bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of three complementary techniques for measuring cutaneous hydration in vivo in human subjects: NMR spectroscopy, transient thermal transfer and corneometry – application to xerotic skin and cosmetics
Authors: Girard Philippe , Beraud Anne , Sirvent Anne 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to determine the capability and the analytical quality of three different in vivo, non‐invasive, quantitative methods for measuring skin hydration: two innovative methods that have been used for more than eight years – nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR‐S) and transient thermal transfer (TTT) – and the more widely used and conventional corneometry.Methods: The work presented evaluated the capability and precision, as well as cutaneous exploration depths, of the three methods. Experiments were carried out in vivo following the hydration, in kinetic terms, induced by topic application of reference moisturizing products. Spatio‐temporal efficacy of a lipolotion was also studied by the TTT method. Cases of xerotic skin were studied with TTT and corneometry.Results: The results obtained showed better repeatability and reproducibility with the TTT and NMR‐S methods than with corneometry. NMR‐S is one of the only direct hydration measurement methods. It measures skin hydration down to the outer dermis with high precision. It is indicated for products having an action down to the deep cutaneous layers. By changing thermal power parameters, the TTT method can determine hydration to the outer, middle or deep epidermal layers. It is, therefore, possible to track the penetration of products in various layers of the epidermis. The small size of the probe enables the hydration measurement of skin sites (lips, eyelids) that were not, up to now, measurable with the two other methods. Corneometric investigations are restricted to the surface of the horny layer; measurements are easy and rapid but influenced by the composition of products applied to the skin and their phases: aqueous, oily or ionic. The xerotic skin study highlights the importance of exploration in different layers of the epidermis, as dehydration concerns not only the upper layers of the epidermis but also the medial and deep layers. With the TTT method, it has been possible to highlight the penetration dynamics of a lipolotion with, initially, an increase in the hydration in the outer epidermis, followed 3 h later by a transfer from the outer to the middle epidermis.Conclusion: NMR‐S, TTT and corneometry represent three possible ways to assess skin hydration. Because they explore different cutaneous depths, they are more complementary than competitive. Transient thermal transfer, although a semi‐direct method, is a precise, informative, and innovative solution to evaluate skin hydration at different epidermal depths and sites.
Quantitative assessment of properties of make‐up products by video imaging: application to lipsticks
Authors: Korichi Rodolphe , Provost Robin , Heusèle Catherine , Schnebert Sylvianne 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: The different properties and visual effects of lipstick have been studied by image analysis directly on volunteers.Methods: After controlling the volunteer's position mechanically using an ophthalmic table and visually using an acquirement mask, which is an indicator of luminance and guide marks, we carried out video colour images of the make‐up area. From these images, we quantified the colour, gloss, covering power, long‐lasting effect and streakiness, using computer science programs.Results/Conclusion:Quantitative colorimetric assessment requires the transformation of the RGB components obtained by a video colour camera into CIELAB colorimetric space. The expression of each coordinate of the L*a*b* space according to R,G,B was carried out by a statistical method of polynomial approximations. A study, using 24 colour images extracted from a Pantone® palette, showed a very good correlation with a Minolta Colorimeter® CR 300. The colour assessment on volunteers required a segmentation method by maximizing the entropy. The aim was to separate the colour information sent back by the skin to the make‐up area. It was very useful to precisely delimit the contour between the skin and the product in the case of almost identical colours and to evaluate the streakiness. From this colour segmentation, an algorithm was studied to search for the shades most represented in the overall colour of the make‐up area. The capacity to replicate what the consumer perceives of the make‐up product, to carry out studies without having any contact with the skin surface, and the constant improvement of software and video acquirement systems all make video imaging a very useful tool in the quantitative assessment of the properties and visual effects of a make‐up product.
The use of high‐frequency diagnostic ultrasound to investigate the effect of hormone replacement therapy on skin thickness
Authors: Chen L. , Dyson M. , Rymer J. , Bolton P. A. , Young S. R. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Previous investigations have suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could have a positive effect on the maintenance of skin thickness post‐menopause. Previous skin measurement devices have proved variable in their accuracy and ease of use. This investigation assessed the effect of HRT on the skin in a noninvasive way, using high‐frequency diagnostic ultrasound.Method: The study was a cross‐sectional observational study, carried out at a menopause and gynaecology outpatient’s clinic. A total of 84 women (comprising 34 HRT users, 25 post‐menopausal controls, and 25 premenopausal controls) took part in the study. Each volunteer was scanned using diagnostic ultrasound on the arm. Skin thickness measurements were made from each scan using computerised image analysis.Results: Skin thickness was shown to be greater in the HRT group than in the post‐menopausal controls (P<0.01).Conclusions: High‐frequency diagnostic ultrasound proved to be a useful clinical tool and showed that HRT appears to help maintain skin thickness in menopause.
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and gene polymorphisms for the inflammatory markers TNF‐α, TNF‐β and the vitamin D receptor: no association detected
Authors: Bazrafshani MR , Hajeer AH , Ollier WER , Thornhill MH 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility that minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (MiRAS) is associated with the inheritance of specific gene polymorphisms for markers associated with macrophage driven inflammation, i.e. tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), TNF‐β or the vitamin D receptor (VDR).SETTING: MiRAS is a common, painful, ulcerative condition of the mouth. Its etiology is unknown although mononuclear inflammatory cells are thought to play an important role. There is no clear genetic mode of inheritance, however, many patients report a positive family history and disease concordance is significantly higher in monozygotic than dizygotic twins, suggesting a polygenic mode of inheritance.METHODS: Ninety‐five MiRAS patients and an ethnically matched control population were genotyped for TNFA‐308, TNFB NcoI and VDR (intron 8 and exon 9) polymorphisms. Chi‐square analysis was used to compare the allele frequencies and genotypes of cases and controls.RESULTS: No significant association was identified between inheritance of specific alleles or genotypes of the TNFA‐308, TNFB NcoI and VDR (intron 8 and exon 9) polymorphisms and susceptibility to MiRAS.CONCLUSIONS: Inheritance of specific gene polymorphisms for TNF‐α, TNF‐β or VDR does not appear to be a significant factor in determining susceptibility to MiRAS.
Responses of carboxylating enzymes, sucrose metabolizing enzymes and plant hormones in a tropical epiphytic CAM orchid to CO2 enrichment
Authors: Li C. R. , Gan L. J. , Xia K. , Zhou X. , Hew C. S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAfter exposure to a doubled CO2 concentration of 750 µL L−1 for 2 months, average relative growth rate (RGR) of Mokara Yellow increased 25%. The two carboxylating enzymes, ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase), responded differently to CO2 enrichment. There was a significant daytime down‐regulation in Rubisco activity in the leaves of CO2‐enriched plants. However, PEPCase activity in CO2‐enriched plants was much higher in the dark period, although it was slightly lower during the daytime than that at ambient CO2. Leaf sucrose–phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SS) activities in CO2‐enriched plants increased markedly, along with a night‐time increase in total titratable acidity and malate accumulation. There was a remarkable increase in the levels of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins A1 and A3 (GA1+3), isopentenyladenosine (iPA) and zeatin riboside (ZR) in the expanding leaves of plants grown at elevated CO2. It is suggested that (1) the down‐regulation of Rubisco and up‐regulation of SPS and SS are two important acclimation processes that are beneficial because it enhanced both photosynthetic capacity at high CO2 and reduced resource investment in excessive Rubisco capacity; (2) the increased levels of plant hormones in CO2‐enriched M. Yellow might play an important role in controlling its growth and development.
Optical anisotropy of a pig tendon under compression*
Authors: Feitosa Vera Lúcia C. , Vidal Benedicto C. , Pimentel Edson R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe proximal region of the superficial digital flexor tendon of pigs passes under the tibiotarsal joint, where it is subjected to compressional and tensional forces. This region was divided into a surface portion (sp), which is in direct contact with the bone and into a deep portion (dp), which is the layer opposite the articulating surface. The purpose of this work was to analyse the distribution and organisation of the collagen bundles and proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix in sp and dp. Toluidine‐blue‐stained sections were analysed under a polarising microscope. Strong basophilia and metachromasia were observed in sp, demonstrating accumulation of proteoglycan in a region bearing compression, but the intensity was reduced the further layers were from the bone. Linear dichroism confirmed that the glycosaminoglycan molecules were disposed predominantly parallel to the longest axis of the collagen fibrils. Birefringence analysis showed a higher molecular order and aggregation of the collagen bundles in areas where the tension was more prominent. The crimp pattern was more regular in dp than in sp, probably as a requirement for tendon stretching. The optical anisotropy exhibited by the collagen bundles also confirmed the helical organisation of the collagen bundles in the tendon. Hyaluronidase digestion caused a decrease in the basophilia, but this was not eliminated, supporting the idea that in the matrix, proteoglycans are not completely available to the enzyme action.
Development of the lung of the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula
Authors: Cooke Michèle M. , Alley Maurice R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe developing lung of the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, was studied by light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the conducting airways in the adult. Bronchi did not extend beyond the hilus of each of the six lobes of the lung, and lobules were supplied by major bronchioles. By 105 days post partum, bronchi and bronchioles were fully formed, coinciding with the emergence of mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), which preceded alveolar maturation by approximately 20 days. In the adult lung, goblet cells were rarely observed in the mucosal epithelium of bronchi, whereas Clara cells were present in the mucosa of all airways, increasing proportionately as the conducting and respiratory portions narrowed distally. Although the airways of the possum lung have a poorly developed mucociliary blanket, this may be compensated for by the large numbers of Clara cells and adequate supply of MALT.
The conus arteriosus of the adult gilthead seabream (Sparus auratus)
Authors: Schib J. L. , Icardo J. M. , Durán A. C. , Guerrero A. , López D. , Colvee E. , De Andrés A. V. , Sans‐Coma V. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper reports on the presence of the conus arteriosus in the heart of the adult gilthead seabream, Sparus auratus (Perciformes, Teleostei). The junctional region between the single ventricle and the bulbus arteriosus has been studied by conventional light microscopy, and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, fluorescent phalloidin and antibodies against the muscle myosin heavy chains, laminin and collagen type IV have been used. The conus arteriosus is a distinct muscular segment interposed between the ventricle and the bulbus arteriosus. It is clearly different from the bulbus arteriosus due to its myocardial nature. It can also be distinguished from the ventricular myocardium because: (1) it has a conus shape; (2) it is formed by compact, well‐vascularized myocardium; (3) it is surrounded on its inner and outer faces by fibrous layers rich in collagen and elastin; (4) it constitutes the anatomical support of the so‐termed conus valves; (5) it shows intense staining for laminin and type‐IV collagen; and (6) the myocardial cells located close to the inner fibrous layer are helicoidally arranged. By contrast, the ventricular myocardium is highly trabecular, lacks a compacta, shows no vessels, and presents barely detectable amounts of laminin and collagen type IV. The presence of a distinct conus arteriosus in the heart of an evolutionary advanced teleost species indicates that the conus is not a vestigial segment from the evolutionary or embryological points of view. The characteristic spatial arrangement of the conus myocytes strongly suggests that the conus is implicated in the mechanical performance of the conus valves.
Butterfly responses to habitat edges in the highly fragmented prairies of Central Iowa
Authors: Ries Leslie , Debinski Diane M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary

The behaviour of two butterfly species, a habitat specialist (Speyeria idalia) and a habitat generalist (Danaus plexippus), was tracked at four prairie edges to determine the extent to which edges act as a barrier to emigration. The four edge types studied were crop, road, field and treeline. The edges differed in structure ranging from high‐contrast (treeline) to low‐contrast (field).
S. idalia, the habitat specialist, responded strongly to all edges, even those with low structural contrast. However, S. idalia’s response was strongly affected by conspecific density at crop and field edges; individuals were less likely to exit from high density plots. S. idalia responded to edges both by turning to avoid crossing them, and returning to the plot if they had crossed.
D. plexippus responded strongly only to treeline edges. Wind direction and time of year were important factors influencing behaviour at edges for this species. Conspecific density was not a significant factor affecting their behaviour. D. plexippus responded to edges by not crossing them, but rarely returned once they had crossed.
In highly fragmented landscapes, such as the one in which this study occurred, butterflies which show little or no response to edges may exhibit high emigration rates because of the high probability of encountering an edge in small habitat patches. Butterflies may respond strongly to even subtle habitat boundaries, but those responses may be modified by the edge structure, local environment or other conditions. Therefore, modifying edge structure may be a way to influence emigration rates, making it a useful tool for conservation.
Environmental forcing and high amplitude fluctuations in the population dynamics of the tropical butterfly Acraea acerata (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Azerefegne Ferdu , Solbreck Christer , Ives Anthony R. 
Published: March 2003

Summary

The population dynamics of the sweet potato butterfly, Acraea acerata, were studied for 3 years in sweet potato fields in southern Ethiopia in an area where farmers practice successive plantings throughout the year and do not use pesticides. Densities of eggs, young and old larvae, pupae and adults were estimated for 18 or more generations.
The insect breeds during all seasons with about six generation cycles per year. Superimposed on the generation cycles are longer‐term intergeneration fluctuations with amplitudes of three to four orders of magnitude. Population decline and build‐up are gradual processes taking place over several generations.
We used time‐series techniques to analyse the patterns of density‐dependent stage‐specific survival and reproduction, and the influence of enemies and weather fluctuations on A. acerata intergeneration dynamics. These techniques allow statistically valid inference about insect demography.
The analyses revealed strong density‐dependent effects on recruitment, due possibly to the combined effects of reductions in adult female size and density‐dependent emigration.
Weather conditions affected dynamics in two opposing ways. Rainy conditions increased recruitment. In contrast, heavy rains decreased the survival of young larvae and pupae, while very dry conditions also decreased their survival, leading to a non‐linear effect of rainfall on survival of immature stages.
Enemies appeared to have little effect on the population dynamics of A. acerata.
The net consequences of the sensitivity of A. acerata to seasonal fluctuations in rainfall are high‐amplitude multigeneration fluctuations in abundance. This case study demonstrates that high‐amplitude fluctuations in abundance may be driven by weather, rather than by predator–prey interactions.
Movements and foraging areas of naïve, recently weaned southern elephant seal pups
Authors: McConnell Bernie , Fedak Mike. , Burton Harry R. , Engelhard G. H. , Reijnders Peter J. H. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Female southern elephant seals (Mirounga leoninaL.) expend variable, often large, amounts of their stored body resources on their pups during lactation. There is some evidence that pups with higher weaning masses have a better chance of surviving their first year. But in order to understand what level of maternal investment is required to produce successful pups, we need to understand the behaviour and problems faced by naïve pups before nutritional independence. We used satellite telemetry to track 30 newly weaned pups on their first trip to sea from their natal site at Macquarie Island in 1995 and 1996. Track duration varied from 2 to 179 (mean, 77) days. Seven seals were tracked for the entire duration of their first trip. The movements were grouped into three phases. Phase 1 (mean duration 30 days) was characterized by rapid and directed dispersal from Macquarie Island at daily travel rates of up to 140 km day−1. Phase 2 (mean duration 67 days) consisted of slower travel rates (generally < 20 km day−1) where activity was often centred on localized patches up to 1900 km from Macquarie Island. This phase was sometimes interrupted by bouts of increased travel rate as the seal moved to another patch. Phase 3 (mean duration 42 days) consisted of prolonged increased travel rates as the seals returned to Macquarie or, in one case, Chatham Island. The routes of the tracks to the south‐east were very similar. Simulated tracks based on a constant heading of magnetic east, at variable swimming speed, and modified by ocean current vectors produced a pattern similar to, but not identical to, the south‐east tracks. The tracks to the west and south were more diverse and meandering. Based on a nearest neighbour analysis, neither sex, year nor weaning mass influenced Phase 1–2 or Phase 2–3 transition locations. Phase 2 tracks were associated in the south‐eastern group with the Pacific Antarctic Ridge and in the south‐west group, to a lesser extent, with the Indian Antarctic Ridge. The southern limits of Phase 2 tracks in the south‐eastern group aligned with the southern Antarctic Circumpolar Circulation front. Using calculated estimates of body composition at weaning and estimates of the rate of utilization of body reserves for the period before animals reach phase 2 of their trip, we estimate that large pups will have reserves remaining to supply their needs whereas pups in the small group are approaching critical limits. However, these estimates are based on several assumptions and extrapolations. More information on body composition of pups at weaning and departure is needed along with behavioural information to clarify the value of maternal expenditure in terms of offspring survival.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on pollination: pollinators, pollinia viability and reproductive success
Authors: Murren Courtney J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryFor 3 years, I examined the effects of fragmentation on pollination of an endemic, euglossine bee‐pollinated, epiphytic orchid,Catasetum viridiflavum, on 10 islands created during the construction of the Panamá Canal and at five sites in nearby large tracts of mainland forest.I investigated the viability of pollinia over time, availability of pollinators and male and female reproductive success (measured as removal of pollinaria and fruit set, respectively) at different sites.Viability of pollinia declined dramatically over time, although some remained at least partially viable for up to 60 days. Bees moved between trapping stations at different sites within a day, and viable pollen therefore could have been transferred between populations.Although euglossine bees were equally frequent in fragments and continuous forest, those recorded on islands were visitors from mainland sites, and not island residents.Neither male nor female reproductive success were significantly different between island and mainland forest types in 1997. The higher reproductive success in certain sites within both forest types throughout the flowering season could not be explained by variation in overall population floral display. Larger inflorescences had higher male and female reproductive success.In 2 of 3 years, plants on islands had significantly lower fruit set than plants on mainland sites. Female reproductive success differed dramatically across years and sites.The low fruit set in 1996 and 1998 on islands in comparison with mainlands, and the observation that bees are not island residents, conform with expectations of physical isolation of forest patches. In spite of the evidence of fragmentation in this system, patterns of pollinator behaviour and of reproductive success suggest significant connectedness among sites. This 3‐year study shows that a single year study may not have highlighted the complexity of the system.
The rust pathogen Triphragmium ulmariae as a selective force affecting its host, Filipendula ulmaria
Authors: Ericson L. , Burdon J. J. , Müller W. J. 
Published: March 2003

Summary

The rust fungus Triphragmium ulmariae had a substantial effect on the survival of seedlings of Filipendula ulmaria with 89% dying over a 5‐year period. Throughout the experiment, plants that survived the entire study period consistently showed very low disease severity when compared to that suffered by plants that died during its course.
The resistance of F. ulmaria to T. ulmariae was assessed through inoculation of progeny of six geographically separated populations of F. ulmariae with four bulk populations of T. ulmariae. Significant differences in resistance as expressed by differences in pathogen prevalence and severity were detected among the F. ulmaria populations. Within individual host populations, significant differences were also detected among open‐pollinated family lines.
Although in some instances the susceptibility of host populations was greatest towards the pathogen collected from the same site, there was no consistent evidence for local adaptation.
An unplanned infection by Septoria ulmariae allowed assessment of resistance within F. ulmaria towards a single population of this pathogen. Again variation for resistance was detected among host populations and among family lines within some of the populations.