bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information enabling production ramp‐up
Authors: Fjällström Sabina , Säfsten Kristina , Harlin Ulrika , Stahre Johan
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify information enabling and supporting production ramp‐up processes, by exploring critical events and the role of information in such events.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach was based on empirical and theoretical investigations. A selection of 30 events, considered the most critical for production ramp‐up realization and/or performance at one Swedish automotive company, were categorized and constituted the base for the analysis which focused information types and sources enabling event handling.

Findings

Information enabling event handling is a balanced combination of problem and domain information, regardless of event category. However, a differentiation concerning preference and usage of information types between experienced and less experienced personnel is identified. Problem‐solving information has the character of pragmatic information, composed of complementary parts of confirmation and novelty in terms of domain and problem information. The preferred information source in all event categories was “other people”.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on the application of information in relation to critical events during production ramp‐up. General information theory is not addressed in depth.

Practical implications

Information type and information source are not dependent on certain event categories, which allows a general information strategy enabling production ramp‐up. To facilitate production ramp‐up and event handling managers and key personnel need to apply a holistic perspective and need to be updated on domain information of the products, the equipment, and the production process during production ramp‐up.

Originality/value

The originality is in the focus and role of information to achieve an efficient production ramp‐up performance. A supporting model is developed which describes the structure of pragmatic information for personnel with various levels of experience, regardless of event category.
Agility through CAD/CAM integration
Authors: Vinodh S. , Sundararaj G. , Devadasan S.R. , Rajanayagam D.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper's aim is to examine the application feasibility of Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies for achieving agility in a typical manufacturing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature study was conducted. It was found out that CAD/CAM technology is not fully utilised for achieving agility in certain traditional manufacturing sectors. An implementation study was conducted in an electronics switches manufacturing company to identify the causes of this insufficient utilisation. Finally, a feedback session was conducted to explore the practitioners' views of this research.

Findings

The outcome of this research indicated the feasibility of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for infusing agility in contemporary manufacturing organisations.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted in only one electronics switches manufacturing company situated in India. This may lead to the impression that the findings from this research may not represent all manufacturing companies. However, the environment prevailing in the above company is similar to that prevailing in any other contemporary manufacturing organizations. Hence, the outcome of the research could represent other manufacturing organisations situated throughout the world.

Practical implications

The research reported in this paper has shown the way of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for achieving agility and examined the hindrances that have to be overcome in future to integrate CAD/CAM in practical scenario.

Originality/value

Significant researches have been pursued in agile manufacturing and CAD/CAM fields. However, no researcher has attempted to examine the practicality of adopting CAD/CAM as a technology for infusing agility in practical scenario. Hence, this work is original and valuable.
Array comparative genomic hybridization in retinoma and retinoblastoma tissues
Authors: Sampieri Katia , Amenduni Mariangela , Papa Filomena Tiziana , Katzaki Eleni , Mencarelli Maria Antonietta , Marozza Annabella , Epistolato Maria Carmela , Toti Paolo , Lazzi Stefano , Bruttini Mirella , De Filippis Roberta , De Francesco Sonia , Longo Ilaria , Meloni Ilaria , Mari Francesca , Acquaviva Antonio , Hadjistilianou Theodora , Renieri Alessandra , Ariani Francesca
Published: January 2009

In retinoblastoma, two RB1 mutations are necessary for tumor development. Recurrent genomic rearrangements may represent subsequent events required for retinoblastoma progression. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization was carried out in 18 eye samples, 10 from bilateral and eight from unilateral retinoblastoma patients. Two unilateral cases also showed areas of retinoma. The most frequent imbalance in retinoblastomas was 6p gain (40%), followed by gains at 1q12‐q25.3, 2p24.3‐p24.2, 9q22.2, and 9q33.1 and losses at 11q24.3, 13q13.2‐q22.3, and 16q12.1‐q21. Bilateral cases showed a lower number of imbalances than unilateral cases (P = 0.002). Unilateral cases were divided into low‐level (≤4) and high‐level (÷7) chromosomal instability groups. The first group presented with younger age at diagnosis (mean 511 days) compared with the second group (mean 1606 days). In one retinoma case ophthalmoscopically diagnosed as a benign lesion no rearrangements were detected, whereas the adjacent retinoblastoma displayed seven aberrations. The other retinoma case identified by retrospective histopathological examination shared three rearrangements with the adjacent retinoblastoma. Two other gene‐free rearrangements were retinoma specific. One rearrangement, dup5p, was retinoblastoma specific and included the SKP2 gene. Genomic profiling indicated that the first retinoma was a pretumoral lesion, whereas the other represents a subclone of cells bearing ‘benign’ rearrangements overwhelmed by another subclone presenting aberrations with higher ‘oncogenic’ potential. In summary, the present study shows that bilateral and unilateral retinoblastoma have different chromosomal instability that correlates with the age of tumor onset in unilateral cases. This is the first report of genomic profiling in retinoma tissue, shedding light on the different nature of lesions named ‘retinoma’. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 465–471)
Hypofibrinolysis is a risk factor for arterial thrombosis at young age
Authors: Guimarães Ana H. C. , De Bruijne Emile L. E. , Lisman Ton , Dippel Diederik W. J. , Deckers Jaap W. , Poldermans Don , Rijken Dingeman C. , Leebeek Frank W. G.
Published: January 2009

The relationship between defective fibrinolysis and arterial thrombosis is uncertain. The evaluation of the plasma fibrinolytic potential might provide stronger evidence linking fibrinolysis to arterial thrombosis than the evaluation of the individual fibrinolytic factors. We determined the plasma fibrinolytic potential of 335 young survivors of a first arterial thrombosis, including coronary artery disease (n = 198), ischaemic stroke (n = 103) and peripheral artery disease (n = 34), enrolled in a population‐based case–control study and of 330 healthy individuals. Patients had significantly higher clot lysis times (CLTs) than the controls. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated as a measure of relative risk. The OR for arterial thrombosis was determined in these subjects who had a CLT above the 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th and 95th percentiles of the values found in the control subjects. We found a progressive increase in risk of arterial thrombosis in subjects with hypofibrinolysis (OR: 1·7, 2·0, 2·3, 2·3 and 2·9, respectively). Relative risk estimates obtained in the whole group were comparable those obtained in the event‐subgroups. In conclusion, a low plasma fibrinolytic potential, found in 10% of the population, increases the relative risk of arterial thrombosis twofold. This points to an important contribution of hypofibrinolysis to the burden of arterial thrombosis.
Effects of soil frost on nitrogen net mineralization, soil solution chemistry and seepage losses in a temperate forest soil
Authors: HENTSCHEL KERSTIN , BORKEN WERNER , ZUBER TOBIAS , BOGNER CHRISTINA , HUWE BERND , MATZNER EGBERT
Published: January 2009

Freezing and thawing may alter element turnover and solute fluxes in soils by changing physical and biological soil properties. We simulated soil frost in replicated snow removal plots in a mountainous Norway spruce stand in the Fichtelgebirge area, Germany, and investigated N net mineralization, solute concentrations and fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and of mineral ions (NH4+, NO3−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+). At the snow removal plots the minimum soil temperature was −5 °C at 5 cm depth, while the control plots were covered by snow and experienced no soil frost. The soil frost lasted for about 3 months and penetrated the soil to about 15 cm depth. In the 3 months after thawing, the in situ N net mineralization in the forest floor and upper mineral soil was not affected by soil frost. In late summer, NO3− concentrations increased in forest floor percolates and soil solutions at 20 cm soil depth in the snow removal plots relative to the control. The increase lasted for about 2–4 months at a time of low seepage water fluxes. Soil frost did not affect DOC concentrations and radiocarbon signatures of DOC. No specific frost effect was observed for K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in soil solutions, however, the Na+ concentrations in the upper mineral soil increased. In the 12 months following snowmelt, the solute fluxes of N, DOC, and mineral ions were not influenced by the previous soil frost at any depth. Our experiment did not support the hypothesis that moderate soil frost triggers solute losses of N, DOC, and mineral ions from temperate forest soils.
Components of Vane Yield Stress of Structured Food Dispersions
Authors: Genovese Diego B. , Rao M. Anandha
Published: February 2009

The vane technique was used to determine the static (σos) and dynamic (σ0d) yield stresses of 6 commercial foods: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, applesauce, and 2 brands of tomato puree (samples TD and TR). The samples, other than TR, exhibited shear‐thinning behavior. For those samples, based on a model proposed earlier, the contributions of bonding (σ‐b), network (σ‐n), and viscous (σv to yield stress of the products were determined. For the homogenized products, σb > σn, whereas for those processed in a finisher, σn > σb. Because sample TR exhibited shear‐thickening behavior, the model to estimate yield stress components was not applicable. The structural conditions necessary for the validity of the proposed model are established. Equilibrium stress (σ∞) values obtained by extrapolation of vane torque data to infinite time were comparable to σ0d values.
Impact of China's Grain for Green Project on the landscape of vulnerable arid and semi‐arid agricultural regions: a case study in northern Shaanxi Province
Authors: Cao Shixiong , Chen Li , Yu Xinxiao
Published: January 2009

China's Grain for Green Project is a rapid landscape‐scale shift in ground cover and land use with significant implications for biodiversity. From 1998 to 2005, we carried out field studies to examine the landscape‐level impacts of this project, and to provide a practical example of the successes and failures of a large‐scale attempt to restore a vulnerable environment.

In a northern part of China's Shaanxi Province, our results indicated that the total vegetation cover in areas covered by this project increased from 29·7% in 1998 to 42·2% in 2005. However, we also found evidence that large‐scale afforestation in this vulnerable arid and semi‐arid region could increase the severity of water shortages, decrease vegetation cover in afforestation plots, and adversely affect the number of species present. The exclusion of livestock from overgrazed areas and the elimination of cultivation in marginal areas had the biggest effects on the restoration of vegetation cover, whereas tree planting had a strong negative effect in vulnerable areas.

Synthesis and applications. In practical terms, the destruction of natural vegetation cover during afforestation should be avoided, as this makes the soil surface more vulnerable to erosion and reduces species diversity. Managers should reduce the intensity of farming and grazing on fragile land rather than relying on afforestation as the primary tool for ecological restoration in arid and semi‐arid areas. Afforestation remains a valuable tool but should be limited to the planting of native or other species that will not exacerbate soil water shortages such as stable communities of natural desert steppe, maximum water‐use efficiency dwarf shrubs, and possibly even lichen species in more severely degraded environments.
Circulating biomarkers of angiogenesis as indicators of left ventricular systolic dysfunction amongst patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Patel J. V. , Abraheem A. , Chackathayil J. , Gunning M. , Creamer J. , Hughes E. A. , Lip G. Y. H.
Published: January 2009

Background.  Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) are often asymptomatic. Angiogenesis is implicated in the physiology of vascular repair and cardiac remodelling, and is one of many pathophysiological processes implicated in heart failure. We hypothesized that plasma indices associated with angiogenesis [angiogenin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin (Ang)‐1 and Ang‐2] would be abnormal in CAD patients with LVSD, being correlated with EF and wall motion abnormalities (wall motion score) independently of underlying CAD (coronary atheroma score). We also evaluated the specificity of angiogenic ‘biomarkers’ in their detection of LVSD [ejection fraction (EF) <40%] amongst CAD patients.

Methods.  Using a cross sectional approach, we measured angiogenin, VEGF, Ang‐1 and Ang‐2 by ELISA in 194 CAD patients (aged 34–81 years) undergoing elective coronary angiography.

Results.  Levels of angiogenin were inversely related with EF (r = −0.17, P = 0.02) and positively with coronary atheroma scores (r = 0.15, P = 0.04, but not independently of EF). Other angiogenic markers were unrelated to objective measures of LVSD but VEGF (P = 0.008) and Ang‐2 (P = 0.015) were lower amongst those patients with heart failure. Angiogenin levels were related to wall motion scores (r = 0.16, P = 0.024).

Conclusion.  Heart failure has a modest impact on biomarkers of angiogenesis, in patients with CAD. Further research is warranted into the diagnostic and prognostic utility of biomarkers of angiogenesis, in this common cardiac condition.
Steroid Hormone Action in the Brain: Cross‐Talk Between Signalling Pathways
Authors: Mani S. K. , Portillo W. , Reyna A.
Published: January 2009

Ovarian steroid hormones, oestradiol and progesterone, modulate neuroendocrine functions in the central nervous system, resulting in alterations in physiology and behaviour. The classical model of steroid hormone action assumes that these neural effects are predominantly mediated via their intracellular receptors functioning as ‘ligand‐dependent’ transcription factors in the steroid‐sensitive neurones regulating genes and genomic networks with profound behavioural consequences. Studies from our laboratory demonstrate that, in addition to their cognate ligands, intracellular steroid receptors can be activated in a ‘ligand‐independent’ manner by the neurotransmitter dopamine, which alters the dynamic equilibrium between neuronal phosphatases and kinases. A high degree of cross‐talk between membrane‐initiated signalling pathways and the classical intracellular signalling pathways mediates hormone‐dependent behaviour in mammals. The molecular mechanisms, by which a multitude of signals converge with steroid receptors to delineate a genomic level of cross‐talk in brain and behaviour are discussed.
Modulation of Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Secretion by an Endogenous Circadian Clock
Authors: Chappell P. E. , Goodall C. P. , Tonsfeldt K. J. , White R. S. , Bredeweg E. , Latham K. L.
Published: January 2009

The mechanisms mediating positive feedback effects of oestradiol on pre‐ovulatory gonadotrophin releasing‐hormone (GnRH) surge generation in female mammals, although well‐explored, are still incompletely understood. In addition to binding to and signalling through classical nuclear receptor‐mediated pathways in afferent hypothalamic neurones, recent evidence suggests that ovarian steroids may use membrane‐bound receptors or nonclassical signalling pathways to directly influence cell function leading to the generation of GnRH surge secretion. We review recent investigations into the role of the endogenous molecular circadian clock on modulation of GnRH gene expression and neuropeptide secretion, and will explore potential molecular mechanisms by which ovarian steroids may directly induce secretory changes at the level of the GnRH neurone, examining closely whether circadian clock gene oscillations may be involved.
Gastrin‐Releasing Peptide System in the Spinal Cord Controls Male Sexual Behaviour
Authors: Sakamoto H. , Kawata M.
Published: January 2009

The lumbar spinal cord contains local neural circuits that are important in regulating male sexual behaviours, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these systems remain elusive. Gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) is a member of the bombesin‐like peptide family first isolated from the porcine stomach. Despite extensive pharmacological studies on the activity of bombesin‐like peptides administered to mammals, little is known about the physiological functions of GRP in the spinal cord. We review recent findings on a system of neurones in the upper lumbar spinal cord, within the recently reported ejaculation generator, projecting axons containing GRP to the lower lumbar spinal cord and innervating regions known to control erection and ejaculation.
Activational and Organisational Effects of Gonadal Steroids on Sex‐Specific Acetylcholine Release in the Dorsal Hippocampus
Authors: Mitsushima D. , Takase K. , Takahashi T. , Kimura F.
Published: January 2009

Acetylcholine (ACh) release in the dorsal hippocampus increases during stress, exploration or learning, exhibiting sex‐specific 24‐h release profile. We review the role of gonadal steroids on the ACh release in the dorsal hippocampus. In our studies, we found that male rats showed higher extracellular ACh levels than females, but gonadectomy decreased ACh levels in both sexes of rats and subsequently eliminated the sex difference. To examine the sex difference under comparable gonadal steroid levels, we implanted steroid capsules after gonadectomy. Oestradiol supplementation maintained circulating oestradiol to the levels in proestrous female rats, whereas testosterone capsules maintained circulating testosterone to the levels similar to intact male rats. Under comparable gonadal steroids levels, ACh levels were sex‐specific. Testosterone replacement in orchidectomised rats clearly restored ACh levels, which were greater than ovariectomised testosterone‐primed rats. Similarly, oestradiol replacement in ovariectomised rats successfully restored ACh levels, which were higher than orchidectomised oestradiol‐primed rats. These results suggest sex‐specific activational effects of gonadal steroids on ACh release. To further examine the organisational effect, female pups were neonatally treated with oil, testosterone, oestradiol, or dihydrotestosterone. These rats were bilaterally ovariectomised and a testosterone capsule was implanted at postnatal week 8. Neonatal treatment of either testosterone or oestradiol clearly increased ACh levels, whereas neonatal dihydrotestosterone treatment failed to change levels. These results suggest that: (i) gonadal steroids maintain the sex‐specific ACh release in the dorsal hippocampus and (ii) neonatal activation of oestrogen receptors is sufficient to mediate masculinisation of the septo‐hippocampal cholinergic system.
Ca2+ Channels and Ca2+‐Activated K+ Channels in Adult Rat Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Neurones
Authors: Kato M. , Tanaka N. , Ishii H. , Yin C. , Sakuma Y.
Published: January 2009

Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones represent the final output neurones in the neuroendocrine system for the control of reproduction. To understand the reproductive neuroendocrine system, an investigation of the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of GnRH neurones is essential. In this review, we focus on the intrinsic properties and summarise our recent findings of ion channels expressed in rat GnRH neurones. Rat GnRH neurones express all four types of high voltage‐activated Ca2+channel (L, N, P/Q, R) and the low voltage‐activated Ca2+ channel (T). GnRH neurones also express two types of Ca2+‐activated K+ [K(Ca)] channel: the small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SK) channel and the large conductance Ca2+‐ and voltage‐activated K+ (BK) channel. The activities of these Ca2+ and K(Ca) channels regulate cell excitability and cellular calcium homeostasis.
Changing attitudes of medical teachers towards medical education
Authors: GALE JANET , TOMLINSON R. W. S. , ANDERSON J.
Published: January 2009

If medical education is to improve, this is largely dependent upon the attitudes of clinical teachers towards their own teaching and their students' learning. The aims and objectives of our workshop method of medical teacher training therefore includes some in the affective domain. Based on the theory of cognitive dissonance the experience‐linked practical problem solving approach of the workshop encourages behaviour change, presuming this to cause ‘attitude change’. Testing by means of a specially constructed and validated Likert‐type attitude scale shows that attitudes do improve significantly and consistently over the 5 days of our workshops. A follow‐up study shows these effects to be maintained and taken back to the participants' own medical schools.
The organization of a postgraduate training course for medical advisers in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: MARSH B. T.
Published: January 2009

A postgraduate training and education course for physicians working in the field of pharmaceutical medicine is described. The course proved welcome and acceptable to the participants and provided valuable experience for the organizers. The scientific content and information gained in organizing the course have been incorporated in the planning of a postgraduate diploma course in pharmaceutical medicine.
Constructing a new course for undergraduate teaching of general practice
Authors: IRWIN W. G. , BAMBER J. H. , HENNEMAN J.
Published: January 2009

This paper outlines in Part I the method used to analyse and re‐define a set of educational objectives on which a new course of teaching of general practice in the later clinical years is based. Part II describes the course, the learning methods, behavioural attainments and the techniques of evaluation to be implemented. A year was spent on the exercise by a group which comprised the professorial head, consultant senior lecturer and a senior registrar tutor from the Department of General Practice, Queen's University, Belfast, and a consultant educationalist, a senior lecturer, Department of Education, of the same University.
Artificial intelligence in pest insect monitoring
Authors: FEDOR PETER , VAŇHARA JAROMÍR , HAVEL JOSEF , MALENOVSKÝ IGOR , SPELLERBERG IAN
Published: January 2009

Abstract Global problems of hunger and malnutrition induced us to introduce a new tool for semi‐automated pest insect identification and monitoring: an artificial neural network system. Multilayer perceptrons, an artificial intelligence method, seem to be efficient for this purpose. We evaluated 101 European economically important thrips (Thysanoptera) species: extrapolation of the verification test data indicated 95% reliability at least for some taxa analysed. Mainly quantitative morphometric characters, such as head, clavus, wing, ovipositor length and width, formed the input variable computation set in a Trajan neural network simulator. The technique may be combined with digital image analysis.
Impact of antenatal common mental disorders upon perinatal outcomes in Ethiopia: the P‐MaMiE population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hanlon Charlotte , Medhin Girmay , Alem Atalay , Tesfaye Fikru , Lakew Zufan , Worku Bogale , Dewey Michael , Araya Mesfin , Abdulahi Abdulreshid , Hughes Marcus , Tomlinson Mark , Patel Vikram , Prince Martin
Published: February 2009

Objectives  To examine the impact of antenatal psychosocial stressors, including maternal common mental disorders (CMD), upon low birth weight, stillbirth and neonatal mortality, and other perinatal outcomes in rural Ethiopia.

Methods  A population‐based sample of 1065 pregnant women was assessed for symptoms of antenatal CMD (Self‐Reporting Questionnaire‐20: SRQ‐20), stressful life events during pregnancy (List of Threatening Experiences: LTE) and worry about the forthcoming delivery. In a sub‐sample of 654 women from six rural sub‐districts, neonatal birth weight was measured on 521 (79.7%) singleton babies within 48 h of delivery. Information about other perinatal outcomes was obtained shortly after birth from the mother’s verbal report and via the Demographic Surveillance System.

Results  After adjusting for potential confounders, none of the psychosocial stressors were associated with lower mean birth weight, stillbirth or neonatal mortality. Increasing levels of antenatal CMD symptoms were associated both with prolonged labour (>24 h) (SRQ 1–5: RR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–1.9, SRQ ≥ 6: RR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0–2.6) and delaying initiation of breast‐feeding more than eight hours (SRQ 1–5: RR 1.4; 95% CI 0.8 to 2.4, SRQ ≥ 6: RR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3–6.1). Worry about delivery was also associated with labour longer than 24 h (RR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0–2.1).

Conclusions  This study provides preliminary evidence of important public health consequences of poor maternal mental health in low‐income countries but does not replicate the strong association with low birth weight found in South Asia.
Increased elastic microfibrils and thickening of fibroblastic nuclear lamina in canine cutaneous asthenia
Authors: Bellini M. H. , Caldini E. T. E. G. , Scapinelli M. P. , Simões M. J. , Machado D. B. , Nürmberg R.
Published: January 2009

Cutaneous asthenia is a hereditary connective tissue disease, primarily of dogs and cats, resembling Ehlers–Danlos syndrome in man. Collagen dysplasia results in skin hyperextensibility, skin and vessel fragility, and poor wound healing. The purpose of this study was to describe the histological findings in a dog with a collagenopathy consistent with cutaneous asthenia. An 8‐month‐old crossbreed female dog presented with lacerations and numerous atrophic and irregular scars. The skin was hyperextensible and easily torn by the slightest trauma. Ultrastructurally, the dermis was comprised of elaunin and oxytalan microfibrils. These are immature fibres in which the fibrillar component is increased but elastin is reduced. Collagen fibres were profoundly disorganized. The fibrils had a highly irregular outline and a corroded appearance when viewed in cross‐section, and were spiralled and fragmented in a longitudinal view. Dermal fibroblasts displayed a conspicuous thickening of the nuclear lamina. Nuclear lamins form a fibrous nucleoskeletal network of intermediate‐sized filaments underlying the inner nuclear membrane. Mutations in lamins or lamin‐associated proteins cause a myriad of genetic diseases collectively called laminopathies. Disruption of the nuclear lamina seems to affect chromatin organization and transcriptional regulation of gene expression. A common link among all laminopathies may be a failure of stem cells to regenerate mesenchymal tissue. This could contribute to the connective tissue dysplasia seen in cutaneous asthenia.
Prevalence and risk factors for allergic contact dermatitis to topical treatment in atopic dermatitis: a study in 641 children
Authors: Mailhol C. , Lauwers‐Cances V. , Rancé F. , Paul C. , Giordano‐Labadie F.
Published: January 2009

Background:  There is little information regarding the risk of sensitization associated with topical atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment.

Objectives:  To assess the frequency of sensitization to topical treatment of AD in children and to determine risk factors associated with skin sensitization.

Methods:  Six hundred and forty‐one children with AD were systematically patch tested with seven agents of common topical treatment: chlorhexidine, hexamidine, budesonide, tixocortol pivalate, bufexamac, sodium fusidate and with the current emollient used by the child. The following variables were recorded: age, sex, age at onset of AD, associated asthma, severity of AD, and history of previous exposure to topical agents used in the treatment of AD. Skin prick tests to inhalant and food allergens were used to explore the IgE‐mediated sensitization.

Results:  Forty‐one positive patch tests were found in 40 patients (6.2%). Allergens were emollients (47.5%), chlorhexidine (42.5%), hexamidine (7.5%), tixocortol pivalate and bufexamac (2.5% each). Risk factors associated with sensitization to AD treatment were AD severity [OR: 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.5–7.1 for moderate to severe AD], AD onset before the age of 6 months (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.1), and IgE‐mediated sensitization (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.9).

Conclusions:  Topical treatment of AD is associated with cutaneous sensitization. Antiseptics and emollients represent the most frequent sensitizers and may be included in the standard series in AD children when contact dermatitis is suspected. Risk factors associated with sensitization to AD topical treatments are AD severity, early AD onset and IgE‐mediated sensitization.
Prolonged antigen‐exposure with carbohydrate particle based vaccination prevents allergic immune responses in sensitized mice
Authors: Thunberg S. , Neimert‐Andersson T. , Cheng Q. , Wermeling F. , Bergström U. , Swedin L. , Dahlén S.‐E. , Arnér E. , Scheynius A. , Karlsson M. C. I. , Gafvelin G. , Van Hage M. , Grönlund H.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Defined particles carrying tightly bound allergens at high density have been suggested as alternatives in allergy vaccination. Carbohydrate based particles (CBP), sized 2 μm, provide a platform for covalent coupling of allergens.

Objective:  To investigate the mechanisms of antigen presentation by CBP, as well as cellular and humoral responses after vaccination with the major cat allergen Fel d 1, covalently coupled to CBP.

Methods:  Mice (n = 10/group) were subcutaneously vaccinated with CBP‐rFel d 1, CBP or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) before sensitization with rFel d 1 and challenged with cat dander extract. Fluorescent and 75Se‐radiolabeled tracking of allergens and particles were performed with flow cytometry and whole‐body autoradiography. Humoral, cellular and regulatory immune responses were analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometry. Cytokines were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and splenocyte cultures.

Results:  CBP‐rFel d 1 prevented induction of airway inflammation and induced allergen‐specific T‐cell anergy. CBP‐rFel d 1 also induced rapid IgM and IgG1‐responses compared with soluble rFel d 1. Particles were phagocytosed by antigen‐presenting cells and transported to draining lymph nodes and spleen. Moreover, antigen coupled to CBP remained longer at the injection site compared with alum.

Conclusions:  Covalent coupling of rFel d 1 to CBP induces rapid antibody production, prevents induction of allergic immune responses and systemic allergen spreading. Thus, CBP comprise several attractive adjuvant features for use in allergy vaccination.

Clinical Implications:  Prolonged allergen exposure through covalent coupling to particles suitable for phagocytosis, provides an adjuvant for safer and efficient allergy vaccination.
The Morphology of the Cervico‐thoracic Sympathetic System in Donkeys (Equus asinus L.)
Authors: Ozgel O. , Duzler A. , Dursun N. , Beyaz F.
Published: January 2009

Five adult donkeys of both sexes, used in applied anatomy classes, and perfused with formalin for teaching purposes, constituted the study material. Ganglion cervicale caudale of the examined materials has observed to exhibit individually variable situation as to extend on the left side of the median line, at the alignment of the first and second intercostal spaces and on the right side between the level of the first and third costa. The ganglion extended more caudally on the right side of median line. The lateral surface of the ganglion was determined to be covered with the m. scalenus medius. On the both sides of the median plane, the ganglion cervicale caudale was seen to be situated on the lateral surface of the m. longus colli. On the left side, the ganglion overlapped the oesophagus in two cadavers and on the right side it was situated within a groove between the m. longus colli and trachea in three cadavers. The rami communicantes received by the ganglion cervicale caudale originated from the eighth cervical and first thoracic spinal segments. The ganglion cervicale caudale was formed by the coalescence of the last cervical and first three thoracic sympathetic ganglia. The ganglion cervicale caudale gave off branches that formed the rami communicantes, plexus cardiacus, n. vertebralis and ansa subclavia. One branch extended from the ganglion to the plexus brachialis. in one specimen, two sympathetic–parasympathetic communicating branches were observed to extend from the ansa subclavia and near by the origin of the truncus sympathicus to the n. vagus. In one of the donkeys examined, a branch originating from the ganglion cervicale caudale on the left side of the median plane was determined to end on the ligamentum arteriosum. A microscopic ganglion structure suggesting the existence of the ganglion cervicale medium was determined in a donkey.
Macro‐Anatomical and Karyological Features of Two Blind Mole Rat Subspecies (Rodentia: Spalacidae) from Turkey
Authors: Kankiliç T. , ÇOlak E. , Kankiliç T.
Published: January 2009

The morphometric and karyological analyses of 52 specimens belonging to the two subspecies of Nannospalax leucodon were examined from 14 localities in Turkey. Five karyotypic forms were recorded (2n = 60, the total numbers of chromosomal arms (NF) = 74, the numbers of autosomal arms (NFa) = 70; 2n = 60, NF = 76, NFa = 72; 2n = 60, NF = 82, NFa = 78; 2n = 56, NF = 72, NFa = 68; 2n = 38, NF = 74, NFa = 70). The morphological features of two subspecies were studied using both numerical taxonomy and traditional methods. Thirty skull measurements and four baculum measurements were subjected to discriminant function analysis to find morphometric criteria allowing subspecies identification. Two subspecies were clearly separated from each other by macroanatomical characterictics and numeric characteristics. The first upper molar has four alveoli cubicles in young specimens of Nannospalax leucodon anatolicus, while M1 has 1 cubicle in Nannospalax leucodon cilicicus. In the western subspecies (N. l. anatolicus, 2n = 38), urethra openness is surrounded by three lobes. However, in the eastern subspecies (N. l. cilicicus, 2n = 60), there are two lateral lobes.
Macroanatomical Investigation of the Aorticorenal Ganglion in 1‐Day‐Old Infant Sheep
Authors: Klećkowska‐Nawrot J. , Kaczyńska K. , Jakubowska W.
Published: January 2009

The aorticorenal gland belongs to the paired splanchnic ganglion, which is the main component of the coeliac plexus. It lies near the renal artery and suprarenal gland. The research was conducted on 13 1‐day‐old infant sheep – eight males and five females. Based on the conducted studies, it was concluded that the aorticorenal ganglion is characterized by the variable location in relation to the abdominal aorta, renal artery, caudal vena cava and suprarenal gland (holotopy), the thoracic and lumbar segment of the vertebral column (skeletotopy) (between L1 and L3) and also a different shape (elongated, round, triangular, oval) as well as variable length (the aorticorenal ganglion is longer on the left side of the body; 2.72 mm) and distance from the caudal end of the suprarenal gland (longer on the left side of the body; 8.34 mm). With regard to the sex of the animal, the ganglion is the longest on the left side in ewes (3.02 mm), while in rams it is the longest on the right side (2.68 mm). Regarding the division according to sex, the longest segment was observed on the right side in ewes (9.27 mm), and the shortest segment in rams was also on the right side (6.84 mm).
Cocoon‐spinning larvae of Oriental fruit moth and Indianmeal moth do not produce aggregation pheromone
Authors: Jumean Zaid , Fazel Leila , Wood Charlene , Cowan Thomas , Evenden Maya L , Gries Gerhard
Published: January 2009

1 Mature larvae of the Oriental fruit moth (OFM) Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the Indianmeal moth (IMM) Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) leave their food source in search of suitable pupation sites in which to spin cocoons. These sites are typically well‐concealed cracks and crevices within the environment. Such cocooning behaviour is also observed in larvae of the codling moth (CM) Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which aggregate prior to pupation in response to a pheromone blend produced by cocoon‐spinning conspecific larvae.

2 In laboratory experiments, we tested whether cocoon‐spinning OFM and IMM larvae produce aggregation pheromones and whether CM larvae are cross‐attracted to closely‐related OFM larvae.

3 Fifth‐instar OFM and IMM larvae were not attracted to, or arrested by, cocoon‐spinning conspecifics. Moreover, fifth‐instar CM larvae were not cross‐attracted to either cocoon‐spinning OFM or IMM larvae.

4 Analyses of volatiles released from cocoon‐spinning OFM and IMM larvae revealed that both OFM and IMM lack components that are present in the aggregation pheromone of CM larvae. This information may help explain why CM larvae are not cross‐attracted to cocooning OFM or IMM larvae.
The Factor Structure of Chinese Personality Terms
Authors: Zhou Xinyue , Saucier Gerard , Gao Dingguo , Liu Jing
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT From the Contemporary Chinese Dictionary, 3,159 personality descriptors were selected and then ranked by the frequency of use. Among those, the top 413 terms with the highest frequency were administered to two independent large samples in China for self‐ratings and peer ratings to explore the emic Chinese personality structure as well as to test the universality of other models. One‐ and two‐factor structures found in previous studies of other languages were well replicated. Previous structures with more than two factors were not well replicated, but six‐ and seven‐factor models were at least as well supported as the Big Five. Emic analysis indicated that a seven‐factor structure was the most informative structure relatively salient across subsamples of self‐ratings and peer ratings, across original and ipsatized data, and across differences in variable selections. These factors can be called Extraversion, Conscientiousness/Diligence, Unselfishness, Negative Valence, Emotional Volatility, Intellect/Positive Valence, and Dependency/Fragility.
Neural Correlates of Emotional Reactivity in Sensation Seeking
Authors: Joseph Jane E. , Liu Xun , Jiang Yang , Lynam Donald , Kelly Thomas H.
Published: January 2009

High sensation seeking has been linked to increased risk for drug abuse and other negative behavioral outcomes. This study explored the neurobiological basis of this personality trait using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). High sensation seekers (HSSs) and low sensation seekers (LSSs) viewed high- and low-arousal pictures. Comparison of the groups revealed that HSSs showed stronger fMRI responses to high-arousal stimuli in brain regions associated with arousal and reinforcement (right insula, posterior medial orbitofrontal cortex), whereas LSSs showed greater activation and earlier onset of fMRI responses to high-arousal stimuli in regions involved in emotional regulation (anterior medial orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate). Furthermore, fMRI response in anterior medial orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate was negatively correlated with urgency. Finally, LSSs showed greater sensitivity to the valence of the stimuli than did HSSs. These distinct neurobiological profiles suggest that HSSs exhibit neural responses consistent with an overactive approach system, whereas LSSs exhibit responses consistent with a stronger inhibitory system.
Improving Communication of Uncertainty in the Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Authors: Budescu David V. , Broomell Stephen , Por Han-Hui
Published: January 2009

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assesses information relevant to the understanding of climate change and explores options for adaptation and mitigation. The IPCC reports communicate uncertainty by using a set of probability terms accompanied by global interpretational guidelines. The judgment literature indicates that there are large differences in the way people understand such phrases, and that their use may lead to confusion and errors in communication. We conducted an experiment in which subjects read sentences from the 2007 IPCC report and assigned numerical values to the probability terms. The respondents' judgments deviated significantly from the IPCC guidelines, even when the respondents had access to these guidelines. These results suggest that the method used by the IPCC is likely to convey levels of imprecision that are too high. We propose an alternative form of communicating uncertainty, illustrate its effectiveness, and suggest several additional ways to improve the communication of uncertainty.
Comfortably Numb
Authors: Bushman Brad J. , Anderson Craig A.
Published: January 2009

Two studies tested the hypothesis that exposure to violent media reduces aid offered to people in pain. In Study 1, participants played a violent or nonviolent video game for 20 min. After game play, while completing a lengthy questionnaire, they heard a loud fight, in which one person was injured, outside the lab. Participants who played violent games took longer to help the injured victim, rated the fight as less serious, and were less likely to “hear” the fight in comparison to participants who played nonviolent games. In Study 2, violent- and nonviolent-movie attendees witnessed a young woman with an injured ankle struggle to pick up her crutches outside the theater either before or after the movie. Participants who had just watched a violent movie took longer to help than participants in the other three conditions. The findings from both studies suggest that violent media make people numb to the pain and suffering of others.
Does land‐use change affect biodiversity dynamics at a macroecological scale? A case study of birds over the past 20 years in Japan
Authors: Yamaura Yuichi , Amano Tatsuya , Koizumi Toru , Mitsuda Yasushi , Taki Hisatomo , Okabe Kimiko
Published: January 2009

Because the effects of land‐use change on biodiversity have primarily been examined at or below the regional scale, it remains unclear whether such effects scale up to the macroecological scale (i.e. nationwide or continental scale). In Japan, forests have become more mature since the cessation of most forestry efforts in the 1970s. At a nationwide scale, this forest maturation may lead to reductions in the abundance of species that depend on early successional forests (early successional species) and increases in the abundance of species that depend on mature forests (mature forest species). Japan has met its high demand for wood through imports from South‐east Asia, resulting in deforestation there. Therefore, the abundance of mature forest species that migrate long distances to overwinter in South‐east Asia may decrease. We examined changes in the range sizes of birds in Japan over the past 20 years using the living planet index (LPI). The LPI indicated that the range sizes of early successional species decreased. For mature forest species, the range sizes of long‐distance migrants decreased, whereas those of short‐distance migrants and residents increased. Our predictions were generally supported. Our results indicate that the effects of land‐use change extend to the macroecological scale and that such changes in one country can affect the biodiversity dynamics in other countries. Forest maturation in Japan and concomitant deforestation in South‐east Asia have been caused by internationally coupled socioeconomic processes. Therefore, biodiversity conservation at the macroecological scale must consider the role of land use, and such efforts will require both international and socioeconomic perspectives.
Pearson's Test, Trend Test, and MAX Are All Trend Tests with Different Types of Scores
Authors: Zheng Gang , Joo Jungnam , Yang Yaning
Published: January 2009

Pearson's test is one of the most commonly used statistics for testing genetic association of case‐control data. The trend test is another one which assumes a dose‐response model between the risk of the disease and genotypes. To apply the trend test, a set of ordered scores is assigned a priori based on the underlying genetic model. Pearson's test is model‐free and robust, but is less powerful for common genetic models. MAX is another robust test statistic, which takes the maximum of the trend tests over a family of scientifically plausible genetic models. We show that the three test statistics are all trend tests but with different types of scores; whether the scores are prespecified or data‐driven, or whether the scores are ordered (restricted) or not ordered (unrestricted). We then provide insights into power performance of the three tests when the underlying genetic model is unknown and discuss which test to use for the analyses of case‐control genetic association studies.
Robust Quantitative Trait Association Tests in the Parent‐Offspring Triad Design: Conditional Likelihood‐Based Approaches
Authors: Wang J.‐Y. , Tai J. J.
Published: January 2009

Association studies, based on either population data or familial data, have been widely applied to mapping of genes underlying complex diseases. In family‐based association studies, using case‐parent triad families, the popularly used transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) was proposed for avoidance of spurious association results caused by other confounders such as population stratification. Originally, the TDT was developed for analysis of binary disease data. Extending it to allow for quantitative trait analysis of complex diseases and for robust analysis of binary diseases against the uncertainty of mode of inheritance has been thoroughly discussed. Nevertheless, studies on robust analysis of quantitative traits for complex diseases received relatively less attention. In this paper, we use parent‐offspring triad families to demonstrate the feasibility of establishment of the robust candidate‐gene association tests for quantitative traits. We first introduce the score statistics from the conditional likelihoods based on parent‐offspring triad data under various genetic models. By applying two existing robust procedures we then construct the robust association tests for analysis of quantitative traits. Simulations are conducted to evaluate empirical type I error rates and powers of the proposed robust tests. The results show that these robust association tests do exhibit robustness against the effect of misspecification of the underlying genetic model on testing powers.