bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Divide-and-Conquer and Employer/Employee Models of Discrimination: Neoclassical Competition as a Familial Defect
Authors: Mason Patrick L.
Published: September 2007

This article is an examination of the similarities between Michael Reich's divide-and-conquer model of discrimination and the Becker-Arrow taste model of discrimination. It shows that Reich's model of discrimination is analytically identical to Arrow's employer discrimination model when employer utility is a function of total profits and the racial employment ratio. It also shows that the Becker-Arrow distinction between employer and employee discrimination is invalid. Finally, the author argues that neoclassical competition is the major defect of both models. After discussing the implications of these results the article points to new directions in the literature on the economics of discrimination.
Marfanoid features in a child with combined methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria (CblC type)
Authors: Heil Sandra G. , Hogeveen Marije , Kluijtmans Leo A. J. , van Dijken P. J. , van de Berg Gerard B. , Blom Henk J. , Morava Eva
Published: September 2007

Cobalamin is an essential cofactor for two mammalian enzymes: methionine synthase and methylmalonyl‐CoA mutase. Patients with the cobalamin C (CblC) defect have combined methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria. Recently, the gene responsible for the CblC type, MMACHC, was identified, which enables molecular diagnostics. In this study, we describe two siblings, a 16‐year‐old girl and her 11‐year‐old brother, of a consanguineous family who presented with a very distinct clinical manifestation. The girl presented at the age of 13 years with macrocytic anaemia, cognitive regression and Marfanoid features such as increased arm‐span, arachnodactyly, joint hyperlaxity and scoliosis. Her brother presented at the age of 10 months with developmental delay and behavioural abnormalities. Biochemical analysis showed severely increased homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels in plasma of both siblings. In addition, plasma cysteine levels were decreased in the girl but not in her brother. The diagnosis of CblC defect was confirmed by genomic sequencing of the coding exons of the MMACHC gene. Two heterozygous mutations were identified in both siblings; the common c.271dupA p.Arg91LysfsX14 and a novel mutation, c.1A>G p.Met1?. Therapy consisting of folic acid, vitamin B6, l‐carnitine and intramuscular vitamin B12 resulted in a clear improvement of biochemical parameters and, importantly, resulted in amelioration of the Marfanoid features in the girl. These data might suggest that low cysteine levels account for the Marfanoid features observed in the girl and indicate that the CblC type of combined methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with Marfanoid features.
Successful treatment of severe heart failure in an infant with Hurler syndrome
Authors: Hirth A. , Berg A. , Greve G.
Published: September 2007

Hurler syndrome (MPS IH) is the most severe form of mucopolysaccharidosis type I. It is caused by deficiency or absence of the enzyme α‐l‐iduronidase. Cardiac involvement includes cardiomyopathy and valve and coronary pathology. Cardiomyopathy causing symptoms in an infant with MPS IH carries a very poor prognosis. We describe a previously healthy 10‐week‐old boy who was admitted to hospital critically ill with severe heart failure. Echocardiography on admission showed severe dilatation of the left ventricle and moderate insufficiency of the left‐sided cardiac valves. Accumulation of heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate substrates in the urine and leukocyte analysis confirmed the diagnosis of MPS IH. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with intravenous laronidase at a standard dosage of 100 U/kg weekly was started soon after. This improved the child's general clinical wellbeing dramatically. His cardiac function improved steadily over a period of months. Stem cell transplantation from cord blood is not available in Norway and he underwent successful transplantation from an unrelated bone marrow donor at the age of 11 months. ERT was stopped four months later. At the age of 26 months his heart function is close to normal and he is currently on no medication. This report highlights three important clinical issues: (1) MPS IH must be considered in infants with cardiomyopathy; (2) early ERT may have a significant impact on short‐term outcome in children less than 18 months old with severe cardiomyopathy; (3) our report confirms that patients in poor condition benefit from ERT before stem cell transplantation.
Peptides reproducibly released byin vivodigestion of beef meat and trout flesh in pigs
Authors: Bauchart Caroline , Morzel Martine , Chambon Christophe , Mirand Philippe Patureau , Reynès Christelle , Buffière Caroline , Rémond Didier
Published: September 2007

Characterisation and identification of peptides (800 to 5000 Da) generated by intestinal digestion of fish or meat were performed using MS analyses (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight and nano-liquid chromatography electrospray-ionisation ion trap MS/MS). Four pigs fitted with cannulas at the duodenum and jejunum received a meal exclusively made of cookedPectoralis profundusbeef meat or cooked trout fillets. A protein-free meal, made of free amino acids, starch and fat, was used to identify peptides of endogenous origin. Peptides reproducibly detected in digesta (i.e. from at least three pigs) were evidenced predominantly in the first 3 h after the meal. In the duodenum, most of the fish- and meat-derived peptides were characteristic of a peptic digestion. In the jejunum, the majority of peptides appeared to result from digestion by chymotrypsin and trypsin. Despite slight differences in gastric emptying kinetics and overall peptide production, possibly in relation to food structure and texture, six and four similar peptides were released after ingestion of fish or meat in the duodenum and jejunum. A total of twenty-six different peptides were identified in digesta. All were fragments of major structural (actin, myosin) or sarcoplasmic (creatine kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and myoglobin) muscle proteins. Peptides were short ( < 2000 Da) and particularly rich in proline residues. Nineteen of them contained bioactive sequences corresponding mainly to an antihypertensive activity. The present work showed that after fish or meat ingestion, among the wide variety of peptides produced by enzymic digestion, some of them can be reproducibly observed in intestinal digesta.
Influence of Ramadan-type fasting on carbohydrate metabolism, brush border membrane enzymes and phosphate transport in rat kidney used as a model
Authors: Salim Samina , Farooq Neelam , Priyamvada Shubha , Asghar Mohammad , Jalal Khundmiri Syed , Khan Samia , Khan Farah , Yusufi Ahad Noor Khan
Published: September 2007

Ramadan fasting is a unique model of fasting in which Muslims the world over abstain from food and water from dawn to sunset for 1 month. We hypothesized that this model of prolonged intermittent fasting would result in specific adaptive alterations in rat kidney to keep a positive balance of metabolites and inorganic phosphate (Pi). The effect of Ramadan-type fasting was studied on enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and brush border membrane (BBM) and BBM uptake of32Pi in different renal tissue zones in the rat model. Rats were fasted (12 h) and then re-fed (12 h) daily for 30 d similar to human Ramadan fasting. Ramadan-type fasting resulted in increased serum Pi and phospholipids, whereas Pi clearance decreased. Serum creatinine and its clearance were not affected. Fasting caused a significant decrease in the activities of lactate and malate dehydrogenases, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, both in the renal cortex and medulla. However, the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase profoundly increased but that of malic enzyme decreased. The activities of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in BBM decreased, whereas transport of32Pi significantly increased. The decrease in enzyme activities and increase in32Pi transport were due to alterations of both maximal velocities and relative affinities. The results indicate that Ramadan-type fasting caused specific metabolic alterations with enhanced Pi conservation in different kidney tissues in a rat model used for Ramadan fasting in man.
Folate and colo-rectal cancer risk
Authors: Sanderson Peter , Stone Elaine , Kim Young-In , Mathers John C. , Kampman Ellen , Stephen Downes C. , Muir Kenneth R. , Baron John A.
Published: September 2007

The UK Food Standards Agency convened a group of expert scientists to review current research investigating folate and colo-rectal cancer risk. The workshop aimed to examine current research and establish research priorities. The timing of folate exposure with respect to carcinogenesis, as well as the dose and form of folate, were considered key issues for future research. Also, the need to study further the influence of genetically defined subgroups was highlighted for future research.
Improvement of bone properties and enhancement of mineralization by ethanol extract of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi
Authors: Zhang Yan , Leung Ping-Chung , Che Chun-Tao , Chow Hung-Kay , Wu Chun-Fu , Wong Man-Sau
Published: September 2007

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL), a kidney-tonifying Chinese herb, was shown to regulate Ca balance in ovariectomized (OVX) rats in our previous study. This study investigated whether it could improve bone properties in aged normal and OVX rats and increase osteoblastic differentiation in rat osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells. Ten-month-old aged rats underwent sham-operation or ovariectomy, were orally administered with FLL extracts or its vehicle and fed with diets containing different levels of Ca (LCD, 0·1 % Ca; MCD, 0·6 % Ca; HCD, 1·2 % Ca) for 12 weeks. Ovariectomy induced bone loss at multiple-sites of both tibia and femur in all rats being studied. FLL extract increased bone mineral density and bone mineral content at both tibial and femoral diaphysis as well as the lumbar vertebra (LV-2) in rats fed either LCD or MCD. In addition, FLL increased biomechanical strength of the tibial diaphysis in these rats. Combination of FLL and high-Ca diet significantly improved bone mass of cortical and trabecular bone at appendicular bones and LV-2 and decreased bone loss associated with ovarietomy and low-Ca feeding. Treatment of UMR-106 cells with FLL extracts accelerated the formation of calcified matrix and increased extracellular Ca and P depositions in time- and dose-dependent manner. The level of mineralization reached a maximum by 6 d incubation at the dosage of 10 μg FLL extract/ml. Our study indicated that FLL extract could improve bone properties in aged rats possibly via its direct action on osteoblastic cells by enhancement of the mineralization process.
Dietary supplement use and mortality in a cohort of Swedish men
Authors: Messerer Maria , Håkansson Niclas , Wolk Alicja , Åkesson Agneta
Published: September 2007

The use of dietary supplements has increased substantially in most industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the association between use of dietary supplements and all-cause mortality, cancer mortality and CVD mortality in men. We used the population-based prospective cohort of 38 994 men from central Sweden, 45–79 years of age, with no cancer or CVD at baseline and who completed a self-administered FFQ including questions on dietary supplement use and life-style factors in 1997. During average 7.7 years of follow-up, 3403 deaths were ascertained; among them, 771 due to cancer and 930 due to CVD (during 5.9 years of follow-up). In multivariate adjusted models including all men there was no association observed between use of any dietary supplement or of multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E or fish oil specifically and all-cause mortality, cancer or CVD mortality. Among current smokers, regular use of any supplement was associated with statistically significant increased risk of cancer mortality: relative risk (RR) 1·46 (95 % CI 1·06, 1·99). Among men reporting an inadequate diet at baseline (assessed by Recommended Food Score), there was a statistically significant inverse association between use of any dietary supplement and CVD mortality (RR 0·72; 95 % CI 0·57, 0·91), no associations were observed among men with adequate diets. In conclusion, we cannot exclude that the use of dietary supplements is harmful for smokers. On the other hand, among men with an insufficient diet, the use of supplements might be beneficial in reducing CVD mortality.
Reproducibility and relative validity of dietary glycaemic index and load assessed with a self-administered diet-history questionnaire in Japanese adults
Authors: Murakami Kentaro , Sasaki Satoshi , Takahashi Yoshiko , Okubo Hitomi , Hirota Naoko , Notsu Akiko , Fukui Mitsuru , Date Chigusa
Published: September 2007

Although many epidemiological studies have examined the association of dietary glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) with health outcomes, information on the reproducibility and relative validity of these variables estimated from dietary questionnaires is extremely limited. We examined the reproducibility and relative validity of dietary GI and GL assessed with a self-administered diet-history questionnaire (DHQ) in adult Japanese. A total of ninety-two Japanese women and ninety-two Japanese men aged 31–76 years completed the DHQ (assessing diet during the preceding month) and 4 d dietary records (DR) in each season over a 1-year period (DHQ1–4 and DR1–4, respectively) and the DHQ at 1 year after completing DHQ1 (DHQ5). We used intraclass correlations between DHQ1 and DHQ5 to assess reproducibility, and Pearson correlations between the mean of DR1–4 and mean of DHQ1–4 and between the mean of DR1–4 and DHQ1 to assess relative validity. Reproducibility correlations for dietary GI and GL were 0·57 and 0·69 among women and 0·65 and 0·58 among men, respectively. Validity correlations for dietary GI and GL assessed by DHQ1–4 were 0·72 and 0·66 among women and 0·65 and 0·71 among men, respectively. Corresponding correlations for DHQ1 were 0·53 and 0·58 among women and 0·57 and 0·60 among men, respectively. White rice was the major contributor to GI and GL in both methods (49–64 %). These data indicate reasonable reproducibility and relative validity of dietary GI and GL assessed by a DHQ for Japanese adults, whose dietary GI and GL are primarily determined by the GI of white rice.
IMPRESSIONS OF ROME
Authors: MAYER ROLAND
Published: September 2007

It is surprising how many first impressions of the sight of Rome have been put on record. Some of these first impressions are unashamedly imaginary and come to us mediated by or through a persona. This is a common ploy in Augustan poetry, and it is worth remembering that none of the great Augustan poets was a Roman of Rome, so the impressions attributed to the persona may well reflect those of the writer on his first coming to the metropolis as a young man or boy. First impressions can be conveniently divided into two groups. Some are just that, first impressions, with no hint that the visitor might have had some expectations of what would be seen and experienced. A second group, perhaps the more interesting one, distinguishes itself by a shared anticipation: their actual impressions on visiting the city are not really ‘first’ impressions at all. Few have ever brought to Rome an innocent eye: even in antiquity many visitors always already seemed to know what they were going to see there. Considered chronologically, the very first impressions of Rome of this second group were formed in the imagination, by hearsay, by reading, or in modern times by seeing images of the city: theirs is a virtual Rome. When they finally visit the ‘real’ Rome there often occurs a disjunction or contrast; it might be of enhancement.
RELIGION AND RITUAL IN THE WESTERN PROVINCES
Authors: REVELL LOUISE
Published: September 2007

Introduction

The search for a more powerful entity to provide some form of order to the chaotic nature of human existence is a phenomenon that can be seen throughout much of human history. For a Roman, the gods were everywhere, as powerful forces with an interest in all aspects of daily life. Religion formed part of the broad-based homogeneity of the western provinces following the process of cultural transformation after conquest. Inscriptions, sculpture, and temple architecture all point to a similar material culture, and, although there is an apparent continuity in the names of the deities being worshipped from the pre-Roman to the Roman periods, their association with the traditional gods of Rome through syncretism negates the idea of direct continuity. However, religious changes are often overlooked in accounts of the Romanization of the western provinces, and we are left with the rather uncritical concept of ‘Romano-Celtic’ religion as a hybrid phenomenon. There is a danger of using the archaeological evidence of temples and inscriptions as diagnostic of change, rather than undertaking a more rigorous analysis in order to understand how religion and ritual formed part of this broad-based homogeneity, and the way in which the people of the provinces made sense of how to act and behave within a new social and political world.
Moral Status in Virtue Ethics
Authors: Hacker-Wright John
Published: September 2007

My contention is that virtue ethics offers an important critique of traditional philosophical conceptions of moral status as well as an alternative view of important moral issues held to depend on moral status. I argue that the scope of entities that deserve consideration depends on our conception of the demands of virtues like justice; which entities deserve consideration emerges from a moral view of a world shaped by that conception. The deepest disputes about moral status depend on conflicting conceptions of justice. I advocate a conception of the virtue of justice that can account for the cases that pose problems for the legalistic views of moral status and discuss what ideal moral debate looks like on this view.
Is the Feeling of Unity That Kant Identifies in his Third Critique a Type of Inexpressible Knowledge?
Authors: Moore A.W.
Published: September 2007

Kant, in his third Critique, confronts the issue of how rule-governed objective judgement is possible. He argues that it requires a particular kind of aesthetic response to one's experience. I dub this response ‘the Feeling of Unity’, and I raise the question whether it is a type of inexpressible knowledge. Using David Bell's account of these matters as a touchstone, I argue that it is.
Gross for kids but good for parents: differing messages in advertisements for the same products
Authors: Jones Sandra , Fabrianesi Belinda
Published: September 2007

Objectives

There has been surprisingly little research into the effects of food advertising on parents’ perception of commonly consumed children’s food items, although the available research suggests that parents may find nutritional claims in these advertisements confusing. The purpose of the present study was to investigate parents’ perceptions of branded snack foods targeted at children, and the extent to which these perceptions are influenced by advertising messages.

Design

Using an intercept survey, participants were shown either adult-targeted or child-targeted advertisements for the same food products.

Setting

Central business district of a major Australian city.

Subjects

One hundred adults, mean age 40 years.

Results

The study results suggest that: (1) adults’ perceptions of advertised food products and, most importantly, purchase intentions for those products differ according to the version of the advertisement seen (for three of the products, 42–54% would buy the product after seeing the child version compared with 82–84% after seeing the adult version); and (2) adults clearly perceive distinctly different messages in advertisements for the same products which are targeting parents vs. those targeting children (e.g. for three of the products, 74–92% perceived that the adult version of the advertisement suggested the food was nutritionally beneficial compared with 2–14% perceiving this for the child version).

Conclusions

It is clear that the messages conveyed to children about specific foods are quite different to the messages conveyed to adults – and importantly parents – about the same foods.
Determinants of compliance with iron supplementation among pregnant women in Senegal
Authors: Seck Binetou C , Jackson Robert T
Published: September 2007

Background

Community iron supplementation programmes for pregnant women have lacked effectiveness, partly because of low compliance.

Objective

To determine factors that influence compliance among pregnant women in Senegal.

Design

Two hundred and twenty-one pregnant women, recruited from six health centres in Dakar during their first prenatal visit, were randomly assigned to receive either a prescription to purchase iron/folic acid tablets (control, n = 112) to be taken daily, according to official policy, or to receive free tablets (treatment, n = 109). Compliance was assessed 20 weeks after enrolment through interviews and pill count. Women with low or high compliance (<70% or ≥70%) were asked to explain what influenced their adherence to supplementation.

Results

Overall compliance was 69%; it was significantly higher in the treatment than in the control group (86% vs. 48%; P < 0.0001). Women with high compliance (58%) were motivated by: (1) the perception of improved health upon taking the tablets (treatment = 24%, control = 10%); (2) the insistence by midwives that they take the tablets; and (3) the mention that the tablets would improve health. Women with low compliance (42%) reported: (1) the experience of side-effects that they associated with the tablets (treatment = 13%, control = 14%); (2) misunderstanding that they needed to continue taking the tablets throughout pregnancy (treatment = 0%, control = 18%); and (3) forgetfulness.

Conclusion

Compliance with iron/folic acid supplementation in Senegal can be increased by providing women with clear instructions about tablet intake and educating them on the health benefits of the tablets.
Enuresis unter Therapie mit Psychopharmaka
Authors: Zahno  , Ramseier  , Hruz
Published: September 2007

Ein 66-jähriger Patient mit einer bekannten bipolaren affektiven Störung wird mit Efexor®, Trittico®, Reminyl®, Stilnox® und Dipiperon® behandelt. Unter dieser Medikation entwickelt er eine Enuresis. Nach dem Absetzen von Dipiperon® sistiert die Enuresis innerhalb von 48 Stunden. Diese seltene unerwünschte Arzneimittelwirkung des Neuroleptikums ist wahrscheinlich eine extrapyramidale Nebenwirkung und auf eine Dysbalance der zentral wirkenden Neurotransmitter zurückzuführen.
Oxygen‐derived free radicals mediate endothelium‐dependent contractions in femoral arteries of rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes
Authors: Shi Y , So K‐F , Man R Y K , Vanhoutte P M
Published: September 2007

Background and purpose:

The present experiments were designed to study the contribution of oxygen‐derived free radicals to endothelium‐dependent contractions in femoral arteries of rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes.

Experimental approach:

Rings with and without endothelium were suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension recording. The production of oxygen‐derived free radicals in the endothelium was measured with 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate using confocal microscopy. The presence of protein was measured by western blotting.

Key results:

In the presence of L‐NAME, the calcium ionophore A23187 induced larger endothelium‐dependent contractions in femoral arteries from diabetic rats. Tiron, catalase, deferoxamine and MnTMPyP, but not superoxide dismutase reduced the response, suggesting that oxygen‐derived free radicals are involved in the endothelium‐dependent contraction. In the presence of L‐NAME, A23187 increased the fluorescence signal in femoral arteries from streptozotocin‐treated, but not in those from control rats, confirming that the production of oxygen‐derived free radicals contributes to the enhanced endothelium‐dependent contractions in diabetes. Exogenous H2O2 caused contractions in femoral arterial rings without endothelium which were reduced by deferoxamine, indicating that hydroxyl radicals contract vascular smooth muscle and thus could be an endothelium‐derived contracting factor in diabetes. The reduced presence of Mn‐SOD and the decreased activity of catalase in femoral arteries from streptozotocin‐treated rats demonstrated the presence of a redox abnormality in arteries from rats with diabetes.

Conclusions and implications:

These findings suggest that the redox abnormality resulting from diabetes increases oxidative stress which facilitates and/or causes endothelium‐dependent contractions.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 1033–1041; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707439; published online 3 September 2007
Judging Egocentric Distance on the Ground: Occlusion and Surface Integration
Authors: He Zijiang J , Wu Bing , Ooi Teng Leng , Yarbrough Gary , Wu Jun
Published: September 2007

On the basis of the finding that a common and homogeneous ground surface is vital for accurate egocentric distance judgments (Sinai et al, 1998 Nature395 497–500), we propose a sequential-surface-integration-process (SSIP) hypothesis to elucidate how the visual system constructs a representation of the ground-surface in the intermediate distance range. According to the SSIP hypothesis, a near ground-surface representation is formed from near depth cues, and is utilized as an anchor to integrate the more distant surfaces by using texture-gradient information as the depth cue. The SSIP hypothesis provides an explanation for the finding that egocentric distance judgment is underestimated when a texture boundary exists on the ground surface that commonly supports the observer and target. We tested the prediction that the fidelity of the visually represented ground-surface reference frame depends on how the visual system selects the surface information for integration. Specifically, if information is selected along a direct route between the observer and target where the ground surface is disrupted by an occluding object, the ground surface will be inaccurately represented. In experiments 1–3 we used a perceptual task and two different visually directed tasks to show that this leads to egocentric distance underestimation. Judgment is accurate however, when the observer selects the continuous ground information bypassing the occluding object (indirect route), as found in experiments 4 and 5 with a visually directed task. Altogether, our findings provide support for the SSIP hypothesis and reveal, surprisingly, that the phenomenal visual space is not unique but depends on how optic information is selected.
Housing and Urban Location Decisions in Spain: An Econometric Analysis with Unobserved Heterogeneity
Authors: Barrios Garcia Javier A. , Rodriguez Hernandez Jose Enrique
Published: September 2007

This paper examines the simultaneous individual choices in Spain as regards housing (tenure choice and demand) and urban location decisions, taking into account certain unobserved heterogeneity exhibited by individuals. A multinomial mixed logit model is proposed to portray household decisions considering four different options: homeownership according to the type of urbanisation of the neighbourhood (high-level urban property, medium/inferior-level urban property and rural property) and renting. Finally, housing demand is estimated, controlling for sample selection. The results confirm that both housing tenure and urban location, in addition to the unobserved heterogeneity of individuals in this context, could modify appreciably housing demand estimates for both owners and renters.
Explaining Spatial Patterns of Industrial Diversity: An Analysis of Sub-regions in Great Britain
Authors: Bishop Paul , Gripaios Peter
Published: September 2007

This paper argues that effective local policy development requires a thorough understanding of patterns of spatial diversity involving the integration of theoretical work from geography, economics and management. An empirical analysis of diversity in Great Britain for the period 1995-2002 is presented utilising entropy measures of diversity. The results of empirical models of the determinants of diversity across sub-regions examine the significance of a number of explanatory factors including regional size, level of urbanisation, industry structure, market structure and key resources. Decomposing the model into related and unrelated diversity components reveals some important differences between the two types of diversity. The paper concludes that policies fostering long-term diversity are a crucial complement to policies focusing on key sectors.
Reproducing Spaces of Chinese Urbanisation: New City-based and Land-centred Urban Transformation
Authors: Lin George C. S.
Published: September 2007

China's spaces of urbanisation in the 1980s and early 1990s were occupied primarily by the interests of rural industrialisation and town development. Since the mid 1990s, China's urban spaces have been reproduced through a city-based and land-centred process of urbanisation in which large cities managed to reassert their leading positions in an increasingly competitive, globalising and urbanising economy. This study analyses changes in China's nonagricultural land in relation to the growth and structural changes of Chinese cities. A systematic analysis of three sets of data reveals a high intensity and great unevenness of non-agricultural land use in the country. China had 29.5 million hectares of non-agricultural land in 1996, which accounted for only 3 per cent of the national land mass. Over 80 per cent of the recent increase in non-agricultural land use was caused by the expansion of urban and rural settlements, industrialisation and numerous 'development zones'. A comparative analysis of land use data and Landsat images identifies two concurrent processes of urbanisation and non-agricultural land use change. Rapid urban sprawl of large cities, driven by the expansion of ring-roads and setting up of 'development zones', has contributed to the conversion of farmland into nonagricultural uses. At the same time, rural industrialisation and a housing boom have given rise to a dispersed pattern of non-agricultural land development all over the country. Given the pervasive influence of the forces of continuing urbanisation and globalisation, the state's attempt to protect China's dwindling farmland will not reverse the trend of increasing non-agricultural land use, but are likely to slow the pace of land conversion. Anecdotal evidence such as 'hollow villages' and idle land in numerous encircled 'development zones' suggests that there exist ways for China to use its non-agricultural land more efficiently and economically than hitherto.
The Characteristics and Location of Home Workers in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver
Authors: Moos Markus , Skaburskis Andrejs
Published: September 2007

This study analyses the distribution of home workers across the three largest urban regions in Canada and shows how they differ across sex of home worker, household type, income level, occupation and industry. The highest proportion of home workers is in art, culture and recreation occupations followed by management, the field dominated by men. Women home workers make the financial, secretarial and administrative occupations the third-largest group of home workers. The spatial distribution of home workers follows a sectoral form. While the characteristics of inner-city and suburban home workers differ, the differences are the same as for commuters. Rather than creating a completely new locational pattern, home work appears to reinforce existing urban forces of centralisation by professionals and continued decentralisation by the middle classes and those seeking larger estates, such as those in management occupations. The study suggests that the increasing trend towards home work is not dispersing cities, but allows greater locational flexibility within already-existing urban spatial patterns.
An Urban Regeneration Regime in China: A Case Study of Urban Redevelopment in Shanghai's Taipingqiao Area
Authors: Yang You-Ren , Chang Chih-hui
Published: September 2007

This article investigates Taipingqiao urban redevelopment projects in Shanghai that have conserved the traditional 'Shikumen' architectural form with the goal of exploring the driving-forces behind Shanghai's spatial restructuring and to shed light on the new mechanisms for public-private partnership evolving in China. A model called a 'rent gap seeking regime' (RGSR) is proposed to explain the mechanisms behind China's urban redevelopment. It is found that the logic of capital accumulation has dominated the reshaping of Shikumen's spatial forms and has been transformed into symbolic real estate values. It is argued that a pro-growth coalition between district government and foreign capital emerged during this process of urban restructuring; the paper analyses the features of how this coalition exercises power. Finally, based on empirical research, the paper engages Western regime analysis in a theoretical dialogue.
Pulmonary Toxicity of Expancel® Microspheres in the Rat
Authors: Porter Dale W. , Hubbs Ann F. , Baron Paul A. , Millecchia Lyndell L. , Wolfarth Michael G. , Battelli Lori A. , Schwegler-Berry Diane E. , Beighley Christopher M. , Andrew Michael E. , Castranova Vincent
Published: September 2007

Expancel® microspheres are thermoplastic microspheres enclosing hydrocarbon. These microspheres expand when heated, producing many applications. Because they have unknown biological persistence and toxicity, we investigated the toxicity of two unexpanded (11.1 and 15.4 μm mean diameter) and two expanded (3.1 and 5.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter) Expancel® microspheres in intratracheally-instilled, male, Sprague–Dawley rats. Pulmonary histopathology was evaluated at 28 days postexposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was evaluated at days 1, 7, 14, and 28 days postexposure. Crystalline silica was the positive control. By histopathology, both unexpanded and expanded microspheres caused granulomatous bronchopneumonia characterized by macrophages and giants cells, suggesting a persistent foreign body response. Expanded, but not unexpanded microspheres, also caused eosinophilic bronchitis and bronchiolitis, mucous metaplasia of airways and organized granulomatous inflammation with associated fibrosis and frequent airway obstruction. In contrast, alveolar macrophage activation, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, LDH and albumin in bronchoalveolar laveage fluid were initially elevated but returned to near control levels at 28 days, and did not reflect the persistent granulomatous bronchopneumonia caused by Expancel® microspheres. These findings emphasize the importance of histopathology for evaluating pulmonary toxicity, suggest that Expancel® microspheres are a potential occupational hazard, and indicate a need for additional studies on their potential pulmonary toxicity.

[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher’s online edition of Toxicology Pathology for the following free supplemental resources: motion within unexpected microspheres in H&E-stained lung (supplementary Figure 1 ); broncholar epithelium 28 days following exposure to 551 DE 20 microspheres (supplementary Figure 2 ); membrane ruffling and some instances of phagocytosis within the microspheres (supplementary Figure 3 )]
Novel Use of Botulinum Toxin to Ameliorate Arthrofibrosis: An Experimental Study in Rabbits
Authors: Namazi Hamid , Torabi Simin
Published: September 2007

This study aimed to investigate the effects of intra-articular botulinum toxin in preventing arthrofibrosis. Arthrofibrosis was induced in both stifle joints of 20 rabbits by transecting the anterior cruciate ligament under intramuscular anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine. Intra-articular toxin at a dose of 0.6 ml (50 unit) and physiologic saline solution (0.6 ml) were injected into the right and left stifle joints, respectively, 3 times with a 1-week interval between each injection. The rabbits were euthanized in the 12th week via high dose anesthesia to remove the stifle joint. The severity of adhesions was assessed, applying a universal scoring system. Also the stifle joints were histologically evaluated for fibrosis. With regards to severity of adhesion a significant reduction in the adhesion score was observed in the toxin-treated group in comparison to untreated controls with mean ± SE values of 0.2 ± 0.1 and 2.4 ± 0.2, respectively ( p < 0.01). The histological evaluation showed no significant fibroblast in the toxin-treated group versus dense fibers with mature fibroblasts in the control group. Our results suggest that botulinum toxin demonstrated efficacy in preventing adhesion after knee surgery and all the parameters monitored showed consistent statistically significant improvement.
Historical population assessment of Barents Sea harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus)
Authors: Skaug Hans J. , Frimannslund Lennart , Øien Nils I.
Published: September 2007

Skaug, H. J., Frimannslund, L., and Øien, N. I. 2007. Historical population assessment of Barents Sea harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1356–1365: –. Harp seals are an important component of the Barents Sea ecosystem. Population size is estimated to have been around 6 million seals in 1875, when large-scale exploitation by Norwegian and Russian hunters started. The estimate is obtained by fitting a population dynamics model to all available sources of data on Barents Sea harp seals, but because of a lack of information about several key parameters in the model, the uncertainty associated with the estimate is large. A sensitivity study involving three different mechanisms for density-dependence results in a range estimate of 3–7 million seals in 1875.
Estimating the defaecation rate of the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) in Banyang‐Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, south‐western Cameroon
Authors: Nchanji Anthony Chifu , Forboseh Philip Forbah , Powell James Arthur
Published: September 2007

Defaecation rate is an important parameter in the conversion of dung counts to elephant numbers, yet estimates of elephant defaecation rates are available for a few sites, especially rainforest sites. The Banyang‐Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary in south‐western Cameroon is no exception in this regard. We tracked a radio‐collared herd of four forest elephants, counted their fresh droppings in two 24‐h periods each month in 36 consecutive months. Our results show a mean defaecation rate of 15.9 [95% CI (12.2–19.7)] dung piles per elephant per day. We found significant monthly and inter‐annual variation in defaecation rates with implications for their predictability and forest elephant surveys. In particular, our results show that mean defaecation rates are higher for the wettest period of the year than the relatively dry months.
Current range condition in relation to land management systems in semi‐arid savannas of Swaziland
Authors: Tefera Solomon , Dlamini B. J. , Dlamini A. M. , Mlambo V.
Published: September 2007

Rangeland condition was assessed in the lowveld of Swaziland to determine the current status with emphasis on contrasting different land management systems and soil classes in two study areas. The assessment incorporated the grass and woody plant layer. The methods employed to evaluate the grass layer were ecological condition index (ECI) and weighted palatability composition (WPC). The government ranch had significantly higher ECI (mean 714.5) and WPC (mean 61) than the communal land (mean: ECI – 533.5; WPC – 48.7) and the game reserve (mean: ECI – 578.9; WPC – 47.9). The ECI and WPC values did not differ between the soil classes in most cases (range: ECI 551.5–645.9 and WPC – 43.7–57.6). The density of all woody plants and encroaching plants alone were the highest in communal land. Basal cover ranged from poor (2–3%) to good (>5%), while bare ground was rated from low (<1%) to high (>5%). Overall results showed great variability of studied variables at site and landscape levels of resolution. Generally, the grass layer was rated between fair and good when assessed on the basis of ecological and palatability merits. There was a clear indication of advancement of bush encroachment.
Myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated deletion of chromosome 20q: an indolent disease with minimal morphological dysplasia and frequent thrombocytopenic presentation
Authors: Gupta Raavi , Soupir Chad P. , Johari Vandita , Hasserjian Robert P.
Published: September 2007

The present study analysed the clinicopathological features of nine myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients in which del(20q) was the sole cytogenetic abnormality and a control group of 17 adult patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Seven of nine del(20q) patients were thrombocytopenic and six of nine were mildly anaemic at presentation. There was no significant morphological dysplasia identified in the del(20q) group as compared with the ITP group. These results indicate that MDS with del(20q) commonly presents with thrombocytopenia and has minimal morphological dysplasia. Cytogenetic analysis on adult patients undergoing bone marrow sampling for thrombocytopenia may help avoid misdiagnosis of MDS with del(20q) as ITP.
Long‐term GH treatment is not associated with disadvantageous changes of inflammatory markers and adipocytokines in children born small for gestational age
Authors: Willemsen Ruben H. , Mulder Paul G. H. , Van Toorenenbergen Albert W. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S.
Published: September 2007

Context  Low birth weight is associated with increased risks for adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Adiponectin and resistin are hormones, considered, respectively, protective and disadvantageous regarding these risks. No data exist on the effect of long‐term GH treatment on these hormones and inflammatory markers in children born small for gestational age (SGA).

Objective  To describe longitudinal changes in inflammatory markers and adipocytokines during and after a long‐term dose–response GH study.

Design  Longitudinal dose–response study [group A: 1 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA) (approximately 0·033 mg/kg/day) vs. group B: 2 mg/m2 BSA (approximately 0·067 mg/kg/day)] and comparison with age‐related controls.

Patients  One hundred and three SGA children.

Measurements  We measured adiponectin, resistin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels at baseline, after 1 and 7 years of GH treatment and 6 months after discontinuation of GH.

Results  Adiponectin levels decreased over time, but remained comparable with controls. Resistin levels increased and remained lower or comparable with controls. There were no significant differences between the GH dosage groups. After the GH treatment was stopped, adiponectin was decreased in group B and resistin increased in group A. GH therapy did not affect IL‐6 and CRP levels at any time point. An increase in body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) over time was associated with a decrease in adiponectin levels. None of the markers were associated with insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions  Long‐term GH treatment is not associated with disadvantageous changes in adiponectin, resistin, IL‐6 and CRP levels, neither during nor after GH treatment.
Vicariance, dispersal and scale in the aquatic subterranean fauna of karst regions
Authors: CULVER DAVID C. , PIPAN TANJA , SCHNEIDER KATIE
Published: September 2007

1. The causes of distribution patterns of stygobionts (obligate subterranean‐dwelling aquatic species) were examined with special emphasis on vicariance and dispersal.

2. Dispersal was investigated on the premise that if migration is important, then migration at small scales should predict patterns at larger scales. Data on the copepod fauna of epikarst in Slovenia were especially useful for the study of migration, because data on habitat occupancy could be collected at scales of individual drips located metres apart to the scale of individual caves to entire karst regions. Occupancy of drips in one cave was a remarkably good predictor of occupancy of caves in a region, although not of the overall range of a given species. These results were also supported by occupancy patterns of the general stygobiotic fauna of West Virginia caves, compared at different scales.

3. Vicariance was investigated by noting that proximity to marine embayments increases the likelihood of vicariant speciation. In the U.S.A., only the fauna of the Edwards Aquifer of Texas has a significant component of marine‐derived species. Differences in shape of the relationship between species number and number of caves in a county indicated that the marine‐derived component represented an addition to rather than a replacement of the other stygobiotic species.

4. Thus, we found evidence for the importance of both vicariance and dispersal. The techniques employed could be used to study these patterns more generally, as more data become available.
Submersed macrophyte growth at low pH: carbon source influences response to dissolved inorganic carbon enrichment
Authors: PAGANO ANGELA M. , TITUS JOHN E.
Published: September 2007

1. Twenty‐one submersed macrophyte species were grown in the greenhouse at low and high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations and at pH 6 to test the hypothesis that growth response to DIC enrichment in the water column would be greatest for species able to use both bicarbonate (HCO) and free CO2 from the water column, intermediate for species restricted to free CO2 in the water column, and least for those species able to use free CO2 from both sediment porewater and the water column.

2. Relative growth rates (RGR) increased significantly with DIC enrichment for 12 of the 21 species. Bicarbonate users as a group averaged a 4.6‐fold increase in RGR with DIC enrichment, significantly greater than the 2.5‐ and 1.7‐fold increases of the water column CO2 users and sediment CO2 users, respectively.

3. The ability to use HCO, as measured by a pH drift technique, was positively correlated with the ratio of RGR at high DIC to RGR at low DIC for the 21 species.

4. Bicarbonate users also exhibited significantly lower belowground : total biomass (R : T) ratios than the other two groups, and alone showed a significant increase in R : T ratio with DIC enrichment.

5. Our results indicate that DIC availability may influence community structure in acidic and circumneutral lakes.