bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral desensitization to milk: how to choose the starting dose!
Authors: Mori Francesca , Pucci Neri , Rossi Maria Elisabetta , De Martino Maurizio , Azzari Chiara , Novembre Elio
Published: July 2009

Mori F, Pucci N, Rossi ME, de Martino M, Azzari C, Novembre E. Oral desensitization to milk: how to choose the starting dose! Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e450–e453. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

A renewed interest in oral desensitization as treatment for food allergy has been observed in the last few years. We studied a novel method based on the end point skin prick test procedure to establish the starting dose for oral desensitization in a group of 30 children higly allergic to milk. The results (in terms of reactions to the first dose administered) were compared with a group of 20 children allergic to milk as well. Such control group started to swallow the same dose of 0.015 mg/ml of milk. None reacted to the first dose when administered according to the end point skin prick test. On the other side, ten out of 20 children (50%) from the control group showed mild allergic reactions to the first dose of milk. In conclusion the end point skin prick test procedure results safe and easy to be performed in each single child in order to find out the starting dose for oral desensitization to milk, also by taking into account the individual variability.
Molecular characterization of putative vacuolar NHX‐type Na+/H+ exchanger genes from the salt‐resistant tree Populus euphratica
Authors: Ye Chu‐Yu , Zhang He‐Chen , Chen Jin‐Huan , Xia Xin‐Li , Yin Wei‐Lun
Published: July 2009

The vacuolar NHX‐type Na+/H+ exchangers play a key role in salt tolerance in plants. However, little is known about the Na+/H+ exchangers in the salt‐resistant tree, Populus euphratica. In this study, we identified six putative vacuolar Na+/H+ exchanger genes from P. euphratica, designated as PeNHX1–6. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction indicated that the PeNHX1/3/6 transcripts were abundant compared with the other three PeNHX genes in the three tissues (roots, stems and leaves) examined. After NaCl treatment for 6 h, the transcript levels of PeNHX1–6 were upregulated in the roots. To address the function of PeNHX1–6, complementation studies were performed with the salt‐sensitive yeast mutant strain R100, which lacks activity of the endosomal Na+/H+ antiporter NHX1. The results showed that PeNHX1–6 compensates, at least in part, for the function of yeast NHX1. Moreover, PeNHX3 was targeted to the tonoplast when transiently expressed in onion. Together, these results suggest that PeNHX1–6 function as vacuolar Na+/H+ exchangers and that PeNHX products play an important role in the salt resistance of P. euphratica.
Towards a structural elucidation of the alternative oxidase in plants
Authors: Albury Mary S. , Elliott Catherine , Moore Anthony L.
Published: July 2009

In addition to the conventional cytochrome c oxidase, mitochondria of all plants studied to date contain a second cyanide‐resistant terminal oxidase or alternative oxidase (AOX). The AOX is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and branches from the cytochrome pathway at the level of the quinone pool. It is non‐protonmotive and couples the oxidation of ubiquinone to the reduction of oxygen to water. For many years, the AOX was considered to be confined to plants, fungi and a small number of protists. Recently, it has become apparent that the AOX occurs in wide range of organisms including prokaryotes and a moderate number of animal species. In this paper, we provide an overview of general features and current knowledge available about the AOX with emphasis on structure, the active site and quinone‐binding site. Characterisation of the AOX has advanced considerably over recent years with information emerging about the role of the protein, regulatory regions and functional sites. The large number of sequences available is now enabling us to obtain a clearer picture of evolutionary origins and diversity.
Pathology of soft‐tissue tumors: Daily diagnosis, molecular cytogenetics and experimental approach
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroshi , Nabeshima Kazuki , Nishio Jun , Jimi Shiro , Aoki Mikiko , Koga Kaori , Hamasaki Makoto , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Mogi Ai
Published: July 2009

This article reviews problems in diagnostic pathology and molecular cytogenetics of soft‐tissue tumors. Also discussed are the origin of soft‐tissue sarcomas and the molecular basis of effective target therapy for sarcomas. Molecular cytogenetic analysis of tumor‐specific chromosomal translocations and associated fusion gene transcripts offers a useful adjunct to the diagnosis of soft‐tissue tumors, but recent studies have indicated a growing number of fusion gene variations in each tumor type. In pleomorphic sarcoma/malignant fibrous histiocytoma, the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism may result in formation of anaphase bridges and marked nuclear pleomorphism. The histogenesis of soft‐tissue sarcomas has been a matter of controversy. In the present experimental model using s.c. injection of 3‐methylcholanthrene in C57BL/6 mice pretreated with bone marrow‐transplantation from green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐positive green mice, the bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells as well as the tissue‐resident mesenchymal cells in the peripheral soft tissues are possible originators of sarcomagenesis. Little is known about a molecular basis of target therapy for sarcomas. Platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) enhances the invasive activity of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cells through platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) phosphorylation, whereas imatinib mesylate inhibited such activity, suggesting that targeting PDGFR‐β may result in the establishment of novel treatment for MPNST. In addition, emmprin is a transmembrane glycoprotein on tumor cells that stimulates peritumoral fibroblasts to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), playing a crucial role in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. The MMP upregulation mechanism mediated by tumor‐associated emmprin may be a potentially useful target in anti‐tumor invasion therapy for sarcomas.
Adrenomedullin, Bcl‐2 and microvessel density in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic endometrium
Authors: Nunobiki Osamu , Nakamura Misa , Taniguchi Emiko , Utsunomiya Hirotoshi , Mori Ichiro , Tsubota Yukari , Mabuchi Yoshiya , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: July 2009

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a multifunctional 52‐amino acid peptide involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis, growth regulation, differentiation, and vasodilation. ADM is thought to act through the G protein‐coupled receptor calcitonin receptor‐like receptor, with specificity being conferred by receptor‐associated modifying protein 2. The aim of the present study was to clarify the roles of ADM status, and tumor vessels in endometrium. Specimens were examined for ADM, microvessel density (MVD), area of venules (AV) and Bcl‐2 oncoprotein using an immunoperoxidase method. The difference of ADM between normal proliferative phase and hyperplasia without atypia was significant (P < 0.05). The level of Bcl‐2 was significantly different between hyperplasia without atypia and hyperplasia with atypia (P < 0.05). ADM, MVD and AV in the endometrium increased in a stepwise manner from normal, simple or complex hyperplasia with or without atypia to grade 1 adenocarcinoma. In contrast, expression of Bcl‐2 oncoprotein was decreased. These parameters identify the role of ADM expression and Bcl‐2 protein in relation to cell growth and vasodilating in the neoplastic changes.
Sialadenoma papilliferum of the bronchus: Rare tracheobronchial tumor of salivary gland type
Authors: Honda Yumi , Shiraishi Kenji , Nomori Hiroaki , Ishihara Sonoko , Iyama Ken‐ichi
Published: July 2009

Presented herein is the second case of sialadenoma papilliferum of the bronchus in a 75‐year‐old man. The bronchial tumor had an exophytic papillary lesion protruding into the lumen of the ostial region of the right superior lobe bronchus on chest CT and bronchoscopy. Grossly, the resected tumor was pedunculated, 5 × 3 × 3 mm in size and consisted of both an exophytic papillary lesion protruding into the bronchial lumen and a glandular component in the bronchial submucosa. Histologically, the papillary structures were lined by ciliated or non‐ciliated columnar epithelium and metaplastic non‐keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium. The submucosal glandular components were well circumscribed beneath and in continuity with the papillary lesion. The glandular components of cysts and duct‐like structures were lined by a double‐layer epithelium composed of luminal cells and basal cells. Sialadenoma papilliferum is a rarely recognized salivary gland tumor, mostly occurring at intraoral mucosal sites including the hard and soft palate and buccal mucosa. There have been sporadic cases of sialadenoma papilliferum of the esophagus, nasopharynx and nasal cavity. To the authors' knowledge only one case of sialadenoma papilliferum of the bronchus has been reported previously.
US health‐care crisis
Authors: Rushton Francis E.
Published: July 2009

Access to primary care doctors has been shown in studies across the world to result in better patient outcomes, increased satisfaction with care and lower health‐care costs. Primary care is the entry point for most patients into the health‐care system and focuses on prevention, chronic care management and availability for sick care. Primary care offices providing continuous, coordinated and accessible care are called medical homes. Changing disease patterns and increased amounts of chronic care has increased the importance of primary care medical homes to the health and well‐being of patients. In the USA, however, fewer medical school graduates are entering primary care specialties such as pediatrics, family medicine and internal medicine, and the existing workforce is diminishing as primary care doctors retire as a result of overwork and poor job satisfaction.
Evolution of feeding preference in a leaf beetle: the importance of phenotypic plasticity of a host plant
Authors: Utsumi Shunsuke , Ando Yoshino , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: July 2009

Much attention has been paid to ecology and evolution of damage‐induced plant responses. Recently, it has been emphasized that phenotypic plasticity, such as induced plant responses, has the potential to lead to evolutionary changes of interacting partners. Here, we report that induced plant regrowth promotes a locally adaptive feeding preference of a leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora. We found that there was among‐population variation in the strength of the feeding preference of the leaf beetle for leaf‐age types of conspecific host plants. The strength of the preference was positively correlated to leaf production of host plants across populations, and the intensity of induced regrowth was likely to have been responsible for geographic variation in new leaf production. Within one population, we detected a significant additive genetic variance and heritability in the preference for consuming new vs. old leaves. Moreover, the strength of preference was significantly related to egg production depending on the leaf‐age types. Thus, allopatric populations can evolutionarily develop different adaptive preference, according to locally distinct patterns of induced host regrowth.
The Gram‐positive side of plant–microbe interactions
Authors: Francis Isolde , Holsters Marcelle , Vereecke Danny
Published: July 2009

Plant growth and development are significantly influenced by the presence and activity of microorganisms. To date, the best‐studied plant‐interacting microbes are Gram‐negative bacteria, but many representatives of both the high and low G+C Gram‐positives have excellent biocontrol, plant growth‐promoting and bioremediation activities. Moreover, actinorhizal symbioses largely contribute to the global biological nitrogen fixation and many Gram‐positive bacteria promote other types of symbioses in tripartite interactions. Finally, several prominent and devastating phytopathogens are Gram‐positive. We summarize the present knowledge of the beneficial and detrimental interactions of Gram‐positive bacteria with plants to underline the importance of this particular group of bacteria.
Type VI secretion modulates quorum sensing and stress response in Vibrio anguillarum
Authors: Weber Barbara , Hasic Medisa , Chen Chang , Wai Sun Nyunt , Milton Debra L.
Published: July 2009

Type VI protein secretion systems (T6SS) are essential for virulence of several Gram‐negative bacteria. In this study, we identified a T6SS in Vibrio anguillarum, a marine bacterium that causes a hemorrhagic septicemia in fish. A partial operon vtsA‐H (vibrio type six secretion) was sequenced and shown to encode eight proteins. VtsE‐H are signature proteins found in other T6SSs, while VtsA‐D are not associated with T6SS studied so far. In‐frame deletions were made in each gene. Secretion of a haemolysin‐co‐regulated‐like protein (Hcp), a protein secreted by all studied T6SSs, was decreased in VtsE‐H. Unexpectedly, VtsA, VtsC and VtsD activated while VtsB and VtsE‐H repressed hcp expression. The T6SS proteins also regulated expression of two extracellular proteases, EmpA and PrtV, but inversely to Hcp expression. This regulation was indirect as T6S positively regulated expression of the stress‐response regulator RpoS and the quorum‐sensing regulator VanT, which positively regulate protease expression. Moreover, VtsA‐H proteins were not needed for virulence but did play a role in various stress responses. Thus, these data characterize a new role for T6S in the ecology of bacteria and we hypothesize this role to be a signal sensing mechanism that modulates the expression of regulators of the general stress response.
Earlier triple therapy with pioglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Charpentier G. , Halimi S. ,   on behalf of the F‐PIO‐100 Study Investigators
Published: July 2009

Aims: This study assessed the efficacy of add‐on pioglitazone vs. placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled by metformin and a sulphonylurea or a glinide.

Methods: This multicentre, double‐blind, parallel‐group study randomized 299 patients with type 2 diabetes to receive 30 mg/day pioglitazone or placebo for 3 months. After this time, patients continued with pioglitazone, either 30 mg [if glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤6.5%] or titrated up to 45 mg (if HbA1c >6.5%), or placebo for a further 4 months. The primary efficacy end‐point was improvement in HbA1c (per cent change). Secondary end‐points included changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, C‐peptide, proinsulin and lipids. The proinsulin/insulin ratio and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐B) were calculated.

Results: Pioglitazone add‐on therapy to failing metformin and sulphonylurea or glinide combination therapy showed statistically more significant glycaemic control than placebo addition. The between‐group difference after 7 months of triple therapy was 1.18% in HbA1c and −2.56 mmol/l for FPG (p < 0.001). Almost half (44.4%) of the patients in the pioglitazone group who had a baseline HbA1c level of <8.5% achieved the HbA1c target of < 7.0% by final visit compared with 4.9% in the placebo group. When the baseline HbA1c level was ≥ 8.5%, 13% achieved the HbA1c target of < 7.0% in the pioglitazone group and none in the placebo group. HOMA‐IR, insulin, proinsulin and C‐peptide decreased and HOMA‐B increased in the pioglitazone group relative to the placebo group.

Conclusions: In patients who were not well controlled with dual combination therapy, the early addition of pioglitazone improved HbA1c, FPG and surrogate measures of β‐cell function. Patients were more likely to reach target HbA1c levels (< 7.0%) with pioglitazone treatment if their baseline HbA1c levels were < 8.5%, highlighting the importance of early triple therapy.
Cell adhesion to fibronectin induces mitomycin C resistance in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Pan Chun‐Wu , Shen Zhou‐Jun , Wu Ting‐Ting , Tang Xiao‐Ying , Wang Min , Sun Jun , Shao Yuan
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether cell adhesion to fibronectin induces drug resistance in human bladder cancer cells, and to study the survival signalling pathway in cell adhesion to fibronectin‐mediated chemotherapy resistance in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T24 cells (human bladder cancer cell lines) were pre‐coated with fibronectin, and treated with mitomycin C (MMC) and the specific phosphoinositide‐3 kinase (PI3‐K) inhibitor LY294002. The apoptosis and cell cycles were analysed. The activity of the caspase‐8, ‐9 and apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) apoptosis pathways were assessed using colorimetric assay, immunofluorescence, Western blot and flow cytometry. The expression of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) and cyclin D1, as the key regulator of G1/S phase transition, were determined by Western blot. The expression of PI3‐K, Akt, phospho‐Akt and β1‐integrin were also examined by Western blot.

RESULTS

Apoptosis induced by MMC was significantly resisted by fibronectin adhesion in T24 cells, and this effect was through inhibition of the caspase‐9 and AIF apoptosis pathways, but not the caspase‐8 pathway. Fibronectin antagonized MMC‐induced G0/G1‐phase arrest by inactivating GSK‐3β to stabilize cyclin D1 expression in T24 cells. Furthermore, fibronectin‐mediated protection of T24 cells was dependent on the activity of the PI3‐K/Akt signalling pathway, and the protection could be abolished by the PI3‐K inhibitor LY294002.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibronectin‐mediated PI3‐K/Akt activation protects T24 cells from MMC‐induced cell death through inhibition of both caspase‐9 and AIF‐mediated apoptosis and GSK‐3β/cyclin D1 involved G0/G1‐phase arrest.
The use of Butea superba (Roxb.) compared to sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunction
Authors: Cortés‐González Jeff R. , Arratia‐Maqueo Jorge A. , Gómez‐Guerra Lauro S. , Holmberg Anders R.
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case control) Level of Evidence 3b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of an extract of Butea superba (Roxb.) (BS) compared to sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunction (ED).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An open label study was carried out among 32 men with organic ED to evaluate the response on the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF‐5) to BS, a ‘natural health’ product (100 mg), compared to 50 mg of sildenafil (a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor). After a 1‐week wash‐out, responders to BS received either 100 mg starch or 100 mg of another batch of BS (double‐blind).

RESULTS

Of the patients in the BS group, 27 (84%) responded positively, compared with 26 (81%) in the sildenafil group. When assessing the score alone, 12 (38%) had a better score after taking BS, compared to seven (22%) after sildenafil, and eight (25%) had the same score. The results were surprising and could not be repeated in the double‐blind part of the study, where no effect of BS was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

A ‘natural’ health product containing BS was more effective than sildenafil in the first part of the study, but in the second, using another batch of BS, the positive result could not be repeated and no effect was recorded. The conclusion is that the first preparation of BS was most likely blended with a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor, later confirmed by the supplier of BS (a natural health products company) after their own analysis.
Suicide bombings: process of care of mass casualties in the developing world
Authors: Umer Masood , Sepah Yasir J. , Shahpurwala Munira M. , Zafar Hasnain
Published: July 2009

In recent times Pakistan's biggest city, Karachi, has witnessed numerous terrorist attacks. The city does not have an emergency response system and only one of the three public sector hospitals has a trauma centre. We describe the pattern of injuries and management of two terror‐related mass casualty incidents involving suicide bombers in a developing nation with limited resources. The first incident occurred in May 2002 with 36 casualties, of whom 13 (36%) died immediately and 11 (30.5%) died at the primary receiving hospitals. The second incident was targeted against the local population in May 2004. The blast resulted in 104 casualties, of which 14 (13.46%) died at the site. All patients had their initial assessment and treatment based on Advanced Trauma and Life Support principles and documented on a trauma form.
The impact of Hurricane Rita on an academic institution: lessons learned
Authors: Beggan Dominic M.
Published: July 2009

This paper examines the impact of Hurricane Rita on one of the many universities along the Gulf Coast of the United States: Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Hurricane Rita, which made landfall between Sabine Pass, Texas, and Johnson's Bayou, Louisiana, on 24 September 2005, is the fourth strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record and the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the Gulf of Mexico. This paper assesses the tasks that confronted the administration, faculty, and students of Lamar University in the days and weeks after the event. It concludes that the one factor that will influence more than any other the degree of success after any disaster is whether all levels of the administrative command institutionalise, endorse, promote, and encourage the adopted recovery plan. The research seeks to share valuable insights on the vulnerabilities that academic institutions face during natural disasters and to highlight some of the many lessons learned.
A Meta‐Heuristic Algorithm for Multi‐Objective Optimal Design of Hybrid Laminate Composite Structures
Authors: Rao A. Rama Mohan , Shyju P. P.
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  In this article, we propose a meta‐heuristic algorithm for solving multi‐objective combinatorial optimization problems. The proposed multi‐objective combinatorial optimization algorithm is developed by combining the good features of popular guided local search algorithms like simulated annealing (SA) and tabu search (TS). It has been organized as a multiple start algorithm to maintain a good balance between intensification and diversification. The proposed meta‐heuristic algorithm is evaluated by solving the stacking sequence optimization of hybrid fiber‐reinforced composite plate, cylindrical shell, and pressure vessel problems. The standard performance metrics for evaluating multi‐objective optimization algorithms are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm over other popular evolutionary algorithms like Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithms (NSGA‐II), Pareto Archived Evolutionary Strategy (PAES), micro‐GA, and Multi‐Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO).
A PARADOX OF JUSTIFIED BELIEVING
Authors: Cheyne Colin
Published: July 2009

The following principles may plausibly be included in a wide range of theories of epistemic justification:

There are circumstances in which an agent is justified in believing a falsehood,

There are circumstances in which an agent is justified in believing a principle of epistemic justification,

Beliefs acquired in compliance with a justifiably‐believed epistemic principle are justified.

I argue that it follows from these three individually plausible claims that an agent's belief may be both justified and unjustified. I consider how theories may avoid this paradox, and conclude that deontological theories of epistemic justification face considerable, perhaps insurmountable, difficulties.
A MODEST MODAL ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT
Authors: Megill Jason L. , Mitchell Joshua M.
Published: July 2009

We formulate a new modal ontological argument; specifically, we show that there is a possible world in which an entity that has at least the property of omnipotence exists. Then we argue that if such an entity is possible, it is necessary as well.
Optimum‐Currency‐Area Paradoxes
Authors: Tavlas George S.
Published: July 2009

Contributions by Mundell (1961), McKinnon (1963), and Kenen (1969) laid the foundations for all subsequent work in the area of the theory of optimum currency areas. The development of the optimum‐currency‐area paradigm, however, has not been a smooth one. After a rise in research activity during the 1960s, the paradigm fell from favor in the 1970s and 1980s, before it re‐emerged as an active area of research. This paper argues that the decline of the theory as an active area of research partly reflects paradoxes among the contributions of Mundell, McKinnon, and Kenen. Correspondingly, the renewed interest in the theory is due, in part, to a reconciliation of those paradoxes, reflecting both developments in academic thought and the evolution of the international monetary system.
Nonlinearity and Persistence in PPP: Does Controlling for Nonlinearity Solve the PPP Puzzle?
Authors: Kılıç Rehim
Published: July 2009

We suggest half‐life measures conditional on various regimes to examine persistence in the purchasing power parity (PPP) relations within nonlinear exponential smooth transition autoregressive (ESTAR) models. We use normal sampling and simulated confidence intervals for the regime‐dependent half‐lives. Statistical testing and simulations suggest that the regime‐dependent half‐lives work well in characterizing the persistence of departures from PPP in ESTAR models. The analysis reveals considerable persistence in PPP deviations and variation in persistence across currency groups and over time. Findings in the paper suggest that incorporating nonlinearities into PPP may not necessarily solve the PPP puzzle as claimed in some recent studies.
Market Work, Home Work, and Taxes: A Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: Rogerson Richard
Published: July 2009

This paper uses a simple model of labor supply extended to allow for home production to understand the extent to which differences in taxes can account for differences in time allocations between the US and Europe. Once home production is included, the elasticity of substitution between consumption and leisure is almost irrelevant in determining the response of market hours to higher taxes. But to account for observed differences in leisure and time spent in home production, one still requires a relatively large elasticity of substitution between consumption and leisure, combined with a relatively small elasticity of substitution between time and goods in home production.
Why and How Education Affects Economic Growth
Authors: Zeira Joseph
Published: July 2009

This paper suggests an additional channel through which education affects economic growth. If growth is driven by industrialization of production, where machines replace labor in a growing number of tasks, then operating these machines requires workers who are educated, namely literate and know arithmetic, whose human capital is less specific and more general. As a result, technology adoption depends negatively on wages of educated workers. Hence, economic growth depends negatively on the cost of education or on the barriers to acquire education. The model shows that if the cost of education is high, economic growth might be slow and even stop completely, creating a development trap.
Monetary Union Enlargement, Fiscal Policy, and Strategic Wage Setting*
Authors: Sidiropoulos Moïse , Zimmer Blandine
Published: July 2009

This contribution develops a framework for studying the effects of the enlargement of a monetary union on macroeconomic performances in the presence of strategic interactions between non‐atomistic labor unions, monetary, and fiscal authorities. We show that the integration of new identical member countries may have beneficial effects, depending on the fiscal policymaking structure. Qualifications to this result are provided under cross‐country asymmetries in the size of the economies, the structure of the labor markets, and the fiscal authorities' preferences.
Skill Upgrading and the Real Exchange Rate
Authors: Álvarez Roberto , López Ricardo A.
Published: July 2009

This paper examines the effect of changes in the real exchange rate on skill upgrading in the case of Chile. Using plant‐level data from the manufacturing sector, we find that a real depreciation increases the share of skilled workers in the total wage bill in exporters but not in non‐exporters. This result suggests that depreciations or, more generally, increases in export profitability, may induce exporters to adopt more skill‐intensive technologies. This finding gives support to recent models of trade that highlight the possible effect of the real exchange rate on skill upgrading and wage inequality. This paper also finds that real depreciations increase plants’ export intensity, suggesting that skill upgrading for firms that are already exporters is the channel through which real exchange depreciations affect wage inequality.
PERCEPTIONS OF AND RESPONSES TO THE HOLOCENE FLOODING OF THE NORTH SEA LOWLANDS
Authors: LEARY JIM
Published: July 2009

This paper explores how the drastic landscape changes that took place in the North Sea basin during the Holocene affected the lives of those dwelling in that area. Previous contributions to the discussion of the Holocene inundation of the North Sea have tended to concentrate on the timings. This paper discusses the ways people could have perceived and responded to these events, emphasizing that climate change should not be viewed apart from social factors. It is also argued that sea‐level rise was not something externally imposed on communities but an integral part of their world.
Prednisolone reduces nitric oxide‐induced migraine
Authors: Tfelt‐Hansen P. , Daugaard D. , Lassen L. H. , Iversen H. K. , Olesen J.
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose  Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) induces delayed migraine attacks in migraine patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether pre‐treatment with prednisolon could decrease this effect of GTN.

Methods  In this double‐blind, randomized and placebo‐controlled, crossover study 15 migraineurs with migraine without aura were pre‐treated with 150 mg of prednisolone or placebo followed by a 20‐min infusion of GTN (0.5 ug/kg/min). One hour after the GTN‐infusion, the participants were sent home, but continued to rate headache and possible associated symptoms by filling out a headache diary every hour for 12 h. There were two equal primary efficacy end‐points: frequency of delayed migraine and intensity of delayed headache.

Results  Nine patients experienced a GTN headache fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for migraine without aura on the placebo day compared with four patients on the prednisolone day (P = 0.14). Prednisolone pre‐treatment did not alter the summed or peak immediate headache responses to GTN significantly (P = 0.08, P = 0.07), whereas the peak headache scores during the following 12 h were significantly lower after prednisolone pre‐treatment (median peak score = 1, range 0–8) compared with placebo (median = 4, range 0–8) (P < 0.01). There was no difference between the two treatment days in the effect of GTN on blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery (a decrease) or on the dilation of the superficial temporal artery or the radial artery.

Conclusion  Pre‐treatment with prednisolone did not reduce the immediate GTN‐induced headache, did not inhibit the frequency of delayed headache but significantly decreased the intensity of delayed GTN‐induced headache. These findings suggest that GTN causes induction of inflammatory mediators, and that this is the mechanism of delayed GTN‐induced migraine. They also support a role of inflammatory mediators in spontaneous migraine attacks.
Aspects of peripheral nerve involvement in patients with treated hypothyroidism
Authors: Nebuchennykh M. , Løseth S. , Mellgren S. I.
Published: July 2009

Background:  We studied involvement of large and small nerve fibres in patients with hypothyroidism and symptoms and signs of polyneuropathy.

Methods:  Sixteen patients with established diagnosis of hypothyroidism were extracted from a patient population participating in a ‘polyneuropathy study’. In addition, seven patients with other additional potential causes of polyneuropathy than hypothyroidism were investigated. The patients underwent neurological examination, routine blood tests, nerve conduction studies (NCS), quantitative sensory testing (QST) and skin biopsies with assessment of intraepidermal nerve fibre (IENF) density.

Results:  Sixty‐three per cent of the patients with ‘pure’ hypothyroidism had abnormalities on NCS, 25% had reduced IENF density and 31% had abnormalities on QST. Four patients (25%) met criteria for small fibre polyneuropathy, the other (75%) were classified as having mixed fibre polyneuropathy. There were no differences in the amount of abnormalities on NCS, QST and skin biopsy between patients with hypothyroidism and those with hypothyroidism and other potential causes of polyneuropathy.

Conclusions:  The majority of patients with hypothyroidism had involvement of both large and small nerve fibres. However, some patients had isolated small fibre polyneuropathy. Patients with ‘pure’ hypothyroidism had essentially the same degree of peripheral nerve fibre involvement as those with other additional causes of polyneuropathy.
Age and body weight adjusted warfarin initiation program for ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: Yoo S.‐H. , Nah H.‐W. , Jo M.‐W. , Kang D.‐W. , Kim J. S. , Koh J.‐Y. , Kwon S. U.
Published: July 2009

Background:  Despite its proven effect, anticoagulation is not recommended to the acute ischaemic stroke due to the risk of bleeding complications. The purpose of this study is development of individualized warfarin initiation program for acute or subacute stroke patients.

Methods:  Among stroke patients who regularly visited out‐patient clinics, we included patients who have continuously taken the same dose of warfarin as the prothrombin time remained at target International Nomarlized Ratio (INR). We assessed potential variables that affect the maintenance dose of warfarin. Using these variables, we developed an individualized warfarin initiation program.

Results:  The median warfarin maintenance dose (interquartile range) in the 321 included patients was 4 (3–5) mg per day. Age (adjusted R2 = 0.221, P < 0.001) and body weight (added to age, adjusted R2 = 0.238, P = 0.008) were significant predicting factors of the dose. We classified the maintenance doses into high (HG), standard, and low group (LG) based on the distribution of maintenance doses. Decision tree analysis categorized younger (≤55 years old) and heavier (≥55 kg) patients into HG, and very old (≥80 years old) or low body weight (<55 kg among those >56 years old) patients into LG. We recommend 7 mg of warfarin as a standard initial dose, but 10 mg was recommended for HG patients and 5 mg for LG.

Conclusion:  We expect that this individualized program may reduce the time to target INR without excessive anticoagulation. Further prospective studies are needed to reveal the efficacy and safety of applying this program for acute stroke patients.
An Empirical Investigation of the Campbell‐Cochrane Habit Utility Model
Authors: Lawrence Edward R. , Geppert John , Prakash Arun J.
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  This paper tests whether the Campbell and Cochrane (1999) habit utility model generates a valid stochastic discount factor for the 25 Fama‐French size/book‐to‐market and size/momentum sorted portfolios. Campbell and Cochrane (1999) derive a consumption based habit utility asset pricing model and calibrate it to aggregate US stock market data. However, they do not test whether their model is consistent with a larger cross section of asset returns. We test their model using the methodology of Hansen and Jagannathan (1991) and Burnside (1994). In contrast to previous studies, we find that for reasonable parameter values, the model's stochastic discount factor is inside the Hansen‐Jagannathan bounds and therefore satisfies the necessary conditions for a valid stochastic discount factor. We trace the difference between our results and previous studies to the method used to estimate the model's parameters and the parameter values themselves.
Abundance, biology, and human exploitation of bats in the Palau Islands
Authors: Wiles G. J. , Engbring J. , Otobed D.
Published: July 2009

Three species of bats,Pteropus pilosus, P. muriannus pelewensis, andEmbullonura semicaudata palauensis, were surveyed by observations, systematic counts, and interviews with local residents in the Palau Islands of Micronesia during a one‐month period in 1991.Pteropus pilosusis presumed extinct, with no observations made this century.Pteropus m. pelewensisoccurred throughout the archipelago. It is less colonial than other subspecies ofP. muriannus, with most of the population appearing to roost solitarily or in small groups of a few bats. Colonies were uncommon and typically ranged in size from about 30–200 animals. Evidence of two larger roosting concentrations, one of which may have held as many as 3,000 bats, was also found. These fruit bats forage and roost in a variety of forested habitats and have diverse diets known to contain the fruits of 54 species, the flowers of 28 species, and the leaves of one species. At dusk, most bats began foraging within several kilometres of their day roosts, but some flew at least 12 km to reach feeding sites. The largest numbers ofP. m. pelewensisroosted on rugged and fairly inaccessible limestone islands near the centre of the archipelago, near where most people also lived. We were unable to estimate population size or determine population trend in the island chain. The bats are heavily harvested for commercial export, with more than 180,000 animals shipped to the Mariana Islands from 1975–1994. Smaller numbers are also killed as a local food source.Emballonura s. palauensis, the only insectivorous bat in the islands, was seen at 65% of the evening count locations and was also widespread in the archipelago. Recommendations for managing bats in Palau include a prohibition on the export of fruit bats and the establishment of several protected areas.
Endocrine correlates of contrasting male mating strategies in the European badger (Meles meles)
Authors: Woodroffe Rosie , Macdonald D. W. , Cheeseman C. L.
Published: July 2009

In mammals, testosterone secretion is known to respond rapidly to changes in males' immediate social environment. However, such changes do not take testosterone levels below the baseline required to maintain spermatogenesis, and so do not usually affect males' fertility. In this paper, we show that individual males' patterns of testicular activity reflect their social roles in a group‐living carnivore, the European badger (Melcs metes), leading to individual and population differences in the seasonal patterns of both testosterone secretion and, apparently, spermatogenesis. In one badger population, some males left their natal groups to become breeding males in neighbouring territories. These males had higher plasma testosterone levels, and appeared to sustain spermatogenesis for a longer period, than males which remained in their natal territories. In contrast, in a second (higher density) population, males rarely transferred away from their natal territories, and appeared not to defend access to groups of females. Instead, males made forays to mate with females in neighbouring territories. In this population males had a shorter period of testicular activity, and there were no differences in testicular activity between immigrant and natal males.
Habitat use and support preference of two free‐ranging saltatory lemurs (Lepilemur edwardsi and Avahi occidentalis)
Authors: Warren Ruth D.
Published: July 2009

Lepilemur edwardsi and Avahi occidentalis are two species of nocturnal, folivorous ‘vertical clingers and leapers’ (VCL). They have a similar body mass and share the same morphological adaptation for leaping. In a field study under sympatric conditions at Ampijoroa, Madagascar, comparison of support use with support availability using Jacobs' D preference values (Jacobs, 1974) showed that both species actively chose or avoided branches with certain qualities. However, while both species showed a preference for small oblique and horizontal branches, they selected them at different heights in the forest and with varying degrees of preference and avoidance for the other available supports. Despite their traditional locomotor assignation, both species showed a surprisingly strong preference for horizontal supports. These striking variations in detail of support preference may aid the maintenance of species segregation and niche difference.
Food habits, growth rates, and reproductive biology of grass snakes, Natrix natrix (Colubridae) in the Italian Alps
Authors: Luiselli L. , Capula M. , Shine R.
Published: July 2009

A five‐year mark‐recapture study at Sella Nevea, a montane (1100 m a.s.1.) site in the Carnic Alps, provided information on diets, growth rates, and reproductive output in an Italian population of the wide‐ranging grass snake, Natrix natrix. Our snakes resembled a previously‐studied population in lowland Sweden in terms of body size at sexual maturation in females (70 cm) and mean adult female body length (82 cm). However, growth rates were lower in our population, and sexual maturation was delayed (6–8 years, versus 4–5 years in Sweden), perhaps because of the cool climate and relatively brief growing period each year. Females produced a single clutch of 4–24 eggs in late July each year. Larger females produced larger clutches, but clutch size relative to maternal size was lower than in Swedish grass snakes. Hatchling sizes and Relative Clutch Masses (RCMs) did not shift with increasing female size. RCMs may provide a useful index of ‘costs of reproduction’ in this population, because females with high RCMs were very emaciated after oviposition, and hence may experience a greater risk of mortality, as well as a high energy expenditure. Prolonged incubation gave rise to longer, thinner hatchlings, but the low environmental temperatures at the study site may favour early hatching (and hence, result in a shorter fatter hatchling emerging from the egg, with more of its energy stores unused). Compared to sympatric viviparous snakes (Coronella austriaca and Vipera berus), the oviparous grass snakes can achieve a much higher reproductive output owing to a larger clutch size and more frequent reproduction (annual, rather than biennial or triennial). The abundant prey resource used by grass snakes (amphibians) may also enable them to recoup energy more rapidly after reproduction; dietary composition shifts ontogenetically in both sexes, with the largest prey (mice and adult toads) taken primarily by large female snakes.
Occurrence and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw milk for cheesemaking
Authors: BARTOLOMEOLI INGRID , MAIFRENI MICHELA , FRIGO FRANCESCA , URLI GIADA , MARINO MARILENA
Published: July 2009

Fifty‐four samples of raw milk for cheesemaking were tested for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions were performed to identify presumptive isolates and the presence of enterotoxin‐coding genes sea‐see. The strains were tested for antibiotic resistance. Eighty strains were identified as S. aureus and 31 of these carried one or more enterotoxin genes (sea‐see). Resistance to eritromycin, penicillin and ampicillin was widespread among isolates. Staphylococcus aureus in raw milk for cheesemaking may constitute a risk with respect to staphylococcal food poisoning from raw milk products.
Influence of different exopolysaccharide‐producing strains on the physicochemical, sensory and syneresis characteristics of reduced‐fat stirred yoghurt
Authors: GÜLER‐AKIN MUTLU B , SERDAR AKIN M , KORKMAZ AZIZ
Published: July 2009

Reduced‐fat stirred yoghurts were prepared by using ropy and nonropy exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strains or nonexopolysaccharide‐producing strains. Yoghurts were evaluated for pH, titrable acidity, acetaldehyde, whey separation, viscosity, EPS concentration, sensory and microbiological analyses. Determinations of these parameters were made at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days of storage. Reduced‐fat yoghurts made with EPS+ strains exhibited lower syneresis and acetaldehyde contents, but higher viscosity than those made with the EPS − strain. Physico‐chemical results correlated with the sensory results in that panellists scored the EPS+ yoghurts as having an overall better mouthfeel, but a worse flavour than EPS − yoghurt.
Chemical and sensory properties of cholesterol‐reduced processed cheese spread
Authors: KIM SOO‐YUN , HONG EUN‐KYUNG , AHN JOUNGJWA , KWAK HAE‐SOO
Published: July 2009

This study examines the property changes of cholesterol‐reduced processed cheese spread made by cross‐linked β‐cyclodextrin. Its composition was similar to that of the control and 91.5% of the cholesterol was removed. Total free amino acids content, gumminess and brittleness scores were significantly higher in cholesterol‐reduced cheese spread over all storage periods than those in the control. Yellowness, bitterness and elasticity scores were significantly higher, whereas processed flavour and slimy texture were significantly lower in cholesterol‐reduced cheese spread. This study indicates that although some differences were observed, most of the properties were comparable with the control processed cheese spread.
Raw milk and raw milk cheeses as vehicles for infection by Verocytotoxin‐producing Escherichia coli
Authors: BAYLIS CHRISTOPHER L
Published: July 2009

Raw milk and raw milk cheeses can be a source of food‐borne pathogens, including Verocytotoxin (Shiga toxin)‐producing Escherichia coli (VTEC/STEC). Outbreaks of VTEC O157: H7 infections have been attributed to the consumption of raw milk and associated dairy products. Although the general prevalence of VTEC O157 in raw milk and raw milk cheeses is low, it can be higher for non‐O157 VTEC. The clinical significance of many of these VTEC is unclear, although some are associated with disease. Studies show that E. coli O157 strains can survive the various stages of the cheesemaking process and that raw milk and raw milk cheeses remain a potential vehicle for VTEC infections.
Antioxidant activity of Cheddar cheeses at different stages of ripening
Authors: GUPTA APARNA , MANN BIMLESH , KUMAR RAJESH , SANGWAN RAM BHAGAT
Published: July 2009

The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in the antioxidant properties of Cheddar cheese at different stages of ripening using different assays: 2, 2′‐azinobis (3 ethyl benzothiazoline)‐6‐sulphonic acid, 2, 2‐diphenyl 1, picryl hydrazyl and superoxide radical scavenging activity. Cheddar cheese was prepared with Lactobacillus casei ssp. casei 300 and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei 22 and without adjunct cultures. The antioxidant activity of water‐soluble extracts of Cheddar cheese was dependent on the ripening period. The changes in the antioxidant activity were related to the rate of formation of soluble peptides (proteolysis) in all the samples of cheeses up to fourth month of ripening.
Behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated into Minas Frescal cheese made by direct acidification or lactic culture during refrigerated storage
Authors: NALDINI MARIA CARLA M. , VIOTTO WALKÍRIA H. , KUAYE ARNALDO Y.
Published: July 2009

The behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A artificially inoculated into Brazilian Minas Frescal cheese manufactured with the addition of a lactic culture or by direct acidification with lactic acid was evaluated at 5 and 10°C for 25 days. In cheese produced with a lactic culture, the counts remained almost unchanged during storage, whereas cheeses produced by direct acidification presented an increase in the counts of 2–3 log cycles. The profiles of the lactic bacterial counts, associated with those of L. monocytogenes, show a strong influence of the competitive starter culture on the survival of L. monocytogenes. This suggests that the addition of starter culture is an efficient way to control the growth of  L. monocytogenes in these products.