bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zionist eugenics, mixed marriage, and the creation of a ‘new Jewish type’
Authors: Hirsch Dafna
Published: August 2009

The application of racial categories to the Jews by Zionist physicians and anthropologists in the first half of the twentieth century has been the focus of several recent studies. In these studies ‘nationalism’ serves as the primary explanatory framework for Zionists' embrace of racial concepts. This article focuses on the discourse of Zionist men of science, both in Europe and in Palestine, concerning the repercussions of mixed marriages on Jewish racial qualities. It argues that Zionist racial discourse, and eugenic discourse in particular, cannot be interpreted in terms of ‘nationalism’ alone. In some contexts ‘race’ was used to establish Jewish unity, whereas in others it was used to establish diversity and hierarchy among Jewish groups. This contradictory use of ‘race’ is explained as stemming from the ambiguity of racial categories and from the tension between a nation‐building project and a cultural project of Westernization which took place in the context of Zionist colonization in the Orient.

L'application de catégories raciales aux Juifs par les médecins et anthropologues sionistes de la première moitié du XXesiècle a fait l'objet de plusieurs études récentes. Dans celles‐ci, le « nationalisme » est le cadre principal d'explication de l'adoption des concepts raciaux par les sionistes. L'auteure se concentre ici sur le discours des hommes de science sionistes, en Europe aussi bien qu'en Palestine, à propos des répercussions des mariages mixtes sur les qualités raciales des Juifs. Elle avance que le discours racialiste sioniste, et en particulier le discours eugénique, ne peut être interprété uniquement en termes de « nationalisme ». Dans certains contextes, la notion de « race » a été utilisée pour établir l'unité des Juifs, mais dans d'autre elle a servi à diversifier et hiérarchiser les groupes juifs. Cet usage contradictoire de la « race » s'expliquerait par l'ambiguïté des catégories raciales et la tension entre un projet de création d'une nation et un projet culturel d'occidentalisation qui s'inscrivait dans le contexte de la colonisation sioniste au Proche‐Orient.
Kibadachi in karate: pain and crossing boundaries within the ‘lived body’ and within sociality
Authors: Bar‐On Cohen Einat
Published: August 2009

Kibadachi is a rather simple karate exercise performed during a several‐day‐long special training, in which the participants squat in a crouching position for an hour and a half without moving. Despite its simplicity, and because its main feature is the immediate and excruciating pain it induces, kibadachi stimulates a kind of permeability between the participants, and also causes changes in the relations between physical and mental parts of their lived body. Following Deleuze and Guattari, kibadachi, and its capacity to dissolve boundaries, is analysed here as a way of becoming a Body without Organs. The participants of kibadachi enter social and somatic dynamics which operate potentiality hidden in their lived bodies, alter boundaries, and reinforce connectedness.

Le kibadachi est un exercice de karaté relativement simple, exécuté au cours d'un entraînement spécial de plusieurs jours, lors duquel les participants se tiennent accroupis pendant une heure et demie sans bouger. En dépit de sa simplicité, et parce que sa principale caractéristique est la douleur immédiate et cuisante qu'il provoque, le kibadachi suscite une sorte de perméabilité entre les participants et provoque aussi des changements dans les relations entre les parties physique et mentale de leur corps vécu. Dans l'esprit de Deleuze et Guattari, le kibadachi et sa capacité d'abolir les frontières sont analysés ici comme un moyen de devenir un Corps sans Organes. Les participants au kibadachi s'engagent dans des dynamiques sociales et somatiques qui opèrent sur les potentialités cachées dans leurs corps vécus, modifient les frontières, et renforcent les liens aux autres.
Field of Study and University Graduates' Early Employment Outcomes in Italy during 1995–2004
Authors: Ballarino Gabriele , Bratti Massimiliano
Published: August 2009

Abstract.  In a period of expanding higher education, the field of study becomes a key determinant of university graduates' labour market success. In this paper, by means of multivariate analyses of the quality of graduates' early employment outcomes, we first describe how the effect of different fields of study on the university‐to‐work transition changed between 1995 and 2004 in Italy. Second, we put forward some alternative hypotheses to interpret the changes observed over time and assess which ones seem to be more consistent with the data.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels during glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-induced headache in healthy volunteers
Authors: Kruuse C , Iversen HK , Jansen-Olesen I , Edvinsson L , Olesen J
Published: August 2009

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in migraine has been studied in the experimental glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-infusion headache model. We hypothesized that GTN-induced headache may activate the trigeminovascular system and be associated with increased levels of sensory neuropeptides, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and somatostatin plasma levels were measured before and after placebo/sumatriptan injection and during GTN-induced headache. Following a double-blind randomized cross-over design, 10 healthy volunteers received subcutaneous sumatriptan 6 mg or placebo. This was succeeded by 20 min of GTN (0.12 µg kg−1 min−1) infusion. At baseline no subject reported headache (using verbal rating scale from 0 to 10) and the jugular CGRP-like immunoreactivity (-LI) level was 18.6 ± 2.5 pmol/l. After a 20-min intravenous infusion of GTN 0.12 µg kg−1 min−1, median peak headache intensity was 4 (range 2–6) ( P < 0.05), while jugular CGRP-LI levels were unchanged (19.0 ± 2.8 pmol/l; P > 0.05). There were no changes in VIP-, NPY- or somatostatin-LI. In conclusion, the NO donor GTN appears not to induce headache via immediate CGRP release.
Increased nitric oxide stress is associated with migraine
Authors: Gruber H-J , Bernecker C , Lechner A , Weiss S , Wallner-Blazek M , Meinitzer A , Höbarth G , Renner W , Fauler G , Horejsi R , Fazekas F , Truschnig-Wilders M
Published: August 2009

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in migraine attacks, but the role of NO in migraine remains unclear. We here hypothesize that increased NO in the headache-free period is associated with migraine. One hundred and thirty probands participated in this study. Various parameters of the NO pathway, such as nitrate, nitrite, arginine, citrulline, nitrosylated proteins, asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetrical dimethylarginine, expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase and two polymorphisms of eNOS were investigated. We found significant increased nitrate and decreased nitrite levels in migraineurs in the headache-free period. Nitrate and nitrite levels showed a significant inverse correlation. Logistic regression revealed an odds ratio of 3.6 for migraine. Other parameters of the NO pathway were neither altered in migraineurs nor correlated with nitrate. We show here that migraine patients suffer under sustained increased nitrosative stress in the headache-free period, which is associated with a 3.6-fold higher risk for migraine.
Managing headache triggers: Think ‘coping’ not ‘avoidance’
Authors: Martin PR
Published: August 2009

The standard clinical advice for individuals who suffer from recurrent headaches is that the best way to prevent headaches is to avoid the triggers. This editorial challenges that advice from a number of perspectives. First, there is little empirical support for such advice. Second, cognate literatures in the fields of chronic pain, stress and anxiety raise concerns about avoidance as a strategy. Third, studies have demonstrated that short exposure to a headache trigger results in increased sensitivity and prolonged exposure results in decreased sensitivity. Conclusions include that one aetiological pathway to developing a primary headache disorder may be via attempts to avoid triggers resulting in increased sensitivity to triggers. Also, clinicians need to become more flexible in the advice they give pertaining to triggers, namely they should think ‘coping with triggers’ rather than avoiding all triggers, as avoidance will sometimes be the preferred strategy, but often it will not be.
Psoriasis and systemic inflammation: underdiagnosed enthesopathy
Authors: Girolomoni G , Gisondi P
Published: August 2009

Our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis is changing rapidly and the traditional view that it is a disease limited to the skin continues to be challenged. Indeed, there is convincing evidence that psoriasis patients have a higher prevalence of comorbid disease, particularly cardio‐metabolic disorders and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The results of recent investigations into psoriasis and cardiovascular or metabolic comorbidities provide increasing evidence for a possible shared pathogenic mechanism for these disorders, linked by an underlying chronic systemic inflammatory state. This highlights the importance of investigating associated comorbidities beyond skin manifestations. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy that can occur in association with psoriasis and most commonly affects the distal joints in the hands and feet. Skin lesions precede arthritic symptoms in approximately 75% of cases; typically, the cutaneous manifestations of the disease develop 10 years prior to the onset of joint symptoms. This disease course, therefore, provides a potential window of opportunity to initiate effective and aggressive therapies to prevent long‐term damage, if symptoms of PsA can be detected early. One of the major features of PsA is enthesitis, yet clinically asymptomatic cases of entheseal abnormalities are likely to go undiagnosed. This concept was evaluated in a prospective study in which entheseal changes in clinically asymptomatic psoriasis patients were compared with findings from a control group. Ultrasonography detected a significantly higher incidence of entheseal abnormalities in patients with psoriasis, despite the absence of clinical symptoms of arthropathy. Ongoing monitoring of these patients has also revealed that a higher baseline score for enthesitis may be associated with a more severe psoriasis outcome. These findings demonstrate that detecting early signs of PsA in asymptomatic patients with psoriasis may have the potential to positively influence disease prognosis and ultimately clinical outcome. Dermatologists can, therefore, play a key role in the early detection and management of PsA.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.
Enthesitis: an autoinflammatory lesion linking nail and joint involvement in psoriatic disease
Authors: McGonagle D
Published: August 2009

The traditional model for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is that autoimmunity directed against a common skin and joint autoantigen leads to chronic autoreactive T cell driven inflammation. However, recent imaging, histological and genetic studies have challenged this view, especially with respect to joint and nail disease, and provide a broader insight into the pathogenesis of PsA and associated nail involvement. Clinically unrecognized enthesitis (inflammation at tendon and ligament attachments) is commonly seen in early PsA at all sites of the disease. Specifically, enthesitis is associated with adjacent osteitis or bone and synovial inflammation. Even in normal joints, normal insertions are associated with microdamage and inflammatory change, strongly suggesting that local tissue specific, or what has been described as autoinflammatory factors, may dictate disease expression. Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint disease in PsA is associated with diffuse inflammation that envelops the nail root and adjacent bone. In fact, the nail is intimately linked to entheses, with the extension tendon of the DIP joint sending fibres from bone that envelop the nail root in an interdigitating fashion. Furthermore, the joint collateral ligament enthesis has fibres that merge with the lateral borders of the nail. Other anchorage mechanisms include fibres that directly tether the nail plate to the underlying periosteum, which itself is closely anchored to the extension tendon. The frequent microdamage and tissue repair at normal enthesis attachment sites in healthy joints has resulted in a proposed new model of PsA pathogenesis embracing the concept of autoinflammation, whereby tissue specific factors, including microtrauma, lead to regional innate immune activation and persistent inflammation, as an alternative to primary immunopathology driven by T and B cell abnormalities. Unlike the classical autoimmune diseases, which may attack a completely normal organ, autoimmunity in psoriatic disease is likely to involve tissues where there is intrinsic dysregulation of the target tissues. These tissue specific factors related to the enthesis appear to be key to the phenotypic expression of diseases hitherto regarded as autoimmune. The pathogenesis of PsA, nail disease and to a lesser extent psoriasis therefore appear to have an autoinflammatory (innate immune driven) rather than autoimmune basis. Taken together, these findings are important for better understanding PsA, nail disease and psoriasis, and for conceptualizing the immunopathogenic basis of these diseases and further exploring the role of enthesitis in their pathophysiology.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.
Approach to managing patients with nail psoriasis
Authors: Reich K
Published: August 2009

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 2% of the population. Up to 50% of patients with psoriasis have concurrent nail psoriasis, with a lifetime incidence of 80% to 90%. Up to 30% of patients with skin psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and of these, approximately 80% have nail disease. However, nail involvement is often overlooked by physicians, despite the significant burden it places on patients as a result of functional impairment of manual dexterity, pain and psychological stress. Affected nail plates often thicken and crumble, and because they are very visible, patients are usually concerned about the appearance of their nails, often causing them to avoid normal day‐to‐day activities (including work). In the longer‐term, nail involvement may be a signal of a more severe form of psoriasis or a precursor of PsA. Conventional treatment of nail psoriasis is generally considered inconvenient by patients, and it is limited by adverse effects and often a reduction in efficacy over time. There is also a lack of controlled clinical trials’ data and no consistent treatment approach has been advocated. Recently, the effects of biologic agents targeted against tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) on nail psoriasis have been investigated. The multicentre, double‐blind EXPRESS [European Infliximab for Psoriasis (Remicade) Efficacy and Safety Study] trial revealed that infliximab 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, and then every 8 weeks significantly improved nail psoriasis, evaluated using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) in 378 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Significant improvement was reported as early as week 10, and at week 50 full nail clearance was evident in 45% of patients receiving infliximab. There is also evidence from small studies that infliximab significantly improves nail lesions and quality of life in patients with nail psoriasis. There is a need for improving the awareness of nail psoriasis and its impact on patients’ quality of life. Moreover, the potential role for nail involvement as a link between psoriasis and PsA underlines its importance and the need for effective management. Infliximab has been shown to improve psoriatic nail lesions and quality of life, and it should be considered as one of the most appropriate available treatment options for the many patients with this distressing condition.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.
A look inside: localization patterns and functions of intracellular plant aquaporins
Authors: Wudick Michael M. , Luu Doan‐Trung , Maurel Christophe
Published: August 2009

Aquaporins form a superfamily of intrinsic channel proteins in the plasma and intracellular membranes of plant cells. While a lot of research effort has substantiated the importance of plasma membrane aquaporins for the regulation of plant water homeostasis, comparably little is known about the function of intracellular aquaporins. Yet, various low‐molecular‐weight compounds, in addition to water, were recently shown to permeate some of these aquaporins. In this review, we examine the diversity of transport properties and localization patterns of intracellular aquaporins. The discussed profiles include, for example, water and ammonia transport across the tonoplast or CO2 transport through the chloroplast envelope. Furthermore, we try to assess to what extent the diverse aquaporin distribution patterns, in relation to the high degree of compartmentation of plant cells, can be linked to a wide range of cellular functions.

Contents

Summary
289

I.
Introduction
289

II.
Specific variations in aquaporin structures imply functional diversity
290

III.
The various localization patterns and functions of intracellular aquaporins
292

IV.
Concluding remarks and challenges
298

Acknowledgements
299

References
299
PARTICLE‐INDUCED X‐RAY EMISSION (PIXE) ANALYSIS OF OBSIDIAN FROM TEOTIHUACAN
Authors: GAZZOLA J. , DEL RÍO M. SÁNCHEZ , SOLÍS C. , CALLIGARO T.
Published: August 2009

A collection of 50 archaeological obsidian samples studied in the framework of the Preciudadela Project (Teotihuacan, Mexico) has been analysed using particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) with the external beam line of the Accélérateur Grand Louvre d'Analyse Elémentaire facility (C2RMF, Paris) and of the Instituto de Física (UNAM, Mexico). This work addresses the provenance of these obsidian samples, with the purpose of determining if they come from the obsidian sources exploited by Teotihuacans (mainly Otumba and Sierra de Pachuca), from other sources, or arrived via commercial exchanges with other regions. For that, the elemental compositions derived from the PIXE spectra have been compared with data published in the literature on the basis of instrumental neutron activation analysis. From the concentrations of selected key elements (Na, K, Mn, Fe, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr), it was possible to unambiguously assign the provenance of most samples. Many originate from two major sources, namely Sierra de Pachuca (Hidalgo) and Otumba (Mexico), which were the main obsidian deposits used by the Teotihuacans. However, some samples exhibit a compositional fingerprint matching other provenances, i.e., Paredón (Puebla) and Zacualtipan (Hidalgo).
Clinical and biochemical abnormalities in endurance horses eliminated from competition for medical complications and requiring emergency medical treatment: 30 cases (2005–2006)
Authors: Fielding C. Langdon , Magdesian K. Gary , Rhodes Diane M. , Meier Chloe A. , Higgins Jill C.
Published: August 2009

Objective –To describe the clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities in endurance horses eliminated from competition and requiring emergency medical treatment.

Design –Retrospective study over a 2‐year period (2005–2006). Ten horses that successfully completed the ride in 2006 were included for comparison.

Setting –Temporary equine emergency field hospital.

Animals –All horses (n=30) that were removed from endurance competition and treated for a metabolic abnormality were studied.

Interventions –Horses were treated with IV fluids and analgesics. Monitoring included lab work (PCV, total protein, and electrolytes) and serial physical examinations. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and parametric and nonparametric comparisons (ANOVA, Friedman's test, and Kruskal‐Wallis) where appropriate.

Measurements and Main Results –The clinical diagnoses identified included colic, esophageal obstruction, poor cardiovascular recovery, myopathy, and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter. As a group, these sick horses had lower plasma chloride and potassium and higher total plasma protein concentrations as compared with 10 healthy horses that successfully completed the ride (P<0.05, <0.01, and <0.05 for chloride, potassium, and total protein, respectively). Horses with colic had a lower PCV as compared with horses with poor recovery and those with synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (P<0.05). All horses, including colics, were treated medically and discharged to owners.

Conclusions –Based on the results of this study, the prognosis for horses requiring emergency veterinary treatment after being removed from endurance competition (for metabolic reasons) appears to be good if horses are withdrawn from competition under the same criteria outlined in this study. Biochemical abnormalities tend to be mild and do not necessarily aid in delineating sick horses from successfully completing horses. None of the horses with gastrointestinal disease required abdominal surgery.
Lateralizing language with magnetic source imaging: Validation based on the Wada test
Authors: Doss Robert C. , Zhang Wenbo , Risse Gail L. , Dickens Deanna L.
Published: August 2009

Purpose:  Magnetoencephalography (MEG)/magnetic source imaging (MSI) is a noninvasive functional neuroimaging procedure used to localize language‐specific regions in the brain. The Wada test, or intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP), is the gold standard in determining speech/language lateralization for presurgical planning, although it is invasive and associated with morbidity. The purpose of this study is to provide further validation on the use of MSI for presurgical language lateralization by comparing results against the IAP.

Methods:  The sample consisted of 35 patients with epilepsy and/or brain tumor undergoing presurgical evaluation at the Minnesota Epilepsy Group. All patients received both an IAP and MSI to determine hemispheric language dominance. For MSI, a 148‐channel MEG system was used to record activation of language‐specific cortex by an auditory word‐recognition task.

Results:  The MSI and IAP were concordant in determining language in the hemisphere to be treated in 86% of the cases with sensitivity and specificity values of 80% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions:  The results from this study are consistent with prior research findings comparing functional neuroimaging procedures to the IAP in determining language lateralization in presurgical patients. The current study provides an important replication and support for Papanicolaou et al.'s findings in 2004 using a consecutive clinical sample from a different institution. An unusually high rate of atypical IAP language cases in this sample and differences between the two procedures are believed to explain the noted discrepancies. MSI is a viable noninvasive alternative to the IAP in the presurgical determination of language lateralization.
The impact of diazepam’s discovery on the treatment and understanding of status epilepticus
Authors: Goodkin Howard P. , Kapur Jaideep
Published: August 2009

The fortuitous discovery of the benzodiazepines and the subsequent application of these agents to the treatment of status epilepticus (SE) heralds in the modern age of treating this neurologic emergency. More than 50 years after their discovery, the benzodiazepines remain the drugs of first choice in the treatment of SE. However, the benzodiazepines can be ineffective, especially in those patients whose seizures are the most prolonged. The benzodiazepines act by increasing the affinity of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) for GABAAreceptors. A receptor’s subunit composition affects its functional and pharmacologic properties, trafficking, and cellular localization. The GABAAreceptors that mediate synaptic inhibition typically contain a γ2 subunit and are diazepam‐sensitive. Among the GABAAreceptors that mediate tonic inhibition are the benzodiazepine‐insensitive δ subunit–containing receptors. The initial studies investigating the pathogenesis of SE demonstrated that a reduction in GABA‐mediated inhibition within the hippocampus was important in maintenance of SE, and this reduction correlated with a rapid modification in the postsynaptic GABAAreceptor population expressed on the surface of the hippocampal principal neurons. Subsequent studies found that this rapid modification is, in part, mediated by an activity‐dependent, subunit‐specific trafficking of the receptors that resulted in the reduction in the surface expression of the benzodiazepine‐sensitive γ2 subunit–containing receptors and the preserved surface expression of the benzodiazepine‐insensitive δ subunit‐containing receptors. This improved understanding of the changes in the trafficking of GABAAreceptors during SE partially accounts for the development of benzodiazepine‐pharmacoresistance and has implications for the current and future treatment of benzodiazepine‐refractory SE.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Interfacial Sliding in Carbon‐Nanotube/Diamond Nanocomposites
Authors: Li Lili , Xia Zhenhai H. , Curtin William A. , Yang Yanqing Q.
Published: August 2009

Molecular dynamics simulations are reported for the pullout force and interfacial friction of single‐ and multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) with interwall sp3 bonds embedded in a diamond matrix. The van der Waals interaction and sp3 bonding are shown to have a strong influence on friction at the nano‐scale interface. Multiwall CNTs (MWCNTs) with interwall sp3 bonding have friction stresses two times larger than either single‐wall CNTs (SWCNTs) or double‐wall CNTs with no sp3 bonding for the same nominal conditions. The friction stress follows the form τ=τo+μp, where μ is a friction coefficient and p the radial pressure. The measured p compares reasonably well to estimates based on the van der Waals interaction, and we find that the MWCNTs with interwall bonding have a larger friction coefficient μ. The origin of the higher friction is postulated to arise from increased interface roughness associated with the interwall bonding. Because higher interface friction is beneficial to composite strength and toughness, nanoceramic composites composed of MWCNTs could have improved properties as compared with SWCNTs for the same fundamental interface chemistry and composite structure.
Structure of Disodium Dimolybdate Synthesized Using Thermodynamically Stable Molybdenum (VI) Oxide Clusters as Precursors
Authors: Jovanović Dragana J. , Lj.Validžić Ivana , Mitrić Miodrag , Nedeljković Jovan M.
Published: August 2009

The structure of disodium dimolybdate (Na2Mo2O7) synthesized by a low‐temperature method in the process of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis using acidified aqueous solutions of thermodynamically stable molybdenum (VI) oxide clusters as a precursor was refined down to an R‐factor of 7%. The refinement of the diffraction data showed that Na2Mo2O7 powder synthesized at 300°C belongs to the base‐centered orthorhombic type of structure with a space group of Cmca (no. 64). It was found that the basic units of the octahedral MoO6 precursor complexes exist in the structure of Na2Mo2O7. Tetrahedral MoO4 building units that coexist together with octahedral units in the structure of Na2Mo2O7 are most likely developed by the termination of weak octahedral bonds and by the placement of the molybdenum atom in the center of the tetrahedra.
Micropatterned Ceramic Surfaces by Coating with Filled Preceramic Polymers
Authors: Stern Edda , Heyder Madeleine , Scheffler Franziska
Published: August 2009

Surface structures in micrometer scale were prepared on different substrates by a coating process using particle‐filled slurries based on a blend of preceramic polymers. Parameters like solvent fraction, substrate material, filler particle size, and layer thickness were varied. Demixing reactions of solvent and polymers led to surface structures with pores of 1–60 μm in diameter. The solubility parameters δtof the polysiloxanes used are about 18.7 MPa1/2for poly(methyl phenyl vinyl siloxane) and 19.5 MPa1/2for poly(methyl siloxane), respectively. By pyrolysis of the green layers, ceramic coatings were obtained by keeping the particular surface structures.
Quantitative Raman Analysis of Free Carbon in Polymer‐Derived Ceramics
Authors: Jiang Tao , Wang Yansong , Wang Yiguang , Orlovskaya Nina , An Linan
Published: August 2009

Nanosized carbon clusters self‐formed in polymer‐derived ceramics (named free carbon) play a key role in determining the properties of the materials. However, it is difficult to quantitatively measure the concentration of the free carbon. Lack of this information restricts the understanding of the properties of the materials. In this paper, we report a Raman spectroscopy‐based quantitative method to measure the free carbon concentration by using silicon as an external reference. We demonstrate that the technique provides a simple and reliable way for the carbon content quantification.
Dielectric Properties and Microstructure of Nb‐Co Codoped BaTiO3–(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Hsiang Hsing‐I. , Mei Li‐Then , Chun Yi‐Jih
Published: August 2009

X‐ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and an impedance analyzer were used to examine the Nb–Co codoping effects on the densification, crystalline phase, microstructure development, and dielectric–temperature characteristics of BaTiO3–(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 ceramics. The results indicate that the Curie temperature shifted to a higher temperature (above 140°C) by adding BNT. The dielectric constant–temperature (ɛ–T) curve broadened at the Curie temperature due to the small grain size (0.3–0.4 μm). A core‐shell structure was developed, which is helpful to flatten the ɛ–T curve of BaTiO3 ceramics at high temperatures.
Sintering and Microwave Dielectric Properties of the LiNb0.63Ti0.4625O3 Ceramics with the B2O3–SiO2 Liquid‐Phase Additives
Authors: Long Yanping , Wang Yilin , Wu Wenjun , Wang Dong , Li Yongxiang
Published: August 2009

The effect of B2O3–SiO2 liquid‐phase additives on the sintering, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of LiNb0.63Ti0.4625O3 ceramics was investigated. It was found that the sintering temperature could be lowered easily, and the densification and dielectric properties of LiNb0.63Ti0.4625O3 ceramics could be greatly improved by adding a small amount of B2O3–SiO2 solution additives. No secondary phase was observed for the ceramics with B2O3–SiO2 additives. With the addition of 0.10 wt% B2O3–SiO2, the ceramics sintered at 900°C showed favorable microwave dielectric properties with ɛr=71.7, Q×f=4950 GHz, and τf=−2.1 ppm/°C. The energy dispersive spectra analysis showed an excellent co‐firing interfacial behavior between the LiNb0.63Ti0.4625O3 ceramic and the Ag electrode. It indicated that LiNb0.63Ti0.4625O3 ceramics with B2O3–SiO2 solution additives have a number of potential applications on passive integrated devices based on the low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics technology.
Influence of the pH on the Morphology of Sol–Gel‐Derived Nanostructured SiC
Authors: Ahmed Yasser M.Z. , El‐Sheikh Said M.
Published: August 2009

This investigation deals with the use of the carbothermal reduction reaction of carbonaceous silica xerogel for synthesizing nanostructured SiC. The effect of the pH of the early‐prepared gel (EPG) on the properties of the finally obtained nanostructured silicon carbide was investigated. The produced silicon carbide samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 porosimetry. The results revealed that the variation of EPG pH greatly affected the structural properties of the finally obtained nanostructured silicon carbide. The morphology of the produced nanostructured silicon carbide was changed from nanoparticles to nanorods and vice versa with changing the pH values of the gel. The nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms of the samples are of classical type IV, characteristic of mesoporous materials. The BET surface areas of the nanostructured silicon carbide are increased from 68 to 106 m2/g with increasing the pH of the EPG from 3 to 5, respectively.
A Template‐Free Synthesis of the One‐Dimensional Nanostructure of Multiferroic BiFeO3
Authors: Fang Tsang‐Tse , Ting Chun‐Chang , Miao Ju Hong
Published: August 2009

One‐dimensional (1D) single‐crystalline nanostructures of BiFeO3(BFO) and Bi2Fe4O9were for the first time successfully synthesized by a template‐free route via soft chemistry with the precursor in a thin‐film form. The phases, morphologies, and crystalline structures of 1D nanostructures of BFO and Bi2Fe4O9were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. It was found that the atmosphere plays a crucial role in determining not only the morphologies but also the phase formation of 1D nanostructures of BFO and Bi2Fe4O9. The plausible development mechanism of 1D nanostructures of BFO and Bi2Fe4O9was suggested.
Structural and Photoluminescence Properties of Ce3+‐ and Tb3+‐Activated Lu‐α‐Sialon
Authors: Li Yuan‐Qiang , Hirosaki Naoto , Xie Rong‐Jun , Li Jiang , Takeda Takashi , Yamamoto Yoshinobu , Mitomo Mamoru
Published: August 2009

The crystal structure and photoluminescence properties of undoped and Ce3+‐ or Tb3+‐doped Lu‐α‐Sialon are reported. Lu‐α‐Sialon with the composition of Lu0.367Si9.9Al2.1ON15 crystallizes in a trigonal system with a=7.8013(1) Å, c=5.6827(1) Å, in the space group P31c. The Lu3+ ion is accommodated at the interstice site at 2b and directly connected by seven (N, O) atoms with an average bond length of 2.624 Å. The incorporation of large Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions on small Lu3+ site results in the expansion of the unit cell as expected but keeping the average LuLn‐(N, O) (Ln=Ce, Tb) distances nearly constant with slight distortion in the lattices. The optical band gap of Lu‐α‐Sialon is about 5.25 eV determined by the diffused reflection spectrum. Lu‐α‐Sialon:Ce3+ (2 mol%) exhibits efficiently greenish‐blue emission at about 486 nm under near‐ultraviolet (UV) excitation originating from the 5d→4f15d0 transition of Ce3+. Lu‐α‐Sialon:Ce3+ is a potential candidate phosphor for white UV‐LED applications due to its high quantum efficiency and excellent thermal stability. Lu‐α‐Sialon:Tb3+ (2 mol%) emits strong mixed blue and green light in equivalent due to the transitions of 5D3→7FJ and 5D4→7FJ of Tb3+.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: H3N2 Influenza A Virus Replicates in Immortalized Human First Trimester Trophoblast Cell Lines and Induces Their Rapid Apoptosis
Authors: Trinh Quang Duy , Izumi Yasuyuki , Komine‐Aizawa Shihoko , Shibata Toshikatsu , Shimotai Yoshitaka , Kuroda Kazumichi , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi , Mor Gil , Hayakawa Satoshi
Published: August 2009

Problem  Epidemiological data suggested that pandemic influenza increased the risks of spontaneous abortion and premature labor, while seasonal influenza also increased the risk of schizophrenia in adolescence. However, their pathogenesis is so far unknown.

Method of study  The first trimester trophoblast cell lines, namely, Swan71 and HTR8 cells were challenged with A/Udorn/72 influenza virus (H3N2). At indicated time points, cells were examined for expression of influenza proteins. Viral replication in culture media, apoptosis and the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G were also examined.

Results Intracellular localization of viral proteins was observed. Twenty‐four hours after inoculation, virus was detected in culture media while most cells fell into apoptosis. During apoptosis, expression of HLA‐G was unchanged.

Conclusion  We revealed replication of low pathogenic influenza virus in the first trimester trophoblast cell lines. Placental damages are likely to be induced by direct cytopathic effects of influenza virus and subsequent apoptosis rather than down regulation of HLA‐G expression and subsequent rejection by maternal immune system.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Women with Pre‐Eclampsia Have an Altered NKG2A and NKG2C Receptor Expression on Peripheral Blood Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Bachmayer Nora , Sohlberg Ebba , Sundström Yvonne , Hamad Rangeen Rafik , Berg Louise , Bremme Katarina , Sverremark‐Ekström Eva
Published: August 2009

Problem  Preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder, is associated with exaggerated inflammation and increased serum monokines. Uterine natural killer (NK) cells are implicated in preeclampsia pathology, but little is known regarding peripheral NK cells in the disease.

Method of Study  We examined blood NK cells at delivery in women with preeclampsia, in healthy pregnant women and in healthy non‐pregnant blood donors as a reference.

Results  Although the percentages of both NKG2A‐ and NKG2C‐positive NK cells were normal in preeclamptic women, the levels of NKG2A and NKG2C on NK cells were significantly up‐regulated in these women. In vitro stimulation of PBMCs from healthy pregnant women and blood donors with monokines resulted in increased percentage of NKG2A+ NK cells and increased NKG2A levels, while levels of NKG2C were decreased.

Conclusions  Our results suggest that the peripheral NK‐cell pool is skewed in preeclampsia and possibly under the influence of monokines like interleukin (IL)‐15 and IL‐12.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Cytokine Array Comparisons of Plasma from Cycling Fertile Women on Cycle Day 5 and Ovulation
Authors: Hatta Kota , Bilinski Michael J. , Haladyn J. Kimberly , Roy Jessica J. , Horrocks Julie , Van Den Heuvel Marianne J. , Han Victor K. , Croy B. Anne
Published: August 2009

Problem  To identify plasma immuno‐regulatory molecules up or down regulated between the follicular phase and ovulation of the human menstrual cycle.

Method of study  RayBio® cytokine arrays were used to screen 174 immuno‐regulatory molecules in plasma collected during the follicular phase at menstrual cycle day 5 and at ovulation from five healthy, non‐smoking, fertile women of reproductive age not using hormonal contraception.

Results  A total of 23 differentially expressed molecules were found: 10 molecules were differentially up‐regulated and 13 down‐regulated at ovulation compared with that at the follicular phase (α = 0.05, false discovery rate of 0.45).

Conclusion  Circulating immuno‐regulatory molecules fluctuate over the menstrual cycle in healthy women. The combination of differentially expressed molecules suggests roles in cyclical regulation of angiogenesis and immune cell trafficking.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Impact of Female Sex Hormones on the Maturation and Function of Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Segerer Sabine E. , Müller Nora , Van Den Brandt Jens , Kapp Michaela , Dietl Johannes , Reichardt Holger M. , Rieger Lorenz , Kämmerer Ulrike
Published: August 2009

Problem  During pregnancy, the immune and the endocrine system cooperate to ensure that the fetal allograft develops without eliciting a maternal immune response. This is presumably in part achieved by dendritic cells (DCs) that play a dominant role in maintaining peripheral tolerance. In this study, we investigated whether female sex hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone (Prog), and estradiol (E2), which are highly elevated during pregnancy, induce the differentiation of DCs into a tolerance‐inducing phenotype.

Methods/Results  Immature DCs were generated from blood‐derived monocytes and differentiated in the presence of hCG, Prog, E2, or Dexamethasone (Dex) as a control. Unlike Dex, female sex hormones did not prevent the upregulation of surface markers characteristic for mature DCs, such as CD40, CD83, and CD86, except for hCG, which inhibited HLA‐DR expression. Similarly, hCG, Prog, and E2 had any impact on neither the rearrangement of the F‐actin cytoskeleton nor the enhanced chemokine secretion following DC maturation, both of which were strongly altered by Dex. Nevertheless, the T‐cell stimulatory capacity of DCs was significantly reduced after hCG and E2 exposure.

Conclusion  Our findings suggest that the female sex hormones hCG and E2 inhibit the T‐cell stimulatory capacity of DCs, which may help in preventing an allogenic T‐cell response against the embryo.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Plasma C3a‐des‐Arg Levels in Women with and without Endometriosis
Authors: Fassbender Amelie , D’Hooghe Thomas , Mihalyi Attila , Kyama Cleophas , Simsa Peter , Lessey Bruce A.
Published: August 2009

Problem  The lack of a reliable method for early non‐invasive detection of endometriosis often results in delayed diagnosis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the plasma concentration of complement factor C3a (anaphylatoxin) can be used as a non‐invasive test in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Method of study  The C3a concentration was analyzed using ELISA in 160 patients with (n = 109) or without (n = 51) endometriosis during menstruation (n = 49), follicular phase (n = 55), and luteal (n = 56) phase.

Results  Plasma C3a concentration was comparable between patients with [102 (27–2213) ng/mL] and without [105 (32–2340) ng/mL] (P = 0.84) endometriosis, also when assessed separately during menstruation, follicular phase, and luteal phase.

Conclusion  We found no difference in C3a levels between women with and without endometriosis and did not confirm our hypothesis that plasma C3a levels can be used as diagnostic test for endometriosis.
Marathon of eponyms: 4 Down syndrome
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J
Published: August 2009

The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in Diseases of the head and neck is mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognized relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This paper summarizes data about Down syndrome.
The Association Between Varicocele, Premature Ejaculation and Prostatitis Symptoms: Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Lotti Francesco , Corona Giovanni , Mancini Mario , Biagini Carlo , Colpi Giovanni M , Innocenti Selene Degli , Filimberti Erminio , Gacci Mauro , Krausz Csilla , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: August 2009

Introduction

No study has ever systematically evaluated the impact of varicocele on sexual function.

Aim

Two cross-sectional studies were performed in patients attending an andrology unit either for male sexual dysfunction (study 1) or couple infertility (study 2). In study 1, we evaluated the impact of varicocele on sexual function. In study 2, we retrospectively evaluated a possible association between varicocele and prostatitis signs and symptoms.

Methods

Study 1 refers to a consecutive series of 2,448 (mean age 52.0 ± 12.9 years) subjects. Study 2 consists of a consecutive series of 139 male subjects (mean age 37.3 ± 6.3).

Main Outcome Measures

In study 1, varicocele was clinically classified into three grades according to Dubin criteria. Different hormonal parameters were also evaluated. All the patients of study 2 underwent simultaneous scrotal and transrectal color-Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) along with seminal characteristics and interleukin-8, a surrogate marker of prostatitis.

Results

After adjusting for age, subjects with severe varicocele (N = 284, 11.6%; Dubin grade 2 and 3) showed a reduction of testicular volume (P < 0.01), higher luteinizing hormone (LH) (P < 0.05), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (P < 0.0001) and prolactin (P < 0.05) levels, and also an enlarged or tender prostate at digito-rectal examination (P < 0.05). Premature ejaculation was the only sexual symptoms significantly associated with varicocele (29.2% vs. 24.9% in subjects with or without varicocele, respectively; P < 0.05). In study 2, subjects with severe echographic-defined varicocele (basal venous reflux increasing or not after Valsalva’s maneuver; N = 28, 20.1%) showed CDU features of prostatitis and higher seminal inteleukin-8 levels. The presence of any degree of varicocele (N = 40, 28.8%) was also associated with prostatitis symptoms, as measured by the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index scoring (P < 0.05), and in particular with the pain domain (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, signs and symptoms of prostatitis are more common in varicocele patients, who more often complain of premature ejaculation.
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder and Trazodone. Morphometric and Vascular Modifications of the Clitoris. A Case Report
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Venturoli Stefano
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is an unwanted genital arousal which occurs in absence of sexual interest and desire.

Aim

To report a case of PGAD presumably due to the use of trazodone in a young eumenorrheic woman.

Methods

A young (29 years old), eumenorrheic (menstrual cycle of >25 and <35 days) woman suffered of unwanted genital arousal and uncontrollable orgasms. In the past, the patient undertook trazodone treatment. The patient was submitted, in the periovulatory (day 12) phase of the menstrual cycle, to bi- and tri-dimensional ultrasonographic and color Doppler analyses of the clitoral structures prior and after an unwanted orgasm.

Main Outcomes Measures

2D ultrasonographic evaluation of the clitoral body volume and color Doppler evaluation of the dorsal clitoral arteries; 3D power Doppler reconstruction of the clitoral vascularization.

Results

The clitoral volume was 1.33 mL before the orgasm and resulted 1.36 mL and 1.33 mL, respectively after 1 minute and 15 minutes from the orgasm. The Pulsatility Index (PI) of the dorsal clitoral artery was 1.05 before the orgasm. It resulted lower after 1 minute (PI = 0.82) and 15 minutes (PI = 0.85) from the orgasm.

Conclusions

A subtle and intermittent clitoral priapism may favor the feeling of arousal persistence and elicit unbidden and unwelcomed orgasms.