bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat by Expression of a Fusion Protein Containing a Fusarium-Specific Antibody and an Antifungal Peptide
Authors: Li He-Ping , Zhang Jing-Bo , Shi Run-Ping , Huang Tao , Fischer Rainer , Liao Yu-Cai
Published: August 2008

Fusarium head blight (FHB) or scab of wheat is a devastating disease in warm and humid regions at wheat-flowering periods worldwide. Natural resistance against FHB pathogens is inadequate and the development of FHB-resistant wheat cultivars has been a challenge. Expression of pathogen-specific antibodies in plants has been proposed as a strategy for crop protection. In this study, an antibody fusion protein comprising a Fusarium-specific recombinant antibody derived from chicken and an antifungal peptide from Aspergillus giganteus was expressed in wheat as a method for protecting plants against FHB pathogens. Plants expressing the antibody fusion displayed a very significantly enhanced resistance in T2 and T3 generations upon single-floret inoculation with the macroconidia of Fusarium asiaticum, the predominant species causing FHB in China, indicating a type II resistance. Spraying inoculation further revealed an enhanced type I resistance in the transgenic wheat plants. Remarkably, more grains were produced in the transgenic plants than the nontransgenic controls. Our results demonstrated that the antibody fusion protein may be used as an effective tool for the protection of crops against FHB pathogens.
Assortative mating and the role of phenotypic plasticity in male competition: implications for gene flow among host-associated parasitoid populations
Authors: Henry Lee M
Published: August 2008

Local adaptation is promoted when habitat or mating preferences reduce gene flow between populations. However, gene flow is not only a function of dispersal but also of the success of migrants in their new habitat. In this study I investigated mating preference in conjunction with phenotypic plasticity using
Aphidius
parasitoids adapted to different host species. Males actively attempted to assortatively mate, but actual mating outcomes were strongly influenced by the relative size of the adult males. Results are discussed in the context of assortative mating in combination with the success of migrant males in mitigating gene flow between host-associated parasitoid populations.
Diamagnetism of an electron gas in superlattices
Authors: Askerov B.M , Figarova S.R , Makhmudov M.M , Figarov V.R
Published: August 2008

An investigation into the Landau diamagnetism of an electron gas in superlattices is presented. We find that the magnetization of a strongly degenerate electron gas changes its sign depending on the degree of band filling and magnetic field magnitude.
A law of large numbers for nearest neighbour statistics
Authors: Evans Dafydd
Published: August 2008

In practical data analysis, methods based on proximity (near-neighbour) relationships between sample points are important because these relations can be computed in time

(
n
 log 
n
) as the number of points
n
→∞. Associated with such methods are a class of random variables defined to be functions of a given point and its nearest neighbours in the sample. If the sample points are independent and identically distributed, the associated random variables will also be identically distributed but not independent. Despite this, we show that random variables of this type satisfy a strong law of large numbers, in the sense that their sample means converge to their expected values almost surely as the number of sample points
n
→∞.
The paradox of enrichment in an adaptive world
Authors: Mougi Akihiko , Nishimura Kinya
Published: August 2008

Paradoxically, enrichment can destabilize a predator–prey food web. While adaptive dynamics can greatly influence the stability of interaction systems, few theoretical studies have examined the effect of the adaptive dynamics of interaction-related traits on the possibility of resolution of the paradox of enrichment. We consider the evolution of attack and defence traits of a predator and two prey species in a one predator–two prey system in which the predator practises optimal diet use. The results showed that optimal foraging alone cannot eliminate a pattern of destabilization with enrichment, but trait evolution of the predator or prey can change the pattern to one of stabilization, implying a possible resolution of the paradox of enrichment. Furthermore, trait evolution in all species can broaden the parameter range of stabilization. Importantly, rapid evolution can stabilize this system, but weaken its stability in the face of enrichment.
Activation profiles of human kallikrein‐related peptidases by proteases of the thrombostasis axis
Authors: Yoon Hyesook , Blaber Sachiko I. , Evans D. Michael , Trim Julie , Juliano Maria Aparecida , Scarisbrick Isobel A. , Blaber Michael
Published: August 2008

The human kallikrein‐related peptidases (KLKs) comprise 15 members (KLK1–15) and are the single largest family of serine proteases. The KLKs are utilized, or proposed, as clinically important biomarkers and therapeutic targets of interest in cancer and neurodegenerative disease. All KLKs appear to be secreted as inactive pro‐forms (pro‐KLKs) that are activated extracellularly by specific proteolytic release of their N‐terminal pro‐peptide. This processing is a key step in the regulation of KLK function. Much recent work has been devoted to elucidating the potential for activation cascades between members of the KLK family, with physiologically relevant KLK regulatory cascades now described in skin desquamation and semen liquefaction. Despite this expanding knowledge of KLK regulation, details regarding the potential for functional intersection of KLKs with other regulatory proteases are essentially unknown. To elucidate such interaction potential, we have characterized the ability of proteases associated with thrombostasis to hydrolyze the pro‐peptide sequences of the KLK family using a previously described pro‐KLK fusion protein system. A subset of positive hydrolysis results were subsequently quantified with proteolytic assays using intact recombinant pro‐KLK proteins. Pro‐KLK6 and 14 can be activated by both plasmin and uPA, with plasmin being the best activator of pro‐KLK6 identified to date. Pro‐KLK11 and 12 can be activated by a broad‐spectrum of thrombostasis proteases, with thrombin exhibiting a high degree of selectivity for pro‐KLK12. The results show that proteases of the thrombostasis family can efficiently activate specific pro‐KLKs, demonstrating the potential for important regulatory interactions between these two major protease families.
Seed removal in two coexisting oak species: ecological consequences of seed size, plant cover and seed‐drop timing
Authors: Pérez‐Ramos Ignacio M. , Urbieta Itziar R. , Marañón Teodoro , Zavala M. A. , Kobe Richard K.
Published: August 2008

Seed predation and dispersal can critically influence plant community structure and dynamics. Inter‐specific differences arising at these early stages play a crucial role on tree recruitment patterns, which in turn could influence forest dynamics and species segregation in heterogeneous environments such as Mediterranean forests. We investigated removal rates from acorns set onto the ground in two coexisting Mediterranean oak species –Quercus canariensis and Q. suber– in southern Spain. We developed maximum likelihood estimators to investigate the main factors controlling probabilities of seed removal and to describe species‐specific functional responses. To account for inter‐specific differences in seed‐drop timing, two experiments were established: a simultaneous exposure of acorns of the two species (synchronous experiments) and a seed exposure following their natural seed‐drop phenology (diachronic experiments). A total of 1536 acorns were experimentally distributed along a wide and natural gradient of plant cover, and removal was periodically monitored for three months at two consecutive years (with contrasting differences in seed production and thus seed availability on the ground). The probability of seed removal increased with plant cover (leaf area index, LAI) for the two oak species. Inter‐specific differences in acorn removal were higher in open areas and disappeared in closed microhabitats, especially during a non‐mast year. Despite later seed‐drop, Q. suber acorns were removed faster and at a higher proportion than those of Q. canariensis. The higher probability of seed removal for this species could be attributed to its larger seed size compared to Q. canariensis, as inter‐specific differences were less pronounced when similar sized acorns were exposed. Inter‐specific differences in seed removal, arising from seed size variability and microsite heterogeneity, could be of paramount importance in oak species niche separation, driving stand dynamics and composition along environmental gradients.
More plant biomass results in more offspring production in annuals, or does it?
Authors: Neytcheva Marina S. , Aarssen Lonnie W.
Published: August 2008

Competitive ability in plants has been previously measured almost exclusively in terms of traits related to growth (biomass) or plant size. In this study, however, we used a multi‐species competition experiment with six annuals to measure relative competitive ability in terms of reproductive output, i.e. the number of offspring produced for the next generation. Under greenhouse conditions, plants of each species were started in pots from germinating seeds and were grown singly (free of competition) and at high density in both monocultures and in mixtures with all study species. Several traits traditionally regarded as determinants of competitive ability in plants were recorded for each species grown singly, including: seed mass, germination time, early growth rate and potential plant size (biomass and height). Under competition, several traits were recorded as indicators of relative performance in both monocultures and mixtures, including: biomass of survivors, total number of survivors, number of reproductive survivors, and reproductive output (total seed production) of the survivors. As expected, species that grew to a larger biomass in isolation had higher seed production in isolation. However, none of the traditional plant growth/size‐related traits, measured either in isolation or under competition, could predict between species variation in reproductive output under competition in either monocultures or mixtures. In mixtures, 97% of this variation in reproductive output could be explained by between‐species variation in the number of reproductive survivors. The results indicate that traits measured on plants grown singly may be poor predictors of reproductive output under competition, and that species’ rank order of competitive ability in terms of the biomass of survivors may bear no relationship to their rank order in terms of the number of offspring produced by these survivors. This has important implications for the interpretation of mechanisms of species coexistence and community assembly within vegetation.
The effect of space in plant–animal mutualistic networks: insights from a simulation study
Authors: Morales Juan M. , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: August 2008

The topology of plant–animal mutualistic networks has the potential to determine the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of interacting species. Many mechanisms have been proposed as explanations of observed network patterns; however, the fact that plant–animal interactions are inherently spatial has so far been ignored. Using a simulation model of frugivorous birds foraging in spatially explicit landscapes we evaluated how plant distribution and the scale of bird movement decisions influenced species interaction probabilities and the resulting network properties. Spatial aggregation and limited animal mobility restricted encounter probabilities, so that the distribution of animal visits per plant deviated strongly from the binomial distribution expected for a well‐mixed system. Lack of mixing in turn resulted in a strong decrease in network connectance, a weak decrease in nestedness, stronger interactions, greater strength asymmetry and the unexpected presence/absence of some interactions. Our results suggest that spatial processes may contribute substantially to structure plant–animal mutualistic networks.
Associations between fatty acids in colostrum and breast milk and risk of allergic disease
Authors: Lowe A. J. , Thien F. C. K. , Stoney R. M. , Bennett C. M. , Hosking C. S. , Hill D. J. , Carlin J. B. , Abramson M. J. , Dharmage S. C.
Published: August 2008

Background
Exposure to n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in early life is hypothesized to offer protection against atopic disease. However, there is controversy in this area, and we have previously observed that high levels of n‐3 fatty acid (FA) in colostrum are associated with increased risk of allergic sensitization.

Objective
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between FA profile in breast milk and risk of childhood atopic disease.

Methods
A high‐risk birth cohort was recruited, and a total of 224 mothers provided a sample of colostrum (n=194) and/or 3‐month expressed breast milk (n=118). FA concentrations were determined by gas chromatography. Presence of eczema, asthma and rhinitis were prospectively documented up to 7 years of age.

Results
High levels of n‐3 22:5 FA (docosapentaenoic acid, DPA) in colostrum were associated with increased risk of infantile atopic eczema [odds ratio (OR)=1.66 per 1 standard deviation increase, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.11–2.48], while total n‐3 concentration in breast milk was associated with increased risk of non‐atopic eczema (OR=1.60, 95% CI=1.03–2.50). Higher levels of total n‐6 FA in colostrum were associated with increased risk of childhood rhinitis (OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.12–2.25). There was no evidence of associations between FA profile and risk of asthma.

Conclusion
In this cohort of high‐risk children, a number of modest associations were observed between FA concentrations in colostrum and breast milk and allergic disease outcomes. Further research in this area with larger sample sizes is needed.
Prenatal exposure to household pets influences fetal immunoglobulin E production
Authors: Aichbhaumik N. , Zoratti E. M. , Strickler R. , Wegienka G. , Ownby D. R. , Havstad S. , Johnson C. C.
Published: August 2008

Background
Early life pet exposure may protect against allergic sensitization during childhood. Few studies have evaluated the effect of prenatal pet exposure on potential neonatal markers of allergic risk.

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal exposure to pets affects cord blood IgE levels in a population‐based, general risk, ethnically mixed birth cohort.

Methods
Pet keeping during pregnancy was ascertained from women residing in a defined area of Wayne County Michigan and recruited from five staff model obstetric clinics. Maternal venous blood was analysed for total and allergen‐specific IgE along with cord blood total IgE from 1049 infants.

Results
Compared with infants from households with no cats or dogs kept indoors during pregnancy, infants whose homes had either cats or dogs had significantly reduced mean cord IgE levels [0.34 IU/mL (95% CI 0.30–0.38) vs. 0.24 IU/mL (0.20–0.27), P=0.025]. Similar effects were apparent in cat‐only households [0.21 IU/mL (0.16–0.27), P=0.020] and dog‐only households [0.24 IU/mL (0.19–0.29), P=0.045]. There was no effect on results when excluding mothers who reported avoiding pets due to allergy‐related concerns.

Conclusion
Mothers with either cats or dogs in their home during pregnancy deliver children with lower cord blood IgE levels compared with mothers who do not live with these pets, supporting the hypothesis that pet exposure influences immune development in a manner that is protective for atopy and is operant even before birth.
To breathe or not to breathe: optimal strategies for finding prey in a dark, three‐dimensional environment
Authors: HINDELL MARK
Published: August 2008

The use of sophisticated telemetry logging devices has revealed that short‐finned pilot whales employ energetic sprints to chase down their deep‐dwelling prey. These sprints are costly in terms of energy, and therefore oxygen, which is a valuable resource for an animal that has to hold its breath while hunting. This finding highlights the challenges faced by ecologists when trying to develop foraging models for marine predators because many of the key parameters, such as movements in three dimensions, marine prey fields and metabolic adaptations of diving animals, remain largely unknown.
Collecting factors related to the haemolysis of blood specimens
Authors: Fang Li , Fang Shu‐Hui , Chung Yun‐Ho , Chien Shang‐Tao
Published: August 2008

Aim.  The purpose of the study is to explore the collecting factors for the haemolysis of the blood specimens in a regional hospital in South Taiwan.

Background.  Blood collecting is one of the most common procedures used in hospital. However, it often faces the risk of haemolysis of blood specimens during laboratory testing and the specimens collected can be easily rejected by the laboratory.

Methods.  This is a descriptive and cross‐sectional study. The purposive samples were collected from the blood specimens of the hospitalized patients or the emergency‐room patients by using structured observational checklists which included demographic characteristics, caring factors and material factors. A total of 274 blood specimens was collected.

Results.  Specimens obtained from non‐antecubital sites were 3·35 times at risk of haemolysis as many as those from antecubital sites (p = 0·001). Blood collected into tubes through steel needles were 3·7 times more at risk of haemolysis as that through syringes (after removing needles) (p = 0·002). Specimens delivered by ward assistants were 8·7 times more at risk for haemolysis as those by the laboratory staff (p < 0·01).

Conclusions.  These findings suggest that nurse supervisors establish a protocol related to preventing haemolysis. Future research should explore the effectiveness of this protocol to verify the relationship between different gauges of steel needles or catheters and haemolysis.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurse educators are encouraged to include the factors affecting and preventing haemolysis into the in service education. Therefore, findings may assist healthcare professionals in minimizing the risk of haemolysis and improve the quality of care.
A psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Cardiovascular Limitations and Symptoms Profile in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Lopez Violeta , Chair Sek Ying , Thompson David R , Tsui Yuen Yan , Lewin Robert JP
Published: August 2008

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to translate from English and evaluate the validity, reliability and cultural relevance of the Cardiovascular Limitations and Symptoms Profile (CLASP) as a health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQL) measure in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease.

Background.  Improvement in HRQL is increasingly used as a primary outcome in determining the treatment benefit using a generic instrument. However, disease‐specific instruments are being cited as more responsive and sensitive in detecting even the smallest changes in health status. Therefore, valid and reliable disease‐specific measures for patients with coronary heart disease are now being developed and evaluated.

Design.  Questionnaire design.

Methods.  The translation equivalence and content validity of the Chinese version of CLASP were evaluated by an expert panel. Measurement performance was tested on a convenience sample of 369 Chinese coronary heart disease patients.

Results.  The instrument demonstrated good content validity (content validity index 0·94), acceptable internal consistency (>0·70), except for two subscales of angina and tiredness and significant positive correlations among the subscales of CLASP, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and the Short Form 36 Health Survey. Principal components analysis revealed nine factors that together explained 69% of the variance.

Conclusions.  The results of this study support that CLASP is a valid and reliable disease‐specific health status measure for Chinese patients with coronary heart disease. However, further item modifications and testings are needed when considering the cross‐cultural context.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The use of disease‐specific HRQL measures could effectively evaluate nursing interventions in clinical practice. Further validations of CLASP among different diagnostic groups, such as patients with heart failure and those who have survived an acute myocardial infarction, would provide further empirical support for its use with all patients with heart disorders.
Description of self‐reported fluid intake and its effects on body weight, symptoms, quality of life and physical capacity in patients with stable chronic heart failure
Authors: Holst Marie , Strömberg Anna , Lindholm Maud , Willenheimer Ronnie
Published: August 2008

Aim.  To describe the self‐reported fluid intake and its effects on body weight, signs and symptoms of heart failure, quality of life, physical capacity and thirst, in patients with stabilised chronic heart failure.

Background.  Patients with chronic heart failure are often recommended a fluid restriction of 1·5 l/day but there is no evidence in the literature for this recommendation and little is known about the fluid intake consequences.

Design.  Crossover study.

Methods.  Chronic heart failure patients, clinically stabilised after an unstable state, were randomised to a 32‐week cross‐over study assessing the clinical importance of fluid prescription. In a secondary analysis of 63 patients, efficacy variables were analysed in relation to the self‐reported median fluid intake of 19 ml/kg body weight/day.

Results.  The mean fluid intake was 16 ml/kg/day in the below‐median group and 24 ml/kg/day in the above‐median group. No between‐group differences were found in change in body weight, signs and symptoms, diuretic use, quality of life or physical capacity. However, the above‐median group significantly decreased sense of thirst and difficulties to adhere to the fluid prescription compared with the below‐median group.

Conclusion.  In clinically stabilised chronic heart failure patients on optimal pharmacological treatment, a larger fluid intake was associated with decreasing thirst without any measurable negative effects on signs and symptoms of heart failure, diuretic use or physical capacity. Thus, a more liberal fluid intake may be advisable in chronic heart failure patients who have been stabilised after an initial unstable clinical state.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses involved in the care for patients with heart failure known how troublesome thirst can be and how difficult it can be to follow a restricted fluid intake. This study indicates that it is possible to reassess and recommend a less strict fluid intake in stabilised patients with chronic heart failure.
Development of a fall‐risk checklist using the Delphi technique
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chi , Lin Wen‐Chuan , Lin Jin‐Ding
Published: August 2008

Aims and objectives.  This study developed a checklist of both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for falls among older people based on consensus among a panel of experts and obtained expert content validity. The developed checklist is intended to help nurses better understand risk factors and take effective measures to prevent falls.

Background.  Ageing involves changes in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems that make older people more prone to balance problems and falling. While it is believed that both environmental factors and personal habits play important roles in predisposing older people to falls, few broad‐based approach checklists to identify both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors have been published. Even fewer checklists addressing psychosocial problems currently exist. The authors developed a preliminary checklist through literature review.

Design.  This study was designed using the Delphi technique, which is widely accepted as an effective method to secure consensus from experts of different backgrounds and perspectives.

Methods.  The Delphi technique was used to consolidate and compare the opinions of qualified experts from six different fields over three review rounds. Experts’ content validity index was used to confirm validity.

Results.  Authors developed a preliminary checklist covering nine domains, which, after using the Delphi technique, was expanded to the 10 domains of demographics, illness, medicine, balance measurement, footwear, nutrition, cognitive function, social support, environment and fear of falling. Changes based on panel member suggestions made in the first review round included clarification of definitions for ‘dim light’, ‘slippery’, ‘doormat’ and ‘clutter’ and revisions to definitions of cigarette and alcohol consumption and types of exercise. Changes made following the second round review included clarification of the meaning and function of social support and the replacement of SPMSQ with MMSE. In the final round, the term ‘physical mental disturbance’ was changed to ‘fear of falling’. The scores of CVI were very high.

Conclusions.  The Delphi technique was used successfully to refine the author‐developed checklist based on experts’ input. To ensure expert input reliability, concepts were defined by the authors and supported with photographs and videos, as needed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The checklist helps assess risk factors and identify older people at higher risk of falls and may help reduce fall risk.
Perceptions of experiences of graft rejection among organ transplant recipients striving to control the uncontrollable
Authors: Nilsson Madeleine , Persson Lars‐Olof , Forsberg Anna
Published: August 2008

Aim.  To investigate perceptions of graft rejection and different methods to obtain knowledge about graft rejection among adult organ transplant recipients.

Background.  Rejection is the most common cause of graft loss and graft dysfunction in clinical transplantation. Little is known about the recipients’ own explanation models related to graft rejection.

Design.  Phenomenography.

Method.  A strategic selection included patients who had undergone a kidney, liver, heart or lung transplant. Sixteen patients, six males and 10 females, aged 21–63 years with a follow‐up time of between three months and 10 years were interviewed.

Results.  The result comprised five domains of variations in perceptions of graft rejection: the abstract threat to life; the concrete threat to health; trust in the body; striving to control the threat; and one’s identity. The inner perspective and personal explanation models involved threat, fear, trust, control and identity adjustment. Different approaches had the same purpose; ‘striving to control the uncontrollable’.

Conclusion.  Learning about graft rejection revealed security, lack of security and uncertainty.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The inner perspective of graft rejection in this result leads to several clinical implications in terms of patient education and recipients’ differing ways of obtaining knowledge about graft rejection. We suggest that patient’s education should be tailored in a different way, offering support and advice in line with their personal models of explanation of graft rejection as a complement to the explanation from the biomedical model of disease.
Brain surface spindle cell glioma in a patient with medically intractable partial epilepsy: A variant of monomorphous angiocentric glioma?
Authors: Sugita Yasuo , Ono Tomonori , Ohshima Koichi , Niino Daisuke , Ito Masahiro , Toda Keisuke , Baba Hiroshi
Published: August 2008

We report a case of brain surface angiocentric glioma in a 6‐year‐old Japanese boy with medically intractable partial epilepsy. MRI showed somewhat ill‐defined high‐signal lesions on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery and T2‐weighted imagings of the right occipitoparietal cortex. At surgery, a yellowish tumor was localized in the superficial cortex. Histologically, the tumor was predominantly composed of elongated astrocytic cells forming rings around blood vessels. Tumor cells circumferential to vessels predominanted in low cellurarity areas, whereas radial alignment with perivascular pseudorosettes was observed in more cellular regions. These perivascular pseudorosettes closely resembled those of ependymoma. The tumor cells showed variable cytoplasmic immunoreactivity with GFAP. These findings were more likely monomorphous angiocentric glioma, which was first described by Wang et al. in 2005. However, in our case the tumor had a small foci of polymorphous appearance and a comparatively high MIB‐1 labeling index (8%). Therefore, the present case may be an atypical form of monomorphous angiocentric glioma. However, no de novo anaplastic monomorphous angiocentric glioma similar to our case has yet been reported in the literature. It remains to be determined whether the behavior of monomorphous angiocentric glioma is an example of benign biological characteristics or whether it more closely resembles a low‐grade malignant tumor.
Focal nodular hyperplasia‐like lesion of the liver in a child previously treated for nephroblastoma
Authors: Takeyama Junji , Ando Ryo , Sato Tomoyuki , Nio Masaki , Shimanuki Yoshihisa , Sato Atsushi , Imaizumi Masue
Published: August 2008

Described herein is the case of an 8‐year‐old boy who developed a hepatic nodular lesion after having received anti‐neoplastic therapy for nephroblastoma. Histological examination of the excised specimen indicated a disordered arrangement of hepatic components with hemangioma‐like features. This case was diagnosed as a variant of focal nodular hyperplasia. It is speculated that this hepatic lesion is a late complication of treatment for nephroblastoma and might develop from congenital malformative area of the liver.
Mucinous metaplasia of breast carcinoma with macrocystic transformation resembling ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in a case of synchronous bilateral infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Authors: Lee Sheng‐Huang , Chaung Chen‐Rong
Published: August 2008

Mammary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCA) is a rare, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast that is virtually identical morphologically to MCA of the ovary, pancreas or appendix. Synchronous bilateral breast tumors, not uncommonly encountered in fibroadenoma and lobular carcinoma, are unusual in IDC. Reported herein is a primary MCA of the right breast coexisting with a bilateral ordinary IDC in a 55‐year‐old Taiwanese woman who underwent modified radical mastectomy of both breasts with bilateral axillary level I and II lymph node dissection. In the right breast a 2.5 cm unilocular mucus‐filled cyst was found. It had complex papillae, some of which were supported by delicate fibrovascular stroma, lined by simple to slightly stratified columnar neoplastic epithelial cells with intracellular mucin and an abundance of intracystic extracellular mucin, coexisting with a low‐grade ordinary IDC. In the left breast a high‐grade ordinary IDC was discovered. The patient had undergone simple abdominal total hysterectomy for myoma uteri along with bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy 10 years previously. Based on pathological studies and a literature review, it is suggested that mammary MCA arises from mucinous metaplasia and macrocystic transformation of ordinary breast carcinoma. A brief discussion of bilateral breast cancers is also given.
Osteoderm morphology in recent and fossil euphractine xenarthrans
Authors: Krmpotic C. M. , Ciancio M. R. , Barbeito C. , Mario R. C. , Carlini A. A.
Published: August 2008

The presence of osteoderms within the integument, forming a carapace, is one of the most distinctive features of armadillos with the external morphology of these elements forming the basis of most systematic schemes. This is especially true for fossil taxa, where these elements are most frequent in the palaeontological record. A detailed study of osteoderms from the cephalic shield and different regions of the dorsal armour of Chaetophractus villosus (Euphractinae, Xenarthra) was made and compared to those of the extant genus Dasypus (Dasypodinae, Xenarthra), and the extinct genus †Eutatus. Three distinct histological zones were recognized: outer and inner zones are thin, formed by regular compact bone, the middle zone is thicker, with large cavities that contain mainly adipose tissue, hair follicles, and sweat and sebaceous glands. The internal structure of †Eutatus (also a member of Euphractinae) osteoderms is close to that of C. villosus, consistent with the notion that these taxa are phylogenetically closely related. In contrast, Dasypus shows marked differences. Dasypus shows hair follicles associated with both gland types (sweat and sebaceous) and connected to foramina on the external surface. Although not observed in adult C. villosus, it has been documented during embryonic development, only to atrophy later in ontogeny. Furthermore, the presence of red bone marrow is rare in C. villosus, but widespread in Dasypus novemcinctus osteoderms. These results suggest an early split of both subfamilies and support the hypothesis that the Euphractinae are more derived than the Dasypodinae.
Ultrastructural characteristics of the process of cornification in developing claws of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: August 2008

Cornification of developing claws in the brush possum has been analysed by electron microscopy and compared with the process in other tetrapods. Newborns from 3 to 60 days postparturition were studied. After formation of symmetric and round outgrowth in digits the epidermis becomes thicker in the dorsal with respect to the ventral digit tip. The claw elongates forming the unguis and a shorter subunguis. Spinosus keratinocytes in both unguis and subunguis accumulate tonofilaments that fill their cytoplasm. Keratohyaline‐like granules are formed in early stages of differentiation in both unguis and subunguis but they later disappear in highly cornified corneocytes. Tonofilaments become electron‐dense in keratinocytes of the precorneous layer in the large corneocytes of the unguis and in narrow corneocytes of the subunguis. Keratin bundles transform into an amorphous corneous material that embeds or masks the original keratin intermediate filaments. Nucleated corneocytes are accumulated in the unguis while thinner corneocytes are present in the subunguis. The latter contain a dense material, possibly containing high sulphur keratin associated proteins, as occurs during cornifcation of the cortex and cuticle hair cells and in the nail. The process of cornification of mammalian claws is compared with that of reptilian and avian claws.
Cereals – current and emerging nutritional issues
Authors: Aisbitt B. , Caswell H. , Lunn J.
Published: August 2008

Summary  Cereals are staple foods, providing an important source of micro‐ and macronutrients in both developed and developing countries. Specifically, cereal products are an important source of energy, carbohydrate, protein and fibre, as well as containing a range of micronutrients such as vitamin E, some of the B vitamins, magnesium and zinc. But it seems that their role in promoting good health goes beyond merely the provision of nutrients; there is much evidence to suggest that regular consumption of cereal products, specifically whole grains, may have a role in the prevention of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and colorectal cancer. Additionally, many cereal products promote feelings of satiety, and the regular consumption of cereal‐based products at mealtimes appear to be key drivers of healthier dietary patterns.

In the past, several misconceptions have existed among the public with regard to cereal products. Firstly, many more people believe they have a food intolerance or allergy to these foods than evidence would suggest, and secondly, cereals are seen by some as ‘fattening’. The public should not be encouraged to cut out whole food groups unnecessarily and, as cereals and cereal products provide a range of macro‐ and micronutrients and fibre, eliminating these foods without appropriate support and advice from a registered dietitian or other health professional could lead to problems in the long term. Many consumers also seem to be confused by the concept of ‘whole grain’, misinterpreting advice and clearly not achieving dietary recommendations.

However, changing consumer attitudes, along with advancements in agricultural processes and food technology, have influenced the functionality of cereal products in the diet, and increasingly, claims are being made to promote cereal consumption specifically for the benefit of health. A new regulation provides a legal standard for nutrition and health claims that applies across the European Union. Eventually, a list of approved claims will be published that can be used on foods, provided the product in question contains enough of the nutrient to have a health benefit and its nutrient profile is deemed healthy enough to support a claim. This may have a significant impact on future consumer perceptions of the health benefits of a diet based on cereal foods.
A Proposal to Replace ‘True and Fair View’ With ‘Acceptable Risk of Material Misstatement’
Authors: Smieliauskas Wally , Craig Russell , Amernic Joel
Published: August 2008

This article examines argumentation factors which affect the truth of an audit opinion. We propose that the auditor's report be revised to replace the words ‘true and fair view’ with ‘acceptable risk of material misstatement’. This would better align the communication of auditors with the characteristics of accounting information upon which they report. Adoption of the wording ‘acceptable risk of material misstatement’ will facilitate a better appreciation by users of financial statements of the accounting estimates in financial statements.
The link between infant attention to goal‐directed action and later theory of mind abilities
Authors: Aschersleben Gisa , Hofer Tanja , Jovanovic Bianca
Published: August 2008

Various studies have shown that infants in their first year of life are able to interpret human actions as goal‐directed. It is argued that this understanding is a precondition for understanding intentional actions and attributing mental states. Moreover, some authors claim that this early action understanding is a precursor of later Theory of Mind (ToM) development. To test this, we related 6‐month‐olds’ performance in an action interpretation task to their performance in ToM tasks at the age of 4 years. Action understanding was assessed using a modified version of the Woodward‐paradigm (Woodward, 1999). At the age of 4 years, the same children were tested with the German version of the ToM scale developed byWellman and Liu (2004). Results revealed a correlation between infants’ decrement of attention to goal‐directed action and their ability to solve a false belief task at the age of 4 years with no modulation by language abilities. Our results indicate a link between infant attention to goal‐directed action and later theory of mind abilities.
The strategy of art
Authors: Reckhenrich Jörg , Anderson Jamie , Markides Costas
Published: August 2008

If you've ever ambled through a staid museum with classic paintings on the wall, you probably did not think that behind those aged canvases and ornate frames lie the stories of some pitched strategic battles. Jörg Reckhenrich, Jamie Anderson and Costas Markides found 21st century wisdom in the competition between two artistic titans.
Risky business
Authors: Holloway Adrian
Published: August 2008

The turmoil in financial markets worldwide has many worrying about their national economies. Adrian Holloway asked Professor Viral Acharya to identify the best path to fiscal stability. Before all else, says Acharya, we need to untangle the banking mechanisms increasingly used in the last decade.
Leading fast turnarounds
Authors: Gottfredson Mark , Schaubert Steve , Hirzel Alan
Published: August 2008

How do you turn a laggard into a leader in just a few years?Mark Gottfredson and Steve Schaubert join forces with Alan Hirzel to reveal the key steps.
Functional Management Competence and Growth of Young Technology‐Based Firms
Authors: Salomo Sören , Brinckmann Jan , Talke Katrin
Published: August 2008

Acknowledging an increased research interest into the success factors for young technology‐based firms in the last decade, the present study serves two main purposes. First, we aim at developing a comprehensive concept of functional management competence in young technology‐based firms. Functional management competence covers the understanding of and proficiency in managing specific functional tasks (Katz, 1974). As we focus on young technology‐based firms, it is suggested that marketing, financial and technology management tasks are at the core of functional management competence. Second, we aim at delineating and validating an appropriate measurement model for functional management competence. In order to test the model's nomological validity, we investigate the impact of functional management competence on firm growth. Therefore, building on established firm development approaches, we propose a phase model for the development of young technology‐based firms. Our study builds upon data from 212 young technology‐based firms in the field of microtechnology, nanotechnology, electronics, optics and lasers. We use formative measurement models to establish valid and reliable constructs and a path model based on partial least squares modelling to investigate the performance effects. The results suggest that functional management competences generally are significant drivers of firm development speed. In particular, technology and marketing management competences are shown to impact development speed. While technology management competence is positively driving development speed, the marketing management competence impact on speed is mediated by competitive advantage of the new products developed by young technology‐based firms. Financial management competence has no significant link to firm development speed.
John Milner and the Orthodox Cause
Authors: LEIGHTON C. D. A.
Published: August 2008

The study deals with Bishop John Milner, the English Catholic polemicist and historian, closely involved in affairs relating to the efforts to obtain Catholic emancipation. It identifies Milner's most fundamental concerns, offering a description of a coherent structure of anti‐Enlightenment thought. This description serves to provide a unified interpretation both of his very varied and often influential writings and of his conduct in public affairs in England and Ireland. In this broad perspective, the figure of Milner can be seen to be important for an understanding of the transition being made in his period by the Catholicism of the British Isles to its nineteenth‐century identity.
State Characteristics and the Locational Choice of Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from Regional FDI in Mexico 1989–2006
Authors: JORDAAN JACOB A.
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT  Despite the growing importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Mexican economy, statistical evidence on the determinants of the regional distribution of foreign‐owned firms is seriously limited. In this paper, empirical findings are presented from a variety of econometric models that identify several regional characteristics influencing the locational choice of FDI. The main findings are threefold. First, several locational factors appear to be potentially important; these include regional demand, wages, schooling, infrastructure, and agglomeration economies. Second, the effect of agglomeration economies stems from several sources. In particular, the regional presence of agglomerations of manufacturing activity and of foreign‐owned manufacturing firms both have an independent positive effect on the locational decision of new FDI. Third, the locational process of maquiladora firms differs from the locational process of overall FDI. The actual findings suggest that regional demand and infrastructure, as suggested above, are not important locational factors for export‐oriented firms. Furthermore, whereas agglomeration economies from manufacturing and the presence of existing FDI attract new maquiladora investment, the presence of a regional agglomeration of services deters the location of new maquiladora firms. Finally, agglomeration economies appear to be more important in the locational process of maquiladora firms.
Exploring the relationship between consumer knowledge and purchase behaviour of value‐based labels
Authors: McEachern Morven G. , Warnaby Gary
Published: August 2008

Despite an increasing market presence, little research has been conducted regarding consumer‐purchase behaviour of food products bearing ‘value‐based’ labels. Moreover, as the effectiveness of these labelling formats is dependent upon consumer's knowledge of their existence, this paper aims to explore the relationship between knowledge, openness to experience (i.e. validated personality trait related to intellectual capability) and purchase behaviour upon consumer behaviour in this context. Using structural equation modelling techniques, causal influences on purchases of fresh meat bearing ‘value‐based’ labels are identified and three multi‐attribute attitude models are proposed. The paper concludes that these labels are of value to consumers and that product knowledge plays a significant role in aiding purchase decisions. Consequently, marketing communication implications arising from the proposed multi‐attribute attitude models are discussed.
Levels of consciousness and awareness about evidence‐based medicine among consultants in tertiary health care institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Nwagwu Williams
Published: August 2008

Aims and objectives:  Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) incorporates results of health care research when making decisions about the clinical care of individuals. Information and communication technologies now play significant roles in organizing available research results in EBM software suites. This study examines the level of consciousness and awareness about EBM of consultants in tertiary health institutions in Nigeria.

Methods:  A total of 100 consultants were randomly selected from 10 of the 29 teaching hospitals in Nigeria and data were collected using a questionnaire and an interview schedule. From this data, 64 EBM awareness and utilization variables were identified and data on the dynamics of their inter‐relationships were reported by 89 of the participants.

Results:  Of the 89 respondents, less than half (47.19%) have knowledge about EBM that could be considered as high, while EBM knowledge is low for the remaining respondents (52.81%). Evidence Summaries appear to be a more popular tool among the respondents than the resources of Journals and Clinical Guidelines.

Conclusions:  Consultants in the teaching hospitals appeared not to have the high level of EBM consciousness and awareness that would be expected of them, although there is a consciousness that EBM will foster ease of access and promote equity in health care services.