bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Expression of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐2 (PAI‐2) is a Predictor of Improved Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Smith Ross , Xue AiQun , Gill Anthony , Scarlett Christopher , Saxby Alexander , Clarkson Adele , Hugh Thomas
Published: January 2007

Objective

Recent findings suggest that the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor (uPAR), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), and ‐2 (PAI‐2) play key roles in cancer invasion.

Summary Background Data

The prognostic value of components of this system is well established in breast cancer. However, little is known of its involvement in pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (Q‐RT‐PCR) was used on tissue‐banked specimens and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on paraffin specimens was used to measure expression of uPA, uPAR, PAI‐1, and PAI‐2 proteins in 46 PC and 12 cystadenoma specimens. Results were related to survival using Cox’s proportional hazards testing.

Results

Increased expression of uPA, uPAR, and PAI‐1 in PC tissue were independently associated with a higher Union Internationale Contre le Cancer [International Union Against Cancer (UICC)] tumor stage (P < 0.001) and were intercorrelated (P < 0.001). Overexpression of uPAR indicated reduced survival (P = 0.03). Conversely, PAI‐2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) overexpression, which occurred in 21 of 46 tumors, negatively correlated with tumor size (P = 0.008) and survival (P < 0.007) but not with uPA, uPAR, or tumor stage. There was good agreement between PAI‐2 mRNA value and IHC score (P < 0.001). Using Cox’s stepwise analysis, PAI‐2 mRNA value (HR = 0.24; P = 0.001) and UICC tumor stage (HR = 2.014; P = 0.001) independently predicted survival. An IHC score for PAI‐2 of 3+ or 4+ also independently predicted improved survival (HR = 2.72; P = 0.025).

Conclusions

The uPA/uPAR/PAI‐1 system is activated in advanced pancreatic cancer and may account for the tumor’s aggressive behavior, whereas PAI‐2 expression appears to be independent of uPA/uPAR/PAI‐1 and is associated with improved prognosis. Because of its intercorrelation with mRNA expression, PAI‐2 IHC may be used as an indicator of survival.
Assessment of Anal Sphincter Function by Sengstaken‐Blakemore Tube Anal Manometry
Authors: Günal Ömer , Gürleyik Emin , Arikan Yüksel , Pehlivan Mevlut
Published: January 2007

Background

Anal manometry is a useful tool for testing the effectiveness of surgical treatment. However, most techniques for anal pressure measurement are not easily available because of high cost. The aim of the present study was to introduce an easy and reproducible method for measuring anal pressures in testing the effectiveness of surgical procedures.

Materials and methods

We used a Sengstaken‐Blakemore tube connected to a mercury manometer. After calibration of the system by inflating the distal (gastric) balloon and filling connection lines to the mercury manometer with 0.9% NaCl solution, resting and squeezing anal pressures were measured. The system was used on 50 human subjects (35 with anal fissure and 15 normal volunteers). Left lateral internal sphincterotomy had been performed in the anal fissure cases. Anal pressures were measured preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 2 and 20.

Results

Preoperative resting anal pressures in the group with anal fissure (83.4 ± 1 mmHg) were significantly higher than those in the group of normal individuals (52 ± 1.2 mmHg; p = 0.001). Resting anal pressures after the sphincterotomy (29 ± 1 mmHg) were found to be significantly lower on POD 2, and resting anal pressure measurements (47 ± 1 mmHg) on POD 20 were lower than the corresponding preoperative values. These values are closer to those of normal volunteers (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Anal manometry can be performed with this easily constructible and inexpensive system. This reproducible method can be used in the assessment of the results of surgical treatment in patients with anal and perianal diseases.
Recurrent Renal Hyperparathyroidism Caused by Parathyromatosis
Authors: Matsuoka Susumu , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Sato Tetsuhiko , Uno Nobuaki , Goto Norihiko , Katayama Akio , Uchida Kazuharu , Tsuzuki Toyonori
Published: January 2007

Background

Parathyromatosis is defined as multiple foci of benign hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in the neck or mediastinum. Parathyromatosis is a problematic cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism (HPT). In renal HPT, the stimuli of the parathyroid cells persist after parathyroidectomy (PTx), and for this reason, parathyromatosis might be important in renal HPT.

Methods

Between July 1973 and December 2005, 1,932 patients underwent PTx for advanced renal HPT in our department. We evaluated the frequency, clinical findings and the prognosis of this kind of parathyroid disorder.

Results

After total PTx with forearm autograft for renal HPT, which was performed initially in our department, the risk for developing parathyromatosis was 0.11% (2/1837); after sub‐total PTx, it was 5% (1/20). The risk for developing parathyromatosis was lower after total PTx with forearm autograft than after sub‐total PTx (P < 0.05). In patients who developed persistent or recurrent HPT and were referred to our department for neck re‐operation, parathyromatosis occurred in 12.1% (7/58); in those originally operated on at our hospital, the corresponding figure was 7.1% (3/42). This difference was not significant (P = 0.42). Only in 4 of 10 patients was parathyromatosis suggested before re‐operation. However, in spite of several re‐operations, high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels persisted in 6 of 10 patients with parathyromatosis.

Conclusion

Parathyromatosis is a non‐negligible cause of recurrent renal HPT in patients who require neck re‐exploration. Parathyromatosis is difficult to diagnose pre‐operatively and completely controlled by re‐operation. Parathyromatosis should be kept in mind when performing neck re‐exploration for recurrent renal HPT.
Special Anoscope for Easy Purse‐string Suture Application in Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy
Authors: Bozdag Ali Dogan , Nazli Okay , Tansug Tugrul , Derici Hayrullah , Deniz Vedat
Published: January 2007

Background

Internal hemorrhoids and loose rectal mucosa may block exposure during the purse‐string suturing in stapled hemorrhoidopexy, and this may lead to complications.

Materials and methods

To retract the prolapsing rectal mucosa, we modified the purse‐string anoscope of the PPH01 kit (Ethicon‐Endosurgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA) and produced a special anoscope. The open part of the purse‐string suture anoscope is covered by transparent acrylic (Orthoacryl®, Dentaurum, Pforzheim, Germany). The covering had completely cylindrical outer and inner surfaces and was thin enough to let the anoscope easily rotate in the anal dilator and to let the 26 mm curved, round‐bodied needle of the 2/0 polypropylene suture move in the anoscope. A window, 3 cm long and 3–4 mm wide, was opened at the angled part of the anoscope 2 cm to the tip. This special anoscope was used for the purse‐string suture during the stapled hemorrhoidopexy procedure in five patients.

Results and conclusions

No postoperative complications, early or late, were encountered, and we propose that stapled hemorrhoidopexy procedure can be applied more easily by using this special anoscope.
Positron Emission Tomography in Relation to Noguchi’s Classification for Diagnosis of Peripheral Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer 2 cm or Less in Size
Authors: Tsunezuka Y. , Shimizu Y. , Tanaka N. , Takayanagi T. , Kawano M.
Published: January 2007

Background

F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET) scanning has become a critically important tool in diagnosis and management of non‐small‐cell lung cancer. However, the effectiveness of 18F‐FDG‐PET as a diagnostic tool for small‐sized lung cancer is controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of18F‐FDG‐PET in relation to Noguchi’s classification in the diagnosis of small peripheral non‐small‐cell lung cancer.

Methods

Between January 2003 and April 2006, 150 patients with peripheral lung lesions who were undergoing chest computed tomography (CT),18F‐FDG‐PET, and operation were analyzed.

Results

Eighty‐three patients had malignant lesions, and 67 patients had benign lesions. PET had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 75.9%, 64.1%, 72.4%, and 68.3%, respectively. In 37 patients with peripheral lung cancer measuring 2.0 cm or less in the greatest diameter, the sensitivity was 51.4% and the specificity was 51.9%. Among them, all 4 cases of Noguchi type A adenocarcinoma [localized bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (LBAC)], 4 of 5 type B and 8 of 17 type C were false negative, while 9 of 11 (81.8%) types D, E, and F (invasive carcinomas without a BAC component) were true positive.

Conclusion

The accuracy of18F‐FDG‐PET is generally low in distinguishing malignancy from benign lesions in small lesions (<2.0‐cm diameter). The significance of PET as a diagnostic tool is small, especially when the tumor has a ground‐glass component at a high rate. The sensitivity of PET is high in small invasive carcinomas without a BAC component, but it is difficult to distinguish carcinoma from benign tumor from its image.
Lymph Node Ratio is More Valuable than Level III Involvement for Prediction of Outcome in Node‐Positive Breast Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Yildirim Emin , Berberoglu Ugur
Published: January 2007

Background

We examined the relationship between different expressions of positive axillary lymph nodes (PN) and the outcomes of node‐positive breast carcinoma patients to determine the best predictor(s) among these expressions and to assess whether anatomic high level involvement is an independent prognostic factor.

Study Design

In this retrospective study, the primary endpoints were distant recurrence (DR), locoregional recurrences (LRR), and disease‐free survival (DFS). Univariate and multivariate prognostic factor analyses were carried out using survival and regression methods in the data of 704 patients with PN.

Results

In multivariate analysis, the number of PN, ratio of PN, log odds of PN, and level III (L‐III) involvement, separately, were significant factors for DR in addition to age, tumor size, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). In the final model including all expressions of nodal involvement, age (continuousP= 0.001; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.98; 95% confidence Interval [95% CI]: 0.96–0.99), tumor size (continuous:P< 0.0001; HR: 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2–1.5), LVI (yes vs. no:P= 0.005; HR: 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–2.2), and ratio of PN (continuous:P= 0.02; HR: 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06) were the independent prognostic factors for DR. For LRR, ratio of PN (continuous:P= 0.001; HR: 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.03) was the most important factor in addition to age (continuous:P= 0.02; HR: 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99) and tumor size (continuous:P= 0.04; HR: 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.6). When patients were stratified by number categories of PN (1–3 vs. 4–9 vs. ≥ 10), there was no difference between DFSs of patients with and without L‐III involvement. In contrast, when patients were stratified by L‐III involvement, DFSs according to the number categories were statistically different.

Conclusions

Ratio of PN was more valuable than number of PN for predicting outcome in node‐positive breast carcinoma patients. Level III involvement was not an independent prognostic indicator either for locoregional or for distant recurrences.
Lateral and Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Indications, Benefits, and Risks
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Miyauchi Akira
Published: January 2007

Background

There are 3 compartments of regional lymph nodes to which thyroid carcinoma metastasizes: central, lateral, and mediastinal compartments. The central compartment is the nearest to the thyroid and usually dissected routinely. However, the indication for dissection of the lateral and mediastinal compartments for differentiated thyroid carcinoma remains an open question.

Methods

The indication for dissection of lateral and mediastinal compartments is evaluated based on previous reports, including those from our department.

Results

There is nothing controversial about the indication for therapeutic lateral node dissection for tumors with clinically apparent lateral node metastasis. Such cases are more likely to show recurrence, especially in previously dissected compartments, and surgeons must perform dissection carefully. Although there are no randomized studies on the indication for prophylactic lateral node dissection, it is recommended for papillary carcinoma with aggressive characteristics such as large size and massive extrathyroid extension. Prophylactic mediastinal dissection via median sternotomy is not recommended.

Conclusions

Node dissection of the lateral and mediastinal compartments must be performed aggressively and radically to prevent recurrence in previously dissected regions.
Formation of Triterpenoids throughout Olea europaea Fruit Ontogeny
Authors: Stiti Naïm , Triki Saïda , Hartmann Marie‐Andrée
Published: January 2007

Drupes were handpicked from olive (Olea europaea L.) trees, cv chemlali, at 13 distinct stages of fruit development, referred to as weeks after flowering (WAF), and analyzed for their free and esterified sterols and triterpenoids content. These two classes of compounds are synthesized via the acetate/mevalonate pathway and share common precursors up to oxidosqualene (OS). Cyclization of OS in either cycloartenol or β‐amyrin constitutes a branch point between primary (sterol pathway) and secondary (triterpenoid pathway) metabolisms. At the onset of fruit development, i.e., between 12 and 18 WAF, drupes were found to contain high amounts of α‐ and β‐amyrins as well as more‐oxygenated compounds such as triterpenic diols (erythrodiol and uvaol) and acids (oleanolic, ursolic and maslinic acids). Concomitantly, sterol precursors were barely detectable. From 21 WAF, when the olive fruit reached its final size and began to turn from green to purple, α‐ and β‐amyrins were no longer present, while 4,4‐dimethyl‐ and 4α‐methylsterols started to be formed, indicating a redirection of the carbon flux from the triterpenoid pathway towards the sterol pathway. Between 21 and 30 WAF, sterol end products, mainly represented by sitosterol, progressively accumulated and triterpenic diols were replaced by triterpenic acids, essentially maslinic acid. Interestingly, the developing olive fruit was found to accumulate significant amounts of parkeol as an ester conjugate. Whatever the stage of development, triterpenoids represent the major triterpenic compounds of the olive fruit.
Production and characterization of a swiss cheese‐like product from modified vegetable oils
Authors: Yu Liangping , Hammond Earl G.
Published: January 2007

Seven types of Swiss cheese‐like products were made by recombining skim milk with various fat sources: higholeic sunflower oil (HOSO), milk fat, randomized milk fat, HOSO with commerical short‐chain fatty acids (C4−C10) (SCFA) interesterified at 100 and 120% of the levels in the milk fat, HOSO with interesterified milk fat SCFA, and HOSO with dissolved free SCFA. Sensory, chemical, and physical analyses were conducted to evaluate the flavor and texture of the cheeses. All cheeses made from HOSO with interesterified SCFA were not significantly different from milk fat controls in typical Swiss flavor and volatile flavor. HOSO with interesterified SCFA scored significantly higher in these flavors than unmodified HOSO. Swiss flavor was positively correlated with sweetness (0.805), volatile flavor (0.737), caramelized flavor (0.703), non‐fat solids (0.663), and SCFA (0.639), and negatively correlated with fat (−0.645) and salt (−0.482) content. A linear regression model was established for typical Swiss flavor that included fat, salt, titratable acidity, and medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acids as variables (R2=0.91). Instrumental texture profile analysis indicated no differences among the treatments in texture atributes except cohesiveness. The production of a good‐flavored Swiss cheeselike product from HOSO with interesterified SCFA appears to be commercially feasible.
Predicting oxidative stability of vegetable oils using neural network system and endogenous oil components
Authors: Przybylski Roman , Zambiazi Rui C.
Published: January 2007

The usefulness of Artificial Neural Network Systems (ANNW) to predict the stability of vegetable oil based on chemical composition was evaluated. The training set, comprised of a composition of major and minor components of vegetable oil as inputs and as outputs, induction period and values of slopes for initiation and propagation, was measured by oxygen consumption. The best predictability was achieved for oils stored at 35°C with light exposure, when the major fatty acids, chlorophylls, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and metals were used as predictors. For oils stored at 65°C without light, a good predictability was obtained when composition of the major fatty acids and the amounts of tocopherols and tocotrienols were used. These results suggest that vegetable oil stability can be successfully predicted by ANNW when partial oil composition is known.
Thermal stability of some commercial synthetic antioxidants
Authors: Sanhueza Julio , Nieto Susana , Valenzuela Alfonso
Published: January 2007

Synthetic antioxidants are widely applied substances in human food and in animal feed industries. These products, which are mainly derived from phenolic structures, were developed to avoid or retard the oxidative rancidity of fats and oils when added either to raw material or to end‐products. Synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tertiary butylhydroxyquinone (TBHQ), and ethoxyquin (EQ) are frequently applied during the cooking of the by‐products (viscera, blood, and feathers) in the poultry feed industry. However, results in terms of oxidative prevention are unequal and usually modest. Because information about the thermal stability of synthetic antioxidants is scarce, we developed a laboratory model that simulates the cooking of poultry by‐products to study the effectiveness of BHT, BHA, TBHQ, and EQ. The antioxidants were thermally treated at 100–200°C, over 1 or 2 h. The effectiveness of each antioxidant after the thermal treatment was assessed with the Rancimat test by measuring the modification of the induction period for the oxidation of sardine oil and comparing it to the oxidation kinetics of the oil without added antioxidants. Within our experimental conditions, all antioxidants assayed showed different degrees of thermal instability. BHT and TBHQ were effective as antioxidants at temperatures up to 175°C, exhibiting only 25 to 30% inactivation. However, BHA and EQ were inactivated by 70 and 60%, respectively, at 150°C. Heating time (1 and 2 h) at a given temperature did not significantly modify the behavior of the antioxidants assayed. EQ is the most frequently applied antioxidant to prevent oxidative rancidity in the cooking of poultry by‐products. However, according to our results, EQ and BHA, which is another antioxidant frequently used by the poultry industry, are less suitable
Antioxidant activity of crude tannins of canola and rapeseed hulls
Authors: Amarowicz R. , Naczk M. , Shahidi F.
Published: January 2007

The antioxidant activity of crude tannins of canola and rapeseed hulls was evaluated by β‐carotene‐linoleate, α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, and reducing power assays. Crude tannins were extracted from three samples of Cyclone canola (high‐tannin) hulls and Kolner, Ligaret, and Leo Polish rapeseed (low‐tannin) hulls with 70% (vol/vol) acetone. The total phenolic content in crude tannin extracts ranged between 128 and 296 mg of sinapic acid equivalents per 1 g of extract. The ultraviolet spectra of methanolic solution of canola extracts showed two absorption maxima (282 and 309 nm), whereas those of rapeseed extracts exhibited a single maximum (326 nm). Crude tannins isolated from canola hulls exerted significantly (P<0.025) greater antioxidant activity than those from rapeseed in all three assays. The scavenging effect of all crude tannins, at a dose of 1 mg, on the DPPH radical ranged from 35.2 to 50.5%. The reducing power of Cyclone canola hull extracts on potassium ferricyanide was significantly (P≤0.0025) greater than that of rapeseed hull extracts, and the observed data correlated well (r=0.966; P=0.002) with the total content of phenolics present.
Quality of wheat germ oil extracted by liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Molero G mez A. , Mart nez de la Ossa E.
Published: January 2007

The extraction of wheat germ oil by liquid and supercritical CO2 is described from the point of view of both operative method and pretreatment of raw material. The best conditions for wheat germ oil extraction are: pressure, 150 bar; temperature, 40°C; and solvent flow rate, 1.5 L/min at standard temperature and pressure. The yields and fatty acid compositions obtained are very similar to those resulting from the conventional extraction process using hexane as solvent (8.0 wt%), although a higher‐quality oil is obtained by using CO2 as solvent (free fatty acids, 12.4%; tocopherol content, 416.7 mg tocopherol/g wheat germ oil). These factors lead to the conclusion that the extraction process using CO2 could be economically competitive with the conventional process, since it considerably simplifies the oil refinement stages and completely eliminates the solvent distillation stage, which are the most costly processing steps in terms of energy consumption.
Excess volumes of binary mixtures that contain olive oil with alkyl and vinyl acetates
Authors: lez Gonz Cristina , Resa Jos M. , Lanz Juan
Published: January 2007

This paper reports densities and excess molar volumes for ethyl acetate, vinyl acetate, propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, and butyl acetate with olive oil at temperatures from 283.15–298.15 K. Redlich‐Kister polynomials were fitted to the results of excess volumes. All the systems showed slight deviations from ideality. The excess volumes decreased with the number of carbon atoms of the acetate, but increased with an increase of temperature.
Characterization of pili nut (Canarium ovatum) oil: Fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition and physicochemical properties
Authors: Kakuda Yukio , Jahaniaval Firouz , Marcone Massimo F. , Montevirgen Lourdes , Montevirgen Quintin , Umali Joselyn
Published: January 2007

The fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition of pili nut (Canarium ovatum) oil and fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The oil obtained by solvent extraction was low in polyunsaturated fatty acids and high in saturates. The polyunsaturated fatty acid (18∶2 and 18∶3) contents were less than 11%, whereas palmitic (16∶0) and stearic acid (18∶0) were 33.3 and 10.9%, respectively. The saturated fatty acid level of the low‐melting fraction oil was reduced from 44.4 to 35.5% and the total unsaturated fatty acid levels were increased from 55.6 to 65% by fractional crystallization. Triacylglycerol analysis showed that the high‐melting fraction (HM) from pili nut oil consisted of POP, POS, and SOS+SSO (P=palmitic acid, O=oleic acid, and S=stearic acid) in the proportion of 48.6, 38.8, and 8.7%, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the HM fraction were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance. The results showed that the melting range and solid fat content of the HM fraction were very similar to those isolated from cocoa butter and olive oil. The content of POP played an important role in determining the melting range of the HM fraction. It is suggested that this HM fraction may have applications as a cocoa butter substitute in confectionery products.
Brief report: The theory of planned behaviour applied to physical activity in young people who smoke
Authors: Everson Emma S. , Daley Amanda J. , Ussher Michael
Published: January 2007

It has been hypothesised that physical activity may be useful as a smoking cessation intervention for young adults. In order to inform such interventions, this study evaluated the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) for understanding physical activity behaviour in young smokers. Regular smokers aged 16–19 years (), self‐reported physical activity and all TPB components. Physical activity behaviour was significantly explained by both intention and perceived behavioural control (PBC), with both intention and PBC making significant contributions to the model. Intention was significantly explained by attitude, subjective norm (SN) and PBC, with attitude, SN and PBC all making significant contributions to the model. The TPB may be a useful framework for guiding physical activity interventions among young smokers.
Role of Neu4L sialidase and its substrate ganglioside GD3 in neuronal apoptosis induced by catechol metabolites
Authors: Hasegawa Takafumi , Sugeno Naoto , Takeda Atsushi , Matsuzaki-Kobayashi Michiko , Kikuchi Akio , Furukawa Katsutoshi , Miyagi Taeko , Itoyama Yasuto
Published: January 2007

Mammalian sialidases are key enzymes in the degradation of glycoconjugates. Neu4L sialidase is localized to mitochondria and specifically expressed in brain. To elucidate the pathophysiological roles of Neu4L in the nervous system, we investigated the possible involvement of Neu4L in the apoptotic neurodegeneration under the existence of catechol metabolites generated by tyrosinase. We demonstrated that: (i) the expression level of Neu4L was dramatically decreased prior to apoptosis; (ii) the apoptotic phenotype was characterized by cytochrome c release into cytosol concomitant with the trafficking of ganglioside GD3 to mitochondria; and (iii) the inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase partially recovered cell viability. Neu4L and its substrate GD3 may act as key molecules in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in neuronal cells.
Lipolysis is altered in MHC class I zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein deficient mice
Authors: Rolli Véronique , Radosavljevic Mirjana , Astier Valérie , Macquin Cécile , Castan-Laurell Isabelle , Visentin Virgile , Guigné Charlotte , Carpéné Christian , Valet Philippe , Gilfillan Susan , Bahram Seiamak
Published: January 2007

Non‐conventional major histocompatibility complex class I molecules are involved in a variety of physiological functions, most at the periphery of the immune system per se. Zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG), the sole soluble member of this superfamily has been implicated in cachexia, a poorly understood yet life‐threatening, severe wasting syndrome. To further ascertain the role of ZAG in lipid metabolism and perhaps the immune system, we inactivated both ZAG alleles by gene targeting in mice. Subjecting these ZAG deficient animals to standard or lipid rich food regimens led to increased body weight in comparison to identically treated wild‐type mice. This phenotype appeared to correlate with a significant decrease in adipocytic lipolysis that could not be rescued by several pharmacological agents including β3‐adrenoreceptor agonists. Furthermore, in contrast to previously reported data, ZAG was found to be ubiquitously and constitutively expressed, with an especially high level in the mouse liver. No overt immunological phenotype was identified in these animals.
Inconstancy in predator/prey ratios in Quaternary large mammal communities of Italy, with an appraisal of mechanisms
Authors: Raia Pasquale , Meloro Carlo , Barbera Carmela
Published: January 2007

Constancy in predator/prey ratio (PPR) is a controversial issue in ecological research. Published reports support both constancy and inconstancy of the ratio in animal communities. Only a few studies, however, specifically address its course through time. Here we study the course of predator/prey ratio in communities of large Plio-Pleistocene mammals in Italy. After controlling for taphonomic biases, we find strong support for PPR inconstancy through time. Extinction, dispersal events, and differences in body size trends between predators and their prey were found to affect the ratio, which was distributed almost bimodally. We suggest that this stepwise dynamic in PPR indicates changes in ecosystem functioning. Prey richness was controlled by predation when PPR was high and by resources when PPR was low.
From Land to the Tiller to Land Liberalisation: The Political Economy of Gujarat's Shifting Land Policy
Authors: SUD NIKITA
Published: January 2007

Land is a metaphor for power, wealth and status. Independent Gujarat's initial mass-development strategy centered on agriculture but the emphasis was on productivity and efficiency rather than land redistribution or social justice. A state apparatus and socio-political set-up dominated by elite landed upper and middle castes and classes ensured this. Primary fieldwork-based research shows that by the mid-1980s, with a growing acceptance of ideas of liberalisation at the national and international level, the elite consensus on land began to shift. This shift must also be placed within local socio-economic developments that had propelled dominant landed groups into agro-industry and small scale industry in the last third of the twentieth century. Gujarat's elite still wanted to control land, but they did not want the state to regulate land use or continue emphasising the diluted but powerful rhetoric of land to the tiller. The rightward shift of all political formations in Gujarat after 1985 and the growing importance of the upper caste-middle class merchant-trader-builder-small businessman dominated Bharatiya Janata Party further facilitated the moves towards a shift in land policy. Continuing changes in Gujarat's land policy are determinedly moving towards the complete liberalisation of land.
‘An Untouchable in the Presence of Brahmins’ Lord Wavell's Disastrous Relationship with Whitehall During His Time as Viceroy to India, 1943–7
Authors: GLYNN IRIAL
Published: January 2007

The release of Peter Clarke's biography of Sir Stafford Cripps in 2002, with much of its focus on the protagonist's time in India, meant that a thorough reappraisal of Lord Wavell's time as Viceroy to India was clearly needed. By giving an impartial account of Wavell's relationship with Whitehall during his time as Viceroy this article will also focus on such significant events as the 1945 Simla Conference, the 1946 Cabinet Mission and Wavell's dismissal in late 1946/early 1947. It is hoped that by the end of this article readers will be able to judge Wavell's overall performance as Viceroy and decide for themselves whether he deserved to be replaced by Mountbatten or not.
Customs of Governance: Colonialism and Democracy in Twentieth Century India
Authors: CHANDAVARKAR RAJNARAYAN
Published: January 2007

‘Who is stealing electricity’ at Tis Hazari?—the principal magistrate's court for the city of Delhi. The mystery, it turned out, had a simple solution. It implicated a large proportion of the 1500 lawyers' chambers in the court buildings. According to the Vice-President of the Delhi Bar Association (Criminal), the problem arose because the Delhi Vidyut Board ‘had installed electricity junction boxes in the premises and has not given any regular connection to individual chambers. Hence, most lawyers had to make their own arrangements’. By this, he meant that the lawyers resorted to tapping electricity from the board's supply lines to run their lights and fans, their refrigerators, air-conditioners and computers. Speaking on behalf of the criminal lawyers, and lending a certain adjectival force to their professional description, their Vice President admitted that it was true that ‘earlier, we were stealing electricity. … But now we have taken up the matter with the DVB and have shown our eagerness in seeking regularised connections’. It was almost as if he expected that their eagerness could be entered as a plea in mitigation.
Monastic Patronage and Temple Building in Contemporary Sri Lanka: Caste, Ritual Performance, and Merit
Authors: SAMUELS JEFFREY
Published: January 2007

The current article examines temple building and shifting monastic patronage in twentieth and twenty-first century Sri Lanka. Drawing heavily on fieldwork conducted in two separate upcountry villages over the past five years, the author argues that far from passively accepting the failings of local monastics, lay Buddhists are actively and directly involved in shaping their own religious experiences. In examining closely numerous conversations centered on temple construction, this article pays particular attention to how notions about ideal ritual performance, caste discrimination, and merit-making provide lay donors with the needed impetus for building new monastic institutions and, thus, establishing a choice of temple patronage where little or no such choice previously existed.
Rituals of Rule in the Administered Community: The Javanese Slametan Reconsidered
Authors: NEWBERRY JAN
Published: January 2007

Ethnographic work in an urban kampung in central Java reveals this community form to be both an administrative rationality and a set of locally meaningful social relations. The continued restatement of the relevance of community through the Javanese ritual meal known as the slametan and women's roles in these rituals of commensality are the focus of this consideration. State sponsorship of housewives as community welfare workers extends the long arch of kampung community formation as the ground for the dispersion of rituals of rule into the lives of Indonesian citizens as well as working-class recuperation through rituals of community. State formation conceived as process draws attention to everyday kampung culture as the matrix for reproduction of both rule and working class neighbourhoods, and provides a perspective on the state that is resolutely low, attuned to both the realities of institutional structure and the repertoires and routines of everyday practise.
Guns, Slums, and “Yellow Devils”: A Genealogy of Urban Conflicts in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: GAYER LAURENT
Published: January 2007

Karachi is a city of migrants and an important commercial hub, which provides Pakistan with a window on the world. But Karachi is also a deeply fragmented city, plagued by an acute urban crisis that takes roots in the failure of the development plans that successive Pakistani governments have delegated to foreign experts. The transnationalisation of the Afghan jihad, in the 1980s, also fuelled social and ethnic antagonisms in the city and contributed to the proliferation of violent entrepreneurs and ethnic parties. Both criminal elements and ethnic activists contributed to the ever-increasing fragmentation of urban space in the city, and to the multiplication of ethnic enclaves controlled by private militias. This extreme fragmentation of the city has benefited local jihadis and foreign terrorists who have taken shelter here since the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. However, Karachi will never be a “sanctuary” for jihadi militants, due to the hostility of local ethnic parties, whose activists see themselves as enlightened secularists at war with the most retrograde elements of their society and their foreign allies.
Property Rights Dynamics and Indigenous Communities in Highland Kerala, South India: An Institutional-Historical Perspective
Authors: KJOSAVIK DARLEY JOSE , SHANMUGARATNAM N.
Published: January 2007

Indigenous communities find themselves at the losing end of socio-economic changes taking place in diverse contexts of development. Changes in property rights to land and related resources such as forests and water have universally had adverse effects on their livelihoods, which are almost absolutely dependent on these resources and the ecosystems to which they belong. The historical processes behind these changes have their political, economic and cultural specificities. A deep understanding of transitions in property rights in the traditional habitations of indigenous communities is crucial in capturing these specificities and the socio-economic consequences of the changes. Property rights could be described as the set of economic and social relations that define the position of each individual with respect to the utilization of a resource (Furubotn and Pejovich 1972).
Characterization of the mitochondrial genome ofDiphyllobothrium latum(Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) – implications for the phylogeny of eucestodes
Authors: PARK J.-K. , KIM K.-H. , KANG S. , JEON H. K. , KIM J.-H. , LITTLEWOOD D. T. J. , EOM K. S.
Published: January 2007

The complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome was determined for the fish tapewormDiphyllobothrium latum. This genome is 13 608 bp in length and encodes 12 protein-coding genes (but lacks theatp8), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) and 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, corresponding to the gene complement found thus far in other flatworm mitochondrial (mt) DNAs. The gene arrangement of this pseudophyllidean cestode is the same as the 6 cyclophyllidean cestodes characterized to date, with only minor variation in structure among these other genomes; the relative position oftrnS2andtrnL1is switched inHymenolepis diminuta. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated amino acid sequences for 12 protein-coding genes of all complete cestode mtDNAs confirmed taxonomic and previous phylogenetic assessments, withD. latumbeing a sister taxon to the cyclophyllideans. High nodal support and phylogenetic congruence between different methods suggest that mt genomes may be of utility in resolving ordinal relationships within the cestodes. All species ofDiphyllobothriuminfect fish-eating vertebrates, andD. latumcommonly infects humans through the ingestion of raw, poorly cooked or pickled fish. The complete mitochondrial genome provides a wealth of genetic markers which could be useful for identifying different life-cycle stages and for investigating their population genetics, ecology and epidemiology.
Cracking the mild, difficult and fiendish codes within and downstream of the EGFR to link diagnostics and therapeutics
Authors: Waterfield M.
Published: January 2007

Over the last 45 years, I have been working on growth factors, their receptors and signal transduction mechanisms. This period has seen a tremendous growth in knowledge and technology, and all of this, together with a focus interest in oncology, has steered me along a path designed to understand growth factor signalling so that we can see how drugs that target signalling pathways might be able to control cancer. The knowledge that we already have is likely to lead to cures for many common cancers within the next 25 years.
Exploring the role of protein phosphorylation in plants: from signalling to metabolism
Authors: Huber S.C.
Published: January 2007

This review presents a broad overview of phosphorylation and signalling in plants. Much of the work of my group in plants focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate the production of carbon and nitrogen metabolites in leaves; in this review, I will discuss nitrate, which is one of the most important of these inorganic nutrients. I also detail how protein phosphorylation in plant cells is altered in response to the presence of reactive oxygen species.
The public's belief about biology
Authors: Wolpert L.
Published: January 2007

This short review is concerned with a topic that has been neglected and is still very poorly understood: what the general public think and believe about biology (including health and medicine, and bioethics), and, in particular, about biotechnology.
Growth of GaN on Ge(111) by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Lieten R. R. , Degroote S. , Cheng K. , Leys M. , Kuijk M. , Borghs G.
Published: January 2007

The epitaxial growth of GaN on Ge is reported. The authors found that direct growth of GaN performs exceptionally well on Ge(111) with plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy. A streaky reflection high energy electron diffraction pattern is observed during growth. X-ray diffraction showed a rocking curve full width at half maximum of only 371arcsec for a 38nm GaN layer and indicates an abrupt interface between the GaN and Ge. Secondary ion mass spectrometry shows limited diffusion of Ga atoms into the Ge substrate and Ge atoms into the GaN layers. Current-voltage measurements show rectifying behavior for n-GaN on p-Ge. Their results indicate that GaN growth on Ge does not require intermediate layers, allowing the Ge substrate to be used as back contact in vertical devices. A p-n junction formed between GaN and Ge can be used in heterojunction devices.
Achievement of 4.51% conversion efficiency using ZnO recombination barrier layer in TiO2 based dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Roh Seung-Jae , Mane Rajaram S. , Min Sun-Ki , Lee Won-Joo , Lokhande C. D. , Han Sung-Hwan
Published: January 2007

The authors report the use of chemically deposited ZnO recombination barrier layer for improved efficiency of TiO2 based dye-sensitized solar cells. The ZnO layers of different thicknesses were deposited on spin coated porous TiO2. The presence of ZnO over TiO2 was confirmed by x-ray diffraction, electron dispersive x-ray analysis, and supported by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, proved inherent energy barrier between the porous TiO2 electrode and lithium iodide electrolyte. They found that TiO2 based dye-sensitized solar cell with 30nm ZnO layer thickness showed 4.51% efficiency due to the formation of efficient recombination barrier at electrode/electrolyte interface. Further increase in ZnO barrier thickness may leak the electrons injected from the dye due to its low electron effective mass of 0.2me.
Ternary Cu3NPdx exhibiting invariant electrical resistivity over 200K
Authors: Ji Ailing , Li Chaorong , Cao Zexian
Published: January 2007

Electrical resistivity is a physical property of enormous importance, but it is usually a complicated function of temperature. Here the authors report a vanishing temperature coefficient of electrical resistance (<3.0×10−6∕K) in the temperature range from 240to5K measured in Cu3NPd0.238, following the semiconducting-to-semimetallic transition in Cu3NPdx with x increasing from zero. It results from a delicate balance between the opposite changes of the number of carriers and the carrier mobility with temperature, which is possible only in a semimetal. This finding will inspire the search for similar materials and promote an in-depth investigation of the detailed operating mechanism.
Raman scattering in InAs nanowires synthesized by a solvothermal route
Authors: Xu X. X. , Yu K. H. , Wei W. , Peng B. , Huang S. H. , Chen Z. H. , Shen X. S.
Published: January 2007

Micro-Raman scattering experiment has been performed to study solvothermally synthesized InAs nanowires with different diameters. Strong low frequency branch of the LO-phonon-plasmon mode (L−) was observed. The longitudinal optic (LO) mode was found to be dependent on diameter of the nanowires. The wave vector uncertainty and the carrier concentration related Fermi-Thomas screening effect were proposed to play important roles for this phenomenon. Laser heating, phonon confinement, surface defects, together with the diameter distribution effects were also discussed.
Dry formation of polymer hole injection layer for top emitting organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Seo Soon-min , Kim Jong H. , Lee Hong H.
Published: January 2007

Dry formation of polymer hole injection layer is introduced as an effective method for improving the performance of top emitting organic light emitting diodes (TOLEDs). This method involves transferring a metal/polymer bilayer to the surface of organic layers of the device by pressing. An added advantage of this method is the ability to pattern the anode in the transfer process. Fabrication of the inverted TOLED by this method results in a drastic reduction of the turn-on voltage, from 14.5to6.5V, when compared with a reference.
Nanopores in carbon nitride nanotubes: Reversible hydrogen storage sites
Authors: Kim Se Yun , Kim Hyun Seok , Augustine Saji , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: January 2007

Experimental and theoretical approaches are used to determine hydrogen storage mechanisms in nanopores of multiwalled carbon nitride nanotubes (MWCNNTs). First, the authors produce ∼0.6nm pores on the stems of MWCNNTs by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Next, thermal desorption spectra were measured and obtained two different peaks. This is explained by hydrogen desorption barriers of 0.36–0.50eV attributed to two different types of ∼0.6nm pores. Moreover, H2 adsorption between complete interlayers is found to be endothermic by 1.27eV. In this respect, open channels and ∼0.6nm pores on MWCNNTs are considered to provide the route for reversible hydrogen storage.
Dependence of carrier localization in InGaN∕GaN multiple-quantum wells on well thickness
Authors: Na Jong H. , Taylor Robert A. , Lee Kwan H. , Wang Tao , Tahraoui Abbes , Parbrook Peter , Fox A. Mark , Yi Sam N. , Park Young S. , Choi Jae W. , Lee Jung S.
Published: January 2007

Carrier localization in InGaN∕GaN multiple-quantum wells (MQWs) with three different well thicknesses was investigated optically using time-integrated and time-resolved microphotoluminescence spectroscopy. An anomalous temperature dependence of the photoluminescence peak energy was observed, as a consequence of local potential fluctuations. The carrier localization was more prominent in the case of MQWs with wide well thickness. The results indicate that the degree of potential fluctuation increases with increasing well thickness. Emission from quantum-dot-like states only became apparent in MQWs with wide well thickness, which supports the assertion that carrier localization in InGaN∕GaN MQWs is due to the formation of quantum dots.
Digitalized magnetoresistance observed in (La,Pr,Ca)MnO3 nanochannel structures
Authors: Yanagisawa Yoshihiko , Tanaka Hidekazu , Kawai Tomoji , Pellegrino Luca
Published: January 2007

We have examined the magnetoresistances of (La,Pr,Ca)MnO3 channel structures with different channel widths. The 500nm channel showed an extremely sharp metallic transition from charge ordered insulator to ferromagnetic metal at low temperature, while the 10 and 1μm channels showed gradual metallic transitions. The sharpness of the metallic transition was increased from 1.3×102T−1 in the 10μm channel to 3.5×104T−1 in the 500nm channel at 10K. Such extremely sharp metallic transition can be accounted for electronic phase separation phenomena.
Effects of europium content on the microstructural and ferroelectric properties of Bi4−xEuxTi3O12 thin films
Authors: Zheng X. J. , He L. , Zhou Y. C. , Tang M. H.
Published: January 2007

The effects of europium (Eu) content on the microstructure, fatigue endurance, leakage current density, and remnant polarization (2Pr) of Bi4−xEuxTi3O12 (BET) thin films prepared by metal-organic decomposition method at 700°C annealing temperature were studied in detail. The results showed that 2Pr (82μC∕cm2 under 300kV∕cm), fatigue endurance (2% loss of 2Pr after 9.0×109 switching cycles), and leakage current density (1×10−8A∕cm2 at 200kV∕cm) of BET thin film with x=0.85 are better than those of thin films with other contents. Additionally, the mechanism concerning the dependence of ferroelectric properties on Eu content was discussed.
Optical properties of metallodielectric opals
Authors: Hsiao Fu-Li , Chan Chia-Hua , Chen Chii-Chang
Published: January 2007

A method to enhance the reflectance of the artificial opal is demonstrated by coating Ag nanoparticles on the polymethylmethacrylate microspheres to form a metallodielectric artificial opal. The authors studied the angle-resolved reflection spectra of the metallodielectric opals. By a suitable coating of Ag nanoparticles on the microspheres, the reflectance of the opals is enhanced without changing the reflection wavelength. This metallodielectric material can be used as the high reflectance mirror.