bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Relationship between Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen DRB3.2 Alleles, Somatic Cell Count and milk Traits in Iranian Holstein Population
Authors: Pashmi M. , Qanbari S. , Ghorashi S.A. , Sharifi A.R. , Simianer H.
Published: July 2009

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a gene complex closely linked to the vertebrate immune system due to its importance in antigen recognition and immune response to pathogens. To improve our understanding of the MHC and disease resistance in dairy cattle, we gathered 5119 test day records of somatic cell count (SCC) and performance traits of 262 Holstein dairy cows to determine whether the DRB region of the MHC contains alleles that are associated with elevated SCC, milk yield, protein and fat percent of milk. To this purpose, genotyping of animals for DRB3 gene was investigated by polymerase chain reaction‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay. A two‐step PCR was carried out so as to amplify a 284 base‐pair fragment of exon 2 of the target gene. Second PCR products were treated with three restriction endonuclease enzymes RsaI, BstYI and HaeIII. Twenty‐eight BoLA‐DRB3 alleles were identified including one novel allele (*40). The results in general are in good accordance with allele frequencies of Holstein cattle populations reported by previous studies. Analyses of associations were modeled based on repeated measurement anova and generalized logistic linear methods for production traits and SCC data, respectively. The results of this study showed a significant relationship between the elevated SCC reflecting an increased probability of occurrence to subclinical mastitis and DRB3.2 allele *8 (p < 0.03). The results also revealed significant positive relationships of alleles*22 (p < 0.01) and allele*11 (p < 0.05) with milk fat percent as well as of alleles*24 (p < 0.03) and *22 (p < 0.05) with protein percent. The present study failed to find any association between milk yield and tested alleles. Because of the lack of consistency among results of similar studies, we suggest further investigations to determine the precise nature of these associations with the high polymorphic bovine MHC region to be performed based on haplotypes.
Identification of descendants of an extinct bovine population from the Algarve region of Portugal using numerical taxonomy analysis of morphological traits
Authors: Sobral M.F. , Roberto C. , Navas D. , Palmilha I. , Lima M.B. , Cravador A.
Published: July 2009

The morphology of a sample of four bulls and 43 cows, presumed to be descendants of the extinct cattle breed ‘Algarvia’ (AG), was used to assign their relationship with animals from other Portuguese autochthonous breeds – Arouquesa (AR), Barrosã (BA), Cachena (CA), Marinhoa (MA), Maronesa (MO), Minhota (MN), Mirandesa (MI), (only bulls), Alentejana (AL), Garvonesa (GA), Mertolenga (ME) and Preta (PR). Standard numerical taxonomic methods were applied to a set of 183 (cows) and 170 (bulls) traits, to derive average pairwise taxonomic distances among the sample of 257 cows and 76 bulls. Distance coefficients (morphological index of distance) ranged from 0.22 to 2.62 (cows) and from 0.49 to 2.13 (bulls). Unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA)‐based phenograms and a principal coordinate analysis showed that bulls were highly clustered and cows showed a tendency to cluster according to their geographical and breed origin. The AG population grouped together with GA, AL, ME and MN breeds in the Red Convex group. The average taxonomic distance among breeds was 1.02, the highest being 1.39 (ME versus BA) and the lowest being 0.64 (MA versus AR). The approach allowed for the identification of a phenotypically differentiated set of animals, comprising 19 cows and four bulls representative of the AG breed, and which can be targeted in further studies aiming at the recovery of this extinct breed.
Successful treatment of refractory bronchioloalveolar carcinoma with S‐1 (oral fluoropyrimidine)
Authors: KOBAYASHI Seiichi , FUJINO Naoya , SUZUKI Satoshi , YANAI Masaru
Published: July 2009

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a distinct subtype of non‐small cell lung cancer for which there is no optimal therapy for non‐resectable or recurrent disease. This report describes a patient with BAC refractory to conventional chemotherapy but with a partial response to S‐1, oral fluoropyrimidine, resulting in symptom improvement and weaning from oxygen supplementation. Our observation suggests that S‐1 is a novel option for the treatment of advanced BAC.
Cumulative incidence of and predictive factors for lung cancer in IPF
Authors: OZAWA Yuichi , SUDA Takafumi , NAITO Tateaki , ENOMOTO Noriyuki , HASHIMOTO Dai , FUJISAWA Tomoyuki , NAKAMURA Yutaro , INUI Naoki , NAKAMURA Hirotoshi , CHIDA Kingo
Published: July 2009

Background and objective:  Previous studies have indicated a high incidence of lung cancer in IPF, and some have identified its risk factors. However, those studies were retrospective and the clinical characteristics of IPF patients developing lung cancer were evaluated only when those patients had developed the cancer. The true cumulative incidence of lung cancer after the diagnosis of IPF and its predictive factors at the initial diagnosis of IPF remain unknown. The present study was conducted to elucidate the cumulative incidence and risk factors for lung cancer in IPF patients by retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis.

Methods:  The study group consisted of 103 IPF patients without lung cancer at the time of their initial diagnosis. The cumulative incidence of lung cancer was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The strength of association between several variables present at the initial diagnosis of IPF and the development of lung cancer was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results:  A total of 21 (20.4%) patients with IPF developed lung cancer during the observation period. The cumulative incidence rate of lung cancer increased as the duration of follow up increased (3.3%, 15.4% and 54.7% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively). Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that age and smoking at the initial diagnosis of IPF were significantly associated with lung cancer. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that age at initial diagnosis was an independent significant factor predicting lung cancer.

Conclusions:  The cumulative incidence of lung cancer increased over time and age at diagnosis of IPF was independently associated with development of lung cancer.
Comparison of Aspergillus galactomannan antigen testing with a new cut‐off index and Aspergillus precipitating antibody testing for the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: KITASATO Yasuhiko , TAO Yoshiaki , HOSHINO Tomoaki , TACHIBANA Kousuke , INOSHIMA Naoko , YOSHIDA Makoto , TAKATA Shohei , OKABAYASHI Kan , KAWASAKI Masayuki , IWANAGA Tomoaki , AIZAWA Hisamichi
Published: July 2009

Background and objective:  The usefulness of two tests in the serodiagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) was compared. The tests were the serum Aspergillus galactomannan antigen test (Platelia (R) Aspergillus) by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (EIA) using old and new cut‐off indexes, and the Aspergillus precipitating antibody test.

Methods:  Both Aspergillus‐precipitating antibody and Platelia Aspergillus EIA positivity were measured in the sera of 28 patients at the time of diagnosis of CPA.

Results:  Serum Aspergillus precipitating antibody positivity was 89.3% (25/28) in CPA patients. Serum Platelia Aspergillus EIA positivity was 21.4% (6/28) using the old cut‐off index (≥1.5) and 50% (14/28) using the new cut‐off index (≥0.5)—still less than that for Aspergillus precipitating antibody. Three of the 28 CPA patients had positive reactions in the Platelia Aspergillus EIA using the old cut‐off index but not in the Aspergillus precipitating antibody test. Positivity for (1,3) β‐d glucan was 15.4%, and that for culture on CHROMagar Candida was 17.9%. One patient with pulmonary actinomycosis had a false‐positive reaction in the Platelia Aspergillus test with the new cut‐off index.

Conclusions:  For the diagnosis of CPA, Aspergillus precipitating antibody testing is more sensitive than the Platelia Aspergillus EIA, even with the new cut‐off index. False‐positive reactions are observed with the Platelia Aspergillus EIA in patients with conditions such as pulmonary actinomycosis. Results should be interpreted with care when patients are positive for the Platelia Aspergillus EIA but negative for Aspergillus precipitating antibody.
Simvastatin attenuates experimental small airway remodelling in rats
Authors: OU Xue‐Mei , WEN Fu‐Qiang , UHAL Bruce D. , FENG Yu‐Lin , HUANG Xiang‐Yang , WANG Tao , WANG Ke , LIU Dai‐Shun , WANG Xun , CHEN Lei
Published: July 2009

Background and objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the beneficial effects of simvastatin on cigarette smoke‐induced small airway remodeling in rats.

Methods:  Simvastatin was administered at different doses for 16 weeks to rats with cigarette smoke‐induced small airway remodelling. Morphological analyses were performed, and collagen deposition, production of growth factors, inflammatory parameters and RhoA, as well as the Smad signalling pathway in the lungs, were examined.

Results:  Simvastatin attenuated small airway wall thickening and prevented the increase in lung hydroxyproline content and collagen deposition induced in airway walls by cigarette smoking. In addition, simvastatin downregulated transforming growth factor‐β1 and connective tissue growth factor protein and gene expression in the lungs. Furthermore, accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils and increases in tumour necrosis factor‐α concentration in BAL fluid were inhibited by simvastatin. Simultaneously, the expression of RhoA and the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in lungs exposed to cigarette smoke were inhibited during simvastatin administration. However, the increased expression of Smad2 and Smad3 proteins and the decreased level of Smad7 protein in remodelled lungs were not affected by simvastatin.

Conclusions:  Simvastatin attenuated experimental small airway remodelling, as indicated by decreases in collagen deposition and small airway wall thickening. Simvastatin may inhibit cigarette smoke‐induced small airway remodelling by reducing growth factor expression and inflammation. The mechanism of action of simvastatin on small airway remodelling involved RhoA and the Smad signalling pathway. These findings indicate that simvastatin may have potential beneficial effects in the treatment of COPD.
Spontaneous pneumothorax due to Birt‐Hogg‐Dube syndrome in a Chinese family
Authors: SO Shun‐Yang
Published: July 2009

A Chinese woman presented with a spontaneous pneumothorax and a family history suggestive of the autosomal dominant transmission of pneumothorax. The patient also had skin fibrofolliculomas and folliculin gene deletion, compatible with Birt‐Hogg‐Dube (BHD) syndrome. The importance of BHD syndrome and other familial spontaneous pneumothoraces is discussed.
Pulmonary manifestations of light chain deposition disease
Authors: RHO Lisa , QIU Libo , STRAUCHEN James A. , GORDON Ronald E. , TEIRSTEIN Alvin S.
Published: July 2009

Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a rare condition characterized by extracellular light chain deposition in tissues. Patients commonly have an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia, and produce excess levels of monoclonal light chains. Renal involvement is the most common clinical manifestation. Rarely, light chains are deposited in the lung. We present the pathologic and radiographic findings of three patients with biopsy‐proven pulmonary light chain disease and a review of the literature.
Clinical efficacy of erlotinib in patients previously treated for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: ZHOU Songwen , REN Shengxiang , YAN Lianghua , ZHANG Ling , TANG Liang , ZHANG Jie , ZHOU Caicun
Published: July 2009

Background and objective:  Erlotinib is one of the standard second/third line treatments for patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study investigated the efficacy of erlotinib in a Chinese population with advanced NSCLC and compared the predictive value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α for the efficacy of erlotinib.

Methods:  Patients with advanced, previously treated NSCLC received 150 mg of erlotinib once daily orally until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Serum levels of VEGF and TGF‐α were measured by ELISA at baseline and 1 month after treatment commenced.

Results:  There were 112 patients enrolled during the period October 2005 to February 2008 and followed until July 2008. Serum samples were available in 50 patients. Tumour response to erlotinib was partial in 35.7% of patients and 41.1% of patients had stable disease. The severity of skin rash (P < 0.001) had a significant positive correlation with the response to erlotinib. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 6.3 months and 12.5 months, respectively. After erlotinib treatment, serum VEGF levels did not change significantly, while serum TGF‐α levels increased in patients who had partial response (P = 0.075) or stable disease (P = 0.055), but not in patients with progressive disease (P = 0.155). In patients with measurable serum TGF‐α levels at baseline the PFS and median survival were 5 and 9.9 months respectively, and in patients with no measurable TGF‐α at baseline the PFS and median survival were 11 and 21 months, respectively. Overall survival was significantly longer in patients with negative baseline serum TGF‐α (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:  Oral erlotinib was effective as a second/third line treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC. Baseline serum TGF‐α levels may be a predictor for the efficacy of erlotinib treatment.
Development, repair and fibrosis: What is common and why it matters
Authors: SHI Wei , XU Jun , WARBURTON David
Published: July 2009

The complex structure of the lung is developed sequentially, initially by epithelial tube branching and later by septation of terminal air sacs with accompanying coordinated growth of a variety of lung epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Groups of transcriptional factors, peptide growth factors and their intracellular signaling regulators, as well as extracellular matrix proteins are programmed to be expressed at appropriate levels in the right place at the right time to control normal lung formation. Studies of lung development and lung repair/fibrosis to date have discovered that many of the same factors that control normal development are also key players in lung injury repair and fibrosis. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family peptide signaling is a prime example. Lack of TGF‐β signaling results in abnormal lung branching morphogenesis and alveolarization during development, whereas excessive amounts of TGF‐β signaling cause severe hypoplasia in the immature lung and fibrosis in mature lung. This leads us to propose the ‘Goldilocks’ hypothesis of regulatory signaling in lung development and injury repair that everything must be done just right!
Paradoxical vocal fold motion dysfunction in asthma patients
Authors: YELKEN Kursat , YILMAZ Ayse , GUVEN Mehmet , EYIBILEN Ahmet , ALADAG Ibrahim
Published: July 2009

Background and objective:  Paradoxical vocal fold motion dysfunction (PVFMD) is a disorder of the larynx characterized by adduction of the vocal cords during the respiratory cycle leading to symptoms of extrathoracic airway obstruction. PVFMD mimics asthma and patients with PVFMD (PVFMD+) are often diagnosed incorrectly as refractory asthma and receive unnecessary treatment. This study determined the prevalence of PVFMD in asthma patients and describedthe relationship between asthma and PVFMD.

Methods:  A descriptive study of 94 asthmatic patients and 40 control subjects, all of whom were examined via laryngoscopy and had pulmonary function tests were performed.

Results:  The prevalence of PVFMD was 19% (n = 18) in the asthmatic group and 5% (n = 2) in the control group (P < 0.001). No relationship was found between presence of PVFMD, asthma attacks and asthma severity (P > 0.05). Laryngopharyngeal reflux and allergy were significantly more prevalent in the PVFMD+ group than in the group without PVFMD (PVFMD−) (P < 0.05). The most common symptoms in the PVFMD+ patients were difficulty in breathing (88%), inspiratory stridor (66%) and a choking sensation (50%) and the most common symptoms in PVFMD− asthmatic patients were cough (63%), dyspnoea (55%) and wheezing (51%).

Conclusions:  Asthma seems to facilitate the formation of the paradoxical dysfunction in the larynx as the prevalence of PVFMD in asthma patients is significantly higher than in patients with out asthma.
Clinical challenges in managing bronchiectasis
Authors: TSANG Kenneth W. , BILTON Diana
Published: July 2009

Bronchiectasis is a common disease in the Asia–Pacific and affected patients suffer from chronic sputum production and recurrent exacerbations. Bronchiectasis is largely idiopathic although there is diverse aetiology. The pathogenesis of bronchiectasis comprises infective, inflammatory and emzymetic elements. These interact to perpetuate continued airway damage in bronchiectasis leading to progressive airway and lung damages. Treatment of bronchiectasis is unsatisfactory and there are only very few trials. Existing data suggest some efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid therapy, which has been shown recently to clinical and anti‐inflammatory properties in bronchiectasis. Immunomodulating agent such as low‐dose macrolides have also been shown to have some efficacy although more data are needed to advocate their long‐term usage. Antibiotic therapy is complex in bronchiectasis and includes short‐term empirical treatment for acute exacerbation, and consideration of long‐term maintenance of oral, nebulized and i.v. therapy. This long‐neglected illness should receive more research attention in order that we can have better understanding of its aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment.
Comparison of two doses of breast milk and sucrose during neonatal heel prick
Authors: Ozdogan Tutku , Akman Ipek , Cebeci Dilsad , Bilgen Hulya , Ozek Eren
Published: July 2009

Background:  The aim of the present study was to test analgesic effects of double‐ versus single‐dose breast milk and compare this effect with efficacy of double‐ versus single‐dose sucrose in a group of healthy term newborns during heel prick blood sampling.

Methods:  Healthy newborns (n= 142) were consecutively allocated to one of the six groups: group 1, single‐dose breast milk; group 2, single‐dose sterile water; group 3, single‐dose 12.5% sucrose; group 4, two doses breast milk; group 5, two doses sterile water; and group 6, two doses 12.5% sucrose before the heel prick. The medians for crying time and the pain scores according to the neonatal facial coding system were recorded.

Results:  Crying times were 117 s, 126 s, 82 s, 128 s, 117 s, and 95 s in groups 1–6, respectively (P= 0.053). The mean pain scores were 4.60, 5.82, 3.91, 4.94, 5, and 4.05 in groups 1–6, respectively (P= 0.068). There was a significant difference between the groups for mean pain scores at 1 min and 3 min. There was a significant difference between the single‐dose sucrose group and single‐dose sterile water group at 1 min (P= 0.002). The babies in the sucrose group were active awake, whereas the ones in the breast milk group were asleep before heel prick.

Conclusion:  Two doses of sucrose solution were not superior to single‐dose sucrose. Neither single nor double doses of breast milk were effective in relieving pain in neonates. Two milliliters breast milk does not reduce response to pain during minor painful procedures in term neonates even when two doses have been given. Further studies are needed.
An investigation of the cranial evolution of Asian pitvipers (Serpentes: Crotalinae), with comments on the phylogenetic position of Peltopelor macrolepis
Authors: Guo Peng , Jadin Robert C. , Malhotra Anita , Li Cao
Published: July 2009

Guo, P., Jadin, R.C., Malhotra, A. and Li, C. 2009. An investigation of the cranial evolution of Asian pitvipers (Serpentes: Crotalinae), with comments on the phylogenetic position of Peltopelor macrolepis—Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 402–407.

We investigated the evolution of 12 cranial characters of 31 species of Asian pitvipers by examining the character state changes on a consensus tree modified from broadly consistent molecular results. We found that these characters appear stable with only one intraspecific polymorphism. Nine of the 12 characters form useful synapomorphies, whereas three are ambiguous and evolutionarily plastic. Clades that are supported with numerous apomorphies are the Trimeresurus group [consisting of the recently defined genera Trimeresurus sensuMalhotra and Thorpe (2004), Parias, Popeia, Viridovipera, Himalayophis, and Cryptelytrops] and the genera Protobothrops, Parias, and Viridovipera. Two species previously considered as congeners but now known to be distantly related, Ovophis monticola and ‘Ovophis’okinavensis, have nearly identical character states, demonstrating substantial convergence in cranial characters. Finally, we attempt to infer the phylogenetic position of Peltopelor macrolepis by comparing its cranial features with that of other pitvipers.
Survival of patients with nonmetastatic pT3 renal tumours: a matched comparison of laparoscopic vs open radical nephrectomy
Authors: Bensalah Karim , Salomon Laurent , Lang Herve , Zini Laurent , Jacqmin Didier , Manunta Andrea , Crepel Maxime , Ficarra Vincenzo , Cindolo Luca , De La Taille Alexandre , Karakiewicz Pierre , Patard Jean‐Jacques
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVES

To compare the oncological outcome of patients with pT3 renal tumours treated either by laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) or open RN (ORN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective review of a multi‐institutional database, we identified 1003 patients with a T3N0M0 renal tumour and with no vena caval invasion. Sixty‐five patients treated by LRN were matched with up to four patients treated by ORN. Exact matches were made for age, gender, tumour size, perirenal fat invasion, renal vein invasion, and histological subtype. Following the matching process there were 44 patients treated by LRN and 135 by ORN. Qualitative and continuous variables were compared using chi‐square and independent‐sample t‐tests, respectively. Differences in survival were compared using the Kaplan‐Meier method. A Cox regression model was used to test the effect of variables on survival.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable for age (P = 0.4), gender, tumour size (P = 0.4), tumour grade (P = 0.25) and histological subtype (P = 0.45). The mean follow‐up was longer in the ORN group (55 vs 28 months, P < 0.001). There was no difference in survival between the ORN and LRN groups in the whole T3 population (P = 0.7), in those with perirenal fat invasion (P = 0.9), or in the subset with renal vein invasion (P = 0.31). In univariate analysis, the only predictor for death from cancer was tumour grade (P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, no variable was significantly associated with cancer survival.

CONCLUSIONS

LRN has no adverse effect on cancer survival compared to ORN in patients with microscopic T3 renal cancer. Additional prospective evaluation is warranted.
Previous transurethral resection of the prostate is not a contraindication to high‐dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Luo Hao Lun , Fang Fu Min , Chuang Yao Chi , Chiang Po Hui
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To analyse retrospectively the morbidity and efficacy of high‐dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in patients who had a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Morbidities documented in the records of 32 patients with previous TURP and 106 with no previous TURP, treated with HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer at our institution, were analysed and compared. All patients received HDR brachytherapy as a boost before conformal external beam radiotherapy. We recorded and analysed genitourinary complications, rectal morbidity, and the biochemical control rate as assessed by the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.

RESULTS

All complications of patients who received HDR brachytherapy were recorded during the follow‐up. All gastrointestinal and genitourinary complications were not significantly different in patients with or without previous TURP. There was little incontinence or severe morbidity associated with HDR brachytherapy. The PSA‐based biochemical control rates were similar in patients with or without previous TURP in each risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

HDR brachytherapy is a reasonable treatment for localized prostate cancer in patients who have had a previous TURP, with the expectation of low morbidity and satisfactory biochemical control.
NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS: THE DARK SIDES OF MANAGERIALISTIC ‘ENLIGHTENMENT’
Authors: DIEFENBACH THOMAS
Published: July 2009

For many years the proponents of New Public Management (NPM) have promised to improve public services by making public sector organizations much more ‘business‐like’. There have been many investigations and empirical studies about the nature of NPM as well as its impact on organizations. However, most of these studies concentrate only on some elements of NPM and provide interesting, but often anecdotal, evidence and insights. Perhaps exactly because of the large amount of extremely revealing and telling empirical studies, there is, therefore, a lack of a systematic identification and understanding of the nature of NPM and its overall relevance. This paper contributes to a systematic identification and understanding of the concept of NPM as well as its multi‐dimensional impact on public sector organizations. First, the paper aims at (re‐) constructing a comprehensive taxonomy of NPM's main assumptions and core elements. Secondly, the paper tries to provide a more comprehensive and meta‐analytical analysis of primarily the negative consequences of NPM‐strategies for public sector organizations as well as the people working in them.
STRATEGY FORMATION IN PUBLIC AGENCIES
Authors: JOHANSON JAN‐ERIK
Published: July 2009

The main contribution of this study is the identification of three modes of strategy for public agencies based on strategic thought in a corporate environment. Strategic design, internal strategic scanning, and strategic governance embody three distinct modes of strategy relevant in the public sector. Programming actions, combining capabilities, and formation of networks capture the essence of these strategic orientations. By offering an organization‐based view of public sector strategy, this study puts public agencies at the centre of strategic examination. The fundamental unit of analysis within agencies is administrative duty, which connects administrative action with the democratic decision‐making process. These three strategy modes are based on complementary and, in some respects, contradictory theoretical assumptions, but all offer opportunities for confronting the diverse environments faced by public agencies. Each strategic orientation has a distinct approach to such features as the role of management, occupational groups, the environment, and types of capital.
Change‐Point Tests for the Error Distribution in Non‐parametric Regression
Authors: NEUMEYER NATALIE , KEILEGOM INGRID VAN
Published: July 2009

Abstract.  Several testing procedures are proposed that can detect change‐points in the error distribution of non‐parametric regression models. Different settings are considered where the change‐point either occurs at some time point or at some value of the covariate. Fixed as well as random covariates are considered. Weak convergence of the suggested difference of sequential empirical processes based on non‐parametrically estimated residuals to a Gaussian process is proved under the null hypothesis of no change‐point. In the case of testing for a change in the error distribution that occurs with increasing time in a model with random covariates the test statistic is asymptotically distribution free and the asymptotic quantiles can be used for the test. This special test statistic can also detect a change in the regression function. In all other cases the asymptotic distribution depends on unknown features of the data‐generating process and a bootstrap procedure is proposed in these cases. The small sample performances of the proposed tests are investigated by means of a simulation study and the tests are applied to a data example.
Diagnostic Measures for Generalized Linear Models with Missing Covariates
Authors: ZHU HONGTU , IBRAHIM JOSEPH G. , SHI XIAOYAN
Published: July 2009

Abstract. In this paper, we carry out an in‐depth investigation of diagnostic measures for assessing the influence of observations and model misspecification in the presence of missing covariate data for generalized linear models. Our diagnostic measures include case‐deletion measures and conditional residuals. We use the conditional residuals to construct goodness‐of‐fit statistics for testing possible misspecifications in model assumptions, including the sampling distribution. We develop specific strategies for incorporating missing data into goodness‐of‐fit statistics in order to increase the power of detecting model misspecification. A resampling method is proposed to approximate thep‐value of the goodness‐of‐fit statistics. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate our methods and a real data set is analysed to illustrate the use of our various diagnostic measures.
A Hormonal Interpretation of Collins's Micro‐sociological Theory of Violence
Authors: MAZUR ALLAN
Published: July 2009

Collins (2008) provides a grand theory that unifies all forms of human violence occurring in face‐to‐face situations, ranging from spousal abuse to medieval warfare. Laitin (2008) appreciates Collins's microscopic analysis of diverse data but points to important shortcomings in the theory, especially Collins's metaphoric explanations that are not testable. Here Collins's theory is merged with an existing biosocial model of dominance, replacing the metaphors with tangible, measurable hormonal mechanisms.
Haplotypes Encompassing the KIAA0391 and PSMA6 Gene Cluster Confer a Genetic Link for Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Alsmadi Osama , Muiya Paul , Khalak Hanif , Al‐Saud Haya , Meyer Brian F. , Al‐Mohanna Futwan , Alshahid Maie , Dzimiri Nduna
Published: July 2009

The role of the KIAA0391 and PSMA6 genes in predisposing individuals to disease is still not fully understood. We evaluated by molecular beacon‐based genotyping assays the roles of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chromosomal region 14q13.2 harbouring the KIAA0391 and PSMA6 gene cluster in coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Saudi population. Two of the studied SNPs rs8008319 (denoted as 1) and rs7157492 (2), reside in the KIAA0391 locus, two others rs1048990 (3) and rs12878391 (4) are components of the PSMA6, while rs4981283 (5) resides downstream of both genes. In a study involving 1071 patients and 929 controls, none of the studied SNPs showed significant association with CAD. In contrast, two haplotypes consisting of 1A‐2G‐3C‐4A‐5A [O.R.(95% C.I.) = 1.49(0.95–2.35); p = 0.022] and 1A‐2G‐3G‐4A‐5A [2.24(0.84–5.98); p = 0.031] conferred risk for both CAD and myocardial infarction (MI) in a five‐SNP locus model, while another comprising 1A‐2G‐3C‐4A‐5G [2.24(0.84–5.98); p = 0.079] showed a borderline association. One haplotype consisting of 1T‐2G‐3C‐4G‐5A [0.79(0.59–1.05); p = 0.015] exhibited protective properties and another, 1T‐2G‐3C‐4A‐5G [0.20(0.03–139); p = 0.073], showed a similar but weaker trend. Our study identified haplotypes in the chromosomal region encompassing the KIAA0391 and PSMA6 genes as a possible genetic link between CAD and MI. These results also suggest that haplotypes may be more informative than individual SNPs in identifying risk factors for disease.
Do men and women really shop differently? An exploration of gender differences in mall shopping in India
Authors: Kuruvilla Shelja J. , Joshi Nishank , Shah Nidhi
Published: July 2009

‘Men Buy and Women Shop’ proclaims a new Wharton Research on shopping habits of the American consumer (2007). There is found to be considerable difference in the way men and women shop in the West. Is this true across cultures? Indian retailing is generating considerable interest within the country and abroad. India has been rated as the fifth most attractive emerging retail market and was ranked first in a Global Retail Development Index of 30 developing countries drawn up by A T Kearney. Organized retail, best represented by the mushrooming malls, has come to play a defining role in building and supporting this veritable base of retail consumers. Therefore, it is of utmost interest to retailers and academia alike to understand the consumer dynamics behind the newly evolving consumption culture. This study explores mall‐shopping habits in India and attempts to identify and contrast possible differences between genders using a sample of 2721 mall consumers across seven cities. While the findings suggest that in India there are significant differences in shopping behaviour that can be ascribed to gender, there are fundamental questions about stereotyping of shopping as a feminine activity. To do this, discriminant analysis has been used to study whether shopping orientation and mall‐shopping attitudes can discriminate between male and female shoppers.
Respiratory muscle strength and muscle endurance are not affected by acute metabolic acidemia
Authors: Nizet Tessa A. C. , Heijdra Yvonne F. , Van Den Elshout Frank J. J. , Van De Ven Marjo J. T. , Bosch Frank H. , Mulder Paul H. , Folgering Hans Th. M.
Published: July 2009

Respiratory muscle fatigue in asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) contributes to respiratory failure with hypercapnia, and subsequent respiratory acidosis. Therapeutic induction of acute metabolic acidosis further increases the respiratory drive and, therefore, may diminish ventilatory failure and hypercapnia. On the other hand, it is known that acute metabolic acidosis can also negatively affect (respiratory) muscle function and, therefore, could lead to a deterioration of respiratory failure. Moreover, we reasoned that the impact of metabolic acidosis on respiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle endurance could be more pronounced in COPD patients as compared to asthma patients and healthy subjects, due to already impaired respiratory muscle function. In this study, the effect of metabolic acidosis was studied on peripheral muscle strength, peripheral muscle endurance, airway resistance, and on arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2). Acute metabolic acidosis was induced by administration of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). The effect of metabolic acidosis was studied on inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and on respiratory muscle endurance. Effects were studied in a randomized, placebo‐controlled cross‐over design in 15 healthy subjects (4 male; age 33·2 ± 11·5 years; FEV1 108·3 ± 16·2% predicted), 14 asthma patients (5 male; age 48·1 ± 16·1 years; FEV1 101·6 ± 15·3% predicted), and 15 moderate to severe COPD patients (9 male; age 62·8 ± 6·8 years; FEV1 50·0 ± 11·8% predicted). An acute metabolic acidemia of BE –3·1 mmol.L−1 was induced. Acute metabolic acidemia did not significantly affect strength or endurance of respiratory and peripheral muscles, respectively. In all subjects airway resistance was significantly decreased after induction of metabolic acidemia (mean difference –0·1 kPa.sec.L−1 [95%‐CI: −0·1 –−0·02]. In COPD patients PaCO2 was significantly lowered during metabolic acidemia (mean difference –1·73 mmHg [−3·0 –−0·08]. In healthy subjects and in asthma patients no such effect was found. Acute metabolic acidemia did not significantly decrease respiratory or peripheral muscle strength, respectively muscle endurance in nomal subjects, asthma, or COPD patients. Metabolic acidemia significantly decreased airway resistance in asthma and COPD patients, as well as in healthy subjects. Moreover, acute metabolic acidemia slightly improved blood gas values in COPD patients. The results suggest that stimulation of ventilation in respiratory failure, by induction of metabolic acidemia will not lead to deterioration of the respiratory failure.
THE EXTRAORDINARY TRILOBITEFENESTRASPIS(DALMANITIDAE, SYNPHORIINAE) FROM THE LOWER DEVONIAN OF BOLIVIA
Authors: HOLLOWAY DAVID J. , DE CARVALHO MARIA DA GLORIA PIRES
Published: July 2009

Abstract: The hitherto poorly known, monotypic trilobite genusFenestraspisfrom the Lower Devonian of Bolivia is revised and its original assignment to the Synphoriinae supported. The thoracic morphology of the genus remains very poorly known.Fenestraspisis morphologically unusual because of the development of extensive fenestrae in the pleural region of the pygidium and apparently of the thorax; the presence of upwardly directed spines on the cephalon, thorax and pygidium; and the exceptionally large and highly elevated eyes with the palpebral rim projecting outwards above the visual surface. The function of the fenestrae remains uncertain. If they formed openings in the body of the trilobite in life they may have allowed circulation of oxygenated water to the limb exites so that respiration could have been maintained while the trilobite was enrolled. If they were covered with a flexible membrane, they may have been secondary respiratory structures or had a sensory function. The Synphoriinae is regarded as a subfamily of the Dalmanitidae rather than as an independent family of the Dalmanitoidea as proposed by some authors. The type species of the poorly known monotypic genusDalmanitoidesfrom the Lower Devonian of Argentina is illustrated photographically for the first time and compared withFenestraspis.
WUCHIAPINGIAN (LOPINGIAN, LATE PERMIAN) BRACHIOPODS FROM THE EPISKOPI FORMATION OF HYDRA ISLAND, GREECE
Authors: SHEN SHU‐ZHONG , CLAPHAM MATTHEW E.
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Twenty‐three species of silicified brachiopods are described from four samples in the middle and upper parts of the Episkopi Formation from Hydra Island, Greece. These brachiopods are newly recorded from the region and together with previously described brachiopods from the same localities constitute the most diverse Lopingian (Late Permian) brachiopod fauna reported in southern Europe. The brachiopod fauna is Wuchiapingian as indicated by the associated conodonts. The fauna from Hydra exhibits strong palaeobiogeographical links with the faunas from South China. In addition, palaeobiogeographical affinities with the faunas of Thailand and the northern peri‐Gondwanan region are also present, which implies a peri‐Gondwanan origin for Hydra. Palaeoecologically, the brachiopod assemblage from sample EP in the middle part of the Episkopi Formation is dominated by pedically‐attached and cementing genera and reflects moderate energy conditions above storm wave base and an abundance of hard substrates provided by sponges in the biohermal habitat. By contrast, the brachiopod assemblage in the other three samples from the upper part of the Episkopi Formation is dominated by spinose genera with a free‐resting life habit, suggesting soft substrates in a quiet water environment below storm wave base on the outer part of the shelf. New taxa are Petinospiriferina gen. nov., Hustedia episkopiensis sp. nov., Waterhouseiella hydraensis sp. nov. and Xenosaria tenuis sp. nov.
ROOTING PHYLOGENIES OF PROBLEMATIC FOSSIL TAXA; A CASE STUDY USING CINCTANS (STEM‐GROUP ECHINODERMS)
Authors: SMITH ANDREW B. , ZAMORA SAMUEL
Published: July 2009

Abstract: Extinct clades whose higher‐level relationships are problematic or disputed pose a particular problem for phylogenetic analysis because of the difficulty of establishing a convincing root. Cinctans are a problematic group of primitive preradiate echinoderms whose morphology is so distinct that few characters can be usefully homologized with any other group. Here we use a two stage approach, first constructing an unrooted network using the totality of phylogenetically informative characters in which individual plates are homologized, and then determining the root position with a much smaller set of recast characters that can be polarized by outgroup and/or ontogenetic criteria. Furthermore, when rooting is based on stratigraphic criteria the same two major derived clades are identified, although basal relationships are somewhat different. We contend that the congruence of results obtained using our various approaches provides confidence that we have correctly rooted the cladogram. A revised taxonomy for Cincta is presented.
A NEW ARTHROPOD IN CHAIN‐LIKE ASSOCIATIONS FROM THE CHENGJIANG LAGERSTÄTTE (LOWER CAMBRIAN), YUNNAN, CHINA
Authors: XIAN‐GUANG HOU , SIVETER DEREK J. , ALDRIDGE RICHARD J. , SIVETER DAVID J.
Published: July 2009

Abstract: A new arthropod,Synophalos xynosgen. et sp. nov., is described from the Lower Cambrian of the Chengjiang Lagerstätte, Yunnan, China. It is provisionally assigned to Crustacea, Waptiida and Waptiidae. Just one example of an isolated individual ofS. xynosis known. Typically, individuals of the new species occur together in similar, robustly integrated chain‐like associations. Such a strongly linked configuration is apparently unique for any arthropod, fossil or living. The chain‐like association is suggested to represent an example of collective behaviour, possibly associated with reproduction, or more likely migration.
Transcriptional analysis of doxorubicin‐induced cytotoxicity and resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Wang Jin , Chan Judy Yuet‐Wa , Fong Chi‐Chun , Tzang Chi‐Hung , Fung Kwok‐Pui , Yang Mengsu
Published: July 2009

Background/Aims: Hepatoma is either intrinsically resistant to chemotherapy or response to it but later develop resistance. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship of treatment with doxorubicin (Dox) in hepatoma HepG2 cells and drug resistance developed by Dox.

Methods: We have analysed the bioactivities and gene expression profiles of multidrug resistant (MDR) HepG2/DR cell line and its parental HepG2 cell, which were exposure to Dox.

Results: We confirmed that Dox‐induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells in a time‐dependent manner; cDNA microarray and hierarchical cluster analysis demonstrate that the features of the transcriptional programme of the later response to Dox in HepG2 cells and MDR HepG2/DR cells have a common character, which is upregulation of stress response, cytoskeleton, ubiquitin–proteasome pathway and repressed G‐protein signal transduction system; differentially expressed genes in MDR HepG2/DR such as drug transporters and tumour‐associated antigens were verified at the levels of mRNA by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions: These results reveal novel co‐ordinated changes that occurred in resistant HepG2 cells to survive from cell apoptosis elicited by Dox treatment.
Measurement of patient‐relevant benefits in the treatment of chronic hand eczema – a novel approach
Authors: Blome Christine , Maares Jürgen , Diepgen Thomas , Jeffrustenbach Stephan , Augustin Matthias
Published: July 2009

Background:  The assessment of patient‐relevant treatment benefit gains importance in treatment evaluation. The ‘Patient Benefit Index’ (PBI) is a validated instrument for the assessment of such benefits in patients with skin diseases. Patients rate the importance of specific treatment needs before treatment and benefits achieved after treatment. To date, no specific instrument for chronic hand eczema (CHE) has been published.

Objectives:  Development and validation of a specific PBI for treatment evaluation in patients with CHE.

Methods:  Items reflecting disease burden and treatment needs were collected in 20 patients with CHE. Relevant items were selected by an expert panel of dermatologists, psychologists, and patients. The resulting ‘Patient Benefit Index for chronic hand eczema’ (PBI‐HE) was validated in an open label treatment study with alitretinoin in n = 249 patients.

Results:  Cronbach’s alpha was 0.93. High convergent validity was demonstrated for clinical improvement and treatment success (Spearman r = 0.60–0.78, P < 0.001); 84.3% of patients reached a PBI ≥ 1, indicating more than minimum patient‐relevant benefit of alitretinoin. Feasibility was high, with a rate of missing data < 1%.

Conclusions:  The PBI‐HE is a feasible, reliable, and valid instrument for the assessment of patient‐relevant treatment benefits in CHE.
The European baseline series in 10 European Countries, 2005/2006 – Results of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA)
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Rämsch Christiane , Aberer Werner , Ayala Fabio , Balato Anna , Beliauskiene Aiste , Fortina Anna Belloni , Bircher Andreas , Brasch Jochen , Chowdhury Mahbub M. U. , Coenraads Pieter‐Jan , Schuttelaar Marie‐Louise , Cooper Sue , Corradin Maria Teresa , Elsner Peter , English John S. C. , Fartasch Manigè , Mahler Vera , Frosch Peter J. , Fuchs Thomas , Gawkrodger David J. , Gimènez‐Arnau Ana‐Maria , Green Cathy M. , Horne Helen L. , Jolanki Riitta , King Codagh M. , Krêcisz Beata , Kiec‐Swierczynska Marta , Ormerod Anthony D. , Orton David I. , Peserico Andrea , Rantanen Tapio , Rustemeyer Thomas , Sansom Jane E. , Simon Dagmar , Statham Barry N. , Wilkinson Mark , Schnuch Axel
Published: July 2009

Background: Continual surveillance based on patch test results has proved useful for the identification of contact allergy.

Objectives: To provide a current view on the spectrum of contact allergy to important sensitizers across Europe.

Patients/Methods: Clinical and patch test data of 19 793 patients patch tested in 2005/2006 in the 31 participating departments from 10 European countries (the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies' (ESSCA) www.essca‐dc.org) were descriptively analysed, aggregated to four European regions.

Results: Nickel sulfate remains the most common allergen with standardized prevalences ranging from 19.7% (central Europe) to 24.4% (southern Europe). While a number of allergens shows limited variation across the four regions, such as Myroxylon pereirae (5.3–6.8%), cobalt chloride (6.2–8.8%) or thiuram mix (1.7–2.4%), the differences observed with other allergens may hint on underlying differences in exposures, for example: dichromate 2.4% in the UK (west) versus 4.5–5.9% in the remaining EU regions, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone 4.1% in the South versus 2.1–2.7% in the remaining regions.

Conclusions: Notwithstanding residual methodological variation (affecting at least some ‘difficult’ allergens) tackled by ongoing efforts for standardization, a comparative analysis as presented provides (i) a broad overview on contact allergy frequencies and (ii) interesting starting points for further, in‐depth investigation.