bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Values and limitations of serum aminotransferases in clinical trials of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Suzuki Ayako , Lymp James , Sauver Jenny St. , Angulo Paul , Lindor Keith 
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Background/aims: Choosing endpoints in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) trials is challenging because of the lack of validated surrogates and the trade‐off between accuracy and invasiveness. In this study, we assessed diagnostic accuracy of serum aminotransferase changes in predicting histological changes in NASH trials.Methods: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study by using 102 participants in ursodeoxycholic acid–NASH trial who had both baseline and 2‐year liver biopsy and multiple measurements of serum aminotransferases. We calculated rates of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [or aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] change as slopes of linear regression over 2 years (IU/l/month) and changes in each histological feature as differences in Brunt's scores of two biopsies in each individual.Results: Rate of aminotransferase change correlated with changes in inflammation and fibrosis, but not steatosis and only with change in inflammation in multivariable analysis. In each histological feature, changes were inversely correlated with baseline histological grade. In predicting improvement of inflammation, areas under the receiver–operating characteristic curve of aminotransferase information alone were 0.72 for ALT and 0.73 for AST and were improved to 0.88 and 0.89, respectively, when baseline histology were taking account of.Conclusions: Serum aminotransferase changes could be useful as surrogates in screening therapies for NASH in clinical trials with appropriate consideration of baseline aminotransferase and histology.
Faster Implied Volatilities via the Implicit Function Theorem
Authors: Kelly Michael A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe present a faster, more accurate technique for estimating implied volatility using the standard partial derivatives of the Black‐Scholes option‐pricing formula. Beside Newton‐Raphson and slower approximation methods, this technique is the first to provide an error tolerance, which is essential for practical application. All existing noniterative approximation methods do not provide error tolerances and have the potential for large errors.
Giant cell granuloma of the jawbones – a proliferative vascular lesion? Immunohistochemical study with vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Vered M. , Buchner A. , Dayan D. 
Published: October 2006

Aim:  To estimate the angiogenic activity in central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) by immunohistochemical stains for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). VEGF and bFGF immunoreactivity of the lesional mononuclear (MC) and giant (GC) cells was also investigated.Method:  The study consisted of 41 cases of CGCG. Vascularity was quantified by microvascular volume (MVV) as determined by point counting. In five cases of CGCG, regions at the surrounding border, which demonstrated reactive vascular‐rich inflammatory areas, served as control. Immunoreactivity of the MC and GC was assessed as the percentage of VEGF‐ and bFGF‐positive cells from the total number of the respective cell type.Results:  Within CGCG lesions the extent of angiogenesis was low; MVV did not exceed 5% for either VEGF (88% of lesions) or bFGF (78% of lesions). The mean MVV of VEGF‐ and bFGF‐positive blood vessels was 2.9% ± 2.4% and 3.46% ± 2.35%, respectively, significantly lower than in the control areas (27.5% ± 7.3% and 28.08% ± 5.5%, respectively) (P = 0.043). VEGF‐positive and bFGF‐positive MC and GC were found in nearly all lesions and in less than half of the lesions, respectively.Conclusion:  The low mean MVV of VEGF‐ and bFGF‐positive blood vessels implies low angiogenic activity, which does not support the designation of CGCG as a true proliferative vascular lesion. MC and GC immunoreactivity for the angiogenic factors is assumed to play an important role in the osteoclastogenesis process, thus contributing to additional growth of the CGCG lesions.
The Romantic Reconceptualization of the Gypsy: From Menace to Malleability
Authors: Kramp Michael 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFollowing the hanging of a number of young gypsies at Northampton in 1780, we can trace a slow but notable shift in the English cultural understanding of the itinerant people. While late‐eighteenth‐century literary texts perpetuate longstanding conceptions of the gypsies as criminals and dangers, early nineteenth‐century works construct new images of the gypsies that emphasize their benign alternative lifestyle. These new conceptions of the gypsies specifically address England's concerns with the nomads as supposed threats to youthful native heterosexuality and organized labor practices. Throughout the nineteenth century, the English nation would develop sophisticated plans to incorporate the Roma into its citizenry and workforce; the early nineteenth‐century texts I consider here document the emerging cultural shift that would help to support such large‐scale social projects.
AID AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: THE DEBATE, THE CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD
Authors: Loots Elsabé 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe article discusses the emerging literature and debates on aid, within the context of expected increases in aid flows to the continent. The trends in ODA flows indicate a reversal in aid flows to the continent since 2000, with subsequent increases in aid intensity and dependence. Although the more recent literature on aid is doubtful if aid only spurs growth in a in a good policy environment, the aid‐institutional debate indicates a clear aid‐institutional paradox, especially relating to the macroeconomic effects, the fiscal response, the absorptive capacity and the good governance aid debates. The literature further indicates that aid could serve as a barrier to vulnerable societies. From the donors' perspective, it is evident that quantity of aid does not imply quality and that the ultimate responsibility lies with recipient governments to ensure more efficient absorption of aid.
A BVAR MODEL FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMY
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Sichei Moses M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe paper develops a Bayesian vector autoregressive (BVAR) model of the South African economy for the period of 1970:1‐2000:4 and forecasts GDP, consumption, investment, short‐term and long term interest rates, and the CPI. We find that a tight prior produces relatively more accurate forecasts than a loose one. The out‐of‐sample‐forecast accuracy resulting from the BVAR model is compared with the same generated from the univariate and unrestricted VAR models. The BVAR model is found to produce the most accurate out of sample forecasts. The same is also capable of correctly predicting the direction of change in the chosen macroeconomic indicators.
FORECASTING INVESTMENT NEEDS IN SOUTH AFRICA'S ELECTRICITY AND TELECOM SECTORS
Authors: Bogetić żeljko , Fedderke Johannes W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe paper uses 52‐country panel‐data for the period 1980‐2002 to estimate demand for electricity and telecom services and, based on these estimates, project investment needs in South Africa through 2010 for two growth scenarios. Projections of average annual investment needs in electricity and telecom for the current growth scenario (3.6% per annum) are of the order of 0.2% and 0.75% of GDP, respectively. An alternative, accelerated growth scenario (6% per annum) implies an approximate doubling of investment needs in these sectors.
ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE: A REVIEW OF DEFINITIONS, THEORY AND EMPIRICS
Authors: Fourie Johan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractInfrastructure investment, especially in South Africa, is currently at the forefront of policy and public debate. But the term ‘infrastructure’ has a variety of definitions and interpretations; the reason for the various definitions is related to infrastructure's various impacts and incidence. Three levels of infrastructure are identified: local, national and transnational. Infrastructure at all three levels are subject to certain market failures which require some form of government intervention. Furthermore, theory postulates a number of benefits from infrastructure, both on economic growth and equity. Both the quantity (access to infrastructure) and quality (reliability of infrastructure or accompanying services) are important. Finally, empirical analysis tests whether these theoretical benefits are indeed realised. However, it seems as though infrastructure empirics are subject to a number of serious limitations.
ANTI‐DUMPING AND MARKET ACCESS: A NOTE
Authors: Jafta Rachel c.c. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFor the duration of the currently stalled round of trade negotiations (the Doha Development Round) attention focused on the plight of developing countries under the current trade rules. One of the aspects under discussion is market access, and in particular the (ab)use of anti‐dumping measures to limit market access so that the progress made towards trade liberalisation is eroded. A popular assertion is that developed countries use anti‐dumping measures to protect their own industries against competition from developing countries. Part I of this short research note briefly takes stock of developments in this regard since the inception of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 1995. How has the use of anti‐dumping (AD) measures evolved? Who are the most active initiators of AD investigations and who are the victims? What is the spread between initiations of AD investigations and the actual imposition of AD measures? In Part II we consider selected AD issues, such as the determination of dumping margins and injury, administrative discretion, and the longevity of AD decrees.
Function of
Candida albicans
Adhesin Hwp1 in Biofilm Formation
Authors: Nobile Clarissa J. , Nett Jeniel E. , Andes David R. , Mitchell Aaron P. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT

Hwp1 is a well-characterized
Candida albicans
cell surface protein, expressed only on hyphae, that mediates tight binding to oral epithelial cells. Prior studies indicate that
HWP1
expression is dependent upon Bcr1, a key regulator of biofilm formation. Here we test the hypothesis that Hwp1 is required for biofilm formation. In an in vitro model, the
hwp1
/
hwp1
mutant produces a thin biofilm that lacks much of the hyphal mass found in the
hwp1
/
HWP1
reconstituted strain. In a biofilm cell retention assay, we find that the
hwp1
/
hwp1
mutant is defective in retention of nonadherent
bcr1
/
bcr1
mutant cells. In an in vivo rat venous catheter model, the
hwp1
/
hwp1
mutant has a severe biofilm defect, yielding only yeast microcolonies in the catheter lumen. These properties of the
hwp1
/
hwp1
mutant are consistent with its role as a hypha-specific adhesin and indicate that it is required for normal biofilm formation. Overexpression of
HWP1
in a
bcr1
/
bcr1
mutant background improves adherence in the in vivo catheter model. This finding provides additional support for the model that Hwp1 is critical for biofilm adhesion. Hwp1 is the first cell surface protein known to be required for
C. albicans
biofilm formation in vivo and is thus an excellent therapeutic target.
Function of theDictyostelium discoideumAtg1 Kinase during Autophagy and Development
Authors: Tekinay Turgay , Wu Mary Y. , Otto Grant P. , Anderson O. Roger , Kessin Richard H. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTWhen starved, the amoebae ofDictyostelium discoideuminitiate a developmental process that results in the formation of fruiting bodies in which stalks support balls of spores. The nutrients and energy necessary for development are provided by autophagy. Atg1 is a protein kinase that regulates the induction of autophagy in the budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition to a conserved kinase domain,DictyosteliumAtg1 has a C-terminal region that has significant homology to theCaenorhabditis elegansand mammalian Atg1 homologues but not to the budding yeast Atg1. We investigated the function of the kinase and conserved C-terminal domains ofD. discoideumAtg1 (DdAtg1) and showed that these domains are essential for autophagy and development. Kinase-negative DdAtg1 acts in a dominant-negative fashion, resulting in a mutant phenotype when expressed in the wild-type cells. Green fluorescent protein-tagged kinase-negative DdAtg1 colocalizes with red fluorescent protein (RFP)-tagged DdAtg8, a marker of preautophagosomal structures and autophagosomes. The conserved C-terminal region is essential for localization of kinase-negative DdAtg1 to autophagosomes labeled with RFP-taggedDictyosteliumAtg8. The dominant-negative effect of the kinase-defective mutant also depends on the C-terminal domain. In cells expressing dominant-negative DdAtg1, autophagosomes are formed and accumulate but seem not to be functional. By using a temperature-sensitive DdAtg1, we showed that DdAtg1 is required throughout development; development halts when the cells are shifted to the restrictive temperature, but resumes when cells are returned to the permissive temperature.
Molecular and morphological consilience in the characterisation and delimitation of five nematode species from Florida belonging to the Xiphinema americanum-group
Authors: Nguyen Khuong , Rosso Laura , Gozel Ugur , Duncan Larry , Adams Byron , Agostinelli Augusta , Lamberti Franco 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTaxonomic keys and original descriptions were used to identify 26 Xiphinema americanum-group populations from Florida comprising X. georgianum (eight populations), X. citricolum (six), X. floridae (six), X. laevistriatum (five) and X. tarjanense (one). Principal component analysis of a subset of 19 morphometric characters accorded with the species designations; discriminant analysis of six characters assigned 93% (111 of 119) of the specimens to the correct putative species. A phylogeny of these populations estimated from analyses of rDNA sequences (ITS and D2D3) was also congruent with species designations from taxonomic keys and PCA. The D2D3 sequences revealed very little intraspecific variation whereas each population sampled produced a unique ITS sequence. Intraspecific variation in the suites of character code values from polytomous keys resulted mainly from minor discrepancies between population character means and reported character ranges for the species. We show that, for these taxa, species delimitation based on the requirement that sister taxa evolve autapomorphies distinguishes intraspecific variation from phylogeny and, as applied to molecular characters, delimits the same taxa as those predicted by morphological keys and PCA.
New and known species of Dorylaimidae (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Ahmad Wasim ,   Baniyamuddin
Published: October 2006

AbstractFour new and six known species of dorylaim nematodes belonging to the family Dorylaimidae are described and reported from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Laimydorus vulvastriatus sp. n. is characterised by the 1.5-1.8 mm long body; lip region truncate, offset by weak depression; 35-38 μm long odontostyle; longitudinal vulva; advulval cuticular ornamentation; elongate, attenuated, female tail 5.0-6.8 anal body diam. long, and males with 11 contiguous ventromedian supplements with prerectum terminating within the range of the supplements. Laimydorus cardiacus sp. n. is characterised by the 1.8-2.16 mm long body; lip region truncate, offset by slight depression; 34.0-34.5 μm long odontostyle; longitudinal vulva; female tail dorsally hooked, 9-11 anal body diam. long, and males with 12 contiguous ventromedian supplements and prerectum terminating beyond the range of the supplements. Prodorylaimus bomdillaensis sp. n. is characterised by the 1.0-1.3 mm long body; lip region truncate, offset by slight depression; 25.0-26.5 μm long odontostyle; odontophore shorter than odontostyle; exceptionally long cardia; longitudinal vulva, and long, filiform tail. Prodorylaimus baldus sp. n. is characterised by the 1.62-1.75 mm long body; lip region with amalgamated lips and offset by slight depression; 14.5-16.5 μm long odontostyle; pore-like vulva; characteristic shape of pars refringens vaginae; female tail filiform, whip-like, 16.0-16.8 anal body diam. long; male with nine contiguous ventromedian supplements and prerectum terminating within the range of the supplements. Ischiodorylaimus paraugandanus, Mesodorylaimus chamoliensis, Amphidorylaimus flagellicauda, Thornenema baldum, T. mauritianum and Opisthodorylaimus cavalcantii are reported for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh.
A new entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema hebeiense sp. n. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), from North China
Authors: Moens Maurice , Spiridonov Sergei , Yan Aihua , Chen Shulong , Li Xiuhua 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA new species of Steinernema (Rhabditida), S. hebeiense sp. n. was isolated from sandy soil, Hebei Province, China. Diagnostic characters of infective juveniles of S. hebeiense sp. n. include total body length of 658 (610-710) μm, distance from anterior end to excretory pore of 48 (43-51) μm, tail length of 66 (63-71) μm, and E% ratio of 72 (65-80). The lateral field has eight ridges at the mid-body region (two very thin submarginal ridges, poorly discernible under light microscope, but visible in SEM); and the anterior end is slightly offset and flattened. First generation males have a body length of 1177 (1036-1450) μm, spicule length = 57 (51-63) μm, and gubernaculum length = 46 (38-50) μm. The spicules are light brown in colour and slightly curved; the manubrium is longer than wide. A tail mucron is present in second generation males. These morphometrical and morphometric features classify S. hebeiense sp. n. within the ' feltiae-kraussei-oregonense ' group. Molecular data also classify the new species within this group. Within this group, the smallest differences between the sequences of S. hebeiense sp. n. is with S. weiseri – 73 bp in the ITS rDNA and 13 bp in the studied partial sequence of the D2D3 expansion segment of LSU rDNA.
Ergot alkaloids are not essential for endophytic fungus-associated population suppression of the lesion nematode, Pratylenchus scribneri, on perennial ryegrass
Authors: Panaccione Daniel , Kotcon James , Schardl Christopher , Johnson Richard , Morton Joseph 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSeveral endophytic fungi of the genus Neotyphodium form symbiotic associations with Lolium spp. grasses and are renowned for production of bioactive alkaloids such as ergot alkaloids. Some of these endophytes make their grass partners less suitable as hosts for endoparasitic nematodes, including Pratylenchus spp. The potential for ergot alkaloids to affect nematode motility was investigated in vitro. Ergovaline, the ergot alkaloid pathway end product of several Neotyphodium spp., was the only ergot alkaloid tested that inhibited motility of Pratylenchus scribneri. The association of ergot alkaloids with nematode population suppression was examined in glasshouse experiments with strains of the perennial ryegrass endophyte Neotyphodium sp. isolate Lp1 (syn. Neotyphodium lolii × Epichloë typhina) that have been genetically modified to lack ergot alkaloids or to have an altered ergot alkaloid profile. Populations of P. scribneri were significantly smaller in pots of perennial ryegrass containing the wild-type, ergot alkaloid-producing endophyte than in pots of endophyte-free perennial ryegrass. Elimination of certain complex ergot alkaloids (ergovaline and lysergic acid amides) in one gene knockout strain, or complete elimination of ergot alkaloids in another, did not affect the ability of the endophyte to suppress populations of nematode. Presence and concentrations of ergot alkaloids in pseudostems were as expected based on presence and genotype of endophyte in each plant, but frequently were undetectable or in low concentration in roots. The data indicate that ergot alkaloids do not contribute significantly to the endophyte-associated suppression of Pratylenchus spp.
Access to the Internet in East Central and South-Eastern Europe
Authors: Lengel Laura 
Published: October 2006

Researchers are beginning to examine the impact of the internet in regions experiencing economic change and struggle. However, broad assumptions about opportunity and access to the internet in these regions still exist. An unproblematised 'global village', where equal opportunity to engage in an open dialogue, is yet to be achieved. This article examines these issues in East Central Europe and the electronic discourses emergent in and about this region. The article questions the empowering capabilities of the internet in East Central Europe. The article will present the voices from this region who assert that only with widespread access, can the internet fulfil its democratic promise. Women's access to the internet will also be discussed. Finally, the article highlights women's organisations in Hungary, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic which are creating spaces for collaboration and connectivity, and providing a forum for new voices which have previously been silent.
Histological evaluation of buccal penetration enhancement properties of chitosan and trimethyl chitosan
Authors: Sandri G , Poggi P , Bonferoni M C , Rossi S , Ferrari F , Caramella C 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
The aim of the present work was to compare the penetration enhancement properties of chitosan hydrochloride (HCS) both as a polymeric solution and as a nanoparticulate system with that of trimethyl chitosan hydrochloride (TMC) on buccal mucosa. The hydrophilic high molecular weight fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FD4; 4400 Da) was used as a macromolecule model. The mechanism involved in the HCS (solution and nanoparticles) and TMC solution penetration enhancement was investigated on pig buccal mucosa, characterized by having stratified epithelium and lacking in tight junctions. The permeation/penetration of FD4 and the change in morphology and histology of the mucosa after contact with the polymers were assessed: the experiments were performed ex-vivo by applying the formulations on excised porcine buccal tissue. For the morphology and the histology studies, the epithelial cell layers from freshly excised pig buccal mucosa were analysed with light microscopy by means of routine histopathology analysis (haematoxylin and eosin staining and Toluidine blue staining) and immunohistochemistry reactions. The organization of desmosomal junctions was assessed by means of an immunochemical reaction on desmosomes and transmission electron microscopy. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to find evidence of the location of FD4 in the tissue. Furthermore, the increase of the FD4 apparent permeability coefficient was quantified by means of Franz diffusion cells using isolated buccal epithelium to demonstrate the penetration enhancement properties of the polymer systems. Morphological analysis, performed by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and CLSM, suggests a similar mechanism of penetration enhancement for both HCS and TMC solutions and for HCS nanoparticles. Such a mechanism probably involves a repackaging of the epithelial cells up to the basal membrane and a partial disarrangement of desmosomes. The cell viability and the nuclear integrity indicated on the semi-thin section stained with Toluidine blue and by CLSM analysis, respectively, suggest that HCS as a polymer solution and a nanoparticulate system, and TMC polymer solution, do not cause cell damage. Trimethyl chitosan and chitosan nanoparticulate systems were able to increase FD4 permeation across buccal epithelium to a greater extent than the chitosan solution.