bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological features of molluscum contagiosum other than molluscum bodies
Authors: Ishikawa Martin K , Arps David P , Chow Conroy , Hocker Thomas L , Fullen Douglas R
Published: April 2015

Aims

Classic histopathological features of molluscum contagiosum (MC) include a crateriform, acanthotic epidermis containing intracytoplasmic molluscum bodies (MBs). In our experience, a subset of cases lack these features on initial haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections. We aimed to describe the histopathological features of MC other than those classically described.

Methods and results

Sixty‐seven biopsies diagnosed as MC from January 2011 to October 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Keratinocytes peripheral to the diagnostic cells with MBs had prominent nucleoli (67; 100%), amphophilic cytoplasm (54; 81%), and in many instances clear cytoplasmic vacuolization (38; 57%). Stroma surrounding MC lesions showed fibroedematous to fibromyxoid changes in many cases (36; 54%), with a subset (13; 19%) showing abundant dermal mucin. In eight of 67 cases (12%), initial sections did not possess MBs or crateriform epidermis of MC. In these cases, initial sections revealed only the epithelial and/or perilesional stromal changes described above. Additional sections contained MBs in all of these cases.

Conclusions

Perilesional fibroedematous to fibromyxoid stroma and keratinocyte changes, including prominent nucleoli and amphophilic cytoplasm with clear vacuolization, are common in MC. Recognizing these features may prove helpful in reaching the diagnosis of MC in cases lacking classic histopathological features on initial sections.
Ileitis associated with Meckel's diverticulum
Authors: Hamilton Claire M , Arnason Thomas
Published: April 2015

Aims

Histological features of chronic active ileitis in the small intestine neighbouring a Meckel's diverticulum raise the possibility of concurrent Crohn's disease. Several studies have reported a significant association between Meckel's diverticulum and Crohn's disease, whereas some case reports have proposed that the ileitis is attributable to acid‐secreting gastric heterotopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, histomorphology and clinical follow‐up of Meckel's diverticulum‐associated ileitis.

Methods and results

Medical records and slides from 48 consecutive surgical resections performed for Meckel's diverticulum were reviewed. Nine of 48 adults had significant inflammatory changes in the small intestine neighbouring the diverticulum. Two were transmural ulcers attributable to ingestion of a sharp object. Two patients had established Crohn's disease, both with long segments (>95 mm) of transmural inflammation located >100 mm from the diverticulum. The remaining five patients had inflammatory changes (ulceration, pseudopyloric metaplasia, submucosal fibrosis, and muscularis mucosa hyperplasia) confined to a short segment (<20 mm) of mucosa/submucosa within 50–60 mm of the diverticulum. Two had gastric heterotopia in the diverticulum. None of these five patients used non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). On follow‐up, none had symptoms, imaging or pathology suggestive of Crohn's disease.

Conclusions

Ileitis affecting a short segment of mucosa and submucosa in the small intestine near a Meckel's diverticulum is relatively common, and is not necessarily related to Crohn's disease.
Effect of alpha lipoic acid co‐administration on structural and immunohistochemical changes in subcutaneous tissue of anterior abdominal wall of adult male albino rat in response to polypropylene mesh implantation
Authors: Mazroa Shireen A. , Asker Samar A. , Asker Waleed , Abd Ellatif Mohamed
Published: April 2015

Polypropylene mesh is commonly used in the treatment of abdominal hernia. Different approaches were addressed to improve their tissue integration and consequently reduce long‐term complications. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) co‐administration on structural and immunohistochemical (IHC) changes in the subcutaneous tissues of the anterior abdominal wall of the adult rat in response to polypropylene mesh implantation. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into: group I (control), group II (receiving ALA), group III (polypropylene mesh implantation) and group IV (mesh implantation + ALA co‐administration). After 4 weeks, subcutaneous tissue samples were prepared for light microscopy and IHC study of CD34 as a marker for angiogenesis. In groups I and II rats, positive CD34 expression was demonstrated by IHC reaction, localized to endothelial cells lining small blood vessels. Group III showed an excess inflammatory reaction, deposition of both regular and irregularly arranged collagen fibres around mesh pores and few elastic fibres. CD34‐positive was detected not only in cells lining small blood vessels but also in other cells scattered in the connective tissue indicating angiogenesis. In group IV, ALA co‐administration resulted in less inflammatory reaction, regular collagen deposition, enhanced elastic fibres synthesis and a significant increase in CD34‐positive cells and small blood vessels reflecting improved angiogenesis. ALA co‐administration with polypropylene mesh implantation controlled the inflammatory reaction, helped regular collagen deposition, enhanced elastic fibres synthesis and improved angiogenesis in the subcutaneous tissue of anterior abdominal wall of adult albino rats, suggesting a possible role of ALA in optimizing mesh integration in subcutaneous tissue.
Effect of spent yeast fortification on physical parameters, volatiles and sensorial characteristics of home‐made bread
Authors: Martins Zita Emanuela , Erben Melina , Gallardo Anabella E. , Silva Ricardo , Barbosa Inês , Pinho Olívia , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O.
Published: April 2015

The impact of bread fortification with dry spent yeast from brewing industry on physical, chemical and sensorial characteristics of home‐made bread was evaluated with the goal of increasing its β‐glucan content. A serving of 50 g of bread fortified with dry spent yeast increased β‐glucan intake from 65 to 125 mg, which is within the guidelines suggested by European Food Safety Authority. Although this fortification darkened the crumb and increased crumb and crust springiness and had impact on volatile profile, concerning key odours only hexanal presented a significant increase in fortified bread. Two machine types (with 1 or 2 paddles) were tested but had a minor impact on bread characteristics. Descriptive analyses performed by a trained panel showed no significant differences in sensorial attributes. Dry spent yeast can be used as ingredient in home‐made bread to increase β‐glucan intake, and contribute to valorisation of this brewing by‐product.
The effect of kleptoparasite and host numbers on the risk of food‐stealing in an avian assemblage
Authors: Wood Kevin A. , Stillman Richard A. , Goss‐Custard John D.
Published: April 2015

Kleptoparasitism involves the theft of resources such as food items from one individual by another. Such food‐stealing behaviour can have important consequences for birds, in terms of individual fitness and population sizes. In order to understand avian host–kleptoparasite interactions, studies are needed which identify the factors which modulate the risk of kleptoparasitism. In temperate European intertidal areas, Eurasian oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus feed primarily on bivalve molluscs, which may be stolen by kleptoparasitic species such as carrion crows Corvus corone and herring gulls Larus argentatus. In this study we combined overwinter foraging observations of oystercatchers and their kleptoparasites on the Exe Estuary, UK, with statistical modelling to identify the factors that influence the likelihood of successful food stealing behaviour occurring. Across the winter, 16.4% of oystercatcher foraging attempts ended in successful kleptoparasitism; the risk of theft was lowest in February (10.8%) and highest in December (36.3%). Using an information theoretic approach to compare multiple logistic regression models we present evidence that the outcome of host foraging attempts varied with the number of kleptoparasites per host within the foraging patch for two out of five individual months, and for all months grouped. Successful, kleptoparasitism was more likely to occur when the total number of all kleptoparasites per host was greater. Across the entire winter study period, oystercatcher foraging attempts that resulted in kleptoparasitism were associated with a mean number of kleptoparasites per host that was more than double that for foraging attempts that ended in the oystercatcher successfully consuming the mussel. Conversely, the stage of the tidal cycle within the estuary did not affect the outcome of oystercatcher foraging attempts. Our study provides evidence that bird numbers influence the risk of kleptoparasitism within avian assemblages.
Effect of Irrigant Characteristics on Lesion Formation After Radiofrequency Energy Delivery Using Ablation Catheters with Actively Cooled Tips
Authors: NGUYEN DUY T. , OLSON MATTHEW , ZHENG LIJUN , BARHAM WASEEM , MOSS JOSHUA D. , SAUER WILLIAM H.
Published: April 2015

Irrigation Characteristics and Ablation Lesions

Background

The delivery of radiofrequency (RF) energy through irrigated ablation catheters may be affected by irrigant osmolarity and by catheter position. We sought to characterize lesion formation characteristics using different irrigants in both open and closed irrigated catheter.

Methods

An ex vivo model consisting of viable bovine myocardium and a submersible load cell was assembled in a circulating saline bath at 37 °C. An externally irrigated ablation catheter and a closed irrigated catheter were positioned with 10 g of force in both perpendicular and parallel positions. A series of ablation lesions using different irrigants were delivered using a constant rate of irrigation (30 cc/min) at 50 W. Potential clinical applicability was evaluated in vivo by targeting porcine epicardium with different irrigants during open irrigation ablation and assessing lesion sizes.

Results

Ablation in the perpendicular position produced significantly larger lesions for all irrigants, compared to their respective parallel position ablation. For both open and closed irrigated ablation, half normal saline (HNS) ablation created larger lesions than normal saline (NS), and dextrose water (D5W) lesions were significantly larger than both HNS and NS lesions. Steam pops were mostly observed in the perpendicular position, and the rate of steam pops was statistically higher only for open irrigated D5W, but not for HNS, when compared to NS. Both open and closed irrigated ablation with D5W and HNS in the parallel position created larger lesions than parallel NS ablation without causing more steam pops. In an in vivo porcine model, open irrigated ablation with D5W created larger lesions compared to standard NS irrigation.

Conclusions

In ex vivo and in vivo models, decreased osmolarity and charge density increased RF energy delivery to tissue, resulting in larger lesions for both open and closed irrigated ablations. A perpendicular catheter position created larger lesions across all irrigants for both open and closed irrigation ablation. The incidence of steam pops was observed more frequently with high power open irrigated using D5W, especially if the catheter was in a perpendicular position. Further research is required to evaluate any clinical role for using different irrigants with an externally irrigated catheter.
Association of psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis with autoimmune diseases: the experience of two Italian integrated Dermatology/Rheumatology outpatient clinics
Authors: Carubbi F. , Chimenti M.S. , Blasetti G. , Cipriani P. , Musto A. , Fargnoli M.C. , Perricone R. , Giacomelli R. , Peris K.
Published: April 2015

Background

The systemic nature of psoriasis and its association with arthropathy, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease is well established. In contrast, the association between psoriatic disease and other autoimmune disorders is still a matter of debate and data available in the literature are scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the association of common autoimmune diseases (ADs), specified a priori, in an Italian cohort of patients affected by psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), referred to two integrated Dermatology/Rheumatology outpatient clinics, over a 3‐year period.

Methods

Five hundred and two patients, affected by plaque psoriasis, PsA ‘sine psoriasis’ or a combination of psoriasis and PsA and with a diagnosis of at least one AD, were retrospectively evaluated. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was employed to identify possible association between psoriasis, PsA, psoriasis‐PsA and ADs, by calculating corresponding odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Patients with psoriasis or PsA may develop one or more autoimmune diseases during their lifetime, with a higher prevalence of most ADs in psoriasis subgroup. We demonstrated for the first time that the combination of psoriasis‐PsA appears to be protective towards some autoimmune diseases. However, a gender effect should always be considered due to the different distribution of autoimmune disorders between males and females.

Conclusion

The new concept of psoriatic disease, focusing on genetic and molecular aspects which are at the basis of the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its related manifestations, extended the traditional idea of a disease confined to skin and joints. In this context, the multidisciplinary assessment of patients in the combined Dermatology/Rheumatology outpatient clinics would allow to identify early clinical and laboratory abnormalities not limited to skin and joint.
The evolution of respect for property
Authors: Sherratt T. N. , Mesterton‐Gibbons M.
Published: April 2015

Although possession is ‘nine‐tenths of the law’, respect for ownership is widespread in the animal kingdom even without third‐party enforcement. Thus, the first individuals to find objects are frequently left unchallenged by potential competitors and tend to win contests when disputes arise. Game theory has shown that respect for ownership (‘Bourgeois’ behaviour) can arise as an arbitrary convention to avoid costly disputes. However, the same theory predicts that a paradoxical respect for lack of ownership (‘anti‐Bourgeois’ behaviour) can evolve under the same conditions and in some cases is the only stable outcome. Despite these predictions, anti‐Bourgeois behaviour is rare in nature, whereas respect for ownership is frequently not absolute. Here, we review extensions of the classic models involving repeated interactions, confusion over roles, strategic coordination of behaviour (‘secret handshakes’), owner–intruder asymmetries and continuous control of fighting investment. Confusion over roles and owner–intruder asymmetries in fighting ability may explain why respect for ownership is often partial. Moreover, although most model extensions facilitate the evolution of Bourgeois‐like behaviour, secret handshakes and continuous control of fighting investment render the alternative anti‐Bourgeois convention unstable. We develop these insights to highlight several key areas for future investigation.
Quantitative trait locus mapping with background control in genetic populations of clonal F1 and double cross
Authors: Zhang Luyan , Li Huihui , Ding Junqiang , Wu Jianyu , Wang Jiankang
Published: April 2015

In this study, we considered five categories of molecular markers in clonal F1 and double cross populations, based on the number of distinguishable alleles and the number of distinguishable genotypes at the marker locus. Using the completed linkage maps, incomplete and missing markers were imputed as fully informative markers in order to simplify the linkage mapping approaches of quantitative trait genes. Under the condition of fully informative markers, we demonstrated that dominance effect between the female and male parents in clonal F1 and double cross populations can cause the interactions between markers. We then developed an inclusive linear model that includes marker variables and marker interactions so as to completely control additive effects of the female and male parents, as well as the dominance effect between the female and male parents. The linear model was finally used for background control in inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) of quantitative trait locus (QTL). The efficiency of ICIM was demonstrated by extensive simulations and by comparisons with simple interval mapping, multiple‐QTL models and composite interval mapping. Finally, ICIM was applied in one actual double cross population to identify QTL on days to silking in maize.
Dental status and self‐assessed chewing ability in 70‐ and 80‐year‐old subjects in Sweden
Authors: Unell L. , Johansson A. , Ekbäck G. , Ordell S. , Carlsson G. E.
Published: April 2015

The objective was to compare two cohorts of elderly people, 70 and 80 years old, with respect to dental status and self‐assessed chewing ability. The hypotheses were as follows: (i) dental status is associated with self‐assessed chewing ability; (ii) chewing ability is poorer among the 80‐ than the 70‐year‐old subjects. Identical questionnaires were in 2012 sent to all subjects born in 1942 and 1932, living in two Swedish counties. The response rate was 70·1% resulting in samples of 5697 70‐ and 2922 80‐year‐old subjects. Answers to questions on self‐assessed chewing ability, dental status and some other factors have been analysed. Dental status varied but was in general good; 72% of the 70‐ and 60% of the 80‐year‐old subjects reported that they had all or only few missing teeth. Rate of edentulism was 3% and 7%, respectively. Removable partial dentures were reported by 6% and 10%, respectively, implant treatment by 13% in both cohorts. Self‐assessed chewing ability was mostly good and correlated with the number of teeth (Spearman rho = 0·46). A majority of the edentulous subjects assessed their chewing ability as very or fairly good. Logistic regression showed that self‐assessed chewing ability was significantly associated with a number of dental variables but also with general health. In conclusion, dental status was relatively good at both ages but somewhat poorer in the older cohort. Dental status, some other dental variables and being healthy were in both age groups significantly associated with self‐assessed chewing ability.
Association between waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours and bio‐psychosocial characteristics
Authors: Khawaja S. N. , Nickel J. C. , Iwasaki L. R. , Crow H. C. , Gonzalez Y.
Published: April 2015

The term ‘oral parafunctional behaviours’ encompasses behaviours that are different from those required for, or associated with, physiological functional needs such as mastication, communication, swallowing or breathing. Previous reports have associated waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours with biopsychosocial characteristics such as female gender, presence of psychological symptoms, intensity of pain and pain‐related temporomandibular disorders (TMD) diagnosis. However, the findings have been inconsistent, possibly due to methodological limitations and differences. In the present investigation, we aim to determine whether any association is present between waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours and biopsychosocial characteristics. All participants were investigated using a set of standardised and validated self‐reporting questionnaires and diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) examination protocol for clinical characterisation. Univariate analysis found that self‐reported waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours were statistically significantly associated with presence of anxiety, depression and physical symptoms, pain intensity and TMD diagnosis. However, forward model multiple linear regression analysis indicated that only self‐reported presence of physical and depression symptoms could explain statistically significant portions of the variance in self‐reported waking‐state oral parafunctional behaviours.
Widespread primary, but geographically restricted secondary, human introductions of wall lizards, Podarcis muralis
Authors: Michaelides Sozos N. , While Geoffrey M. , Zajac Natalia , Uller Tobias
Published: April 2015

Establishing the introduction pathways of alien species is a fundamental task in invasion biology. The common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, has been widely introduced outside of its native range in both Europe and North America, primarily through escaped pets or deliberate release of animals from captive or wild populations. Here, we use Bayesian clustering, approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) methods and network analyses to reconstruct the origin and colonization history of 23 non‐native populations of wall lizards in England. Our analyses show that established populations in southern England originate from at least nine separate sources of animals from native populations in France and Italy. Secondary introductions from previously established non‐native populations were supported for eleven (47%) populations. In contrast to the primary introductions, secondary introductions were highly restricted geographically and appear to have occurred within a limited time frame rather than being increasingly common. Together, these data suggest that extant wall lizard populations in England are the result of isolated accidental and deliberate releases of imported animals since the 1970s, with only local translocation of animals from established non‐native populations. Given that populations introduced as recently as 25 years ago show evidence of having adapted to cool climate, discouraging further translocations may be important to prevent more extensive establishment on the south coast of England.
Hidden founder effects: small‐scale spatial genetic structure in recently established populations of the grassland specialist plant Anthyllis vulneraria
Authors: Helsen Kenny , Jacquemyn Hans , Honnay Olivier
Published: April 2015

The long‐term establishment success of founder plant populations has been commonly assessed based on the measures of population genetic diversity and among population genetic differentiation, with founder populations expected to carry sufficient genetic diversity when population establishment is the result of many colonists from multiple source populations (the ‘migrant pool’ colonization model). Theory, however, predicts that, after initial colonization, rapid population expansion may result in a fast increase in the extent of spatial genetic structure (SGS), independent of extant genetic diversity. This SGS can reduce long‐term population viability by increasing inbreeding. Using 12 microsatellite markers, we inferred colonization patterns in four recent populations of the grassland specialist plant Anthyllis vulneraria and compared the extent of SGS between recently established and old populations. Assignment analyses of the individuals of recent population based on the genetic composition of nine adjacent putative source populations suggested the occurrence of the ‘migrant pool’ colonization model, further confirmed by high genetic diversity within and low genetic differentiation among recent populations. Population establishment, however, resulted in the build‐up of strong SGS, most likely as a result of spatially restricted recruitment of the progeny of initial colonists. Although reduced, significant SGS was nonetheless observed to persist in old populations. The presence of SGS was in all populations associated with elevated inbreeding coefficients, potentially affecting the long‐term viability of these populations. In conclusion, this study illustrates the importance of studying SGS next to population genetic diversity and differentiation to adequately infer colonization patterns and long‐term establishment success of plant species.
Mast cell involvement in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure
Authors: Kazama Itsuro , Baba Asuka , Endo Yasuhiro , Toyama Hiroaki , Ejima Yutaka , Matsubara Mitsunobu , Tachi Masahiro
Published: April 2015

Aim

Peritoneal fibrosis is a serious complication in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), especially those undergoing long‐term peritoneal dialysis therapy. Since the peritoneum is a major site of mast cell accumulation, and since mast cells are known to facilitate the progression of organ fibrosis, they would also contribute to the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to reveal the involvement of mast cells in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in chronic renal failure.

Methods

Using a rat model with chronic renal failure (CRF) resulting from 5/6 nephrectomy, we examined the histopathological features of the rat peritoneum and compared them to those of age‐matched sham‐operated rat peritoneum. By treating the CRF rats with a potent mast cell stabilizer, tranilast, we also examined the involvement of mast cells in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.

Results

The CRF rat peritoneum was characterized by the wide staining of collagen III and an increased number of myofibroblasts, indicating the progression of fibrosis. Compared to sham‐operated rat peritoneum, the number of toluidine blue‐stained mast cells was significantly higher in the fibrotic peritoneum of CRF rats. The mRNA expression of fibroblast‐activating factors and stem cell factor was significantly higher in peritoneal mast cells obtained from CRF rats than in those obtained from sham‐operated rats. Treatment with tranilast significantly suppressed the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in CRF rats.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated for the first time that the number of mast cells was significantly increased in the fibrotic peritoneum of CRF rats. The proliferation of mast cells and their increased activity in the peritoneum were thought to be responsible for the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.
Live‐cell and super‐resolution imaging reveal that the distribution of wall‐associated protein A is correlated with the cell chain integrity of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Li Y. , Liu Z. , Zhang Y. , Su Q.P. , Xue B. , Shao S. , Zhu Y. , Xu X. , Wei S. , Sun Y.
Published: April 2015

Streptococcus mutans is a primary pathogen responsible for dental caries. It has an outstanding ability to form biofilm, which is vital for virulence. Previous studies have shown that knockout of Wall‐associated protein A (WapA) affects cell chain and biofilm formation of S. mutans. As a surface protein, the distribution of WapA remains unknown, but it is important to understand the mechanism underlying the function of WapA. This study applied the fluorescence protein mCherry as a reporter gene to characterize the dynamic distribution of WapA in S. mutans via time‐lapse and super‐resolution fluorescence imaging. The results revealed interesting subcellular distribution patterns of WapA in single, dividing and long chains of S. mutans cells. It appears at the middle of the cell and moves to the poles as the cell grows and divides. In a cell chain, after each round of cell division, such dynamic relocation results in WapA distribution at the previous cell division sites, resulting in a pattern where WapA is located at the boundary of two adjacent cell pairs. This WapA distribution pattern corresponds to the breaking segmentation of wapA deletion cell chains. The dynamic relocation of WapA through the cell cycle increases our understanding of the mechanism of WapA in maintaining cell chain integrity and biofilm formation.
Tumor Stage Mycosis Fungoides in a Child
Authors: Dulmage Brittany O'Neill , Villaseñor‐Park Jennifer , Ho Jonhan , Geskin Larisa J. , Grandinetti Lisa M.
Published: April 2015

Mycosis fungoides is uncommon in children and most often presents as stage IA/IB. We present a case of stage IIB mycosis fungoides in a 13‐year‐old boy and discuss diagnostic examination and treatment considerations.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among healthy blood donors in south‐east of Iran
Authors: Mahmoudvand H. , Saedi Dezaki E. , Soleimani S. , Baneshi M.R. , Kheirandish F. , Ezatpour B. , Zia‐ali N.
Published: April 2015

This prospective cross‐sectional study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of IgM and IgG anti‐T. gondii antibodies and the associated risk factors among healthy blood donors in Kerman province, south‐eastern Iran. Structured questionnaires (before the donors gave blood) were used to obtain information on risk factors for infection. Totally, 500 serum samples from healthy blood donors of Kerman Blood Transfusion Organization (KBTO) at Kerman, Iran, were screened for IgG and IgM anti‐T. gondii antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Roche Elecsys Toxo IgM assay. Real‐time PCR was used to detect DNA of T. gondii in the IgM‐positive samples. Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM anti‐T. gondii antibodies was 28·8% and 3·2%, respectively. In the multiple logistic regression, it could be observed that living in rural regions, having B blood type, being in contact with cats, consuming raw vegetables and raw milk/egg and doing agricultural activities were independent risk factors for Toxoplasma seropositivity. T. gondii DNA was also found in one (9·0%) of IgM‐positive samples. In this study, it was found that T. gondii infection was present among healthy blood donors in south‐east of Iran. Therefore, it is suggested to design screening programmes for preventing transfusion‐transmitted toxoplasmosis.
Biased odds for heads or tails: Outcome‐evoked P3 depends on frequencies of guesses
Authors: Verleger Rolf , Asanowicz Dariusz , Werner Lucas , Śmigasiewicz Kamila
Published: April 2015

Events that had to be predicted evoke large P3 components of the event‐related EEG potential. There is conflicting evidence whether these P3s are moderated by participants’ preceding guesses. In the present study, participants made one prediction frequently and the other rarely because one stimulus was presented frequently and the other rarely. Thereby, effects on stimulus‐evoked P3s of both guess frequency and stimulus frequency could be tested. Indeed, P3s were not only larger with rare than frequent stimuli but also larger after rare than frequent guesses. This result pattern may have additionally been affected by expectancies for payoff. In any case, the modification of outcome‐evoked P3 by what had been guessed may reflect that each of the four guess‐stimulus combinations is encoded as a separate event category. In terms of the stimulus‐response link hypothesis of P3b, it is suggested that P3s are evoked by these events because internal responses (right or wrong) are associated to each of these event categories and need to be reactivated with rare guess‐stimulus combinations.
Realism about the Nature of Law
Authors: Spaak Torben
Published: April 2015

Legal realism comes in two main versions, namelyAmerican legal realism and Scandinavian legal realism. In this article, I shall be concerned with the Scandinavian realists, who were naturalists and non‐cognitivists, and who maintained that conceptual analysis (in a fairly broad sense) is a central task of legal philosophers, and that such analysis must proceed in a naturalist, anti‐metaphysical spirit. Specifically, I want to consider the commitment to ontological naturalism and non‐cognitivism on the part of the Scandinavians and its implications for their view of the nature of law. I argue (i) that the Scandinavians differ from legal positivists in that they reject the idea that there are legal relations, that is, legal entities and properties, and to varying degrees defend the view that law is a matter of human behavior rather than legal norms, and (ii) that they do not and cannot accept the idea that there is a ‘world of the ought’ in Kelsen's sense. I also argue, more specifically, (iii) that the objection to non‐naturalist theories raised by the Scandinavians—that there is and can be no connection between the higher realm of norms and values (the ‘world of the ought’) and the world of time and space—is convincing, and (iv) that Kelsen's introduction of a so‐called modally indifferent substrate does nothing to undermine this objection. In addition, I argue (v) that the Scandinavians can account for the existence of legal relations that do not presuppose the existence of morally binding legal norms by embracing conventionalism about the existence of the sources of law, while pointing out that in doing so they would also be abandoning their legal realism for legal positivism. Finally, I argue (vi) that the implications for legal scholarship of the realist emphasis on human behavior instead of legal norms is not well explained by the realists and appear to amount to little more than a preference for teleological interpretation of legal norms.
Activation of the Albino Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus Eggs by UV‐Irradiated Bester Hybrid Spermatozoa to Provide Gynogenetic Progeny
Authors: Fopp‐Bayat D , Ocalewicz K
Published: April 2015

Contents

Meiotic gynogenesis was induced in the albino form of sterlet Acipenser ruthenus by activation of eggs with UV‐irradiated bester (Huso huso x Acipenser ruthenus) spermatozoa followed by inhibition of the second meiotic division performed by a heat shock. Obtained putative gynogenetic progeny were all albinos. The genetic verification based on three microsatellite DNA markers confirmed the only maternal inheritance of the progeny from the gynogenetic experimental groups. Cytogenetic analysis proved the gynogenetic sterlets were diploids. Application of the albino phenotype together with the molecular and the cytogenetic diagnostic approaches enabled to evaluate the efficiency of the spermatozoa irradiation and application of the heat shock to restore diploid state in the gynogenetic zygotes.
Credit Chains and Mortgage Crises
Authors: Hernandez‐Verme Paula Lourdes
Published: April 2015

Here I examine a production economy with a financial sector that contains multiple layers of credit. The latter constitute credit chains that include a simple mortgage market. The focus is on the nature and contagion properties of credit chains in an economy where the financial sector plays a real allocating role, and agents have a serious choice of whether to default on mortgages or not. Multiple equilibria with different rates of default are observed, due to the presence of strategic complementarities. A liquidity crunch is associated with higher rates of default that can trigger a financial crisis as well as constrain the purchase of production factors, leading to reductions in welfare, together with potentially serious effects on real economic activity with the potential of causing deep and widespread recessions.
Are Flexible Exchange Rate Regimes more Volatile? Panel GARCH Evidence for the G7 and Latin America
Authors: Cermeño Rodolfo , Sanin María Eugenia
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates empirically the relationship between exchange rate (ER) regimes and volatility of real exchange rate depreciation (RERD), comparing the G7 and 17 Latin American (LA17) countries, during 1970–2010. We estimate a panel autoregressive model with generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) errors and regime‐specific effects on both the conditional mean and conditional variance. For the G7, we find that, relative to the fixed ER regime, only the freely floating regime shows higher RERD volatility; under the managed floating regime the RERD is equally volatile and under the crawling peg it is actually less volatile. Instead, in the case of the LA17, more flexible ER regimes are associated with more volatile RERD rates, with higher volatility under the managed floating regime than under the crawling peg and with extremely high volatility under the “freely falling” ER regime.
Firms' Innovation, Public Financial Support, and Total Factor Productivity: The Case of Manufactures in Peru
Authors: Tello Mario D.
Published: April 2015

Based upon an adjusted Crepon–Duguet–Mairesse (CDM) model, this paper analyzes the relationship between investment intensity, public financial support, innovation, and total factor productivity (TFP) for a sample of manufacturing firms of Peru with data obtained from the 2004 survey of science, technology, and innovation (STI) activities. The estimation of the model indicates that large firms are more likely to invest in STI activities and firms' size increases the probability of producing technological inovation (TI) and non‐technological innovation (NTI). STI firms' investment intensity and public financial support have also helped manufacturing firms to increase the probability of producing TI outcomes. Further, such support may have increased firms' investment on STI activities. The innovation effects on TFP, however, were statistically not clear or robust. Thus, whereas investment intensity did increase firms' TPF in low‐tech manufacturing firms, this is not the case for high‐tech firms. For this group of firms, relatively high capital–labor ratio and the availability of a high level of human capital seem to promote higher levels of TFP.
Internet Technology and the Extensive Margin of Trade: Evidence from eBay in Emerging Economies
Authors: Lendle Andreas , Vézina Pierre‐Louis
Published: April 2015

Online platforms such as eBay offer technologies that make it easier for firms to export. This paper dissects a new firm‐level dataset that covers sales made through eBay by sellers based in 21 emerging economies to provide a new lens through which to look at the effect of trade costs on the extensive margin of trade. Comparing eBay sellers with “offline” firm‐level data from the World Bank's Exporter Dynamics Database allows us to test whether the observed trade patterns on eBay fit with the trade‐liberalization predictions of heterogeneous‐firm models. We find that eBay firms export to more destinations, suggesting low destination‐specific fixed costs on eBay. We then show that the distribution of export destinations across eBay sellers is well approximated by a balls‐and‐bins model of frictionless trade, suggesting eBay indeed lowers fixed export costs. Finally, we compare the gravity of eBay with that of offline trade and find geographic distance, languages, and trade agreements to matter less for online trade.
Asymmetry in Price Transmission in Agricultural Markets
Authors: McLaren Alain
Published: April 2015

This paper explores the asymmetries in price transmission from international to local markets. We expect the presence of large intermediaries in agricultural markets to lead to a stronger price transmission when international prices decline than when they rise. The empirical evidence confirms the presence of asymmetric price transmission consistent with the presence of large intermediaries with monopsony power.
A Parametric Study of Turbulent Flow Past a Circular Cylinder Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Sidebottom W. , Ooi A. , Jones D.
Published: April 2015

Flow over a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 3900 is investigated using large eddy simulations (LES) to assess the affect of four numerical parameters on the resulting flow-field. These parameters are subgrid scale (SGS) turbulence models, wall models, discretization of the advective terms in the governing equations, and grid resolution. A finite volume method is employed to solve the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) on a structured grid. Results are compared to the experiments of Ong and Wallace (1996, “The Velocity Field of the Turbulent Very Near Wake of a Circular Cylinder,” Exp. Fluids, 20(6), pp. 441–453) and Lourenco and Shih (1993, “Characteristics of the Plane Turbulent Near Wake of a Circular Cylinder: A Particle Image Velocimetry Study,” private communication (taken from Ref. [2]); and the numerical results of Beaudan and Moin (1994, “Numerical Experiments on the Flow Past a Circular Cylinder at Sub-Critical Reynolds Number,” Technical Report No. TF-62), Kravchenko and Moin (2000, “Numerical Studies of Flow Over a Circular Cylinder at ReD = 3900,” Phys. Fluids, 12(2), pp. 403–417), and Breuer (1998, “Numerical and Modelling Influences on Large Eddy Simulations for the Flow Past a Circular Cylinder,” Int. J. Heat Fluid Flow, 19(5), pp. 512–521). It is concluded that the effect of the SGS models is not significant; results with and without a wall model are inconsistent; nondissipative discretization schemes, such as central finite difference methods, are preferred over dissipative methods, such as upwind finite difference methods; and it is necessary to properly resolve the boundary layer in the vicinity of the cylinder in order to accurately model the complex flow phenomena in the cylinder wake. These conclusions are based on the analysis of bulk flow parameters and the distribution of mean and fluctuating quantities throughout the domain. In general, results show good agreement with the experimental and numerical data used for comparison.
Capturing Deviations From Design Intent in Building Simulation Models for Risk Assessment
Authors: Nikula Heikki , Sierla Seppo , O'Halloran Bryan , Karhela Tommi
Published: April 2015

Simulation-based methods are emerging to address the challenges of complex systems risk assessment, and this paper identifies two problems related to the use of such methods. First, the methods cannot identify new hazards if the simulation model builders are expected to foresee the hazards and incorporate the abnormal behavior related to the hazard into the simulation model. Therefore, this paper uses the concept of deviation from design intent to systematically capture abnormal conditions that may lead to component failures, hazards, or both. Second, simulation-based risk assessment methods should explicitly consider what expertise is required from the experts that build and use the simulation models—the transfer of the methods to real engineering practice will be severely hindered if they must be performed by persons that are expert in domain safety as well as advanced computer simulation-based methods. This paper addresses both problems in the context of the functional failure identification and propagation (FFIP) method. One industrially established risk assessment method, hazard and operability study (HAZOP), is harnessed to systematically obtain the deviations from design intent in the application under study. An information system presents a user interface that is understandable to HAZOP professionals, so that their inputs are transparently entered to a data model that captures the deviations. From the data model, instructions for configuring FFIP simulation models are printed in a form that is understandable for FFIP experts. The method is demonstrated for discovering a hazard resulting from system-wide fault propagation in a boiling water reactor case.
Development of the Centrifugal Compressor for the Nissan Vehicular Gas Turbine
Authors: Nakanishi K. , Watanabe T. , Yamazaki S.
Published: April 2015

This paper outlines the development process of the centrifugal compressor of the Nissan vehicular gas turbine YTP12 The compressor should provide a solid performance as a component of a vehicular prime mover. As we have managed to achieve the design performance by modifying the components of the compressor within the limited sphere permitted by the dimensions of a given engine, this paper will cover the key processes of improvement, as well as some additional information which may be applicable to future compressor designs.
The First Year’s Operating Experience: GE LM2500 Gas Turbine in USS Spruance (DD-963)
Authors: Comassar S. , Lash F. B.
Published: April 2015

The Spruance (DD-963) Class destroyers are the first all-gas turbine powered combatant ships in the US Navy. The first of the 30-ship class entered Navy operational service in September 1975. This paper presents the operational experience of the LM2500 Gas Turbines and the propulsion system from that time to the present. It includes experience obtained from all Spruance class destroyers now and soon-to-be commissioned.
Quiet, Clean, Short-Haul Experimental Engines (QCSEE): A Technology Development Program
Authors: Willis W. S.
Published: April 2015

NASA’s QCSEE Program (Quiet, Clean, Short-Haul Experimental Engine) performed by the General Electric Company covers a wide range of advanced propulsion technology features applicable to future subsonic engine concepts. These technology features are combined into two engine and nacelle configurations for demonstration of program goals. This paper presents descriptions of two engine/nacelle configurations and shows the flow of technology developed in component programs into the configurations. The under-the-wing (UTW) configuration, featuring major innovative and advanced components, such as a large variable pitch fan and a composite material integrated engine and nacelle structure, has been tested at General Electric’s Peebles, Ohio test facility. The key characteristics of the engine as observed from the initial test series are presented.
Primary System Design Studies for Advanced Direct Cycle Nuclear Gas Turbine Plant
Authors: McDonald Colin F. , Bass John C. , Amtmann Hans H.
Published: April 2015

Continuing studies of the Gas Turbine High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (GT-HTGR) power plant have been directed toward identification of a plant configuration with improved economic incentives over competing electric power plants. This paper outlines the studies which led to the selection of the primary system for a plant with optimized parameters from the standpoint of minimum power generating cost. As in previously reported designs, an integrated type of plant embodying multiple helium gas turbine loops was selected. The layout of the power conversion loop (PCL) components in the prestressed concrete reactor vessel (PCRV) and the development of the primary system helium gas flow paths are discussed. The studies reported in this paper led to changes in the PCRV geometry which had a significant impact by reduction in the size of the PCRV and attendant cost savings. With orientation and configuration of the major PCL components forming the basis of these studies, some of the preliminary design considerations for the turbomachinery, heat exchangers, thermal barrier and control valves together with maintenance considerations are discussed. The reference plant preliminary design presented is based on a 3000 MW(t) core thermal rating with a reactor outlet (turbine inlet) temperature of 850 C: the overall plant efficiency of the dry-cooled direct cycle nuclear gas turbine is 40 percent.
Investment Economics of Industrial Gas Turbines
Authors: Doherty M. C.
Published: April 2015

The application of industrial gas turbines generally requires more than a detailed energy system analysis. Usually the engineer must “prove-in” his project design to assure that it meets management’s criteria for profitability Several different economic evaluation methods have evolved and there is no one universally accepted practice. This paper illustrates a method of reducing a detailed engineering system design, such as an industrial energy system, to an economic evaluation. This includes developing the minimum investment base case and one or more alternatives which trade off higher first costs for lower operating costs, and then reducing all cases to cold cash — investment and operating costs. Next, three economic evaluation yardsticks are discussed: payout, discounted cash flow, and total owning and operating costs using fixed charges on investment. Advantages and disadvantages of each are pointed out. This includes a discussion of taxes, depreciation, investment tax credit, cash flow, and the time value of money. Finally, computer methods of discounted cash flow are illustrated including a problem with variable annual operating costs. This sets the stage for a “hands on” workshop session using a computer terminal following the presentation.