bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and shuffling of projectively presentable modules and a categorification of a parabolic Hecke module
Authors: Mazorchuk Volodymyr , Stroppel Catharina
Published: March 2005

We investigate certain singular categories of Harish-Chandra bimodules realized as the category of

p

\mathfrak {p}

-presentable modules in the principal block of the Bernstein-Gelfand-Gelfand category

O

\mathcal {O}

. This category is equivalent to the module category of a properly stratified algebra. We describe the socles and endomorphism rings of standard objects in this category. Further, we consider translation and shuffling functors and their action on the standard modules. Finally, we study a graded version of this category; in particular, we give a graded version of the properly stratified structure, and use graded versions of translation functors to categorify a parabolic Hecke module.
Nonlinear Schrödinger equations with Hardy potential and critical nonlinearities
Authors: Smets Didier
Published: March 2005

We study a time-independent nonlinear Schrödinger equation with an attractive inverse square potential and a nonautonomous nonlinearity whose power is the critical Sobolev exponent. The problem shares a strong resemblance with the prescribed scalar curvature problem on the standard sphere. Particular attention is paid to the blow-up possibilities, i.e. the critical points at infinity of the corresponding variational problem. Due to the strong singularity in the potential, some new phenomenon appear. A complete existence result is obtained in dimension 4 using a detailed analysis of the gradient flow lines.
A rigid subspace of the real line whose square is a homogeneous subspace of the plane
Authors: Lawrence L.
Published: March 2005

Working in ZFC, we give an example as indicated in the title.
The Bergman metric and the pluricomplex Green function
Authors: Błocki Zbigniew
Published: March 2005

We improve a lower bound for the Bergman distance in smooth pseudoconvex domains due to Diederich and Ohsawa. As the main tool we use the pluricomplex Green function and anL2L^2-estimate for the∂¯\overline \partial-operator of Donnelly and Fefferman.
Cycles on curves over global fields of positive characteristic
Authors: Akhtar Reza
Published: March 2005

Let

k
k

be a global field of positive characteristic, and let

σ
:
X
⟶
Spec
⁡
k

\sigma : X \longrightarrow \operatorname {Spec} k

be a smooth projective curve. We study the zero-dimensional cycle group
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper V left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis equals upper K e r left-parenthesis sigma Subscript asterisk Baseline colon upper S upper K 1 left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis right-arrow upper K 1 left-parenthesis k right-parenthesis right-parenthesis">

V
(
X
)
=
Ker
⁡
(

σ
∗

:
S

K
1

(
X
)
→

K
1

(
k
)
)

V(X) =\operatorname {Ker}(\sigma _*: SK_1(X) \rightarrow K_1(k))

and the one-dimensional cycle group
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper W left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis equals c o k e r left-parenthesis sigma Superscript asterisk Baseline colon upper K 2 left-parenthesis k right-parenthesis right-arrow upper H Subscript upper Z a r Superscript 0 Baseline left-parenthesis upper X comma script upper K 2 right-parenthesis right-parenthesis">

W
(
X
)
=
coker
⁡
(

σ
∗

:

K
2

(
k
)
→

H

Z
a
r

0

(
X
,

K

2

)
)

W(X) =\operatorname {coker}(\sigma ^*: K_2(k) \rightarrow H^0_{Zar}(X, \mathcal {K}_2))

, addressing the conjecture that

V
(
X
)

V(X)

is torsion and

W
(
X
)

W(X)

is finitely generated. The main idea is to use Abhyankar’s Theorem on resolution of singularities to relate the study of these cycle groups to that of the

K
K

-groups of a certain smooth projective surface over a finite field.
Estimates of the derivatives for parabolic operators with unbounded coefficients
Authors: Bertoldi Marcello , Lorenzi Luca
Published: March 2005

We consider a class of second-order uniformly elliptic operators

A

\mathcal {A}

with unbounded coefficients in

R

N

\mathbb {R}^N

. Using a Bernstein approach we provide several uniform estimates for the semigroup

T
(
t
)

T(t)

generated by the realization of the operator

A

\mathcal {A}

in the space of all bounded and continuous or Hölder continuous functions in

R

N

\mathbb {R}^N

. As a consequence, we obtain optimal Schauder estimates for the solution to both the elliptic equation

λ
u
−

A

u
=
f

\lambda u-\mathcal {A}u=f

(

λ
>
0

\lambda >0

) and the nonhomogeneous Dirichlet Cauchy problem

D
t

u
=

A

u
+
g

D_tu=\mathcal {A}u+g

. Then, we prove two different kinds of pointwise estimates of

T
(
t
)

T(t)

that can be used to prove a Liouville-type theorem. Finally, we provide sharp estimates of the semigroup

T
(
t
)

T(t)

in weighted

L
p

L^p

-spaces related to the invariant measure associated with the semigroup.
On homeomorphism groups of Menger continua
Authors: Dijkstra Jan
Published: March 2005

It is shown that the homeomorphism groups of the (generalized) Sierpiński carpet and the universal Menger continua are not zero-dimensional. These results were corollaries to a 1966 theorem of Brechner. New proofs were needed because we also show that Brechner’s proof is inadequate. The method by which we obtain our results, the construction of closed imbeddings of complete Erdős space in the homeomorphism groups, is of independent interest.
On nonlinear wave equations with degenerate damping and source terms
Authors: Barbu Viorel , Lasiecka Irena , Rammaha Mohammad
Published: March 2005

In this article we focus on the global well-posedness of the differential equation
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="u Subscript t t Baseline minus normal upper Delta u plus StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript k Baseline partial-differential j left-parenthesis u Subscript t Baseline right-parenthesis equals StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript p minus 1 Baseline u in normal upper Omega times left-parenthesis 0 comma upper T right-parenthesis">

u

t
t

−
Δ
u
+

|

u

|

k

∂
j
(

u
t

)
=

|

u

|

p
−
1

u

 in 
Ω
×
(
0
,
T
)

u_{tt}- \Delta u + |u|^k\partial j(u_t) = |u|^{ p-1}u \, \text { in } \Omega \times (0,T)

, where

∂
j

\partial j

is a sub-differential of a continuous convex function

j
j

. Under some conditions on

j
j

and the parameters in the equations, we obtain several results on the existence of global solutions, uniqueness, nonexistence and propagation of regularity. Under nominal assumptions on the parameters we establish the existence of global generalized solutions. With further restrictions on the parameters we prove the existence and uniqueness of a global weak solution. In addition, we obtain a result on the nonexistence of global weak solutions to the equation whenever the exponent

p
p

is greater than the critical value

k
+
m

k+m

, and the initial energy is negative. We also address the issue of propagation of regularity. Specifically, under some restriction on the parameters, we prove that solutions that correspond to any regular initial data such that

u
0

∈

H
2

(
Ω
)
∩

H
0
1

(
Ω
)

u_0\in H^2(\Omega )\cap H^1_0(\Omega )

,

u
1

∈

H
0
1

(
Ω
)

u_1 \in H^1_0(\Omega )

are indeed strong solutions.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of p53 Expression and Proliferative Activity in Children with Helicobacter pylori Associated Gastritis
Authors: Ozturk Yesim , Ozer Erdener , Lebe Banu , Bekem Ozlem , Buyukgebiz Benal
Published: March 2005

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of p53 expression and proliferative activity of glandular epithelium and intestinal metaplasia in Helicobacter pylori associated gastritis of pediatric patients.

Methods:

The study included endoscopic gastric biopsies of 54 children with dyspeptic complaints. Immunohistochemistry was performed for evaluation of p53 expression and Ki‐67 labeling index, an indicator of proliferative activity. Grading of H. pylori density, intestinal metaplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration were performed in histologic tissue sections stained with hematoxylin‐eosin, Giemsa and Alcian‐blue.

Results:

Of 54 children, 35 (64%) were infected by H. pylori. Positive immunostaining for p53 was observed in 11 of 54 cases (20.4%). H. pylori infection was found in 10 (91%) of the p53‐positive patients. There was a positive correlation between H. pylori density and Ki‐67 labeling index in H. pylori infected children. H. pylori density, Ki‐67 labeling index and inflammatory cell infiltration in the p53‐positive group were significantly higher than in the p53‐negative group. Although intestinal metaplasia was more common in H. pylori infected children (n = 11; 31.4%), there was no difference in the rate of intestinal metaplasia between the p53‐positive and p53‐negative groups.

Conclusions:

The present study shows that p53 mutations and higher proliferative activity of glandular epithelium may be related to H. pylori associated gastritis in children. Because p53 mutation does not appear to be associated with intestinal metaplasia, a precursor for gastric cancer in adults, we think that H.pylori associated p53 alterations do not initiate and promote gastric cancer that may occur in adulthood.
Free Amino Acids in Full‐Term and Pre‐Term Human Milk and Infant Formula
Authors: Chuang Chih‐Kuang , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Lee Hung‐Chang , Wang Tuen‐Jen , Shih Yu‐Shu , Huang Fu‐Yuan , Yeung Chun‐Yan
Published: March 2005

Objective:

Although the nutritional value of human milk has been thoroughly studied, few reports describing its free amino acid (FAA) content have been published. Although infant formulas are designed to approximate the nutrient composition of human milk, the content and concentration of free amino acids are unknown. We compared the FAA concentrations of milk from mothers of preterm and full‐term infants with those in several infant formulas.

Method:

Human milk was obtained during three different stages of lactation (colostral, transitional and mature milk). Sixty‐seven samples were collected from 44 healthy mothers of term infants and 23 mothers of premature infants 29 to 36 weeks gestation (mean 33 weeks). Two brands of powdered term formula (TF‐A and TF‐B) and two brands designed for preterm infants (PTF‐A and PTF‐B) were also studied. Ion exchange chromatography was used for free amino acid analysis.

Results:

The mean concentration of total FAA in human milk was significantly higher than any of the infant formulas (8139 μmol/L for pre‐term human milk; 3462 μmol/L for full term human milk; TF‐A, 720 μmol/L; TF‐B, 697 μmol/L; PTF‐A, 820 μmol/L; PTF‐B, 789 μmol/L) (P <0.01). FAA concentration in term and premature human colostral milk was significantly higher than in human transitional and mature milks (P <0.01). In comparing individual FAAs, there were significant differences in concentrations between term human milk and preterm milk except for phosphoethanolamine, hydroxyproline, asparagine, and α‐amino‐η‐butyric acid. There were significant differences in all FAA concentrations between all human milks and infant formulas (P <0.05), but no significant differences were found among the study formulas.

Conclusion:

The concentration of FAA is high in human colostral milk and decreases through the transitional and mature milk stages. FAA is higher in all human milks than in infant formulas.
Assessment of the Rectoanal Inhibitory Reflex in Preterm Infants with Delayed Meconium Passage
Authors: de Lorijn F , Voskuijl W P , Omari T I , Kok J H , Taminiau J A. J. M , Benninga M A
Published: March 2005

Background:

There is an inverse relationship between gestational age, birth weight and the time of first neonatal bowel movement. The authors hypothesized that delayed passage of meconium might result from a delayed maturation of the recto‐anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) in premature infants.

Objective:

To evaluate whether the RAIR is absent in very preterm infants 28‐32 weeks postmenstrual age with delayed meconium production.

Study design:

Anorectal manometry was performed in 10 preterm infants (seven male) with delayed meconium production (no meconium in the first 48 hours). Median postmenstrual age was 30 weeks (28‐31 weeks). Birth weight ranged from 780 to 1930 g (median, 1395 g). A micromanometric assembly (outer diameter, 2.0 mm) was used which incorporated a 1.5‐cm‐long sleeve sensor for measurement of resting anal sphincter pressure and relaxation. Four side‐holes recorded anal and rectal pressures. Rectal distension was performed with direct air insufflation to elicit the RAIR.

Results:

The time from birth to passage of meconium ranged from 48 to 105 hours (median, 82 hours). The mean anal sphincter pressure, rectal pressure, and anal sphincter oscillation frequency were 22.0 ± 5.0 mm Hg, 6.9 ± 2.0 mm Hg, and 9.8 ± 1.9/min, respectively. A normal RAIR was elicited in all infants.

Conclusion:

Anorectal manometry recordings in premature infants with delayed passage of meconium showed normal anorectal pressures and a normal RAIR, suggesting that delayed meconium passage is not related to the absence of a RAIR.
CARD15 Mutations Are Rare in Swedish Pediatric Crohn Disease
Authors: Ideström Maja , Rubio Carlos , Granath Fredrik , Finkel Yigael , Hugot J‐P
Published: March 2005

Background:

An association between mutations in a gene involved in bacterial recognition by monocytes, CARD15/NOD2 and Crohn disease (CD) has been reported in studies of adults and children. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of CARD15 mutations in Swedish children with CD and analyze genotype‐phenotype correlations.

Patients and Methods:

Fifty‐eight children (62% boys) with CD diagnosed between 2.8 and 16.9 years (median 10.9 years), were reviewed. Histopathology, retrospective data collection and mutational analyses for the three main mutations R702W, G908R and 1007fs were independently performed. First‐degree relatives were also genotyped.

Results:

A CARD15 mutation was found in 8.6% (95% confidence interval, 2.9% to 19.0%), all of whom were heterozygotes, giving an overall allele frequency of 4.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.4‐9.8). In 12%, all patients without mutations, a first‐degree relative had CD. In four of five children, mutations were transferred from their healthy mothers. Granulomas at onset were found in 80% of patients with mutations and in 43% of those without (P = 0.17). No statistical association was found between mutation and phenotype regarding age at onset, anatomic location at onset or follow‐up, severity of inflammation at onset, development of stenosis, perianal disease or extra intestinal manifestations.

Conclusions:

The frequency of CARD15 mutation in this Swedish pediatric CD population is lower than reported in a mixed adult and pediatric population. The genotype‐phenotype correlations were non‐significant although a trend was found between the presence of mutations and granuloma formation. Healthy heterozygote mothers conveyed the mutation to their children with CD.
Sludge Ball, Pseudolithiasis, Cholelithiasis and Choledocholithiasis from Intrauterine Life to 2 Years: A 13‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Klar Aharon , Branski David , Akerman Yaacov , Nadjari Michael , Berkun Yaacov , Moise Jonathan , Shazberg Gila , Revel‐Vilk Shoshana , Israeli Talia , Katz Gabriel , Levy Arie , Ami Anat Ben , Hurvitz Haggit
Published: March 2005

Objective:

Evaluation and follow‐up of infants with cholelithiasis and pseudolithiasis in a pediatric ward.

Patients & Methods:

Prospective study from April 1990 to October 2003 identified hospitalized infants younger than 2 years with ultrasonographic findings of cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis or pseudolithiasis. Associated abnormalities or contributory factors were recorded and patients were followed for from 6 months to 13 years (mean, 4 years).

Results:

Thirty‐four patients were diagnosed between the age of 3 weeks and 24 months. Thirteen (38%) had been treated with third‐generation cephalosporins. Other associated factors were dehydration in 10 (29%), urinary tract infection in two (6%) and one each for cholestatic liver disease, total parenteral nutrition, immunoglobulin A deficiency and prematurity. Six infants (17%) had no known risk factor. Six additional patients were diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound.

Conclusions:

Cholelithiasis in infants hospitalized for a variety of common pediatric conditions is not rare. Dehydration and treatment with third‐generation cephalosporins are important associated factors. The classic risk factors of hemolysis and previous gastrointestinal surgery, were not found in our group. The overall prognosis was good. Pseudolithiasis disappeared in all infants. Of the 21 infants with cholelithiasis, only two developed cholecystitis. In nine infants, spontaneous resolution occurred. In the absence of other clinical or imaging evidence of biliary tract disease, conservative management is advised.
Digestive Endoscopy in Neonates
Authors: Dupont Christophe , Kalach Nicolas , de Boissieu Delphine , Barbet Jacques Patrick , Benhamou Pierre‐Henri
Published: March 2005

Since the introduction of flexible fiberoptic endoscopy in the early 1970s, esophagogastro‐duodenoscopy and colonoscopy have become established procedures for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease in the pediatric population. The development of safe fiberoptic endoscopes specially designed for neonates has allowed visualization of lesions occurring in the first days of life. Despite an increased understanding of neonatal digestive disorders deriving from this new diagnostic modality, there is little consensus on the appropriate use of endoscopic procedures in routine care of neonates. It is the feeling of the authors that widening the indications of endoscopy in the neonatal period might lead to diagnosis of discrete clinical abnormalities, which might improve the care of neonates. The techniques for performing neonatal endoscopies, the appropriate indications, the common normal and pathologic findings and the complications of these procedures are reviewed
Colorectal Inflammation is Well Predicted by Fecal Calprotectin in Children with Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Fagerberg Ulrika Lorentzon , Lööf Lars , Myrdal Urban , Hansson Lars‐Olof , Finkel Yigael
Published: March 2005

Objectives:

The protein calprotectin is mainly derived from neutrophils. Increased fecal excretion of calprotectin has been reported in inflammatory bowel disease. The recommended cut‐off level in adults (<50 μg/g feces) seems to be applicable in children aged 4 to 17 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of fecal calprotectin to detect colorectal inflammation in children with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods:

We obtained stool samples on thirty‐six children with gastrointestinal symptoms and suspected inflammation of the colon before they underwent colonoscopy. The samples were examined with an improved fecal calprotectin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method (Calprest®, Eurospital). The results were correlated with the histopathologic findings in the colon.

Results:

In children with colorectal inflammation (n = 22) the median fecal calprotectin concentration was 349 μg/g (range, 15.4‐1860 μg/g). The most common diagnosis in this group was inflammatory bowel disease. Median fecal calprotectin was 16.5 μg/g (range, 5.0‐65 μg/g) in children with no inflammation (n = 14). When <50 μg/g was used as upper reference limit the fecal calprotectin test had a sensitivity of 95%, specificity 93%, positive predictive value 95% and negative predictive value 93% to detect colorectal inflammation.

Conclusions:

The improved fecal calprotectin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay is a simple test with potential use in children. Increased fecal calprotectin strongly predicted the presence of colorectal inflammation in children with gastrointestinal symptoms. Fecal calprotectin can be used to select patients who should undergo diagnostic colonoscopy for investigation of colorectal inflammation, including inflammatory bowel disease.
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Familial Dysautonomia: Correlation with Crisis Frequency and Sensory Dysfunction
Authors: Sundaram Vinay , Axelrod Felicia B
Published: March 2005

Objectives:

Familial dysautonomia (FD), a genetic disorder resulting in sensory and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, is associated with a high frequency of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). In this study the authors attempted to determine if GER prevalence correlated with dysautonomic crisis frequency and small fiber sensory dysfunction.

Methods:

Of an initial population of 252 FD patients who had survived past their seventh year and were alive during the year of study from June 1, 2001 to June 1, 2002, 174 (69.0%) had sufficient data in their patient files to be included in this retrospective analysis. Subjects were stratified into three groups: those with no GER, those medically treated for GER and those surgically treated for GER with fundoplication. Data were obtained regarding frequency and severity of dysautonomic crises and sensory function including pain sensation, cold and warm thresholds and vibration perception.

Results:

There were no significant differences among the three groups regarding age or severity of sensory dysfunction. However, dysautonomic crises were significantly more frequent in FD patients who were presumed to have more intractable GER, as they had required fundoplication (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The data confirm the high incidence of GER in the FD population and demonstrate that GER is independent of severity of sensory dysfunction. In addition, the authors demonstrate that fundoplication does not alleviate the central autonomic cause of retching, the dysautonomic crisis.
Effects of Dexamethasone on Antral Mucosal Protein and Gastric Development in Postnatal Rats
Authors: Petri Michael K , Lee Ping C
Published: March 2005

Background:

The rat stomach undergoes major developmental changes postnatally. An antral mucosal protein (AMP‐18) with in vitro mitogenic activity has recently been found in the mammalian stomach.

Methods:

To evaluate the role of AMP‐18 in gastric development in postnatal rats, the AMP‐18 content of glandular stomach extracts from postnatal rats at different ages were measured by Western blots using anti‐AMP‐18 specific serum. Dexamethasone administration was used to evaluate the corticosteroid regulation of AMP‐18 expression.

Results:

AMP‐18 was detected only in glandular stomach homogenate and gastric mucus. AMP‐18 and pepsin levels were high at birth. Both decreased postnatally to low levels at 7 days of age, then increased at 10‐15 days of age and reached peak levels around weaning (18‐21 days of age). The glandular stomach showed stepwise growth relative to body weight, with a significant increase at 18‐20 days of age. The forestomach showed a decrease in growth relative to body weight during the same period. Dexamethasone given to pups before 7 days of age induced the accumulation of AMP‐18 and pepsin. Induction of AMP‐18 by dexamethasone was evident by 7 hours with a delayed increase in glandular stomach mass 30 hours after dexamethasone injection. Induction of AMP‐18 by dexamethasone was attenuated by RU‐486 but not by spironolactone.

Conclusion:

Increases in AMP‐18, pepsin and glandular stomach mass during normal postnatal development suggest that AMP‐18 might be involved in gastric maturation, at least in the glandular portion. Dexamethasone induction of pepsin and AMP‐18 and the subsequent increase in glandular stomach mass also suggest a possible role for AMP‐18 in glandular stomach maturation. Dexamethasone apparently acts through the type II corticosteroid receptor to induce AMP‐18.
Diet‐Induced Changes in Membrane Gangliosides in Rat Intestinal Mucosa, Plasma and Brain
Authors: Park Eek Joong , Suh Miyoung , Ramanujam Kal , Steiner Kurt , Begg David , Clandinin M Thomas
Published: March 2005

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine if dietary gangliosides induce changes in the ganglioside content of intestinal mucosa, plasma and brain and to identify where GM3 and GD3 are localized in the enterocyte membrane.

Methods:

Male 18‐day‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a semipurified diet containing 20% (w/w) fat. The control diet contained triglyceride, reflecting the fat formulation of an existing infant formula. Two experimental diets were formulated by adding sphingomyelin (1% w/w of total fat) or a ganglioside‐enriched lipid (0.1% w/w of total fat) to the control diet fat. The ganglioside fraction of ganglioside‐enriched lipid diet contained more than 80% GD3. After 2 weeks of feeding, the total and individual ganglioside and cholesterol content was measured in small intestinal mucosa, plasma and brain.

Results:

The ganglioside‐enriched lipid diet significantly increased total gangliosides in the intestinal mucosa, plasma and brain compared with the control diet. The ganglioside‐enriched lipid diet significantly increased the level of GD3 (7.5% w/w) in the intestine compared with control (3.2% w/w) while decreasing the level of GM3, the major ganglioside in the intestine. The ratio of cholesterol to ganglioside in the intestinal mucosa, plasma and brain decreased significantly in rats fed the ganglioside‐enriched lipid diet compared with controls. Confocal microscopy showed that GM3 is exclusively localized in the apical membrane of the enterocyte whereas GD3 is primarily localized in the basolateral membrane.

Conclusions:

The authors conclude that dietary ganglioside is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to different membrane sites, altering ganglioside levels in the intestinal mucosa, plasma and brain and thus possibly having the potential to change developing enterocyte function (and possibly that of other cell lines).
Hepatocyte Glycogen Accumulation in Patients Undergoing Dietary Management of Urea Cycle Defects Mimics Storage Disease
Authors: Miles L , Heubi J E , Bove Kevin E
Published: March 2005

Objectives:

Anecdotal reports have described excess hepatocyte glycogen in patients with urea cycle enzyme defects. Retrospectively, the authors evaluated the prevalence and possible cause of liver glycogen accumulation in such patients.

Methods:

The authors searched the files of the Division of Pathology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital from 1975 and 2004 for cases of urea cycle enzyme defects and identified 11 patients who had had liver biopsy performed and/or liver transplantation. All patients were on diets containing essential amino acids as the protein source before liver biopsy and/or transplantation.

Results:

All but one patient had focal or diffuse glycogen accumulation in hepatocytes in at least one specimen by light microscopic examination. Two young infants also had cholestasis. Electron microscopy performed on six patients showed diffuse or focal glycogen excess in the cytoplasm of individual hepatocytes. Biochemical studies of three patients revealed two with hepatic glycogen content in the upper normal range and one that was abnormally high. Glycolytic enzyme activities were normal in two patients, and one patient had low phosphorylase activity.

Conclusions:

Hepatocyte glycogen accumulation in urea cycle enzyme defects resembles that seen in glycogen storage disease but can be distinguished in most cases by non‐uniformity of distribution and/or the absence of sinusoidal compression by expanded hepatocytes. We speculate that therapeutic modification of dietary protein content by restriction to essential amino acids, including leucine, may promote glycogen accumulation by increasing insulin secretion.
The Bioavailability of Oral Methotrexate in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Stephens Michael C , Baldassano Robert N , York Amy , Widemann Brigitte , Pitney Aaron C , Jayaprakash Nalini , Adamson Peter C
Published: March 2005

Objectives:

Methotrexate is used to treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Although no available pharmacologic data support the assumption that the bioavailability of methotrexate is diminished in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, most such patients receive methotrexate parenterally.

Methods:

The oral bioavailability of methotrexate was determined in 11 pediatric patients being treated with methotrexate for inflammatory bowel disease. Serial plasma methotrexate concentrations were determined after equal subcutaneous and oral doses of methotrexate.

Results:

The mean bioavailability of methotrexate in patients with inflammatory bowel disease was 84% ± 38%. Interpatient variability in drug exposure was similar after oral and subcutaneous administration.

Conclusions:

The bioavailability of methotrexate in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is no different from that observed in other disease states. Subcutaneous administration of methotrexate does not appear to decrease the interpatient variability in drug exposure. There is no sound pharmacologic basis for favoring administration of methotrexate via the subcutaneous route for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Randomized Trial Comparing Two Methods of Increasing Dietary Calcium Intake in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Stark Lori J , Hommel Kevin A , Mackner Laura M , Janicke David M , Davis Ann M , Pfefferkorn Marian , Crandall Wallace , Heubi James
Published: March 2005

Objective:

To examine the efficacy of behavioral intervention compared with enhanced standard of care nutrition intervention on increasing dietary calcium intake of children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Method:

Children aged 5 to 12 years old (N = 32) were randomly assigned to the behavioral intervention or enhanced standard of care conditions. Three‐day food diaries collected on all participants at baseline and post‐treatment were analyzed for dietary calcium intake.

Results:

Children in the behavioral intervention group achieved a significantly greater mean increase in dietary calcium intake (M= 984 mg) than children in the enhanced standard of care group (M = 274 mg) (P < 0.05). In the behavioral intervention group 81% of children achieved the daily calcium intake goal of 1500 mg/day compared with only 19% of children in the enhanced standard of care group, (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Behavioral modification appears to be significantly more effective than nutrition education alone in modifying calcium intake in children with inflammatory bowel disease.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms Associated with Orthostatic Intolerance
Authors: Sullivan Sean D , Hanauer Joseph , Rowe Peter C , Barron Diana F , Darbari Anil , Oliva‐Hemker Maria
Published: March 2005

Background:

The term orthostatic intolerance is used to describe symptoms of hemodynamic instability such as lightheadedness, fatigue, impaired cognition and syncope that develop on assuming an upright posture. Common forms of orthostatic intolerance in childhood include postural tachycardia syndrome and neurally mediated hypotension.

Objective:

A descriptive report of the clinical characteristics of patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms who are ultimately found to have orthostatic intolerance.

Methods:

A medical record review of all patients referred to the pediatric gastroenterology service at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center who had an abnormal tilt table test between June 1996 and December 2000.

Results:

Of 24 eligible subjects aged 9‐17 years (mean, 14.3 years), four had postural tachycardia syndrome, eight had both postural tachycardia and neurally mediated hypotension, and 12 had neurally mediated hypotension alone. The most common presenting gastrointestinal symptoms were abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Median number of gastrointestinal symptoms per patient was 3 (range, 1‐7), and 87% of the patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms for more than 1 year and 48% experienced gastrointestinal symptoms for more than 3 years. Follow‐up information was available on 18 patients. Seventy‐eight percent of patients (14 of 18) had complete resolution of symptoms with treatment of orthostatic intolerance.

Conclusion:

Pediatric patients with chronic upper gastrointestinal symptoms may have underlying orthostatic intolerance. In patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and orthostatic intolerance, treatment of orthostatic intolerance may result in resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Fecal Elastase: Pancreatic Status Verification and Influence on Nutritional Status in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Cohen Jacqueline R , Schall Joan I , Ittenbach Richard F , Zemel Babette S , Stallings Virginia A
Published: March 2005

Objectives:

To evaluate fecal elastase 1 (FE) levels in young children with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency and to explore the relationship between FE and growth, nutrition, pulmonary status and fat absorption over a 24‐month period.

Methods:

FE, indicating pancreatic lipase activity, was assessed in children (6.0 to 8.9 years of age) with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency. FE >15 μg/g stool was defined as residual pancreatic activity, suggesting some pancreatic function, and FE ≤15 μg/g stool was defined as no pancreatic activity, suggesting pancreatic insufficiency. Seven‐day weighed food records were collected and coefficient of fat absorption was calculated using dietary records and 72‐hour stool collection. Height adjusted for mid‐parental height, weight, body mass index, upper arm muscle area and upper arm fat area were measured and Z scores were calculated. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second was the measure of pulmonary function.

Results:

Ten children (12%) had residual pancreatic activity (range, 17 to 667 μg/g stool) and 75 had no pancreatic activity. Children with no pancreatic activity had significantly lower coefficients of fat absorption than did those with residual pancreatic activity (81% ± 14% versus 94% ± 3%; P = 0.009) and significantly lower adjusted height Z score (−0.8 ± 1.0 versus −0.1 ± 1.3; P = 0.03). Children with residual pancreatic activity had significantly greater improvement in weight for age Z scores, upper arm muscle area Z scores, and upper arm fat area Z scores than children with no pancreatic activity (P ≤ 0.01). Children with no pancreatic activity were significantly (P = 0.007) more likely to have the ΔF508/ΔF508 genotype than were those with residual pancreatic activity (61% versus 11%).

Conclusions:

These data suggest that a substantial number (12% in this sample) of children with cystic fibrosis have a misclassified pancreatic status. Children with residual FE had greater fat absorption and improved growth and nutritional status over 24 months. FE assessment should be used to verify pancreatic status in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Pediatric Gastroenterology Workforce Survey, 2003‐2004
Authors: Crandall Wallace V , Barnard John A , Cohen Mitchell B , Colletti Richard B , Ferry George D , Harnsberger Janet K , Hart Michael H , Hayes John R , Rosenthal Philip , Sherman Philip M , Smith Lesley J ,   A Report of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Published: March 2005

Background:

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) performed a workforce survey to determine the number, distribution, and work‐related activities of pediatric gastroenterologists in the United States of America (USA) and Canada, and compared these findings with the first workforce survey completed in 1996.

Methods:

The survey queried pediatric gastroenterologists in the USA and Canada between November, 2003 and June 2004. To permit the optimal comparison to the 1996 survey data, the original survey was used as a template for development of the current instrument and, when possible, the questions were left unchanged. Additional questions were added to address important contemporary issues not present in the initial survey. Limited income information was also collected. The survey was posted on the NASPGHAN website, and the NASPGHAN membership was notified of the survey by electronic mail via its electronic mail distribution list. This was followed by a three‐part postal mail survey to all non‐respondents. After the Internet and postal mail requests, all non‐respondent physicians were telephoned a minimum of three times. If unsuccessful in contacting the physicians directly, office personnel were queried to facilitate survey completion regarding the provision of pediatric gastroenterology, nutrition or hepatology services in either clinical care or research.

Results:

The response rate based on the potential contact list for Part I of the survey was 69%. The final phone call or electronic mail contact of an office staff member with questions regarding gender and delivery of pediatric gastroenterology services yielded a total contact rate of 88%. There were 699 pediatric gastroenterologists identified in North America, as compared with 672 in 1996. If known non‐respondents are included, there could be as many as 794 pediatric gastroenterologists. Time spent in clinical activities increased from 60% to 66% in the USA and from 43% to 53% in Canada. The use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants has increased considerably over the past 7 years. Fifty‐three percent of respondents feel there are too few pediatric gastroenterologists. Fifty percent of section and practice heads report that they are currently recruiting partners. Limited income information is presented.

Conclusions:

There is currently a self‐perceived shortage of pediatric gastroenterologists as compared with 7 years ago, despite a constant proportion of pediatric gastroenterologists per million children. In the USA, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are being increasingly used to fill this need, and physicians in both Canada and the USA have increased the time they spend in clinical care.
Transmission dynamics of parasitic sea lice from farm to wild salmon
Authors: Krkošek Martin , Lewis Mark A , Volpe John P
Published: April 2005

Marine salmon farming has been correlated with parasitic sea lice infestations and concurrent declines of wild salmonids. Here, we report a quantitative analysis of how a single salmon farm altered the natural transmission dynamics of sea lice to juvenile Pacific salmon. We studied infections of sea lice (
Lepeophtheirus salmonis
and
Caligus clemensi
 ) on juvenile pink salmon (
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
) and chum salmon (
Oncorhynchus keta
) as they passed an isolated salmon farm during their seaward migration down two long and narrow corridors. Our calculations suggest the infection pressure imposed by the farm was four orders of magnitude greater than ambient levels, resulting in a maximum infection pressure near the farm that was 73 times greater than ambient levels and exceeded ambient levels for 30 km along the two wild salmon migration corridors. The farm-produced cohort of lice parasitizing the wild juvenile hosts reached reproductive maturity and produced a second generation of lice that re-infected the juvenile salmon. This raises the infection pressure from the farm by an additional order of magnitude, with a composite infection pressure that exceeds ambient levels for 75 km of the two migration routes. Amplified sea lice infestations due to salmon farms are a potential limiting factor to wild salmonid conservation.
Commentary on industrial processes
Authors: Hutchings G.J
Published: April 2005

A brief commentary on the three papers presented in the session on ‘industrial processes’ is presented. In particular, emphasis is placed on the factors considered to be crucial for an industrial process, namely: catalyst activity, the selectivity of the overall catalysed reaction and the lifetime over which the performance is observed. Control of selectivity is viewed as being most important, and examples of how this is achieved through the use of membrane reactors and catalyst design are described.
A novel cell-to-cell trafficking assay indicates that the KNOX homeodomain is necessary and sufficient for intercellular protein and mRNA trafficking
Authors: Kim Jae-Yean , Rim Yeonggil , Wang Jing , Jackson David
Published: April 2005

Cell-to-cell trafficking of regulatory proteins is a novel mechanism for communication during cell fate specification in plants. Although several developmental proteins traffic cell-to-cell, no signals that are both necessary and sufficient for this function in developmental proteins have been described. We developed a novel trafficking assay using trichome rescue in Arabidopsis. Fusion to KNOTTED1 (KN1) conferred gain-of-trafficking function to the cell-autonomous GLABROUS1 (GL1) protein. We show that the KNOX homeodomain (HD) is necessary and sufficient for intercellular trafficking, identifying a novel function for the HD as the minimal sequence required for trafficking of KN1 and its associated mRNA.
Novel specificities emerge by stepwise duplication of functional modules
Authors: Pereira-Leal José B. , Teichmann Sarah A.
Published: April 2005

A functional module can be defined as a spatially or chemically isolated set of functionally associated components that accomplishes a discrete biological process. Modularity is a key attribute of cellular systems, but the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of functional modules are largely unknown. Duplication of modules has been shown to be an efficient mechanism for the generation of functional innovation in the field of artificial intelligence, but has not been studied in biological networks. Therefore, we ask whether module duplication occurs in cellular networks. We developed a generic framework for the analysis of module duplication, and use it in a large-scale analysis ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeprotein complexes. Protein complexes are well defined, experimentally derived, functional modules. We observe that at least 6%–20% of the protein complexes have strong similarity to other complexes; thus a considerable fraction has evolved by duplication. Our results indicate that many complexes evolved by step-wise partial duplications. We show that duplicated complexes retain the same overall function, but have different binding specificities and regulation, revealing that duplication of these modules is associated with functional specialization.
Lasting increases in basolateral amygdala activity after emotional arousal: Implications for facilitated consolidation of emotional memories
Authors: Pelletier Joe Guillaume , Likhtik Ekaterina , Filali Mohammed , Paré Denis
Published: April 2005

Manipulations that reduce or enhance the activity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons in the minutes to hours after training have been shown to respectively impair or facilitate retention on the inhibitory avoidance task. Although this suggests that BLA activity is altered after emotional arousal, such changes have not been directly demonstrated. To test this, we devised a feline analog of the inhibitory avoidance task and recorded BLA unit activity before and after a single inescapable footshock. Single-unit recordings revealed that the firing rate of many BLA neurons gradually increased after the footshock, peaking 30–50 min post-shock and then subsiding to baseline levels 2 h later. During this period of increased activity, the discharges of simultaneously recorded BLA cells were more synchronized than before the shock. Although it was known that pairing innocuous (conditioned stimulus, CS) and noxious stimuli modifies the responsiveness of BLA neurons to the CS, our results constitute the first demonstration that emotional arousal produces lasting increases in the spontaneous firing rates of BLA neurons. We propose that these changes in BLA activity may promote Hebbian interactions between coincident but spatially distributed activity patterns in BLA targets, facilitating the consolidation of emotional memories.
A gender‐based categorization for conflict resolution
Authors: Brahnam Sheryl D. , Margavio Thomas M. , Hignite Michael A. , Barrier Tonya B. , Chin Jerry M.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

As the workforce becomes increasingly diversified, it becomes increasingly important for managers to understand the conflict resolution attitudes brought to information systems (IS) by both men and women. This research was designed to investigate assumptions that may exist regarding the relationship between gender and conflict resolution. Specifically, the intent of this study was to compare the conflict resolution strategies of males and females majoring in IS in order to determine if gender‐based differences exist.

Design/methodology/approach

The Thomas‐Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument was utilized to assess the conflict resolution styles of 163 traditional‐age (18‐22) students enrolled in undergraduate IS courses at a large Midwestern university. Both ANOVA andt‐test analyses were utilized to investigate the relationship between gender and conflict resolution style.

Findings

Results of this study indicate that, when compared with their male counterparts, women are more likely to utilize a collaborative conflict resolution style and men are more likely to avoid conflict. As collaboration is generally considered more productive and avoidance more disruptive in the conflict resolution process, the study suggests that women may possess more effective conflict resolution attributes than their male counterparts.

Originality/value

The results of this paper lend support to the theory that an individual's gender may be related to the development of conflict resolution styles. These findings also support the premise that female students in IS are highly adapted with regard to their ability to work collaboratively (and thereby successfully) in situations where conflict is likely to occur.
The evolving role of strategic management development
Authors: Brown Paul
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To validate conceptual frameworks for strategic management development. Also, to test the hypothesis that the objectives and design of a strategic management development programme need to match the organisation's level of commitment to strategic management and the degree of maturity of its strategic management processes and competencies, in order that the programme can be effective in enhancing the strategic capability of the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Earlier work by the author (based on literature review and one case study) had generated two conceptual models which could help in the understanding of strategic management development. One provides a life‐cycle typology matching an organisation's level of commitment to strategic management with the design of an effective strategic management development programme. The second provides a causal network showing how strategic management capability may be developed. In this paper case study research is reported from six organisations to provide data, which are mainly qualitatative, to test the hypothesis and conceptual models.

Findings

Both the life‐cycle typology and the conceptual models are supported by the further case study work. It was also found that the dominant strategy‐making mode in the organisation can influence the potential for strategic management development. Where the command mode of strategy making is dominant the strategic aspects of a management development programme are inhibited because this is not consistent with the command culture.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisability of the findings is constrained by the small sample size of six organisations. However, given the paucity of theory in the field of strategic management development, the findings contribute to the conceptual understanding of this subject.

Originality/value

The models proposed give insights into the complexities of strategic management development and can be used to inform analysis and planning of more effective strategic management development interventions.