bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major mite allergen Der f 1 concentration is reduced in buildings with improved energy performance
Authors: Spertini F. , Berney M. , Foradini F. , Roulet C.‐A.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Spertini F, Berney M, Foradini F, Roulet C‐A. Major mite allergen Der f 1 concentration is reduced in buildings with improved energy performance. Allergy 2010; 65: 623–629.

Background:  Environmental conditions play a crucial role in mite growth, and optimal environmental control is key in the prevention of airway inflammation in chronic allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma.

Objective:  To evaluate the relationship between building energy performance and indoor mite allergen concentration in a cross‐sectional study.

Methods:  Major allergen concentration (Der f 1, Der p 1, mite group 2, Fel d 1 and Bla g 2) was determined by quantitative dot blot analysis from mattress and carpet dust samples in five buildings designed for low energy use (LEB) and in six control buildings (CB). Inhabitants had received 4 weeks prior to mite measurement a personal validated questionnaire related to the perceived state of health and comfort of living.

Results:  Cumulative mite allergen concentration (with Der f 1 as the major contributor) was significantly lower in LEB as compared with CB both in mattresses and in carpets. In contrast, the two categories of buildings did not differ in Bla g 2 and Fel d 1 concentration, in the amount of dust and airborne mould collected. Whereas temperature was higher in LEB, relative humidity was significantly lower than in CB. Perceived overall comfort was better in LEB.

Conclusions:  Major mite allergen Der f 1 preferentially accumulates in buildings not specifically designed for low energy use, reaching levels at risk for sensitization. We hypothesize that controlled mechanical ventilation present in all audited LEB may favour lower air humidity and hence lower mite growth and allergen concentration, while preserving optimal perceived comfort.
Transient neurological symptoms after spinal anaesthesia with levobupivacaine 5 mg/ml or lidocaine 20 mg/ml
Authors: GOZDEMIR M. , MUSLU B. , SERT H. , USTA B. , DEMIRCIOGLU R. I. , KARATAS O. F. , SURGIT O.
Published: October 2009

Background: Transient neurological symptoms (TNS) after spinal anaesthesia have been reported most commonly in association with lidocaine, but have been observed with other local anaesthetics. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double‐blind study was to investigate the incidence of TNS after spinal anaesthesia with either levobupivacaine or lidocaine.

Methods: Patients undergoing inguinal hernia, appendectomy, varicose vein or minor orthopaedic operations were included in the study (60 patients; 47 male, 13 female, overall mean age 30 years). All patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of I or II. The patients were randomly assigned to receive spinal anaesthesia with either 20 mg isobaric levobupivacaine (5 mg/ml) or 80 mg isobaric lidocaine (20 mg/ml). Onset of sensory and motor block and side effects were recorded. On post‐operative days 1, 2, and 3, patients were interviewed by an investigator blinded to the spinal anaesthetic used. The patients were classified as having TNS if, following recovery from anaesthesia, there was pain in the buttocks, thighs and/or lower limbs.

Results: In the levobupivacaine group, one patient (3.33%) experienced TNS, whereas in the lidocaine group, eight (26.6%) experienced TNS (P=0.002). Maximum times to arrival of sensory blocks were shorter with lidocaine (P<0.001). The levobupivacaine and lidocaine groups did not differ significantly in terms of the highest dermatome included in sensory block or motor block grade.

Conclusion: After spinal anaesthesia with levobupivacaine, the incidence of TNS was much less than after lidocaine. However, it appears that TNS may occur in association with levobupivacaine.
SCHOLARLY PAPER
Authors: Lange Anita , Cheek Julianne
Published: October 2009

Lane A & Cheek J. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 2–9

Health policy and the nursing profession: A deafening silence

The Australian healthcare system, and those of many other Western countries are experiencing significant shifts in the development of health policy. Many of these shifts are directly related to economic factors that have contributed to the spiralling costs of health care. The trends in health policy appear to be embracing a ‘market driven’ approach to the distribution of resources and health services. Technology and medical developments have contributed to these current economic trends. Over the past 20 years nurses have been faced with significant shifts in the direction of health policy to the extent that many policies have significantly impacted upon their practice without their apparent contribution. Several theoretical positions exist about nurses’ lack of policy participation. This paper examines some of the current health policy changes in Australia that are perceived to have had the greatest impact on the nursing practice, and identifies some of the barriers to the nursing profession’s participation in the formulation of health policy.
Influence of inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms on eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Furuta Takahisa , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: October 2009

Pro‐inflammatory cytokines and anti‐inflammatory cytokines are produced in gastric mucosa from inflammatory cells activated by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Of the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α have a potent inhibitive effect on gastric acid production. Polymorphisms in these genes are associated with individual differences in cytokine messenger RNA levels, which result in different gastric mucosal inflammation, different acid inhibition and different gastroduodenal disease risks in response to H. pylori infection. The sustained higher intragastric pH during an eradication therapy is known to be one of the therapeutic determinants of the H. pylori eradication as well as antibiotics resistance and poor compliance. The IL‐1B‐511 polymorphism is related to eradication rate, and, in combined analysis of previous reports, the eradication rate in patients with the IL‐1B‐511 C/C genotype (77.4%, 209/270), low IL‐1β producer genotype, is lower than that of the IL‐1B‐511 C/T and T/T genotypes (87.2%, 631/724) (Odds ratio for eradication failure: 1.98, 95% confidence interval: 1.38–2.84, P = 0.0002). Moreover, the odds ratio of combined CYP2C19 rapid metabolizer‐IL‐1B‐511 C/C type for eradication failure is 11.15 (5.23–23.78) times that of the CYP2C19 poor metabolizer‐IL‐1B‐511 non‐C/C type. However, there is no positive data indicating the role of other inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms (e.g. IL‐1RN, TNF‐A or IL‐10) in eradication therapy. Nevertheless, the studies show that inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms, especially the IL‐1B‐511 T/T genotype, are the determinants of eradication by affecting gastric acid secretion and mucosal inflammation. Therefore, the tailored eradication therapy, considering inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms, may be effective for the higher eradication rates.
Continuous intrathecal baclofen for children with spasticity and/or dystonia: Goal attainment and complications associated with treatment
Authors: Ward Anna , Hayden Suzie , Dexter Mark , Scheinberg Adam
Published: October 2009

Aim:  To describe complications and outcomes of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy in children with spasticity and/or dystonia.

Methods:  A prospective study of goal attainment after ITB therapy and a retrospective review of medical records for complications. The children were described as dystonia‐predominant or spasticity‐predominant and the subgroups were compared. Goals were assessed at baseline and goal attainment at 6 months post‐implant. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The patients' goals were measured with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and goal attainment scaling (GAS). Complication rates were calculated by dividing the number of complications by the duration of pump implantation.

Results:  Twenty‐five children were included, 16 with complete goal attainment data. The mean age was 10 years and 3 months. Eighty‐eight percent had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. The most common goals were improved positioning and transfers. A statistically significant increase (P < 0.001) in both domains of the COPM was demonstrated. The mean GAS T‐score was significantly higher at 6 months post implant (P < 0.001). Seventy percent of the subjects achieved their goals at 6 months. The complication rate was 0.38 per year of pump operation, higher in subjects with dystonia (0.71) compared with those with spasticity (0.25).

Conclusions:  ITB results in statistically significant levels of satisfaction and goal attainment in children with spasticity and/or dystonia. GAS was a useful measure of goal attainment. While, ITB is effective for children with spasticity and dystonia, those with dystonia have a higher rate of complications.
Teaching paediatric epilepsy to medical students: A randomised crossover trial
Authors: Bye Ann ME , Connolly Anne M , Farrar Michelle , Lawson John A , Lonergan Amy
Published: October 2009

Aim:  Research has shown computerised tutorial to be as effective as face‐to‐face teaching in promoting knowledge acquisition. Subsequently, the clinician must synthesise and interpret data (clinical reasoning). This study extends previous research and compares the effectiveness of interactive lecture and computerised tutorial in promoting observational skills and clinical reasoning in the evaluation of paroxysmal events.

Methods:  The modalities were compared through a randomised crossover trial teaching epilepsy to third and fourth year medical students. The content matter (history and video clip) and format were identical for each topic (Topic 1: altered awareness, Topic 2: movement and posturing) in both modalities (interactive lecture and computerised tutorial). Structured worksheets promoted and evaluated skills of observation and clinical reasoning. Responses in both domains were compared with gold standard qualitative scores. Participants rated modality preference and perceptions of teaching.

Results:  One‐hundred and fifty‐seven medical students participated. Interactive lecture and computerised tutorial were both effective in promoting observational skills and clinical reasoning with no differences between modalities. Participants preferred the interactive lecture and rated it more enjoyable and effective. Twenty‐five participants randomised to the computerised tutorial for Topic 1, elected to withdraw participation. Both modalities promoted interest and willingness to further learn.

Conclusion:  This is the first randomised crossover trial evaluating the teaching of clinical reasoning in comparative medical education research. Interactive lecturing and computerised tutorial were both effective in teaching observational skills and clinical reasoning. Interactive lecture is the preferred method, and may influence initial engagement in learning.
Family functioning at meals relates to adherence in young children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Patton Susana R , Piazza‐Waggoner Carrie , Modi Avani C , Dolan Lawrence M , Powers Scott W
Published: October 2009

Aims:  This study examined associations between mealtime family functioning, dietary adherence and glycaemic control in young children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We hypothesised that poorer family functioning would correlate with poorer dietary adherence and glycaemic control.

Methods:  Thirty‐five families of children (M = 5.6 ± 1.5 years) with T1DM had meals videotaped in their home, which were coded for family functioning according to the McMaster Interaction Coding System. Children's dietary adherence was assessed according to deviations from the prescribed number of carbohydrate units per meal and recommended carbohydrate intake levels per day. Glycaemic control was measured via 14 days of self‐monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Results:  Findings demonstrated significant negative associations between children's dietary adherence and two dimensions of family functioning: Task Accomplishment (r=−0.43, P= 0.03) and Behavioral Control (r=−0.54, P= 0.00). Affect Management correlated negatively with the percent of blood glucose levels below the normal range (r=−0.33, P= 0.05). Eleven families (31%) of young children with type 1 diabetes demonstrated mealtime family functioning in the unhealthy range.

Conclusions:  This was the first study to examine the relationship between mealtime family functioning and children's dietary adherence and glycaemic control in families of young children with T1DM. Previous research has found mealtime family functioning to be impaired in families of young children with T1DM when compared with families of children without diabetes. Research is needed to determine if family functioning and dietary adherence can be improved via specific family‐based behavioural training around mealtimes.
Frequent downregulation or loss of CD79a expression in plasma cell myelomas: Potential clue for diagnosis
Authors: Tanaka Takehiro , Ichimura Kouichi , Sato Yasuharu , Takata Katsuyoshi , Morito Toshiaki , Tamura Maiko , Kondo Eisaku , Ohara Nobuya , Yanai Hiroyuki , Sakai Masaharu , Takahashi Satoru , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: October 2009

Plasma cell myeloma is a frequent hematogeneous disorder that occurs mainly in older people. Not only bone marrow smears but also clots and/or biopsied specimens are often taken for confirmation of pathological diagnosis. Some specimens show sheet‐like plasma cell proliferation associated with immunoglobulin monotype on immunohistology, which readily leads to diagnosis, but many samples do not clearly show light‐chain restriction. The aim of the present study was therefore to examine CD79a expression because some samples had reduced expression or none at all. The immunoreactivity of CD79a was categorized into three groups: positive, weakly positive and negative, compared with scattering non‐neoplastic plasma cells in the same specimen. Out of 100 specimens of plasma cell myeloma, 48% were positive for CD79a, 15% were weakly positive, and 37% were negative. In contrast, overexpression of cyclinD1 was detected in 26% of examined samples. CD79a‐negative cases had a significantly lower percentage of positive staining for cyclinD1 than CD79a‐positive or weakly positive cases. Clinicopathological data showed that CD79a‐negative expression was associated with decreased platelet numbers in patients. The present study indicates that downregulation or loss of CD79a and/or overexpression of cyclin D1, observed in 59% of neoplastic plasma cell samples, could provide a strong diagnostic clue without regard to the results of immunoglobulin light‐chain restriction.
Mast cell leukemia with rapidly progressing portal hypertension
Authors: Yoshida Masayuki , Nishikawa Yuji , Yamamoto Yohei , Doi Yuko , Tokairin Takuo , Yoshioka Toshiaki , Omori Yasufumi , Watanabe Atsushi , Takahashi Naoto , Yoshioka Tomoko , Miura Ikuo , Sawada Ken‐ichi , Enomoto Katsuhiko
Published: October 2009

Reported herein is an autopsy case of mast cell leukemia, a rare form of systemic mastocytosis, complicated with portal hypertension. A 52‐year‐old woman presented with urticaria‐like skin symptoms, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Atypical mast cells (CD2+, CD25+, CD117+) with toluidine blue metachromasia were found in the peripheral blood and on bone marrow aspiration smears. Chemotherapy with cytosine arabinoside and idarubicin was ineffective and the patient died of multi‐organ failure with rapidly progressing hepatosplenomegaly and large‐volume ascites 3 months after admission. At autopsy the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and lymph nodes were extensively infiltrated by atypical tumor cells with occasional bi‐ or multi‐lobated nuclei. They were positive for mast cell tryptase and possessed an activating mutation of the c‐kitgene (D816V). Ascites (2200 mL) and non‐ruptured esophageal varices with submucosal hemorrhage indicated the presence of severe portal hypertension. Although there was no evidence of liver cirrhosis, the hepatic sinusoids were clogged with tumor cells, with a tendency to be more severe in the perivenular areas, and the lumens of central veins were obliterated by tumor cell infiltration. The present case demonstrates that non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension due to blocking of sinusoidal and venous flow could be a serious complication in mast cell leukemia.
Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of dacryocystitis in rabbits: a retrospective study of 28 cases (2003–2007)
Authors: Florin Marion , Rusanen Elina , Haessig Michael , Richter Marianne , Spiess Bernhard M.
Published: October 2009

Objective  To document the clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and clinical outcome of rabbits with dacryocystitis.

Materials and methods  This retrospective study included 28 rabbits diagnosed with dacryocystitis. Available records of clinical and ophthalmological examinations, bacteriological samplings, diagnostic imaging, and treatment were reviewed. A telephone survey of the owners was conducted to evaluate recovery and recurrences.

Results  The mean age of the 28 rabbits presenting with ocular discharge from the nasolacrimal duct was 4.4 years. In 25 rabbits (89%), dacryocystitis was a unilateral finding. No underlying cause could be determined in 10 animals (35%). Dental malocclusion was observed in 14 rabbits (50%) and rhinitis in two animals (7%), with one animal showing both symptoms (4%). One rabbit (4%) presented with panophthalmitis. Most animals (96%) received topical antibiotic treatment. If necessary, additional topical (acetylcysteine, vitamin A ointment, nonsteroidals) or systemic treatment (antibiotics, nonsteroidals, paramunity inducer, and glucocorticoids) was provided. The mean duration of therapy was 5.8 weeks. The nasolacrimal duct was flushed in 27 of 31 affected eyes (87%). Dentistry was performed in 80% of the animals suffering from malocclusion. Regarding the clinical outcome, 12 animals (43%) showed complete recovery, eight rabbits (28%) were euthanized, three (11%) died due to unrelated causes, and three (11%) were lost to follow‐up. Two rabbits (7%) continue to display signs of dacryocystitis and are being treated symptomatically by the owners.

Conclusions  This study reports the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of dacryocystitis in rabbits and outlines the importance of examination of the oral cavity, diagnostic imaging, and bacteriologic sampling.
Mutation in HSF4 is associated with hereditary cataract in the Australian Shepherd
Authors: Mellersh Cathryn S. , McLaughlin Bryan , Ahonen Saija , Pettitt Louise , Lohi Hannes , Barnett Keith C.
Published: October 2009

Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in dogs with approximately 100 breeds affected by primary hereditary forms. Despite the large number of breeds affected with hereditary cataracts (HC) little is known about the genetics of the condition, and to date only a single gene, HSF4, has been implicated in the development of the disease in dogs. We previously identified a recessively inherited 1‐bp insertion in the transcription factor gene HSF4 resulting in the loss of the open reading frame in Boston terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers. While testing the insertion mutation in other breeds with HC, we identified a 1‐bp deletion at the same nucleotide of HSF4 in some Australian Shepherds with cataract. Using DNA samples from almost 400 privately owned Australian Shepherds we have investigated the association between the deletion mutation in HSF4 and cataracts in this breed. We conclude that the mutation is significantly associated with cataracts and that a dog carrying the mutation is approximately 17 times more likely to develop binocular cataracts than dogs that are clear of the mutation. The data also indicate that additional mutations associated with the development of cataracts are likely to be co‐segregating in the Australian Shepherd population.
Angiogenesis inhibitor therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: effectiveness, safety and treatment patterns in clinical practice‐based on medical chart review
Authors: Choueiri Toni K. , Duh Mei Sheng , Clement Jessica , Brick Ashley J. , Rogers Miranda J. , Kwabi Christabel , Shah Karishma , Percy Andrew G. , Antràs Lucia , Jayawant Sujata S. , Chen Kristina , Wang Si‐Tien , Luka Andi , Neary Maureen P. , McDermott David , Oh William K.
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness, safety, and treatment patterns of anti‐angiogenic agents in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in tertiary clinical practice settings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records in two tertiary oncology centres in the USA for all patients treated while off clinical trials from April 2003 to June 2008 who met the entry criteria and received one or more prescriptions for sunitinib or sorafenib, or one or more intravenous administrations of bevacizumab (off‐label) as first‐line anti‐angiogenic treatment. The objective response rate (ORR) reviewed by independent physicians, adverse events (AEs), and treatment modifications were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 144 patients receiving sunitinib (57), sorafenib (62) and bevacizumab (25), the median treatment duration was 10.5, 8.1 and 7.9 months, and the ORR was 37%, 9% and 13%, respectively. The ORR was lower for patients with metastases to bone, brain, lungs or lymph nodes. Common AEs (all grades) for sunitinib were fatigue (53%), diarrhoea (37%); for sorafenib, diarrhoea (50%), fatigue (40%); for bevacizumab, fatigue (40%), nausea (24%). In all, 34 (60%), 51 (82%) and 20 (80%) patients receiving sunitinib, sorafenib and bevacizumab, respectively, discontinued treatment; 10 (18%), 11 (18%) and four (16%) discontinued due to AEs; 21%, 40% and 12% had a dose interruption, and 30%, 35% and 0% had a dose reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently available anti‐angiogenic agents had considerable effectiveness in clinical practice. However, the response rates appeared to be low in certain subgroups, but sample sizes were small. Patients had significant rates of AEs, many of which led to treatment modifications. The findings from this retrospective study suggest that there is a need for better‐tolerated therapies for mRCC.
Radical prostatectomy as initial monotherapy for patients with pathologically confirmed high‐grade prostate cancer
Authors: Bahler Clint D. , Foster Richard S. , Bihrle Richard , Beck Stephen D.W. , Gardner Thomas A. , Sundaram Chandru P. , Masterson Timothy A. , Cheng Liang , Koch Michael O.
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To report the long‐term outcome of high‐grade prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) as initial monotherapy, analyse the effect of clinical and pathological variables on survival, and report cancer‐related symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients with Gleason 8–10 prostate cancer found on pathological review in men undergoing RP as initial therapy for clinically localized disease between 1988 and 2005. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to calculate event‐free survival. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the effects of clinical and pathological variables on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence.

RESULTS

After excluding 20 patients, 119 were identified with pathologically confirmed high‐grade cancers at the time of RP. The overall median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 73 (41–113) months. Twenty‐four (20%) patients had organ‐confined cancer, 60 (50%) had specimen‐confined cancer, and 14 (12%) had nodal metastasis. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years, respectively, of 90% and 75%, cancer‐specific survival of 92% and 82%, and a PSA recurrence‐free follow‐up at 5 years of 31%. Using univariable analysis, preoperative PSA level, pathological Gleason score, pathological stage, surgical margin status and tumour volume were found to significantly affect the PSA recurrence‐free follow‐up. No variables were significant on multivariable analysis. Cancer‐related symptoms were reported by only 14 patients, with a median time from surgery to first symptom of 43 months.

CONCLUSION

High‐grade prostate cancer can be treated with RP as initial monotherapy with an acceptable 10‐year cancer‐specific survival (82%). The PSA recurrence‐free follow‐up is poor (31% at 5 years). However, few patients progress to symptomatic recurrence after PSA relapse within the first 5 years.
Lessons from a microfinance recapitalisation programme
Authors: Poston Angus
Published: October 2009

Following a major disaster, microfinance institutions (MFIs) often face high levels of bad debt, which may require the institutions to be recapitalised. This paper describes a recapitalisation programme implemented by the SANASA movement of Sri Lanka in 390 microfinance societies following the December 2004 tsunami, and highlights lessons for other similar programmes. MFI recapitalisation is a good use of funds in post‐disaster situations. To create successful programmes, donors should expect to relax some of their usual project requirements and MFIs should focus on maintaining credit discipline.
Viral obesity: fact or fiction?
Authors: Mitra A. K. , Clarke K.
Published: October 2009

The aetiology of obesity is multifactorial. An understanding of the contributions of various causal factors is essential for the proper management of obesity. Although it is primarily thought of as a condition brought on by lifestyle choices, recent evidence shows there is a link between obesity and viral infections. Numerous animal models have documented an increased body weight and a number of physiologic changes, including increased insulin sensitivity, increased glucose uptake and decreased leptin secretion that contribute to an increase in body fat in adenovirus‐36 infection. Other viral agents associated with increasing obesity in animals included canine distemper virus, rous‐associated virus 7, scrapie, Borna disease virus, SMAM‐1 and other adenoviruses. This review attempted to determine if viral infection is a possible cause of obesity. Also, this paper discussed mechanisms by which viruses might produce obesity. Based on the evidence presented in this paper, it can be concluded that a link between obesity and viral infections cannot be ruled out. Further epidemiologic studies are needed to establish a causal link between the two, and determine if these results can be used in future management and prevention of obesity.
Twenty‐year changes in the prevalence of obesity among Finnish adults
Authors: Lahti‐Koski M. , Seppänen‐Nuijten E. , Männistö S. , Härkänen T. , Rissanen H. , Knekt P. , Rissanen A. , Heliövaara M.
Published: October 2009

We investigated changes in the prevalence of obesity among Finnish adults (aged ≥30 years) during a 20‐year period. Data were derived from two cross‐sectional nationally representative surveys (n = 13 844) in 1978–1980 and 2000–2001. Weight and height were measured using a standardized protocol. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg m−2. Cut‐offs of BMI ≥ 35 kg m−2 and BMI ≥ 40 kg m−2 were also used. A 20‐year difference in the prevalence of obesity was from 11.3% to 20.7% in men and from 17.9% to 24.1% in women. In 1978–1980, 1.1% of men and 3.8% of women had a BMI at least 35 kg m−2. The corresponding prevalence was 3.9% in men and 6.8% in women 20 years later. The educational gradient in obesity diminished in 20 years because of the most prominent increase among highly educated men. Yet, 25% of men and 28% of women with low education are obese. Obesity increased in all age and educational groups over the 20‐year period. It was highest among women and individuals with the lowest education, but the increase was most striking among well‐educated men. A comprehensive public health strategy targeting the whole population and especially those with low education is urgently needed to halt the obesity epidemic.
Setting the right direction
Authors: Danby Peter
Published: October 2009

An elementary definition of management is “getting work done through others”. Yet, delegation seems to be a lost art. Peter Danby believes it's time to set a new direction.
Evaluation of an Augmented Reality Supported Picking System Under Practical Conditions
Authors: Reif R. , Günthner W. A. , Schwerdtfeger B. , Klinker G.
Published: October 2009

Order picking is one of the most important process steps in logistics. Because of their flexibility, human beings cannot be replaced by machines. But if workers, in order, picking systems are equipped with a head‐mounted display, Augmented Reality can improve the information visualization. In this paper, the development of such a system—called Pick‐by‐Vision—is presented. The system is evaluated in a user study performed in a real storage environment. Important logistics figures as well as the subjective strain were measured. The results show that a Pick‐by‐Vision system can considerably improve industrial order picking processes.
Replica Exchange Light Transport
Authors: Kitaoka Shinya , Kitamura Yoshifumi , Kishino Fumio
Published: October 2009

We solve the light transport problem by introducing a novel unbiased Monte Carlo algorithm called replica exchange light transport, inspired by the replica exchange Monte Carlo method in the fields of computational physics and statistical information processing. The replica exchange Monte Carlo method is a sampling technique whose operation resembles simulated annealing in optimization algorithms using a set of sampling distributions. We apply it to the solution of light transport integration by extending the probability density function of an integrand of the integration to a set of distributions. That set of distributions is composed of combinations of the path densities of different path generation types: uniform distributions in the integral domain, explicit and implicit paths in light (particle/photon) tracing, indirect paths in bidirectional path tracing, explicit and implicit paths in path tracing, and implicit caustics paths seen through specular surfaces including the delta function in path tracing. The replica‐exchange light transport algorithm generates a sequence of path samples from each distribution and samples the simultaneous distribution of those distributions as a stationary distribution by using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Then the algorithm combines the obtained path samples from each distribution using multiple importance sampling. We compare the images generated with our algorithm to those generated with bidirectional path tracing and Metropolis light transport based on the primary sample space. Our proposing algorithm has better convergence property than bidirectional path tracing and the Metropolis light transport, and it is easy to implement by extending the Metropolis light transport.
High Dynamic Range Imaging and Low Dynamic Range Expansion for Generating HDR Content
Authors: Banterle Francesco , Debattista Kurt , Artusi Alessandro , Pattanaik Sumanta , Myszkowski Karol , Ledda Patrick , Chalmers Alan
Published: October 2009

In the last few years, researchers in the field of High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging have focused on providing tools for expanding Low Dynamic Range (LDR) content for the generation of HDR images due to the growing popularity of HDR in applications, such as photography and rendering via Image‐Based Lighting, and the imminent arrival of HDR displays to the consumer market. LDR content expansion is required due to the lack of fast and reliable consumer level HDR capture for still images and videos. Furthermore, LDR content expansion, will allow the re‐use of legacy LDR stills, videos and LDR applications created, over the last century and more, to be widely available. The use of certain LDR expansion methods, those that are based on the inversion of Tone Mapping Operators (TMOs), has made it possible to create novel compression algorithms that tackle the problem of the size of HDR content storage, which remains one of the major obstacles to be overcome for the adoption of HDR. These methods are used in conjunction with traditional LDR compression methods and can evolve accordingly. The goal of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview on HDR Imaging, and an in depth review on these emerging topics.
Fast Four‐Way Parallel Radix Sorting on GPUs
Authors: Ha Linh , Krüger Jens , Silva Cláudio T.
Published: October 2009

Efficient sorting is a key requirement for many computer science algorithms. Acceleration of existing techniques as well as developing new sorting approaches is crucial for many real‐time graphics scenarios, database systems, and numerical simulations to name just a few. It is one of the most fundamental operations to organize and filter the ever growing massive amounts of data gathered on a daily basis. While optimal sorting models for serial execution on a single processor exist, efficient parallel sorting remains a challenge. In this paper, we present a hardware‐optimized parallel implementation of the radix sort algorithm that results in a significant speed up over existing sorting implementations. We outperform all known General Processing Unit (GPU) based sorting systems by about a factor of two and eliminate restrictions on the sorting key space. This makes our algorithm not only the fastest, but also the first general GPU sorting solution.
Simplifying Character Skins with Analytic Error Metrics
Authors: Merry B. , Marais P. , Gain J.
Published: October 2009

Traditionally, levels of detail (LOD) for animated characters are computed from a single pose. Later techniques refined this approach by considering a set of sample poses and evaluating a more representative error metric. A recent approach to the character animation problem, animation space, (AS) provides a framework for measuring error analytically. The work presented here uses the animation‐space framework to derive two new techniques to improve the quality of LOD approximations.

First, we use an animation‐space distance metric within a progressive mesh‐based LOD scheme, giving results that are reasonable across a range of poses, without requiring that the pose space be sampled.

Second, we simplify individual vertices by reducing the number of bones that influence them, using a constrained least‐squares optimization. This influence simplification is combined with the progressive mesh to form a single stream of simplifications. Influence simplification reduces the geometric error by up to an order of magnitude, and allows models to be simplified further than is possible with only a progressive mesh.

Quantitative (geometric error metrics) and qualititative (user perceptual) experiments confirm that these new extensions provide significant improvements in quality over traditional, naïve simplification; and while there is naturally some impact on the speed of the off‐line simplification process, it is not prohibitive.
When ‘Choice’ and ‘Choice’ Are not the Same: Institutional Frameworks of Choice in the German Welfare System
Authors: Blank Florian
Published: October 2009

The creation and strengthening of welfare markets in Germany means that citizens can increasingly choose among competing providers of welfare goods and services. However, the conditions under which citizens may exercise choice in various fields of social policy are quite different. A major reason for these differences can be found in the public institutions that frame citizens' choice in welfare markets. This article analyses welfare markets in German health care, long‐term care, pensions and employment policies, paying special attention to the respective public institutional frameworks. It will be argued that differences between frameworks of choice can be categorized by means of four parameters representing different aspects of public involvement in welfare markets. Depending on the kind and the degree of public involvement, welfare markets may be compatible with ‘traditional’ notions of public responsibility for citizens' social security.
The Nature of Symbols in the Language of Thought
Authors: SCHNEIDER SUSAN
Published: October 2009

The core of the language of thought program is the claim that thinking is the manipulation of symbols according to rules. Yet LOT has said little about symbol natures, and existing accounts are highly controversial. This is a major flaw at the heart of the LOT program: LOT requires an account of symbol natures to naturalize intentionality, to determine whether the brain even engages in symbol manipulations, and to understand how symbols relate to lower‐level neurocomputational states. This paper provides the much‐needed theory of symbols, and in doing so, alters the LOT program in significant respects.
The Pervasive Impact of Moral Judgment
Authors: PETTIT DEAN , KNOBE JOSHUA
Published: October 2009

A series of recent studies have shown that people's moral judgments can affect their intuitions as to whether or not a behavior was performed intentionally. Prior attempts to explain this effect can be divided into two broad families. Some researchers suggest that the effect is due to some peculiar feature of the concept of intentional action in particular, while others suggest that the effect is a reflection of a more general tendency whereby moral judgments exert a pervasive influence on folk psychology. The present paper argues in favor of the latter hypothesis by showing that the very same effect that has been observed for intentionally also arises for deciding, in favor of, opposed to, and advocating.
THE 2009 LAWRENCE R. KLEIN LECTURE: DIVERSIFIED TREATMENT UNDER AMBIGUITY*
Authors: Manski Charles F.
Published: October 2009

This article develops a broad theme about treatment under ambiguity through study of a particular decision criterion. The broad theme is that a planner may want to cope with ambiguity by diversification, assigning observationally identical persons to different treatments. Study of the minimax‐regret (MR) criterion substantiates the theme. The article significantly extends my earlier analysis of one‐period planning with an individualistic treatment and a linear welfare function. I show that MR treatment allocations are fractional in a large class of planning problems with nonlinear welfare functions, interacting treatments, learning, and noncooperative aspects.
POLICY ANALYSIS IN A MATCHING MODEL WITH INTENSIVE AND EXTENSIVE MARGINS*
Authors: Fang Lei , Rogerson Richard
Published: October 2009

The large differences in hours of work across rich countries reflect large differences in both employment to population ratios and hours per worker. We imbed the canonical model of labor supply into a matching model to produce a model with operative intensive and extensive margins, and assess the implications of several policies for changes along the two margins. Tax and transfer policies lead to decreases along both margins, whereas regulations that increase the cost of creating or maintaining a job may lead to decreases in employment, but necessarily lead to increases in hours per worker.
FORMAL HOME HEALTH CARE, INFORMAL CARE, AND FAMILY DECISION MAKING*
Authors: Byrne David , Goeree Michelle S. , Hiedemann Bridget , Stern Steven
Published: October 2009

We use the 1993 wave of the Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) data set to estimate a game‐theoretic model of families' decisions concerning the provision of informal and formal care for elderly individuals. The outcome is the Nash equilibrium where each family member jointly determines her consumption, transfers for formal care, and allocation of time to informal care, market work, and leisure. We use the estimates to decompose the effects of adult children's opportunity costs, quality of care, and caregiving burden on their propensities to provide informal care. We also simulate the effects of a broad range of policies of current interest.
What is special about the index finger?: The index finger advantage in manipulating reflexive attentional shift1
Authors: ARIGA ATSUNORI , WATANABE KATSUMI
Published: October 2009

Pointing with the index finger is a universal behavior. However, the functional significance of indexical pointing has not been examined empirically. We examined the efficacy of various pointing gestures in evoking viewer's attentional shifts. After viewing the gesture cue, observers quickly reported the location of a visual target. With a short cue‐target delay, reaction times were generally shorter for the target at the location where gesture cues pointed, but not with a long cue‐target delay. Moreover, the indexical pointing gesture produced a significantly larger cueing effect than the other gestures. Our control experiments indicated that the index‐finger advantage is tightly linked to the proper morphological shape (i.e. length and position of the index finger) of the indexical pointing and is not explained by the directional discriminability of the gesture. The visual system seems to use mechanisms that are partially independent of the directional discrimination of gestures, in order to quickly modulate the viewer's attention.
Insulin/PI3K signaling protects dentate neurons from oxygen–glucose deprivation in organotypic slice cultures
Authors: Sun Xiaolu , Yao Hang , Douglas Robert M. , Gu Xiang Q. , Wang Juan , Haddad Gabriel G.
Published: October 2009

It is known that ischemia/reperfusion induces neurodegeneration in the hippocampus in a subregion‐dependent manner. This study investigated the mechanism of selective resistance/vulnerability to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) using mouse organotypic hippocampal cultures. Analysis of propidium iodide uptake showed that OGD‐induced duration‐ and subregion‐dependent neuronal injury. When compared with the CA1–3 subregions, dentate neuronal survival was more sensitive to inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling under basal conditions. Dentate neuronal sensitivity to PI3K/Akt signaling activation was inversely related to its vulnerability to OGD‐induced injury; insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1 pre‐treatment conferred neuroprotection to dentate neurons via activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. In contrast, CA1 and CA3 neurons were less sensitive to disruptions of endogenous PI3K/Akt signaling and protective effects of insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1, but more vulnerable to OGD. OGD‐induced injury in CA1 was reduced by inhibition of NMDA receptor or mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling, and was prevented by blocking NMDA receptor in the presence of insulin. The CA2 subregion was distinctive in its response to glutamate, OGD, and insulin, compared with other CA subregions. CA2 neurons were sensitive to the protective effects of insulin against OGD‐induced injury, but more resistant to glutamate. Distinctive distribution of insulin receptor β and basal phospho‐Akt was detected in our slice cultures. Our results suggest a role for insulin signaling in subregional resistance/vulnerability to cerebral ischemia.
Elevated sulfatide levels in neurons cause lethal audiogenic seizures in mice
Authors: Van Zyl Rebekka , Gieselmann Volkmar , Eckhardt Matthias
Published: October 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 282–295.

Galactosylceramide (GalCer) and 3‐O‐sulfo‐GalCer (sulfatide) are abundant sphingolipids in myelinating glial cells. However, low levels of GalCer and sulfatide have also been found in neurons, though their physiological role in these cells is unknown. Transgenic mice over‐expressing UDP‐galactose : ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT) under control of the Thy1.2 promoter synthesize C18 : 0 fatty acid containing GalCer and sulfatide in neurons. Depending on the genetic background, these transgenic mice have a significantly reduced life span. Transgenic mice were extremely sensitive to sound stimuli and displayed lethal audiogenic seizures after relatively mild acoustic stimulation, i.e., key jangling. CGT‐transgenic mice additionally over‐expressing the adenosine 3′‐phospho 5′‐phosphosulfate : cerebroside sulfotransferase were more sensitive to audiogenic seizure induction than mice expressing only the CGT‐transgene. This correlated with the higher sulfatide content in neuronal plasma membranes of the double‐transgenic mice compared with CGT‐transgenic mice, and strongly suggests that lethal audiogenic seizures are caused by elevated sulfatide levels in transgenic neurons. CGT‐transgenic mice will be a useful model to further investigate how sulfatide affects functional properties of neurons.
Delivering Child Community Psychology Services in the Community: Experiences from the NIPPERS Project
Authors: Millar Yvonne , Glaser Danya , Reilly‐Johnson Natalie L. , Hurst Sarah‐Louise , Harris Kelly , Skerry Cathryn , Charman Tony
Published: October 2009

Background:  The NIPPERS (Nursery Intervention Project for Parents & Education Related Services) was a novel community psychology service based in nursery settings in socio‐economically disadvantaged, inner‐city areas in London.

Method:  The service included consultation work with nursery staff, structured parenting groups and individual sessions for parents.

Results:  The delivery of the clinical service and research evaluation underwent several changes in the first phase of the project, in particular to ensure that the service was acceptable and accessible to families and staff. Although take‐up of community services was higher than in the local clinic‐based services, it was not taken up by some 40% of parents. Due to the allocation design, it was not possible to measure the effectiveness of the intervention.

Conclusions:  The NIPPERS service was successful in delivering a community child psychology service to families with high levels of early child behavioural problems at high risk for continuing difficulties.
Extinction of the woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) and woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) in Eurasia: Review of chronological and environmental issues
Authors: KUZMIN YAROSLAV V.
Published: October 2009

Kuzmin, Y. V. 2009: Extinction of the woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) and woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) in Eurasia: Review of chronological and environmental issues.Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00122.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

The current evidence for date and environmental preferences of the extinction of two middle–late Pleistocene megafaunal species, the woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigeniusBlum.) and woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatisBlum.), is presented in this review. It is suggested that extinction of these large herbivores in Eurasia was closely related to landscape changes near the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary (c. 12 000–9000 uncalibrated radiocarbon years ago, yr BP), mainly involving the widespread forest formations in the temperate and arctic regions of northern Eurasia and the loss of grasslands crucial to the existence of woolly mammoth and rhinoceros. However, some woolly mammoth populations survived well into the Holocene (up toc. 3700 yr BP), showing that the process of final extinction was fairly complex, with delays in some regions of up to several millennia. The possible role of Palaeolithic humans in the extinction of Late Pleistocene megafauna is also considered.