bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of doping profile on the efficiency of blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Jonghee , Lee Jeong-Ik , Song Ki-Im , Lee Su Jin , Chu Hye Yong
Published: March 2008

We demonstrate that electroluminescent efficiency of blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes could be improved by changing doping profile in the emissive layer (EML) of the device containing iridium(III)bis(4,6-difluorophenyl)-pyridinato-N,C2′) picolinate (FIrpic) and N,N′-dicarbazolyl-3,5-benzene (mCP). By examining the changes of recombination zone and current density with a partially doped EML, we found that most of the recombination occurred at the EML close to the electron transporting layer (ETL). Electron injection and transport were enhanced by increasing doping ratio at the EML close to the ETL and such a stepwise doping profile resulted in almost 40 % improved power efficiency compared to that of a conventional device.
Mechanisms of subdiffraction free-space imaging using a transmission-line metamaterial superlens: An experimental verification
Authors: Iyer Ashwin K. , Eleftheriades George V.
Published: March 2008

This work presents experimental verification of free-space subdiffraction imaging using a Veselago-Pendry superlens [Sov. Phys. Usp. 10, 509 (1968); Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 3966 (2000)] based on the negative-refractive-index transmission-line approach. The superlens is able to resolve two sources λ0∕3 apart not only at the design frequency of 2.40GHz, where the metamaterial possesses μ and ϵ equal to −μ0 and −ϵ0, respectively, but also at 2.08GHz, where the metamaterial experiences a resonance in μ.
Enhanced hole mobility in ambipolar rubrene thin film transistors on polystyrene
Authors: Park Byoungnam , In Insik , Gopalan Padma , Evans Paul G. , King Seth , Lyman Paul F.
Published: March 2008

We report amorphous rubrene thin film transistors with a polystyrene intermediate layer on the SiO2 gate dielectric that have hole mobilities up to 0.01cm2∕Vs. This improvement by two orders of magnitude over devices formed on SiO2 alone occurs without the crystallization of rubrene. The enhanced charge transport is a result of the more planar growth and subsequent better geometrical connection of the first molecular layers of rubrene. Ambipolar conduction in the rubrene suggests that polystyrene minimizes the concentration of interfacial electron trap states.
‘I'm Dylan and I'm not going to say my last name': Some thoughts on childhood, text and new technologies
Authors: Carrington Victoria
Published: March 2008

Discussions of text and the literate practices of the young have always taken place against larger backdrops painted in particular historical, cultural and ideological patterns. In the contemporary era, the emergence of weblogs (blogs) and their rapid uptake by young people all over the world provides an interesting insight into the tensions that emerge as views of children, technology and textual practice intersect in a particular historical, cultural and ideological moment. This article suggests that the emergence of new technologies and new textual practices poses a significant challenge to traditional views of literacy and childhood. It undertakes a textual analysis of samples of the ways in which blogging and bloggers are represented in the media and contrasts these discourses with the production, dissemination and use of blogs created by two young people. This small slice across blogging serves to highlight the deeply rooted tensions between some models of childhood and some contemporary practices around text, technology and information.
Faith schools, social capital and academic attainment: Evidence from TIMSS‐R mathematics scores in Flemish secondary schools
Authors: Pugh Geoff , Telhaj Shqiponje
Published: March 2008

Social capital theory, recent developments in the theory of identity and a small econometric literature all suggest positive attainment effects from faith schooling. To test this hypothesis, the authors use a unique data set on Flemish secondary school students from the 1999 repeat of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study to estimate an education production function. The results suggest modest attainment benefits in mathematics when schools are influenced by faith communities but not when they are influenced by trade unions or business groups. The authors estimate models with exogenous and endogenous switching to investigate the robustness of this result to school selection policy and parental/student self‐selection. These additional results not only suggest that the positive attainment effects of faith schooling do not reflect selection bias but also provide evidence suggesting that such attainment effects reflect forms of social capital that are more readily available in faith schools than in non‐faith schools. However, the limitations of social capital theory and evidence caution against radical policy conclusions.
Where are we at? An empirical study of levels and methods of evaluating continuing professional development
Authors: Muijs Daniel , Lindsay Geoff
Published: March 2008

Continuing professional development (CPD) is increasingly becoming recognised as important for all professionals in order to maintain and develop their competence. Many professions, especially in the health field, require evidence of CPD in order for professionals to be granted continuing registration as practitioners. Given its accreditation as well as developmental uses, it is important that CPD is evaluated. The present study examines the usefulness of a hierarchical model for the evaluation of CPD for teachers. The data were derived from a sample of 223 CPD coordinators and 416 teachers from a randomly selected sample of 1000 schools in England. Questionnaire data were analysed using Rasch modelling. The results suggest a reasonable fit with the model, with participant satisfaction being the most commonly evaluated outcome while participants' use of new skills and student outcomes were the least likely to be evaluated, together with value for money according to teachers only. The implications for teachers' CPD are discussed.
Type of Maternal Object Motion During Synchronous Naming Predicts Preverbal Infants' Learning of Word–Object Relations
Authors: Matatyaho Dalit J. , Gogate Lakshmi J.
Published: March 2008

Mothers' use of specific types of object motion in synchrony with object naming was examined, along with infants' joint attention to the mother and object, as a predictor of word learning. During a semistructured 3‐min play episode, mothers (N= 24) taught the names of 2 toy objects to their preverbal 6‐ to 8‐month‐old infants. The episodes were recoded from Gogate, Bolzani, and Betancourt (2006) to provide a more fine‐grained description of object motions used by mothers during naming. The results indicated that mothers used forward/downward and shaking motions more frequently and upward and backward motions less frequently in temporal synchrony with the spoken words. These motions likely highlight novel word–object relations. Furthermore, maternal use of shaking motions in synchrony with the spoken words and infants' ability to switch gaze from mother to object contributed to infants' learning of the word–object relations, as observed on a posttest. Thus, preverbal infants' learn word–object relations within an embodied system involving tightly coupled interaction between infants' perception and joint attention, and specific properties of caregivers' naming.
Interacting Socially With Human Hands at 24 Months of Age
Authors: Slaughter Virginia , Nielsen Mark , Enchelmaier Petrina
Published: March 2008

This experiment explored whether or not 2‐year‐olds would engage in synchronic imitation with human hands. Sixty‐four 24‐month‐old infants participated. In a test of synchronic imitation, infants were given a toy while a model simultaneously performed novel actions on an identical toy. Infants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 model conditions: a familiar person, an unfamiliar person, disembodied human hands, and disembodied robotic pincers. Infants were as likely to synchronically imitate disembodied hands as a person. Imitation of the pincers was significantly lower. This pattern suggests that 2‐year‐olds will engage socially with human hands in the absence of the rest of the body.
Characterization of swine adiponectin and adiponectin receptor polymorphisms and their association with reproductive traits
Authors: Houde A. A. , Murphy B. D. , Mathieu O. , Bordignon V. , Palin M. F.
Published: March 2008

In this study, polymorphisms in genes encoding porcine adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and its receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) were evaluated for associations with reproductive traits in a Landrace sow population. Sixteen SNPs were identified, and among these, associations were found between reproductive traits and five SNPs. Heterozygous multiparous females for SNP ADIPOQEF601160:c.178G>A had fewer stillborn piglets (P < 0.05) and shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals (P < 0.05). Multiparous females bearing the mutant allele for SNP ADIPOQEF601160:c.*1094_1095insC gave birth to fewer stillborn piglets (P < 0.05). In addition, selection for the ADIPOQ [A;C] haplotype is expected to result in multiparous sows having the lowest number of stillborn piglets and shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals. In second‐parity sows, the polymorphism in ADIPOR1 (AY856513:c.*129A>C) showed significant associations with live‐born (P < 0.01) and stillborn (P < 0.05) piglets. In multiparous sows, a significant association was observed for an ADIPOR2 polymorphism (AY856514:c.*112G>A), with the c.*112GA genotype associated with shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals (P < 0.01). Haplotype analyses of ADIPOR2 SNPs revealed that selection in favour of the [A;C] haplotype and against the [G;G] haplotype may result in sows having an increased number of live‐born piglets and shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals. We have therefore described specific SNPs and haplotypes that are associated with large litter size, fewer stillborn and mummified piglets and shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals. Selection for these SNPs and haplotypes is a strategy to improve reproductive success in pigs.
Decomposition in soil and chemical characteristics of pollen
Authors: Webster E. A. , Tilston E. L. , Chudek J. A. , Hopkins D. W.
Published: March 2008

The input to soils made by pollen and its subsequent mineralization has rarely been investigated from a soil microbiological point of view even though the small but significant quantities of C and N in pollen may make an important contribution to nutrient cycling. The relative resistance to decomposition of pollen exines (outer layers) has led to much of the focus of pollen in soil being on its preservation for archaeological and palaeo‐ecological purposes. We have examined aspects of the chemical composition and decomposition of pollen from birch (Betula alba) and maize (Zea mays) in soil. The relatively large N contents, small C‐to‐N ratios and large water‐soluble contents of pollen from both species indicated that they would be readily mineralized in soil. When added to soil and incubated at 16°C an amount of C equivalent to 22–26% of the added pollen C was lost as CO2 within 22 days, with the Z. mays pollen decomposing faster. For B. alba pollen, the water‐soluble fraction decomposed faster than the whole pollen and the insoluble fraction decomposed more slowly over 22 days. By contrast, there were no significant differences in the decomposition rates of the different fractions from Z. mays pollen. Solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed no gross chemical differences between the pollen of these two species, with strong resonances in the alkyl‐ and methyl‐C region (0–45 p.p.m.) indicative of aliphatic compounds, the O‐alkyl‐C (60–90 p.p.m.) and the acetal‐ and ketal‐C region (90–110 p.p.m.) indicative of polysaccharides, and the carbonyl‐C region indicative of peptides and carboxylic acids. In addition, both pollens gave a small but distinct resonance at 55 p.p.m. attributed to N‐alkyl‐C. The resonances attributed to polysaccharides were lost completely or substantially reduced after decomposition.
Characterization and structural modelling of humic substances in field soil displaying significant differences from previously proposed structures
Authors: Albers C. N. , Banta G. T. , Jacobsen O. S. , Hansen P. E.
Published: March 2008

Humic substances (HS) often are dominant constituents of soil organic matter. In this study 28 fractions of HS were purified and chemically characterized from horizons of three Danish soils differing in texture. A commercial humic acid (HA) was included for comparison. The HS fractions were chemically characterized by CHNS analysis, pH‐titration and liquid state 13C‐NMR experiments. Amino acids and carbohydrates could clearly be differentiated from other O‐ and N‐aliphatic compounds. The data were analysed by principal component analysis. The analysis revealed greater difference between HS fractions than between locations. The characteristics of the HS fractions were compared with several models in the literature and an average structural model for one HA and one FA fraction is proposed.
Chronic epididymitis: is epididymectomy a valid surgical treatment?
Authors: Calleary J. G. , Masood Junaid , Hill J. T.
Published: March 2008

Chronic scrotal pain (≥3 months) is multi‐factorial in nature and difficult to treat. Epididymectomy for chronic epididymal pain is rarely performed because of perceived poor outcome. We retrospectively audited our results, when published ‘cure’ following testicular denervation is 97%. The records of 32 males (35 consecutive epididymectomies) were retrospectively analysed. Thirteen had previous scrotal surgery. Eight (group one) had palpable painful epididymal abnormalities on clinical examination, nine (group two) had ultrasonic abnormalities but no palpable abnormality and 15 (group three) had neither. Pain response was recorded as: cured, improved, recurred or no change/worse. The mean time to operation was 23.83 months (2–121) and follow‐up was 15.57 months (1–84). There were no significant aetiological differences between groups. In group one, 87.5% were cured with the remainder improved. Sixty‐seven per cent of group two had a satisfactory outcome. Of group three, 20% were cured and a further 33% improved. Prior scrotal surgery, duration of symptoms and age were not predictive of outcome (Kruskal‐Wallis) in terms of pain relief. Epididymectomy for structural abnormalities had excellent results. Those with chronic pain, normal examination and ultrasound had at best, a 55% chance of improvement. This group must be counselled about the low risk of success. The identification of the optimal surgical management of this difficult problem requires a multi‐national registry study.
MSY2 and polypyrimidine tract binding protein 2 stabilize mRNAs in the mammalian testis
Authors: Xu Mingang , Hecht Norman B.
Published: March 2008

MSY2 is a highly conserved and abundant DNA/RNA‐binding protein that functions as a global stabilizer/translational suppressor of mRNAs in male germ cells. The polypyrimidine tract binding protein, PTBP2, is an RNA‐binding protein that splices nuclear transcripts and stabilizes specific mRNAs in the cytoplasm. The mechanisms whereby MSY2 selects and stabilizes a large group of male germ cell mRNAs and PTBP2 stabilizes specific mRNAs such as the phosphoglycerate kinase 2 mRNA in the testis and in transfected cells will be discussed.
MBL2 and MASP2 gene polymorphisms in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Segat L. , Fabris A. , Padovan L. , Milanese M. , Pirulli D. , Lupo F. , Salizzoni M. , Amoroso A. , Crovella S.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully understood, but the majority of patients with HCC are associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) is a collectin that can act directly as opsonine or activate MBL‐associated serine proteases (MASPs) thus initiating the antibody‐independent pathway of the complement system. In our study, we analysed two MBL2 and MASP2 functional polymorphisms (MBL2 allele A/0 and MASP2 D120G) as well as MASP2 polymorphism (Y371D) responsible for an amino acidic change in the protein in 215 HCC patients (HBV‐infected, HCV‐infected, HBV/HCV co‐infected and patients with HCC with no viral infection) and 164 healthy controls to give new insights regarding the role of these two molecules in HCC and viral infection pathogenesis. No significant association was found between MBL2 or MASP2 alleles or genotypes, neither comparing the total patients with HCC and healthy controls nor between the different groups of HCC subjects divided for type of viral infection. Also, dividing the total HCC patients group into low MBL producer (A0 and 00 genotypes) and normal producer (AA genotype) and comparing MASP2 polymorphisms in these two groups, no significant differences were found. Our data do not seem to suggest a role for MBL2 and MASP2 polymorphisms in HCC susceptibility either for HBV–HCV infection‐dependent HCC or for HCC raised as a consequence of exposure to different risk factors.
Evaluation of initial virological response to adefovir and development of adefovir‐resistant mutations in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Gallego A. , Sheldon J. , García‐Samaniego J. , Margall N. , Romero M. , Hornillos P. , Soriano V. , Enríquez J.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  The aims of the present study were to assess initial virological response (IVR) to adefovir (ADV) treatment for chronic hepatitis B, to identify patients with suboptimal response and to determine the incidence of ADV‐resistant mutants. All patients treated with ADV for at least 12 months were evaluated for virological response and ADV resistance. IVR was defined as a reduction ≥4 log10 IU/mL in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA at month 6. Forty‐two patients were analysed. Mean treatment duration was 23 ± 7 months; 50% had prior lamivudine (LAM) therapy (LAM resistance 62%); 88% were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative; and 76% carried genotype D. IVR was seen in 40.5% of patients. Higher baseline ALT level was the only factor associated with IVR (P = 0.043). Patients with IVR achieved undetectable HBV‐DNA at month 12 in 77% of cases compared with only 5% of those without IVR (P < 0.001). Five (12%) patients developed ADV‐resistant mutations: rtN236T in four cases and one case with an rtV207L change, which has not been previously reported. This mutation was accompanied by viral rebound and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare. The cumulative probability of ADV‐resistant mutations at 12 and 24 months was 5% and 17% respectively. IVR defined as a reduction ≥4 log10 IU/mL in HBV‐DNA at month 6 is a useful tool to predict virological response at month 12 and to identify patients with suboptimal response to ADV. Cumulative probability of ADV resistance is higher than previously reported for nucleos(t)ide‐naïve patients.
Defence mechanisms against insecticides temephos and diflubenzuron in the mosquitoAedes caspius: the P‐glycoprotein efflux pumps
Authors: PORRETTA D , GARGANI M. , BELLINI R. , MEDICI A. , PUNELLI F. , URBANELLI S.
Published: March 2008

AbstractP‐glycoproteins (P‐gps) are efflux transporters found in cells of a broad range of both procaryotic and eukaryotic taxa, whose action is to relieve the cells of multiple, structurally dissimilar, toxic compounds. The possible role of P‐gps in defence against the insecticides temephos and diflubenzuron was investigated in the mosquitoAedes caspius(Pallas), also known asOchlerotatus(Aedes)caspius(Diptera: Culicidae), and the genomic DNA sequences encoding for P‐gp transporters were isolated to provide molecular instruments for future research into the expression and characterization of genes codifying for P‐gps in this mosquito species.

Mosquito larvae were treated with insecticides alone and in conjunction with a sublethal dose of the P‐gp inhibitor verapamil. The inhibition of P‐gps reduced the LD50values of temephos and diflubenzuron by factors of 3.5 and 16.4, respectively, suggesting the potential involvement of P‐gps in insecticide defence. Using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based approach, a 481‐bp sequence was isolated. The inferred nucleotide sequence shows high homology with the C‐terminal sequence of known P‐gps. The isolation and characterization of a putative P‐gp sequence fromAe. caspiusis the first step towards a better molecular understanding of the role played by multidrug transporters in the defence against insecticides in this species. This knowledge may open the way to a novel control strategy based on the inhibition of pest defences. The beneficial consequences of the inhibition of efflux pumps in improving insecticide performance are discussed.
Molecular characterization and phylogenesis of Steganinae (Diptera, Drosophilidae) inferred by the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1
Authors: OTRANTO D. , STEVENS J. R. , TESTINI G. , CANTACESSI C. , MÁCA J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract The subfamily Steganinae (Diptera, Drosophilidae) includes flies which display zoophilic feeding behaviour in the larval and/or adult stages, some of which act as vectors of Spirurida eyeworms, which infect both carnivores and humans. To date, the taxonomy and phylogeny of the subfamily Steganinae has been studied only superficially and many aspects of their systematics remain unresolved. Thus, the present study aimed to provide a molecular dataset to facilitate the identification and phylogenetic analysis of Steganinae species based on partial (∼ 700 basepairs) mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequences. A total of 134 flies belonging to 13 species and eight genera of Steganinae were subjected to molecular and phylogenetic analyses. The mean nucleotide variation within the Steganinae subfamily was 8.1%, with a variation within genera for which more than one species was examined ranging from 1.6% (in Phortica spp.) to 21.8% (in Amiota spp.). Interspecific pairwise divergence ranged from 1.6% (Phortica variegata vs. Phortica semivirgo) to 24.8% (Cacoxenus indagator vs. Amiota alboguttata) and intraspecific variation ranged from 0% to 1%. Seventy of the 233 amino acids were variable, including 26 parsimony informative sites and 44 singleton sites, with some highly conserved residues identified within the genera Stegana and Amiota. Parsimony and maximum likelihood‐based phylogenetic analyses provided strong support for the genus Phortica, phylogenetically distinct from the genus Amiota. Gitona distigma was placed in an unresolved position adjacent to the outgroup taxa, Drosophila yakuba and Drosophila melanogaster. The molecular data reported here represent the first molecular dataset based on cox1 of Steganinae flies and provide a base for further investigations into the evolutionary relationships among this little‐studied subfamily.
High‐resolution melt analysis for the detection of a mutation associated with permethrin resistance in a population of scabies mites
Authors: PASAY C. , ARLIAN L. , MORGAN M. , VYSZENSKI‐MOHER D. , ROSE A. , HOLT D. , WALTON S. , McCARTHY J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Permethrin as a topical acaricide cream is widely used to treat scabies. The neuronal voltage‐sensitive sodium channel (Vssc), necessary for the generation of action potentials in excitable cells, is the target of pyrethroid acaricides such as permethrin. Pyrethroid resistance has been linked to specific mutations in the Vssc gene. Following the partial sequencing of the Vssc gene in the scabies mite Sarcoptes scabiei (L.) (Astigmata: Sarcoptidae), we compared Vssc gene sequences from permethrin‐sensitive and ‐tolerant S. scabiei var. canis Gerlach mites, and identified a G to A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in permethrin‐tolerant mites resulting in an amino acid change from glycine to aspartic acid in domain III S6. The mutation is in a region of the gene where mutations have been identified in a range of pyrethroid‐resistant arthropods. Results of in vitro permethrin exposure assays showed that survival rates for mites bearing the mutation were similar to those previously reported for mites from human subjects where clinical tolerance to permethrin had been observed. A real‐time polymerase chain reaction−high‐resolution melt (PCR‐HRM) assay was developed to detect this SNP. This assay provides a useful methodology for screening for this and other mutations associated with permethrin resistance in scabies mite populations and thus facilitates surveillance for acaricide resistance.
Distinct pattern of class and subclass antibodies in immune complexes of children with cerebral malaria and severe malarial anaemia
Authors: MIBEI E. K. , OTIENO W. O. , ORAGO A. S. S. , STOUTE J. A.
Published: March 2008

Plasmodium falciparum infection can lead to deadly complications such as severe malaria‐associated anaemia (SMA) and cerebral malaria (CM). Children with severe malaria have elevated levels of circulating immune complexes (ICs). To further investigate the quantitative differences in antibody class/subclass components of ICs in SMA and CM, we enrolled 75 children with SMA and 32 children with CM from hospitals in western Kenya and matched them to 74 and 52 control children, respectively, with uncomplicated symptomatic malaria. Total IgG IC levels were always elevated in children with malaria upon enrolment, but children with CM had the highest levels of any group. Conditional logistic regression showed a borderline association between IgG4‐containing IC levels and increased risk of SMA (OR = 3·11, 95% CI 1·01–9·56, P = 0·05). Total IgG ICs (OR = 2·84, 95% CI 1·08–7·46, P = 0·03) and IgE‐containing ICs (OR = 6·82, OR 1·88–24·73, P ≤ 0·01) were associated with increased risk of CM. These results point to differences in the contribution of the different antibody class and subclass components of ICs to the pathogenesis of SMA and CM and give insight into potential mechanisms of disease.
Prevalence of asthma in a large group of Israeli adolescents: influence of country of birth and age at migration
Authors: Pereg D. , Tirosh A. , Lishner M. , Goldberg A. , Shochat T. , Confino‐Cohen R.
Published: March 2008

Background:  The occurrence of asthma has geographic variations and is lower in developing compared with industrialized countries. Both environmental and genetic factors may influence its prevalence. We aimed to evaluate the importance and effect of immigration (country of birth and age at immigration to Israel) on the prevalence of asthma in a large group of Israeli adolescents.

Methods:  Computerized medical records of 17‐year‐old adolescents, who underwent routine examination before military recruitment, were studied. The sample comprised both native‐born Israelis (NBI) and immigrants from Ethiopia, the Former Soviet Union (FSU), and Western countries (WC). Asthma was defined as clinical symptoms and signs compatible with the disease accompanied by abnormal spirometry or documented chronic use of inhaled steroids.

Results:  Our cohort consisted of 1 466 654 adolescents, including 1 317 556 (89.8%) NBI and 149 098 (10.2%) immigrants. The prevalence of asthma at age 17 was higher in NBI compared with Ethiopian immigrants [4.7% (61 921) vs 2.6% (418), respectively, P < 0.0005], lower compared with immigrants from WC [5.6% (2177), P < 0.0005], and similar to immigrants from the FSU. Further analysis of the association between age at immigration and the risk for developing asthma showed that the younger immigrants from the FSU and Ethiopia arrived to Israel, the higher their prevalence of asthma at the age of 17 was.

Conclusions:  Both environmental and genetic factors seem to influence the prevalence of asthma in 17‐year‐old adolescents. However, the higher risk for developing asthma associated with young age of immigration points toward an environmental predominance.
HLA‐G genotype and HLA‐G expression in systemic lupus erythematosus: HLA‐G as a putative susceptibility gene in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rizzo R. , Hviid T. V. F. , Govoni M. , Padovan M. , Rubini M. , Melchiorri L. , Stignani M. , Carturan S. , Grappa M. T. , Fotinidi M. , Ferretti S. , Voss A. , Laustrup H. , Junker P. , Trotta F. , Baricordi O. R.
Published: March 2008

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mainly mediated by the deposit of immune complexes and defects in T lymphocytes and antigen‐presenting cells along with a high production of T‐helper 2 cytokines. A tolerance‐inducible function of nonclassical class Ib human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G molecule in innate and adaptive cellular responses has been reported, suggesting a role in inflammatory diseases. A 14 bp sequence insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs16375) in the 3′‐untranslated region of the HLA‐G gene has been associated to the stability of HLA‐G messenger RNA. The insertion of the 14 bp sequence seems to be associated with lower levels of soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G). The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association of the presence of the 14 bp sequence (+14 bp) with SLE. We have HLA‐G genotyped 200 SLE patients and 451 healthy control subjects (HS; Italian) and analyzed the plasma levels of sHLA‐G and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in a subset of SLE patients and healthy subjects (Italian and Danish). A significant increase of the +14 bp HLA‐G allele was detected in the Italian SLE patients compared with HS [P = 0.003, OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.13–1.82)]. A significant increased frequency of HLA‐G +14/+14 bp and a decreased frequency of HLA‐G −14/−14 bp were observed in SLE patients. There median concentration of sHLA‐G was significantly lower in the plasma of SLE patients compared with that in the plasma of healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the results confirmed higher concentrations of IL‐10‐positive plasma in SLE patients. These results support a potential role for HLA‐G in the susceptibility of SLE.
Alpha‐ketoglutarate protects the liver of piglets exposed during prenatal life to chronic excess of dexamethasone from metabolic and structural changes
Authors: Śliwa E. , Dobrowolski P. , Tatara M. R. , Piersiak T. , Siwicki A. , Rokita E. , Pierzynowski S. G.
Published: March 2008

Glucocorticoids play a role in the origin of the features of the metabolic diseases. Alpha‐ketoglutarate (AKG) is defined as glutamine homologue and derivative, conditionally an essential amino acid. In the liver, glutamine serves as a precursor for ureagenesis, gluconeogenesis and acute phase protein synthesis The aim of the study was to determine the effect of AKG administered to piglets prenatally exposed to dexamethasone, on the structure of the liver and its metabolic function. Sows were administered with dexamethasone (3 mg/sow/48 h) from day 70 of pregnancy to the parturition, and then after the birth, the piglets were divided into the group administered with AKG (0.4 g/kg body weight) or physiological saline. Biochemical markers, lysozyme and ceruloplasmin serum activities, concentrations of selected free amino acids, macro‐ and microelements and histomorphometry of the liver tissue were determined. The total cholesterol concentrations in the sows and their newborns from the Dex groups were higher by 72% and 64%, respectively, compared with the control groups. Triacylglycerol concentration was higher by 50% in sows from the Dex group and 55% in the new‐born piglets. Alpha‐ketoglutarate administered to the piglets after prenatal influence of dexamethasone lowered the total cholesterol concentration by 40%, and enhanced aspartate by 41%, serine by 76%, glutamate by 105%, glutamine by 36%, glycine by 53% and arginine by 105%, as well as methionine and cystathionine, but increased the sulphur concentration compared with the control (p < 0.01). Intracellular space D decreased after AKG administration in comparison with the piglets from Dex/Control group not treated with AKG. Postnatal administration of AKG had a protective effect on liver structure, and lowered the total cholesterol concentration in piglets prenatally exposed to dexamethasone, and also influenced selected macro‐ and microelement serum concentrations and amino acids plasma concentration.
Increased plasma leptin through l‐carnitine supplementation is associated with an enhanced glucose tolerance in healthy ponies
Authors: Van Weyenberg S. , Buyse J. , Janssens G. P. J.
Published: March 2008

In this study 0 or 4 g of l‐carnitine was supplemented for 7 days in a cross‐over design of six healthy ponies to modulate glucose metabolism and leptin production. At the end of each period, serial blood samples were taken to measure glucose and insulin response, leptin, triglyceride (TG), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and creatine phosphokinase. l‐carnitine supplementation was associated with a decrease in postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentration, indicating an enhanced glucose tolerance. In contrast, postprandial plasma leptin concentration was increased when l‐carnitine was supplemented. Yet, this increase in leptin concentration was not preceded by an increase in insulin concentration, suggesting that other factors apart from plasma insulin concentration could influence plasma leptin concentration. Although NEFA and TG were not significantly influenced by l‐carnitine supplementation under these experimental conditions, further research must clarify whether net TG synthesis might be responsible for this increase in leptin.
Effect of several doses of zeolite A on feed intake, energy metabolism and on mineral metabolism in dairy cows around calving
Authors: Grabherr H. , Spolders M. , Fürll M. , Flachowsky G.
Published: March 2008

The object of the present study was to determine the influence of different zeolite A doses on dry matter intake (DMI) and mineral metabolism, and to evaluate an optimum dosage for preventing hypocalcaemia. Eighty pregnant dry cows were assigned to four groups (I–IV). They were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum. Groups II, III and IV received an average daily dose of 12, 23 and 43 g zeolite A/kg DM for the last 2 weeks prepartum. Individually DMI was recorded daily. Blood and urine samples were taken before, during and after zeolite A supplementation. Serum was analysed for Ca, Mg, Pi, K, non‐esterified fatty acids and β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Urine was analysed for Ca, Mg, Pi, K and net acid‐base excretion (NABE). After calving, milk yield (fat corrected milk) and milk composition were determined. During zeolite A supplementation, mean DMI of Group IV (7.3 ± 1.3 kg/cow/day) was significantly lower compared to Groups I–III (10.1, 10.9, 9.5 kg/cow/day). The reduced feed intake of Group IV resulted in significantly increased BHB as well as decreased NABE after calving. Zeolite A supplementation in higher doses (III and IV) had a stabilizing effect on Ca metabolism around calving for older cows, whereas cows in Groups I and II showed a subclinical hypocalcaemia. The mean serum Mg concentration decreased significantly in older cows in Group IV at calving. The mean Pi concentration in cows of Group IV decreased into ranges of hypophosphataemia already 1 week after beginning of zeolite A feeding. The mean DMI postpartum as well as the milk yield was not affected by zeolite A supplementation. Feeding of 23 g zeolite A/kg DM TMR prepartum proved to be an adequate dosage for reducing subclinical hypocalcaemia frequency without significant effects on feed intake and Pi concentration in serum.
Effects of the 3M™ MEC Sprayable Pheromone® formulation on gypsy moth mating success
Authors: Onufrieva (Tcheslavskaia) K. S. , Brewster C. C. , Thorpe K. W. , Sharov A. A. , Leonard D. S. , Reardon R. C. , Mastro V. C. , Sellers P. , Roberts E. A.
Published: March 2008

The study was conducted during 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004 in forested areas in Virginia, USA to evaluate the 3M™ MEC‐GM Sprayable Pheromone® formulation of the gypsy moth sex pheromone, disparlure, for its ability to disrupt mating in gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lep.: Lymantriidae). Both mating success of gypsy moth females and male moth catches in pheromone‐baited traps were significantly reduced in plots treated with the 3M™ MEC‐GM formulation at dosages ranging from 15 to 75 g of active ingredient/ha. However, the 3M™ MEC‐GM formulation reduced trap catch to a lesser extent than did the currently registered Hercon Disrupt® II plastic flakes used as a positive control and applied at similar or lower dosages. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the 3M™ sprayable formulation declined through time, so that by the end of the male flight season, male moth catches in traps were significantly higher than in plots treated with Hercon plastic flakes. Based on the reported results, 3M™ MEC‐GM Sprayable Pheromone® formulation was never integrated into the operational treatment projects of USDA Forest Service Cooperative Slow‐the‐Spread of the Gypsy Moth management programme.
Protein: carbohydrate ratios promoting sexual activity and longevity of male Queensland fruit flies
Authors: Prabhu V. , Perez‐Staples D. , Taylor P. W.
Published: March 2008

Nutrition is commonly a powerful determinant of sexual performance in insects, and recent studies have found this to be the case in Queensland fruit flies (Tephritidae: Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt; ‘Q‐flies’); male Q‐flies allowed to self‐regulate intake of yeast hydrolysate, a rich source of amino acids and vitamins used in most mass‐rearing programmes (protein) and sucrose (carbohydrate), had greatly enhanced sexual performance compared with males provided only sucrose. While some yeast hydrolysate is clearly beneficial for the sexual performance of adult male Q‐flies, the questions of what proportion of yeast hydrolysate in the diet is sufficient to yield full benefits, or is too much, have not yet been addressed. To address these questions, the present study assessed sexual performance and longevity of adult male Q‐flies maintained on diets containing various proportions of yeast hydrolysate and sucrose. Male Q‐flies maintained as adults on dry mixtures containing 9%, 17% or 25% yeast hydrolysate had mating probability, mating latency, copula duration and longevity similar to those provided yeast hydrolysate and sucrose in separate dishes and allowed to self‐regulate intake. As in previous studies, while longevity was unaffected we found a marked reduction in sexual performance when the flies were completely denied access to yeast hydrolysate, and the few that did mate had relatively short copulations. At the other extreme, flies receiving diets with high levels of yeast hydrolysate (50%, 75%, 83% and 91%) suffered marked reductions both in longevity and in mating performance.
INJECTABLE FORM OF CALCIUM SULPHATE AS TREATMENT OF ANEURYSMAL BONE CYSTS
Authors: Clayer Mark
Published: March 2008

Background:  Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are a rare condition in adolescents and teenagers but may result in pain, fracture and growth abnormalities. The gold standard of open curettage carries the risk of surgical complications and still a local recurrence rate of 20–30%. Percutaneous treatment of ABC have rarely been reported and a poor response the usual outcome. This study investigated a new technique of percutaneous aspiration and injection of ABC using an aqueous solution of calcium sulphate.

Methods:  A radiological diagnosis of a bone cyst was made in 15 consecutive patients and pathologically confirmed as ABC. Most had already sustained a fracture and/or had been previously unsuccessfully treated by minimally invasive techniques including embolization or methylprednisolone injection. The procedure of aspiration and injection with calcium sulphate was undertaken, and the patients were reviewed regularly both clinically and radiologically for a minimum of 2 years.

Results:  The calcium sulphate cement was reabsorbed completely within 8 weeks. The first osseous response was periosteal new bone formation circumferentially followed by gradual opacification of the cystic cavity. All except one patient that described pain before the procedure reported complete relief of symptoms by 4 weeks. Two patients developed a local recurrence of the cyst, and one subsequently developed a pathological fracture. Two patients sustained pathological fractures through healed cysts, 12 and 22 months after the procedure, respectively.

Conclusions:  This new technique has shown good early clinical and radiological responses and a low complication rate in a consecutive group of patients with ABC.
SURGICAL PRACTICE TO REDUCE DIALYSIS ACCESS INSUFFICIENCY
Authors: Freeman Anthony J. , Gallagher Martin , Gray‐Weale Anthony , Lippey Eric , Thursby Peter
Published: March 2008

Background:  Patients who are dependant on a percutaneous central venous catheter for dialysis have an excess morbidity and mortality compared with patients with an autologous arteriovenous fistula.

Methods:  In an effort to improve outcomes related to episodes of permanent access insufficiency, defined as a patient requiring a venous catheter for haemodialysis, a 12‐month prospective audit of surgery carried out to establish and maintain dialysis access was carried out at our institution.

Results:  Effective measures that reduced the period of time that patients required a venous catheter for dialysis included regular communication between dialysis staff, the surgical service and patients attending for treatment in the dialysis unit, liberal use of duplex ultrasound imaging, pursuing autologous access in the majority of patients, early intervention to correct failing vascular access before conduit thrombosis, using both traditional open surgical and endovascular solutions in establishing and maintaining vascular access, using peritoneal dialysis as a long‐term or temporary alternative to haemodialysis and, in cases of arteriovenous polytetrafluoroethylene graft occlusion, early thrombectomy and mandatory revision to provide a conduit immediately available for effective dialysis.

Conclusion:  Conducting an audit of surgical practice contributed to an improvement in outcomes for dialysis‐dependant patients. Establishing an arteriovenous fistula in a greater proportion of cases before initiating renal replacement therapy may further address the problem of dialysis access insufficiency.
Utility of eosinophilia as a diagnostic clue in lower abdominal pain in northern Australia: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Clark P. J.
Published: March 2008

Acute eosinophilic enteritis is a difficult diagnosis to make. Insufficient consideration of eosinophilia may commit patients to surgical treatment when medical therapy may be appropriate. The aim of the study was to determine whether the eosinophil count was considered in the diagnostic evaluation of patients presenting with acute abdominal pain who subsequently underwent appendectomy and whether eosinophilia was related to subsequent histology. The method used in the study was retrospective case–control. None of three patients with increased eosinophil counts had histologically proven appendicitis (Fisher’s exact test 0.025); worm segments were seen in two patients. None of 39 patients who had histologically proven appendicitis had increased eosinophil counts. Eosinophilia may be underutilized and helminth infection may not be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain. A normal eosinophil count in the setting of clinically suspected appendicitis may make the diagnosis of eosinophilic enteritis less likely, but does not exclude it. Patients with abdominal pain and peripheral eosinophilia appear less likely to have acute appendicitis on subsequent histology; however, further study is required to validate these findings. The decision to operate remains one of clinical judgement.
Cruciform fillet welded joint fatigue strength improvements by weld metal phase transformations
Authors: DARCIS PH. P. , KATSUMOTO H. , PAYARES‐ASPRINO M. C. , LIU S. , SIEWERT T. A.
Published: March 2008

Arc welding typically generates residual tensile stresses in welded joints, leading to deteriorated fatigue performance of these joints. Volume expansion of the weld metal at high temperatures followed by contraction during cooling induces a local tensile residual stress state. A new type of welding wire capable of inducing a local compressive residual stress state by means of controlled martensitic transformation at relatively low temperatures has been studied, and the effects of the transformation temperature and residual stresses on fatigue strength are discussed.

In this study, several LTTW (Low Transformation‐Temperature Welding) wires have been developed and investigated to better characterize the effect of phase transformation on residual stress management in welded joints. Non‐load‐carrying cruciform fillet welded joints were prepared for measurement of residual stresses and fatigue testing. The measurement of the residual stresses of the three designed wires reveals a compressive residual stress near the weld toe. The fatigue properties of the new wires are enhanced compared to a commercially available wire.
Fatigue damage analysis in a duplex stainless steel by digital image correlation technique
Authors: EL BARTALI A. , AUBIN V. , DEGALLAIX S.
Published: March 2008

Strain field measurements by digital image correlation today offer new possibilities for analysing the mechanical behaviour of materials in situ during mechanical tests. The originality of the present study is to use this technique on the micro‐structural scale, in order to understand and to obtain quantitative values of the fatigue surface damage in a two‐phased alloy. In this paper, low‐cycle fatigue damage micromechanisms in an austenitic‐ferritic stainless steel are studied. Surface damage is observed in real time, with an in situ microscopic device, during a low‐cycle fatigue test performed at room temperature. Surface displacement and strain fields are calculated using digital image correlation from images taken during cycling. A detailed analysis of optical images and strain fields measured enables us to follow precisely the evolution of surface strain fields and the damage micromechanisms. Firstly, strain heterogeneities are observed in austenitic grains. Initially, the austenitic phase accommodates the cyclic plastic strain and is then followed by the ferritic phase. Microcrack initiation takes place at the ferrite/ferrite grain boundaries. Microcracks propagate to the neighbouring austenitic grains following the slip markings. Displacement and strain gradients indicate probable microcrack initiation sites.
Fractographic reconstitution of fatigue crack history – Part I
Authors: NEDBAL I. , SIEGL J. , KUNZ J. , LAUSCHMANN H.
Published: March 2008

Quantitative fractography of components which have failed under cyclic loading can offer very valuable information usually unattainable by any other means – in particular, a detailed description of fatigue crack growth (FCG) in space and in time. The reliable characterization of crack propagation provides data important in engineering applications. The main source of information on the relationship between fractographic findings and macroscopic crack growth rate (CGR) is striation spacing. This quantitative microfractographic characteristic was the basis for the methods described in the paper. An application of the fractographic reconstitution of FCG is illustrated by an example of an aircraft wing spar fatigued during a full‐scale test.
Fractographic reconstitution of fatigue crack history – Part II
Authors: NEDBAL I. , LAUSCHMANN H. , SIEGL J. , KUNZ J.
Published: March 2008

The most valuable quantitative information contained in fatigue fracture surfaces is related to striations. An alternative source of information, in particular if striation identification is impossible, can be the general characteristics of fracture micromorphology evaluated by digital image analysis. For study of micrographs as image textures, new methods called textural fractography have been developed. In this paper, some of these methods and examples of their application are described. A generalization for the case of a variable cycle loading is proposed, based on a new concept of counting loading cycles. The presented work foreshadows the potential contribution of textural fractography for fractographic reconstitution of fatigue crack history.