bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ergotamine‐induced anorectal strictures: report of five cases.
Authors: Sayfan J 
Published: December 2004

Dis Colon Rectum. 2002 Feb;45(2):271‐2Purpose: Ergotamine tartrate suppositories are used for treatment of migraine headache attacks. Chronic abuse may lead to severe anorectal complications such as ulceration, stricture, and rectovaginal fistula. These complications are rare, and only sporadic reports may be found. Nevertheless, awareness of this entity on the part of prescribing physicians and treating colorectal surgeons is essential for a successful outcome, because withdrawal of this medication is an inherent part of treatment. Patients: Five female patients were referred for treatment of symptomatic strictures of the anal canal and lower rectum. All of these patients admitted prolonged, nearly daily use of three to seven ergotamine tartrate suppositories.Results: Three patients with severe stenosis of the anal verge and anal canal were treated by Y‐V anoplasty, and two patients with circular stricture of the lower third of the rectum had balloon dilatations. In all patients the use of ergotamine suppositories was stopped, and alternative medication was instituted. Long‐term follow‐up (3‐12 years) showed complete resolution of symptoms.Conclusion: In view of the availability of new effective drugs for treatment of migraine headache (serotonin agonists) and considering the potentially severe complications of chronic use of ergotamine, the use of this medication should be abandoned.Comment: Ergotamine users beware of the sting in the tail! DSM.
Long‐term changes within the invertebrate and fish communities of the Upper Rhône River: effects of climatic factors
Authors: Daufresne M. , Roger M. C. , Capra H. , Lamouroux N. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that the global climate change is already having measurable biological impacts. However, no study (based on actual data) has assessed the influence of the global warming on communities in rivers. We analyzed long‐term series of fish (1979–1999) and invertebrate (1980–1999) data from the Upper Rhône River at Bugey to test the influence of climatic warming on both communities. Between the periods of 1979–1981 and 1997–1999, the average water temperature of the Upper Rhône River at Bugey has increased by about 1.5°C due to atmospheric warming. In the same period, several dams have been built from 12.5 to 85 km upstream of our study segment and a nuclear power plant has been built on it. Changes in the community structure were summarized using multivariate analysis. The variability of fish abundance was correlated with discharge and temperature during the reproduction period (April–June): low flows and high temperatures coincided with high fish abundance. Beyond abundance patterns, southern, thermophilic fish species (e.g. chub, and barbel) as well as downstream, thermophilic invertebrate taxa (e.g. Athricops, Potamopyrgus) progressively replaced northern, cold‐water fish species (e.g. dace) and upstream, cold‐water invertebrate taxa (e.g. Chloroperla, Protoneumura). These patterns were significantly correlated with thermal variables, suggesting that shifts were the consequences of climatic warming. All analyses were carried out using statistics appropriate for autocorrelated time series. Our results were consistent with previous studies dealing with relationships between fish or invertebrates and water temperature, and with predictions of the impact of climatic change on freshwater communities. The potential confounding factors (i.e. dams and the nuclear power plant) did not seem to influence the observed trends.
Insect-Induced Conifer Defense. White Pine Weevil and Methyl Jasmonate Induce Traumatic Resinosis, de Novo Formed Volatile Emissions, and Accumulation of Terpenoid Synthase and Putative Octadecanoid Pathway Transcripts in Sitka Spruce
Authors: Miller Barbara , Madilao Lufiani L. , Ralph Steven , Bohlmann Jörg 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Stem-boring insects and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) are thought to induce similar complex chemical and anatomical defenses in conifers. To compare insect- and MeJA-induced terpenoid responses, we analyzed traumatic oleoresin mixtures, emissions of terpenoid volatiles, and expression of terpenoid synthase (TPS) genes in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) following attack by white pine weevils (Pissodes strobi) or application of MeJA. Both insects and MeJA caused traumatic resin accumulation in stems, with more accumulation induced by the weevils. Weevil-induced terpenoid emission profiles were also more complex than emissions induced by MeJA. Weevil feeding caused a rapid release of a blend of monoterpene olefins, presumably by passive evaporation of resin compounds from stem feeding sites. These compounds were not found in MeJA-induced emissions. Both weevils and MeJA caused delayed, diurnal emissions of (−)-linalool, indicating induced de novo biosynthesis of this compound. TPS transcripts strongly increased in stems upon insect attack or MeJA treatment. Time courses and intensity of induced TPS transcripts were different for monoterpene synthases, sesquiterpene synthases, and diterpene synthases. Increased levels of weevil- and MeJA-induced TPS transcripts accompanied major changes in terpenoid accumulation in stems. Induced TPS expression profiles in needles were less complex than those in stems and matched induced de novo emissions of (−)-linalool. Overall, weevils and MeJA induced similar, but not identical, terpenoid defense responses in Sitka spruce. Findings of insect- and MeJA-induced accumulation of allene oxide synthase-like and allene oxide cyclase-like transcripts are discussed in the context of traumatic resinosis and induced volatile emissions in this gymnosperm system.
Subcellular Localization of Arabidopsis 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase
Authors: Leivar Pablo , González Víctor M. , Castel Susanna , Trelease Richard N. , López-Iglesias Carmen , Arró Montserrat , Boronat Albert , Campos Narciso , Ferrer Albert , Fernàndez-Busquets Xavier 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Plants produce diverse isoprenoids, which are synthesized in plastids, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the nonorganellar cytoplasm. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) catalyzes the synthesis of mevalonate, a rate-limiting step in the cytoplasmic pathway. Several branches of the pathway lead to the synthesis of structurally and functionally varied, yet essential, isoprenoids. Several HMGR isoforms have been identified in all plants examined. Studies based on gene expression and on fractionation of enzyme activity suggested that subcellular compartmentalization of HMGR is an important intracellular channeling mechanism for the production of the specific classes of isoprenoids. Plant HMGR has been shown previously to insert in vitro into the membrane of microsomal vesicles, but the final in vivo subcellular localization(s) remains controversial. To address the latter in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cells, we conducted a multipronged microscopy and cell fractionation approach that included imaging of chimeric HMGR green fluorescent protein localizations in transiently transformed cell leaves, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy in wild-type and stably transformed seedlings, immunogold electron microscopy examinations of endogenous HMGR in seedling cotyledons, and sucrose density gradient analyses of HMGR-containing organelles. Taken together, the results reveal that endogenous Arabidopsis HMGR is localized at steady state within ER as expected, but surprisingly also predominantly within spherical, vesicular structures that range from 0.2- to 0.6-μm diameter, located in the cytoplasm and within the central vacuole in differentiated cotyledon cells. The N-terminal region, including the transmembrane domain of HMGR, was found to be necessary and sufficient for directing HMGR to ER and the spherical structures. It is believed, although not directly demonstrated, that these vesicle-like structures are derived from segments of HMGR-ER. Nevertheless, they represent a previously undescribed subcellular compartment likely capable of synthesizing mevalonate, which provides new evidence for multiorganelle compartmentalization of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathways in plants.
More Than a Leak Sealant. The Mechanical Properties of Callose in Pollen Tubes
Authors: Parre Elodie , Geitmann Anja 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
While callose is a well-known permeability barrier and leak sealant in plant cells, it is largely unknown whether this cell wall polymer can also serve as a load-bearing structure. Since callose occurs in exceptionally large amounts in pollen, we assessed its role for resisting tension and compression stress in this cell. The effect of callose digestion in Solanum chacoense and Lilium orientalis pollen grains demonstrated that, depending on the species, this cell wall polymer represents a major stress-bearing structure at the aperture area of germinating grains. In the pollen tube, it is involved in cell wall resistance to circumferential tension stress, and despite its absence at the growing apex, callose is indirectly involved in the establishment of tension stress resistance in this area. To investigate whether or not callose is able to provide mechanical resistance against compression stress, we subjected pollen tubes to local deformation by microindentation. The data revealed that lowering the amount of callose resulted in reduced cellular stiffness and increased viscoelasticity, thus indicating clearly that callose is able to resist compression stress. Whether this function is relevant for pollen tube mechanics, however, is unclear, as stiffened growth medium caused a decrease in callose deposition. Together, our data provide clear evidence for the capacity of cell wall callose to resist tension and compression stress, thus demonstrating that this amorphous cell wall substance can have a mechanical role in growing plant cells.
Integration of Flowering Signals in Winter-Annual Arabidopsis
Authors: Michaels Scott D. , Himelblau Edward , Kim Sang Yeol , Schomburg Fritz M. , Amasino Richard M. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Photoperiod is the primary environmental factor affecting flowering time in rapid-cycling accessions of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Winter-annual Arabidopsis, in contrast, have both a photoperiod and a vernalization requirement for rapid flowering. In winter annuals, high levels of the floral inhibitor FLC (FLOWERING LOCUS C) suppress flowering prior to vernalization. FLC acts to delay flowering, in part, by suppressing expression of the floral promoter SOC1 (SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1). Vernalization leads to a permanent epigenetic suppression of FLC. To investigate how winter-annual accessions integrate signals from the photoperiod and vernalization pathways, we have examined activation-tagged alleles of FT and the FT homolog, TSF (TWIN SISTER OF FT), in a winter-annual background. Activation of FT or TSF strongly suppresses the FLC-mediated late-flowering phenotype of winter annuals; however, FT and TSF overexpression does not affect FLC mRNA levels. Rather, FT and TSF bypass the block to flowering created by FLC by activating SOC1 expression. We have also found that FLC acts as a dosage-dependent inhibitor of FT expression. Thus, the integration of flowering signals from the photoperiod and vernalization pathways occurs, at least in part, through the regulation of FT, TSF, and SOC1.
The ATE Genes Are Responsible for Repression of Transdifferentiation into Xylem Cells in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sawa Shinichrio , Demura Taku , Horiguchi Gorou , Kubo Minoru , Fukuda Hiroo 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
We isolated three recessive mutants of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) showing ectopic expression of the xylem-specific marker, pAtxyn3::YFP. Genetic analysis indicated that the phenotypes were caused by mutations in three different genes, designated Abnormal Tracheary Element formation-related gene expression (ate1–3). The ate1 mutants showed a normal DR5::GUS gene expression pattern, and the ate1 mutation did not affect the abnormal vascular pattern formation in the van3 and pin1 mutants, indicating that the ate1 mutation does not affect the vascular pattern organization governed by auxin. The ate mutants showed ectopic lignin deposition, patterned secondary wall thickenings, and cell death, which are characteristic of mature tracheary elements (TEs) in cells ectopically expressing the pAtxyn3::YFP gene. Ectopic TE formation was rapidly induced in parenchymal tissue of the ate mutants in a TE-inducible system with excised hypocotyl. Furthermore, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments showed that the expression of TE formation-related genes is up-regulated in the ate mutants. The ate1 mutation also caused ectopic expression of another xylem-specific marker gene, pAt3g62160::YFP. Overall, our results suggest that the ATE genes are responsible for the in situ repression of transdifferentiation into TEs in Arabidopsis and could be participants in the transdifferentiation-masking system.
Identification of a Novel Enzyme Required for Starch Metabolism in Arabidopsis Leaves. The Phosphoglucan, Water Dikinase
Authors: Kötting Oliver , Pusch Kerstin , Tiessen Axel , Geigenberger Peter , Steup Martin , Ritte Gerhard 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The phosphorylation of amylopectin by the glucan, water dikinase (GWD; EC 2.7.9.4) is an essential step within starch metabolism. This is indicated by the starch excess phenotype of GWD-deficient plants, such as the sex1-3 mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). To identify starch-related enzymes that rely on glucan-bound phosphate, we studied the binding of proteins extracted from Arabidopsis wild-type leaves to either phosphorylated or nonphosphorylated starch granules. Granules prepared from the sex1-3 mutant were prephosphorylated in vitro using recombinant potato (Solanum tuberosum) GWD. As a control, the unmodified, phosphate free granules were used. An as-yet uncharacterized protein was identified that preferentially binds to the phosphorylated starch. The C-terminal part of this protein exhibits similarity to that of GWD. The novel protein phosphorylates starch granules, but only following prephosphorylation with GWD. The enzyme transfers the β-P of ATP to the phosphoglucan, whereas the γ-P is released as orthophosphate. Therefore, the novel protein is designated as phosphoglucan, water dikinase (PWD). Unlike GWD that phosphorylates preferentially the C6 position of the glucose units, PWD phosphorylates predominantly (or exclusively) the C3 position. Western-blot analysis of protoplast and chloroplast fractions from Arabidopsis leaves reveals a plastidic location of PWD. Binding of PWD to starch granules strongly increases during net starch breakdown. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants in which the expression of PWD was reduced by either RNAi or a T-DNA insertion exhibit a starch excess phenotype. Thus, in Arabidopsis leaves starch turnover requires a close collaboration of PWD and GWD.
Towards ‘Accountable Independence’? Parliamentary Controls of the European Central Bank and the Rise of a New Democratic Model
Authors: Magnette Paul 
Published: December 2004

The independence of the European Central Bank is legally defined in very clear and strict terms. Although most scholars in economics describe this status as a crucial condition of the Bank's efficiency, it is frequently criticised by politicians and political scientists as a contradiction to democratic theory.This paper will examine the emerging practice of parliamentary control of the ECB, from its installation until September 1999, in order to understand which kind of ‘accountability’ is elaborated in this unprecedented relationship between ‘politicians’ and lsquo;technocrats’. It will first show that MEPs have rejected all forms of parliamentary control based on a logic of constraint. It will then describe the numerous institutional links created between the Bank and the EU political organs to favour their cooperation. Finally it will analyse the recent initiatives taken by MEPs to influence central bankers and to convince them to submit their decisions to public debates.The hypothesis developed from these empirical analyses is that a new kind of ‘accountability’ is emerging in the EU. From a horizontal point of view (inter‐institutional controls), it is based on influence rather than traditional parliamentary constraint. From a vertical point of view (accountability to citizens), it focuses on responsiveness rather than on classic responsibility.
Pension Reform, Capital Markets and the Rate of Return
Authors: Börsch-Supan Axel , Ludwig Alexander , Heiss Florian , Winter Joachim 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
This paper discusses the consequences of population aging and a fundamental pension reform - that is, a shift towards more pre-funding - for capital markets in Germany. We use a stylized closed-economy, overlapping-generations model to compare the effects of the recent German pension reform with those of a more decisive reform that would freeze the current pay-as-you-go contribution rate and thus result in a larger funded component of the pension system.We predict rates of return to capital under both reform scenarios over a long horizon, taking demographic projections as given. Our main finding is that the future decrease in the rate of return is much smaller than often claimed in the public debate. Our simulations show that the capital stock will decrease once the baby-boom generations enter retirement, even if there were no fundamental pension reform. The corresponding decrease in the rate of return, the direct effect of population aging, is around 0.7 percentage points. While the capital market effects of the recent German pension reform are marginal, the rate of return to capital would decrease by an additional 0.5 percentage points under the more decisive reform proposal.
Supply-Side Economics of Germany’s Year 2000 Tax Reform: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Strulik Holger 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The paper provides an assessment of supply-side economics following Germany’s year 2000 tax reform. Investigated are a corporate tax cut, deteriorating depreciation allowances and imputation rules, and a private income tax cut. For this purpose, a neoclassical growth model is augmented by various fiscal policy parameters and endogenous corporate finance and calibrated with German data. The model is used to evaluate consequences of Germany’s tax reform on production, firm finance and leverage, investment, consumption and welfare of a representative household.
The Effect of Communication Media on Cooperation
Authors: Brosig Jeannette , Weimann Joachim 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
We examine how communication affects cooperation with the help of seven standard public goods experiments that only differ with respect to the medium of pre-play communication. Our treatments include bidirectional and unidirectional communication via (mostly electronic) auditory and/or visual channels. The results suggest that successful cooperation is attributable to the opportunity of ‘coordinating’ behavior in the communication phase. Furthermore, both the level and the stability of cooperation significantly interact with the communication medium, even though the content of communication is remarkably similar across the communication treatments.
Determinants of the Loan Loss Allowance: Some Cross‐Country Comparisons
Authors: Hasan Iftekhar , Wall Larry D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper analyzes the determinants of banks' loan loss allowance for samples of U.S. banks and three non‐U.S. samples: a group of 21 countries, Canada, and Japan. The model includes fundamental (or nondiscretionary) determinants of the allowance, such as nonperforming loans, and discretionary determinants, such as income before the loan loss provision. The results suggest that the loan loss allowance is sensitive to preprovision income in almost all samples. However, the results also suggest that some variables thought to reflect fundamental factors in U.S. analysis, such as net charge‐offs, are not significant factors for non‐U.S. banks.
The Relative Cost Efficiency of Stock versus Mutual Thrifts: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Sfiridis James M. , Daniels Kenneth N. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe relative cost efficiency of the mutual versus stock forms of ownership for thrifts has been a relevant issue in an era of deregulation and competition in the financial services industry. In this study, Bayesian‐based Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) resampling methods are used to solve a stochastic cost frontier model and effectively determine cost efficiencies for the stock and mutual thrift groups. We find a statistically significant difference between both the cost frontiers and the cost efficiencies of the two groups, with the stock group operating at the lower‐cost point. Agency problems explain a significant portion of the cost efficiency difference. Capital structure differences, though not helping to explain differences in cost efficiency, do help to explain differences in cost structure and managerial attitudes toward risk.
Usefulness of electron beam computed tomography for quantitative estimation of myocardial ischemia in patients
Authors: Endoh Hikosato , Tsukano Shinya , Ishikawa Yuichi , Takamuro Motoki , Tsuda Etsuko , Ono Yasuo , Arakaki Yoshio , Echigo Shigeyuki , Tanaka Ryoichi , Takamiya Makoto , Naito Hiroaki 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: The electron beam computed tomography (EBT) was used as non‐invasive methods for estimating mycardial characteristics in patients after onset of Kawasaki disease.
Methods
: All of the 22 coronary branches with localized stenosis (LS), and 22 branches without coronary artery lesion after Kawasaki disease were examined for changes of myocardial CT number. In this study, each myocardial region was divided into three parts (endocardial, central, epicardial parts) and the myocardium/lumen (M/L) ratio was calculated.
Results
: The mean M/L ratio in the endocardial part of early image with LS was significantly lower than the ratios in the other parts of early images with LS (P = 0.0286, P = 0.0069, respectively). and only the mean M/L ratio in the endocardial part was significantly different on images from patients with LS and images from patients without LS (P = 0.0296). Inverse correlations were found in the LS group between coronary artery stenosis rate determined by coronary angiography and M/L ratio in the endocardial part on early images (P = 0.0018, r = –0.614, y = 0.56 –0.605x).
Conclusions
: It was possible to quantitatively evalutate myocardial characteristics using EBT. It is suggested that myocardial ischemia progressed from the endocardial region and EBT is useful to detect the endocardial ischemia. We suggested that the rate of coronary stenosis in patients with LS can be estimated by calculating the M/L rations in the endocardial parts of early EBT images. EBT enables accurate evaluation of myocardial characteristics non‐invasively.