bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional modeling of magnetic field inflation by plasma injection
Authors: Tang Hai-Bin , Yao Jie , Wang Hai-Xing , Liu Yu
Published: May 2007

Three-dimensional simulations of the expansion of plasma injected into a dipole magnetic field are conducted with a kinetic ion, massless fluid electron (hybrid) electromagnetic code. Two different types of magnetic field expansions are considered, i.e., high-density plasma is injected into a dipole magnetic field with or without a background magnetic field. It is found that the existence of the background magnetic field not only changes the particle distribution, but also significantly changes the extent of magnetic field inflation. The effects of plasma injection velocity on magnetic field inflation are also studied in this paper. It is shown that the higher the injection velocity, the larger the size of the inflated magnetic bubble. For the lower injection velocity, the gyroradii of the injected particles to the dipole field scale length are small so that the particles are trapped in the dipole field.
Current sheets at three-dimensional magnetic nulls: Effect of compressibility
Authors: Pontin D. I. , Bhattacharjee A. , Galsgaard K.
Published: May 2007

The nature of current sheet formation in the vicinity of three-dimensional (3D) magnetic null points is investigated. The particular focus is upon the effect of the compressibility of the plasma on the qualitative and quantitative properties of the current sheet. An initially potential 3D null is subjected to shearing perturbations, as in a previous paper [Pontin et al., Phys. Plasmas 14, 052106 (2007)]. It is found that as the incompressible limit is approached, the collapse of the null point is suppressed and an approximately planar current sheet aligned to the fan plane is present instead. This is the case regardless of whether the spine or fan of the null is sheared. Both the peak current and peak reconnection rate are reduced. The results have a bearing on previous analytical solutions for steady-state reconnection in incompressible plasmas, implying that fan current sheet solutions are dynamically accessible, while spine current sheet solutions are not.
Generalized Chudley-Elliott vibration-jump model in activated atom surface diffusion
Authors: Martínez-Casado R. , Vega J. L. , Sanz A. S. , Miret-Artés S.
Published: May 2007

Here the authors provide a generalized Chudley-Elliott expression for the activated atom surface diffusion which takes into account the coupling between both low-frequency vibrational motion (namely, the frustrated translational modes) and diffusion. This expression is derived within the Gaussian approximation framework for the intermediate scattering function at low coverage. Moreover, inelastic contributions (arising from creation and annihilation processes) to the full width at half maximum of the quasielastic peak are also obtained.
Coulomb oscillation of a proton in a Ni–Nb–Zr–H glassy alloy with multiple junctions
Authors: Fukuhara Mikio , Kawashima Asahi , Yamaura Shinichi , Inoue Akihisa
Published: May 2007

Electric current-induced voltage oscillation at 500–560kHz was observed in the current-voltage curves of nanoscopic size (∼0.9nm) tunnel junctions arranged in a low-capacitance (∼1aF), multiple-junction configuration of (Ni42Nb28Zr30)100−xHx (5.2⩽x⩽15.2) glassy alloys in the temperature range of 205–6K. This behavior appeared to be derived from Coulomb oscillation resulting from the tunneling of individual protons charging and discharging the vacancy capacitance of Zr–H-◻-H–Zr atomic bond arrays among Zr-tetrahedral clusters, where ◻ is the vacancy barrier, termed the free volume, in the glassy alloys.
Localization and interdot carrier transfer in CdSe and CdZnMnSe quantum dots determined by cw and time-resolved photoluminescence
Authors: Park J. H. , Choi D. G. , Lee T. K. , Oh Eunsoon , Lee Sanghoon , Furdyna J. K.
Published: May 2007

The authors compared time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) emitted by CdSe quantum dots (QDs) and by CdZnMnSe QDs. An unusual nonmonotonic temperature dependence of the PL shift for CdSe QDs is observed, which they ascribe to delocalization of carriers with increasing temperature. In contrast, PL emitted by CdZnMnSe QDs follows a typical monotonic redshift with temperature and exhibits a smaller temporal redshift with pulsed laser excitation than that observed for CdSe QDs. The authors suggest that the temperature PL dependence observed for CdZnMnSe QDs and the smaller localization process observed in that system arise from the shorter PL lifetime in that system.
Spatially resolved biosensing with a molded plasmonic crystal
Authors: Malyarchuk Viktor , Stewart Matthew E. , Nuzzo Ralph G. , Rogers John A.
Published: May 2007

The authors report the use of a type of quasi-three-dimensional plasmonic crystal for spatially resolved detection of biochemical binding events, with a spatial resolution of tens of microns and submonolayer binding sensitivity. In demonstration experiments, fibrinogen patterns nonspecifically adsorbed to the crystal surface were spatially and spectroscopically resolved using monochromatic and white light illumination. The experimental simplicity of the fabrication and use of these sensors, their compact form factors together with the high detection sensitivities and spatial resolution that can be achieved, collectively make these devices interesting as candidates for label-free array-based bioanalytical detection.
Planar electrode piezoelectric force microscopy to study electric polarization switching in BiFeO3
Authors: Shafer P. , Zavaliche F. , Chu Y.-H. , Yang P.-L. , Cruz M. P. , Ramesh R.
Published: May 2007

Piezoelectric force microscopy has been enhanced by coplanar epitaxial electrodes to detect and manipulate the striped ferroelectric domain structure of a multiferroic BiFeO3 thin film grown on single-crystalline DyScO3. Time-resolved imaging revealed ferroelastic (71° and 109°) switching of domains in a needlelike region that grew from one electrode toward the other in a uniform electric field, and demonstrated reversible rotation of the 71° domain stripe orientation in a nonuniform field. Purely ferroelectric (180°) switching was suppressed by the geometry of the electrodes. The extendibility of this apparatus opens the door toward magnetoelectric domain imaging.
Oxidized macroscopic-long Cu nanowire bundle photoconductor
Authors: Sun Jia-Lin , Xu Jia , Zhu Jia-Lin
Published: May 2007

Using a solid electrolyte RbCu4Cl3I2 thin film and a controlled constant current electric field, the authors have directly fabricated macroscopic-long Cu nanowire bundles. Their structural characters have been described at different scales. The oxidation behavior of macroscopic-long Cu nanowire bundles containing thousands of straight and dendritic Cu nanowires was studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Benefiting from the oxidized macroscopic-long Cu nanowire bundles, they have experimentally explored photoinduced conductivity in the bundle upon illumination with a 532nm laser beam, and observed that it can be regarded as a photoconductor with high sensitivity and fast response.
Inelastic laser light scattering study of an ordered array of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Polomska A. M. , Young C. K. , Andrews G. T. , Clouter M. J. , Yin A. , Xu J. M.
Published: May 2007

Ordered carbon nanotube arrays fabricated on alumina templates were studied using inelastic laser light scattering spectroscopy. Multiple peaks were observed in spectra from an array where the nanotubes extend ∼150nm beyond the template surface. These protruding segments are modeled as hollow cylinders clamped at one end. Good agreement is obtained between the predicted vibrational frequencies and the experimental peak frequency shifts. The peaks are thus attributed to the transverse, longitudinal, and torsional vibrations of the protruding nanotube segments. This assignment yields values of 26 and 20GPa for the Young’s and shear moduli of the nanotubes, respectively.
Scattering of electromagnetic waves in metamaterial superlattices
Authors: Shadrivov Ilya V. , Powell David A. , Morrison Steven K. , Kivshar Yuri S. , Milford Gregory N.
Published: May 2007

The authors study experimentally both transmission and reflection of microwave radiation from metamaterial superlattices created by layers of periodically arranged wires and split-ring resonators. The authors measure the dependence of the metamaterial resonance on the spatial period of the superlattice and demonstrate resonance broadening and splitting for the binary metamaterial structures.
Probing the Membrane Environment of the TOR Kinases Reveals Functional Interactions between TORC1, Actin, and Membrane Trafficking inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Aronova Sofia , Wedaman Karen , Anderson Scott , Yates John , Powers Ted
Published: May 2007

The TOR kinases are regulators of growth in eukaryotic cells that assemble into two distinct protein complexes, TORC1 and TORC2, where TORC1 is inhibited by the antibiotic rapamycin. Present models favor a view wherein TORC1 regulates cell mass accumulation, and TORC2 regulates spatial aspects of growth, including organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we demonstrate that in yeast both TORC1 and TORC2 fractionate with a novel form of detergent-resistant membranes that are distinct from detergent-resistant plasma membrane “rafts.” Proteomic analysis of these TOR-associated membranes revealed the presence of regulators of endocytosis and the actin cytoskeleton. Genetic analyses revealed a significant number of interactions between these components and TORC1, demonstrating a functional link between TORC1 and actin/endocytosis-related genes. Moreover, we found that inhibition of TORC1 by rapamycin 1) disrupted actin polarization, 2) delayed actin repolarization after glucose starvation, and 3) delayed accumulation of lucifer yellow within the vacuole. By combining our genetic results with database mining, we constructed a map of interactions that led to the identification of additional genetic interactions between TORC1 and components involved in membrane trafficking. Together, these results reveal the broad scope of cellular processes influenced by TORC1, and they underscore the functional overlap between TORC1 and TORC2.
Glomerella acutata on Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in Norway
Authors: Talgø V. , Aamot H. U. , Strømeng G. M. , Klemsdal S. S. , Stensvand A.
Published: May 2007

In August 2004, Glomerella acutata Guerber & Correll was detected on fruits from highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) for the first time in Norway. Both the conidial (Colletotrichum acutatum J. H. Simmonds) and the ascigerous (G. acutata) stage developed on naturally infected blueberry fruits. Perithecia also readily formed on blueberries and strawberries inoculated with a culture from highbush blueberry, and on artificial, solid medium (both on strawberry leaf agar and potato dextrose agar). To our knowledge this is the first report worldwide of the teleomorph of Glomerella acutata on a naturally infected host.

Accepted for publication 15 January 2007. Published 9 May 2007.
Radiopacity of root filling materials using digital radiography
Authors: Carvalho‐Junior J. R. , Correr‐Sobrinho L. , Correr A. B. , Sinhoreti M. A. C. , Consani S. , Sousa‐Neto M. D.
Published: May 2007

Aim  To evaluate radiopacity of root filling materials using digital radiography.

Methodology  The sealers tested were AH PlusTM, Endofill®, EndoREZTM and EpiphanyTM. Gutta‐percha (Dentsply Maillefer) and ResilonTM cones were also tested. Acrylic plates, containing six wells, measuring 1 mm in depth and 5 mm in diameter, were prepared for the test, and filled with the materials. The test samples were radiographed together with an aluminium stepwedge calibrated in millimetres, according to ANSI/ADA Specification 57. For the radiographic exposures, digital imaging plates and an X‐ray machine at 70 kVp and 8 mA were used. The object‐to‐focus distance was 30 cm, and the exposure time, 0.2 s. After the laser optic reading process, the software determined the radiopacity of the standardized areas, using grey‐scale values, calculating the average radiographic density for each material.

Results  The decreasing values of radiopacity of the studied materials, expressed in millimetres of aluminium equivalent, were: ResilonTM (13.0), AH PlusTM (11.2), gutta‐percha (9.8), EpiphanyTM (8.0), Endofill® (6.9) and EndoREZTM (6.6).

Conclusion  All materials had radiopacity values above 3 mm of aluminium recommended by ANSI/ADA Specification 57.
Reducing wounding of game by shotgun hunting: effects of a Danish action plan on pink‐footed geese
Authors: NOER HENNING , MADSEN JESPER , HARTMANN POUL
Published: May 2007

Shooting of game by shotgun inevitably leads to wounding of some individuals. Few attempts, however, have been made to quantify the numbers involved. Following demonstration that for certain species nearly one bird was wounded for every one killed, a national action plan to reduce wounding of game was implemented in Denmark in 1997. The plan called for substantial improvements in hunting practice to reduce the number of wounded birds, granting hunters an initial period to achieve this on a voluntary basis.

The Svalbard pink‐footed goose is hunted exclusively in Norway and in Denmark, where two‐thirds of the annual harvest is taken. Before 1997, 25% of the first‐year and 36% of the older geese carried embedded shot, corresponding to at least 0·7 wounded geese per bagged one. We studied the effects of the action plan by X‐raying annual catches of geese during 1998–2005.

Since 1998 there has been a significant decrease in the proportion of geese carrying shot for both first‐years (7–11% in catches) and older geese (gradual decrease to c. 18% by 2005). A simple population dynamic model predicts these decreases to be consistent with a c. 60% reduction of numbers wounded for both age classes.

During 1996–2005 the Svalbard pink‐footed goose population increased from 33 000 to 50 000 individuals. Information on harvest size is sparse, and the possibility that declining harvest rates could have affected the proportion of geese carrying shot cannot be disregarded. We show that the observed decreases cannot be explained solely by decreasing harvest rates, although calculated effects of the plan may have been somewhat inflated. Even in that case, however, reductions of at least 50% appear to have resulted from the plan.

Synthesis and applications. The basic remedial action to reduce wounding has been to encourage compliance with the 25 m maximum range recommended for shooting geese in Denmark. This reduction in range eliminates shots that have a low probability of killing and a relatively high risk of wounding. Since 1997, the total annual number of harvested geese in Denmark has increased from 15 000 to 30 000. Thus, reductions in numbers wounded do not appear to have had any negative impact on harvest size.
An operational model predicting autumn bird migration intensities for flight safety
Authors: VAN BELLE J. , SHAMOUN‐BARANES J. , VAN LOON E. , BOUTEN W.
Published: May 2007

Forecasting migration intensity can improve flight safety and reduce the operational costs of collisions between aircraft and migrating birds. This is particularly true for military training flights, which can be rescheduled if necessary and often take place at low altitudes and during the night. Migration intensity depends strongly on weather conditions but reported effects of weather differ among studies. It is therefore unclear to what extent existing predictive models can be extrapolated to new situations.

We used radar measurements of bird densities in the Netherlands to analyse the relationship between weather and nocturnal migration. Using our data, we tested the performance of three regression models that have been developed for other locations in Europe. We developed and validated new models for different combinations of years to test whether regression models can be used to predict migration intensity in independent years. Model performance was assessed by comparing model predictions against benchmark predictions based on measured migration intensity of the previous night and predictions based on a 6‐year average trend. We also investigated the effect of the size of the calibration data set on model robustness.

All models performed better than the benchmarks, but the mismatch between measurements and predictions was large for existing models. Model performance was best for newly developed regression models. The performance of all models was best at intermediate migration intensities. The performance of our models clearly increased with sample size, up to about 90 nocturnal migration measurements. Significant input variables included seasonal migration trend, wind profit, 24‐h trend in barometric pressure and rain.

Synthesis and applications. Migration intensities can be forecast with a regression model based on meteorological data. This and other existing models are only valid locally and cannot be extrapolated to new locations. Model development for new locations requires data sets with representative inter‐ and intraseasonal variability so that cross‐validation can be applied effectively. The Royal Netherlands Air Force currently uses the regression model developed in this study to predict migration intensities 3 days ahead. This improves the reliability of migration intensity warnings and allows rescheduling of training flights if needed.
Niche‐assembly vs. dispersal‐assembly rules in coastal fish metacommunities: implications for management of biodiversity in brackish lagoons
Authors: MOUILLOT DAVID
Published: May 2007

Biodiversity is rapidly being lost in a world transformed increasingly by human activities. We need to determine urgently the factors which control the coexistence of species and thus allow local biodiversity to be maintained.

Coexistence between interacting species can be explained by species‐sorting, mass‐effect, patch dynamic and neutral perspectives on metacommunities. According to the first two paradigms, community assembly rules are based on species’ ecological niches or functional roles, whereas the latter two emphasize the role of stochastic processes.

Here I consider whether effective strategies for managing fish biodiversity in coastal lagoons depend on the predominant paradigm.

The neutral perspective was not considered relevant because lagoon fishes belong to different trophic levels and have clear niche differences.

Where fish coexistence is ruled by species‐sorting, priority must be given to the preservation or restoration of habitat, whereas heterogeneity among lagoons and population densities become critical when mass effects predominate.

According to the patch dynamics perspective, the key factors are individual turn‐over and the fitness equivalence among species.

Synthesis and applications. Coastal fish metacommunities are not ruled consistently by a single theoretical paradigm. However, consideration of such extreme cases sets clear boundaries for species assembly rules. Confronting the three main views is not only a controversial topic, but also has consequences for ecosystem and biodiversity management.
Nurses’ perceptions, understanding and experiences of health promotion
Authors: Casey Dympna
Published: May 2007

Aim.  This paper presents an account of nurses' perceptions and understanding of health promotion in an acute setting.

Background.  Health promotion is considered the remit of every nurse. To engage in health‐promoting practice, however, nurses need to understand the term ‘health promotion’ clearly.

Method.  A single qualitative embedded case study was used. Purposive sampling of eight nurses was employed. Initially, theses nurses were observed in practice and, following this, a semi‐structured one‐to‐one interview was conducted with each observed nurse. Qualitative data analysis guided by work of Miles and Huberman was employed.

Results.  The data revealed one main theme: health‐promoting nursing practice and this consisted of six categories and five subcategories. The findings indicated that nurses struggled to describe their understanding of health promotion, their understanding was limited and the strategies described to conduct health promotion were narrow and focused on the individual. Their perceptions and descriptions of health promotion were more in keeping with the traditional health education approach. Overall health promotion was reported to occur infrequently, being added on if the nurse had time. Factors relating to education, organizational and management issues were identified as key barriers prohibiting health‐promoting nursing practice.

Conclusions.  Nurses must recognize that health promotion is a broad concept that does not exclusively focus on the individual or lifestyle factors. Nurses must be educated to recognize health‐promoting opportunities in the acute setting, as well as how to plan for and conduct health promotion so that it becomes integral to practice. A review of the methods of organizing and delivering nursing care is also advocated.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Ward managers have an important role in supporting nurses, creating a culture for health promotion and sharing power in decision‐making processes, so that nurses feel valued and empowered.
Initiation, choice and satisfaction of nursing appointments in general practice: a cross‐sectional survey of patients and nurses
Authors: Pascoe Shane W , Neal Richard D , Bedford Yvonne E , McMain Sheena S
Published: May 2007

Aims and objectives.  To compare patients’ and nurses’ perceptions regarding the initiation of appointments, and to assess patients’ satisfaction with appointment provision.

Background.  Appointment provision is changing in primary care and no research has assessed the initiation of nursing appointments.

Design.  Cross‐sectional survey assessing patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of the same appointment.

Methods.  A survey distributed to a convenience sample of patients attending nursing appointments for a two‐week period.

Results.  Patients are highly satisfied with appointment provision. There is little agreement between patients and nursing staff regarding the initiation of an appointment.

Conclusion.  Patients are satisfied with appointment provision which can accommodate different perceptions regarding the initiation of an appointment.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important to acknowledge patients’ perceptions regarding appointment management as the views of nursing staff differ regarding the initiation of the appointment.
The maternal self in pregnant women undergoing maternal serum screening
Authors: Chiang Hsien‐Hsien , Chao Yuh‐Mei Y , Yuh Yeong‐Seng
Published: May 2007

Background. Much has been written about the anxiety of pregnant women undergoing maternal serum screening, but little has focused on the maternal self.

Aims. The purpose of this study was to explore how the maternal self was affected by abnormal results of prenatal screening.

Design. A qualitative design was used, based upon a grounded theory method.

Methods. Twenty‐seven women undergoing maternal serum screening engaged in qualitative interviews about how abnormal results affected them and their family life.

Results. This study identified three forms of maternal self in women who had been informed of abnormal results of maternal serum screening. The three forms of maternal self could be described as self‐stigmatizing, self‐conflicting and self‐knowledgeable.

Conclusion. The self‐stigmatizing and self‐conflicting resulted from painful body image. The pregnant women responded to this vulnerability by reflecting on their experiences and constituting self‐knowledgeable.

Relevance to clinical practice. This study demonstrated that ethical issues were implicit in prenatal counselling in terms of various forms of maternal self. Understanding the self‐perceptions of pregnant women coping with an increased risk of Down Syndrome could be very significant in delivering prenatal genetic counselling.
A nurse short message service by cellular phone in type‐2 diabetic patients for six months
Authors: Kim Hee‐Seung , Jeong Hye‐Sun
Published: May 2007

Aim.  To investigate the effectiveness of a nurse short message service (SMS) by cellular phone and wire Internet on plasma glucose levels in people with diabetes for six months.

Background.  Blood glucose management system using telemedicine approaches may maintain the appropriate blood glucose levels in type‐2 diabetic patients.

Design.  A control group pre‐test–post‐test design was used to assess the effectiveness of nurse's education.

Methods.  Twenty‐five patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group and 26 to a control group. The intervention was applied for six months. The goal of the intervention was to keep blood glucose concentrations close to the normal range. Participants were requested to input their blood glucose level, diet and exercise diary everyday in the website by cellular phone or wire Internet. The researcher sends optimal recommendations to each patient using SMS by cellular phone and wire Internet weekly.

Results.  Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) decreased 1·15% points at three months and 1·05% points at six months compared with baseline in the intervention group. Patients in the intervention group had a decrease of two hours post meal glucose (2HPMG) of 85·1 mg/dl at three months and 63·1 mg/dl at six months compared with baseline.

Conclusion.  This web‐based intervention using SMS of cellular phone improved HbA1c and 2HPMG for six months in type‐2 diabetic patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  An SMS of cellular phone intervention by a nurse can reduce HbA1c and 2HPMG for six months in type‐2 diabetic patients.
Appropriate utilization of hospital beds in internal medicine: evaluation in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Dizdar Ömer , Karadağ Ömer , Kalyoncu Umut , Kurt Mevlüt , Ülger Zekeriya , Şardan Yeşm Çetinkaya , Ünal Serhat
Published: May 2007

Aim  To assess the appropriateness of utilization of beds in the internal medicine department of a university hospital.

Methods  The appropriateness of hospital stay was evaluated using the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol. A random sample of 402 days of stay was assessed.

Results  One hundred and thirty‐nine days of stay (34.6%) were classified as inappropriate. The inappropriate stays were mostly secondary to hospital‐related factors. The two major factors for inappropriate stays were ‘inappropriate timing/delay in diagnostic procedures/consultations’ (27%) and ‘delay in obtaining test results’ (27%). None of the factors including age, gender, residence and inpatient period was significantly related to inappropriate stay in univariate analysis.

Conclusion  This study indicated that a significant portion of stays were inappropriate. Efforts to decrease particularly hospital‐related factors associated with inappropriate stay are needed.
An acetylase with relaxed specificity catalyses protein N‐terminal acetylation in Sulfolobus solfataricus
Authors: Mackay Dale T. , Botting Catherine H. , Taylor Garry L. , White Malcolm F.
Published: May 2007

N‐terminal protein acetylation is common in eukaryotes and halophilic archaea, but very rare in bacteria. We demonstrate that some of the most abundant proteins present in the crenarchaeote Sulfolobus solfataricus, including subunits of the thermosome, proteosome and ribosome, are acetylated at the N‐terminus. Modification was observed at the N‐terminal residues serine, alanine, threonine and methionine‐glutamate. A conserved archaeal protein, ssArd1, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and shown to acetylate the same N‐terminal sequences in vitro. The specific activity of ssArd1 is sensitive to protein structure in addition to sequence context. The crenarchaeota and euryarchaeota apparently differ in respect of the frequency of acetylation of Met–Glu termini, which appears much more common in S. solfataricus. This sequence is acetylated by the related Nat3 acetylase in eukarya. ssArd1 thus has a relaxed sequence specificity compared with the eukaryotic N‐acetyl transferases, and may represent an ancestral form of the enzyme. This represents another example where archaeal molecular biology resembles that in eukaryotes rather than bacteria.
Invasive fungal infections in allogeneic and autologous stem cell transplant recipients: a single‐center study of 166 transplanted patients
Authors: Post M.J. , Lass‐Floerl C. , Gastl G. , Nachbaur D.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Objectives. Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remain a major cause of infection‐related morbidity and mortality following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Patients and methods. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of IFIs in 166 patients undergoing either allogeneic or autologous HSCT at our institution between January 2000 and December 2003.

Results. Incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive candidiasis among allogeneic HSCT recipients was 23% (16–32%, 95% confidence interval [CI]) and 3% (1–9%, 95% CI), respectively. Duration of neutropenia and reduced‐intensity conditioning were the only risk factors for IA in the multivariate model. Patients with IA had significantly reduced overall survival (8% versus 56%, P=0.01) due to higher transplant‐related mortality (63% versus 31%, P=0.03). Following autologous HSCT, incidence of IA and invasive candidiasis was 8% (4–19%, 95% CI) and 2% (0.2–11%, 95% CI), respectively. Duration of neutropenia was the only risk factor for the development of IA following autologous HSCT. Overall survival of autologous HSCT recipients with IA was similar to that of patients without IA. Seventeen percent of autologous HSCT recipients were colonized with Candida species. Compared with non‐colonized patients these patients had significantly reduced overall survival (72% versus 23%, P=0.004), due to increased treatment‐related mortality (23% versus 9%, P=0.02).

Conclusion. Diagnosis of IA following allogeneic HSCT and Candida colonization in the setting of autologous HSCT defines patient populations with poor outcome but primarily not as a result of the fungal pathogen. Regarding the incidence of IA, duration of neutropenia is the main risk factor, and dose‐reduced conditioning is an additional risk factor for the development of IA following allogeneic HSCT, probably owing to increased recipient age in this patient cohort, requiring further studies in this transplantation setting.
Predictors for persistent cytomegalovirus reactivation after T‐cell‐depleted allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Almyroudis N.G. , Jakubowski A. , Jaffe D. , Sepkowitz K. , Pamer E. , O'Reilly R.J. , Papanicolaou G.A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation occurs in up to 60% of CMV‐seropositive recipients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The incidence of CMV disease among T‐cell‐depleted HSCT patients has been reported from 5–15%. The incidence of reactivation refractory to antivirals in this population is not well studied.

Methods. In this retrospective study we characterized the outcome of CMV reactivation in a cohort of 255 adult and pediatric patients who underwent T‐cell‐depleted HSCT at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center from September 1999 through August 2004. CMV infection was monitored by the pp65 antigenemia assay (CMV Ag). Persistent reactivation was defined as antigenemia positivity >21 days on antiviral therapy.

Results. Of 118 CMV‐seropositive recipients, 69 (58.4%) had reactivated CMV. Twenty of 69 (29%) developed persistent reactivation at first episode of reactivation, and 7 (10%) in subsequent episode. All patients with persistent reactivation received ≥2 antivirals and CMV hyperimmune globulin; 45% received combination antiviral therapy. The median duration of persistent reactivation was 98 days, range 31–256 days. In multivariate analysis, maximum CMV Ag >25 cells/slide was associated with persistent reactivation (odds ratio 16.2%, 95% confidence interval 4–64, P<0.0001). CMV disease occurred in 6/27 (22%) patients with persistent reactivation. Patients with persistent reactivation had lower CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts compared with those with non‐persistent reactivation at day +90 post HSCT (P=0.01 and 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions. Persistent reactivation occurred in 39% of T‐cell‐depleted HSCT despite treatment with currently available antivirals. Maximum CMV Ag >25 cells/slide was associated with persistent CMV reactivation. More effective treatment modalities are needed for this high‐risk population to reduce CMV‐associated morbidity and mortality.
Nocturia, nocturia indices and variables from frequency‐volume charts are significantly different in Asian and Caucasian men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a prospective comparison study
Authors: Mariappan Paramananthan , Turner Kevin J. , Sothilingam Selvalingam , Rajan Prabhakar , Sundram Murali , Stewart Laurence H.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare the patterns of nocturia in Asian and Caucasian men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and to identify associations or correlations between LUTS and variables from a frequency‐volume chart (FVC), as nocturia is common among men with LUTS, and analysis of FVCs shows nocturnal polyuria and reduced nocturnal bladder capacity (NBC) as the predominant causes in Western patients, but there are few comparisons with other ethnic groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive men aged ≥ 40 years, presenting with LUTS and nocturia to an Asian and a Caucasian tertiary centre, were recruited prospectively. The men completed the International Prostate Symptom Score and a 3‐day FVC. Men having had bladder outlet surgery and/or receiving anticholinergics were excluded. We computed the nocturia ratio, i.e. the nocturnal urine volume/ 24‐h urine volume, nocturia index, predicted nocturnal voids and NBC index (NBCI), and analysed comparisons and correlations.

RESULTS

In all, 93 Asian and 200 Caucasian men were recruited prospectively, with a similar age and overall severity of LUTS. The nocturia ratio was larger in the Caucasian men, whereas the NBCI was larger in the Asians (P < 0.001). The prevalence of nocturnal polyuria in men aged ≥60 years (nocturia ratio ≥0.3) was significantly higher in the Caucasian population. Conversely, the prevalence of reduced NBC appeared to be higher in the Asians (based on a NBCI of >2; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The patterns of nocturia and FVC variables differed significantly in age‐matched Asian and Caucasian groups. There are also possible ethnic differences in the causes of nocturia, with nocturnal polyuria being more prevalent in Caucasians.
Persistent expression of Aurora‐A after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy as a predictor of a poor clinical outcome in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer
Authors: Furukawa Junya , Miyake Hideaki , Takenaka Atsushi , Hara Isao , Fujisawa Masato
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the changes in the expression of Aurora‐A protein in prostate cancer before and after androgen‐withdrawal therapy, and to assess the prognostic significance of the Aurora‐A expression in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 97 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who received NHT followed by RP. Paired needle biopsy and corresponding RP specimens obtained from these patients were analysed for the expression of Aurora‐A protein by immunohistochemical staining. These findings were then evaluated in relation to several clinicopathological factors.

RESULTS

There were various levels of Aurora‐A protein expression in most prostate cancer tissues before NHT; however, the Aurora‐A expression in RP specimens after NHT was significantly down‐regulated compared with that in corresponding needle‐biopsy specimens. The expression level of Aurora‐A in biopsy specimens was significantly associated with the biopsy Gleason score, but not with other factors available before RP. The Aurora‐A expression in the RP specimens correlated significantly with the preoperative value of the serum prostate specific antigen and pathological stage, but not with any other clinicopathological factors examined. Furthermore, cell proliferative activity in the RP specimens, measured by Ki‐67 immunostaining, was proportional to the expression of Aurora‐A. The biochemical recurrence‐free survival in patients with a persistent Aurora‐A expression in RP specimens was significantly lower than that in those with a weak Aurora‐A expression, but the expression level of Aurora‐A was not an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the lack of any independent significance, the expression level of Aurora‐A in prostate cancer tissue after NHT, which might inversely reflect the therapeutic effect of NHT, could therefore be a useful variable for predicting biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing RP.
Long‐term follow‐up of submucosal tunnel and serosa‐lined extramural tunnel ureter implantation in ileocaecal continent cutaneous urinary diversion (Mainz pouch I)
Authors: Wiesner Christoph , Pahernik Sascha , Stein Raimund , Hähn Katja , Franzaring Ludger , Melchior Sebastian W. , Thüroff Joachim W.
Published: May 2007

Authors from Mainz, Germany present the long‐term follow‐up of submucosal tunnel and serosa‐lined extramural tunnel ureter implantation in the ileocaecal continent cutaneous urinary diversion first described in that department, called the Mainz‐Pouch I.

OBJECTIVE

To assess upper urinary tract complications and renal function in patients with a submucosal tunnel and serosa‐lined extramural tunnel ureter implantation during the long‐term follow‐up of ileocaecal continent cutaneous urinary diversion (Mainz pouch I).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 458 patients who had diversion with the ileocaecal pouch were analysed in a retrospective follow‐up study. Uretero‐intestinal implantation was done using a submucosal tunnel (ST) in 809 reno‐ureteric units (RUs) and by the serosa‐lined extramural tunnel (ET) technique in 74 RUs. The median age of the patients at the time of surgery was 47.1 years, and the median follow‐up was 89.0 months.

RESULTS

For the ST, there was anastomotic obstruction in 59 RUs (7.3%) at a median of 16.8 months after diversion; the obstruction‐free intervals at 1, 5 and 10 years were 97%, 93% and 91%, respectively. Obstruction rates were 13.9% for previously dilated upper tracts and 17.1% in patients with a neurogenic bladder. Serum creatinine levels were ≤1.6 mg/dL in 97% of the patients at the latest follow‐up. For ET, there was anastomotic obstruction in three RUs (4.1%) at a median of 17.2 months after diversion. Obstruction‐free intervals at 1, 5 and 10 years were 100%, 96% and 96%. Preoperative dilation of the upper tracts did not reduce the obstruction rate (3.1%), but it was 7.1% in patients with a neurogenic bladder. Serum creatinine levels were ≤1.6 mg/dL in 98% of the patients at the latest follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

The ET gives lower obstruction rates than the ST, especially when upper tracts are dilated and in patients with a neurogenic bladder. Renal function remained stable with both techniques in the long term.
The global trend in plant twining direction
Authors: Edwards Will , Moles Angela T. , Franks Peter
Published: May 2007

Aim  To examine, at a global scale, patterns in the direction in which climbing plants twine. We tested three hypotheses: (1) that twining direction is determined randomly; (2) that twining direction is determined by apices following the apparent movement of the sun across the sky; and (3) that twining direction is determined by the Coriolis effect.

Location  Seventeen sites spanning nine countries, both hemispheres and 65° of latitude.

Methods  Twining direction was recorded for the first c. 100 stems encountered along transects through natural vegetation at each site.

Results  Ninety‐two per cent of the 1485 twining stems we recorded grew in right‐handed helices, i.e. they twined in an anticlockwise direction. This is significantly (P < 0.001) different from random. The proportion of stems twining right‐handedly (anticlockwise) was independent of both latitude (P= 0.33) and hemisphere (P= 0.63). These data are inconsistent with the idea that twining direction is determined by either the relative passage of the sun through the celestial sphere or by the Coriolis effect. Thus, we reject all three of our hypotheses.

Main conclusions  The predominance of right‐handed helical growth in climbing plants cannot be explained by hypotheses attempting to link plant growth behaviour and global location. One alternative hypothesis for our findings is that the widespread phenomenon of anticlockwise twining arises as a function of microtubule orientation operating at a subcellular level.
Studies of perfume solubilisation
Authors: BLAKEWAY J. M. , BOURDON P. , SEU M.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The solubilisation of three perfumes has been studied in monoethanolamine lauryl sulphate and sodium lauryl ether sulphate solutions. The effect of the addition of nonionic surfactants have also been followed. A method is described for the olfactive examination of the solutions and results are given for its application to certain of the systems.
More durable make‐up based on pigmented water‐in‐solvent emulsions
Authors: ELLIOTT T. J.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The ideal make‐up would be applied in the morning, stay on for the whole day with no noticeable deterioration in spite of heat, moisture and abrasion, and be removed easily at night with normal cleansers. Make‐up items based upon pigmented oil‐in‐water emulsions have poor durability on the skin because the residual oil film is sensitive to body heat and abrasion, and the hydrophilic emulsifier system is sensitive to moisture. The use of volatile solvents in the oil phase together with the adoption of a water‐in‐oil emulsion system enables much more durable colour effects to be produced on the skin. Stability of the emulsion system is critical and depends on correct choice of emulsifiers, ratio of water to volatile solvent and pigment level. A significant improvement in emulsion stability and durability on the skin was obtained by the inclusion of a new type of aluminium acylate gel. Examples of this emulsion system which have been successfully developed include cream eyeshadow, and tinted foundation.
Performance characteristics and solution properties of surfactants in shampoos
Authors: DONALDSON B. R. , MESSENGER E. T.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

A brief analysis is made of the main types of surfactants used in shampoos and bubble baths. The requirements of a modern shampoo are discussed as are the means by which these can be achieved by the use of a number of selected additives such as the traditional alkanolamides, and the newer amine oxides, amido amine betaines and alkyl amine betaines. In particular, such aspects as the achievement of viscosity control, foam generation, shelf life stability and safety are examined. The physical chemistry of the behaviour in solution of several selected non‐ionic and amphoteric nitrogen containing surfactants is discussed and how these affect viscosity modification and foam generation. Mention is also made of the chemistry of the new highly concentrated anionic surfactants and the benefits that they give the formulator. Finally, the attributes of imidazoline derived surfactants are outlined with special reference to their mildness and foaming ability.

Propriété et solubilités des tensio‐actifs dans les shampooings
Esters of para‐aminobenzoic acid in cosmetics. Identification and dosage within sun‐creams
Authors: SCHMITZ‐MASSE M.‐O. , HERPOL‐BORREMANS M. , PARMENTIER F.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

A method is presented for the identification and determination by T.L.C. and G.L.C. of esters of para‐aminobenzoic acid with a free amine function and of local anaesthetics, prohibited in cosmetic products, in accordance with the cosmetic directive 76/768/EEC.

In a commercial product, nominally supplied as para‐aminobenzoic monoglyceryl ester (authorised in sun‐creams in accordance with the EEC directive) other phenyl groups with para substitution were identified by means of T.L.C. and N.M.R. spectroscopy; among them, the para‐aminobenzoic ethyl ester.

G.L.C. enables a quantitative determination of these substances.

Les esters de l'acide para‐amino benzoique dans les produits cosmétiques. Identification et dosage dans les crémes solaires
Studies on the cosmetic criteria of the hair after shampoo
Authors: SCANDEL J. , REINSTEIN J. A. , BRUDNEY N.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

An objectivised sensorial method for evaluating the effects of shampoos on the appearance and manageability of the hair is described. Two different shampoos for greasy hair were applied twice weekly for a period of 4 weeks to the right and left sides (split‐head tests) of six subjects having greasy hair, the same shampoo being applied to the same side. A trained observer used a continuous rating scale to assess nine cosmetic parameters; overall assessments by observer and subjects were noted. Evaluations were made immediately after and at various intervals following shampoo. The data were presented in ‘profile graphs’ and evaluated statistically. Shampoo A was found to be significantly better (P < 0.05) than shampoo B for all parameters immediately after shampoo and for six parameters after 1 day. The differences between A and B were no longer significant after 2 days, and only marginal differences were noted after 3 and 4 days. Analysis of the results of forty additional split‐head tests carried out with ten different shampoos revealed interdependence (P < 0.01) between some parameters. Our results show the elective action of shampoos on the cosmetic parameters, the duration and limits of this action, and the interdependence between certain parameters.

Etudes sur les critères cosmétiques de la chevelure après shampooing
Some aspects of hair regreasing
Authors: MAES D. , LEDUC M. , NADVORNIK I. M. , REINSTEIN J. A. , TUREK B. A. , VIEU M.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

A multi‐technique evaluation of the hair regreasing process is described. Preliminary experimentation in vitro was followed by a long‐term in vivo study conducted on a single subject having greasy hair. First, a shampoo for very greasy hair and one for dry hair were applied to the left and right sides of the head respectively (split‐head test) for 7 weeks; then a shampoo for greasy hair was applied to the entire head (whole‐head test) for 5 weeks. Three parameters were studied: (1) hair spacing, determined by means of a special device; (2) regreasing of individual hairs, measured using the contact‐reprint technique; (3) the amount of sebum extracted from individual hairs, performed by g.l.c. determination of squalene. Results obtained during the split‐head period showed that the shampoo for very greasy hair showed higher average hair spacing, slower progression of regreasing, and better sebum‐removal efficiency when compared to the shampoo for dry hair. During the whole‐head test period with one shampoo, results showed that there was consistent asymmetry as regards hair spacing and progression of regreasing. These results support our hypothesis concerning the role of interfacial forces in the hair regreasing process.

Différents aspects du regraissage des cheveux
Colour legislation and cosmetics and toiletries
Authors: FOSTER A.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

An historical reference is followed by a review of cosmetic colours’ regulations based on the EEC Directive with particular reference to the U.K. Cosmetic Products Regulations and their effect on formulation.

Les reglementations des colorants pour cosmetiques