bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Lansoprazole in Children 13 to 24 Months Old With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Heyman Melvin B , Zhang Weijiang , Huang Bidan , Chiu Yi‐Lin , Amer Fouad , Winter Harland S
Published: January 2007

Objectives:

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lansoprazole in children between 13 and 24 months of age with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods:

From the population of 66 children with symptomatic GERD, erosive esophagitis (≥grade 2) or esophageal pH <4 for >4.2% of the 24‐h period who participated in a phase I/II, open‐label, multicenter (11 sites) US study, a subanalysis of 8 toddlers between 13 and 24 months of age was performed. All children were treated, based on body weight, with lansoprazole 15 mg once daily for 8 to 12 weeks. If a child were still symptomatic after 2 weeks of treatment, then the dose of lansoprazole could be increased to twice daily at the discretion of the investigator. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed at day 5. Twenty‐four‐hour median intragastric pH and the percentage of time intragastric pH >3 or >4 were assessed at baseline and at day 5 of treatment. Symptom response was assessed by investigator interview and daily diary. Safety was monitored by physical examinations including vital signs, adverse event assessments and laboratory evaluations.

Results:

Pharmacokinetic analysis of 5 children found a mean time to reach maximum concentration of 1.4 h, maximal plasma concentrations of 894 ng/mL, area under the concentration time curve of 1906 ng * h/mL and a half‐life of 0.66 h. Significant (P ≤ 0.027) increases from baseline to day 5 were observed in mean 24‐h intragastric pH (2.76–3.52) and the percentages of time pH were >3 (29.46%–55.36%) and pH was >4 (16.96%–40.77%). Six of the 8 children had improvement in their overall GERD symptom severity on the basis of investigator assessment, and a reduction was seen in the percentage of days with moderate, severe or very severe GERD symptoms compared with baseline. The dosage of lansoprazole was increased in 3 of the 8 children. Median fasting serum gastrin level increased from 65.0 pg/mL at baseline to 136.5 pg/mL at the final visit. Treatment‐related events were mild constipation (1 subject) and mild diarrhea (1 subject).

Conclusions:

Although larger studies are needed to confirm these results, lansoprazole displays pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters in children between 13 and 24 months of age that are similar to those results observed in older children as well as adults.
Nutritional Deficiencies in Learning and Cognition
Authors: Yehuda S , Rabinovitz S , Mostofsky DI
Published: January 2007

The postinfancy period is crucial for normal brain development, providing subsequent optimal conditions for learning and cognition. Both iron deficiency and essential fatty acids deficiency may impair normal neurological development. This review examines the limited number of studies that have been performed in preschool children and offers a broader view of the relationships among nutrition, nutrients and cognition.
Clinical significance of RET/PTC and p53 protein expression in sporadic papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zafon C , Obiols G , Castellví J , Tallada N , Baena J A , Simó R , Mesa J
Published: January 2007

Aims:  Rearranged during Transfection (RET)/papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and p53 are two genes involved in the pathogenesis of PTC. It has been suggested that RET/PTC expression is associated with higher rates of local extension and lymph node involvement, whereas p53 mutations are more frequent in poorly differentiated and anaplastic carcinomas. In addition, experimental studies have shown that p53 activity can modify the behaviour of PTC carrying RET/PTC. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of both RET/PTC and p53 in order to evaluate their usefulness as prognostic factors.

Methods and results:  Resected specimens of 61 cases of PTC were studied immunohistochemically using a polyclonal antibody to RET and a monoclonal antibody to p53 protein. RET/PTC expression was associated with extrathyroid extension of PTC, at diagnosis (P < 0.05). In contrast, no relationship between p53 immunoreactivity and clinical status was found. In addition, p53 expression was more prevalent among RET/PTC+ patients, and significantly influenced the relationship observed between RET/PTC and extrathyroid extension of the disease.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that immunohistochemistry for both PTC/RET and p53 could be useful in the clinical evaluation of patients with PTC.
The erosive potential of flavoured sparkling water drinks
Authors: BROWN CATRIONA J. , SMITH GAY , SHAW LINDA , PARRY JASON , SMITH ANTHONY J.
Published: January 2007

Objective.  The potential role of acidic drinks in the aetiology of dental erosion is well recognized. Whilst the wide‐scale consumption of bottled waters is unlikely to contribute significantly to erosion, the role of flavoured sparkling water drinks is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the pH, titratable acidity and in vitro erosive potential of a selection of these drinks drawn from the UK market to identify what dietary advice would be appropriate in relation to their consumption.

Methods.  pH was measured using a pH electrode and titratable acidity recorded by titration with 0.1‐m NaOH. Erosive potential was assessed using an in vitro dissolution assay with hydroxyapatite powder and electron microscopic examination of surface enamel of extracted human teeth, following exposure to the flavoured sparkling waters for 30 min.

Results.  All of the flavoured waters tested showed appreciable titratable acidity (0.344–0.663 mmol) and low pH (2.74–3.34). In the hydroxyapatite dissolution assay, all of the waters demonstrated erosive potential (89–143%) similar to or greater than that of pure orange juice, an established erosive drink. Exposure of the extracted teeth to the flavoured waters resulted in surface changes consistent with erosive dissolution.

Conclusions.  Flavoured sparkling waters should be considered as potentially erosive, and preventive advice on their consumption should recognize them as potentially acidic drinks rather than water with flavouring.
In vivo and transgenic animal models used to study visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Fioramonti J. , Gebhart G. F.
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Measurement of visceral sensitivity in animals is mainly based on ‘pseudoaffective’ responses, which are brain stem reflexes. For example, in female, but not male rats, acute partial restraint stress induces hypersensitivity to colorectal distension. Mucosal mast cell density increases in rats after nematode infection or maternal deprivation, and both also induce colon hypersensitivity. Significantly, the proximity between nerves and mast cells has been found to be increased in adult rats submitted to maternal deprivation. Protease activation of the proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 also increases visceral nociception in rats, suggesting that an increase in paracellular permeability may be the primum movens in several animal models of visceral hypersensitivity. Accumulating evidence suggests that sensitization of visceral afferents is not restricted to the presumed nociceptor population, suggesting that most of the mechanosensitive afferent population can contribute to visceral discomfort and pain. Other inflammation‐produced changes (e.g. subunit composition of purine‐gated P2X channels) in visceral sensory neurones may also contribute to visceral hypersensitivity. This article discusses use of in vivo strategies (and transgenic mouse models) to reveal putative roles in mechanosensitivity and sensitization for molecules not previously considered to have mechanosensory functions.
Serotonergic and non‐serotonergic targets in the pharmacotherapy of visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Bueno L. , De Ponti F. , Fried M. , Kullak‐ublick G. A. , Kwiatek M. A. , Pohl D. , Quigley E. M. M. , Tack J. , Talley N. J.
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Visceral hypersensitivity is considered a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Targeting visceral hypersensitivity seems an attractive approach to the development of drugs for functional GI disorders. This review summarizes current knowledge on targets for the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity, and the status of current and future drug and probiotic treatment development, and the role of pharmacogenomic factors.
Normal long‐term parathyroid function after autologous bone marrow transplantation in children
Authors: Frisk Per , Arvidson Johan , Stridsberg Mats , Gustafsson Jan
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Parathyroid function was recently reported to be affected in more than one‐third of pediatric BMT patients conditioned without irradiation. Our aim was to describe parathyroid function in children with malignant hematological disease after autologous BMT with and without TBI. PTH, albumin‐corrected serum calcium, and serum phosphate were analyzed in 35 children followed for six months to nine yr after BMT. Twelve patients were conditioned with chemotherapy alone, and 23 patients received TBI as well. In the TBI group, 11 patients had previously received additional CRT. We found normal levels of PTH in children post‐BMT, with the exception of four patients (11%) who showed transient PTH elevation during the first year of follow‐up, There was no difference between those who had received irradiation and those who had not. Serum calcium was unchanged after BMT. An age‐corrected quotient of serum phosphate decreased slightly. Renal function which was normal before BMT decreased slightly in both groups after BMT, but was within the normal range. Parathyroid function was found to be normal during the time frame of this study, irrespective of whether irradiation had been given.
Influence of male aggregation size on female visitation in Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Weldon Christopher W
Published: January 2007

Abstract  The importance of male aggregation size for female visitation and initiation of male pheromone‐calling was investigated in Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) using artificial male aggregations in large laboratory cages. Female B. tryoni visited the largest aggregation more frequently than single males in association with a higher proportion of calling males, but there was no correlation between aggregation size and female visitation. Female B. tryoni had a limited capacity to perceive a difference between the number of calling males. Calling propensity of male B. tryoni was increased by the presence of conspecific males. Increased calling propensity in larger groups of male B. tryoni may be due to social facilitation of male calling behaviour. Female visitation at aggregations was only weakly associated with male calling, suggesting that aggregation size and the number of pheromone‐calling males are not the only factors important in locating mates in B. tryoni, and it is possible that low‐density populations could persist so long as females can encounter single males.
Fatigue crack initiation and growth in solder alloys
Authors: KANCHANOMAI C. , MUTOH Y.
Published: January 2007

In modern electronic packaging, especially surface mount technology (SMT), thermal strain is usually induced between components during processing, and in service, by a mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficients. Since solder has a low melting temperature and is softer than other components in electronic packaging, most of the cyclic stresses and strains take place in the solder. Fatigue crack initiation and fatigue crack propagation are likely to occur in the solder even when the cyclic stress is below the yield stress. It is an objective of this research to study the behaviour of fatigue crack initiation and propagation in both lead‐containing solder (63Sn‐37Pb), and lead‐free solders (Sn‐3.5Ag). The effect of alloying (Cu and Bi addition), frequency, tensile hold time and temperature on low cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviour of the solders is discussed. Mechanisms of LCF crack initiation and propagation are proposed and LCF life prediction, based on the various models, is carried out.
Prevalence of obesity in 4–18‐year‐old population in the Basque Country, Spain
Authors: Larrañaga N. , Amiano P. , Arrizabalaga J. J. , Bidaurrazaga J. , Gorostiza E.
Published: January 2007

The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in the Basque Country, Spain. It consisted of an analysis of baseline data of the Nutrition Survey, a cross‐sectional study, carried out in 2004–2005. The study population comprised child and adolescent living in the Basque Country. The analysis was carried out in a representative random sample of 1178 people aged 4–18 years. Anthropometric examinations were undertaken by trained observers using standardized methods and included measurements of weight and height. Subjects were classified into different body mass index categories, according to the International Obesity Task Force guidelines. A 5.4% of the population studied was obese; 6% of males and 4.7% of females, the highest in the 11–14 age group in boys (7.2%) and in the 4–6 age group in girls (12.5%). Overweight (22.9%) was slightly higher in girls. The highest prevalence of excess weight (overweight+obesity) was observed in girls aged 4–6 years (38.4%), decreasing with age. Subjects in the 15–18 age group rated 16.6%. Boys evidenced a higher excess weight rate in the 11–14 (32.9%) and 7–10 (32%) age groups; the lowest rate was found in the 4–6 age group. Prevalence of obesity was higher in the less privileged socio‐economic strata (6.9% vs. 5.2%), for both boys and girls. However, this trend was observed only in girls for overweight (25.9% vs. 21.8%). This study shows a high prevalence of obesity and overweight in the studied population and similar to other European countries and regions.
Theory, Ideology, Rhetoric: Ideas in Politics and the Case of ‘Community’ in Recent Political Discourse
Authors: Buckler Steve
Published: January 2007

The article develops and applies a framework for examining the way in which ideas figure and re-figure in political discourse. The framework identifies three ‘levels’ of discourse: theory, ideology and rhetoric. These are distinguished by reference to the differing performative conditions pertaining at each level, which in turn explain differing styles and modalities. The framework allows a multilayered examination of political ideas, employing an analysis at one level in order to illuminate another. The framework is then applied to the case of the idea of community as it has figured in recent British political discourse and allows an elucidation of the ideological adaptations and rhetorical strategies in which the idea has featured. The analysis reveals the discursive complexities attaching to the use of ideas in politics.
Using Devolution to Set the Agenda? Venue Shift and the Smoking Ban in Scotland
Authors: Cairney Paul
Published: January 2007

This article examines the changing agendas on smoking-related issues in Scotland. It charts the methods that groups, governments and MSPs use to frame and pursue or suppress discussion of the prohibition of smoking in public places. The article presents two narratives—one which stresses ‘new politics’ and the ability of groups to influence policy through Scottish Parliamentary procedures, and another which stresses Scottish Executive ‘business as usual’ and presents smoking legislation as a logical progression from early ministerial commitments. A combination of narratives suggests that tobacco legislation in Scotland was by no means part of an inevitable international trend towards prohibition and this article traces the precise conditions or ‘policy windows’ in which decisions take place. The discussion highlights the often unsettled nature of the devolution settlement and the ability of Scottish issues to influence UK agendas.
Reporting on responsible drinking: a study of the major UK pub‐owning companies
Authors: Pratten John D.
Published: January 2007

For much of the 20th century, brewers owned the majority of British public houses. In 1989, the Monopoly and Mergers Commission brought about the dissolution of the brewers' estates, and two types of pub‐owning companies emerged. One employed managers, and the other leased their outlets to individual operators. In the present climate of opposition to excessive drinking, their approach to retailing is being brought into question, with public demands for a responsible approach. This article examines the different responses of the major firms within the industry.
Union Shareholder Activism in the Context of Declining Labour Law Protection: four Australian case studies
Authors: Anderson Kirsten , Ramsay Ian , Marshall Shelley , Mitchell Richard
Published: January 2007

In the face of declining prominence and influence under industrial relations laws regulating Australian workplaces, Australian trade unions appear increasingly to be directing their attention to Corporations Law as a mechanism for pursuing union and employee “voice” within corporate business organisation. This paper undertakes an examination of four recent “union shareholder” campaigns, the circumstances in which they were undertaken, the objectives of the “union shareholder” strategies and the outcomes of the campaigns. The paper also opens up for consideration whether union shareholder activism is merely a new strategy for pursuing conventional industrial aims, or whether it potentially represents a move by unions to identify themselves as “insiders” with a dual interest in the profitability and governance of the corporation as both shareholders and stakeholders.
Policy Positions, Information Acquisition and Turnout
Authors: Degan Arianna
Published: January 2007

This paper explores the relationship between policy positions, information acquisition and turnout. In particular, information acquisition and turnout choices are characterized as a function of citizens' policy positions. It is found that middle‐of‐the‐road citizens are the most likely to both acquire political information and abstain. Comparative‐statics analysis of the information technology indicates that an increase in the effectiveness of information has a higher (positive) impact on information and turnout than a comparable decrease in the cost of information. Furthermore, following a polarization, information and abstention are found to increase.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REFORMS AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DETERMINATION: EVIDENCE FROM THE UK*
Authors: GIRMA SOURAFEL , THOMPSON STEVE , WRIGHT PETER W.
Published: January 2007

This paper examines the effect that the ‘Cadbury reforms’ have had on the pay determination process of executives in the UK. Our results suggest that, on average, the impact has been disappointing. The relationship between pay and performance remains weak and the link to firm size has, if anything, been strengthened. However, our results suggest considerable heterogeneity in the impact of the reforms, and for those firms above median employment the link between pay and profits appears to have been reinforced.
MARKET NICHE, FLEXIBILITY AND COMMITMENT*
Authors: BASOV SUREN , SMIRNOV VLADIMIR , WAIT ANDREW
Published: January 2007

We study a market‐entry game in which the potential entrants wish to coordinate their actions (i.e. enter different market segments rather than compete directly). If (i) the firms have an option to wait, and (ii) each firm has a different reaction time after they have decided to wait, the unique outcome that survives the iterated elimination of weakly dominated strategies favors the less flexible firms.
Elizabeth Singer Rowe und ihre Bedeutung für die deutsche Frauenliteratur des 18. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Damrau Peter
Published: January 2007

Es soll im nachfolgenden Aufsatz gezeigt werden, wie die in England und Deutschland äußerst populäre und als ‘Genie’ gefeierte Elizabeth Singer Rowe Anfang des 18. Jahrhunderts eine Vorbildfunktion in der Entwicklung des Briefromans einnimmt, dann aber aufgrund ihres Geschlechts und ihrer religiösen Intentionen von der Literaturforschung weitgehend ignoriert wird. Besonders Rowes Freundschaft im Tode, das von dem einflussreichen Johann Mattheson übersetzt und von Meta Klopstock und Wieland imitiert wurde, zeigt bereits die Kombination von romantischer Liebe und moralischer Belehrung, die zur Literarisierung des Briefes in Deutschland beiträgt und damit die Romane Richardsons und La Roches vorbereitet. Die fiktive und subjektive Darstellung der Tugendhaftigkeit, der Verführungsproblematik und des Freundschaftskultes etablieren dabei entscheidende Tendenzen, die für die frühe Literaturtradition von Frauen von entscheidender Bedeutung sind.
“Er ist das Maß”:1 Franz Kafka in Libuše Moníková
Authors: Haines Brigid
Published: January 2007

This article explores the reception of Franz Kafka in two novels by the Czech writer, Libuše Moníková (1945–98). In Pavane für eine verstorbene Infantin (1983) Moníková does battle with Kafka's legacy in order to assert her own literary presence. The next novel, Die Fassade (1987), testifies to her success in finding her own voice, but this did not mean holding Kafka in any less high regard: this work, whose central metaphor – a Bohemian castle – invokes Kafka directly, explores the view of Kafka's works with which Milan Kundera also engaged, namely that they anticipated the structures and absurdities of totalitarian rule. My reading of the literary encounter between Kafka and Moníková places it within its historical context, taking account both of Kafka's political significance in Czechoslovakia during the 1980s and of his popularity in the West. As a Czech from Prague and a trained Germanist working in the Federal Republic of Germany, Moníková was uniquely placed to appreciate both these aspects. I employ the concept of a minor literature, developed by Deleuze and Guattari to describe Kafka's work, in order to explore Moníková's similarly ambiguous place on the border between Czech and German culture.
Brain‐type Natriuretic Peptide Release and Seizure Activity during Vagal Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Rauchenzauner Markus , Haberlandt Edda , Högler Wolfgang , Luef Gerhard
Published: January 2007

Summary:  Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has emerged as an effective adjunctive therapy for medically refractory epilepsy when surgery is inadvisable. N‐terminal brain‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is a potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasodilatative compound first discovered in the human brain but mainly synthesized in the myocardium. The monitoring of VNS effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency or the detection of possible cardiac adverse effects would be helped by a reliable biochemical marker, which has not been available thus far. We report a four‐year‐old boy with drug‐resistant idiopathic generalized epilepsy whose NT‐proBNP levels increased during VNS and seizures.
Agency Evolution, New Institutionalism, and ‘Hybrid’ Policy Domains: Lessons from the ‘Greening’ of the U.S. Military
Authors: Durant Robert F.
Published: January 2007

Neoinstitutionalists applying the logic of rational choice institutionalism have leavened our understanding of public agency design and evolution in the domestic and national security policy domains. This paper seeks to advance theory building in empirically grounded ways by assessing the explanatory power of an important theoretical perspective (rational choice institutionalism), in an understudied “hybrid” policy domain where domestic and national security aims interact (domestic environmental policy and national security policy), and in an organizational type (the U.S. military) that has drawn scant attention from students of bureaucracy in political science, public administration, or public management. Analysis of three major efforts to green the U.S. military suggests that the patterns of politics accompanying agency evolution involving hybrid policy domains differ from domestic and national security domains in ways that limit the generalizability of rational choice institutionalism.
Human seminal plasma allergy – a rare cause of recurrent anaphylaxis
Authors: Nist Gabriele C. , Von Den Driesch Peter
Published: January 2007

Allergies to sperm are very uncommon. A 23‐year old woman with atopic dermatitis complained of three attacks of angioedema, urticaria, wheezing and weakness. When questioned about factors causing exercise‐induced anaphylaxis, the patient reported having had sexual intercourse with the same partner one hour before each event. When using condoms, no symptoms occurred. Human seminal plasma allergy was confirmed by positive skin testing with the partner's sperm. Specific IgE‐antibodies against human seminal plasma were not found. The patient received an emergency kit for anaphylaxis.
Development of a Novel Metalworking Fluid Engineered for Use With Microfiltration Recycling
Authors: Wentz J. E. , Kapoor S. G. , DeVor R. E. , Rajagopalan N.
Published: January 2007

Membrane microfiltration is a promising technology that has been shown to extend metalworking fluid (MWF) life by eliminating contaminants while allowing the fluid to stay in use. However, the efficacy of this technology is compromised by the clogging of the filter pores in a process known as membrane fouling. In this paper the fouling issue is addressed by the development of a semi-synthetic MWF specifically designed to not foul microfiltration membranes. The composition of the designed MWF is discussed and compared with a commercial MWF. Cross-flow microfiltration fouling tests were carried out in low-pressure, high-velocity conditions on ceramic α-alumina membranes. Several common MWF components are shown not to be factors of membrane fouling on these membranes. The flux of the designed fluid was found to reach an immediate steady state at about twice the value of the steady-state flux of the tested commercial fluid. Scanning electron microscope imaging was used to further evaluate membrane fouling by each fluid. The machining capabilities of the designed fluid were examined in terms of cutting forces and machining temperature.
Calculation of lateral buildup ratio using Monte Carlo simulation for electron radiotherapy
Authors: Chow James C. L.
Published: January 2007

Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the lateral buildup ratio (LBR) used in estimating the percentage depth dose (PDD) and dose per monitor unit for an irregular shaped cutout field in electron radiotherapy. Monte Carlo code BEAMnrc/EGSnrc was used to build a simulation model for a Varian 21 EX linear accelerator producing clinical electron beams with energies of 4, 6, 9, 12, and . The model is optimized by adjusting the incident electron energy within the Monte Carlo simulation so that the calculated PDD curves agree with the measurement within . The LBR is calculated from the PDD curves for different diameters of circular cutouts. Although Monte Carlo simulation requires a longer time to create a LBR database compared to measurement using scanning water tank and dosimeter, the simulation models for different electron energies, applicators, and cutouts are very similar. As the calculations can be carried out in a batch mode automatically run by a computer, human efforts in carrying out measurements in the treatment room and fabricating the circular cutouts in the mold room are greatly saved. Moreover, the simulation avoids human error in the experimental setup and can better handle the electron scattering affecting accuracy in the measurement. Using Monte Carlo simulation to calculate the LBR is proved to be useful in the commissioning of the electron beams for electron radiotherapy.
Upstream AP1- and CREB-Binding Sites Confer High Basal Activity on the Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5 Capsid Gene Promoter
Authors: Ye Chaoyang , Pintel David J.
Published: January 2007

In contrast to the prototype adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2), the capsid gene P41 promoter of AAV5, within viral constructs that lack inverted terminal repeat sequences, displays a high basal level of expression in 293 cells in the absence of coinfecting adenovirus. Here we demonstrate that this was due to differences in the relative strengths of the core promoter elements and to the presence of active binding sites for the transcription factors CREB and AP1 within the upstream region of P41 that are absent from the AAV2 capsid gene promoter P40. These differences also governed the relative basal activity of the AAV capsid gene promoters within near-full-length viral genomes.
A Structured Viroid RNA Serves as a Substrate for Dicer-Like Cleavage To Produce Biologically Active Small RNAs but Is Resistant to RNA-Induced Silencing Complex-Mediated Degradation
Authors: Itaya Asuka , Zhong Xuehua , Bundschuh Ralf , Qi Yijun , Wang Ying , Takeda Ryuta , Harris Ann R. , Molina Carlos , Nelson Richard S. , Ding Biao
Published: January 2007

RNA silencing is a potent means of antiviral defense in plants and animals. A hallmark of this defense response is the production of 21- to 24-nucleotide viral small RNAs via mechanisms that remain to be fully understood. Many viruses encode suppressors of RNA silencing, and some viral RNAs function directly as silencing suppressors as counterdefense. The occurrence of viroid-specific small RNAs in infected plants suggests that viroids can trigger RNA silencing in a host, raising the question of how these noncoding and unencapsidated RNAs survive cellular RNA-silencing systems. We address this question by characterizing the production of small RNAs of
Potato spindle tuber viroid
(srPSTVds) and investigating how PSTVd responds to RNA silencing. Our molecular and biochemical studies provide evidence that srPSTVds were derived mostly from the secondary structure of viroid RNAs. Replication of PSTVd was resistant to RNA silencing, although the srPSTVds were biologically active in guiding RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage, as shown with a sensor system. Further analyses showed that without possessing or triggering silencing suppressor activities, the PSTVd secondary structure played a critical role in resistance to RISC-mediated cleavage. These findings support the hypothesis that some infectious RNAs may have evolved specific secondary structures as an effective means to evade RNA silencing in addition to encoding silencing suppressor activities. Our results should have important implications in further studies on RNA-based mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions and the biological constraints that shape the evolution of infectious RNA structures.
Federal Express: Expansion Strategies for the China Market
Authors: Luk Sherriff Ting Kwong , Chen Ivy Siok Ngoh
Published: January 2007

China's expanding trade had fuelled the increase in demand for express services. The government was expected to open the industry fully to foreign players by end 2005. Foreign express firms planning to enter or expand in this fast growing market would face a number of challenges — an underdeveloped and disparate transportation infrastructure, complicated and unclear customs procedures, protectionism by local government, and tight business control and bureaucracy. Federal Express initially used a local pick-up and delivery agent to serve the China market. Dissatisfied with its low market share after years of operating in China and convinced that the market would grow rapidly after the country's accession to the WTO, the senior management at FedEx decided to re-examine their long-term marketing strategy in China. The case examines the air express business in China and FedEx's alternatives for expansion.
The actin cytoskeleton regulates exocytosis of all neutrophil granule subsets
Authors: Jog Neelakshi R. , Rane Madhavi J. , Lominadze George , Luerman Gregory C. , Ward Richard A. , McLeish Kenneth R.
Published: January 2007

A comprehensive analysis of the role of the actin cytoskeleton in exocytosis of the four different neutrophil granule subsets had not been performed previously. Immunoblot analysis showed that, compared with plasma membrane, there was less actin associated with secretory vesicles (SV, 75%), gelatinase granules (GG, 40%), specific granules (SG, 10%), and azurophil granules (AG, 5%). Exocytosis of SV, SG, and AG was measured as increased plasma membrane expression of CD35, CD66b, and CD63, respectively, with flow cytometry, and GG exocytosis was measured as gelatinase release with an ELISA. N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) stimulated exocytosis of SV, GG, and SG with an ED50 of 15, 31, and 28 nM, respectively, with maximal response at 10−7 M FMLP by 5 min, while no exocytosis of AG was detected. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by latrunculin A and cytochalasin D induced a decrease in FMLP-stimulated CD35 expression after an initial increase. Both drugs enhanced the rate and extent of FMLP-stimulated GG, SG, and AG exocytosis, while the EC50 for FMLP was not altered. We conclude that the actin cytoskeleton controls access of neutrophil granules to the plasma membrane, thereby limiting the rate and extent of exocytosis of all granule subsets. Differential association of actin with the four granule subsets was not associated with graded exocytosis.
Anthropometric measures and nutritional status in a healthy elderly population
Authors: Sánchez-García Sergio , García-Peña Carmen , Duque-López María Ximena , Juárez-Cedillo Teresa , Cortés-Núñez Alma Rosa , Reyes-Beaman Sandra
Published: January 2007

Background

Anthropometric evaluation is an essential feature of geriatric nutritional evaluation for determining malnutrition, being overweight, obesity, muscular mass loss, fat mass gain and adipose tissue redistribution. Anthropometric indicators are used to evaluate the prognosis of chronic and acute diseases, and to guide medical intervention in the elderly. We evaluated anthropometric measurements and nutritional status as they relate to age and gender in healthy elderly people.

Methods

The study analyzed data from the national survey "Health needs and health service use by older-than-60-year-old beneficiaries of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS)". The present study included only individuals who reported no chronic disease in the last 20 years and had no hospital admission in the two months prior to the survey. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body circumference (arm, waist, hip and calf), waist to hip ratio (WHR), elbow amplitude and knee-heel length.

Results

Application of the inclusion criteria resulted in a study population elderly of 1,968, representing 12.2% of the original number in the national survey in urban areas beneficiaries of the IMSS. The study population comprised 870 women and 1,098 men, with a mean age of 68.6 years. The average weights were 62.7 kg for women and 70.3 kg for men (p < 0.05), and the mean heights were 1.52 m for women and 1.63 m for men (p < 0.05). Age related changes in anthropometric values were identified. BMI values indicated that 62.3% of the population was overweight, and 73.6% of women and 16.5% of men had high fat tissue distribution.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that applying the BMI thresholds that identify being overweight in the general adult population may lead to an overestimation in the number of overweight elderly Similar problems appear to exist when assessing waist circumference and WHR values. Prospective studies are required to determine the associations between health and BMI, waist circumference and WHR in the elderly.
Southeast Asian Perceptions of Australia's Foreign Policy
Authors: Snyder Craig A.
Published: January 2007

This article argues that while the US alliance remains at the forefront of Australian security policy, the deepening of ties between the United States and Australia has the potential to complicate Australia's relations with its Southeast Asian neighbours. Moreover, the manner in which the Howard government has attempted to manage this shift in policy has only exacerbated the problem. Australian pronouncements of support for the US policy of pre-emption, the perceived preference of the Australian Prime Minister to take on the role of "Deputy Sheriff", and the unwieldy approach taken by the Australian government in policy announcements pertaining to maritime and security policy have caused unnecessary tension and mistrust between Australia and some Southeast Asian states.
Andr� Ch�nier parmi les statues
Authors: Starobinski Jean
Published: January 2007

In line with Brix's thesis, Starobinski proposes that André Chénier's neoclassicism defines itself as nostalgia for the energy, rather than the forms, of sculptural transformation. The poet departs from the disembodied Platonism of Winckelmann's ideal to emphasize the vitalism of creative activity â an organic regeneration characterized in his work by images and structures of fluidity that would produce new gods for a new time. Ironically, Chénier, who understood his vocation as inaugural of a new age, died for questioning the policies of the new "gods," especially those of the neoclassical painter, Jacques-Louis David, whose art had become a vehicle for revolutionary propaganda. (In French)
Pregnancy Intentions Transition amongst Young Couples in Nepal
Authors: Puri Mahesh , Matthews Zoe , Ingham Roger
Published: January 2007

Nepal. Information was drawn from a sample survey of 997 young women 499 young men, and data from the Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2001 (NDHS). A new definition of unintended pregnancy was developed. Using bivariate and multivariate analyses, the results show that the conventional NDHS definition of unintended pregnancy provides a substantial underâestimate of prevalence. Unintended pregnancy was more likely to be reported by both men and women who were younger, with a higher number of living children, a smaller desired family size, higher exposure to mass media, a higher level of education and low household well-being. The results suggest the 'transition phenomena in pregnancy intention' in developing countries like Nepal where total fertility is still high and the desired fertility is falling rapidly. The paper recommends that services should focus on helping those groups of couples who were identified in the analysis as being at increased risk of unintended pregnancy.
Vocal Premotor Activity in the Superior Colliculus
Authors: Sinha Shiva R. , Moss Cynthia F.
Published: January 2007

Chronic neural recordings were taken from the midbrain superior colliculus (SC) of echolocating bats while they were engaged in one of two distinct behavioral tasks: virtual target amplitude discrimination (VTAD) and real oscillating target tracking (ROTT). In the VTAD task, bats used a limited range of sonar call features to discriminate the amplitude category of echoes, whereas in the ROTT task, the bat produced dynamically modulated sonar calls to track a moving target. Newly developed methods for chronic recordings in unrestrained, behaving bats reveal two consistent bouts of SC neural activity preceding the onset of sonar vocalizations in both tasks. A short lead bout occurs tightly coupled to vocal onset (VTAD, −5.1 to −2.2 ms range, −3.6 ± 0.7 ms mean lead time; ROTT, −3.0 to + 0.4 ms range, −1.2 ± 1.3 ms mean lead time), and this activity may play a role in marking the time of each sonar emission. A long lead bout in SC activity occurs earlier and spreads over a longer interval (VTAD, −40.6 to −8.4 ms range, −22.2 ± 3.9 ms mean lead time; ROTT, −29.8 to −7.1 ms range, −17.5 ± 9.1 ms mean lead time) when compared with short lead events. In the goal-directed ROTT task, the timing of long lead event times vary with the bat's sonar call duration. This finding, along with behavioral studies demonstrating that bats adjust sonar call duration as they track targets at changing distance, suggests the bat SC contributes to range-dependent adjustments of sonar call duration.
Coating of Mild Steel by Aluminium in the Ionic Liquid [EMIm]Tf2N and its Corrosion Performance
Authors: El Abedin S. Zein
Published: January 2007

The present paper shows for the first time that dense, adherent aluminium layers can be electrodeposited on mild steel in the water and air stable ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) amide [EMIm]Tf2N containing AlCl3 as a source of aluminium. The study was carried out using electrochemical techniques such as, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, as well as surface analytical techniques such as SEM-EDX analysis and in situ STM. It was found that well adherent aluminium layers can be obtained after anodic oxidation of the substrate in the employed electrolyte prior to bulk deposition of aluminium. The corrosion behaviour of mild steel without and with coating by an aluminium layer with thickness of about 10 μm was investigated in 3.5% NaCl solutions. Compared to the uncoated sample, the Al-coated mild steel shows lower corrosion current and higher polarization resistance indicating the improvement of the corrosion resistance by Al coating.
Water Vibrational Bands as a Polarity Indicator in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Wulf Alexander , Köddermann Thorsten , Wertz Christiane , Heintz Andreas , Ludwig Ralf
Published: January 2007

With a combination of FTIR and ab initio calculations we studied the structure of water molecules confined in ionic liquids (ILs). Most of the single water molecules are H-bonded in double donor (DD) configurations either to one anion or to two anions in a 1 : 2 complex. We show that the vibrational stretching modes of such water molecules can be used as sensitive probes for the polarity of the ILs, expressed through dielectric constants. We apply our method to imidazolium salts of the third and fourth generation. We discuss the anion- and cation-dependence and compare our results with other polarity parameters.
Movement of nitrogen in a sandy loam soil under a continuous maize-wheat cropping system
Authors: Setia R. K. , Sharma K. N. , Verma V. K.
Published: January 2007

Nitrogen (N) movement
in the soil resulting from the long-term application of fertilizer N is an
environmental concern when it reaches the groundwater. The distribution of N in
the profile of an alkaline sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustept) and its relationship
with N uptake by plants was studied after 22 years of continuous cultivation in
an annual crop rotation involving maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum
aestivum L.). Soil samples were collected to a depth of 1.2 m from the
0-0.15, 0.15-0.30, 0.30-0.45, 0.45-0.60, 0.60-0.90 and 0.90-1.20 m layers and
analysed for alkaline KMnO4­-oxidisable N (available N) and mineral
N (NH4-N and NO3-N). The continuous addition of
increasing levels of N resulted in an increase in N content, whereas the
combined application of N, P and K caused a decline in its availability.
Mineral N (2 M KCl-extractable NH4-N and NO3-N) was the
lowest in the N120P35K33.2 treatment plot. The
available N and NH4-N decreased with increasing soil depth. However,
variations in NO3-N concentration due to differential rates of
fertilizer application were observed only to a depth of 0.45 m. This effect was
more pronounced in the N180P17.5K33.2 plot.
Regression equations were used to predict N uptake by wheat using the N status
in different soil layers as independent variables. Multiple regression analysis
indicated that the predictability of the relationship between N uptake and
available N improved considerably when its status to a soil depth of 0.45 m was
included. In the case of NH4-N, a noticeable increase in the
coefficient of determination (R2) occurred to a depth of 0.90 m. The
R2 value of NO3-N with the N uptake by wheat was quite
low in the top layers (to a depth of 0.30 m). However, an increase in the R2
value was observed when lower depths (beyond 0.30 m) were included in the
regression analysis, suggesting that the inclusion of subsoil N status is
important to achieve better and profitable N supply systems in crop production.
Progress in Control Measures for Chicken Coccidiosis
Authors: Kitandu A. , Juranová R.
Published: January 2007

For many years, prophylactic use of anticoccidial drugs has been the primary means of controlling chicken coccidiosis in broiler industry and has played a major role in the growth of this industry. Also the use of live vaccines is well established in the control of the disease. Three groups of live vaccines can be distinguished based on the characteristics of the Eimeria species included in the product: vaccines based on live virulent strains, vaccines based on live attenuated strains, vaccines based on live strains that are relatively tolerant to the ionophores, and non-live subunit vaccines. The mounting problem of drug resitance of Eimeria species has prompted major research efforts to seek alternative means of control through increased knowledge of understanding the immunomodulation, natural-product feed additives, advances in live and recombinant vaccines. This article reviews the above mentioned methods in control of chicken coccidiosis.
Cover Picture: Imaging the Fluorescence Decay Lifetime of a Conjugated‐Polymer Blend By Using a Scanning Near‐Field Optical Microscope (Adv. Mater. 1/2007)
Authors: Cadby A. J. , Dean R. , Elliott C. , Jones R. A. L. , Fox A. M. , Lidzey D. G.
Published: January 2007

The cover image shows the surface topography of a phase‐separated blend of two conjugated polymers. On p. 107, Lidzey and co‐workers show that the fluorescence decay lifetime of a conjugated polymer in such a blend can vary significantly between the different phase‐separated domains. This variation results in a marked dependence of the photoluminescence quantum efficiency on the relative blend composition.
Aggressive T‐cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alekshun Todd J. , Tao Jianguo , Sokol Lubomir
Published: January 2007

The majority of patients with T‐cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia will have an indolent clinical course. Herein, we report a case of an aggressive T‐cell LGL leukemia in a previously healthy 42‐year‐old Caucasian male who presented with acute onset of B‐symptoms, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphocytosis, moderate anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Immunophenotypically, the malignant cells co‐expressed CD3+CD8+CD56+ markers and the T‐cell receptor beta (TCR β) gene demonstrated clonal rearrangement. The patient was treated with an intensive chemotherapeutic regimen (hyper‐CVAD) and he achieved a complete remission. A systematic review of all available English literature revealed 12 well‐described cases of aggressive T‐cell LGL leukemia suggesting that this variant is a new and distinct entity in the spectrum of LGL disorders. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.