bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A versatile liquid-core/liquid-twin-cladding waveguide micro flow cell fabricated by rapid prototyping
Authors: Rosenauer M. , Vellekoop M. J.
Published: October 2009

In this paper we present the design and operation of a micro flow cell comprising a liquid-core/liquid-twin-cladding waveguide for on-chip fluorescence spectroscopy based on evanescent field illumination. The application of an inner (sample) and outer cladding stream minimizes the sample volume for optical measurements and ensures the analyte position in the evanescent field for excitation at the core/cladding interface. The fiber-chip-coupled laser light is guided by the fluidic waveguide providing a uniform excitation along the analysis channel. Fluorescence intensity measurements of different sample solutions were conducted to illustrate the operational quality. The fluidics device is fabricated by laser microstereolithography in 1.5 h.
Dual nonlinear dielectric resonance and nesting microwave absorption peaks of hollow cobalt nanochains composites with negative permeability
Authors: Shi Xiao-Ling , Cao Mao-Sheng , Yuan Jie , Fang Xiao-Yong
Published: October 2009

The permittivity and permeability behaviors of the hollow cobalt nanochains composites have been investigated in 2–18 GHz. The permittivity presents two dielectric resonance peaks at about 12.3 and 14.5 GHz, respectively, which mainly results from the cooperative consequence of the hollow structure and the one-dimensional structure of the as-synthesized Co nanochains. The negative permeability behavior within 12.3–18 GHz is attributed to radiation of the magnetic energy according to the as-established equivalent circuit model. Two strong absorption peaks of the composites nest at the resonance frequencies due to the effect of the dual nonlinear dielectric resonance and the negative permeability behavior.
Identification and lattice location of oxygen impurities in α-Si3N4
Authors: Idrobo J. C. , Oxley M. P. , Walkosz W. , Klie R. F. , Öğüt S. , Mikijelj B. , Pennycook S. J. , Pantelides S. T.
Published: October 2009

For over 40 years impurities have been believed to stabilize the ceramic α-Si3N4 but there is no direct evidence for their identity or lattice location. In bulk materials electron microscopy can generally image heavy impurities. Here we report direct imaging of N columns in α-Si3N4 that suggests the presence of excess light elements in specific N columns. First-principles calculations rule out Si or N interstitials and suggest O impurities, which are then confirmed by atomically resolved electron-energy-loss spectroscopy. The result provides a possible explanation for the stability of α-Si3N4 with implications for the design of next-generation structural ceramics.
Influence of growth temperature and scandium concentration on piezoelectric response of scandium aluminum nitride alloy thin films
Authors: Akiyama Morito , Kano Kazuhiko , Teshigahara Akihiko
Published: October 2009

The authors have investigated the influence of growth temperature and scandium concentration on the piezoelectric response of scandium aluminum nitride (ScxAl1−xN) films prepared by dual reactive cosputtering. The piezoelectric response strongly depends on the growth temperature and scandium concentration. The piezoelectric response of the films prepared at 400 °C gradually increases with increasing scandium concentration. On the other hand, the piezoelectric response of the films prepared at 580 °C drastically decreases and increases in the scandium concentration from 30% to 40%. We think that the drastic change of the piezoelectric response is due to the disordered grain growth.
Ultrabroadband supercontinuum generation from ultraviolet to 6.28 μm in a fluoride fiber
Authors: Qin Guanshi , Yan Xin , Kito Chihiro , Liao Meisong , Chaudhari Chitrarekha , Suzuki Takenobu , Ohishi Yasutake
Published: October 2009

Ultrabroadband supercontinuum light expanding from ultraviolet to 6.28 μm is generated in a centimeter-long fluoride fiber pumped by a 1450 nm femtosecond laser. The spectral broadening in the fluoride fiber is caused by self-phase modulation, Raman scattering and four-wave mixing. The experimental and simulated results show that fluoride fiber is a promising candidate for generating the midinfrared supercontinuum light up to 8 μm.
Conservatism and diversification of plant functional traits: Evolutionary rates versus phylogenetic signal
Authors: Ackerly David
Published: October 2009

The concepts of niche conservatism and adaptive radiation have played central roles in the study of evolution and ecological diversification. With respect to phenotypic evolution, the two processes may be seen as opposite ends of a spectrum; however, there is no straightforward method for the comparative analysis of trait evolution that will identify these contrasting scenarios. Analysis of the rate of phenotypic evolution plays an important role in this context and merits increased attention. In this article, independent contrasts are used to estimate rates of evolution for continuous traits under a Brownian motion model of evolution. A unit for the rate of phenotypic diversification is introduced: the felsen, in honor of J. Felsenstein, is defined as an increase of one unit per million years in the variance among sister taxa of ln-transformed trait values. The use of a standardized unit of measurement facilitates comparisons among clades and traits. Rates of diversification of three functional traits (plant height, leaf size, and seed size) were estimated for four to six woody plant clades (Acer,Aesculus,Ceanothus, Arbutoideae, Hawaiian lobeliads, and the silversword alliance) for which calibrated phylogenies were available. For height and leaf size, rates were two to ≈300 times greater in the Hawaiian silversword alliance than in the other clades considered. These results highlight the value of direct estimates of rates of trait evolution for comparative analysis of adaptive radiation, niche conservatism, and trait diversification.
Activation of TRPV1 in the spinal cord by oxidized linoleic acid metabolites contributes to inflammatory hyperalgesia
Authors: Patwardhan Amol M. , Scotland Phoebe E. , Akopian Armen N. , Hargreaves Kenneth M.
Published: October 2009

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) plays a major role in hyperalgesia and allodynia and is expressed both in the peripheral and central nervous systems (CNS). However, few studies have evaluated mechanisms by which CNS TRPV1 mediates hyperalgesia and allodynia after injury. We hypothesized that activation of spinal cord systems releases endogenous TRPV1 agonists that evoke the development of mechanical allodynia by this receptor. Using in vitro superfusion, the depolarization of spinal cord triggered the release of oxidized linoleic acid metabolites, such as 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE) that potently activated spinal TRPV1, leading to the development of mechanical allodynia. Subsequent calcium imaging and electrophysiology studies demonstrated that synthetic oxidized linoleic acid metabolites, including 9-HODE, 13-HODE, and 9 and 13-oxoODE, comprise a family of endogenous TRPV1 agonists. In vivo studies demonstrated that intrathecal application of these oxidized linoleic acid metabolites rapidly evokes mechanical allodynia. Finally, intrathecal neutralization of 9- and 13-HODE by antibodies blocks CFA-evoked mechanical allodynia. These data collectively reveal a mechanism by which an endogenous family of lipids activates TRPV1 in the spinal cord, leading to the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia. These findings may integrate many pain disorders and provide an approach for developing analgesic drugs.
Epigenetic activation of unintegrated HIV-1 genomes by gut-associated short chain fatty acids and its implications for HIV infection
Authors: Kantor Boris , Ma Hong , Webster-Cyriaque Jennifer , Monahan Paul E. , Kafri Tal
Published: October 2009

Integration of HIV-1 linear DNA into the host chromatin is an essential step in the viral life cycle. However, the majority of reverse-transcribed, nuclear-imported viral genomes remain episomal, either as linear or circular DNA. To date, these nonintegrated viral genomes are largely considered “dead-end products” of reverse transcription. Indeed, limited gene expression from nonintegrated HIV-1 has been reported, although the mechanism that renders nonintegrating HIV-1 genomes incapable of supporting efficient viral replication has not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that nonintegrating HIV-1 and HIV-1-based vector genomes are organized into chromatin structures and enriched with histone modifications typical of transcriptionally silenced chromatin. Gene expression and replication of nonintegrating HIV-1 was notably increased in vitro upon exposure to histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) in the form of various short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) known to be endogenously produced by normal microbial-gut flora. Furthermore, we demonstrated genetic and functional crosstalk between episomal and integrated vector/viral genomes, resulting in recombination between integrated and nonintegrated HIV-1, as well as mobilization of episomal vector genomes by productive viral particles encoded by integrated viral genomes. Finally, we propose a mechanism describing the role of episomal HIV-1 forms in the viral life cycle in a SCFA-rich gut environment.
Profiling translatomes of discrete cell populations resolves altered cellular priorities during hypoxia in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Mustroph Angelika , Zanetti M. Eugenia , Jang Charles J. H. , Holtan Hans E. , Repetti Peter P. , Galbraith David W. , Girke Thomas , Bailey-Serres Julia
Published: October 2009

Multicellular organs are composed of distinct cell types with unique assemblages of translated mRNAs. Here, ribosome-associated mRNAs were immunopurified from specific cell populations of intact seedlings using
Arabidopsis thaliana
lines expressing a FLAG-epitope tagged ribosomal protein L18 (FLAG-RPL18) via developmentally regulated promoters. The profiling of mRNAs in ribosome complexes, referred to as the translatome, identified differentially expressed mRNAs in 21 cell populations defined by cell-specific expression of FLAG-RPL18. Phloem companion cells of the root and shoot had the most distinctive translatomes. When seedlings were exposed to a brief period of hypoxia, a pronounced reprioritization of mRNA enrichment in the cell-specific translatomes occurred, including a ubiquitous rise in 49 mRNAs encoding transcription factors, signaling proteins, anaerobic metabolism enzymes, and uncharacterized proteins. Translatome profiling also exposed an intricate molecular signature of transcription factor (TF) family member mRNAs that was markedly reconfigured by hypoxia at global and cell-specific levels. In addition to the demonstration of the complexity and plasticity of cell-specific populations of ribosome-associated mRNAs, this study provides an in silico dataset for recognition of differentially expressed genes at the cell-, region-, and organ-specific levels.
Discrimination between docking and fusion of liposomes reconstituted with neuronal SNARE-proteins using FCS
Authors: Cypionka Anna , Stein Alexander , Hernandez Javier Matias , Hippchen Hendrik , Jahn Reinhard , Walla Peter J.
Published: October 2009

Neuronal exocytosis is mediated by the SNARE proteins synaptobrevin 2/VAMP, syntaxin 1A, and SNAP-25A. While it is well-established that these proteins mediate membrane fusion after reconstitution in artificial membranes, it has so far been difficult to monitor intermediate stages of the reaction. Using a confocal two-photon setup, we applied fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) and fluorescence lifetime analysis to discriminate between docking and fusion of liposomes. We show that liposome populations that are either non-interacting, or are undergoing docking and fusion, as well as multiple interactions can be quantitatively discriminated without the need for immobilizing the lipid bilayers. When liposomes containing a stabilized syntaxin 1A/SNAP-25A complex were mixed with liposomes containing synaptobrevin 2, we observed that rapid docking precedes fusion. Accordingly, docked intermediates accumulated in the initial phase of the reaction. Furthermore, rapid formation of multiple docked states was observed with on average four liposomes interacting with each other. When liposomes of different sizes were compared, only the rate of lipid mixing depended on the liposome size but not the rate of docking. Our results show that under appropriate conditions a docked state, mediated by
trans
-SNARE interactions, can be isolated that constitutes an intermediate in the fusion pathway.
Automatic reel identification by RFID technology in paper reel supply chains: examples from paper mill and sea port environments
Authors: Nummela Jussi , Lehto Arttu , Ukkonen Leena , Sydänheimo Lauri
Published: October 2009

The benefits of using passive radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to improve supply chain productivity have been proved several times in recent years, throughout the world. The paper industry has not been able to fully exploit these benefits, because of the challenging characteristics of the paper reel itself and the lack of a suitable tag antenna. Now the tag antenna has been developed, and this paper studies the means of using this technology in paper mill and sea port environments. These environments cover a major part of the typical supply chain of paper reels. Pilot tests presented in this paper were performed in realistic industrial circumstances to achieve realistic results. Results proved that paper reels can be reliably identified by passive RFID technology in a real environment. These results bring the large-scale exploitation of RFID in the paper industry one major step closer.
Technical and economic aspect of RFID implementation for asset tracking
Authors: Bottani Eleonora , Bertolini Massimo
Published: October 2009

This paper aims to assess the economic feasibility of a technological solution, based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, for asset management in the context of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Three case study companies are examined, respectively, operating as manufacturers of FMCG, pallet pooler and retailer, to be representative of an integrated logistics channel. Site visits and direct interviews are performed to detail the main processes assets are subjected to and the way such processes are currently managed, as well as to derive quantitative values concerning such processes. Based on the analysis, re-engineered procedures have been developed hypothesising RFID deployment for asset management. Re-engineered procedures were validated by a panel of experts, whose members operate in the logistics, sales and information technology functions of about 15 companies, either manufacturers or distributors of FMCG. On the basis of the comparison between current and re-engineered processes, a detailed economic evaluation is performed for each case study examined to assess the economic suitability of the solution proposed. Results show that RFID deployment allows both manufacturer and pallet provider to achieve an economic profitability on a 5-year period; conversely, the investment is less profitable for the distributor, mainly due to the substantial costs arising for RFID implementation at all retail stores. Outcomes of the study could serve as a guideline for the implementation of RFID technology for asset tracking.
Should Anesthesia Groups Advocate Funding of Clinics and Scheduling Systems to Increase Operating Room Workload?
Authors: O’Neill Liam , Dexter Franklin , Wachtel Ruth E.
Published: October 2009

Background

Knowledge of patterns related to patient visits in a multispecialty group is important for helping anesthesia groups make strategic and tactical decisions relevant to increasing anesthesia workload.

Methods

The authors studied surgery at an outpatient surgery center over 6 months and analyzed every clinic visit that preceded surgery by 2 yr. They also studied surgery that occurred at either the outpatient center or a tertiary surgical suite over 3 months, including all preceding clinic visits.

Results

Results were similar whether data were analyzed by number of cases or by American Society of Anesthesiologists' Relative Value Guide units. The median number of visits to the surgeon before surgery was 2 (95% confidence interval 2-2). Most patients have one visit with the surgeon, decide to have surgery, and then have one preoperative visit. Fewer than 20% of American Society of Anesthesiologists' Relative Value Guide units for outpatient surgery arose from patients seen by a primary care or nonsurgical specialist before referral to the surgeon. Patients with more than one previous surgery at the facility accounted for less than 6% of American Society of Anesthesiologists' Relative Value Guide units.

Conclusion

Investment in outpatient primary care clinics, nonsurgical specialty clinics, or scheduling systems to facilitate patient appointments would not materially affect anesthesia workload. The workload of the anesthesia department depends on facilitating surgeon-dependent processes: (1) open access to operating room time on any future workday, (2) well-calculated blocks to permit high surgeon productivity, and (3) open access to surgeon clinics to reduce days from referral to first appointment.
Age-dependent Bupivacaine-induced Muscle Toxicity during Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block in Rats
Authors: Nouette-Gaulain Karine , Dadure Christophe , Morau Didier , Pertuiset Claire , Galbes Olivier , Hayot Maurice , Mercier Jacques , Sztark François , Rossignol Rodrigue , Capdevila Xavier
Published: October 2009

Background

Regional blocks improve postoperative analgesia and postoperative rehabilitation in children and adult patients. Continuous peripheral nerve blocks have been proposed as safe and effective techniques for postoperative pain relief and chronic pain therapy, particularly in small children. Few clinical reports have described myotoxicity induced by bupivacaine in these young patients, in contrast with a larger number of observations in adults. Here, the authors addressed this issue by a comparative evaluation of bupivacaine-induced myotoxicity in young versus adult rats.

Methods

Femoral nerve block catheters were inserted in male Wistar rats. Young (3-week-old) and adult (12-week-old) rats were randomly assigned to received seven injections (1 ml/kg) of 0.25% bupivacaine (n = 6 per experiment) or isotonic saline (n = 6 per experiment) at 8-h intervals. Rats were killed 8 h after the last injection. Psoas muscle adjacent to the femoral nerve was quickly dissected. Oxygen consumption rates were measured in saponin-skinned fibers, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthesis rates were determined by bioluminescence, and citrate synthase activity was determined by spectrophotometry. Muscle ultrastructural damage was also examined and scored as normal, focal disruption, moderate disruption, or extreme disruption of the sarcomeres.

Results

Bupivacaine caused a reduction of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthesis rate, a decrease of citrate synthase activity, and muscle ultrastructural damages. Young rats treated with bupivacaine showed more severe alterations of mitochondrial bioenergetics and muscle ultrastructure.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that bupivacaine-induced myotoxicity can be explained by mitochondrial bioenergetics alterations, which are more severe in young rats.
Age-associated Changes in Cardiac Gene Expression after Preconditioning
Authors: Liu Lixin , Zhu Jiang , Glass Peter S. A. , Brink Peter R. , Rampil Ira J. , Rebecchi Mario J.
Published: October 2009

Background

Cardiac protection afforded by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and anesthetic preconditioning (APC) are significantly reduced in the senescent myocardium. The authors hypothesized that age would differentially modulate gene expression induced by IPC and APC in vivo.

Methods

Affymetrix RAT EXON ST 1.0 gene chips (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) were used to explore the transcriptional response to IPC and APC in Fisher 344 male rats (young, 3-5 months, and old, 20-24 months, respectively). Both cohorts, young and old, were divided into three groups: (1) sham control, (2) IPC, and (3) APC. After a total of 90 min, the heart was removed, and the total RNA and protein were extracted.

Results

Thirty-one transcripts were increased in the young animals subjected to IPC, particularly transcriptional regulators (Atf3, Egr-1, Btg2, Egr2), cytokines (interleukin 6, CSF1, Myd88), chemokines (Cxcl10, Ccl2, Ccl7), regulators of growth and inflammation (Reg3g, Hamp), remodeling and cell adhesion migration (Cyr61, Tfpi2, Timp1), regulators of apoptosis/cell death (Birc3, Arntl, Hamp, Phlda1), and cell cycle control/DNA repairs (Rrad, Gadd45b, Gadd45g). In contrast, only one transcript increased (Atf3) in the old animals subjected to IPC. No changes in gene expression were found in the young or the old animals subjected to APC.

Conclusions

Early-phase IPC and APC induced different genomic responses. The absence of detectable changes associated with early-phase APC suggests a posttranscriptional or posttranslational mechanism. The absence of a genomic response in the senescent myocardium (except for IPC-induced Atf3) could underlie the failure of IPC to provide any cardiac protective benefit to older animals.
Repeatability of nest morphology in African weaver birds
Authors: Walsh Patrick T. , Hansell Mike , Borello Wendy D. , Healy Susan D.
Published: October 2009

It is generally assumed that birds build nests according to a genetic ‘template’, little influenced by learning or memory. One way to confirm the role of genetics in nest building is to assess the repeatability of nest morphology with repeated nest attempts. Solitary weaver birds, which build multiple nests in a single breeding season, are a useful group with which to do this. Here we show that repeatability of nest morphology was low, but significant, in male Southern Masked weaver birds and not significant in the Village weavers. The larger bodied Village weavers built larger nests than did Southern Masked weavers, but body size did not explain variation in Southern Masked weaver nest dimensions. Nests built by the same male in both species got shorter and lighter as more nests were constructed. While these data demonstrate the potential for a genetic component of variation in nest building in solitary weavers, it is also clear that there remains plenty of scope in both of these species for experience to shape nest construction.
DIE NEUTRALIS and LATE BLOOMER 1 Contribute to Regulation of the Pea Circadian Clock
Authors: Liew Lim Chee , Hecht Valérie , Laurie Rebecca E. , Knowles Claire L. , Vander Schoor Jacqueline K. , Macknight Richard C. , Weller James L.
Published: October 2009

The DIE NEUTRALIS (DNE) locus in garden pea (Pisum sativum) was previously shown to inhibit flowering under noninductive short-day conditions and to affect a graft-transmissible flowering signal. In this study, we establish that DNE has a role in diurnal and/or circadian regulation of several clock genes, including the pea GIGANTEA (GI) ortholog LATE BLOOMER 1 (LATE1) and orthologs of the Arabidopsis thaliana genes LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL and TIMING OF CHLOROPHYLL A/B BINDING PROTEIN EXPRESSION 1. We also confirm that LATE1 participates in the clock and provide evidence that DNE is the ortholog of Arabidopsis  EARLY FLOWERING4 (ELF4). Circadian rhythms of clock gene expression in wild-type plants under constant light were weaker in pea than in Arabidopsis, and a number of differences were also seen in the effects of both DNE/ELF4 and LATE1/GI on clock gene expression. Grafting studies suggest that DNE controls flowering at least in part through a LATE1-dependent mobile stimulus, and dne mutants show elevated expression of a FLOWERING LOCUS T homolog under short-day conditions. However, the early flowering of the dne mutant is not associated with altered expression of a previously described CONSTANS-like gene. Collectively, our results characterize the clock system and reveal its importance for photoperiod responsiveness in a model legume.
Structural evolution of the Gediz Graben, SW Turkey: temporal and spatial variation of the graben basin
Authors: Çiftçi N. B. , Bozkurt E.
Published: October 2009

The structural evolution of the Miocene to Recent Gediz Graben is intimately related to the evolution of its southern margin. This margin is shaped by a time‐transgressive, composite structure that possesses flat‐ramp geometry with three separate dip domains: a low‐angle shallow segment; a steeper middle segment; and a low‐angle deeper segment. This geometry was probably produced by one of two mechanisms, which operated perpendicular to the general trend of the graben, resulting in gradual back‐rotation followed by abandonment of the shallow segment as it was dissected by the high‐angle normal fault(s). The geometry of the southern margin structure is not simple along‐strike. It includes broad undulations and discrete fault segments, developed by large‐scale fault growth processes through segment linkage. The along‐strike growth of the southern margin‐bounding structure is responsible for the composite character of the Gediz Graben and controls the observed stratigraphic variability. Two sub‐basins aligned with the major segments of the southern graben margin structure have been investigated. The Salihli and Alaşehir sub‐basins comprising 3000 m sedimentary thickness are separated by an intervening basement high, that is covered by a thin veneer of post‐Miocene sediments. The two sub‐basins, which evolved as isolated basins during most of the graben history, amalgamated during post‐Miocene time to form the composite configuration of the graben. There is a general east to west trend of growth for the Gediz Graben.
Heparin regulates colon cancer cell growth through p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling
Authors: Chatzinikolaou G. , Nikitovic D. , Berdiaki A. , Zafiropoulos A. , Katonis P. , Karamanos N. K. , Tzanakakis G. N.
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  Heparin acts as an extracellular stimulus capable of activating major cell signalling pathways. Thus, we examined the putative mechanisms utilized by heparin to stimulate HT29, SW1116 and HCT116 colon cancer cell growth.

Materials and methods:  Possible participation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade on heparin‐induced HT29, SW1116 and HCT116 colon cancer cell growth was evaluated using specific MAPK cascade inhibitors, Western blot analysis, real‐time quantitative PCR and FACS apoptosis analysis.

Results:  Treatment with a highly specific p38 kinase inhibitor, SB203580, significantly (50–70%) inhibited heparin‐induced colon cancer cell growth, demonstrating that p38 MAPK signalling is involved in their heparin‐induced proliferative response. This was shown to be correlated with increased (up to 3‐fold) phosphorylation of 181/182 threonine/tyrosine residues on p38 MAP kinase. Furthermore, heparin inhibited cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 and p53 tumour suppressor gene and protein expression up to 2‐fold or 1.8‐fold, respectively, and stimulated cyclin D1 expression up to 1.8‐fold, in these cell lines through a p38‐mediated mechanism. On the other hand, treatment with heparin did not appear to affect HT29, SW1116 and HCT116 cell levels of apoptosis.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that an extracellular glycosaminoglycan, heparin, finely modulates expression of genes crucial to cell cycle regulation through specific activation of p38 MAP kinase to stimulate colon cancer cell growth.
Component‐resolved diagnosis of pollen allergy based on skin testing with profilin, polcalcin and lipid transfer protein pan‐allergens
Authors: Barber D. , De La Torre F. , Lombardero M. , Antépara I. , Colas C. , Dávila I. , Tabar A. I. , Vidal C. , Villalba M. , Salcedo G. , Rodríguez R.
Published: October 2009

Background
Allergy diagnosis needs to be improved in patients suffering from pollen polysensitization due to the existence of possible confounding factors in this type of patients.

Objective
To evaluate new diagnostic strategies by comparing skin responses to pan‐allergens and conventional allergenic extracts with specific IgE (sIgE) to purified allergen molecules.

Methods
One thousand three hundred and twenty‐nine pollen‐allergic patients were diagnosed by a combination of an in vitro method with a panel of 13 purified allergens, including major allergens and pan‐allergens, using a high‐capacity screening technology (ADVIA‐Centaur®) and skin prick test (SPT) to pan‐allergens and conventional extracts.

Results
There was a high concordance (κ index) between in vitro (sIgE to major allergens) and in vivo (SPT to conventional extracts) methods in patients who were not sensitized to pan‐allergens, but SPT with conventional extracts failed to diagnose patients with sensitization to pan‐allergens. In patients who were simultaneously sensitized to polcalcins and profilins, there was a duplication both in the number of sensitizations to major allergens and in the years of disease evolution. There was a statistical association between sensitization to profilins and/or lipid transfer proteins and food allergy (P<0.0001).

Conclusion
The novel diagnostic strategy has proven to be a valuable tool in daily clinical practice. Introduction of routine SPT to pan‐allergens is a simple and feasible way of improving diagnostic efficacy. Patients sensitized to pan‐allergens should be tested by an adequate panel of allergenic molecules in order to identify the allergens that are responsible for the allergic disease.
Cost of care of haemophilia with inhibitors
Authors: MINNO M. N. D. DI , MINNO G. DI , CAPUA M. DI , CERBONE A. M. , COPPOLA A.
Published: October 2009

Summary.  In Western countries, the treatment of patients with inhibitors is presently the most challenging and serious issue in haemophilia management, direct costs of clotting factor concentrates accounting for >98% of the highest economic burden absorbed for the healthcare of patients in this setting. Being designed to address questions of resource allocation and effectiveness, decision models are the golden standard to reliably assess the overall economic implications of haemophilia with inhibitors in terms of mortality, bleeding‐related morbidity, and severity of arthropathy. However, presently, most data analyses stem from retrospective short‐term evaluations, that only allow for the analysis of direct health costs. In the setting of chronic diseases, the cost‐utility analysis, that takes into account the beneficial effects of a given treatment/healthcare intervention in terms of health‐related quality of life, is likely to be the most appropriate approach. To calculate net benefits, the quality adjusted life year, that significantly reflects such health gain, has to be compared with specific economic impacts. Differences in data sources, in medical practice and/or in healthcare systems and costs, imply that most current pharmacoeconomic analyses are confined to a narrow healthcare payer perspective. Long‐term/lifetime prospective or observational studies, devoted to a careful definition of when to start a treatment; of regimens (dose and type of product) to employ, and of inhibitor population (children/adults, low‐responding/high responding inhibitors) to study, are thus urgently needed to allow for newer insights, based on reliable data sources into resource allocation, effectiveness and cost‐utility analysis in the treatment of haemophiliacs with inhibitors.
Quantitative measurement of venous invasion of colorectal cancer with metachronous liver metastasis
Authors: Mori Daisuke , Shibaki Masami , Masuda Masanori , Yamasaki Fumio
Published: October 2009

Aims:  Many studies have proven the importance of venous invasion in colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis. The aim was to clarify the relationship between venous invasion and metachronous liver metastasis, which is not fully understood.

Methods and results:  A histological study of venous invasion in colorectal carcinoma was performed using a total of 156 patients, of whom 52 survived without recurrence for 5 years (Group A); 47 had metachronous liver metastasis (Group B), and 57 had synchronous liver metastasis (Group C). The number and the maximum area of venous invasion were estimated in each case per ×40 field of cancerous lesions, which were divided into intramural and extramural lesions. A high incidence and high average number of foci of venous invasion appeared in Groups B and C. The average maximum areas of extramural venous invasion were much larger in Groups B and C than in Group A.

Conclusions:  The average number of foci of venous invasion by colorectal cancer with metachronous liver metastasis did not differ significantly from that with synchronous ones. Furthermore, invasion into extramural large veins appeared to be associated with liver metastasis.
The delicate balance between male and female sex determining pathways: potential for disruption of early steps in sexual development
Authors: Koopman P.
Published: October 2009

Testes and ovaries develop from the same primordial structures, the genital ridges, in the mammalian foetus. Male development depends critically on the correct functioning of the Y‐linked testis‐determining gene, Sry. However, Sry is highly vulnerable to mutation, and so does not provide a very robust sex‐determining mechanism. Both in testes and in ovaries, proper gonadal development involves co‐ordinated regulation of the bipotential fates of a number of different cell lineages, and is dependent on intercellular signalling mechanisms. If either the testicular or ovarian pathway stalls in the early stages, mechanisms operate to engage the alternative pathway. For these reasons, the early steps in mammalian sexual development are vulnerable to genetic and environmental perturbation, and represent possible points of action of endocrine disrupting compounds.
Development, validity and reliability of the food allergy independent measure (FAIM)
Authors: Van Der Velde J. L. , Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. , Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , Oude Elberink J. N. G. , DunnGalvin A. , Hourihane J. O’B. , Duiverman E. J. , Dubois A. E. J.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: van der Velde JL, Flokstra‐de Blok BMJ, Vlieg‐Boerstra BJ, Oude Elberink JNG, DunnGalvin A, Hourihane JO’B, Duiverman EJ, Dubois AEJ. Development, validity and reliability of the food allergy independent measure (FAIM). Allergy 2010; 65: 630–635.

Background:  The Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Child Form, ‐Teenager Form and ‐Adult Form (FAQLQ‐CF, ‐TF and ‐AF) have recently been developed. To measure construct validity in the FAQLQs, a suitable independent measure was needed with which FAQLQ scores could be correlated. However, in food allergy, no appropriate independent measure existed, which could be used for this purpose.

Aims of the study:  The aim of this study was to describe the development of a Food Allergy Independent Measure Child‐Form, ‐Teenager Form and ‐Adult Form (FAIM‐CF, ‐TF and ‐AF) and to assess their validity and reliability.

Methods:  The FAIMs were developed using previously established methodology to capture the patients’ expectation of outcome (EO). Face validity was determined by expert opinion. FAIM questions showing no correlation to any potential items in the FAQLQs were considered irrelevant and eliminated. To measure test‐retest reliability, one‐hundred and one patients were included and completed the FAIM twice with a 10–14 day interval. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland‐Altman plots were used to assess test‐retest reliability.

Results:  Six FAIM questions were developed and considered relevant for the FAIM‐CF and ‐AF, and five questions were relevant for the FAIM‐TF. The FAIMs showed good reliability with ICCs and CCCs above 0.70 and with mean differences all close to zero.

Conclusions:  Food allergy independent measures were developed for children, adolescents and adults and were shown to be valid, relevant and reliable. This supports the suitability of the FAIMs for evaluating construct validity.
Comparative Performance of Rice with System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Conventional Management using Different Plant Spacings
Authors: Thakur A. K. , Rath S. , Roychowdhury S. , Uphoff N.
Published: October 2009

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) reportedly enhances the yields of rice (Oryza sativa L.) through synergy among several agronomic management practices. This study was conducted to investigate the effects on rice plant characteristics and yield by comparing the plants grown with different methods of cultivation – SRI vs. recommended management practices (RMP) focusing on the impact of different plant spacings.

Performance of individual hills was significantly improved with wider spacing compared with closer‐spaced hills in terms of root growth and xylem exudation rates, leaf number and leaf sizes, canopy angle, tiller and panicle number, panicle length and grain number per panicle, grain filling and 1000‐grain weight and straw weight, irrespective of whether SRI or RMP was employed. Both sets of practices gave their highest grain yield with the spacing of 20 × 20 cm; however, SRI yielded 40 % more than the recommended practice. At this spacing, canopies also had the highest leaf area index (LAI) and light interception during flowering stage. The lowest yield was recorded at 30 × 30 cm spacing under both the practices, as a result of less plant population (11 m−2), despite improved hill performance.

During the ripening stage, hills with wider spacing had larger root dry weight, produced greater xylem exudates, and transported these towards shoot at faster rates. These features contributed to the maintenance of higher chlorophyll levels, enhanced fluorescence and photosynthesis rates of leaves and supported more favourable yield attributes and grain yield in individual hills than in closely‐spaced plants.

Moreover, these parameters further improved in SRI, apart from the enhanced percentage of effective tillers and showed substantial and positive impacts on grain yield (17 %) compared with recommended practice. In conclusion, wide spacing beyond optimum plant density, however, does not give higher grain yield on an area basis and for achieving this, a combination of improved hills with optimum plant population must be worked out for SRI.
Scrotal nubbins associated with blind‐ending spermatic vessels and a normal vas deferens on laparoscopy
Authors: Yamazaki Yuichiro , Suzuki Mari , Shiroyanagi Yoshiyuki , Matsuno Daisuke , Tanaka Yukichi
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  To determine whether a scrotal nubbin is present in children with unilateral non‐palpable testis when diagnostic laparoscopy demonstrates blind‐ending vessels and a normal vas deferens entering a closed internal ring.

Methods:  Eighty consecutive patients with a unilateral nonpalpable testis were retrospectively reviewed. Patients underwent initial diagnostic laparoscopy, and, if needed, subsequent inguinal exploration was performed. On inguinal exploration, any testicular remnant or nubbin‐like tissue was removed and evaluated histologically. Patients with a patent processus vaginalis were excluded from this analysis.

Results:  Overall, 60 of the 80 patients had neither an abdominal testis nor a patent processus vaginalis. Of these 60, 34 patients had both a vas deferens and spermatic vessels entering a closed internal ring, and all of these underwent inguinal exploration. A total of 17 patients had both a blind‐ending vas deferens and blind‐ending spermatic vessels; no inguinal exploration was attempted. In nine patients, laparoscopy revealed blind‐ending vessels with a normal vas deferens entering the closed internal ring. Of these nine, six underwent inguinal exploration, and a scrotal nubbins was found in three. At histological examination, hemosiderin deposit and calcification were seen in the nubbin tissue. No viable germ cell was detected in these specimens.

Conclusions:  A laparoscopic finding of blind‐ending vessels above the closed internal ring does not mean intra‐abdominal vanished testis, regardless of the appearance of the vas deferens.
Applicability of blunt renal trauma classification of Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma (JAST)
Authors: Nishizawa Satoshi , Mori Takashi , Shintani Yasuyo , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Inagaki Takeshi , Hara Isao
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  The Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma (JAST) classification is widely applied to select strategies in the treatment of blunt renal trauma in Japan. We retrospectively investigated the applicability of the JAST classification.

Methods:  The JAST classification comprises type I (subcapsular), type II (superficial), type III (deep) and pedicle vessel traumas. According to these criteria, we reviewed 70 patients with blunt renal trauma (types I, II, III and PV; n = 23, 22, 22 and 3, respectively) who were admitted to our institution between 1991 and 2007.

Results:  All patients with type I trauma were managed conservatively and three patients with PV trauma underwent nephrectomy. Whereas two patients with underlying acquired cystic disease of the kidney underwent nephrectomy among type II trauma, the other patients were treated conservatively. As four patients with type III trauma underwent nephrectomy, injury type subclass and hemorrhage severity were significant prognostic factors indicating the need for nephrectomy in this group. Since we introduced transcatheter arterial embolization in 1999, none of our patients have needed nephrectomy due to a hemorrhage, but one patient underwent nephrectomy because of persistent urine leakage.

Conclusion:  Injury type and the hemorrhage severity are useful for determining treatment strategy. After the introduction of transcatheter arterial embolization, the proportion of nephrectomies due to exsanguination decreased and urine leakage also seems to be more important as a prognostic factor.
Understanding relationships among multiple ecosystem services
Authors: Bennett Elena M. , Peterson Garry D. , Gordon Line J.
Published: October 2009

Ecology Letters (2009) 12: 1394–1404

Ecosystem management that attempts to maximize the production of one ecosystem service often results in substantial declines in the provision of other ecosystem services. For this reason, recent studies have called for increased attention to development of a theoretical understanding behind the relationships among ecosystem services. Here, we review the literature on ecosystem services and propose a typology of relationships between ecosystem services based on the role of drivers and the interactions between services. We use this typology to develop three propositions to help drive ecological science towards a better understanding of the relationships among multiple ecosystem services. Research which aims to understand the relationships among multiple ecosystem services and the mechanisms behind these relationships will improve our ability to sustainably manage landscapes to provide multiple ecosystem services.
Persistence and the four‐factor model in the Australian funds market: a note
Authors: Humphrey Jacquelyn E. , O’Brien Michael A.
Published: October 2009

We investigate whether Australian fund managers are able to deliver persistent performance using Carhart’s (1997) four‐factor model. Short‐ and long‐term persistence is examined and the sample is also divided into unit trusts and superannuation funds. We do not find evidence of persistence in any sample of funds. We find that winner (loser) funds tend to hold past winner (loser) stocks. Winner and loser unit trusts both appear to have positive exposure to small stocks.
The flight‐to‐quality effect: a copula‐based analysis
Authors: Durand Robert B. , Junker Markus , Szimayer Alex
Published: October 2009

We derive and estimate a copula combining the features of the Frank and Gumbel copulas to analyse the relationship between equity and long‐term bond returns. Our analysis of quarterly returns from 1952 to 2003 finds that, in general, there is a positive relationship between equity returns and bond returns. In extreme situations, however, there is approximately a one‐in‐seven chance of a flight‐to‐quality effect where large negative equity returns are associated with large positive bond returns.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease from pathogenesis to management: an update
Authors: Musso G. , Gambino R. , Cassader M.
Published: October 2009

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease in the Western world, is tightly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD entails an increased cardiometabolic and liver‐related risk, the latter regarding almost exclusively non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of NAFLD. Pathogenetic models encompass altered hepatic lipid partitioning and adipokine action, increased oxidative stress, free fatty acid lipotoxicity. On this basis, lifestyle‐, drug‐ or surgically induced weight loss, insulin sensitizers, antioxidants, lipid‐lowering drugs have been evaluated in NAFLD/NASH. Most trials are small, of short duration, nonrandomized, without histological end points, thus limiting assessment of long‐term safety and efficacy of proposed treatments.

All NAFLD patients should be evaluated for their metabolic, cardiovascular and liver‐related risk. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for staging NAFLD, but non‐invasive methods are under intense development. Weight loss through lifestyle intervention is the initial approach, because of established efficacy on NAFLD‐associated cardiometabolic abnormalities, and to emerging benefits on necroinflammation and overall disease activity in NASH. Bariatric surgery warrants further evaluation before it can be routinely considered in morbidly obese NASH.

Larger‐ and longer‐duration randomized trials assessing safety and benefits of drugs on patient‐oriented outcomes are needed before pharmacological treatment can be routinely recommended for NASH.
Contribution of animal models to the understanding of the metabolic syndrome: a systematic overview
Authors: Varga O. , Harangi M. , Olsson I. A. S. , Hansen A. K.
Published: October 2009

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most important challenges to public health and biomedical research. Animal models of MetS, such as leptin‐deficient obese mice, obese spontaneously hypertensive rats, JCR: LA‐cp rats and the Ossabaw and Göttingen minipigs, have contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiological basis and the development of novel therapies. For a complex disease syndrome, no animal model can be expected to serve all needs of research. Although each animal model has limitations and strengths, used together in a complementary fashion, they are essential for research on the MetS and for rapid progress in understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis towards a cure. The purpose of this review is to assess how current animal models contributed to our knowledge of the human MetS, and to systematically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the currently available 78 animal models from 11 species.