bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of carbon accrual in afforested agricultural soils
Authors: MORRIS SHERRI J. , BOHM SVEN , HAILE‐MARIAM SHAWEL , PAUL ELDOR A.
Published: May 2007

Afforestation of agricultural lands can provide economically and environmentally realistic C storage to mitigate for elevated CO2until other actions such as reduced fossil fuel use can be taken. Soil carbon sequestration following afforestation of agricultural land ranges from losses to substantial annual gains. The present understanding of the controlling factors is inadequate for understanding ecosystem dynamics, modeling global change and for policy decision‐makers. Our study found that planting agricultural soils to deciduous forests resulted in ecosystem C accumulations of 2.4 Mg C ha−1 yr−1and soil accumulations of 0.35 Mg C ha−1 yr−1. Planting to conifers showed an average ecosystem sequestration of 2.5 and 0.26 Mg C ha−1 yr−1in the soils but showed greater field to field variability than when planted to deciduous forest. Path analysis showed that Ca was positively related to soil C accumulations for both conifers and deciduous afforested sites and played a significant role in soil C accumulations in these sites. Soil N increases were closely related to C accumulation and were two times greater than could be explained by system N inputs from atmospheric deposition and natural sources. Our results suggest that the addition of Ca to afforested sites, especially conifers, may be an economical means to enhance soil C sequestration even if it does not result in increasing C in aboveground pools. The mechanism of N accumulation in these aggrading stands needs further investigation.
Forest carbon use efficiency: is respiration a constant fraction of gross primary production?
Authors: DeLUCIA EVAN H. , DRAKE JOHN E. , THOMAS RICHARD B. , GONZALEZ‐MELER MIQUEL
Published: May 2007

Carbon‐use efficiency (CUE), the ratio of net primary production (NPP) to gross primary production (GPP), describes the capacity of forests to transfer carbon (C) from the atmosphere to terrestrial biomass. It is widely assumed in many landscape‐scale carbon‐cycling models that CUE for forests is a constant value of ∼0.5. To achieve a constant CUE, tree respiration must be a constant fraction of canopy photosynthesis. We conducted a literature survey to test the hypothesis that CUE is constant and universal among forest ecosystems. Of the 60 data points obtained from 26 papers published since 1975, more than half reported values of GPP that were not estimated independently from NPP; values of CUE calculated from independent estimates of GPP were greater than those calculated from estimates of GPP derived from NPP. The slope of the relationship between NPP and GPP for all forests was 0.53, but values of CUE varied from 0.23 to 0.83 for different forest types. CUE decreased with increasing age, and a substantial portion of the variation among forest types was caused by differences in stand age. When corrected for age the mean value of CUE was greatest for temperate deciduous forests and lowest for boreal forests. CUE also increased as the ratio of leaf mass‐to‐total mass increased. Contrary to the assumption of constancy, substantial variation in CUE has been reported in the literature. It may be inappropriate to assume that respiration is a constant fraction of GPP as adhering to this assumption may contribute to incorrect estimates of C cycles. A 20% error in current estimates of CUE used in landscape models (i.e. ranging from 0.4 to 0.6) could misrepresent an amount of C equal to total anthropogenic emissions of CO2 when scaled to the terrestrial biosphere.
The nursing gaze: power relations in a study of nurse–resident interactions in learning disability
Authors: LAU V. M. H. , CALLAGHAN P. , TWINN S. F. , GOODFELLOW B.
Published: May 2007

The researchers observed nurse–resident interactions in learning disability units in Hong Kong and interviewed a purposeful sample of nurses who had varying levels of interaction. The median interaction rate between nurses and residents was 27.5% with most interactions relating to physical care. When not interacting with residents, nurses performed administrative tasks. Factors that influenced nurses' interactions revolve around their orientation to a new clinical setting, stresses in the care setting and nurses' coping strategies, contextual constraints, and nurses' prioritization of care. Support for Goffman's self‐mortification principle, Foucault's notion of the clinical gaze and infantilism theory were evident in the practice of the nurses studied.
Influence of deoxynivalenol on the D‐glucose transport across the isolated epithelium of different intestinal segments of laying hens
Authors: Awad W. A. , Razzazi‐Fazeli E. , Böhm J. , Zentek J.
Published: May 2007

Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption in the proximal jejunum of laying hens in vitro and this effect is apparently mediated by the inhibition of the sodium d‐glucose co‐transporter. DON could modulate the sugar transport of other intestinal regions of chickens. For this purpose, we have measured the effects of DON on the Na+d‐glucose co‐transporter, by addition of DON after and before a glucose addition in the isolated epithelium from chicken duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon by using the Ussing chamber technique in the voltage clamp technique. The data showed in all segments of the gut that the addition of d‐glucose on the mucosal side produced an increase in the current (Isc) compared with the basal values, the Isc after glucose addition to the small intestine was greater than the Isc of the large intestine compared with the basal values, specially of the jejunum (p < 0.002), indicating that the jejunum is the segment that is the best prepared for Na+‐d‐glucose co‐transport. Further addition of 10 μg DON/ml to the mucosal solution decreased the Isc in all segments and the Isc returned to the basal value, especially in the duodenum and mid jejunum (p < 0.05). In contrast, the addition of 5 mmol d‐glucose/l on the mucosal side after incubation of the tissues with DON in all segments had no effect on the Isc (p > 0.05), suggesting that DON previously inhibited the Na+d‐glucose co‐transport. The blocking effects of DON in duodenum and jejunum were greater than the other regions of the gut. It can be concluded that the small intestine of laying hens has the most relevant role in the carrier mediated glucose transport and the large intestine, having non‐significant capacity to transport sugars, appears to offer a minor contribution to glucose transport because the surface area is small. The effect of d‐glucose on the Isc was reversed by DON in all segments, especially in the duodenum and jejunum, suggesting that DON entirely inhibited Na+‐d‐glucose co‐transport. This finding indicates that the inhibition of Na+ co‐transport system in all segments could be an important mode of action for DON toxicity of hens.
Basic data on food intake, nutrient digestibility and energy requirements of lorikeets
Authors: Wolf P. , Häbich A.‐C. , Bürkle M. , Kamphues J.
Published: May 2007

Although knowledge of the nutrient requirements of pet birds has increased a lot over the last few years, basic data on food and water intake and the energy requirements of nectarivorous species, such as lorikeets, are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to try to generate some of these data for lorikeets kept at maintenance. Determination of the daily maintenance energy requirement enables calculation of the daily ration and thus, the appropriate nutrient concentrations in order to maintain body weight. Investigations were carried out with six Goldie's lorikeets (GL; Trichoglossus goldiei: 40–50 g BW; 1–4 years) and six rainbow lorikeets (RL; Trichoglossus haematodus haematodus: 120–140 g BW; 1–12 years). Three of the most commonly used diets/foods (commercial ‘lory soup’/apples/pollen: crude ash – 52.9/17.8/18.8; crude protein – 178/32.5/191; crude fat – 52.8/0.89/73.1; crude fibre – 17.9/40.5/30.4; starch – 139/not detectable/127; sugar – 522/859/418 g/kg DM; ME – 13.9/14.6/10.9 MJ/kg DM) were individually offered ad libitum. The measured dry matter (DM) intake (g/100 g BW) corresponded well to the values reported for granivorous bird species of similar body mass. Both lorikeet species achieved an apparent digestibility of organic matter of more than 90% for apples, approximately 82% for ‘lory soup’ and approximately 55% for pollen. The water content of the food affected the DM content of the excreta; 8% when fed ‘lory soup’, 2% for apples and approximately 30% when fed pollen. Regression analysis of body weight change relative to energy intake demonstrated constant body mass (assuming no change in body composition) when the daily energy intakes were 860 (GL) or 650 (RL) kJ ME/kg BW0.75.
Age‐dependent Grey Mould Susceptibility and Tissue‐specific Defence Gene Activation of Grapevine Berry Skins after Infection by Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Kretschmer M. , Kassemeyer H.‐H. , Hahn M.
Published: May 2007

The correlation between the degree of maturity of grapevine berries and their susceptibility to infection by the grey mould fungus Botrytis cinerea was studied. Artificial inoculation with B. cinerea conidia of detached berries from cultivars Riesling and Pinot noir revealed an increasing susceptibility during the last weeks of berry ripening. Wound inoculation resulted in increased lesion formation when compared with inoculation of non‐wounded berry skins. Lesion development after non‐wounding inoculation was stimulated by the addition of nutrients. Riesling berries were more readily infected than Pinot noir berries, indicating that the Riesling berry skin is more easily colonized by the grey mould fungus. Analysis of defence gene activation in the berry skin tissue revealed increased transcript levels of phenylalanine ammonium lyase and stilbene synthase after inoculation with B. cinerea conidia, while mRNA abundance of osmotin was similar in inoculated and non‐inoculated tissue. Our data indicate that properties of the grape berry skin, including its ability for infection‐induced defence gene activation, are important for the outcome of grey mould infections.
Direct‐PCR Detection and Epidemiology of Ramularia collo‐cygni Associated with Barley Necrotic Leaf Spots
Authors: Frei P. , Gindro K. , Richter H. , Schürch S.
Published: May 2007

Ramularia collo‐cygni (Sutton & Waller) is involved in a disease complex of barley characterized by the formation of necrotic spots on leaves. Isolation of this fungus is difficult, which complicates the study of its epidemiology and the aetiology of the disease complex. A new assay based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to detect the presence of R. collo‐cygni (Rcc) without previous isolation of the fungus nor prior purification of DNA. Primers RC3 and RC5 were designed to amplify a 348 bp fragment of the internal transcribed spacer region of this pathogen. These primers were highly specific to Rcc, as no cross‐reactions were observed with other barley pathogens or saprobes commonly found on this crop. Amplification was possible from crude extracts (direct‐PCR), circumventing the need for a DNA purification. Detection of 1 fg of target DNA was achieved with a single PCR. This specific and sensitive assay was used to study the epidemiology of Rcc on winter and spring barley at two locations in Switzerland. Rcc was present on winter barley from snow melting until harvest and colonized gradually all leaf layers. It was also found on volunteers, which could, together with weeds, offer a survival possibility to the pathogen between two barley crops. The fungus was detected on spring barley only after it sporulated on winter barley, indicating that Rcc probably spreads from winter to spring barley. The hypothesis of Rcc being a seed‐borne pathogen can be tested more easily with this fast and reliable molecular tool, which may also find applications in barley breeding programmes and fungicide trials.
New Pythium Taxa Causing Root Rot on Mediterranean Quercus Species in South‐west Spain and Portugal
Authors: Romero M. A. , Sánchez J. E. , Jiménez J. J. , Belbahri L. , Trapero A. , Lefort F. , Sánchez M. E.
Published: May 2007

Pythium spiculum, a recently described new taxon, has been frequently isolated from declining Quercus rotundifolia and Q. suber roots and rhizosphere since 2003 in southern Iberia. In soils of declining Quercus forests this species was found as frequently as Phytophthora cinnamomi which, until now, was the only oomycete described as a Quercus root rot pathogen in the region. Inoculation tests conducted on young Q. rotundifolia plants showed that Py. spiculum is an aggressive root pathogen, although producing severities of symptoms significantly lower than those of P. cinnamomi. This new pathogen could play a role as decline factor in southern Iberia. Another new species, Py. sterilum, was also found to be pathogenic to Quercus roots but there are presently only few records of this organism isolated from rhizosphere of declining oaks in central Spain. More than an active decline factor, this species should be considered as a potential risk for Quercus forests.
Xanthogranulomatous orchitis: Review of the published work and report of one case
Authors: Al‐Said Sami , Ali Ammar , Alobaidy Abdul Kader , Mojeeb Emad , Al‐Naimi Abdulla , Shokeir Ahmed A
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Xanthogranulomatous orchitis is an extremely rare inflammatory non‐neoplastic destructive lesion of the testis. We report a 44‐year‐old man who presented with right scrotal swelling and two discharging sinuses. Testicular tumor markers were normal. Scrotal ultrasound showed heterogeneous testicular areas and irregular margin of the tunica. Surgical exploration revealed infected, unhealthy testicular tissue with necrosis and tumor‐like lesion. Orchidectomy was done and histopathology showed xanthogranulomatous orchitis.
Clinical outcome of orthotopic neobladder replacement in patients with a solitary functioning kidney
Authors: Furukawa Junya , Miyake Hideaki , Hara Isao , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: May 2007

Objective:  To evaluate the outcome of orthotopic neobladder creation in patients with a solitary functioning renal unit at the time of surgery.

Methods:  This study included a total of 18 patients (15 men and three women) with a solitary functioning kidney who underwent radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer followed by orthotopic neobladder replacement. Of these, an ileal, ileocolic or sigmoid colon neobladder was constructed in 11, three or four patients, respectively. Clinical data from these patients were retrospectively reviewed to clarify the significance of neobladder creation in patients with a solitary functioning kidney.

Results:  During the observation period of this series (mean, 44.2 months; range, 15–95 months), there were nine early complications in six patients (wound infection, ileus, urine leakage and pulmonary embolism in four, three, one and one, respectively) and 10 late complications in nine patients (severe metabolic acidosis, vesicourethral anastomotic stricture, ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture and neobladder calculi in six, two, one and one, respectively). Severe metabolic acidosis occurred in six (five ileal neobladders and one ileocolic neobladder); however, there were no significant differences in preoperative renal function and serum electrolytes as well as postoperative voiding function between patients with and without severe metabolic acidosis. These six patients required administration of sodium bicarbonate, and their metabolic status was normalized thereafter. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in renal function and serum electrolytes between these two groups throughout the observation period, and none of the patients demonstrated renal deterioration.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest, despite the analysis including a small number of patients with a short follow‐up period, orthotopic neobladder replacement could provide comparatively satisfactory results in patients with a solitary functioning kidney; hence, a solitary kidney should not be regarded as a contraindicated factor for neobladder creation after radical cystectomy.
Change of blood viscosity and urinary frequency by high water intake
Authors: Sugaya Kimio , Nishijima Saori , Oda Masami , Miyazato Minoru , Ogawa Yoshihide
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Physicians recommend a high water intake to prevent cerebral infarction by decreasing blood viscosity. However, there is no evidence that high water intake decreases viscosity, although it increases urinary frequency. Therefore, we investigated the change of blood viscosity and urinary frequency by high water intake. We examined the change of blood viscosity after acute water intake, the circadian rhythm of blood viscosity, and the change of early morning blood viscosity and urinary frequency after high water intake for 1 week in healthy volunteers aged 31–75 years. Blood viscosity decreased transiently by acute water intake, but remained within the range of its circadian rhythm. Morning blood viscosity did not alter by high water intake for 1 week, although urinary frequency increased. Because excessive water intake increases urinary frequency without decreasing blood viscosity, a high water intake should not be recommended in persons with urinary frequency.
Children with cardiomyopathy: complications after noncardiac procedures with general anesthesia
Authors: KIPPS ALAINA K. , RAMAMOORTHY CHANDRA , ROSENTHAL DAVID N. , WILLIAMS GLYN D.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Children with cardiomyopathy (CM) often undergo procedures that require general anesthesia (GA) but little is known about anesthesia‐related adverse events or postprocedural outcomes.

Methods:  After approval, all children with CM who underwent nonopen heart surgical procedures and/or diagnostic imaging under GA at a tertiary children’s hospital during January 2002 to May 2005 were identified from a clinical database. Based on their preprocedure fractional shortening (FS) on echocardiogram, systemic ventricular dysfunction was categorized as mild (FS 23–28%), moderate (FS 16–22%), or severe (FS < 16%) and those with normal (FS > 28%) were excluded from review.

Results:  Twenty‐six patients underwent 34 procedures under GA, of whom 13 (38%) had mild or moderate ventricular dysfunction and 21 (62%) had severe dysfunction. Common procedures included pacer/defibrillator placement (43%) and imaging studies (18%). Eighteen complications were noted in 12 patients. Fifteen (83%) complications occurred in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. One patient with severe ventricular dysfunction died (3% mortality). Hypotension requiring inotropic support was the most frequent complication (61%). Children with severe ventricular dysfunction often required hospital support pre‐ and postprocedure with 67% requiring intensive care. Hospital stay was longer for patients with severe ventricular dysfunction compared with children with mild or moderate ventricular dysfunction (P = 0.006).

Conclusions:  The 30‐day mortality rate was low but complications were common, especially in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. For these patients, we recommend early consideration of perioperative intensive care support to optimize cardiovascular therapy and monitoring.
N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide level inversely correlates with cardiac index after arterial switch operation in neonates
Authors: BREUER TAMÁS , SÁPI ERZSÉBET , SKOUMAL RÉKA , TÓTH MIKLÓS , ALA‐KOPSALA MINNA , VUOLTEENAHO OLLI , LEPPÄLUOTO JUHANI , RUSKOAHO HEIKKI , SZATMÁRI ANDRÁS , SZÉKELY ANDREA
Published: May 2007

Background:  Natriuretic peptide levels are associated with cardiac output and ventricular function. We hypothesized that concomitant measurement of the peptide fragments and the hemodynamic parameters could elucidate the associations of these parameters after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Methods:  After approval of the institutional review board and parents’ informed consent, we investigated the clinical data of eight neonates undergoing correction of transposition of the great arteries. We measured the level of N‐terminal fragments of prohormones of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (NT‐proANP, NT‐proBNP) preoperatively, postoperatively and 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after arrival in the intensive care unit. The hemodynamic status was assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution at the same time points. Creatinine and other laboratory values were analyzed in the first 48 h postoperatively.

Results:  NT‐proBNP levels were inversely correlated with cardiac index (CI, r = −0.47, P = 0.030), stroke volume index (r = −0.65, P = 0.005), and global end‐diastolic volume index (GEDI; r = −0.63, P = 0.011). There was strong inverse correlation between the change of NT‐proBNP levels and the change of CI between two consecutive measurements during the postoperative period (r = −0.79, P = 0.001). The NT‐proBNP level 12 h after surgery was strongly correlated with the creatinine level of the postoperative 24th hour (r = 0.81, P = 0.014).

Conclusions:  NT‐proBNP correlated with the hemodynamic parameters and with the severity of renal dysfunction. Therefore, NT‐proBNP is a reliable indicator of the circulatory state and the severity of a low output syndrome after arterial switch operation in neonates.
How Award‐Winning SMEs Manage the Barriers to Innovation
Authors: Larsen Povl , Lewis Alan
Published: May 2007

Much attention has been focused on increasing the so‐called ‘innovation quotient’ of national manufacturing economies. In particular, there has been widespread interest in revealing and examining those barriers that impede innovation, the suggestion being that the removal of such barriers constitutes a prerequisite for successful innovation. This study reports on the experiences of eight firms who had received a UK Design Council ‘millennium product’ award for ‘groundbreaking’ innovation. The implication of the award is that these firms should have overcome any barriers they faced and therefore act as exemplars of how to manage innovative new product development. However, the research shows that the firms were as likely to ignore barriers as they were to address them. Living with a barrier as an alternative to overcoming it is clearly an acceptable strategy for a number of these award winners. The study reports on how the firms managed the various barriers that they encountered.
The Public–Private Job Satisfaction Differential in Italy
Authors: Ghinetti Paolo
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  This paper uses Italian survey data for 1995 to study the differences in satisfaction for six non‐pecuniary job attributes between public and private sector workers. Results indicate that public employees differ from private employees in the way they evaluate satisfaction with job security, consideration by colleagues, and safety and health job features, whereas there are no differences in their assessment of satisfaction with effort levels and interest for the job. In particular, we find that the premium for public employees is quantitatively higher, especially in the case of satisfaction with employment losses. Moreover, there are significant differences in the determinants of satisfaction across sectors.
Comparison of self‐administered vaginal misoprostol versus placebo for cervical ripening prior to operative hysteroscopy using a sequential trial design*
Authors: Oppegaard KS , Nesheim B‐I , Istre O , Qvigstad E
Published: May 2007

Objective  To compare the impact of 1000‐microgram self‐administered vaginal misoprostol versus self‐administered vaginal placebo at home on preoperative cervical ripening in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women prior to outpatient resectoscopy.

Design  Randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled sequential trial.

Setting  Norwegian university teaching hospital.

Sample  Premenopausal and postmenopausal women referred to outpatient resectoscopy.

Methods  The women were randomised to either 1000 micrograms of self‐administered vaginal misoprostol or self‐administered vaginal placebo the evening before outpatient resectoscopy.

Main outcome measures  Preoperative cervical dilatation, acceptability and complications.

Results  (a) Intraoperative findings and distribution of cervical dilatation in the two treatment groups. Values are given as median (range) or n (%). (b) Acceptability in the two treatment groups. Values are given as completely acceptable, n (%); fairly acceptable, n (%); fairly unacceptable, n (%) and completely unacceptable, n (%). (c) Pain in the two treatment groups. Pain was measured with a visual analogue scale score, scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain). Values are given as median (range). (d) Occurrence of adverse effects in the two treatment groups. Values are given as n (%). (e) Complications, given as n (%).
Success rate and patient satisfaction with the Essure™ sterilisation in an outpatient setting: a prospective study of 857 women
Authors: Miño M , Arjona JE , Cordón J , Pelegrin B , Povedano B , Chacon E
Published: May 2007

After 857 women with Essure system inserted for tubal obstruction as a method of sterilization in an outpatient setting, insertion is achieved in close to 99% of the women. Physician described the procedure as very difficult in 15% of the cases, mainly due to anatomical tubal anomalis or tubal spasm, and women felt highly satisfied in all cases.
Change in heart rate variability in relation to a significant ST‐event associates with newborn metabolic acidosis
Authors: Siira S , Ojala T , Ekholm E , Vahlberg T , Blad S , Rosén KG
Published: May 2007

Objective  To find whether low‐to‐high frequency (LF/HF) ratio of fetal heart rate (FHR) variability changes in relation to a significant ST‐event during delivery, and if the change is predictive of metabolic acidosis of the newborn.

Design  A case–control study.

Setting  Data from a multicentre project.

Subjects  Acidotic and control fetuses with abnormal cardiotocography together with a ST‐event in fetal electrocardiogram (ECG).

Methods  We studied intrapartum FHR variability with spectral analysis from 34 fetuses with a significant ST‐event in the fetal ECG. LF/HF ratio of FHR variability was measured within a period of 1 hour before and 1 hour after a significant ST‐event. Sensitivity and specificity of the change in LF/HF ratio of FHR variability in prediction of metabolic acidosis (pH ≤ 7.05 and base deficit value > 12.0 mmol/l) of the newborn were described by means of the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Main outcome measures  Change in LF/HF ratio of FHR in relation to a significant ST‐event.

Results  We found that a relative change in LF/HF ratio greater than 30% in relation to a significant ST‐event predicted cord arterial metabolic acidosis with a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI 68–100%) and specificity of 80% (95% CI 64–96%).

Conclusions  Relative changes in LF/HF ratio of FHR variability in relation to a significant ST‐event are more pronounced in fetuses born with metabolic acidosis.
Air Pollution and Daily Emergency Department Visits for Headache in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Szyszkowicz Mieczyslaw
Published: May 2007

Background.— Many studies have indicated that weather can trigger headache. Here we propose a new methodological approach to assess the relationship between weather, ambient air pollution, and emergency department (ED) visits for this condition.

Objective.— To examine the associations between ED visits for headache and selected meteorological and air pollution factors.

Design and Methods.— A hierarchical clusters design was used to study 10,497 ED visits for headache (ICD‐9: 784) that occurred at a Montreal hospital between 1997 and 2002. The generalized linear mixed models technique was applied to create Poisson models for the clustered counts of visits for headache.

Results.— Statistically significant positive associations were observed between the number of ED visits for headache and the atmospheric pressure for all and for female visits for 1‐day and 2‐day lagged exposures. The percentage increase in daily ED female visits was 4.1% (95% CI: 2.0, 6.2), 3.4% (95% CI: 1.4, 5.6), and 2.2% (95% CI: 1.4, 5.6) for current day, 1‐day and 2‐day lagged exposure to SO2, respectively, for an increase of an interquartile range (IQR) of 2.4 ppb. The percentage increase was also statistically significant for current day and 1‐day lagged exposure to NO2 and CO for all and for female visits.

Conclusions.— Presented findings provide support for the hypothesis that ED visits for headache are correlated to weather conditions and ambient air pollution – to atmospheric pressure and exposure to SO2, NO2, CO, and PM2.5. An increase in levels of these factors is associated with an increase in the number of ED visits for headache.
PLASTID DIVISION IN MALLOMONAS (SYNUROPHYCEAE, HETEROKONTA)1
Authors: Weatherill Kimalee , Lambiris Irene , Pickett‐Heaps Jeremy D. , Deane James A. , Beech Peter L.
Published: May 2007

Laser scanning confocal microscopy and TEM were used to study the morphology of secondary plastids in algae of the genus Mallomonas (Synurophyceae). At interphase, Mallomonas splendens (G. S. West) Playfair, M. rasilis Dürrschm., M. striata Asmund, and M. adamas K. Harris et W. H. Bradley contained a single H‐shaped plastid consisting of two large lobes connected by a narrow isthmus. Labeling of DNA revealed a necklace‐like arrangement of plastid nucleoids at the periphery of the M. splendens plastid and a less‐patterned array in M. rasilis. The TEM of M. splendens and M. rasilis showed an electron‐dense belt surrounding the plastid isthmus in interphase cells; this putative plastid‐dividing ring (PD ring) was adpressed to the inner pair of the four plastid membranes, suggesting that it is homologous to the PD ring of green and red plastids. The PD ring did not contain actin (indicated by lack of staining with phalloidin) and displayed filaments or tubules of 5–10 nm in diameter that may be homologous to the tubules described in red algal PD rings. Confocal microscopy of chl autofluorescence from M. splendens showed that the plastid isthmus was severed as mitosis began, giving rise to two single‐lobed daughter plastids, which, as mitosis and cell division progressed, separated from one another and then each constricted to form the H‐shaped plastids of daughter cells. Similar plastid division cycles were observed in M. rasilis and M. adamas; however, the plastid isthmus of M. striata was retained throughout most of cell division and was eventually severed by the cell cleavage furrow.
Perceived Risks from Radiation and Nuclear Testing Near Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan: A Comparison Between Physicians, Scientists, and the Public
Authors: Purvis‐Roberts Kathleen L. , Werner Cynthia A. , Frank Irene
Published: May 2007

Determining the difference in perception of risk between experts, or more educated professionals, and laypeople is important so that a potential hazard can be effectively communicated to the public. Many surveys have been conducted to better understand the difference between expert and public opinions, and often laypeople exhibit higher perceptions of risk to hazards in comparison to experts. This is especially true when health risk is due to radiation, nuclear power, and nuclear waste. This article focuses on one section of a risk perception survey given to two groups of individuals with a more specialized education (scientists and physicians) and laypeople (villagers) in the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan. All of these groups live near the former Soviet nuclear test site. Originally, it was expected that the scientists and physicians would have similar perceptions of radiation risk, while the public perceptions would be higher, but this was not always the case. For example, when perceptions of risk pertain to the health impacts of nuclear testing or the dose‐response nature of radiation exposure, the physicians tend to agree with the laypeople, not the scientists. The villagers are always the most risk‐averse group, followed by the physicians and then the scientists. These differences are likely due to different frames of reference for each of the populations.
Cancer Anxiety and the Perception of Risk in Alarmed Communities
Authors: Trumbo Craig W. , McComas Katherine A. , Kannaovakun Prathana
Published: May 2007

Cancer is a significant public health topic and is frequently a factor in public reactions to environmental hazards. It may be reasonable to suggest that a unique form of health anxiety exists—one specific to cancer. In this article, we explore a measure of cancer anxiety that has applicability to risk perception in the specific context of communities that are alarmed over suspect cancer rates thought to be associated with environmental hazards. A literature search was used to identify survey questions previously used to measure cancer worry, fear, anxiety, etc. A list of 24 items was employed in a mail survey sent to 30 communities in which cancer rates were under investigation (part of a broader study). An analysis of the dataset of 1,111 responses yields two versions of a cancer anxiety scale: one an additive combination of 21 items (α= 0.77) and the other a two‐factor model consisting of nine‐ and four‐item subscales (α= 0.74 and 0.69). The resulting scales are evaluated for their ability to predict perception of risk from the environmental hazards in these cases. Controlling for age, sex, and cancer status, the scales explain between 2% and 10% of risk perception (full R2 values ranging from 0.17 to 0.24). Given the range of concepts required to model risk perception, we conclude that this measure of cancer anxiety is sufficiently reliable and robust to be recommended for use in circumstances involving hazards associated with cancer. Other uses and further development of the measure are discussed.
Integration of Probabilistic Exposure Assessment and Probabilistic Hazard Characterization
Authors: Van Der Voet Hilko , Slob Wout
Published: May 2007

A method is proposed for integrated probabilistic risk assessment where exposure assessment and hazard characterization are both included in a probabilistic way. The aim is to specify the probability that a random individual from a defined (sub)population will have an exposure high enough to cause a particular health effect of a predefined magnitude, the critical effect size (CES). The exposure level that results in exactly that CES in a particular person is that person's individual critical effect dose (ICED). Individuals in a population typically show variation, both in their individual exposure (IEXP) and in their ICED. Both the variation in IEXP and the variation in ICED are quantified in the form of probability distributions. Assuming independence between both distributions, they are combined (by Monte Carlo) into a distribution of the individual margin of exposure (IMoE). The proportion of the IMoE distribution below unity is the probability of critical exposure (PoCE) in the particular (sub)population. Uncertainties involved in the overall risk assessment (i.e., both regarding exposure and effect assessment) are quantified using Monte Carlo and bootstrap methods. This results in an uncertainty distribution for any statistic of interest, such as the probability of critical exposure (PoCE). The method is illustrated based on data for the case of dietary exposure to the organophosphate acephate. We present plots that concisely summarize the probabilistic results, retaining the distinction between variability and uncertainty. We show how the relative contributions from the various sources of uncertainty involved may be quantified.
The Use of Human Experience Data in the EU Risk Assessment Process
Authors: Money Chris D.
Published: May 2007

The incorporation of human experience data (HD) into the risk assessment process is encouraged by various authorities with the aim of improving the robustness of the subsequent findings. HD, however, can present in many forms, ranging from epidemiological studies to the accumulated experiences from poison centers. This diversity of the human experience, combined with the manner in which it may (or may not) present, creates several challenges for risk assessors if they are to give available HD due weight in the RA process. An evaluation was made of how HD has been cited and used within the 64 human health RAs published by the EU to the end of 2005. In all RAs, HD had been cited to some degree. But there was no consistency between how cited data had subsequently been taken forward and used in the evaluation of different endpoints, either between the RAs authored by the same or different EU Member States. The lack of any accepted guidance for addressing the role that HD can play within the RA process appears to lead to this situation. Recommendations are provided on the scope and focus such guidance could usefully be expected to take.
Health‐Based Population Forecasting: Effects of Smoking on Mortality and Fertility
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Kravchenko Julia S. , Manton Kenneth G.
Published: May 2007

A microsimulation model, allowing one to forecast short‐ and long‐term population changes conditional on the prevalence of a risk factor in a population, is presented. In this model, population changes result from the aggregation of changes in individual event histories, which, in turn, result from mortality and infertility rates recalculated in accordance with their known relative risks in population groups exposed to a risk factor. Smoking, being the most widespread and influential preventable public health risk factor, is chosen to demonstrate the abilities of the model to forecast the population effects of different hypothetical smoking prevalences. The demographic and population health effects on 20‐, 50‐, and 100‐year projections with the current, hypothetically doubled, and hypothetically halved the current smoking prevalence are analyzed in detail. The model predicts an increase in life expectancy (0.99 year for males and 0.64 years for females), and an increase in population size (2.2–7.5% dependent on the age group) if smoking prevalence is reduced by half. Sensitivity analyses of all findings are performed. The generalization of the model to account for multiple risk factors (e.g., the simultaneous effects of alcohol consumption, obesity, and smoking) and effects on medical expenditures are discussed.
Handling Weather Related Risks Through the Financial Markets: Considerations of Credit Risk, Basis Risk, and Hedging
Authors: Golden Linda L. , Wang Mulong , Yang Chuanhou
Published: May 2007

Abstract

The profits of many businesses are strongly affected by weather related events, and insurance against weather related risks (acts of God) has been a traditional domain for transfer of (certain) of these risks. Recent innovations in the capital market have now provided financial instruments to transfer and hedge some of these risks. Unlike insurance solutions, however, using these financial derivative instruments creates a situation in which the return to the purchaser of the instrument is no longer perfectly correlated with the loss experienced. Such a mismatch creates new risks which must be examined and evaluated as part of ascertaining cost effective risk management plans. Two newly engendered risks, basis risk (the risk created by the fact that the return from the financial derivative is a function of weather at a prespecified geographical location which may not be identical to the location of the firm) and credit risk (the risk that the counterparty to the derivative contract may not perform), are analyzed in this article. Using custom tailored derivatives from the over the counter market can decrease basis risk, but increases credit risk. Using standardized exchange traded derivatives decreases credit risk but increases basis risk. Here also the effectiveness of using hedging methods involving forwards and futures having linear payoffs (linear hedging) and methods using derivatives having nonlinear payoffs such as those involving options (nonlinear hedging) for the purpose of hedging basis risk are examined jointly with credit risk.
The Incentive Effects of Increasing Per‐Claim Deductible Contracts in Automobile Insurance
Authors: Li Chu‐Shiu , Liu Chwen‐Chi , Yeh Jia‐Hsing
Published: May 2007

Abstract

A new rating system of automobile insurance for vehicle damage in Taiwan was launched in 1996, introducing a deductible that increases with the number of claims. In this article, we provide a theoretical rationale for the existence of an increasing per‐claim deductible system and show that the new system is most likely an optimal choice for those insured who tend to have lower claims probability when incentives are present. Using a unique dynamic data set, we are able to conduct a natural experiment to examine the incentive effects (both positive and negative) by looking at the change in claim tendency before and after switching between two deductible plans: an increasing per‐claim deductible and a zero deductible. Our results provide direct evidence of the effects of deductible structures on claim behavior.
Quaternary Compounds Prepared in a CaO–Y2O3–SnO2 System
Authors: Kaminaga Yusuke , Yamane Hisanori , Yamada Takahiro
Published: May 2007

Compounds in a CaO–Y2O3–SnO2 system were prepared by a solid‐state reaction at 1673 K. The phase relation in this system was investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction. Besides the previously reported ternary compounds, CaSnO3, Ca2SnO4, Y2Sn2O7, and a quaternary compound Ca0.4Y1.2Sn0.4O3, solid‐solution series of Ca2−xY2xSn1−xO4 with 0≤x≤0.5, and Ca1−yY2ySn1−yO3 with 0≤y≤0.2 and 0.95≤y≤1.0 were found. The cell parameters of these solid‐solution series were refined. The changes of rhombohedral cell parameters in the samples prepared in the range 0.565<y<0.714 of Ca1−y Y2ySn1−yO3 suggested the existence of solid solutions of Ca0.4Y1.2Sn0.4O3, although their single phases could not be prepared, except at y=0.6.
Confirmation of a BRAF mutation‐associated gene expression signature in melanoma
Authors: Johansson Peter , Pavey Sandra , Hayward Nicholas
Published: May 2007

Mutations in the BRAF oncogene occur in the majority of melanomas, leading to the activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway and the transcription of downstream effectors. As BRAF and its effectors could be good melanoma therapy targets, defining the repertoire of genes that are differentially regulated because of BRAF mutational activation is an important objective. Towards this goal, we and others have attempted to determine whether a BRAF mutation‐associated gene expression profile exists. Results have been mixed, with some groups reporting a BRAF‐signature and another group not. Here we resolve this issue and confirm that while gene‐by‐gene correlations fail to reveal a specific gene(s) whose expression correlates with BRAF status, a BRAF signature can be distinguished by analysis of global expression patterns. Specifically, we have here applied support vector machine (SVM) analysis to Affymetrix microarray data from a panel of 63 melanoma cell lines. SVMs found a BRAF signature in training samples and predicted BRAF mutation status with high accuracy (AUC = 0.840) in the remaining samples. We verified this is a generalized BRAF signature by repeating the analysis in three published microarray datasets, and again found that SVMs predicted BRAF mutation well (Philadelphia: AUC = 0.788; Zurich: AUC = 0.688; Mannheim: AUC = 0.686). An ensemble of 300 SVMs trained on our data also predicted BRAF mutation status in two of the three published datasets (Philadelphia AUC = 0.778; Zurich AUC = 0.719; Mannheim AUC = 0.564). Taken together, these data support the existence of a BRAF mutation‐specific expression signature.
Melanoma invasion – current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Gaggioli Cedric , Sahai Erik
Published: May 2007

The acquisition of invasive behaviour is the key transition in the progression of benign melanocyte hyperplasia to life threatening melanoma. Understanding this transition and the mechanisms of invasion are the key to understanding why malignant melanoma is such a devastating disease and will aid treatment strategies. Underlying the invasive behaviour is increased cell motility caused by changes in cytoskeletal organization and altered contacts with the extra‐cellular matrix (ECM). In addition, changes in the interactions of melanoma cells with keratinocytes and fibroblasts enable them to survive and proliferate outside their normal epidermal location. Proteomic and genomic initiatives are greatly increasing our knowledge of which gene products are deregulated in invasive and metastatic melanoma; however, the next challenge is to understand how these genes promote the invasion of melanoma cells. In recent years new models have been developed that more closely recapitulate the conditions of melanoma invasion in vivo. It is hoped that these models will give us a better understanding of how the genes implicated in melanoma progression affect the motility of melanoma cells and their interactions with the ECM, stromal cells and blood vessels. This review will summarise our current understanding of melanoma invasion and focus on the new model systems that can be used to study melanoma.
A Microtubule‐Facilitated Nuclear Import Pathway for Cancer Regulatory Proteins
Authors: Roth Daniela Martino , Moseley Gregory W. , Glover Dominic , Pouton Colin W. , Jans David A.
Published: May 2007

Nuclear protein import is dependent on specific targeting signals within cargo proteins recognized by importins (IMPs) that mediate translocation through the nuclear pore. Recent evidence, however, implicates a role for the microtubule (MT) network in facilitating nuclear import of the cancer regulatory proteins parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) and p53 tumor suppressor. Here we assess the extent to which MT and actin integrity may be generally required for nuclear protein import for the first time. We examine 10 nuclear‐localizing proteins with diverse IMP‐dependent nuclear import pathways, our results indicating that the cytoskeleton does not have a general mechanistic role in nuclear localization sequence‐dependent nuclear protein import. Of the proteins examined, only the p110Rb tumor suppressor protein Rb, together with p53 and PTHrP, was found to require MT integrity for optimal nuclear import. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments indicated that the MT‐dependent nuclear transport pathway increases both the rate and extent of Rb nuclear import but does not affect Rb nuclear export. Dynamitin overexpression experiments implicate the MT motor dynein in the import process. The results indicate that, additional to IMP/diffusion‐dependent processes, certain cancer regulatory proteins utilize an MT‐enhanced pathway for accelerated nuclear import that is presumably required for their nuclear functions.