bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P‐23  Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 153 cases of Sarcoptic acariosis in dogs
Authors: Bourdeau P. , Armando L. , Marchand A.
Published: August 2004

Although considered a classical skin disease, Sarcoptes scabiei infestation is uncommon in canine dermatology in some countries. Information concerning the frequency, epidemiology and clinical signs is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse information obtained from our dermatology clinic from three successive periods: (A) retrospectively (1983–1992), (B) prospectively (1993–1996), and (C) prospectively (1993–2002). From a total of 12,112 dogs, the number of proven cases was only 153 (1.26%, range of 0.8–1.45%, depending on the study). Average age was 2.3–2.7 years (range 3 weeks–16 years) with 52.4–61.6% of dogs being <1‐year old. Pruritus was severe in 61–77% of cases. Otopedal reflex was positive in 43–56% (positive in 4% of the general population in B) and was significantly more common when skin lesions were extensive. Contagion to other dogs was seen in 5–33% of cases with human involvement in 4–20% of cases. No sex predisposition was noted but breed predilection may exist. Lesions were noted on the ventrum (81%), ear pinnae (71.8%), elbows (66%) and distal legs (45%). Although the diagnosis was confirmed by different methods, Sarcoptes mites were isolated and identified in 22.8–50% of cases. Fluctuations in incidence of cases may occur from year to year, but no change in the overall frequency was observed during this 20‐year period in the area served by our clinic.

Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐28  Efficacy of selamectin spot‐on formulation against Neotrombicula autumnalis in eight cats
Authors: Leone F. , Albanese F.
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical formulation of selamectin in the treatment of naturally acquired Neotrombicula autumnalis infestations in eight indoor/outdoor cats. Selamectin was administered topically once at a dosage of 6 mg/kg. Clinical examination and visualization of mites by microscopic examination of skin scrapings were performed after 2, 30 and 60 days. By day 2, clinical signs had subsided and all mites were dead on microscopic examination. No signs of recurrence were apparent at follow‐up. Under the conditions of our study, topical selamectin was safe and 100% effective against natural infestations of Neotrombicula autumnalis. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of selamectin against Neotrombicula autumnalis.

Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐44  The presence of dust mite species in the environment of dust mite‐sensitized atopic dogs
Authors: Farmaki R. , Saridomichelakis M. N. , Koutinas A. F. , Leontides L. , Papazahariadou M. G. , Gioulekas D.
Published: August 2004

Dust mites (DM), especially Dermatophagoides farinae (DF), are the most common offending aeroallergens in atopic dogs. The aim of this study was to compare the DM species in the households of atopic dogs (Group A, n = 8) that reacted intradermally to DF, D. pteronyssinus (DP), Acarus siro (AS), Lepidoglyphus destructor (LD) and/or Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP), to DM species in households of nonatopic dogs (Group B, n = 4) and households without pets (Group C, n = 8). Group A dogs exhibited perennial pruritus, were free of pathogenic mites and fleas, did not respond to an elimination diet, and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis. All Group B dogs tested ID negative and had no dermatological problems. Dust samples were vacuum collected in a standardized fashion from two sites of the dog living quarters, one time for each season. DM quantitation was made stereoscopically and their species identification by microscopy. DM median number in Group A was 1.5 for DF, 0.5 for DP and 0 for the other three species. One of eight, one of four and one of four dogs were sensitized to DF, AS and TP, respectively, despite the absence of these species from their environment. No difference could be found in terms of DM species between the three groups (lowest P value = 0.06). In conclusion, cross‐sensitization between DM or irritant intradermal test reactions to their allergenic extracts may be common, and no preferential overpopulation of DF can explain the frequent sensitization of atopic dogs to this mite.

Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐66A  Thermographic aspects of feline fibrosarcoma complex
Authors: Mocanu J. , Militaru M. , Ciobotaru E. , Ionascu I.
Published: August 2004

Neoplastic proliferation is very often encountered in the pathology of feline fibrosarcoma complex. Infrared thermography is a diagnostic and investigative imaging procedure used in many areas of medicine (e.g. oncology, rheumatology, sports medicine). Thermography measures the infrared radiation emitted from the body; the emission characteristics indicate the physiological status of the subject (e.g. inflammatory or neoplastic phenomena have high metabolic activity). This study was conducted on a group of five cats later diagnosed with feline fibrosarcoma complex by cytological and histopathological examination. Thermal images showed a temperature level between 41.08 and 43.6°C corresponding to the tumor zones; temperatures corresponding to the peripheral areas of the lesions were between 37.5 and 38.9°C. Infrared thermography allows appreciation of the extent of the tumor process and the ability to survey the evolution of the disease.

Funding: Self‐funded.
P‐81  A retrospective study of equine sarcoidosis
Authors: Loewenstein C. , Bettenay S. V. , Mueller R. S.
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate six cases of equine sarcoidosis for initial presenting symptoms, response to therapy and actual outcome. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists from Europe, the United States, Australia and Canada were contacted to obtain these six cases, as this is a rare disease. Signalment, clinical signs, histological findings, clinical management and outcome were determined via a questionnaire and compared to former reports. There was no age or breed predilection, and four of six horses were geldings. Age of onset ranged from 3 months to 17 years. Onset of the disease was insidious or rapid. Interestingly, in five of six cases, scaling began on the trunk (girth and shoulder). Scaling, crusting and alopecia were seen in all six horses. In one horse, clinical signs of systemic disease were reported and included intermittent fever, prescapular lymphadenopathy, depression, poor body condition and nasal discharge. Treatment included phenylbutazone, deworming agents, antibiotics, short‐term low‐dose corticosteroids, and 1–1.5 mg/kg of prednisolone. One horse showed a partial response to trimethoprim and sulfonamide, and five of six went into clinical remission with corticosteroid treatment. Five of six horses were still alive 1 year after diagnosis; one horse was diagnosed <12 months ago. Two horses are in complete remission 4 and 8 years after diagnosis. In both horses, clinical signs recurred after cessation of therapy and went into remission again with reintroduction of treatment. Both of these horses have been in remission for several years without therapy.

Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐17  Cutaneous papillomatosis and carcinomatosis in the highly endangered Western Barred Bandicoot
Authors: O’hara A. J. , Warren K. S. , Swan R. A. , Simms C. , Friend J. A.
Published: August 2004

The Western Barred Bandicoot (WBB) is a highly endangered marsupial, only existing in the wild in Western Australia. Conservation efforts using captive breeding programmes to prevent the extinction of the WBB are being hampered by a progressively debilitating, wart‐like syndrome in captive and wild WBB. Multicentric proliferative lesions have been observed predominately over the face and feet of captive and wild populations of WBB. Introduction of apparently healthy, wild WBB into captive colonies of WBB affected with the skin lesions has been associated with the subsequent development of the skin lesions in the introduced bandicoots. Grossly and histologically, the smaller skin lesions resemble papillomas, whereas the larger lesions demonstrate malignant transformation into carcinomas. Chlamydial organisms have been detected in association with the lesions; however, their role in the pathogenesis of the lesions is unknown. Rarely, large intranuclear inclusion bodies have been observed in proliferative epithelium under light microscopy, suggesting a viral aetiology. Papilloma, polyoma and herpes viruses have all been reported in association with neoplastic transformation of cutaneous epithelial structures in a variety of vertebrate species. Preliminary examination of skin lesions from five WBB has utilized light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, indirect immunohistochemistry for papillomavirus, and PCR tests for murine polyoma virus, human papilloma virus and conserved herpes virus sequences. None of these tests has definitively identified an aetiological agent. Further research is being undertaken using degenerate PCR primers targeting highly conserved regions of genes from papilloma, polyoma and herpes viruses to further investigate the possibility of a viral aetiology.

Funding: Self‐funded.
FC‐34  Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR for the measurement of feline cytokine mRNA expression in skin of normal cats and cats with allergic skin disease
Authors: Taglinger K. , Nguyen Van N. , Helps C. R. , Day M. J. , Foster A. P.
Published: August 2004

Feline allergic skin disease is thought to be associated with dermal infiltration of Th2 lymphocytes and the synthesis of associated cytokines. In this study, real‐time RT‐PCR assays were developed to measure feline IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12 (p35 and p40), IL‐18, TNFα, TGFβ, IFNγ and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA in the skin of healthy control cats and in the lesional and nonlesional skin of cats with allergic skin disease. Total RNA was extracted from skin biopsies using the RNeasy Mini Kit with on‐column and in‐solution DNase digestion steps. Improm‐II reverse transcriptase and random hexamers were used to synthesise cDNA. Real‐time PCR was carried out using an iCycler IQ system, and gene‐specific primers were designed to span an exon/exon junction of each cytokine gene. Taq‐Man probes were used to add specificity to the system. Messenger RNA from the housekeeping gene GAPDH was used for normalisation of the cytokine threshold cycle. The 11 cytokine mRNA transcripts quantified were present at varying levels, but there were no apparent differences in expression among normal, nonlesional and lesional skin. TGFβ represented the most abundant transcript while IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐18 and TNFα were present at levels approximately 1000‐fold less. IL‐2 and IFNγ represented the least abundant templates with no detectable copies in most RNA samples. This quantitative analysis of cytokine mRNA expression in feline skin biopsies has suggested that there is not a simple Th2 bias in the lesional skin of cats with allergic dermatopathies.

Funding: RCVS West Scholarship, Novartis Animal Health.
FC‐58  A new method for measuring canine transepidermal water loss
Authors: Yoshihara T. , Endo K. , Konno K. , Iwasaki T.
Published: August 2004

Many studies have focused on the relationship between barrier damage and human atopic dermatitis. Currently, evaluating human skin barrier function depends on measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by Evaporimeter. However, applying this method clinically to dogs is impractical due to the influences of air turbulence and vapour from the hair coat. To minimize these influences, we developed and evaluated a new method for measuring TEWL using a closed chamber system. Dry air was injected into a closed chamber placed on the dog's skin surface, and the vapour content of recovered air was detected with a quartz crystal sensor as a frequency variance. At first, a frequency decrease attributable to hair coat vapour was observed, and then the frequency gradually increased and became constant. The steady state value was used to calculate TEWL. It was unnecessary to restrict a dog's movement to control independent environmental effects. Transepidermal water loss was measured in 18 beagles with normal skin at seven different anatomical sites. Results confirmed it was possible to measure TEWL without clipping hair at the inguinal site.

Funding: Kao Corporation.
FC‐59  Mast cell morphometry of cutaneous wounds treated with an autacoid gel: a placebo‐ controlled study
Authors: Abramo F. , Salluzzi D. , Leotta R. , Noli C. , Auxilia S. , Mantis P. , Lloyd D.
Published: August 2004

Mast cells (MC) are pivotal in wound healing. Adelmidrol, a synthetic autacoid, can down‐regulate MC degranulation and potentially accelerate healing and improve cosmetic outcome. This study evaluated an Adelmidrol gel on MC in experimental wounds. Two rows of six 5‐mm wounds were created in 10 beagles and allowed to heal; one row was treated daily with therapeutic gel and the other with vehicle only. Treated and control 8‐mm samples of wounds were taken after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 14 days, fixed in formalin and paraffin embedded. Four‐micrometer sections were stained with toluidine blue for MC counts and densitometry. Counts (MC/mm2) were obtained from areas lateral to and within the ulcer/granulation tissue, and in deep dermis/panniculus. A decreasing trend in MC counts occurred throughout days 1 (3.8 ± 11.3), 2 (4.3 ± 14.9) and 4 (4.3 ± 9.9) compared to day 0 (5.0 ± 10.6), followed by an increase at day 8 (6.0 ± 12.3) and a significant increase at day 14 (10.0 ± 18) compared to days 1, 2 and 4 in granulation tissue and perifollicular areas (P < 0.05) and deep dermis/panniculus (P < 0.01). No difference in MC counts was detected between treated andcontrol wounds. Preliminary data from two dogs showed granulation density was higher in treated wounds from day 2 (119.1 ± 27.4 vs. 69.4 ± 14.2) until day 14 (92.4 ± 22.1 vs. 67.9 ± 12.9). In conclusion, MC populations seem to change during wound healing. The autacoid gel did not alter MC numbers, but decreased degranulation.

Funding: Royal Veterinary College, Innovet.
ISVD‐3  Characterization of cutaneous angiomatosis in dogs and cats
Authors: Affolter V. K. , Gross T. L. , Walder E. J.
Published: August 2004

Angiomatosis, a heterogeneous group of potentially progressive, non‐neoplastic, possibly congenital vascular proliferations, has not been well documented in dogs and cats. The pathogenesis of angiomatosis is largely unknown. The lesions can be categorized as progressive angiomatosis (PA), scrotal‐type vascular hamartoma (STVH), or angiomatosis secondary to lymphedema (ASL). Spontaneous regression has not been seen. Irregular, red to blue macules, patches, nodules and plaques may partially blanch with diascopy. Periodic hemorrhaging may occur. Progressive angiomatosis may develop at any age and most often affects the extremities, but may occur elsewhere. Breed or sex predilections are not known. Canine STVH affects middle‐aged or older dogs and develops on the scrotum, tail or caudal trunk. Breeds with pigmented scrotal skin are predisposed. Angiomatosis secondary to lymphedema is a rare condition affecting extremities. Progressive angiomatosis is characterized by interconnected foci of dermal and subcutaneous blood‐filled vascular structures of variable size, separated by normal or myxomatous mesenchymal tissue. The vascular channels may have large lumens or resemble capillaries and are lined by mature or slightly enlarged endothelial cells. Thrombosis and intraluminal papillary endothelial hyperplasia may be present. Variable amounts of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue indicate the presence of arterioles and veins. With STVH, clusters are composed of central larger vessels surrounded by capillary buds. With ASL, there is marked lymphedema, primary hypoplasia of the deep lymphatics, and prominent secondary vascular proliferation. Most forms of canine and feline angiomatoses are newly recognized syndromes; as more cases are gathered and documented, nomenclature and classification may change.

Funding: Self‐funded.
Professional support in rural New South Wales: Perceptions of new graduate occupational therapists
Authors: Steenbergen Karen , Mackenzie Lynette
Published: August 2004

Objective:  To explore the experiences of professional support among new graduates working in rural New South Wales, including the current availability of professional support and the impact of support levels on professional practice.

Design:  Qualitative, using semistructured face‐to‐face or telephone interviews.

Setting:  New graduate occupational therapists employed in public and private hospitals and community health services in rural New South Wales.

Subjects:  Nine new graduate occupational therapists within their first year of practice.

Main outcome:  A description of participant experiences of professional support and strategies to enhance the recruitment and retention of occupational therapists in rural areas.

Results:  Participants reported varied experiences of professional support and emphasised the importance of having access to a wide variety of resources. Participants highlighted that professional support could assist in developing independence and other skills. However, ultimately a lack of support resulted in decreased confidence and subsequent decreased job satisfaction among participants.

Conclusions:  The findings suggest that greater effort should be directed to ensuring that all new graduates have access to professional support, including structured supervision, and that strategies be explored and adopted to ensure that this occurs.

What is already known on this subject:  New graduate occupational therapists need assistance to effectively ease their transition into the responsibilities of practice. In rural areas, new graduates are likely to be in sole therapy positions, or in smaller, more isolated teams. A previous study has identified the experiences of rural new graduates – this included the need for professional support.

What does this study add:   The present study looks in detail at the professional support needs of new graduates in rural areas, from their perspective, and identifies strategies that may address these needs.
Role of FDG‐PET in surgical management of patients with colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Teague Benjamin D. , Morrison Charles P. , Court Fiona G. , Chin Venessa T. , Costello Samuel P. , Kirkwood Ian D. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: August 2004

Background:  
[
18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is reported to change the management in 20−56% of patients with recurrent or metastatic colorectal cancer. It is not clear if FDG‐PET has a role in all such patients or only a subgroup. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of FDG‐PET on the surgical management of patients with known or suspected colorectal liver metastases.

Methods:  Patients undergoing FDG‐PET for investigation of known or suspected colorectal liver metastases were identified from a South Australian database. Case notes were reviewed retrospectively to determine the influence of FDG‐PET findings on patient management. Findings from FDG‐PET scanning were compared with findings from conventional diagnostic investigations and operative findings.

Results:  Overall, in four of 16 patients (25%) management was influenced by FDG‐PET findings. FDG‐PET altered management in four of eight (50%) patients with non‐diagnostic liver lesions on computed tomography (CT) or with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels but no liver lesion on CT. In all eight patients with CT diagnosed resectable liver metastases, the addition of FDG‐PET did not influence the management.

Conclusions:  The findings support the use of FDG‐PET in the assessment of selected patients with suspected colorectal liver metastases and equivocal findings on conventional diagnostic investigation.
Treatment of partial‐thickness burns: a prospective, randomized trial using TranscyteTM
Authors: Kumar Rohit J. , Kimble Roy M. , Boots Robert , Pegg Stuart P.
Published: August 2004

Background:  The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of three burns dressings (TransCyte, a bio‐engineered skin substitute; Biobrane; and Silvazine cream (silver sulphadiazine and 0.2% chlorhexidine)), in treating children with partial‐thickness burns. The primary objective was to determine the days until ≥90% re‐epithelialization. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the number of wounds requiring autografting and the number of dressing changes/local wound care required.

Methods:  Study wounds were identified on each patient and the patients were randomized to receive TransCyte or Biobrane or Silvazine. Assessment of study wound closure began at 2 days after treatment and continued at least every other day thereafter until the wounds re‐epithelialized or were autografted. A laser Doppler imaging system was used as an adjunct to assessing the depth of the burn.

Results:  Thirty‐three patients with 58 wound sites enrolled in the study (TransCyte, n = 20, Biobrane, n = 17; Silvazine, n = 21). Mean time to re‐epithelialization was 7.5 days for TransCyte, 9.5 days for Biobrane, and 11.2 days for Silvazine. The number of wounds requiring autografting were 5/21 (24%) for Silvazine, 3/17 (17%) for Biobrane, and 1/20 (5%) for TransCyte.

Conclusions:  When used in partial‐thickness burns in children, TransCyte promotes fastest re‐epithelialization and required less overall dressings then Biobrane or Silvazine. Patients who received Silvazine or Biobrane require more autografting than those treated with TransCyte.
Acute pancreatitis following liver resection: report of three fatal cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Sathasivam Sivapirabu , Ritchie Angus , Brooks Adam J. , Morris David L.
Published: August 2004

Pancreatitis is a well recognised but rare complication following liver resection. The precise aetiology is not well understood and the clinical diagnosis may frequently be obscured by the postoperative state. Postoperative pancreatitis has a high mortality rate and should always be considered in patients who unexpectantly deteriorate postoperatively. We present three fatal cases of pancreatitis following liver resection. The literature is reviewed to elucidate common factors in patients who develop postoperative pancreatitis.
Haemodynamic assessment following inferior vena cava resection without replacement
Authors: Wysocki A. Peter , Hetherington Rebecca , Nicol David , Gibbs Harry H.
Published: August 2004

Background:  Treatment of bulky retroperitoneal malignancy may require en bloc resection of the infrarenal inferior vena cava. A number of reconstructive options are available to the surgeon but objective haemodynamic assessment of the peripheral venous system following resection without replacement is lacking. The aim of the present paper was thus to determine the symptomatic and haemodynamic effects of not reconstructing the resected infrarenal inferior vena cava.

Methods:  A retrospective descriptive study was carried out at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Queensland. Five patients underwent resection of the thrombosed infrarenal inferior vena cava as part of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer (n = 3), radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (n = 1) and thrombosed inferior vena cava aneurysm (n = 1). Clinical effects were determined via the modified venous clinical severity score and venous disability score. Haemodynamic data were obtained postoperatively using venous duplex ultrasound and air plethysmography.

Results:  None of the present patients scored >2 (out of 30) on the modified venous clinical severity score or >1 (out of 3) on the venous disability score. Haemodynamic studies showed only minor abnormalities.

Conclusions:  Not reconstructing the resected thrombosed infrarenal inferior vena cava results in minor signs and symptoms of peripheral venous hypertension and only minor abnormalities on haemodynamic assessment.
Conserving plant genetic diversity for dependent animal communities
Authors: Wimp Gina Marie , Young William P. , Woolbright Scott A. , Martinsen Gregory D. , Keim Paul , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: August 2004

While population genetic diversity has broad application in species conservation, no studies have examined the community‐level consequences of this diversity. We show that population genetic diversity (generated by interspecific hybridization) in a dominant riparian tree affects an arthropod community composed of 207 species. In an experimental garden, plant cross type structured the arthropod community of individual trees, and among stands in the wild, plant genetic diversity accounted for nearly 60% of the variation in arthropod diversity. While previous experimental garden studies have demonstrated the effects of plant genotype on arthropod communities, our study extends these findings from individual trees in an experimental garden to natural stands of cottonwoods where plant population genetic diversity was a significant factor structuring arthropod diversity. These findings argue that the preservation of genetic diversity in a dominant species is far more important than previously realized, and may be particularly important in hybridizing systems.
Was a ‘hyperdisease’ responsible for the late Pleistocene megafaunal extinction?
Authors: Kathleen Lyons S. , Smith Felisa A. , Wagner Peter J. , White Ethan P. , Brown James H.
Published: August 2004

Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain the end Pleistocene extinction of large bodied mammals. The disease hypothesis attributes the extinction to the arrival of a novel ‘hyperdisease’ brought by immigrating aboriginal humans. However, until West Nile virus (WNV) invaded the United States, no known disease met the criteria of a hyperdisease. We evaluate the disease hypothesis using WNV in the United States as a model system. We show that WNV is size‐biased in its infection of North America birds, but is unlikely to result in an extinction similar to that of the end Pleistocene. WNV infects birds more uniformly across the body size spectrum than extinctions did across mammals and is not size‐biased within orders. Our study explores the potential impact of WNV on bird populations and provides no support for disease as a causal mechanism for the end Pleistocene megafaunal extinction.
Agrifood Sector Liberalisation and the Rise of Supermarkets in Former State‐controlled Economies: A Comparative Overview
Authors: Reardon Thomas , Swinnen Johan F. M.
Published: August 2004

Former state‐controlled economies (FSCEs) have become the most important destination of global retail chain investments. These economies, which spread from North Africa, across Central and Eastern Europe, to East Asia, include more than one and a half billion consumers and a large share of the world's agricultural area and poor farmers. They have undergone an often radical transformation of their agrifood system over the past decade. The take‐off of supermarkets in FSCEs started seriously in the mid‐late 1990s, and is now moving fast. This article compares FSCE experience in the supermarket revolution and considers its implications for policy‐makers and rural development practitioners.
The Rapid Rise of Supermarkets in Central and Eastern Europe: Implications for the Agrifood Sector and Rural Development
Authors: Dries Liesbeth , Reardon Thomas , Swinnen Johan F. M.
Published: August 2004

During the 1990s transition period in Central and Eastern Europe, the retail sector was privatised and some domestic‐capital supermarket chains gradually emerged. Massive inflows of foreign direct investment followed and competitive domestic investments drove a rapid take‐off of large‐format modern retail sector development from a tiny ‘luxury’ niche of around 5% of food retail in the mid‐1990s to 40–50% by 2003 in ‘firstwave’ and 20–40% in ‘second‐wave’ countries. In ‘third‐wave’ countries like Russia, it is still only 10% but growing very fast. In most countries there is rapid multi‐nationalisation and consolidation of the supermarket sector, with profound changes in procurement systems affecting the conditions facing farmers, and creating important opportunities and challenges.
The Emergence of Supermarkets with Chinese Characteristics: Challenges and Opportunities for China's Agricultural Development
Authors: Hu Dinghuan , Reardon Thomas , Rozelle Scott , Timmer Peter , Wang Honglin
Published: August 2004

The supermarket revolution is spreading faster in China than anywhere else in the world. Supermarket sales are growing by 30–40% per year, 2–3 times faster than in other developing regions. This development has been driven by factors shared by other developing countries as well as by China‐specific policies. It presents opportunities for Chinese agricultural producers to diversify into activities with higher income prospects, and for procurement systems to move into dealing directly with farmers. However, supermarket managers face several unique challenges: average farm size is small and farmers are not well organised. Hence, the whole supply chain must be upgraded, and government agricultural policy and rural development programmes have an important role in this.
Supermarkets in Low‐income Mediterranean Countries: Impacts on Horticulture Systems
Authors: Codron Jean‐Marie , Bouhsina Zouhair , Fort Fatiha , Coudel Emilie , Puech Aurélie
Published: August 2004

In the past decade, supermarkets have spread rapidly in the low‐income Mediterranean countries. Focusing on a case of advanced supermarket diffusion (Turkey) and of incipient diffusion (Morocco), this article examines this development and its impact on the fresh fruits and vegetable sector, emphasising the level of backward integration by the retailers into the supply chain and the type of retailer‐supplier governance structure. Both countries' food sectors resemble those of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) transition countries in their shift from a mixed traditional/staterun/owned retail system to a liberalised system. Moreover, Turkey is also on the road to joining the European Union, and is classed in policy discussions with the CEE candidates.
Infants’ reasoning about hidden objects: evidence for event‐general and event‐specific expectations
Authors: Baillargeon Renée
Published: August 2004

Research over the past 20 years has revealed that even very young infants possess expectations about physical events, and that these expectations undergo significant developments during the first year of life. In this article, I first review some of this research, focusing on infants’ expectations about occlusion, containment, and covering events, all of which involve hidden objects. Next, I present an account of infants’ physical reasoning that integrates these various findings, and describe new experiments that test predictions from this account. Finally, because all of the research I discuss uses the violation‐of‐expectation method, I address recent concerns about this method and summarize new findings that help alleviate these concerns.
A visit from the Candy Witch: factors influencing young children's belief in a novel fantastical being
Authors: Woolley Jacqueline D. , Boerger Elizabeth A. , Markman Arthur B.
Published: August 2004

Factors hypothesized to affect beliefs in fantastical beings were examined by introducing children to a novel fantastical entity, the Candy Witch. Results revealed that among older preschoolers, children who were visited by the Candy Witch exhibited stronger beliefs in the Candy Witch than did those who were not. Among children who were visited, older children had stronger beliefs than did younger children. Among children who were not visited, those with a high Fantasy Orientation believed more strongly than did those with a low Fantasy Orientation. Belief remained high one year later. At both time points, the number of other fantastical beings in which a child believed was significantly related to belief in the Candy Witch.
Effects of repetition and configural changes on the development of face recognition processes
Authors: Itier Roxane J. , Taylor Margot J.
Published: August 2004

We investigated the effect of repetition on recognition of upright, inverted and contrast‐reversed target faces in children from 8 to 15 years when engaged in a learning phase/test phase paradigm with target and distractor faces. Early (P1, N170) and late ERP components were analysed. Children across age groups performed equally well, and were better at recognizing upright faces. However, teenagers and adults were equally accurate for all three face types. The neurophysiological responses to upright, inverted and negative faces matured until adulthood and showed different effects at different ages. P1 and N170 components were affected by face type at all ages, suggesting early configural disruption on encoding processes regardless of age. Frontal ERPs reflected the difficulty of processing these stimuli. Distinct repetition effects were seen at frontal, temporal frontal and parietal sites, suggesting differential involvement of these brain regions underlying working memory and recognition processes. Thus, a learning phase was sufficient (a) for 8‐year‐olds to perform as accurately as 15‐year‐olds and (b) to eliminate face type effects in teenagers and adults, but not in younger children.
‘Unwilling’ versus ‘unable’: chimpanzees’ understanding of human intentional action
Authors: Call Josep , Hare Brian , Carpenter Malinda , Tomasello Michael
Published: August 2004

Understanding the intentional actions of others is a fundamental part of human social cognition and behavior. An important question is therefore whether other animal species, especially our nearest relatives the chimpanzees, also understand the intentional actions of others. Here we show that chimpanzees spontaneously (without training) behave differently depending on whether a human is unwilling or unable to give them food. Chimpanzees produced more behaviors and left the testing station earlier with an unwilling compared to an unable (but willing) experimenter. These data together with other recent studies on chimpanzees’ knowledge about others’ visual perception show that chimpanzees know more about the intentional actions and perceptions of others than previously demonstrated.
Image‐based Relighting, and Computer Vision
Authors: Dutré Philip
Published: August 2004

Image‐based techniques have become very popular over the past couple of years. Ranging from modeling to rendering and lighting, the use of images as direct input for graphics algorithms has become as important as processing polygons or other forms of data.

This talk will focus on some of the challenges posed by Image‐based relighting. Starting from a set of photographs of an object under various illumination conditions, Image‐based relighting computes novel renderings of the objects. Also, the inverse problem stated as ``What is the required lighting configuration to reach a desired illumination on the object?'' will be discussed, as well as some thoughts on how results from computer vision can be used to accelerate the process.
Rendering with Spherical Radiance Transport Maps
Authors: Mei Chunhui , Shi Jiaoying , Wu Fuli
Published: August 2004

In this paper, we propose a real‐time method for rendering soft shadows and inter‐reflections of dynamic objects under complex illumination. In previous methods, many efforts were taken to acquire occlusion and reflection informations for dynamic scene on the fly, and the result image cannot be generated in real time. In our approach, these informations for each object are pre‐computed and stored in well‐defined Spherical Radiance Transport Maps (SRTMs). For distant complex illumination such as environment illumination and area light source, we decompose the illumination to several hundred directional lights. In rendering, we search in SRTMs for occlusion info which may cause shadows, and reflection info which may cause inter‐reflections. Finally we produce realistic soft shadows and inter‐reflections efficiently. Our method is related with but different from previous Pre‐computed Radiance Transfer techniques which are only suitable for static scene.

Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.7 [Computer Graphics]: shading and shadowing
Measurement‐Based Interactive Simulation of Viscoelastic Solids
Authors: Schoner Jeffrey L. , Lang Jochen , Seidel Hans‐Peter
Published: August 2004

Animation of viscoelastic solids in entertainment and medical applications as well as scientific simulation can be improved through observations of real world objects. This paper presents a method for simulating viscoelastic solids in real‐time for visual and haptic display along with a method for determining the parameters of the the underlying model from automated physical measurements of real world objects. The viscoelastic model is a novel extension of the discrete Green's function matrix for linear elasticity, which combines static behavior represented by Green's functions with dynamic behavior expressed by differential equations inspired by particle systems. We describe a novel estimation method of dynamic contact behavior for heterogeneous complex objects based on these measurements. For this estimation, our method relies only on measurement data previously used in the acquisition less realistic elastostatic models. In this way our method allows more physically accurate realism in animation of viscoelastic solids without large additional computational costs or any measurements besides those associated with related methods for elastostatic solids.

Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.5 [Computer Graphics]: Physically based modeling I.3.7 [Computer Graphics]: Virtual reality, animation
Interference Detection for Subdivision Surfaces
Authors: Wu Xiaobin , Peters Jörg
Published: August 2004

Accurate and robust interference detection and ray‐tracing of subdivision surfaces requires safe linear approximations. Approximation of the limit surface by the subdivided control polyhedron can be both inaccurate and, due to the exponential growth of the number of facets, costly.

This paper shows how a standard intersection hierarchy, such as an OBB tree, can be made safe and efficient for subdivision surface interference detection. The key is to construct, on the fly, optimally placed facets, whose spherical offsets tightly enclose the limit surface. The spherically offset facets can be locally subdivided and they can be efficiently intersected based on standard triangle‐triangle interference detection.

Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.5 [Computer Graphics]: Computational Geometry and Object Modeling
Combined Correlated and Importance Sampling in Direct Light Source Computation and Environment Mapping
Authors: Szécsi László , Sbert Mateu , Szirmay‐Kalos László
Published: August 2004

This paper presents a general variance reduction method that is a quasi‐optimal combination of correlated and importance sampling. The weights of the combination are selected automatically in order to keep the merits of both importance and correlated sampling. The proposed sampling method is used for efficient direct light source computation of large area sources and for the calculation of the reflected illumination of environment maps. Importance sampling would be good in these cases if the sources are hidden, while correlated sampling is efficient if the sources are fully visible. The proposed method automatically detects the particular case and provides results that inherit the advantages of both techniques.
Balancing Considered Harmful — Faster Photon Mapping using the Voxel Volume Heuristic —
Authors: Waldyz Ingo , Günthery Johannes , Slusalleky Philipp
Published: August 2004

Photon mapping is one of the most important algorithms for computing global illumination. Especially for efficiently producing convincing caustics, there are no real alternatives to photon mapping. On the other hand, photon mapping is also quite costly: Each radiance lookup requires to find the k nearest neighbors in a kd‐tree, which can be more costly than shooting several rays. Therefore, the nearest‐neighbor queries often dominate the rendering time of a photon map based renderer.

In this paper, we present a method that reorganizes — i.e. un balances — the kd‐tree for storing the photons in a way that allows for finding the k‐nearest neighbors much more efficiently, thereby accelerating the radiance estimates by a factor of 1.2–3.4. Most importantly, our method still finds exactly the same k‐nearest‐neighbors as the original method, without introducing any approximations or loss of accuracy. The impact of our method is demonstrated with several practical examples.

Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.3 [Computer Graphics]: Global Illumination I.3.7 [Computer Graphics]: Raytracing
Cabinet Government in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Foster Christopher
Published: August 2004

This paper examines the main features of the cabinet system as it had emerged during the twentieth century, and which Jennings did so much to crystallize in his pioneering study on Cabinet Government. It then assesses the main changes that have occurred over successive administrations since the late 1970s, and concludes that even if cabinet government seemed to return in 1990 and 2003, it was without the cabinet system that had underpinned and made it effective in the past.
Implementation and Evaluation of Active Support
Authors: Bradshaw Jill , McGill Peter , Stretton Rachel , Kelly‐Pike Amanda , Moore Jane , Macdonald Susan , Eastop Zoe , Marks Bob
Published: August 2004

Objectives  Active support was implemented in three community houses (active support houses), with 11 service users with severe learning disabilities.

Methods  This was evaluated with reference to changes in levels of engagement, challenging behaviour (major and minor) and staff contact, measured against three comparison services (non‐active support houses).

Results  All measures increased for the active support houses. Significant increases in activity levels were found in one house. Statistically significant increases in activity and minor challenging behaviour were also found when all active support houses were compared with all non‐active support houses. In the non‐active support houses, all measures decreased, with the exception of mean level of staff contact in one house.

Conclusions  Unlike previous research findings, those service users who were less able did not receive comparatively more support from staff post‐training and changes appeared unrelated to staff contact.
Dopamine D2‐like antagonists induce chromatin remodeling in striatal neurons through cyclic AMP‐protein kinase A and NMDA receptor signaling
Authors: Li Jianhong , Guo Yin , Schroeder Frederick A. , Youngs Rachael M. , Schmidt Thomas W. , Ferris Craig , Konradi Christine , Akbarian Schahram
Published: August 2004

Antipsychotic drugs regulate gene transcription in striatal neurons by blocking dopamine D2‐like receptors. Little is known about the underlying changes in chromatin structure, including covalent modifications at histone N‐terminal tails that are epigenetic regulators of gene expression. We show that treatment with D2‐like antagonists rapidly induces the phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10 and the acetylation of H3‐lysine 14 in bulk chromatin from striatum and in nuclei of striatal neurons. We find that, in vivo, D2‐like antagonist‐induced H3 phospho‐acetylation is inhibited by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 and by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor Rp‐adenosine 3c′,5c′‐cyclic monophosphorothioate triethylammonium salt but increased by the PKA activator Sp‐adenosine 3c′,5c′‐cyclic monophosphorothioate triethylammonium salt. Furthermore, in dissociated striatal cultures which lack midbrain and cortical pre‐synaptic inputs, H3 phospho‐acetylation was induced by glutamate, l‐type Ca2+ channel agonists and activators of cAMP‐dependent PKA but inhibited by NMDA receptor antagonists or PKA antagonists. The dual modification, H3pS10‐acK14, was enriched at genomic sites with active transcription and showed the kinetics of the early response. Together, these results suggest that histone modifications and chromatin structure in striatal neurons are dynamically regulated by dopaminergic and glutamatergic inputs converging on the cellular level. Blockade of D2‐like receptors induces H3 phospho‐acetylation, H3pS10‐acK14, through cAMP‐dependent PKA, and post‐synaptic NMDA receptor signaling.
Gene expression profiling of individual cases reveals consistent transcriptional changes in alcoholic human brain
Authors: Liu Jianwen , Lewohl Joanne M. , Dodd Peter R. , Randall Patrick K. , Harris R. Adron , Mayfield R. Dayne
Published: August 2004

Chronic alcohol exposure induces lasting behavioral changes, tolerance, and dependence. This results, at least partially, from neural adaptations at a cellular level. Previous genome‐wide gene expression studies using pooled human brain samples showed that alcohol abuse causes widespread changes in the pattern of gene expression in the frontal and motor cortices of human brain. Because these studies used pooled samples, they could not determine variability between different individuals. In the present study, we profiled gene expression levels of 14 postmortem human brains (seven controls and seven alcoholic cases) using cDNA microarrays (46 448 clones per array). Both frontal cortex and motor cortex brain regions were studied. The list of genes differentially expressed confirms and extends previous studies of alcohol responsive genes. Genes identified as differentially expressed in two brain regions fell generally into similar functional groups, including metabolism, immune response, cell survival, cell communication, signal transduction and energy production. Importantly, hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed genes accurately distinguished between control and alcoholic cases, particularly in the frontal cortex.
Aniso‐accommodation as a possible factor in myopia development
Authors: Charman W. N.
Published: August 2004

It is shown that the asymmetric convergence caused by the changes in fixation required to read a line of text results in unequal accommodation demands to the two eyes. Since experimental evidence suggests that the required aniso‐accommodation response cannot be achieved, and that accommodation in both eyes tends to match the response to the lower of the two demands, in general the retinal image in at least one eye must be out‐of‐focus. The resultant blur increases as the eccentricity of gaze is increased and the reading distance is reduced, and also depends on the posture and position of the head, together with the balance between eye and head movements. By analogy with the results of animal experiments, it is argued that the defocused retinal imagery involved in reading and similar tasks could be a factor in myopia development, particularly in children who adopt unfavourable reading postures.