bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two new classifications for pediatric myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Occhipinti Elise , Correa Hernan , Yu Lolie , Craver Randall
Published: September 2004

Background

The category, cytology, cytogenetics (CCC) system for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and the pediatric WHO system for MDS/myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) have recently been proposed to characterize these diseases in pediatrics.

Objective

We compare the CCC and pediatric WHO systems against each other and against the French, American, British (FAB) and adult WHO classifications in order to determine which more accurately classifies these diseases and predicts outcome.

Methods

An 18‐year retrospective review identified patients less than 18 years of age meeting CCC and/or pediatric WHO criteria for the diagnosis of MDS or MPD. Resolution, stability, progression, and death in the subcategories of each system were compared.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were included in the study. Pediatric WHO: 17 patients met criteria, 10 died. Eight developed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (seven died), one juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) (died), one chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) (currently in relapse), two died of complications, two responded to BMT, three have stable disease, one resolved. Eleven patients were not classifiable by the pediatric WHO system, one of which progressed to AML and died. CCC: 26 patients met criteria, 9 died. Nine developed AML (8 died), 1 died of complications, 10 responded to treatment (BMT and/or chemotherapy). Four are stable without treatment, two resolved. Two patients with MPD were not classifiable by the CCC system.

Conclusions

Both the pediatric WHO and CCC systems are better able to classify MDS in children than the adult WHO and FAB classifications. The pediatric WHO system is more exclusive. Children meeting these criteria are more likely to progress to AML or death. The restrictive nature of the pediatric WHO system was unable to classify one case of fatal MDS. The CCC system is more inclusive and can stratify patients into a neutral or poor prognosis based upon outcome. However, the CCC system ignores those diseases with a myeloprolifferative component. This resulted in two cases of MPD that were unclassifiable by the CCC system. One of these patients died, the other is currently in relapse. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral mucosa spectrophotometric changes in healthy parents of patients with Down syndrome
Authors: Latini Giuseppe , Felice Claudio De , Parrini Stefano , Chitano G. , Verrotti Alberto
Published: September 2004

Objective

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most frequent causes of mental retardation. To date, no phenotypical markers in the parents of DS offspring are known. Here, we tested the value of oral mucosal reflectance spectrophotometry in identifying unaffected parents of DS patients (free trisomy 21).

Methods

Oral mucosal reflectance spectrophotometry has been evaluated in 28 parents of DS patients and in 28 gender‐ and age‐matched controls.

Results

DS parents showed a significantly lower light reflectance in the red section of the spectrum than control subjects (610–700‐nm range; P < 0.0001). No significant differences between DS mothers and DS fathers were observed (P ≥ 0.85).

Conclusion

These findings indicate the presence of a previously unrecognized mucosal reflectance abnormality of the oral mucosa of unaffected parents of DS patients, thus offering a new noninvasive phenotypical marker for this condition. Our observation suggests a new tool for screening subjects at high risk for DS offspring. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 3 mosaicism
Authors: Zaslav Ann‐Leslie , Pierno Guy , Davis Jessica , Fougner Arthur , Jacob Jessy , Kazi Rehana , Blumenthal Donna , Sturim Sandra , Shaham Meira , Fox Joyce
Published: September 2004

Objectives

To present the clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular cytogenetic findings of prenatally diagnosed trisomy 3 mosaicism.

Case and Methods

Trisomy 3 mosaicism is rare, and only two cases of prenatally diagnosed trisomy 3 mosaicism have been reported. Amniocentesis, performed for AMA, revealed a karyotype of 47,XX, + 3[8]/46,XX[27]. Periumbilical blood sampling (PUBS) showed 46,XX in 100 cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using an alpha satellite chromosome 3 probe confirmed the cytogenetic findings. A repeat amniocentesis confirmed mosaicism for trisomy 3 (47,XX, + 3[1]/46,XX[18]). The infant was delivered by elective C‐section because of the presence of IUGR and oligohydramnios. The baby had normal physical findings at birth except for symmetric IUGR, apparently resulting from the placental trisomic cell lines. At delivery, chromosome analysis of 50 cells each from blood, placenta, and umbilical cord revealed 46,XX in all cells. FISH analysis of amniotic fluid cells (54 nuclei), peripheral blood (50 nuclei), umbilical cord fibroblasts (57 nuclei), and placental tissue (52 nuclei) demonstrated two signals in 200 nuclei (i.e., 46,XX) and three signals in 13 nuclei (i.e., 47,XX, + 3). At 11 months of age, the baby was progressing normally.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of trisomy 3 mosaicism is problematic for patients and clinicians. This is only the third case of trisomy 3 mosaicism identified at amniocentesis. Ultrasound, PUBS, and evaluation of placental tissues and postnatal peripheral blood, were useful in providing information regarding the fetal involvement of trisomy 3. Additional cases of prenatally diagnosed mosaicism for rare trisomies are necessary to more accurately assess the significance of these findings. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risks of herbal medicinal products
Authors: Ernst E.
Published: September 2004

Purpose

Herbal medicinal products (HMPs) are again highly popular. Their current popularity renders the assessment of their safety an urgent necessity.

Method

Narrative review using examples only.

Results

Constituents of HMPs can be toxic and numerous examples of liver, kidney or other organ damage are on record. All HMPs contain a range of pharmacologically active constituents, and users of HMPs often combine HMPs with prescribed drugs. Thus herb–drug interactions are a real possibility. In most countries, HMPs are not submitted to stringent regulation and control. Thus unreliable quality can be a problem. In particular, this poses a risk when HMPs are contaminated (e.g. with heavy metals) or adulterated (e.g. with prescription drugs). The medical literature holds numerous examples for all of these scenarios and some are used in this article to illustrate the above points. As this area is grossly under‐researched, it is rarely possible to define the size of the problem.

Conclusions

It is concluded that the widespread notion of HMPs being inherently safe is naïve at best and dangerous at worst. More research is required to minimise the risk HMPs may pose to consumers' health. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on crystalline residual stress of the iPP surface layer in Al/iPP/Al under the influence of microwave irradiation
Authors: Zhang Ai‐Min , He Qi‐Jia , Guo Ling‐Hong
Published: September 2004

The residual stress of the iPP surface layer in Al/iPP/Al under the influence of microwave irradiation was investigated by thin film (TF)‐X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Depending on the irradiation time, we calculated the macro residual stress, micro stress, and lattice static distortion stress. The results show that the macroscopic residual tensile stress of irradiated iPP samples dropped from about 12 MPa to 4 MPa. D(300) (the β crystal phase) becomes larger from about 4 to 10 nm as the irradiation time increased, and the β‐form iPP becomes more perfect. However, for theα‐form phase, D(110) remains almost stable. Moreover, the microscopic distortion coefficient ε(300) that decreases from approximately 0.03 to 0.018, becomes smaller than ε(110) parallel to the irradiation time, so the microscopic stress of the β‐crystal is decreased. In addition, the lattice static distortion energy of the α‐form greatly increases from 2 to 6 MPa, but the lattice static distortion energy of the β‐crystals remains constant at about 1.5 MPa and is much smaller than that of the α‐crystals at the same irradiation time. These calculated results are in good agreement with that of the crystallinity and order parameter of the β‐crystals of the TF‐XRD. The lattice distortion energy is a major portion of the plastic deformation, therefore, it suggests that the lattice static distortion energy is the main cause of α → β crystalline transformation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3759–3765, 2004
Neutron crystal structure analysis of polyethylene‐d4: The application of a neutron imaging plate
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhiro , Kumano Takeshi
Published: September 2004

Neutron diffraction provides a more detailed structure than X‐ray diffraction. In this study, a neutron crystal structure analysis of polyethylene‐d4 was carried out with a neutron imaging plate. This was the first crystal analysis of the crystalline polymer with the neutron fiber pattern. The procedure was almost the same as that in a previous work, in which the neutron structure analysis was carried out on the basis of the equatorial reflections. The azimuthal angle of the molecule with respect to the a axis was estimated to be 46.3°. This corresponded well to the value of 45° estimated in the previous work within the accuracy of the standard deviations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3836–3839, 2004
Real‐time whole‐body imaging of an orthotopic metastatic prostate cancer model expressing red fluorescent protein
Authors: Yang Meng , Jiang Ping , Yamamoto Norio , Li Lingna , Geller Jack , Moossa A. R. , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: September 2004

Background

We describe here, a whole‐body imageable spontaneous metastatic model of human prostate cancer developed by surgical orthotopic implantation (SOI) and visualized by red fluorescent protein (RFP) expression.

Methods

Human prostate cancer PC‐3 cells were transduced with the pLNCX2‐DsRed‐2‐RFP retroviral vector containing the RFP and neomycin‐resistance genes. A stable RFP‐expressing PC‐3 clone was selected in 800 μg/ml G418 in vitro and injected subcutaneously in nude mice. Stable high‐level expression of RFP was maintained in the subcutaneously‐growing tumors. To utilize RFP expression for metastasis studies, fragments of the subcutaneously‐growing tumor, which were comprised of RFP‐expressing cells, were implanted by SOI in the prostate of nude mice.

Results

Primary tumor growth, progression, and subsequent lymphatic metastases were visualized in live, intact animals in real time by whole‐body RFP fluorescence imaging. In total, 100% of the experimental animals developed lymphatic metastasis, the growth of which was monitored in real time by whole‐body imaging. The aggressive lymphatic metastasis in this model reflects one of the major metastatic routes of prostate cancer in human patients. Intravital RFP imaging visualized single cancer cells in the lung and bladder. Open RFP imaging at autopsy visualized extensive primary growth and highly disseminated lymph‐node metastases.

Conclusions

The long‐wavelength emission of RFP enabled high sensitivity and resolution of microscopic tumor growth using appropriate imaging techniques. The model should be useful for the real‐time evaluation of novel therapeutics for metastatic prostate cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficiency enhancement of InGaN/GaN light‐emitting diodes utilizing island‐like GaN substrate
Authors: Hsu J. T. , Tsay J. D. , Guo Y. D. , Chuo C. C. , Pan S. M.
Published: September 2004

This study develops a novel way to fabricate GaN LED (light emitting diode) chips with special shape to improve the optical output power. The thick and shaped GaN islands were first prepared on c‐axis sapphire substrate by lithography and selective growth of Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE). The shaped GaN LED chips were then fabricated from each GaN island. The output power from shaped LED chip is measured about 2 times of that from normal cubic chip. It indicates that the island‐like GaN substarte will be useful in the manufacture of high efficient GaN‐based LEDs. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantitative evaluation of the atomic structure of defects and composition fluctuations at the nanometer scale inside InGaN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Ruterana P. , Singh P. , Kret S. , Jurczak G. , Maciejewski G. , Dluzewski P. , Cho H. K. , Choi R. J. , Lee H. J. , Suh E. K.
Published: September 2004

Investigation is carried out by high‐resolution electron microscopy on threading dislocations using data treatments with procedures that allow the extraction of the most likely atomic configurations. We also report In composition fluctuations inside InGaN/GaN quantum wells by coupling HRTEM, image simulation and Finite Element Modelling (FEM) of the thin foil relaxation. The results show that the indium content may be close to x = 1.0 in the clusters and this is much higher that was previously suggested by 2D FEM modelling. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optically pumped lasing and gain formation properties in blue Inx Ga1–x N MQWs
Authors: Kojima K. , Shikanai A. , Omae K. , Funato M. , Kawakami Y. , Narukawa Y. , Mukai T. , Fujita Sg.
Published: September 2004

Lasing and gain formation properties have been studied in an InxGaN1–x multiple quantum wells lasing at around 460 nm by employing the modified variable stripe length method (VSLM) and pump and probe spectroscopy (P&P). It was found that the spontaneous emission (Esp) appeared far below absorption edge (Ea) that is observed as a photo‐bleaching negative‐peak in P&P, indicating the formation of localized tail states. Lasing peaks appeared in between Esp and Ea with wide spectral distribution. This is consistent with the results where VSLM revealed the broad feature of optical gain spectra associated with rapid peak saturation of lasing even just above the threshold photo‐pumping power density. Such mechanism observed in In‐rich InxGa1–xN MQWs is contributed not only from the broad distribution of localized density‐of‐states but also from hot carrier distribution (determined by Maxwell–Boltzmann statistics), temperature of which is raised up due to long energy relaxation time to localized tail states. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and properties of In‐rich InGaN films grown on (0001) sapphire by RF‐MBE
Authors: Kurouchi M. , Araki T. , Naoi H. , Yamaguchi T. , Suzuki A. , Nanishi Y.
Published: September 2004

We have performed detailed investigations of the optical properties of strain‐free In‐rich InxGa1–xN (0.61 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) films that were grown directly on (0001) sapphire substrates by radio‐frequency plasma‐excited molecular beam epitaxy. In‐composition dependence of photoluminescence peak energy for the InxGa1–xN films, measured at room temperature, exhibited a monotonic and smooth decrease with the increase in the In‐composition, approaching to 0.66 eV of a strain‐free InN film that was also grown directly on the sapphire substrate. The energy bowing parameter, b was determined to be 1.8 eV using these strain‐free InxGa1–xN films. Structural properties of these films are also investigated in detail. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reflecting on reconnecting males to higher education
Authors: Clayton Obie , Lucas Hewitt Cynthia , Gaffney Eddie D.
Published: September 2004

This chapter summarizes the recommendations from a Morehouse College symposium on higher education's shifting gender balance, Men on Our Campuses: Reconnecting Males to Liberal Education.
Zur Komposition von Raumfachwerken von Föppl bis Mengeringhausen
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: September 2004

“Architektur ist gefrorene Musik”. Trifft dieses einschlägig oft zitierte Wort des Philosophen Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) auch für Bauwerke des Konstruktiven Ingenieurs zu, dann kann sein Tragwerksentwurf als strukturale Komposition begriffen werden. Dies wird im folgenden begrifflich präzisiert und am Beispiel der historischen Entwicklung der Raumfachwerke aufgezeigt.
Zum Betriebsfestigkeitsnachweis für Gewindestangen
Authors: Schmaußer Gerhard , Nölke Heinz
Published: September 2004

Die Betriebsfestigkeit von Gewindestangen hängt von zahlreichen Parametern ab. Eine bisher wenig bekannte Berechnungsmöglichkeit wird vorgeschlagen, die realistischere und detailliertere Aussagen liefert, als es auf Grund bisher üblicher vereinfachender Annahmen möglich ist.
Neue Regelwerke für Flachbodentanks
Authors: Bußhaus Ludger
Published: September 2004

Mit dem Abschluß der Richtlinie Flachbodentanks als Verbände‐Vereinbarung zwischen dem VdTÜV und dem FDBR und mit den beiden europäischen Normen prEN 14015 und prEN 1993‐4‐2 liegen drei neue Vorschriften für Flachbodentanks vor. Nachstehend werden diese zusammen mit der bisherigen Norm DIN 4119 in Verbindung mit der zugehörigen Anpassungsrichtlinie einander gegenübergestellt und bewertet.
Blends of Maltodextrin and Other Polysaccharides as Binders of Aqueous α‐Alumina Suspensions for Ceramic Processing
Authors: Sikora Marek , Garcia Victor J. , Schilling Christopher H. , Tomasik Piotr , Li Chuanping
Published: September 2004

The aim of the study was to find and investigate some blends of polysaccharides, that could be used as binders and plasticizers in the basic conditions of aqueous alumina suspensions. Aqueous suspensions containing 45% (v/v) α‐alumina and maltodextrin combined with small quantities of other polysaccharides (totally 5 g polysaccharides per 100 g of alumina) were thermally gelled, and their properties characterized by rheological techniques. Gelling formation was found in the systems maltodextrin‐agar, maltodextrin‐agar‐locust bean gum, maltodextrin‐xanthan gum‐locust bean gum, maltodextrin‐xanthan gum and maltodextrin‐carrageenan. The use of maltodextrin was necessary for liquefying the dense aqueous alumina slurries.
Toxicity of the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii to Daphnia magna
Authors: Nogueira Isabel C. G. , Saker Martin L. , Pflugmacher Stephan , Wiegand Claudia , Vasconcelos Vítor M.
Published: September 2004

The effect of two strains of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii on the survivorship, somatic growth, and detoxification processes of juvenile Daphnia magna were investigated. Both strains of C. raciborskii (and also Ankistrodesmus falcatus, used as the control) were given to newborn D. magna at equivalent biovolumes. The survival curves for D. magna subjected to the two C. raciborskii treatments differed from those of the starved and fed treatments. After 48 h of exposure, the percentage of D. magna surviving after exposure to Cylin‐A (a cylindrospermopsin‐producing strain isolated from Australia) and Cylin‐P (a non‐cylindrospermopsin‐producing strain isolated from Portugal) was 10.00% and 93.33%, respectively. The strain that produces cylindrospermopsin caused the greatest toxic effect in juvenile D. magna. Statistically significant differences in D. magna body size between the four treatments (Cylin‐A, Cylin‐P, A. falcatus, and starved) were detected after 48 h of exposure. The juvenile D. magna that received the two C. raciborskii treatments showed an increase in size (relative to their size at T0) of 2.54% and 38.14%, respectively. These values were statistically significantly different than those of the A. falcatus–fed control (55.54%) and the starved control (11.47%). In both C. raciborskii treatments there was a tendency for increased GST enzyme activities after 24 h of exposure. Cylindrospermopsin was detected (HPLC‐MS/MS) in D. magna tissues after 24 and 48 h (0.025 and 0.02 ng animal−1, respectively). The results of this study indicate that C. raciborskii can affect the fitness and growth potential of juvenile D. magna. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 453–459, 2004.
Performance evaluation for IEEE 802.11e enhanced distributed coordination function
Authors: Chen Yunli , Zeng Qing‐An , Agrawal Dharma P.
Published: September 2004

The IEEE 802.11e working group aims to enhance the current 802.11 medium access control (MAC) to support integrated data and voice (or video) communications. Till now, a draft of the IEEE 802.11e enhanced distributed coordination function (EDCF) has been proposed. In the literature, there is very limited analysis about EDCF since it is a new protocol, and most related work are only confined to simulation or saturation state. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of EDCF by dividing the traffic into two groups, namely real‐time packets and non‐real‐time packets, and use an analytical model to quantify the performance of both IFS priority and contention window (CW) priority in the EDCF. In our analysis, we assume that the traffic arrival is a Poisson process. We provide a queue model for EDCF. Since there are multiple stations contending for one channel in the system, the queue model for EDCF cannot be a regular M/G/1 model. We redefine the service time and the waiting time so that we can still use M/G/1 model in the analysis. To validate the accuracy of our analytical results, we have done extensive simulations and we observed that EDCF does provide service differentiation between different traffic categories. But due to the inherent contention characteristic of carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) MAC protocol, the delay cannot be guaranteed, even for the highest priority traffic. A lot more work needs to be done for the MAC protocol to effectively support service differentiation in the future. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient channel allocation scheme for cellular network using maximum channel packing
Authors: Ma Gary H. K. , Zomaya Albert Y.
Published: September 2004

This paper introduces a channel assignment scheme called the maximum channel packing (MCPCA) for mobile cellular network. As the title suggests, the scheme reduces future call blocking probability by increasing the frequency of channel reuse (or channel packing). The scheme is simulated along with the simple fixed channel allocation scheme and a variation of the channel borrowing allocation scheme, under different traffic patterns and intensity. The results show that MCPCA scheme performs better than the other schemes under all conditions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond NIMBYism: towards an integrated framework for understanding public perceptions of wind energy
Authors: Devine‐Wright Patrick
Published: September 2004

It is widely recognised that public acceptability often poses a barrier towards renewable energy development. This article reviews existing research on public perceptions of wind energy, where opposition is typically characterized by the NIMBY (not in my back yard) concept. The objectives of the article are to provide a critical assessment of past research and an integrated, multidimensional framework to guide future work. Six distinct strands of research are identified, summarized and critiqued: public support for switching from conventional energy sources to wind energy; aspects of turbines associated with negative perceptions; the impact of physical proximity to turbines; acceptance over time of wind farms; NIMBYism as an explanation for negative perceptions; and, finally, the impact of local involvement on perceptions. Research across these strands is characterized by opinion poll studies of general beliefs and case studies of perceptions of specific developments. In both cases, research is fragmented and has failed to adequately explain, rather than merely describe, perceptual processes. The article argues for more theoretically informed empirical research, grounded in social science concepts and methods. A multidimensional framework is proposed that goes beyond the NIMBY label and integrates previous findings with social and environmental psychological theory. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Cm and cross product coefficients in influence coefficient algorithms for quantitative XRF analysis
Authors: Vrebos Bruno A. R. , Willis James P.
Published: September 2004

The use of influence coefficients in algorithms for the correction of matrix effects in quantitative XRF analysis is discussed. In principle, multi‐element influence coefficients should be used. In practice, many algorithms are based on the use of binary influence coefficients, even when dealing with multi‐component specimens. This involves approximations which may affect the accuracy of the analysis. It is shown that the effects of this approximation can be reduced, provided that the binary influence coefficients are calculated for the correct composition (this involves the use of Cm, where Cm is the sum of the concentrations of the matrix elements, i.e. Cm = 1 − Ci) and by applying cross‐product coefficients. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parent‐child connections: The essential component for positive youth development and mental health, safe communities, and academic achievement
Authors: Pollack William S.
Published: September 2004

Healthy adolescents mature within the context of loving relationships and ongoing connections.
Phallacidin stains the mitotic spindle of the diatom Pinnularia spp.
Authors: Sampson K.
Published: September 2004

Mitotic spindles of the diatom Pinnularia viritiformis stained with the fluorescent actin‐labelling reagent bodipyphallacidin revealed actin among the chromosomes and extending along the spindle to the poles. This is the first report of actin's presence within spindles of this ecologically important group of organisms. Since diatom mitoses have a number of marked differences compared to that of many other eukaryotes (Int Rev Cytol 128 (1991) 63; Cell 14 (1978) 455), the present observations substantially extend the diversity of mitotic spindle types in which there is evidence of spindle actin.
The Arabidopsis thaliana MEK AtMKK6 activates the MAP kinase AtMPK13
Authors: Melikant Balázs , Giuliani Concetta , Halbmayer-Watzina Susanne , Limmongkon Apinun , Heberle-Bors Erwin , Wilson Cathal
Published: September 2004

Mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases mediate cellular responses to a wide variety of stimuli. Activation of a MAP kinase occurs after phosphorylation by an upstream dual‐specificity protein kinase, known as a MAP kinase kinase or MEK. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes 10 MEKs but few of these have been shown directly to activate any of the 20 Arabidopsis MAP kinases. We show here that functional complementation of the cell lysis phenotype of a mutant yeast strain depends on the co‐expression of the Arabidopsis MEK AtMKK6 and the MAP kinase AtMPK13. The kinase activity of AtMPK13 is stimulated in the presence of AtMKK6 in yeast cells. RT‐PCR analysis showed the co‐expression of these two genes in diverse plant tissues. These data show that AtMKK6 can functionally activate the MAP kinase AtMPK13.
Endoscopic Rehabilitation of Vocal Cord Paralysis with a Silicone Elastomer Suspension Implant
Authors: Duruisseau Olivier , Wagner Isabelle , Fugain Claude , Chabolle Frédéric
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVES

Because of the side effects of Teflon, the risk of infection from the use of collagen, autologous fat resorption, and the lack of alternative substances, injection laryngoplasty tends to be replaced by laryngeal framework surgery as the method of choice for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord recurrent paralysis (LP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results, for morbidity and voice quality, of treating this paralysis by injection of a silicone suspension elastomer implant (SSEI).

STUDY DESIGN

The study was retrospective, and 19 patients were included. Average follow‐up was 25 months (range: 8.3‐43).

METHODS

Each patient underwent clinical and videostroboscopic assessment, and had an electroglottographic recording. Subjective assessment was obtained by self‐evaluation. Results were classified as good, fair, or poor, and were based on 2 objective and 3 subjective criteria. A search was made for biologic signs of autoimmune disorders.

RESULTS

Good, fair, and poor results were respectively 79%, 16%, and 5%. Each set of subjective data showed voice improvement (P < 0.05). The fundamental frequency range, percentage of irregularity, and aspiration decreased significantly (P < 0.05). There was only one case of postoperative dyspnea, which resolved after steroid injection. No biologic signs of autoimmune disorders were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of SSEI is safe. Injection laryngoplasty is easy to perform and avoids cervical scarring. Its results are comparable to those obtained with other techniques, including laryngeal framework surgery, even if there is no standard criterion for the evaluation of voice quality. SSEI injection can reasonably be proposed as a surgical treatment for permanent unilateral vocal cord LP.
CD4+ T Cell Depletion during all Stages of HIV Disease Occurs Predominantly in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Brenchley Jason M. , Schacker Timothy W. , Ruff Laura E. , Price David A. , Taylor Jodie H. , Beilman Gregory J. , Nguyen Phuong L. , Khoruts Alexander , Larson Matthew , Haase Ashley T. , Douek Daniel C.
Published: September 2004

The mechanisms underlying CD4+ T cell depletion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are not well understood. Comparative studies of lymphoid tissues, where the vast majority of T cells reside, and peripheral blood can potentially illuminate the pathogenesis of HIV-associated disease. Here, we studied the effect of HIV infection on the activation and depletion of defined subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the blood, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and lymph node (LN). We also measured HIV-specific T cell frequencies in LNs and blood, and LN collagen deposition to define architectural changes associated with chronic inflammation. The major findings to emerge are the following: the GI tract has the most substantial CD4+ T cell depletion at all stages of HIV disease; this depletion occurs preferentially within CCR5+ CD4+ T cells; HIV-associated immune activation results in abnormal accumulation of effector-type T cells within LNs; HIV-specific T cells in LNs do not account for all effector T cells; and T cell activation in LNs is associated with abnormal collagen deposition. Taken together, these findings define the nature and extent of CD4+ T cell depletion in lymphoid tissue and point to mechanisms of profound depletion of specific T cell subsets related to elimination of CCR5+ CD4+ T cell targets and disruption of T cell homeostasis that accompanies chronic immune activation.
Improving food hygiene standards – a customer focused approach
Authors: Leach Jeremy , Mercer Heather , Stew Graham , Denyer Stephen
Published: September 2004

The notion of consumer sovereignty is not a new concept. However to effectively use it as a tool to improve food hygiene standards, proprietors of eating‐places must know what customers look for to assess those standards. It is also important that customers demonstrate their unwillingness to buy from unhygienic premises. This article summarises research, using the “Delphi Technique”, backed up by semi‐structured interviews which has established a body of new knowledge about the subject. Conclusions are drawn about the relevance of food hygiene standards to running an effective business and the need for a public education campaign. The results also challenge current views about the importance of food hygiene standards to customers.
Conjoint measurement of preferences for traditional cheeses in Lisbon
Authors: Monjardino de Souza Monteiro Diogo , Raquel Ventura Lucas Maria
Published: September 2004

The study of consumers’ motivations, attitudes and preferences are of great importance for marketing strategy definitions when considering protected designation of origin (PDO) cheeses. Previous research, a survey on PDO cheese retailers, and in depth interviews with PDO cheese producers showed that: “price per kilo”, “cheese texture”, “unit of sale size” and “recognition as PDO” were the main attributes affecting preferences for cheeses in Greater Lisbon’s market. Conjoint analysis was used to estimate utilities for those attributes and to determine the existence of consumer groups with similar preference profiles. Results show that recognition as PDO is the most important attribute for the choice of traditional cheeses, followed by price, texture and unit of sale. Three groups of consumers were identified. The first accounts for 28 per cent of respondents who prefer creamy cheese and are not price‐sensitive. A second group is particularly price‐sensitive: it sums up to 16 per cent of respondents. Finally, representing 56 per cent, are those who value certification quality labels but are not willing to pay a premium price for it. The results found may encourage producers to adjust their marketing efforts to consider the different PDO cheese consumer segments.
Are new deal employment initiatives on target?
Authors: McQuaid Ronald W. , Greig Malcolm , Adams John
Published: September 2004

This paper tests the appropriateness of government employment policies in targeting specific groups of unemployed job seekers in the UK. A sample of 169 job seekers is divided into those who were successful and unsuccessful in finding employment and the attributes of each group is analysed. A factor analysis of these attributes is carried out in order to develop typical profiles of unsuccessful job seekers and these profiles are compared with current policy target groups. The findings show that high levels of accumulated human and financial capital, non‐metropolitan residence and accessibility to centres of employment have a positive impact on job search success. This casts doubt on the appropriateness of using socio‐demographic and local area characteristics to select job seekers for assistance, when other factors appear to have more bearing on job search success. The only current policy target group fully justified by this study is the long‐term unemployed, who had a significantly lower chance of finding unemployment.
Impact of export promotion programs on firm competencies, strategies and performance
Authors: Francis June , Collins‐Dodd Colleen
Published: September 2004

Export promotion programs are provided by governments to help firms, especially small and medium‐sized ones, overcome real or perceived obstacles to exporting. To date, there has been limited empirical evidence of the effectiveness of these efforts. This study clarifies the ways in which export promotion programs bolster the export competence and export activities of firms by drawing on the results of a survey of small and medium‐sized Canadian high‐technology firms. The results suggest that using a greater number of government programs influences the achievement of export objectives and export expansion strategies, and enhances export marketing competencies. By segmenting firms by level of export involvement, a clearer picture of the benefits and limitations of export promotion programs emerges. These results suggest that sporadic and active exporters gain the most from export promotion programs, while there is little impact in the short term for more experienced international firms who derive most of their incomes from exporting.
A comparison of public library use of statistics – a cross‐country survey report
Authors: Quan Liu Yan
Published: September 2004

Librarians have been involved in collecting and disseminating statistics for many years. Utilizing statistics to describe and assess the operation of library activities as a part of library tradition has received growing attention from researchers, policymakers, library managers, and professionals. However, few studies have investigated how statistics are used in libraries. This report compares directors’ uses of statistics provided by national agencies in the USA and China to highlight differences and similarities of the uses the two countries’ directors make of statistics and the statistical information that directors find particular useful. The results are intended to provide library administrators with an insight of how library statistics are used in the managerial process and may also help the national statistical providers to obtain an understanding of the characteristics and pattern of use of their products.
Moving the drama into the factory: the contribution of metaphors to services research
Authors: Goodwin Cathy
Published: September 2004

Although services research has made extensive use of metaphors, there is a need to understand the way metaphors incorporate assumptions about the phenomenon under study, the focus of research attention and managerial implications. Defines metaphors as a transfer of information from the familiar to the unfamiliar, emphasizing the cognitive rather than literary properties of metaphor. While several metaphors have been presented in the services literature, factory and drama metaphors predominate. An analysis of recent publications suggests that use of factory or drama metaphors reflects an implicit model of services, and researchers blend factory and drama metaphors to take into account the human qualities of service inputs. Addresses concerns expressed by those who criticize the use of metaphor in social science research and suggests that metaphors can contribute to increased creativity in services research.
Accessible advertising for visually‐disabled persons: the case of color‐deficient consumers
Authors: Kaufman‐Scarborough Carol
Published: September 2004

Successful advertising must attract attention, communicate clearly, and ideally be memorable for optimum impact. The basic processes of encoding and decoding underlie successful communication, but advertisers often neglect to test for accessibility by visually‐disabled persons. The present paper will present a framework for detecting information‐processing problems and illustrate the use of this framework by analyzing the responses of color‐deficient consumers.
What Lies Beyond Knowledge Management: Wisdom Creation and Versatility
Authors: Matthews Peter
Published: September 2004

This paper reports on the development of Aqua Universitas ‐ Anglian Water’s University of Water ‐ and the Company’s journey towards wisdom creation. It supports the Company’s vision of “creating and sustaining knowledge for sustainable water management”. This vision draws on the work done by Nonaka and Takeuchi and recognizes different kinds of knowledge and methods of knowledge transfer. Aqua Universitas will enable Anglian Water to have the best people, teams and organization to provide the best service ‐ through wisdom creation and exploitation.
How the chief risk officer is taking centre stage
Authors: Lamser Igor , Helland Erik
Published: September 2004

Traces the history of the development of the chief risk officer. Considers where the value of such a role lies. Outlines the skills required by the individual and discusses the competing issues which firms must bear in mind.
Analysing the allure of alternative risk transfer
Authors: Mundy Chris
Published: September 2004

Draws on the results of a survey into alternative risk transfer by Marsh Risk Finance covering major corporations over three years. Covers the needs of the buyers rather than the suppliers. Shows how alternative risk transfer can be of value to the insurance world in particular. Highlights a need for this technique to reach a wider audience as buyer perceptions change.
The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) Report Summaries
Authors: Smith Anthony
Published: September 2004

These reports are useful summaries of a quantity of research undertaken over a course of years by the independent HEPI research unit, based in Oxford. They are researched responses to the range of issues and questions which have been current in UK higher education over the last five or six years. Future social historians will surely discern, through their tiny print and clear thought, the growing instrumentality of this era, the nervous concern of the authorities, as costs rise, to ensure that university education brings economic benefit to the nation as a whole.
The role of CD8+ cells in the establishment and maintenance of a Trichuris muris infection
Authors: Humphreys N. E. , Worthington J. J. , Little M. C. , Rice E. J. , Grencis R. K.
Published: September 2004

Chronic infection by the caecal‐dwelling intestinal murine nematode Trichuris muris occurs if given as a high‐dose infection to ‘susceptible’ AKR mice or as a low‐dose infection to the normally ‘resistant’ C57BL/6 mouse strain. Both regimes result in a type 1 cytokine response, i.e. high levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐12. Here we show this susceptible response is associated with a large population of CD8+ IFN‐γ+ cells within the mesenteric lymph nodes and numerous CD8+ cells infiltrating the caecal mucosa. Despite this, the in vivo abolition of CD8+ cells within AKR and C57BL/6 mice, either prior to infection or once infection has become established, failed to affect chronicity, implying that CD8+ T cells are not essential for the initiation or maintenance of the susceptible response to T. muris. Interestingly, the percentage of IFN‐γ+ CD4+ cells increased in treated groups, perhaps in a compensatory role. The majority of antigen‐specific cytokine responses were comparable in both treated and control groups, although IL‐5 was fivefold higher in animals receiving anti‐CD8 mAbs and IFN‐γ was also raised in treated mice. Mastocytosis was unaltered by CD8 depletion, however, paradoxically, eosinophilia within the caecum was reduced in treated mice. Together these data clearly demonstrate that CD8+ T cells are associated with chronic T. muris infection; however, these cells are dispensable for both the early and late phases of this response, but do appear to play a role in the regulation of certain cytokines and caecal eosinophilia.
High‐resolution typing of HLA‐DRB1 locus in the Macedonian population
Authors: Petlichkovski A. , Efinska‐Mladenovska O. , Trajkov D. , Arsov T. , Strezova A. , Spiroski M.
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  The Macedonian population is of special interest for HLA anthropological study in the light of unanswered questions regarding its origin and relationship with other populations, especially the neighbouring Balkanians. Two studies have been performed to examine HLA molecular polymorphism in the Macedonian population, so far. The present study is the first to be performed in Macedonia using high‐resolution sequence‐based method for direct HLA typing. The study included 158 unrelated healthy volunteers of Macedonian origin and nationality, having a Christian Orthodox religion. After the simultaneous amplification of exon‐2 on both HLA‐DRB1 alleles, DNA sequencing was used for genotype assignment. In the 158 samples analysed, all 316 alleles were typed and a total of 29 different DRB1 alleles were detected, with DRB1*1601 being the most frequent allele (14.9%), followed by DRB1*1104 (13.9%). A phylogenetic tree constructed on the basis of the high‐resolution data deriving from other populations revealed the clustering of Macedonians together with other Balkan populations (Greeks, Croats, Turks and Romanians) and Sardinians, close to another “European” cluster consisting of the Italian, French, Danish, Polish and Spanish populations. The included African populations grouped on the opposite side of the tree.
Development of a multiplex PCR‐SSP method for Killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genotyping
Authors: Sun J.Y. , Gaidulis L. , Miller M.M. , Goto R.M. , Rodriguez R. , Forman S.J. , Senitzer D.
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  Killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) on natural killer (NK) cells recognize groups of HLA class I alleles. Recent work suggests that KIR genotype may affect the outcome of hematopoietic stem‐cell transplants and that prospective KIR typing maybe of benefit in future matching of donors and recipients. A simple and informative KIR genotyping method was developed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer strategy. This method contains four multiplex reactions for detecting all functional KIR genes, including some 2DS4 variants that harbor a common deletion. Primer pairs were designed to provide short amplicons (108–565 bp) that can be analyzed by agarose gel electrophoreses or by automated electrophoretic systems. This method was evaluated in a blinded survey with the NK/KIR Phase II QC Panel (a total of 16 cell lines) from the 14th International Histocompatibility Workshop (IHWS), and the results are 100% concordant with the consensus genotype. Results in further KIR genotyping of 20 reference cell lines from the 10th IHWS were consistent with previously published genotypes, matching those of one study in instances where different genotypes have been previously reported. The genotypes obtained in this study may be helpful to other labs developing KIR genotyping methods in resolving typing discrepancies and in detecting common deletion variants of 2DS4. This method can save labor and reagent costs. It provides good results from partially degraded template DNA due to short amplicons in this method. It is convenient to use in both clinical and research laboratories.
HLA class‐I and HLA class‐II phenotypic, gene and haplotypic frequencies in Tunisians by using molecular typing data
Authors: Ayed K. , Ayed‐Jendoubi S. , Sfar I. , Labonne M.‐P. , Gebuhrer L.
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  The aim of this study is to define a reliable reckoning of gene frequencies and six‐locus haplotypic frequencies of HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1 and HLA‐DPB1 in the Tunisian population. One hundred unrelated random, healthy people originating from various parts of Tunisia were typed for the alleles of the loci mentioned above by using the molecular techniques polymerase chain reaction – hybridization with oligonucleotide probe (PCR‐SSO) and sequence specific primers (SSP). The population studied appeared to be in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Allelic frequency distributions were observed at each locus. The most frequent HLA‐A alleles were HLA‐A*02 (39%) HLA‐A*0101 (25%), HLA‐A*30 (21%) and HLA‐A*2301 (18%). Moreover, HLA‐3A*3601, HLA‐1A*6601, HLA‐1A*3402 and HLA‐2A*8001 were found; however, no HLA‐A*4301 was detected. For the HLA‐B locus, the most common in descending order were HLA‐B*44 (22%), HLA‐B*5001 (19%), HLA‐B*51 (16%) and HLA‐B*18 (15%). Among the 28 alleles HLA‐Cw detected, HLA‐Cw*6 and HLA‐Cw*7 were highly predominant with the frequencies of 33 and 30%, respectively. For the HLA class‐II loci, HLA‐DRB1*0701, HLA‐DRB1*11, HLA‐DRB1*13 and HLA‐DRB1*03 were the most frequent DR alleles. For the HLA‐DPB1, HLA‐DPB1*0401, HLA‐DPB1*0301 and HLA‐DPB1*0201 were the most frequent DP alleles. Many haplotypes were in a strong positive‐linkage disequilibrium. The most frequent haplotypes for HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C and HLA‐DRDQ were HLA‐A*3301, HLA‐B*1402, HLA‐Cw*0802, HLA‐DRB1*0102, HLA‐DQA1*0101 and HLA‐DQB1*0501; HLA‐A*2402, HLA‐B*0801, HLA‐Cw*0702, HLA‐DRB1*0301, HLA‐DQA1*0501 and HLA‐DQB1*0201; HLA‐A*2902, HLA‐B*4403.1, HLA‐Cw*1601, HLA‐DRB1*0701, HLA‐DQA1*0201 and HLA‐DQB1*0202; HLA‐A*3002, HLA‐B*1801, HLA‐Cw*0501, HLA‐DRB1*0301, HLA‐DQA1*0501 and HLA‐DQB1*0201, with frequencies between 0.025 and 0.015. These data can be used as control data for HLA disease associations and paternity studies, but they are also important for the evaluation of the probability rate of success in determining the optimal matched donor in unrelated stem transplantation for Tunisian patients or patients of Tunisian origin.