bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menu Pricing and Learning
Authors: Bonatti Alessandro
Published: July 2011

We analyze the design of dynamic menus to sell experience goods. The quality of the product is initially unknown, and the total quantity sold in each period determines the amount of information in the market. We characterize the optimum menu as a function of consumers' beliefs, and the dynamic adjustments resulting from the diffusion of information. The firm faces a dynamic trade-off between gains from trade, information production, and information rents. It initially charges lower prices, sacrificing short-term revenue to increase sales. As more information is revealed, prices increase, and low-valuation buyers are excluded, even when the product's quality is high. (JEL D42, D82, D83, L12)
Equilibrium Selection in the Repeated Prisoner's Dilemma: Axiomatic Approach and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Blonski Matthias , Ockenfels Peter , Spagnolo Giancarlo
Published: July 2011

We propose an axiomatic approach for equilibrium selection in the discounted, infinitely repeated symmetric Prisoner's Dilemma. Our axioms characterize a unique selection criterion that is also useful as a tool for applied comparative statics exercises as it results in a critical discount factor δ* strictly larger than δ, the standard criterion that has often been used in applications. In an experimental test we find a strong predictive power of our proposed criterion. For parameter changes where the standard and our criterion predict differently, changes in observed cooperation follow predictions based on δ*. (JEL C72, C73, C92, D81)
PAPD5, a noncanonical poly(A) polymerase with an unusual RNA-binding motif
Authors: Rammelt Christiane , Bilen Biter , Zavolan Mihaela , Keller Walter
Published: July 2011

PAPD5 is one of the seven members of the family of noncanonical poly(A) polymerases in human cells. PAPD5 was shown to polyadenylate aberrant pre-ribosomal RNAs in vivo, similar to degradation-mediating polyadenylation by the noncanonical poly(A) polymerase Trf4p in yeast. PAPD5 has been reported to be also involved in the uridylation-dependent degradation of histone mRNAs. To test whether PAPD5 indeed catalyzes adenylation as well as uridylation of RNA substrates, we analyzed the in vitro properties of recombinant PAPD5 expressed in mammalian cells as well as in bacteria. Our results show that PAPD5 catalyzes the polyadenylation of different types of RNA substrates in vitro. Interestingly, PAPD5 is active without a protein cofactor, whereas its yeast homolog Trf4p is the catalytic subunit of a bipartite poly(A) polymerase in which a separate RNA-binding subunit is needed for activity. In contrast to the yeast protein, the C terminus of PAPD5 contains a stretch of basic amino acids that is involved in binding the RNA substrate.
Listening to the Voices of Students With Disabilities: Can Such Voices Inform Practice?
Authors: Byrnes Linda J. , Rickards Field W.
Published: July 2011

This article investigates issues to do with student voice. Much attention is given within the literature to including the voice of students without disabilities in educational debate. Indeed, clear connections have been made between the use of student voice and raising student achievement (Mitra, 2004). Given the validation of such voices, it is paradoxical that limited attention is accorded to the views of students with disabilities (Habel, Bloom, Ray, & Bacon, 1999). This position paper explores reasons why the viewpoints of students with disabilities are not routinely investigated or listened to, and puts forward a case for stronger attention to be given to such voices. The article concludes by offering suggestions as to how to collect such viewpoints.
Promoting Multicultural Competencies in Early Career Rehabilitation Counsellor Supervisors
Authors: Boston Quintin , Vaughn Mya , Pitt Jenelle , Soldner James L. , Turner-Whittaker Tyra , Robertson Stacia
Published: July 2011

This article discusses multicultural competency education options for early career rehabilitation counsellor supervisors. It specifically addresses the importance of the cultural awareness and competencies in supervised supervision. Multicultural counsellor competencies in clinical supervision are considered in the context of rehabilitation counsellor professional preparation programs in the United States. Diversity considerations are important to operationalising the construct of the working alliance in the context of clinical supervision training for early career rehabilitation counsellor supervisors. Acquiring, retaining and cultivating multicultural clinical supervision competencies in self and others is a lifelong process.
Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 3(KLK3/PSA) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Ovarian Cancer Survival
Authors: O'Mara Tracy A. , Nagle Christina M. , Batra Jyotsna , Kedda Mary-Anne , Clements Judith A. , Spurdle Amanda B.
Published: July 2011

There is substantial evidence suggesting a role for hormone-regulated kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) in carcinogenesis and tumour metastasis. KLKs are considered to have potential as prognostic biomarkers for hormone dependent cancers, particularly ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between Kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in hormone response elements and ovarian cancer survival. DNA samples were analyzed from 304 Australian women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. The KLK3 rs266882 and rs11084033 SNPs were genotyped by the Sequenom iPLEX Mass Array platform. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression models. An association was observed with ovarian cancer survival for homozygote carriers of the rare allele of rs11084033 (adjusted HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.08–4.15). This finding is consistent with bioinformatic analysis predicting the rs11084033 rare allele to be responsible for the loss of a confirmed androgen response element, and with published expression data suggesting that aggressive ovarian cancers show decreased KLK3 tumor expression. The rs11084033 has potential prognostic significance in ovarian cancer. However, this finding requires replication, and further investigation regarding the functional significance of rs11084033 and correlated SNPs.
Use of Bayes' Formula to Make a Genetic Risk Estimate
Authors: Stark Alan , Morgan Graeme
Published: July 2011

Izabella and her partner sought pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) because Izabella had retinoblastoma due to a deletion in chromosome 13 and they want to have children not at genetic risk of retinoblastoma. Fortunately, Izabella's tumor was unilateral and was treated successfully and she is well. Izabella's chromosome abnormality is mosaic with 70% of lymphocytes having the deletion. This mosaicism may not be present in Izabella's ovaries. The couple went through PGD on two occasions and 13 embryos were tested. None had the deleted chromosome 13. IVF and PGD failed to produce a pregnancy. The couple wished to know what the experience provides as to the risk to their offspring: in particular, does it indicate a risk low enough to be acceptable if they go ahead with a natural pregnancy instead of another resort to PGD? Also, the couple did not want prenatal diagnosis. The situation therefore requires an estimate of the probability that an embryo will have the deletion. Counseling is problematic because there is no obvious way of selecting a prior probability from which to compute a Bayesian estimate of risk. Two solutions are offered, depending on the amount of information available about genes transmitted from the maternal grandparents.
Automatic grain texture analysis using integral transforms
Authors: Hall Wayne , Seagar Andrew , Palmer Stuart
Published: July 2011

Tonewood for musical instruments is quarter-sawn and frequently quality-graded based on visual appearance, mechanical and acoustic properties. The assessment uses simple human (subjective) observation, and two “experts” can rate the same sample differently. This paper describes the application of integral transforms (Fourier and Radon) for automatic (objective) assessment of the visual appearance of 10 Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) sample images. This work considers surface classification on the basis of grain orientation, count, spacing, and evenness or uniformity.
Screening for xylanase and β-xylosidase production from wood-inhabiting Penicillium strains for potential use in biotechnological applications
Authors: Lee Jaejung , Jang Yeongseon , Lee Hanbyul , Lee Sangjoon , Kim Gyu-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: July 2011

Experiments were performed to find potential sources for enzyme production for the pulp and paper industry and for biological ethanol production by screening the cellulase, xylanase and β-xylosidase activities of 36 species of Penicillium isolated from various wood materials in Korea. Rice straw powder (RiceP), birchwood xylan (BirchX), and beechwood xylan (BeechX) were supplied as individual carbon sources for the Penicillium species. All Penicillium species tested in this study showed little cellulase activity, but some species exhibited remarkably high xylanase and β-xylosidase activities, as determined by a filter paper assay. P. oxalicum showed the greatest xylanase activity on RiceP (158.70 U ml-1). On the other hand, P. brevicompactum produced the highest active β-xylosidase on BirchX (6.25 U ml-1).
Determination of Kinematic Viscosity of Used Lubricating Oils Using Houillon Viscometer
Authors: Kishore Nadkarni R. A. , Lane Janet L.
Published: July 2011

A new method using Houillon viscometer for the determination of kinematic viscosity of lubricating oils is described. The results obtained by this method are statistically equivalent to those obtained by other test methods such as ASTM Test Methods D445 or D7042 for such determinations of kinematic viscosity. The precision of the new method is also similar to those of other test methods for determining kinematic viscosity.
‘Idiopathic’ partial androgen insensitivity syndrome in 28 newborn and infant males: impact of prenatal exposure to environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals?
Authors: Gaspari Laura , Paris Françoise , Philibert Pascal , Audran Françoise , Orsini Mattea , Servant Nadège , Maïmoun Laurent , Kalfa Nicolas , Sultan Charles
Published: July 2011

Objective

46,XY disorders of sex differentiation (46,XY DSD) can be due to a testis determination defect, an androgen biosynthesis defect, or androgen resistance (complete or partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS), or 5α reductase deficiency). We aimed to evaluate the impact of a prenatal contamination by environmental xenoestrogens in ‘idiopathic’ PAIS-like phenotype.

Subjects

We investigated 28 newborn/infant males with 46,XY DSD, normal androgen production, and no androgen receptor or steroid-5αR type II enzyme (SRD5A2) gene mutations.

Methods

To exclude other genetic defects, we sequenced the steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) and mastermind-like domain-containing 1 (MAMLD1) genes, which were recently found to be associated with the PAIS-like phenotype. Parents were interviewed about their environmental/occupational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) before/during the patients' fetal life. Total estrogenic bioactivity of patient serum was analyzed by ultrasensitive bioassay.

Results

All the patients had normal SF1 sequence and one patient showed a double polymorphism of MAMLD1. Eleven (39.3%) of the 28 patients had reported parental fetal exposure to EDCs. The mean estrogenic bioactivity in these 11 patients with fetal EDC exposure (6.65±8.07 pg/ml) versus 17 cases without contamination (1.27±0.34 pg/ml) and controls (1.06±0.44 pg/ml;P<0.05) was elevated.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the ‘idiopathic’ PAIS-like phenotype may in some cases be related to EDC contamination during fetal life.
Collection of Forensic Evidence From Pediatric Victims of Sexual Assault
Authors: Girardet Rebecca , Bolton Kelly , Lahoti Sheela , Mowbray Hillary , Giardino Angelo , Isaac Reena , Arnold William , Mead Breanna , Paes Nicole
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the time period after sexual assault of a child that specimens may yield evidence using DNA amplification. Secondary questions included the comparative laboratory yields of body swabs versus other specimens, and the correlation between physical findings and laboratory results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Data from evidence-collection kits from children 13 years and younger were reviewed. Kits were screened for evidence using traditional methods, and DNA testing was performed for positive specimens. Laboratory data were compared with historical information.

RESULTS:

There were 277 evidence-collection kits analyzed; 151 were collected from children younger than 10; 222 kits (80%) had 1 or more positive laboratory screening test, of which 56 (20%) tested positive by DNA. The time interval to collection was <24 hours for 30 of the 56 positive kits (68% positives with a documented time interval), and 24 (43% of all positive kits) were positive only by nonbody specimens. The majority of children with DNA were aged 10 or older, but kits from 14 children younger than 10 also had a positive DNA result, of which 5 were positive by a body swab collected between 7 and 95 hours after assault. Although body swabs were important sources of evidence for older children, they were significantly less likely than nonbody specimens to yield DNA among children younger than 10 (P = .002). There was no correlation between physical findings and laboratory evidence.

CONCLUSIONS:

Body samples should be considered for children beyond 24 hours after assault, although the yield is limited. Physical examination findings do not predict yield of forensic laboratory tests.
Socioeconomic development, family income, and psychosocial risk factors: a study of families with children in public elementary school
Authors: Assis Simone Gonçalves de , Pires Thiago , Pesce Renata Pires , Avanci Joviana Quintes , Oliveira Raquel V. C.
Published: July 2011

This article aims to evaluate the effects of Brazil's recent economic growth on the monetary income, consumption patterns, and risk exposures of families with children enrolled in the public elementary school system in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The article analyzes the following information on families of 447 children that participated in two waves in a longitudinal study: social stratum, per capita family income, evolution in income over a three-year period, and psychosocial factors. The findings showed a 74.8% increase in the families' income, accompanied by an increase in the consumption of material assets and access to health services. This increase should not be interpreted as a guarantee of improved living and health conditions, since it was spent on basic products and needs that do not substantially affect the families' form of social inclusion. Psychosocial risk factors were frequent among the families, but decreased during the study period, which may either reflect the improved family situation or result from the later stage in child development.
Normative Nasalance Scores for the Malay Language
Authors: Ibrahim Hasherah Mohd , Reilly Sheena , Kilpatrick Nicky
Published: July 2011

Objective

To establish normative nasalance scores for a set of newly developed stimuli in Malay.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants

Participants were 150 native speakers of Malay aged 6 years to 12 years.

Method

All consented participants were initially screened to identify any overt difficulties relating to hearing, voice quality, resonance, or speech and language skills. Participants who passed the screen read or repeated each stimulus, and nasalance scores were recorded.

Results

The mean nasalance score for the Oral passage was 13.86% (SD = 5.11, 95% Cl = 13.04 to 14.68), 60.28% (SD = 6.99, 95% CI = 59.15 to 61.41) for the Nasal Passage, and 27.72% (SD = 4.74, 95% CI = 26.96 to 28.49) for the Set of Sentences.

Conclusion

Despite small variations, the overall mean nasalance scores in Malay are consistent with published norms in other languages. Age and sex differences were observed but clinically not relevant.
Soil C and N changes with afforestation of grasslands across gradients of precipitation and plantation age
Authors: Berthrong Sean T. , Piñeiro Gervasio , Jobbágy Esteban G. , Jackson Robert B.
Published: July 2011

Afforestation, the conversion of unforested lands to forests, is a tool for sequestering anthropogenic carbon dioxide into plant biomass. However, in addition to altering biomass, afforestation can have substantial effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, some of which have much longer turnover times than plant biomass. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the effect of afforestation on SOC may depend on mean annual precipitation (MAP). The goal of this study was to test how labile and bulk pools of SOC and total soil nitrogen (TN) change with afforestation across a rainfall gradient of 600–1500 mm in the Rio de la Plata grasslands of Argentina and Uruguay. The sites were all former grasslands planted withEucalyptusspp. Overall, we found that afforestation increased (up to 1012 kg C·ha−1·yr−1) or decreased (as much as 1294 kg C·ha−1·yr−1) SOC pools in this region and that these changes were significantly related to MAP. Drier sites gained, and wetter sites lost, SOC and TN (r2= 0.59,P= 0.003; andr2= 0.57,P= 0.004, respectively). Labile C and N in microbial biomass and extractable soil pools followed similar patterns to bulk SOC and TN. Interestingly, drier sites gained more SOC and TN as plantations aged, while losses reversed as plantations aged in wet sites, suggesting that plantation age in addition to precipitation is a critical driver of changes in soil organic matter with afforestation. This new evidence implies that longer intervals between harvests for plantations could improve SOC storage, ameliorating the negative trends found in humid sites. Our results suggest that the value of afforestation as a carbon sequestration tool should be considered in the context of precipitation and age of the forest stand.
13C‐labeling shows the effect of hierarchy on the carbon gain of individuals and functional groups in dense field stands
Authors: Lattanzi Fernando Alfredo , Berone German Darío , Feneis Wolfgang , Schnyder Hans
Published: July 2011

Measurements of resource capture by individuals, species, or functional groups coexisting in field stands improve our ability to investigate the ecophysiological basis of plant competition. But methodological and technical difficulties have limited the use of such measurements. Carbon capture, in particular, is difficult to asses in heterogeneous, dense field stands. Here we present a new approach to measure in situ daily gross carbon gain of individuals. It is based on measuring the 13C content of shoots after a few hours of continuous labeling of all assimilated CO2. The technique is simple and has few assumptions. A new, fully mobile facility was developed, capable of providing a labeling environment with a CO2 concentration close to atmospheric air and known, constant 13C‐enrichment, while maintaining temperature and relative humidity within ambient values. This facility was used in seminatural grasslands of Germany and Argentina to explore the relationship between size and carbon gain of individuals of coexisting species growing in contrasting hierarchical positions, and to analyze the carbon gain of functional groups. In general, carbon gain per unit shoot mass increased with increasing size among small individuals, but it became independent of size among the largest ones. In consequence, competition appeared to be size asymmetric between subordinate individuals but size symmetric between dominant individuals. When comparing functional groups, the carbon gain per unit shoot mass of rosette dicots vs. grasses reflected not their relative contribution to stand biomass, but their hierarchical position: irrespectively of mass or growth form, being taller than neighbors was most important in determining carbon gain per unit shoot mass. We believe these results show that in situ measurements of carbon gain can provide valuable insight in field studies of plant competition.
Functional Imaging for Assessing Tumor Response in Cancer of the Cervix
Authors: Roberts Charlotte , Liyanage Sidath H , Harry Vanessa N , Rockall Andrea G
Published: July 2011

Treatment options for carcinoma of the cervix are guided by tumor stage, and include radical surgery, in cases where the tumor is confined to the cervix, or concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In those cases treated with chemoradiation, the ability to monitor the response to treatment in order to adapt the management plan during its course may be beneficial. This approach has the potential to offer an individualized treatment plan, allowing for differences in behavior between tumors to be addressed early, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ treatment approach. This article aims to review the use of evolving functional imaging techniques including diffusion-weighted MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, and PET as tools for the evaluation of response to treatment of uterine cervical carcinoma.
Individualizing Hormone Therapy to Minimize Risk: Accurate Assessment of Risks and Benefits
Authors: Shoupe Donna
Published: July 2011

Contrary to the exaggerated risks associated with HRT that developed after the initial press reports held by the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) writing group, the recent approach to hormone therapy is more balanced and evidence based. A review of over 40 years of scientific studies demonstrates that estrogen is a medication that can decrease mortality, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis fracture, urogenital atrophy and dementia. When timing of administration, dose of therapy and route of administration are considered, estrogen is associated with low risks and substantial benefits. The decision of whether or not to take HRT for either short symptom relief or for long-term therapy, should be based on an accurate risk–benefit analysis. Adjusting the dose of therapy and considering a transdermal approach, particularly in high-risk patients, are important considerations.
Cigarette Smoking and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Lynch Henry T , Lynch Jane F
Published: July 2011

Evaluation of: Luo J, Margolis KL, Wactawski-Wende J et al. Association of active and passive smoking with risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women: a prospective cohort study. BMJ DOI: 10.1136/bmj.d1016 (2011) (Epub ahead of print). Luo et al. have had the advantage of assessing active and passive smoking effects on breast cancer in 40 clinical centers in the USA involving 79,990 women aged 50–79 years, who were enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study from 1993 to 1998. This is the possibly the largest cohort that has demonstrated the hazards of cigarette smoking and its impact on carcinoma of the breast in women.
Sex Differences in Antiplatelet Response in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Meyer Dawn M , Eastwood Jo-Ann , Compton Margaret P , Gylys Karen , Zivin Justin A , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: July 2011

Sex differences exist in the occurrence, treatment and outcome of ischemic stroke. Compared with men, women have more stroke events and are less likely to fully recover from a stroke. Given the rapidly aging population, stroke incidence and mortality among women are projected to substantially rise by 2050. This has important public health consequences. Mitigating the burden of stroke among women will require a fundamental understanding of sex differences and sex-specific issues including cerebrovascular disease pathophysiology, treatment and outcome. An aspect of stroke treatment receiving increasing but insufficient attention involves possible interactions between estrogen levels, antiplatelet drugs and stroke outcome. Emerging evidence suggests that antiplatelet therapy may provide primary stroke protection but not primary myocardial infarction prevention in women, while the opposite may be true among men. Understanding sex-specific issues related to women who experience stroke is critical to clinicians who treat women with antiplatelet medications as part of a secondary stroke prevention regimen; however, the ideal antiplatelet medication, and dose, in women requires further research. In this article we present a conceptual framework for sex differences in antiplatelet treatment response in ischemic stroke, thrombus formation and the mediating role of estrogen, sex differences in antiplatelet treatment response in clinical trials, and sex differences in antiplatelet treatment use in ischemic stroke.
Paradoxies of global and individual within the network of discursive mapping
Authors: Teodorovic Jasmina
Published: July 2011

The paper initially establishes the theoretical framework including the
crucial notions of the contemporary philosophical and cultural studies the
aim of which is to investigate the Global and Individual phenomena. Following
the principal tenets of Paul de Man?s tropological approach, the paper also
seeks to critically explore theoretical elaborations constituting their own
discursive mappings, whereas, at the same time, the latter are subject to the
acute critical theoretical endeavours in the context of constructing
hyperdiscursive network and spatial logic of the Global, hence totalizing
which is precisely to neutralize the Individual. Consequently, by means of
their own metadiscursive ?schisms?, Foucault?s visibly-invisible interactive
relations of power are established, within which the Individual equally
constitutes itself as an operational factor of Jameson?s culture as
megastructure on the next level of abstraction - cultural selfproduction. The
final segment of the paper seeks to highlight the fact that, in the
contemporary epoch, discourse coequally constitutes itself as a manipulative
factor in Jameson?s ?New World System? and Baudrillard?s ?fatal strategies of
seduction?. Henceforth, within the contemporary discursive mapping
establishing itself as a paraliterature in its own right, there remains the
issue as to what extent the metastasis of the Global conditions the
metastasis of the Individual, and vice versa.
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Changes of Glucose Effectiveness in Relation to Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Lorenzo Carlos , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Karter Andrew J. , Hanley Anthony J.G. , Rewers Marian J. , Haffner Steven M.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

Glucose effectiveness (SG), the capacity of glucose to enhance its own disposition, is an independent predictor of future diabetes. However, there are data on cross-sectional and longitudinal changes of SG and its components, basal insulin effect on SG (BIE) and SG at zero insulin (GEZI), but the natural course of SG has not been described in a large population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

S G was measured at baseline in 1,265 participants (aged 40–69 years) and at the 5-year examination in 827 participants in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) using the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. None of these participants were treated with glucose-lowering agents.

RESULTS

In cross-sectional analyses, SG, BIE, and GEZI deteriorated with worsening of glucose tolerance (P < 0.001 for all three associations). In longitudinal analyses among subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) at baseline, SG, BIE, and GEZI declined in those who progressed to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes (P < 0.001 for all three measures). More modest longitudinal changes were demonstrated in individuals with IGT. The transition back to NGT (as opposed to no change) compared with the transition to diabetes was statistically significant for SG (P = 0.049) and BIE (P = 0.042) and was not a statistically significant trend for GEZI (P = 0.332). In individuals with diabetes, only BIE had a significant decline (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

S G, BIE, and GEZI decline in subjects whose glycemic status worsens. SG and GEZI deteriorate more in the initial stages of the disease process.
Occupational allergy to Limonium sinuatum — a case report
Authors: Wiszniewska Marta , Pałczyński Cezary , Krawczyk-Szulc Patrycja , Wittczak Tomasz , Cyran Aleksandra , Walusiak-Skorupa Jolanta
Published: July 2011

Decorative flowers are known to be a cause of occupational allergy in the floral industry. The allergic manifestations induced by flowers include asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman, who has been working for the last 30 years as a gardener with various kinds of flowers, e.g., Limonium sinuatum (LS), chrysanthemum, sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) and Lilium. During the last 10 years she has developed nasal and eyes symptoms, dry cough, dyspnoea, chest tightness and wheezing. Clinical examination, routine laboratory testing, chest radiography, skin prick tests (SPT) involving common allergens, native plants pollens and leaves by the prick-prick technique, rest spirometry, methacholine challenge test and specific inhalation challenge test (SICT) were conducted. SPT results to common allergens were positive for grass pollens. SPT with native plants pollens and leaves showed a positive reaction only for LS. SICT induced an isolated early asthmatic reaction and significant increase in the number of eosinophils in the nasal lavage fluid. Additionally, significant increase in non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity was observed after SICT. To our knowledge, the presently described report is the first one of Limonium sinuatum induced occupational asthma and rhinitis in a Polish gardener.
Japan's New Competitive Advantage: Enterprises' Innovative Initiatives and Government's Reforms
Authors: Młodawska Jolanta
Published: July 2011

This article is a continuation of the report "Japan's new competitive advantage. Arguments and proposals for structural reorientation" published in the "Comparative Economic Research for Central & Eastern Europe", vol. 13, no 1/2/2010, which mainly dealt with the role of the private sector's cooperation with governmental agencies. The discussion presented below is divided into four sections. Section one outlines the history of new ITC firms (mobile communications, computers) after the year 2000 and addresses innovation factors. Section two characterizes Japan's "dual economy" with respect to economic competitiveness and innovation. Section three discusses the major structural reforms (Japan Post, the Housing Loan Corporation and the Japan Highway Corporation) that were undertaken in Japan in the 21st c. Section four of the article provides final conclusions.
Continuing Education for Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapists in Canada: A Survey of Perceived Needs
Authors: Chau Joyce , Chadbourn Pamela , Hamel Rebecca , Mok Sherman , Robles Bradley , Chan Lianne , Cott Cheryl , Yeung Euson
Published: July 2011

Purpose: Our purpose was to determine advanced manual and manipulative physiotherapists' (AMPTs') current use and awareness of continuing education (CE) opportunities; to establish their perceived CE needs by identifying facilitators and barriers to participation; and to explore the association of demographics with CE needs. Methods: A questionnaire was e-mailed to 456 registered members of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Data analyses using frequencies and percentages of total responses and t-tests for group comparisons were performed. Results: One hundred thirty-three (29.2%) participants responded. Most lived in an urban region and worked predominantly in direct patient care. More respondents reported engaging in informal CE than in formal CE. Hands-on or practical workshops were the preferred CE format. Common barriers to CE included professional commitments and cost and time of travel; facilitators included interest in the topic and increasing knowledge and competency. AMPTs with less physical therapy experience found cost to be a greater barrier and were more interested in mentorship programs and CE as a means to obtain credentials. Conclusions: AMPTs' preferred CE formats are inconsistent with the CE opportunities in which they participate. CE initiatives for AMPTs should include hands-on training and should account for time and cost to make CE opportunities more readily available to them.
G6PD Status in Patients with Presenile and Senile Cataract
Authors: Yasmin Farzana , Begum Noorzahan , Ferdousi Sultana
Published: July 2011

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the common enzymopathy and may be one of the risk factor for both presenile and senile cataract. Objective: To observe erythrocyte G6PD level in male patients with presenile and senile cataract in order to find out their enzyme status. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag Dhaka between 1st July 2009 and 30th June 2010. 60 male patients with presenile and senile cataract were included in the study group (Group-B). They were selected from Out patient Department (OPD) of Ophthalmology of BSMMU in Dhaka City. For comparison age matched 60 apparently healthy male without cataract (Group A) were also studied. According to age both study & control group were again subdivided in to Group B1 & A1(presenile,aged 40-60 years) and Group B2 & A2(senile, aged >60 years). Erythrocyte G6PD level was measured by Spectrophotometric method. Data were analyzed by independent sample t test, ANOVA, Chi-square test as applicable. Results: Mean erythrocyte G6PD level was significantly lower (P<0.01) in the presenile and senile cataractous groups compared to their corresponding noncataractous subjects. However 26.7% cataractous patients in presenile and 6.7% in senile group were G6PD deficient. Conclusion: Erythrocyte G6PD deficiency may be present in both presenile and senile cataract but more marked in presenile cataract patients. Key words: G6PD; Cataract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i1.8058 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2011 June; 6(1): 1-4
Severe Allergic Reactions to Food in Norway: A Ten Year Survey of Cases Reported to the Food Allergy Register
Authors: Namork Ellen , Fæste Christiane K. , Stensby Berit A. , Egaas Eliann , Løvik Martinus
Published: July 2011

The Norwegian Food Allergy Register was established at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in 2000. The purpose of the register is to gain information about severe allergic reactions to food in Norway and to survey food products in relation to allergen labelling and contamination. Cases are reported on a voluntary basis by first line doctors, and submitted together with a serum sample for specific IgE analysis. The register has received a total of 877 reports from 1 July, 2000 to 31 December, 2010. Two age groups, small children and young adults are over-represented, and the overall gender distribution is 40:60 males-females. The legumes lupine and fenugreek have been identified as two “new” allergens in processed foods and cases of contamination and faults in production of processed foods have been revealed. The highest frequency of food specific IgE is to hazelnuts and peanuts, with a marked increase in reactions to hazelnuts during the last three years. The Food Allergy Register has improved our knowledge about causes and severity of food allergic reactions in Norway. The results show the usefulness of population based national food allergy registers in providing information for health authorities and to secure safe food for individuals with food allergies.
L'administration centrale de la province de Numidie de Septime Sévère à Gallien
Authors: Le Glay Marcel
Published: July 2011

De la création de la province de Numidie sous Septime Sévère jusqu'à la réforme de Gallien, en 262, qui entraîne le remplacement du légat propréteur clarissime par un gouverneur équestre, la province fut dirigée par un sénateur ancien préteur. Celui-ci, en qualité de chef de corps (la legio tertia Augusta) avait, à Lambèse, devenue capitale de la nouvelle province, un état-major et, en qualité de gouverneur, un officium. Comment fonctionnait l'administration provinciale, notamment pendant l'absence de la 3e légion dissoute, entre 238 et 253/256 ? C'est l'objet de cette étude.

A la suite de la réforme de Gallien, il apparaissait que le premier responsable équestre de la province n'était attesté qu'en 267/268, en la personne de Tenagino Probus. Le réexamen d'une inscription fragmentaire de la région de Timgad conduit à penser qu'il fut précédé par Severinius Apronianus, qui deviendrait donc le premier chevalier gouverneur de Numidie sous Gallien.

On note alors l'absence totale de mention d'un personnel administratif civil dans les inscriptions.
Il castellum Tamudense in età severiana (riassunto)
Authors: Mastino Attilio
Published: July 2011

Un' iscrizione recentemente rinvenuta in località Suiar presso le rovine di Tamuda (oggi al Museo di Tetuan in Marocco), datata all' 11 aprile 210, va collegata in qualche modo con i lavori di restauro e di potenziamento difensivo in età severiana del castellum Tamu[den]se. Questo piccolo accampamento, a partire dal regno di Commodo, ospitò forse una vexillatio di vexillatio di Brittones, sotto il comando di un praepositus, decurione dell'[al]a III Asturum, reparto quest'ultimo di stanza probabilmente a Thamusida.

La dedica a Giove, effettuata in occasione del 65° compleanno di Settimio Severo, dopo la conclusione della vittoriosa campagna in Britannia, ricorda anche un procuratore della Mauretania Tingitana rimasto poi coinvolto con tutta probabilità nella repressione voluta da Caracalla dopo l'uccisione del fratello Geta, come è dimostrato dal provvedimento di abolitio nominis.

Un' acclamazione finale (et deinceps ob[ser]vabimus) potrebbe alludere alla celebrazione di un sacrificio propiziatorio che i soldati agli ordini del praepositus si impegnavano a ripetere in futuro nella stessa ricorrenza imperiale.
Hypothèse sur la création du municipe de Sala
Authors: Gascou Jacques
Published: July 2011

La republication par J. Boube de l'inscription I.A. M., 2, 307, oblige à une nouvelle interprétation de ce document. Le jeune Q. Antonius, C(aii) f(ilius), Tranquillus Saturninus ne peut plus être considéré comme un decurión, ni donc comme un citoyen de Volubilis. Il est decurion et citoyen de Sala. Mais, du même coup, son appartenance à la tribu Claudia tend à démontrer que les citoyens de Sala étaient inscrits dans la même tribu. Comme c'est l'empereur Claude qui conféra la tribu Claudia, en Mauretanie Tingitane comme dans d'autres provinces, aux cités qu'il transforma en municipes ou en colonies, on peut en déduire que le municipe de Sala, tout comme celui de Volubilis, doit sa création à Claude, et non point à Trajan, comme on l'a parfois supposé.
Plant water status and hydraulic conductance during flowering in the southern California coastal sage shrub Salvia mellifera (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Lambrecht Susan C. , Santiago Louis S. , DeVan Caroline M. , Cervera J. Carlos , Stripe Cara M. , Buckingham Lee A. , Pasquini Sarah C.
Published: July 2011

•Premise of the Study: Plant water status during flowering is important for plant reproduction, but the physiology of floral water use is not well understood. We investigated plant water status in relation to leaf and floral physiology in naturally occurring individuals of a semiarid shrub, Salvia mellifera E. Greene.

•Methods: We measured stomatal (gs) and corolla (gc) conductance to water vapor, transpiration from leaves (Eleaf) and corollas (Ecorolla), leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance (KH), bulk shoot water potential (Ψshoot), and shoot water content on irrigated and control plants to analyze whether water was limiting to leaf and floral water use.

•Key Results: Experimental irrigation caused a 203% increase in soil moisture content, a 20% increase in predawn Ψshoot, a 29% increase in midday Ψshoot, and a 92% increase in KH. Floral and leaf gas exchange did not respond significantly to water addition, indicating that rates were at seasonal maxima and not limited by water availability. Total daily water use by corollas was ∼20% of total shoot water use. There were no significant differences in total daily shoot water use with water addition. Mean shoot water content (5.07 g) was close to mean daily shoot water use (6.71 g), indicating that the equivalent of total shoot water content turned over every 0.76 d.

•Conclusions: These results demonstrate that although irrigation improved whole‐plant hydraulic conductance, gas exchange was not limited by water availability. Additionally, the high water use of flowers in this species might limit future flowering and reproductive success during dry years.
Evaluation of a System to Screen for Stimulators of Non-Specific DNA Nicking by HIV-1 Integrase: Application to a Library of 50,000 Compounds
Authors: Sudol Malgorzata , Fritz Jennifer L , Tran Melissa , Robertson Gavin P , Ealy Julie B , Katzman Michael
Published: July 2011

Background:

In addition to activities needed to catalyse integration, retroviral integrases exhibit non-specific endonuclease activity that is enhanced by certain small compounds, suggesting that integrase could be stimulated to damage viral DNA before integration occurs.

Methods:

A non-radioactive, plate-based, solution phase, fluorescence assay was used to screen a library of 50,080 drug-like chemicals for stimulation of non-specific DNA nicking by HIV-1 integrase.

Results:

A semi-automated workflow was established and primary hits were readily identified from a graphic output. Overall, 0.6% of the chemicals caused a large increase in fluorescence (the primary hit rate) without also having visible colour that could have artifactually caused this result. None of the potential stimulators from this moderate-size library, however, passed a secondary test that included an inactive integrase mutant that assessed whether the increased fluorescence depended on the endonuclease activity of integrase.

Conclusions:

This first attempt at identifying integrase stimulator compounds establishes the necessary logistics and workflow required. The results from this study should encourage larger scale high-throughput screening to advance the novel antiviral strategy of stimulating integrase to damage retroviral DNA.
Une approche géohistorique de l'identité territoriale néo-zélandaise
Authors: Cognard François
Published: July 2011

Résumé Comment se forge, à travers le temps, une identité territoriale renforçant le processus de construction nationale ? Selon quelles temporalités des discours mythologiques à connotation spatiale se développent-ils pour assurer la prise de conscience collective de valeurs communes ? La société néo-zélandaise offre la possibilité d’une approche dynamique du concept de territoire. La posture géohistorique adoptée ici montre que ces discours rassembleurs émergent à des périodes de rapports de force sociaux remettant en cause des principes initiaux de représentation, d’organisation, de partage de l’espace, et présente ainsi le territoire comme un acteur de la vie politique en ce qu’il révèle la non-réalisation de projets de société et fait l’objet d’une instrumentalisation symbolique à vocation fédératrice.
Arago et la vitesse de la lumière (1806-1810), un manuscrit inédit, une nouvelle analyse
Authors: Eisenstaedt Jean , Combes Michel
Published: July 2011

Résumé Les expériences de 1806-1810 sur la vitesse de la lumière, publiées en 1853, ont été pensées par François-Dominique Arago dans le cadre de la théorie newtonienne de la propagation de la lumière aujourd’hui totalement oubliée. Il s’appuie aussi sur les travaux de John Michell et de Robert Blair qui ont pensé cinquante ans avant Christian Doppler l’effet que celui-ci posera pour le son et Armand-Hippolyte Fizeau pour la lumière. Arago tentera de mesurer la vitesse radiale de la lumière issue d’un corps en mouvement par la mesure de la réfraction sur un prisme des rayons lumineux qui en sont issus. C’est bien là, dans un cadre newtonien, l’essence de l’effet « Doppler ». Arago pose ouvertement la question de l’apparente constance de la vitesse de la lumière face à la logique de la relativité galiléenne. Une problématique qui dominera la physique du xix e siècle et qui porte les thèmes de la révolution relativiste. Un manuscrit inédit de 1806 permet de comprendre l’article de 1853 et d’en justifier les calculs.
La recherche sur les galaxies : La place de la France de 1910 à 1950
Authors: Brémond Alain
Published: July 2011

Résumé Le but de ce travail est d’analyser l’implication tardive de la France dans le domaine de l’astronomie extragalactique. Cette étude démontre la très nette domination des États-Unis et l’absence de la France dans ces recherches. En Amérique du Nord, ce domaine s’est constitué en une véritable spécialité, exclusive pour certains comme Edwin Hubble. Les causes en sont multifactorielles mais beaucoup d’éléments sont corrélés. Le manque de télescopes puissants n’en est pas la raison principale car toutes les découvertes inaugurales ont été réalisées avec des équipements que beaucoup d’observatoires français possédaient. Les causes financières ont peut-être joué : moindre rôle du mécénat, engagement limité de l’État, première guerre mondiale ; mais elles ne suffisent pas à tout expliquer. L’organisation même des observatoires, si favorable aux nouvelles recherches américaines, paralysait toute innovation en France. Les charges de travail non directement astronomiques, dont se sont déchargés les astronomes des États-Unis (géophysique, météorologie, service de l’heure), hypothéquaient lourdement ailleurs les possibilités de nouveaux développements. Enfin, il semble que les astronomes, par tradition, ne se soient pas intéressés, en France, à la question des nébuleuses. Sans doute ce désintérêt était-il accentué par une organisation fortement centralisée de l’astronomie, qui maintenait les différents observatoires dans une continuité routinière, signalée dans les rapports rédigés à la fin de la période. La fin de la seconde guerre mondiale s’est accompagnée, partout dans le monde, d’un nouveau bond en avant de la recherche astronomique qui a permis l’essor, en France et en Europe, de l’astronomie extragalactique.
Analyse comparée des dispositifs publics d'indemnisation des victimes d'accidents médicaux en Belgique et en France
Authors: Gibert Sabine , Guinotte Laurent , Martin Dominique
Published: July 2011

Résumé L’analyse comparée des législations nationales, parce qu’elle décentre le point de vue, est un outil d’analyse particulièrement utile dans la compréhension des enjeux. La comparaison des dispositifs publics d’indemnisation des victimes d’accidents médicaux en Belgique et en France, proposée dans ce texte, vise ainsi à éclairer chacun des deux dispositifs en s’appuyant sur l’analyse de leurs ressemblances et de leurs différences. Mais au-delà de la seule analyse, ce texte a surtout pour objectif de relater une expérience de travail en commun et de montrer l’intérêt d’un rapprochement des administrations nationales au moment même de la conception des textes.
Clinical Use of OCT in Assessing Glaucoma Progression
Authors: Kotowski Jacek , Wollstein Gadi , Folio Lindsey S. , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Schuman Joel S.
Published: July 2011

Detection of disease progression is an important and challenging component of glaucoma management. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has proved to be valuable in the detection of glaucomatous damage. With its high resolution and proven measurement reproducibility, OCT has the potential to become an important tool for glaucoma progression detection. This manuscript presents the capabilities of the OCT technology pertinent for detection of progressive glaucomatous damage and provides a review of the current knowledge on the device’s clinical performance.