bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated excavation in construction using robotics trajectory and envelop generation
Authors: MRAD FUAD , ASEM ABDUL‐MALAK M. , SADEK SALAH , KHUDR ZIAD
Published: January 2010

Robotic industrial applications are very well established in the manufacturing industry, while they are relatively in their infancy phase in the construction sector. The need for automation in construction is clear especially in repetitive tasks. The excavation process, which is generally critical in most construction projects, is a prime example of such tasks. This paper addresses automation assistance in excavation. The work utilized the robotics approach towards the automation of a typical excavator model, whose structure closely resembled that of an industrial manipulator. A simulation package using Matlab was developed using several embedded design and analysis tools. Emulation was also carried out on the RHINO educational robot to confirm the simulation results. The constructed simulation package offered an integrated environment for trajectory design and analysis for an excavator while addressing the constraints related to the excavator structure, safety and stability, and mode of application.
The unmanageability of construction and the theoretical psycho‐social dynamics of projects
Authors: WILD ALAN
Published: January 2010

The article ‘researches’ construction fragmentation from the assumption that construction projects are ‘unmanageable’ (Mintzberg, 1982) in conventional terms, in an attempt to give thematic unity to this problem. Socio‐technical analysis which underlay the Building Industry Communications Research Project (BICRP) (Higgin & Jessop, 1963, 1965; TIHR, 1965; Chrichton, 1966) conducted by the Tavistock Institute for Human Relations (TIHR) from 1963 to 1965 is explored and developed, supplemented other relevant authors. The argument is conducted formally without reference to particular examples and develops the debate provoked by Connaughton (2000). Formal statement of the problem assists reinterpretation (Boyd & Wild, 1999; Wild, 2001 a) of existing material and new enquiry to clarify the conditions, if any, both necessary and sufficient, for the manageability of construction.
Critical success factors of the BOOT procurement system: reflections from the Stadium Australia case study
Authors: JEFFERIES MARCUS , GAMESON ROD , ROWLINSON STEVE
Published: January 2010

Recent trends in the provision of infrastructure development indicate that the private sector is playing an increasingly important role in the procurement process. This trend has partly arisen out of a necessity for the development of infrastructure to be undertaken at a rate that maintains and allows growth. This has become a major challenge for many countries where it is evident that these provisions cannot be met by government alone. The emergence of Build‐Own‐Operate‐Transfer (BOOT) schemes as a response to this challenge provides a means for developing the infrastructure of a country without directly impacting upon the government's budgetary constraints. The concepts of BOOT are without doubt extremely complex arrangements, which bring to the construction sector risks not experienced previously. This paper examines perceptions of BOOT schemes in order to develop a framework of critical success factors. The developed framework is then tested against a case study of Stadium Australia, and the outcomes of the comparison are discussed.
IT implementation in the construction organization
Authors: WHYTE JENNIFER , BOUCHLAGHEM DINO , THORPE TONY
Published: January 2010

Organizational issues are inhibiting the implementation and strategic use of information technologies (IT) in the construction sector. This paper focuses on these issues and explores processes by which emerging technologies can be introduced into construction organizations. The paper is based on a case study, conducted in a major house building company that was implementing a virtual reality (VR) system for internal design review in the regional offices. Interviews were conducted with different members of the organization to explore the introduction process and the use of the system. The case study findings provide insight into the process of change, the constraints that inhibit IT implementation and the relationship between new technology and work patterns within construction organizations. They suggest that (1) user‐developer communications are critical for the successful implementation of non‐diffused innovations in the construction industry; and (2) successful uptake of IT requires both strategic decision‐making by top management and decision‐making by technical managers.
Model for predicting clients' contribution to project success
Authors: HWEE LIM ENG , YEAN YNG LING FLORENCE
Published: January 2010

Clients' financial status, characteristics, management competency and construction experience can have significant effects upon the attainment of project success. A survey was conducted to gauge whether consultants and contractors felt that 20 client related attributes uncovered from the literature have influence on the project outcome. Data were collected via a mailed questionnaire. Results show that all the 20 client related attributes are important and contribute to project success. A multiple linear regression model was constructed to predict a client's contribution to project success. Five predictive attributes were identified: ‘client sets down project objectives clearly’, ‘client is credit worthy’, ‘client does not contribute to project complexity’, ‘client is not litigious’, and ‘client trusts project team members’. This model provides consultants and contractors with a tool to evaluate their clients. It is recommended that clients focus on the more important attributes identified in this study, to ensure project success.
Application of simulation related techniques to construction operations
Authors: ZHANG HONG , SHI JONATHAN J. , TAM CHI‐MING
Published: January 2010

This paper presents some simulation‐oriented techniques, particularly the resource allocation point (RAP) heuristic rule, for an activity‐based construction (ABC) simulation that requires only one kind of element to model construction operations. RAP heuristic rule provides the simulation with the decision‐making ability for allocating limited resources during simulation. Predefined entity management strategies control the movements of simulation entities so as to model some complex features of construction operations. An activity object‐oriented (AOO) simulation strategy based on object‐oriented approach for the implementation of the ABC simulation by regarding activities as objects controls the mechanism of the ABC simulation by checking only relevant activities at certain time, other than checking all activities for each simulation time unit. An easy‐to‐use animation aims at enhancing understanding of simulation and assisting modellers in verifying and validating model.
Changes in impact of HLA class I allele expression on HIV‐1 plasma virus loads at a population level over time
Authors: Koga Michiko , Kawana‐Tachikawa Ai , Heckerman David , Odawara Takashi , Nakamura Hitomi , Koibuchi Tomohiko , Fujii Takeshi , Miura Toshiyuki , Iwamoto Aikichi
Published: January 2010

HLA class I allele types have differential impacts on the level of the pVL and outcome of HIV‐1 infection. While accumulations of CTL escape mutations at population levels have been reported, their actual impact on the level of the pVL remains unknown. In this study HLA class I types from 141 untreated, chronically HIV‐1 infected Japanese patients diagnosed from 1995–2007 were determined, and the associations between expression of individual HLA alleles and level of pVL analyzed. It was found that the Japanese population has an extremely narrow HLA distribution compared to other ethnic groups, which may facilitate accumulation of CTL escape mutations at the population level. Moreover while they uniquely lack the most protective HLA‐B27/B57, they commonly express the alleles that are protective in Caucasians (A11:10.4%, A26:11.55%, B51:8.6% and Cw14:12.7%). Cross‐sectional analyses revealed no significant associations between expression of individual alleles and the level of the pVL. The patients were then stratified by the date of HIV diagnosis and the analyses repeated. It was found that, before 2001, B51+ individuals displayed significantly lower pVL than the other patients (median: 5150 vs. 18 000 RNA copies/ml, P= 0.048); however thereafter this protective effect waned and disappeared, whereas no changes were observed for any other alleles over time. These results indicate that, at a population level, some HLA alleles have been losing their beneficial effects against HIV disease progression over time, thereby possibly posing a significant challenge for HIV vaccine development. However such detrimental effects may be limited to particular HLA class I alleles.
Glutathione S‐transferase A4 is a positive marker for rat hepatic foci induced by clofibrate and genotoxic carcinogens
Authors: Shimizu Takeshi , Fan Yang , Yamana Daisuke , Miura Takuya , Nanashima Naoki , Yamada Toshiyuki , Tsuchida Shigeki
Published: January 2010

Peroxisome proliferators (PP), including clofibrate (CF), are non‐genotoxic rodent carcinogens, and oxidative DNA damages are suggested as a causative event for carcinogenesis. Gene expression profiles differ between hepatic lesions induced by PP and genotoxic carcinogens. Our previous study revealed that expression of L‐bifunctional enzyme (enoyl‐CoA hydratase/3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase, BE) was repressed in preneoplastic lesions induced by PP, whereas it was enhanced in the surrounding tissues. In the present study, we immunohistochemically examined expression of the specific glutathione S‐transferase (GST) form, GST‐A4, which detoxifies 4‐hydroxy‐alkenal, the end‐product of lipid peroxides, and nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor for many genes encoding drug‐metabolizing enzymes and defending enzymes against oxidative stress, during rat hepatocarcinogenesis induced by CF and genotoxic carcinogens. GST‐A4 and Nrf2 were not expressed in BE‐negative foci at 8 weeks of CF administration, but were expressed in the foci at 60 weeks. GST‐A4‐positive foci appeared at later stages than BE‐negative foci, but its localization was coincidental with that of the latter foci. The areas of GST‐A4‐positive foci were larger than those of BE‐negative foci without GST‐A4 expression. Most GST‐A4‐positive foci were also positive for Nrf2. In rat livers induced by genotoxic carcinogens, GST‐P‐negative foci as well as GST‐P‐positive foci were demonstrated. GST‐A4 and Nrf2 were expressed in GST‐P‐negative foci, whereas they were not expressed in most GST‐P‐positive foci. Thus, GST‐A4‐positive foci developed in rat livers by CF and genotoxic carcinogen administration, indicating that the enzyme is a positive marker for hepatic foci induced by these different carcinogens.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1093–1098)
The influence of environmental risk factors in hospitalization for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐related diagnoses in the United States
Authors: THUKKANI N. , SONNENBERG A.
Published: January 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 852–861

Background  The impact of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease on hospitalization is unknown.

Aim  To describe the characteristics of patients hospitalized for diagnoses related to gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and find potential environmental influences that affect their hospitalization.

Methods  Data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project were used to study the demographic characteristics of hospitalizations associated with GERD during 2003–2006. Data from the Centers for Disease Control were used for information about the US prevalence of obesity.

Results  During 2003–2006, 0.5 million patients with a primary and 14.5 million patients with a secondary GERD‐related diagnosis became hospitalized in the US. Oesophageal reflux and hiatal hernia were more common in female than in male inpatients, whereas Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma were more common in male than in female inpatients. All GERD‐related diagnoses were more common in white people than non‐white people. Hospitalizations associated with oesophageal reflux, reflux oesophagitis and Barrett’s oesophagus showed resembling geographical distributions among different US states. The prevalence of obesity and the hospitalization for hiatal hernia or reflux oesophagitis were also characterized by similar geographical distributions.

Conclusion  The large numbers of inpatients with a discharge diagnosis of GERD‐related conditions attest to the frequent occurrence and relevance of GERD in contributing to hospitalization in the US.
Meta‐analysis: the effects of proton pump inhibitors on cardiovascular events and mortality in patients receiving clopidogrel
Authors: KWOK C. S. , LOKE Y. K.
Published: January 2010

Background Recent studies have suggested an adverse interaction between proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and clopidogrel.

Aim To perform a meta‐analysis of cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in patients taking clopidogrel, with and without concomitant PPI.

Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register in October 2009, and checked conference abstracts for randomized and nonrandomized studies that reported the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality with PPI exposure in patients taking clopidogrel. We performed random effects meta‐analysis, stratified by study design and assessed heterogeneity using theI2statistic.

Results Our review included 23 studies covering 93 278 patients. There was substantial heterogeneity in the meta‐analyses of major cardiovascular events (19 studies,I2 = 79%) or myocardial infarction (12 studies,I2 = 77%). Analysis of propensity‐matched or randomized trial participants showed no associated cardiovascular risk with PPIs, whereas other observational studies generally showed a significant association. Meta‐analysis of 13 studies showed no significant association between PPI use and overall mortality (RR 1.09, 95% CI: 0.94–1.26,P = 0.23,I2 = 60%).

Conclusion As there are conflicting and inconsistent data regarding the adverse clopidogrel–PPI interaction, clinicians should focus on potential harm from ulcers/haemorrhage before deciding to omit PPIs in patients taking clopidogrel.
Angiosarcoma in FNA smears: diagnostic accuracy, morphology, immunocytochemistry and differential diagnoses
Authors: Pohar‐Marinšek Ž. , Lamovec J.
Published: January 2010

Ž. Pohar‐Marinšek and J. Lamovec

Angiosarcoma in FNA smears: diagnostic accuracy, morphology, immunocytochemistry and differential diagnoses

Objective:  The aim of our study was to analyse the diagnostic accuracy in recognizing angiosarcoma from fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples and to determine morphological features of angiosarcoma in cytology.

Methods:  FNA samples from 18 histologically confirmed angiosarcomas obtained between 1985 and 2009 were included in the study. Original cytological diagnoses were retrieved, smears reviewed and morphological features analysed: cellularity, smear pattern, cell morphology, contents of background. Outcome of immunocytochemistry was noted and additional reactions performed if material was available.

Results:  There were 13 primary angiosarcomas and five recurrent tumours; nine tumours were epithelioid. Twelve tumours were cytologically diagnosed as malignant, three as suspicious and three were judged unsatisfactory. Only two primary tumours were diagnosed as vascular. According to morphology, tumours were divided into those with predominantly epithelioid cells and those with predominantly spindle cells. Within these two groups were variations due to grade of tumour. Cytomorphology did not correlate well with histology in mixed and spindle cell types of angiosarcomas. Immunocytochemistry was applied in seven cases, specific vascular marker CD31 only twice at the time of diagnosis and three times retrospectively.

Conclusions:  Angiosarcomas are difficult to recognize on FNA smears when they lack the typical dual, spindle and epithelioid cell population and when they occur in internal organs where carcinomas are more common. Very few reliable data are available concerning specificity of CD31 on cytological material.
Can cytological features differentiate reactive renal tubular cells from low‐grade urothelial carcinoma cells?
Authors: Ohsaki H. , Hirakawa E. , Kushida Y. , Yokoshita S. , Nakamura M. , Kiyomoto H. , Haba R.
Published: January 2010

H. Ohsaki, E. Hirakawa, Y. Kushida, S. Yokoshita, M. Nakamura, H. Kiyomoto and R. Haba

Can cytological features differentiate reactive renal tubular cells from low‐grade urothelial carcinoma cells?

Objective:  To compare the cytomorphological and immunocytochemical features of reactive renal tubular cells and low‐grade urothelial carcinoma cells (LG‐UCs).

Methods:  We examined 15 cytological parameters in 38 cases with reactive renal tubular cells in renal disease and 20 cases of LG‐UCs from bladder cancer that had been diagnosed by histological examination. Voided urine cytological parameters evaluated were as follows: (i) maximum cell numbers of clusters, (ii) cannibalism, (iii) rosette‐like arrangement, (iv) hobnail‐shaped cells, (v) vacuolated cytoplasm, (vi) intracytoplasmic haemosiderin, (vii) irregular nuclear contours, (viii) chromatin pattern, (ix) prominent nucleoli, (x) cast encasement, (xi) casts, (xii) dysmorphic erythrocytes, (xiii) isomorphic erythrocytes, (xiv) necrosis, and (xv) vimentin reactivity. The above parameters were determined using Mann–Whitney U‐test and chi‐square test, with differences considered significant at P < 0.05.

Results:  In reactive renal tubular cells, low to moderate cell numbers of clusters (fewer than 50 cells), rosette‐like arrangement, hobnail‐shaped cells, vacuolated cytoplasm, intracytoplasmic haemosiderin, euchromatin pattern, prominent nucleoli, dysmorphic erythrocytes and vimentin reactivity were present in significantly higher proportions compared with those in LG‐UCs. In LG‐UCs, high cell numbers of clusters (50 cells or more), cannibalism, heterochromatin pattern, isomorphic erythrocytes and necrosis were seen in significantly higher proportions. No significant differences were observed in irregular nuclear contours, cast encasement or casts.

Conclusions:  Based on results of the present study, maximum cell numbers of clusters, cannibalism, rosette‐like arrangement, hobnail‐shaped cells, vacuolated cytoplasm, intracytoplasmic haemosiderin, chromatin pattern, prominent nucleoli, dysmorphic erythrocytes, isomorphic erythrocytes, necrosis, and vimentin reactivity were capable of distinguishing reactive renal tubular cells from LG‐UCs.
Value of computer‐assisted quantitative nuclear morphometry for differentiation of reactive renal tubular cells from low‐grade urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Ohsaki H. , Hirakawa E. , Kagawa K. , Nakamura M. , Kiyomoto H. , Haba R.
Published: January 2010

H. Ohsaki, E. Hirakawa, K. Kagawa, M. Nakamura, H. Kiyomoto and R. Haba

Value of computer‐assisted quantitative nuclear morphometry for differentiation of reactive renal tubular cells from low‐grade urothelial carcinoma

Objective:  To assess whether computer‐assisted quantitative morphological parameters can be an effective tool for objectively distinguishing reactive renal tubular cells from low‐grade urothelial carcinoma cells (LG‐UCs) in voided urine.

Methods:  Nuclear morphometry was performed by a computer‐assisted image analyser system on Papanicolaou‐stained cytological specimens. The circumference of reactive renal tubular cells (n = 40) or LG‐UC (n = 20) nuclei were manually traced, and the following nuclear morphometric parameters were analysed: (i) area, (ii) perimeter, (iii) roundness factor, (iv) maximum length, and (v) linear factor. For each nuclear measurement, we calculated the maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation.

Results:  The mean nuclear area and nuclear perimeter were higher in reactive renal tubular cells compared to the LG‐UCs. The mean of roundness and linear factors (reflecting a tendency for the nuclear outline to be regular and oval, respectively) were higher in LG‐UCs compared with reactive renal tubular cells. Among nuclear areas, the nuclear perimeter, roundness factors and maximum length did not show any significant differences between reactive renal tubular cells and LG‐UCs. On the other hand, the linear factor showed a mean higher value among LG‐UCs than reactive renal tubular cells (P = 0.023).

Conclusions:  Of five quantitative nuclear morphological parameters, only linear factor was statistically significant in differentiating reactive renal tubular cells in renal disease from LG‐UCs.
Effect of sex hormone treatment on circulating adiponectin and subforms in Turner and Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Høst C. , Bojesen A. , Frystyk J. , Flyvbjerg A. , Christiansen J. S. , Gravholt C. H.
Published: January 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (3): 211–219

Background  Sex hormones have been shown to influence levels of adiponectin. Furthermore, testosterone has been shown to alter the subform distribution of adiponectin, whereas the effects of oestradiol are equivocal. We investigated the impact of sex hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on circulating adiponectin and its subforms, fasting lipids and measures of insulin sensitivity in Turner syndrome (TS) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS) respectively.

Materials and methods  We compared eight young TS patients on and off 2 months of HRT vs. eight age‐ and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy females as well as 19 untreated KS patients vs. 20 testosterone treated KS patients vs. 20 age and BMI matched healthy males. Total adiponectin and adiponectin subforms separated by fast protein liquid chromatography were measured using an in‐house assay. In addition, fasting levels of insulin, glucose and homeostasis model assessment estimates were determined.

Results  In TS, total adiponectin levels were 10·5 ± 3·1 (mean ± SD) vs. 12·8 ± 3·5 mg L−1 (P = 0·02) and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin 5·8 ± 2·7 and 6·8 ± 1·9 mg L−1 (P = 0·02) on and off HRT respectively. Irrespective of HRT, total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin were similar to control values. In KS, total adiponectin levels were 6·5 (3·0–24·2) (median and range) and 9·3 (4·3–14·3) mg L−1 (P = NS) and HMW adiponectin was 2·5 (0·5–16·0) and 4·6 (1·3–8·6) mg L−1 (P = NS) with and without testosterone treatment respectively, and similar to controls.

Conclusion  Short time HRT suppressed HMW and total adiponectin levels in TS patients. Testosterone treatment in KS patients had no effect on these parameters. In both groups of patients either adiponectin or the HMW subform seems to play no greater role in reflecting or mediating insulin sensitivity. Our data indicates that in patients with TS and KS, sex hormones have different effects on circulating adiponectin and its HMW subform than previously reported in other sex hormone deficient patients and healthy subjects.
Long‐term outcome after thrombectomy in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Adlbrecht C. , Distelmaier K. , Bonderman D. , Beran G. , Redwan B. , Strunk G. , Binder T. , Jakowitsch J. , Probst P. , Heinze G. , Maurer G. , Lang I. M.
Published: January 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (3): 233–241

Background Current data appear in favour of thrombectomy for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, information on long‐term outcome after thrombectomy is limited. We performed a retrospective long‐term study to assess the risk of cardiac re‐hospitalizations and survival after discharge from the index hospitalization for STEMI.

Methods Patients originally randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with thrombectomy vs. standard PCI were included in a retrospective long‐term observational study. The primary study endpoint was the combined risk for all‐cause death or cardiac re‐hospitalization after index discharge under optimal medical therapy. The cumulative number of cardiac hospitalization days and ventricular remodelling assessed by echocardiography and plasma biomarkers were secondary endpoints.

Results Of 94 STEMI patients who had been randomized between 11/2000 and 03/2003, 89 patients consented to long‐term follow‐up. A total of 43 patients had been allocated to thrombectomy and 46 to standard primary PCI. The minimum follow‐up time was 1115 days. There was a significantly lower risk for death or cardiac re‐hospitalization for patients of the thrombectomy group (hazard ratio = 0·69, 95% CI: 0·49–0·98,P = 0·036). The incidence of recurrent myocardial infarction was not different (P = 0·343). No differences in cardiac remodelling were detected by echocardiography, with the exception that heart‐type fatty acid binding protein at 53·2 ± 17 months was lower in the thrombectomy group (P = 0·045).

Conclusion Thrombectomy in STEMI may decrease the long‐term risk for death or cardiac re‐hospitalization.
Evaluation of localized and systemic immune responses in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica: interleukin‐8, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 and nitric oxide are major regulatory factors
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Bumb Ram A. , Salotra Poonam
Published: January 2010

We have established Leishmania tropica as the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the region of India where the disease is endemic. The association between localized and circulating levels of immune‐determinants in CL patients was evaluated. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed up‐regulation of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐10 and IL‐4 in dermal lesions at the pretreatment stage (n = 31) compared with healthy controls (P < 0·001) and a significant down‐regulation after treatment (n = 14, P < 0·05). The results indicated that an unfavourable clinical outcome in CL was not related to an inadequate T helper 1 (Th1) cell response, but rather to impairment in multiple immune functions. Comparative assessment of treatment regimes with rifampicin (RFM) or sodium antimony gluconate (SAG) revealed tissue cytokine levels to be significantly reduced after treatment with RFM (P < 0·005), while no significant decrease was evident in the levels of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐10 (P > 0·05) as a result of treatment with SAG. Increased transcripts of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) (P < 0·001) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (P < 0·05) were evident before treatment in tissue lesions and remained high after treatment. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated strong expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and IL‐8, and moderate expression of iNOS in dermal lesions. The expression levels of IL‐8, MCP‐1 and nitric oxide (NO) were high in patient sera before treatment, as determined using cytokine bead array and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At the post‐treatment stage, the serum IL‐8 levels had decreased; however, the levels of MCP‐1 and NO remained high. These data suggest that IL‐8 is an effector immune‐determinant in the progression of CL, whereas NO facilitates the parasite killing by macrophages via MCP‐1‐mediated stimulation.
The Mongolian gerbil as a model for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bleich Eva‐Maria , Martin Myriam , Bleich André , Klos Andreas
Published: January 2010

Mongolian gerbils are used as biomedical research models for a variety of diseases and are in some cases suited better than other rodents for basic research and therapeutic studies. The aim of this study was to establish and characterize a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced model in gerbils for the human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to utilize them for a therapeutic study in vivo. Four concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2% and 4%) of DSS were administered via drinking water for 7 days; based on these results, a concentration of 3% DSS was given for 9 days in a second approach. Fluid uptake and general clinical condition were assessed daily using a clinical score. Caecum and colon were scored histologically. Fluid uptake was affected by addition of DSS to the drinking water. First clinical symptoms were observed at day 4 of DSS treatment with a considerable increase in clinical score parameters only in gerbils receiving 2% or 4% DSS. Histologically, ulceration and inflammation were observed predominantly in the caecum of gerbils treated with at least 1% DSS; reproducible inflammation in the colon required at least 2% DSS. Using 3% DSS for 9 days, considerably more inflammation was induced in the colon, comparable with lesions usually observed in the mouse model. Using an optimized protocol, DSS treatment induces reproducibly typhlocolitis in Mongolian gerbils, rendering them as a useful model for IBD.
Wind‐controlled linear patterning and cyclic succession in Tasmanian Sphagnum mires
Authors: Morgan Sam W. , Kirkpatrick James B. , Di Folco Maj‐Britt
Published: January 2010

1. We investigated the characteristics and causes of striped patterning in minerotrophic Sphagnum cristatum mires on the western Central Plateau in Tasmania by surveying the mire vegetation, surface and subsurface topography, analysing their topographic exposure to the prevailing strong winds relative to non‐striped mires, stratigraphic analysis, measurements of wind speed and direction across and along ridges and swales in typical synoptic conditions, and measurement of growth rates and asymmetry of shrubs.

2. The stripes were orientated south‐west–north‐east, independent of the aspect of the general slope. The shrub Richea scoparia was dominant on the north‐west‐facing slopes of the low ridges that formed the stripes. Sphagnum cristatum was dominant on the south‐east‐facing ridge slopes and the restiad, Baloskion australe was dominant in the swales. The stripes were independent of the topography of the underlying block stream. Striped mires were more exposed to both north‐westerly and south‐westerly winds than non‐striped mires.

3. Strong north‐westerly winds formed rotors behind each ridge, with wind speed being highest on the north‐west‐facing ridge slope and lowest on the south‐east‐facing ridge slope. The annual growth of R. scoparia inversely reflected this variation in wind speed. South‐westerly winds were stronger in the swales than on the ridges and stronger on the south‐west extremity of the ridges than further to the north‐east. Asymmetry in R. scoparia on the ridges reflected this variation in wind speed.

4. We infer that the ridges slowly migrate in a cyclic successional pattern as the result of differential growth rates of R. scoparia in response to variation in the speed of drying north‐westerly winds. The stripes appear to result from training of shrubs by strong, cold south‐westerly winds, which also inhibit the growth of R. scoparia in the swales.

5.
 Synthesis. There are no other documented cases of wind‐controlled patterning and cyclic succession in mires, and no case of exposure to two distinct wind directions being responsible for patterning in any vegetation type. The distinctiveness of the process and the form merit recognition of these striped mires as outstanding in their universal value under the world heritage area criteria.
A high protein low fat meal does not influence glucose and insulin responses in obese individuals with or without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Papakonstantinou E. , Triantafillidou D. , Panagiotakos D. B. , Iraklianou S. , Berdanier C. D. , Zampelas A.
Published: January 2010

Background:  When substituted for carbohydrate in a meal, dietary protein enhances glycaemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes (DM2). It is unknown whether the effect is a result of increased protein or reduced carbohydrate. The present study aimed to compare the effects of two meals differing in protein to fat ratios on post‐prandial glucose and insulin responses.

Methods:  This was a crossover, blind study in which obese subjects with (n = 23) and without (n = 26) DM2 consumed two meals in random order with equal amounts of energy (3.1 MJ, 741 kcal), fibre and carbohydrates and a 1‐week washout period. Meals were a high protein, low fat (30% protein, 51% carbohydrates, 19% fat) meal and a low protein, high fat (15% protein, 51% carbohydrates, 34% fat) meal. Subjects were matched for age and body mass index. Plasma glucose and insulin were measured at fasting, 30, 60, 90, 120 min post‐prandially. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity were assessed.

Results:  There was no significant meal effect on glucose and insulin responses within groups. Glucose response was higher in diabetic (120 min 11 ± 0.7 mmol L−1) compared to nondiabetic (120 min 5 ± 0.2; P < 0.001) subjects. Diabetic subjects had significantly higher insulin resistance (P < 0.001) and lower insulin sensitivity (P < 0.001) than nondiabetics. Although peak insulin levels, 60 min post‐prandially, did not differ between groups (81 ± 9 pmol L−1 for diabetic versus 79 ± 7 pmol L−1 for nondiabetic subjects), they were achieved much later, 90 min post‐prandially, in diabetic, (99 ± 8 pmol L−1) compared to nondiabetic (63 ± 7 pmol L−1, P = 0.002) subjects.

Conclusions:  Manipulating protein to fat ratio in meals does not affect post‐prandial plasma blood glucose or insulin responses in obese people with and without DM2.
The influence of alcohol consumed with a meal on endothelial function in healthy individuals
Authors: Hampton S. M. , Isherwood C. , Kirkpatrick V. J. E. , Lynne‐Smith A. C. , Griffin B. A.
Published: January 2010

Background:  Alcohol and polyphenols in wine and fruit juices have been strongly implicated in the favourable effects on of these beverages on vascular function. Despite a wealth of information on the metabolic and vascular effects of alcohol and polyphenols, the combined influences of these substances on vascular function, especially when consumed with food, is poorly understood. A study was designed to determine the effects of a phenolic‐rich grape juice, with or without alcohol, on vascular endothelial function in the postprandial state.

Methods:  Ten subjects consumed a standard meal with a test drink on three separate occasions. On each occasion, the test drink accompanying the meal was either red grape juice, red grape juice plus alcohol (12% v/v), or water. Endothelial function was measured by flow mediated dilatation (FMD) prior to then 30 and 60 minutes after consuming the meal. Blood samples were taken for the determination of plasma glucose, triacylglycerol (TAG) and non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) at regular intervals.

Results:  There was a significant effect of the three treatments (P = 0.0026) and time (P = 0.021) on percentage FMD. The meals with the grape juice and grape juice plus alcohol produced similar FMD responses but were both significantly greater than the meal with water. The concentration of plasma glucose, TAG and NEFA were similar after each treatment.

Conclusion:  Alcohol had no effect on vascular function in the early postprandial phase. These findings provide new evidence to support the potential benefit of non‐alcoholic components within alcoholic beverages on vascular function in the fed state.
Nutritional vitamin A status in northeast Brazilian lactating mothers
Authors: Da Silva Ribeiro K. D. , De Araújo K. F. , De Souza H. H. B. , Soares F. B. , Da Costa Pereira M. , Dimenstein R.
Published: January 2010

Background:  Vitamin A deficiency is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among children and in women of reproductive age in developing countries. The present study aimed to assess maternal nutritional vitamin A status, as well as analyse the association of preformed vitamin A and pro‐vitamin A consumption on the nutritional status of nursing mothers, based on serum retinol and retinol colostrum concentrations coupled with dietary intake.

Methods:  Serum and colostrums were collected from 86 healthy parturients, recruited within 16 h postpartum. Blood samples were obtained, the morning after an overnight fast. Retinol was analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Dietary vitamin A was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and the women were separated into two groups according to the predominant dietary source of vitamin A: group A, >50% preformed vitamin A (n = 37); and group B >50% pro‐vitamin A carotenoids, (n = 49).

Results:  Serum retinol and total vitamin A ingestion (mean ± SD) were higher in group A than in group B (1.4 ± 0.4 μmol L−1 and 2072.0 ± 1465.9 μg retinol activity equivalent (RAE) day−1 versus 1.2 ± 0.6 μmol L−1 and 1051.6 ± 920.4 μg RAE day−1, respectively (P < 0.05), but colostrum retinol (3.4 ± 1.7 μmol L−1 and 3.6 ± 1.9 μmol L−1) was similar in both groups. In group B, 36.7% (n = 18) of the nursing mothers presented a risk of developing vitamin A deficiency, based on their dietary intake.

Conclusions:  On the basis of the intake of the pro‐vitamin A carotenoids, some women may be at risk of vitamin A deficiency. However, their status is currently normal, as indicated by serum and milk retinol concentrations.
Plasmodium pyruvate dehydrogenase activity is only essential for the parasite's progression from liver infection to blood infection
Authors: Pei Ying , Tarun Alice S. , Vaughan Ashley M. , Herman Rob W. , Soliman Joanne M. B. , Erickson‐Wayman Alyssa , Kappe Stefan H. I.
Published: January 2010

Plasmodium parasites possess a single pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) enzyme complex that is localized to the plastid‐like organelle known as the apicoplast. Unlike most eukaryotes, Plasmodium parasites lack a mitochondrial PDH. The PDH complex catalyses the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl‐CoA, an important precursor for the tricarboxylic acid cycle and type II fatty acid synthesis (FAS II). In this study, using a rodent malaria model, we show that the PDH E1α and E3 subunits colocalize with the FAS II enzyme FabI in the apicoplast of liver stages but are not significantly expressed in blood stages. Deletion of the E1α or E3 subunit genes of Plasmodium yoelii PDH caused no defect in blood stage development, mosquito stage development or early liver stage development. However, the gene deletions completely blocked the ability of the e1α‐ and e3‐ parasites to form exo‐erythrocytic merozoites during late liver stage development, thus preventing the initiation of a blood stage infection. This phenotype is similar to that observed for deletions of genes involved in FAS II elongation. The data strongly support the hypothesis that the sole role of PDH is to provide acetyl‐CoA for FAS II.
Effects of ocean acidification and high temperatures on the bryozoan Myriapora truncata at natural CO2 vents
Authors: Rodolfo‐Metalpa Riccardo , Lombardi Chiara , Cocito Silvia , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Gambi Maria Cristina
Published: January 2010

There are serious concerns that ocean acidification will combine with the effects of global warming to cause major shifts in marine ecosystems, but there is a lack of field data on the combined ecological effects of these changes due to the difficulty of creating large‐scale, long‐term exposures to elevated CO2 and temperature. Here we report the first coastal transplant experiment designed to investigate the effects of naturally acidified seawater on the rates of net calcification and dissolution of the branched calcitic bryozoan Myriapora truncata (Pallas, 1766). Colonies were transplanted to normal (pH 8.1), high (mean pH 7.66, minimum value 7.33) and extremely high CO2 conditions (mean pH 7.43, minimum value 6.83) at gas vents off Ischia Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). The net calcification rates of live colonies and the dissolution rates of dead colonies were estimated by weighing after 45 days (May–June 2008) and after 128 days (July–October) to examine the hypothesis that high CO2 levels affect bryozoan growth and survival differently during moderate and warm water conditions. In the first observation period, seawater temperatures ranged from 19 to 24 °C; dead M. truncata colonies dissolved at high CO2 levels (pH 7.66), whereas live specimens maintained the same net calcification rate as those growing at normal pH. In extremely high CO2 conditions (mean pH 7.43), the live bryozoans calcified significantly less than those at normal pH. Therefore, established colonies of M. truncata seem well able to withstand the levels of ocean acidification predicted in the next 200 years, possibly because the soft tissues protect the skeleton from an external decrease in pH. However, during the second period of observation a prolonged period of high seawater temperatures (25–28 °C) halted calcification both in controls and at high CO2, and all transplants died when high temperatures were combined with extremely high CO2 levels. Clearly, attempts to predict the future response of organisms to ocean acidification need to consider the effects of concurrent changes such as the Mediterranean trend for increased summer temperatures in surface waters. Although M. truncata was resilient to short‐term exposure to high levels of ocean acidification at normal temperatures, our field transplants showed that its ability to calcify at higher temperatures was compromised, adding it to the growing list of species now potentially threatened by global warming.
Attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis: results from an international collaborative study
Authors: Knudsen A. L. , Bülow S. , Tomlinson I. , Möslein G. , Heinimann K. , Christensen I. J. ,   The AFAP Study Group
Published: January 2010

Aim  The study aimed to describe genetical and clinical features of attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP) and to propose clinical criteria and guidelines for treatment and surveillance.

Method  A questionnaire study was carried out of polyposis registries with data on patients with presumed AFAP, defined as having ≤100 colorectal adenomas at age ≥25.

Results  One hundred and ninety‐six patients were included. The median number of adenomas was 25 (0–100) with a uniform distribution of colorectal adenomas and carcinomas (CRC). Age at CRC diagnosis was delayed by 15 years compared with classic FAP. Eighty‐two patients had a colectomy and an ileorectal anastomosis and 5/82 (6%) had a secondary proctectomy. The location of the mutation in the APC gene was known in 69/171 (40%) tested patients. Only 15/29 (52%) of mutations in APC were found in parts of the gene usually associated with AFAP (the 5′ end, exon 9 and 3′ end).

Conclusions  A subset of FAP patients with a milder phenotype does exist and treatment and surveillance had to be modified accordingly. The mutation detection rate is lower than in classic FAP and mutations in AFAP patients are located throughout the APC gene. We propose the following clinical diagnostic criteria for AFAP: a dominant mode of inheritance of colorectal adenomatosis and <100 colorectal adenomas at age 25 or older. Colonoscopy had to be preferred to sigmoidoscopy and surveillance had to be life‐long. In the majority of patients, prophylactic colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis are recommended at the age of 20–25 years.
Symptoms and signs in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: John S. K. P. , George S. , Primrose J. N. , Fozard J. B. J.
Published: January 2010

The symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer vary from the general population to primary care and in the referred population to secondary care. This review aims to address the diverse symptoms, signs and combinations with relevance to colorectal cancer at various points in the diagnostic pathway and tries to shed light on this complex and confusing area. A move towards a lower threshold for referral and increased use of diagnostics might be a more reliable option for early diagnosis.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF EUROPEAN UNION SUGAR PRICE CUTS, ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT, AND DEVELOPMENT AID FOR FIJI
Authors: MAHADEVAN RENUKA , ASAFU‐ADJAYE JOHN
Published: January 2010

The objective of this paper is to use a set of varied scenarios related to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the loss of European Union (EU) sugar preferences (in the form of partial and full price liberalization) in combination with the recently committed EU development aid to examine the impact on Fiji using a dynamic computable general equilibrium model. It is shown that without aid, the loss of sugar preferences has devastating impact on real output, exports, rural employment, and other macroeconomic indicators. Without aid, the EPA scenarios, on the other hand, lead to some growth in real output but depress rural employment and non‐sugar agricultural exports. Although improvements are observed across the scenarios with aid, it is argued that aid would be more effective if it directly addresses the supply‐side constraints in Fiji instead of focusing on the sugar sector.(JELC68, D58, F17, O56)
MIGRATION, UNEMPLOYMENT, AND WAGES: THE CASE OF THE CALIFORNIA SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Authors: AVALOS ANTONIO
Published: January 2010

The California San Joaquin Valley labor market appears to be at odds with basic economic principles in the sense that despite higher unemployment rates and lower wages, it has continually attracted an influx of in‐migrants, domestic and international. By examining county‐level data for the last two decades, the analysis in this paper is built around two main questions. First, in what proportion does local employment growth reduce local unemployment, increase labor force participation and attract outsiders who will likely take the newly created jobs? Second, to what extent regional migration rates respond to regional relative wages and unemployment differentials? Both questions aim to gain a better understanding of the San Joanquin Valley labor market and the migrants’ decisions to move there, which might shed light in the design and implementation of development policies aimed at reducing unemployment. Results provide evidence that market forces alone are insufficient to correct regional unemployment disparities. Three main findings are offered. First, in‐migrants workers fill most of the newly created jobs. Second, migration seems unresponsive to the unemployment level but responsive to changes in farm income. Third, migration is sensitive to government‐based benefits, property crime rates and housing prices. (JEL R11, R23, R58)
SHOULD THERE BE INTRADAY MONEY MARKETS?
Authors: MARTIN ANTOINE , McANDREWS JAMES
Published: January 2010

In this article, we consider the case for an intraday market for reserves. We discuss the separate roles of intraday and overnight reserves and argue that an intraday market could be organized in the same way as the overnight market. We present arguments in favor of and against a market for intraday reserves when the marginal cost of overnight reserves is positive. We also consider how reserves should be supplied when the cost of overnight reserves is zero. In that case, the distinction between overnight and intraday reserves becomes blurred, raising an important question: What is the role of the overnight market?(JEL E44, E58)
THE AUSTRALIAN FIREARMS BUYBACK AND ITS EFFECT ON GUN DEATHS
Authors: LEE WANG‐SHENG , SUARDI SANDY
Published: January 2010

The 1996‐1997 National Firearms Agreement (NFA) in Australia introduced strict gun laws, primarily as a reaction to the mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania, in 1996, where 35 people were killed. Despite the fact that several researchers using the same data have examined the impact of the NFA on firearm deaths, a consensus does not appear to have been reached. In this paper, we reanalyze the same data on firearm deaths used in previous research, using tests for unknown structural breaks as a means to identifying impacts of the NFA. The results of these tests suggest that the NFA did not have any large effects on reducing firearm homicide or suicide rates. (JEL C22, K19)
CAN SOFT DRINK TAXES REDUCE POPULATION WEIGHT?
Authors: FLETCHER JASON M. , FRISVOLD DAVID , TEFFT NATHAN
Published: January 2010

Soft drink consumption has been hypothesized as one of the major factors in the growing rates of obesity in the United States. Nearly two‐thirds of all states currently tax soft drinks using excise taxes, sales taxes, or special exceptions to food exemptions from sales taxes to reduce consumption of this product, raise revenue, and improve public health. In this paper, we evaluate the impact of changes in state soft drink taxes on body mass index (BMI), obesity, and overweight. Our results suggest that soft drink taxes influence BMI, but that the impact is small in magnitude.(JEL I18, H75)