bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consent processes in common nose and throat procedures
Authors: Chadha Neil K. , Pratap Rohit , Narula Antony A.
Published: July 2003

The NHS Plan identified the need for changes in consent practice, and led to the issuing of a model consent policy and standard consent forms for use in the NHS. The aim of this study was to determine current consent practices for common rhinology and laryngology procedures.

A telephone survey was conducted of 40 otolaryngology Senior House Officers (SHOs) across England and Wales, asking about local consent procedure, and the specific complications discussed before common operations.

The responsibility for routine consenting belonged to SHOs in 95 per cent of departments. Model NHS consent forms were used in 72.5 per cent and information sheets given to patients in 25 per cent of departments. The specific operative risks mentioned to patients by the SHOs showed great variability.

The provision of standardized consent protocols for each operation, together with information sheets and the model NHS forms, could aid juniors involved in consent and prove beneficial to our patients.
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia arising from the facial artery
Authors: Kimura Yurika , Tsutsumi Takeshi , Kuroishikawa Yasushi , Kishimoto Seiji
Published: July 2003

We report on a rare case of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) arising from the facial artery, which was pre-operatively diagnosed as an aneurysm. ALHE is a rare lesion, the precise nature of which remains controversial: it is still unclear whether ALHE is a tumour or an inflammatory disease or whether it can be separated from Kimura’s disease based on its pathological characteristics. ALHE rarely occurs in muscular arteries, and this is the first description of ALHE arising from the facial artery. Angiography vividly revealed the pathological structure of the lesion in this case, which prompted us to advocate angiography for diagnosing ALHE arising from muscular arteries. Complete dissection and cryotherapy proved to be effective treatment, although complete management of any therapeutic protocol should avoid recurrence of the lesion, whatever specific treatments are selected.
Investigating Gasification Processes of Solid Fuels by in situ Gaspotentiometric Oxygen Probes
Authors: Schotte E. , Lorenz H. , Rau H.
Published: July 2003

This paper describes a novel analytical method that applies a gaspotentiometric oxygen probe (GOP) for characterizing gasification behavior of solid fuels. On the basis of GOP signals a developed gasification model enables the determination of fuel‐specific properties, like effective reaction rate constant and overall activation energy. For its experimental validation two coal cokes were converted with four different gasification agents in a lab‐scale fluidized‐bed reactor. The results obtained will be discussed and compared with literature data. As this advantageous in situ measurement technique is fast, inexpensive, and easy to handle, it makes the GOP a predestined tool for monitoring and controlling gasification processes.
Flue Gas Cleaning with the MercOx Process
Authors: Korell J. , Seifert H. , Paur H.‐R. , Andersson S. , Bolin P.
Published: July 2003

Although the use of mercury in the production of consumer goods is steadily reduced and mercury‐containing wastes are collected separately, thermal processes, such as special waste and sewage sludge incineration, still represent mercury emission sources. Particular problems result from elementary mercury contained in the flue gas.
Birth of Neutrino Astrophysics (Nobel Lecture)
Authors: Koshiba Masatoshi
Published: July 2003

The KamiokaNDE experiment for the observation of proton decay, an array of photomultipliers containing over 3 000 tons of water, allowed the observation of charged particles travelling faster than the velocity of light in water. The subsequently developed Super‐KamiokaNDE could be used to measure the amounts, the path, the energies, and the oscillation parameters of neutrinos, generated either by supernova explosions in the sun, or in the atmosphere. This work was awarded the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physics.
The Electrochemical Oxidation of N,N‐Diethyl‐p‐Phenylenediamine in DMF and Analytical Applications. Part I: Mechanistic Study
Authors: Klymenko Oleksiy V. , Giovanelli Debora , Lawrence Nathan S. , Rees Neil V. , Jiang Li , Jones Timothy G. J. , Compton Richard G.
Published: July 2003

The electrochemical oxidation of N,N‐diethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine in dimethylformamide has been studied at platinum and gold microdisk electrodes of various radii between 6.7 and 66 μm. The voltammetric responses revealed two electrochemically reversible waves the second of which becomes larger at higher concentrations and bigger electrode radii. The voltammetric signals have been modelled and the electrochemical oxidation reaction is not inconsistent with an ECrevECE reaction. Kinetic parameters are reported.
Determination of valproic acid (2‐propylpentanoic acid) in human plasma by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection
Authors: Pucci Vincenzo , Mandrioli Roberto , Raggi Maria A.
Published: July 2003

A rapid capillary zone electrophoresis method with indirect UV detection was developed and validated for the determination of valproic acid (VPA) in human plasma. The analyses were carried out under optimized conditions, using a buffer system composed of 15 mM benzoate and 0.5 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide at pH 6.0, and 25% v/v methanol; 2‐hydroxybutyric acid was selected as the internal standard (IS). The capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation was carried out at a negative potential of 30 kV and the indirect UV detection was operated at 210 ± 20 nm for all assays. The influence of buffer pH, ionic strength, concentration of electroosmotic flow (EOF) modifier and organic modifier on indirect signal response and migration behavior of the organic acid was investigated. Isolation of VPA from plasma was accomplished by a carefully implemented procedure using methanol as the precipitant agent. Using a high ratio of methanol to plasma for deproteinization (4:1), good absolute recovery of the analyte and satisfactory selectivity was obtained. The calibration line for VPA was linear over the 1–100 μg/mL concentration range. Sensitivity was high; in fact, the limit of detection (LOD) of VPA was 150 ng/mL and 450 ng/mL the limit of quantitation (LOQ). The results obtained analyzing real plasma samples from schizophrenic patients under polytherapy with VPA as well as antipsychotic drugs were satisfactory in terms of precision, accuracy and sensitivity.
Elemental speciation analysis in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Liu Yan‐Ming , Cheng Jie‐Ke
Published: July 2003

The growing awareness of the strong development of the toxicity of heavy metals upon their chemical forms has led to an increasing interest in the qualitative and quantitative determination of specific metal species. Speciation has therefore become an important topic of present‐day analytical research. The development in the elemental speciation analysis by capillary electrophoresis (CE) is reviewed. Various CE separation modes and detection techniques applied are discussed. A comprehensive description of reported methods to date in CE speciation analysis including metals, metalloids and nonmetallic elements is demonstrated. Some examples are presented to demonstrate CE's ability to solve real‐world speciation analysis with emphasis on the applications in biological and environmental samples. Further, some issues concerning the limitations and the future of CE with regard to speciation studies are also discussed.
Determination of low‐molecular‐mass quaternary ammonium compounds by capillary electrophoresis and hyphenation with mass spectrometry
Authors: Buchberger Wolfgang , Schöftner Rainer
Published: July 2003

The determination of quaternary ammonium ions by capillary electrophoresis (CE) is reviewed. The analytes include tetraalkylammonium and alkylbenzyldimethylammonium compounds frequently used as antiseptic and antibacterial agents as well as in various household products, several plant growth regulators and herbicides, by‐products in bile acid sequestrants, and a range of anticholinergic drugs. Besides direct and indirect UV detection, hyphenation with electrospray mass spectrometry is particularly suited for quaternary ammonium ions and may lower the detection limits by two orders of magnitude. In comparison with established liquid chromatographic techniques, CE may exhibits superior separation efficiency. Applications in routine analysis have demonstrated that CE is reliable and robust enough to represent a real alternative to chromatography.
Large‐volume stacking with polarity switching and sweeping for chlorophenols and chlorophenoxy acids in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Kruaysawat Janpen , Marriott Philip J. , Hughes Jeff , Trenerry Craige
Published: July 2003

This paper describes approaches for stacking large volumes of sample solutions containing a mixture of chlorophenols and chlorophenoxyacetic acids as their anions in capillary zone electrophoresis, and compares results to standard capillary electrophoresis (CE) and normal stacking modes. In order to increase the amount of sample injected beyond the optimal conditions and maintain high resolution, the sample introduction buffer must be removed after the stacking process is completed. This is achieved by pumping the sample buffer out of the column using polarity switching. Large sample volumes are loaded by hydrodynamic injection, then stacked at the injection buffer/run electrolyte interface, followed by the removal of the large plug of low‐conductivity sample matrix from the capillary column using polarity switching and finally the separation of the stacked anions in a basic buffer (pH 8.65). Around 10‐ and 40‐fold improvement of sensitivity was achieved by normal stacking and large‐volume stacking with polarity switching, respectively, when compared to the standard CE analysis. Sweeping‐micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) was also investigated for the purpose of comparison to the stacking technique. The method should be suitable for the analysis of these chemical compound classes in industrial chlorophenoxyacetic acid manufacture.
Rigorous Approach to Modeling of a Continuous Aerobic Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Gehlert G. , Hapke J.
Published: July 2003

A rigorous approach to mathematical modeling of a continuous aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) for the treatment of wastewater is reported. The idea is to apply the activated sludge model ASM3 to the special configuration of a membrane bioreactor. Therefore, the biochemical processes modeled by the ASM3 were implemented together with mass balances typical of a MBR running at constant TSS. The model parameters were adapted to the properties of an artificial wastewater by using a global search algorithm. The model could be validated by comparing effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), sludge production and CO2 concentration in the exhaust to the experimental data.
The Cost of Annuities
Authors: Friedman Benjamin M. , Warshawsky Mark J.
Published: July 2003

The fact that most elderly U.S. individuals maintain a flat age-wealth profile, rather than buy individual life annuities, contradicts the standard life- cycle consumption model. Average expected yields on individual life annuities in the United States during 19681983 were lower by 4.21-6.13 percent, or 2.43- 4.35 percent after allowing for adverse selection, than yields on plausible iterative investments. Simulations of a model of saving and portfolio allocation show that, during the early retirement years, such yield d~ferentials can account for the absence of annuity purchases even without a bequest motive. At older ages, the combination of such yield differentials and a bequest motive can do so. Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 105, No. 1 (February 1990), pp. 135-154. (Reprinted with permission of the Journal of Economic Literature.)
Investor Sentiment and the Closed-End Fund Puzzle
Authors: Lee Charles M.C. , Shleifer Andrei , Thaler Richard H.
Published: July 2003

This paper examines the proposition that fluctuations in discounts of closed- end funds are driven by changes in individual investor sentiment. The theory implies that discounts on various funds move together, that new funds get started when seasoned funds sell at a premium or a small discount, and that discounts are correlated with prices of other securities affected by the same investor sentiment. The evidence supports these predictions. In particular, we find that both closed-end funds and small stocks tend to be held by individual investors, and that the discounts on closed-end narrow when small stocks do well. The Journal of Finance, Vol. XLVI, No. 1 (March 1991), pp. 75109. (Reprinted withpermissionof The Journal of Finance.)
The Impact of Publication of Analysts’ Recommendations on Returns and Trading Volume
Authors: Palmon Oded , Sun Huey-Lian , Tang Alex P.
Published: July 2003

Publication of security analysts’ recommendations in the column “Inside Wall Street,” which is published in Business Week, induces abnormal returns on the publication day and the following day. The abnormal returns are robust to the use of alternative samples and methodologies. The publication increases trading volumes for the securities that are recom- mended to be purchased, but not for securities that are recommended to be sold. The abnormal returns and trading volumes support the view that stock prices do not adjust instantaneously when new info~nation arrives, and that the time pattern of price adjustment depends on the time pattern of the accessibility of the information. The authors find no statistically significant difference between the average abnormal returns that are induced by recommendations that appear at the beginnings of “Inside Wall Street” columns (and are covered more extensively than others) and the average abnormal returns induced by other r~ommendations. The Financial Review, August 1994, 29(3): 395-417. (Reprinted with permission of The Financial Review.)
Investment Strategies Under Transaction Cost
Authors: Gennotte Gerard , Jung Alan
Published: July 2003

The effect of proportional transaction costs on dynamic portfolio strategies for an agent who maximizes his expected utility of terminal wealth is examined. For portfolios composed of a single risky asset and a single riskless asset, Constantinides (1979) shows that the optimal investment policy is described in terms of a no transaction region, where the optimal policy is to refrain from trading if initial portfolio holdings lie within the region, and to transact to the nearest boundary of the region if portfolio holdings lie outside the region. An efficient and tractable algorithm is developed to obtain the boundaries, which are expressed as the ratio of the dollar holdings in stocks and bonds. The optimal trading strategies and utility levels are derived for a large set of realistic parameters. Management Science, March 1994, 40(3): 385-404. (Reprinted with permission of ABI/Inform, Copyright UMI.)
Rational Investors’ Reaction to Uncertainty
Authors: Ajayi Richard A. , Mehdian Seyed
Published: July 2003

This paper examines the reaction of rational investors to unexpected information across the world’s major markets. The empirical results provide considerable support for the Uncertain Information Hypothesis and limited support for the Overreaction Hypothesis. In addition, it is found that investors are compensated for post-event increased volatility across these major markets. Journal ofBusiness Finance & Accounring, June 1994,21(4): 533- 545. (Reprinted with permission of Blackwell Publishers.)
A Theory of the Dynamics of Security Returns Around Market Closures,
Authors: Slezak Steve L.
Published: July 2003

Numerous empirical studies document patterns in the means and variances of security returns measured over periods that are punctuated by market closures. This article develops a multiperiod model in which closures delay the resolution of uncertainty, thereby redistrib- uting risk across time and agents. Since agents are risk averse in the model, this redistribution affects the equilibrium price, altering risk premia, liquidity costs, and the degree of infor- mational asymmetry. As a consequence, closures alter both the means and variances of returns. The article demonstrates that closures can generate a variety of mean and variance effects, including those that mirror the empirical phenomena. The Journal of Finance, September 1994,49(4): 1163-l 2 11. (Reprinted with permission of The Journal of Finance.)
Asymmetric Information and the Excess Volatility of Stock Prices
Authors: Eden Benjamin , Jovanovic Boyan
Published: July 2003

Evidence suggests the volatility of stock prices cannot be accounted for by information about future dividends. We argue that some of the volatility of stock prices in excess of fundamentals results from fluctuations in the amount of public information over time. Our model assumes that dividends and consumption are constant in the aggregate but that there are good lirms and bad firms whose identity may be unknown to the public, as in Akerlof’s “lemons” problem. In that case, the collective valuation of the constant dividend stream depends on the degree of informational asymmetry. Economic Inquiry, April 1994, XxX11: 228-235. (Reprinted with permission of the Economic Inquiry.)
Focus for the future: tackling the ‘pelvic pain’ problem in gynecologic practice — an interactive session
Authors: Walker J.J
Published: July 2003

Objective: The clinical management of women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and endometriosis involves important issues that exist at the interface between these two conditions. Methods: To address these issues, an interactive session was convened to discuss an empiric algorithmic protocol for the clinical management of CPP and endometriosis presented during the Takeda‐sponsored session as part of the XVI FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics and to monitor the audience response to this approach. Results: Approximately one‐third of the audience responded that they would definitely try this method, approximately 18% were already using it, and approximately 21% would be fairly likely to try it. Thirty percent of the audience was not convinced that the empiric approach is the best management strategy. Conclusion: The advantages of this management strategy should be carefully considered, and discussed with colleagues who do think it is the reasonable treatment approach in selected cases.
Chemokine Receptor 2 (CCR2) in Atherosclerosis, Infectious Diseases, and Regulation of T‐Cell Polarization
Authors: CHARO ISRAEL F. , PETERS WENDY
Published: July 2003

Infiltration of tissues by monocyte‐derived macrophages is a prominent component of a wide‐range of diseases, including atherosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, encephalitis, infectious diseases, and virtually all syndromes characterized by chronic inflammation. The molecular signals responsible for this directed migration are incompletely understood, but members of the chemokine family, especially the monocyte chemoattractant proteins (MCPs) (MCP‐1 to MCP‐5) are emerging as key players. Cells that respond to the MCPs do so because they express chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), the cognate receptor. This review will summarize evidence supporting a key role for CCR2 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, infections with intracellular pathogens, and regulation of the type I adaptive immune response.
Significant Involvement of CCL2 (MCP‐1) in Inflammatory Disorders of the Lung
Authors: ROSE C. EDWARD , SUNG SUNG‐SANG J. , FU SHU MAN
Published: July 2003

Mounting evidence suggests that CCL2 (MCP‐1) and its hematopoietic cell receptor CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) are involved in inflammatory disorders of the lung. In animal models of allergic asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), CCL2 expression and protein production are increased and the disease process is attenuated by CCL2 immunoneutralization. Mechanisms by which CCL2 may be acting include recruitment of regulatory and effector leukocytes; stimulation of histamine or leukotriene release from mast cells or basophils; induction of fibroblast production of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and procollagen; and enhancement of Th2 polarization. Recently, polymorphism for CCL2 has been described with increased cytokine‐induced release of CCL2 by monocytes and increased risk of allergic asthma. These studies identify potentially important roles for CCL2 in these lung inflammatory disorders. While CCL2 inhibition in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may be hazardous by interfering with defense against bacteremia, future studies are needed to determine if CCL2/CCR2 antagonism will offer breakthrough therapy for patients with allergic asthma, IPF, or BOS, and to confirm the hypothesis that CCL2 polymorphism places patients at greater risk for these disorders.
Arrest Chemokines
Authors: LEY KLAUS
Published: July 2003

In most organs, leukocyte attachment to the endothelium of blood vessels requires capture and rolling before firm adhesion is initiated by integrin activation and/or redistribution, which can be initiated by immobilized chemokines binding their cognate receptors on rolling cells. Such arrest chemokines are present on the endothelial surface under physiologic or pathologic conditions, necessary, and sufficient to trigger arrest. Although many chemokines can be immobilized and cause arrest of rolling cells in flow chambers, only four have so far been shown to function as arrest chemokines under physiologic conditions, although the actual number could be much higher. Secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC) (CCL21) on high endothelial venules triggers arrest of rolling lymphocytes, and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC) (mouse Gro‐α, CXCL1), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) (CCL2), and regulated on activation, normal T cell exposed and secreted (RANTES) (CCL5) trigger arrest of rolling monocytes. Remarkably, no arrest chemokine for neutrophils under inflammatory conditions has been found so far.
Chemokine Induction of Integrin Adhesiveness on Rolling and Arrested Leukocytes Local Signaling Events or Global Stepwise Activation?
Authors: ALON RONEN , GRABOVSKY VALENTIN , FEIGELSON SARA
Published: July 2003

The arrest of rolling leukocytes on target endothelium is predominantly mediated by integrins, which pre‐exist in largely inactive states on circulating immune cells and need to be activated in situ. These adhesion receptors acquire high avidity upon encounter with endothelial‐displayed chemokines or chemoattractants, which are ligands to specific G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) on the leukocyte surface. In order to arrest, the leukocyte must constantly integrate endothelial‐based signals as it moves along the vessel wall. It is unclear whether the chemokine signal is locally transmitted at the endothelial contact zone or whether the rolling leukocyte accumulates successive chemokine signals to reach a threshold global activation. Recent in vitro and in vivo data suggest that the induction of high integrin avidity by endothelial chemokine‐transduced Gi‐signals is a general mechanism that has evolved to locally enhance integrin avidity to ligand within subseconds at restricted leukocyte‐endothelial contacts. In addition, a second specialized mechanism, involving stepwise signals integrated by selectin ligands on rolling cells, seems to activate integrins on the entire leukocyte surface. This GPCR‐independent and much slower pathway (101–102 seconds) is transmitted through rolling engagements of neutrophils, primarily on E‐selectin. We propose that these two mechanisms are differentially used by distinct leukocyte subsets at various vascular beds, providing much larger combinatorial diversity of integrin activation on rolling leukocytes than previously predicted.
Single‐dose pharmacokinetics and tolerability of pegylated interferon‐α2b in young and elderly healthy subjects
Authors: Gupta Samir K. , Glue Paul , Jacobs Sheila , Belle Donna , Affrime Melton
Published: July 2003

Aims  To assess the single‐dose pharmacokinetics and tolerability of pegylated interferon‐α2b (PEG‐Intron) in young and elderly healthy subjects.

Methods  In this parallel‐design study, a single 1 µg kg−1 PEG‐Intron dose was given subcutaneously to 24 subjects in the age groups 20–45, 65–69, 70–74 and 75–80 years (n = 6/group). Blood sampling and tolerability assessments were performed up to 168 h postdose.

Results  The pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in all age groups. The elderly to young subject ratios for Cmax were 91.1, 79.5, and 107% for the 65–69 years, 70–74 years and 75–80 years groups, respectively. The corresponding values for AUC(0–∞) and CL/F were 111, 102 and 108%, and 82.5, 95.8 and 86.4%, respectively. Mean differences from the 20 to 45 years group and the 65–69 years, 70–74 years and 75–80 years groups for PEG‐Intron Vd/F were 108, 128 and 104%, respectively. None of these differences was statistically significant based on ANOVA. Results from a Dunnett's test (as post hoc assessment) confirmed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of Group II, Group III or Group IV were not different from those of Group I. Almost all (23/24; 96%) subjects reported typical interferon‐α side‐effects (flu‐like symptoms, headache). One elderly patient had a myocardial infarction 12 h postdose, but recovered fully.

Conclusions  There are no pharmacokinetic reasons for initial dose adjustment of PEG‐Intron based on age.
Intercellular adhesion and cell separation in plants
Authors: JARVIS M. C. , BRIGGS S. P. H. , KNOX J. P.
Published: July 2003

Adhesion between plant cells is a fundamental feature of plant growth and development, and an essential part of the strategy by which growing plants achieve mechanical strength. Turgor pressure provides non‐woody plant tissues with mechanical rigidity and the driving force for growth, but at the same time it generates large forces tending to separate cells. These are resisted by reinforcing zones located precisely at the points of maximum stress. In dicots the reinforcing zones are occupied by networks of specific pectic polymers. The mechanisms by which these networks cohere vary and are not fully understood. In the Poaceae their place is taken by phenolic cross‐linking of arabinoxylans. Whatever the reinforcing polymers, a targeting mechanism is necessary to ensure that they become immobilized at the appropriate location, and there are secretory mutants that appear to have defects in this mechanism and hence are defective in cell adhesion. At the outer surface of most plant parts, the tendency of cells to cohere is blocked, apparently by the cuticle. Mutants with lesions in the biosynthesis of cuticular lipids show aberrant surface adhesion and other developmental abnormalities. When plant cells separate, the polymer networks that join them are locally dismantled with surgical precision. This occurs during the development of intercellular spaces; during the abscission of leaves and floral organs; during the release of seeds and pollen; during differentiation of root cap cells; and during fruit ripening. Each of these cell separation processes has its own distinctive features. Cell separation can also be induced during cooking or processing of fruit and vegetables, and the degree to which it occurs is a significant quality characteristic in potatoes, pulses, tomatoes, apples and other fruit. Control over these technological characteristics will be facilitated by understanding the role of cell adhesion and separation in the life of plants.
Identification of regulatory sequence elements within the transcription promoter region of NpABC1, a gene encoding a plant ABC transporter induced by diterpenes
Authors: Grec Sébastien , Vanham Delphine , De Ribaucourt Jeoffrey Christyn , Purnelle Bénédicte , Boutry Marc
Published: July 2003

Expression of NpABC1, a gene encoding a plasma membrane ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, is induced by sclareol, an antifungal diterpene produced at the leaf surface, as well as by sclareolide, a close analog. A genomic fragment including the 1282‐bp region upstream of the NpABC1 transcription start was fused to the reporter β‐glucuronidase (gus) gene and introduced into N. tabacum BY2 cells for stable transformation. A 25‐fold increase in gus expression was observed when cells were treated with sclareolide and some other terpenes. The combined use of 5′‐deletion promoter analysis, gel mobility shift assays, DNase I footprinting, and site‐directed mutagenesis allowed us to identify three cis‐elements (sclareol box 1 (SB1), SB2, and SB3) located, respectively, within nucleotides −827 to −802, −278 to −243, and −216 to −190 upstream of the NpABC1 transcription start. In vivo evaluation of these elements on sclareolide‐induced expression showed that mutation of SB1 reduced expression by twofold, while that of SB2 had no effect. On the other hand, SB3 had a marked effect as it completely abolished sclareolide‐mediated expression. NpABC1‐gus expression was not induced by the stress signals, salicylic acid and ethylene, but was mediated, to some extent, by methyl jasmonate, which is known to promote diterpene synthesis.
Arabidopsis local resistance to Botrytis cinerea involves salicylic acid and camalexin and requires EDS4 and PAD2, but not SID2, EDS5 or PAD4
Authors: Ferrari Simone , Plotnikova Julia M. , De Lorenzo Giulia , Ausubel Frederick M.
Published: July 2003

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important regulator of plant defense responses, and a variety of Arabidopsis mutants impaired in resistance against bacterial and fungal pathogens show defects in SA accumulation, perception, or signal transduction. Nevertheless, the role of SA‐dependent defense responses against necrotrophic fungi is currently unclear. We determined the susceptibility of a set of previously identified Arabidopsis mutants impaired in defense responses to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. The rate of development of B. cinerea disease symptoms on primary infected leaves was affected by responses mediated by the genes EIN2, JAR1, EDS4, PAD2, and PAD3, but was largely independent of EDS5, SID2/ICS1, and PAD4. Furthermore, plants expressing a nahG transgene or treated with a phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) inhibitor showed enhanced symptoms, suggesting that SA synthesized via PAL, and not via isochorismate synthase (ICS), mediates lesion development. In addition, the degree of lesion development did not correlate with defensin or PR1 expression, although it was partially dependent upon camalexin accumulation. Although npr1 mutant leaves were normally susceptible to B. cinerea infection, a double ein2 npr1 mutant was significantly more susceptible than ein2 plants, and exogenous application of SA decreased B. cinerea lesion size through an NPR1‐dependent mechanism that could be mimicked by the cpr1 mutation. These data indicate that local resistance to B. cinerea requires ethylene‐, jasmonate‐, and SA‐mediated signaling, that the SA affecting this resistance does not require ICS1 and is likely synthesized via PAL, and that camalexin limits lesion development.
Mucosa‐associated lymphoid‐tissue lymphoma. Should we perform a colonoscopy in multiorgan involvement?
Authors: DINIS‐RIBEIRO MÁRIO , LOMBA‐VIANA HELENA , HENRIQUE RUI , GUILHERME MATEUS , SILVA RUI , MOREIRA‐DIAS LUÍS , LOPES CARLOS , LOMBA‐VIANA RAFAEL
Published: July 2003

Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is the most frequent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in the gastrointestinal tract, but colon involvement has only been reported in multiorgan lymphoma. We present a rare case of a woman with MALT involvement of eye conjunctiva, tonsils, stomach, duodenum and colon. In selected cases like this, with multiorgan involvement, we recommend performing colonoscopy, with biopsies for immunohistochemistry with CD10 and cyclin D1 for differential diagnosis with other entities with different prognosis, such as follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, respectively.
Pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma, 9 mm in size, diagnosed preoperatively by transpapillary biopsy. Report of a case
Authors: ITO KEI , FUJITA NAOTAKA , NODA YUTAKA , KOBAYASHI GO , KIMURA KATSUMI , SUGAWARA TOSHIKI , KOJIMA EIGO
Published: July 2003

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare variant of pancreatic cancer, which is known to be difficult to diagnose. We herein report a case diagnosed by transpapillary biopsy of the pancreatic duct. A 73‐year‐old man was referred to our department with suspicion of pancreatic cancer. Ultrasound showed a hypoechoic mass, 9 mm in diameter, in the body of the pancreas. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography demonstrated a stenosis of the main pancreatic duct in the body with upstream dilatation and a shift of the bile duct to the left. Histological examination of the specimens obtained by transpapillary biopsy of the pancreatic duct revealed both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed and, histopathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreatic body, 9 mm in size. This is the first case of adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas preoperatively diagnosed by transpapillary biopsy of the pancreatic duct, and the smallest stage I (TNM classification) case of such carcinoma detected to date.
Growth factor profiles in intraperitoneal drainage fluid following colorectal surgery: Relationship to wound healing and surgery
Authors: Baker Elizabeth A. , Gaddal Sanaa El‐ , Aitken Douglas G. , Leaper David J.
Published: July 2003

Cytokines and growth factors are important at each stage of wound healing. This study aims to determine the changing profiles of these factors in intraperitoneal drainage, acute wound fluid, following colorectal surgery, and to correlate levels to wound healing and surgical outcomes. Acute wound fluid samples (n = 52 patients) were collected daily from postoperative day 1 until drain removal. Levels of cytokines (interleukins‐6 and ‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α) and epidermal growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, vascular endothelial derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor‐β1 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A significant negative correlation emerged between the levels of interleukin‐6, epidermal growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor and the postoperative day, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor : day 1, 695, median (29–2,806, range) pg/ml; day 2, 249 (1–1,784); day 3, 94 (0–722); day 7, 22 (0–326) (p < 0.05, Spearman's correlation). Levels appeared to relate to the stage of wound healing. Several factors, in particular interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels, correlated with surgical outcomes such as the need for a defunctioning stoma and/or postoperative complications. Cytokines and growth factors are involved in normal wound healing, and their levels in acute wound fluid may act as markers of wound healing and surgical outcome. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:261–267)
Development of a reconstructed human skin model for angiogenesis
Authors: Sahota Parbinder S. , Burn J. Lance , Heaton Martin , Freedlander Eric , Suvarna Simon K. , Brown Nicola J. , Mac Neil Shelia
Published: July 2003

We have previously shown that reconstructed human skin engineered from autologous keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and sterilized donor allodermis stimulates angiogenesis within 5–7 days when placed on well‐vascularized wound beds in nude mice. When this reconstructed skin was used clinically in more demanding wound beds, some grafts were lost, possibly due to delayed vascularization. As this reconstructed skin lacks any endothelial cells, our aim in this study was to develop an angiogenic reconstructed skin model in which to explore strategies to improve angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. We report that culture of small‐vessel human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HuDMECs) was achieved using magnetic beads coated with an antibody to platelet cell adhesion molecule as a means of purifying the culture. Keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and HuDMECs could be cultured from the same skin biopsy. Initial studies culturing HuDMECs and other sources of endothelial cells with the tissue‐engineered skin showed that these cells were capable of slowly entering the dermis under standard culture conditions in vitro. In conclusion, this provides us with a model in which to explore strategies for improving angiogenesis in vitro and also establishes the culture methodologies for the production of reconstructed skin containing autologous keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:275–284)
The effects of enterostatin intake on food intake and energy expenditure
Authors: Kovacs Eva M. R. , Lejeune Manuela P. G. M. , Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet S.
Published: July 2003

Enterostatin (ENT) has been found to inhibit food intake and selectively inhibit fat intake in rats. Both peripheral and central mechanisms have been proposed. It also has been suggested that ENT may increase thermogenesis. The present study investigated the effects of oral ENT administration on food intake, energy expenditure and body weight in subjects with a preference for a high-fat diet. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized and crossover design, nine female and three male healthy subjects (age 34 (sd 11) years, BMI 24·5 (sd 2·5) kg/m2) with a preference for a high-fat diet ingested ENT (3 × 15 mg/d) or placebo (PLA) while consuming a high-fat diet ad libitum for 4d. Eight subjects ended each intervention with a 36h stay in the respiration chamber, continuing the diet and treatment. Body-weight loss was significant (ENT 0·8 (se 0·3) kg, P<0·05; PLA 1·3 (se 0·3) kg, P<0·001), but not different between treatments. There was no difference between treatments in total energy intake (ENT 37·1 (se 2·6), PLA 35·9 (se 3·2) MJ), macronutrient composition, hunger, satiety and hedonic scores during the 4d high-fat diet. Energy expenditure (24h) (ENT 9·6 (se 0·4), PLA 9·5 (se 0·4) MJ), sleeping and resting metabolic rate, diet-induced thermogenesis, activity-induced energy expenditure and 24h RQ (ENT 0·77 (se 0·01), PLA 0·77 (se 0·01)) were similar for both treatments. We conclude that oral ENT administration did not affect food intake, energy expenditure or body weight in subjects with a preference for a high-fat diet experiencing a negative energy and fat balance.
Quantification of non-protein nitrogen components of infant formulae and follow-up milks: comparison with cows' and human milk
Authors: Ferreira I. M. P. L. V. O.
Published: July 2003

The composition of fourteen infant formulae and six follow-up milks with regard to their free amino acids (including taurine), free nucleotides, orotic acid, and free and total L-carnitine content was studied. The levels found were compared with the limits established in European legislation and with the composition of human and cows' milk samples. HPLC methodologies, optimized and validated for the matrices under study, were used, except for free and total L-carnitine contents that were quantified using a flow-injection manifold, also optimized and validated for the matrices under study. Global statistical treatment of the results by cluster analysis indicated similarities between the contents of the N compounds under study of infant formulae, follow-up milks and cows' milk and differences with regard to human milk composition. The principal component analysis showed that 60·2% of the variation in data was due to the first principal component, and the second component represented 23·8% of the total information. Nucleotide profiles, orotic acid, and free and total L-carnitine contents explain the main differences observed between human milk and the other milks studied (cows' milk, infant formulae and follow-up milks). Cows' milk is distinguished from infant formulae and follow-up milks mainly owing to the different uric acid contents and free amino acids profiles.
Consequences of plant phenolic compounds for productivity and health of ruminants
Authors: Waghorn Garry C. , McNabb Warren C.
Published: July 2003

Plant phenolic compounds are diverse in structure but are characterised by hydroxylated aromatic rings (e.g. flavan-3-ols). They are categorised as secondary metabolites, and their function in plants is often poorly understood. Many plant phenolic compounds are polymerised into larger molecules such as the proanthocyanidins (PA; condensed tannins) and lignins. Only the lignins, PA, oestrogenic compounds and hydrolysable tannins will be considered here. Lignins slow the physical and microbial degradation of ingested feed, because of resilient covalent bonding with hemicellulose and cellulose, rather than any direct effects on the rumenper se. The PA are prevalent in browse and are expressed in the foliage of some legumes (e.g.Lotusspp.), but rarely in grasses. They reduce the nutritive value of poor-quality diets, but can also have substantial benefits for ruminant productivity and health when improved temperate forages are fed. Beneficial effects are dependent on the chemical and physical structure, and concentration of the PA in the diet, but they have been shown to improve live-weight gain, milk yield and protein concentration, and ovulation rate. They prevent bloat in cattle, reduce gastrointestinal nematode numbers, flystrike and CILt production. Some phenolic compounds (e.g. coumestans) cause temporary infertility, whilst those produced byFusariumfungi found in pasture, silage or stored grains can cause permanent infertility. The HT may be toxic because products of their metabolism can cause liver damage and other metabolic disorders.
Determinants of meat quality: tenderness
Authors: Maltin Charlotte , Balcerzak Denis , Tilley Rachel , Delday Margaret
Published: July 2003

Meat quality is a term used to describe a range of attributes of meat. Consumer research suggests that tenderness is a very important element of eating quality and that variations in tenderness affect the decision to repurchase. The present paper highlights recent information on the factors that affect tenderness. While the precise aetiology is not fully understood, a number of factors have been shown to affect tenderness. Of these factors, postmortem factors, particularly temperature, sarcomere length and proteolysis, which affect the conversion of muscle to meat, appear most important. However, it is now becoming clear that variation in other factors such as the muscle fibre type composition and the buffering capacity of the muscle together with the breed and nutritional status of the animals may also contribute to the observed variation in meat tenderness.
Selenium supplementation: does soil supplementation help and why?
Authors: Arthur John R.
Published: July 2003

There are now concerns that dietary Se intake is inadequate for the population in the UK and parts of Europe. Many different methods can be proposed to deal with this problem. Experience from Finland suggests that the addition of Se to fertiliser is a safe and effective means of increasing the intake of the micronutrient in the human population. However, careful consideration needs to be given to the potential consequences of increasing Se intake. It is important to understand the biochemical and physiological changes that may occur with any increase in Se intake within the UK population. Se is an essential component of at least twenty functional proteins within mammals. These proteins are essential for a range of metabolic functions, including antioxidant activity, thyroid hormone synthesis and immune function. Thus, any increase in Se intake has the potential to influence in a wide range of factors that may impinge on the incidence of chronic disease. Treatment of soil with Se-supplemented fertiliser will certainly increase total Se in food products derived from areas where this treatment is in place. Consumption of such foods will increase Se status in many populations where the existing intake does not meet requirements. If the increases in Se intake are not toxic the overall consequences have the potential to be beneficial.
Food and nutrition policies of Nordic countries: how have they been developed and what evidence substantiates the development of these policies?
Authors: Kjærnes Unni
Published: July 2003

The present paper addresses the emergence and development of Nordic food and nutrition policies, with some reference to the types of nutrition policies characteristic of other North European countries. Nutrition programmes aimed at dietary change have a long history of public responsibility in several Nordic and North European countries. The extent of involvement, the orientation and (indication of) success have, however, varied considerably between countries. First, different types of policies are characterised by their choice of programmes and measures, e.g. information campaigns v. market regulation or catering and public services. Second, the distinctions are associated not only with programmes, but also with the status and validity of nutritional advice and dietary guidelines in public policy making. Third, when focusing on how and on what grounds the governments have developed nutrition policies, it is evident that while more or less the same participants and issues are involved, their roles and relationships may be different. In this case the role and involvement of nutritional expertise and scientific arguments in various countries will be discussed. Finally, nutrition policies may entail conflicts of interest, particularly when health concerns are confronted with food industry and agricultural interests. This situation is quite evident in the question of animal fat. The present paper addresses how these issues have been dealt with quite differently in various countries.
Detecting Technological Catch‐Up in Economic Convergence
Authors: Pigliaru Francesco
Published: July 2003

We address the problem of measuring, in the absence of reliable indices of technology levels, how much of the convergence we observe is due to convergence in technology or in capital–labour ratios. We first develop a growth model where technology accumulation in lagging economies depends on their propensity to innovate and on technological spillovers, with convergence due both to capital‐deepening and to technological diffusion. Then we study the transitional dynamics of the model to show how to discriminate empirically between the following three hypotheses: (i) convergence is due to capital‐deepening with technology levels uniform across economies, as in Mankiw, Romer and Weil; (ii) convergence is due to capital‐deepening with stationary differences in individual technologies, as in Islam; (iii) convergence is due to both technological catch‐up and capital‐deepening. Our main findings are as follows. First, we show that it may be difficult to distinguish between hypotheses (ii) and (iii) in cross‐section or panel data. This problem has often been overlooked in the empirical literature on convergence. Second, we suggest how the problem can be overcome by noting that hypothesis (iii) does (and hypothesis (ii) does not) imply that the initial differences in technology levels may tend to decrease over time. A careful analysis of the fixed‐effects estimates obtained by means of panel data methodology proposed in Islam should allow researchers to discriminate between the two competing hypotheses.