bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of registration on performance of construction subcontractors in Singapore
Authors: HONG LOH WOON , OFORI GEORGE
Published: January 2010

The construction industries of many countries rely heavily on subcontracting. As a result, the quality of subcontractors is important as it has a direct bearing on the performance of the main contractor on projects. A large proportion of construction work in Singapore is subcontracted. Despite the well‐known and widely regretted deficiencies in the traditional subcontracting system, only recently have attempts been made to reform it. The most significant of these efforts is the Singapore List of Trade Subcontractors (SLOTS). This study sought to investigate whether or not the performance of subcontractors has been improved following the introduction of the SLOTS scheme. The research was based on a survey of project managers of main contractors. A major finding was that the SLOTS‐registered contractors were perceived to perform better than nonregistered ones. Suggestions for improving the SLOTS scheme are offered in this paper.
Total factor productivity in Singapore construction
Authors: TAN WILLIE
Published: January 2010

This study uses the Tornqvist index to estimate the total factor productivity (TFP) for the Singapore construction industry between 1980 and 1996. Throughout the period, the main contribution to real construction output growth was capital accumulation. TFP was found to be negative, indicating that construction productivity growth has not been spectacular, even in a dynamic and rapidly growing economy such as Singapore. The result is in broad agreement with previous estimates of TFP for the entire Singapore economy. A lot needs to be done to improve construction productivity, as the industry cannot continue to grow by increasing factor inputs indefinitely without an accompanying rise in efficiency.
Motivation of Australian white‐collar construction employees: a gender issue?
Authors: GILBERT G.L. , WALKER D.H.T.
Published: January 2010

As a result of sustained gender imbalance in the construction industry, research continues in the fields of attraction and retention of female employees. In Melbourne, Australia, an investigative survey was carried out to evaluate the relationship between motivation at work and gender. The survey also aimed to ascertain if professional men and women in the construction industry were motivated and demotivated by the same variables. The research concluded that there was no statistically significant difference in total motivation and demotivation levels between male and female employees. There were, however, significant differences with regard to the perceived attractiveness and unattractiveness of certain work place and job characteristics. Some characteristics were not gender discriminatory in their unattractiveness. Evidence presented in this paper can lead to a useful re‐appraisal of how the construction industry can create a more attractive workplace environment that entices more employees of either gender to remain in the industry.
Perceptions of hybrid concrete construction in the UK construction industry
Authors: GLASS J. , BAICHE B.
Published: January 2010

The findings from a survey of attitudes amongst professional and trade (PT) groups in the UK construction industry in relation to the use of hybrid concrete construction (HCC) are reported in this paper. Following a brief introduction to HCC, the context of the research presented here is explained. An account of the research methods used in the project is given, together with guidance on appropriate techniques for interviewing professional and trade groups in the construction industry. The findings from the survey are divided into two sections: areas of consensus and areas of disagreement. Conclusions are drawn relating to the future design, procurement and construction of buildings that incorporate HCC.
Neurofuzzy modelling of construction projects' duration I: principles
Authors: BOUSSABAINE A.H.
Published: January 2010

Construction projects' duration can be modelled using traditional and artificial intelligence methods. The first part of these two papers provides an insight into the principles of modelling project durations using neurofuzzy methods. This paper presents an understanding of how these methods operate and discusses the main issues concerning their use and application in construction management. An introduction to the problems of modelling and predicting construction projects' duration is first presented. This is followed by explaining the neurofuzzy life cycle modelling process and discussing methods for modelling projects' duration. A graphical presentation of the way in which neurofuzzy methods operate is also presented and discussed.
Bid cutting: an empirical study of practice in South‐East Queensland
Authors: MAY DAYNE , WILSON OWEN , SKITMORE MARTIN
Published: January 2010

The nature, status and role of bid cutting in construction bidding are examined from economic, legal, ethical and management perspectives. Some possible means of countering its negative effects are considered including prohibition by legislation, the use of bid depositories, earlier formalization of subcontracts, withdrawal of subcontract prices and through alternative procurement methods. An empirical survey of bid cutting practice is described involving a sample of main contractors (MCs) and subcontractors (SCs) in Southeast Queensland. The practice of bid cutting was found to be widespread. All the MCs considered the practice to be ethical and all the SCs considered it to be unethical. In some cases, MCs awarded contracts elsewhere, even after telling SCs they had the job. Most of the SCs had tried individually to counteract bid cutting but were unable to continue this while others were complying with MC bid cutting attempts. SC bid withdrawals are very rare and litigation is never applied by either MCs or SCs. Mainly as a result of incomplete project documentation, MCs disliked the idea of making the subcontract binding at the time of main contract bid subject to its success, although it was generally recognized that it would reduce bid cutting by the MC‐a view that was also shared by half the SCs. Most respondents thought the construction management procurement option might reduce bid cutting but none had sufficient direct experience to be sure.
A multi‐criteria approach to contractor selection
Authors: MAHDI IBRAHIM M. , RILEY MIKE J. , FEREIG SAMI M. , ALEX ALEX P.
Published: January 2010

This paper describes a multiple‐criteria decision support system (MCDSS) for the selection of the most appropriate contractor. The system can accommodate the unique characteristics of a project in addition to the qualifications and capabilities of those contractors assessed. The system first evaluates the list of contractors by matching their qualifications with specific project conditions. A short list of eligible contractors is thus selected and further the MCDSS compares the current capabilities of the short listed contractors and their plans for the project under consideration, to select the most appropriate contractor. The Delphi method was used to evoke expertise and obtain reliable assessment values for all criteria related to the contractor qualification, while the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assess the specific project conditions. The system can be easily modified to adopt specific conditions of the proposed project and also to facilitate the decision maker in explaining the reasons for the elimination of excluded contractor.
A method for identifying high outliers in construction contract auctions
Authors: SKITMORE MARTIN , LO H.P.
Published: January 2010

Construction contract auctions are characterized by (1) a heavy emphasis on the lowest bid as it is that which usually determines the winner of the auction, (2) anticipated high outliers because of the presence of non‐competitive bids, (3) very small samples, and (4) uncertainty of the appropriate underlying density function model of the bids. This paper describes a method for simultaneously identifying outliers and density function by systematically identifying and removing candidate (high) outliers and examining the composite goodness‐of‐fit of the resulting reduced samples with censored normal and lognormal density function. The special importance of the lowest bid value in this context is utilized in the goodness‐of‐fit test by the probability of the lowest bid recorded for each auction as a lowest order statistic. Six different identification strategies are tested empirically by application, both independently and in pooled form, to eight sets of auction data gathered from around the world. The results indicate the most conservative identification strategy to be a multiple of the auction standard deviation assuming a lognormal composite density. Surprisingly, the normal density alternative was the second most conservative solution. The method is also used to evaluate some methods used in practice and to identify potential improvements.
Mapping the design process during the conceptual phase of building projects
Authors: MACMILLAN SEBASTIAN , STEELE JOHN , KIRBY PAUL , SPENCE ROBIN , AUSTIN SIMON
Published: January 2010

This paper reports the outcome of a 2‐year research project that set out to provide a process map of the concept stage of building projects. From a literature review, comparison of current process maps, and through interviews and case study analyses, a tentative new framework for the concept stage was developed and tested. It comprises 12 activities in five phases. The framework formed the basis of a graphical method used to plot the activities of design teams in a series of workshops. This graphical method illustrates design iteration in a way which we believe has not been undertaken before, and the patterns it reveals are intuitively understood by design team members themselves, helping them reflect on their own design process. We have also constructed a prototype internet‐based decision support tool for the concept stage of design. This is intended to be inherently flexible and supportive of non‐linear routes through concept design, while also offering a structured approach, design tools to broaden the solution space or evaluate competing options, team management advice, and the recording of decision making. Initial testing of this tool showed it to be well‐received, although it was criticized for focusing too much on the gates between activities and too little on the issues and decisions within each activity.
Managing the selection of energy saving features in building design
Authors: DE WILDE PIETER , AUGENBROE GODFRIED , VAN DER VOORDEN MARINUS
Published: January 2010

This paper discusses how project management styles and methods impact on energy conscious design decisions by building design teams. Within the broad field of energy conscious design the emphasis of this paper is on the selection of energy saving technologies in appropriately configured building components. The premise of the research is that these selections are not well rationalized. Choices of energy saving features in current practice are discussed against the background of available computational tools and the way these tools are used (or not) to enhance the decision‐making process. Through empirical data gathering based on case studies, improved project management techniques that enable a more timely and rational selection of energy saving technologies will be identified. A follow‐up research project that implements the findings in an operational design system is briefly presented to sketch the practical implications of the reported research.
Triangulation in construction management research
Authors: LOVE PETER E.D. , HOLT GARY D. , LI HENG
Published: January 2010

There has been considerable debate in the construction management (CM) literature as to which research methodology is the most appropriate to CM research problems. This paper contributes to that debate by suggesting that postmodernity and multi‐level research can extend the scope of CM theory. It is argued that if CM researchers are to effectively solve the problems that the construction industry faces, then they need to adopt a robust methodological approach that takes account of both ontological and epistemological viewpoints. It is proffered that only then will we fully understand phenomena that influence organizational and project performance in construction.
A model for managing the product development process in house building
Authors: FORMOSO CARLOS T. , TZORTZOPOULOS PATRICIA , LIEDTKE RENATA
Published: January 2010

The performance of the product development process has a critical influence on the efficiency and duration of building projects, as well as on the quality of the final product. Despite its importance, relatively little attention has been given to the management of this process, if compared with production. The main objective of this paper is to present some results of a research project which aimed to devise a general model for managing the product development process in small sized companies involved in the development and construction of residential and commercial buildings. This model consists of a template for the product development process, which can be used by different companies as a basis to devise their own models for managing individual projects. The development of the model was based on case studies carried out in two companies from the south of Brazil and also on a benchmarking study.
Artificial neural networks model for predicting excavator productivity
Authors: TAM C.M. , TONG THOMAS K.L. , TSE SHARON L.
Published: January 2010

This paper aims to develop a quantitative model for predicting the productivity of excavators using artificial neural networks (ANN), which is then compared with the multiple regression model developed by Edwards & Holt (2000). A neural network using the architecture of multilayer feedforward (MLFF) is used to model the productivity of excavators. Finally, the modelling methods, predictive behaviours and the advantages of each model are discussed. The results show that the ANN model is suitable for mapping the non‐linear relationship between excavation activities and the performance of excavators. It concludes that the ANN model is an ideal alternative for estimating the productivity of excavators.
Review article: percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in infants and children
Authors: FRÖHLICH T. , RICHTER M. , CARBON R. , BARTH B. , KÖHLER H.
Published: January 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 788–801

Background  Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement is widely accepted in children needing long‐term gastrostomy feeding and clinical experience has been accumulated using PEG in children for nearly three decades.

Aim  To discuss the current knowledge about clinical application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in children as well as associated complications and special aspects.

Methods  We reviewed literature on PEG, primarily in children, with a focus on complications, gastro‐oesophageal reflux, potential benefits and parental perceptions. In addition to reviewing scientific literature, we considered clinical experience and judgment in developing recommendations for special aspects concerning PEG in children.

Results  Since its introduction in 1980, the use of PEG in paediatric patients has become widely accepted. With expanded experience, the number of medical conditions for which PEG is indicated, as well as the use of new techniques has increased. Published reports have helped improve expertise in dealing with associated complications; however, several key issues remain unresolved such as the implications of gastro‐oesophageal reflux associated with PEG placement.

Conclusions  Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion for enteral nutrition in children and adolescents is an efficient and safe technique, even in small children, and is associated with a tolerable complication rate.
Aberrant expression of the neuronal transcription factor FOXP2 in neoplastic plasma cells
Authors: Campbell Andrew J. , Lyne Linden , Brown Philip J. , Launchbury Rosalind J. , Bignone Paola , Chi Jianxiang , Roncador Giovanna , Lawrie Charles H. , Gatter Kevin C. , Kusec Rajko , Banham Alison H.
Published: January 2010

FOXP2 mutation causes a severe inherited speech and language defect, while the related transcription factors FOXP1, FOXP3 and FOXP4 are implicated in cancer. FOXP2 mRNA and protein expression were characterised in normal human tissues, haematological cell lines and multiple myeloma (MM) patients’ samples. FOXP2 mRNA and protein were absent in mononuclear cells from different anatomical sites, lineages and stages of differentiation. However, FOXP2 mRNA and protein was detected in several lymphoma (8/20) and all MM‐derived cell lines (n = 4). FOXP2 mRNA was expressed in bone marrow samples from 96% of MM patients (24/25), 66·7% of patients with the pre‐neoplastic plasma cell proliferation monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (6/9), but not in reactive plasma cells. The frequency of FOXP2 protein expression in CD138+ plasma cells was significantly higher in MGUS (P = 0·0005; mean 46·4%) and MM patients (P ≤ 0·0001; mean 57·3%) than in reactive marrows (mean 2·5%). FOXP2 (>10% nuclear positivity) was detectable in 90·2% of MM (55/61) and 90·9% of MGUS (10/11) patients, showing more frequent expression than CD56 and labelling 75% of CD56‐negative MM (9/12). FOXP2 represents the first transcription factor whose expression consistently differentiates normal and abnormal plasma cells and FOXP2 target genes are implicated in MM pathogenesis.
Serum concentration of baseline mast cell tryptase: evidence for a decline during long‐term immunotherapy for Hymenoptera venom allergy
Authors: Dugas‐Breit S. , Przybilla B. , Dugas M. , Arnold A. , Pfundstein G. , Küchenhoff H. , Ruëff F.
Published: January 2010

Background
Baseline serum mast cell tryptase concentration (BTC) is thought to reflect the constitutive mast cell load or activity of an individual patient. Little is known about the individual stability of BTC during long‐term venom immunotherapy (VIT).

Objective
To investigate the intra‐individual stability of BTC over time in patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy.

Methods
Three hundred and two patients were studied. BTC was measured before and at least twice during VIT. At least 4 weeks lay between BTC measurements and the most recent field sting, in‐hospital sting, or preceding venom injection. Multifactorial mixed linear models were used to analyse BTC changes over time.

Results
Median observation time was 4.2 years (range 2–12 years). Before VIT, the median BTC was 6.8 μg/L (range 1.14–177 μg/L). The median coefficient of variation (CV) over time was 15.3% (range 1.9–63.8%). The median CV was significantly smaller in patients presenting with an elevated BTC (>11.4 μg/L) than in patients with a normal BTC (11.4%, range 2.6–39.5%; vs. 17.6%, range 1.9– 63.8%; P<0.001). During VIT and after adjusting for age and gender, we found a slight but significant decrease of BTC over time (2.5% per year, 95% confidence interval 2.0–3.0%, P<0.001).

Conclusion
Individual variation of BTC during VIT does not rise when BTC is increased before therapy. VIT is associated with a small, but continuous decrease of BTC over time possibly indicating a dampened mast cell function or a decline in mast cell burden.

Cite this as: S. Dugas‐Breit, B. Przybilla, M. Dugas, A. Arnold, G. Pfundstein, H. Küchenhoff and F. Ruëff, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 643–649.
Nasal eosinophilia: an indicator of eosinophilic inflammation in asthma
Authors: Amorim M. M. , Araruna A. , Caetano L. B. , Cruz A. C. , Santoro L. L. , Fernandes A. L. G.
Published: January 2010

Background
It is noteworthy that there is a clear clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological association between upper and lower airway inflammation in rhinitis and asthma.

Objective
The aim of this study was to compare the eosinophil counts in induced sputum and nasal lavage fluids in asthma, checking their association and the accuracy of nasal eosinophilia as a predictor of sputum eosinophilia by a cross‐sectional study.

Methods
The clinical evaluation, asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator spirometry, nasal and sputum sample was performed. The nasal eosinophilia was analysed by a receiver operating curve and logistic regression model.

Results
In 140 adults, the post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) did not differ between patients with or without sputum eosinophilia (0.18). After adjusted for upper airway symptoms, age, ACQ score and post‐bronchodilator FEV1, sputum eosinophilia was associated with 52 times increase in odds of nasal eosinophilia, whereas each 1% increase in bronchodilator response was associated with 7% increase in odds of nasal eosinophilia.

Conclusion
This study brings further evidence that upper airway diseases are an important component of the asthma syndrome. Furthermore, monitoring of nasal eosinophilia by quantitative cytology may be useful as a surrogate of sputum cytology in as a component of composite measurement for determining airway inflammation.
Direct interaction between KaiA and KaiB revealed by a site‐directed spin labeling electron spin resonance analysis
Authors: Mutoh Risa , Mino Hiroyuki , Murakami Reiko , Uzumaki Tatsuya , Takabayashi Atsushi , Ishii Kentaro , Ishiura Masahiro
Published: January 2010

In cyanobacteria, three clock proteins, KaiA, KaiB and KaiC, play essential roles in generating circadian oscillations. The interactions of these proteins change during the circadian cycle. Here, we demonstrated direct interaction between KaiA and KaiB using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. We prepared cystein (Cys)‐substituted mutants of Thermosynechococcus elongatus KaiB, labeled specifically their Cys residues with spin labels and measured the ESR spectra of the labeled KaiB. We found that KaiB labeled at the 64th residue showed spectral changes in the presence of KaiA, but not in the presence of KaiC or bovine serum albumin as a negative control. KaiB labeled at the 101st residue showed no such spectral changes even in the presence of KaiA. The results suggest that KaiB interacts with KaiA in the vicinity of the 64th residue of KaiB. Further analysis demonstrated that the C‐terminal clock‐oscillator domain of KaiA is responsible for this interaction.
Generalized anisotropy parameters and approximations of attenuations and velocities in viscoelastic media of arbitrary anisotropy type – theoretical and experimental aspects*
Authors: Rasolofosaon Patrick N.J.
Published: January 2010

Seismic anisotropy in geological media is now widely accepted. Parametrizations and explicit approximations for the velocities in such media, considered as purely elastic and moderately anisotropic, are now standards and have even been extended to arbitrary types of anisotropy. In the case of attenuating media, some authors have also recently published different parametrizations and velocity and attenuation approximations in viscoelastic anisotropic media of particular symmetry type (e.g., transversely isotropic or orthorhombic). This paper extends such work to media of arbitrary anisotropy type, that is to say to triclinic media. In the case of homogeneous waves and using the so‐called ‘correspondence principle’, it is shown that the viscoelastic equations (for the phase velocities, phase slownesses, moduli, wavenumbers, etc.) are formally identical to the corresponding purely elastic equations available in the literature provided that all the corresponding quantities are complex (except the unit vector in the propagation direction that remains real). In contrast to previous work, the new parametrization uses complex anisotropy parameters and constitutes a simple extension to viscoelastic media of previous work dealing with non‐attenuating elastic media of arbitrary anisotropy type. We make the link between these new complex anisotropy parameters and measurable parameters, as well as with previously published anisotropy parameters, demonstrating the usefulness of the new parametrization. We compute the explicit complete directional dependence of the exact and of the approximate (first and higher‐order perturbation) complex phase velocities of the three body waves (qP, qS1 and qS2). The exact equations are successfully compared with the ultrasonic phase velocities and phase attenuations of the three body waves measured in a strongly attenuating water‐saturated sample of Vosges sandstone exhibiting moderate velocity anisotropy but very strong attenuation anisotropy. The approximate formulas are checked on experimental data. Compared to the exact solutions, the errors observed on the first‐order approximate velocities are small (<1%) for qP‐waves and moderate (<10%) for qS‐waves. The corresponding errors on the quality factorQare moderate (<6%) for qP‐waves but critically large (up to 160%) for the qS‐waves. The use of higher‐order approximations substantially improves the accuracy, for instance typical maximum relative errors do not exceed 0.06% on all the velocities and 0.6% on all the quality factorsQ, for third‐order approximations. All the results obtained on other rock samples confirm the results obtained on this rock. The simplicity of the derivations and the generality of the results are striking and particularly convenient for practical applications.
Investigating temporal changes in hybridization and introgression in a predominantly bimodal hybridizing population of invasive sika (Cervus nippon) and native red deer (C. elaphus) on the Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland
Authors: SENN H. V. , BARTON N. H. , GOODMAN S. J. , SWANSON G. M. , ABERNETHY K. A. , PEMBERTON J. M.
Published: January 2010

We investigated temporal changes in hybridization and introgression between native red deer (Cervus elaphus) and invasive Japanese sika (Cervus nippon) on the Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland, over 15 years, through analysis of 1513 samples of deer at 20 microsatellite loci and a mtDNA marker. We found no evidence that either the proportion of recent hybrids, or the levels of introgression had changed over the study period. Nevertheless, in one population where the two species have been in contact since ∼1970, 44% of individuals sampled during the study were hybrids. This suggests that hybridization between these species can proceed fairly rapidly. By analysing the number of alleles that have introgressed from polymorphic red deer into the genetically homogenous sika population, we reconstructed the haplotypes of red deer alleles introduced by backcrossing. Five separate hybridization events could account for all the recently hybridized sika‐like individuals found across a large section of the Peninsula. Although we demonstrate that low rates of F1 hybridization can lead to substantial introgression, the progress of hybridization and introgression appears to be unpredictable over the short timescales.
Population structure of South African and Australian Pyrenophora teres isolates
Authors: Lehmensiek A. , Bester‐van der Merwe A. E. , Sutherland M. W. , Platz G. , Kriel W. M. , Potgieter G. F. , Prins R.
Published: January 2010

There are two recognized forms of the disease net blotch of barley: the net form caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres (PTT) and the spot form caused by P. teres f. maculata (PTM). In this study, amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of 60 PTT and 64 PTM isolates collected across Australia (66 isolates) and in the south‐western Cape of South Africa (58 isolates). For comparison, P. tritici‐repentis, Exserohilum rostratum and Bipolaris sorokiniana samples were also included in the analyses. Both distance‐ and model‐based cluster analyses separated the PTT and PTM isolates into two strongly divergent genetic groups. Significant variation was observed both among the South African and Australian populations of PTT and PTM and among sampling locations for the PTT samples. Results suggest that sexual reproduction between the two forms is unlikely and that reproduction within the PTT and PTM groups occurs mainly asexually.
Cutaneous malasseziasis: four case reports of atypical dermatitis and onychomycosis caused by Malassezia
Authors: Zhao Ying , Li Li , Wang Jia‐jun , Kang Ke Fei , Zhang Qiang Qiang
Published: January 2010

Background  This study investigates four special cases associated with Malassezia.

Methods  The special clinical manifestations, mycologic examination, and treatment were reviewed intensively.

Results  An abundance of Malassezia hyphae were found in the scales of the three cases presenting with erythematous patches and in another case presenting with dystrophic nails. Malassezia globosa was identified and confirmed by culture. Antifungal agents were effective in the treatment of all cases.

Conclusions  Malassezia is an opportunistic fungus that may induce dermatosis other than classical pityriasis versicolor. Hyphae from the lesions may be induced by a change in the microenvironment of the fungus caused by the local application of corticosteroids.
Reduced erythrocyte deformability in active and untreated Behçet’s disease patients
Authors: Tatlican Semih , Duran Fatma Simsek , Eren Cemile , Eskioglu Fatma , Dikmenoglu Neslihan , Oktay Bilgen , Durmazlar Selda Pelin Kartal , Canpolat Filiz
Published: January 2010

Objective  Although the etiology of Behcet’s disease is not clarified yet, the vascular endothelial damage and thrombosis are prominent features of the disease. The underlying mechanisms of increased risk of thrombosis in Behcet’s disease are not completely understood. It is stated that the changes in blood rheology such as erythrocyte deformability take part in the thrombosis. There are limited numbers of studies with conflicting results about the erythrocyte deformability in Behcet’s disease. The previous studies were not limited to the untreated patients with active disease.

Method  Blood samples were filtered immediately by “Imugard‐ leukocyte removal filter”. After plasma and erythrocytes were separated by centrifugation, 10% erythrocyte suspensions were prepared with isotonic Tris NaCl buffer solution. These erythrocyte suspensions were filtered under gravitational force by “Nucleopore” to determine the filtration time. The filtration times of the erythrocyte and buffer solutions were referred as t1 and t2 respectively. Finally, deformability indices were obtained by dividing the t1 by t2. A decrease in the deformability of the erythrocytes would result in an increase in the filtration time of the erythrocyte suspension and deformability indices.

Results  The median deformability indices were 3.090 and 2.170 for patients and control subjects respectively and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000).

Conclusion  We suggest that the decrease in erythrocyte deformability in Behcet’s disease may be related to oxidative damage of erythrocytes and subsequently takes part in the development of thrombosis in Behcet’s disease.
A randomized and controlled trial about the use of oral isotretinoin for photoaging
Authors: Bagatin Ediléia , Parada Meire O B , Miot Hélio A , Hassun Karime M , Michalany Nilceo , Talarico Sergio
Published: January 2010

Topical retinoids are used to treat photoaging; oral isotretinoin is gold standard for acne; “off label” indications, including photoaging, have been reported with insufficient evidence of efficacy. This is a randomized controlled phase II trial with clinical and histological assessment to evaluate efficacy and safety of oral isotretinoin for photoaging. Study population was comprised of 32 menopausal or sterilized women, aged 40–55, divided in 2 groups: A (21) received 20mg isotretinoin, 3 times per week, nightly moisturizer, and daily sunscreen, for three months; B (11) just moisturizer/sunscreen. Main outcome measures were: overall clinical assessment; profilometry, corneometer and elasticity tests in periocular regions and left forearm; before/after biopsies from left forearm in patients of B and in 10 randomly selected of A. Microscopic blinded evaluation of epidermal thickness, dermal elastosis, new collagen, p53 epidermal expression was performed by quantitative digital image analysis. All data were submitted to statistical analysis. Clinical evaluation showed slight improvement; profilometry, corneometer and skin elasticity tests presented significant difference in pre/post values (P = 0.001 to 0.028), but no differences between A/B. Histological findings and p53 expression were comparable between groups before treatment (P > 0.1); microscopic analysis showed no differences between groups for most variables, after treatment. Slight but significant difference between A/B for p53 with major reduction post isotretinoin [0.66±0.31 vs. 0.94±0.34 respectively (P = 0.04) was observed. There were minor side effects and no significant laboratory test alterations. We concluded that no significant clinical, microscopic changes but p53 epidermal expression reduction were observed. The role of ultra‐violet induced p53 mutation in skin carcinogenesis reinforces retinoids chemoprevention. Oral isotretinoin seemed safe but not effective to treat photoaging. Caution should be considered for women prone to pregnancy. Further controlled studies are necessary.
Reduction of asthma burden is possible through National Asthma Plans
Authors: Kupczyk M. , Haahtela T. , Cruz A. A. , Kuna P.
Published: January 2010

To cite this article: Kupczyk M, Haahtela T, Cruz AA, Kuna P. Reduction of asthma burden is possible through National Asthma. Allergy 2010; 65: 415–419.

Despite increase in understanding of asthma patomechanisms the practical actions to lessen asthma burden in the communities are far behind of scientific knowledge. There are still reports of uderdiagnosis and poor treatment leading to repeated severe exacerbations, often demanding emergency care and hospitalisation, which cause most of the economic burden both for families and society. From the public health perspective, the key issue is to implement the best standards of care in every‐day practice. The problems are different in high income compared to low‐ and middle‐income countries, and the solutions have to be tailored to each country needs and resources. We present here examples from Finland, Poland and Brazil, to show that asthma burden can be reduced using varied strategies in quite different societal, economical and health care environments. The experience from those interventions confirms that regardless of the health care system and its coverage, a major change for the better can be achieved by local efforts, systematic planning and networking to implement the best asthma practice.
Consumption of vegetables, fruit, and antioxidants during pregnancy and wheeze and eczema in infants
Authors: Miyake Y. , Sasaki S. , Tanaka K. , Hirota Y.
Published: January 2010

To cite this article: Miyake Y, Sasaki S, Tanaka K, Hirota Y. Consumption of vegetables, fruit, and antioxidants during pregnancy and wheeze and eczema in infants. Allergy 2010; 65: 758–765.

Background:  Two previous cohort studies showed inverse relationships between maternal vitamin E and zinc intake during pregnancy and the risk of wheeze and/or asthma in the offspring. We investigated the association between maternal intake of vegetables, fruit, and selected antioxidants during pregnancy and the risk of wheeze and eczema in the offspring aged 16–24 months.

Methods:  Subjects were 763 Japanese mother–child pairs. Data on maternal intake during pregnancy were assessed with a diet history questionnaire. Data on symptoms of wheeze and eczema were based on criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood.

Results:  Higher maternal intake of green and yellow vegetables, citrus fruit, and β‐carotene during pregnancy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of eczema, but not wheeze, in the offspring {adjusted odds ratios (ORs) between extreme quartiles [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] = 0.41 (0.24–0.71), 0.53 (0.30–0.93), and 0.52 (0.30–0.89), respectively}. Maternal vitamin E consumption during pregnancy was significantly inversely related to the risk of infantile wheeze, but not eczema [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 0.54 (0.32–0.90)]. No statistically significant exposure–response associations were observed between maternal intake of total vegetables, vegetables other than green and yellow vegetables, total fruit, apples, α‐carotene, vitamin C, or zinc and the risk of wheeze or eczema in the children.

Conclusions:  Higher maternal consumption of green and yellow vegetables, citrus fruit, and β‐carotene during pregnancy may be protective against the development of eczema in the offspring. Higher maternal vitamin E intake during pregnancy may reduce the risk of infantile wheeze.
Influence of Cysteamine on In Vitro Maturation, In Vitro and In Vivo Fertilization of Equine Oocytes
Authors: Deleuze S , Dubois CS , Caillaud M , Bruneau B , Goudet G , Duchamp G
Published: January 2010

Contents

The effect of cysteamine on in vitro nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of equine oocytes collected by transvaginal ultrasound guided follicular aspiration was assessed. Oocytes were matured in vitro with (cysteamine group) or without (control group) cysteamine. The nuclear stage after DNA Hoechst staining, penetration rates after two different in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques (IVF media with ionophore and Hepes buffer with heparin) and the embryo yield following oocyte intra‐oviductal transfer were used as a criterion for assessing nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, respectively. Contrary to the data described in other domestic species, there was no effect of cysteamine on in vitro nuclear maturation, IVF or in vivo embryonic development under our conditions. Ovum pick up yields (52%) and maturation rates (control group: 47% and cysteamine group: 55%) were similar to those previously reported. From 57 oocytes transferred to the oviduct in each group, the number of embryos collected was 10 (17%) in the control group and five in the cysteamine group (9%). Those two percentages were not statistically different (p > 0.05). No effect of IVF technique was seen on the success rate (6%) in each group.
The Effect of a Chronic Stressor, Lameness, on Detailed Sexual Behaviour and Hormonal Profiles in Milk and Plasma of Dairy Cattle
Authors: Walker SL , Smith RF , Jones DN , Routly JE , Morris MJ , Dobson H
Published: January 2010

Content

The objectives of the present study were to quantify the effects of a biological chronic stressor (lameness) on the duration and frequency of different oestrous behaviours in parallel with milk hormone profiles. Dairy cows 51.8 ± 1.4 days postpartum (n = 59), including 18 non‐lame control cows, were scored for lameness and closely observed for signs of oestrus having had their follicular phases synchronized by administration of gonadotrophin‐releasing‐hormone (GnRH) followed by prostaglandin F2α (PG) 7 days later. Lameness shortened the period when herd‐mates attempted to mount the lame cows (1.83 ± 0.69 h vs 5.20 ± 1.53 h; p = 0.042) but did not affect the overall duration of total behaviours (lame 12.3 ± 1.3 h vs non‐lame 15.2 ± 1.3 h). Lameness also lowered the intensity of oestrus [1417 ± 206 points (n = 18) vs 2260 ± 307 points (n = 15); p = 0.029]. Throughout the synchronized oestrous period, lame cows mounted the rear of herd‐mates less frequently (p = 0.020) and tended to chin rest less (p = 0.075). Around the period of maximum oestrous intensity, lameness also diminished the proportion of cows mounting the rear of another cow and chin resting (p = 0.048, p = 0.037, respectively). Furthermore, lame cows had lower progesterone values during the 6 days before oestrous (p ≤ 0.05). Fewer lame cows were observed in oestrus following PG (non‐lame 83%, lame 53%; p = 0.030); however, if prior progesterone concentrations were elevated, lame cows were just as likely to be observed in oestrus. In conclusion, following endogenous progesterone exposure, lameness shortens the period when herd‐mates attempt to mount lame cows but does not affect the incidence of oestrous. However, lame cows are mounted less frequently and express oestrus of lower intensity. This is associated with lower progesterone prior to oestrus but not with abnormal oestradiol or cortisol profiles in daily milk samples.
Clinical and pharmacologic risk factors for neuroleptic malignant syndrome and their association with death
Authors: Tural Ümit , Önder Emin
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate demographics, clinical features, psychiatric diagnoses and prognosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) reported in Turkey, and to assess their association with mortality.

Methods:  Data on all reported cases of NMS in the Turkish Psychiatric Index between 1985 and 2005 were collected. The type, dosage and administration period of neuroleptics, the clinical and laboratory findings; and prognosis were compared in terms of mortality.

Results:  Thirty‐six patients with a mean age of 33.67 ± 16.98 years were identified. Fifteen (41.7%) were diagnosed as having schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders and the same number were diagnosed as having affective disorder. Remaining five (13.9%) were diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders and 1 (2.7%) had no psychiatric diagnosis. Twenty‐two (61.1%) of the NMS cases were associated with high potency typical neuroleptics. Association between an atypical antipsychotic and NMS has been reported in one case. NMS appeared within 7 days after initiation of the antipsychotic medication in the majority of samples (n = 19, 52.8%). Several combinations of rescue treatments were used in the majority of cases (n = 19, 52.8%), although bromocriptine (n = 22, 61.1%) was the most frequently preferred rescue treatment for NMS. Benzodiazepines were significantly better than the other treatment options in preventing mortality. Five out of the 36 patients (13.9%) with NMS had died. Age was the only significant independent factor that was associated with mortality.

Conclusions:  Benzodiazepines may be included in the treatment of NMS. The mortality rate due to NMS in Turkey was lower than the previously reported rates from other developing countries.
WASTIN’ AWAY IN MARGARITAVILLE? NEW EVIDENCE ON THE ACADEMIC EFFECTS OF TEENAGE BINGE DRINKING
Authors: SABIA JOSEPH J.
Published: January 2010

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examines the relationship between teenage binge drinking and three measures of academic performance: grade point average, out‐of‐school suspensions, and unexcused absences from school. While ordinary least square estimates show that binge drinking is associated with diminished academic performance, individual fixed‐effects estimates suggest that much of this relationship can be explained by unmeasured heterogeneity. After controlling for individual fixed effects and for changes in drug use, psychological well‐being, and time preference, binge drinking has a much smaller and often statistically insignificant effect on school performance. (JEL I10, I21, I18)
PEER EFFECTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: DOES THE FIELD OF STUDY MATTER?
Authors: BRUNELLO GIORGIO , DE PAOLA MARIA , SCOPPA VINCENZO
Published: January 2010

Does the peer effect vary with the field of study? Using data from a middle‐sized public university located in southern Italy and exploiting the random assignment of first‐year students to college accommodation, we find that roommate peer effects for freshmen enrolled in the hard sciences are positive and significantly larger than for freshmen enrolled in the humanities and social sciences. We present a simple theoretical model which suggests that the uncovered differences between fields in the size of the peer effect could plausibly be generated by between‐field variation in labor market returns, which affect optimal student effort.(JELI21, Z13, J24)
Reciprocal Influences of Personality and Job Characteristics Across Middle Adulthood
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Costa Paul T.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT
The present research uses an economically diverse, middle‐aged sample to examine the concurrent and longitudinal interplay between personality and occupational experiences. Using the Five‐Factor Model of personality and the Demand‐Control Model of the occupational environment as guiding frameworks, participants (N=722) reported on their personality, job characteristics, and occupational history; a subset (n=297) made the same ratings approximately 10 years later. Measured concurrently, emotionally stable, extraverted, open, and conscientious participants reported jobs with greater decision‐making latitude, whereas disagreeable participants had more physically demanding and dangerous jobs. Longitudinal cross‐lagged analyses revealed that personality was associated with changes in decision latitude, hazardous working conditions, and physical demands. None of the job characteristics predicted change in personality at the factor level. Thus, personality shaped occupational experiences, but occupational experiences had minimal impact on personality. Support for the Five‐Factor Theory perspective and implications for environmental approaches to personality development are discussed.
A Simple Two‐Sector Model of Outsourcing
Authors: Batra Ravi , Beladi Hamid
Published: January 2010

Outsourcing has become an increasingly contentious subject ever since N. Gregory Mankiw remarked in 2004 that outsourcing is just another way of doing international trade, and must be beneficial to the nation, including the workers. We construct a simple two‐sector specific‐factor model and explore the validity of Mankiw's remarks. We find his ideas are valid when the country does not produce any outsourced factor's work at home in that both the laborers and the nation benefit. But when some outsourced factorcumintermediate good is also produced at home, the nation still benefits but the workers may suffer.
Technology Gap Matters on Spillover
Authors: Sawada Naotaka
Published: January 2010

This paper develops an oligopoly model with endogenous technology spillovers through foreign direct investment (FDI). The foreign entrant brings a superior technology and therefore may spend resources to prevent spillovers of its technology to the home firm. The home firm has an incentive to spend resources to gain these spillovers. After firms strategically choose their expenditures to influence technology spillovers, they compete in a Cournot–Nash quantity game. This study provides theoretical insight on the positive and negative empirical spillover results of FDI on productivity of local firms. Up to a critical bound, the larger the initial technology gap between the foreign and home firms, the more the home firm spends to gain spillovers. Past that boundary, the home firm decreases spending. As a result, the home firm's profits from spillovers vary, but larger technology gaps engender greater net profit losses from FDI.
Arteriolosclerotic ulcer of Martorell
Authors: Vuerstaek JDD , Reeder SWI , Henquet CJM , Neumann HAM
Published: January 2010

In 1945, Martorell described ischaemic leg ulcers in patients with hypertension. He suggested that the ischaemic necrosis was secondary to a hypertensive arteriolar disease and referred to them as ‘hypertensive ischaemic ulcers’. In recent years, the specific entity of these ulcers has been questioned. Others claim they have a much higher incidence, but presume the diagnosis is frequently missed. Almost 900 cases of Martorell’s ulcers have been reported in literature since the first description. A systematic review and comprehensive search of literature (evidence‐based) was needed to characterize this type of ulcer. Based on aetiology and histopathology, it seems to be justified to maintain the name ‘arteriolosclerotic ulcer of Martorell’. We conclude that the arteriolosclerotic ulcer of Martorell is a specific entity with its own clinical and histological diagnostic keys, wound management and preventive measures. We introduce a set of criteria that may be used to facilitate diagnosing arteriolosclerotic ulcer of Martorell as well as a flowchart that includes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this particular type of vascular leg ulcer.