bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability partnerships: eco‐strategy theory in practice?
Authors: Ryan Patricia
Published: July 2006

Sustainability partnerships are a key component of Agenda 21. Drawing on theoretical and empirical research of relevance for eco‐strategy and enviropreneurialism, this paper contends that it is unlikely that there will ever be “shelf” models for sustainability partnerships. Existing interdependence and responsibility strategies, however, should inspire an ongoing learning process for businesses that are interested in contributing to the achievement of Agenda 21. Four “L”s of eco‐strategy – learning, legal compliance and beyond, leadership and leverage – are suggested as optimising sustainability strategies for businesses involved in business‐business partnerships and value chain extensions of these, as well as broader global, sectoral and localised government‐community‐business alliances. While the ultimate poetic partnership – a global “natural world‐human world” partnership – may be beset by Utopian paradoxes and ambiguities, it remains a powerful vision for decision makers who are concerned about unsustainable legacies of conflict.
Preliminary evaluation of metals removal in three pilot‐scale constructed wetland systems
Authors: Jin Guang , Kelley Tim , Vargas Nara , Callahan Mike
Published: July 2006

Pilot‐scale surface‐flow, subsurface‐flow and floating aquatic plant constructed wetland system designs were installed and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of constructed wetlands to immobilize and remove metals such as cadmium, zinc, copper, chromium, lead and nickel in tertiary effluent wastewater in a Midwestern US climate (central Illinois). Following wetland treatment, average concentrations of copper decreased from 56.6μg/l in influent to 7.9μg/l (86.0 per cent reduction) in the FAP system, 9.2μg/l (83.7 per cent reduction) in the SSF system and 11.0μg/l (80.6 per cent reduction) in the SF system, respectively. Results of ANOVA indicated that differences in concentration reduction of copper among the three wetlands were not statistically significant. The average concentration of chromium decreased from 1.31μg/l in influent to 0.4μg/l (69.5 per cent reduction) in all system designs. Copper concentrations were reduced consistently with increasing wetland retention time, with most of concentration reduction having occurred in the first wetland cell for all system designs.
A methodology for characterising ceramic wastes
Authors: Gazulla M.F. , Gómez M.P. , Barba A. , Monfort E. , Orduña M.
Published: July 2006

Traditional ceramic industries (ceramic tiles, frits, glazes and pigments) generate solid wastes, wastewater and gas emissions that have different characteristics depending on the type of product made. The present study was undertaken to define a series of test methodologies for characterising each type of waste. The approach involved defining the elements to be analysed in each kind of sample, subsequently carrying out the respective test methods for the determinations in terms of type of parameter and sample. In gas emissions, the study addressed fluorine compound analysis. In liquid samples, AAS and ICP‐OES techniques were compared, validating the methods by using reference materials and participating in CALITAX and AQUACHECK intercomparison rounds on wastewater analysis. In solid samples, ICP‐OES and XRF techniques were compared, validating the methods by participating in International Proficiency Tests of Analytical Geochemistry Laboratories (GEOPT‐7, GEOPT‐8 and GEOPT‐9). The selective electrode determination of fluorine in gas emissions yields good results. The study shows that toxicity can be determined in liquid and solid samples by the bioluminescence assay. In liquid samples, good results were found for metal elements analysis by AAS and ICP‐OES, the latter being better. Finally, in solid wastes the ICP‐OES technique has advantages in analysing minor elements compared with XRF, whereas XRF is more suitable for analysing major elements, as it is a faster, more reproducible technique.
A health‐based socio‐economic assessment of drinking water quality: the case of Lebanon
Authors: El‐Fadel M. , Maroun R. , Semerjian L. , Harajli H.
Published: July 2006

Water‐related diseases are a human tragedy, resulting in millions of deaths each year, preventing millions more from leading healthy lives, and undermining development efforts by burdening the society with substantial socio‐economic costs. This problem is of great significance in developing countries, where polluted water, water shortages, and unsanitary living conditions prevail. This paper presents a case study on a health‐based socio‐economic assessment of drinking water quality in Lebanon, based on relevant valuation approaches and available country‐specific data. The assessment revealed that the potential health and economic benefits due to water and sanitation improvements can be significant (0.15‐3.35 percent of GDP).
Development process analysis of water shortages and their impact on future water supplies
Authors: Arip Kasmo Mohd
Published: July 2006

Water supply is closely linked to forests. In developing countries, especially those in the tropics, large forest areas are cut down for timber, agriculture and industries. The effect of deforestation on water sources could be examined through the study of the correlation between of the size of the forest clearing area and the size of the water in the dam and also the correlation between the size of the forest area and the size of the water area in the dam. Reports the finding of a study on the effect of deforestation of catchment areas and the ability of dams to sustain water during the dry season. Analyses images of the catchment areas obtained for nine consecutive years by satellites. The findings show that there is a negative correlation between the size of the forest clearing and the size of the water area in the dam and a positive correlation between the size of the forest areas and the size of the water areas.
Considerations on the worldwide use of bioethanol as a contribution for sustainability
Authors: Cortez Luís A.B. , Griffin Michael W. , Scaramucci José A. , Scandiffio Mirna I.G. , Braunbeck Oscar A.
Published: July 2006

The use of ethanol from biomass as a gasoline substitute in cars and light trucks is possibly one of the most attractive and feasible alternatives to deal with global warming. As environmental concern grows, many countries are increasing their efforts to consolidate bioethanol processes and supply. The sustainable production of bioethanol requires well planned and reasoned development programs to assure that the many environmental, social and economic concerns related to its use are addressed adequately. The key for making ethanol competitive as an alternative fuel is the ability to produce it from low‐cost biomass. Many countries around the world are working extensively to develop new technologies for ethanol production from biomass, from which the lignocellulosic materials conversion seem to be the most promising one. This paper aims at providing some information about the status of bioethanol production and use around the world.
Defining environmentally acceptable flow downstream intake structures in Croatia
Authors: Mišetić Stjepan , Pavlin Željko , Mrakovčić Milorad , Jurić Vedran
Published: July 2006

Determining minimum water flows that will continuously run through a natural channel downstream of a water intake (Q0) is a multidisciplinary problem. It is, however, not approached in a multidisciplinary way in most countries. This paper offers an overview of the main methods and proposes a practical and environmentally more acceptable way of determining the retained flow, namely the environmentally acceptable flow (EAF). It is proposed that until the conditions are created for use of more complex methods and/or biological response techniques, the EAF be defined by determining whether the retained flow is sufficient for sustaining and developing indigenous wildlife in the streams by ensuring of the essential living conditions for the bioindicator species. The proposed bioindicators are characteristic fish populations of a specific type of stream and stream reaches. Being the final link in the ecological food chain, fish species are reliable indicators of bioecological balance in a stream.
The marketability of eco‐products in China's affluent cities
Authors: Ip Y.K.
Published: July 2006

The size and complexity of China make the undertaking of research on the marketability of eco‐products in general a difficult task. However, it is assumed that cultural values significantly influence attitudes and behaviors. Therefore, this paper which uses a structural equation model, considers the extent to which Chinese people living in affluent cities in Southern China are found to have a low level of eco‐knowledge. It has identified that once the Chinese learn the hazards of eco‐unfriendly products to users and their family, they demonstrate a willingness to use greener products. The green consumption preferences also vary from product to product in China. Choosing the right eco‐product is the key to success. A case study related to the use of eco‐friendly insecticide has been used to demonstrate the marketability of eco‐products in China's affluent cities and is presented in this paper. The result may show a new horizon to green marketers.
Reduction of hazardous air pollutant emissions using biofiltration
Authors: McFarland Michael J. , Swope Tracey B. , Palmer Glenn R.
Published: July 2006

Significant reduction in the emissions of organic hazardous air pollutants (HAP) associated with surface coating operations was demonstrated through the application of an innovative and low cost biofiltration system. A laboratory‐scale biofilter employing yard waste compost filter media was successful in reducing the methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) airborne concentrations to levels that consistently exceeded the regulatory performance standards mandated for surface coating air emissions control technologies. During Phase I, the biofilter reduced the influent airborne MEK concentration from 184ppmv (parts per million – volume basis) to zero, an operational performance that corresponded to a HAP removal rate of 1,084.2g/m3−d. Similarly, in Phase II, when the steady state influent airborne MEK concentration was increased to 608ppmv, the biofilter maintained an average effluent MEK concentration of 26.1ppmv, which reflected a HAP removal rate of 3,429.1g/m3−d or a 95.7 percent control efficiency.
Simple virtual attitude sensors for general aviation aircraft
Authors: Tomczyk Andrzej
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to present a proposal of a simple analytical redundancy method using for virtual attitude reference system design. The main idea of the project is applied typical on‐board general aviation aircraft equipment for solving pitch and bank angles.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented solution is based on satellite navigation and air data computer signals, which are independent from basic attitude and heading reference system. The concept described is related to the kinematics relations and aerodynamic forces formulas.

Findings

The paper shows that the virtual attitude sensors are used by failure detection and reconfiguration subsystem and as a standby attitude reference system for general aviation aircraft equipped with augmentation control system applied for improving safety and efficiency handling qualities of aircraft.

Originality/value

This solution allows improvements in operating properties of already existing and newly designed executive aircraft, as well as establishing a higher level of flight safety.
International textile and clothing research register
Authors: Stylios George
Published: July 2006

Discusses the 6th ITCRR, its breadth of textile and clothing research activity, plus the encouragement given to workers in this field and its related areas. States that, within the newer research areas under the microscope of the community involved, technical textiles focuses on new, ‘smart’ garments and the initiatives in this field in both the UK and the international community at large. Covers this subject at length.
Development and validation of the psychosomatic scale for atopic dermatitis in adults
Authors: ANDO Tetsuya , HASHIRO Makoto , NODA Keishi , ADACHI Jun , HOSOYA Ritsuko , KAMIDE Ryoichi , ISHIKAWA Toshio , KOMAKI Gen
Published: July 2006

Psychosocial factors play an important role in the course of adult atopic dermatitis (AD). Nevertheless, AD patients are rarely treated for their psychosomatic concerns. The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a brief self‐rating scale for adult AD in order to aid dermatologists in evaluating psychosocial factors during the course of AD. A preliminary scale assessing stress‐induced exacerbation, the secondary psychosocial burden, and attitude toward treatment was developed and administered to 187 AD patients (82 male, 105 female, aged 28.4 ± 7.8, 13–61). Severity of skin lesions and improvement with standard dermatological treatment were assessed by both the dermatologist and the participant. Measures of anxiety and depression were also determined. In addition, psychosomatic evaluations were made according to the Psychosomatic Diagnostic Criteria for AD. Factor analysis resulted in the development of a 12‐item scale (The Psychosomatic Scale for Atopic Dermatitis; PSS‐AD) consisting of three factors: (i) exacerbation triggered by stress; (ii) disturbances due to AD; and (iii) ineffective control. Internal consistency indicated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.86 for the entire measure, 0.82 for (i), 0.81 for (ii), and 0.77 for (iii), verifying the acceptable reliability of PSS‐AD. Patients with psychosomatic problems had higher PSS‐AD scores than those without. PSS‐AD scores were positively associated with the severity of the skin lesions, anxiety and depression. The scores were negatively associated with improvement during dermatological treatments. In conclusion, PSS‐AD is a simple and reliable measure of the psychosomatic pathology of adult AD patients. It may be useful in dermatological practice for screening patients who would benefit from psychological or psychiatric interventions.
Vaccination of Japanese patients with advanced melanoma with peptide, tumor lysate or both peptide and tumor lysate‐pulsed mature, monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: NAKAI Noriaki , ASAI Jun , UEDA Eiichiro , TAKENAKA Hideya , KATOH Norito , KISHIMOTO Saburo
Published: July 2006

We performed a clinical trial to assess the feasibility and efficacy of immunotherapy with peptides, tumor lysate or both peptides and tumor lysate‐pulsed mature, monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DC) for advanced malignant melanoma patients that are resistant to conventional therapies. Sixteen patients were enrolled in this trial. All patients received DC vaccines i.d. in the proximal thigh, close to the inguinal lymph nodes, one treatment per week or 2 weeks. Several factors such as clinical findings, computed tomography (CT) images, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay, and immunohistochemistry in primary, metastatic lesions and the DTH site were evaluated. Clinical results through DC vaccination were as follows: in 11 evaluable cases, three stable disease, six progression of disease and two disease‐free from the time of study entry to the completion of one vaccination course. One patient showed reduction of the tumors in the metastases on chest CT during the first and second course of DC vaccination. Ten out of 14 evaluable cases showed positive DTH responses to more than one treatment with melanoma peptides or tumor lysate. Eight out of 13 evaluable cases showed positive immunological responses to more than one treatment with melanoma peptides or tumor lysate in an ELISPOT assay. As for the experiences with toxicity and adverse reactions, autosensitization dermatitis‐like eruptions appeared in five cases during DC vaccination. No severe adverse effects were seen in any of the patients. In our study, the clinical efficacy in prolongation of the patients’ survival was confirmed. At the same time, cancer immunoediting of the tumor was also found. It will be necessary to improve the tumor‐specificity of this therapeutic approach and to analyze the mechanism(s) of tumor escape from immunosurveillance in melanoma.
Evaluation of fluence and pulse‐duration on purpuric threshold using an extended pulse pulsed‐dye laser in the treatment of port wine stains
Authors: KONO Taro , GROFF William Frederick , SAKURAI Hiroyuki , TAKEUCHI Masaki , YAMAKI Takashi , SOEJIMA Kazutaka , NOZAKI Motohiro
Published: July 2006

Laser therapy of port‐wine stains (PWS) using the extended pulse pulsed‐dye laser (EPPDL) is accepted as the optimal approach because the thermal relaxation time for the vessels in PWS is actually 1–10 msec. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the purpuric threshold using the EPPDL for treatment of PWS. One hundred and seventy‐seven Japanese patients with PWS were recruited for this study. All the patients were dark‐skinned with skin phototype III (n = 103) and IV (n = 74). PWS were treated with the EPPDL with a pulse duration ranging 1.5–10 msec, fluence ranging 9–15 J/cm2, and a spot size of 7 mm. Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) was fixed to 30 msec of delay and 30 msec of spray duration. Patients returned to our clinic within 1 week after their initial laser therapy and the treatment sites were examined for the evidence of purpura formation. Of the 177 patients, 108 developed purpura. The lowest fluences that caused purpura and were seen in more than 50% of patients were 10 J/cm2 with a pulse duration of 1.5 msec, 12 J/cm2 with a pulse duration of 3 msec, 13 J/cm2 with a pulse duration of 6 msec, and 13 J/cm2 with a pulse duration of 10 msec. The fluence and pulse duration thresholds were 12.5 J/cm2 and 1.65 msec, respectively. Because purpura is one of the treatment endpoints when using a pulsed‐dye laser for PWS, higher fluences are necessary when using a long pulse duration.
Comedonal, cornifying and hypertrophic Darier's disease in the same patient: A Darier combination
Authors: ALIAĞAOĞLU Cihangir , ATASOY Mustafa , ANADOLU Rana , İSMAIL ENGIN R.
Published: July 2006

Our 42‐year‐old patient had comedonal Darier's disease (DD) on the face, comedonal cornifying DD on the upper back, and hypertrophic DD on both legs. Biopsies taken from face, upper back and medial sides of the legs were found to be compatible with these clinical subtypes. The comedonal type was in the classical place, but the hypertrophic and cornifying types were not in the usual sites. In addition to the classic histopathology of DD, we noted multiple, warty dyskeratoma‐like structures in the comedonal type, marked compact hyperkeratosis in the cornifying type, and marked papillomatosis in the hypertrophic type.
Rapidly developing giant sized lupus vulgaris on the chest associated with bilateral scrofuloderma on the neck
Authors: ALIAĞAOĞLU Cihangir , ATASOY Mustafa , KARAKUZU Ali , ÇAYIR Kerim , MELIKOĞLU Mehmet
Published: July 2006

Lupus vulgaris and scrofuloderma are the opposite poles of cutaneous tuberculosis. Lupus vulgaris of a giant size and scrofuloderma in the vicinity of this lesion were both present in a 70‐year‐old female patient. The purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) skin test was strongly positive. In histopathological examination, granulomatous infiltration without caseation necrosis was seen in the dermis. The patient was treated with a four‐drug therapy consisting of pyrazinamide (25 mg/kg), isoniazid (5 mg/kg), rifampin (10 mg/kg) and ethambutol (15 mg/kg) daily for 2 months, followed by dual therapy with isoniazid and rifampin for 6 months. Her cutaneous lesions significantly regressed after 4 months, leaving keloid scars.
Atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with diffuse eosinophilic infiltrate
Authors: HIRASHIMA Noriyuki , MISAGO Noriyuki , SHINOGI Taro , INOUE Takuya , MIURA Yoshihiro , NARISAWA Yutaka
Published: July 2006

Atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (atrophic DFSP) is a variant of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), and is clinically characterized by depressed lesions. We report a patient with a typical atrophic DFSP lesion with marked eosinophilic infiltration. The patient was a 55‐year‐old woman with a dark‐red, depressed lesion in the epigastric region. Histopathological examination of the lesion showed proliferation of fibroblast‐like cells in a storiform pattern in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells was positive for CD34. The lesion was histopathologically typical of DFSP, but no elevated lesion was clinically observed. Thus, a diagnosis of atrophic DFSP was made. Moreover, this tumor tissue exhibited marked eosinophilic infiltration. To our knowledge, they are no reports of eosinophilic infiltration in DFSP tissue. Therefore, this seems to be an extremely rare case of DFSP.
Primary essential cutis verticis gyrata in an adult female patient: A case report
Authors: TAN Onder , ERGEN Duygu
Published: July 2006

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a very rare morphological condition of the scalp characterized by ridges and furrows resembling the surface of the brain. Primary or idiopathic CVG occurs in the absence of underlying soft‐tissue abnormalities and is often associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Secondary CVG occurs as a result of a local inflammatory or neoplastic process of the scalp or a systemic illness that produce pathologic changes in the scalp structure. The choice of treatment of CVG is surgical repair which depends on the size and location of the lesion, the underlying disorder, and the wishes of the patient, including primary repair, serial excision, skin grafting, local flaps and tissue expansion. In this case report, we describe the first female patient in the published work with primary essential CVG that appeared at 30 years of age. Because the patient had no cosmetic or functional complaint, no surgical intervention was attempted. Primary essential CVG, a very uncommon disorder, may be encountered in females after the third decade. The classification of CVG is essential to properly diagnose and treat patients who present with these unusual scalp lesions.
A highly efficient transient protoplast system for analyzing defence gene expression and protein–protein interactions in rice
Authors: CHEN SONGBIAO , TAO LIZEN , ZENG LIRONG , VEGA‐SANCHEZ MIGUEL E. , UMEMURA KENJI , WANG GUO‐LIANG
Published: July 2006

The transient assay system based on mesophyll or cultured cell‐derived protoplasts has been exploited in several plant species and has become a powerful tool for rapid gene functional analysis and biochemical manipulations. However, the system has not been widely used in rice owing to the difficulties in large‐scale isolation of viable rice protoplasts from leaves or suspension‐cultured cells. Here, we describe a significantly improved method to isolate a large number of protoplasts from stem and sheath tissues of both young and mature plants. High‐level coexpression of multiple constructs and efficient suppression of exogenous and endogenous genes were observed in the stem‐ and sheath‐derived protoplasts. A transient green fluorescent protein and luciferase‐based reporter system for defence‐related genes expression analysis has been established, which is useful for screening and characterizing genes involved in rice defence signalling pathways. Furthermore, a protoplast‐based bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) system for the detection of protein–protein interactions in living rice cells was developed. The YFP complementation of two split‐YFP halves mediated by homodimerization of the GUS and SPIN1, a cell‐death related protein, was observed in transfected protoplasts. In combination with genetic, genomic and proteomic approaches, the established versatile protoplast transient assay system will facilitate large‐scale functional analysis of defence‐related genes in rice.
Integration of structural and functional genomics
Authors: Tuggle C. K. , Dekkers J. C. M. , Reecy J. M.
Published: July 2006

This paper introduces a special issue of Animal Genetics, which is devoted to the recent symposium held at Iowa State University entitled ‘Integration of Structural and Functional Genomics’. We describe issues and needs that confront the animal genomics community, and describe how this symposium was structured to address these issues by improving communication and collaboration across species and disciplines. The session topics and oral presentations are briefly described for all invited speakers.
An integrative approach for the identification of quantitative trait loci
Authors: Arbilly M. , Pisanté A. , Devor M. , Darvasi A.
Published: July 2006

The genetic dissection of complex traits is one of the most difficult and most important challenges facing science today. We discuss here an integrative approach to quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in mice. This approach makes use of the wealth of genetic tools available in mice, as well as the recent advances in genome sequence data already available for a number of inbred mouse strains. We have developed mapping strategies that allow a stepwise narrowing of a QTL mapping interval, prioritizing candidate genes for further analysis with the potential of identifying the most probable candidate gene for the given trait. This approach integrates traditional mapping tools, fine mapping tools, sequence‐based analysis, bioinformatics and gene expression.
Genetic analysis of NHLH2 and its putative role in bovine body weight control
Authors: Brennan K. M. , Vella K. R. , Good D. J.
Published: July 2006

The control of energy balance is fundamental to adult animals and is necessary for weight gain/loss, reproductive capacity and general health. In mice, targeted deletion of the neuronal transcription factor Nhlh2 results in adult‐onset obesity because of reduced exercise and infertility because of reduced sexual behaviour. Nhlh2 (NHLH2 for humans) is expressed in the hypothalamus, particularly in neurons that have been shown to regulate energy balance. We have cloned the bovine Nhlh2 gene (bNHLH2) and we have shown that bNHLH2 is also expressed in the hypothalamus. Phylogenetic analysis of Nhlh2 reveals that it is very highly conserved in humans, mice, chimps and cattle, and found in organisms with simpler nervous systems, including Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. Using a cattle–human comparative map and online databases, we have evidence that bNHLH2 is located near a quantitative trait locus for marbling on bovine chromosome 3 between microsatellite markers BM723 and BMS963. Cloning of the bNHLH2 gene from Holstein cattle and a mixed breed individual and comparison with Hereford sequences shows that the gene is highly conserved among bovine breeds.
From information to understanding: the role of model organism databases in comparative and functional genomics
Authors: Bult C. J.
Published: July 2006

Data integration is key to functional and comparative genomics because integration allows diverse data types to be evaluated in new contexts. To achieve data integration in a scalable and sensible way, semantic standards are needed, both for naming things (standardized nomenclatures, use of key words) and also for knowledge representation. The Mouse Genome Informatics database and other model organism databases help to close the gap between information and understanding of biological processes because these resources enforce well‐defined nomenclature and knowledge representation standards. Model organism databases have a critical role to play in ensuring that diverse kinds of data, especially genome‐scale data sets and information, remain useful to the biological community in the long‐term. The efforts of model organism database groups ensure not only that organism‐specific data are integrated, curated and accessible but also that the information is structured in such a way that comparison of biological knowledge across model organisms is facilitated.
Genomic pathways database and biological data management
Authors: Ozsoyoglu Z. M. , Ozsoyoglu G. , Nadeau J.
Published: July 2006

In this paper, we discuss the properties of biological data and challenges it poses for data management, and argue that, in order to meet the data management requirements for ‘digital biology’, careful integration of the existing technologies and the development of new data management techniques for biological data are needed. Based on this premise, we present PathCase: Case Pathways Database System. PathCase is an integrated set of software tools for modelling, storing, analysing, visualizing and querying biological pathways data at different levels of genetic, molecular, biochemical and organismal detail. The novel features of the system include: (i) genomic information integrated with other biological data and presented starting from pathways; (ii) design for biologists who are possibly unfamiliar with genomics, but whose research is essential for annotating gene and genome sequences with biological functions; (iii) database design, implementation and graphical tools which enable users to visualize pathways data in multiple abstraction levels and to pose exploratory queries; (iv) a wide range of different types of queries including, ‘path’ and ‘neighbourhood queries’ and graphical visualization of query outputs; and (v) an implementation that allows for web (XML)‐based dissemination of query outputs (i.e. pathways data in BIOPAX format) to researchers in the community, giving them control on the use of pathways data.
Selective transcriptional profiling for trait‐based eQTL mapping
Authors: Nettleton D. , Wang D.
Published: July 2006

There is currently great interest in identifying genetic loci associated with the expression of one or more genes by combining methods for the mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) with microarray technology. Because of the high cost of microarrays, it is useful to develop strategies for selecting a subset of individuals for expression profiling. We describe a method of selective transcriptional profiling that uses available information on individual quantitative traits and marker data to choose an optimal set of individuals for measurement with microarrays. We show how to analyse the resulting data to identify genes whose expression is associated with a QTL for a traditional trait or any other locus. Examples are used to illustrate the method and highlight some challenges associated with the analysis of selected data.
Catch‐up growth strategies differ between body structures: interactions between age and structure‐specific growth in wild nestling Alpine Swifts
Authors: BIZE P. , METCALFE N. B. , ROULIN A.
Published: July 2006

Little is known on the occurrence and magnitude of faster than normal (catch‐up) growth in response to periods of undernutrition in the wild, and the extent to which different body structures compensate and over what timescales is poorly understood.

We investigated catch‐up growth in nestling Alpine Swifts,Apus melba, by comparing nestling growth trajectories in response to a naturally occurring 1‐week period of inclement weather and undernutrition with growth of nestlings reared in a good year.

In response to undernutrition, nestlings exhibited a hierarchy of tissues preservation and compensation, with body mass being restored quickly after the end of the period of undernutrition, acceleration of skeletal growth occurring later in development, and compensation in wing length occurring mostly due to a prolongation of growth and delayed fledging.

The effect of undernutrition and subsequent catch‐up growth was age‐dependent, with older nestlings being more resilient to undernutrition, and in turn having less need to compensate later in the development.

This shows that young in a free‐living bird population can compensate in body mass and body size for a naturally occurring period of undernutrition, and that the timing and extent of compensation varies with age and between body structures.
Climate change manipulations show Antarctic flora is more strongly affected by elevated nutrients than water
Authors: WASLEY JANE , ROBINSON SHARON A. , LOVELOCK CATHERINE E. , POPP MARIANNE
Published: July 2006

Climate change is expected to affect the high latitudes first and most severely, rendering Antarctica one of the most significant baseline environments for the study of global climate change. The indirect effects of climate warming, including changes to the availability of key environmental resources, such as water and nutrients, are likely to have a greater impact upon continental Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems than the effects of fluctuations in temperature alone. To investigate the likely impacts of a wetter climate on Antarctic terrestrial communities a multiseason, manipulative field experiment was conducted in the floristically important Windmill Islands region of East Antarctica. Four cryptogamic communities (pure bryophyte, moribund bryophyte, crustose and fructicose lichen‐dominated) received increased water and/or nutrient additions over two consecutive summer seasons. The increased water approximated an 18% increase in snow melt days (0.2°C increase in temperature), while the nutrient addition of 3.5 g N m−2 yr−1was within the range of soil N in the vicinity. A range of physiological and biochemical measurements were conducted in order to quantify the community response. While an overall increase in productivity in response to water and nutrient additions was observed, productivity appeared to respond more strongly to nutrient additions than to water additions. Pure bryophyte communities, and lichen communities dominated by the genusUsnea, showed stronger positive responses to nutrient additions, identifying some communities that may be better able to adapt and prosper under the ameliorating conditions associated with a warmer, wetter future climate. Under such a climate, productivity is overall likely to increase but some cryptogamic communities are likely to thrive more than others. Regeneration of moribund bryophytes appears likely only if a future moisture regime creates consistently moist conditions.
Determinants of vertebrate invasion success in Europe and North America
Authors: JESCHKE JONATHAN M. , STRAYER DAVID L.
Published: July 2006

Species that are frequently introduced to an exotic range have a high potential of becoming invasive. Besides propagule pressure, however, no other generally strong determinant of invasion success is known. Although evidence has accumulated that human affiliates (domesticates, pets, human commensals) also have high invasion success, existing studies do not distinguish whether this success can be completely explained by or is partly independent of propagule pressure. Here, we analyze both factors independently, propagule pressure and human affiliation. We also consider a third factor directly related to humans, hunting, and 17 traits on each species' population size and extent, diet, body size, and life history. Our dataset includes all 2362 freshwater fish, mammals, and birds native to Europe or North America. In contrast to most previous studies, we look at the complete invasion process consisting of (1) introduction, (2) establishment, and (3) spread. In this way, we not only consider which of the introduced species became invasive but also which species were introduced. Of the 20 factors tested, propagule pressure and human affiliation were the two strongest determinants of invasion success across all taxa and steps. This was true for multivariate analyses that account for intercorrelations among variables as well as univariate analyses, suggesting that human affiliation influenced invasion success independently of propagule pressure. Some factors affected the different steps of the invasion process antagonistically. For example, game species were much more likely to be introduced to an exotic continent than nonhunted species but tended to be less likely to establish themselves and spread. Such antagonistic effects show the importance of considering the complete invasion process.
The clinicopathological and prognostic relevance of cytokeratin 7 and 19 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. A possible progenitor cell origin
Authors: Durnez A , Verslype C , Nevens F , Fevery J , Aerts R , Pirenne J , Lesaffre E , Libbrecht L , Desmet V , Roskams T
Published: July 2006

Aims:  Cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK19 expression, present in hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) and in cholangiocytes but not in normal hepatocytes, has been reported in some hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs); however, the incidence and relevance of this expression in HCC in Caucasians is not known. Therefore, our aim was to study the occurrence and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC expressing CK7 and/or CK19 in 109 Caucasian patients.

Methods and results:  The expression of hepatocellular differentiation markers (Hepar, canalicular polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen), biliary/progenitor cell markers (CK7, CK19), α‐fetoprotein (AFP), p53 and β‐catenin in HCC was semiquantitatively assessed by immunohistochemistry. Of 109 HCCs, 78 were CK7–/CK19– (72%), 13 CK7+/CK19– (12%), seven CK7–/CK19+ (6%), 11 CK7+/CK19+ (10%). CK19 expression was significantly associated with elevated serum AFP (400 ng/ml) (P = 0.023), tumour AFP expression (P < 0.0001), presence in serum of anti‐hepatitis B core (P = 0.016), less fibrosis in non‐neoplastic parenchyma (P = 0.009) and less nuclear β‐catenin expression (P = 0.021). CK7 expression was significantly associated with elevated serum bilirubin (> 2 mg/dl) (P = 0.0005) and less nuclear β‐catenin expression (P = 0.003). HCC expressing CK19 had a higher rate of recurrence (P = 0.009, hazard ratio 12.5, n = 31) after liver transplantation compared with CK19– tumours.

Conclusions:  In our series, 28% of HCCs contained cells expressing CK7 and/or CK19. They potentially derive from HPCs. The higher recurrence rate of CK19+ HCC after transplantation suggests a worse prognosis for these HCCs compared with CK19– HCC.
Is pseudomelanosis coli a marker of colonic neuropathy in severely constipated patients?
Authors: Villanacci V , Bassotti G , Cathomas G , Maurer C A , Di Fabio F , Fisogni S , Cadei M , Mazzocchi A , Salerni B
Published: July 2006

Aims:  To study relationships between the number of pseudomelanosis coli cells and that of colonic enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal, which are significantly reduced compared with controls in severely constipated patients. Pseudomelanosis coli is frequent in patients using anthraquinone laxatives. It is not known whether the prolonged use of these compounds damages the enteric nervous system in constipated patients.

Patients and methods:  The relationship between the number of pseudomelanosis coli cells and that of colonic enteric neurons (as well as that of apoptotic enteric neurons) and of interstitial cells of Cajal was assessed by histological and immunohistochemical methods in 16 patients with chronic use of anthraquinone laxatives undergoing surgery for severe constipation unresponsive to medical treatment. No relationship was found between the number of pseudomelanosis coli cells and that of enteric neurons (and that of the apoptotic ones), nor of interstitial cells of Cajal, in either the submucosal or the myenteric plexus.

Conclusion:  The use of anthraquinone laxatives, leading to the appearance of pseudomelanosis coli, is probably not related to the abnormalities of the enteric nervous system found in severely constipated patients.
Congenitally missing maxillary primary canines: report of three cases
Authors: CHO S. Y. , LEE C. K.
Published: July 2006

Summary.  Background.  Hypodontia is uncommon in the primary dentition and lateral incisors are the most commonly missing primary teeth in the patients affected. Studies have found that hypodontia in the primary dentition involving only maxillary canine is rare.

Case reports.  Three cases of hypodontia in the primary dentition involving only maxillary canine are presented. Two of them were affected by hypodontia and hyperdontia in the permanent dentitions respectively, yet all the permanent canines developed normally in these three cases.

Conclusion.  In children with congenitally missing maxillary canines, the permanent dentitions may show diverse anomalies in tooth numbers, ranging from hypodontia to hyperdontia.
A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of a one‐step conditioning agent in sealant placement: 6‐month results
Authors: BURBRIDGE L. , NUGENT Z. , DEERY C.
Published: July 2006

Summary.  Aim.  The objectives of this study were: to compare the retention of fissure sealants (sealants) placed on occlusal surfaces following the use of a self‐etching priming agent and traditional acid etch; to compare the caries incidence of occlusal surfaces sealed using the two techniques; and to compare the ease of placement of sealant following the use of the two techniques, as assessed by subjects and operators.

Design.  The study took the form of a randomized controlled trial conducted in UK National Health Service community dental service and dental hospital clinics. Sixty subjects were recruited to this study by seven dental professionals who placed sealants on lower permanent molar pairs. The technique used for enamel preparation prior to sealant placement on the right and left side of the lower arch was randomized. On one side of the lower arch, Xeno® III was used to prepare the occlusal enamel, and on the other, phosphoric acid etch together with Prime & Bond® was used. Opaque Delton® was used to seal all surfaces. Subjects were blinded to the techniques used. The subjects and operators recorded their impressions of the techniques used on individual questionnaires.

Results.  Forty‐six (77%) of the 60 subjects were reviewed by the principal researcher after 6 months. The retention of the acid‐etch group was significantly superior (P < 0·01), as was the caries preventive effect (P < 0·01). Subjects tended to report that placement of sealants was easier following enamel preparation with Xeno® III (P = 0·085), and in the opinion of the operators, sealants were significantly easier to place when using Xeno® III (P = 0·016).

Conclusions.  In view of the findings of this investigation, best practice for the placement of sealants remains enamel preparation with acid etch and the use of an intermediate bonding layer.
Dentinal carious lesion in three dimensions
Authors: WONG F. S. L. , WILLMOTT N. S. , DAVIS G. R.
Published: July 2006

Summary.  Aim.  The aim of this study was to show the morphology of the carious lesion in dentine in three dimensions (3D).

Design.  A novel high‐definition X‐ray microtomography (XMT) scanner was used to scan 10 carious primary molars at a resolution of 15 × 15 × 15 µm3. A stack of ∼640 XMT slices were recorded for each tooth. Using this data set and a volume rendering algorithm, each tooth was reconstructed in 3D. The VG Studio Max 1·0 visualization software package was used to make normal enamel and dentine transparent to show the carious lesions in 3D. A video film, comprised of the rendered images from 60 viewing angles rotating through 360°, was produced to show the carious lesion and its relation to the pulp in a three‐dimensional perspective (http://www.smd.qmul.ac.uk/dental/oralgrowdev/biophysics/xmt/images/carious.mpg).

Results.  These images showed that carious lesions in dentine were bowl‐shaped. The pulp adjacent to the carious lesion was also observed to mimic the base of the bowl‐shaped lesion.

Conclusions.  It was concluded from the teeth studied that the shape at the base of the carious lesion in dentine is curved in 3D, rather than conical, as traditionally believed from two‐dimensional image interpretation. Further 3D studies are needed to investigate whether the bowl‐shaped carious lesions in dentine also apply to caries in other types of teeth.
Efficacy of clinical supervision: influence on job satisfaction, burnout and quality of care
Authors: Hyrkäs Kristiina , Appelqvist‐Schmidlechner Kaija , Haataja Riina
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study to determine how supervisees’ backgrounds and surrounding infrastructure predict the efficacy of clinical supervision among Finnish nursing staff, their job satisfaction, levels of burnout and perceptions of the quality of care.

Background.  Several studies have described the effects of clinical supervision, but few have focused on evaluating it. Until recently, no studies have examined how clinical supervision evaluations are related to supervisees’ backgrounds, surrounding infrastructure or respondents’ levels of burnout, job satisfaction and perceptions of the quality of care.

Methods.  The survey involved supervisees completing a range of standardized and validated evaluation measures. The respondents were identified from 12 regional, central and university hospitals across Finland (n = 799). The data collection took place from October 2000 to February 2001.

Findings.  The evaluations varied statistically significantly and were associated with statistically significant variations in the respondents’ backgrounds. Clinical supervision infrastructure was also strongly related to evaluation scores. Supervisees’ age, education, gender, employment status, area of specialty, working hours, work experience and experience as a supervisor were statistically significant predictors for evaluations of the efficacy of clinical supervision. These evaluations of clinical supervision were also found to predict the respondents’ job satisfaction, levels of burnout and assessments of good nursing.

Conclusions.  Nursing staff, especially those who have over 10 years’ work experience, work in general care, have a nursing diploma, are non‐tenured, work part‐time and work 24‐hour rotating shifts can benefit from clinical supervision. However, resources need to be invested in supervisor education and nursing staff need to be encouraged to start working in both supervisor and supervisee roles because of the positive effects on job satisfaction and quality of care.
Climate impacts at multiple scales: evidence for differential population responses in juvenile Chinook salmon
Authors: CROZIER LISA G. , ZABEL RICHARD W.
Published: July 2006

We explored differential population responses to climate in 18 populations of threatened spring–summer Chinook salmon Onchorynchus tshawytscha in the Salmon River basin, Idaho.

Using data from a long‐term mark–release–recapture study of juvenile survival, we found that fall stream flow is the best predictor of average survival across all populations.

To determine whether all populations responded similarly to climate, we used a cluster analysis to group populations that had similar annual fluctuations in survival. The populations grouped into four clusters, and different environmental factors were important for different clusters.

Survival in two of the clusters was negatively correlated with summer temperature, and survival in the other two clusters was positively correlated with minimum fall stream flow, which in turn depends on snow pack from the previous winter.

Using classification and regression tree analysis, we identified stream width and stream temperature as key habitat factors that shape the responses of individual populations to climate.

Climate change will likely have different impacts on different populations within this metapopulation, and recognizing this diversity is important for accurately assessing risks.