bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of ovomucoid‐specific T‐cell lines and clones from egg‐allergic subjects
Authors: Eigenmann Philippe A. , Huang Shau‐Ku , Sampson Hugh A.
Published: June 2007

In the pathogenesis of allergic reactions, T cells and cytokines play a major role. However, characterizations of food allergen‐specific T cells are very limited. In this study, we screened the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 14 patients for reactivity to ovomucoid (Gal d I), the major hen's egg allergen, and ovalbumin (Gal d II). Cell lines and clones specific to ovomucoid were generated from PBMC of four egg‐allergic subjects, in order to study antigen domain specificity and cell cytokine production profiles. The results demonstrated, firstly, that egg‐allergic patients respond to ovomucoid rather than to ovalbumin, and secondly, that antigen specificity is predominantly directed toward the second and third domains of ovomucoid. The T‐cell cytokine message was characterized by reverse transcrip‐tase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Cell lines and clones from all four patients consistently expressed interleukin (IL)‐5. IL‐4, IL‐13. and in‐terferon‐gamma were found to be expressed only by certain lines or clones. This observation suggests a central pathogenic role for IL‐5 in food allergy‐related symptoms.
Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray: a well‐tolerated and effective treatment for children with perennial rhinitis
Authors: Richards David H. , Milton Catherine M.
Published: June 2007

A total of 535 children aged 4–11 years with perennial rhinitis were recruited to two double‐blind studies performed at 56 centres in eight European countries, Israel, and South Africa. One study compared the efficacy and tolerability of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS), at either 100 ug once daily (od) or 100 ug twice daily (bd), with beclometha‐sone dipropionate (BDPANS) 200 ug bd for 12 weeks in 120 children aged 6–11 years. The second study compared FPANS 100 ug od with FPANS 200 ug od and placebo for 4 weeks in 415 children aged 4–11 years. Efficacy was determined by means of patient assessments of nasal symptoms of perennial rhinitis and by investigator assessments of symptoms and nasal condition. The symptoms of nasal blockage, on waking and during the day, sneezing, rhinorrhoea, and nasal itching were assessed by the investigator at clinic visits and by the completion of a patient daily diary card. Safety was assessed by collection of adverse event information, routine haematology and biochemistry testing, and monitoring plasma cortisol levels. FPANS demonstrated good control of symptoms at each dose regimen, which was equivalent or superior to BDPANS and superior to placebo. There was no difference between the dose regimens of FPANS. FPANS was as well tolerated as placebo and BDPANS. It is concluded that FPANS 100 ug od is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for perennial rhinitis in children aged 4–11 years.
Total IgE levels in human colostrum
Authors: Duchén K. , Björkstén B.
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the total IgE levels in the supernatants and cellular components of colostrum from atopic and nonatopic mothers. Immunoglobulin E protein was detected in 34/39 milk samples, with a median level of 0. 3 μg/1. In 13 mothers, IgE protein was also detected in the cellular fraction of colostrum, with a median level of 0. 13 μg/1. Of the total IgE content in breast milk, 5‐12% was transported intracellularly. The total IgE antibody levels were similar in both milk supernatants and cells from atopic and nonatopic mothers. There was a strong relationship between total IgE antibody levels in serum and in breast milk (r= 1. 0, p<0.001), suggesting that IgE antibodies were passively transported from blood into breast milk. The levels of total IgE in human milk are probably too low to have a significant effect on the regulation of the IgE antibody levels in the neonate.
An ultrastructural study of the interaction of human eosinophils with respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Kimpen Jan L. L. , Garofalo Roberto , Welliver Robert C. , Fujihara Keiji , Ogra Peary L
Published: June 2007

It was shown previously that eosinophils are activated in vivo and in vitro by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (Garofalo et al., J Pediatr 1992: 120: 28–32; Kimpen et al., Pediatr Res 1992: 32: 160–4). For study of the interaction of eosinophils and RSV on the ultrastructural level, normodense eosinophils were purified from peripheral blood of healthy human volunteers. After incubation with RSV in the presence or absence of autologous serum, the eosinophils were examined with immunofluorescence microscopy employing an RSV–specific monoclonal antibody, and with transmission electron microscopy. After 2–h incubation in the presence of live RSV, 25. 6 ± 12. 9% of the eosinophils demonstrated positive fluorescence. This increased to 62. 8 ± 8. 9% when fresh autologous serum was added during incubation (P=0.015). The effect was abolished when the serum was heat–treated, indicating Fc–receptor–independent enhancement of viral uptake by the cells. In transmission electron microscopy, virions were seen in phagocytic vacuoles at the periphery of the cells. Eosinophil activation characterized by piecemeal degranulation was evident. In conclusion, activation of eosinophils during RSV bronchiolitis probably occurs in part by direct interaction of the cells with the virus.
Childhood asthma and exposure to indoor allergens: lowmite levels are associated with sensitivity
Authors: Warner A. M. , Bjbrksten B. , Munir A. K. M. , Möller C. , Schou C. , Kjellman N.‐L. M.
Published: June 2007

The prevalence and level of sensitivity to indoor allergens were studied in relation to current exposure at home in 124 children with perennial asthma living in three climatic zones of Sweden. The house dust mite (HDM) allergen levels were higher in the South than in the North (p < 0.001), while cat and dog allergen levels tended to be higher in the North than the South (n. s.). Thirty‐four percent of the children were sensitive to the HDM Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, as determined by IgE antibodies in vitro, 27% were sensitive to D. farinae, 57% to cat and 55% to dog. Sensitivity to HDM was significantly more prevalent in Southern, than in Central and Northern Sweden (p=0.001) where the children were more often sensitive to pets (cat p=0.005, dog p= 0.002). A significant association between the concentration of Der p I and DerfI in the house dust and both the prevalence of sensitivity to HDM and the IgE antibody levels against mites was found even at concentrations well below the commonly suggested risk level for sensitisation of 2 μg/g dust. No relationship was found between pet allergen concentration in the home dust and sensitivity to pets, possibly because of exposure outside home, e. g. in schools and meeting places for leisure activities. Similarly, there was no consistent association between the level of mite or pet allergen exposure at home and asthma severity as judged by symptom and medication score. The study indicates that there is no threshold value for sensitisation to mite allergens in asthmatic children, and therefore, dust allergen levels at home should be kept as low as possible in homes of children at risk for asthma.
Evaluation of IgA measurements as a method for detecting maternal blood contamination of cord blood samples
Authors: Ownby D. R. , McCullough J. , Johnson C. C. , Peterson E. L.
Published: June 2007

Several studies have evaluated the value of cord blood IgE concentrations for predicting the risk of allergic disease in children. In all of these studies it is necessary to exclude cord blood samples in which the IgE may be falsely elevated due to admixing of maternal and fetal blood during parturition. The most common method for detecting mixing of fetal and maternal blood is measurement of cord blood IgA concentrations. We have examined the theoretical basis of IgA measurements for detecting maternal blood contamination and reexamined our own data to evaluate IgA measurements. Our data suggest that the average IgA concentration of 28. 2 μg/ml used in previous studies may not adequately exclude contaminated cord blood sample. Failure to reject contaminated cord blood samples would reduce the positive predictive value of cord btood IgE measurements.
The potential role of gastroesophageal reflux in the pathogenesis of food‐induced wheezing
Authors: Meer S. , Groothuis J. R. , Harbeck R. , Liu S. , Leung D. Y. M.
Published: June 2007

Severe reactive airways disease (RAD) in children is frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux or food allergy. However a relationship between these two confounding factors has yet to be investigated. We postulate that, in certain patients with micro‐aspiration of gastric contents into the airways, food allergens sensitize T cells in the peribronchial lymphoid tissue and induce the production of food‐specific IgE antibodies that sensitize airway cells. Subsequent exposure to these food allergens might then induce IgE dependent mediator release from mast cells as well as T cell and eosino‐phil activation, thus contributing to airway inflammation and RAD. In the current report, we describe the case of a patient with severe asthma who had food allergy and gastroesophageal reflux whose clinical findings support this hypothesis. We also provide additional evidence for a high rate of food sen‐sitization in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), RAD and GER. We conclude that additional studies are warranted to examine the possibility that patients who have RAD and GER require an evaluation for food allergy.
Application of an electrophoretic methodology for the identification of low molecular weight proteins in foods
Authors: Dean T. P. , Clarke M. C. A. , Hourihane J. O'B , Dean K. R. , Warner J. O.
Published: June 2007

Identification and characterisation of food proteins are core features of food allergy research. Current methods used to identify allergenic proteins in food have insufficient resolution and are unable to delect low molecular weight proteins. In this study we report the use of a simple SDS‐PAGE method which allows resolution of small proteins. We have subsequently applied this method and reported presence of low molecular weight proteins in a range of hydrolysed milk formulae (Nutramigen, Pregistimil, Alfare, Pepti‐Junior and Pregomin), and crude peanut protein extract. The molecular weight distribution for the peanut extract and the hydrolysates ranged between 5‐200kDa and 2‐17kDa respectively.
Lymphocyte subset reference ranges in healthy Saudi Arabian children
Authors: Shahabuddin Syed , Al‐Ayed Ibrahim Hussein , El‐Rab Mohamed Osman Gad , Qureshi Mohammed Irfan
Published: June 2007

In an attempt to establish the reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets in children, the distribution of lymphocyte population‐bearing surface markers such as CD3 (T cells), CD 19 (B cells), CD4 (T helper/inducer cells), CD8 (T suppressor/cytotoxic cells), and CD 16 and/or CD56 on CD3” cells (NK cells) has been studied among healthy Saudi Arabian infants and children. Normal adult blood donors were used for comparison. Anticoagulat‐ed peripheral blood was stained with monoclonal antibodies and the lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of the above markers. Absolute and percentage values for most lymphocyte populations differed substantially not only between children and adults but also among children from different age groups. Absolute numbers of all the lymphocyte subsets decreased with age from 1 month to 13 years; the median value declined from 4.1 to 1.9 (T cells), 1.6 to 0.6 (B cells), 0.5 to 0.3 (NK cells), 2.7 to 1.0 (CD4+ T cells) and 1.5 to 0.8 times 103 cells/mm3 (CD8+ T cells). HLA‐DR+ T cell counts changed significantly from 0.3 to 0.2 times 103cells/mm3 during the same age period. In contrast, the lymphocyte percentage increased in all the subsets except B cells and CD4+ T cells with time. The percentage values increased from 66 to 74 (T cells), 8 to 11 (NK cells), 23 to 39 (CD8+ T cells) and 4 to 9 (HLA‐DR+ T cells). The values changed from 24 to 12 and 46 to 39 for B cells and CD4+ T cells, respectively, with age from 1 month to 13 years. The variations in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells resulted in a decrease in CD4+/CD8+ ratio from 2.0 to 1.1 with age. These data should be useful as reference values for lymphocyte subsets in various diseases of infants and children.
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, atopy, airway inflammation, and asthma
Authors: Warner J. O.
Published: June 2007

Airway inflammation particularly with eosinophil infiltration is an almost invariant feature of asthma, though it may not be exclusive to asthma. BHR and atopy are common phenomena in asthmatics but not invariably so. Allergen‐induced late asthmatic responses can increase non‐specific hyperresponsiveness and bronchial responsiveness in turn is, at least from some studies, correlated with the degree of airway inflammation. Atopy is a major risk factor for the development of asthma and its persistence from childhood into adulthood. Airway inflammation occurs very early in the natural history of asthma. No therapeutic intervention in established asthma has been shown to achieve a cure or even modify the natural history of the disease. Therefore, further studies are urgently required to identify whether strategies of early intervention to prevent the development of airway inflammation will modify the natural history of the disease.
Pulmonary function in children with initial low birth weight
Authors: Wjst Matthias , Popescu Matei , Trepka Mary J. , Heinrich Joachim , Wichmann H‐Erich
Published: June 2007

The objective of this analysis was to examine the effect of low birth weight and prematurity on bronchial air‐flow, bronchial reactivity, airway symptoms and asthma diagnosis at school age. A cross‐sectional epidemiologi‐cal study was performed in three small towns in the eastern part of Germany on 2470 school children aged 5–14 (89.1% of eligible children). A 78 item questionnaire to determine risk factors at birth and in early childhood was employed. 7.8% of the children were born before completing 38 gesta‐tional weeks; 6.6% had a birth weight less than 2500 g. Pulmonary function analysis were done by a mobile plethysmography at the school. There were only weak restrictions in lung volume in term low birth weight (LBW) children (100 ml lower TLC, p = 0.107), and flow (257 ml lower PEFR, p=0.108), were low. However, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness indicated by 292 ml lower FEV1.0 after cold air bronchial provocation, was significantly increased compared to term normal birth weight children (p < 0.001). The effect of LBW was less in older children, only slightly stronger in girls and increased in children mechanically ventilated during the postnatal period. Correspondingly, there was a higher prevalence of diagnosed asthma in term LBW children (OR 1.6, 95%‐confidence interval 1.0–2.6), however these were without an increased risk for any allergic sensitization. LBW, therefore, seems to be a risk factor for smaller lungs and hyperreactive airways primarily in term born children, whereas in pre‐term children the immature bronchial system seems to be recover by school age.
The presentation of statistics
Authors: Bryant T. N.
Published: June 2007

This article outlines the statistical requirements that authors should fulfill when submitting manuscripts to Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. The requirements are based on the ‘Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals’ and the CONSORT statement. Common statistical flaws that routinely arise in the medical literature are described. The use of ± confidence intervals and P values, correlation and regression, multiple testing and repeated measures are discussed.
Allergic factors associated with the development of asthma and the influence of cetirizine in a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled trial: First results of ETA®
Authors: Wahn Prof. Ulrich
Published: June 2007

There is a common progression known as the allergic march from atopic dermatitis to allergic asthma. Cetirizine has several antiallergic properties that suggest a potential effect on the development of airway inflammation and asthma in infants with atopic dermatitis.

Methods. Over a two year period, 817 infants aged one to two years who suffered from atopic dermatitis and with a history of atopic disease in a parent or sibling were included in the ETAC® (Early Treatment of the Atopic Child) trial, a multi‐country, double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled trial. The infants were treated for 18 months with either cetirizine (0.25mg/ kg b.i.d.) or placebo. The number of infants who developed asthma was compared between the two groups. Clinical and biological assessments including analysis of total and specific IgE antibodies were performed.

Results. In the placebo group, the relative risk (RR) for developing asthma was elevated in patients with a raised level of total IgE (≥ 30 kU/I) or specific IgE (≥ 0.35 kUA/I) for grass pollen, house dust mite or cat dander (RR between 1.4 and 1.7). Compared to placebo, cetirizine significantly reduced the incidence of asthma for patients sensitised to grass pollen (RR = 0.5) or to house dust mite (RR = 0.6).

However, in the population that included all infants with normal and elevated total or specific IgE (intention‐to‐treat ‐ ITT), there was no difference between the numbers of infants developing asthma while receiving cetirizine or placebo. The adverse events profile was similar in the two treatment groups.

Discussion. Raised total IgE level and raised specific IgE levels to grass pollen, house dust mite or cat dander were predictive of subsequent asthma. Cetirizine halved the number of patients developing asthma in the subgroups sensitised to grass pollen or house dust mite (i.e. 20% of the study population). In view of the proven safety of the drug, we propose this treatment as a primary pharmacological intervention strategy to prevent the development of asthma in specifically sensitised infants with atopic dermatitis.
Large number of CD19+/CD23+ B cells and small number of CD8+ T cells as early markers for cow's milk allergy (CMA)
Authors: Järvinen Kirsi‐Marjut , Aro Anneli , Juntunen‐Backman Kaisu , Suomalainen Hanna
Published: June 2007

Assessment of activation of immune mechanisms is valuable in the early diagnosis of cow's milk allergy (CMA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate peripheral blood lymphocyte subclasses in children suspected of having CMA and healthy infants in order to detect an early marker for food allergy. Altogether 47 breast‐fed infants, aged from 0.4 to 10 months were followed‐up prospectively from birth because of atopic heredity. Twenty‐three of the infants were healthy and 24 infants had a strong suspicion of and later challenge‐proven cow's milk allergy. Leucocyte subsets were determined from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry. In response to a clinical cow's milk challenge, seven infants developed urticaria, 11 infants had eczema, three patients had loose stools, diarrhoea or vomiting and three infants had eczema and diarrhoea, loose stools or vomiting. The total percentage of B cells and also the proportion of B cells bearing a low‐affinity IgE receptor as a marker for activation were significantly higher, whereas the percentage of CD8+ T cells was significantly lower in infants with challenge‐proven CMA than in healthy controIs. These results imply that infants with active CMA have a defect in regulation of B‐cell function. Further, they suggest that imbalance of the ratio of suppressor and helper T cells might be an important factor in the etiopathogenesis of CMA. Our results show that large numbers of activated CD19 B cells and low numbers of CD8+ T cells could be considered as early markers for food allergy since they are already detectable in peripheral blood during the earliest symptoms of CMA.
Growth inhibitors produced by the in vitro culture of Heterobasidion annosum
Authors: Hoque E.
Published: June 2007

The optimum conditions of in vitro production of growth inhibitory substances by Heterobasidion annosum are determined. Some terms and derivation of some functions are described in connection with the phases of in vitro production of growth inhibitory substances.
Variabilité du comportement de Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. à trois monoterpènes
Authors: Thibault‐Balesdent Mylène , Delatour C.
Published: June 2007

Variability of H. annosum behaviour to three monoterpenes. Sensitivity of 23IL. amoson isolates to α‐pinene, β‐pinene and linonene is sitre and compared to results of inoculations in living Norway spruces stems. β‐pinene and limenene are twice as effective as α‐pinene, but the level of inhibition depends on isolares. The percentage of fuiled inoculations is correlated with the sensitivity of isolates to β‐pinene.
Bacteria associated with tarnished plant bug stem lesions on hybrid poplars in Ontario
Authors: Juzwik J. , Hubbes M.
Published: June 2007

Bacteria were always recovered from degraded tissue of large and mid‐sized tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) lesions, less frequently from small lesions and bumps, and rarely from healthy tissues of current year shoots of hybrid poplar in southern Ontario, Canada. All 209 isolates obtained were gram‐negative rods; 61 were members of the Enterobacteriaceae. Compartmentalized disrupted areas in the xylem were associated with bumps and large insect incited lesions. Large numbers of bacteria were associated with pockets of thick‐walled fibers in the disrupted tissues. Microscopic observations suggest that bacteria contribute to degradation of disrupted tissues through breakdown of the fibers. The role of bacteria in TPB lesion formation, however, is still not clear.
SEM‐observations on the structural degradation of epistomatal waxes in Picea abies (L.) Karst.—and its possible role in the “Fichtensterben”
Authors: Sauter J. J. , Voß J.‐U.
Published: June 2007

The structural degradation of the epistomatal waxes was studied with the scanning electron microscope in needles of five trees of Picea abies (L.) Karst. differing in their symptoms of decline. The shedding of needles was found to be related to the degree of occlusion of stomates and to occur when about 80 to 90 % of stomates became occluded by a flat and solid wax cover resulting from the structural degradation of the epistomatal wax crystalloids. While this structural degradation stage was not reached before the seventh year in the trees classified as healthy, degradation was dramatically accelerated in the declining trees. The physiological consequences of such structural obstruction could explain many results so far obtained in declining trees.
The influence of a prolonged SO2 fumigation on the stomatal reaction of spruce
Authors: Keller Th. , Häsler R.
Published: June 2007

Spruce cuttings (Picea abies) were subjected to low SO2 concentrations for almost half a year. Afterwards transpiration and stomatal conductance were measured with a porometer. Transpiration was decreased by SO2 in light but stomata reacted sluggishly to changed light conditions.
Occurrence of micro‐organisms in the wood of Picea abies Karst. in Greece
Authors: Michalopoulos‐Skarmoutsos Helen
Published: June 2007

Non‐hymenomycetous fungi are recorded from spruce wood. These were isolated during a survey of wood decay fungi which attack spruce in Greece.
Phacidium infestans and Ph.abietis. Hosts, especially Abies species in Norwegian nurseries
Authors: Roll‐Hansen Finn
Published: June 2007

Differences between Phacidium infestans and Ph. abietis are discussed, especially with respect to hosts. Ph. infestans is reported from Norway on several Abies species. Ripe apothecia were found on A. concolor. The identification was verified by infection experiments. Abies species seem, however, to be rather poor hosts to Ph. infestans.
Accumulation de polluants organiques (H.P.A.) dans les horizons humifères des sols
Authors: Berteigne M. , Lefevre Y. , Rose C.
Published: June 2007

Accumulations of organic pollutants (PAH) in organic layers of soils.—Possible relation with forest decline. Analysis of the upper levels of the organic layers of forest soils demonstrate a new kind of bioaccumulation leading to high level of contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (P.A.H.).
Ecological study of a forest humus by observing a small volume I. Penetration of pine litter by mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Ponge J. F.
Published: June 2007

Observed on a 5 × 5 cm small surface of litter in a 35‐years‐old Scots pine stand with bracken and the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum, the F1 layer is extensively invaded by a mycelial mat made of several mycorrhizal fungi. Observations under a light microscope gave circumstantial evidence of the role of these fungi in advanced stages of decomposition: they seem to protect the partly decayed plant material and the faeces deposited by soil animals from subsequent attack by soil bacteria. Penetration of pine needles and cadavers or soil arthropods is prominent in so far as animals have previously made entries by tunnelling into the substrates. In addition the black mycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum was observed to penetrate bracken epidermal cells by its own means and to make lysis zones in dead arthropod cuticles. Consequences for forest soil ecology and tree nutrition are discussed in view of existing literature.
Possibilités d'infection du platane par Ceratocystis fimbriata f. platani après contamination de l'eau où se développent des racines blessées
Authors: Vigouroux A. , Stojadinovic B.
Published: June 2007

Infection of plane tree by Ceratocystis fimbriata f. platani after contamination of water as growing substrate of wounded roots. Plane tree seedlings (Platanus acerifolia) were cultivated during 1. year so as some roots emerged from the culture pot And grow in the water of a container placed below. In April, these roots were wounded and nearby, conidia suspension of C. fimbriata†. platam was injected into the water. 1 month later, foliage of some seedlings began to wilt and after 2 months, 7 out of 12 plane trees were drying. The pathogen was recovered from all parts of the roots above the water level inside the pots and as high as the collar for 4 plants.
Oak decline: Aerobic bacteria associated with declining Quercus cerris in Central Italy
Authors: Scortichini M. , Stead D. E. , Rossi MariaPia
Published: June 2007

Declining Turkey oaks (Quercus cerris) in Central Italy were studied. Bacteria were isolated from woody tissues between necrotic areas and healthy tissues beneath the bark, from apparently healthy tissues and from exudates oozing from the trunk in spring. A total of 98 bacterial isolates were collected. The determination of the bacteria was by fatty acid profiling and biochemical tests. Erwinia herbicola was frequently found both in necrotic and healthy tissues. Ice‐nucleation active species were present. None of the species isolated was considered responsible for the decline
Effects of heavy metals and acid irrigation on the birch rust, Melampsoridium betulinum
Authors: Helander M. L.
Published: June 2007

Effects of simulated acid rain and heavy metals on the occurrence of Melampsoridium betulinum in naturally infected mountain‐birch trees and seedlings (Betula pubescens subsp. tortuosa) were studied in a subarctic area where background polution levels are low. The short term (2 years) effects of copper, nickel and sulphuric acid, and long term (8 years) effects of nitric‐ and sulphuric‐acid deposition on birch‐rust infection were determined.
Rindenkrebs der Eßkastanie (Cryphonectria parasitica) in Südwestdeutschland
Authors: Seemann D. , Zajonc J.
Published: June 2007

Chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) in South‐west Germany. In 1992 and 1993, chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) was found in three stands in the south‐west of Germany. Each of the three stands has only one compatibility group (vc‐group). Two of them (97 and 75 Isolates) belong to the vc‐group I. They are compatible with the Swiss vc‐group I. The 43 Isolates from the third stand were not compatible with the most common Swiss vc‐groups (vc‐group I‐V). In the German vc‐group I, one hypovirulent strain was found.
Would a “rose” in Chinese smell as sweet?
Authors: Tavassoli Nader T.
Published: June 2007

Marketers must be aware of the differences inherent in processing the Chinese and English languages, asserts Nader Tavassoli, as brand names can have both intended and unintended meanings.
Labelled with love
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: June 2007

From Carrefour to Wal‐Mart, Tesco to Best Buy Zara to Ikea, retailing has never been sexier or generated so much money – and column inches. But, says Nirmalya Kumar, amid the competitive ferment there is one area whose continuing rise in importance has been consistently overlooked: private labels. Kumar's new book, Private Label Strategy (authored with Jan‐Benedict Steenkamp) takes the lid off this unexplored phenomenon. Nirmalya Kumar goes shopping with Stuart Crainer.
Out of Left Field
Authors: Smith N. Craig
Published: June 2007

Major marketing failures grab a lot of attention. But why such failures occur is often over looked. N. Craig Smith tells how society often creates marketing nightmares.
Statistics at CEE
Authors: HILLYER J.
Published: June 2007

With large numbers of pupils staying on into the sixth form for one year there is a need for a suitable statistics course. Jim Hillyer describes one such course for which he is the chief examiner.
Some Student Ideas on the Median and the Mode
Authors: BARR G. V.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this report is to make a tentative contribution to the knowledge of students' understanding of the statistical concepts; median and mode.
The Effect of Changing Competition Points in the English Football League
Authors: CROUCHER JOHN S.
Published: June 2007

There is a growing trend to ask students to carry out their own project work in statistics. Often they choose examples from sport. This article shows the sort of analyses that might be done.
Teaching Statistics in US — An Alien's s‐eye View
Authors: Anderson Oliver D.
Published: June 2007

This article discusses the author's initial experience of teaching statistics in an American university, and the sort of way he thinks the subject should be taught. (Specifically, he looks at the assumption of normality, and indicates how conventional treatment in the area of hypothesis testing might be modified.) His comments primarily apply to elementary service courses, and particularly to those provided for business students.
The Many Faces of Statistics
Authors: Gani J.
Published: June 2007

This article is based on a talk given to the Mathematical Association of America. In it Professor Gani tries to explain to the non‐specialist some of the things that statisticians do.
A Common Pitfall in the Use of the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov One Sample Test
Authors: Sandrock Keith
Published: June 2007

This article concerns the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov one sample test which was introduced by the Russian mathematician A. N. Kolmogorov in 1933.
Introducing APL
Authors: Sykes Alan
Published: June 2007

This article introduce a powerful mathematically orientated programming language which handles statistical concepts very succinctly, and which is now available to schools.
Introducting Statistics to the General Public
Authors: Talbot Mike , Leonard Susan
Published: June 2007

A tasting experiment involving members of the public was used to illustrate aspects of the work of a statistician in a research environment.
Testing Colour Proportions of M&Ms
Authors: Johnson Roger W.
Published: June 2007

We test the claimed colour proportions of plain M&M's candies using Pearson's x2 statistic. The null distribution of this statistic is examined through a Minitab simulation.
Observations on the Definition of P‐values
Authors: Freund John E , Perles Benjamin M
Published: June 2007

Many books define P‐values in different ways, and it is generally assumed that these definitions are all equivalent. That this is not the case may come as a surprise, but we shall demonstrate here that some definitions of P‐values are not even consistent with such rudimentary a procedure as specifying a critical region.
A Legend for Teaching Normal Probability Plotting
Authors: Gilchrist Warren
Published: June 2007

The concept of the Legend as a teaching device is introduced and illustrated by a Legend devised to aid in the teaching of Normal Plotting. Readers are challenged to devise and submit further Legends.
Odds that don't add up!
Authors: Fletcher Mike
Published: June 2007

This artical presents examples of situations where a lack of understanding of probability leads to erroneous expectations.
The World's 100 Largest Cities
Authors: Drew David , Steyne Dave
Published: June 2007

Data are presented here for the hundred largest cities in the World. They form part of a case study to teach students about exploratory data analysis but are of added interest in providing a focus on poverty and underdevelopment in the Third World and the contrast between this and the wealth of the First World.
Minitab Menus‐Do They Help or Hinder?
Authors: Reed Margaret , Garven Frances
Published: June 2007

A comparison of the levels of difficulty experienced by students in the use of Minitab through its menu interface and its command language showed no advantavge in using the menus.
A Multiple Regression Project
Authors: Johnson Roger
Published: June 2007

The number of calories in a serving of a food item may be determined from the amount of fat, protein, and carbohydrates it contains. Students can uncover this relationship by collecting food data and then performing a multiple regression.
Statistics and Intuition for the Classroom
Authors: Chatterjee Sangit , Hawkes James
Published: June 2007

Examples and case studies are presented of statistical reasoning, thinking and intuition that may arise in perception of randomness and in particular for random walks. The relationship between art and science can be explored through various notions of the statistical concepts of randomness.
To Boxplot or Not to Boxplot?
Authors: Kader Gary , Perry Mike
Published: June 2007

The lower quartile is the median of all of the values to the left of the median of the whole set of data; the upper quartile is the median of all of the values to the right of the median of the whole set of data.
Raising Statistical Awareness
Authors: Forbes Sharleen
Published: June 2007

This article describes the organisation and results of the 1990 New Zealand Children's Census. This census, which preceded a National Census, provided a powerful tool for raising statistical awareness nationwide.
Testing the Significance of Correlations
Authors: Nordmoe Eric D.
Published: June 2007

A simple problem of the sort often faced by elementary statistics students forms the basis for a discussion of several important hypothesis testing issues. These issues are often overlooked when moving from simple tests of means to bivariate inference problems.
Efficiency in Minitab
Authors: Martin Peter , Roberts Lyn
Published: June 2007

This simple Minitab simulation exercise illustrates the concept of efficiency of estimators. Students compare the sampling distributions of the sample mean, median and mid‐range from a normal distribution and from a uniform distribution. The striking differences observed give rise to much discussion.
Strike It Lucky
Authors: Fletcher Mike
Published: June 2007

This article analyses the decision‐making processes of contestants in a popular TV quiz show.
An Intuitive Test of Structural Change
Authors: Eisenhauer Joseph
Published: June 2007

This note suggests a simple, intuitive approach to testing for structural changes in time series data. The procedure is illustrated using historical data from a recent issue of Teaching Statistics.
Statistics Education in Singapore Schools
Authors: Pereira‐Mendoza Lionel , Kaur Berinderjeet
Published: June 2007

This article provides a perspective of statistics education at school level in Singapore
Using Spreadsheets to Calculate Prob (X+Y=W)
Authors: Turner John C
Published: June 2007

Using the spreadsheet function SUMPRODUCT which calculates dot products, it is possible to compute the probabilities associated with the sums of independent discrete random variables. This allows the student to confirm properties of the sum of binomial and Poisson random variables. It also provides a method for computing the distribution of the sum of two (or more) arbitrary random variables. In addition, it also allows the student to compute the probabilities associated with the difference of random variables, and thus find the probability that one random variable exceeds another (or exceeds by a given amount).
A Constructivist Approach to Teaching Permutations and Combinations
Authors: Quinn Robert J. , Wiest Lynda R.
Published: June 2007

A lesson is described where students construct their own knowledge of permutations and combinations by exploring a problem situation. This helps students gain an appreciation of real‐world implications of these topics while developing a strong conceptual understanding of them.
Testing for Differences between two brands of Cookies
Authors: Magel Rhonda C.
Published: June 2007

This article presents two class activities for use with hypothesis testing. The first has students collecting data to test for a difference in the mean number of chocolate chips per cookie between two brands. Data are also collected to test for a difference in taste ratings.
What is The Royal Statistical Society?
Authors: Clarke Geoffrey M
Published: June 2007

This is the first of a short series of articles briefly describing the organisations that sponsor Teaching Statistics. The series starts with The Royal Statistical Society.
The ‘Ys’and ‘Why Nots’of Line of Best Fit
Authors: Lesser Larry
Published: June 2007

Criteria for line of best fit have accessible motivations.
Squaring the Circle ‐ statistically speaking
Authors: Glaister P.
Published: June 2007

A simple relationship is described which connects Buffon's classical needle problem with related problems involving circles, squares and rectangles.
Having a Ball with Confidence Intervals
Authors: Robison‐Cox James F.
Published: June 2007

Confidence intervals are often misinterpreted. This article describes an activity which helps students understand what it means to have confidence in a Process.
Concepts and Methods Involved in the Last Revision of Italy's GDP
Authors: Siesto Vincenzo
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: The general revision of Italy's national economic accounts set out by ISTAT in 1987 was originated by two main factors: the structural changes of the economy detected by the 1981‐82 censuses and through surveys on labour force, the internal offer and demand as a whole, and the need to include the typical activities of the underground economy widespread in Italy into the national accounts.

The GDP has been adjusted partly according to the improvement of normal statistical sources in collecting data on the production and circulation of goods and services, especially those deriving from small establishments, and partly from statistical research covering the contributions of activities of clandestine immigrants in Italy, second jobs and minor legal activities in the underground economy.

Finally, a breakdown of value added by type of economy (the regular and the parallel) is presented. The presumed extent of the parallel economy is estimated for the year 1982 up to 19‐20|X% of GDP.
Employment Adjustment: an International Perspective
Authors: Clarke Oliver
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: Structural change has been a necessary feature of the historical growth in real output and improved living standards and re‐allocation of labour is essential if economic growth and new job creation are to result in a significant reduction in unemployment. Our societies have evolved to a point at which the State is expected to facilitate industrial activity and at which it is simply unacceptable that people should be left to struggle unaided against adversities resulting from the play of markets. Effective and equitable adjustment raises a whole range of issues for the employing enterprise, the State, and for trade unions. The policies and procedures followed are, and should be, complementary but the mix varies appreciably between countries. Here, the author deals first with what happens in the enterprise and then with the range of possible policies.
Wage Bargaining and Profitability: A Disaggregative Analysis
Authors: Beckerman Wilfred , Jenkinson Tim
Published: June 2007

Abstract. Previous analyses of the wage/profit relationship at a disaggregative level in Britain have given positive results for pre‐war years but negative results for early post‐war years. However, this is probably due to the increasingly unreliable nature of the enterprise‐ based profits series published in the National Accounts until 1982. We have constructed, instead, what are essentially establishment‐based Census data on profits for fourteen manufacturing industries, up to 1986. We have also been able to extend the disaggregative unemployment data, the publication of which also ceased in 1982. The wage equations that we have estimated include profits and unemployment (and other variables) in an explicit Nash bargaining model, in line with widely held views as to the way that wage negotiations are actually conducted. The results obtained show a highly significant role for profits, as well as having other implications, notably the positive (hysteresis) effect of industry unemployment, by contrast with the normal negative effect of aggregate unemployment, and the important effects of relative wages ‐ which play a large role in various disaggregative studies of the propagation of inflation.
Firm Size and Wages
Authors: Gerlach Knut , Schmidt Elke Maria
Published: June 2007

In this article the authors analyse the evidence found in several countries that large firms pay more than firms categorised as small. Firstly, this study discusses the factors which, according to previous theoretical research, explain the firm size‐wage differential. Secondly, the different theoretical arguments are tested empirically. As a data base the authors use the individual and longitudinal data of the first four waves of the German Socio‐Economic Panel. In the empirical investigation the instruments of variance, correlation and regression analysis, including the estimations of fixed‐effects and random‐effects odels are applied.

The empirical analysis clearly demonstrates that positive effects of firm size on wages persist after controlling for

labour quality

differences in working conditions

employment tenure and rates of fluctuation

monetary fringe benefits of firms

heterogeneity of employese

monopoly power and ability to pay of firms.

The article concludes with some proposals for future research.
The Italian Pension System: Development and Effects on Income Distribution and Poverty
Authors: Franco Daniele , Morcaldo Giancarlo
Published: June 2007

This paper outlines the main features of the development of the Italian pensione system since the Second World War. It also analyses the present redistributive effects of the system and defines the role that supplementary funded plans could play. The former issue is tackled in the first part of the paper, the latter issues will be dealt with in the second part.
Wage Discrimination and Female Occupational Intensity
Authors: Lucifora Claudio , Reilly Barry
Published: June 2007

The analysis presented in this paper attempts to shed some light, in the context of the Italian labour market, on wage based gender discrimination effects and on the potential impact of gender occupational distribution on wage determination. The results obtained provide some useful insights for Equal Pay legislation and on the efficacy of Comparable Worth (CW) type policies. The wage equation estimates are broadly in line with results obtained elsewhere in the literature. A discrimination effect of nearly 17|X% results when an exclusively male occupational structure is considered. The gender wage gap showed to decrease as female intensity increases. In terms of the framework used, two competing interpretations have been proposed and their implications discussed. The implication of different policy measures which, in recent years, generated much discussion among scholars and in political arenas have been considered, namely: CW and Affirmative Action (AA) policies. Future research should consider a structural model of discrimination so as to discriminate between competing models and policy options.
The Labour Market for Women in the Old and New Länder of the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Engelbrech Gerhard
Published: June 2007

Abstract. As in the former FRG (Federal Republic of Germany), in the former GDR (German Democratic Republic) there was also sex‐related segregation of, or within, occupations with less opportunities for development, less income, poorer working conditions and restricted opportunities for advancement for women. The transition from a centrally planned economy in the former GDR to a “social market economy” is still accompanied by reports of a dramatic rise in the unemployed and those working short‐time. It is becoming clear that women are affected by unemployment to a greater extent than men in the new German Lander, and that the chances for women in the labour market are likely to deteriorate rapidly.
European Integration and the Integration of European Labour Markets1
Authors: Marsden David
Published: June 2007

Abstract.Will European economic and monetary union bring about a unification of European labour markets, and is there likely to be a convergence of patterns of labour market organisation among Community countries? The evidence discussed suggests that a major increase in unskilled mobility across the EC is unlikely, at least concerning EC citizens. Among skilled labour, a major increase in international mobility is also unlikely on account of differences in skill organisation among countries. In contrast, the integration of European capital is causing some integration of enterprise internal labour markets across national borders as firms seek to integrate their managerial and technical workforces. In the “high‐tech” area, skills are in a state of flux, and the possibility that European labour markets will emerge is much stronger than for other categories.
Local Labour Markets Identification: a United Point of View*
Authors: Bellacicco Antonio
Published: June 2007

Abstract. In this paper a unifying point of view is discussed of the methodologies and algorithms actually proposed for the identification of local labour market. The emphasis is on the main contributions to two broad methodological areas of functional regionalization and homogeneous spatial clustering.

Most Italian contributions are considered in detail and some critical notes are pointed out in order to show that the methodological background is just the same for both approaches. The interpretations of the outputs of the proposed methodologies is discussed in terms of local labour markets.
Wage Linkages Between Private and Public Sectors in Sweden
Authors: Holmlund Bertil , Ohlsson Henry
Published: June 2007

Abstract. The paper examines wage linkages between private and public sectors in Sweden by means of Granger causality tests and estimation of error correction models. Wage changes in central and local governments are Granger caused by private sector wage changes. Public sector wage increases involve error correction mechanisms; the lower the relative wage in the past, the higher the current wage increases. Increases in unemployment are associated with relative wage improvements for public sector employees.