bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capital asset management process: the case of Hose & Fittings Corporation
Authors: Bae Sung C. , Park Bell J.C. , Wagner Tracy 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo develop a more effective, long‐term‐oriented capital asset management process for capital project evaluationDesign/methodology/approachRelying on a cash study format, the weaknesses of the traditional capital budgeting process are examined. The proposed capital asset management process is contrasted with the traditional process with respect to several aspects of long‐term resource management. Flow‐charts and evaluation matrices are presented.FindingsThe capital asset management process offers significant improvements over the traditional process. First, it links various functions that trigger capital requirements. Through an actual versus plan measurement, capital plans become more accurate and predictable. Forecasting beyond one year also enhances the planning and management of resources. Second, the process promotes a more accurate evaluation of costs and benefits of capital projects. The suggested evaluation techniques include detailed qualitative analysis, real option and EVA analyses, and applying project/division costs of capital in place of a company cost of capital.Practical implicationsThe capital asset management process provides guidelines to justify and manage capital expenditures in a systematic manner for divisions and product lines within a company. For an effective application, the process should be established across all corporate levels so that top management and project managers have a clear understanding of the process and its importance with respect to a capital proposal's linkage to long‐term strategic goals.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional capital budgeting process based on an actual company case and presents key drives and evaluation techniques in the capital asset management process to effectively manage firms' long‐term capital assets.
Expression patterns of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in trichloroacetic acid peeled skin
Authors: YAMAMOTO Yuki , UEDE Koji , YONEI Nozomi , FURUKAWA Fukumi 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTThis study was designed to investigate whether trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling induces cellular proliferation in human skin using an immunohistochemical method. A 40% TCA peel resulted in a greater number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐immunopositive cells in the whole epidermis as compared with 60% TCA or phenol peels. This finding suggests that long‐term and frequent TCA peelings of low concentration would require special attention for unexpected cutaneous lesions such as skin tumors.
Successful treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus in a child with low‐concentration topical tacrolimus ointment
Authors: MATSUMOTO Yuka , YAMAMOTO Toshiyuki , ISOBE Tamaki , KUSUNOKI Toshio , TSUBOI Ryoji 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTLichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that has a predilection for the anogenital area. Topical corticosteroid is occasionally effective; however, continuous treatment is often required and recurrence after its stoppage is frequent. Herein, we report a case of vulvar lichen sclerosus in a 5‐year‐old girl, which was refractory to topical corticosteroids. After 14 weeks of treatment with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment once daily, the lesions completely resolved without side‐effects. Of interest, the number of milia within the plaque of lichen sclerosus was reduced in tandem with the improvement of lichen sclerosus. This is the first report of topical low‐concentration tacrolimus treatment showing a dramatic effect in the treatment of childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis associated with a human parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: OFUJI Satoshi , YAMAMOTO Osamu 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTAcute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a reaction pattern with characteristic clinical features. AGEP typically presents with at least dozens of non‐follicular sterile pustules in addition to fever and elevated blood neutrophils. The onset is acute and pustules tend to resolve spontaneously. We herein report the findings of a 33‐year‐old female who presented with erythema on her elbows and dorsal thighs. Before onset, she did not receive any medications. She had no history of psoriasis, had not touched mercury, did not use tampons and was not pregnant. On the third eruptive day, she developed more than 100 non‐follicular pustules in diffuse edematous erythema on her trunk and extremities, predominantly involving the intertriginous areas and she also demonstrated high fever. Her temperature returned to within the normal limits on the fourth eruptive day and the pustules thereafter dramatically vanished until the fifth eruption day. Enzyme immunoassays (EI) were performed for anti‐virus antibodies and revealed a seroconversion of antihuman parvovirus B19‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies, thus indicating a primary human parvovirus B19 infection. The most frequent causes of AGEP seem to be a drug reaction and enterovirus infection. However, AGEP has not yet been reported to be associated with human parvovirus B19. We speculated that human parvovirus B19 may therefore be one of the causative agents of AGEP.
Case of Cowden syndrome associated with eccrine angiomatous hamartoma
Authors: OH Ji Goo , YOON Chang Ho , LEE Chang Woo 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTCowden syndrome, also known as multiple hamartoma syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple hamartomatous tumors of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origin. A 47‐year‐old woman had a skin‐colored plaque on the left foot. She had total abdominal hysterectomy due to uterine leiomyoma at the age of 35, and had modified radical mastectomy due to right breast cancer at 38. Thyroid adenoma was diagnosed at age 46. Physical examinations revealed macrocephaly, multiple papules of the buccal mucosa, skin tags of the neck and multiple keratotic papules of both hands. Multiple gastrointestinal polyps were detected on gastrofiberoscopy and colonoscopy. Histological examination of the skin lesion on the left foot showed an increased numbers of eccrine sweat glands and blood vessels, which are characteristic histological findings of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH), a rare benign tumor. We present a case of Cowden syndrome with an associated EAH, which has not been described in the English literatures.
Solitary eccrine syringofibroadenoma with prominent plasma cell infiltration
Authors: KIM Ji Yeon , KIM You Chan , LEE Eun‐So 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTEccrine syringofibroadenoma (ESFA) is a rare, benign, adnexal neoplasm thought to be eccrine ductal differentiation displaying variable clinical findings and characteristic histological features. It usually occurs as a solitary nodule on the extremities of an elderly person. Histological findings typically show a proliferation of anastomosing strands, cords, and columns of monomorphous epithelial cells that harbor eccrine duct formations embedded in a fibrovascular stroma. Acrosyringial nevus, though usually regarded as an identical lesion, is sometimes regarded as a different entity showing prominent plasma cell infiltration. We report two cases of solitary ESFA with prominent plasma cell infiltration. Clinicopathological features of both cases suggest that acrosyringeal nevus and ESFA may be of the same disease entity. Prominent plasma cell infiltration may be just one of the common histological features of ESFA.
Beta‐diversity of geometrid moths from northern Borneo: effects of habitat, time and space
Authors: BECK JAN , VUN KHEN CHEY 
Published: January 2007

Summary

Spatial patterns of beta‐diversity, an important property of species communities, are less well‐studied than those of local species richness, particularly in insects from tropical rainforests.
We use geometrid moth samples from northern Borneo to quantify ensemble turnover across distances of > 700 km, consider habitat‐ and sampling‐related impacts on their composition, and evaluate remaining spatial patterns in the data.
Geometrid moth ensembles from Borneo are shaped by environmental parameters such as elevation and habitat disturbance, by temporal factors acting at small (mediated by weather) and large scales (i.e. changes over decades), and by methodological differences of sampling (related to the nightly flight times of species).
These parameters explain a large portion of the spatial structure of ensemble composition, but residual variation still contains a pattern that is tentatively best explained by geographical distance, particularly at distances < 20 km.
Patterns of species turnover indicate no evidence for biotic homogenization due to human‐caused degradation of habitats. Beta‐diversity plays a crucial part in mediating the regional diversity of geometrids on Borneo.
Effects of functional constraints and opportunism on the functional structure of a vertebrate predator assemblage
Authors: FARIAS ARIEL A. , JAKSIC FABIAN M. 
Published: January 2007

Summary

Within mainstream ecological literature, functional structure has been viewed as resulting from the interplay of species interactions, resource levels and environmental variability. Classical models state that interspecific competition generates species segregation and guild formation in stable saturated environments, whereas opportunism causes species aggregation on abundant resources in variable unsaturated situations.
Nevertheless, intrinsic functional constraints may result in species‐specific differences in resource‐use capabilities. This could force some degree of functional structure without assuming other putative causes. However, the influence of such constraints has rarely been tested, and their relative contribution to observed patterns has not been quantified.
We used a multiple null‐model approach to quantify the magnitude and direction (non‐random aggregation or divergence) of the functional structure of a vertebrate predator assemblage exposed to variable prey abundance over an 18‐year period. Observed trends were contrasted with predictions from null‐models designed in an orthogonal fashion to account independently for the effects of functional constraints and opportunism. Subsequently, the unexplained variation was regressed against environmental variables to search for evidence of interspecific competition.
Overall, null‐models accounting for functional constraints showed the best fit to the observed data, and suggested an effect of this factor in modulating predator opportunistic responses. However, regression models on residual variation indicated that such an effect was dependent on both total and relative abundance of principal (small mammals) and alternative (arthropods, birds, reptiles) prey categories.
In addition, no clear evidence for interspecific competition was found, but differential delays in predator functional responses could explain some of the unaccounted variation. Thus, we call for caution when interpreting empirical data in the context of classical models assuming synchronous responses of consumers to resource levels.
Strong habitat preference of a tropical rain forest tree does not imply large differences in population dynamics across habitats
Authors: YAMADA TOSHIHIRO , ZUIDEMA PIETER A. , ITOH AKIRA , YAMAKURA TAKUO , OHKUBO TATSUHIRO , KANZAKI MAMORU , TAN SYLVESTER , ASHTON PETER S. 
Published: January 2007

Summary

Many tropical forest tree species show habitat preference, commonly revealed by differences in abundance among habitats. Very little is known about differences in individual performance and population dynamics across habitats.
We analysed habitat‐specific performance and demography of Scaphium borneense, a tropical rain forest tree with strong habitat preference in a 52‐ha plot at Lambir Hills, Malaysia. This species occurs at high densities on ridges with sandy soils (‘preferred habitat’), at low densities in valleys on loamy soils (‘non‐preferred habitat’) and at intermediate densities on slopes. We used 10‐year demographic data to compare tree performance across habitats and constructed population matrix models to analyse population dynamics.
Tree performance was rather similar across habitats. Some vital rates (mortality) did not differ among habitats, while others were modestly (juvenile tree growth) to substantially higher (recruitment) in the non‐preferred valley habitat, probably due to higher canopy openness.
Matrix models projected population sizes to remain stable in all habitats, thus maintaining abundance differences across habitats. This suggests that habitat preference of Scaphium is generated by (a)biotic differences among habitats and not by chance processes or disturbance history.
Population dynamics were also very similar among habitats. The distribution of elasticity values over categories and vital rates was almost equal for the three habitats. Life table response experiment (LTRE) analysis showed that habitat differences in vital rates had little effect on λ. Thus, Scaphium populations in the three habitats are maintained in a very similar way, despite differences in (a)biotic conditions and abundance.
We hypothesize that habitat preference of Scaphium is maintained because of a better performance in its preferred habitat relative to other species in that habitat, while the reverse may be true in non‐preferred habitats. We suggest that such differences in performance may become apparent during periods of drought, creating windows of opportunity for maintaining density differences.
Strong habitat preference of rain forest tree species does not necessarily imply strong differences in tree performance, demography or population growth across habitats. The mechanisms that generate density differences across habitats remain to be unravelled.
Response to soy: T‐cell‐like reactivity in the intestine of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Bakke‐McKellep A M , Frøystad M K , Lilleeng E , Dapra F , Refstie S , Krogdahl Å , Landsverk T 
Published: January 2007

AbstractT‐cell‐mediated hypersensitivity could be central in soybean meal (SBM)‐induced intestinal changes in salmon. However, tools for immunohistochemical detection of T cells have been lacking in teleosts, including Atlantic salmon. Application of a specific histochemical protocol allowed demonstration of T‐cell‐like reactivities in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues using an antibody reacting to a conserved region of human CD3ɛ (Dako A0452). Characteristic staining was observed in cells of the thymus as well as distal intestine, skin, gills and spleen. These cells were negative for immunoglobulin M (IgM). Intestinal intraepithelial leucocytes were CD3ɛ positive. During the SBM‐induced enteropathy, the mixed inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria of the distal intestine included many lymphocytes with a T‐cell‐like reactivity. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed significantly increased expression of a complex polypeptide (CD3pp), CD4 and CD8β (P < 0.05) in the distal intestine of SBM‐fed fish compared to fish meal‐fed reference fish. Increased reactivity for extracellular IgM in the lamina propria and a positive material between the epithelial cells at the tips of the folds was observed, possibly due to leakage of IgM through an abrogated epithelial barrier. In conclusion, a T‐cell‐like response appears to be involved in this example of a food‐sensitive enteropathy.
Effect of substrate on progression and healing of skin erosions and epidermal papillomas of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.)
Authors: Ottesen O H , Noga E J , Sandaa W 
Published: January 2007

AbstractJuvenile Atlantic halibut cultured on a smooth substrate often develop skin lesions on the blind (abocular) side, significantly reducing carcass value and causing economic losses. We discovered that fish not only developed skin erosions, but also extensive epidermal papillomas when held on a smooth substrate for 39 months. This is the first time that epidermal papillomas have been reported in Atlantic halibut. To determine whether substrate type affected the progression or healing of these lesions, fish with papillomas and skin erosions were moved to identical rearing units having either an irregular (sand, gravel or Netlon®) substrate, or a smooth (gel‐coated fibreglass) substrate. After 62 days, 42–50% of fish held on any of the three irregular substrates had a skin erosion area (SEA) that had either diminished or appeared to be completely healed via gross examination. In contrast, none of the fish held on the smooth substrate showed improvement and 75–100% had a more severe SEA. Changes in the papilloma area (PA) were less dramatic: none of the fish held on an irregular substrate had any clear change in PA, although there was a suggestion that the PA in some fish might becoming less severe. Similarly, none of the fish held on the smooth substrate had a change in PA, although there was a suggestion that the PA in some fish was becoming more severe. After 97 days, there was also a suggestion that specific growth rates were higher in fish held on an irregular substrate when compared with those held on the smooth substrate. Overall, these data further substantiate previous studies suggesting that an irregular substrate, including the commercially used Netlon®, is best for rearing Atlantic halibut. While there was a clear relationship between substrate type and whether skin erosions or papillomas progressed or healed, the exact cause(s) of these two responses is uncertain. Future studies should focus on risk factors such as stress, burrowing behaviour and the microenvironment of the substrate.
Phalaris minor seedbank studies: longevity, seedling emergence and seed production as affected by tillage regime
Authors: FRANKE A C , SINGH S , MCROBERTS N , NEHRA A S , GODARA S , MALIK R K , MARSHALL G 
Published: January 2007

SummaryStudies were conducted to investigate seed longevity, seedling emergence and seed production of the weed Phalaris minor in wheat in northern India. The longevity of P. minor seeds buried in bags in the field was often limited to less than 1 year, although many seeds buried at 30 cm depth in a rice–wheat rotation remained viable for longer. The application of direct seeding in wheat reduced the seedling emergence rate of P. minor, when compared with conventional ploughing and sowing. However, a larger P. minor seedbank in the upper soil layer in plots under direct seeding partly reversed this positive effect in one of the two studies. Besides differences in relative distribution of weed seeds through the soil profile, it was likely that other factors such as reduced soil disturbance and soil characteristics associated with the application of direct seeding were also involved in regulating the emergence rate. Mature P. minor plants in wheat were found to invest a stable part (27%) of their aboveground biomass in seed, so that total seed weight was strongly linearly correlated with the aboveground biomass of the mother plant. Individual seed weight, however, was little affected by the weight of the mother plant.
Field validation of the factors related to clodinafop efficacy on Avena species
Authors: ANDREWS T S , MEDD R W , VAN DE VEN R J , PICKERING D I 
Published: January 2007

SummaryPrevious research has shown that historical data and interpolated weather information can be used to correlate environmental and other variables with herbicide efficacy. This article examines this possibility using field experiments and on‐site weather data. Clodinafop was applied to Avena spp. (wild oat) infestations on 46 occasions, in eight separate experiments, during 2003–2004 across the grain growing regions of New South Wales, Australia. Linear mixed models and covariate analyses were used to determine correlations of agronomic and environmental variables with clodinafop efficacy on Avena spp., as measured by plant mortality, panicle density and seed production. Clodinafop dose, maximum temperature on the day of spraying, spray water volume, the spray water volume by maximum temperature interaction and available soil moisture at spraying were correlated with mortality. Minimum temperatures prior to spraying, previously reported to be correlated with clodinafop efficacy, were not a significant factor in this study. On‐site weather data were highly correlated with interpolated, generic weather data and thus there was little impact on which of these meteorological data sets were used to determine the correlations. This suggests that accessible, generic weather data could be used to develop and implement a predictive model for clodinafop efficacy. The relationship between the variables and Avena spp. mortality were generally supported when applied to panicle density and estimated seed production, with some exceptions. The results indicate that it should be possible to incorporate industry and field data to develop a robust predictive model for Avena spp. control with clodinafop.
Impact of the pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda on Bromus tectorum seedbank dynamics in North American cold deserts
Authors: MEYER S E , QUINNEY D , NELSON D L , WEAVER J 
Published: January 2007

Summary Bromus tectorum is a dominant winter annual weed in cold deserts of western North America. We followed patterns of seed carry‐over and abundance of the pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda over 5 years at B. tectorum‐dominated shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) and sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) sites in southern Idaho. We hypothesised that more seeds could potentially carry over at the drier shadscale site because of minimal autumn precipitation, but that P. semeniperda, a pathogen that primarily kills dormant seeds, would have more impact at the drier site, where a higher density of dormant seeds would likely be present in the early spring seedbank. Successful first‐year seed carry‐over was higher in years with below‐average autumn precipitation. It was lower at the shadscale site than at the sagebrush site (9% vs.16%). The number of seeds killed during incubation by P. semeniperda averaged three times higher at the drier site and the number of field‐killed seeds averaged almost five times higher. This suggests that pathogen‐related mortality caused the greater decrease in seed carry‐over at the drier site. Mortality risk increased dramatically with seed age. This climate–pathogen interaction apparently limits B. tectorum seedbank carry‐over in cold deserts to 3 years or less. Pyrenophora semeniperda shows potential as a biocontrol agent for B. tectorum in these habitats.