bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the response to recombinant human growth hormone in Turner syndrome: KIGS models
Authors: Ranke MB , Lindberg A , Chatelain P , Wilton P , Cutfield W , Albertsson‐Wikland K , Price DA ,   on behalf of the KIGS International Board
Published: April 2008

A mathematical model for predicting the growth response in patients with Turner syndrome who received growth hormone (GH) therapy was developed by analysing data from KIGS, the Pharmacia & Upjohn International Growth Database. A Model for year 1 of GH therapy explained 46% of the variability of the growth response, with GH dose being the most important of the predictors of height velocity. In years 2‐4 of therapy, height velocity during the previous year was the most important predictor, suggesting that an individual's initial response to GH may determine the height outcome of treatment. Additional treatment with oxandrolone. The predictions in all 4 years were highly accurate, as indicated by the low error SDs. However, relatively low predictive power (R) during years 2‐4 of treatment suggests the models are missing other parameters that would explain more of the variability of the growth response. These growth prediction models could help clinicians to design individualized treatment regimens, provide realistic expectations of therapy outcomes, and adjust treatment on the basis of detected differences between observed and predicted height velocities.
Role of oestrogen therapy in the management of short stature in Turner syndrome
Authors: Chernausek SD , Attie KM
Published: April 2008

It is now clear that parenteral growth hormone (GH) therapy stimulates growth and increases the adult stature of girls with Turner syndrome. In addition, oestrogens are given to almost all girls with this syndrome because of primary hypogonadism. Oestrogens influence both growth and maturation of the epiphyseal growth plates. Therefore, the form and timing of oestrogen therapy may have an important impact on the outcome of other growth‐promoting therapies. To examine the impact of the timing of oestrogen initiation on growth, a randomized trial was conducted in patients with Turner syndrome who were receiving GH. Some patients received oestrogen at 12 years of age, while in others this treatment was not started until 15 years of age. Those girls that received oestrogen later were significantly taller as adults. The single most important factor in determining height gain appeared to be the number of years of GH therapy prior to the initiation of oestrogen treatment.
DNA from fossils: the past and the future
Authors: Poinar HN
Published: April 2008

The recovery of DNA from archaeological and palaeontological remains has intrigued scientists for many years. The DNA molecule is a relatively weak molecule compared with other biomacro‐molecules in tissues, but the sequence of its bases holds insights into questions that cannot be resolved by standard palaeontological methods. Recent advances in the field, such as the recovery of DNA sequences from coprolites found in the southwestern USA, as well as from the Neanderthal‐type specimen, have shed new light on populations that are now extinct. A better understanding of how DNA is preserved in fossils, as well as the use of novel agents that can release the DNA from archaeological and palacontological materials, will likely lead to new successes in the field. The analysis of ancient DNA may provide new clues about human evolution and answer questions, for example, relating to the diversity of the Neanderthals and the mammoths.
Endothelial function in children with a history of premature prolonged rupture of membranes and bronchopulmonary dysplasia – a pilot study
Authors: Liljedahl Magnus , Martin Helena , Magnuson Anders , Montgomery Scott M , Schollin Jens
Published: April 2008

Aim: To investigate vascular function in children with a neonatal history of generalised inflammation indicated by premature prolonged rupture of membranes (PPROM) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Methods: Children born at ≤ 30 weeks 1994–2000 were investigated at a present age of 6–12 years. Twenty‐eight children participated and were divided into two groups with regard to BPD/no BPD (n = 15/13) and PPROM/no PPROM (n = 10/18). Vascular endothelial function was assessed by acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced skin vasodilatation.

Results: Maximum ACh‐induced skin perfusion was statistically significantly lower in the PPROM group compared with the non‐PPROM group (p = 0.045) after adjustment for confounders. We found no association between BPD and maximum ACh‐induced skin perfusion (p = 0.404), after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusion: A neonatal history of prolonged premature rupture of membranes was associated with later impairment of vascular endothelial function in childhood. This association was not observed with BPD. Some forms of perinatal inflammation may be associated with later cardiovascular function.
Guidelines for diagnosing and treating pulmonary infiltrates in children with acute leukaemia: impact of timely decisions
Authors: Furuya MEY , González‐Martínez F , Vargas MH , Miranda‐Novales MG , Bernáldez‐Ríos R , Zúñiga‐Vázquez G
Published: April 2008

Aim: Children with leukaemia are at increased risk of pulmonary complications, often with unspecific clinical data, delayed diagnosis and a high mortality rate. We evaluated the usefulness of diagnostic–therapeutic guidelines (DTG) in which specific times for decision making were incorporated.

Methods: Clinical charts of children with acute leukaemia and suspicion of pulmonary involvement were reviewed. Patients were allocated to group I if their diagnostic and therapeutic decisions were in accordance with the DTG, and to group II if not.

Results: Children from group I (n = 32) and group II (n = 28) did not differ with respect to age (9.3 ± 0.5 years old, mean ± SEM), gender, type, risk and stage of leukaemia, anaemia and neutropenia. Total length of hospital stay and hospitalization due to the pulmonary disease were shorter in group I than in group II (14.8 ± 2.1 vs. 28.5 ± 3.7 days, p = 0.0016; and 10.8 ± 1.0 vs. 18.4±1.8 days, p = 0.0003, respectively). Two patients (6.3%) died due to the pulmonary pathology in group I, and nine (32.1%, p = 0.016) in group II.

Conclusions: Diagnostic–therapeutic guidelines that incorporate timely decisions constitute a useful algorithm to reduce the length of hospital stay and mortality in children with acute leukaemia and pulmonary infiltrates. A prospective study is needed to validate these results.
Genome‐wide identification, classification, evolutionary expansion and expression analyses of homeobox genes in rice
Authors: Jain Mukesh , Tyagi Akhilesh K. , Khurana Jitendra P.
Published: April 2008

Homeobox genes play a critical role in regulating various aspects of plant growth and development. In the present study, we identified a total of 107 homeobox genes in the rice genome and grouped them into ten distinct subfamilies based upon their domain composition and phylogenetic analysis. A significantly large number of homeobox genes are located in the duplicated segments of the rice genome, which suggests that the expansion of homeobox gene family, in large part, might have occurred due to segmental duplications in rice. Furthermore, microarray analysis was performed to elucidate the expression profiles of these genes in different tissues and during various stages of vegetative and reproductive development. Several genes with predominant expression during various stages of panicle and seed development were identified. At least 37 homeobox genes were found to be differentially expressed significantly (more than two‐fold; P < 0.05) under various abiotic stress conditions. The results of the study suggest a critical role of homeobox genes in reproductive development and abiotic stress signaling in rice, and will facilitate the selection of candidate genes of agronomic importance for functional validation.
Reduction of dissolved organic matter and trihalomethane formation potential during laboratory‐scale soil‐aquifer treatment
Authors: Xue S. , Zhao Q. L. , Wei L. L. , Wang L. N.
Published: April 2008

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in recovered groundwater from soil‐aquifer treatment (SAT) has the potential to generate harmful disinfection by‐products. This study investigated the reduction of mass and trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) of DOM fractions from secondary effluent during laboratory‐scale SAT. Using XAD‐8 and XAD‐4 resins, DOM was fractionated into three fractions: hydrophobic acid (HPO‐A), transphilic acid (TPI‐A) and hydrophilic fraction (HPI). HPO‐A was removed by 61.1%, TPI‐A by 54.9% and HPI by 75.0% as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during the laboratory‐scale SAT, respectively. The reduction of THMFP from HPO‐A, TPI‐A and HPI was 27.24, 26.24 and 36.08%, respectively. Specific THMFP for each DOM fraction increased across the soil columns. HPO‐A was found to be the major precursor of THMs. THMFP was strongly correlated to ultraviolet light at 254 nm (UV‐254) for HPO‐A and HPI, while the relationship between THMFP and UV‐254 for TPI‐A was significantly poor.
Measurement of sediment oxygen demand for modelling dissolved oxygen distribution in tidal Keelung River
Authors: Liu Wen‐Cheng
Published: April 2008

The Keelung River is one of the major branches of the Danshuei River estuarine system, which runs the metropolitan capital city of Taipei, Taiwan, and receives a large of amount of wastewater. The dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration is generally low in the tidal portion of the Keelung River. Hypoxia/anoxia occurs often, particularly during a low‐flow period. The sediment oxygen demand (SOD) amounts to a significant value, hence increasing the total oxygen demand load of the river. The present work reports on laboratory SOD made on grab sediment core samples in situ that are undisturbed. The results reveal that SOD values fluctuate with variations in seasons and are higher in summer due to a high‐temperature effect. It was found in the laboratory tests that the average SOD (at 20 °C) value is 0.76 g/m2/day and the maximum SOD (at 20 °C) value reaches 1.58 g/m2/day. The mean values of measured SOD at each station were adopted in the vertical two‐dimensional water quality model to simulate the DO distribution along the tidal Keelung River. The simulated results are in reasonable agreement with the measured DO distribution in the river. Model sensitivity analyses were also conducted with increasing and decreasing SOD. It reveals that SOD is an important parameter that affects the DO distribution in the tidal estuary.
Spatial analysis of urban stormwater quality: Ramallah district as a case study, Palestine
Authors: Mimi Ziad
Published: April 2008

Urban runoff pollution sources are formidable obstacles to achieving water source goals in numerous municipalities. Ramallah district currently holds one of the highest rates of urbanization in Palestine causing a significant increase in surface runoff. Consequently, this causes increased flooding and a significant decrease in water quality due primarily to the accumulation of pollutants. To date, most research has focused on specifying temporal variations of stormwater quality parameters that include high uncertainties and also increase the risk of pollution control structures' failure. Spatial variations of the runoff quality are the key factor in nonpoint source pollution studies. This research investigates the spatial variability of urban runoff quality parameters in relation to land use of urban catchments. The research estimated pollutant concentration for improved and efficient design of pollution control structures for each land use.
Ethics Committees in Small Hospitals*
Authors: Niemira Denise A. , Orr Robert D. , Culver Charles M.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Ethics committees at small hospitals confront most of the same ethical dilemmas present at large hospitals, but must usually deal with them with fewer resources and less access to recognized expertise. Nonetheless small hospital committees can function effectively in the areas of education, policy deliberation, and case consultation. The development of ethics committees at two small Vermont hospitals is described, noting some of the problems associated with smallness and making suggestions about how to surmount them.
Determinants of the Uncompensated Care Burden of Rural and Urban Hospitals in Florida*
Authors: Duncan R. Paul , Miller Michael K.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: It has been projected that over the next decade as many as 700 hospitals will close due to financial pressures created at least in part by the problem of uncompensated care. Many analysts contend that smaller, rural hospitals will be disproportionately represented among those which close. This investigation uses data collected from over 14,000 inpatient records from 130 representative hospitals in Florida to examine the degree to which rural hospitals experience an uncompensated care problem which differs in source, or magnitude, from that experienced by urban institutions. The analyses show that 150 days following the provision of service, the mean per capita outstanding amount was $18 higher for patients seen in rural hospitals than those seen in urban hospitals. Further, the odds of a rural hospital patient having some outstanding balance 150 days after service had been rendered ranged from 1.2 to 1.3 times those for patients seen in urban hospitals. The location difference is not eliminated by controlling for sociodemographic differences of the patients or the circumstances surrounding the type and/or source of admission. The single most important predictor of having outstanding hospital charges is possession of health insurance. Patients with no coverage are 38.6 times more likely to have some nonzero outstanding balance than patients with some form of insurance coverage. After controlling for sociodemographic, economic, and circumstances surrounding admission, the odds increase from 38.6 to 73.6. The critical role played by insurance is further evidenced by noting that the odds of someone with third party insurance coverage having an unresolved amount ≥$250 is only 024 and only slightly higher (.048) for government coverage.
Differences in Rural and Urban Mortality: Implications for Health Education and Promotion*
Authors: Schorr Valerie , Crabtree Darryl A. , Wagner Donald , Wetterau Penny
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Rural health care delivery is often inferior to that of urban areas. Although health services do not have to be identical in the two settings, quality services appropriate for the needs of rural communities are imperative. Moreover, health education and promotion should be seen as an immediate and viable strategy for (a) reducing risk factors and health care needs, and (b) increasing the cost effectiveness of existing services. The appropriateness and prioritization of health care services and health education/promotion can only be realized if health professionals are aware of rural versus urban needs. To facilitate our knowledge of such differences, the mortality rates of the 10 leading causes of death were compared for each county in Ohio and differences between rural and urban mortality were analyzed. Counties were categorized according to “density” (persons per square mile) and “percent urban” (percent of county area classified as urban). The analysis demonstrated that there were no significant differences between rural and urban counties in mortality due to cancer, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitis, atherosclerosis, and suicide. Mortality related to cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, accidents, and influenza/pneumonia was significantly higher in rural counties, while deaths due to chronic liver disease were significantly greater in urban counties.
Balancing bias and precision in capture‐recapture estimates of abundance
Authors: Friday Nancy A. , Smith Tim D. , Stevick Peter T. , Allen Judy , Fernald Tom
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Capture‐recapture estimates of abundance using photographic identification data are sensitive to the quality of photographs used and distinctiveness of individuals in the population. Here analyses are presented for examining the effects of photographic quality and individual animal distinctiveness scores and for objectively selecting a subset of data to use for capture‐recapture analyses using humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) data from a 2‐year study in the North Atlantic. Photographs were evaluated for their level of quality and whales for their level of individual distinctiveness. Photographic quality scores had a 0.21 probability of changing by a single‐quality level, and there were no changes by two or more levels. Individual distinctiveness scores were not independent of photographic quality scores. Estimates of abundance decreased as poor‐quality photographs were removed. An appropriate balance between precision and bias in abundance estimates was achieved by removing the lowest‐quality photographs and those of incompletely photographed flukes given our assumptions about the true population abundance. A simulation of the selection process implied that, if the estimates are negatively biased by heterogeneity, the increase in bias produced by decreasing the sample size is not more than 2%. Capture frequencies were independent of individual distinctiveness scores.
Stomach contents of mass‐stranded short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) from North Carolina
Authors: Mintzer Vanessa J. , Gannon Damon P. , Barros Nélio B. , Read Andrew J.
Published: April 2008

Abstract

We examined the stomach contents of 27 short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) that mass stranded on the North Carolina coast on 15 January 2005. Eleven whales had prey parts in their forestomachs. We used frequency of occurrence and numerical abundance to assess the relative importance of prey. Brachioteuthis riisei (numerical abundance 28%), an oceanic species, was the most important cephalopod prey, but Taonius pavo (12%) and Histioteuthis reversa (9%) also represented a substantial part of the diet. A large number of otoliths belonging to the fish Scopelogadus beanii were present (25%). These results differ from reports of the stomach contents of short‐finned pilot whales from the Pacific coast in which neritic species dominate the diet. Our findings also suggest that there is a considerable difference between the diet of short‐ and long‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) in the western North Atlantic. The latter feed predominantly on the long‐finned squid (Loligo pealei) whereas the former feed on deep‐water species. Our results indicate the whales fed primarily off the continental shelf prior to stranding.
Fine‐scale study finds limited evidence of kin clustering in a gray seal colony
Authors: Poland Veronica F. , Pomeroy Patrick P. , Twiss Sean D. , Graves Jeff A.
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Microsatellites were used to investigate fine‐scale spatial and temporal genetic structure of a gray seal breeding colony, using samples collected throughout the colony (1997) and more extensive local sampling (2000–2002). Previous behavior of breeding seals on North Rona, including philopatry and high breeding site fidelity, suggested female kin may cluster together. However, low FST scores indicated no genetic differentiation between the major breeding aggregations in different regions of the colony. Nevertheless, the pairwise relatedness of mothers within regions was significantly higher than the relatedness of mothers between regions. Evidence of kin clustering occurred within one region in the colony. Within this region, mothers' pairwise relatedness decreased significantly with increasing distance between pupping sites. Pairwise relatedness of neighboring females within this region was also higher than expected. Conversely, in the other regions mothers that were considered likely to have social interactions, based on their spatial and temporal proximity, were not more related to each other than random. Therefore, sustained philopatry appears sufficient to produce differences in relatedness at a within‐colony scale (>500 m), but not at finer scales. This suggests that long‐term associations of mothers on North Rona detected previously are unlikely to be formed solely by close kin.
Quantification and genetic profiling of DNA isolated from free‐floating feces of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
Authors: Gillett R. M. , White B. N. , Rolland R. M.
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Fecal analysis from the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale provides valuable information about health and reproductive parameters of individual animals. Genetically profiling the feces facilitates this connection when the sample originator is unknown. Although genetic analysis of feces collected in terrestrial systems has become well established, genetic studies of cetacean DNA are rare. Here, the use of free‐floating feces as a source of right whale DNA and the reliability of the genotypes produced are examined. On average, fecal extracts yielded 25 ng of DNA/mg dry weight, but less than 1% was right whale DNA. Although all samples were amplified using genus‐specific mitochondrial control region primers, the quantity of right whale DNA present was over estimated when compared to amplifications using nuclear primers. No correlation was found between the quantity of right whale DNA recovered and the duration the sample sat in the water. Composite microsatellite profiles from multiple amplifications of 28 fecal samples of known origin were consistent with profiles of the same individuals obtained from skin biopsies, however, the rate of allelic dropout varied depending on the amount of right whale DNA added. A screening and genotyping protocol for reliable genetic profiling based on fecal DNA quantification is presented.
New frontiers in blood transfusion
Authors: Mayr W. R.
Published: April 2008

New developments concerning cellular therapies as well as blood grouping and the modulation of antigens of the red blood cell surface are briefly discussed.
Quality of plasma and its fractionation
Authors: Burnouf T.
Published: April 2008

Human plasma (plasma for fractionation) is used as a source material for the manufacture of a large range of therapeutic products that are essential for the treatment of life‐threatening injuries as well as bleeding and immunological diseases. The industrial multistep process carried out to isolate the various therapeutic plasma proteins is known as ‘fractionation’. Typical plasma fractionation batches have a volume of 2000–4000 l obtained by pooling the individual donations from thousands of donors. The provision of safe plasma products relies upon the quality of the starting plasma and on a correct implementation of the fractionation processes, both under conditions meeting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. The preparation of plasma for fractionation according to GMP is one key element in the quality and safety of medicinal plasma products. The quality specifications of plasma for fractionation should be precisely defined by the plasma fractionators and approved by the relevant regulatory authorities. Aspects of particular relevance for the control of infectious risks include (i) the selection criteria of blood/plasma donors, (ii) the methods used for the testing of blood/plasma donations, (iii) the epidemiological surveillance of the donor population, (iv) the adherence to GMP principles by blood establishments, and (v) the existence of a postdonation information system. Other quality aspects that may impact the range, quality, or recovery of fractionated products include the operational parameters used for plasma separation, rate of freezing and storage temperature. The industrial plasma fractionation process should be carried out under highly hygienic conditions in licenced facilities (plasma fractionation plants) operated in compliance with GMP. Manufacturing steps used to isolate the various fractions are implemented in a sequential and integrated manner. Crude fractions obtained by cryoprecipitation and cold ethanol precipitation steps are purified into individual therapeutic products most often by chromatographic methods. Validated dedicated treatments are implemented within the manufacturing process of each product to inactivate and/or remove enveloped and non‐enveloped viruses potentially present in the starting plasma pool. Recent experimental spiking studies also demonstrate that, several fractionation steps contribute to prion removal. When using current production technologies and under strict regulatory oversight, plasma products have reached a high level of quality and safety.
Massive transfusion for trauma: opportunities and risks
Authors: Hess J. R.
Published: April 2008

Massive transfusion is a response to uncontrolled haemorrhage, and uncontrolled haemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death following injury. To be successful, massive transfusion must be timely and directed at the needs of the patient for volume replacement, oxygen transport, and the prevention or correction of coagulopathy. This means that the full array of blood components must be available quickly, that the components need to be of high quality, and that the components need to be given in appropriate ratios and sequences and guided by the condition and response of the patient. One in four severely injured patients present to emergency care with a coagulopathy that is related to the type and severity of injury. The mortality of coagulopathic patients is four times higher than other patients with equivalent injury severity scores. Giving more plasma and perhaps platelets earlier in massive transfusion appears to be associated with substantially improved outcome in this 2% of civilian and 8% of military casualties where resource use and mortality are concentrated. However, AB plasma is in short supply, the use of more plasma containing products is associated with an increased incidence of complications, and there is a need for more concentrated plasma products. There are opportunities and risks associated with changing the way we transfuse the injured and with developing new blood products to better meet their needs.
International Society Blood Transfusion Working Party on information technology
Authors: Bruce P.
Published: April 2008

The aims and goals of the International Society Blood Transfusion Working Party on Information Technology (WPIT) are to define and promote strategies on using ITs for transfusion medicine and related areas considering usability, implementability, financial and business impacts. The focus is on new, emerging ITs and their applicability. The active topics involve radio‐frequency identification applications, interfacing equipment and IT systems, and automated system validation.
Early detection: a survey of secondary school teachers' knowledge about psychosis
Authors: Collins Amanda , Holmshaw Janet
Published: April 2008

Aims: To establish how much knowledge and experience secondary school‐teachers have about psychosis, sources of help available and how to access help.

Methods: A questionnaire survey of 130 secondary school teachers from three secondary schools and one pupil referral unit within the catchment area of the Camden and Islington Early Intervention Service in London. Teachers completed a questionnaire about diagnosis, age of onset, aetiology, prognosis and treatment. They were also asked about their experiences of pupils with possible psychosis and for their views on the teacher's role regarding referral of pupils.

Results: The majority of teachers were able to recognize psychotic symptoms from a case vignette and many were able to correctly identify possible causal factors, prognosis and factors that might help or hinder recovery. Almost a third of teachers had experienced a pupil with possible symptoms of psychosis. However, teachers were much less certain about their own role towards pupils presenting with psychosis and there was much confusion about who had responsibility to help, and how and where to refer such pupils.

Conclusions: The results reinforce the view that teachers are in a strong position in relation to early detection and referral for young people with psychosis. The findings suggest a considerable staff development agenda, especially regarding how to access help and services. Teachers in this study seemed keen for further training in this area.
Transcriptional profiling of melanocytes from patients with vitiligo vulgaris
Authors: Strömberg Sara , Björklund Marcus Gry , Asplund Anna , Rimini Rebecca , Lundeberg Joakim , Nilsson Peter , Pontén Fredrik , Olsson Mats J.
Published: April 2008

Vitiligo is a complex, polygenic disorder characterized by patchy loss of skin pigmentation due to abnormal melanocyte function. Both genetic and environmental etiological factors have been proposed for vitiligo and lack of molecular markers renders difficulties to predict development and progression of the disease. Identification of dysregulated genes has the potential to unravel biological pathways involved in vitiligo pathogenesis, facilitating discovery of potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we characterized the transcriptional profile of melanocytes from vitiligo patients. Oligonucleotide microarrays containing ∼16 000 unique genes were used to analyse mRNA expression in melanocytes from vitiligo patients and age‐matched healthy controls. In total, 859 genes were identified as differentially expressed. A substantial number of these genes were involved in (i) melanocyte development, (ii) intracellular processing and trafficking of tyrosinase gene family proteins, (iii) packing and transportation of melanosomes, (iv) cell adhesion and (v) antigen processing and presentation. In conclusion, our results show a significantly different transcription profile in melanocytes from vitiligo patients compared with controls. Several genes of potential importance for the pathogenesis and development of vitiligo were identified. Our data indicate that autoimmunity involving melanocytes may be a secondary event in vitiligo patients caused by abnormal melanocyte function.
Correlation between melanogenic and catalase activity in in vitro human melanocytes: a synergic strategy against oxidative stress
Authors: Maresca Vittoria , Flori Enrica , Briganti Stefania , Mastrofrancesco Arianna , Fabbri Claudia , Mileo Anna M. , Paggi Marco G. , Picardo Mauro
Published: April 2008

UV‐induced DNA damage can lead to melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Understanding the mechanisms employed by melanocytes to protect against UV is therefore a key issue. In melanocytes, catalase is the main enzyme responsible for degrading hydrogen peroxide and we have previously shown that that low basal levels of catalase activity are associated with the light phototype in in vitro and ex vivo models. Here we investigate the possible correlation between its activity and melanogenesis in primary cultures of human melanocytes. We show that while the total melanin concentration is directly correlated to the level of pigmentation, the more the degree of pigmentation increased, the lower the proportion of pheomelanin present. Moreover, in human melanocytes in vitro, catalase‐specific mRNA, protein and enzymatic activity were all directly correlated with total cellular melanin content. We also observed that immediately after a peroxidative treatment, the increase in reactive oxygen species was inversely associated with pigmentation level. Darkly pigmented melanocytes therefore possess two protective strategies represented by melanins and catalase activity that are likely to act synergistically to counteract the deleterious effects of UV radiation. By contrast, lightly pigmented melanocytes possess lower levels of melanogenic and catalase activity and are therefore more susceptible to accumulate damage after UV exposition.
An update on the honesty of melanin‐based color signals in birds
Authors: McGraw Kevin J.
Published: April 2008

The control mechanisms and information content of melanin‐based color signals in birds have generated much recent interest and controversy among evolutionary biologists. Initial experimental studies on this topic manipulated coarse metrics of an individual’s condition (i.e. food intake, disease state) and failed to detect significant condition‐dependence of melanin ornament expression. However, three new lines of research appear profitable and target specific factors associated with the production of melanin pigments. These include the role of (i) metals, (ii) amino acids, and (iii) testosterone and social interactions in shaping the extent and intensity of melanin‐colored plumage patches. Here, I review recent studies of and evidence for these honesty‐reinforcing mechanisms.
IS THERE POLICY SPACE TO PROTECT SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURE?
Authors: Sandrey Ron , Karaan Mohammad , Vink Nick
Published: April 2008

The aim of this paper is to assess the amount of “policy space” available to increase tariff protection in South African agriculture. To this end, formal definitions for agricultural produce, actual import data, applied tariff data and bound tariff rates and tariff quota information were used to investigate the extent to which it is possible and feasible to increase tariffs. The analysis shows that in general the policy space available to South African agriculture is limited because of, among others, WTO binding and treaty obligations under the EU and SADC agreements. Furthermore, it does not make policy sense to increase protection on most other products.
CIGARETTE DEMAND IN SOUTH AFRICA OVER 1996‐2006: THE ROLE OF PRICE, INCOME AND HEALTH AWARENESS
Authors: Boshoff Willem H.
Published: April 2008

The study seeks to re‐investigate the role of price, income and health awareness in the evolution of South African cigarette demand over the period 1996 to 2006. At first glance, rising cigarette prices appear to have played an important role in reducing cigarette consumption over the sample period, especially during the late 90s. But how dependent is the impact of price increases on general economic conditions and overall health awareness among smokers? Health awareness, in particular, has not received sufficient attention in the South African context, due to a lack of data. Previous estimates of price and income elasticities of cigarette demand are based on long annual time series data, which do not allow for changes in underlying tastes and preferences. The paper attempts to disentangle the forces of price, income, health awareness and policy intervention using a quarterly data set. In addition, the study also cautions against the upward bias in estimates derived from formal cigarette sales data – in the light of increasing illicit cigarette volumes in South Africa.
MEASURING THE WELFARE COST OF INFLATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Uwilingiye Josine
Published: April 2008

In this paper, we estimate the long‐run equilibrium relationship between money balance as a ratio of income and the Treasury bill rate for the period of 1965:02 to 2007:01, and in turn use the relationship to obtain welfare cost estimates of inflation. Using the Johansen technique, we estimate a log‐log specification and a semi‐log model of the above relationship. Based on the fits of the specifications, we decided to rely more on the welfare cost measure obtained under the log‐log money demand model. Our estimates suggest that the welfare cost of inflation for South Africa ranges between 0.34% and 0.67% of GDP, for a band of 3‐6% of inflation. Thus, it seems that the South African Reserve Bank's current inflation target band of 3‐6% is not too poorly designed in terms of welfare.
PROFESSOR REEKIE AND MARKETS: HEALTH CARE AND HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Botha Joubert
Published: April 2008

In this intriguing book Duncan Reekie goes to the very basis of the economic order.1 He discusses the views of the ancient Greek and later writers, and in doing so, moves outside the confines of modern economic analysis. One is reminded of what Schumpeter once wrote: the economist pursues the study of cause and effect until he finds the causal role of a variable to be non‐economic. We must then “give place to other disciplines”.2 Reekie's analysis reverses the order: it starts with the very general concept of the Natural Law in the works of ancient Greek and many subsequent writers, and then shows how they addressed questions that are still relevant today: questions on property and individual freedom.
POST‐TRANSITION POVERTY TRENDS BASED ON AN ALTERNATIVE DATA SOURCE1
Authors: Van Der Berg Servaas , Louw Megan , Yu Derek
Published: April 2008

This paper analyses a previously unused source of data – the All Media and Product Survey (AMPS) – to arrive at alternative estimates of the post‐transition poverty path. The motivations for using this non‐official data source are twofold: concern over the comparability of the existing official post‐transition datasets – the Income and Expenditure Survey (IES) and Population Census – and a desire to extend analysis of poverty trends beyond 2001. While official data sources are generally preferred for purposes of poverty analysis, the IES and Census collect data at long (5 or 10 year) intervals, and additional years pass before these datasets become available to the public. In some cases there is also concern about data comparability between surveys. The expenditure data contained in the General Household Survey are available annually, although data are captured in a small number of categories that are not very conducive to analysis at the lower end of the income distribution. Analysis on AMPS data confirms the large decline in poverty implied by an increase of R18 billion (in 2000 Rand) in social grant payments between 2000 and 2004. The direction of this trend is consistent with recent research findings based on more frequently analysed data sources, including the work done by Agüero, Carter and May (2005), Seekings (2006) and Meth (2006).
THE DEMAND FOR FOOD IN SOUTH AFRICA1
Authors: Dunne J Paul , Edkins Beverly
Published: April 2008

Food consumption is an important issue in South Africa, given its relation to poverty and deprivation. With the pressing need to increase food security, understanding the determinants of the demand for food and having some estimates of the likely impact of price and income changes has become a vital task. There is, however, surprisingly little economic research on this topic and almost none in recent times. This paper provides a comprehensive empirical analysis of the demand for food in South Africa for the years 1970‐2002. It moves beyond the usual static modelling approach in using a general dynamic log‐linear demand equation and a dynamic version of the almost ideal demand system, to provide estimates of the short‐ and long‐run price and expenditure demand elasticities.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND TIME POVERTY IN LESOTHO
Authors: Lawson David
Published: April 2008

This paper uses a combination of nationally representative individual level time use, household and community data to further our understanding of time poverty. With a common, and growing, perception in the empirical literature being that Sub Saharan African females are typically disadvantaged in market‐based activities because of the large time burden of having to undertake both formal work and domestic duties, it is important to understand some of the key processes and issues that underpin, and link with, poverty reduction. Using nationally representative data from Lesotho we are able to provide unique insights into gender‐related, formal and informal, work allocations and specifically obtain insights regarding the main determinants of those who are “time poor”, and how key infrastructural elements impact on this.
What is your diagnosis? Peritoneal fluid from an Arabian horse after colic surgery
Authors: Pratt Suzanne M. , Christian John A. , Paige Jackson L. , Hawkins Jan F. , Sojka Janice E.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:A 16‐year‐old castrated male Arabian horse was presented to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a 4‐hour history of colic. Initial examinations provided strong evidence for small intestinal obstruction. Abdominal surgery revealed a strangulating lipoma, and 25 feet of small intestine were resected. Postoperatively, the horse developed obstructive ileus due to adhesion formation, which required a second laparotomy. During and after surgery, the abdomen was lavaged with sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). One week after the second surgery, evaluation of peritoneal fluid revealed an inflammatory exudate, with many macrophages containing amorphous to granular, pink to magenta phagocytosed material. Extracellular aggregates of the material were also observed. The material was consistent with CMC. To our knowledge, this report is the first to demonstrate the phagocytosis of CMC by peritoneal fluid macrophages.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Direct Steam Reforming of Ethanol in Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell
Authors: Silveira José Luz , de Souza Antonio Carlos Caetano , da Silva Márcio Evaristo
Published: April 2008

Fuel cell as molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) operates at high temperatures. Thus, cogeneration processes may be performed, generating heat for its own process or for other purposes of steam generation in the industry. The use of ethanol is one of the best options because this is a renewable and less environmentally offensive fuel, and is cheaper than oil-derived hydrocarbons, as in the case of Brazil. In that country, because of technical, environmental, and economic advantages, the use of ethanol by steam reforming process has been the most investigated process. The objective of this study is to show a thermodynamic analysis of steam reforming of ethanol, to determine the best thermodynamic conditions where the highest volumes of products are produced, making possible a higher production of energy, that is, a more efficient use of resources. To attain this objective, mass and energy balances were performed. Equilibrium constants and advance degrees were calculated to get the best thermodynamic conditions to attain higher reforming efficiency and, hence, higher electric efficiency, using the Nernst equation. The advance degree (according to Castellan 1986, Fundamentos da Fisica/Quimica, Editora LTC, Rio de Janeiro, p. 529, in Portuguese) is a coefficient that indicates the evolution of a reaction, achieving a maximum value when all the reactants’ content is used of reforming increases when the operation temperature also increases and when the operation pressure decreases. However, at atmospheric pressure (1atm), the advance degree tends to stabilize in temperatures above 700°C; that is, the volume of supplemental production of reforming products is very small with respect to high use of energy resources necessary. The use of unused ethanol is also suggested for heating of reactants before reforming. The results show the behavior of MCFC. The current density, at the same tension, is higher at 700°C than other studied temperatures such as 600 and 650°C. This fact occurs due to smaller use of hydrogen at lower temperatures that varies between 46.8% and 58.9% in temperatures between 600 and 700°C. The higher calculated current density is 280mA∕cm2. The power density increases when the volume of ethanol to be used also increases due to higher production of hydrogen. The highest produced powers at 190mA∕cm2 are 99.8, 109.8, and 113.7mW∕cm2 for 873, 923, and 973K, respectively. The thermodynamic efficiency has the objective to show the connection among operational conditions and energetic factors, which are some parameters that describe a process of internal steam reforming of ethanol.
One-Dimensional Model of a Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Calise Francesco , Dentice d’Accadia Massimo , Palombo Adolfo , Vanoli Laura
Published: April 2008

In this paper, a detailed model of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) tube is presented. The SOFC tube is discretized along its longitudinal axis. Detailed models of the kinetics of the shift and reforming reactions are introduced in order to evaluate their rates along the SOFC axis. Energy, moles, and mass balances are performed for each slice of the components under investigation, allowing the calculation of temperature profiles. Friction factors and heat-exchange coefficients are calculated by means of experimental correlations. As for the SOFC overvoltages, the activation overvoltage is calculated using the Butler–Volmer equation and semiempirical correlations for the exchange current density, Ohmic losses are evaluated introducing an appropriate electrical scheme and material resistivities, and concentration overvoltage is calculated by means of both binary and Knudsen diffusion coefficients. On the basis of this model, a case study is presented and discussed, in which temperatures, pressures, chemical compositions, and electrical parameters are evaluated for each slice of the SOFC tube under investigation. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed, in order to investigate the influence of the design parameters on the performance of the system.
Process Simulation of a Neutral Emission Plant Using Chestnut’s Coppice Gasification and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells
Authors: Orecchini Fabio , Bocci Enrico , Carlo Andrea Di
Published: April 2008

The problem of CO2 emissions and the need to find new energy sources are pushing scientific research toward the use of high efficiency technologies for electric power generation that can exploit renewable energy sources—potentially neutral for the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Process simulations of advanced plants fed by biomass are a key step to develop renewable resources based high temperature fuel cell applications. The aim of this work is to predict the component behavior of a specific power plant mainly composed of a gasifier, a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), and a micro-gas-turbine (mGT) and fed by chestnut coppice, waste available in great quantity in Central Italy, as well as in several other European regions. The gasifier produces a gas with a high content of hydrogen and low content of char and tar. This syngas is exploited by the MCFC-mGT plant. The mGT, using the MCFC cathode outlet gases, shows through simulation to be able to operate the air compressor and produce further electrical power. Particular models for the MCFC and gasifier have been developed in FORTRAN by the authors and then interfaced to commercial software (CHEMCAD©) to simulate the plant’s thermodynamic behavior. The results show the possibility of an extremely interesting “carbon neutral” plant configuration with high electrical and global efficiency (respectively, 41% and 86%), exclusively based on the use of renewable resources (biomass).