bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mail Boxes Etc. or the UPS Store? A Decision from a Franchisee's Perspective
Authors: McCrea Elizabeth A. , Torres–Baumgarten Gladys M.
Published: September 2010

In 2001, the United Parcel Service (UPS) purchased the entire Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) franchise system. After test marketing several new concepts in 2003, the corporation strongly encouraged franchise owners to reposition their MBE outlets as “The UPS Store.” Joseph and Courtney Morris, owners of a thriving MBE outlet, faced a quandary: should they retain their well–established MBE identity, adopt the new UPS brand name, or sell their franchise outright? The case incorporates both family issues and business factors as the franchisees struggle with a decision that could have significant impacts on their financial future.
Cognitive Adaptability and an Entrepreneurial Task: The Role of Metacognitive Ability and Feedback
Authors: Haynie J. Michael , Shepherd Dean A. , Patzelt Holger
Published: September 2010

To sense and adapt to uncertainty by leveraging prior entrepreneurial knowledge is a critical ability. However, for many individuals, prior entrepreneurial knowledge is absent or underdeveloped. We investigate the ability of individuals without prior entrepreneurial knowledge to effectively adapt decision policies in response to feedback, while performing an entrepreneurial task. We model 10,000 “entrepreneurial decisions” nested within 217 individuals, to demonstrate how differences in metacognitive ability and feedback type promote (or alternatively impede) cognitive adaptability. Our findings suggest insights into the interplay between knowledge, learning, and cognition that are generalizable to activities and actions central to the entrepreneurial process.
De la financiarisation
Authors: FREEMAN Richard B.
Published: September 2010

L'implosion de Wall Street en 2007–2009 et la récession mondiale qu'elle a entraînée ont donné un rôle central à la relation entre la finance et l'économie. Les gouvernements, les agences internationales et les experts n'avaient pas pris conscience des risques accrus découlant de la déréglementation du secteur financier. L'auteur décrit les coûts énormes qui en ont résulté– destruction massive d'emplois et baisse probable de la richesse et de la croissance publiques, imposant un rééquilibrage des budgets en raison de l'adoption de programmes massifs de relance et de renflouement. Il analyse plus précisément l'impact des incitations monétaires influant sur la recherche du profit en rapport avec les décisions qui ont provoqué la crise. Il prône enfin l'adoption de réformes radicales des institutions afin de relier la finance et l'économie réelle.
Faut‐il un séisme pour réveiller le monde de l'économie?
Authors: SCHETTKAT Ronald
Published: September 2010

A partir des années 1970, la théorie du taux naturel et l'hypothèse de l'efficience des marchés ont joué un rôle décisif – notamment de par leur application aux marchés du travail – tant pour l'interprétation des tendances économiques que pour la détermination des orientations politiques. Dans leur perspective, l'action publique et les réglementations faussent le jeu des marchés, qui, sans cela, fonctionneraient de manière optimale. La crise actuelle vient de les remettre brutalement en cause. En examinant le contexte européen à partir des années 1990, l'auteur montre qu'elles sont dénuées de fondement: les réformes structurelles ont maintenu un taux élevé de chômage après les récessions, et les politiques monétaires et budgétaires déflationnistes inspirées par ces théories ont freiné la reprise.
It's financialization!
Authors: FREEMAN Richard B.
Published: September 2010

Wall Street's 2007–09 implosion and the ensuing global recession highlight the crucial relationship between finance and the economy. Governments, international agencies and experts had failed to detect rising risk levels in the deregulated financial sector. The author outlines the resulting huge cost in lost jobs and likely reductions in public goods and growth, as economies restabilize budgets after paying for massive bailouts and stimulus packages. Specifically, he assesses the role of monetary incentives for rent‐seeking in the decisions that led to the crisis. Finally, he makes the case for radical reform of the institutions linking finance and the real economy.
Global crisis and beyond: Sustainable growth trajectories for the developing world
Authors: GHOSH Jayati
Published: September 2010

Despite recent signs of output recovery, casual resumption of the growth model that crashed in 2008–09 will exacerbate the domestic and global imbalances that caused the crisis in the first place – to the detriment of the real economy, equitable development, and employment recovery. The model's environmental unsustainability is also evident. The author therefore argues for a broad policy agenda including reform of the international financial system, development strategies re‐focused on wage‐driven domestic demand and viable agriculture, fiscal promotion of greener technologies and demand patterns, and redistributive social policies to reduce inequalities and act as macroeconomic stabilizers in downturns.
Incomplete crisis responses: Socio‐economic costs and policy implications
Authors: TORRES Raymond
Published: September 2010

This article examines the perverse effects of incomplete crisis responses. Initial emphasis on the role of government – through coordinated fiscal measures to stimulate the economy, cushion job losses and support vulnerable groups – was effective in averting another Great Depression, despite widening public deficits. However, a policy mistake was made by bailing out banks without reforming the dysfunctional financial system that triggered the crisis: concern over the financial markets' reaction to growing public indebtedness has shifted policy towards a more traditional, market‐oriented approach focusing on fiscal consolidation, smaller government and weak social protection. The risks are greater inequities and economic instability.
¡Es la «financialización»!
Authors: FREEMAN Richard B.
Published: September 2010

La implosión sufrida por Wall Street de 2007 a 2009 y la recesión mundial consiguiente han mostrado la importancia que revisten las finanzas en la economía. Ni los gobiernos, ni los organismos internacionales, ni los especialistas detectaron los peligros que acechaban en el sector financiero liberalizado. Ahorase está pagando una factura colosal en pérdidas de empleos, bienes públicos y crecimiento. Las cantidades gigantescas desembolsadas en salvamentos y planes de estímulo han dejado secuelas graves en los presupuestos estatales y en las economías. El autor resume estos problemas y el de los incentivos al acaparamiento de ganancias. Por último, propugna razonadamente una reforma afondo de las instituciones que articulan las finanzas con la economía real.
Crisis mundial y trayectorias de crecimiento sostenible para el mundo en desarrollo
Authors: GHOSH Jayati
Published: September 2010

A pesar de que se atisba una recuperación del mercado de productos desde hace ya varios meses, el retorno al modelo de crecimiento que se desplomó en 2008–2009 exacerbaría los desequilibrios nacionales y mundiales que causaron la crisis. Saldrían malparados la economía real, el desarrollo equitativo y el empleo, y se volvería a un modelo que es ecológicamente insostenible. Por ello, la autora aboga por la reforma del sistema financiero internacional, las estrategias de desarrollo basadas en la demanda interna y la agricultura viable, las bonificaciones fiscales a las tecnologías respetuosas con elmedio ambientey las políticas sociales redistributivas que reduzcan las desigualdades y sirvan de estabilizadores macroeconómicos durante las recesiones.
Quantitative mapping of the retinal thickness at the posterior pole in chronic open angle glaucoma
Authors: Brusini P. , Tosoni C. , Miani F.
Published: September 2010

The sensitivity of a new device, which is able to measure the thickness of the retina at the posterior pole (Retinal Thickness Analyzer), was assessed in a group of 21 glaucomatous patients, and in 24 patients with ocular hypertension. The specificity of RTA was evaluated in a control group of normal eyes. Of the glaucomatous eyes, 57.6% had a significant reduction in retinal thickness, while another 30.3% were borderline. In the ocular hypertension group, 37.5% of eyes were abnormal, and 45.8% were borderline. In the control group, no eye was abnormal, though 42.9% had borderline alterations. In many glaucomatous eyes (81.8%) there was a relationship between retinal thickness loss and visual field defects.
Latanoprost and the ibopamine test: a year's experience
Authors: Giraldi J. Pecori , Mollicone A. , Seguto D. , Simeone L. , Zaccara F.
Published: September 2010

We report here the results obtained in a group of 52 eyes affected by open‐angle Glaucoma (OAG), whose intraocular pressure (IOP) was inadequately controlled by two drugs of different pharmacological categories, into which there was introduced Latanoprost, both in place of one of the two drugs and in addition to the preceding therapy. The ocular hypotensive effect was good (21.74%). The ibopamine provocative test, carried out before the Latanoprost administration, and at 3 and 6 months into treatment gave evidence that outflow pathway compromission was uninfluenced by the drug.
Prevalence and simultaneous occurrence of periodontitis and dental caries
Authors: Mattila Pauli T. , Niskanen Mirka C. , Vehkalahti Miira M. , Nordblad Anne , Knuuttila Matti L. E.
Published: September 2010

Mattila PT, Niskanen MC, Vehkalahti MM, Nordblad A, Knuuttila MLE. Prevalence and simultaneous occurrence of periodontitis and dental caries. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 962–967. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01620.x.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and simultaneous occurrence of periodontal disease and dental caries in Finnish adults.

Material and Methods: The study was performed as part of the nationally representative Health 2000 Survey. The study population was 5255 subjects aged 30 years and older. Probing pocket depth (PPD) and untreated dentinal caries were recorded by tooth. Teeth with PPD 4 mm and deeper indicated periodontal disease, and teeth with PPD 6 mm and deeper indicated a severe periodontal disease.

Results: Sixty‐four percent of persons had periodontal disease, 21% had a severe periodontal disease, and 29% had dental caries. Persons having periodontal disease had significantly more often dental caries (33%) compared with those without periodontal disease (23%). This was even more evident in persons having severe periodontal disease (44%). Accordingly, persons having dental caries had significantly more often severe periodontal disease (31%) compared with those without dental caries (16%). The mean number of teeth with dental caries or periodontal disease per person was greater when the mean number of teeth with the other disease was also greater.

Conclusions: These data indicate that especially severe periodontal disease and dental caries tend to accumulate in the same subjects.
Strong exercise stress exacerbates dermatitis in atopic model mice, NC/Nga mice, while proper exercise reduces it
Authors: Orita Kumi , Hiramoto Keiichi , Inoue Risa , Sato Eisuke F. , Kobayashi Hiromi , Ishii Masamitsu , Inoue Masayasu
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: Strong exercise stress exacerbates dermatitis in atopic model mice, NC/Nga mice, while proper exercise reduces it. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 1067–1072.

Abstract:  Atopic dermatitis is well known to exacerbate by stress. How the influence of exercise stress on the skin symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis has not been clarified. The purpose of our research is to investigate how different strength of exercise stress acts on atopic dermatitis. Specific pathogen‐free (SPF) and conventional NC/Nga male mice were used for the experiments. Conventional mice but not SPF group spontaneously develop dermal symptom similar to that of patients with atopic dermatitis at their age of 7 weeks. They were given two types of stress, mild (20 m/min for 60 min) or strong exercise (25 m/min for 90 min), using a treadmill four times per day. The dermal symptom of the conventional group was strongly exacerbated by strong exercise but ameliorated by mild exercise. Under the standard experimental conditions, plasma concentrations of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and substance P in conventional mice increased markedly with concomitant exacerbation of the symptom. The plasma concentrations of these proteins elevated after strong exercise but decreased after mild exercise. Under the conventional conditions, plasma levels of β‐endorphin increased with time by some mechanisms enhanced by the mild exercise. These observations suggested that exercise‐induced stress significantly affect the symptom of atopic dermatitis in a pivotal manner depending on the plasma levels of TGF‐β, α‐MSH, substance P and β‐endorphin.
Can we measure accurately the prevalence of doping?
Authors: Lentillon‐Kaestner V. , Ohl F.
Published: September 2010

Questionnaires are used in the majority of the studies on doping prevalence in sport. Nevertheless, prevalence is not easy to evaluate and previous epidemiologic studies demonstrated a wide variance. This variance has mostly been explained by sample differences. The way to evaluate doping prevalence in the survey is questioned in this paper. A questionnaire was administered to 1810 amateur athletes (993 males, 817 females). Doping use was ascertained in various ways, using different definitions of doping and types of question in the survey. Depending on the definition of doping and the type of question used, the prevalence of doping obtained can differ enormously, between 1.3 and 39.2% of athletes. Marijuana and drugs for asthma were the two banned substances most used. The majority of athletes often ignored the banned list and did not use prohibited substances to dope. Using various ways to question athletes, observing the usage of substances, cross checking the data, taking into account the aim of substances uses and the various definitions of doping are necessary to give more reliable prevalence of doping. Moreover, doping at an amateur level seems to be less of a sport problem than a social problem.
Penis swelling due to foreign body reaction after injection of silicone
Authors: Plaza Tobias , Lautenschlager Stephan
Published: September 2010

A 19‐year‐old man presented with phimosis and painful swelling of the penis four weeks after augmentation with silicone in Thailand. Histology revealed a foreign body reaction to silicone. Infectious causes were ruled out. Granulomatous foreign body reactions to silicone are common, but there are few case reports on reactions following silicone injection for penis enlargement. Foreign body reactions should be included in the differential diagnosis of penis swelling.
Molecular diagnostics of parapox virus infections
Authors: Töndury Bettina , Kühne Andreas , Kutzner Heinz , Palmedo Gabriele , Lautenschlager Stephan , Borelli Siegfried
Published: September 2010

Background: The diagnosis of parapox virus infections relies primarily on a history of contact with infected animals. The clinical presentation is usually a non‐specific necrotic ulcer. The histology may also be non‐specific, especially with older lesions. Negative‐staining electron microscopy (EM) is a fast and reliable diagnostic tool, but is not widely available. Serological tests and the time‐consuming viral culture are also rarely used in Europe.

Patients and methods: The diagnostic procedure in two patients with ecthyma contagiosum and milker's nodule using polymerase chain reaction specific for orthopox, parapox and Orf virus is explained. Diagnostics included bacterial culture, viral culture, histology and EM. In addition to these, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in both cases.

Results: The patient with ecthyma contagiosum was negative for ortho‐, parapox‐, and orf‐virus on PCR, whereas the patient with milker's nodule had a PCR positive for parapoxvirus.

Conclusions: PCR is a simple, fast, and standardized method of diagnosis that can distinguish between the subgroups of parapoxviruses. A diagnosis can be made even in cases of ambiguous history or unspecific clinical presentation. The method is limited by the necessity to sample native material or to use neutrally buffered formalin in case of PCR from paraffin material.
Research in practice: Regulatory T cells – targets for therapeutic approaches?
Authors: Jonuleit Helmut , Tuettenberg Andrea , Steinbrink Kerstin
Published: September 2010

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for induction and maintenance of immunological tolerance. They contribute to prevention of autoimmunity by control and modulation of immune responses. The prevalence of autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, cancer and allergies has markedly increased in the last decades. In additions the treatment of these disorders is often unsatisfactory so that improvements are needed. This has stimulated intensive research in the biology of Tregs. Recent studies revealed that naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ Tregs (nTregs) and induced Tregs (iTregs) are critical for the control of inadequate immune reactions. In humans, various iTreg populations are generated to inhibit naïve as well as activated effector T cells. Key molecules of signal transduction, essential for suppressor function of iTregs, have been identified and may be target molecules to modulate the activity of suppressor T cells with novel biologicals. Precise insight into the properties of Tregs may contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches which directly affect Tregs in patients or use adoptive transfer of Tregs.
Elevation of serum luteinizing hormone levels during hydrocortisone treatment in infant girls with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Belgorosky A. , Chahin S. , Rivarola MA
Published: September 2010

During the first months of postnatal life serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in girls are lower than in boys. The mechanism of this sex difference is not known. In order to study the possible influence of high levels of androgens and other adrenal steroids on serum gonadotropins during the first months of life, nine girls with salt‐losing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), mean ± SD age 17.1 ± 7.52 days at diagnosis, were studied before and during oral hydrocortisone replacement therapy for 45.7 ± 29.8 days. A control group of 16 girls (C1) and 15 boys (C2), mean ages 41.7 ± 33.6 and 59.3 ± 43.3 days, respectively, was also studied. Serum LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined by enzymoimmunoassay in the presence of one monoclonal and one polyclonal antibody. In treated girls with CAH, mean ± SD serum LH (3.49 ± 82 IU1−1) was significantly higher than in C1 (0.47 ± 0.38) p < 0.02, and similar to C2 (2.52 ± 1.74), while mean ± SD serum FSH (3.72 ± 1.78 IU1−1) was not different from C1 (6.57 ± 5.23). The mean ± SD serum FSH/serum LH ratio (2.53 ± 1.44) was lower than in C1 (14.9 ± 13.6) and similar to C2 (1.60 ± 1.69). These data suggest that high levels of foetal and/or perinatal adrenal steroids, probably androgens, might modulate gonadotropin secretion after the neonatal period. The fact that, after adrenal steroid suppression, serum LH and the serum FSH/serum LH ratio in these infant girls with CAH were similar to that of control boys suggests that foetal or perinatal androgenic steroids have an effect on the control of LH secretion that persists after androgen withdrawal.
Noonan syndrome: coagulation and clinical aspects
Authors: Massarano AA , Wood A. , Tait RC , Stevens R. , Super M.
Published: September 2010

The study aims were to review the clinical features of a group of patients with Noonan syndrome and to further elucidate their bleeding tendency. Eighteen patients (12M, 6F) aged 2.6–13.3 years underwent a clinical assessment, a questionnaire of their bleeding tendency and laboratory coagulation studies. Nine had cyanotic spells or breathing difficulties after birth; 11 had poor feeding or weight gain. Increased bruising or bleeding was reported in 12 (67%), four of whom had bleeding from the oral cavity. Excessive bleeding was not reported from operative procedures in other sites. Partial thromboplastin time was prolonged in 10 (56%) associated with low levels of clotting factors, particularly XI and XII. Bleeding times were normal; one had marginal thrombocytopenia. Coagulation results did not correlate with bruising history and may not predict bleeding risk. Care is required when Noonan syndrome patients undergo surgery, particularly of the oropharynx, with immediate availability of suitable blood products.
Central nervous system damage and retinopathy of prematurity—an ophthalmic follow‐up of prematures born in 1982‐84
Authors: Fledelius HC
Published: September 2010

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was observed in 28 of 185 pre‐term infants born in 1982–84 and under regular ophthalmic surveillance after delivery; their gestational age (GA) range was 25–35 weeks; four became blind. All 28 attended ophthalmic reassessment at age 7–10 years and were compared with 60 pre‐term subjects of the same cohort who had not developed ROP. Considering psychomotor development, 45 (51%) of the total 88 had evidence of central nervous system (CNS) damage; minor in 24 and major in 21 (cerebral palsy in particular). With correction for drop‐outs, the regional frequency of severe CNS damage was 24% for birth weight below 1500 g and 29.6% for GA less than 32 weeks. Except for the selection due to initial inclusion for ROP surveillance, we have no explanation for the high frequency at the present follow‐up. Statistically, the ocular damage of ROP appeared unassociated with CNS impairment. An analysis of perinatal factors based on matched pairs did not indicate any definite association with subsequent development of ROP and/or CNS damage.
Intellectual development of offspring of diabetic mothers
Authors: Yamashita Y. , Kawano Y. , Kuriya N. , Murakami Y. , Matsuishi T. , Yoshimatsu K. , Kato H.
Published: September 2010

We prospectively evaluated the intellectual development of 33 children who were born to 33 diabetic Japanese mothers and compared them to 34 children born to non‐diabetic mothers (controls) during the same period at Kurume University Hospital between 1987 and 1989. Birthweight, maternal age and the infant's age at the time of intelligence testing did not differ significantly between the offspring of diabetic mothers (ODMs) and controls. Tanaka‐Binet intelligence scores were significantly lower in the ODMs at 3 years of age than in controls (98.4 ± 17.4 versus 113.4 ± 15.3) (p = 0.0005). No correlation was found between IQ and maternal haemoglobin A1c levels during pregnancy. Maternal age and infant IQ were inversely correlated in ODMs (p = 0.0298, r = −0.3984), but no such correlation was demonstrated in the controls. The results indicated that the ODMs may show a poorer intellectual development than those of non‐diabetic mothers.
Neuropsychological and linguistic follow‐up studies of children with galactosaemia from an unscreened population
Authors: Hansen TWR , Henrichsen B. , Rasmussen RK , Carling A. , Andreassen AB , Skjeldal O.
Published: September 2010

Many galactosaemics appear to have neuropsychological and/or linguistic problems in spite of dietary treatment. Because the neonatal screening program in Norway does not include galactosaemia, we have re‐examined Norwegian galactosaemics. Of 16 known patients, 8 patients participated in the study. They had been diagnosed between 2 and 11 weeks of age, and were between 9 months and 19 years old at the time of this study. All had very low or 0 activity of galactose‐1‐phosphate uridyl transferase. As part of the study all were examined neurologically, and had an age‐appropriate developmental/IQ test, an ABR and an EEG, and a comprehensive psycholinguistic evaluation. The three youngest patients had normal developmental/IQ tests, while the five older patients had IQ scores in or below low range of normal. The majority had delayed language development and three patients were classified as having verbal dyspraxia. ABR and EEG showed mild pathology in the oldest patient only. Galactosaemia appears to be associated with significant risks of developmental and language delays in this unscreened population.
Impact of reoxygenation with oxygen and air on the extent of the brain damage after hypoxia‐ischaemia in neonatal rats
Authors: Bågenholm R. , Hagberg H. , Kjellmer I.
Published: September 2010

Brain damage after hypoxia‐ischaemia develops partly during the state of reoxygenation. The generation of free oxygen radicals is considered to be one possible mechanism. In order to evaluate the role of hyperoxygenation, a comparison was made between reoxygenation with pure oxygen and with air after hypoxia‐ischaemia in a rat model of unilateral cerebral hemisphere damage. Brain damage was induced in 7‐day‐old rats. The animals were treated during reoxygenation with either 100% oxygen for 0.5 h or air. The extent of the brain damage was determined at 3 weeks of age by weighing the left and right hemispheres separately. No significant difference in weight deficit of the hemispheres was seen in the oxygen‐treated group (15.5%, median) compared to the air‐treated group (25.0%). Reoxygenation with pure oxygen after hypoxia‐ischaemia in neonatal rats does not cause increased brain damage compared with reoxygenation with room air.
Eosinophilia in premature infants: correlation with chronic lung disease
Authors: Yamamoto C. , Kojima T. , Hattori K. , Nogi S. , Imamura H. , Tsubura A. , Kobayashi Y.
Published: September 2010

We attempted to clarify the possible pathophysiological significance of eosinophilia in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The subjects studied were 17 premature infants, i.e. seven with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) followed by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (the BPD group: four with stage IV and three with stage III BPD) and 10 infants without BPD (the non‐BPD group), who comprised seven with RDS, two with meconium aspiration syndrome and one with transient tachypnea of the newborn. Peripheral eosinophil counts, the number of nuclei of eosinophils and serum eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) levels, and ECP and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) elastase levels of intratracheal aspirates (TA) were determined once a week during the first 4 weeks of life. Peripheral eosinophil counts were higher in infants with BPD than those in the non‐BPD group. Hypersegmented nuclei of peripheral eosinophils with more than four nuclei were more frequently present in the infants with BPD. A good correlation was observed between peripheral eosinophil counts and serum ECP levels. ECP levels of the TA in the infants with BPD were significantly elevated. There was a good correlation between ECP and PMN elastase levels of the TA. Lung tissue specimens of two infants of the BPD group, both of whom had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), were obtained from the lower portion of the left lung when they underwent an operative procedure for PDA at 24 and 25 days of life, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining of eosinophil‐derived granular major basic protein (MBP) was performed on the lung tissue specimens. Infiltration of a few MBP‐staining eosinophils was observed on the specimens from both infants. Our results suggest that peripheral eosinophils in sick premature infants may be activated and appear to be correlated with the severity of BPD. Further studies will be needed to more clarify the physiological role of eosinophils in premature infants.
The incidence of acute neonatal respiratory disorders in Padova county: an epidemiological survey
Authors: Bonafæ L. , Rubaltelli FF
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of respiratory diseases in newborns and the mortality rate caused by the same disorders in an area‐based survey conducted during the period extending from June 1, 1993, to May 31, 1994. These rates were related to sex, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, mode of delivery and obstetric pathologies. A total of 7588 newborns were studied. A simple diagnostic system was used, which was based on clinical, laboratory and instrumental criteria. The incidence of respiratory disorders was 3.3%; the overall mortality rate was 0.28% and the case fatality rate for respiratory distress syndrome was 14.8%. Neonatal asphyxia was frequently associated with respiratory diseases.
Hypo‐osmolar sucrose oral rehydration solutions in acute diarrhoea: a pilot study
Authors: Faruque ASG , Mahalanabis D. , Hamadani J. , Hoque SS
Published: September 2010

Based on studies showing improved absorption of hypo‐osmolar oral rehydration solutions (ORS) with reduced glucose and sodium concentration, a hypo‐osmolar ORS with sucrose replacing glucose (sodium 60, potassium 15, chloride 60, citrate 5, sucrose 58mmoll−1, calculated osmolality 198mOsmkg−1) was compared with mildly hyperosmolar glucose ORS (WHO) in 46 children aged 6–30 months with acute diarrhoea and dehydration. In the hypo‐osmolar sucrose ORS group (n = 18) faecal output was less by 30% during the initial 24 and 48 h compared with controls, suggesting better absorption. Sucrose may be a suitable alternative to glucose in an absorption‐efficient hypo‐osmolar ORS.
Boy with a ring 7 chromosome: a case report with special reference to dermatological findings
Authors: Wahlström J. , Bjarnason R. , Rosdahl I. , Albertsson‐Wikland K.
Published: September 2010

A ring chromosome 7 was found in an 8‐year‐old boy investigated on account of short stature and facial dysmorphism. He had a fair skin, almost white hair, cafe‐au lait spots and many black atypical pigmented naevi. Electron microscopy of his skin revealed structural changes in melanocytes and keratinocytes, suggesting disturbed cell growth and differentiation.
Cell death‐inducing DFF45‐like effector, a lipid droplet‐associated protein, might be involved in the differentiation of human adipocytes
Authors: Li Fanfan , Gu Yu , Dong Wenpeng , Li Hang , Zhang Liying , Li Nanlin , Li Wangzhou , Zhang Lijun , Song Yue , Jiang Lina , Ye Jing , Li Qing
Published: September 2010

Cell death‐inducing DFF45‐like effector (CIDE) family proteins, including cell death‐inducing DFF45‐like effector A (CIDEA), cell death‐inducing DFF45‐like effector B (CIDEB) and cell death‐inducing DFF45‐like effector C (CIDEC) [fat‐specific protein of 27 kDa in rodent (FSP27) in rodents], were originally identified by their sequence homology to the N‐terminal region of DNA fragmentation factor DFF40/45. Recent reports have revealed that CIDE family proteins play important roles in lipid metabolism. Several studies involving knockdown mice revealed that FSP27 is a lipid droplet‐targeting protein that can promote the formation of lipid droplets. However, the detailed roles of human CIDEC in the differentiation of human adipocytes remain unknown. In the present study, we found that the expression of CIDEC increased during the differentiation of fetal adipose tissues, but decreased during the de‐differentiation of adipocytic tumors, suggesting that the expression of CIDEC should be positively correlated with the differentiation of adipocytes. Furthermore, we verified that human CIDEC was localized on the surface of lipid droplets. Using human primary pre‐adipocytes, we confirmed that the expression of CIDEC was elevated during the differentiation of pre‐adipocytes, and knockdown of CIDEC in human primary pre‐adipocytes resulted in differentiation defects. These data demonstrate that CIDEC is essential for the differentiation of adipose tissue. Together with regulating adipocyte lipid metabolism, CIDEC should be a potential target for regulating adipocyte differentiation and reducing fat cell mass.
Scaffolds are ‘active’ regulators of signaling modules
Authors: Alexa Anita , Varga János , Reményi Attila
Published: September 2010

Signaling cascades, in addition to proteins with obvious signaling‐relevant activities (e.g. protein kinases or receptors), also employ dedicated ‘inactive’ proteins whose functions appear to be the organization of the former components into higher order complexes through protein–protein interactions. The core function of signaling adaptors, anchors and scaffolds is the recruitment of proteins into one macromolecular complex. Several recent studies have demonstrated that the recruiter and the recruited molecules mutually influence each other in a scaffolded complex. This yields fundamentally novel properties for the signaling complex as a whole. Because these are not merely additive to the properties of the individual components, scaffolded signaling complexes may behave as functionally distinct modules.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE EFFECT OF SWEETENER AND DIETARY FIBER ON RHELOGICAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF SALEP BEVERAGE
Authors: YILMAZ MUSTAFA TAHSIN , SERT DURMUŞ , KARAKAYA MUSTAFA , TISKE SÜMEYRA S.
Published: September 2010

Rheological properties of salep beverage samples were evaluated in relation to four processing variables: aspartame concentration, 2–6 g/100 mL; lemon fiber concentration, 0.5–2.5 g/100 mL; cooking time, 5–25 min and serving temperature 25–65C. The power law model fitted the shear stress–shear rate data. Salep beverage samples exhibited a shear‐thinning behavior. A second‐order composite design was used to investigate the effects of the four processing variables on the consistency index (k) and sensory score (Ss) of the samples to find the optimum levels of these processing variables. The aspartame and lemon fiber concentration had the most significant increasing effect on the consistency index and Ss, while serving temperature had a decreasing effect on these values. Based on Ss, optimum conditions were determined as aspartame concentration = 6.0 g/100 mL, lemon fiber concentration = 2.1 g/100 mL, cooking time = 11.6 min and serving temperature = 26C.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The rheological properties of salep beverages with added dietary fiber and sweetener have not been well documented. The majority of reported experimental data on the rheological properties have focused solely on the effects of two processing factors, namely concentration and temperature on the rheological properties of salep, but no one has considered the simultaneous effects of sweetener, dietary fiber concentrations, temperature and cooking time on the rheological and the related sensory properties of salep beverage. In addition, no study has appeared to study optimum levels of these processing variables maximizing or minimizing the rheological and sensory score values. Therefore, the results of this study would be useful for engineering applications in the processing of salep beverages under related processing conditions as well as for process design, quality control and sensory properties of salep beverage.
A Composite Plume Approach for the Analysis of Dissolved Contaminants in Ground Water vs. Distance from Source Areas
Authors: Lundegard Paul D. , Johnson Paul C.
Published: September 2010

The analysis of dissolved contaminant transport away from source areas containing nonaqueous phase liquids is an important component in the evaluation of the risk posed to downgradient receptors, of monitoring plan development, and of remedial alternative selection. Typically, individual source‐plume systems are evaluated on a site‐specific basis; however, much can be learned by looking at the collective data from multiple sites. This has been done with leaking underground storage tank sites in California, Texas, and Florida, where the analyses led to important conclusions concerning dissolved MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) and benzene plume behaviors that could not be drawn from individual site data sets. In these previous works, each site data set was reduced to a plume length and then a statistical analysis of plume lengths was performed. In this paper, the use of multiple‐site collective data analyses is also pursued; however, rather than use a single metric plume length analysis, a composite plume data analysis approach is proposed and examined. This alternate approach provides a means for making use of data from ground water plumes that are incompletely defined. In addition, few of the assumptions required by single plume studies for interpolation of data are necessary. The composite plume approach is especially well suited to the analysis of large sites or regions with multiple source areas within similar hydrogeochemical settings. A case study of petroleum hydrocarbon transport at a large former oil field with more than 90 source areas illustrates the application and benefits of this approach.
Microbial Population and Degradation Activity Changes Monitored During a Chlorinated Solvent Biovent Demonstration
Authors: Pfiffner Susan M. , Palumbo Anthony V. , Sayles Gregory D. , Gannon David
Published: September 2010

Microbial populations and degradation activity increased significantly during a chlorinated solvent bioventing bioremediation effort using propane at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The propane injection resulted in degradation of a mixture of chlorinated solvents, including trichloroethylene (TCE), cis‐dichloroethylene (c‐DCE), and 1,1,1‐trichloroethane (TCA). In only 20 d, the propane injection resulted in decreases of TCE and c‐DCE of > 98%, and a decrease in TCA in soil gas by ∼70%. The degradation of the TCA may not have occurred with a methane, butane, toluene, or phenol injection. These decreases in chlorinated solvent concentrations were accompanied by large increases in propane‐utilizing bacteria that ranged from below detection levels prior to the injection to ∼1% of the ending total aerobic heterotrophic population by the end of the propane injection. Thus, a proportional increase occurred as heterotrophic counts increased a hundredfold. Microbial TCE degradation activity, as measured in microcosms, also increased with the propane injection. The highest rates of degradation were observed in microcosms with propane and nutrients, indicating the potential for higher field rates of degradation with nutrient additions.
Study of Five Discrete‐Interval‐Type Ground Water Sampling Devices
Authors: Parker Louise V. , Clark Charles H.
Published: September 2010

Five relatively newly developed discrete‐interval‐type ground water sampling devices—the KABIS, HydraSleeve, Discrete Interval, Pneumo‐Bailer, and USGS passive diffusion bag (PDB) samplers—were tested to determine their ability to recover representative concentrations of a variety of analytes—volatile organics, explosives, pesticides, and metals—from a standpipe and trichloroethylene (TCE) from a deep monitoring well. Samples taken from a well were compared with samples taken using low‐flow sampling.

The PDB sampler was the easiest to use, but could only be used to sample volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The HydraSleeve and the KABIS samplers were also easy to use; these devices produced representative concentrations of explosives, pesticides, and metals in the standpipe experiments, but elevated the turbidity in our monitoring well. Although there were statistically significant differences for some VOCs with both devices, these differences were generally very small (< 5%). The one exception was an 18% loss of TCE with the KABIS sampler.

The Discrete Interval sampler and the Pneumo‐Bailer are pressurized devices that are designed to only collect a sample when activated. The Pneumo‐Bailer was heavy and awkward to handle, required a nitrogen tank in the field, and involved many steps to operate. The Discrete Interval sampler only required a bicycle pump to pressurize the chamber and was lighter and easier to handle and operate than its counterpart. Both devices generally delivered representative concentrations of all the analytes tested.
AGRARIAN LAND TENANCY IN PREWAR JAPAN: CONTRACT CHOICE AND IMPLICATIONS ON PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: ARIMOTO Yutaka , OKAZAKI Tetsuji , NAKABAYASHI Masaki
Published: September 2010

We study the tenancy contract choice and its impact on productivity in the prewar Japanese agriculture, where a unique contractual form, the rent‐reduction contract, was predominant. Theoretically, this contract is more efficient than share tenancy or fixed‐rent contract in terms of provision of incentives and risk‐sharing, and thus raises the question of why such an efficient contract was uncommon outside Japan. We argue that transaction costs on the execution of rent reduction were the key element in the adoption of this contract. In prewar Japan, local communities played some role in governing the process of rent reduction and mitigated such costs. Thus the study proposes transaction costs and institutions as additional determinant of tenancy contract choice. We also find that higher prevalence of tenancy was associated with lower average rice yield at the prefectural level and such correlation was stronger in prefectures with a greater proportion of share tenancy.
Prediction of resting energy requirements in people taking weight‐inducing antipsychotic medications
Authors: SHARPE Jenny‐Kay , STEDMAN Terry , BYRNE Nuala M. , HILLS Andrew P.
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the regression equations published by Mifflin are suitable for the prediction of resting metabolic rate in people taking weight‐inducing antipsychotic medications.

Methods:  Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry in 45 people with psychotic illnesses who had been taking atypical antipsychotic medications for more than six months. Predicted resting metabolic rate was calculated using the Mifflin, Harris‐Benedict and Schofield equations. The limits of agreement method were used to compare measured and predicted resting metabolic rate.

Results:  In men, the prediction equations significantly overestimated resting metabolic rate. There was a systematic variation in the bias using the Mifflin equation. The limits of agreement using the Harris‐Benedict and Schofield equations were 2793 and 3014 kJ/day, respectively. In women, predictions of resting metabolic rate using the Harris‐Benedict equation had the lowest limits of agreement (1008 kJ/day) compared with 1978 kJ for the Mifflin and 3157 kJ/day for the Schofield equations, respectively.

Conclusion:  The present study does not support the recent suggestion that the Mifflin equation is the most suitable prediction equation to determine resting metabolic rate in people taking antipsychotic medications. In men, it may be advisable to reduce the estimate provided using the Harris‐Benedict or Schofield equations by 840 kJ/day. The Harris‐Benedict equation provided the ‘best estimate’ of resting energy requirements in women taking antipsychotic medications.
Development and validation of a three‐item questionnaire for dietitians to screen for poor oral health in people living with human immunodeficiency virus and facilitate dental referral
Authors: JEGANATHAN Sarangapany , PURNOMO Julianita , HOUTZAGER Louise , BATTERHAM Marijka , BEGLEY Kim
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a three‐item oral health questionnaire for use by dietitians in an ambulatory care setting to screen human immunodeficiency virus‐1‐infected patients at risk of oral diseases to facilitate dental referral.

Methods:  The study was a questionnaire‐based survey of 273 participants attending a human immunodeficiency virus clinic in Sydney, Australia. Subjects completed the oral health questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 contemporaneously.

Results:  A statistically significant correlation (rho = 0.617 (95% CI 0.54, 0.69), P < 0.0001) was found between the oral health questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 indicating adequate validity. Sensitivity for the three‐question oral health questionnaire was found to be 84% (95% CI 76, 89) with a specificity of 55% (95% CI 46, 63). The negative predictive value was 77 % (95% CI 68, 85). A single screening question performed less well compared with overall sensitivity of the three‐item oral health questionnaire.

Conclusion:  The present study found the three‐item oral health questionnaire to be a valid and sensitive screening tool to ‘trigger’ for further oral health assessment and referral to dental professionals. This is a useful tool for dietitians and other health‐care workers involved in the multidisciplinary preventative care of people living with human immunodeficiency virus.
Target Groups' Views and Policy Implementation: Lessons from Guiyang's Housing Monetarization Reform
Authors: ZHU YAPENG
Published: September 2010

China's housing reform process is facing a familiar public policy challenge: the difficulties of implementation in provinces and cities. This article explores the reasons for these difficulties with special reference to the housing reform process in the city of Guiyang. The study focuses particularly on a frequently neglected aspect of the implementation process, namely the views and responses of the target groups. Drawing on the housing reform experiences in the city, this study identifies target groups as a key factor in the implementation process. The article argues that policy implementation is not only affected by the possible impacts of a given policy on the target groups but also by target groups' views and their understanding of policy directive. The article also contributes to the broad debate on the policy process by focusing on the neglected role of target groups in the study of policy implementation.

El proceso de la reforma de la vivienda en China está enfrentando un desafío de política pública conocido: las dificultades de implementación en provincias y ciudades. Este artículo se enfoca particularmente en un aspecto frecuentemente olvidado del proceso de implementación, concretamente las opiniones y reacciones de los grupos objetivo. Basándose en las experiencias de la reforma de vivienda en la ciudad, el artículo identifica los grupos objetivo como un factor clave en el proceso de implementación. El artículo sostiene que la implementación de las políticas en los grupos objetivo no sólo es influida por los posibles impactos de una política determinada sino también por las opiniones de los grupos y su entendimiento de la directiva de la política. El artículo también contribuye al amplio debate sobre el proceso político al enfocarse en el rol hasta ahora descuidado de los grupos objetivo en el estudio de la implementación de políticas.
The hypothalamic median eminence and its role in reproductive aging
Authors: Yin Weiling , Gore Andrea C.
Published: September 2010

The median eminence at the base of the hypothalamus serves as an interface between the neural and peripheral endocrine systems. It releases hypothalamic‐releasing hormones into the portal capillary bed for transport to the anterior pituitary, which provides further signals to target endocrine systems. Of specific relevance to reproduction, a group of about 1000 neurons in mammals release the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) peptide from neuroterminals in the median eminence. During the life cycle, there are dramatic changes in reproductive demands, and we focus this review on how GnRH terminals in the median eminence change during reproductive senescence. We discuss morphological and functional properties of the median eminence, and how relationships among GnRH terminals and their microenvironment of nerve terminals, glial cells, and the portal capillary vasculature determine the ability of GnRH peptide to be secreted and to reach its target in the anterior pituitary gland.