bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the diffusion and application of new management ideas in construction
Authors: BRESNEN MIKE , MARSHALL NICK
Published: January 2010

Recent interest in the UK construction sector in innovative management practices such as partnering, continuous improvement and benchmarking have raised long‐standing questions about the transferability of new management ideas from other industrial sectors into construction. Informed in part by the author's own research into partnering in the UK, this paper sets out to explore the problems of transferring and applying new management ideas to the construction industry. However, rather than simply restricting the discussion to the perennial (and perhaps unanswerable) question of whether or not the construction industry actually is different, this paper goes much further by examining the nature of knowledge diffusion and application processes. Three main themes are highlighted and their implications assessed. First, the many inherent problems and limitations associated with relying on models of ‘best practice’ drawn from other industrial sectors. Second, the highly socialized and politicized nature of supposedly rational processes of knowledge diffusion and implementation. Third, the impact that institutional factors have on the diffusion and application of knowledge via the creation of particular industry agendas and frames of reference.
Leveraging specialty‐contractor knowledge in design‐build organizations
Authors: GIL N. , TOMMELEIN I.D. , KIRKENDALL R.L. , BALLARD G.
Published: January 2010

Specialty contractors have knowledge to contribute to the early design of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) products. In current practice, however, they are seldom involved in early design, but evidence suggests that their early involvement is increasing. Lean construction theory advocates such involvement. The practice of involving suppliers in product development efforts and manufacturing has proven to be highly successful. The paper reports on empirical research that identified the contributions of specialty contractor (SO knowledge to early design, which led to gains in process efficiency and improvements in product quality. These contributions are categorized and illustrated by means of examples that stem from current practice or present potential opportunities for improvement. Reasons are given why SC knowledge is often ignored in design. Changes in AEC practices nevertheless suggest that organizations are creating conditions to increase interaction between designers and SCs. Such interactions will help AEC organizations to retain and share the knowledge of individuals as well as learn to develop new knowledge.
Assessment of cost control systems: a case study of Thai construction organizations
Authors: CHAROENNGAM CHOTCHAI , SRIPRASERT EKNARIN
Published: January 2010

The most important function that facilitates construction organizations to accomplish profit maximization is cost control. However, the absence of a well‐established cost control system has caused failures to many Thai contractors especially during the current economic recession period. To comprehensively understand cost control systems in practice, this study theoretically assessed effectiveness as well as the deficiencies of the ‘traditional’ systems vis‐à‐vis the ‘effective’ systems. In addition, by contrasting what are found in ‘effective’ systems but not found in ‘traditional’ systems, critical attributes most contributing to the systems' successfulness were identified so that the improvement steps can be suitably prioritized. The validated findings indicated remarkable contrasts between ‘traditional’ and ‘effective’ systems. Two critical aspects, including advancement of cost control framework and systematic participation of site personnel in cost control, were found to be the major differences. Interestingly, similar conditions were encountered in various countries such as Greece, Pakistan and Australia; hence suggestions from this study could be internationally useful.
UK and US construction management contracting procedures and practices: a comparative study
Authors: SABITU OYEGOKE ADEKUNLE
Published: January 2010

This study provides a framework for comparing construction management contracts in the UK and the US construction practices. It starts by reviewing previous studies on UK and US contracting practices and explores the main delivery methods, inform of comparison with construction management contracting systems. It examines construction management contracting types, processes and procedures and interaction between the construction manager and other stakeholders. This study was based on a literature review and the result shows the similarities and differences between the American and British CM systems within each practice and between both practices; the distribution of responsibilities and risks both in pre‐construction and during the construction stages; and allocation of responsibility in both practices.
Design and experience with a computer game for teaching construction project planning and control
Authors: AL‐JIBOURI SAAD H. , MAWDESLEY MICHAEL J.
Published: January 2010

This paper describes the development and initial use of a management game to teach project planning and control. It covers all aspects of the game including its design, the choice of the project to be modelled, the user interface and how it makes use of the computer power available. The sections on the use of the game describe experience gained in its use as part of an undergraduate course and as a demonstration on a course run for industry. Both the design and the use of the game are critically assessed and suggestions for improvement are made. The game was produced as a result of international collaboration between British and Dutch academics with input, where appropriate from construction companies of both nations.
The pathology of building defects; a human error approach
Authors: ATKINSON ANDREW R.
Published: January 2010

Research driven by major industrial and transportation incidents is increasingly emphasizing the role of managers and systems factors in errors. This is reflected in recent reports and legislation which place emphasis on managerial actions. This paper reports research developing a human error perspective, but applying it to lesser failures in the form of construction defects. An observational study of a 61 unit housing site confirms findings from earlier studies, that managerial factors are important in the occurrence of defects, but also that factors can be linked in a ‘causal chain’. Latent managerial errors are often hidden behind more obvious operative errors, leading to incorrect attributions and ineffective remedial action. The study also supports a conceptual model of the nature of errors in construction projects, which makes explicit the influence of management on the generation of defects and the need to treat organizations as a whole in considering the reasons for failure.
A distributed process management system for collaborative building design
Authors: TUZMEN AYCA
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a research study conducted for evaluating the effectiveness of a conceptual model of a distributed process management environment in the establishment of a collaborative building design. At the highest level, the conceptual model of the distributed process management environment have the following features: (a) enables description of a plan of a design process, (b) enables enactment of a process according to its plan, and (c) enables control and management of the enactment of a design process. The paper also presents the findings of a verification and validation (V & V) study conducted for evaluating the fit between the needs and expectations of collaborating design groups and the solution provided by the conceptual model of the distributed process management environment.
Managing e‐commerce in construction — revolution or e‐business as usual?
Authors: LOCKLEY STEPHEN R. , WATSON RICHARD , SHAABAN SAMEH
Published: January 2010

This paper examines how the adoption of e‐commerce will influence the processes of dissemination, communication and management of information in the AEC industry. We argue that e‐commerce will render redundant the business models that currently support these processes, and propose templates for the business models of the future. Effective information flow is fundamental to the process of realizing a construction project and within this project information pool, manufacturers' product information forms a core component. It provides designers with technical information to support decision making during design, the data necessary to communicate specification requirements to contractors and finally a means by which contractors can source the materials required to construct the project. We examine the current business model and motivations for each actor in this sector before going on to discuss the areas where e‐commerce can most effectively be adopted. We propose a three generation model for e‐business and conclude by describing the changes to the underlying business models that we believe are necessary to support effective e‐commerce in the future.
Project web sites with design management extensions
Authors: AUGENBROE GODFRIED , VERHEIJ HANS , SCHWARZMÜLLER GERHARD
Published: January 2010

Web hosted project spaces offer dedicated collaboration and information sharing functions to dispersed members of design, engineering and manufacturing teams. During the recent dot.com boom these so‐called ‘e‐Project’ services became increasingly popular in the A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry. This industry has started to refer to these products as ‘project web sites’. Their basic service component is a web enabled ‘information space’ for building teams offered through an Application Service Provider (ASP) business model, and accessible via an Extranet requiring only a standard web browser. An expanding set of web hosted applications is meanwhile included in most products, e.g. for messaging and calendaring, data and document management, design reviews and project management. This paper shows how the functionality of project web sites can be enriched by adding advanced task coordination features. Such features are especially relevant for design management. In particular, the paper deals with the need to support the formation and coordination of spontaneous short‐lived sub‐teams in the course of a project. A crucial element of these ‘self‐appointed’ teams is the need to establish rapid agreement on a shared coordination template for the execution of the task at hand. It will be demonstrated how task templates for that purpose can be defined and managed. The chosen solution serves as a task sensitive filter to the overwhelming amount of documents stored typically on a project web site. The approach will be demonstrated on a daily exercise in academic environments: the abstract and paper review process in the preparation of a conference.
Managing the commissioning of building services
Authors: POTTS KEITH , WALL MIKE
Published: January 2010

The commissioning of building services is very much the ‘Cinderella’ activity in the construction cycle, many complaints are heard but few praises sung. This paper examines the current process of commissioning building services within the traditional procurement route. A literature review is presented followed by the results of a two‐stage structured survey from a broad spectrum of participants. A best practice flow chart for managing the commissioning process is presented, tested and confirmed, identifying an auditable chain of responsibilities in the commissioning process. Key conclusions include the need to recognize that the commissioning process requires planning and managing from the earliest possible stage; the need to appoint a commissioning manager — preferable someone in‐house, or a member of the design team; the need for better end‐user documentation and training; the requirement for a more formalized approach and the requirement for clarification on the terms of engagement for the services designer.
How building design imperatives constrain construction productivity and quality
Authors: FOX STEPHEN , MARSH LAURENCE , COCKERHAM GRAHAM
Published: January 2010

Since the early 1960s, the construction industry has been continually criticized for its low productivity and poor quality. Throughout this period, it has been widely recognized that building design has a significant impact on construction performance. As a result, considerable research and industry efforts have been focused on improving information and activities in the building design process. This paper reports the findings of a study which investigated how design imperatives affect design information and design activities. First, design imperatives are defined. Then, an analysis of their determining influence on design information and design activities are provided. Next, it is explained how design imperatives, rather than information and activities, constrain productivity and quality by limiting production options. In conclusion, it is argued that design imperatives have a greater influence on productivity and quality than the industry in which design is carried out.
Modelling the satisfaction of contractors: the impact of client performance
Authors: SOETANTO ROBBY , PROVERBS DAVID G.
Published: January 2010

An assessment of the performance of UK clients on 55 ‘case projects’ as considered by contractors is presented and used to develop models of contractors' satisfaction. Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals five dimensions to contractor satisfaction, classified in this research as (i) support provided to contractors, (ii) clients' attitude, (iii) clients' understanding of their own needs, (iv) quality of clients' brief, and (v) financial aspects of performance. Knowledge of these models should enable clients to perform better, which is conducive towards satisfactory participant performance and overall project performance. The models identify three key aspects of client performance that are found to significantly influence contractors' satisfaction levels, namely, (i) the capability of the client's representative, (ii) the client's past performance and project management experience and (iii) the financial soundness and reputation of the client. Additionally, the nature of the project and certain characteristics of contractors also influence satisfaction levels. The models demonstrated accurate predictive power and were found to be valid and robust. Clients could use the models to help improve their performance, leading to more successful project implementation. This will also promote the development of harmonious working relationships within the construction project coalition (PC).
Combination of vesicular stomatitis virus matrix protein gene therapy with low‐dose cisplatin improves therapeutic efficacy against murine melonoma
Authors: Luo Shan , Chen Ping , Luo Zi‐chao , Zhang Ping , Sun Ping , Shi Wei , Li Zhi‐yong , Zhang Xiao‐long , Wang Li‐qiang , Chen Xin , Wei Yu‐quan , Wen Yan‐jun
Published: January 2010

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) matrix protein (MP) can directly induce apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway due to the inhibition of host gene expression. Our previous studies have demonstrated that MP gene therapy efficiently suppressed the growth of malignant tumor in vitro and in vivo. The present study was designed to determine the possibility that the combination of MP gene therapy with low‐dose cisplatin would improve therapeutic efficacy against murine melanoma. Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice bearing B16‐F10 melanoma were established. Mice were treated once every 5 days with i.v. administration of 10 μg pVAX‐MP/30 μg liposome complex per mouse for 16 days and i.p. delivery of cisplatin at 4 mg/kg/mouse on days 6 and 12 after the initiation of MP treatment. We found that MP + cisplatin treatment resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth and improved the survival time of melanoma‐bearing mice. MP successfully inhibited angiogenesis as assessed by CD31. Histological examination revealed that the combination therapy led to significant increased induction of apoptosis, tumor necrosis, and elevated CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration. Furthermore, the induction efficacy of the CTL response was dramatically enhanced by the combination therapy. Our findings may prove useful in further explorations of the application of these combinational approaches to the treatment of malignant melanoma.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1219–1225)
Clinical study of asbestos‐related lung cancer in Japan with special reference to occupational history
Authors: Kishimoto Takumi , Gemba Kenichi , Fujimoto Nobukazu , Onishi Kazuo , Usami Ikuji , Mizuhashi Keiichi , Kimura Kiyonobu
Published: January 2010

A total of 152 patients with asbestos‐related lung cancer recognized by the criteria of Japanese compensation law for asbestos‐related diseases were examined and compared with 431 patients with non‐asbestos‐related lung cancer. Male comprised 96% of patients. Ages ranged from 50 to 91 years with a median of 72 years. Eighty‐nine percent were smokers or ex‐smokers. Almost all patients had occupational histories of asbestos exposure. The median duration of asbestos exposure was 31 years and the median latency period was 47 years. Thirty‐four percent of patients exhibited asbestosis and 81% exhibited pleural plaques by radiography. Regarding asbestos particles in the lung for 73 operated or autopsied patients, 62% had more than 5,000 particles per gram. On the other hand, 100% of non‐asbestos‐related lung cancer patients had <5000 particles per gram with a median of 554 particles. The number of asbestos bodies in the lung, male gender, absence of symptoms, smoking index, and early stage of cancer were significantly much more than those of non‐asbestos‐related lung cancer. In this study, a diagnosis of asbestos‐related lung cancer was made in 34% of patients by asbestosis, in 62% by presence of both pleural plaques and more than 10 years’ occupational asbestos exposure, and in 4% by more than 5000 asbestos particles per gram of lung tissue. Occupational histories, duration of asbestos exposure, and pleural plaques are common categories for the recognition of asbestos‐related lung cancer in Japan.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1194–1198)
Pleomorphic phenotypes of gastrointestinal stromal tumors at metastatic sites with or without imatinib treatment
Authors: Sakamoto Kazuha , Sakurai Shinji , Kanda Tatsuo , Sakuma Yuji , Hishima Tsunekazu , Hironaka Mitsugu , Bamba Takeo , Keira Yoshiko , Takano Yasuo , Niki Toshiro , Hasegawa Tadashi , Hirota Seiichi
Published: January 2010

Secondary resistance of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) to tyrosine kinase inhibitors occurs after several years’ administration. However, the mechanism of resistance has not been fully clarified. In this study, we analyzed the genotypes and the histologic and immunohistochemical phenotypes of metastatic GISTs with and without imatinib treatment, and clarified the pleomorphic nature of metastatic GISTs. We examined 31 autopsy cases in which the patients died of multiple metastases of GISTs, and two surgically resected specimens with and without imatinib treatment. A total of 152 primary and metastatic lesions in 33 cases of GISTs were examined for histologic and immunohistochemical expression of KIT and CD34. We analyzed the expression of other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in KIT‐negative lesions, including human EGFR‐related 2 (HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α (PDGFRA), and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFRB). Fifteen lesions in seven cases (9.9%) lacked KIT expression, and 74 (49%) in 22 cases lacked CD34 expression. Eight KIT‐negative lesions in five cases expressed PDGFRB, one of which also expressed EGFR, and three lesions in one case expressed MET. Results for the other RTKs were negative. Missense point mutations at PDGFRB gene exon 12 were detected in one PDGFRB‐positive case. Our results indicate that histomorphology, immunohistochemical phenotypes, and genotypes of metastatic GISTs vary among lesions, even in cases without imatinib treatment. A KIT‐independent mechanism, such as activation of other RTKs, might participate in the proliferation of late‐stage GISTs and might be a cause of secondary imatinib resistance.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1270–1278)
Mechanisms of behavior change in alcoholics anonymous: does Alcoholics Anonymous lead to better alcohol use outcomes by reducing depression symptoms?
Authors: Kelly John F. , Stout Robert L. , Magill Molly , Tonigan J. Scott , Pagano Maria E.
Published: January 2010

Rationale  Indices of negative affect, such as depression, have been implicated in stress‐induced pathways to alcohol relapse. Empirically supported continuing care resources, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), emphasize reducing negative affect to reduce relapse risk, but little research has been conducted to examine putative affective mechanisms of AA's effects.

Methods  Using lagged, controlled, hierarchical linear modeling and mediational analyses this study investigated whether AA participation mobilized changes in depression symptoms and whether such changes explained subsequent reductions in alcohol use. Alcohol‐dependent adults (n = 1706), receiving treatment as part of a clinical trial, were assessed at intake, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months.

Results  Findings revealed elevated levels of depression compared to the general population, which decreased during treatment and then remained stable over follow‐up. Greater AA attendance was associated with better subsequent alcohol use outcomes and decreased depression. Greater depression was associated with heavier and more frequent drinking. Lagged mediation analyses revealed that the effects of AA on alcohol use was mediated partially by reductions in depression symptoms. However, this salutary effect on depression itself appeared to be explained by AA's proximal effect on reducing concurrent drinking.

Conclusions  AA attendance was associated both concurrently and predictively with improved alcohol outcomes. Although AA attendance was associated additionally with subsequent improvements in depression, it did not predict such improvements over and above concurrent alcohol use. AA appears to lead both to improvements in alcohol use and psychological and emotional wellbeing which, in turn, may reinforce further abstinence and recovery‐related change.
Clinical trial: short‐term effects of combination of satavaptan, a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, and diuretics on ascites in patients with cirrhosis without hyponatraemia – a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: GINÈS P. , WONG F. , WATSON H. , TERG R. , BRUHA R. , ZARSKI J.‐P. , DUDLEY F. ,   FOR THE NORMOCAT STUDY INVESTIGATORS
Published: January 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 834–845

Background  There is little information on the effects of vaptans in patients with cirrhosis.

Aim  To investigate the short‐term effects of satavaptan, a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist on ascites in cirrhosis without hyponatraemia.

Methods  A total of 148 patients with cirrhosis, ascites and serum sodium >130 mmol/L were included in a multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, controlled study of 14 days comparing three fixed doses of satavaptan (5 mg, 12.5 mg or 25 mg once daily) vs. placebo. Average MELD scores were: 13.4, 12.3, 13.8 and 13.1 respectively. All patients received spironolactone 100 mg/day plus furosemide 20–25 mg/day.

Results  Satavaptan treatment was associated with a decrease in ascites (mean change in body weight was −0.36 kg (±3.03) for placebo vs. −2.46 kg (±3.11), −2.08 kg (±4.17) and −2.28 kg (±3.24) for the 5 mg, 12.5 mg and 25 mg doses respectively; P = 0.036, P = 0.041 and P = 0.036 for satavaptan 5, 12.5 and 25 mg/day vs. placebo respectively). Thirst and slight increases in serum sodium were more common in patients treated with satavaptan compared with placebo, while other adverse events were similar.

Conclusions  The administration satavaptan for a 14‐day period is associated with reduction in ascites in patients with moderately severe cirrhosis without hyponatraemia under diuretic treatment.
Dietary poorly absorbed, short‐chain carbohydrates increase delivery of water and fermentable substrates to the proximal colon
Authors: BARRETT J. S. , GEARRY R. B. , MUIR J. G. , IRVING P. M. , ROSE R. , ROSELLA O. , HAINES M. L. , SHEPHERD S. J. , GIBSON P. R.
Published: January 2010

Background  Functional gut symptoms are induced by inclusion and reduced by dietary restriction of poorly absorbed short‐chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs), but the mechanisms of action remain untested.

Aims  To determine the effect of dietary FODMAPs on the content of water and fermentable substrates of ileal effluent.

Methods  Twelve ileostomates without evidence of small intestinal disease undertook two 4‐day dietary periods, comprising diets differing only in FODMAP content in a randomized, cross‐over, single‐blinded intervention study. Daytime (14 h) ileal effluent was collected on day four of each diet. Patients rated effluent volume and consistency on a 10‐cm visual analogue scale. The FODMAP content of the diet and effluent was measured.

Results  Ingested FODMAPs of 32% (range 6–73%) was recovered in the high FODMAP diet effluent. Effluent collection weight increased by a mean of 22% (95% CI, 5–39), water content by 20% (2–38%) and dry weight by 24% (4–43%) with the high compared to low FODMAP diet arm. Output increased by 95 (28–161) mL. Volunteers perceived effluent consistency was thicker (95% CI, 0.6–1.9) with the low FODMAP diet than with the high FODMAP diet (3.5–6.1; P = 0.006).

Conclusions  These data support the hypothetical mechanism; FODMAPs increase delivery of water and fermentable substrates to the proximal colon.
Effects of head rotation on the right internal jugular vein in infants and young children
Authors: Gwak M. J. , Park J. Y. , Suk E. H. , Kim D. H.
Published: January 2010

We investigated the effects of head rotation on the cross‐sectional area of the right internal jugular vein and its relative position to the carotid artery. Eighty‐eight subjects were divided into infants and children groups. The cross‐sectional area of the right internal jugular vein and the degree of the carotid artery overlap were measured at 0° (neutral), 40° and 80° of head rotation. The cross‐sectional area of the right internal jugular vein was significantly larger at 40° and 80° head rotation compared with the neutral position in both infants and children (p < 0.001). As the head was rotated, the percentage overlap of the carotid artery increased significantly (p < 0.001). We suggest that 40° head rotation appears to be optimal for right internal jugular vein cannulation in paediatric patients.
Assessment of agreement for assignment of a normal grade to human conjunctival impression cytology samples
Authors: Doughty M. J.
Published: January 2010

M. J. Doughty

Assessment of agreement for assignment of a normal grade to human conjunctival impression cytology samples

Objective:  To assess the level of agreement for assignment of a normal grade for human ocular surface bulbar conjunctival cells as collected by conjunctival impression cytology.

Methods:  Suitable images from published articles that included a scale marker were subjected to the same planimetry method to assess cell area, nucleus area, long (L) and short (S) dimensions of the cells and the nucleus. These measures, along with the nucleus‐to‐cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio, were compared.

Results:  Area measures on normal grade images indicated a broad unimodal distribution (250–275 μm2), and distribution of nucleus area values was heterogeneous, with neither being normally distributed. The inter‐sample variance for any particular area value ranged from 11 to 90% (group averages of 49%). The L:S dimension ratio averaged 1.288, consistently showing these cells are not round. N/C values showed a wide range (from 0.151 to 0.655), as did nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm dimensions (from 0.332 to 0.603).

Conclusions:  Current criteria for subjective assignment of a normal grade to bulbar conjunctival cells do not appear to be robust enough to allow for inter‐sample comparison. Quantitative measures need to be developed further.
The utility of assessing the gross appearances of FNA specimens
Authors: Mayall F. , Cormack A. , Slater S. , McAnulty K.
Published: January 2010

F. Mayall, A. Cormack, S. Slater and K. McAnulty

The utility of assessing the gross appearances of FNA specimens

Objective:  Ideally, fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology should be performed with near‐patient assessment of the adequacy of the specimen by a cytopathologist. However, this is often not feasible. A cruder alternative is for the FNA practitioner to examine the gross appearances of the specimen and to try to predict the its quality. This study set out to determine the value of this approach.

Methods:  The study was conducted in tertiary public hospitals in New Zealand and the UK. FNA gross material grading was performed by a variety of pathologists on FNA samples taken using manual guidance and image guidance. The FNA gross material grade was compared with the findings on microscopic examination.

Results:  Nine out of 123 FNA samples were assessed as Grade 1 (unlikely to contain diagnostic material). All were subsequently reported as having insufficient diagnostic tissue on microscopic examination. Forty‐two of the FNA samples were assessed as Grade 2 (possibly contains diagnostic material) and 46 as Grade 3 (probably contains diagnostic material). None from either of these grades was reported as showing insufficient diagnostic material on microscopic examination. Twenty‐six cases were reported as Grade 4 (material suggesting a specific diagnosis). None of these was reported as showing insufficient diagnostic material on microscopic examination. The most common Grade 4 provisional diagnosis was that of a colloid cyst or colloid nodule of the thyroid (seven cases). Only two cases had misleading Grade 4 provisional diagnoses. Both were thought to be pus on gross examination but showed necrotic carcinoma on microscopic examination.

Conclusions:  The gross appearances of FNA samples can usually predict the adequacy of the samples and sometimes predict the final microscopic diagnosis. However, near‐patient microscopic assessment of FNA specimens is preferable if available.
Five α globin chain variants identified during screening for haemoglobinopathies
Authors: Nair S. , Nadkarni A. , Warang P. , Bhave A. , Ghosh K. , Colah R.
Published: January 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (3): 226–232

Background  This study was undertaken to analyse cases of microcytosis, and/or haemolytic anaemia where an unusual peak on HPLC or an abnormal electrophoretic mobility in isolation or along with common β‐globin gene defects was found, and to identify the molecular abnormality in them.

Patients and methods  Investigations included a complete blood count, HPLC analysis, cellulose acetate electrophoresis (pH 8.9), heat stability test and DNA sequencing.

Results  Five α chain variants were identified. This is the first report of Hb Jackson and Hb O Indonesia in the Indian population. The presence of Hb J Meerut along with Hb E and Hb J Paris I with heterozygous β‐thalassaemia are uncommon associations. Hb Sun Prairie would have remained undetected in the heterozygous state. The presence of a homozygous child in the family helped to identify this variant.

Conclusions  This study emphasizes the need to undertake systematic investigations while screening for the β haemoglobinopathies to identify rare α chain variants in a population.
Remote sensing of larch phenological cycle and analysis of relationships with climate in the Alpine region
Authors: BUSETTO L. , COLOMBO R. , MIGLIAVACCA M. , CREMONESE E. , MERONI M. , GALVAGNO M. , ROSSINI M. , SINISCALCO C. , MORRA DI CELLA U. , PARI E.
Published: January 2010

This research aims at developing a remote sensing technique for monitoring the interannual variability of the European larch phenological cycle in the Alpine region of Aosta Valley (Northern Italy) and to evaluate its relationships with climatic factors. Phenological field observations were conducted in eight test sites from 2005 to 2007 to determine the dates of completion of different phenological phases. MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) 250 m 16‐days normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series were fitted with double logistic curves and the dates corresponding to different features of the curves were determined. Comparison with field data showed that the features of the fitted NDVI curve that allowed the best estimate of the start and end of the growing season were the zeroes of its third derivative (MAE of 6 and 4 days, respectively). The start and end of season were also estimated with the spring warming (SW) and growing season index (GSI) phenological models. MODIS start and end of season dates generally agreed with those obtained by the SW and GSI climate‐driven phenological models. However, phenological models provided erroneous results when applied in years with anomalous meteorological conditions. The relationships between interannual variability of the larch phenological cycle and climate were investigated by comparing the mean start and end of season yearly anomalies with air temperature anomalies. A strong linear relationship (R2=0.91) was found between mean spring temperatures and mean start of season dates, with an increase of 1 °C in mean spring temperature leading to a 7‐day anticipation of mean larch bud‐burst date. Leaf coloring dates were found to be best related with mean September temperature (R2=0.77), but with higher spring temperatures appearing to lead to earlier leaf coloring.
Association of endocrine disruptors and obesity: perspectives from epidemiological studies
Authors: Hatch E. E. , Nelson J. W. , Stahlhut R. W. , Webster T. F.
Published: January 2010

Although changes in diet and physical activity are undoubtedly key causal factors related to the increase in obesity, there is growing interest in the possibility that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may affect obesity‐related pathways by altering cell signalling involved in weight and lipid homeostasis. Proposed mechanisms that could underlie associations between EDCs and obesity include effects on thyroid and steroid hormones, and activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, which play a major role in adipocyte differentiation and energy storage. Most evidence supporting the hypothesis that EDCs affect obesity comes from laboratory studies. We summarize the limited epidemiological literature on the topic, including prospective studies of human prenatal exposure to EDCs. We also present findings from a cross‐sectional study of levels of six phthalate metabolites and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We found positive associations between BMI and WC among adult males for most phthalate metabolites. For example, in males aged 20–59, the adjusted mean BMI across quartiles of mono‐benzyl phthalate was 26.7, 27.2, 28.4, 29.0 (p‐trend = 0.0002). In females, BMI and WC increased with quartiles of mono‐ethyl phthalate in 12–19 year olds (adjusted mean BMI = 22.9, 23.8, 24.1, 24.7, p‐trend = 0.03), and a similar but less strong pattern was seen in 20–59 year olds. By contrast, higher levels of mono‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate were associated with lower BMI in adolescent girls and females aged 20–59. This exploratory analysis found several associations between phthalate metabolites and obesity, including notable differences by gender. However, the cross‐sectional data are a limitation. Additional prospective studies of the association between exposures to EDCs, especially during development, and obesity are warranted. As this field of research advances, there are challenging methodological questions that must be considered by both epidemiologists and toxicologists.
Glucose transporter protein 1 expression in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary gland: correlation with grade of malignancy
Authors: Demasi Ana P. D. , Costa Ana F. , Altemani Albina , Furuse Cristiane , Araújo Ney S. , Araújo Vera C.
Published: January 2010

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), the most common primary salivary malignancy, shows great variability in clinical behaviour, thus demanding investigation to identify of prognostic markers. Since Warburg’s studies, unrestricted cell growth during tumorigenesis has been linked to altered metabolism, implying hypoxic stimulation of glycolysis and diminished contribution of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to cellular ATP supply. Hypothesizing that the study of MEC metabolic status could lead to the discovery of prognostic markers, we investigated by immunohistochemistry the expression of glucose transporter 1 (Glut‐1), mitochondrial antigen and peroxiredoxin I (Prx I) in samples of MEC from different histological grades. Our results showed that mitochondrial antigen and Prx I were expressed in the majority of the MEC cases independent of the histological grade. In contrast Glut‐1 expression increased significantly as the tumours became more aggressive. These results suggested that oxidative phosphorylation may contribute to ATP supply in all stages of MEC progression, and that the relative contribution of glycolysis over mitochondria for cellular ATP supply increases during MEC progression, favouring growth under low oxygen concentration. In addition, the observed high Prx I protein levels could provide protection to tumour cells against reactive oxygen species generated as a consequence of mitochondrial function and hypoxia‐reoxygenation cycling. Altogether our findings suggest that upregulation of Glut‐1 and Prx I constitute successful adaptive strategies of MEC cells conferring a growth advantage over normal salivary gland cells in the unstable oxygenation tumour environment.
Inhibition effects of green tea and grape seed extracts on lipid oxidation in bonito fillets during frozen storage
Authors: Yerlikaya Pinar , Gokoglu Nalan
Published: January 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate inhibition effects of green tea and grape seed extracts on lipid oxidation in bonito (Sarda sarda) fillets during frozen storage. Dried and powdered green tea and grape seed were extracted using ethanol. Extract solutions of 1 g 100 g−1were prepared using concentrated extracts and distilled water. Bonito fillets were divided into two groups. The first group was dipped into extract solutions and then frozen. The second group of fillets was glazed by extract solutions. Oxidation increased progressively through the storage period. 2‐Thiobarbituric acid and para‐anisidine values of samples treated with green tea and grape seed extracts remained at low levels. Both plant extracts displayed successful effects in delaying lipid oxidation compared to the control groups. The best results were obtained by extract treatment of fillets before freezing.
Batch distillation of grappa: effect of the recycling operation
Authors: Da Porto Carla , Natolino Andrea , De Corti Deborha
Published: January 2010

The effect of the recycling of foreshots and feints during batch distillation of marc has been evaluated. The distillation behaviour of ethanol and congeners was found to be unchanged by the recycle. Instead, the chemical composition of the middle‐cut fraction obtained with recycle of foreshots and feints proved to be richer in ethanol (+4%), higher alcohols (+7%), esters (+13%) and aldehydes (+10%).
Effect of pre‐ripening chilling temperatures on ripening, shelf life and quality of bananas treated with 1‐methylcyclopropene
Authors: Moradinezhad Farid , Sedgley Margaret , Able Amanda J.
Published: January 2010

Ethylene production, shelf life and fruit quality of Cavendish bananas (cv. Williams), held at different pre‐ripening storage temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C or 15 °C) prior to ethylene and/or 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) application, were determined and compared. Levels of ethylene production during ripening were highest for control fruit that had been stored at 5 °C followed by 10 °C and then 15 °C. 1‐MCP treatment (at 300 nL L−1) had no effect on ethylene production of fruit that had been stored at 10 °C by day 10 of storage, but ethylene production was significantly higher for fruit that had been stored at 15 °C and lower for those stored at 5 °C before 1‐MCP treatment. 1‐MCP also increased shelf life to a greater extent when applied to fruit that had been stored at 10 °C or 15 °C. Even though 1‐MCP had no significant effect on under peel chilling injury, it increased discolouration significantly, regardless of storage temperature. Firmness of 1‐MCP‐treated fruit decreased significantly compared to the control when fruit were held at 5 °C or 15 °C prior to ripening (and 1‐MCP application) but had no effect on fruit stored at 10 °C before ripening. These results indicate that pre‐ripening storage temperature affects ripening, shelf life and quality in both ethylene and 1‐MCP‐treated bananas.
Effects of phytase, cellulase and dehulling treatments on zinc in vitro solubility in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) flour and seed fractions
Authors: Luo Yuwei , Xie Weihua , Cui Qunxiang
Published: January 2010

Simulations of gastro‐intestinal digestion was used to try to identify the nature of the complexes between antinutritional factors and zinc in faba bean fractions. In the hull fraction, the action of phytases and the simultaneous action of cellulase and phytase allowed about 7% and 35% additional zinc to be solubilised, respectively. Single enzymatic degradation of phytates from dehulled faba bean allowed solubilisation from 65% to 93% of zinc depending upon the treatment. The zinc of faba bean flour was mainly linked to phytates and the greater the degree of phytate degradation before in vitro digestion, the greater the quantity of zinc released. In dehulled faba bean zinc was almost exclusively chelated by phytates. In the hull of faba bean, the majority of zinc was chelated in complexes between phytates and fibres.
Aminopeptidase from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) hepatopancreas: purification, characterisation, and casein hydrolysis
Authors: Osuna‐Ruíz Idalia , Yepiz‐Plascencia Gloria , Rouzaud‐Sández Ofelia , Ezquerra‐Brauer Josafat Marina
Published: January 2010

An aminopeptidase (AP) was partially purified from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) hepatopancreas with 154.24‐fold and yield of 6.15%. The purification procedure consisted of ammonium sulphate fractionation and DEAE‐Sephacel chromatography. The enzyme was approximately 48–53 kDa as estimated by SDS‐PAGE. With l‐leu‐p‐NA, it had optimum activity at pH 8.0 and 30 °C. The Km and Vmax/Km values of the enzymes for l‐leu‐p‐NA were 0.326 mm and 2787 at 37 °C, respectively. Activation energy (Ea) of the enzyme was 53.50 kJ M−1.The AP showed activity against seven synthetic substrates: l‐proline>l‐methionine>Ac. l‐γ‐glutamic>l‐glycine>l‐leucine>l‐alanine>l‐lysine‐p‐NA. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by Bestatin, partially inhibited by a metal‐chelating agent and by PCMB, a cystein protease inhibitor. Zn2+ and (or) Ca2+ seemed to be its metal cofactor(s). Incubation of casein with the partially purified AP resulted in a degree of hydrolysis of 6%.
The effect of phenotypic traits and external cues on natal dispersal movements
Authors: Delgado María del Mar , Penteriani Vincenzo , Revilla Eloy , Nams Vilis O.
Published: January 2010

1. Natal dispersal has the potential to affect most ecological and evolutionary processes. However, despite its importance, this complex ecological process still represents a significant gap in our understanding of animal ecology due to both the lack of empirical data and the intrinsic complexity of dispersal dynamics.

2. By studying natal dispersal of 74 radiotagged juvenile eagle owlsBubo bubo(Linnaeus), in both the wandering and the settlement phases, we empirically addressed the complex interactions by which individual phenotypic traits and external cues jointly shape individual heterogeneity through the different phases of dispersal, both at nightly and weekly temporal scales.

3. Owls in poorer physical conditions travelled shorter total distances during the wandering phase, describing straighter paths and moving slower, especially when crossing heterogeneous habitats. In general, the owls in worse condition started dispersal later and took longer times to find further settlement areas. Net distances were also sex biased, with females settling at further distances. Dispersing individuals did not seem to explore wandering and settlement areas by using a search image of their natal surroundings. Eagle owls showed a heterogeneous pattern of patch occupancy, where few patches were highly visited by different owls whereas the majority were visited by just one individual. During dispersal, the routes followed by owls were an intermediate solution between optimized and randomized ones. Finally, dispersal direction had a marked directionality, largely influenced by dominant winds. These results suggest an asymmetric and anisotropic dispersal pattern, where not only the number of patches but also their functions can affect population viability.

4. The combination of the information coming from the relationships among a large set of factors acting and integrating at different spatial and temporal scales, under the perspective of heterogeneous life histories, are a fruitful ground for future understanding of natal dispersal.
Matrix projection models meet variation in the real world
Authors: Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , De Kroon Hans
Published: January 2010

1. Projection matrices have become the dominant modelling approach in plant demography because they (i) are relatively easy to formulate, (ii) compile complex data in a structured and analytically tractable manner, (iii) provide numerous parameters with direct biological meaning, (iv) allow the investigator to address broad or specific, experimental and/or theoretical, ecological and evolutionary questions, and (v) produce uniform outputs, enabling direct comparisons between the results of different studies.

2. The last decade has witnessed major advancements in this field that have brought demographic models much closer to the real world, in particular in the analysis of effects of spatial and temporal environmental variation on populations. The present Special Feature contributes to that progress with novel methodologies and applications on Integral Projection Models, stochastic Life Table Response Experiment analyses, stochastic elasticities, transient dynamics and phylogenetic analyses.

3.
Synthesis. Environmental stochasticity is an integral part of ecosystems, and plant populations exhibit a tremendous array of demographic strategies to deal with its effects. The analytical challenge of understanding how populations avoid, tolerate or depend on stochasticity is finally overcome with the new matrix approaches. The tools are now available to interpret the effects of changes in temporal and spatial variation on plant populations.