bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Note: Electrohydrodynamic atomization of liquid sheet
Authors: Lee Yi-Hsuan , Zhang Jingjie , Chen Da-Ren
Published: February 2011

Novel electrohydrodynamic atomization via liquid sheet is presented herein to produce monodisperse. Instead of multiple capillaries/holes used in previous publication, the spray heads with a circular slit exit, shaping the spray liquid into a thin sheet, were utilized. A number of notches were machined along the outer edge of an annular slit to bifurcate the liquid sheet into multiple jets and anchor them to establish the stable multijet operation. The liquid-sheet electrospray heads with 6, 12, and 20 notches were investigated in this study. It is observed that, for spraying liquids of low electrical conductivity, the maximal liquid flowrate of a 20-notched head is 166 times higher than that of single capillary with an inner diameter the same as the slit spacing of studied heads. The above observation evidences that the liquid-sheet electrospray technique and heads have excellent potential for high mass throughput while keeping the spray head cost low.
Strain-mediated electric-field control of photoinduced demagnetization in La0.8Ca0.2MnO3 thin films
Authors: Guo E. J. , Gao J. , Lu H. B.
Published: February 2011

La 0.8 Ca 0.2 MnO 3 (LCMO) thin films have been epitaxially grown on ferroelectric 0.67Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.33PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) substrates. The substrate-induced strain effects on the transport and photoinduced demagnetization in LCMO films were investigated. The photoinduced resistances (PRs) of LCMO systematically changed versus temperature before and after ferroelectric-poling on PMN-PT, indicating that photoexcited extra carriers in LCMO may suppress the neighboring spin correlation due to the photoassisted hopping of anti-Jahn–Teller polarons. Moreover, a significant modulation on PR by electric fields applied across PMN-PT was observed. In situ x-ray diffraction indicates that the observed variations result from substrate-induced strain due to the ferroelectric polarization or converse piezoelectric effect.
Spectral-domain phase microscopy with improved sensitivity using two-dimensional detector arrays
Authors: Singh K. , Dion C. , Lesk M. R. , Ozaki T. , Costantino S.
Published: February 2011

In this work we demonstrate the use of two-dimensional detectors to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and sensitivity in spectral-domain phase microscopy for subnanometer accuracy measurements. We show that an increase in SNR can be obtained, from 82 dB to 105 dB, using 150 pixel lines of a low-cost CCD camera as compared to a single line, to compute an averaged axial scan. In optimal mechanical conditions, phase stability as small as 92 μrad, corresponding to 6 pm displacement accuracy, could be obtained. We also experimentally demonstrate the benefit of spatial-averaging in terms of the reduction of signal fading due to an axially moving sample. The applications of the improved system are illustrated by imaging live cells in culture.
Hedgehog, meet Patched
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: February 2011

Proteoglycan ensures that the Hedgehog protein and its receptor make a connection.
Harald Stenmark: Hands on FYVE-fingers
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: February 2011

Stenmark studies how FYVE-finger proteins control cellular membrane dynamics.
The frontotemporal dementia mutation R406W blocks tau’s interaction with the membrane in an annexin A2–dependent manner
Authors: Gauthier-Kemper Anne , Weissmann Carina , Golovyashkina Nataliya , Sebö-Lemke Zsofia , Drewes Gerard , Gerke Volker , Heinisch Jürgen J. , Brandt Roland
Published: February 2011

Changes of the microtubule-associated protein tau are central in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17). However, the functional consequence of the FTDP-17 tau mutation R406W, which causes a tauopathy clinically resembling AD, is not well understood. We find that the R406W mutation does not affect microtubule interaction but abolishes tau’s membrane binding. Loss of binding is associated with decreased trapping at the tip of neurites and increased length fluctuations during process growth. Tandem affinity purification tag purification and mass spectrometry identify the calcium-regulated plasma membrane–binding protein annexin A2 (AnxA2) as a potential interaction partner of tau. Consistently, wild-type tau but not R406W tau interacts with AnxA2 in a heterologous yeast expression system. Sequestration of Ca2+ or knockdown of AnxA2 abolishes the differential trapping of wild-type and R406W tau. We suggest that the pathological effect of the R406W mutation is caused by impaired membrane binding, which involves a functional interaction with AnxA2 as a membrane–cytoskeleton linker.
The yeast Cbk1 kinase regulates mRNA localization via the mRNA-binding protein Ssd1
Authors: Kurischko Cornelia , Kim Hong Kyung , Kuravi Venkata K. , Pratzka Juliane , Luca Francis C.
Published: February 2011

The mRNA-binding protein Ssd1 is a substrate for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae LATS/NDR orthologue Cbk1, which controls polarized growth, cell separation, and cell integrity. We discovered that most Ssd1 localizes diffusely within the cytoplasm, but some transiently accumulates at sites of polarized growth. Cbk1 inhibition and cellular stress cause Ssd1 to redistribute to mRNA processing bodies (P-bodies) and stress granules, which are known to repress translation. Ssd1 recruitment to P-bodies is independent of mRNA binding and is promoted by the removal of Cbk1 phosphorylation sites. SSD1 deletion severely impairs the asymmetric localization of the Ssd1-associated mRNA, SRL1. Expression of phosphomimetic Ssd1 promotes polarized localization of SRL1 mRNA, whereas phosphorylation-deficient Ssd1 causes constitutive localization of SRL1 mRNA to P-bodies and causes cellular lysis. These data support the model that Cbk1-mediated phosphorylation of Ssd1 promotes the cortical localization of Ssd1–mRNA complexes, whereas Cbk1 inhibition, cellular stress, and Ssd1 dephosphorylation promote Ssd1–mRNA interactions with P-bodies and stress granules, leading to translational repression.
The GL-l.u.st. constant and asymmetry of the Kalton-Peck twisted sum in finite dimensions
Authors: Gordon Y. , Junge M. , Meyer M. , Reisner S.
Published: February 2011

We prove that the Kalton-Peck twisted sum

Z
2
n

Z_2^n

of

n
n

-dimensional Hilbert spaces has a GL-l.u.st. constant of order

log
⁡
n

\log n

and bounded GL constant. This is the first concrete example which shows different explicit orders of growth in the GL and GL-l.u.st. constants. We also discuss the asymmetry constants of

Z
2
n

Z_2^n

.
Comparison of Oil, Shortening, and a Structured Shortening on Wheat Dough Rheology and Starch Pasting Properties
Authors: Huschka Brittany , Challacombe Carolyn , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Seetharaman Koushik
Published: February 2011

Monoacylglycerol‐stabilized oil in water emulsion (MAG gel) is an alternate shortening that is free of trans fatty acids, and low in saturated fatty acids. However, the behavior of MAG gels in comparison to other lipids has not been studied. This study investigated effects of structured MAG gel, a mixture of MAG gel unstructured components (Mixture), canola oil (Oil), or interesterified soy shortening (IE Soy) at different levels (6–24%) on hard or soft wheat dough properties. Doughs were prepared with different lipid types at equivalent lipid contents. Dough mixing and water absorption parameters were evaluated using a farinograph; gluten behavior was measured using a gluten peak tester (GPT); and pasting characteristics were measured using a micro‐viscoamylograph (MVAG). Water absorption values decreased with increasing lipid content. Dough development times were similar between the MAG gel and IE Soy, but farinogram curve characteristics during mixing were similar between MAG gel, Mixture, and Oil. The trend for peak max time in GPT was similar between MAG gel and IE Soy exhibiting delayed gluten aggregation; whereas Mixture and Oil exhibited earlier gluten aggregation. In MVAG, starch interaction with monoglyceride component of MAG gel and Mixture appeared to be the dominating factor resulting in increased pasting temperature and a second viscosity peak during cooling at higher levels of lipid addition.
Efficacy of a Nonpathogenic Acidovorax citrulli Strain as a Biocontrol Seed Treatment for Bacterial Fruit Blotch of Cucurbits
Authors: Johnson K. L. , Minsavage G. V. , Le T. , Jones J. B. , Walcott R. R.
Published: February 2011

Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), caused by the seedborne, gram-negative bacterium Acidovorax citrulli, is a serious threat to cucurbit seed and fruit production worldwide. Because of the lack of effective management strategies, we investigated the efficacy of a nonpathogenic A. citrulli strain as a biological control seed treatment for BFB. For this study, we generated a type III secretion system mutant of A. citrulli, AAC00-1ΔhrcC, that was nonpathogenic on watermelon but retained its ability to colonize germinating watermelon seed. With watermelon seed naturally infested with A. citrulli, AAC00-1ΔhrcC reduced BFB seedling transmission by 81.8% relative to control seed. In comparison, another A. citrulli antagonist, A. avenae strain AAA 99-2, reduced BFB seedling transmission by 74.6% for seed samples from the same lot. Additionally, when female watermelon blossoms were protected with AAC00-ΔhrcC and subsequently challenged with AAC00-1, the resulting seedlots displayed 8% BFB seedling transmission. This was not significantly different than seed from blossoms protected with AAA 99-2 (4%) but significantly less than those from blossoms protected with 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (36%). These results suggest that nonpathogenic A. citrulli has potential as a biological control seed treatment component in a comprehensive BFB management program.
First Report of Pepper mottle virus in Bell Pepper in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Y. H. , Deng T. C. , Chen C. C. , Liao J. Y. , Chang C. A. , Chiang C. H.
Published: February 2011

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants exhibiting systemic mild mosaic, vein yellowing, and leaf malformation were collected from Puli City in 2006. Double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA was used to test these samples for Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) infection using polyclonal antibodies. In addition, Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, and Nicotiana benthamiana plants were mechanically inoculated with sap extracted from collected samples. Ten days postinoculation, chlorotic local lesions were observed on inoculated leaves of C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor plants, whereas, systemic mosaic and foliar distortion symptoms were developed on upper leaves of N. benthamiana plants. The DAS-ELISA test showed that field-collected pepper samples and inoculated leaves of C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor were infected with ChiVMV, while N. benthamiana with mosaic symptoms did not react with ChiVMV antibodies. To confirm ChiVMV, field-collected samples as well as mechanically inoculated plants were tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using the potyvirus degenerate primers Hrp5/Pot1 (2). Amplified RT-PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of amplified fragments (1.4 kb) revealed that field-collected pepper samples were infected with ChiVMV and Pepper mottle virus (PepMoV). The DNA fragment amplified from C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor showed high (99.2%) sequence identities with the CP gene of ChiVMV (3) (GenBank Accession No. AM909717). However, amplicons obtained from N. benthamiana plants (GenBank Accession No. HQ329082) that showed mosaic symptoms showed 83.6% to 98.7% nucleotide identities with PepMoV (GenBank Accession Nos. AB126033, AF227728, AF440801, AF501591, EU586133, and M96425). Next, a pure isolate of PepMoV was established on N. benthamiana by mechanical inoculation of diluted plant sap obtained from a PepMoV-infected N. benthamiana plant. Bell pepper plants inoculated with the Taiwan isolate of PepMoV developed mosaic and leaf distortion symptoms. Antiserum against the PepMoV Taiwan isolate was subsequently prepared by immunizing rabbits with purified virus particles. Using the prepared antiserum and specific primers (1) to detect PepMoV, ChiVMV, and Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), three viruses could be readily detected and differentiated from diseased bell peppers in the field. In a survey done in 2007, 18 of 33 pepper samples from southern Taiwan were found with mixed infections of PepMoV and ChiVMV, seven samples were infected with PepMoV and PVMV, five samples were infected with PVMV, and another three samples were infected with ChiVMV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of PepMoV in bell peppers in Taiwan.

References: (1) Y. H. Cheng et al. Plant Dis. 93:107, 2009. (2) S. S. Pappu et al. Plant Dis. 82:1121, 1998. (3) W. S. Tsai et al. Plant Pathol. 58:408, 2008.
Seasonal Prevalence of Species of Binucleate Rhizoctonia Fungi in Growing Medium, Leaf Litter, and Stems of Container-Grown Azalea
Authors: Copes Warren E. , Rodriguez-Carres Marianela , Toda Takeshi , Rinehart Tim A. , Cubeta Marc A.
Published: February 2011

Rhizoctonia web blight is an annual problem on container-grown azalea (Rhododendron spp.) in the southern and eastern United States but little is documented about the distribution or persistence of Rhizoctonia spp. in container-grown azalea. Sixty web-blight-damaged azalea plants (‘Gumpo White’) were collected in August 2005 and 2006 and arranged in a completely randomized design on an outdoor irrigation pad. A nylon mesh bag containing 30 necrotic leaves collected from web-blight-damaged ‘Gumpo White’ azalea plants were placed on the surface of the medium under the plant canopy in each container to simulate leaf litter. Ten plants were destructively sampled into eight zones by dividing stems into three zones (lengths of 0 to 2, 4 to 6, and 9 to 15 cm above the medium surface), bagged leaves into one leaf litter zone, and the medium into four zones (three horizontal layers: 1 to 3, 3 to 7, and 7 to 10 cm below the medium surface, with the middle layer further divided by removing the central 7.5-cm-diameter core) in December, February, and May. Only the three stem zones were sampled from 10 plants in early and late June and late July. Of 8,940 total isolations, 3,655 fungi with morphological characteristics of a Rhizoctonia sp. were recovered. Percent recovery differed from the eight zones (P < 0.0001) but did not differ between years (P = 0.3950) and sampling times (P = 0.1896). Frequency of recovery of Rhizoctonia spp. was highest from the lower stem and the leaf litter, and decreased with distance from the leaf litter. Recovery from stems over the six sample times was analyzed separately. Percent recovery differed between stem zones (P < 0.0001), sample times (P = 0.0478), and experiment years (P < 0.0001). In both years, mean recovery of Rhizoctonia spp. was higher from the lower stem and decreased with distance to the upper stem layer. From a subsample of 145 isolates, 95.1% were identified as binucleate Rhizoctonia (BNR) anastomosis groups (AGs)-A, -G, -K, -R, -S, and -U (-P), and 2.8 and 2.1% were Rhizoctonia solani AG-2 and an uncultured Laetisaria sp., respectively. Based on frequency analysis, recovery of BNR AGs differed by plant zone (P < 0.0001) but not over sample times (P = 0.4831). The six AGs of BNR are the predominant Rhizoctonia fungi occupying the habitat niches in container-grown azalea, with little change in population frequency and composition from fall to summer; thus, BNR pathogenic and nonpathogenic to azalea have established a mixed Rhizoctonia community on container-grown azalea.
Postharvest Fruit Rots of Apple in Greece: Pathogen Incidence and Relationships Between Fruit Quality Parameters, Cultivar Susceptibility, and Patulin Production
Authors: Konstantinou S. , Karaoglanidis G. S. , Bardas G. A. , Minas I. S. , Doukas E. , Markoglou A. N.
Published: February 2011

The incidence of pathogens associated with postharvest fruit rots on the four most extensively cultivated apple cultivars (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Fuji) in Greece was surveyed during two consecutive storage periods (2008–09 and 2009–10) in five packinghouses located in northern Greece. The fungi isolated were identified based on their morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer gene sequencing. In the four cultivars sampled, Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea were the predominant pathogens, accounting for averages of 44.2 and 23.6%, respectively, of the pathogens isolated from the sampled fruit. Two other important rot pathogens were Alternaria tenuissima and Mucor pyriformis, accounting for 16.1 and 6.6%, respectively, of the diseased apple fruit. Other pathogens such as Monilinia laxa, M. fructigena, Botryosphaeria obtusa, Geotrichum candidum, Fusarium avenaceum, and F. proliferatum were isolated at low frequencies and are considered of minor importance. Measurements of the resistance level of the four apple cultivars to fruit rot caused by P. expansum and Botrytis cinerea revealed that Golden Delicious was the most susceptible to blue mold while Fuji was the most susceptible to gray mold infections. Susceptibility to gray mold was negatively correlated with flavonoid and phenol concentration as well to fruit antioxidant activity, while susceptibility to blue mold was negatively correlated with fruit firmness and phenol concentration. Patulin production was significantly higher in Red Delicious and Golden Delicious fruit than in Granny Smith and Fuji fruit and was negatively correlated with the acidity of the fruit. The high incidence of P. expansum and A. tenuissima along with the presence of F. avenaceum and F. proliferatum, all of which are potentially mycotoxin producers, emphasize the risk for mycotoxin contamination of apple fruit juices and by-products. Furthermore, information on the distribution of the pathogens on the main cultivars may be useful for the implementation of strategies to control the diseases and minimize the threat of mycotoxin contamination on each cultivar.
Low breast milk levels of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids in allergic women, despite frequent fish intake
Authors: Johansson S. , Wold A. E. , Sandberg A‐S
Published: February 2011

Cite this as: S. Johansson, A. E. Wold and A‐S Sandberg, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 505–515.

Background
Long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have immune regulating and anti‐inflammatory effects. However, their role in allergic disease is unclear. Allergic diseases are immunologically heterogeneous, and we hypothesized that n‐3 fatty acid composition in serum and breast milk may vary according to clinical manifestations. Further, animal studies have shown reduction of serum‐PUFA levels during allergic inflammation.

Objective
To investigate fatty acid composition in breast milk and serum from women with different atopic disease manifestations. Secondly, to determine whether low PUFA levels reflected insufficient intakes.

Methods
Fatty acids were analysed in breast milk and serum of women with atopic eczema and respiratory allergy (n=16), only respiratory allergy (n=7), as well as healthy women (n=22). Dietary intake of foods expected to affect long‐chain n‐3 PUFA levels were estimated by food‐frequency questionnaire. The fatty acid pattern was related to diagnostic group and intake of relevant food items using a multivariate pattern recognition method (partial least squares projections to latent structures and discriminant analysis).

Results
Women with a combination of eczema and respiratory allergy had lower breast milk levels of several PUFAs (arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, and docosapentaenoic acid, DPA), and a lower ratio of long‐chain n‐3 PUFAs/n‐6 PUFAs. Their PUFA levels differed not only from that of healthy women, but also from that of women with only respiratory allergy. The latter had a fatty acid pattern similar to that of healthy women. Despite low EPA, DHA and DPA levels women with eczema and respiratory allergy consumed no less fish than did healthy women.

Conclusion & Clinical Relevance
Our data suggest that reduced levels of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids in serum and breast milk characterize women with extensive allergic disease including eczema, and are not related to low fish intake. Consumption of PUFAs during the allergic process may explain these findings.
In vitro diagnosis of T cell‐mediated drug allergy
Authors: Porebski G. , Gschwend‐Zawodniak A. , Pichler W. J.
Published: February 2011

Cite this as: G. Porebski, A. Gschwend‐Zawodniak and W. J. Pichler, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 461–470.

Diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity relies on history, skin tests, in vitro tests and provocation tests. In vitro tests are of great interest, due to possible reduction of drug provocation tests. In this review we focus on best investigated in vitro techniques for the diagnosis of T cell‐mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions. As drug hypersensitivity relies on different pathomechanisms and as a single diagnostic test usually does not cover all possible reactions, it is advisable to combine different tests to increase the overall sensitivity. Recently, proliferation‐based assays have been supplemented by a panel of novel in vitro tests including analysis of cytotoxic potential of effector cells (granzyme B, granulysin, CD107a), evaluation of cytokine secretion (IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ) and up‐regulation of cell surface activation markers (CD69). We discuss the latest findings and readout systems to identify causative drugs by detecting functional and phenotypic markers of drug‐reacting cells, and their ability to enable a more conclusive diagnosis of drug allergy.
A review and commentary on the factors that influence expressions of sexuality by older people in care homes
Authors: Elias Jayne , Ryan Assumpta
Published: February 2011

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to review the literature on factors that influence the expression of sexuality by older people in care homes.

Background.  Sexuality is an intrinsic part of what we are, however there is evidence to suggest that the sexual needs of older people are often overlooked, particularly in long‐term care settings. Whilst there is information about sexuality and its expression in later life, questions remain as to how this influences and is influenced by the behaviours and experiences of residents and staff in care homes.

Design.  A systematic search of online databases.

Method.  Databases using keyword and bibliographical searches in a specified timeframe were undertaken. Research studies ranging from 1996–2009 were selected for inclusion on the basis that they addressed issues relating to expressions of sexuality by older people in care homes. Forty articles were included in the review.

Findings.  The review revealed a dearth of rigorous research on sexuality amongst older people in general and care home residents in particular. Issues identified in the literature were categorised into four broad thematic areas: sexuality and ageing, expression of sexuality in care homes, attitudes of staff and sexuality in dementia.

Conclusion.  There is a dearth of rigorous research on the factors influencing sexual expression by care home residents. Attitudes of staff in care homes influence their perceptions about the extent to which the expression of sexuality by residents is considered to be problematic. This, in turn influences the emotional and behavioural responses of staff to the resident.

Relevance to clinical practice.  There is need for nurses and other care staff to gain a better understanding of and insight into late life sexuality. This involves change at an educational level but also at an organisational and cultural level in long‐term care settings.
High‐throughput assays for detection of the F1534C mutation in the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene in permethrin‐resistant Aedes aegypti and the distribution of this mutation throughout Thailand
Authors: Yanola Jintana , Somboon Pradya , Walton Catherine , Nachaiwieng Woottichai , Somwang Puckavadee , Prapanthadara La‐aied
Published: February 2011

Objectives  To develop rapid monitoring tools to detect the F1534C permethrin‐resistance mutation in domain IIIS6 of the Aedes aegypti voltage‐gated sodium channel gene and determine the frequency and distribution of this mutation in Thailand.

Methods  A TaqMan SNP genotyping and an allele specific PCR (AS‐PCR) assay were developed and validated by comparison with DNA sequencing of homozygous susceptible and homozygous resistant laboratory strains, their reciprocal‐cross progenies, and field‐caught mosquitoes. To determine the resistance phenotype of wild‐caught A. aegypti, mosquitoes were exposed to 0.75% permethrin paper. The AS‐PCR assay was used to screen 619 individuals from 20 localities throughout Thailand.

Results  Overall, both assays gave results consistent with DNA sequencing for laboratory strains of known genotype and for wild‐caught A. aegypti. The only slight discrepancy was for the AS‐PCR method, which overestimated the mutant allele frequency by 1.8% in wild‐caught samples. AS‐PCR assays of permethrin‐exposed samples show that the mutant C1534 allele is very closely associated with the resistant phenotype. However, 19 permethrin‐resistant individuals were homozygous for the wild‐type F1534 allele. DNA sequencing revealed all these individuals were homozygous for two other mutations in domain II, V1016G and S989P, which are known to confer resistance (Srisawat et al. 2010). The F1534C mutation is widespread in Thailand with mutant allele frequencies varying among populations from 0.20 to 1.00.

Conclusions  These assays can be used for the rapid detection of the F1534C resistance mutation in A. aegypti populations. The F1534C, and other, mutations underlie an extremely high prevalence of pyrethroid resistance in Thailand.
Effective treatment of anemia in pediatric kidney transplant recipients with methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta
Authors: Wedekin Mirja , Ehrich Jochen H. H. , Pape Lars
Published: February 2011

Wedekin M, Ehrich JHH, Pape L. Effective treatment of anemia in pediatric kidney transplant recipients with methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 329–333. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  MPG‐EPO is a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator with a longer half‐life than darbepoetin, hence requires less frequent injections. It has been successfully used in adults, but currently, there are no published data available for its use in children. This pilot study was performed to verify the effect of MPG‐EPO on Hb levels in children. Twelve patients (age 6.4–17.2 yr) were treated with MPG‐EPO as an individual “Heilversuch” according to German law after RTx. Five patients were switched from DA, and seven were naïve to erythropoietin. Over a period of six months, Hb levels were measured monthly. A median MPG‐EPO dose of 2.5 μg/kg was administered intravenously in a single dose every four wk. The median Hb value increased in naïve patients from 9.9 to 11.2 g/dL (median, p = 0.004) and from 10.3 to 11.6 g/dL (median, p = 0.39) in patients switched from DA to MPG‐EPO. No adverse events secondary to MPG‐EPO therapy were detected. Our results indicate that a once‐monthly injection of MPG‐EPO is an effective treatment of anemia in children after renal transplantation. Larger randomized trials will have to confirm our findings.
Unusual neurologic manifestations of varicella zoster virus infection with the absence of rash in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Assi M. , Abou Antoun S.
Published: February 2011

M. Assi, S. Abou Antoun. Unusual neurologic manifestations of varicella zoster virus infection with the absence of rash in a kidney transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 545–547. All rights reserved
The use of countercurrent heat exchangers diminishes accidental hypothermia during abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery
Authors: Muth C. M. , Mainzer B. , Peters J.
Published: February 2011

Background: Perioperative hypothermia is common and likely contributes to morbidity, but the efficacy of prophylactic fluid warming has hardly been analyzed systematically. We tested the hypothesis that the use of an infusion/blood warmer, based on the principle of countercurrent heat exchange, reduces incidence and degree of severe hypothermia following aortic surgery.

Methods: In a prospective randomized investigation of patients (n = 50) undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, all fluids/blood products (approx. 3500 ml) administered intraoperatively were infused either (n = 25) via countercurrent‐like heat exchangers (Hotline™ Level 1 Technologies Inc.) or without (n = 25) taking special precautions (infusions stored at 21°C, blood products heated to 37°C in a water bath). Anaesthesia was standardized using a thiopentone, fentanyl, vecuronium induction sequence, and maintained by isoflurane in N2O/O2.

Results: The perioperative decrease of oesophageal temperature (−0.35°C ± 0.4) in the group managed with heat exchangers was significantly smaller (P < 0.0001) than in the control group (−1.5°C± 0.54), and oesophageal temperature at the end of surgery was considerably higher (35.1°C ± 0.45 vs. 34.2°C ± 0.7; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, while postoperative hypothermia below 34.5°C was observed in 16 patients (incidence: 64%) of the control group, it occurred in only 2 patients (incidence: 8%) managed with heat exchangers (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The efficacy of fluid/blood warmers has hitherto only been evaluated in bench tests. Our results demonstrate that the use of heat exchangers alone, while not completely preventing hypothermia, markedly reduces the incidence of severe perioperative hypothermia, and lessens its degree during abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.
Epidural vs. intravenous infusion of alfentanil in the management of postoperative pain following laparotomies*
Authors: van den Nieuwenhuyzen M. C. O. , Burm A. G. L. , Vletter A. A. , Stienstra R. , Kleef J. W. van
Published: February 2011

Background: This study was designed to compare the efficacy of epidural vs. intravenous administration of alfentanil for treatment of postoperative pain.

Methods: Twenty patients were randomly allocated to one of the two study groups to receive either an epidural bolus dose (0.75mg) followed by an epidural infusion (0.36mg/h) (EPI group) or an intravenous infusion (0.36mg/h) of alfentanil (IV group) for 24 h. These dose regimens were chosen such that equivalent and subanalgesic plasma concentrations of alfentanil were obtained. PCA‐morphine was available to both groups. Morphine consumption, pain scores measured on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the number of demands were used as variables to evaluate the efficacy of the postoperative analgesic therapy. In addition, plasma concentrations of alfentanil were measured.

Results: The mean plasma concentrations of alfentanil were similar and < 20ng/ml in both groups. Total morphine consumption (EPI: 40mg, IV: 43 mg), pain scores (time when the VAS‐score>3.0: EPI: median 215 min; IV: median 215 min) and number of valid demands (EPI: median 25; IV: median 34) did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion: Compared to intravenous infusion of alfentanil epidural infusion resulting in the same plasma concentrations is not more effective in relieving postoperative pain. In view of this observation we were not able to demonstrate a spinal mechanism of alfentanil.
Surfactant treatment in experimental Escherichia coli pneumonia
Authors: Song G.‐W. , Robertson B. , Curstedt T. , Gan X.‐Z. , Huang W.‐X.
Published: February 2011

Background: Deterioration of lung function in bacterial pneumonia may in part be due to inactivation of endogenous surfactant. We investigated the effects of surfactant treatment on gas exchange and lung morphology in an experimental model of pneumonia caused by Escherichia coli.

Methods: A total of 117 adult rats received via the trachea 2 ml/kg body weight of a standard suspension of Escherichia coli (4times109 bacteria/ml). After 2–3 days, 31 of the infected animals showed symptoms of respiratory failure with PaO2 <27 kPa during ventilation with 100% O2. All these animals were kept in a multi‐plethysmograph system and ventilated for 45 min with a tidal volume of 6 ml/kg, a frequency of 30/min, an inspiration/expiration ratio of 1: 1, and a positive end‐expiratory pressure of 0.2 kPa. After 15 min of mechanical ventilation, animals were divided in three treatment groups, receiving via the airways (1) no material, (2) normal saline (2 ml/kg), or (3) CurosurfR, 80 mg/ml (2 ml/kg). Ten healthy animals served as controls. Lung‐thorax compliance and blood gases were measured 15 and 30 min after surfactant treatment. After the period of ventilation, animals were killed, and the left lung was weighed and fixed in formalin for histological examination. The right lung was washed in situ with normal saline via the tracheal tube. Total phospholipids, and levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and protein in lavage fluid were determined.

Results: In comparison with pre‐treatment values, average PaO2 at 30 min was increased by 76% in animals receiving Curosurf (P<0.01), but did not improve in the other groups. The left lung weight/body weight ratio showed a nearly 3‐fold increase in infected animals in comparison with normal controls. There was also a 3‐fold increase in the protein content of lung lavage fluid from infected rats, but values for total phospholipids and PC content were unchanged in animals not receiving surfactant. Histological examination of the lungs showed wide‐spread non‐specific pneumonia in infected animals, but no difference in alveolar air expansion between surfactant‐treated and non‐treated ones.

Conclusion: Surfactant replacement significantly improves oxygenation in rats with E. coli pneumonia, without affecting lung‐thorax compliance during mechanical ventilation or alveolar expansion pattern in lungs fixed by conventional methods.
Quantitative Determination of Progesterone (P4) in Canine Blood Serum Using an Enzyme‐linked Fluorescence Assay
Authors: Brugger N , Otzdorff C , Walter B , Hoffmann B , Braun J
Published: February 2011

Contents

Progesterone (P4) measurement in the peripheral blood is an objective parameter for determination of reproductive functions in the bitch. This study evaluates an enzyme‐linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) (Biomerieux, France) for the determination of progesterone validated for use in human. The ELFA is to be performed on the MiniVidas automated analyser which provides quantitative results within 45 min. Blood samples from a total of 27 female dogs of different breeds were used. To test the correctness of the ELFA 15 blood samples with a range of 0.3–40.0 ng/ml were compared to a radioimmunoassay (RIA) validated in the dog. The values obtained with the MiniVidas showed a high agreement (mean deviation 15%), deviations were in both directions and the correlation coefficient was 0.989. The coefficient of correlation according to Passing–Bablok test was 0.995. The intra‐assay reproducibility in the MiniVidas system was tested on five samples (mean values 61.8, 6.8, 51.4, 43.7 and 1.1 ng/ml). The coefficients of variation (CV; 10–12 replicates) were 3.4%, 6.7%, 2.6%, 3.1% and 25.4%, respectively. Four serum samples (mean value 47.0, 15.1, 49.1 and 4.0 ng/ml) from different bitches were assayed singly in 10 separate series to test the inter‐assay variability. The corresponding CV was 2.1%, 2.2%, 3.1% and 4.3% respectively. Samples from three dogs were used to test the accuracy of the assay. These samples were diluted (1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16) with charcoal‐stripped human serum (Biomerieux, France) and tested in three runs. The expected values were met in a range of 60–75%. Measurement of progesterone for the detection of ovulation as well as prediction of parturition provided meaningful results. As a conclusion the use of the MiniVidas system for determination of P4 in peripheral blood of the bitch provides rapid and reliable results.
The Cretaceous of the East Asian continental margin: Stratigraphy, paleogeography, and paleoclimate
Authors: Kirillova Galina L.
Published: February 2011

Lithostratigraphic correlation of a 6–10‐km‐thick Aptian–Maastrichtian terrigenous sequence of the East Asian continental margin and Sakhalin and Hokkaido Islands has revealed the existence of a single marine basin. This basin was populated by mixed Tethyan–Boreal fauna and sloped eastward until the Middle Cenomanian. Intense volcanic and tectonic processes caused the uplift of the continental margin in the mid‐Albian to Cenomanian and eastward migration of the shoreline. Paleobotanical studies have discovered a number of climatic changes. Relatively warm conditions existed in the Aptian, changing to cooler conditions in the Early Albian. The maximum warming occurred from the Late Albian to Cenomanian when large‐leaved flowering plants dominated the population. In the Late Cretaceous, the East Asian volcanic belt created a mountain edifice up to 3000 m high, which controlled longitudinal climatic and floral zonation. This control was more efficient than the latitudinal control. A wide development of flowering Platanaceae flora in the Turonian points to a relative cooling. The floral assemblage shows a temperate climate from the Early Coniacian onwards, with an optimum in the Campanian that is consistent with global transgression. As a result of the warm climate, the early Maastrichtian is characterized by highly diverse biota. Furthermore, in the middle Maastrichtian floral and faunal diversity decreased and the seasonal prevalence increased. Cooling occurred in the latest Maastrichtian. Five periods of coal accumulation are recognized throughout the Late Cenomanian to Late Maastrichtian. Shelf, deltaic, and slope turbidite facies of the continental margin contain organic carbon ranging from 0.3% to 2.2%, which together with direct evidence for oil and gas, are believed to be prolific for hydrocarbon exploration.
Sedimentary history with biotic reaction in the Middle Permian shelly sequence of the Southern Kitakami Massif, Japan
Authors: SHIINO YUTA , SUZUKI YUTARO , KOBAYASHI FUMIO
Published: February 2011

The transition of sedimentary environments and their organism‐related responses is exemplified in the active margin setting of the Middle Permian in the Southern Kitakami Massif. The transition in the sedimentary environment began with a shallowing‐upward sequence at an upper slope to an outer shelf depositional setting that was associated with a delta system which transported abundant botanic remains in the Hoso‐o Formation. By contrast, the sediments of the overlying Kamiyasse Formation, the base of which is roughly equivalent to the lowermost Capitanian, were deposited at a lower shoreface to the outer shelf setting, which originated from complex depositional sources, including beach, near shore reef mounds and a nearby independent area of shallow and hard substratum with a considerable difference of depth. This unique depositional setting resulted in the seemingly ‘mixed’ fauna associated with this formation. The depositional environment of the overlying Kurosawa Formation is similar to that of the Hoso‐o Formation, but with far fewer monotonous biotic remains. A comparison of lithological characteristics and fossil remains with those of neighboring regions suggests that the independent mounds were generated as if the talus formed elsewhere so as to provide a large amount of skeletal elements to a deeper basin in the earliest Capitanian. Accordingly, the complex sedimentary setting observed in the Kamiyasse Formation occurs widely throughout the South Kitakami Massif, making possible the ‘mixed’ and seemingly diverse fauna from a mixture of multiple allochthonous origins.
Genetics of alcohol dependence
Authors: Kimura Mitsuru , Higuchi Susumu
Published: February 2011

Twin, family, and adoption studies have consistently shown that genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence. Numerous studies have aimed to identify genes that contribute to susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Whole‐genome linkage studies have identified several chromosomal regions that are linked with alcohol dependence. Association studies have also identified genes associated with alcohol dependence. Alcohol‐metabolizing enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B and aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2, are the most well‐established genes that have polymorphisms associated with the risk for alcohol dependence. Polymorphisms in gamma‐aminobutyric acid receptor genes are also reported to be associated with alcohol dependence. The polymorphism of opioid receptor mu 1 gene is of interest because it alters the treatment effects of naltrexone. Several genes related to neural transmission have been reported to be associated with alcohol dependence, but results are inconsistent among studies. One reason for these inconsistent results is the great heterogeneity of alcohol dependence. Classifying alcohol dependence into homogeneous phenotypes is a good strategy to solve this problem. Recently, several genome‐wide association studies have been reported. Genome‐wide association studies enable hypothesis‐free genome mapping of vulnerability‐contributing genes and are expected to add data to identify genes associated with the susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Knowledge of the genetic basis of alcohol dependence is growing and leads to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of addiction, which can help with strategies to prevent and treat this disease.
Protein body‐inducing fusions for high‐level production and purification of recombinant proteins in plants
Authors: Conley Andrew J. , Joensuu Jussi J. , Richman Alex , Menassa Rima
Published: February 2011

For the past two decades, therapeutic and industrially important proteins have been expressed in plants with varying levels of success. The two major challenges hindering the economical production of plant‐made recombinant proteins include inadequate accumulation levels and the lack of efficient purification methods. To address these limitations, several fusion protein strategies have been recently developed to significantly enhance the production yield of plant‐made recombinant proteins, while simultaneously assisting in their subsequent purification. Elastin‐like polypeptides are thermally responsive biopolymers composed of a repeating pentapeptide ‘VPGXG’ sequence that are valuable for the purification of recombinant proteins. Hydrophobins are small fungal proteins capable of altering the hydrophobicity of their respective fusion partner, thus enabling efficient purification by surfactant‐based aqueous two‐phase systems. Zera, a domain of the maize seed storage protein γ‐zein, can induce the formation of protein storage bodies, thus facilitating the recovery of fused proteins using density‐based separation methods. These three novel protein fusion systems have also been shown to enhance the accumulation of a range of different recombinant proteins, while concurrently inducing the formation of protein bodies. The packing of these fusion proteins into protein bodies may exclude the recombinant protein from normal physiological turnover. Furthermore, these systems allow for quick, simple and inexpensive nonchromatographic purification of the recombinant protein, which can be scaled up to industrial levels of protein production. This review will focus on the similarities and differences of these artificial storage organelles, their biogenesis and their implication for the production of recombinant proteins in plants and their subsequent purification.
It's My Campaign I'll Cry if I Want to: How and When Campaigns Use Emotional Appeals
Authors: Ridout Travis N. , Searles Kathleen
Published: February 2011

Recent research in the area of campaign advertising suggests that emotional appeals can influence political attitudes, electoral choices and decision‐making processes. Yet is there any evidence that candidates use emotional appeals strategically during campaigns? Is there a pattern to their use? For instance, are fear appeals used primarily late in the campaign by trailing candidates in order to get voters to rethink their choices? And are enthusiasm appeals used more commonly early on in order to shore up a candidate's base? We use affective intelligence theory—and supplement it with the idea of a voter backlash—to generate expectations about when candidates use certain emotional appeals (namely, anger, fear, enthusiasm, and pride) and which types of candidates are most likely to do so. We then test these ideas using campaign advertising data from several U.S. Senate races from 2004. Our research thus provides a link between research on campaign decision making—here the decision to “go emotional”—and research focusing on the effects of emotional appeals on voters.
The Ethics of Care, Dependence, and Disability*
Authors: KITTAY EVA FEDER
Published: February 2011

According to the most important theories of justice, personal dignity is closely related to independence, and the care that people with disabilities receive is seen as a way for them to achieve the greatest possible autonomy. However, human beings are naturally subject to periods of dependency, and people without disabilities are only “temporarily abled.” Instead of seeing assistance as a limitation, we consider it to be a resource at the basis of a vision of society that is able to account for inevitable dependency relationships between “unequals” ensuring a fulfilling life both for the carer and the cared for.**
Transitional Shortcuts to Justice and National Identity
Authors: VENEMA DERK
Published: February 2011

National legal systems undergo profound changes when they are confronted with undemocratic power seizure. The same occurs when they experience a transition (back) to democracy. Thus far, these two types of transition have been studied in relative isolation. Nevertheless, it seems that both undemocratic usurpers and democratizing regimes affect the role of fundamental rule‐of‐law principles in similar ways. This article compares both types of transition and suggests that pragmatism and national identity are the driving forces behind similar legal mechanisms, affecting legal principles, in those two forms of transition. Drawing on Carl Schmitt's idea of the state of exception and Ruti Teitel's work on transitional justice, this article shows that both kinds of transition share the same fundamental legal structure.
Social Dialogue in European Professional Football
Authors: Parrish Richard
Published: February 2011

Social dialogue refers to discussions, consultations, negotiations and joint actions involving organisations representing the two sides of industry, namely employers and workers. The constitutional basis for social dialogue is located within Articles 153–155 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. In July 2008, a social dialogue committee in European professional football was established. This article assesses the significance of this move and argues that the committee has the long‐term potential to transform industrial relations in European football based on the conclusion of binding collective agreements. In the shorter term, the committee performs two functions: first, as a means of effecting a change in governance standards in European football and as a lobbying technique for the social partners in terms of their relationship with the EU; second, as a venue for a negotiated settlement between the rival interests operating within the EU's sports policy subsystem.