bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPLEX VARIABLE METHOD FOR THE PLANE ELASTICITY OF QUASICRYSTALS WITH POINT GROUP 10
Authors: LI LIAN-HE , FAN TIAN-YOU
Published: December 2008

General complex variable method for solving plane elasticity problems of quasicrystals with point group 10 has been proposed. The stress and displacement components of phonon and phason fields are expressed by four arbitrary analytic functions. Explicit real-form displacement expressions for the dislocation problem of the quasicrystal is obtained through the use of this method.The interaction between two parallel dislocations is also discussed in detail. All the present results can be reduced to the exact solutions for the quasicrystals with point group 10 mm in the special case.
COMPLEX COOPERATIVE BEHAVIOUR IN RANGE-FREE FRUSTRATED MANY-BODY SYSTEMS
Authors: SHERRINGTON DAVID
Published: December 2008

A brief introduction and overview is given of the complexity that is possible and the challenges its study poses in many-body systems in which spatial dimension is irrelevant and naively one might have expected trivial behaviour.
Lymphatic and portal vein absorption of organochlorine compounds in rats
Authors: Jandacek Ronald J. , Rider Therese , Yang Qing , Woollett Laura A. , Tso Patrick
Published: December 2008

The route of absorption of ingested compounds is a determinant of their distribution and metabolism. Portal vein absorption results in direct transport to the liver, where metabolism may take place before extrahepatic delivery. Lymphatic absorption can result in delivery of parent compound to nonhepatic tissues. Understanding the fate of an ingested compound requires determination of the importance of each of these routes. Portal vein absorption can be estimated from the difference in concentrations of an ingested compound between the portal vein and peripheral vessel blood. To make these estimations, one must make assumptions on the basis of estimates of flow rate and dilution. We report here methodology that allows a direct measurement of portal vein absorption that is independent of these assumptions. Mesenteric lymph was diverted from rats by cannulation. Portal blood was sampled after duodenal infusion of a bolus of compound of interest along with a portal absorption marker, 3-O-methylglucose. Since lymph was diverted, the appearance in portal blood was solely the result of portal absorption. Absorption was quantified by the areas under the curve for the compound and marker. Portal absorption was a function of the octanol/water partition coefficients for four organochlorine compounds: hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol, DDT, and its metabolite 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bischlorophenylethylene.
Sodium channel mutation in irritable bowel syndrome: evidence for an ion channelopathy
Authors: Saito Yuri A. , Strege Peter R. , Tester David J. , Locke G. Richard , Talley Nicholas J. , Bernard Cheryl E. , Rae James L. , Makielski Jonathan C. , Ackerman Michael J. , Farrugia Gianrico
Published: December 2008

The SCN5A-encoded Nav1.5 Na+ channel is expressed in interstitial cells of Cajal and smooth muscle in the circular layer of the human intestine. Patients with mutations in SCN5A are more likely to report gastrointestinal symptoms, especially abdominal pain. Twin and family studies of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) suggest a genetic basis for IBS, but no genes have been identified to date. Therefore, our aims were to evaluate SCN5A as a candidate gene involved in the pathogenesis of IBS and to determine physiological consequences of identified mutations. Mutational analysis was performed on genomic DNA obtained from 49 subjects diagnosed with IBS who reported at least moderately severe abdominal pain. One patient hosted a loss-of-function missense mutation, G298S, that was not observed in >3,000 reference alleles derived from 1,500 healthy control subjects. Na+ currents were recorded from the four common human SCN5A transcripts in transfected HEK-293 cells. Comparing Nav1.5 with G298S-SCN5A versus wild type in HEK cells, Na+ current density was significantly less by 49–77%, and channel activation time was delayed in backgrounds that also contained the common H558R polymorphism. Single-channel measurements showed no change in Nav1.5 conductance. Mechanosensitivity was reduced in the H558/Q1077del transcript but not in the other three backgrounds. In conclusion, the G298S-SCN5A missense mutation caused a marked reduction of whole cell Na+ current and loss of function of Nav1.5, suggesting SCN5A as a candidate gene in the pathophysiology of IBS.
Cardiovascular responses to microinjections of urocortin 3 into the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat
Authors: Nakamura Takeshi , Kawabe Kazumi , Sapru Hreday N.
Published: December 2008

Urocortin 3 (Ucn3) is a new member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) peptide family and is considered to be a specific and endogenous ligand for CRF type 2 receptors (CRF2Rs). The presence of CRF2Rs has been reported in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the rat. It was hypothesized that the activation of CRF2Rs in the medial NTS (mNTS) may play a role in cardiovascular regulation. This hypothesis was tested in urethane-anesthetized, artificially ventilated, adult male Wistar rats. Microinjections (100 nl) of Ucn3 (0.03, 0.06, 0.12, and 0.25 mM) into the mNTS of anesthetized rats elicited decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP: 5.0 ± 1.0, 21.6 ± 2.6, 20.0 ± 2.8, and 12.7 ± 3.4 mmHg, respectively) and heart rate (HR: 7.8 ± 2.6, 46.2 ± 9.3, 34.5 ± 8.4, and 16.6 ± 4.9 beats/min, respectively). Microinjections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (100 nl) into the mNTS did not elicit cardiovascular responses. Maximum decreases in MAP and HR were elicited by 0.06 mM concentration of Ucn3. Cardiovascular responses to Ucn3 were similar in unanesthetized midcollicular decerebrate rats. A bilateral vagotomy completely abolished Ucn3-induced bradycardia. The decreases in MAP and HR elicited by Ucn3 (0.06 mM) were completely blocked by astressin (1 mM; nonselective CRFR antagonist) and K41498 (5 mM; selective CRF2R antagonist). Microinjections of Ucn3 (0.06 mM) into the mNTS decreased the efferent greater splanchnic nerve activity. After the blockade of CRF2Rs in the mNTS, a Ucn3-induced decrease in the efferent sympathetic nerve discharge was abolished. These results indicate that Ucn3 microinjections into the mNTS exerted excitatory effects on the mNTS neurons via CRF2Rs, leading to depressor and bradycardic responses.
Shifts in bone marrow cell phenotypes caused by spaceflight
Authors: Ortega M. Teresa , Pecaut Michael J. , Gridley Daila S. , Stodieck Louis S. , Ferguson Virginia , Chapes Stephen K.
Published: December 2008

Bone marrow cells were isolated from the humeri of C57BL/6 mice after a 13-day flight on the space shuttle Space Transportation System (STS)-118 to determine how spaceflight affects differentiation of cells in the granulocytic lineage. We used flow cytometry to assess the expression of molecules that define the maturation/activation state of cells in the granulocytic lineage on three bone marrow cell subpopulations. These molecules included Ly6C, CD11b, CD31 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1), Ly6G (Gr-1), F4/80, CD44, and c-Fos. The three subpopulations were small agranular cells [region (R)1], larger granular cells (R2), which were mostly neutrophils, and very large, very granular cells (R3), which had properties of macrophages. Although there were no composite phenotypic differences between total bone marrow cells isolated from spaceflight and ground-control mice, there were subpopulation differences in Ly6C (R1 and R3), CD11b (R2), CD31 (R1, R2, and R3), Ly6G (R3), F4/80 (R3), CD44high(R3), and c-Fos (R1, R2, and R3). In particular, the elevation of CD11b in the R2 subpopulation suggests neutrophil activation in response to landing. In addition, decreases in Ly6C, c-Fos, CD44high, and Ly6G and an increase in F4/80 suggest that the cells in the bone marrow R3 subpopulation of spaceflight mice were more differentiated compared with ground-control mice. The presence of more differentiated cells may not pose an immediate risk to immune resistance. However, the reduction in less differentiated cells may forebode future consequences for macrophage production and host defenses. This is of particular importance to considerations of future long-term spaceflights.
Manno(Rhamno)Biose-Containing Capsular Polysaccharides of Klebsiella pneumoniae Enhance Opsono-Stimulation of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Sahly Hany , Keisari Yona , Ofek Itzhak
Published: December 2008

We tested the relationship between the capsular and the O-antigen structures and the ability of bacteria to trigger respiratory burst in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL).Capsulated and non-capsulated variants as well as capsule-switched derivatives of Klebsiella serotypes bearing or lacking manno(rhamno)biose repeats in their capsular polysaccharides and expressing either mannose-rich or mannose-poor O antigens were tested for their ability to induce respiratory burst and survive in human PMNL. Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) was measured to quantify respiratory burst. Intracellular survival was quantified by determining the viable counts of intracellular bacteria. K serotypes and the capsule-switched derivative lacking manno(rhamno)biose induced significantly lower CL than those expressing manno(rhamno)biose. Manno(rhamno)biose-lacking serotypes survived in the cells significantly better than serotypes expressing these repeats. C1q depletion did not affect CL induced by the manno(rhamno)biose-containing serotype, whereas factor B depletion revealed a significantly reduced CL. Likewise, EGTA in the presence of Mg2+ significantly decreased CL, but the values were higher than those induced by the bacterium opsonized with factor B-depleted serum. In the presence of EGTA, Mg2+-treated factor B-depleted serum revealed a significant reduction in the CL response compared with the responses induced by opsonization with factor B-depleted serum alone. These results indicate, in addition to the alternative pathway, a manno(rhamno)biose pattern recognition of Klebsiella by PMNL probably by the complement lectin pathway.
Influence of Personality Disorder Features on Social Functioning in Substance-Abusing Women Five Years after Compulsive Residential Treatment
Authors: Jansson Irene , Hesse Morten , Fridell Mats
Published: December 2008

Background: Personality disorders (PD) are related to negative outcome in substance abuse treatment, and in the general population, personality disorders are related to negative outcome in overall functioning. Little is known about the impact of PD on adjustment following substance abuse treatment. Methods: A cohort of 132 women was followed for 5 years after their index treatment episode in compulsory treatment. During treatment, patients were assessed with the SCID-II. At follow-up, patients were administered a timeline follow-back interview covering their functioning, including employment status over the years, and linked with hospital and criminal justice registers. Results: The impact of PD on functioning varied substantially between disorders and outcome domains. Conduct disorder alone was associated with criminal justice involvement, and conduct disorder and avoidant PD features were associated with unemployment. Dependent PD and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder features were positively associated with employment. Borderline PD features were associated with hospital admissions. Discussion: We discuss how strategies associated with various PDs may foster or hinder social adjustment in general and employment patterns in particular.
Actin and Phosphoinositide Recruitment to Fully Formed Candida albicans Phagosomes in Mouse Macrophages
Authors: Heinsbroek Sigrid E.M. , Kamen Lynn A. , Taylor Philip R. , Brown Gordon D. , Swanson Joel , Gordon Siamon
Published: December 2008

Candida albicans is a dimorphic yeast that enters macrophages (Mφ) via the β-glucan receptor dectin-1. Phagocytosis of C. albicans is characterized by actin polymerization, Syk kinase activation and rapid acquisition of phagolysosomal markers. In mice, C. albicans are able to resist the harsh environment of the phagosome and form pseudohyphae inside the phagolysosomal compartment, eventually extending from the Mφ. In this study, we investigated these unique C. albicans phagosomes and found that actin localized dynamically around the phagosomes, before disintegrating. Membrane phosphoinositides, PI(4,5)P2, PI(3,4,5)P3, PI(3,4)P2, and PI(3)P also localized to the phagosomes. Localization was not related to actin polymerization, and inhibitor studies showed that polymerization of actin on the C. albicans phagosome was independent of PI3K. The ability of mature C. albicans phagosomes to stimulate actin polymerization could facilitate the escape of the growing yeast from the Mφ.
Stage-Independent and Stage-Specific Phenotypic Differences between Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chan Mark , Lim Wee Shiong , Sahadevan Suresh
Published: December 2008

Aims: We examined the effect of stratification by dementia severity on clinical and neuropsychological differences observed between vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to ascertain whether any observed phenotypic differences would differ between the early and late stages. Methods: The phenotypic features at presentation of 219 newly diagnosed VaD (n = 103) and AD (n = 116) patients were analyzed. All patients underwent clinical, neuropsychological and neuroimaging evaluation. Severity of dementia was staged using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale. Results: VaD can be clinically distinguished from AD by criterion-related features that span across all stages of dementia. We also identified non-criterion-related features that differed according to dementia severity. In the CDR 0.5–1 stage, VaD patients demonstrated increased reading difficulty, loss of insight, apathy, and greater impairment in executive function compared with delayed and recognition memory. Unique distinguishing features for VaD in the CDR 2–3 stage included higher Geriatric Depression Scale scores, lower Barthel scores, gait apraxia and parkinsonism. Conclusions: Phenotypic differences between VaD and AD can be conceptualized as either criterion-related stage-independent features, or stage-specific features (comprising cognitive and neuropsychological elements in the mild stages, and physical, affective and functional components in the later stages).
Ischemia-Modified Albumin and Flap Viability
Authors: Livaoğlu M. , Kerimoğlu S. , Karahan S.C. , Menteşe A. , Sözen E. , Karaçal N. , Topbaş M.
Published: December 2008

Monitoring flap viability in the postoperative period is important for the prediction of partial or total flap failure. Many alternative methods such as laser Doppler flowmetry, photoplethysmography, infrared spectroscopy, fluorescein injection, evaluation of flap color, turgor, temperature and capillary reflow have been used for this purpose. Although these methods are valuable in the determination of flap condition, they are not sufficient prognostic markers for flaps. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) values and flap viability. In 20 Wistar rats, caudal-based 9 × 3 cm dorsal flaps were prepared. IMA values were measured before the flap elevation as well as 6 h and 1 week after the surgical procedure. Seven days after the operation, the viable flap areas were calculated. The relationship between changes in the IMA level during the study and viable flap area measurements was investigated. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum IMA level alterations during the preoperative to postoperative 6th hour period and necrotic flap area measurements. This lack of correlation was also present between the change in IMA levels during the preoperative to postoperative 7th day period and necrotic flap area measurements. In conclusion, serum IMA levels do not predict rat skin flap viability.
Disturbance of Cerebral Neuronal Migration following Congenital Parvovirus B19 Infection
Authors: Pistorius Lourens Rasmus , Smal Jaime , de Haan Timo Robert , Page-Christiaens Godelieve C.M.L. , Verboon-Maciolek Malgorzata , Oepkes Dick , de Vries Linda S.
Published: December 2008

Objective: We describe the clinical course of an infant who presented with severe fetal anemia and fetal hydrops following congenital parvovirus B19 infection before 16 gestational weeks. The fetus was treated by cordocentesis and intrauterine transfusion at 18 weeks. Results: The infant demonstrated mild unilateral ventriculomegaly on antenatal magnetic resonance imaging, and polymicrogyria and heterotopia on postnatal magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion: This adds to the evidence in recent literature of central nervous system damage associated with congenital parvovirus B19 infection.
A Pilot Human Evaluation of a Formulation of Irinotecan and Hyaluronic Acid in 5-Fluorouracil-Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Gibbs Peter , Brown Tracey J. , Ng Raymond , Jennens Ross , Cinc Edith , Pho Minh , Michael Michael , Fox Richard M.
Published: December 2008

Background: Preclinical data demonstrate that the polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) acts as a macromolecular carrier for chemotherapeutic drugs. In these studies the formulation of HA and irinotecan reduced treatment-related toxicity and improved efficacy via the preferential delivery of irinotecan to the tumor and lymph nodes. This study was designed as a first-in-man investigation of the safety and pharmacokinetics of irinotecan when administered within the HA-Irinotecan formulation. Methods: 5-Fluorouracil refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients were intravenously treated with HA-Irinotecan (300 mg/m2 irinotecan with 1,000 mg/m2 HA) on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. After safety was demonstrated, the irinotecan dose was increased to 350 mg/m2 with maintenance of the HA at 1,000 mg/m2.DELETEResults: Twelve patients were treated with HA-Irinotecan. Overall toxicity was low, with an 8 and 17% incidence of grade lll/lV diarrhea and neutropenia, respectively. No grade III/IV nausea or vomiting was observed. Seventeen percent of patients had a partial response and 50% experienced stable disease, indicating that the efficacy of the irinotecan was maintained. Median survival was 16.6 months, while median progression-free survival was 6.2 months. Conclusion: HA-Irinotecan containing standard doses of irinotecan can be safely administered to patients. Comparison to historical irinotecan data suggests HA-Irinotecan may have a greater margin of safety without compromising anticancer activity.
A New Pathway of Staphylococcal Pathogenesis: Apoptosis-Like Death Induced by Staphopain B in Human Neutrophils and Monocytes
Authors: Smagur Jan , Guzik Krzysztof , Magiera Lukasz , Bzowska Malgorzata , Gruca Milosz , Thøgersen Ida B. , Enghild Jan J. , Potempa Jan
Published: December 2008

Circulating neutrophils and monocytes form the first line of cellular defense against invading bacteria. Here, we describe a novel and specific mechanism of disabling and eliminating phagocytes by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphopain B (SspB) selectively cleaved CD11b on phagocytes, which rapidly acquired features of cell death. SspB-treated phagocytes expressed phosphatidylserine as well as annexin I and became permeable to propidium iodide, thus demonstrating distinctive features of both apoptosis and necrosis, respectively. The cell death observed was caspase and Syk tyrosine kinase independent, whilst cytochalasin D efficiently inhibited the staphopain-induced neutrophil killing. Neutrophil and monocyte cell death was not affected by integrin clustering ligands (ICAM-1 or fibrin) and was prevented, and even reversed, by IgG. This protective effect was dependent on the Fc fragment, collectively suggesting cooperation of the CD16 receptor and integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18). We conclude that SspB, particularly in the presence of staphylococcal protein A, may reduce the number of functional phagocytes at infection sites, thus facilitating colonization and dissemination of S. aureus.
High Molecular Weight Gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis Induce Cytokine Responses from Human Macrophage-Like Cells via a Nonproteolytic Mechanism
Authors: Fitzpatrick Rebecca E. , Aprico Andrea , Wijeyewickrema Lakshmi C. , Pagel Charles N. , Wong David M. , Potempa Jan , Mackie Eleanor J. , Pike Robert N.
Published: December 2008

Periodontal disease is an oral inflammatory disease affecting the supporting structures of teeth. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogenic agent for the disease, expresses a number of virulence factors, including cysteine proteases called the gingipains. The arginine- and lysine-specific gingipains, HRgpA and Kgp, respectively, are expressed as high molecular weight forms containing both catalytic and adhesin subunits. We examined the expression pattern of cytokines and their receptors in differentiated macrophages following exposure to active and inactive forms of the gingipains, using a cDNA array, quantitative PCR and ELISA analysis. Amongst other pro-inflammatory cytokines, results from the cDNA array suggested that interleukin-1β, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulatory factor and interferon-γ were upregulated after exposure of the macrophages to the gingipains. Quantitative PCR analysis substantiated these observations and indicated that active or inactive forms of the high molecular weight gingipains were able to upregulate expression of transcripts for these cytokines. The strongly enhanced production of interleukin-1β and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulatory factor by differentiated macrophages in response to active or inactive forms of the high molecular weight gingipains was confirmed at the protein level by ELISA analysis. The results indicate that the adhesin subunits of the gingipains mediate strong upregulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages.
Bacterial Peptidoglycan-Degrading Enzymes and Their Impact on Host Muropeptide Detection
Authors: Humann Jessica , Lenz Laurel L.
Published: December 2008

Peptidoglycan (PGN) is a major component of the bacterial cell envelope in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These muropeptides can be produced or modified by the activity of bacterial glycolytic and peptidolytic enzymes referred to as PGN hydrolases and autolysins. Some of these bacterial enzymes are crucial for bacterial pathogenicity and have been shown to modulate muropeptide release and/or host innate immune responses. The ability of muropeptides to modulate host responses is due to the fact that eukaryotes do not produce PGN and have instead evolved numerous strategies to detect intact PGN and PGN fragments (muropeptides). Here we review the structure of PGN and introduce the various bacterial enzymes known to degrade or modify bacterial PGN. Host factors involved in PGN and muropeptide detection are also briefly discussed, as are examples of how specific bacterial pathogens use PGN degradation and modification to subvert host innate immunity.
Alterations in Muscle Attenuation following Detraining and Retraining in Resistance-Trained Older Adults
Authors: Taaffe Dennis R. , Henwood Tim R. , Nalls Michael A. , Walker Duncan G. , Lang Thomas F. , Harris Tamara B.
Published: December 2008

Background: Aging skeletal muscle is characterized not only by a reduction in size (sarcopenia) and strength but also by an increase in fatty infiltration (myosteatosis). An effective countermeasure to sarcopenia is resistance exercise; however, its effect on fatty infiltration is less clear. Objective: To examine in resistance-trained older persons whether muscle attenuation, a noninvasive measure of muscle density reflecting intramuscular lipid content, is altered with training status. Methods: Thirteen healthy community-dwelling men and women aged 65–83 years (body mass index 27.0 ± 1.2, mean ± SE) had computed-tomography scans of the mid-thigh performed following 24 weeks of training, 24 weeks of detraining, and 12 weeks of retraining. Training and retraining were undertaken twice weekly for several upper- and lower-body muscle groups. Skeletal muscle attenuation in Hounsfield units (HU) as well as mid-thigh muscle volume was obtained for the quadriceps and hamstrings. Muscle strength was assessed by 1-repetition maximum and physical function by a battery of tests. Results: The average change in muscle strength following training, detraining and retraining was 48.8 ± 2.9%, –17.6 ± 1.3%, and 19.8 ± 2.0%, respectively. Strength changes were accompanied by significant alterations in muscle density (p < 0.001), with the quadriceps HU decreasing by 7.7 ± 1.0% following detraining and increasing by 5.4 ± 0.5% with retraining. For the hamstrings HU measure, detraining and retraining resulted in an 11.9 ± 1.4% loss and a 5.5 ± 1.8% gain, respectively. There was no significant change in muscle volume. Conclusion: Cessation of resistance exercise in trained older persons increases the fatty infiltration of muscle, while resumption of exercise decreases it. Monitoring changes in both muscle size and fat infiltration may enable a more comprehensive assessment of exercise in combating age-related muscular changes.
Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma Complicating Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Meyer Nicolas , Mazereeuw-Hautier Juliette , Launay François , Lamant Laurence , Paul Carle
Published: December 2008

The association between severe long-term atopic dermatitis (AD) and the risk of skin lymphoma is still a matter of debate, since epidemiological studies have shown contradictory results. We report 2 cases of patients with a documented history of severe longstanding atopic disease, who had never been treated with topical or systemic calcineurin inhibitors, and who developed a cytotoxic cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL). For these 2 patients, clinical manifestations preceded the diagnosis of CTCL. The diagnosis was based on histological findings and molecular analysis of the T cell receptor (TCR) clonality. These cases illustrate the difficulty in diagnosing CTCL in patients with severe AD and extensive inflammatory skin lesions. The transition between severe AD and CTCL is progressive; histological findings and molecular evidence of TCR clonality are detected after the clinical changes. These 2 cases lend further support to the hypothesis of an association between severe long-term AD and CTCL.
Categorization of Skindex-29 Scores Using Mixture Analysis
Authors: Nijsten Tamar , Sampogna Francesca , Abeni Damiano
Published: December 2008

Background: Although the Skindex-29 is among the most commonly used health-related quality of life instruments in dermatology, the interpretation of obtained scores is not well documented. Objective: To create categories of the scores of the Skindex-29. Methods: The Skindex-29 scores of454 Italian patients with 6 distinct skin diseases from a specialized center were analyzed using mixture analyses. The validity of the obtained categorizations was tested. Results: Mixture analysis showed 4 distinct components (categories) for the emotion and functioning scale and 5 for the symptom scale. The total Skindex-29 score was categorized into 4 levels. As expected, patients with inflammatory diseases had higher levels of impairment, those with vitiligo and alopecia areata had low symptom levels and those with nevi were predominantly located in the lower categories for each of the scales. Conclusion: The proposed categories of the Skindex-29 may ease the interpretation of obtained continuous scores.
Psoriasis in France and Associated Risk Factors: Results of a Case-Control Study Based on a Large Community Survey
Authors: Wolkenstein P. , Revuz J. , Roujeau J.C. , Bonnelye G. , Grob J.J. , Bastuji-Garin S.
Published: December 2008

Background: Risk factors for psoriasis have been identified. Objective: To precisely define these associated factors. Methods: A survey was conducted using a questionnaire on a representative sample of the French population. A case-control study was conducted. Cases were persons who declared having had psoriasis during the previous 12 months. For each case, 3 matched controls were selected. Cases and controls were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The questionnaire was filled out and returned by 6,887 (68.9%) of 10,000 subjects aged 15 years and over; 356 cases were identified. In multivariate analysis, a higher body mass index, current and former smoking habits and β-blocker intake were independently associated with a higher risk of psoriasis; intake of statins was associated with a decreased risk (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We confirmed the association of overweight, smoking habits and β-blocker intake with psoriasis and reported a decreased risk associated with statin intake.
Photodynamic Therapy of Necrobiosis Lipoidica – A Multicenter Study of 18 Patients
Authors: Berking C. , Hegyi J. , Arenberger P. , Ruzicka T. , Jemec G.B.E.
Published: December 2008

Background: Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a granulomatous skin disease of unknown origin, and no reliably effective treatment option exists to handle this often disfiguring disease. Recently, a patient with long-lasting NL was reported to be cured by topical photodynamic therapy (PDT). Objective: To evaluate the overall potential of PDT in the treatment of NL on the lower legs. Methods: Retrospective study of 18 patients (aged 16–62 years) from 3 European university departments of dermatology treated with PDT for NL. Methyl aminolevulinate or 5-aminolevulinic acid were used as topically applied photosensitizers. Illumination followed with red light-emitting diode light. Results:Complete response was seen in 1/18 patients after 9 PDT cycles, and partial response in 6/18 patients (2–14 PDT cycles) giving an overall response rate of 39% (7/18). Conclusion: Although almost 40% of the cases showed some degree of response, PDT cannot currently be recommended as first-line therapy of NL. Subpopulations of therapy-resistant NL patients may, however, benefit from PDT.
Absence of Efficacy of Oral Isotretinoin in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Study Based on Patients’ Outcome Assessment
Authors: Soria A. , Canoui-Poitrine F. , Wolkenstein P. , Poli F. , Gabison G. , Pouget F. , Viallette C. , Revuz J.
Published: December 2008

Background: In analogy to acne, oral isotretinoin has been considered in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Objectives: To assess the efficacy of oral isotretinoin according to patients. Methods: From 1999 to 2006, 358 consecutive HS patients were interviewed and examined. A standardized record of the data was performed for each patient during the first consultation. Patients were questioned regarding the effect of previous treatment with oral isotretinoin: patients had to grade the effect as either ‘improved’, ‘no effect’ or ‘worse’. Results: Fourteen patients (16.1%) declared an improvement, 67 patients (77%) no effect and 6 patients (6.9%) worsening of HS. Conclusion: According to our patients, oral isotretinoin is not effective in the treatment of HS.
Traumatic Pyoderma Gangrenosum of the Face: Pathergy Development after Bike Accident
Authors: Lindberg-Larsen Rune , Fogh Karsten
Published: December 2008

We present a patient who developed pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) twice, initially after a minor trauma and later after reconstructive surgery. This case is presented to address the frequent misdiagnosis and mistreatment of PG by surgeons. It is of great importance that PG is diagnosed and of even great importance that surgery is avoided in order to prevent pathergy. Our case adds to the understanding that the diagnosis is based on the clinical and histopathological findings and by excluding other causes of skin ulcers. When a wound is not healing despite relevant local wound management and systemic treatment if needed, the clinician should always suspect PG. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in the management of PG and surgery is contraindicated.
A Severe and Refractory Case of Anti-p200 Pemphigoid Resulting in Multiple Skin Ulcers and Scar Formation
Authors: Goto-Ohguchi Y. , Nishie W. , Akiyama M. , Tateishi Y. , Aoyagi S. , Tsuji-Abe Y. , Sawamura D. , Ishii N. , Hashimoto T. , Shimizu H.
Published: December 2008

Anti-p200 pemphigoid is a recently described autoimmune blistering skin disease that is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against an unidentified 200-kDa dermal autoantigen. Most of the previous cases have been successfully treated using mild-to-moderate immunosuppressive therapies, which resulted in a good prognosis. We report here a severe and refractory case of anti-p200 pemphigoid that developed in a 53-year-old woman, in which blisters led to multiple skin ulcers, followed by severe scar formation. In the present case, methylprednisolone pulse therapy was effective enough to reduce the disease activity.
Nanotechnology in Medical Imaging
Authors: Cormode David P. , Skajaa Torjus , Fayad Zahi A. , Mulder Willem J.M.
Published: December 2008

Nanoparticles have become more and more prevalent in reports of novel contrast agents, especially for molecular imaging, the detection of cellular processes. The advantages of nanoparticles include their potency to generate contrast, the ease of integrating multiple properties, lengthy circulation times, and the possibility to include high payloads. As the chemistry of nanoparticles has improved over the past years, more sophisticated examples of nano-sized contrast agents have been reported, such as paramagnetic, macrophage targeted quantum dots or α
v
β
3
-targeted, MRI visible microemulsions that also carry a drug to suppress angiogenesis. The use of these particles is producing greater knowledge of disease processes and the effects of therapy. Along with their excellent properties, nanoparticles may produce significant toxicity, which must be minimized for (clinical) application. In this review we discuss the different factors that are considered when designing a nanoparticle probe and highlight some of the most advanced examples.
Differential Neuroprotection and Risk for Bleeding From Activated Protein C With Varying Degrees of Anticoagulant Activity
Authors: Wang Yaoming , Thiyagarajan Meenakshisundaram , Chow Nienwen , Singh Itender , Guo Huang , Davis Thomas P. , Zlokovic Berislav V.
Published: December 2008

Background and Purpose—

Activated protein C (APC), a protease with anticoagulant and cytoprotective activities, protects neurons and endothelium from ischemic injury. Drotrecogin-alfa activated, a hyperanticoagulant form of human recombinant APC, is currently being studied in patients with ischemic stroke. How changes in APC anticoagulant activity influence APC’s neuroprotection and risk for bleeding is not clear.

Methods—

We used neuronal and brain endothelial cell injury models and middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice to compare efficacy and safety of drotrecogin-alfa activated and human 3K3A-APC, an APC nonanticoagulant mutant.

Results—

Drotrecogin-alfa activated and 3K3A-APC exhibited 148% and 10% of plasma-derived APC’s anticoagulant activity and differ in the carbohydrate content. 3K3A-APC protected mouse neurons from
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate-induced apoptosis and human brain endothelial cell from oxygen-glucose deprivation with 1.8- and 3.1-fold greater efficacy than drotrecogin-alfa activated. Given 5 minutes before transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, 3K3A-APC and drotrecogin-alfa activated (0.5 and 2 mg/kg intravenously) reduced comparably and dose-dependently the infarction lesion up to 85%. 3K3A-APC, but not drotrecogin-alfa activated, improved neurological score dose-dependently (
P
<0.05). 3K3A-APC did not cause bleeding. In contrast, drotrecogin-alfa activated dose-dependently increased hemoglobin content in postischemic brain. After permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, 3K3A-APC multidose therapy (1 mg/kg intravenously at 12 hours and 1, 3, 5, and 7 days) improved functional recovery and reduced infarction by 60% with no risk for bleeding, whereas drotrecogin-alfa activated increased hemoglobin deposition in the postischemic brain and showed relatively modest neuroprotection.

Conclusions—

Nonanticoagulant 3K3A-APC exhibits greater neuroprotective efficacy with no risk for bleeding compared with drotrecogin-alfa activated, a hyperanticoagulant form of APC.
Moisture Vertical Structure, Column Water Vapor, and Tropical Deep Convection
Authors: Holloway Christopher E. , Neelin J. David
Published: December 2008

The vertical structure of the relationship between water vapor and precipitation is analyzed in 5 yr of radiosonde and precipitation gauge data from the Nauru Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) site. The first vertical principal component of specific humidity is very highly correlated with column water vapor (CWV) and has a maximum of both total and fractional variance captured in the lower free troposphere (around 800 hPa). Moisture profiles conditionally averaged on precipitation show a strong association between rainfall and moisture variability in the free troposphere and little boundary layer variability. A sharp pickup in precipitation occurs near a critical value of CWV, confirming satellite-based studies. A lag–lead analysis suggests it is unlikely that the increase in water vapor is just a result of the falling precipitation. To investigate mechanisms for the CWV–precipitation relationship, entraining plume buoyancy is examined in sonde data and simplified cases. For several different mixing schemes, higher CWV results in progressively greater plume buoyancies, particularly in the upper troposphere, indicating conditions favorable for deep convection. All other things being equal, higher values of lower-tropospheric humidity, via entrainment, play a major role in this buoyancy increase. A small but significant increase in subcloud layer moisture with increasing CWV also contributes to buoyancy. Entrainment coefficients inversely proportional to distance from the surface, associated with mass flux increase through a deep lower-tropospheric layer, appear promising. These yield a relatively even weighting through the lower troposphere for the contribution of environmental water vapor to midtropospheric buoyancy, explaining the association of CWV and buoyancy available for deep convection.
Detailed Observations of Wind Turbine Clutter with Scanning Weather Radars
Authors: Isom B. M. , Palmer R. D. , Secrest G. S. , Rhoton R. D. , Saxion D. , Allmon T. L. , Reed J. , Crum T. , Vogt R.
Published: December 2008

The wind power industry has seen tremendous growth over the past decade and with it has come the need for clutter mitigation techniques for nearby radar systems. Wind turbines can impart upon these radars a unique type of interference that is not removed with conventional clutter-filtering methods. Time series data from Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) stations near wind farms were collected and spectral analysis was used to investigate the detailed characteristics of wind turbine clutter. Techniques to mask wind turbine clutter were developed that utilize multiquadric interpolation in two and three dimensions and can be applied to both the spectral moments and spectral components. In an effort to improve performance, a nowcasting algorithm was incorporated into the interpolation scheme via a least mean squares criterion. The masking techniques described in this paper will be shown to reduce the impact of wind turbine clutter on weather radar systems at the expense of spatial resolution.
Predicting Mesoscale Variability of the North Atlantic Using a Physically Motivated Scheme for Assimilating Altimeter and Argo Observations
Authors: Liu Yimin , Thompson Keith R.
Published: December 2008

A computationally efficient scheme is described for assimilating sea level measured by altimeters and vertical profiles of temperature and salinity measured by Argo floats. The scheme is based on a transformation of temperature, salinity, and sea level into a set of physically meaningful variables for which it is easier to specify spatial covariance functions. The scheme also allows for sequential correction of temperature and salinity biases and online estimation of background error covariance parameters. Two North Atlantic applications, both focused on predicting mesoscale variability, are used to assess the effectiveness of the scheme. In the first application the background is a monthly temperature and salinity climatology and skill is assessed by how well the scheme recovers Argo profiles that were not assimilated. In the second application the backgrounds are short-term forecasts made by an eddy-permitting model of the North Atlantic. Skill is assessed by the quality of forecasts with lead times of 1–60 days. Both applications show that the scheme has useful skill.
Adjoint Estimation of the Variation in Model Functional Output due to the Assimilation of Data
Authors: Daescu Dacian N. , Todling Ricardo
Published: December 2008

A parametric approach to the adjoint estimation of the variation in model functional output due to the assimilation of data is considered as a tool to analyze and develop observation impact measures. The parametric approach is specialized to a linear analysis scheme and it is used to derive various high-order approximation equations. This framework includes the Kalman filter and incremental three-and four-dimensional variational data assimilation schemes implementing a single outer loop iteration. Distinction is made between Taylor series methods and numerical quadrature methods. The novel quadrature approximations require minimal additional software development and are suitable for testing and implementation at operational numerical weather prediction centers where a data assimilation system (DAS) and the associated adjoint DAS are in place. Their potential use as tools for observation impact estimates needs to be further investigated. Preliminary numerical experiments are provided using the fifth-generation NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) atmospheric DAS.
Sandwiched between Patronage and Bureaucracy: The Plight of Citizen Participation in Community-based Housing Organisations in the US
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark
Published: December 2008

This article examines how directors of community-based housing organisations (CBHOs) in the US define the role of citizen participation in their organisations. In particular, it describes how local political and administrative structures affect the scope of citizen participation in the governance and decision-making processes of CBHOs. This is an important topic since these organisations implement housing and community development programmes in urban neighbourhoods, and citizen participation has been considered important to the legitimacy of these efforts. The analysis is based on in-depth interviews with CBHO executive directors in Buffalo, New York. In particular, the executive directors of CBHOs that concentrate their efforts on the management, development and rehabilitation of affordable housing were interviewed. In addition to data from in-depth interviews, data from fieldnotes, the US census, IRS 990 forms and informal conversations with local government officials and representatives of intermediary organisations were used in the analysis. Existing theories concerning citizen participation and non-profit administration are elaborated upon and applied to CBHOs. The extent to which these organisations create opportunities for grassroots planning is considered and recommendations for expanding citizen participation are proposed.
Mixing Housing Tenures: Is it Good for Social Well-being?
Authors: Graham Elspeth , Manley David , Hiscock Rosemary , Boyle Paul , Doherty Joe
Published: December 2008

Mixing tenures is now a widely accepted policy designed to tackle problems of social exclusion in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. However, the evidence base for mixing tenures is fragmented and ambiguous. With few exceptions, studies of mixed-tenure effects have been small, one-off investigations of individual communities, providing only a rudimentary basis for comparative evaluation. In attempting to address these issues, a national-level, ecological analysis of mixed tenure in Great Britain was conducted, using aggregate data from two decennial censuses and geocoded vital registrations. Asking the question whether mixing housing tenures is good for social well-being, the objective of the research is to establish under what, if any, circumstances tenure mixing is positively related to indicators of the social well-being of an area's population. The findings provide little support for positive outcomes and lead the authors to question the efficacy of mixing tenures as a policy for improving social well-being.
On the Residential `Clubbisation' of French Periurban Municipalities
Authors: Charmes Eric
Published: December 2008

In French periurban municipalities, principles of justice considered legitimate by periurbanites are increasingly less associated to the political sphere and more attached to the economic sphere. Some municipalities (especially those with less than 2000 inhabitants) carry out policies that are increasingly similar to the management of private residential clubs. Thus, regarding territorialisation of periurbanites, the major transformation is less a rise of the private sector to the detriment of the public sector, than a change in the philosophical definition of the relationship to residential space. More precisely, the former should be regarded as a symptom of the latter, and not as a cause.
Commuting, Transport Tax Reform and the Labour Market: Employer-paid Parking and the Relative Efficiency of Revenue Recycling Instruments
Authors: De Borger Bruno , Wuyts Bart
Published: December 2008

In this paper, the welfare effects of a budget-neutral increase in taxes on car commuters are studied in a model that takes into account the presence of employer-paid parking at the workplace. It is found that the presence of employer-paid parking substantially increases the welfare effect of such a tax reform, independent of the use of the revenues: congestion taxes not only correct congestion externalities, they also reduce the inefficiency caused by employer-paid parking. Moreover, different congestion effects of alternative recycling instruments and the presence of employer-paid parking jointly imply that recycling the tax revenues via higher public transport subsidies may yield much more favourable welfare effects than previously believed. It can easily outperform recycling the tax revenues via lower labour taxes. Finally, cashing out parking costs to public transport users is found to generate substantial positive welfare effects. Numerical analysis confirms the theory.
Psychometric Evaluation of the English Language Person-Centered Climate Questionnaire—Patient Version
Authors: Edvardsson David , Koch Susan , Nay Rhonda
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of a questionnaire measuring to what extent the climate of health care settings are perceived as being person-centered. The English Person-Centered Climate Questionnaire—Patient version (PCQ-P) was distributed to a sample of hospital patients ( n = 108) and data were subjected to psychometric evaluation using statistical estimates of validity and reliability. Content and construct validity of the PCQ-P was satisfactory in literature reviews and factor and item analysis. Cronbach's alpha was satisfactory for the total scale (0.90) and also for sub-scales: safety = 0.96 and hospitality = 0.89. The intraclass correlation coefficient indicating test-retest reliability was 0.70 with a 95% confidence interval ranging between 0.63 and 0.77. Even though the sample should be considered, the results indicate that the PCQ is a valid and reliable contribution for assessing to what extent the climate of health care settings are perceived to be person-centered by patients.