bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐ and long‐term effects of weed control on pastures infested with Pteridium arachnoideum and an attempt to regenerate abandoned pastures in South Ecuador
Authors: ROOS K , RÖDEL H G , BECK E
Published: November 2010

Roos K, Rödel HG & Beck E (2011). Short‐ and long‐term effects of weed control on pastures infested with Pteridium arachnoideum and an attempt to regenerate abandoned pastures in South Ecuador. Weed Research51, 165–176.

Pteridium spp. (bracken) is one of the most persistent weeds worldwide. This communication reports for the first time, experiments to control the aggressive neotropical fern, Pteridium arachnoideum. In South Ecuador, where former pastures are overgrown by P. arachnoideum, 13 different control measures were repeated six times over a time period of 23 months: cutting of the fronds, various herbicides, covering with plastic sheeting and alternating combinations thereof. Subsequently, the pasture grass Setaria sphacelata was planted. Growth of P. arachnoideum and later the grass was monitored monthly using the variables cover and height of vegetation. Pteridium arachnoideum frond biomass was determined at the end of the treatments. None of the treatments resulted in a complete eradication of the weed. The efficacy of the treatments differed considerably, but the subsequently planted grass balanced out these differences, suppressing the fern to a cover of <40%. Thus, in spite of the high resistance of P. arachnoideum to any kind of control, regeneration of abandoned pastures is possible, using a two‐step strategy: (i) depleting the reserves in the rhizomes by repeated killing of the leaves and (ii) subsequent suppression by a highly competitive pasture grass. For practical weed management, three consecutive treatments with the herbicide mixture of picloram and metsulfuron methyl, or four consecutive cuts of the fronds, are recommended at intervals of four months to achieve maximum control.
Invasive fungal infections in pediatric heart transplant recipients: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Zaoutis Theoklis E. , Webber Steven , Naftel David C. , Chrisant Mary Anne , Kaufman Beth , Pearce F. B. , Spicer Robert , Dipchand Anne I. ,   on behalf of the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study Investigators
Published: November 2010

Zaoutis TE, Webber S, Naftel DC, Chrisant MA, Kaufman B, Pearce FB, Spicer R, Dipchand AI on behalf of the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study Investigators. Invasive fungal infections in pediatric heart transplant recipients: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 465–469. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  There are limited data on the incidence or risk factors for IFI in pediatric heart transplant recipients. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and types of IFI, to determine risk factors for outcomes of IFI, and to assist in decision‐making concerning the need for prophylactic strategies in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Data from a multi‐institutional registry of 1854 patients transplanted between 01/93 and 12/04 were analyzed to determine risk factors and outcomes of children with IFI post‐heart transplantation. One hundred and thirty‐nine episodes of IFI occurred in 123 patients and made up 6.8% of the total number of post‐transplant infections. IFI was most commonly attributed to yeast (66.2%), followed by mold (15.8%) and Pneumocystis jiroveci (13%). Ninety percent of the yeast infections were caused by Candida spp., and Aspergillus spp. was causative in 82% of the mold infections. There was a significantly increased risk of fungal infection associated with pretransplant invasive procedures (e.g., ECMO, prior surgery, VAD, mechanical ventilation) with an incremental risk with increasing numbers of invasive procedures (early phase 0 vs. 1, RR 1.3; 0 vs. 3, RR 2.3; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, previous surgery (p = 0.05) and mechanical support at transplantation (p = 0.01) remained significant. Forty‐nine percent of recipients with IFI died, all within six months post‐transplant. Invasive fungal infections are uncommon in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Risk and mortality are highest in the first six months post‐transplant especially in patients with previous surgery and those requiring mechanical support. Prophylactic strategies for high‐risk patients should be considered and warrants further study.
Effectiveness and safety of inactivated influenza vaccination in pediatric liver transplant recipients over three influenza seasons
Authors: Gotoh Kensei , Ito Yoshinori , Suzuki Eitaro , Kaneko Kenitiro , Kiuchi Tetsuya , Ando Hisami , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: November 2010

Gotoh K, Ito Y, Suzuki E, Kaneko K, Kiuchi T, Ando H, Kimura H. Effectiveness and safety of inactivated influenza vaccination in pediatric liver transplant recipients over three influenza seasons. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:112–116. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for pediatric liver transplant recipients, who are at high risk of influenza‐related complications. However, effectiveness and safety of vaccination may differ among influenza seasons in this population and have not been fully evaluated. Subjects comprised 38 pediatric liver transplant recipients with or without influenza vaccination through the 2006–2007, 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 influenza seasons. Recipients received inactivated trivalent (AH1/AH3/B) influenza vaccine, and comparisons were made to non‐vaccinated recipients with regard to effectiveness and safety. No significant differences were seen between recipient groups for acute allograft rejection, acute febrile illness, or influenza virus infection. No serious systemic adverse events were observed in vaccinated recipients. Seroprotection rate (defined as the proportion of recipients with HI antibody titer ≥1:40), seroconversion rate (proportion of recipients with a ≥4‐fold increase in HI titers), and geometric mean titers were mostly elevated after vaccination for the three influenza antigens in each season. These three indicators of immunogenicity showed similar results in both vaccinated recipients and vaccinated healthy children in the 2007–2008 season. These findings suggest that pediatric liver transplant patients may respond safely to inactivated seasonal influenza vaccines in a similar manner to healthy children, and effectiveness varies among influenza seasons.
Macroscopic Anatomy of the Reproductive Tract of the Reproductively Quiescent Female Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Authors: Reed Jr Robert B. , Cope Lee A. , Blackford James T.
Published: November 2010

With 14 figures

Three reproductively quiescent female emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) were embalmed with 10% formalin solution. The reproductive tract was dissected and described. The reproductive tract consists of an ovary and oviduct situated on the left side of the abdominal cavity. The left ovary is dark brown to black in colour with follicles covering the ventral surface. The ovary is located medial to the spleen and closely associated with the ventral surface of the cranial and middle lobes of the left kidney. The oviduct is a relatively straight tube that extends from the level of the cranial extent of the left ilium to the caudal border of the left pubic bone. The oviduct is grossly divided into the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina using variations in the mucosal fold pattern.
Effect of constant temperature on the development of Sceliodes cordalis (Doubleday) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on eggplant
Authors: Kay Iain R
Published: November 2010

Sceliodes cordalis, eggfruit caterpillar, is an important pest of eggplant in Australia but little information was available on its biology. This study was conducted to determine the effect of temperature on the development on eggplant of eggs, larvae and pupae. Insects were reared at five constant temperatures from 20.5°C to 30.5°C with a 12:12 L : D photoperiod and the thermal summation model was fitted to the developmental rate data. Developmental zeroes and thermal constants of 11.22°C and 61.32 day‐degrees for eggs, 12.03°C and 179.60 day‐degrees for larvae, and 14.43°C and 107.03 day‐degrees for pupae were determined. Several larvae reared at 20.5°C entered diapause.
First‐instar larva of Palaestra rufipennis (Westwood, 1841) and other Australian blister beetles (Coleoptera, Meloidae, Nemognathinae)
Authors: Di Giulio Andrea , Pinto John D , Bologna Marco A
Published: November 2010

This is the first study of Australian blister beetle larvae. The first‐instar larva of one species of the endemic genus Palaestra Laporte de Castelnau, 1840, is described as well as those of other phoretic species without adult association and consequently unplaced to genus. Two main larval types (Groups 1 and 2) are recognised, as are distinct morphotypes within each group. Although both groups are assignable to the Nemognathinae, they are characterised by traits not paralleled by subfamily representatives from other regions of the world. Group 1, which includes Palaestra, is the more distinctive, whereas Group 2 shares most characteristics with members of the cosmopolitan tribe Nemognathini. A tabular comparison of larval groups and morphotypes is included.
Preference and performance ofAconophora compressaWalker (Hemiptera: Membracidae) on different lantana phenotypes in Australia
Authors: Day Michael D , Nahrung Helen F
Published: November 2010

The plant phenotypic preference and performance ofAconophora compressa, a biocontrol agent forLantana camarain Australia, were assessed. Overall, there were no significant trends ofA. compressafavouring any one particular phenotype. However, there was a gradual decrease in performance through subsequent generations, with populations ofA. compressadying out on two phenotypes. Females did not show preference for any particular lantana phenotype, ovipositing similarly on all five phenotypes presented in choice trials and all 16 phenotypes in no‐choice trials. Nymphs developed on all 16 phenotypes tested. Percent development and time to complete development were not significant in the first generation but were significant in the second generation. There was a general decrease in performance with generation. However, this was probably due to rising temperatures with season rather than an effect of phenotype. These results suggest thatA. compressashould establish on all phenotypes within its geographic range.
Beetle assemblages captured using static panel traps within New South Wales pine plantations
Authors: Stone Christine , Goodyer Grahame , Sims Kerrie , Penman Trent , Carnegie Angus
Published: November 2010

The abundance and composition of beetles captured over two summers in panel traps baited with either α‐pinene, β‐pinene, a combination of α‐ and β‐pinene or just ethanol preserving solution alone, and located in several Pinus plantations in northern or southern New South Wales (NSW) were examined. Effective forest biosecurity surveillance requires a sound working knowledge of the insect species, both endemic and exotic, already established in NSW's pine plantations. A total of 288 beetle species (or distinct morphotypes) from 60 families were recorded from this survey. Families known to have potentially damaging wood‐boring insects were well sampled, the only exception being the Buprestidae for which no specimens were captured. The most abundant group trapped were the Scolytinae, including high numbers of Xyleborus perforans (an exotic ambrosia beetle), Hypothenemus eruditus (an exotic bark beetle), Ips grandicollis (an exotic bark beetle) and Ambrosiodmus latecompressus (a native ambrosia beetle). There were no new exotic species recorded. When considering the total catch, 26 species were identified as exotic and 58 species were confirmed as new accessions to the Forestry Commission of NSW Insect Collection. Initial comparisons between trap samples were based on species richness and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index using analysis of variance. Comparisons between lures, years and sites were further investigated through the application of non‐metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarities. We did not detect any significant differences between the four attractants when comparing beetle assemblages in terms of overall abundance and species diversity captured in either the southern or northern regions. Although sampling intensity for the southern sites was greater than that achieved for the northern sites, the beetle assemblages captured in the northern pine plantations were more abundant and diverse compared with the samples obtained from the Pinus radiata plantations in the south.
Pine plantations and native millipedes (Diplopoda:Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae) in south‐eastern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Car Catherine A
Published: November 2010

The native keeled millipedes of the family Paradoxosomatidae are widespread in New South Wales, Australia. Yet, as short‐range endemic species, their distributions may be adversely affected by changes in land use such as the replacement of native vegetation with pine plantations. This study compared paradoxosomatid assemblages in pine plantations with those in nearby native forests. Preliminary observations on the effect of leaf litter disturbance on these millipedes were also undertaken. It appears that paradoxosomatids thrive equally well in both vegetation types under certain conditions, in terms of abundance and species richness, but any disturbance to their immediate leaf litter habitat seems to have a detrimental effect on populations.
Preference among four Bactrocera species (Diptera: Tephritidae) by Diachasmimorpha kraussii (Fullaway) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Ero Mark M , Hamacek Edward L , Peek Thelma , Clarke Anthony R
Published: November 2010

Diachasmimorpha kraussii is an endoparasitoid of larval dacine fruit flies. To date, the only host preference study done on D. kraussii has used fruit flies from outside its native range (Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands). In contrast, this paper investigates host preference for four fly species (Bactrocera cacuminata, Bactrocera cucumis, Bactrocera jarvisi and Bactrocera tryoni), which occur sympatrically with the wasp in the Australian component of the native range. D. kraussii oviposition preference, host suitability (parasitism rate, number of progeny, sex ratio) and offspring performance measures (body length, hind tibial length, developmental time) were investigated with respect to the four fly species in the laboratory in both no‐choice and choice situations. The parasitoid accepted all four fruit fly species for oviposition in both no‐choice and choice tests; however, adult wasps only emerged from B. jarvisi and B. tryoni. Through dissection, it was demonstrated that parasitoid eggs were encapsulated in both B. cacuminata and B. cucumis. Between the two suitable hosts, measurements of oviposition preference, host suitability and offspring performance measurements either did not vary significantly or varied in an inconsistent manner. Based on our results, and a related study by other authors, we conclude that D. krausii, at the point of oviposition, cannot discriminate between physiologically suitable and unsuitable hosts.
Will competition from Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) limit the success of the potential biocontrol agent Cotesia urabae Austin & Allen (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)?
Authors: Berndt Lisa A
Published: November 2010

The competitive ability of the generalist parasitoid Meteorus pulchricornis was compared with that of the proposed new biological control agent Cotesia urabae to determine the impact the former species might have on the ability of the agent to control its host Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in New Zealand. Behavioural observations were made of females of each species exposed together to groups of U. lugens larvae. Meteorus pulchricornis did not successfully attack U. lugens in the presence of C. urabae, and the mortality of the host in the presence of M. pulchricornis alone did not differ from mortality when no parasitoids were present. The presence of M. pulchricornis in the same arena did not reduce the impact of C. urabae on U. lugens compared to controls. Field collections of U. lugens larvae found limited evidence of larval parasitism by M. pulchricornis. These results suggest that the resident parasitoid M. pulchricornis is unlikely to interfere with the success of the proposed biological control agent C. urabae, should it be introduced to New Zealand.
Anoxygenic photosynthesis and photooxidative stress: a particular challenge for Roseobacter
Authors: Berghoff Bork Ansgar , Glaeser Jens , Nuss Aaron Mischa , Zobawa Monica , Lottspeich Friedrich , Klug Gabriele
Published: November 2010

Roseobacter clade aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAnP) are abundant in photic zone environments of marine ecosystems. These bacteria form a photosynthetic apparatus at oxygen saturation, a situation expected to generate high levels of singlet oxygen (1O2) when light is present. Rhodobacter sphaeroides, an anaerobic anoxygenic phototroph, represses photosynthesis genes at high oxygen tension. Here we report that Roseobacter denitrificans showed higher sensitivity to 1O2 compared with Rhb. sphaeroides. While photosynthetic membranes of Rsb. denitrificans generated more 1O2 during light exposure, key regulator genes rpoE and rpoHII were more strongly induced in response to 1O2 stress compared with Rhb. sphaeroides. The regulon controlled by RpoE was different in Rsb. denitrificans and Rhb. sphaeroides. Patterns of synthesized soluble proteins strongly changed upon high light exposure in Rsb. denitrificans but not in Rhb. sphaeroides, and most changes were not further promoted by artificial 1O2 generation. The strong increase of small RNA RDs2461 levels by photooxidative stress implies a role for sRNAs in post‐transcriptional regulation of the response to 1O2 in AAnPs. Our data reveal similarities but also significant differences in the response of Rsb. denitrificans and Rhb. sphaeroides to 1O2, most likely a consequence of their different lifestyles.
Acidobacteria, Rubrobacteridae and Chloroflexi are abundant among very slow‐growing and mini‐colony‐forming soil bacteria
Authors: Davis Kathryn E. R. , Sangwan Parveen , Janssen Peter H.
Published: November 2010

Easily visible colonies of bacteria continued to form on plates inoculated with soil and incubated for 24 weeks. Using two different media, 13% and 29% of easily visible colonies appeared after more than 12 weeks. In addition, 10% and 18% of all colonies had diameters of 25–200 µm (mini‐colonies), which could not be readily seen with the unaided eye. Members of soil bacterial groups that are only rarely cultured, such as members of the subclass Rubrobacteridae of the phylum Actinobacteria, members of subdivisions 1 and 2 of the phylum Acidobacteria and members of three subphyla of the phylum Chloroflexi, were more abundant among the easily visible colonies and mini‐colonies that developed after > 12 weeks of incubation. Our results indicate that there is a hidden culturable diversity of soil bacteria that may require laboratory study at colony sizes and incubation periods outside those commonly anticipated by most microbiologists. Working at these scales increases the likelihood of obtaining cultures from groups of soil bacteria that have generally eluded laboratory study by cultivation methods.
Australia and Scotland: the Evolution of a Long‐Distance Relationship1
Authors: Richards Eric
Published: November 2010

Scotland's impact across the world undoubtedly stretched to the Antipodes particularly, but not only, in the colonial era. Under the “canopy of Empire”, Australia and Scotland were linked by migration, trade, capital movements and by cultural ties. But these were all two‐way ties. They did not simply colour the “Australian civilisation”. Rather there was a vital and shifting reciprocation between Scotland and Australia. The relationship between them has mainly been determined by their different economic trajectories. Today financial and skilled human capital move each way between the two countries with heightened velocity and efficiency. These flows, along with continuing cultural connections, enmesh two fully developed modern economies.
Rome and its Histories: a View from Australia
Authors: Bosworth R.J.B.
Published: November 2010

In this paper I trace the many debates about the past, and its relationship with the present and the future, that have eddied around Rome over the last two centuries. I spend quite a bit of time illustrating the Catholic line on the “eternal city” and on its contestation from, first, Italian nationalist and then more imperialist and Fascist expositions of “sites of memory” there. After “liberation” in 1944, there were new approaches to elucidating the city's meaning, headed by the “myth of Anti‐Fascism” and extending to a left terrorist reading by the Red Brigades. In recent years, “post‐fascism” has grown in importance in Italy's capital, especially as embodied by the mayor since 2008, Gianni Alemanno. These ideological and politically inspired reckonings of history have squared uneasily with the more popular comprehension of the place of the past, all the more given that Rome has been in rapid growth, first from within Italy and nowadays from across the globe. Specific urban groups, notably the city's Jews, have also read history in their own manner. In sum, Rome has not been a venue for a simple, two sided, “culture war”, as cliché assures us is our fate in Australia. Rather, as is also true here, Rome has proved a site of constant and multi‐fronted arguments about the meaning of history, as should be true of any serious democracy.
Municipalisation in Australia: The Case of Launceston 1880–1914
Authors: Petrow Stefan
Published: November 2010

This article expands upon the crucial role of the state in the provision of infrastructure in late‐nineteenth century Australia by examining the hitherto overlooked role of local government, and in particular, the provision of municipal services in Launceston, Tasmania's second largest city. From the 1890s, socialist groups across Europe actively sought to control councils, believing “good” local government the key to social reform. Municipalisation in Tasmania had more pragmatic origins. Colonial governments encouraged local‐level service provision to prevent the draining of their own finances. In Launceston an ideological element occasionally surfaced. But municipalisation was driven by resentment of a neglectful Tasmanian government, by the desire to modernise the town, by intent to secure new sources of revenue, and by the strong civic pride of businessmen.
The Menzies Government and the Grand Alliance during 1939
Authors: Waters Christopher
Published: November 2010

This article is a study of the Australian government's exchanges with the Chamberlain government over the ultimately unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a Grand Alliance between the United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union during 1939. Robert Menzies and Stanley Bruce carefully weighed the arguments for and against before deciding to support the proposal for an Alliance. Yet there was considerable ambivalence about their support as evidenced by Bruce's panicky response to the Molotov‐Ribbentrop Pact. In its own very small and distant way the Menzies government contributed to the inertia that marked the British Empire's failure to secure a Grand Alliance in 1939.
From “Endemically Pro‐Israel” to Unsympathetic: Australia's Middle East Policy, 1967–1972
Authors: Reich Chanan
Published: November 2010

The hardening of Australian Middle East policy toward Israel in the early 1970s is often attributed to the election of Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister. Whitlam's December 1972 victory may well have opened a new, problematic chapter. But the evidence suggests that a deterioration in Australia‐Israel relations occurred gradually in the aftermath of the 1967 Six Day War. This deterioration reflected changes in Australia's political leadership and change at the top of the Department of External Affairs (renamed Foreign Affairs in 1970). Individual decision‐makers such as Whitlam did play a significant role in determining Australian Middle East policy. As Prime Minister, Sir John Gorton was willing to put aside advice from External Affairs not to antagonise and risk disrupting trade relations with Arab states, and to offer heartfelt support for Israel. His successor Sir William McMahon vacillated under opposing influences of a department determined to secure Australia's trade interests on the one hand, and Australian Jewish leaders and Israel's envoys in Australia on the other. With the support of the Australian Jewish community, Israel sought to influence Australian political leaders — especially within the ALP — from turning away from Israel.
PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH AND THE PHILLIPS CURVE: A REASSESSMENT OF THE US EXPERIENCE
Authors: Karanassou Marika , Sala Hector
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we analyse a new Phillips curve (NPC) model and demonstrate that (i) frictional growth, i.e., the interplay of wage staggering and money growth, generates a non‐vertical NPC in the long run and (ii) the Phillips curve (PC) shifts with productivity growth. On this basis we estimate a dynamic system of macro‐labour equations to evaluate the slope of the PC and explain the evolution of inflation and unemployment in the USA from 1970 to 2006. Because our empirical methodology relies heavily on impulse response functions, it represents a synthesis of the traditional structural modelling and (structural) vector autoregressions. We find that the PC is downward‐sloping with a slope of −3.58 in the long run. Furthermore, during the stagflating 1970s, the productivity slowdown contributed substantially to the increases in both unemployment and inflation, whereas the monetary expansion was quite ineffective and led mainly to higher inflation. Finally, the monetary expansion and productivity speedup of the roaring 1990s were both responsible for the significant lowering of the unemployment rate.
NUMERAIRE, SAVINGS AND THE INSTABILITY OF A COMPETITIVE EQUILIBRIUM
Authors: Parrinello Sergio
Published: November 2010

This paper addresses the stability of a multimarket competitive equilibrium. The dependence of stability on the choice of the numeraire is clarified. The traditional tâtonnement pricing is revised in order to satisfy some basic features of economic behaviour. Well‐known conditions for local stability are proved to be insufficient if a market for credit is introduced alongside the markets of dated commodities. Stability depends not only on the slopes of the demand and supply curves, but also on equilibrium prices. This result emerges without the occurrence of capital perversities, such as reswitching and reverse capital deepening.
Exogenous ochronosis in ethnic Chinese Asians: a clinicopathological study, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Tan S.K.
Published: November 2010

Background  Exogenous ochronosis is believed to be an uncommon complication of treatment with hydroquinone‐ containing skin‐lightning agents. It is widely believed that the condition is found almost exclusively in dark‐skinned individuals and uncommon in other skin‐types.

Aims  To show that exogenous ochronosis may be present in ethnic Chinese Asians.

Materials & Methods  Facial skin biopsies were obtained from suspicious lesions in ethnic Chinese patients presenting at a private dermatology clinic. Clinical photographs, ultraviolet (UV) photographs and digital dermatoscopic pictures were also obtained.

Results  15 patients of ethnic Chinese origin had histologically‐confirmed exogenous ochronosis.

Discussion  The difficulties in differentiating exogenous ochronosis from melasma are discussed and there is a likelihood of under‐reporting as the clinical presentation of the condition may be misleading.

Conclusion  Exogenous ochronosis may exist amongst ethnic Chinese patients with fairer skin‐types, contrary to the commonly‐accepted perception that it is more prevalent in darker skin‐types.
Cutaneous angiosarcoma is a rare aggressive malignant vascular tumour of the skin
Authors: Wollina U. , Hansel G. , Schönlebe J. , Averbeck M. , Paasch U. , Uhl J. , Hindemann W. , Simon J.‐C.
Published: November 2010

Background  Cutaneous angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare aggressive malignant vascular tumour of the skin.

Methods  We analysed the cases of cutaneous AS in two large dermatological departments of Saxony during the last 10 years.

Results  A total of eight AS cases were identified, mostly with head and neck involvement. Because of age and late diagnosis, only a minor part was completely resectable. As a palliative therapy pegylated liposomal doxorubicin was used. The drug was well tolerated. Our cases and those published in the literature suggest a high rate of responses and a possible sensitisation to subsequent radiation therapy.

Conclusions  Although complete surgical resection followed by wide‐field radiation therapy has been established as a therapeutic standard for AS, delay in diagnosis and older age with comorbidities warrant for a safe and effective adjuvant treatment. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin combined with radiotherapy seems to be a useful and safe alternative.
Human papillomavirus typing of warts and response to cryotherapy
Authors: Tomson N. , Sterling J. , Ahmed I. , Hague J. , Berth‐Jones J.
Published: November 2010

Background  Cutaneous warts are common and caused by a number of different types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs).

Objective  The aim of this study was to investigate the HPV types causing common warts and to determine any association between the HPV type and the duration of warts and response to cryotherapy.

Methods  Eighty wart samples from 76 immunocompetent patients were taken from warts by paring prior to cryotherapy and analysed by in situ hybridization (ISH) with HPV probes specific to HPV 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 and 57 and PCR analysis using degenerate cutaneous HPV primers with subsequent DNA sequencing. Each patient's details, including site, duration and response of the wart to cryotherapy were recorded. Cryotherapy was performed at 2 week intervals for a maximum of 12 weeks.

Results  An HPV type was identified in 65 samples. The majority of warts (58 samples) were typed as HPV 2/27/57 by ISH and/or PCR. Three of the 18 samples that were HPV negative with ISH were HPV positive by PCR. Response to treatment did not correlate with HPV type, duration or location. In the 21 wart parings taken from patients aged 16 and under, response to treatment did not correlate with HPV type but warts of shorter duration were more likely to resolve with cryotherapy treatment than longer standing lesions.

Conclusion  This study demonstrates that HPV type can be determined from wart parings. HPV‐2 related viruses are the prevalent HPV types causing common warts on the hands and feet in this population.
Excessive nickel release from earrings purchased from independent shops and street markets – a field study from Warsaw and London
Authors: Thyssen J.P. , Menné T. , Lidén C. , White I.R. , White J. , Spiewak R. , Johansen J.D.
Published: November 2010

Background  Nickel allergy is frequent and cause morbidity and increased health care costs.

Objective  The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of inexpensive earrings randomly purchased from stores and street markets in two capitals that gave positive dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test reactions and to determine whether the degree of nickel release was related to shop category.

Methods  Random inexpensive metallic earrings were purchased from stores and vendors in London and Warsaw. A qualitative investigation of nickel release by using the DMG test was performed.

Results  DMG testing revealed that respectively 15.1% (n = 205) and 18.4% (n = 206) of earrings purchased in London and Warsaw released nickel as indicated by positive test outcomes. Stratification by store category showed that DMG test‐positive jewellery were mainly purchased from street markets and from stores that were not part of national or international chains.

Conclusions  Despite the EU Nickel Directive having resulted in decreasing prevalence of nickel allergy, a large proportion of inexpensive earrings still release nickel in concentrations that may result in nickel allergy and dermatitis. Authorities should prioritize information campaigns and random inspections as a legislation that is not followed is of limited value.
Keloid histopathology after intralesional cryosurgery treatment
Authors: Har‐Shai Y. , Mettanes I. , Zilberstein Y. , Genin O. , Spector I. , Pines M.
Published: November 2010

Background  Keloid presents a great healthcare challenge. The patients suffer from aesthetic disfiguration and occasionally from pruritus, pain and discomfort. Although various treatments are recommended, a single, highly effective treatment represents a great clinical need.

Objective  The cellular events and histopathology that follow intralesional cryosurgery were evaluated including cell proliferation, the number of cells expressing fibroblast markers, collagen synthesis and organization and mast cell infiltration.

Methods  Biopsies were collected before and after intralesional cryoneedle procedure. Collagen structure was evaluated with confocal microscopy. Mast cells, blood vessels and cell proliferation were evaluated using immunohistochemistry.

Results  Keloids contain abnormally thick collagen bundles, organized in swirls comprising closely bound fibrils. After intralesional cryosurgery, the collagen bundles lost their swirl structure, the thickness of the collagen layer decreased, and the bundles became more compact with less space between the fibres. A clear distinct transition zone separated the treated from the unaffected area. The frozen tissue was devoid of proliferating cells and mast cells whereas the number of blood vessels remained unaltered. Most of the fibroblasts expressed all tested myofibroblast markers although some exclusively expressed one and not the other. Few nuclei were observed in the affected area after treatment and very few of them expressed any fibroblast markers.

Conclusions  Intralesional cryosurgery resulted in major changes in collagen structure and organization. The treatment reduced the number of proliferating cells, of myofibroblasts and of mast cells. These results may explain the reduction in no‐response rate and the amelioration of the clinical symptoms after intralesional cryosurgery treatment.
Juvenile, insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, type 1‐related dermatoses
Authors: Sehgal VN , Bhattacharya SN , Verma P
Published: November 2010

Juvenile insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus type 1 (IDDM) is a well‐recognized worldwide entity, the significance of which has increased because of its recent upsurging trends, warranting attention on variety of its clinical expressions, in particular, pertaining to skin, an aspect seldom taken cognizance of. Hence an endeavour to recap the related dermatoses, such as limited joint mobility syndrome including sclerodermoid (scleroderma–like) changes, xerosis, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, granuloma annulare, diabetic foot syndrome, has been made. Complexities relating to the recently explored issues of atopic dermatitis and drug hypersensitivity syndrome have also been covered adequately. In addition, the current concepts of the physiopathology of type 1 diabetes‐related dermatoses are briefly recapitulated for clarity.
Responses to ustekinumab in the anti‐TNF agent‐naïve vs. anti‐TNF agent‐exposed patients with psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Clemmensen A. , Spon M. , Skov L. , Zachariae C. , Gniadecki R.
Published: November 2010

Background  Approximately 20–30% of patients with psoriasis treated with anti‐tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) agents will discontinue treatment within 2 years due to loss of efficacy or side‐effects. Switching to another anti‐TNFα agent produces clinical responses inferior to previously untreated patients. Ustekinumab binds to the p40 subunit of interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐23 and provides a mechanism of action independent of TNFα.

Objective  To investigate the efficacy of ustekinumab in a clinical practice setting and to compare treatment responses to ustekinumab in patients previously treated with TNFα inhibitors and anti‐TNFα‐naïve patients.

Methods  Patients receiving either ustekinumab (n = 71) or the subcutaneous TNFα inhibitors adalimumab or etanercept (n = 108) were identified through the registry of psoriasis patients in our Institutions. Efficacy effect outcome was a 75% improvement in the psoriasis area severity index (PASI75). Kaplan–Meier statistics evaluated the adherence to the treatments expressed as drug survival rate.

Results  PASI75 was achieved in 80% of the ustekinumab‐treated patients after a median time of 112 days. There was no difference in efficacy in anti‐TNFα‐naïve patients compared with anti‐TNFα unresponsive patients. Patients treated with ustekinumab showed a superior adherence to treatment in comparison with adalimumab and etanercept.

Limitations  Patients were non‐randomly assigned to treatment, which potentially may lead to biases. Observation time was short (1 year).

Conclusion  In clinical practice, the short‐term efficacy and patient adherence to ustekinumab are excellent and comparable to the data obtained in clinical trials. Lack of response to previous anti‐TNF treatment does not impair clinical response to ustekinumab.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis
Authors: Cohen‐Barak E. , Nachum Z. , Rozenman D. , Ziv M.
Published: November 2010

Background  The association between psoriasis and pregnancy outcomes has not been adequately examined, although psoriasis onset is common in the reproductive period.

Objective  To evaluate the association between moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis and pregnancy complications.

Methods  A retrospective, matched cohort study of 68 deliveries in 35 women with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis compared to 237 deliveries in 236 women without psoriasis randomly selected after matching for age, parity and gestational age.

Results  The psoriasis patients had higher mean of past spontaneous (0.42 ± 0.58 vs. 0.26 ± 0.63, P = 0.002) and induced (0.32 ± 0.60 vs. 0.06 ± 0.25, P = 0.001) abortions than controls. They had a higher percentage of pregnancy‐induced hypertensive diseases (7.4% vs. 2.1%, P < 0.05) and premature rupture of membranes (16% vs. 5.5%, P < 0.008). Newborns to women with psoriasis had higher birth weight (3375 ± 543 g vs. 3247 ± 460 g, P = 0.03), increased percentage of large‐for‐gestational age (24% vs. 12%, P = 0.02), and macrosomia (13% vs. 4.2%P = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis was an independent risk factor for previous spontaneous abortions, induced abortions, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and newborn macrosomia.

Conclusion  Moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis is associated with spontaneous and induced abortions, pregnancy‐induced hypertensive diseases, premature rupture of membranes, large‐for‐gestational age newborns, and macrosomia.
Lacking CD56 expression in a relapsing cutaneous blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: FISH analysis revealed loss of 11q
Authors: Mitteldorf C. , Bertsch H.P. , Baumgart M. , Haase D. , Wulf G. , Schön M.P. , Rosenwald A. , Neumann C. , Kaune K.M.
Published: November 2010

Background  Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare entity characterized by a CD4+/CD56+/CD123+ immunophenotype and a fatal clinical course. The average survival of 12–14 months may be prolonged by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT).

Objectives  We report about a male patient who suffered from BPDCN with a typical histology and co‐expression of CD4/CD123 and a CD56 expression by 80% of the tumour cells. The cutaneous tumour relapse after chemotherapy and allogeneic BMT was completely negative for CD56.

Methods  We performed interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of tumour tissue, asserved before and after BMT, using specific probes for chromosome 11, which encompass the CD56 gene region.

Results  The tumour cells revealed a partial loss of 11q as well as a monosomy of chromosome 11.

Conclusion  This case demonstrates for the first time that loss of CD56 expression can also occur as a secondary event after chemotherapy and BMT. In our case, DNA loss of 11q23 could be responsible for the negativity of 20% of tumour cells as observed before chemotherapy. However, the complete loss of CD56 expression in the relapsed tumour cannot be explained by the loss of 11q23 alone. Additional factors such as chemotherapy‐induced mutations might also have contributed.
Effect of activating lactoperoxidase system in cheese milk on the quality of Saint‐Paulin cheese
Authors: BOULARES MOUNA , MANKAI MÉLIKA , HASSOUNA MNASSER
Published: November 2010

Saint‐Paulin cheese was made from cow’s milk refrigerated at 4 °C for 72 h and preserved by the lactoperoxidase (LP) system. The effect of the LP system on the microbiological, physicochemical and biochemical properties of cheese over a ripening period of 23 days was investigated, using a control (C0), refrigerated LP‐inactivated cow’s milk (C1) and refrigerated LP‐activated cow’s milk (LPA). The LPA treatment showed the least contamination in flora count, particularly salt‐tolerant bacteria at the end of the ripening period. LPA cheese had significantly lower coliform, yeasts and mould counts (P < 0.05) than the other cheeses; this demonstrated the bacteriostatic effect of the LP system. The proteolysis results showed the least value for LPA cheese as compared with the two other samples, as determined by using sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of casein fractions extracted from the three samples. The findings indicated that the preservation of cow’s cheese milk by the LP system can be used to improve the microbiological quality, inhibit psychotropic germs, correct the losses of soluble nitrogen fractions in the whey and conserve the cheese yield affected by refrigeration.
Macroeconomic Implications of “Deep Habits” in Banking
Authors: ALIAGA‐DÍAZ ROGER , OLIVERO MARÍA PÍA
Published: November 2010

Recent empirical evidence shows that price‐cost margins in the market for bank credit are countercyclical in the U.S. economy and that this cyclical behavior can be explained in part from the fact that switching banks is costly for customers (i.e., from a borrower hold‐up effect). Our goal, in this paper, is to study the “financial accelerator” role of these countercyclical margins as a propagation mechanism of macroeconomic shocks. To do so, we apply the “deep habits” framework in Ravn, Schmitt‐Grohé, and Uribe (2006) to financial markets to model this hold‐up effect within a monopolistically competitive banking industry. We are able to reproduce the pattern of price‐cost margins observed in the data, and to show that the real effects of aggregate total factor productivity shocks are larger the stronger the friction implied by borrower hold‐up. Also, output, investment, and employment all become more volatile than in a standard model with constant margins in credit markets. An empirical contribution of our work is to provide structural estimates of the deep habits parameters for financial markets.
A Tale of Two Rigidities: Sticky Prices in a Sticky‐Information Environment
Authors: KNOTEK II EDWARD S.
Published: November 2010

Macroeconomic models with microeconomic foundations allow for comparisons with macro and micro empirical evidence. This paper proposes a model wherein firms: (i) acquire information infrequently, generating sticky information (Mankiw and Reis 2002) and (ii) face menu costs, producing state‐dependent sticky prices. I estimate parameters via indirect inference and show that under considerable real rigidity, sticky prices in a sticky‐information environment are consistent with micro and macro evidence. Sticky prices not only help match micro data on price changes’ size and durations between adjustments; they also improve the model's fit with the macro data, as embodied in an empirical Phillips curve.
Do Markets Care about Central Bank Governor Changes? Evidence from Emerging Markets
Authors: MOSER CHRISTOPH , DREHER AXEL
Published: November 2010

Based on a new daily data set for 20 emerging markets over the period 1992–2006, we examine the reactions of foreign exchange markets, domestic stock markets, and sovereign bond spreads to central bank governor changes. We find that the replacement of a central bank governor negatively affects financial markets on the announcement day, which is in line with the hypothesis that newly appointed central bank governors suffer from a systematic credibility problem at the beginning of their tenure. We also find some evidence that changes in perceived central bank independence affect markets.
An Unobserved Components Model of the Yield Curve
Authors: STARTZ RICHARD , TSANG KWOK PING
Published: November 2010

We develop an unobserved component model in which the short‐term interest rate is composed of a stochastic trend and a stationary cycle. Using the Nelson–Siegel model of the yield curve as inspiration, we estimate an extremely parsimonious state‐space model of interest rates across time and maturity. The time‐series process suggests a specific functional form for the yield curve. We use the Kalman filter to estimate the time‐series process jointly with observed yield curves, greatly improving empirical identification. Our stochastic process generates a three‐factor model for the term structure. At the estimated parameters, trend and slope factors matter while the third factor is empirically unimportant. Our baseline model fits the yield curve well. Model generated estimates of uncertainty are positively correlated with estimated term premia. An extension of the model with regime switching identifies a high‐variance regime and a low‐variance regime, where the high‐variance regime occurs rarely after the mid‐1980s. The term premium is higher, and more so for yields of short maturities, in the high‐variance regime than in the low‐variance regime. The estimation results support our model as a simple and yet reliable framework for modeling the term structure.
Sectoral Money Demand and the Great Disinflation in the United States
Authors: CALZA ALESSANDRO , ZAGHINI ANDREA
Published: November 2010

Estimates of the welfare costs of inflation based on Bailey (1956) are typically computed using aggregate money demand models. Yet, the behavior of money demand may vary across sectors. Thus, the impact on welfare of inflation regime shifts may differ between households and firms. We specifically investigate the sectoral welfare implications of the shift from the Great Inflation to the present regime of low and stable inflation. For this purpose, we estimate different functional specifications of money demand for U.S. households and nonfinancial firms using flow‐of‐fund data covering four decades. We find that the benefits were significant for both sectors.
Daytime Is Money
Authors: KRAENZLIN SÉBASTIEN , NELLEN THOMAS
Published: November 2010

Based on trade data from the Swiss franc overnight interbank repo market, we gain valuable insights into the daytime value of money. In analogy to Baglioni and Monticini (2008), we provide evidence that an implicit intraday money market exists. We further show that the introduction of foreign exchange settlement system, Continuous Linked Settlement, increased the implicit value of intraday liquidity during settlement cycle hours, thus providing further evidence of the cost of immediacy. Finally, we provide evidence that during the financial market turmoil the implicit intraday interest in a secured money market was less affected than that in an unsecured money market.
The Cost Channel Reconsidered: A Comment Using an Identification‐Robust Approach
Authors: GABRIEL VASCO J. , MARTINS LUIS F.
Published: November 2010

We reexamine the empirical relevance of the cost channel of monetary policy (e.g., Ravenna and Walsh 2006), employing recently developed moment‐conditions inference methods, including identification‐robust procedures. Using U.S. data, our results suggest that the cost channel effect is poorly identified and we are thus unable to corroborate the previous results in the literature.