bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning to Read the Bible with Desire: Teaching the Eros of Exegesis in the Theological Classroom
Authors: Vaage Leif E.
Published: March 2007

Abstract.  The article begins with two brief theoretical descriptions of a pedagogy of desire vis‐à‐vis the Christian Bible. The first of these is a poem; the second summarizes the conversation constituted by four quite different books: the Confessions by Augustine of Hippo, Freud & Philosophy by Paul Ricoeur, Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire, and The Ethnography of Reading edited by Jonathan Boyarin. There follows, then, a case in point: an account of my most recent effort to teach the eros of exegesis at Emmanuel College (Toronto), using the Song of Songs. This account includes discussion of the (pre)conception(s) of the (biblical) text that inform(s) this undertaking and of the practice of communal reading as a specific type of bodily activity and social experience. In conclusion, the question of evaluation is addressed. How does one learn to love – when, by, in, with, and under – reading the Bible?
The Problem of Optimum Income Taxation: A Remark on Its Monotonicity Constraint
Authors: RUIZ del PORTAL X.
Published: March 2007

We apply a generalized version of Brito and Oakland's (1977) approach to deal with monotonicity constraints in the nonlinear taxation problem of Mirrlees (1971). This allows removing some analytical weaknesses in the derivation of the necessary conditions that characterize the optimal income tax, impossible to handle with the type of variation used for the proof in Mirrlees (1969). The qualitative properties of the tax are thus restored provided the candidate consumption functions are restricted to be twice differentiable, except on countably many points, with no corners near the intervals where they show a strictly concave shape.
A General‐Equilibrium Analysis of Public Policy for Pharmaceutical Prices
Authors: KELTON CHRISTINA M. L. , REBELEIN ROBERT P.
Published: March 2007

Retail sales of prescription drugs totaled $154.5 billion in 2001 and will likely exceed $400 billion by 2010. This paper contrasts the welfare and distributional effects of the current patented‐monopoly system with those of (1) a price ceiling on pharmaceutical products and (2) a universal insurance program covering pharmaceutical purchases. We use a version of the Kelton and Wallace (1995) two‐good, general‐equilibrium monopoly model in which a license is required to produce one good. Individuals have heterogeneous preferences, but are otherwise identical. Results indicate potential welfare gains for both the price‐ceiling and universal‐insurance policies, with very distinct distributional effects.
Discontinuous Payoffs, Shared Resources, and Games of Fiscal Competition: Existence of Pure Strategy Nash Equilibrium
Authors: ROTHSTEIN PAUL
Published: March 2007

We define a class of games with discontinuous payoffs that we call shared resource games and establish a pure strategy Nash equilibrium existence theorem for these games. We then apply this result to a canonical game of fiscal competition for mobile capital. Other applications are also discussed. Our result for the mobile capital game holds for any finite number of regions, permits general preferences over private and public goods, and does not assume that production technologies have a particular functional form, or are identical in all regions, or satisfy the Inada condition at zero.
Acquiring, flaunting and destroying silk in late Anglo‐Saxon England
Authors: Fleming Robin
Published: March 2007

This paper argues that silk was ubiquitous in England in the late Anglo‐Saxon period. It also contends that when examined in the context of its use, it becomes clear that the deployment of silk was symbolic. People of means moved heaven and earth to get silk because it allowed them to appropriate its associated meanings for themselves. So, after establishing silk's ubiquity and its uses, the paper teases out its ideological underpinnings. Finally, the paper investigates the economics of silk. In the end it strives to prove that a whole spectrum of people acquired, displayed, and sometimes even destroyed silk, because it made others see them as they wished to be seen.
Some remarks on ethnicity in medieval archaeology
Authors: Curta Florin
Published: March 2007

Recent critiques of the culture‐historical approach to ethnicity have denounced the idea that archaeological cultures are ‘actors’ on the historical stage, playing the role that known individuals or groups have in documentary history. But the critique has gone as far as to claim that, because archaeologists supposedly have no access to the meaning of cultural traditions, medieval ethnicity cannot be studied by archeological means. Ethnicity should be banned from all discussions, if medieval archaeology is to make any progress in the future. The paper examines the theoretical malaise at the root of this scepticism verging on nihilism. The understanding of the archaeological record not as an imprint, but as a text allows for much learning about meaning in the past. Symbols, style and power are the key concepts that currently guide anthropological research on ethnicity as a ‘social construction of primordiality’. As several archaeological examples show, medieval ethnicity was a form of social mobilization used in order to reach certain political goals. Ethnic identity was built upon some pre‐existing cultural identity, in a prototypic manner.
Saxon military revolution, 912–973?: myth and reality
Authors: Bachrach B.S. , Bachrach D.
Published: March 2007

For more than a generation Karl Leyser's influential thesis, which credited Henry I with undertaking a military revolution which made possible the Saxon dynasty's rule of Francia orientalis, has dominated the scholarly literature. According to Leyser, Henry radically reformed the Saxon military by building a large force of heavily armed mounted fighting men. These men provided the means necessary to assure Saxon domination. It is argued here, by contrast, that this Saxon military revolution is a myth and that the continental Saxons, as contrasted to those in England, saw the gradual development of a heavily armed mounted fighting force following their conquest by Charlemagne in 805. The real Saxon military revolution was Henry's creation of the agrarii milites and the building of frontier fortifications.
Trade liberalization and institutional reforms1
Authors: Cheptea Angela
Published: March 2007

The accession of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries to the European Union (EU) is expected to lead to the new member countries becoming more like the older members, including in terms of trade. In this paper, we focus on two factors promoting CEE–EU trade integration: trade liberalization and institutional reforms. Measures of trade liberalization undertaken by both parties during the 1990s were very substantial, but did not always produce the expected upsurge of regional trade flows. Much less progress has been made in improving the functioning of CEE institutions (e.g., progress in the privatization process or in reducing corruption). Countries where most important changes at the institutional level occurred were also those that most increased their trade with the EU. Comparing the impact of these two factors, we find that improving institutions in CEE countries can generate as much trade as the removal of all tariff and non‐tariff barriers. The paper also addresses the issue of the presence of reversed causality between trade and institutions, and the pro‐trade effect of institutional similarity.
Channels of restructuring in privatized Czech companies1
Authors: Fidrmuc Jana P.
Published: March 2007

The main contribution of this paper to the literature on restructuring in the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe is the analysis of productivity‐growth effects for different channels of restructuring. It examines a panel of 737 voucher‐privatized Czech companies in the first years after the transfer of ownership (between 1993 and 1998). The results indicate that asset sales and employee incentives serve as restructuring channels through which productivity of the privatized companies increases. The analysis also indicates that capital expenditures, labour shedding and CEO replacements are not significantly correlated to productivity growth. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that the availability of bank loans is positively associated with productivity growth, but not for less profitable firms. This provides some evidence in support of soft budget constraints accommodated via bank lending.
The supply of and demand for accounting information
Authors: Goncharov Igor , Zimmermann Jochen
Published: March 2007

The article analyzes the use of accounting information in Russia. We assess reporting behaviour in the lending process for a sample of Russian companies in the years 1999–2004 and postulate that Russian companies manage their earnings in order to avoid showing losses when applying for bank financing. Once a credit has been granted, companies are predicted to manage earnings because of the bank's monitoring activities. By means of univariate and multivariate analysis we are able to attribute the discontinuity around a zero target in the earnings distribution with firms’ response to the banks’ assessment of accounting performance. This implies that financing considerations affect the reporting incentives of Russian companies.
Blood pressure‐lowering efficacy of olmesartan relative to other angiotensin II receptor antagonists: an overview of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Zannad Faiez , Fay Renaud
Published: March 2007

The aim of the present work was to review published studies investigating the dose‐related efficacy on blood pressure (BP) of olmesartan and of other commercially available angiotensin II type I receptor blockers (ARBs). Patient population comprises mild to moderate hypertensive adult patients. We selected studies with comparable design and dose ranges. Dose–effect relationship plots were fitted for diastolic (DBP) and systolic (SBP) BP to the simplified Emax model. We also examined controlled studies of olmesartan vs. other individual ARBs. Our overview was based on 7280 patients, of which 5769 received an ARB and 1511 received placebo. Except for losartan, the data fitted correctly to the Emax model, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.77 to 0.99. BP‐lowering efficacy defined as Emax was superior with olmesartan, (DBP/SBP mmHg: −9.0/−12.4) when compared with candesartan (−6.7/−11.3), irbesartan (−6.5/−11.2) and valsartan (−6.3/−8.9). Head‐to‐head comparisons of olmesartan to each of the other ARBs used at per‐label ‘recommended doses’, support the finding of a greater BP‐lowering effect of olmesartan. This overview suggests that clinically relevant differences in maximal efficacy, as well as in efficacy of per‐label recommended doses can be evidenced among individual ARBs. Olmesartan efficacy was consistently at the highest end of the range of efficacy of ARBs studied.
Study on the antinociceptive action of Tyr‐K‐MIF‐1, a peptide from the MIF family
Authors: Zamfirova R. , Bocheva A. , Dobrinova Y. , Todorov S.
Published: March 2007

1 Tyr‐K‐MIF‐1 is a melanocyte inhibiting factor (MIF) neuropeptide, isolated from the brain. Opposite to other MIFs (Tyr‐MIF‐1, Tyr‐W‐MIF‐1), it has a very low affinity for opiate μ‐receptors, but interacts with Tyr‐MIF‐1 specific binding sites. Tyr‐MIF‐1 and Tyr‐W‐MIF‐1 evoke antinociception mainly by activating opioid receptors. We investigated the possible antinociceptive effect of Tyr‐K‐MIF‐1 and the involvement of histaminergic system in its mechanism of action.

2 Tested on rats by paw‐pressure test, Tyr‐K‐MIF‐1 (0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg−1) was associated with short‐lasting analgesia, which was abolished by naloxone (1 mg kg−1).

3 Injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) 15 min before Tyr‐K‐MIF‐1, antagonists of H1 (diphenhydramine, 100 mg kg−1) or H2 (famotidine, 0.3 and 0.6 mg kg−1) histamine receptors diminished peptide antinociceptive effect. Simultaneous H1‐ and H2 blockade, as well as pretreatment with 5 mg kg−1 dimaprit (H2 agonist) abolished Tyr‐K‐MIF‐1‐induced analgesia. Tyr‐K‐MIF‐1‐induced analgesia was also abolished by treatment with R‐(α)‐methylhistamine (10 mg kg−1, i.p.), an H3 histamine receptor agonist that acts to inhibit histamine release.

4 Our results together with data reported in the literature support the conclusion that activation of the histaminergic system is involved in the mechanism of Tyr‐K‐MIF‐1‐induced antinociception.
When epitaxy controls garnet growth
Authors: SPIESS R. , GROPPO C. , COMPAGNONI R.
Published: March 2007

Within a mica schist from the coesite‐bearing Brossasco‐Isasca Unit (Western Alps), microstructural analysis shows that Alpine garnet grains are aligned with the crenulated foliation. Garnet crystallographic orientation was analysed with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD): the obtained crystallographic dispersion patterns and distribution patterns of misorientation axes suggest a strong parallelism of {110} garnet planes with a 56°W‐dipping foliation. The data are interpreted as evidence for an epitaxial growth of garnet upon (001) biotite planes, sometime during and/or after dispersion of the biotite/garnet crystals from their initially foliation‐parallel orientation by rotation about the Alpine crenulation axis. This interpretation is based on the comparison of the measured EBSD data with: (i) theoretical dispersion trajectories of garnet crystallographic data, (ii) numerically modelled pole figures, and (iii) numerically modelled misorientation axis distribution patterns. Our data suggest that epitaxial growth of garnet upon biotite is allowed by distortion of the pseudohexagonal basal oxygen ring structure on (001) biotite surfaces, and that distortion is driven by introduction of missing ions. Our data further suggest that the spatial distribution of precursor phases influences the distribution patterns of garnet within mica schists.
Interventions to Reduce Fear of Falling in Community‐Living Older People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zijlstra G. A. Rixt , Van Haastregt Jolanda C. M. , Van Rossum Erik , Van Eijk Jacques Th. M. , Yardley Lucy , Kempen Gertrudis I. J. M.
Published: March 2007

The objective was to assess which interventions effectively reduce fear of falling in community‐living older people. An extensive search for relevant literature comprised a database search of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; expert consultation; and manually searching reference lists from potentially relevant papers. Randomized, controlled trials that assessed fear of falling in community‐living older people were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data from full papers on study characteristics, methodological quality, outcomes, and process characteristics of the intervention. The search identified 599 abstracts, and 19 papers met the inclusion criteria. Seven of those papers were identified using expert consultation. Fifty‐five percent of all validity items and 39% of process characteristic items were fulfilled across the 19 trials. Twelve of the 19 papers were of higher methodological quality. In 11 of these trials, fear of falling was lower in the intervention group than in the control group. Interventions that showed effectiveness were fall‐related multifactorial programs (n=5), tai chi interventions (n=3), exercise interventions (n=2), and a hip protector intervention (n=1). Three of these interventions explicitly aimed to reduce fear of falling. Several interventions, including interventions not explicitly aimed at fear of falling, resulted in a reduction of fear of falling in community‐living older people. Limited but fairly consistent findings in trials of higher methodological quality showed that home‐based exercise and fall‐related multifactorial programs and community‐based tai chi delivered in group format have been effective in reducing fear of falling in community‐living older people.
Dialysis, cardiovascular disease, and the future
Authors: RITZ Eberhard , DIKOW Ralf , GROSS Marie‐Luise
Published: March 2007

Atherosclerosis, particularly coronary atherosclerosis, is accelerated in renal failure, as originally postulated by Belding Scribner. But in contrast to previous opinion, myocardial infarction from coronary heart disease is not the single major cause of cardiac death in dialyzed patients, the most common causes being sudden death and cardiac failure. Apart from coronary heart disease, the following cardiomyopathic features are prevalent and explain a large part of the excess cardiac risk: cardiomyocyte dropout, left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac interstitial fibrosis, microangiopathy with arteriolar thickening, and capillary deficit as well as reduced ischemia tolerance. Recently, cardiovascular risk factors related to abnormal mineral metabolism, particularly phosphate and vitamin D, have gained unanticipated importance. Controlled evidence has become available concerning intervention with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, β‐blockers, and statins in dialyzed patients. It is imperative that apart from the “classical” cardiovascular risk factors that do not exhaustively explain the excessive cardiovascular risk in dialyzed patients, novel pathomechanisms are considered and investigated; potential examples include depression, sleep abnormalities, etc. The above arguments do not negate the fact that today's modalities of renal replacement therapy are poor substitutes for the normal kidney's function so that as a result alternative strategies, e.g., daily dialysis, may also dramatically improve cardiovascular risk.
Beyond ultrapure hemodialysis: A necessary and achievable goal
Authors: KJELLSTRAND Carl M. , KJELLSTRAND Per
Published: March 2007

Survival of chronic hemodialysis patients is worse than that of many patients with cancers or severe infections. An important cause of chronic inflammation is impurities infused into patients during dialysis. Definitions of dialysis purity have been narrow and focused on metals in dialysate water and on bacterial contaminants. There is no standard for priming fluids or toxins released directly into blood from inside the extracorporeal circuit. We propose a much broader standard of dialysis purity that also includes phthalate metabolites, bisphenols, spalled particles, and other contaminants from dialysis machines, filters, and bloodlines. Standards must include new methods for measuring bacteriological contaminants in addition to colony‐forming units and endotoxin determinations. These include the sensitive silkworm larva plasma test that detects peptidoglycan that is missed by endotoxin tests and standards for newly detected small molecular bacterial detritus. Current levels for “standard” bacteriological contaminants are woefully inadequate and should be increased. New standards for contamination with plasticizers and spallation are also necessary. Studies with ultrapure dialysis have shown almost immediate patient benefits with increased well‐being and stabilization of the cardiovascular system during and between dialyses. Intermediate effects include lower C‐reactive protein levels, better response to erythropoietin, increased appetite, and improved nutrition. Over the years, amyloidosis and carpal tunnel syndrome have become less common and cardiovascular deaths have decreased. Standards for dialysis purity must be sharpened and expanded and this becomes even more urgent with daily and long nightly hemodialysis. All contaminants received by patients, whether biological, chemical, or physical, must be considered.
Intentions to Care for Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS: A Test of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Townsend Loraine , Dawes Andrew
Published: March 2007

HIV/AIDS has added an unparalleled number of children to South Africa's orphan population. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to investigate the decision‐making processes of potential substitute caregivers of children orphaned by AIDS. Existing foster and adoptive parents (n = 175) completed a self‐report postal survey. Of the sample, 76.0% reported willingness to care for an HIV‐negative child and 62.2% an HIV‐positive child. Analyses of the theory's components reveal contradictory and disappointing results. While the theory is most useful in conceptualizing the factors that bear on fostering and adoption, the current study suggests that the TPB is limited in its ability to address the complexity of decisions that attend fostering and adoption of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
Getting the problem of endocrine disruption into focus: The need for a pause for thought
Authors: ASHBY JOHN
Published: March 2007

The study of chemically‐induced endocrine disruption in mammals is a relatively new field of endeavour, and it has been assailed by an unusual level of disagreement among investigators regarding the developmental effects produced by chemicals in animals. This article discusses the several sources of uncertainty in endocrine toxicity studies, and the intrinsic variability of many of the key experimental parameters. It is concluded that current uncertainties are due to the absence of an extensive agreed control database for the developmental parameters under study, coupled to the established intrinsic variability of these parameters between strains/species of test animals and test protocols. Only when these factors are generally accepted and well studied will it be possible to design studies capable of distinguishing the possible subtle endocrine toxicity of chemicals and chance observations that cannot be independently reproduced.
An outbreak of trichinellosis in farmed wild boarin Finland
Authors: OIVANEN L. , MIKKONEN T. , SUKURA A.
Published: March 2007

Nine farmed wild boar out of 25 slaughtered from a single farm were condemned at meat inspection because of trichinellosis. With RAPD‐PCR, Trichinella spiralis was identified in all positive wild boar. Out of the available serum samples (n = 7), all wild boar which had failed the meat inspection showed seroconversion in ELISA and Western blotting, as did one additional animal which had passed the inspection. The animals became infected during an invasion of rats from an improperly closed dump near the farm. Unfortunately, by the time trichinellosis was discovered in the wild boar, the invasion had already been brought under control; thus, no samples from rats were available. However, having lived through the rat invasion was shown to be a risk factor for trichinellosis in wild boar (relative risk, RR=6.3). In wildlife samples from surrounding areas, sylvatic trichinellosis was found to be very common (74%; n=19 red foxes). Intriguingly, the prevalent species in trichinella‐positive foxes differed from that in wild boar, Trichinella nativa and T. spiralis being found in 12 foxes and in one fox, respectively.
Comparison of a new commercial EIA kit and the microimmunofluorescence technique for the determination of IgG and IgA antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae
Authors: GNARPE JUDY , NÁÁS JESSICA , LUNDBÁCK ANNIKA
Published: March 2007

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is often diagnosed by analyzing specific antibodies to C. pneumoniae in sera. The method which has been used as the reference method, or “gold standard”, the microimmunofluorescence test (MIF), demands a high level of experience for proper interpretation. A number of commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests have been introduced to the market in the past few years. These provide objective reading of titers, but are genus specific and not species specific. The latest EIA introduced, LabSystems EIA for C. pneumoniae, was investigated using several groups of clinically relevant patient sera in a comparison with MIF. It was found that the LabSystems EIA did not discriminate between antibodies to C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae when tested with sera containing high titers of C. trachomatis antibodies. The correlation between C. pneumoniae EIA and MIF IgG and IgA titers was, however, good in the patient groups not having a high background of C. trachomatis antibodies: hypertensives, n=199 and patients with chronic C. pneumoniae infections and ischaemic heart disease, n=33. In conclusion, the LabSystems EIA is a method which can be useful for screening populations with low prevalences of C. trachomatis!C. psittaci infection for antibodies to C. pneumoniae. It cannot replace the MIF test due to the lack of discrimination between different chlamydial antibody types.
Biochemistry and physiology of anabolic hormones used for improvement of meat production
Authors: MEYER HEINRICH H. D.
Published: March 2007

A number of hormones are involved in endocrine regulation of growth. In general, these hormones enhance body protein accretion and metabolise fat stores resulting in increased lean growth rates. Most parctical importance was obtained by sex hormones (oestrogens and androgens), β‐agonists and growth hormone – whether legally or illegally. Efficiency of growth promotion ranges between 0% and +20% depending on the prerequisites such as species, breed, gender, age, reproductive status, body score or feeding of the animals. Oestrogens and androgens mediate their activity via intracellular receptors – directly in muscular tissue as well as indirectly via stimulation of growth hormone from the hypophysis and other growth factors from liver plus several further organs. In addition, mineral absorption in the gut is improved. The outstanding efficiency of trenbolone is based on its androgenic plus antiglucocorticoid activity. Melengestrolacetate is throught to act indirectly via stimulation of endogenous ovarian oestradiol in non‐pregnant heifers. The necessary dosages and residue formations depend on the pharmacokinetic parameters of each substance and extrapolations between compounds are hardly possible. Growth hormone and β2‐agonists use independent pathways for growth promotion not related to steroid biochemistry.
Assessment of estradiol and its metabolites in meat
Authors: MAUME D. , DECEUNINCK Y. , POUPONNEAU K. , PARIS A. , LE BIZEC B. , ANDRÉ F.
Published: March 2007

Most studies related to research on steroids in main edible tissues (muscle, liver or kidney) have focused on measurement of parent or major metabolite residues. In order to evaluate the estradiol content in bovine edible tissues, a multi‐step extraction procedure was developed in conjunction with parallel metabolism studies of [14C]–17β‐estradiol in cattle (1–2). Various classes of free estradiol and conjugates were separated: estradiol −17β and −17β, estradiol‐17‐fatty acid esters, estradiol 17‐glycoside, estradiol 3–glucuronide, estradiol–17‐glycoside and 3‐ glucuronide (diconjugates) were separated. No sulphates conjugated forms have been found at the detection level of the method. The quantification was realized by calibration with deuterated 17β ‐estradiol ‐d3 standard and was validated at the ng kg–1 (ppt) level. Muscle, liver, kidney and fat samples from control or Revalor S® single (licensed implantation) or multi‐implanted steers have been assayed.

The results show a wide variation between animals, but both the highest value and the mean of total estradiol content in each group proportionally increase from untreated to multi‐implanted animals. In accordance with international rules, a calculation of the daily food supply of estradiol by such edible tissues in comparison with the acceptable daily intake was performed.
Hormone contents in peripheral tissues after correct and off‐label use of growth promoting hormones in cattle: Effect of the implant preparations Finaplix‐H®, Ralgro®, Synovex‐H® and Synovex Plus®
Authors: LANGE IRIS G. , DAXENBERGER A. , MEYER H. H. D.
Published: March 2007

Certain hormonal growth promoters are licensed in several beef producing countries outside the European Union (EU). Use in compliance with Good Veterinary Practice is mandatory. As risk assessment of hormone residues in animal tissues up to now has neglected potential off‐label use, the present study dealt with two topics: 1) multiple treatment with the implant preparations Finaplix‐H® (200 mg trenbolone acetate), Ralgro® (36 mg zeranol) and Synovex‐H® (200 mg testosterone propionate plus 20 mg estradiol benzoate) in heifers (1‐fold, 3‐fold and 10‐fold dose), and 2) non‐approved treatment of female veal calves (1‐fold dose of Synovex‐H® or Synovex Plus® with 200 mg trenbolone acetate plus 28 mg estradiol benzoate). Residues of estradiol‐17β, estradiol‐17α, estrone and testosterone, trenbolone‐17β, trenbolone‐17α and trendione or zeranol, respectively, were measured in loin, liver, kidney and peri‐renal fat by high performance liquid chromatography/enzyme immunoassay (HPLC/EIA) after liquid‐liquid extraction and solid‐phase clean‐up. The hormone residues in the multiple‐dose experiments were dose‐dependent and partially exceeded the threshold values: in the liver in one animal after 3‐fold dose and in two animals after 10‐fold dose of Finaplix‐H®, and in the liver and kidney after 3‐fold and 10‐fold dose of Synovex‐H®. Mean hormone residues in calves were mainly below those of heifers and did not infringe threshold values.
Intratumoral microvascular density in malignant lymphomas of B‐cell origin
Authors: RIDELL BÖRJE , NORRBY KLAS
Published: March 2007

Sections of surgical lymph‐node biopsies of four types of malignant non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma of B‐cell origin (B‐NHL) classified according to the R.E.A.L. terminology or lymphadenitis were immunostained in order to demonstrate endothelial CD34 (QBEnd 10) and to determine the microvascular density and vessel‐size distribution using an interactive image‐analysis technique. Only microvessels displaying a cross‐sectional area corresponding to a diameter of between 3.2 and 34.6 μm were included. The intratumoral microvascular density (iMVD) was found to be significantly higher in chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL, n=13) compared with the clinically more aggressive mantle cell lymphoma (MCL, n=9) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL, n=14). iMVD in CLL was also higher than in the follicular neoplastic parts (FL FOLL) of follicular lymphoma (FL, n=16). In FL FOLL the microvessel density was, moreover, significantly lower than in the surrounding non‐neoplastic FL tissue. In lymphadenitis (LA, n=10) the iMVD was higher than in DLBCL, FL FOLL and MCL. The data suggest that future studies focusing on the relationship between iMVD and the clinical outcome within each particular NHL group should be carried out in order to verify whether iMVD is a prognostic factor in NHL, as it is in carcinomas.
Detection of mRNA for the terminal complement components C5, C6, C8 and C9 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: LANGEGGEN H. , BERGE K. E. , MACOR P. , FISCHETTI F. , TEDESCO F. , HETLAND G. , BERG K. , JOHNSON E.
Published: March 2007

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) have previously been shown to synthesize the functional terminal pathway of complement based on the detection by radioimmunoassay of the terminal complement complex (TCC) on coincubated agarose beads. In addition, C7 secretion by these cells in amounts comparable to C3, as well as C7 mRNA, has recently been demonstrated. However, it has not been possible to detect C5–6 and C8 in the fluid phase, and only trace amounts of soluble C9. Against this background we examined whether mRNA for the remaining terminal complement factors was present in HUVEC. By the use of reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Northern blot the presence of mRNA for complement factors C5, C6, C8 and C9 was demonstrated.
Towards understanding the functional role of the glycosyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of Moraxella catarrhalis lipooligosaccharide
Authors: Peak Ian R. , Grice I. D. , Faglin Isabelle , Klipic Zoran , Collins Patrick M. , van Schendel Lucien , Hitchen Paul G. , Morris Howard R. , Dell Anne , Wilson Jennifer C.
Published: March 2007

The glycosyltransferase enzymes (Lgts) responsible for the biosynthesis of the lipooligosaccharide‐derived oligosaccharide structures from Moraxella catarrhalis have been investigated. This upper respiratory tract pathogen is responsible for a spectrum of illnesses, including otitis media (middle ear infection) in children, and contributes to exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in elderly patients. To investigate the function of the glycosyltransferase enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of lipooligosaccharide of M. catarrhalis and to gain some insight into the mechanism of serotype specificity for this microorganism, mutant strains of M. catarrhalis were produced. Examination by NMR and MS of the oligosaccharide structures produced by double‐mutant strains (2951lgt1/4Δ and 2951lgt5/4Δ) and a single‐mutant strain (2951lgt2Δ) of the bacterium has allowed us to propose a model for the serotype‐specific expression of lipooligosaccharide in M. catarrhalis. According to this model, the presence/absence of Lgt4 and the Lgt2 allele determines the lipooligosaccharide structure produced by a strain. Furthermore, it is concluded that Lgt4 functions as an N‐acetylglucosylamine transferase responsible for the addition of an α‐d‐GlcNAc (1→2) glycosidic linkage to the (1→4) branch, and also that there is competition between the glycosyltransferases Lgt1 and Lgt4. That is, in the presence of an active Lgt4, GlcNAc is preferentially added to the (1→4) chain of the growing oligosaccharide, instead of Glc. In serotype B strains, which lack Lgt4, Lgt1 adds a Glc at this position. This implies that active Lgt4 has a much higher affinity/specificity for the β‐(1→4)‐linked Glc on the (1→4) branch than does Lgt1.
Homologous expression of a bacterial phytochrome
Authors: Quest Benjamin , Hübschmann Thomas , Sharda Shivani , Tandeau de Marsac Nicole , Gärtner Wolfgang
Published: March 2007

Bacteriophytochromes constitute a light‐sensing subgroup of sensory kinases with a chromophore‐binding motif in the N‐terminal half and a C‐terminally located histidine kinase activity. The cyanobacterium Fremyella diplosiphon (also designated Calothrix sp.) expresses two sequentially very similar bacteriophytochromes, cyanobacterial phytochrome A (CphA) and cyanobacterial phytochrome B (CphB). Cyanobacterial phytochrome A has the canonical cysteine residue, by which covalent chromophore attachment is accomplished in the same manner as in plant phytochromes; however, its paralog cyanobacterial phytochrome B carries a leucine residue at that position. On the basis of in vitro experiments that showed, for both cyanobacterial phytochrome A and cyanobacterial phytochrome B, light‐induced autophosphorylation and phosphate transfer to their cognate response regulator proteins RcpA and RcpB [Hübschmann T, Jorissen HJMM, Börner T, Gärtner W & deMarsac NT (2001) Eur J Biochem268, 3383–3389], we aimed at the identification of a chromophore that is incorporated in vivo into cyanobacterial phytochrome B within the cyanobacterial cell. The approach was based on the introduction of a copy of cphB into the cyanobacterium via triparental conjugation. The His‐tagged purified, recombinant protein (CphBcy) showed photoreversible absorption bands similar to those of plant and bacterial phytochromes, but with remarkably red‐shifted maxima [λmax 700 and 748 nm, red‐absorbing (Pr) and far red‐absorbing (Pfr) forms of phytochrome, respectively]. A comparison of the absorption maxima with those of the heterologously generated apoprotein, assembled with phycocyanobilin (λmax 686 and 734 nm) or with biliverdin IXα (λmax 700 and 750 ± 2 nm), shows biliverdin IXα to be a genuine chromophore. The kinase activity of CphBcy and phosphotransfer to its cognate response regulator was found to be strictly Pr‐dependent. As an N‐terminally located cysteine was found as an alternative covalent binding site for several bacteriophytochrome photoreceptors that bind biliverdin and lack the canonical cysteine residue (e.g. Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Deinococcus radiodurans), this corresponding residue in heterologously expressed cyanobacterial phytochrome B was mutated into a serine (C24S); however, there was no change in its spectral properties. On the other hand, the mutation of His267, which is located directly after the canonical cysteine, into alanine (H267A), caused complete loss of the capability of cyanobacterial phytochrome B to form a chromoprotein.
Mechanism of dihydroneopterin aldolase
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Yue , Wu Yan , Yan Honggao
Published: March 2007

Dihydroneopterin aldolase (DHNA) catalyzes both the cleavage of 7,8‐dihydro‐d‐neopterin (DHNP) to form 6‐hydroxymethyl‐7,8‐dihydropterin (HP) and glycolaldehyde and the epimerization of DHNP to form 7,8‐dihydro‐l‐monapterin (DHMP). Whether the epimerization reaction uses the same reaction intermediate as the aldol reaction or the deprotonation and reprotonation of C2′ of DHNP has been investigated by NMR analysis of the reaction products in a D2O solvent. No deuteration of C2′ was observed for the newly formed DHMP. This result strongly suggests that the epimerization reaction uses the same reaction intermediate as the aldol reaction. In contrast with an earlier observation, the DHNA‐catalyzed reaction is reversible, which also supports a nonstereospecific retroaldol/aldol mechanism for the epimerization reaction. The binding and catalytic properties of DHNAs from bothStaphylococcus aureus(SaDHNA) andEscherichia coli(EcDHNA) were determined by equilibrium binding and transient kinetic studies. A complete set of kinetic constants for both the aldol and epimerization reactions according to a unified kinetic mechanism was determined for both SaDHNA and EcDHNA. The results show that the two enzymes have significantly different binding and catalytic properties, in accordance with the significant sequence differences between them.
Prediction of missing enzyme genes in a bacterial metabolic network
Authors: Yamanishi Yoshihiro , Mihara Hisaaki , Osaki Motoharu , Muramatsu Hisashi , Esaki Nobuyoshi , Sato Tetsuya , Hizukuri Yoshiyuki , Goto Susumu , Kanehisa Minoru
Published: March 2007

The metabolic network is an important biological network which consists of enzymes and chemical compounds. However, a large number of metabolic pathways remains unknown, and most organism‐specific metabolic pathways contain many missing enzymes. We present a novel method to identify the genes coding for missing enzymes using available genomic and chemical information from bacterial genomes. The proposed method consists of two steps: (a) estimation of the functional association between the genes with respect to chromosomal proximity and evolutionary association, using supervised network inference; and (b) selection of gene candidates for missing enzymes based on the original candidate score and the chemical reaction information encoded in the EC number. We applied the proposed methods to infer the metabolic network for the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa from two genomic datasets: gene position and phylogenetic profiles. Next, we predicted several missing enzyme genes to reconstruct the lysine‐degradation pathway in P. aeruginosa using EC number information. As a result, we identified PA0266 as a putative 5‐aminovalerate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.48) and PA0265 as a putative glutarate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.20). To verify our prediction, we conducted biochemical assays and examined the activity of the products of the predicted genes, PA0265 and PA0266, in a coupled reaction. We observed that the predicted gene products catalyzed the expected reactions; no activity was seen when both gene products were omitted from the reaction.
The geomorphic work of George Leslie Adkin (1888–1964) and glaciation in the Tararua Range, North Island, New Zealand
Authors: Brook M. S.
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Research initiated in 1909 by G. Leslie Adkin (1888–1964) suggested Park Valley in the Tararua Range was glaciated during the Late Quaternary, based on the ‘U‐shaped’ cross‐profiles in the uppermost parts of several valleys. Findings were published, but were not met with universal acceptance. Adkin's work remained the only glacial research undertaken on the North Island's axial ranges until the latter part of the 20th century. Adkin holds a special position in New Zealand, because although he worked full‐time as a farmer he published nearly 40 articles in scientific journals on topics as varied as Māori archaeology and geomorphology.
Institutional arrangements for metropolitan government and strategic planning in Auckland
Authors: Memon Ali , Davies Tom Graham , Fookes Tom
Published: March 2007

Abstract: The task of designing appropriate institutional arrangements for metropolitan government and planning has recently proved highly contestable politically. We interrogate how the role of the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) was zealously contested and hollowed‐out during the 1990s. More recently, the impacts of the neo‐liberal reforms in Auckland have been mediated by a further round of local government reforms inspired by a Third Way ideology and by the imperative to respond to the planning crisis resulting from infrastructure underinvestment. New regionally based governance arrangements and planning processes have been created. We argue that this new commitment to regionalism can realistically expect to be tested by deep‐seated political cleavages within Auckland and by Auckland's relationship with central government.
A wind shift: Integrating curriculum for education for sustainable development
Authors: Flaws M. G. , Meredith K. L.
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  For seven years, trainee teachers in the Pre‐Service Secondary Teacher Education Programme at Massey University College of Education, Albany campus, have integrated their curriculum areas to model the processes school students could follow in environmental education and education for sustainable development using Motutapu, an island adjoining Rangitoto in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, as the context for their actions. Evaluation of the programme indicates that it is empowering to learn about connections between subject areas and the potential for school students to have a hand in creating a sustainable future and to participate in real world concerns.
Ultrasound guided dry needling and autologous blood injection for patellar tendinosis
Authors: James Steven L J , Ali Kaline , Pocock Chris , Robertson Claire , Walter Joy , Bell Jonathan , Connell David
Published: March 2007

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound guided dry needling and autologous blood injection for the treatment of patellar tendinosis.

Design:Prospective cohort study.

Setting:Hospital/clinic based.

Patients:47 knees in 44 patients (40 men, 7 women, mean age 34.5 years, age range 17 to 54 years) with refractory tendinosis underwent sonographic examination of the patellar tendon following referral with a clinical diagnosis of patellar tendinosis (mean symptom duration 12.9 months).

Interventions:Ultrasound guided dry needling and injection of autologous blood into the site of patellar tendinosis was performed on two occasions four weeks apart.

Main outcome measures:Pre- and post-procedure Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment scores (VISA) were collected to assess patient response to treatment. Follow up ultrasound examination was done in 21 patients (22 knees).

Results:Therapeutic intervention led to a significant improvement in VISA score: mean pre-procedure score = 39.8 (range 8 to 72)vmean post procedure score = 74.3 (range 29 to 100), p<0.001; mean follow up 14.8 months (range 6 to 22 months). Patients were able to return to their sporting interests. Follow up sonographic assessment showed a reduction in overall tendon thickness and in the size of the area of tendinosis (hypoechoic/anechoic areas within the proximal patellar tendon). A reduction was identified in interstitial tears within the tendon substance. Neovascularity did not reduce significantly or even increased.

Conclusions:Dry needling and autologous blood injection under ultrasound guidance shows promise as a treatment for patients with patellar tendinosis.
Work patterns and fatigue-related risk among junior doctors
Authors: Gander Philippa , Purnell Heather , Garden Alexander , Woodward Alistair
Published: March 2007

Background:

To reduce fatigue-related risk among junior doctors, recent initiatives in Europe and the USA have introduced limits on work hours. However, research in other industries has highlighted that other aspects of work patterns are important in generating fatigue, in addition to total work hours. The Australian Medical Association AMA has proposed a more comprehensive fatigue risk management approach.

Objectives:

To evaluate the work patterns of New Zealand junior doctors based on the AMA approach, examining relationships between different aspects of work and fatigue-related outcomes.

Methods:

An anonymous questionnaire mailed to all house officers and registrars dealt with demographics, work patterns, sleepiness, fatigue-related clinical errors, and support for coping with work demands. Each participant was assigned a total fatigue risk score combining 10 aspects of work patterns and sleep in the preceding week.

Results:

The response rate was 63 1366 questionnaires from doctors working 40 hours a week. On fatigue measures, 30 of participants scored as excessively sleepy Epworth Sleepiness Score >10, 24 reported falling asleep driving home since becoming a doctor, 66 had felt close to falling asleep at the wheel in the past 12 months, and 42 recalled a fatigue-related clinical error in the past 6 months. Night work and schedule instability were independently associated with more fatigue measures than was total hours worked, after controlling for demographic factors, The total risk score was a significant independent risk factor for all fatigue measures, in a dose-dependent manner all p<0.01. Regular access to adequate supervision at work reduced the risk of fatigue on all measures.

Conclusions:

To reduce fatigue-related risk among junior doctors, account must be taken of factors in addition to total hours of work and duration of rest breaks. The AMA fatigue risk assessment model offers a useful example of a more comprehensive approach.
Employment status and use of respiratory protection among metalworkers, solderers and welders
Authors: Mirabelli Maria C , Zock Jan-Paul , Plana Estel , Benke Geza , Kromhout Hans , Norbäck Dan , Olivieri Mario , Radon Katja , Villani Simona , Kogevinas Manolis
Published: March 2007

Objectives:Reported associations of self-employment with occupational injury and cerebrovascular disease suggest that worker safety and health precautions may vary by occupational status. The authors assessed the extent to which use of respiratory protection and ventilation equipment is associated with self-employed versus employee status among adults in an international study.

Methods:The European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) is a follow-up study conducted in a population-based random sample of adult ECRHS I participants. Men and women enrolled in the ECRHS II completed interviewer-administered questionnaires to provide information about their occupational status and job history during the 9-year ECRHS follow-up period. Respondents in selected occupational groups completed supplemental questionnaires about their jobs and use of respiratory protection and ventilation equipment on-the-job. The authors assessed self-reported use of respiratory and ventilation equipment among 72 self-employed and 371 employed adults in metalworking, soldering and welding occupations.

Results:Local exhaust ventilation (fixed extraction: OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.80; mobile extraction: OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.60; on-tool extraction: OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.88) was reported less frequently among self-employed respondents than among employed respondents. The magnitude of the negative association between self-employment status and any of the three types of local exhaust ventilation was not attenuated by adjustment for duration of work per day or week or asthma and/or wheezing symptoms. Respiratory protection was not associated with employment status in these data.

Conclusions:More limited use of local exhaust ventilation among self-employed workers compared to employees suggests the need to promote occupational safety among self-employed workers.