bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Libraries and open society; Popper, Soros and digital information
Authors: Robinson Lyn , Bawden David
Published: November 2002

This paper examines the role of libraries and information services, in promoting the ‘open society’ espoused by Karl Popper and George Soros. After a brief discussion of the nature of an ‘open society ’, the paper covers the role played by provision of knowledge and information, of new technology, particularly the Internet, and of critical thinking and digital literacy in the development of this form of society. Conclusions are drawn for the role of libraries and librarians, with seven general principles suggested.
A user study of the design issues of propie: a novel environment for enhanced interaction and value‐adding of electronic documents
Authors: Li Liew Chern , Foo Schubert , Chennupati K.R.
Published: November 2002

In this paper, we present a proposed information environment (PROPIE) for enhanced interaction and value‐adding of electronic documents (e‐documents). The design of PROPIE was based on a thorough user needs and requirements assessment in interacting with information through well‐documented findings, and a focus group with twelve participants to elicit features that were deemed desirable in future interactions. The design was also based on an earlier work which reviewed the advancements in various user interface (UI) technologies, visualisation and interactive techniques, and a consideration of novel information structuring and organisation techniques that pose important implications for the design of more advanced UIs. Providing a suite of novel features and interactive tools that can be flexibly combined, PROPIE allows users to apply multiple novel ways to query intuitively and navigate information in an e‐document. The querying and browsing processes in PROPIE are supported by various interactive and visualisation techniques. Users work within a visually sovereign, integrated environment for information gathering and organising, based on navigable, fractional information objects that are also affiliated with rich metadata and additional layers of value‐adding information. A set of interface mock‐ups was developed to demonstrate the potential of the environment in supporting the design of a new generation of electronic journals (e‐journals). We report here empirical results from a study conducted to obtain representative users‘ feedback with regard to using PROPIE for interacting with e‐journals. Twenty‐two participants from a variety of academic backgrounds participated in the evaluation. Overall, PROPIE was found to have the potential both for enhancing the user’s interaction with information captured within e‐journals and for adding value to e‐documents in various ways.
Acknowledgement trends in the research literature of information science
Authors: Cronin Blaise
Published: November 2002

Data were gathered on acknowledgements in five leading information science journals for the years 1991‐1999. The results were compared with data from two earlier studies of the same journals. Analysis of the aggregate data (1971‐1999) confirms the general impression that acknowledgement has become an institutionalised element of the scholarly communication process, reflecting the growing cognitive and structural complexity of contemporary research.
Knowledge discovery in textual documentation: qualitative and quantitative analyses
Authors: Loh Stanley , Palazzo M. de Oliveira José , Leite Gastal Fábio
Published: November 2002

This paper presents an approach for performing knowledge discovery in texts through qualitative and quantitative analyses of high‐level textual characteristics. Instead of applying mining techniques on attribute values, terms or keywords extracted from texts, the discovery process works over conceptss identified in texts. Concepts represent real world events and objects, and they help the user to understand ideas, trends, thoughts, opinions and intentions present in texts. The approach combines a quasi‐automatic categorisation task (for qualitative analysis) with a mining process (for quantitative analysis). The goal is to find new and useful knowledge inside a textual collection through the use of mining techniques applied over concepts (representing text content). In this paper, an application of the approach to medical records of a psychiatric hospital is presented. The approach helps physicians to extract knowledge about patients and diseases. This knowledge may be used for epidemiological studies, for training professionals and it may be also used to support physicians to diagnose and evaluate diseases.
Automatic vs manual categorisation of documents in Spanish
Authors: Figuerola Carlos G. , Zazo Rodríguez Angel , Luis Alonso Berrocal José
Published: November 2002

Automatic categorisation can be understood as a learning process during which a program recognises the characteristics that distinguish each category or class from others, i.e. those characteristics which the documents should have in order to belong to that category. As yet few experiments have been carried out with documents in Spanish. Here we show the possibilities of elaborating pattern vectors that include the characteristics of different classes or categories of documents, using techniques based on those applied to the expansion of queries by relevance; likewise, the results of applying these techniques to a collection of documents in Spanish are given. The same collection of documents was categorised manually and the results of both procedures were compared.
A framework for work task based thesaurus design
Authors: Lykke Nielsen Marianne
Published: November 2002

Design and construction of indexing languages require thorough knowledge and understanding of the information environment. This empirical study investigated a mixed set of methods (group interviews, recollection of information needs and word association tests to collect data; content analysis and discourse analysis to analyse data) to evaluate whether these methods collected the data needed for work domain oriented thesaurus design. The findings showed that the study methods together provided the domain knowledge needed to define the role of the thesaurus and design its content and structure. The study was carried out from a person‐insituation perspective. The findings reflected the information environment and made it possible to develop a thesaurus according to the characteristics of the work domain. It seemed more difficult to capture the needs of the individual user and adapt the thesaurus to individual characteristics.
Developments in digital journals
Authors: Halliday Leah , Oppenheim Charles
Published: November 2002

This article explores recent developments in the production and delivery of scholarly journal articles in digital form. It identifies the key stakeholders as authors, publishers, librarians and end users. It explores their concerns with regard to the digital journal production and delivery chain. It also explores the interrelationships of different stakeholder groups and considers how their concerns accord or conflict. The paper goes on to review cost and pricing developments. There appears to be no relationship between production costs and subscription prices of scholarly journals. Journals are priced according to what the market will bear, but, at the same time, the market is inelastic. As a result, prices have consistently increased annually at a rate well above the general inflation rate for the last two decades. Digital publishing by publishers has done nothing to relieve this problem. The ‘serials crisis’ has been the impetus for a number of developments that aim to use digital technology to reduce costs for the HE sector. These include alternative models of journal production such as that proposed by Harnad, and initiatives that aim to influence the structure of the market for scholarly journals with a view to driving prices down such as SPARC and HighWire Press. These developments are reviewed.
Does the position of records management within the organisation influence the records management provision?
Authors: Loadman Jane
Published: November 2002

This article is based on research undertaken as part of a Masters qualification. The aim of the project was to explore the relationship between the placement of the records management function and the nature of the records management service. Using data collected by means of a questionnaire survey, the article examines and draws conclusions about the factors which impact on the way records management is carried out across organisations in different sectors and of different sizes.
The management and preservation of personnel recrods in ESARBICA members states
Authors: Mnjama Nathan
Published: November 2002

In this article the author explores current practice in managing personnel records within the context of government in East and Southern African countries. Such records are mostly in paper form and are vast in number. The results of observation, discussion and a survey are shared. Conclusions and recommendations are made about the future management of personnel records particularly in the context of possible future freedom of information and privacy legislation.
Consumer perception of five UK fashion retailers
Authors: Birtwistle Grete , Shearer Linda
Published: November 2002

Developing a strong, positive image has become essential to the maintenance of sustained competitive advantage. Research into store image has allowed retailers to create positioning strategies and enabled them to differentiate their stores in terms of the products, prices or services on offer. This paper presents the findings of a survey based on responses from 860 customers of multiple retailers selling womenswear fashion clothing. It examined the principal dimensions involved in store image, utilising a multi‐attribute model, and compares results with qualitative store choice statements. The paper concludes by exploring how retailers could manipulate image variables to maintain or defend their market positioning.
An exploratory study of the consumer decision process for intimate apparel
Authors: Hart Cathy , Dewsnap Belinda
Published: November 2002

In contrast to outer apparel, academic research has neglected consumer behaviour for intimate apparel or lingerie. It is argued that within this category the bra deserves singular research attention. This paper presents the results of exploratory research designed to explore in depth the bra consumer decision process. The key findings indicate a highly involved consumer who is motivated by a complex range of interlinked factors, and a consumer who desires to be brand loyal in order to enjoy a less extensive decision process, but who is prevented from doing so by high levels of perceived risk and “obstructive” marketing. The authors offer directions for future empirical research based on the consumer behavioural constructs of involvement, perceived risk and the self‐concept. Implications for marketing management are also discussed.
Characterization of Two Noncellulosomal Subunits, ArfA and BgaA, from
Clostridium cellulovorans
That Cooperate with the Cellulosome in Plant Cell Wall Degradation
Authors: Kosugi Akihiko , Murashima Koichiro , Doi Roy H.
Published: November 2002

Plant cell wall degradation by
Clostridium cellulovorans
requires the cooperative activity of its cellulases and hemicellulases. To characterize the α-
l
-arabinosidases that are involved in hemicellulose degradation, we screened the
C. cellulovorans
genomic library for clones with α-
l
-arabinofuranosidase or α-
l
-arabinopyranosidase activity, and two clones utilizing different substrates were isolated. The genes from the two clones,
arfA
and
bgaA
, encoded proteins of 493 and 659 amino acids with molecular weights of 55,731 and 76,414, respectively, and were located on neighboring loci. The amino acid sequences for ArfA and BgaA were related to α-
l
-arabinofuranosidase and β-galactosidase, respectively, which are classified as family 51 and family 42 glycosyl hydrolases, respectively. Recombinant ArfA (rArfA) had high activity for
p
-nitrophenyl α-
l
-arabinofuranoside, arabinoxylan, and arabinan but not for
p
-nitrophenyl α-
l
-arabinopyranoside. On the other hand, recombinant BgaA (rBgaA) hydrolyzed not only
p
-nitrophenyl α-
l
-arabinopyranoside but also
p
-nitrophenyl β-
d
-galactopyranoside. However, when the affinities of rBgaA for
p
-nitrophenyl α-
l
-arabinopyranoside and
p
-nitrophenyl β-
d
-galactopyranoside were compared, the

K
m

values were 1.51 and 6.06 mM, respectively, suggesting that BgaA possessed higher affinity for α-
l
-arabinopyranose residues than for β-
d
-galactopyranoside residues and possessed a novel enzymatic property for a family 42 β-galactosidase. Activity staining analyses revealed that ArfA and BgaA were located exclusively in the noncellulosomal fraction. When rArfA and rBgaA were incubated with β-1,4-xylanase A (XynA), a cellulosomal enzyme from
C. cellulovorans
, on plant cell wall polymers, the plant cell wall-degrading activity was synergistically increased compared with that observed with XynA alone. These results indicate that, to obtain effective plant cell wall degradation, there is synergy between noncellulosomal and cellulosomal subunits.
Transcription-Dependent Increase in Multiple Classes of Base Substitution Mutations in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Klapacz Joanna , Bhagwat Ashok S.
Published: November 2002

We showed previously that transcription in
Escherichia coli
promotes C · G-to-T · A transitions due to increased deamination of cytosines to uracils in the nontranscribed but not the transcribed strand (A. Beletskii and A. S. Bhagwat, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:13919-13924, 1996). To study mutations other than that of C to T, we developed a new genetic assay that selects only base substitution mutations and additionally excludes C · G to T · A transitions. This novel genetic reversion system is based on mutations in a termination codon and involves positive selection for resistance to bleomycin or kanamycin. Using this genetic system, we show here that transcription from a strong promoter increases the level of non-C-to-T as well as C-to-T mutations. We find that high-level transcription increases the level of non-C-to-T mutations in DNA repair-proficient cells in three different sequence contexts in two genes and that the rate of mutation is higher by a factor of 2 to 4 under these conditions. These increases are not caused by a growth advantage for the revertants and are restricted to genes that are induced for transcription. In particular, high levels of transcription do not create a general mutator phenotype in
E. coli
. Sequence analysis of the revertants revealed that the frequency of several different base substitutions increased upon transcription of the bleomycin resistance gene and that G · C-to-T · A transversions dominated the spectrum in cells transcribing the gene. These results suggest that high levels of transcription promote many different spontaneous base substitutions in
E. coli
.
Ribosylnicotinamide Kinase Domain of NadR Protein: Identification and Implications in NAD Biosynthesis
Authors: Kurnasov Oleg V. , Polanuyer Boris M. , Ananta Shubha , Sloutsky Roman , Tam Annie , Gerdes Svetlana Y. , Osterman Andrei L.
Published: November 2002

NAD is an indispensable redox cofactor in all organisms. Most of the genes required for NAD biosynthesis in various species are known. Ribosylnicotinamide kinase (RNK) was among the few unknown (missing) genes involved with NAD salvage and recycling pathways. Using a comparative genome analysis involving reconstruction of NAD metabolism from genomic data, we predicted and experimentally verified that bacterial RNK is encoded within the 3′ region of thenadRgene. Based on these results and previous data, the full-size multifunctional NadR protein (as inEscherichia coli) is composed of (i) an N-terminal DNA-binding domain involved in the transcriptional regulation of NAD biosynthesis, (ii) a central nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) domain, and (iii) a C-terminal RNK domain. The RNK and NMNAT enzymatic activities of recombinant NadR proteins fromSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium andHaemophilus influenzaewere quantitatively characterized. We propose a model for the complete salvage pathway from exogenousN-ribosylnicotinamide to NAD which involves the concerted action of the PnuC transporter and NRK, followed by the NMNAT activity of the NadR protein. Both thepnuCandnadRgenes were proven to be essential for the growth and survival ofH. influenzae, thus implicating them as potential narrow-spectrum drug targets.
Molecular Genetic Analysis of ICEF, an Integrative Conjugal Element That Is Present as a Repetitive Sequence in the Chromosome ofMycoplasma fermentansPG18
Authors: Calcutt Michael J. , Lewis Michelle S. , Wise Kim S.
Published: November 2002

Mycoplasmagenomes contain compact gene sets that approach the minimal complement necessary for life and reflect multiple evolutionary instances of genomic reduction. Lateral gene transfer may play a critical role in shaping the mobile gene pool in these organisms, yet complex mobile elements have not been reported within this genus. We describe here a large (∼23-kb) genetic element with unique features that is present in four copies in theMycoplasma fermentansPG18 chromosome, accounting for approximately 8% of the genome. These novel elements, designated ICEF (integrative conjugal elements ofM. fermentans), resemble conjugative, self-transmissible integrating elements (constins) in that circular, nonreplicative extrachromosomal forms occur in which the left and right termini of the integrated element are juxtaposed and separated by a coupling sequence derived from direct repeats flanking chromosomal copies of ICEF as a result of target site duplication. ICEF contain multiple similarly oriented open reading frames (ORFs), of which some have homology to products of known conjugation genes but others have no known counterparts. Surprisingly, unlike other constins, ICEF lack homologs of known integrases, transposases, or recombinases, suggesting that a novel enzyme may be employed for integration-excision. Skewed distribution and varied sites of chromosomal integration amongM. fermentansisolates suggest a role for ICEF in promoting genomic and phenotypic variation in this species. Identification of homologs of terminal ICEF ORFs in two additional mycoplasma species indicates that ICEF is the prototype member of a family of ICE-related elements that may be widespread among pathogenic mycoplasmas infecting diverse vertebrate hosts.
Vancomycin Tolerance Induced by Erythromycin but Not by Loss ofvncRS,vex3, orpep27Function inStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Robertson Gregory T. , Zhao Jingyong , Desai Bhushan V. , Coleman William H. , Nicas Thalia I. , Gilmour Raymond , Grinius Leo , Morrison Donald A. , Winkler Malcolm E.
Published: November 2002

Vancomycin-tolerantStreptococcus pneumoniaeis a growing problem among drug-resistant human pathogens. Some vancomycin-tolerant pneumococci have been reported to carry mutations in loci encoding a two-component regulatory system designated VncRS or in a proximal ABC transporter, Vex. A model was advanced proposing that the tolerance phenotype resulted from the inability of avncSmutant to respond to the Vex-transported Pep27 “death peptide” signal and dephosphorylate VncR, thereby preventing relief of repression of autolytic and other cell death functions in response to antibiotics. To explore this hypothesis, we constructed mutations invncS,vncR,vex3, andpep27inS. pneumoniaestrain R6 and two additional genetic backgrounds. The lytic responses of the isogenic ΔvncS, Δvex3, ΔvncR, and Δpep27mutants, but not a ΔlytAstrain, to vancomycin were indistinguishable from that of the parent strain. ΔvncSstrains also failed to exhibit tolerance to vancomycin at various doses in multiple media and showed wild-type sensitivity to other classes of autolysis-inducing antibiotics. In contrast, addition of subinhibitory levels of the antibiotic erythromycin led to tolerance to vancomycin during late, but not early, exponential-phase growth in a ΔvncSstrain, in the parent strain R6, and in two other strains bearing erythromycin resistance markers, namely, a ΔvncRstrain and an unrelated ΔcomDstrain that is defective in competence-quorum sensing. Thus, this tolerance effect resulted from changes in cell growth or other erythromycin-dependent phenomena and not inactivation ofvncSper se. Consistent with these results, and in contrast to a previous report, we found that a synthetic form of Pep27 did not elicit lytic or nonlytic killing of pneumococci. Finally, microarray transcriptional analysis and β-galactosidase reporter assays revealed VncS-dependent regulation of thevex123gene cluster but did not support a role for VncRS in the regulation of autolytic or other putative cell death loci. Based on these findings, we propose that vancomycin tolerance inS. pneumoniaedoes not result from loss ofvncSfunction alone.
Collaborative Regulation ofEscherichia coliGlutamate-Dependent Acid Resistance by Two AraC-Like Regulators, GadX and GadW (YhiW)
Authors: Ma Zhuo , Richard Hope , Tucker Don L. , Conway Tyrrell , Foster John W.
Published: November 2002

An important feature ofEscherichia colipathogenesis is an ability to withstand extremely acidic environments of pH 2 or lower. This acid resistance property contributes to the low infectious dose of pathogenicE. colispecies. One very efficientE. coliacid resistance system encompasses two isoforms of glutamate decarboxylase (gadAandgadB) and a putative glutamate:γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) antiporter (gadC). The system is subject to complex controls that vary with growth media, growth phase, and growth pH. Previous work has revealed that the system is controlled by two sigma factors, two negative regulators (cyclic AMP receptor protein [CRP] and H-NS), and an AraC-like regulator called GadX. Earlier evidence suggested that the GadX protein acts both as a positive and negative regulator of thegadAandgadBCgenes depending on environmental conditions. New data clarify this finding, revealing a collaborative regulation between GadX and another AraC-like regulator called GadW (previously YhiW). GadX and GadW are DNA binding proteins that form homodimers in vivo and are 42% homologous to each other. GadX activates expression ofgadAandgadBCat any pH, while GadW inhibits GadX-dependent activation. Regulation ofgadAandgadBCby either regulator requires an upstream, 20-bp GAD box sequence. Northern blot analysis further indicates that GadW represses expression ofgadX. The results suggest a control circuit whereby GadW interacts with both thegadAandgadXpromoters. GadW clearly repressesgadXand, in situations where GadX is missing, activatesgadAandgadBC.GadX, however, activates onlygadAandgadBCexpression. CRP also repressesgadXexpression. It does this primarily by repressing production of sigma S, the sigma factor responsible forgadXexpression. In fact, the acid induction ofgadAandgadBCobserved when rich-medium cultures enter stationary phase corresponds to the acid induction of sigma S production. These complex control circuits impose tight rein over expression of thegadAandgadBCsystem yet provide flexibility for inducing acid resistance under many conditions that presage acid stress.
Increases in airway eosinophils and interleukin-5 with minimal bronchoconstriction during repeated low-dose allergen challenge in atopic asthmatics
Authors: Sulakvelidze I , Inman MD , Rerecich T , O'Byrne PM
Published: November 2002

Repeated low-dose allergen challenge increases airway hyperresponsiveness in atopic asthmatics. However, it is not known whether low-dose allergen challenge increases airway inflammation. Eight atopic asthmatics were enrolled in a controlled, cross-over study to evaluate the effect and time course of repeated low-dose allergen challenge on airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. The dose of allergen to reduce forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) by approximately 5% was selected in a screening allergen challenge. The subjects then were challenged for five consecutive days with either diluent or the selected low-dose of allergen. Methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness (PC20,meth) was measured and sputum induced on days 1, 3 and 5 of the repeated challenge, and then 1 day and 3 days after the last challenge. Repeated low-dose allergen challenge caused small reductions in FEV1, but increased airway eosinophils and interleukin (IL)-5, airway hyperresponsiveness, asthma symptoms and beta2-agonist use, all of which peaked on days 3 or 5 of the challenge. The mean (SEM) percentage sputum eosinophils was 21.2 (0.7)% after allergen versus 3.9 (0.1)% after diluent (p<0.001); percentage EG2+ cells were 13.4 (03)% after allergen versus 1.1 (0.04)% after diluent (p<0.01) and geometric mean (GSEM) eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was 1061.8 (1.6) microg x L(-1) after allergen versus 447.03 (1.2) microg x L(-1) after diluent (p<0.05). Geometric mean (GSEM) IL-5 was 71.4 (1.4) pg x mL(-1) after allergen versus 18.4 (1.04) pg x mL(-1) after diluent (p<0.01). All the changes had resolved by 3 days after the last challenges. The study demonstrated that repeated inhalation of a low-dose of allergen causes airway eosinophilia and increases in interleukin-5, associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, and mild worsening of asthma control, without the development of marked acute bronchoconstriction or the development of late responses.
Induced sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage and blood from mild asthmatics: inflammatory cells, lymphocyte subsets and soluble markers compared
Authors: Pizzichini E , Pizzichini MM , Kidney JC , Efthimiadis A , Hussack P , Popov T , Cox G , Dolovich J , O'Byrne P , Hargreave FE
Published: November 2002

Airway inflammation in asthma can be measured directly by invasive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), directly and relatively noninvasively by induced sputum and indirectly from peripheral blood. We compared cellular and fluid phase indices of inflammation in induced sputum, BAL and blood from 11 adults with mild stable asthma. On one day, induced sputum selected from saliva was collected and on the next, blood and BAL. Median results of sputum compared with BAL showed a higher number of nonsquamous cells (53 versus 0.8 x 10(6) cells x mL(-1), p=0.003), more neutrophils (34.3 versus 1.0%, p<0.001), CD4+ and CD19+ T-cells (76.5 versus 54.7%, p=0.01 and 5.2 versus 1.1%, p=0.03, respectively), fewer macrophages (603 versus 95.0%, p=0.002) and markedly higher levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) (264 versus 2.0 microg x L(-1), p<0.001), tryptase (17.6 versus 2.2 UI x L(-1), p<0.001) and fibrinogen (1,400 versus 150 microg x L(-1), p=0.001). Sputum and BAL neutrophils and CD4+ T-cells were strongly correlated. Sputum and BAL differed from blood by having higher proportions of T-cells (94.9 and 98.9% versus 87.7%, p=0.002) and lower proportions of CD19+ T-lymphocytes (p=0.04 and 0.006). Sputum also differed from blood by having higher proportions of CD4+ T-cells (76.5 versus 51.4%, p=0.001), lower proportions of CD8+ cells (24.0 versus 403%, p=0.04) and a higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio (3.3 versus 1.4, p=0.01). We conclude that in mild asthmatics, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage and blood measure different compartments of inflammation. Induced selected sputum has the advantage over bronchoalveolar lavage of higher density of cell recovery and stronger signal for fluid-phase markers.
Structure and function relationships of the respiratory muscles
Authors: Sauleda J , Gea J , Orozco-Levi M , Corominas J , Minguella J , Aguar C , Broquetas J , Agusti AG
Published: November 2002

Potential relationships between the structure of the diaphragm and external intercostals and several indices of respiratory muscle function, lung function and nutrition in 27 patients (61+/-10 yrs of age) subjected to thoracotomy as a result of a lung neoplasm have been investigated. Prior to surgery the nutritional status of the patients was assessed and lung function (spirometry, lung volumes, transfer factor of the lungs for carbon monoxide, arterial blood gases) and respiratory muscle function (maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and diaphragmatic function were measured). Biopsies of the diaphragm (and external intercostals) were obtained during surgery. On average, patients showed mild airflow limitation (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), 70+/-14% of predicted value, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), 70+/-9%) with some air trapping (residual volume (RV), 139+/-50% pred) and normal gas exchange (arterial oxygen tension (Pa,O2), 11.3+/-1.33 kPa (85+/-10 mmHg)) and arterial carbon dioxide tension (Pa,CO2) 5.4+/-0.5 kPa (40.6+/-4 mmHg). MIP was 77+/-25% pred; maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure was 90+/-27 cmH2O. Most morphometric measurements of the diaphragm and external intercostals were within the range of values reported previously in other skeletal muscles. The size of the fibres of these two respiratory muscles was positively related (p<0.05) to MIP (% pred). There were no significant relationships between the structure of both muscles and nutritional status or any index of lung function. In conclusion, in the population studied, the fibre size of the diaphragm and external intercostals appears to relate to their ability to generate force.
Expression of plasminogen activator inhibitors type-1 and type-2 in the mouse lung after administration of crystalline silica
Authors: Lardot C , Heusterpreute M , Mertens P , Philippe M , Lison D
Published: November 2002

Altered expression of plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAIs) is of potential relevance to the process of lung fibrosis. To clarify the involvement of PAIs in interstitial lung diseases, we examined whether alterations in PAI-1 and PAI-2 were induced in response to a single intratracheal administration of a fibrosing dose of crystalline silica in mice (5 mg x animal(-1)). The time course of changes in PAI activity and PAI-1 protein were characterized in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and changes in PAI-1 and PAI-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNAs) were monitored by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in BALF cells and lung tissue up to the fibrotic stage of the disease. Substantial levels of PAI activity were found in BALF of control animals, whereas no PAI-1 protein was detected. In response to silica treatment, we observed an acute increase of PAI activity and PAI-1 protein levels in BALF (day 1), associated with an induction of PAI-1 and PAI-2 mRNA levels in lung tissue. In alveolar macrophages, silica treatment induced a persistent upregulation of PAI-2 mRNA only. One month after silica treatment, PAI activity was undetectable in BALF while substantial PAI activity was still present in controls. At the same time point, sustained upregulation of PAI-1 and PAI- 2 mRNAs was, however, noted in lung tissue of animals treated with silica. These findings support the possible implication of PAIs in the remodelling process induced by silica in the lung.
Ionized calcium and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration in serum of patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Hamada K , Nagai S , Tsutsumi T , Izumi T
Published: November 2002

The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in calcium metabolism in sarcoidosis. The serum concentrations of calcium (sCa), ionized calcium (sCa2+), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (s1,25(OH)2D3) and parathyroid hormone (sPTH), serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity (sACE) and urinary excretion of calcium (uCa) were studied in 36 Japanese patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, aged 48.1+/-15.3 yrs (mean+/-SD), 15 males and 21 females. During the study the patients were on a daily diet with 500 mg calcium and 1000 mg phosphorus for a total of 6 days. sCa2+ was above the normal range (>1.26 mmol x L(-1)) in 10 patients (27.8%), 12 patients (33.3%) were hypercalciuric, and 16 patients (44.4%) showed alteration in calcium metabolism, with an increase in values of sCa, sCa2+ or uCa. There was a significant correlation between sCa2+ and s1,25(OH)2D3 (p<0.001), as well as between sCa2+ and sACE (p<0.001). s1,25(OH)2D3 in patients with extrathoracic involvement (ETI) tended to be higher than in patients without ETI. sCa2+ was less than 1.23 mmol x L(-1) (p<0.05) in the majority of patients without ETI, and sCa2+ was less than 1.24 mmol x L(-1) in the majority of normocalciuric patients. In conclusion, a disease-related alteration in calcium metabolism was seen in about 40% of patients with sarcoidosis, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D probably plays a crucial role in this abnormality. The serum concentration of ionized calcium was considered to be a useful index for the disease activity of sarcoidosis.
Bronchodilator response to salbutamol after spontaneous recovery from nonspecific bronchial provocation tests in asthma
Authors: Polosa R , Prosperini G , Magri S , Ciamarra I , Pagano C , Paolino G , Santonocito G , Crimi N
Published: November 2002

Assessment of airway responsiveness by bronchoprovocation and bronchodilatation tests is important in the diagnostic work-up protocol of bronchial asthma and it would be convenient to undertake both tests on the same occasion. However, it is not known whether this can be done accurately. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of a prior bronchial provocation test on the bronchodilator response to salbutamol after spontaneous recovery of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in a group of asthmatic subjects. On two separate occasions at the same time of day, concentration-response studies with inhaled histamine or methacholine, or a sham challenge with normal saline were carried out in a blinded, randomized manner. Changes in airway calibre were followed as FEV1 and agonist responsiveness expressed as the provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20). After either spontaneous recovery or a fixed-duration wait of 45 min (when appropriate), the subjects received 2x100 microg of salbutamol from a metered dose inhaler with a spacer. The bronchodilator response to salbutamol was expressed as a percentage of initial FEV1 (deltaFEV1% init). Bronchial challenge with both agonists failed to alter significantly the airway response to salbutamol, with the deltaFEV1% init mean value (range) being 16.9% (9.0-31.9) and 17.5% (11.6-31.2) on the sham and histamine/methacholine challenge day respectively. It was shown that the degree of bronchodilatation achieved after salbutamol 200 microg is not affected by prior bronchoprovocation testing when enough time is allowed for the airways to recover spontaneously to baseline forced expiratory volume in one second. Thus evaluation of airway responsiveness by both bronchial provocation tests and bronchodilator testing can be assessed reliably within a few hours in asthmatic patients.
Effect of slow-release theophylline on nasal antigen challenge in subjects with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Aubier M , Neukirch C , Maachi M , Boucara D , Engelstatter R , Steinijans V , Samoyeau R , Dehoux M
Published: November 2002

It has been recognized recently that theophylline possesses anti-inflammatory effects that could be of clinical interest in patients with airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of theophylline on the nasal eosinophilic inflammatory response following allergen challenge in patients with AR. Fourteen subjects suffering from seasonal rhinitis with an early reaction after nasal allergen provocation were challenged outside the pollen season after pretreatment for 3 weeks with placebo or slow-release theophylline (Euphylong in a randomized double-blind, cross-over study. Nasal blocking index (NBI), nasal airway resistance and symptoms were recorded before, and 1 and 5 h after challenge; additionally, nasal lavage fluid was collected before, as well as 1 and 5 h after challenge. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was measured in the lavage as well as the number of eosinophils before, and 1 h and 5 h after allergen challenge. After 3 weeks of treatment, baseline concentrations of ECP in nasal lavage amounted to 826+/-329 ng x L(-1) (placebo) and 936+/-351 ng x L(-1) (theophylline). The ECP levels did not increase during the early phase response. Five hours after challenge, ECP in the placebo group increased markedly (p<0.01), whereas no significant increase was observed during theophylline treatment. In parallel, the number of eosinophils in the nasal lavage fluid was lower during theophylline treatment. Additionally, theophylline therapy also significantly reduced the nasal symptoms and had some protective effect against nasal obstruction following allergen challenge. These results confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of theophylline and suggest that these effects may be of clinical benefit in patients with allergic rhinitis.
Fine particle mass from the Diskus inhaler and Turbuhaler inhaler in children with asthma
Authors: Bisgaard H , Klug B , Sumby BS , Burnell PK
Published: November 2002

The study aimed to investigate dose consistency and particle distribution from the dry powder inhalers Diskus and Turbuhaler. Full profiles of inhalation pressure versus time were recorded in 18 4 yr old and 18 8 yr old asthmatic children through Diskus and Turbuhaler inhalers. These data were used in an inhalation profile simulator to assess drug delivery from both a Diskus inhaler and a Turbuhaler inhaler, and in particular to assess the proportion of drug emitted in the coarse (>4.7 microm) and fine (<4.7 microm) particle size range from each type of inhaler. The inhalation profile more accurately represents the changes in flow rate over time through the device than the constant flow rate usually applied with an impactor alone. The aerosol cloud was released before the peak inspiratory effort had been achieved and accordingly the early part and not the peak of the inspiratory performance is a determinant of the quality of the aerosol. The mean (SD) amount of drug in large particles (>4.7 microm), fine particles (<4.7 microm) and very fine particles (<2.1 microm) in percentage of label claim from the Fluticasone Diskus was 72 (5), 15 (2) and 2 (1) from the 4 yr old children and 71 (3), 18 (2) and 2 (1) from the 8 yr old children, respectively. Similar particle fractions from the Budesonide Turbuhaler were 35 (9), 21 (10) and 7 (5) from 4 yr old children and 30 (7), 32 (9) and 12 (6) from 8 yr old children. In conclusion, the Diskus inhaler provides an improved dose consistency through the varying age groups and inspiratory flow performances when compared to the Turbuhaler in terms of the proportion of the dose emitted at each particle size. This improvement is at the expense of a low fine particle mass and a high proportion of coarse particles from the Diskus as compared with the Turbuhaler.
Treatment of ventilatory failure in the Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Smith IE , King MA , Siklos PW , Shneerson JM
Published: November 2002

Hypercapnic respiratory failure is a common cause of death in the Prader-Willi syndrome. Its relationship to sleep-disordered breathing has not been established and there are no reports of its successful treatment. We have retrospectively reviewed the records of four patients with the syndrome, who developed ventilatory failure. Daytime arterial blood gas tensions and overnight oximetry traces before and during treatment were compared. Each patient had severe sleep-disordered breathing in association with daytime ventilatory failure. The median overnight mean arterial oxygen saturation (Sa,O2) was 82% and the median minimum was only 41.5%. Initial treatment was with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation, and in each case the daytime arterial blood gas tensions were normalized. The patients were maintained on nasal continuous positive airway pressure at night after discharge. Compliance has been good, and at last follow-up (after a median of 4.8 yrs) the daytime arterial gas tensions remained normal, while the median overnight mean arterial oxygen saturation was 95.5% and the median minimum was 84.5%. This study of patients with the Prader-Willi syndrome shows that daytime ventilatory failure is associated with sleep-disordered breathing. It can be reversed with nocturnal noninvasive ventilation and maintenance treatment with continuous positive airway pressure is well tolerated, with no deterioration in respiratory parameters.
Bronchial stenosis and sclerosing mediastinitis: an uncommon complication of external thoracic radiotherapy
Authors: Dechambre S , Dorzee J , Fastrez J , Hanzen C , Van Houtte P , d'Odemont JP
Published: November 2002

The side-effects of radiation therapy on the bronchial tree or on the mediastinum are seldom reported. In this setting, we report a case of sclerosing mediastinitis with bronchial stenosis discovered 1 yr after external radiotherapy for lung cancer. The patient was treated with a Dumont stent and has so far had an uneventful further course for up to 42 months. Bronchial stenosis related to mediastinal fibrosis after radiotherapy has not been reported previously.
Elevated bronchoalveolar concentrations of MCP-1 in patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Iyonaga K , Suga M , Yamamoto T , Ichiyasu H , Miyakawa H , Ando M
Published: November 2002

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease of unknown aetiology characterized by accumulations of lipoproteinaceous material within the alveoli. The alveolar macrophages become increasingly foamy, and are thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of PAP. However, the mechanisms of macrophage recruitment are unclear. In the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of four patients with PAP and 20 normal control subjects, the following were examined: the monocyte chemotactic activity due to the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 with the use of a chemotactic chamber assay, the levels of MCP-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the MCP-1 expression on lavage cells by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. The monocyte chemotactic activity in the BALF of the PAP patients was markedly elevated, and the activity was completely absorbed by treatment with anti-MCP-1. The MCP-1 levels in the BALF were surprisingly high in the PAP group (25,100+/-472 pg x mL(-1)), whereas low levels of MCP-1 were detected in the normal control subjects (mean: never smokers 4.8; smokers 10.4 pg x mL(-1)). MCP-1 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid were expressed by macrophages from the PAP patients, and the expression was reduced according to foaming of the cells; there were monocyte-like macrophages with strong expression, small foamy cells with moderate expression, large foamy cells with a faint expression of MCP-1, and ghost cells with no expression. However, the increase of macrophage number in the PAP BALF was relatively small. These data suggest that monocyte chemoattractant protein(-1) expression by alveolar macrophages represents an amplification mechanism for the recruitment of additional macrophages to the alveoli in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. It is possible that an ingestion of an excess of alveolar materials in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis may impair the macrophage function and the survival, resulting in the lack of a prominent increase in the macrophage number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Overview of immune system development in the dog: comparison with humans
Authors: Felsburg P J
Published: November 2002

Dogs play an important role in toxicology because of their importance as a large animal, pre-clinical model for evaluating potential toxicity in human drug development including the effects of investigational drugs on the immune system. The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the canine immune system during the fetal, neonatal and postnatal periods and to compare it with that of the human immune system. Unlike rodents, the development of the canine immune system shares many similarities to that of the human. In both dogs and humans, the immune system, including the mucosal immune system, is fully developed before birth although the maturity of the immune response may continue into the postnatal period.
Electrocatalysis of polyaniline formation by PbO2 in acetonitrile
Authors: Abaci Serdar , Pekmez Kadir , Pekmez Nuran , Yildiz Attila
Published: November 2002

Electrocatalytic effects on electropolymerization of aniline were investigated. It was determined that surface catalysis by β‐PbO2 causes formation of higher amounts of polyaniline than catalysis by α‐PbO2 and Pb2+ ions. β‐PbO2 surfaces decreased the upper potential limit of aniline electropolymerization about 400 mV. The catalytic effect of PbO2 is highly dependent upon the crystal structure of PbO2. Dry conductivity values of polyaniline samples obtained under different conditions were also compared. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 599–605, 2003
Hydrolytic degradation studies on poly(phosphate ester)s
Authors: Narendran N. , Kishore K.
Published: November 2002

Eight poly(phosphate ester)s comprising five homopolymers (polymers I–V), two copolymers (polymers VI and VII), and one terpolymer (polymer VIII) were synthesized by interfacial polycondensation of phenyl phosphorodichloridate with various bisphenols. The polymers were characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The copolymer and terpolymer ratios were determined by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights of the polymers were determined by end‐group analysis using 31P‐NMR spectroscopy. Accelerated hydrolytic degradation studies under alkali‐catalyzed conditions showed that the polymer from biphenol (polymer IV) is the most stable and the polymer from thiodiphenol (polymer V) is the least stable. The products of hydrolytic degradation were analyzed and a suitable mechanism for the degradation of the polymers proposed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 626–631, 2003
Parameters affecting the chain extension and branching of PET in the melt state by polyepoxides
Authors: Dhavalikar R. , Xanthos M.
Published: November 2002

This article describes the chemical modification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a variety of compounds containing reactive glycidyl group(s). Four different modifiers, namely, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA), N,N′‐bis[3(carbo‐2′,3′‐epoxypropoxy) phenyl] pyromellitimide (BGPM), triglycidyl glycerol (TGG), and triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) were compared for their reactivity toward PET in the melt phase. It was found that the presence of tertiary nitrogen in the structure of the epoxide modifiers plays the role of in‐built catalyst for their reaction with the end groups of PET. TGIC as a modifier was selected for the detailed investigation of the simultaneously occurring degradation and chain extension/branching reactions in a batch‐melt mixer. The reactions were followed by torque changes, analyzing the products for residual carboxyl content, and by determining insoluble content. It is shown that the rate of the reactive modification of PET melt by TGIC depends upon stoichiometry, temperature, rate of shear, and the chemical composition and the molecular weight (MW) of the PET resin. In general, the results indicate an increase in melt viscosity and insoluble content, whereas an overall decrease in carboxyl content occurs, as defined by the choice of mixing conditions and stoichiometry. Analysis of the batch kinetic data can be useful to define the process requirements for carrying out the reactive modification in continuous extrusion equipment. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 643–652, 2003