bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected understorey community development after 30 years in ancient and post‐agricultural forests
Authors: Baeten Lander , Hermy Martin , Van Daele Sander , Verheyen Kris
Published: August 2010

1. Land‐use change is considered one of the most radical and extensive disturbances that have influenced plant distributions and diversity patterns in forest understorey communities in much of Europe and eastern North America. In forests growing on former agricultural land, local species diversity and community differentiation among sites are generally reduced compared with ancient forests (i.e. forests with no historical record of agriculture). Yet, no study has determined how the compositional differences created by former land‐use change over time as the forest sites recover from former agricultural use.

2. Here, we resurveyed 78 vegetation plots (half of the plots in ancient and half in post‐agricultural forest) to demonstrate how three decades of forest development have changed the compositional differences between post‐agricultural and ancient forest sites. The impact of land‐use history and survey date was tested on two measures of species diversity and two measure of community divergence.

3. The data indicate that the imprint of former agricultural land use persisted over time, yet not through compositional stability. Parallel and strong vegetation shifts occurred in both ancient and post‐agricultural forest: the species diversity decreased and local species cover strongly diverged, which indicates community drift. The observed understorey changes did thus not support the commonly accepted model of community development in post‐agricultural forests, i.e. the diversity did not increase and the vegetation did not become more similar to the ancient forest vegetation over time. The changes in species composition were associated with an increase of common, competitive species at the expense of ancient forest indicator species. The source populations of ancient forest species have been gradually depleted, so the recovery of post‐agricultural forests becomes even more precarious.

4. Synthesis. While land‐use history is likely to persist as the primary predictor of local species diversity and community divergence, other environmental drivers may additionally structure forest understorey communities and lead to biotic impoverishment and pervasive species reordering on the time scale of only decades.
Linking Transformational Leadership and Team Performance: A Conflict Management Approach
Authors: Zhang Xin‐an , Cao Qing , Tjosvold Dean
Published: August 2010

abstract

This study develops a model in which transformational leadership affects team coordination and performance through the conflict management approaches adopted by team members. Data were collected from three different sources in a lagged design from 108 teams in a large enterprise in China. Results support the reasoning that transformational leadership promotes team coordination and thereby team performance by encouraging teams to adopt a cooperative, as opposed to competitive, approach to conflict management. These results suggest that transformational leadership may help team members manage conflicts for their mutual benefit. This is an important mechanism through which transformational leadership enhances team coordination and, in turn, achieves higher team performance.
VIRTUE AS MASTERY IN EARLY CONFUCIANISM
Authors: Stalnaker Aaron
Published: August 2010

This essay explores the interrelation of skills and virtues. I first trace one line of analysis from Aristotle to Alasdair MacIntyre, which argues that there is a categorical difference between skills and virtues, in their ends and intrinsic character. This familiar distinction is fine in certain respects but still importantly misleading. Virtue in general, and also some particular virtues such as ritual propriety and practical wisdom, are not just exercised in practical contexts, but are in fact partially constituted by the mastery of certain skills. This has implications for moral psychology, specifically how we might understand the acquisition of virtue, as well as its very nature. To try to make this claim plausible I analyze two case studies from early Confucianism:treatment of ritual propriety as a cardinal virtue, and Mencius's less carefully integrated treatment of excellence at moral discernment. I conclude by revisiting the question of the relations between skill and virtue, and exploring a few of the difficulties implied by my account of early Confucian ethics.
A RESPONSE TO DAVID HOLLENBACH AND SOHAIL H. HASHMI
Authors: Oh Irene
Published: August 2010

Irene Oh affirms that religious freedom, faith, and reason, as David Hollenbach suggests, are subject matters that offer promising platforms for interreligious dialogue between Christians and Muslims. The need for cross‐cultural understanding is imperative especially given the current political climate, in which world leaders can easily exacerbate existing tensions through the misapplication of such terms. Sohail H. Hashmi addresses the need to discuss women's rights as part of a larger discussion on human rights in Islam. Oh concurs and notes that Sayyid Qutb's remarks on women in the United States serve as a starting point for clarifying women's agency in Islam.
Chinese children's character recognition: Visuo‐orthographic, phonological processing and morphological skills
Authors: Li Hong , Shu Hua , McBride‐Chang Catherine , Liu Hongyun , Peng Hong
Published: August 2010

Tasks tapping visual skills, orthographic knowledge, phonological awareness, speeded naming, morphological awareness and Chinese character recognition were administered to 184 kindergarteners and 273 primary school students from Beijing. Regression analyses indicated that only syllable deletion, morphological construction and speeded number naming were unique correlates of Chinese character recognition in kindergarteners. Among primary school children, the independent correlates of character recognition were rime detection, homophone judgement, morpheme production, orthographic knowledge and speeded number naming. Results underscore the importance of some dimensions of both phonological processing and morphological awareness for both very early and intermediate Chinese reading acquisition. Although significantly correlated with character recognition in younger (but not older) children, visual skills were not uniquely associated with Chinese character reading at any grade level. However, orthographic skills were strongly associated with reading in primary school but not kindergarten, suggesting that orthographic skills are more important for literacy development as reading experience increases.
15. The Life‐History and Habits of two Parasites of Blowflies
Authors: Altson A. M.
Published: August 2010

Summary.

The breeding operations and accumulation of supplies of Alysia manducator Panz. and Nasonia brevicornis Ashm. commenced in July and ceased in December 1919.

Alysia manducator oviposits in the larvae of several carrion‐feeding Diptera. Only one parasite emerges from each host puparia. Over‐parasitism kills the larva. The mean average of the life‐cycle is 52 days, and as short as 25. Both sexes are capable of sustained flight, and lived over a month in captivity. Average percentage of parasitism over three years was 43 per cent., observed by Graham‐Smith (4). Average contents of ovaries 366 eggs for 12 females.

Nasonia brevicornis oviposits in the puparia of several species of stercoral and carrion‐feeding Dipterous larvre. From one to 62 individuals have been found in single puparia parasitized in captivity. The length of the life‐cycle ranges from 11 to 22i days in different countries. Only the female can fly, and then only very short distances, and can live, whilst ovipositing, from 4 to 6 weeks, but for a considerably less period without host puparia. The male remains nea.r the vicinity of emergence, where its life is spent in fighting and mating. Average progeny in the case of five females–observed by Girault & Saunders and McCarthy– was 113 per female, and affecting on the average only 16‐4 hosts,

Nasonia can act as an accidental secondary parasite upon A. manducator if and when puparia containing the latter are within its limited reach.

Both parasites in their hibernating stage–i. e., full‐grown larvse—can successfully withstand over 6 weeks at 2o C.

Alysia manducator appears to be a more important parasite as a natural control for the Blow‐fly than Nasonia brevioomis, which appears to be more effective as a natural control of Diptera which constantly breed in permanent refuse‐ and garbage‐heaps, and where hosts would be within crawling distance, such as primarily the Common House‐fly, Musca domestica.
29. On Differences in the Microscopic Characters of the Crown‐feathers of Tits of the Genus Parus, with particular reference to the Marsh‐and Willow‐Tits
Authors: Tucker B. W.
Published: August 2010

The main part of the paper is devoted to a description of differences in the microscopic appearance and structure of the crown‐feathers of the Marsh‐Tit (Parus palustris) and the Willow‐Tit (Parus atricapillus), amending and amplifying an earlier description by Dr. P. R. Lowe (1932), which appeared to indicate a remarkable degree of difference in the minute structure of the feathers of these otherwise remarkably similar species. It is shown:

That although anterior crown‐feathers of adult birds can usually be separated under the microscope without difficulty, the differences are much less than the earlier account suggested.

That the apparent greater breadth of the Marsh‐Tit barbule, which is one of the main features enabling the feathers to be distinguished from those of the Willow‐Tit, is not due to any marked difference in the real width of the barbules, but to those of the former species being more strongly twisted at their bases, so that their broad faces are more nearly in the plane of the surface of the feather. This, in conjunction with a slightly closer placing of the barbulea on the barb, no doubt helps to increase the amount of light reflected from the surface of the feather, but the most important factor in this connection is the amount of pigment present.

The segmented or nodal structure of the barbules is quite well developed in the Willow‐Tit as well as in the Marsh‐Tit, though obscured in an undisturbed feather by reason of the fact that the barbules in the former species are viewed edge‐on.

The characteristic specializations of the Marsh‐Tit feather decrease from front to back of the black cap, the hinder feathers closely resembling those of the Willow‐Tit. This difference between anterior and posterior crown‐feathers is less marked in forms with maximum gloss, like Parus major.

The juveniles of the glossy‐crowned forms have crown‐feathers resembling those of the non‐glossy forms in microscopic appearance.

The demonstration that there is no real structural or other important difference between the feathers of P. atricapillus and P. palustris removes any support (which the previous description might seem to have afforded) for the view that they represent two distinct stocks which are converging rather than forms diverging from a relatively recent common ancestor.

The second section is devoted to an account of the microscopic characters of the crown‐feathers of other black‐capped Tits, with reference to various species presenting miscellaneous points of interest. In general it appears that the Marsh‐and Willow‐Tits may be regarded as representing two stages in the evolution of a strongly glossy blue‐black cap from an undifferentiated brown one, the later phases entailing an accentuation of the characters which distinguish the Marsh‐Tit feather from the Willow‐Tit. The view that the Willow‐Tit is a more primitive form than the Marsh‐Tit is consistent with its geographical distribution.
56. Reproduction of the Lesser Shrew (Sorex minutus Linnæus).
Authors: BRAMBELL F. W. Rogers , Hall Kathleen
Published: August 2010

The material consisted of 277 Lesser Shrews, of which 156 were males, 120 females, and one intersex (described elsewhere, 1936). The sex‐ratio of the whole sample was 56–52±2.01 males per cent. The percentage of males obtained in April and May was higher than during the rest of the year. The proportion of Lesser to Common Shrews obtained was 16±6 per cent., but in one small wood Lesser Shrews were found to be the commonest species.

Young Lesser Shrews when they first appear in the traps in summer weigh 2–75 to 4 gm. They do not breed in their first season, and remain at approximately the same weight until the end of the following March, when they grow to the adult size of 4 to 6 gm., the heaviest obtained being a female weighing 7.3 gm. Adult animals die at the end of the breeding‐season.

The breeding‐season in North Wales begins in mid‐April, reaches its height in June, and ends in October.

Since no non‐pregnant females with recent corpora lutea in the ovaries were obtained, ovulation appears to result in pregnancy in 100 per cent, of cases. The mean number of follicles ovulated at œstrus is 6.8, and the mean number of implanted embryos in utero is 6.2. The litter size is therefore 0.5 smaller than in the Common Shrew.

The œstrous cycle closely resembles that of the Common Shrew. The first œstrus is preceded by prolonged vaginal cornification and gradual hypertrophy of the reproductive organs. The largest follicles observed were 328 μ. in diameter. There is a post‐partum œstrus at which the majority of females become pregnant, gestating and lactating simultaneously. Animals that do not become pregnant at the post‐partum œstrus exhibit an anœstrous period during lactation.

Forty‐seven pregnant females were obtained, 4 with tubal ova, 12 with free uterine blastocysts, and 31 with implanted embryos. Migration of blastocysts from one uterine cornu to the other takes place freely, as in the Common Shrew. The histological changes in the uterus and vagina during pregnancy closely resemble those in the Common Shrew.

The data regarding the relation of the weight of the testes to body‐weight are given, and the relative sizes of the various male reproductive organs are compared with those of the Common Shrew.

The authors' thanks are due to Dr. A. S. Parkes, F.R.S., and Mrs. Parkes, for their advice and for collecting part of the material in Kent, and to Messrs. L. H. Jackson and I. W. Rowlands for assistance in the routine trapping in North Wales. The authors are indebted to the Rt. Hon. Lord Penrhyn for permission to trap on his estates, where many of the animals were obtained.

The expenses of this research were defrayed in part by grants from the Government Grant Committee of the Royal Society to one of us (F. W. R. B.), for which we wish to express our thanks.
BLOOD STUDIES ON THE ECHIDNA TACHYGLOSSUS ACULEATUS
Authors: BOLLIGER A. , BACKHOUSE T. C.
Published: August 2010

The blood picture of the echidna Tacchyglossus aculeatus, one of the two monotremes still extant, was studied on forty‐two apparently healthy and diseased specimens.

In spite of the reptilian and avian attributes, the red and white cell characteristies and counts, response to infection, etc. of this prototherian correspond typically to thoso of higher mammals.

Compared with Eutheria the average “normal” haemoglobin content was high (17.4 gram per cent). Nucleated red cells were only observed in marked anaemia and reticulocytes were almost never seen. The prevailing polymorph was a mature neutrophil. Eosinophils were uncommon and basophils rare and then only in disease.

A varying degree of piroplasmosis was present in most of the animals examined. This did not have a definite influence on the blood picture if light or moderate. The haemoglobin content diminished considerably if the echidna was kept in captivity for more than two months.
THE IMMOBILIZATION OF AFRICAN ANIMALS IN THE FIELD, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR TRANSFER TO OTHER AREAS (U.S. TRANSLOCATION)*
Authors: BUECHNER H. K. , HARTHOORN A. M. , LOCK J. A.
Published: August 2010

The need for urgent measures to preserve African game for study and assessment of ecological importance is briefly discussed. The use of paralysing drugs for the capture of these animals is described. The applicability of the method for the transfer of animals threatened by poaching, farming and other agrarian activities is dicussed, together with problems associated with removed populations.
POLYCHAETA FROM SEVERAL LOCALITIES IN THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN
Authors: DAY J. H.
Published: August 2010

Two collections were examined. The first made by Dr MacGregor comes from various localities in Natal, Madagascar, Mauritius, tropical East Africa and Aden. The second made by Dr M. Kalk and Dr W. Macnae comes from Mocambique and Madagascar.

Ninety‐seven species are represented. Three new genera and five new species are described, several new combinations are proposed and many new records are given. The types and Dr MacGregor's collection have been deposited in the British Museum.
THE FOOD OF THE SEA SCORPION ACANTHOCOTTUS BUBALIS (TELEOSTEI‐SCLEROPAREI) IN MANX WATERS
Authors: RICE A. L.
Published: August 2010

In order to study the diet of Acanthocottus bubalis 286 specimens were collected both intertidally and sublittorally in the south of the Isle of Man during the period May 1959 to December 1960. The stomach contents were examined and the relative importance of the various food item present assessed by the points method. The diet varies considerably with the seaaon and habitat and also with the size of fish, but the general conclusion is that Acanthocottus bubalis is a predatory carnivore taking a wide variety of species. the most important foods being small crustaceans and small fish.
POPULATION ASPECTS OF DELAYED BIRTH IN THE QUOKKA (SETONIX BRACHYURUS)
Authors: SHIELD J. W. , WOOLLEY PATRICIA
Published: August 2010

The ability of the Rottnest Island population of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) to replace lost pouch young from stored blastocysts has been examined. It was found that, under experimental conditions, young were replaced throughout the breeding season. However, the age distribution of the young in the wild population provided evidence that there was no considerable replacement from stored blastocysts in the field. The maximum replacement under experimental conditions was 60 per cent at the beginning of the breeding season in February. The percentage of animals producing further young declined gradually after this until in August, when seasonal anoestrus commences, no young removed from the pouch were replaced from stored blastocysts. Factors which may affect the ability of the animals to produce young from stored blastocysts, and the decline in success throughout the breeding season are discussed.
THE DETERMINATION OF AGE, IN THE GREY SEAL (HALICHOERUS G R Y P U S)SEXUAL MATURITY, LONGEVITY AND A LIFE‐TABLE
Authors: HEWER H. R.
Published: August 2010

A method of determining the age of grey seals, using annual rings in the cement deposited on the canine teeth, is described. Using this, several parameters of growth are correlated with age and the normal ages for sexual maturity are established as five years for cows (first pup at six years) and six years for bulls. Bulls normally appear not t o become holders of territory however until they are ten years of age. The two sexes are of very unequal longevity. Few bulls live beyond twenty years, probably none beyond twenty‐five; cows do not exceed thirty‐five. There appears to be a high mortality (c. 40 per cent) among territorial bulls. The age composition of a breeding colony and the bull to cow ratio are accounted for by the differences in the number of year groups of the two sexes and by the much smaller numbers of bulls in the later groups due to the high mortality. A provisional life table is proposed.
Embedding consumer culture in health and social care education – a university office's perspective
Authors: Ward Lisa J. , Rhodes Christine A.
Published: August 2010

Health and social care services are changing – and this change is radical. Service user and carer involvement has been a key aspect of health and social care policy for a number of years. In terms of the National Health Service (NHS), this has been significantly strengthened by the report ‘High Quality Care for All’. The NHS will no longer be a monolith dictating what services it offers. It is beginning to take seriously the views of its consumers: the patients, service users and carers. The NHS is starting to put the patient experience at the centre of everything it does, and its regulators are asking for evidence of public and patient involvement. This process may yet prove to be one of the NHS' greatest challenges as it transforms to prioritize the consumer viewpoint. Social care, though further down the line in relation to involvement, is now responding to the relatively new personalization agenda.

This paper will consider what the university sector can do to embed the consumer and service culture within the education of health and social care professionals. It looks at the challenges of involvement and required culture change, highlighting the key points to address in the early and middle stages of involvement from a university office's perspective. It includes examples of consumer involvement in teaching, assessment and the selection of students and how their input is starting to make a difference.

Finally, the paper outlines what is needed in a development office to establish and support effective service user and carer involvement on health and social care courses in higher education. The article concludes by acknowledging that there is much more work that needs to be done in this field to embed the work of a development office, but that early steps have been promising.
α‐Synuclein expression is induced by depolarization and cyclic AMP in enteric neurons
Authors: Paillusson Sébastien , Tasselli Maddalena , Lebouvier Thibaud , Mahé Maxime Michaël , Chevalier Julien , Biraud Mandy , Cario‐Toumaniantz Chystelle , Neunlist Michel , Derkinderen Pascal
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 694–706.

Accumulated evidence emphasizes the importance of α‐synuclein expression levels in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. PD is a multicentric disorder that affects the enteric nervous system (ENS), whose involvement may herald the degenerative process in the CNS. We therefore undertook the present study to investigate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of expression of α‐synuclein in the ENS. The regulation of α‐synuclein expression was assessed by qPCR and western blot analysis in rat primary culture of ENS treated with KCl and forskolin. A pharmacological approach was used to decipher the signaling pathways involved. Intraperitoneal injections of Bay K‐8644 and forskolin were performed in mice, whose proximal colons were further analyzed for α‐synuclein expression. Depolarization and forskolin increased α‐synuclein mRNA and protein expression in primary cultures of ENS, although L‐type calcium channel and protein kinase A, respectively. Both stimuli increased α‐synuclein expression through a Ras/extracellular signal‐regulated kinases pathway. An increase in α‐synuclein expression was also observed in vivo in the ENS of mice injected with Bay K‐8644 or forskolin. In conclusion, we have identified stimuli leading to α‐synuclein over‐expression in the ENS, which could be critical in the initiation of the pathological process in PD.
Presynaptic calcium channels and α3‐integrins are complexed with synaptic cleft laminins, cytoskeletal elements and active zone components
Authors: Carlson Steven S. , Valdez Gregorio , Sanes Joshua R.
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115, 654–666.

At chemical synapses, synaptic cleft components interact with elements of the nerve terminal membrane to promote differentiation and regulate function. Laminins containing the β2 subunit are key cleft components, and they act in part by binding the pore‐forming subunit of a pre‐synaptic voltage‐gated calcium channel (Cavα) (Nishimuneet al.2004). In this study, we identify Cavα‐associated intracellular proteins that may couple channel‐anchoring to assembly or stabilization of neurotransmitter release sites called active zones. Using Cavα‐antibodies, we isolated a protein complex from Torpedo electric organ synapses, which resemble neuromuscular junctions but are easier to isolate in bulk. We identified 10 components of the complex: six cytoskeletal proteins (α2/β2 spectrins, plectin 1, AHNAK/desmoyokin, dystrophin, and myosin 1), two active zone components (bassoon and piccolo), synaptic laminin, and a calcium channel β subunit. Immunocytochemistry confirmed these proteins in electric organ synapses, and PCR analysis revealed their expression by developing mammalian motor neurons. Finally, we show that synaptic laminins also interact with pre‐synaptic integrins containing the α3 subunit. Together with our previous finding that a distinct synaptic laminin interacts with SV2 on nerve terminals (Sonet al.2000), our results identify three paths by which synaptic cleft laminins can send developmentally important signals to nerve terminals.
Leverage Constraints and the International Transmission of Shocks
Authors: DEVEREUX MICHAEL B. , YETMAN JAMES
Published: August 2010

Recent macroeconomic experience has drawn attention to the importance of interdependence among countries through financial markets and institutions, independently of traditional trade linkages. This paper develops a model of the international transmission of shocks due to interdependent portfolio holdings among leverage‐constrained investors. In our model, without leverage constraints on investment, financial integration itself has no implication for international macro comovements. When leverage constraints bind, however, the presence of these constraints in combination with diversified portfolios introduces a powerful financial transmission channel that results in a positive comovement of production, independently of the size of international trade linkages. In addition, the paper shows that with binding leverage constraints, the type of financial integration is critical for international comovement. If international financial markets allow for trade only in noncontingent bonds, but not equities, then the international comovement of shocks is negative. Thus, with leverage constraints, moving from bond trade to equity trade reverses the sign of the international transmission of shocks.
Contact allergy to fragrances: current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology*
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Geier Johannes , Frosch Peter , Schnuch Axel
Published: August 2010

Background: Contact sensitization to fragrances is common both in clinical and in population samples. The spectrum of allergens is broad and diverse, and to some extent covered by a set of screening agents.

Objectives: To examine the current frequency of contact sensitization to fragrance allergens in patients routinely patch tested for suspected allergic contact dermatitis with the baseline series and special series.

Patients and methods: Between 2005 and 2008, 40 709 patients were patch tested in the departments of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (http://www.ivdk.org). Results with selected fragrances were analysed.

Results: Of all patients tested with the German baseline series, 15.1% reacted positively to fragrance mix (FM) I (6.6% positive), FM II (4.6% positive) or Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru, 6.8% positive). Among the single constituents of FM I, Evernia prunastri [oak moss absolute (abs.)] was the leading allergen, and amyl cinnamal the least frequent allergen. Among fragrances not included in FM I or FM II, Evernia furfuracea (tree moss abs.) was the most common allergen.

Conclusions: For diagnostic purposes, it is necessary to combine several screening agents. The frequency of contact sensitization differs greatly between single fragrances.
Standardized tape stripping prior to patch testing induces upregulation of Hsp90, Hsp70, IL‐33, TNF‐α and IL‐8/CXCL8 mRNA: new insights into the involvement of ‘alarmins’
Authors: Dickel Heinrich , Gambichler Thilo , Kamphowe Jeanette , Altmeyer Peter , Skrygan Marina
Published: August 2010

Background: The strip patch test is recommended if patch test results are presumed to be false‐negative. It is under discussion whether the cutaneous inflammation induced by tape stripping is a pivotal element in enhancing the allergic contact dermatitis response.

Objectives: To investigate epidermal mRNA expression of mediators implicated in the regulation of inflammation induced by tape stripping according to our standardized protocol in human skin.

Patients/Methods: Thirty‐one healthy volunteers (median age 26 years, range 18–62 years) participated in the study. We measured epidermal mRNAs coding for cytokines [tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐33, IL‐10, IL‐8/CXCL8, chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2)/MCP‐1 (monocyte chemotactic protein‐1), chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5)/RANTES (regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed, and presumably secreted), IL‐6, granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF)], an adhesion molecule [intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (ICAM‐1)], heat shock proteins (Hsp27, Hsp70 and Hsp90), and the inflammasome complex [NACHT‐LRR‐PYD‐containing protein‐3 (NALP3), apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD (ASC)/CARD5 (caspase recruitment domain‐containing protein‐5) and caspase‐1] in tape‐stripped skin of the upper back relative to untreated skin of the upper back, using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technology.

Results: Epidermal mRNA expression levels of TNF‐α, Hsp90, Hsp70, IL‐33, and IL‐8/CXCL8 were significantly upregulated, whereas CCL5/RANTES expression was significantly downregulated 6 hr after standardized tape stripping.

Conclusions: Tape stripping the skin according to our standardized protocol shows immunostimulatory effects, with induction of keratinocyte‐derived ‘alarmins’ and cytokines mounting an immune response, which may contribute to the increased sensitivity of the strip patch test versus the patch test.
Preservatives in cosmetics: reactivity of allergenic formaldehyde‐releasers towards amino acids through breakdown products other than formaldehyde*
Authors: Kireche Mustapha , Gimenez‐Arnau Elena , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2010

Background: Compounds slowly releasing formaldehyde, the so‐called formaldehyde‐releasers, are commonly employed as preservatives in cosmetics instead of free formaldehyde, which is a strong skin sensitizer. It has been long accepted that formaldehyde‐releaser sensitization is attributable to released formaldehyde. However, clinical studies show the existence of patients allergic to formaldehyde‐releasers but not to formaldehyde itself.

Objectives: To prove that, for certain formaldehyde‐releasers, reactive intermediates other than formaldehyde could be involved in the formation of the hapten–protein antigenic complex, a key step of the sensitization process, thus explaining their sensitizing potential.

Materials/Methods: DMDM hydantoin, 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol and methenamine were synthesized, 13C‐labelled at the position(s) precursor of formaldehyde. Their reactivity towards amino acids was followed by one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance.

Results: Many adducts formed by reacting formaldehyde‐releasers with amino acids resulted from a direct interaction of the releaser or from reaction of a breakdown product, and not from a reaction involving simply released formaldehyde. DMDM hydantoin was reactive per se, and 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol and methenamine decomposed in water, producing bromoethanol and diaminomethane, respectively, which were reactive towards some of the amino acids tested.

Conclusion: The reactivity of distinctive formaldehyde‐releasers towards amino acids is not limited to formaldehyde release.
Ethosome formulation of contact allergens may enhance patch test reactions in patients*
Authors: Madsen Jakob Torp , Vogel Stefan , Karlberg Ann‐Therese , Simonsson Carl , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Andersen Klaus E.
Published: August 2010

Background: Ethosomes and liposomes are ultra‐small vesicles capable of encapsulating drugs and cosmetic ingredients for topical use, thereby potentially increasing bioavailability and clinical efficacy. So far, few reports have suggested that formulation of cosmetic ingredients in vesicular carrier systems may increase the allergenicity potential.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of ethosome formulation of isoeugenol and methyldibromo glutaronitrile on the elicitation response under patch test conditions and by repeated open applications.

Patients/Materials/Methods: A total of 27 volunteer patients with a previous positive patch test reaction to either isoeugenol or methyldibromo glutaronitrile were included in the study. In all patients, a serial dilution patch test was performed with the allergen in question formulated in ethosomes and in an ethanol/water solution. In addition, a repeated open application test (ROAT) was performed in a subset of 16 patients, and lag time until a positive response was recorded.

Results: Both contact allergens encapsulated in ethosomes showed significantly enhanced patch test reactions as compared with the allergen preparation in ethanol/water without ethosomes. No significant difference in the median lag time was recorded between preparations in the ROAT.

Conclusions: Encapsulating potential contact allergens in ethosomes may increase the challenge response as compared with the same concentrations in an ethanol/water base without ethosomes.
UHECRs from magnetic reconnection in relativistic jets
Authors: Giannios Dimitrios
Published: August 2010

Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) may be produced in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) or gamma-ray burst (GRB) jets. I argue that magnetic reconnection in jets can accelerate UHECRs rather independently of physical processes in the magnetic dissipation region. First-order Fermi acceleration can efficiently take place in the region where the unreconnected (upstream) magnetized fluid converges into the reconnection layer. I find that protons can reach energies up to E ∼ 1020 eV in GRB and powerful AGN jets while iron nuclei can reach similar energies in AGN jets of more moderate luminosity.
The magnetic field and the evolution of element spots on the surface of the HgMn eclipsing binary ARAur
Authors: Hubrig S. , Savanov I. , Ilyin I. , González J. F. , Korhonen H. , Lehmann H. , Schöller M. , Granzer T. , Weber M. , Strassmeier K. G. , Hartmann M. , Tkachenko A.
Published: August 2010

The system AR Aur is a young late B-type double-lined eclipsing binary with a primary star of HgMn peculiarity. We applied the Doppler imaging method to reconstruct the distribution of Fe and Y over the surface of the primary using spectroscopic time series obtained in 2005 and from 2008 October to 2009 February. The results show a remarkable evolution of the element distribution and overabundances. Measurements of the magnetic field with the moment technique using several elements reveal the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field of the order of a few hundred gauss in both stellar components and a quadratic field of the order of 8 kG on the surface of the primary star.
High Prevalence of Liddle Syndrome Phenotype Among Hypertensive US Veterans in Northwest Louisiana
Authors: Tapolyai Mihály , Uysal Aşkin , Dossabhoy Neville R. , Zsom Lajos , Szarvas Tibor , Lengvárszky Zsolt , Fülöp Tibor
Published: August 2010

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).

Liddle syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant disorder due to a gain‐of‐function mutation in the epithelial Na+ channel and is perceived to be a rare condition. A cross‐sectional study of 149 hypertensive patients with hypokalemia (<4 mmol/dL) or elevated serum bicarbonate (>25 mmol/dL) was conducted at a Veterans’ Administration Medical Center Hypertension Clinic in Shreveport, LA. Data on demographics, blood pressure, and select blood tests were collected and expressed as percentages for categoric variables and as mean ± standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables. Patients were diagnosed with likely LS when the plasma renin activity (PRA) was <0.35 μU/mL/h and the aldosterone was <15 ng/dL and likely primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) with PRA <0.35 μU/mL/h and aldosterone level >15 ng/dL. The cohort included predominantly elderly (67.1±13.4 years), male (96%), and Caucasian (57%) patients. The average blood pressure was 143.8/79.8 mm Hg±27.11/15.20 with 3.03±1.63 antihypertensive drugs. Based on the above criteria, 9 patients (6%) satisfied the criteria for likely LS and 10 patients (6.7%) were diagnosed with likely PHA. In this hypothesis‐generating study, the authors detected an unusually high prevalence of biochemical abnormalities compatible with likely LS syndrome from Northwestern Louisiana, approaching that of likely PHA. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:856–860.
Rationale for Triple‐Combination Therapy for Management of High Blood Pressure
Authors: Gradman Alan H.
Published: August 2010

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).

The goals of antihypertensive therapy include optimal reduction in blood pressure (BP) while providing a favorable tolerability profile that promotes long‐term adherence to treatment. For most patients with hypertension, these treatment goals cannot be achieved with monotherapy. When instituted early, however, combination therapy results in more rapid control of BP. This approach may facilitate improvements in long‐term clinical outcomes, compared with more traditional and time‐consuming stepped care and add‐on algorithms for the management of hypertension. This review summarizes the rationale behind combination therapy, specifically triple‐combination therapy, and discusses which combinations are most likely to result in better BP control, fewer side effects, and reduced risk of target organ damage. Supporting evidence from recent triple‐combination therapy trials also is included in the review. Finally, the role of single‐pill (fixed‐dose) combination therapy in enhancing patient adherence is also discussed. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:869–878.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Diagnostic accuracy of mammography readers and their memory performance have no correlation with each other
Authors: Kok P , Pitman AG , Cawson JN , Gledhill S , Kremer S , Lawson J , Mehta K , Mercuri V , Shnier D , Taft R , Zentner L
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  The study aims to determine if any association exists between visual memory performance and diagnostic accuracy performance in a group of radiologist mammogram readers.

Materials and Methods:  One hundred proven mammograms (23 with cancers) were grouped into 5 sets of 20 cases, with sets being of equal difficulty. Pairs of sets were presented in 5 reads (40 cases per read, order random) to a panel of 8 radiologist readers (either present or past screening readers, with experience range from <1 year to >20 years). The readers were asked to either ‘clear’ or ‘call back’ cases depending on need for further workup, and at post‐baseline reads to indicate whether each case was ‘new’ or ‘old’ (i.e. remembered from prior read). Two sets were presented only at baseline (40 cases per reader), and were used to calculate the reader's false recollection rate. Three sets were repeated post‐baseline once or twice (100 cases per reader). Reading conditions were standardised.

Results:  Memory performance differed markedly between readers. The number of correctly remembered cases (of 100 ‘old’ cases) had a median of 10.5 and range of 0–58. The observed number of false recollections (of 40 ‘totally new’ cases) had a median of 2 and range of 0–17. Diagnostic performance measures were mean (range): sensitivity 0.68 (0.54–0.81); specificity 0.82 (0.74–0.91); positive predictive value (PPV) 0.55 (0.50–0.65); negative predictive value (NPV) 0.89 (0.86–0.93) and accuracy 0.78 (0.76–0.83). Confidence intervals (CIs; 95%) for each reader overlapped for all the diagnostic parameters, indicating a lack of statistically significant difference between the readers at the 5% level. The most sensitive and the most specific reader showed a trend away from each other on sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV; their accuracies were 0.76 and 0.82, respectively, and their accuracy 95% CIs overlapped considerably. Correlation analysis by reader showed no association between observed memory performance and any of the diagnostic accuracy measures in our group of readers. In particular, there was no correlation between diagnostic accuracy and memory performance.

Conclusion:  There was no association between visual memory performance and diagnostic accuracy as a screening mammographer in our group of eight representative readers. Whether a radiologist has a good or a bad visual memory for cases, and in particular mammograms, should not impact on his or her performance as a radiologist and mammogram reader.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Pilot comparison of 18F‐fluorocholine and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT with conventional imaging in prostate cancer
Authors: Beauregard J‐M , Williams SG , DeGrado TR , Roselt P , Hicks RJ
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  Conventional imaging (CI) is known to have limitations with respect to staging of patients with primary or relapsed prostate cancer. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18F‐flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) is also often suboptimal because of low tracer avidity, but 18F‐fluorocholine (FCH) appears to be a promising alternative molecular imaging probe. We report a prospective pilot study of PET/CT comparing both tracers for staging and restaging of patients with prostate cancer.

Methods:  Sixteen prostate cancer patients were evaluated (7 for staging and 9 for restaging). All patients also underwent CI, comprising at least an abdominopelvic CT and a bone scan. All imaging results and other relevant data were extracted from the imaging reports and medical charts.

Results:  Based on all imaging‐detected disease sites, both FCH‐PET/CT and FDG‐PET/CT (79%) were more sensitive than CI (14%), with the highest number of sites of nodal and distant disease on FCH PET/CT. FCH‐PET/CT alone would have provided sufficient clinical information to form an appropriate management plan in 88% of cases, as compared with 56% for CI.

Conclusion:  FCH‐PET/CT has the potential to impact on the management of patients with prostate cancer significantly more often than CI.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE: Fusion of high b‐value diffusion‐weighted and T2‐weighted MR images improves identification of lymph nodes in the pelvis
Authors: Mir N , Sohaib SA , Collins D , Koh DM
Published: August 2010

Accurate identification of lymph nodes facilitates nodal assessment by size, morphological or MR lymphographic criteria. We compared the MR detection of lymph nodes in patients with pelvic cancers using T2‐weighted imaging, and fusion of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and T2‐weighted imaging.

Twenty patients with pelvic tumours underwent 5‐mm axial T2‐weighted and DWI (b‐values 0–750 s/mm2) on a 1.5T system. Fusion images of b = 750 s/mm2 diffusion‐weighted MR and T2‐weighted images were created. Two radiologists evaluated in consensus the T2‐weighted images and fusion images independently. For each image set, the location and diameter of pelvic nodes were recorded, and nodal visibility was scored using a 4‐point scale (0–3). Nodal visualisation was compared using Relative to an Identified Distribution (RIDIT) analysis. The mean RIDIT score describes the probability that a randomly selected node will be better visualised relative to the other image set.

One hundred fourteen pelvic nodes (mean 5.9 mm; 2–10 mm) were identified on T2‐weighted images and 161 nodes (mean 4.3 mm; 2–10 mm) on fusion images. Using fusion images, 47 additional nodes were detected compared with T2‐weighted images alone (eight external iliac, 24 inguinal, 12 obturator, two peri‐rectal, one presacral). Nodes detected only on fusion images were 2–9 mm (mean 3.7 mm). Nodal visualisation was better using fusion images compared with T2‐weighted images (mean RIDIT score 0.689 vs 0.302).

Fusion of diffusion‐weighted MR with T2‐weighted images improves identification of pelvic lymph nodes compared with T2‐weighted images alone. The improved nodal identification may aid treatment planning and further nodal characterisation.
CASE REPORT: The CT and 18F‐FDG PET/CT appearance of primary renal malignant fibrous histiocytoma
Authors: Hwang SS , Park SY , Park YH
Published: August 2010

Renal malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a rare, primary renal tumour. Imaging findings of renal MFH, including ultrasound, CT and MRI, have, however, been reported. As to the best of our knowledge 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging of renal MFH has not been previously reported, we present the CT and 18F‐FDG PET/CT appearance of a pathologically proven primary renal MFH.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Use of 3D imaging and awareness of GEC‐ESTRO recommendations for cervix cancer brachytherapy throughout Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Van Dyk S , Byram D , Bernshaw D
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  A 2005 survey of practices indicated limited use of three‐dimensional (3D) imaging modalities and planning methods in cervix cancer brachytherapy in Australia and New Zealand. However, advancing technologies and published recommendations are influencing change. This survey aims to identify both changes in practice and awareness and uptake of Groupe European de Curietherapie of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (GEC‐ESTRO) recommendations.

Methods:  A survey was emailed to all radiotherapy departments with brachytherapy facilities. Twenty departments practise brachytherapy for cancer of the cervix. The survey consisted of five questions enquiring about use and type of 3D imaging; rate of reimaging and replanning; and contouring, prescribing and reporting practices.

Results:  A 100% response rate was obtained. Sixty‐five per cent of departments use 3D CT imaging to plan brachytherapy insertions. Thirty per cent of departments use two‐dimensional (2D) x‐rays. Four departments (20%) use a combination of imaging modalities including CT, ultrasound and MRI. Sixty‐five per cent of departments reimage and replan for each insertion. Four departments (20%) contour, prescribe dose and report treatment according to GEC‐ESTRO recommendations.

Conclusions:  There has been a marked increase in the use of 3D imaging and awareness of GEC‐ESTRO recommendations. Implementation and reporting of image‐based gynaecological brachytherapy is strongly dependent on local resources and infrastructure.
POINT OF VIEW: Strategies to successfully publish your first manuscript
Authors: Veness M
Published: August 2010

Applying published evidence is fundamental to the practice of medicine. However, the steps needed to undertake scientific research and generate a manuscript of publishable quality are often overwhelming for junior doctors. Undertaking research and publishing these findings are complementary. Clinicians often present research at college or scientific meetings as oral or poster presentations. Yet despite this, most research is not subsequently submitted for peer review publication in a scientific journal. Reasons put forward for research not being published include lack of time, ongoing study, difficulties with co‐authors and a negative study. A lack of experience in the actual process of writing and publishing is also likely to be a contributing factor. The steps required in writing a successful manuscript are multiple and clinicians often lack awareness of the specific formatting requirements for submission to a scientific journal such as JMIRO. The aim of this article is to provide information for clinicians inexperienced in writing and submitting a manuscript with the intent of achieving a publication. It is not meant to be a step‐by‐step recipe in doing this but a guide as to what is required.