bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common ground for institutional economics and system dynamics modeling
Authors: Atkinson Glen 
Published: December 2004

AbstractInstitutional economics traces its roots to the works, beginning in the late nineteenth century, of Thorstein Veblen, John R. Commons and Wesley C. Mitchell. They believed that orthodox economic theory, based on deduction from axioms, was not a proper foundation to study the economy. They attempted to establish relations between economic actors as deﬁned by important economic institutions. Classical theory, on the other hand, is based on natural law rather than human organization. Natural law provided a ﬁxed structure, and this reduced uncertainty in economic theory. Change was within the structure but the structure was always stable. Institutional economists examine institutions that provide economic order, and they study the endogenous forces that cause these institutions to evolve. The author suggests that these are some of the same elements that describe system dynamics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling fishing location choice within mixed fisheries: English North Sea beam trawlers in 2000 and 2001
Authors: Hutton Trevor , Mardle Simon , Pascoe Sean , Clark Robin A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Numerous studies have proposed methodologies to model fisher behaviour with the aim of predicting the outcomes of decision-making on board a fishing vessel. Both short- and long-term processes (e.g. investment) impact fleet dynamics. The proposed structure of the models has tended to depend upon the nature of the fishery and the control variables (technical restrictions, quotas, effort control, and/or closed areas). For example, within the context of multi-stock, multi-fleet fisheries (mixed fisheries), a skipper will allocate effort (as input to the production process) to harvest a range of species. Spatial complexity is normally excluded in models of behaviour. In this paper, two spatial analyses are presented for modelling location choice: an analysis based on a random utility model (RUM), and a simplified simulation model of individual vessels that depends on the results of the RUM. These models are applied to the English beam-trawl fleet operating in the North Sea in 2000. The results from the RUM indicate that the number of trips, the average trip length, and the average effort in each ICES rectangle are significant variables affecting location choice, in addition to catch rate for the previous year (1999), weighted by value. The last result is used as an assumption in a simulation model of fishing effort, i.e. fishers make decisions on spatial location of operation on the basis of past catch rates. The simulation model is used to predict the distribution of the same fleet for one month during the temporary closure in the North Sea in 2001. The predicted values for effort relate well to the fishing patterns observed.
Management of vesico‐vaginal fistulas in women
Authors: Ahmad S. , Nishtar A. , Hafeez G.A. , Khan Z. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectiveUrinary fistulas resulting from obstetric trauma remains a major problem in developing countries. Surgical success rates, however, range from 61% to 95%. This study reviews the main causes of fistulas, and the surgical techniques and success rates of surgical closure.MethodA total of 1086 cases of urinary fistulas resulting from obstetric trauma over 25 years were reviewed. All women received surgical intervention. Various types of fistulas as well as specific surgical techniques are described, and patient age, parity, and probable cause of fistula were compared with findings from studies in Africa.ResultsThe highest number of cases (47.6%) occurred in women aged between 26 and 35 years; moreover, 54.43% of the women were para 6 and higher. Obstructed labor contributed to 72.78%, cesarean hysterectomy to 7.60%, cesarean section to 7.30%, and other obstetrical traumatic procedures to 12.28% of the cases. Surgical success was achieved in 84.5% of the cases. The major residual problem of stress incontinence was noted in 5% of the cases.ConclusionBesides prevention, the basic principles of fistula repair are the most important factors in achieving surgical success. Better preoperative preparation and rigorous measures for preventing postoperative infection can help increase the success rate of fistula repair.
l‐Arginine treatment for asymmetric fetal growth restriction
Authors: Xiao X.M. , Li L.P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectivitiesTo investigate the effects of l‐Arginine in treating asymmetric fetal growth restriction (FGR).MethodsA total of 66 pregnant women whose fetuses were diagnosed with asymmetric fetal growth restriction were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 36 women who were given routine therapy alone; group 2 consisted of 30 women who were given l‐Arginine and routine therapy; and the control group consisted of 30 more women with a normal pregnancy.ResultsBefore treatment, mean maternal serum levels of NO2−/NO3− were significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 than in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, maternal serum levels of NO2−/NO3− were considerably higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P<0.01). Mean birth weight was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P<0.05), but still lower in group 2 than in the control group (P<0.01).ConclusionsA deficiency in nitric oxide may play an important role in the development of asymmetric fetal growth restriction. l‐Arginine can be used to increase maternal NO2−/NO3− levels and newborn birth weight.
On characterizing the 4 C's in supply chain management
Authors: Lejeune Miguel A. , Yakova Nevena 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSupply chain management is a field at the confluence of many other disciplines; it has been studied under a number of perspectives, which has played a role for the crossbreeding of the discipline. In this paper, we propose a typology of supply chain configurations that contributes to tie together terms that have been used disjointedly for describing various forms of supply chain. It also enables researchers to develop theories related to the identified typology, rather than continue expanding efforts on separate, unconnected studies. The typology is configurational, consistent, and based on the correspondence (Sheppard and Sherman, 1998) between Fiske's theory of relational forms (1990) and the concept of interdependence, analyzed in the context of supply chain management. Our framework encompasses four main configurations – the communicative, coordinated, collaborative, and co‐opetitive – and we refer to these as the 4 C's in supply chain management. We discuss the benefits of the proposed typology from managerial and research perspectives, and suggest some research extensions.
The impact of alignment between virtual enterprise and information technology on business performance in an agile manufacturing environment
Authors: Cao Qing , Dowlatshahi Shad 
Published: December 2004

AbstractManufacturing companies are facing rapid and unanticipated changes in their business environment. Agile manufacturing (AM) is a manufacturing paradigm that focuses on smaller scale, modular production facilities, and agile operations capable of dealing with turbulent and changing environments. From several enablers of AM, virtual enterprise (VE) and information technology (IT) were chosen. This empirical study explored the impact of the alignment between VE and IT on business performance in an AM setting. Extensive data collection strategy and several tests are used to establish the reliability and validity of the data collected. Extensive analyses of the data using structural equation molding were performed for five hypotheses. The results indicate that both VE and IT had positive influences on business performance. It was also established that the alignment between VE and IT had a positive impact on business performance. Further, it was shown that the impact of the alignment between VE and IT on business performance was more significant than the impact of VE and IT on business performance individually. In conclusion, the assessment of the results along with future research directions is provided.
Experimental studies on the effects of recombinant human matrix metalloproteinases on herniated disc tissues—how to facilitate the natural resorption process of herniated discs
Authors: Haro Hirotaka , Komori Hiromichi , Kato Tsuyoshi , Hara Yasushi , Tagawa Masahiro , Shinomiya Kenichi , Spengler Dan M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPurpose. Recently, MMP‐7 and MMP‐3 have been found to play a crucial role in the natural resorption process of herniated discs. We therefore examined the role of these recombinant human matrix metalloproteinases (rh MMPs) in the treatment of herniated discs.Methods. (a) Surgical samples of herniated disc were cultured in the presence or absence of rh MMPs, and wet weight was measured 24 h later. (b) The rh MMPs were administered into normal rabbit intervertebral discs, and after 1 week spine samples were stained with Safranin O. (c) The rh MMPs were administered into canine herniated discs in vivo. Myelography and MRI were performed prior to and 1 week after administration. Spine samples were examined histologically. Whole disc tissue was collected, total protein was extracted, and Western blot analysis was performed.Results. (a) Proteoglycan degradation was found in MMP‐7, MMP‐3, and chymopapain‐treated samples. MMP‐7 and chymopapain‐treated samples displayed a significant loss in wet weight (p < 0.01). (b) Normal disc tissues after administration of rh MMP‐7, MMP‐3, and chymopapain showed an extensive loss of Safranin O staining. (c) The rh MMP‐7‐treated discs had a marked decrease in protruded herniation by MRI. Herniated discs after administration of MMP‐7 and chymopapain showed a significant decrease in protruded mass 7 days after administration compared with saline‐treated discs when evaluated by myelography (p <0.01). The rh MMP‐7‐treated discs displayed a clear loss of Safranin O staining in the nucleus pulposus. Proteoglycan expression was barely detectable in disc tissues after MMP‐7 administration, whereas obvious expression was obtained in saline‐treated or untreated disc tissues.Conclusions. Exposure to rh MMP‐7 resulted in promising proteoglycan loss in human surgical samples, normal rabbit intervertebral discs, and natural canine herniated discs. Administration of rh MMP‐7 may facilitate the resorption process of herniated discs. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Molecular basis of pollen-related food allergy: identification of a second cross-reactive IgE epitope on Pru av 1, the major cherry (Prunus avium) allergen
Authors: WICHE Regina , GUBESCH Michaela , KÖNIG Herbert , FÖTISCH Kay , HOFFMANN Andreas , WANGORSCH Andrea , SCHEURER Stephan , VIETHS Stefan 
Published: December 2004

Birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen-associated food allergy is a well-characterized syndrome, which is due to the cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies to homologous allergens in various foods. One crossreacting area on the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and its homologue in cherry (Prunus avium) Pru av 1 has already been identified. This is the so-called ‘P-loop’ region, which encompasses amino acid residues around position 45 and is found on the two virtually identical tertiary protein structures. We tried to determine an additional IgE cross-reacting patch on Pru av 1 and Bet v 1. The putative IgE-binding region on Pru av 1 was localized with a mAb (monoclonal antibody) that was generated against Bet v 1, and cross-reacts with several Bet v 1 homologues in food and inhibits the binding of patients' IgE to Pru av 1. mAb reactivity pattern was analysed and amino acid positions 28 and 108 of Pru av 1 were selected and mutated by site-directed mutagenesis. The Pru av 1 mutants were produced as recombinant proteins and characterized for their folding, mAb- and IgE-binding capacity and allergenic potency with a cellular assay using the humanized rat basophilic leukaemia cell line RBL-25/30. Amino acid position 28 is involved in a second major IgE-binding region on Pru av 1 and probably on Bet v 1. The identification of this second major IgE-binding region is an essential prerequisite to understand the phenomenon of cross-reactivity and its clinical consequences, and to produce hypoallergenic proteins for an improved immunotherapy of type I allergy.
Apolipoprotein CI overexpression is not a relevant strategy to block cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity in CETP transgenic mice
Authors: GAUTIER Thomas , MASSON David , JONG Miek C. , PAIS DE BARROS Jean-Paul , DUVERNEUIL Linda , LE GUERN Naig , DECKERT Valérie , DUMONT Laure , BATAILLE Amandine , ZAK Zoulika , JIANG Xian-Cheng , HAVEKES Louis M. , LAGROST Laurent 
Published: December 2004

ApoCI (apolipoprotein CI) is a potent inhibitor of plasma CETP [CE (cholesteryl ester) transfer protein]. The relevance of apoCI overexpression as a method for CETP blockade in vivo was addressed in the present study in CETPTg/apoCITg mice (mice expressing both human CETP and apoCI). Despite a significant reduction in specific CETP activity in CETPTg/apoCITg mice compared with CETPTg mice [transgenic mouse to human CETP; 46.8±11.1 versus 101.8±25.7 pmol·h−1·(μg of plasma CETP)−1 respectively; P&lt;0.05], apoCI overexpression increased both the CETP mass concentration (3-fold increase; P&lt;0.05) and the hepatic CETP mRNA level (4-fold increase, P&lt;0.005), leading to an increase in total plasma CE transfer activity (by 39%, P&lt;0.05). The ratio of apoB-containing lipoprotein to HDL (high-density lipoprotein) CE was 10-fold higher in CETPTg/apoCITg mice than in apoCITg mice (P&lt;0.0005). It is proposed that the increased CETP expression in CETPTg/apoCITg mice is a direct consequence of liver X receptor activation in response to the accumulation of cholesterol-rich apoB-containing lipoproteins. In support of the latter view, hepatic mRNA levels of other liver X receptor-responsive genes [ABCG5 (ATP-binding cassette transporter GS) and SREBP-1c (sterol-regulatory-binding protein-1c)] were higher in CETPTg/apoCITg mice compared with CETPTg mice. In conclusion, overexpression of apoCI, while producing a significant inhibitory effect on specific CETP activity, does not represent a suitable method for decreasing total CE transfer activity in CETPTg/apoCITg mice, owing to an hyperlipidaemia-mediated effect on CETP gene expression.
Effect of ischaemic preconditioning on hepatic oxygenation, microcirculation and function in a rat model of moderate hepatic steatosis
Authors: KOTI Rahul S. , YANG Wenxuan , GLANTZOUNIS Georgios , QUAGLIA Alberto , DAVIDSON Brian R. , SEIFALIAN Alexander M. 
Published: December 2004

IPC (ischaemic preconditioning) may protect the steatotic liver, which is particularly susceptible to I/R (ischaemia/reperfusion) injury. Hepatic steatosis was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats with a high-cholesterol (2%) diet for 12 weeks after which rats were subjected to I/R (ischaemia/reperfusion; 45 min of lobar ischaemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion). Rats were divided into three study groups (n=6 each) receiving: (i) sham laparotomy alone, (ii) I/R, and (iii) IPC (5 min of ischaemia, followed by 10 min of reperfusion) before I/R. Hepatic extra- and intra-cellular oxygenation and HM (hepatic microcirculation) were measured with near-infrared spectroscopy and laser Doppler flowmetry respectively. Plasma liver enzymes and hepatic tissue ATP were measured as markers of liver injury. Histology showed moderate-grade steatosis in the livers. At the end of 2 h of reperfusion, I/R significantly decreased extra- and intra-cellular oxygenation concomitant with a failure of recovery of HM (21.1±14.4% of baseline; P&lt;0.001 compared with sham animals). IPC increased intracellular oxygenation (redox state of the copper centre of cytochrome oxidase; P&lt;0.05 compared with rats receiving I/R alone) and flow in HM (70.9±17.1% of baseline; P&lt;0.001 compared with rats receiving I/R alone). Hepatocellular injury was significantly reduced with IPC compared with I/R injury alone (alanine aminotransferase, 474.8±122.3 compared with 5436.3±984.7 units/l respectively; P&lt;0.01; aspartate aminotransferase, 630.8±76.9 compared with 3166.3±379.6 units/l respectively; P&lt;0.01]. In conclusion, IPC has a hepatoprotective effect against I/R injury in livers with moderate steatosis. These data may have important clinical implications in liver surgery and transplantation.
Class III Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper Gene Family Members Have Overlapping, Antagonistic, and Distinct Roles in Arabidopsis Development
Authors: Prigge Michael J. , Otsuga Denichiro , Alonso José M. , Ecker Joseph R. , Drews Gary N. , Clark Steven E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains five class III homeodomain-leucine zipper genes. We have isolated loss-of-function alleles for each family member for use in genetic analysis. This gene family regulates apical embryo patterning, embryonic shoot meristem formation, organ polarity, vascular development, and meristem function. Genetic analyses revealed a complex pattern of overlapping functions, some of which are not readily inferred by phylogenetic relationships or by gene expression patterns. The PHABULOSA and PHAVOLUTA genes perform overlapping functions with REVOLUTA, whereas the PHABULOSA, PHAVOLUTA, and CORONA/ATHB15 genes perform overlapping functions distinct from REVOLUTA. Furthermore, ATHB8 and CORONA encode functions that are both antagonistic to those of REVOLUTA within certain tissues and overlapping with REVOLUTA in other tissues. Differences in expression patterns explain some of these genetic interactions, whereas other interactions are likely attributable to differences in protein function as indicated by cross-complementation studies.
Activation ofCRABS CLAWin the Nectaries and Carpels of Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Ji-Young , Baum Stuart F. , Alvarez John , Patel Amita , Chitwood Daniel H. , Bowman John L. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractCRABS CLAW (CRC), a member of the YABBY gene family, is required for nectary and carpel development. To further understand CRC regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana, we performed phylogenetic footprinting analyses of 5′ upstream regions of CRC orthologs from three Brassicaceae species, including Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic footprinting efficiently identified functionally important regulatory regions (modules), indicating that CRC expression is regulated by a combination of positive and negative regulatory elements in the modules. Within the conserved modules, we identified putative binding sites of LEAFY and MADS box proteins, and functional in vivo analyses revealed their importance for CRC expression. Both expression and genetic studies demonstrate that potential binding sites for MADS box proteins within the conserved regions are functionally significant for the transcriptional regulation of CRC in nectaries. We propose that in wild-type flowers, a combination of floral homeotic gene activities, specifically the B class genes APETALA3 and PISTILLATA and the C class gene AGAMOUS act redundantly with each other and in combination with SEPALLATA genes to activate CRC in the nectaries and carpels. In the absence of B and C class gene activities, other genes such as SHATTERPROOF1/2 can substitute if they are ectopically expressed, as in an A class mutant background (apetala2). These MADS box proteins may provide general floral factors that must work in conjunction with specific factors in the activation of CRC in the nectaries and carpels.
Epstein–Barr virus‐ and human herpesvirus 8‐associated primary cutaneous plasmablastic lymphoma in the setting of renal transplantation
Authors: Verma Shannon , Nuovo Gerard J. , Porcu Pierluigi , Baiocchi Robert A. , Crowson A. Neil , Magro Cynthia M. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a recently recognized entity most often reported in the oral cavity, mainly in the setting of underlying human immunodeficiency viral infection whereby a role for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and more recently human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) has been described. Although EBV has been implicated in a variety of lymphoproliferative lesions, until recently HHV8 has only been associated with primary effusion lymphoma, multicentric Castleman's disease, and Kaposi's sarcoma. We describe a case of PBL occurring in the setting of renal transplantation.Methods:  We encountered a case of PBL occurring in the setting of renal transplantation. We characterized the tumor by routine immunohistochemistry and evaluated for the presence of immunoglobulin light chain restriction and EBV RNA by in situ hybridization. We assessed for the presence of HHV8 RNA by reverse transcriptase in situ hybridization.Results:  The tumor showed a histomorphology compatible with a PBL. In addition, there was strong RNA expression in the neoplastic cells for EBER‐1, EBER‐2, and HHV8.Conclusion:  This case suggests a possible role of both viruses in the pathogenesis of PBL in sites other than the oral cavity and expands the spectrum of post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disease to include PBL.
Vacuolated cells in neurofibroma: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Hattori Hideo 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Vacuolated cells could be encountered in neurofibroma.Objectives:  Frequency and immunohistochemical feature of vacuolated cells in neurofibroma.Methods:  Sixty‐two lesions of neurofibroma including five plexiform neurofibromas were re‐evaluated for the search of vacuolated cells. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for cases with vacuolated cells.Results:  In five cases of plexiform neurofibroma and four cases of sporadic neurofibroma with endoneurial component, presence of vacuolated cells in the endoneurial mucoid area was noted. They were immunoreactive both with S‐100 protein and CD34, mostly negative for factor XIIIa and negative for epithelial membrane antigen. Vacuolated cells were found neither in the diffuse portion of plexiform neurofibroma nor in sporadic diffuse neurofibroma.Conclusion:  Presence of vacuolated cells is a highly characteristic feature of endoneurial portion of neurofibroma. Considering immunoreactivity both with S‐100 protein and CD34 in the majority of vacuolated cells, they could be regarded as to represent endoneurial precursor cells in a certain stage of differentiation to Schwann cells.
Merkel cell carcinoma in situ
Authors: Ferringer Tammie , Rogers Hudson C. , Metcalf John S. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a dermal small blue‐cell tumor that occurs in the elderly on the sun damaged head and neck. Epidermal involvement is unusual and MCC limited to the epidermis is very rare.Case report:  A slightly tender pink hyperkeratotic papule was noted on the dorsal right hand of a 76‐year‐old man with a history of multiple skin cancers. An intraepidermal proliferation of small blue cells distributed in nests and single units at all levels of the epidermis was found within a solar keratosis and adjacent to an area of squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Cytokeratin 20 and neuron specific enolase highlighted these cells and failed to reveal dermal involvement. There was no residue on re‐excision.Conclusion:  We report the third case of MCC in situ. These lesions have only been reported in association with squamous neoplasms on the extremities.