bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new system for locating leaks in urban water distribution pipes
Authors: Hunaidi Osama , Wang Alex
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To introduce a new, low‐cost and easy‐to‐use leak detection system to help water utilities improve their effectiveness in locating leaks. The paper also presents an overview of leakage management strategies including acoustic and other leak detection techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach was based on the use personal computers as a platform and enhanced signal processing algorithms. This eliminated the need for a major component of the usual hardware of leak pinpointing correlators which reduced the system's cost; made it easy to use, and improved the effectiveness of locating leaks in all types of pipes.

Findings

Effectiveness of the new leak detection system for pinpointing leaks was demonstrated using real world examples. The system has promising potential for all water utilities, including small and medium‐sized ones and utilities in developing countries.

Practical implications

The leak detection system presented in the paper will help all water utilities, including small and medium‐sized ones and utilities in developing countries, to save water by dramatically improving their effectiveness in locating leaks in all types of pipes.

Originality/value

The paper presents information about a new effective system for locating leaks in water distribution pipes. Effective leak detection tools are needed by water utilities worldwide.
Understanding behavior detection technology: How it finds suspicious behaviors and meets requirements of new compliance environment
Authors: Adams Peter , Smith Nancy M.
Published: April 2007

Amid all the bad news of Wall Street wrongdoing, there is good news for financial services companies and compliance staff: A new generation of technology, called “behavior detection”, means that more and more financial abuses and violations will be detected in the early stages rather than long after they have severely damaged a company and its customers. In this article, we will explain: how behavior detection technology works, how it finds potential violations quickly, and how it meets the new and growing expectations and demands of regulators for comprehensive and more effective compliance systems.
Preparing to comply with the SEC’s new rules governing offerings of asset‐backed securities
Authors: Gainor Edward E.
Published: April 2007

The SEC has proposed rules governing offerings of asset‐backed securities (ABS) that will impose extensive new requirements for disclosure and periodic reporting, including substantial additional information regarding various parties involved in securitization transactions. When final rules are adopted, probably by the end of this year, ABS issuers will need to have the necessary information available to them to permit them to comply with the new rules. This article summarizes the proposed rules, with emphasis on provisions that have caused particular concern in the asset‐backed securities markets. The article suggests steps that ABS issuers and their counsel should take time now to ensure that they are in a position to comply with the new rules regarding disclosure and reporting about originators, servicers, credit enhancers, and others, so as to avoid finding themselves unable to securitize portfolio assets in a public offering.
To buy, or not to buy: When it makes sense to Utilize the fund administrator as CCO
Authors: Hurley Lisa
Published: April 2007

Compliance with SEC Rule 38a‐1 and the requirement for a fund to have a chief compliance officer (CCO) requires fund companies to take an in‐depth look at how their organizations deal with compliance as a whole and how their service providers fit into the compliance equation. A fundamental consideration is cost, and the CCO role can carry a significant price tag. Experience counts too. Even though the functions of this role are spelled out, the role is yet untested in the industry. Hiring an outside CCO and outsourcing compliance services offer several benefits to a fund including economies of scale, consistency, the outsourcing provider’s breadth of experience and expertise, and elimination of conflicts of interest within the investment advisor organization when separate resources/staff conduct compliance activities.
Slicing the salami: small‐dollar recurring fraud
Authors: Zweighaft David
Published: April 2007

While the major “eye‐popping,” headline‐grabbing financial statement frauds have captured the attention of the investing public in recent years, little heed has been given to the smaller‐dollar, more repetitive frauds that occur in organizations year in and year out ‐ misappropriation of an entity’s assets, repeated during any given accounting period (e.g., month/year) in an amount insufficient to be detected by the entity’s system of internal controls. The purpose of this article is to examine the factors that allow fraud to flourish at a low level, or “under the radar” of internal controls; describe some of the more common schemes that occur; and propose responses that management can implement to prevent fraud from occurring in the future.
Investment adviser: Failure of duty to supervise
Authors: Knoblock Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2007

Under the new Compliance Program Rules, each U.S. registered investment adviser and U.S. registered investment company was required to designate a Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO)” by October 5, 2004. The CCO title is expected to carry supervisory responsibility for many of the newly appointed officers, which may lead to personal liability if they are charged with a failure of the duty to supervise. As a result, there is renewed interest in the standard of care applicable to supervisory personnel of investment advisers and the manner in which they may be insulated from regulatory liability for claims of failure to supervise persons under their control who violate certain federal securities laws (“Federal Securities Laws)”.
We have to register? At least now we can advertise!
Authors: Davidovich Ricardo W.
Published: April 2007

In the wake of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) adoption of new rule 203(b)(3)‐2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), many investment advisers that provide advisory services to hedge funds, and that previously had benefited from an exemption from federal registration under the Advisers Act, now will find that they are no longer eligible for such exemption. They will have to become federally registered investment advisers. As a result, such advisers will find themselves subject to a variety of rules and regulations regarding various compliance matters. Significantly, for the first time these advisers also may be able to market their services
How much is that security worth? Valuation issues and recommendations for hedge fund advisers post‐registration
Authors: Meisner Derek M.
Published: April 2007

Every month, many hedge fund managers grapple with a fundamental conflict of interest. The conflict arises when a fund manager, whose compensation is based on fund performance, is charged with determining the value of the complex or illiquid securities in his portfolio. These securities often do not receive reliable market quotes, and may be difficult to value. Accordingly, a fund manager may be tempted to misprice the hard‐to‐price names in his account in order to bolster fund performance, and increase his own compensation. The situation is somewhat analogous to a chief financial officer calculating his corporation’s profits, all the while knowing that his calculations will affect his bonus. Change, however, is on the horizon. On December 2, 2004, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission)” amended the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act)” to require certain hedge fund advisers to register with the Commission (the “Rule)”. Under the Rule, registered hedge fund advisers will be required to make their books available to SEC examiners by February 1, 2006, and, in turn, subject their valuation methods and policies to regulatory scrutiny.
Maximizing productivity and capability: issues of professional development for franchisees
Authors: Davis Paul
Published: April 2007

As franchisees are perceived to be independent and self employed entrepreneurs, their ongoing development is frequently overlooked or poorly managed; particularly compared with the development opportunities for corporate staff in their support offices. The concern is that franchisees do not prioritise their own professional development due to their inability to diagnose and source appropriate training, their focus on immediate operational needs and a lack of free time to undergo development activities. As primary income generators of franchise businesses; organisational effectiveness and growth of the entire organisation rests on the abilities of the franchisees. This article examines one training program offered to franchisees at a major Australian franchise organisation. Through a survey of franchisees, some important lessons have been learned regarding the nature, scope and design of development initiatives for franchisees and some recommendations are provided to better manage franchisee development for the benefit of the entire organisation.
Advertising to children in Mexico
Authors: Arochi Roberto , Tessmann Karl H. , Galindo Oliver
Published: April 2007

Outlines Mexican law as it relates to advertising to children: the Federal Law on Radio and Television, the Federal Health Code, and the Federal Consumer Protection Law, plus three major ethics codes which cover advertising and are promulgated by the Communications Council, the Mexican Communication Industry Confederation, and the Mexican Association for Advertising Agencies. Lists the general rules for advertising to children, which pay attention to their credulity, and to the need not to offend national or family values, or to encourage harmful activities. Moves on to the special rules for radio and television, which limit the amount of time devoted to advertising and put restrictions on its content, and to provisions of the statutes on advertising of alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and adult‐oriented topics.
Passionbrands: getting to the heart of branding
Authors: Edwards Helen , Day Derek
Published: April 2007

Introduces the passionbrand concept: it is a brand that arouses passionate advocacy in both consumers and employees. Focuses on the case of Camper shoes, a family business based in Majorca that thoroughly communicates its enthusiasm for walking – slowly. Shows how the brand qualities of comfort, simplicity, sturdiness and durability are reflected in the shoes themselves, in the company website and booklets, and in the name itself, which means “Peasant”. Relates this to the brand’s authenticity and integrity, as a timeless and anti‐fashion product which involves the imaginative reworking of a design aesthetic in traditional rustic materials.
Advertising to children in Switzerland
Authors: Hofer Peter , Bieri Jeannette
Published: April 2007

Describes the legal environment of advertising regulation in Switzerland as it affects children; there is a patchwork of federal and self‐regulatory codes, but although the constitution protects children’s physical, mental and moral development, there is no law specifically relating to advertising to children. Outlines restrictions on advertising in specific media and products: television and radio, where tobacco and alcohol advertising are banned; cinema, where tobacco is not advertised before pm; tobacco and alcohol, which can be advertised if this is socially responsible and not aimed at children under 18; medicine, where advertising is restricted to over‐the‐counter products; books and magazines, where alcohol and tobacco advertising are banned, as are pornography and violence; and toys. Concludes that advertising to children is very liberal in Switzerland, and the system of self‐regulation works well.
Shopping generation
Authors: Mayo Ed
Published: April 2007

Reports research by the National Consumer Council (NCC) into UK children’s experiences and views as consumers; this survey of 10 to 19 year olds found that they form a new shopping generation which is more even consumer brand oriented than American counterparts but feels vulnerable and is critical of shops, companies and advertisers. Outlines the NCC recommendations for a children’s agenda: this covers stiffer fines for mis‐selling to children, monitoring of children’s wellbeing and life satisfaction, new Ofcom powers to enforce content labelling for entertainment, and ending abuses in Internet marketing to children.
Licence to thrill: selecting successful licences
Authors: Fillery Ben
Published: April 2007

Explains the four principles of successful licensing in a cluttered marketplace: winning attention from the target audience, bringing brands to life, delivering an idea that motivates the audience to act, and making the licence accountable to ensure it delivers against its business objectives: this process is the Marketing Store’s concept of brand activation. Examines McDonald’s Happy Meal brand as a successful example of licence selection since 1985; these have been varied, have included a partnership with Disney, and have reflected the mood of the time. Recounts how McDonald’s used the appeal of Pixar’s smash hit film “The Incredibles” to create an integrated Happy Meals promotion spanning a diverse audience of children and young adults.
The evolution of licensing
Authors: Parkhouse Ben , Beswick Adam
Published: April 2007

Looks at recent changes in licensing in the UK: these reflect awareness the increase in child obesity and changing consumer attitudes and lifestyles. Traces the rise in family licensing over the last five years, following “Toy Story” and other computer animated blockbusters, and this reflects the value that families now put on shared entertainment experiences: “The Simpsons” for example appeals to parents and children alike. Shows how this has also led to the rise of the franchise: Hollywood has increasingly built film licences into brands in their own right, and coordinated licensing campaigns are another trend. Moves on to the rise of sports licensing, which is a response to the trend towards healthier lifestyles to combat obesity: brands are linking themselves to bodies like the Lawn Tennis Association or promoting active living, such as Sainsbury’s Get Active campaign. Concludes with the changing way that TV characters like Bart Simpson and Spongebob are being used: again, they are now being associated with healthy brands.
Unlocking the secret world of kids’ imagination
Authors: James Anthony J.
Published: April 2007

Explains the essential factors in creating successful licensed toy products for children: two are immediacy and story. Points out that toys that engage children’s emotions are more likely to succeed than ones which are simply functional and well crafted, or excessively kitsch, as the Star Wars characters arguably are; it is easy to gain children’s attention, but the product must then deliver on underlying expectations and provide a story. Illustrates this with a case study of a design exercise, U‐Force, where comic book characters were developed for multimarket global appeal, and a background story then emerged. Uses the example of Lego to illustrate another secret of successful toy design, adaptability: part of Lego’s appeal is the mystery which comes from the child’s ability to transform one finished toy into another.
Mobile marketing
Authors: Jenkins Fiona
Published: April 2007

Reminds us that mobile phones are ubiquitous and a status symbol for young people, so that more traditional media are getting on the act: Emap publishes a number of teenage magazine brands that have mobile databases and regards mobile marketing as a valuable tool, since messages to an opted‐in audience are targeted and relevant. Outlines how this interactive system works: members of Emap’s mobile databases are recruited via the magazine, and readers opt in to receive free text messages, but are free to unsubscribe once part of the database, with an opt out in each message. Illustrates this from a “Bliss” magazine text campaign and a mobile campaign for the film “Honey”, and indicates issues to consider in these campaigns: whether to use databases, WAP site or other media platforms, SMS or richer media formats, the choice of brands, the billing and reporting system, and legal and financial aspects.
Interactivity plus innovative research equals power GRPS
Authors: Weller Dean
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To demonstrate and discuss how New Media and TV can work together in a structured form to produce more potent Communication plans. Targeting Children and young people.

Design/methodology/approach

By way of Qualitative research, and in house research systems and viewpoints based upon working on a number of child targeted campaigns over the last 20 years.

Findings

That TV advertising does not seem to be working In the way it “USED” to and that a communication gap has appeared.

Originality/value

The concept of a new type of GRP – Power GRP (TV or otherwise) that takes account of potential communication transfer in a cluttered communication environment and which tries to bridge the aforementioned gap.
Food and the Singapore young consumer
Authors: Hongjun Wang
Published: April 2007

This paper seeks to provide the international reader with an insight into the mind of the young consumer from Singapore, one of the vibrant hubs of youth consumerism in Asia. This paper combines observations derived, informal interviews with peers as well as self experience of the writer who is both a young marketer and a young consumer who is involved in the youth volunteerism circles as well. During the course of writing the paper, insights such as the rise of the coffeehouse culture, being spaces, extended family syndromes were observed, as well as viewpoints on the insipid marketing by fast food giants in the country from a young consumer’s perspective was discussed. This insight will provide a sound platform for in depth qualitative and quantitative research in the future. The value of this paper is it’s varied perspectives and observations derived uniquely from the authors’ personal involvement in these fields of interest.
Communicating health messages to young consumers
Authors: Stuart Stephen A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the effectiveness of a new system for communicating energy balance on food labels.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was taken to enquire into the ability of children and adolescents to understand the marketing communications contained on an existing food label in order to design a new system to rapidly communicate the concept of energy balance to a diverse market in terms that are appropriate and understandable.

Findings

There is a gap between the perceived ability of children and adolescents to understand food label information relating to the ingestion of a healthy diet and their demonstrable ability to so do. Through a novel combination of existing theoretical approaches, children and adolescents were able to understand energy balance more clearly than before.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative and quantitative samples were small and not representative of the larger sample. Future research needs to be undertaken to improve the reliability of the outcomes.

Practical implications

Designing information systems based on the interests of target audiences can enhance their inclusiveness and usefulness.

Originality/value

The programme of work undertaken to deliver this paper is highly original. The value of the paper is that it initiates a whole new area of research. It is of value to anyone working in marketing communications, and social marketing in particular.
Water‐Based Gelcasting of Surface‐Coated Silicon Nitride Powder
Authors: Huang Yong , Zhou Longjie , Tang Qiang , Xie Zhipeng , Yang Jinglong
Published: April 2007

A layer of Y2O3–Al2O3, used as a sintering aid, was coated onto the surface of Si3N4 particles by the precipitation of inorganic salts from a water‐based solution containing Al(NO3)3, Y(NO3)3, and urea. The electrokinetic and colloidal characteristics of the Si3N4 powder were changed significantly by the coating layer. As a result, dispersion of the Y2O3–Al2O3‐coated Si3N4 powder was significantly greater than that of the original powder. Furthermore, the Y2O3–Al2O3 coating layer prevented the hydrogen‐gas‐discharging problem that occurred during gelcasting of the original Si3N4 powder because of reaction between the uncoated powder and the basic aqueous solution in suspension. Surface coating, as well as the gelcasting process, significantly improved the microstructure, room‐temperature bending strength, and Weibull modulus of the resulting ceramic bodies.
Effects of Particle Size and Molecular Weight of Polyethylenimine on Properties of Nanoparticulate Silicon Dispersions
Authors: Dietrich Astrid , Neubrand Achim
Published: April 2007

The effect of particle size on the zeta potential and rheology of nanoparticulate SiO2 dispersions stabilized with the polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) was investigated experimentally. The particle size and molecular weight of the polymer had only a small influence on the amount of PEI needed and the achieved zeta potential of the suspensions. The polymer concentration range within which a stable dispersion could be produced was very narrow for the smallest particle size. Higher‐molecular‐weight PEI was more suitable to stabilize small particle dispersions. Under optimum conditions, Newtonian flow behavior was achieved for dispersions of 20 nm particles with a solids content as high as 25 vol%.
Investigation of the Formation of Cristobalite from the Diatomaceous Clay Moler Using Powder X‐ray Diffractometry Data and Profile Refinement Methods
Authors: Christensen Axel Nørlund , Lundtoft Britta , Madsen Ian C.
Published: April 2007

The formation of cristobalite from the diatomaceous clay moler was investigated ex situ in the temperature range 800°–1200°C using powder X‐ray diffractometry and in situ in the temperature range 1000°–1100°C using the same method. Profile analysis of the powder patterns was used to determine the quantity of β‐cristobalite in the in situ experiments and the quantity of α‐cristobalite in the ex situ experiments.
Effect of Interfacial Reaction on the Thermal Conductivity of Al–SiC Composites with SiC Dispersions
Authors: Kawai Chihiro
Published: April 2007

The effect of interfacial reactions between Al and SiC on the thermal conductivity of SiC‐particle‐dispersed Al‐matrix composites was investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the thermal barrier conductance (hc) of the interface in the Al–SiC composites was quantified using a rule of mixture regarding thermal conductivity. Al–SiC composites with a composition of Al (pure Al or Al–11 vol% Si alloy)–66.3 vol% SiC and a variety of SiC particle sizes were used as specimens. The addition of Si to an Al matrix increased the thermal barrier conductance although it decreased overall thermal conductivity. X‐ray diffraction showed the formation of Al4C3 and Si as byproducts in addition to Al and SiC in some specimens. TEM observation indicated that whiskerlike products, possibly Al4C3, were formed at the interface between the SiC particles and the Al matrix. The thermal barrier conductance and the thermal conductivity of the Al–SiC composites decreased with increasing Al4C3 content. The role of Si addition to an Al matrix was concluded to be restraining an excessive progress of the interfacial reaction between Al and SiC.
Etching for Microstructural Observation of Cemented Submicrometer‐Sized Carbides
Authors: Jung Sug‐Woo , Kim Joosun , Kang Suk‐Joong L.
Published: April 2007

When carbide grains in a metal matrix are very small (less than ∼1 μm), the microstructure is difficult to observe and characterize, because the grain interfaces cannot be distinguished easily via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) when the material is etched conventionally in a Murakami solution or in H2O‐diluted HCl. This difficulty can be overcome by etching in a newly developed etchant: 90H2O2–10HNO3 (by vol%). After an etching of a WC‐Co sample that contained submicrometer‐sized grains, the individual grains were distinctly observable via SEM. During the etching, the dissolution rates of WC grains were different, depending on their crystallographic plane, which allowed the grain boundaries to be distinguished through observation via SEM. In addition, dissolution of the cobalt matrix occurred much faster than did the etching of the WC grains. The WC/Co interface also was revealed clearly under high magnification, because of minimization of the electromagnetic interaction between the cobalt and the electron beam of the SEM apparatus.
Myeloid suppressor cell‐associated immune dysfunction in CSA1M fibrosarcoma tumor‐bearing mice
Authors: Zhou Ru , He Pei‐Lan , Ren Yong‐Xin , Wang Wen‐Hai , Zhou Rong‐Yao , Wan Hua , Ono Shiro , Fujiwara Hiromi , Zuo Jian‐Ping
Published: April 2007

CSA1M tumor‐bearing mice exhibited a severe immune dysfunction but the underlying mechanism remained unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the myeloid suppressor cell (Mac‐1+Gr‐1+ cells)‐(MSC) related T cell immunosuppression in this tumor‐bearing model. In mice at the late stage of CSA1M tumor‐bearing (Late TB [8–10 weeks after cell inoculation in male BALB/c mice]), the percentages for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased but Mac‐1+ cells increased in spleens with severe splenomegaly. There was no deficit for concanavalin A‐induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin (IL)‐4 production, but delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction were attenuated. Analysis of cytokine production in unfractionated spleen cells showed a significant reduction of IFN‐γ and a marked increase of IL‐10 and IL‐4. In Late‐TB mice, splenic MSC number intensively accumulated; the mRNA expressions of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1), and inducible nitric‐oxide synthase (iNOS) were enhanced in MSC; the nitric oxide production and arginase enzyme activity increased in MSC as well. Furthermore, the concanavalin A‐induced T cell proliferation was inhibited in the presence of lipopolysaccharide‐ or IFN‐γ‐activated MSC from Late‐TB mice, which could be reversed by the iNOS specific inhibitor L‐NMMA. iNOS seemed to be required more than arginase for the suppressive activity of MSC. Taken together, our results suggest that the immune dysfunction in tumor‐bearing mice might be causally associated with the accumulation of MSC and its tumor‐favoring property. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 882–889)
Cowpea bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus counteracts dietary protease inhibitors by modulating propeptides of major digestive enzymes
Authors: Ahn J.‐E. , Lovingshimer M. R. , Salzman R. A. , Presnail J. K. , Lu A. L. , Koiwa H. , Zhu‐Salzman K.
Published: April 2007

Cowpea bruchids, when challenged by consumption of the soybean cysteine protease inhibitor scN, reconfigure expression of their major CmCP digestive proteases and resume normal feeding and development. Previous evidence indicated that insects selectively induced CmCPs from subfamily B, that were more efficient in autoprocessing and possessed not only higher proteolytic, but also scN‐degrading activities. In contrast, dietary scN only marginally up‐regulated genes from the more predominant CmCP subfamily A that were inferior to subfamily B. To gain further molecular insight into this adaptive adjustment, we performed domain swapping between the two respective subfamily members B1 and A16, the latter unable to autoprocess or degrade scN even after intermolecular processing. Swapping the propeptides did not qualitatively alter autoprocessing in either protease isoform. Incorporation of either the N‐ (pAmBA) or C‐terminal (pAmAB) mature B1 segment into A16, however, was sufficient to prime autoprocessing of A16 to its mature form. Further, the swap at the N‐terminal mature A16 protein region (pAmBA) resulted in four amino acid changes. Replacement of these amino acid residues by the corresponding B1 residues, singly and pair‐wise, revealed that autoprocessing activation in pAmBA resulted from cumulative and/or coordinated individual effects. Bacterially expressed isolated propeptides (pA16 and pB1) differed in their ability to inhibit mature B1 enzyme. Lower inhibitory activity in pB1 is likely attributable to its lack of protein stability. This instability in the cleaved propeptide is necessary, although insufficient by itself, for scN‐degradation by the mature B1 enzyme. Taken together, cowpea bruchids modulate proteolysis of their digestive enzymes by controlling proCmCP cleavage and propeptide stability, which explains at least in part the plasticity cowpea bruchids demonstrate in response to protease inhibitors.
Transcriptional analysis of insecticide resistance in Anopheles stephensi using cross‐species microarray hybridization
Authors: Vontas J. , David J.‐P. , Nikou D. , Hemingway J. , Christophides G. K. , Louis C. , Ranson H.
Published: April 2007

A large scale microarray (20k MMC1) from the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae was used to monitor gene expression in insecticide resistant and susceptible strains of the Asian mosquito Anopheles stephensi. Heterologous hybridization at slightly reduced stringency yielded ∼7000 significant signals. Thirty‐six putative genes were differentially transcribed between the pyrethroid‐resistant (DUB‐R) and the susceptible (BEECH) strains. The expression profiles of selected transcripts were verified by real‐time PCR. A gene putatively involved in the thickening of the adult cuticle showed the most striking up‐regulation in DUB‐R. A more specialized microarray containing 231 An. gambiae genes putatively involved in insecticide detoxification was used to further analyse classical insecticide resistance genes. Three glutathione S‐transferase (GST) transcripts, one esterase and a cytochrome P450 were up‐regulated in the resistant strain, while two peroxidases were down‐regulated.
Improving insect pest management through population genetic data: a case study of the mosquito Ochlerotatus caspius (Pallas)
Authors: PORRETTA D. , CANESTRELLI D. , BELLINI R. , CELLI G. , URBANELLI S.
Published: April 2007

Rationalizing the use of chemicals in pest control programmes is a fundamental goal that is aided by the knowledge of patterns of population connectivity and historical demography.

In this study, we used both mitochondrial and nuclear markers to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of the northern Italian populations of Ochlerotatus caspius, a mosquito of great public health and economic impact in Mediterranean countries.

A substantial genetic homogeneity was found among populations, with no association of pairwise population differentiation with the geographic distribution or the environmental heterogeneity of the breeding sites.

On a regional scale, we hypothesize a historical demographic expansion, probably associated with late Pleistocene palaeoclimatic events. Furthermore, our results suggest that ever since the expansion event, an extensive gene flow is still the major evolutionary force shaping the overall genetic pattern observed.

At a local geographic scale, evidence of recent growth in the size of the population was found in several sites. The increased availability of large breeding sites offered recently by rice paddies seem to have played a major role in giving rise to the observed demographic expansions. Indeed, these sites have become more numerous and undergone changes in the management technique (increased number of dry/flood cycles), which enhanced their suitability as breeding habitats.

Synthesis and applications. The migration pattern among populations of Oc. caspius in northern Italy appears to be high enough to maintain an extensive genetic homogeneity. Control programmes on a small geographic scale are thus unlikely to be effective. The modern agronomic techniques and the growth of rice paddies seem to have played a role in the recent demographic history of the species in the Po plain. Therefore, satisfactory control programmes should: (i) be focused mainly on rice paddies as breeding habitats; (ii) favour agronomical techniques involving a reduced number of dry/flood cycles; (iii) be carried out on a wide (regional) geographic scale; and (iv) monitor periodically the susceptibility of populations to the compounds used in control campaigns and adopt strategies aimed to avoid the possible spread of resistance alleles.
Ecology, politics and policy
Authors: LAWTON JOHN H.
Published: April 2007

‘The British Ecological Society aims to promote the science of ecology through research and to use the findings of such research to educate the public and influence policy decisions which involve ecological matters.’ Yet, how successful have we been in influencing UK and EU environmental policy?

Many scientists hold to the ‘deficit model’ of turning science into policy, the view that if only politicians are told what the science reveals, ‘correct’ policies will automatically follow. Nothing could be further from the truth. Politicians have all kinds of reasons, some valid, some less valid, not to adopt what often seem to us to be common sense policies to protect the environment.

Here, I explore some of the successes and failures of ecologists to influence UK and European environmental policy, using acid deposition, the collapse of global marine fisheries, GM crops and climate change, carbon dioxide and ocean acidification as examples. I briefly review the extensive literature (largely ignored by natural scientists) on what social scientists have to say about evidence‐based policy‐making (or the lack of it) and why it often appears to be so difficult to persuade politicians to adopt sound environmental policies.

Synthesis and applications. Ecologists can, and do, influence government policy on the environment, but often via complex and iterative interactions that can be painfully slow, and may require fundamental changes in politicians’ belief systems, values and norms.
The risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death amongst snuff users with or without a previous history of smoking
Authors: Wennberg P. , Eliasson M. , Hallmans G. , Johansson L. , Boman K. , Jansson J.‐H.
Published: April 2007

Objectives.  To investigate the risk of a first myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) amongst male snuff users.

Design.  We used a prospective incident case‐referent study design nested in the population‐based Västerbotten Intervention Program and the Northern Sweden MONICA study.

Subjects.  Tobacco habits and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed at baseline screening and compared in 525 male MI cases (including 93 SCD cases) and 1798 matched referents.

Results.  Myocardial infarction occurred on average 4 years and 2 months after the baseline screening. No increased risk for MI was found amongst snuff users without a previous history of smoking compared with nontobacco users after adjustments for body mass index, leisure time physical activity, educational level and cholesterol level (OR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.46–1.43). For snuff users with a previous history of smoking, the adjusted OR was 1.25 (95% CI, 0.80–1.96). Significantly increased risk for MI was found in current smokers with or without current snuff use. For SCD cases with survival time <24 h, the adjusted OR for snuff users without previous history of smoking was 1.18 (95% CI, 0.38–3.70) and for cases with survival time <1 h the OR was 0.38 (95% CI, 0.08–1.89).

Conclusions.  We found no increased risk for MI amongst snuff users without a previous history of smoking. Amongst snuff users with a previous history of smoking, the tendency towards an increased risk for MI may reflect the residual risk from former smoking. This study does not support the hypothesis that the risk for SCD is increased amongst snuff users.
Virginal breast hypertrophy of an 11‐year‐old girl
Authors: Koves Ildi H , Zacharin Margaret
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  We report a case of an 11‐year‐old girl with virginal breast hypertrophy; a rare condition characterised by rapid breast enlargement in the peripubertal period. In this paper we highlight complexities of management in this age group.
Maternal factors in the etiology of fetal malnutrition in Nigeria
Authors: ADEBAMI OLUSEGUN J. , OYEDEJI GABRIEL A. , OWA JOSHUA A. , OYELAMI OYEKU A.
Published: April 2007

Background: The main objective of the study was to determine the role of maternal factors in the etiology of fetal malnutrition (FM) in Nigeria. Neonatal and Maternity Units of the Wesley Guild Hospital Ilesa, Nigeria, a unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile‐Ife was the setting for the study.

Methods: This was a prospective study of consecutive, singleton, term live babies delivered between January and August 2001. Fetal malnutrition was diagnosed using Clinical Assessment of Fetal Nutritional Status (CANS) and the score (CANSCORE) adapted by Metcoff. The maternal prenatal record was checked and additional history was obtained from the mother. This included history of maternal illness and drugs taken during pregnancy. The socioeconomic class of the parents was also documented. Nutritional status of the mother was determined using mid arm circumference (MAC) and the body mass index (BMI). Babies were stratified into babies with FM and babies without FM. The two groups of babies were compared.

Results: Of the 473 studied, 89 [18.8%] had FM. Maternal factors found associated with FM were: lack of antenatal care, young mother (<18 years), primiparity, maternal undernutrition (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and MAC < 23.5 cm), low socioeconomic status, pregnancy‐induced hypertension, antepatum hemorrhage, and maternal infections especially malaria, urinary tract infections and HIV (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Improvement in the socioeconomic status of women and good antenatal care will reduce most of the maternal factors associated with FM in Nigeria. Therefore, antenatal should be made cheap and accessible to all pregnant mothers.
Variation analysis of β3‐adrenergic receptor and melanocortin‐4 receptor genes in childhood obesity
Authors: KINOSHITA TOMOE , HANAKI KEIICHI , NAGAISHI JUN‐ICHI , KAWASHIMA YUKI , ADACHI KAORI , NANBA EIJI , KANZAKI SUSUMU
Published: April 2007

Background: Decreased energy expenditure and increased food intake are principal causes for obesity. In the present study, genotypes of β3‐adrenergic receptor (β3AR) and of melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R), both of which are believed to have a close link to the cause of obesity, were analyzed and compared with phenotypes of childhood obesity.

Methods: Thirty‐five obese children with moderate to severe obesity were enrolled. Direct sequencing of the MC4R coding region and pinpoint‐polymerase chain reaction were used to detect genomic variation in the β3AR gene using peripheral blood‐derived DNA.

Results: Allele frequency of Trp64Arg variation in the β3AR gene in the obese subjects was 0.16, which is comparable with that in the healthy general population in eastern Asia. Comparison of phenotypical characteristics did not show a significant difference between Trp/Trp and Trp/Arg subjects. It was notable that body height SD was significantly higher in the Trp/Trp than the Trp/Arg subjects (0.93 ± 1.0 SD vs 0.07 ± 1.3 SD, P= 0.03). Annual weight gains were far beyond a hypothetical fat gain in an Arg64 heterozygote with decreased energy consumption, suggesting increased food intake in childhood obesity. There was, however, no variation in the MC4R gene despite thorough sequencing of the entire coding region.

Conclusions: The Trp64Arg variation in the β3AR gene has no relationship to the degree or the incidence of childhood obesity. The majority of childhood obesity can be characterized as tall stature, more rapid weight gain than that expected by decreased energy expenditure. Further investigation is necessary in regard to the increased food intake as a major cause of childhood obesity.
Do acid and bile reflux into the esophagus simultaneously? Temporal relationship between duodenogastro‐esophageal reflux and esophageal pH
Authors: OREL ROK , VIDMAR GAJ
Published: April 2007

Background: Duodenogastro‐esophageal reflux (DGER) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis. Animal studies have demonstrated that the injurious effect of duodenal juice components depends on pH. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the temporal relationship between DGER and esophageal pH.

Methods: Seventy‐six children with symptoms of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (27 without, 31 with mild, 18 with severe esophagitis) underwent 24 h simultaneous esophageal pH and bilirubin monitoring with Bilitec 2000. The recordings were analyzed for (i) pH at the beginning of DGER episodes; (ii) relative duration of DGER in eight defined pH intervals of 1 pH unit; and (iii) differences in relative duration of DGER between the three groups of children.

Results: DGER episodes most frequently began at pH between 6 and 7. DGER was present in the esophagus across the spectrum of esophageal pH, with the biggest relative duration between pH 3 and 5. However, in children without esophagitis relative duration of DGER was longest between pH 5 and 6, in children with mild esophagitis between pH 4 and 5, while in those with severe esophagitis it was between pH 2 and 4 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: DGER appears across the whole esophageal pH spectrum. The more severe the esophagitis, the lower the pH at which DGER occurs, resulting in simultaneous damaging effects of acid and duodenal juice components.
Mother with post‐partum group B Streptococcus meningitis and cerebellar abscess
Authors: Ghani Nur Azurah Abdul , Jaafar Rohana , Ishak Shareena , Zainuddin Ani Amelia , Mukari Shahizon Azura Mohamed , Mahdy Zaleha Abdullah
Published: April 2007

We report the case of a 25‐year‐old Malay woman, admitted for preterm delivery at 35 weeks' gestation. Vaginal swab did not isolate any organism. She delivered a baby girl who developed respiratory distress syndrome, requiring ventilation. Although chest radiograph showed hyaline membrane disease with pneumonia, septic workout was negative. The mother was discharged on the next day. Seven days postpartum, the mother presented with fever and fits and was diagnosed to have meningo‐encephalitis. Lumbar puncture isolated group B Streptococcus (GBS) and MRI revealed a superior cerebellar abscess. She was treated and survived the episode. This case illustrates the uncommon situation where GBS infection was confirmed via maternal septic workout rather than neonatal, although both presented with severe disease.
Increasing Social Mobility: An Effective Policy to Reduce Health Inequalities
Authors: Bartley Mel , Plewis Ian
Published: April 2007

Data from the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study are used to investigate the effect of mobility between occupationally defined social classes between 1991 and 2001 on health inequality in men and women. Logistic regression models related movement into more or less advantaged employment conditions to limiting long-term illness in 2001, controlling for social class in 1991 and 2001. When class in 1991 was controlled (‘class of origin’) those who moved into more advantaged social classes were least likely and those moving into less advantaged classes most likely to report a limiting illness. However, when social class in 2001 (‘class of destination’) was controlled, those moving from less to more advantaged positions were most likely to report limiting illness. The same patterns were seen in women. This means that social mobility did not increase the extent of health inequality over the time period that was observed, but rather served to constrain or dilute it. The results are interpreted in terms of an accumulation model of health inequality, and the policy implications are discussed.
Is the Ricardian Equivalence Proposition an ‘Aerie Fairy’ Theory for Europe?
Authors: CRESPO CUARESMA JESÚS , REITSCHULER GERHARD
Published: April 2007

Using a theoretical model based on dynamic optimizing agents, we test empirically the Ricardian equivalence proposition (REP) for the EU‐15 countries. The theoretical setting allows us to obtain estimates of the structural parameters of the model and to test directly the hypothesis implied by the REP. Using recently developed end‐of‐sample cointegration breakdown tests, we find evidence of a change in the fiscal behaviour of individuals during the last decade—after the introduction of a fiscal rule, namely the Maastricht criteria—for most countries in the sample. The results concerning the direction of change are mixed.
Winners and Losers from the Gradual Formation of Trading Blocs
Authors: MACHO‐STADLER INÉS , XUE LICUN
Published: April 2007

Although global free trade is efficient, each country's benefit from free trade depends on the path that leads to the global free trade agreement. Using a dynamic model of trading bloc formation, we show that when global free trade is reached gradually the countries that are initially excluded gain less than the rest and may be even made worse off by the final free trade agreement than they were in the initial state of no trading blocs.
Oestrogen affects the cardiovascular and central responses to isoproterenol of female rats
Authors: Krause Eric G. , Curtis Kathleen S. , Markle Jason P. , Contreras Robert J.
Published: April 2007

This study examined the influence of oestrogen on cardiovascular responses to hypotension produced by administration of isoproterenol (Isop) and on neural activation in hindbrain nuclei mediating these responses. We first measured mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) after administration of isoproterenol, a β‐adrenergic agonist that increases circulating levels of AngII, in ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with oestradiol benzoate (EB). We then evaluated EB effects on Isop‐induced Fos immunoreactivity (Fos‐IR) in the hindbrain baroreflex circuit. To control for weight loss associated with oestrogen replacement in OVX rats, we food restricted a separate group of OVX rats and evaluated Isop‐induced changes in MAP, HR and Fos‐IR. The depressor response to Isop was significantly attenuated by EB, which also produced a disproportionate increase in HR. These effects were not secondary to loss of body weight after EB treatment, because cardiovascular responses to Isop in food restricted rats were similar to those in OVX rats treated with the oil vehicle. Isop significantly increased Fos‐IR in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), area postrema (AP), rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), and lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN); however, EB significantly attenuated the increase in the AP and in the lPBN. Again, these effects were not secondary to body weight loss, because food restricted rats had the same pattern of Fos‐IR as did rats treated with the oil vehicle. These results suggest that EB modifies cardiovascular responses to Isop, possibly by decreasing activation of the AP and lPBN.