bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venture team application to new product development
Authors: Bingham Frank G. , Quigley Charles J.
Published: May 2006

Presents a new product implementation model which is designed to
reduce the risk inherent in new product ventures in the industrial
marketplace. Show that while there is debate over the number of
failures, there is little debate that the new product failure rate is
high. Describes a process that gives the industrial firm the ability to
exert greater control over internal and external factors critical to the
successful new product implementation. Concludes that the model is
appropriate for many types of firms.
Determinants of the Prison Population: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Cameron Samuel
Published: May 2006

A cross‐section of 1980 US data on the prison population and its
rate of inflow is examined. Regression analysis is used to investigate
the impact of prison overcrowding, race, crime and unemployment on the
above variables. Racial composition and overcrowding are found to have
significant positive impacts on the numbers in prison and the rate of
inflow. Unemployment does not have a significant influence, nor does the
crime rate influence inflow, but it does have a significant positive
correlation with the level of the prison population.
Differentially expressed genes related to symbiotic association in a supernodulating soybean mutant and its wild‐type
Authors: LESTARI PUJI , VAN KYUJUNG , KIM MOON YOUNG , HWANG CHEOL HO , LEE BYUN‐WOO , LEE SUK‐HA
Published: May 2006

To understand the molecular basis of symbiotic association, a cDNA‐AFLP technique was used to identify differentially expressed transcripts between a supernodulating soybean mutant, SS2‐2, and its wild‐type, Sinpaldalkong 2. As sources of cDNA‐AFLP templates, trifoliates of 2‐week‐old plants were collected 1 week after Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation. A total of 147 bands out of 4000 amplicons were recognized as differentially expressed fragments, with 40 transcript‐derived fragments (TDFs) in SS2‐2 and 65 TDFs in Sinpaldalkong 2. Qualitative and quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR assays suggested that the expression patterns of genes in both genotypes were clearly differentiated. TDFs homologous to nodulin (65S2) and a putative senescence‐associated protein (9S1) were up‐regulated in SS2‐2, whereas Sinpaldalkong 2 showed up‐regulation of a receptor‐like kinase (48sin1) and a kinase‐like protein (17sin1). This indicates that different genes may be involved in regulation of the symbiotic programme that distinguishes SS2‐2 from its wild‐type. A TDF showing a change in a single base from A (Sinpaldalkong 2) to T (SS2‐2) in this study was identified as a Glycine max nodule autoregulation receptor‐like protein kinase precursor, previously identified by map‐based cloning. These results demonstrate that cDNA‐AFLP is a powerful technique to detect interesting genes without prior assumptions about the nature of the genes. The differentially expressed genes between Sinpaldalkong 2 and SS2‐2 suggest that different signal transduction pathways for symbiosis may be involved in the two soybean genotypes.
Selection for increased cyproconazole tolerance in Mycosphaerella graminicola through local adaptation and in response to host resistance
Authors: ZHAN J. , STEFANATO F. L. , MCDONALD B. A.
Published: May 2006

Sterol demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) represent one of the largest groups of systemic fungicides that have been used to control agriculturally important fungal pathogens. Knowledge regarding the evolution of fungicide resistance in agricultural ecosystems is fragmentary and a better understanding of the processes driving the development of DMI resistance in populations of fungal pathogens is needed by plant pathologists and the agrochemical industry. We considered some of these processes using approaches based on molecular population and quantitative genetics. Five Mycosphaerella graminicola populations sampled from unsprayed wheat fields on four continents were assayed for eight restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers and their level of tolerance to cyproconazole. DMI fungicides such as cyproconazole inhibit the enzyme eburicol 14‐α‐demethylase. The gene encoding this target, CYP51, was sequenced for all isolates. We found unimodal, continuous variations in cyproconazole tolerance among the M. graminicola isolates sampled from individual fields, consistent with a polygenic mode of inheritance. We also found that population differentiation for cyproconazole tolerance (QST) among the five M. graminicola populations was significantly higher than the corresponding population differentiation for neutral RFLP markers (GST), suggesting that selection for cyproconazole tolerance in the Swiss population has already led to local adaptation that can be seen even in an unsprayed population. The Swiss population displayed the highest level of tolerance to cyproconazole, in addition to a lower than expected quantitative variation in fungicide tolerance and a skewed distribution, indicating that selection had increased the overall tolerance of this population. Further analysis with DNA sequencing showed that the population from Switzerland was dominated by isolates with several point mutations and a 6‐bp deletion in CYP51. This deletion and one of the point mutations were previously related to increased resistance in field isolates. The fungal population from Oregon sampled from an unsprayed resistant host cultivar displayed the same gene diversity in RFLP loci but higher cyproconazole tolerance and quantitative variation in tolerance than the fungal population from the same field sampled from an unsprayed susceptible host cultivar.
Non‐selective nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and cardiovascular events: is aldosterone the silent partner in crime?
Authors: Knights Kathleen M. , Mangoni Arduino A. , Miners John O.
Published: May 2006

Non‐selective nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been known to cause gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. More recently, adverse cardiovascular effects have been associated with the selective COX‐2 inhibitors. However, current studies that show an increased cardiovascular risk with non‐selective NSAIDs raise the question of the exclusive contribution of COX‐2 to this type of toxicity. Aldosterone, a key cardiovascular hormone, can induce deleterious effects, such as myocardial fibrosis and vascular stiffening. Non‐selective NSAIDs inhibit the metabolism of aldosterone in vitro by human renal tissue, predicating an increased plasma aldosterone concentration in vivo. The question remains whether inhibition of aldosterone metabolism by non‐selective NSAIDs is a casual or causal factor in NSAID‐induced cardiovascular toxicity.
Endothelial dysfunction in Buerger's disease and its relation to markers of inflammation
Authors: Joras M. , Poredoš P. , Fras Z.
Published: May 2006

Background  Buerger's disease (BD) is a segmental occlusive vascular disease. The aim of this study was to detect functional changes in brachial artery and asymptomatic morphological changes in extra‐cranial carotid arteries not affected by the disease process and to assess markers of inflammation and endothelial damage.

Materials and methods  Fourteen patients in the remission phase of BD and the same number of age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included in the study. The capability of endothelium‐dependent (flow‐mediated) and endothelium‐independent dilation of the brachial artery and intima‐media thickness of the carotid arteries were measured using high‐resolution ultrasound. Laboratory parameters of endogenous fibrinolytic activity, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were also measured.

Results  Patients with BD had a diminished capability of endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and higher levels of some circulating markers of inflammation, such as leukocytes, C‐reactive protein, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and E‐selectin. Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 levels were related to some of the inflammatory markers (sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, α2‐globulins and fibrinogen), while E‐selectin was correlated with decreased endogenous blood fibrinolytic activity. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilation was in negative correlation with the relative share of neutrophil granulocytes. There were no significant differences in intima‐media thickness between patients with BD and controls.

Conclusions  Our study has expressed generalized functional arterial disorder in patients with BD not accompanied by any measurable morphological changes of the carotid arterial wall. Functional deterioration of brachial artery could be related to increased levels of various inflammatory markers – the process which is most probably the basic pathogenetic mechanism of the disease.
Surfactant protein D in human lung diseases
Authors: Hartl D. , Griese M.
Published: May 2006

The lung is continuously exposed to inhaled pollutants, microbes and allergens. Therefore, the pulmonary immune system has to defend against harmful pathogens, while an inappropriate inflammatory response to harmless particles must be avoided. In the bronchoalveolar space this critical balance is maintained by innate immune proteins, termed surfactant proteins. Among these, surfactant protein D (SP‐D) plays a central role in the pulmonary host defence and the modulation of allergic responses. Several human lung diseases are characterized by decreased levels of bronchoalveolar SP‐D. Thus, recombinant SP‐D has been proposed as a therapeutical option for cystic fibrosis, neonatal lung disease and smoking‐induced emphysema. Furthermore, SP‐D serum levels can be used as disease activity markers for interstitial lung diseases. This review illustrates the emerging role of SP‐D translated from in vitro studies to human lung diseases.
Microbial community changes during humification of 14C‐labelled maize straw in heat‐treated and native Orthic Luvisol
Authors: Liebich J. , Vereecken H. , Burauel P.
Published: May 2006

The microbial communities in agricultural soils are responsible for nutrient cycling and thus for maintaining soil fertility. However, there is still a considerable lack of knowledge on anthropogenic impacts on soils, their microflora, and the associated nutrient cycles. In this microcosm study, microorganisms involved in the conversion of crop residues were investigated by means of classical microbiological and molecular methods such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplified 16S rRNA genes. 14C‐labelled maize straw was humified by the naturally occurring microflora in native and in ashed soils, from which organic carbon was removed by heating at 600°C. The humic acids synthesized in the microcosms served as indicators of the humification process and were analysed by 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Ashed, autoclaved and native soil exhibited similar microbial and physicochemical dynamics after inoculation with a soil suspension. Bacterial counts and DGGE analyses showed that in the first few weeks a small number of rapidly growing r‐strategists were principally responsible for the conversion of maize straw. As the incubation continued, the bacterial diversity increased as well as the fungal biomass. 13C‐NMR spectroscopy of 26‐week old soil extracts revealed that structures typical of humic substances also evolved from the plant material.
Acoustic mimicry and disruptive alternative calling tactics in an Australian bushcricket (Caedicia; Phaneropterinae; Tettigoniidae; Orthoptera): does mating influence male calling tactic?
Authors: BAILEY WINSTON , MACLEAY CLAIRE , GORDON TANIA
Published: May 2006

AbstractMale calling and searching tactics are described for a duetting Australian bushcricket,Caediciasp. 12 (Phaneropterinae; Tettigoniidae; Orthoptera). The repertoire ofCaediciasp. 12 consists of the calling song and, by nonduetting males, a series of calling tactics that include short‐click calling, disruptive over‐singing and a call mimicking the entire duet. Nonduetting males respond to the production of a duet by another male and a female with short‐click calls that mimic the female call at the conclusion of a duet. By manipulating the male's mating history, it is found that this form of calling behaviour is more likely to occur within the male's 6‐day postmating refractory period; the low cost tactic allows males to re‐mate during spermatophore replenishment. Males also produce disruptive calls in response to a duet, where the male may over‐sing the duetting male's signal or produce a call that appears to mimic the entire duet; the male produces a calling song followed by a short signal that has the same latency as the female's reply within a duet. Males also over‐sing crucial elements of the duetting‐male's song that are normally critical for the female's conspecific recognition. There is no evidence that females search for the duetting male partner, but males unable to enter a duet will search for the call of a responding female. Searching by males is more common when these males are producing disruptive calls. Alternative male calling tactics are discussed as a set of conditional strategies for securing unmated females.
Observing decision‐making in the general practice consultation: who makes which decisions?
Authors: Ford Sarah , Schofield Theo , Hope Tony
Published: May 2006

Objective To investigate opportunities for, and types of decision making in the general practice (primary care) consultation, and examine differences in skills of those doctors who are successful at meeting their patients’ preferences and those who are less successful.

Design Observation study of doctor–patient consultations in general practice.

Participants Patients attending for routine appointments in 12 general practice surgeries across Oxfordshire.

Methods A total of 212 doctor–patient consultations were video‐recorded. The patients involved completed a questionnaire to elicit their perceptions of how decisions were made. The video‐taped recordings were coded with a new instrument, the Evidence Based Patient Choice Instrument (EBPCI), to classify the number and type of decision‐making opportunities arising during each consultation. A total of 149 recordings were coded using the Oxbridge Rating Scale to assess the doctors’ consultation styles.

Results There was a range of decision‐making opportunities in addition to those involving medical treatment. With the exception of ‘fitness for work’, decisions were generally ‘doctor led’. There was only moderate agreement between patient perceptions of their level of involvement in decision making and the objective ratings using the EBPCI. There was wide variation in the ability of doctors to meet their patients’ preferences for involvement.

Conclusions There are many decisions made in primary care consultations, in addition to those about medical treatments, in which patients could be involved to a greater extent than they currently are. Some doctors are significantly better than others at meeting different patients’ preferences for their decision‐making role. Patients’ perceptions of shared decision making appears to be influenced by the doctors’ general consultation skills.
‘Nothing fit me’: nationwide consultations with young women with breast cancer
Authors: Gould Judy , Grassau Pamela , Manthorne Jackie , Gray Ross E. , Fitch Margaret I.
Published: May 2006

Objective  There exists little research about the experience of breast cancer for young women in Canada. To address this gap, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) and the Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative undertook a research project to explore the information and support experiences, needs and recommendations of geographically diverse Canadian young women with breast cancer.

Setting and participants  We consulted with 65 young women in 10 focus groups held across Canada. All women had been diagnosed with breast cancer at, or before, 45 years of age. During the consultations the women were asked to discuss their information and support experiences and needs, as well as resource recommendations related to their diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

Main results  The overarching theme, ‘Nothing Fit Me’, revealed that accessed information, support and programmes/services did not ‘fit’ or match the women's age or life stage. When we asked for their recommendations the young women suggested that information and support match their age and life stage and that health‐care providers create and implement several topical workshops concerning, for example, sexuality, lymphedema and reconstruction.

Conclusion  The findings will be used by the CBCN as a general platform from which to conduct further research and/or action strategies. The CBCN will also implement the recommendations from this groundbreaking work as this network formulates a national strategy for young women with breast cancer.
Dombrock gene analysis in Brazilian people reveals novel alleles
Authors: Baleotti W. , Rios M. , Reid M. E. , Hashmi G. , Fabron A. , Pellegrino J. , Castilho L.
Published: May 2006

Background and Objectives  The Doa and Dob polymorphisms are associated with three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon 2 of the DO gene: 378C/T, 624T/C and 793A/G for the DOA and DOB alleles, respectively. The SNPs 350C/T (JO allele) and 323G/T (HY allele) are associated with the Jo(a–) and Hy‐negative phenotypes. Recently, two new DO alleles [DOB‐SH (378C, 624C, 793G) and DOA‐HA (378T, 624T, 793A)] were identified using microarray technology. Although the molecular background of Dombrock alleles is well defined, no studies have been conducted in the Brazilian population.

Materials and Methods  We employed polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP)‐based assays and a microarray assay to determine the frequency of the DO alleles (DOA, DOB, HY1, HY2 and JO) in Brazilians. We tested DNA of 288 Brazilians from three different ethnic groups by PCR‐RFLP to determine the 793A/G (DOA/DOB), 323G/T (HY), 350C/T (JO) and 898C/G (HY1/HY2) SNPs. We also tested DNA from 162 blood donors by using the HEA Beadchip™ assay to determine the 378C/T, 624T/C, 793A/G (DOA/DOB), 350C/T (JO allele) and 323G/T (HY) SNPs.

Results  Two novel allele combinations were found in our samples: the DOB allele (793G and 323G) associated with 898G (DOB‐WL); and an allele carrying the nucleotides 378C, 624C, 793A and 323G (DOA‐SH). We also found the DOB‐SH and DOA‐HA.alleles recently reported.

Conclusions  Our data demonstrate high heterogeneity of DO alleles in the Brazilian population. Our study also highlights the importance of testing a cohort of different populations to determine DO haplotypes and of establishing reliable genotyping tests for predicting Doa/Dob status.
Stratum adiposum, A Special Structure of the African Catfish Skin (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822)
Authors: Guerra R. R. , Santos N. P. , Cecarelli P. , Mangetti A. J. , Silva J. R. M. C. , Hernandez‐Blazquez F. J.
Published: May 2006

The skin histology of Clarias gariepinus, a scaleless teleost from south central Africa, is described. The African catfish epidermis is composed of epithelial cells representing 62.3% of volumetric density (Vv), club cells (Vv = 25.7%), mucous cells (Vv = 10.5%) and melanocytes (Vv = 1.4%). Its thickness amounts to approximately 240 μm. The dermis is distinguished by two well differentiated layers, the stratum adiposum, containing prominent amounts of adipose tissue, which forms large, oblong compartments circumscribed by dense connective tissue, and the stratum compactum, which is rich in compacted collagen fibres. Compared with other catfish species the dermis thickness is considerably thicker ranging from 1.3 to 2.3 mm. The function of this type of skin is discussed.
Negative influence of delayed surgery on survival after preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Supiot S. , Bennouna J. , Rio E. , Meurette G. , Bardet E. , Buecher B. , Dravet F. , Le Neel J.‐C. , Douillard J.‐Y. , Mahé M.‐A. , Lehur P.‐A.
Published: May 2006

Objective  In Europe, until recently the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer was preoperative radiotherapy (RT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence on survival of intervals between diagnosis and treatment.

Patients and methods  The influence on survival of intervals between diagnosis and surgery (Dg‐Surg), diagnosis and initiation of RT (Dg‐Rad), and completion of RT and surgery (Rad‐Surg) was evaluated in a retrospective series of patients treated with preoperative RT. Between 1991 and 1998, 102 patients received treatment with preoperative RT without concomitant chemotherapy at the René Gauducheau Cancer Center. Patients generally received 45 Gy (80%) in 25 fractions over 35 days for T2–T3–T4 N0–N1 M0 rectal adenocarcinoma located mainly (62.7%) in the lower third of the rectum (≤ 5 cm from anal margin). Thirty‐five pN1 patients were treated with postoperative chemotherapy. Differences between survival were assessed by the log‐rank test, and prognostic factors by the Cox test.

Results  Median time was 14.7 weeks for Dg‐Surg, 4.6 weeks for Dg‐Rad and 5.1 weeks for Rad‐Surg. Median follow‐up from diagnosis was 57.4 months. Five‐year local relapse‐free survival was 83.9%, metastasis‐free survival 64% and overall survival 60.8%. No factor was predictive of tumour response to RT. Log‐rank and multivariate analysis showed that overall survival was significantly influenced by lower‐third tumours, pT, pN and Dg‐Surg (poorer survival when ≥ 16 weeks: OR = 2.59, P = 0.005). Metastasis‐free survival correlated significantly with Dg‐Surg (≥ 16 weeks: OR = 2.05, P = 0.05).

Conclusion  An interval of more than 16 weeks between diagnosis and surgery may reduce overall survival of patients treated with preoperative RT for locally advanced rectal cancer. Surgery should be performed shortly after completion of RT for patients with no possibility of sphincter preservation, or a minimal risk of morbidity from an abdominoperineal excision.
Long‐term effects of exenatide therapy over 82 weeks on glycaemic control and weight in over‐weight metformin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ratner R. E. , Maggs D. , Nielsen L. L. , Stonehouse A. H. , Poon T. , Zhang B. , Bicsak T. A. , Brodows R. G. , Kim D. D.
Published: May 2006

Aim:  The ability of the incretin mimetic exenatide to improve glycaemic control and reduce body weight was assessed over 82 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes failing to achieve glycaemic control with maximally effective doses of metformin.

Methods:  In this interim 82‐week analysis, 150 (total cohort) of an eligible population of 183 patients opted to continue exenatide treatment in an uncontrolled open‐label extension of a 30‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Of these, 92 patients (completer cohort) achieved 82 weeks of exenatide therapy. Patients continued metformin throughout the study.

Results:  At the end of the placebo‐controlled trial, exenatide resulted in an haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction from baseline of −1.0 ± 0.1% (mean ± SE) (exenatide treatment arms), with durable HbA1c reductions after 82 weeks of −1.3 ± 0.1%. The percent of patients who achieved HbA1c≤7% at weeks 30 and 82 was 46 and 59% respectively. After 30 weeks, exenatide caused a reduction in weight from baseline of −3.0 ± 0.6 kg, with a progressive reduction in weight of −5.3 ± 0.8 kg after 82 weeks. In addition, exenatide treatment produced clinically significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors after 82 weeks. The most frequent adverse event after 30 and 82 weeks of exenatide was nausea, which was generally of mild‐or‐moderate intensity. It decreased in incidence after initiation in the controlled trial and the uncontrolled open‐label extension. Hypoglycaemia was rare, with no severe events.

Conclusion:  Exenatide was generally well tolerated, producing a durable reduction in HbA1c and a progressive reduction in weight over 82 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes failing to achieve glycaemic control with metformin.
Patterns of fish species richness in China's lakes
Authors: Zhao Shuqing , Fang Jingyun , Peng Changhui , Tang Zhiyao , Piao Shilong
Published: May 2006

Aim  To document the patterns of fish species richness and their possible causes in China's lakes at regional and national scales.

Location  Lakes across China.

Methods  We compiled data of fish species richness, limnological characteristics and climatic variables for 109 lakes across five regions of China: East region, Northeast region, Southwest region, North‐Northwest region, and the Tibetan Plateau. Correlation analyses, regression models and a general linear model were used to explore the patterns of fish species richness.

Results  At the national scale, lake altitude, energy availability (potential evapotranspiration, PET) and lake area explained 79.6% of the total variation of the lake fish species richness. The determinants of the fish richness pattern varied among physiographic regions. Lake area was the strongest predictor of fish species richness in the East and Southwest lakes, accounting for 22.2% and 82.9% of the variation, respectively. Annual PET explained 68.7% of the variation of fish richness in the Northeast lakes. Maximum depth, mineralization degree, and lake area explained 45.5% of the fish variation in the lakes of the North‐Northwest region. On the Tibetan Plateau, lake altitude was the first predictor variable, interpreting 32.2% of the variation.

Main conclusions  Lake altitude was the most important factor explaining the variation of fish species richness across China's lakes, and accounted for 74.5% of the variation. This may stem in part from the fact that the lakes investigated in our study span the largest altitudinal range anywhere in the world. The effects of the lake altitude on fish species richness can be separated into direct and indirect aspects due to its collinearity with PET. We also found that the fish diversity and its determinants were scale‐dependent. Fish species richness was probably energy‐determined in the cold region, while it was best predicted by the lake area in the relatively geologically old region. The independent variables we used only explained a small fraction of the variations in the lake fish species richness in East China and the Tibetan Plateau, which may be due to the effects of human activity and historical events, respectively.
Towards an integrated computational tool for spatial analysis in macroecology and biogeography
Authors: Rangel Thiago Fernando L. V. B. , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola , Bini Luis Mauricio
Published: May 2006

Because most macroecological and biodiversity data are spatially autocorrelated, special tools for describing spatial structures and dealing with hypothesis testing are usually required. Unfortunately, most of these methods have not been available in a single statistical package. Consequently, using these tools is still a challenge for most ecologists and biogeographers. In this paper, we present sam (Spatial Analysis in Macroecology), a new, easy‐to‐use, freeware package for spatial analysis in macroecology and biogeography. Through an intuitive, fully graphical interface, this package allows the user to describe spatial patterns in variables and provides an explicit spatial framework for standard techniques of regression and correlation. Moran's I autocorrelation coefficient can be calculated based on a range of matrices describing spatial relationships, for original variables as well as for residuals of regression models, which can also include filtering components (obtained by standard trend surface analysis or by principal coordinates of neighbour matrices). sam also offers tools for correcting the number of degrees of freedom when calculating the significance of correlation coefficients. Explicit spatial modelling using several forms of autoregression and generalized least‐squares models are also available. We believe this new tool will provide researchers with the basic statistical tools to resolve autocorrelation problems and, simultaneously, to explore spatial components in macroecological and biogeographical data. Although the program was designed primarily for the applications in macroecology and biogeography, most of sam's statistical tools will be useful for all kinds of surface pattern spatial analysis. The program is freely available at http://www.ecoevol.ufg.br/sam (permanent URL at http://purl.oclc.org/sam/).
Sick of Being Unemployed? Interactions between Unemployment and Sickness Insurance
Authors: Larsson Laura
Published: May 2006

This paper examines the incentive effects of interactions between unemployment insurance (UI) and sickness insurance (SI), two important components of Sweden's social insurance system. The main topic is how the sickness‐report rate among the unemployed is affected by (i) the limit of 300 workdays for UI benefits, and (ii) the difference in maximum compensation between UI and SI benefits. Results obtained by duration analysis suggest that sick reports increase as the UI benefit expiration date approaches. There is also evidence of an incentive effect on the sick‐report rate because SI offers higher compensation than UI.
The dazzle reflex: electrophysiological signals from ocular muscles reveal strong binocular summation effects
Authors: Plainis S. , Murray I. J. , Carden D.
Published: May 2006

Under dark adapted or dim conditions the mammalian visual system is carefully programmed to respond rapidly to the sudden onset of bright lights. This response, called the dazzle reflex, is controlled from sub‐cortical structures of the brain. It is known anecdotally that exposure to a bright light when dark adapted induces an instinctive closure of one eye to reduce the pain associated with dazzle. This binocular summation of the dazzle response has not previously been reported. The dazzle reflex can be measured in human subjects by recording the electrical activity from surface electrodes located near the muscles around the eye. In this paper we report an investigation of the apparent binocular summation of the dazzle reflex using this technique. The data reveal a clear difference between monocular and binocular stimulation, with the binocular response being much larger than the monocular response. Furthermore this monocular/binocular difference arises only if the stimulus duration is longer than approximately 1 s. These observations are interpreted in terms of the known physiology of blink mechanisms.
Toward a CIE supplementary system of photometry: brightness at any level including mesopic vision
Authors: Sagawa Ken
Published: May 2006

Photometry for brightness at any level including mesopic vision is described on the basis of the work conducted towards the development of a Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) supplementary system of photometry in CIE technical committees. Several critical items in developing such a system are discussed: (1) how to scale brightness using the concept of equivalent luminance; (2) the basic vision model of brightness perception; (3) a description of the chromatic contribution to brightness at the photopic as well as at the mesopic level; (4) formulation of an adaptation coefficient for rod–cone interaction. A possible photometric model for brightness is described based on these considerations, together with a quantitative evaluation of the model using experimental data.
Spectral discomfort glare sensitivity under low photopic conditions
Authors: Fekete J. , Sik‐Lányi C. , Schanda J.
Published: May 2006

Car headlamp manufacturers have to optimise the headlamp spectrum to produce maximum visibility and minimal glare. There are very few investigations on the best spectrum for mesopic visibility and even less data on the spectrum of discomfort glare. We have performed pilot measurements to determine the spectral discomfort glare sensitivity under situations similar to night‐driving conditions and conclude that it is not a simple additivity of the V(λ) and the V′ (λ) functions.
Mesopic spectral sensitivity functions based on visibility and recognition contrast thresholds
Authors: Várady Géza , Bodrogi Peter
Published: May 2006

Human vision works in a complex way in the mesopic luminance range which is not yet clearly understood, although several important visual tasks are performed at these luminance levels. In this study, spectral data for detection visibility and recognition contrast sensitivity were obtained in visual experiments. From our data it appears that chromatic channels also influence mesopic contrast sensitivity. An achromatic model of spectral sensitivity is fitted to our experimental data and the remaining chromatic components are discussed.
Taxation and Economic Growth
Authors: MYLES GARETH D.
Published: May 2006

The development of endogenous growth theory has opened an avenue through which the effects of taxation on economic growth can be explored. Explicit modelling of the individual decisions that contribute to growth allows the analysis of tax incidence and the prediction of growth effects. This paper reviews the theoretical and empirical evidence to assess whether a consensus arises as to how taxation affects the rate of economic growth. It is shown that the theoretical models isolate a number of channels through which taxation can affect growth and that these effects may be very substantial. Although empirical tests of the growth effect face unresolved difficulties, the empirical evidence points very strongly to the conclusion that the tax effect is very weak.
Expression of trunk Hox genes in the centipede Strigamia maritima: sense and anti‐sense transcripts
Authors: Brena Carlo , Chipman Ariel D. , Minelli Alessandro , Akam Michael
Published: May 2006

SUMMARY
We report the coding sequence and embryonic expression of the four trunk Hox genes Antennapedia (Antp), Ultrabithorax (Ubx), abdominal‐A (abd‐A), and Abdominal‐B (Abd‐B) in the geophilomorph centipede Strigamia maritima. In geophilomorph centipedes, all leg‐bearing segments (LBS) are generated during embryogenesis, allowing us to define expression in relation to the full extent of the forming trunk. Persistent Antp expression characterizes the maxillipedal (poison claw) segment, whereas all LBS express the three Hox genes Antp, Ubx, and abd‐A. Abd‐B is never detectably expressed in segmented tissue, but is restricted to a zone around the proctodaeum that contributes to the hindgut. Expression of all these Hox genes initiates in the unsegmented tissue of the blastodisc, with expression of Antp respecting a sharply defined anterior border before the appearance of morphological segmentation in the trunk. The accumulation of Hox gene transcripts is strongly modulated by the maturing segment pattern, suggesting regulatory interactions with multiple levels of the segment patterning machinery. For one of these genes, Ubx, we detect both sense and anti‐sense transcripts. The anti‐sense transcripts originate 3′ to the Ubx coding sequence and overlap the homeobox exon; they are expressed earlier than the Ubx coding transcripts and persistently, in an axially restricted pattern comparable to but distinct from those of the Hox coding transcripts. The pattern of accumulation of Ubx sense and anti‐sense transcripts is strikingly complementary, suggesting the possibility of anti‐sense regulation of Ubx expression.
Voxel‐based Optimized Morphometry (VBM) of Gray and White Matter in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) with and without Mesial Temporal Sclerosis
Authors: Mueller Suzanne G. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Cashdollar Nathan , Buckley Shannon , Paul Crystal , Weiner Michael W.
Published: May 2006

Summary:  Purpose: In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with evidence of hippocampal sclerosis (TLE‐MTS) volumetric gray (GM) and white (WM) matter abnormalities are not restricted to the hippocampus but also are found in extrahippocampal structures. Less is known about extrahippocampal volumetric abnormalities in TLE without hippocampal sclerosis (TLE‐no). In this study, we used optimized voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) with and without modulation with the following aims: (a) to identify WM and GM abnormalities beyond the hippocampus in TLE‐MTS and TLE‐no; and (b) to determine whether extratemporal WM and GM abnormalities differ between TLE‐MTS and TLE‐no.

Methods: Optimized VBM of GM and WM with and without modulation was performed in 26 TLE‐MTS (mean age, 35.6 ± 9.7 years), 17 TLE‐no (mean age, 35.6 ± 11.1 years), and 30 healthy controls (mean age, 30.3 ± 11.1 years).

Results: In TLE‐MTS, GM/WM volume and concentration reductions were found in the ipsilateral limbic system, ipsi‐ and contralateral neocortical regions, thalamus, cerebellum, internal capsule, and brainstem when compared with controls. In contrast, no differences of GM/WM volumes/concentrations were found between TLE‐no and controls or between TLE‐no and TLE‐MTS.

Conclusions: In TLE‐MTS, optimized VBM showed extensive GM and WM volume reductions in the ipsilateral hippocampus and in ipsi‐ and contralateral extrahippocampal regions. In contrast, no GM/WM volume or concentration reductions were found in TLE‐no. This further supports the hypothesis that TLE‐no is a distinct clinicopathologic entity from TLE‐MTS and probably heterogeneous in itself.
Altered Seizure Susceptibility in Mice Lacking the Cav2.3 E‐type Ca2+ Channel
Authors: Weiergräber Marco , Henry Margit , Krieger Andreas , Kamp Marcel , Radhakrishnan Kayalvizhi , Hescheler Jürgen , Schneider Toni
Published: May 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Recently the Cav2.3 (E/R‐type) voltage‐gated calcium channel (VGCC) has turned out to be not only a potential target for different antiepileptic drugs (e.g., lamotrigine, topiramate) but also a crucial component in the pathogenesis of absence epilepsy, human juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), and epileptiform activity in CA1 neurons. The aim of our study was to perform an electroencephalographic analysis, seizure‐susceptibility testing, and histomorphologic characterization of Cav2.3−/− mice to unravel the functional relevance of Cav2.3 in ictogenesis.

Methods: Generalized and brain‐specific Cav2.3 knockout animals were analyzed for spontaneous epileptiform discharges by using both electrocorticographic and deep intracerebral recordings. In addition, convulsive seizure activity was induced by systemic administration of either 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP; 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; 80 mg/kg, s.c.) to reveal possible alterations in seizure susceptibility. Besides histomorphologic analysis, expression studies of other voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels in Cav2.3−/− brains were carried out by using semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results: Both electrocorticographic and deep intrahippocampal recordings exhibited no spontaneous epileptiform discharges indicative of convulsive or nonconvulsive seizure activity during long‐term observation. Gross histology and expression levels of other voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels remained unchanged in various brain regions. Surprisingly, PTZ‐induced seizure susceptibility was dramatically reduced in Cav2.3‐deficient mice, whereas 4‐AP sensitivity remained unchanged.

Conclusions: Cav2.3 ablation results in seizure resistance, strongly supporting recent findings in CA1 neurons that Cav2.3 triggers epileptiform activity in specialized neurons via plateau potentials and afterdepolarizations. We provide novel insight into the functional involvement of Cav2.3 in ictogenesis and seizure susceptibility on the whole‐animal level.
Phage‐derived monoclonal anti‐Lua
Authors: Richard Martine , Perreault Josée , Gane Pierre , El Nemer Wassim , Cartron Jean‐Pierre , St‐Louis Maryse
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND:  Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) are gradually replacing human polyclonal sera as typing reagents. Many blood group specificities, however, are not amenable to classic hybridoma technology. The phage display technology, aimed at isolating peptides or antibody fragments, offers an alternative strategy. Recombinant antibodies derived from this technology would greatly facilitate phenotyping and decrease analysis cost.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A human single‐chain Fv (scFv) phage‐displayed library was panned on red blood cells (RBCs) in an attempt to isolate clones recognizing human RBC specificities. Three rounds of biopanning were performed. Enrichment was monitored by phage titration, and selected phage populations were analyzed further.

RESULTS:  Three major clones were identified by clone diversity analysis. One of them showed a specificity for Lua. This scFv was reconstructed into a human IgG1 by recombinant DNA methods. The reactivity of the reconstructed human IgG1 toward Lua is indistinguishable from its parent scFv. Moreover, the specificity of the antibody was confirmed by serologic assays, flow cytometry, and biochemical analysis with RBCs of different Lu phenotypes and a recombinant cell line expressing Lu glycoproteins.

CONCLUSION:  With phage display and standard recombinant DNA methods, isolation of a scFv of Lua specificity was successful, from which a complete human IgG1 MoAb of equivalent reactivity was reconstructed. To our knowledge, this is the first MoAb specific for Lua.
Potential use of autologous umbilical cord blood red blood cells for early transfusion needs of premature infants
Authors: Jansen Marijke , Brand Anneke , Von Lindern Jeannette S. , Scherjon Sicco , Walther Frans J.
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND:  This prospective study investigated whether the odds of receiving a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in premature infants can be predicted at birth and for whom of these infants harvesting of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for autologous transfusion within 30 days after birth would be worthwhile.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Characteristics were evaluated from 288 premature infants with a gestational age between 24 and 36 weeks and who were admitted to our neonatal center. In 144 (63%) of these infants UCB collection was attempted and the early transfusion needs could be compared with the amount of UCB available for transfusion.

RESULTS:  Sixty‐nine of 114 (61%) inborn infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks received one or more RBC transfusions of 10 mL per kg within 30 days after birth. Apgar score at 1 minute of less than 6 and gestational age of less than 32 weeks were independently associated with the chance of receiving a transfusion in this group. In 31 of 69 (46%) infants, at least 15 mL of UCB per kg of birth weight was collected and in 28 of 69 (41%) this would have been sufficient to cover their early transfusion needs.

CONCLUSION:  The decision to collect UCB for postnatal transfusion can be made just after labor, based on Apgar score and gestational age. The collection of UCB is most effective and efficient for premature infants between 29 and 31 weeks of gestation. For infants less than 29 weeks of gestation, the technical aspects of UCB collection need improvement. This pilot study requires a prospective clinical study to evaluate the proportion of premature infants that can be fully or substantially supported with autologous UCB.
Formation Mechanisms of Tetragonal Barium Titanate Nanoparticles in Alkoxide–Hydroxide Sol‐Precipitation Synthesis
Authors: Yoon Songhak , Baik Sunggi , Kim Min Gyu , Shin Namsoo
Published: May 2006

The early stage of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticle formation is investigated by in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) using synchrotron radiation. BaTiO3 nanoparticles are synthesized via dissolution of barium hydroxide octahydrate and hydrolysis of titanium (IV) isopropoxide in isopropanol. In the course of raising the temperature of the alkoxide–hydroxide mixture solution to 80°C, in situ synchrotron XRD reveals that BaTiO3 nanocrystals smaller than 6 nm begin to nucleate at 50°C without intermediate TiO2 anatase formation, and Ti K edge absorption spectra also confirm the formation of corner‐sharing TiO6 octahedra at 60°C. The average size of BaTiO3 precipitates increases to about 7.5 nm at 80°C. The synthesized nanopowders show an anomalously high tetragonality according to the Rietveld refinement of synchrotron XRD data.
The Local Drivers of Land Degradation in South‐East Asia
Authors: DOUGLAS IAN
Published: May 2006

Economic globalisation has led to a huge increase in demand for food, goods and services by expanding urban middle class populations. These demands cause environmental changes that in turn feed back upon the urban environment and human population. While the global changes are well researched, the cumulative significance of local environmental changes is less well known. Yet, the local changes may have greater impact on the decisions which individuals make that affect soil erosion and land degradation. People respond to family circumstances and to local economic opportunities in ways that most suit the needs of their families and households. Several demonstration projects that were not adopted offer lessons in understanding how people make their land‐use decisions. An understanding of people's past experiences, present needs and views of the future helps those seeking to improve environmental management to promote policies and actions that are likely to succeed by being acceptable to those involved.
Immunochromatographic Test for Simultaneous Serodiagnosis of
Babesia caballi
and
B. equi
Infections in Horses
Authors: Huang Xiaohong , Xuan Xuenan , Verdida Rodolfo A. , Zhang Shoufa , Yokoyama Naoaki , Xu Longshan , Igarashi Ikuo
Published: May 2006

An immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of
Babesia caballi
- and
B. equi
-specific antibodies (BceICT) was developed using a recombinant
B. caballi
48-kDa rhoptry protein (rBc48) and a recombinant truncated
B. equi
merozoite antigen 2 (rEMA-2t). An evaluation of the ability of the BceICT to detect antibodies in sera from uninfected horses and experimentally infected horses showed high sensitivities and specificities of 83.3% (10/12 sera) and 92.9% (52/56 sera), respectively, for the anti-
B. caballi
antibody and 94.1% (16/17 sera) and 88.2% (45/51 sera), respectively, for the anti-
B. equi
antibody. Results from the detection of antibodies in field-collected sera indicated that the BceICT results corresponded with those of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), showing 91.8% correspondence (67/73 sera) for
B. caballi
and 95.9% correspondence (70/73 sera) for
B. equi
, and that the BceICT results also corresponded with the ICT for
B. caballi
and for
B. equi
, both of which were 98.2% (55/56 sera). The comparable results of the ICT and ELISA and the simplicity and rapidity of the performance of the ICT suggest that the BceICT would be a feasible test for the simultaneous serodiagnosis of both agents of equine babesiosis in the field.