bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upconversion Luminescence Properties of Er3+–Yb3+‐Codoped Titania–Zirconia Composites
Authors: Hu Yingfei , Wang Deqiang , Li Zhijin , Lu Junjie , Zheng Jinbiao
Published: November 2009

Er3+–Yb3+‐codoped titania–zirconia composites were synthesized using a coprecipitation method with aqueous ammonia as the precipitator. Their crystal structures and upconversion luminescent properties were investigated using X‐ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra. The strong green and red upconversion emissions were observed. The ratio of green to red emission was changed with the variation of the host composition and dopant concentrations. The relevant mechanism was discussed.
Structural change in the West German agricultural sector
Authors: Huettel Silke , Margarian Anne
Published: November 2009

This article explains regionally differentiated patterns of structural change based on a theoretical framework dealing with strategic interaction of farms on the land market. The main research question focuses on the causes of regionally persistent structures. An empirical Markov chain model is defined for the West German agricultural sector. The model is used to explain the probabilities of farm growth, decline, or exit in terms of the current and former regional farm size structure. Further, the impact of variables describing the regional farm structure, thereby indicating market power of the large, the potential of high competition for land within a region, and possibly high rents of the status quo in combination with sunk costs, is quantified. The results confirm the relevance of strategic interaction as a crucial determinant of persistent regional differences in the farm size structure over time.
Smallholders, institutional services, and commercial transformation in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Berhanu , Jaleta Moti , Hoekstra Dirk
Published: November 2009

This article examines the role of institutional services of credit, input supply, and extension in the overall commercial transformation process of smallholder agriculture in Ethiopia. Survey data collected in 2006 from 309 sample households in three districts of Ethiopia are used for the analyses. Tobit regression models are used to measure the effect of access to services on the intensity of inputs use for fertilizer and agrochemicals. A probit model is used to measure these effects on the adoption of improved seeds. Intensity of use of seeds is analyzed using an ordinary least squares model. Logarithmic Cobb–Douglass functions are estimated to analyze the effect of access to services on crop productivity. Heckman's two‐stage estimation is used to examine determinants of household market participation and the extents of participation. Results show that access to institutional support services plays a significant role in enhancing smallholder productivity and market orientation. Our results imply that expanding and strengthening the institutional services is critical for the intensification and market orientation of smallholder agriculture in Ethiopia. In particular, appropriate incentives and regulatory systems are urgently needed to encourage the involvement of the private sector in the provision of agricultural services.
The growth of family farms in Hungary
Authors: Bakucs Lajos Zoltán , Fertő Imre
Published: November 2009

The article investigates the validity of Gibrat's Law for Hungarian family farms using FADN data collected between 2001 and 2007. Gibrat's Law states that the growth rate of firms will be independent of their initial size. Regression results allow us to reject Gibrat's Law for all quantiles. Evidence suggests that smaller farms tend to grow faster than larger ones. Results do not support the hypothesis of “disappearing middle” in Hungarian agriculture. We study a number of socio‐economic factors that can help to explain farm growth. We find that total subsidies received by a farm and the farm operator's age are the most significant factors correlated with farm growth.
Small U.S. dairy farms: can they compete?
Authors: Nehring Richard , Gillespie Jeffrey , Sandretto Carmen , Hallahan Charlie
Published: November 2009

The U.S. dairy industry is undergoing rapid structural change, evolving from a structure including many small farmers in the Upper Midwest and Northeast to one that includes very large farms in new production regions. Small farms are struggling to retain competitiveness via improved management and low‐input systems. Using data from USDA's Agricultural Resource Management Survey, we determine the extent of U.S. conventional and pasture‐based milk production during 2003–2007, and estimate net returns, scale efficiency, and technical efficiency associated with the systems across different operation sizes. We compare the financial performance of small conventional and pasture‐based producers with one another and with large‐scale producers. A stochastic production frontier is used to analyze performance over the period for conventional and pasture technologies identified using a binomial logit model. Large conventional farms generally outperformed smaller farms using most economic measures—technical efficiency, various profitability measures, and returns to scale.
A maximum stellar surface density in dense stellar systems
Authors: Hopkins Philip F. , Murray Norman , Quataert Eliot , Thompson Todd A.
Published: November 2009

We compile observations of the surface mass density profiles of dense stellar systems, including globular clusters in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, massive star clusters in nearby starbursts, nuclear star clusters in dwarf spheroidals and late-type discs, ultra-compact dwarfs, and galaxy spheroids spanning the range from low-mass ‘cusp’ bulges and ellipticals to massive ‘core’ ellipticals. We show that in all cases the maximum stellar surface density attained in the central regions of these systems is similar, Σmax ∼ 1011 M⊙ kpc−2 (∼20 g cm−2), despite the fact that the systems span ∼7 orders of magnitude in total stellar mass M* and ∼5 in effective radius Re, and have a wide range in effective surface density M*/R2e. The surface density limit is reached on a wide variety of physical scales in different systems and is thus not a limit on three-dimensional stellar density. Given the very different formation mechanisms involved in these different classes of objects, we argue that a single piece of physics likely determines Σmax. The radiation fields and winds produced by massive stars can have a significant influence on the formation of both star clusters and galaxies, while neither supernovae nor black hole accretion is important in star cluster formation. We thus conclude that feedback from massive stars likely accounts for the observed Σmax, plausibly because star formation reaches an Eddington-like flux that regulates the growth of these diverse systems. This suggests that current models of galaxy formation, which focus on feedback from supernovae and active galactic nuclei, are missing a crucial ingredient.
Infrastructure Financing and Operation in the Contemporary City
Authors: O'NEILL PHILLIP M.
Published: November 2009

The provision of large economic infrastructure in Australian cities is widely seen to be in crisis. This paper examines the reasons why crisis has arisen in the urban infrastructure sector and what might be done to redress this. The analysis and the argument are based on a resuscitation of the ideas and ideals of infrastructure provision and how these have been eroded. The paper shows how these ideas/ideals once underpinned the formulation of state role, governance and regulation systems, financial arrangements, and even community need and expectation. Critical to this was an acceptance of the ideals of universality, access, bundling and free positive externalities, and the belief that these should be assembled necessarily as part of any urban infrastructure roll‐out. This package became instinctive in post‐war economic and urban management. Yet this instinct has been lost as governments shift from models of infrastructure provision to infrastructure procurement where a major role for the private sector is now common. While such an involvement has its benefits, there are concerns for the urban condition when privatisation of infrastructure construction, delivery and operation becomes dominant. Citing Graham and Marvin (2001), the paper argues that, where once infrastructure was the key device for integrating the elements of the city and its people, the way it is now being delivered produces a splintered urbanism. There is an urgent need, then, to re‐think what infrastructure means in today's urban context and thereafter to re‐assess the criteria for deciding what infrastructure is to be provided, in what form it should be provided, who should provide it, who should pay, and who should operate it.
Urban and Rural Estimates of Poverty: Recent Advances in Spatial Microsimulation in Australia
Authors: TANTON ROBERT , HARDING ANN , MCNAMARA JUSTINE
Published: November 2009

This paper reports on the calculation of poverty rates for small areas in Australia using a spatial microsimulation model. The spatial microsimulation methodology used involves reweighting data from confidentialised unit record files (CURFs) from surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to small area census data, also from the ABS. The method is described in this paper, and then maps of poverty using poverty rates derived from this small area estimation method are shown for the eastern coast of Australia and its capital cities. Further analysis of poverty rates in capital cities is then conducted. We find that areas of higher poverty risk can be clearly identified within Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. We also find that areas of high poverty are frequently ‘buffered’ by areas of moderate poverty. This is not always the case since, in some areas, we find a high poverty area neighbouring a low poverty area but, generally, there appears to be a moderate poverty ‘buffer’ in most capital cities.
Labour Relations and the Transfer of Knowledge in Industrial Clusters: Why do Skilled Workers Share Knowledge with Colleagues in Other Firms?
Authors: WILSON LOU , SPOEHR JOHN
Published: November 2009

Industrial clusters are held to offer competitive advantages to firms that accrue from the transfer of tacit knowledge between skilled workers co‐located in spatially bound regions. This paper argues that informal knowledge transfers between skilled employees working in spatially bounded industrial clusters might have an association with the labour relationship between employers and employees. In the literature on industrial clusters general knowledge is readily traded through codified texts and collegial networks but high value, tacit knowledge transfers occur less frequently but are critical to the success of firms located in clusters. Tacit knowledge transfers are held to occur when workers move to other firms because of firm death or poaching but less frequently through contacts between colleagues from other firms. Industrial clusters are said to offer labour market advantages for skilled workers in the form of ample job opportunities and rising wages, which engender firm loyalty and discourage the transfer of tacit knowledge of competitive value to other firms. However, the limited empirical evidence available on actual working conditions for skilled workers in regional industrial clusters indicates that this argument is contestable. Some evidence suggests that there are limited wage premiums accruing to the industrial districts, a limited role for geographic proximity, and weak localised returns on seniority and education. We argue that in such circumstances high value knowledge between workers in different firms might be traded as an act of epistemic solidarity or sociability that disregards the interests of employer organisations. Such actions might vary by region and country in relation to the prevailing system of labour relations. Australian labour relations are offered as a case in point.
Third‐compartment cannulation in alpacas using a polyurethane gastrostomy tube
Authors: Smith GW , Gerard MP , Campbell NB , Foster DM , Smith SM , Davis JL
Published: November 2009

Objective To develop a simple and effective surgical technique for third‐compartment cannulation in alpacas.

Design Prospective study using six adult male alpacas.

Methods General anaesthesia was induced and a polyurethane gastrostomy tube was surgically implanted into the distal portion of the third compartment.

Results Three of the alpacas retained their cannulas for a 100‐day period; however, three cannulas were dislodged during the study. Two of the three dislodged cannulas were replaced during a second surgical procedure. Cannulas were well tolerated by the alpacas and all animals remained clinically healthy during the study period. Third compartment contents did not leak from the cannulation site. The tubes were manually removed following the completion of the study and the small defect in the body wall quickly healed over in all animals.

Conclusion Surgical placement of polyurethane tubes designed for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a useful method of cannulating the third compartment in camelids. This technique can be used for experimental studies and possibly could be used for nutritional support and fluid therapy in sick camelids that might need long‐term care.
Iatrogenic, sulfonamide‐induced hypothyroid crisis in a Labrador Retriever
Authors: Brenner K , Harkin K , Schermerhorn T
Published: November 2009

This case report describes a sulfonamide‐induced hypothyroid crisis in a 4‐year‐old Labrador Retriever bitch. Empirical therapy with high‐dose trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole for 10 days produced signs of weakness, ataxia and mental depression and the clinicopathological results supported hypothyroid‐induced central nervous system depression. Short‐term levothyroxine sodium therapy led to complete resolution of all clinical signs and follow‐up thyroid hormone assays ruled out underlying thyroid pathology. This case report is the first to highlight this potentially life‐threatening manifestation of sulfonamide‐induced hypothyroidism. Sulfonamide combinations are widely used antimicrobials in veterinary medicine and early recognition of this syndrome is critical.
Environmental mastitis in intensive high‐producing dairy herds in New South Wales
Authors: Shum LWC , McConnel CS , Gunn AA , House JK
Published: November 2009

Objective  To determine the prevalence of mastitis pathogens in high‐producing intensive dairy herds in New South Wales.

Design  Field survey.

Procedure  Milk samples from the mastitis‐affected quarter were collected from cows on five high‐producing dairy farms in NSW. The 820 samples were cultured using standard microbiological culture techniques.

Results  Bacteria or fungi were isolated from 83.3% of samples (683/820). More than two colony types were isolated from 16.7% of samples (137/820), two types from 6.6% (54/820), and one type from 52.3% (429/820). No bacteria were isolated from 24.4% (200/820) of the primary cultures, but enrichment cultures of these samples yielded single colony type bacterial isolates from 36.5% (73/200) of samples. Environmental pathogens, including coliforms, environmental Streptococcus and Staphylococcus spp., made up 91% (555/610) of isolates and accounted for 33.6% (205/610), 41.6% (254/610) and 15.7% (96/610), respectively, of isolates. Escherichia coli accounted for 76.1% (156/205) of the coliform isolates, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae accounted for 32.3% (82/254) and 28.0% (71/254), respectively, of the environmental streptococcal isolates. Contagious pathogens were uncommon, comprising only 2.5% (15/610) of the total isolates.

Conclusion  The incidence and causes of mastitis are largely influenced by farm management. The relatively high prevalence of coliform mastitis in the intensive high‐producing herds in this survey contrasts with the low incidence reported in surveys of pasture‐based herds in Victoria. If the Australian dairy industry continues its current trend of intensification, coliform intra‐mammary infections may emerge as an increasingly important cause of mastitis.
Photostabilization Effect of Quercetin on the UV Filter Combination, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane–Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Authors: Scalia Santo , Mezzena Matteo
Published: November 2009

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the natural antioxidant quercetin on the photostability of the most widely used combination of UVA (320–400 nm) and UVB (290–320 nm) filters, respectively butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDBM) and octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC). In order to reproduce the conditions prevalent in commercial sunscreen products, the stabilizing efficacy of quercetin was evaluated in model creams containing BMDBM (3%, wt/wt) together with OMC (4%, wt/wt) and exposed to a solar simulator at an irradiance corresponding to natural sunlight. Quercetin was found to enhance the photostability of the two UV filters in a concentration‐dependent way. Addition of quercetin to the sunscreen formulation significantly reduced the photodegradation of BMDBM and OMC from 40.3 ± 2.4 to 27.7 ± 2.6% and from 51.3 ± 2.1 to 42.2 ± 2.0%, respectively. Moreover, comparative photodegradation studies demonstrated that quercetin was much more effective and at a lower concentration than commonly used stabilizer (octocrylene) and antioxidants (vitamin E, butylated hydroxyanisole). In vitro determination of the UVB and UVA protection parameters showed that the quercetin‐based formulation fulfilled the official requirements on sunscreen products. Because of its photostabilizing and multiple antioxidant properties, quercetin represents a useful additive for the formulation of effective broad‐spectrum sunscreens containing BMDBM and OMC.
Photochemistry of Bacteriochlorophylls in Human Blood Plasma: 1. Pigment Stability and Light‐induced Modifications of Lipoproteins
Authors: Dandler Jörg , Wilhelm Brigitte , Scheer Hugo
Published: November 2009

Transmetalated derivatives of bacteriochlorophyll are promising sensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Protocols using short delay times between injection and irradiation cause interest in the photochemistry of these pigments in the blood. Using near‐infrared irradiation where these pigments absorb strongly, we have studied the photochemistry of Zn‐ and Pd‐bacteriopheophorbide (WST09), and of the highly polar taurinated Pd‐derivative, WST11, in isolated fractions of human blood plasma. The stability of all pigments is increased in blood plasma, compared with monomeric solutions. Pd‐bacteriopheophorbide is much more stable than the other two derivatives. It also has a higher capacity for inducing reactive oxygen species, yet the consumption of oxygen is comparable. There is furthermore evidence for photobleaching under anoxic conditions. The generation of hydroperoxides (ROOH) is faster with Pd‐ than with Zn‐complexes; the formation of endoperoxides (ROOR′), measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, is comparable with the two central metals. Formation of both ROOH and ROOR′ is increased in low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) compared with high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), which is probably related to the higher concentration of target molecules in the former. In HDL, extensive cross‐linking is induced among the apolipoproteins; judged from the electrophoretic mobility of LDL and HDL particles, there is also a gross structural change. Photosensitized cross‐linking is much less pronounced with high‐density proteins.
Development of a biochip‐based assay integrated in a global strategy for identification of fusion transcripts in acute myeloid leukemia: a work flow for acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis
Authors: GIUSIANO S. , FORMISANO‐TRÉZINY C. , BENZIANE A. , MAROC N. , PICARD C. , HERMITTE F. , TARANGER‐CHARPIN C. , GABERT J.
Published: November 2009

Three major types of rearrangements are involved in acute myeloid leukemias (AML): t(8;21)(q22;q22), inv(16)(p13q22), and 11q23/MLL abnormalities. Their precise identification becomes essential for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic choices. Resulting fusion transcripts (FT) are also powerful markers for monitoring the efficacy of treatment, the minimal residual disease (MRD) and could become therapeutic targets. Today, the challenge is to propose an individual follow‐up for each patient even for those with a rare fusion event. In this study, we propose a biochip‐based assay integrated in a global strategy for identification of rare FT in AML, after fluorescence in situ hybridization detection, as described by the World Health Organization classification. Using cell lines, we developed and validated a biochip‐based assay called the AMLFusionChip that identifies every FT of AML1‐ETO, CBFβ‐MYH11 as well as MLL‐AF9, MLL‐ENL, MLL‐AF6, and MLL‐AF10. The original design of our AMLFusionChip.v01 enables the identification of these FT wherever the breakpoint on the partner gene may be. In case of biochip negative result, our 3′RACE amplification strategy enables to clone and then sequence the new translocation partner. This AMLFusionChip strategy fits into the concept of personalized medicine for the largest number of patients.
How much does international normalized ratio monitoring cost during oral anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist? A systematic review
Authors: CHAMBERS S. , CHADDA S. , PLUMB J. M.
Published: November 2009

Next‐generation oral anticoagulants offer the potential for effective prevention and treatment of thrombosis without the need for repeated monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR). This systematic review evaluated the costs associated with INR monitoring tests performed as part of the standard management of oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. Studies published in or after 1990 reporting the costs of INR monitoring were identified from bibliographic databases and manual searches of reference lists. Cost data were extracted and inflated to the year 2006 before purchasing power parity conversion to US dollars. A total of 29 studies reported the cost of one INR test, which was shown to range from $6.19 to $145.70. Cost estimates were based on various combinations of direct medical costs, such as healthcare contacts, equipment, laboratory tests, clerical costs (postage and stationery), telephone calls, quality control, training/education and patient transportation, and indirect costs, such as time lost from work. In conclusion, the cost of INR monitoring varied substantially between studies depending on the monitoring modality and setting, and the cost categories included. When selecting a published estimate, healthcare decision makers should ensure that the chosen estimate reflects local service provision as closely as possible.
Beyond conventional DMARDs: extending TNF‐regulant therapies to the vast majority/less privileged who do need them
Authors: BUTTERS Desley , WHITEHOUSE Michael
Published: November 2009

This article is a plea to find (better) ways to extend the benefits of anti‐cytokine therapies to ensure they will become available as widely as possible. Pessimistically, this will probably involve substituting more affordable, although somewhat less specific, non‐biological agents for present target‐specific bio‐DMARDs (disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs) to ensure far wider distribution of benefits. Optimistically, new developments in technology and bio‐engineering might dramatically reduce costs of present ‘biological’ therapies. (The antibiotics we now take for granted were once also horrendously expensive.). Pragmatically, one goal for this mission should include seriously pursuing more research and pilot clinical trials of non‐protein combination therapies able to control: (i) TNF or other pro‐inflammatory cytokines; and also (ii) other mediators sustaining chronic inflammation (→pain, effusion, fibrosis, porosis, etc.). This can be immediately facilitated by drawing upon the immense resources of non‐prescription Asia‐Pacific traditional therapies – particularly when these have already been shown to either reduce TNF synthesis or control TNF‐induced responses in preclinical studies. Could this be a major goal for the next decade, helping rectify some of the omissions of the current Bone & Joint Decade 2000–2010?
Association of mannose‐binding lectin gene polymorphisms with Kawasaki disease in the Japanese
Authors: SATO Satoshi , KAWASHIMA Hisashi , KASHIWAGI Yasuyo , FUJIOKA Tao , TAKEKUMA Kouji , HOSHIKA Akinori
Published: November 2009

Objective:  Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis in childhood; its etiology is unknown. The possibility that KD is an infectious disease has been discussed and investigated for decades, in light of the implication that infections are involved in the pathogenesis of KD. Young children rely on their innate immune system for protection against virus and micro‐organisms. Human mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a C‐type serum lectin synthesized by the liver as an acute phase protein and it plays an important role in the innate immune system. Here, we investigate the relationship between the MBL gene polymorphisms and the occurrence of KD in the Japanese population.

Method:  The frequencies of the genotypes, defined as mutations in codons 52, 54 and 57, and the functional promoter variants of the MBL were determined in 45 patients with KD.

Results:  The MBL codon‐54 polymorphism frequency of heterozygote (GGC/GAC) and promoter variants were significantly higher in the KD group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Neither group showed codon 52 nor 57 polymorphisms.

Conclusion:  It is possible that mutations of the MBL gene might be related to the trigger of the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease.
Estimation of monocyte‐chemoattractantprotein‐1 (Mcp‐1) level in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: ALZAWAWY Ashraf , ZOHARY Magdy , ABLORDINY Magdy , ELDALIE Mona
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To evaluate the use of non‐invasive estimation of CP‐1 in urine as a good indicator for lupus nephritis activity.

Methods:  The study was conducted on 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (group I): 15 of these patients were selected without renal involvement (group I [A]), and the other 15 were selected with evidence of renal involvement (group I [B]). Further 10 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects were taken as a control group (group II). The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was applied. Laboratory investigations done for the studied group of patients included: renal function tests (antinuclear antibody) titer, (anti‐double‐stranded DNA) titer, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) level in serum and urine samples.

Results:  Serum MCP‐1 was significantly higher in SLE patients with nephritis than in the control group, while no significant difference was found between SLE patients without nephritis and the control group. Urinary MCP‐1 in patients with active lupus nephritis (LN) were significantly higher than both patients with inactive LN and control the group. Urinary MCP‐1 in SLE patients with nephritis was significantly higher than both group I (A) and group II. Urinary MCP‐1 correlated positively with proteinuria, and negatively with creatinine clearance and hemoglobin; thus, urinary MCP‐1 correlates with the severity of nephritis.

Conclusion:  Urinary and not serum MCP‐1 is a useful invasive technique for the assessment of renal disease activity in patients with LN.
Lipid peroxidation, glutathione, vitamin E, and antioxidant enzymes in synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: SUTIPORNPALANGKUL Werasak , MORALES Noppawan P. , CHAROENCHOLVANICH Keerati , HARNROONGROJ Thossart
Published: November 2009

Aim: To compare levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in synovial fluid from primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients with severe cartilage damage undergoing total knee replacement with those in the synovial fluid from injured knee joint patients with intact cartilage undergoing knee arthroscopy.

Methods: Thirty‐two OA patients and 10 injured knee joint patients were recruited. Lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARs]), iron and glutathione (GSH) were measured using a colorimetric method. Vitamin E was measured with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD]) were analyzed with the use of a kinetic method.

Results: TBARs, iron and GSH levels in synovial fluid were not significantly different between OA patients and injured knee joint patients. Antioxidant enzymes such as GPx and SOD activities also indicated no significant difference. Only vitamin E level was significantly lower in the synovial fluid of OA patients than in that of the injured knee joint patients.

Conclusions: Oxidative stress may have a role in pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis. Vitamin E supplementation may have a role in the management of patients.
A survey on the management of gout in Malaysia
Authors: YEAP Swan Sim , GOH Emily M. L. , GUN Suk Chyn
Published: November 2009

Aim:  The aim of this study was to ascertain the management of gout by doctors in Malaysia.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among doctors attending rheumatology post‐graduate courses, where gout was not a lecture topic.

Results:  A total of 128 questionnaires were analyzed, of which the majority (67: 52.3%) were general practitioners. In the treatment of acute gout, 68.0% use non‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 53.9% use selective COX‐2 inhibitors (coxibs), 66.4% use colchicine and 10.2% use allopurinol (ALLO). In the treatment of chronic gout, 36.7% use NSAIDs, 44.5% use coxibs, 19.5% use colchicine and 93% use ALLO. In both acute and chronic gout, corticosteroids (CS) are not used by over 90% of respondents. Fifty percent would stop ALLO during an acute attack. 95.3% do not start ALLO during an acute attack; 87.5% would start ALLO after the attack, with a median of 14 days afterwards. Once ALLO was started, 54.7% would continue indefinitely. Regarding target urate levels while on treatment, 10.9% would be satisfied with a high normal range, 21.9% middle of the range, 18.0% low normal range and 45.3% anywhere within the normal range. Fifteen percent would treat asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Conclusions:  In Malaysia, anti‐inflammatory agents are most commonly used for the treatment of acute and chronic gout, with corticosteroid usage at a low level. However, there are areas of concern regarding the diagnosis of gout and the usage of ALLO which are not consistent with current guidelines.
Rheumatoid arthritis in paintings: a tale of two origins
Authors: YEAP Swan Sim
Published: November 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is thought to be a ‘recent’ disease in that descriptions of it were only noted in the 17th century. However, a study of paintings would suggest that RA could have been present as early as the 15th century, when artists started to paint the human body accurately rather than figuratively. Thus, it was possible to deduce from their paintings the occurrence of various medical conditions. If present, RA with its typical finger deformities should be apparent. This review discusses the known occurrences of RA‐type deformities in paintings and places this in the context of the origins of the disease.
The history of the Hellenic Society for Rheumatology and the League against Rheumatism. From ancient world to the modern era
Authors: KOUTSOGEORGOPOULOU Loukia , KASSIMOS Dimitrios
Published: November 2009

The history of the Greek rheumatology from ancient world to the modern era. Emphasis is given to the contribution of the Greek vocabulary to rheumatologic terminology.
A case of refractory vasculitic ulcers in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient responding to rituximab and hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Authors: LUI Nai‐Lee , THUMBOO Julian , FONG Kok‐Yong
Published: November 2009

Large refractory vasculitic ulcers are not commonly seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We report a case of refractory vasculitic ulcers responding to rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 cells leading to prolonged B cell depletion. This treatment was initiated after treatment with high‐dose steroids and other immunosuppressants were ineffective/associated with significant side‐effects. Following treatment with rituximab, there was sustained clinical improvement and subsequent reduction of prednisolone dose. Rituximab was well‐tolerated. Concomitant methotrexate therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may have aided the recovery of the patient’s vasculitic ulcers. This case and anecdotal reports have illustrated the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of refractory SLE‐related vasculitic ulcers. Further studies to determine the long‐term efficacy and side‐effects would be useful.
Beyond economic and ecological standardisation
Authors: Tsing Anna ,   for the Matusutake Worlds Research Group
Published: November 2009

Supply chain capitalism forages among the ruins of military and industrial landscapes—and so do real foragers, such as Southeast Asian refugees picking wild mushrooms in the US Pacific Northwest for commercial shipment to Japan. This essay explores how supply chain dynamics thrive on deregulation and diversity, encouraging cultural and ecological variety as a source of profit. Supply chain values are created through diversity—and sometimes, disaster. I aim to provoke anthropologists to revive ethnography for the challenge of studying supply chains, as these erupt like mushrooms after a rain in the cracks of economic and ecological standardisation.
Design that Pays
Authors: Viladàs Xènia
Published: November 2009

Businesses are finally beginning to get the idea that design may be a tool to help them thrive in the marketplace. But the messages they get about what design is and how profitable it can be are mixed. How can we as designers best explain, in terms that make sense to management, how and why to use design?
Integrated Brand Experience Through Sensory Branding and IMC
Authors: Kim Jai Beom , Koo Yoori , Chang Don Ryun
Published: November 2009

The Brand Experience Wheel is one way to move from the traditional marketing environment to a more integrated model—one that integrates sensory branding with brand touch‐points. We take a look at strategic communications management and strategic brand management with reference to recent products from Nike and Puma.
Tate modules of universal p-divisible groups
Authors: Lau Eike
Published: November 2009

A p-divisible group over a complete local domain determines a Galois representation on the Tate module of its generic fibre. We determine the image of this representation for the universal deformation in mixed characteristic of a bi-infinitesimal group and for the p-rank strata of the universal deformation in positive characteristic of an infinitesimal group. The method is a reduction to the known case of one-dimensional groups by a deformation argument based on properties of the stratification by Newton polygons.
Inverted method for fabricating a nano-aperture device with subwavelength structures
Authors: Suutala A. , Olkkonen J. , Cox D. C. , Lappalainen J. , Jantunen H.
Published: November 2009

An inverted method for fabricating a plasmonic nanoaperture device by using focused ion beam (FIB) milling and focused electron beam (FEB) induced deposition is proposed here. The device structure presented consists of a periodic annulus grating pattern along the interface of a quartz substrate and sputtered aluminum layers and a cylindrical high-index filled nanoaperture through the aluminum film in the center of the grating. FIB milling was used to process the annulus pattern on the quartz substrate. A dielectric nanopost (or inverted nanoaperture) was fabricated by FEB-induced deposition using tetraethyl orthosilicate as a precursor. The device geometry was characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The structural processability of the device was proven with adequate accuracy and the properties of the materials also met the conditions of the device model in terms of functionality.
Effect of anion-to-cation supplying ratio on the surface morphology of AlN films grown on ZnO substrates at low temperature
Authors: Im Inho , Jung Mina , Koo Jieun , Lee Hyunjae , Park Jinsub , Minegishi Tsutomu , Park Seunghwan , Fujii Katsushi , Yao Takafumi , Kil Gyungsuk , Hanada Takashi , Chang Jiho
Published: November 2009

The authors investigated the evolution of surface morphology of AlN films grown on ZnO substrates at low temperature (LT) (400°C) as a function of anion/cation supplying ratio (V/III ratio). Unlike the well-known favorable growth conditions for high-temperature growth, smooth-surface LT-AlN layers were obtained under the O-polar surface, stoichiometric, and N-rich conditions. LT-AlN layers revealed smooth surface (roughness in root mean square=0.20nm for AlN on O-polar ZnO and 0.44nm for AlN on Zn-polar ZnO) and quite low etch-pit density (∼2×106cm−2 for AlN∕Zn-polar ZnO).
Simulating long-term river morphodynamics at watershed scaleThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue in honour of Professor M. Selim Yalin (1925–2007).
Authors: Di Silvio Giampaolo
Published: November 2009

It has been a traditional practice of fluvial engineers to apply the uniform water-flow hypothesis to real rivers by averaging the geometric and hydraulic quantities over appropriate portions of the river reach. No quantitative criterion, however, was applied to assess the validity and limitations of this procedure. The present paper collects a number of theoretical considerations and relevant observations (developed in the framework of two recent doctoral theses) that are quite useful for selecting the approximated model most suitable for studying morphodynamic problems at watershed scale. Particularly efficient for this analysis has been consideration of the river in quasi-equilibrium conditions.
Intensity and characteristic length of braided channel patternsThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue in honour of Professor M. Selim Yalin (1925–2007).
Authors: Ashmore Peter
Published: November 2009

Recent research on braided river morphology shows that the intensity (number of anabranches) of braiding channels increases with dimensionless discharge and (or) stream power. This variation in intensity reflects the adjustment of total sinuosity of the river to imposed gradient at a given discharge and grain size. Only a subset of channels is active at a given time and this active braiding intensity reflects the limited number of channels that can sustain bed load transport as the flow is divided. This is governed mechanistically by the dynamics of bifurcations and avulsions. Braided channel networks also have a characteristic length scale (or scales) related to the wavelength of the bars from which braiding develops and to the scale of the bars and confluence–bifurcation units within the braided network. The range of scales is limited by the size (and, therefore, number) of the active channels within the network and the width of the entire river.
Sediment source identification: a review and a case study in some Canadian streamsThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue in honour of Professor M. Selim Yalin (1925–2007).
Authors: Krishnappan Bommanna G. , Chambers Patricia A. , Benoy Glenn , Culp Joseph
Published: November 2009

The state-of-the-art of sediment source identification is reviewed in this paper. Sediment “fingerprinting” techniques using different “fingerprint” properties were examined. With these techniques, it is possible to identify potential sources of sediment transported in river systems. Such knowledge is useful for implementing sediment control strategies to limit sediment production from upland areas in a watershed as well as for developing guidelines for land use practices to minimize adverse impacts on surface and ground water resources in agricultural watersheds. Examples of sediment source identification techniques that were carried out in agricultural watersheds in different parts of the world were also included in the present review.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine damages connexin43-mediated endothelial gap junction intercellular communication
Authors: Jia Su-Jie , Zhou Zhi , Zhang Bi-Kui , Hu Zhuo-Wei , Deng Han-Wu , Li Yuan-Jian
Published: November 2009

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a major endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is recently defined as a novel atherogenic factor. Communication via gap junction (GJIC) is involved in the regulation of a variety of endothelial activities, such as cell differentiation and senescence. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of ADMA on connexin43 (Cx43) mediated endothelial GJIC. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) caused the downregulation of Cx43 expression and GJIC dysfunction in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were significantly ameliorated by decreasing ADMA accumulation. Furthermore, we found that ADMA (10 µmol·L–1, 24 h) markedly downregulated Cx43 expression and damaged GJIC function in HUVECs. ADMA also increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of ADMA on Cx43-mediated GJIC could be attenuated by NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium and apocynin as well as p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, respectively. In conclusion, our present results suggest that ADMA inhibits endothelial GJIC function via downregulating Cx43 expression, which suggesting a novel mechanism linking between elevated ADMA level and progression of atherosclerosis.
Modulation of Hsf1 activity by novobiocin and geldanamycin
Authors: Conde Renaud , Belak Zachery R. , Nair Manoj , O’Carroll Ruth F. , Ovsenek Nick
Published: November 2009

Since Hsp90 is a known modulator of HSF1 activity, we examined the effects of two pharmacological inhibitors of Hsp90, novobiocin and geldanamycin, on HSF1 DNA-binding activity in the Xenopus oocyte model system. Novobiocin exhibits antiproliferative activity in culture cells and interacts with a C-terminal ATP-binding pocket on Hsp90, inhibiting Hsp90 autophosphorylation. Treatment of oocytes with novobiocin followed by heat shock results in a dose-dependent decrease in HSF1 DNA-binding and transcriptional activity. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate novobiocin does not alter HSF1 activity through dissociation of Hsp90 from either monomeric or trimerized HSF1, suggesting that the effect of novobiocin on HSF1 is mediated through alterations in Hsp90 autophosphorylation. Geldanamycin binds the N-terminal ATPase site of Hsp90 and inhibits chaperone activity. Geldanamycin treatment of oocytes resulted in a dose-dependant increase in stability of active HSF1 trimers during submaximal heat shock and a delay in disassembly of trimers during recovery. The results suggest that Hsp90 chaperone activity is required for disassembly of HSF1 trimers. The data obtained with novobiocin suggests the C-terminal ATP-binding activity of Hsp90 is required for the initial steps of HSF1 trimerization, whereas the effects of geldanamycin suggest N-terminal ATPase and chaperone activities are required for disassembly of activated trimers. These data provide important insight into the molecular mechanisms by which pharmacological inhibitors of Hsp90 affect the heat shock response.
Does BLM helicase unwind nucleosomal DNA?
Authors: Fujimoto Satoru , Tomschik Miroslav , Zlatanova Jordanka
Published: November 2009

RecQ helicases maintain chromosome stability by resolving several highly specific DNA structures. BLM, the protein mutated in Bloom’s syndrome, is a member of the RecQ helicase family, and possesses both DNA-unwinding and strand-annealing activity. In this study, we have investigated the unwinding activity of BLM on nucleosomal DNA, the natural nuclear substrate for the enzyme. We generated a DNA template including a strong nucleosome-positioning sequence flanked by forked DNA, which is reportedly one of the preferred DNA substrates for BLM. BLM did not possess detectable unwinding activity toward the forked DNA substrate. However, the truncated BLM, lacking annealing activity, unwound it partially. In the presence of the single-stranded DNA-binding protein RPA, the unwinding activity of both the full-length and the truncated BLMs was promoted. Next, the histone octamer was reconstituted onto the forked DNA to generate a forked mononucleosome. Full-length BLM did not unwind the nucleosomal DNA, but truncated BLM unwound it partially. The unwinding activity for the mononucleosome was not promoted dramatically with RPA. These results indicate that full-length BLM may require additional factors to unwind nucleosomal DNA in vivo, and that RPA is, on its own, unable to perform this auxiliary function.
Wogonin induces G1 phase arrest through inhibiting Cdk4 and cyclin D1 concomitant with an elevation in p21Cip1 in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells
Authors: Yang Li , Zhang Hai-wei , Hu Rong , Yang Yong , Qi Qi , Lu Na , Liu Wei , Chu Yi-yi , You Qi-dong , Guo Qing-long
Published: November 2009

Wogonin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been shown to have tumor therapeutic potential both in vitro and in vivo. To better understand its anticancer mechanism, we examined the effect of wogonin on human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. In this study, we observed that G1 phase arrest was involved in wogonin-induced growth inhibition in HeLa cells. Over a 24 h exposure of HeLa cells to 90 µmol·L–1 wogonin, the promoters of G1–S transition, including cyclin D1/Cdk4 and pRb, decreased within 12 h and E2F-1 depleted in the nucleus at the same time. As the G1 phase arrest developed, p53 and the Cdk inhibitor p21Cip1 elevated both at protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, the up-regulation of p21Cip1 induced by wogonin was dramatically inhibited by siRNA-mediated p53 gene silencing. Collectively, our data suggested that wogonin induced G1 phase arrest in HeLa cells by modulating several key G1 regulatory proteins, such as Cdk4 and cyclin D1, as well as up-regulation of a p53-midiated p21Cip1 expression. This mechanism of wogonin may play an important role in the killing of cancerous cells and offer a potential mechanism for its anticancer action in vivo.
Mitochondrial and chloroplastic targeting signals of NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase
Authors: McKinnon David J. , Brzezowski Pawel , Wilson Kenneth E. , Gray Gordon R.
Published: November 2009

Many mitochondrial and chloroplast proteins are encoded in the nucleus and subsequently imported into the organelles via active protein transport systems. While usually highly specific, some proteins are dual-targeted to both organelles. In tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), the cDNA encoding the mitochondrial isoform of NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP+-ICDH) contains two translational ATG start sites, suggesting the possibility of tandem targeting signals. In this work, the putative mitochondrial and chloroplastic targeting signals from NADP+-ICDH were fused to a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) reporter to generate a series of constructs and introduced into tobacco leaves by Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation. The subsequent sub-cellular locations of the ICDH:YFP fusion proteins were then examined using confocal microscopy. Constructs predicted to be targeted to the chloroplast all localized to the chloroplast. However, this was not the case for all of the constructs that were predicted to be mitochondrial targeted. Although some constructs localized to mitochondria as expected, others appeared to be chloroplast localized. This was attributed to an additional 50 amino acid residues of the mature NADP+-ICDH protein that were present in those constructs, generated from either ‘Xanthi’ or ‘Petit Havana’ cultivars of tobacco. The results of this study raise interesting questions regarding the targeting and processing of organellar isoforms of NADP+-ICDH.