks about new developments, including greater emphasis on the enjoyment of reading, the importance of encouraging speaking and listening and the recognition of the multiple literacies that children encounter and use.

This interview is significant in that it places on public record, for the first time, the detailed views of policy makers at the centre of the NLS concerning the successes and challenges around the implementation and development of the Strategy during the last six years. It was recorded before the results of the 2004 standard assessment tests were known.

The transcript below has not been edited into a formal written account. It retains the form of spoken discourse.
Differential effects of insulin and dietary amino acids on muscle protein synthesis in adult and old rats
Authors: Prod'homme Magali , Balage Michèle , Debras Elisabeth , Farges Marie‐Chantal , Kimball Scott , Jefferson Leonard , Grizard Jean
Published: October 2004

The potential roles of insulin and dietary amino acids in the regulation of skeletal muscle protein synthesis were examined in adult and old rats. Animals were fed over 1 h with either a 25% or a 0% amino acid/protein meal. In each nutritional condition, postprandial insulin secretion was either maintained or blocked with diazoxide injections. Protein synthesis in gastrocnemius and soleus muscles was assessed in vivo using the flooding dose method. Insulin suppression decreased protein synthesis in both muscles irrespective of the nutritional condition and age of the rats. Moreover, reduced insulinaemia was associated with 4E‐BP1 dephosphorylation, enhanced assembly of the 4E‐BP1−eIF4E inactive complex and hypophosphorylation of eIF4E, p70S6k and protein kinase B, key intermediates in the regulation of translation initiation and protein synthesis. Old rats did not differ from adult rats. The lack of amino acids in the meal of insulin‐suppressed rats did not result in any additional decrease in protein synthesis. In the presence of insulin secretion, dietary amino acid suppression significantly decreased gastrocnemius protein synthesis in adult but not in old rats. Amino acid suppression was associated with reduced phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and p70S6k in adults. Along with protein synthesis, only the inhibition of p70S6k phosphorylation was abolished in old rats. We concluded that insulin is required for the regulation of muscle protein synthesis irrespective of age and that the effect of dietary amino acids is blunted in old rats.