bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of photometric properties of high-pressure mercury discharge with thallium iodide additives (HgTℓI) using the ray-tracing method
Authors: Hamady M , Lister G G , Aubès M , Zissis G
Published: February 2011

The photometric properties of HgTℓI high intensity discharge (HID) lamps have been calculated by solving the radiation transport equations in the discharge, using the ray-tracing method. The partial pressures of the various chemical species in the plasma are computed assuming the plasma is in local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), using a curve fit to an experimentally measured temperature profile. The plasma is also assumed to be fully mixed, implying a constant mercury/thallium ratio throughout the discharge tube. The spectral line broadening includes neutral Van der Waals and charged particle Stark broadening. The potential influence of ‘de-mixing’ on the spectra is also considered.
Modelling of NO destruction in a low-pressure reactor by an Ar plasma jet: species abundances in the reactor
Authors: Kutasi Kinga
Published: February 2011

The destruction of NO molecules by an Ar plasma jet in a low-pressure (0.2 Torr) reactor is investigated by means of a 3D hydrodynamic model. The density distribution of species created through molecular kinetics triggered by the collision of Ar+ with NO is calculated, showing that in the case of the most abundant species a quasi-homogeneous density distribution builds up in a large part of the reactor. The conversion of NO into stable O2 and N2 molecules is followed under different plasma jet conditions and NO gas flows, and the effect of N2 addition on NO destruction is studied. It is shown that in the present system the reproduction of NO molecules on the surface through surface-assisted recombination of N and O atoms becomes impossible due to the fast disappearance of N atoms in the jet's inlet vicinity.
A comprehensive study on the atom flow in the cross-field discharge of a Hall thruster
Authors: Mazouffre S , Bourgeois G , Garrigues L , Pawelec E
Published: February 2011

The flow properties of Xe atoms were investigated in the 1 kW class PPS100-ML Hall effect thruster by means of Doppler-shifted laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in the near infrared. Fluorescence spectra of the
resonant level and the
metastable level have been acquired inside and outside the thruster channel under several operating conditions. Analytical treatment and modelling of the measured lineshapes indicate the atom axial velocity increases inside the channel to a value well above the sound speed before decreasing quickly in the near-field plume. Numerical simulations performed with a fluid/kinetic hybrid approach allow us to explain the shape of the velocity profile. Atomic flow acceleration originates in the combination of three processes, namely the selective ionization of slow atoms, the flow expansion and the creation of fast neutrals on BN-SiO2 walls owing to recombination of ions. Deceleration results from the invasion of the atomic jet by slow and relatively cold atoms from the residual background gas and from the cathode. In addition, it is shown that charge-exchange collisions have a non-negligible impact on the atom velocity in spite of the low background pressure in test chambers.
Vimentin organization modulates the formation of lamellipodia
Authors: Helfand Brian T. , Mendez Melissa G. , Murthy S. N. Prasanna , Shumaker Dale K. , Grin Boris , Mahammad Saleemulla , Aebi Ueli , Wedig Tatjana , Wu Yi I. , Hahn Klaus M. , Inagaki Masaki , Herrmann Harald , Goldman Robert D.
Published: February 2011

Vimentin intermediate filaments (VIF) extend throughout the rear and perinuclear regions of migrating fibroblasts, but only nonfilamentous vimentin particles are present in lamellipodial regions. In contrast, VIF networks extend to the entire cell periphery in serum-starved or nonmotile fibroblasts. Upon serum addition or activation of Rac1, VIF are rapidly phosphorylated at Ser-38, a p21-activated kinase phosphorylation site. This phosphorylation of vimentin is coincident with VIF disassembly at and retraction from the cell surface where lamellipodia form. Furthermore, local induction of photoactivatable Rac1 or the microinjection of a vimentin mimetic peptide (2B2) disassemble VIF at sites where lamellipodia subsequently form. When vimentin organization is disrupted by a dominant-negative mutant or by silencing, there is a loss of polarity, as evidenced by the formation of lamellipodia encircling the entire cell, as well as reduced cell motility. These findings demonstrate an antagonistic relationship between VIF and the formation of lamellipodia.
HIV-1 requires Arf6-mediated membrane dynamics to efficiently enter and infect T lymphocytes
Authors: García-Expósito Laura , Barroso-González Jonathan , Puigdomènech Isabel , Machado José-David , Blanco Julià , Valenzuela-Fernández Agustín
Published: February 2011

As the initial barrier to viral entry, the plasma membrane along with the membrane trafficking machinery and cytoskeleton are of fundamental importance in the viral cycle. However, little is known about the contribution of plasma membrane dynamics during early human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Considering that ADP ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) regulates cellular invasion via several microorganisms by coordinating membrane trafficking, our aim was to study the function of Arf6-mediated membrane dynamics on HIV-1 entry and infection of T lymphocytes. We observed that an alteration of the Arf6–guanosine 5′-diphosphate/guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP/GDP) cycle, by GDP-bound or GTP-bound inactive mutants or by specific Arf6 silencing, inhibited HIV-1 envelope–induced membrane fusion, entry, and infection of T lymphocytes and permissive cells, regardless of viral tropism. Furthermore, cell-to-cell HIV-1 transmission of primary human CD4+T lymphocytes was inhibited by Arf6 knockdown. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy showed that Arf6 mutants provoked the accumulation of phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-biphosphate–associated structures on the plasma membrane of permissive cells, without affecting CD4-viral attachment but impeding CD4-dependent HIV-1 entry. Arf6 silencing or its mutants did not affect fusion, entry, and infection of vesicular stomatitis virus G–pseudotyped viruses or ligand-induced CXCR4 or CCR5 endocytosis, both clathrin-dependent processes. Therefore we propose that efficient early HIV-1 infection of CD4+T lymphocytes requires Arf6-coordinated plasma membrane dynamics that promote viral fusion and entry.
Feasibility of Delaying Removal of Row Covers to Suppress Bacterial Wilt of Muskmelon (Cucumis melo)
Authors: Rojas E. Saalau , Gleason M. L. , Batzer J. C. , Duffy M.
Published: February 2011

Bacterial wilt, caused by Erwinia tracheiphila, is a major disease of cucurbit crops in the United States. Management of the disease relies on controlling two vector species, striped (Acalymma vittatum) and spotted (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) cucumber beetles. Six field trials were conducted at Iowa State University research farms during 2007, 2008, and 2009 to assess the efficacy of delayed removal of spunbond polypropylene row covers to control bacterial wilt on muskmelon (Cucumis melo). Treatments were (i) row cover removed at anthesis (conventional timing of removal), (ii) covers removed 10 days after row cover ends were opened at anthesis, (iii) covers removed 10 days after bumble bee hives were inserted under row covers at anthesis, and (iv) a noncovered control. In two field trials during 2007 and 2008, the delayed-removal row-cover treatments significantly suppressed bacterial wilt throughout the growing season and enhanced yield compared with the noncovered and removal-at-anthesis controls. In Gilbert in 2008, however, bacterial wilt suppression was equivalent among all three row-cover treatments. No bacterial wilt was observed during three trials in 2009, and there was minimal difference in marketable yield among treatments. Net returns were compared using partial budget and sensitivity analyses. Melon prices and occurrence of bacterial wilt had a strong impact on net returns. Using row covers increased production costs by 45%. In site years in which bacterial wilt occurred, delaying removal of row covers resulted in the highest returns. When bacterial wilt was absent, however, the delayed-removal row-cover treatments had the lowest returns. Results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that delaying removal of row covers for 10 days could be a cost-effective component of an integrated bacterial wilt suppression strategy for muskmelon where bacterial wilt occurs ≥50% of production seasons.
Gene Expression Profile and Response to Maize Kernels by Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Reese Brittiney N. , Payne Gary A. , Nielsen Dahlia M. , Woloshuk Charles P.
Published: February 2011

Aspergillus flavus causes an ear rot of maize, often resulting in the production of aflatoxin, a potent liver toxin and carcinogen that impacts the health of humans and animals. Many aspects of kernel infection and aflatoxin biosynthesis have been studied but the precise effects of the kernel environment on A. flavus are poorly understood. The goal of this research was to study the fungal response to the kernel environment during colonization. Gene transcription in A. flavus was analyzed by microarrays after growth on kernels of the four developmental stages: blister (R2), milk (R3), dough (R4), and dent (R5). Five days after inoculation, total RNA was isolated from kernels and hybridized to Affymetrix Gene Chip arrays containing probes representing 12,834 A. flavus genes. Statistical comparisons of the expression profile data revealed significant differences that included unique sets of upregulated genes in each kernel stage and six patterns of expression over the four stages. Among the genes expressed in colonized dent kernels were a phytase gene and six putative genes involved in zinc acquisition. Disruption of the phytase gene phy1 resulted in reduced growth on medium containing phytate as the sole source of phosphate. Furthermore, growth of the mutant (Δphy1) was 20% of the wild-type strain when wound inoculated into maize ears. In contrast, no difference was detected in the amount of aflatoxin produced relative to fungal growth, indicating that phy1 does not affect aflatoxin production. The study revealed the genome-wide effects of immature maize kernels on A. flavus and suggest that phytase has a role in pathogenesis.
Mapping genetic determinants of the cell-culture growth phenotype of enterovirus 71
Authors: Phuektes Patchara , Chua Beng Hooi , Sanders Sharon , Bek Emily J. , Kok Chee Choy , McMinn Peter C.
Published: February 2011

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a member of the species Human enterovirus A within the family Picornaviridae and is a major causative agent of epidemics of hand, foot and mouth disease associated with severe neurological disease. Three EV71 genogroups, designated A, B and C, have been identified, with 75–84 % nucleotide sequence similarity between them. Two strains, EV71-26M (genogroup B) and EV71-6F (genogroup C), were found to have distinct cell-culture growth (26M, rapid; 6F, slow) and plaque-formation (26M, large; 6F, small) phenotypes. To identify the genome regions responsible for the growth phenotypes of the two strains, a series of chimeric viruses was constructed by exchanging the 5′ untranslated region (UTR), P1 structural protein or P2/P3 non-structural protein gene regions plus the 3′UTR using infectious cDNA clones of both virus strains. Analysis of reciprocal virus chimeras revealed that the 5′UTRs of both strains were compatible, but not responsible for the observed phenotypes. Introduction of the EV71-6F P1 region into the EV71-26M clone resulted in a small-plaque and slow-growth phenotype similar to that of EV71-6F, whereas the reciprocal chimera displayed intermediate-growth and intermediate-sized plaque phenotypes. Introduction of the EV71-26M P2–P3–3′UTR regions into the EV71-6F clone resulted in a large-plaque and rapid-growth phenotype identical to that of strain EV71-26M, whereas the reciprocal chimera retained the background strain large-plaque phenotype. These results indicate that, although both the P1 and P2–P3–3′UTR genome regions influence the EV71 growth phenotype in cell culture, phenotype expression is dependent on specific genome-segment combinations and is not reciprocal.
Measuring the linearity of X-ray detectors: consequences for absolute attenuation, scattering and absolute Bragg intensities
Authors: Barnea Zwi , Chantler Christopher T. , Glover Jack L. , Grigg Mark W. , Islam M. Tauhidul , de Jonge Martin D. , Rae Nicholas A. , Tran Chanh Q.
Published: February 2011

The linearity of response of X-ray detectors is tested. Examples of linearity tests demonstrate the remarkable range of linear response of flowing-gas ion chambers in the synchrotron environment. The diagnostic is also highly sensitive to the presence in the X-ray beam of harmonic X-rays diffracted by a higher-order reflection of the monochromator. The remarkable range of linearity of ion chambers has enabled the accurate measurement of the absolute X-ray attenuation of a number of elements. It should now be possible to measure the absolute intensity of Bragg reflections, provided such measurements are carried out with extended-face single crystals. The advantages of the extended-face crystal technique for Bragg intensity measurements are summarized and a number of approaches to absolute Bragg intensity measurement are discussed.
Study of the influence of dopants on the crystalline perfection of ferroelectric glycine phosphite single crystals using high-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis
Authors: Senthil Kumar Krishnamurthy , Moorthy Babu Sridharan , Bhagavannarayana G.
Published: February 2011

Good quality and optically transparent single crystals of pure and doped glycine phosphite (GPI) were grown by both solvent-evaporation and temperature-cooling techniques. Dopants were chosen in different categories, namely transition metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Mg, Cd), rare-earth metals (Ce, Nd, La), dyes (rhodamine B, malachite green, fluorescein) and an amino acid (L-proline). The concentration of dopants was chosen depending on the category of dopants and the quality of crystallization during the growth process. The crystalline perfection of the as-grown pure and doped GPI crystals was investigated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction at room temperature. A multicrystal X-ray diffractometer employing a well collimated and highly monochromated Mo Kα1beam and set in the (+, −, −, +) configuration was employed. Most of the crystal specimens show excellent crystalline perfection. However, grain boundaries, low-angle tilt boundaries, and vacancy and interstitial point defects were observed in some crystal specimens.
Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury and the influence of the professional’s support (or lack thereof)
Authors: Angel Sanne , Kirkevold Marit , Pedersen Birthe D
Published: February 2011

Aim and objectives.  To investigate how spinal cord injured patients struggle with their rehabilitation and how they feel that the professionals influence this process.

Background.  Rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury is a long and arduous process during which the patient needs much support. Some patients lack adequate support from the professionals. This makes it pertinent to investigate the processes patients go through to get on with their lives and the influence professionals have.

Design.  A phenomenological‐hermeneutic study with a narrative approach using Ricoeur’s theory.

Method.  A purposeful and consecutive sample of 12 newly injured, adult Danish‐speaking patients previously living a normal life were observed 7–12 times and interviewed six or seven times over two years.

Results.  The patients regained meaning and got on with life through resolute fighting for a meaningful life. We found three patterns of fight; the patients fought with themselves together with the professionals (pattern I). If consensus about the goals and pathway broke down and was not re‐established, this fight could turn into a fight against the professionals (pattern II). This would, in turn, cause the patients to fight against themselves. A third pattern (III) was that the patients turned away, either going their own way or suppressing themselves by adapting to the professionals’ views. In either case, the patients would feel being left on their own.

Conclusion.  When the patient and professionals agreed on the way forward, the patient experienced the professionals as supportive. However, if the patient’s goals were not consistent with the professionals’ views, the patient felt that the professionals withdrew their support.

Relevance to clinical practice.  If the professional were able to maintain consensus with the patient, they contributed to the patient’s process of regaining meaning.
General practitioners are the future intermediaries
Authors: Boutellier Roman , Zoller Frank A.
Published: February 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives Technological changes will have a large influence on medical practice. This article discusses the influences of technology and innovation on the role of general practitioners.

Methods This conceptual paper is based on a triangulation of expert discussions and literature studies.

Results and conclusions The tasks of general practitioners as well as the role allocation between medical generalists and specialists may change profoundly. We predict that innovation will lead to a situation where general practitioners will increasingly have to face the challenge of acting as intermediaries. They will have to integrate various information sources for their patients. At the same time, they may increasingly contribute to biomedical research.
Improvement of maternal health services through the use of mobile phones
Authors: Noordam A. Camielle , Kuepper Barbara M. , Stekelenburg Jelle , Milen Anneli
Published: February 2011

Objective  To analyse, on the basis of the literature, the potential of mobile phones to improve maternal health services in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC).

Methods  Wide search for scientific and grey literature using various terms linked to: maternal health, mobile telecommunication and LMIC. Applications requiring an internet connection were excluded as this is not widely available in LMIC yet.

Results  Few projects exist in this field and little evidence is available as yet on the impact of mobile phones on the quality of maternal health services. Projects focus mainly on the delay in receiving care – that is in recognizing the need and making the decision to seek care – and the delay in arriving at the health facility. This is achieved by connecting lesser trained health workers to specialists and coordination of referrals. Ongoing projects focus on empowering women to seek health care.

Discussion  There is broad agreement that access to communication is one of several essential components to improve maternal health services and hence the use of mobile phones has much potential. However, there is a need for robust evidence on constraints and impacts, especially when financial and human resources will be invested. Concurrently, other ways in which mobile phones can be used to benefit maternal health services need to be further explored, taking into consideration privacy and confidentiality.
Infectious risks associated with the use of propofol
Authors: Bach A. , Motsch J.
Published: February 2011

Background: Investigations of the Centers for Disease Control into postoperative infections have implicated extrinsically contaminated propofol.

Methods: To evaluate the infectious risk associated with intravenous anaesthetic agents, we surveyed the literature from 1971 to 1995 using the Medline database. Papers covering infections related to intravenous anaesthetic agents were included.

Results: The review of the literature on infections associated with propofol and other intravenous anaesthetics shows that this infectious risk is minimal and often caused by breakdowns in aseptic techniques.

Conclusions: We conclude that, if standard hygienic precautions are taken, the risk of in‐use contamination of intravenous anaesthetics is low. If strict hygienic guidelines are followed in handling propofol, this agent can be safely administered to patients.
Intra‐articular tenoxicam relieves post‐arthroscopy pain
Authors: Elhakim M. , Fathy A. , Elkott M. , Said M. M.
Published: February 2011

Background: Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have been documented to be effective in the treatment of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of local intra‐articular injection of tenoxicam compared with intravenous injection on postoperative pain after arthroscopy.

Methods: After day‐case arthroscopy, 60 patients were randomized to receive either tenoxicam 20 mg in 20 ml of normal saline intra‐articularly and 2 ml of normal saline i.v., or 20 ml of normal saline intra‐articularly and 2 ml tenoxicam 20 mg i.v. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and measuring analgesic requirements.

Results: Pain scores were significantly lower in the intra‐articular group at rest and during active flexion of the knee at 1,2 and 4 hours postoperatively and during walking at 6 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). Significantly more patients in the intravenous group required supplemental opioid analgesia within the first 4 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Intra‐articular tenoxicam 20 mg provided better analgesia and decreased the requirements for postoperative analgesic compared with i.v. tenoxicam 20 mg.
Fluid therapy with Ringer's solution versus Haemaccel following coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Wahba A. , Sendtner E. , Strotzer M. , Wild K. , Birnbaum D. E.
Published: February 2011

Background: Crystalloid and colloid infusion can be used in volume therapy following heart surgery. In this prospective, randomised study we compared Ringer's solution (group R) to Haemaccel (group H) following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods: A stringent protocol for adjusting the infusion rate was used. Haemodynamic parameters and pulmonary function were evaluated as well as chest tube drainage. The double ‐indicator dilution method was used to measure total blood volume index (TBVI), intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) and extravascular lung water index (EVLWI).

Results: Haemodynamic stability was achieved in both groups throughout the study period, as judged from mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and cardiac index. However, the total volume infused was significantly higher in group R. TBVI and ITBV were higher in group H, although only significant at 8 h for TBVI. Pulmonary function was similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in EVLWI, pulmonary shunt fraction, and time on mechanical ventilation. Likewise, chest tube drainage was not significantly different in both groups.

Conclusion: We conclude that volume therapy with Haemaccel following heart surgery requires less volume and achieves better filling of the circulation compared to Ringer's solution.
Tourniquet release: Systemic and metabolic effects
Authors: Townsend H. S. , Goodman S. B. , Schurman D. J. , Hackel A. , Brock‐Utne J. G.
Published: February 2011

The pneumatic tourniquet produces ischemic changes in limbs. The effects of tourniquet release on systemic blood pressure and metabolic parameters were studied in 11 adult patients undergoing total knee replacement under general anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased rapidly after the release of the tourniquet, becoming significant at 3 min and remaining significantly depressed up to 15 min post release. Arterial pH, PaO2, PaCO2, lactate acid, and potassium changed significantly after the release, but normalized within 30 min. These results are notably different from a previous study in a similar patient population undergoing knee replacement under epidural anesthesia. Compared to patients under epidural anesthesia, patients receiving general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation are unable to compensate for the metabolic load caused by the tourniquet release, as the latter group are unable to alter their ventilatory rate. In elderly patients with decreased cardio‐pulmonary reserve, this may be of clinical importance.
Laser Doppler perfusion imager (LDPI) ‐ for the assessment of skin blood flow changes following sympathetic blocks
Authors: Sørensen J. , Bengtsson M. , Malmqvist E. L‐Å. , Nilsson G. , Sjöberg F.
Published: February 2011

A laser Doppler perfusion imager (LDPI) for evaluation of skin blood flow is presented and its use illustrated in two cases with a presumptive diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) treated with local anesthetic sympathetic blocks. Among the advantages are the good spatial resolution over the area measured (12 times 12 cm) and that measurements can be done without contact with the skin. Generating a complete image takes 4.5 min but if higher temporal resolution is needed continuous measurements at one point are possible by use of another software routine.
Enalaprilat in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure in critical care
Authors: Tohmo H.
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Neurosurgical patients are particularly vulnerable to uncontrolled hypertension. If the patient has an unclipped cerebral arterial aneurysm, sudden increases in arterial pressure, as may be induced by laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, may lead to rupture or rebleeding. During the immediate postoperative period after cerebrovascular surgery and intracranial neurosurgery, blood pressure elevation may lead to postoperative hemorrhage and cerebral edema.

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is common in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). After open heart surgery, LV dysfunction may follow a perioperative AMI or mobilization of peripheral edema. Preceding ischemic cardiomyopathy and a stunned or hibernating myocardium may predispose to postoperative heart failure. In severe forms of heart failure, conventional therapy with inotropes, nitrates and diuretics may prove inadequate, and there is a need to further reduce raised preload and afterload.

The present series of studies was carried out in order to assess the effects of pharmacological inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) on the hemodynamics, systemic oxygenation and hormonal regulation of the blood circulation in patients subjected to anesthesia due to neurosurgery or intensive care due to neurosurgery or heart failure complicating AMI or open heart surgery. Oral enalapril premedication or intravenous (i.v.) enalaprilat was either compared to inert placebo or used in five before‐after designed studies with a total of 40 neurosurgical patients and 26 heart failure patients.

Oral enalapril premedication (0.1 mg/kg) was effective in preventing a blood pressure increase in response to tracheal intubation in patients subjected to cerebrovascular surgery. At a dose of 0.015 mg/kg, i.v. enalaprilat effectively controlled the postoperative hypertension of patients subjected to intracranial surgery. In patients with heart failure complicating AMI or open heart surgery, the addition of i.v. enalaprilat to conventional therapy (median doses 0.3 mg, 0.9 mg, and 2.0 mg in the three studies) relieved left ventricular filling pressure while maintaining cardiac function and systemic oxygenation. Further, enalaprilat had potentially beneficial hormonal effects in patients with severe heart failure, e.g. by lowering plasma levels of endothelin.

Thus, ACE inhibition may expand our armamentarium of drugs to treat hypertension and heart failure in the intensive care unit and to prevent hypertension associated with tracheal intubation.
In‐situ stress at a site close proximity to the Gofukuji Fault, central Japan, measured using drilling cores
Authors: YABE YASUO , OMURA KENTARO
Published: February 2011

The stress state near the Gofukuji Fault, central Japan, was estimated by simultaneously applying deformation rate analysis (DRA), the acoustic emission (AE) method, and AE rate analysis (AERA) to drilling core samples recovered from depths of 327 and 333 m at a site close to the fault. The obtained stress state was for a strike‐slip fault. It is predicted from the estimated stresses that a tensile stress of 6.4 ± 1.1 MPa acted on the borehole wall at 333 m depth during drilling. This is comparable to the typical tensile strength of granodiorite. The tensile stress estimated at 327 m depth is less than the tensile strength. This is consistent with observations of drilling‐induced tensile fracture (DITF) at depths between 329 and 334 m. Ratios of the shear stress to normal stress (normalized shear stress) acting on the fault are calculated to be 0.4–1.0, which are comparable to friction coefficients of rocks measured in laboratories. The large normalized shear stress may represent strength recovery of the Gofukuji Fault. The impendency of earthquake occurrence on this fault is evaluated to be high from the recurrence interval of earthquakes on the fault.
Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor preserves podocytes and attenuates albuminuria in experimental diabetic nephropathy
Authors: ADVANI ANDREW , WIGGINS KATHRYN J , COX ALISON J , ZHANG YUAN , GILBERT RICHARD E , KELLY DARREN J
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Early renal enlargement may predict the future development of nephropathy in patients with diabetes. The epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐EGF receptor (EGFR) system plays a pivotal role in mediating renal hypertrophy, where it may act to regulate cell growth and proliferation and also to mediate the actions of angiotensin II through transactivation of the EGFR. In the present study we sought to investigate the effects of long‐term inhibition of the EGFR tyrosine kinase in an experimental model of diabetes that is characterized by angiotensin II dependent hypertension.

Methods:  Female heterozygous streptozotocin‐diabetic TGR(mRen‐2)27 rats were treated with the EGFR inhibitor PKI 166 by daily oral dosing for 16 weeks.

Results:  Treatment of TGR(mRen‐2)27 rats with PKI 166 attenuated the increase in kidney size, glomerular hypertrophy and albuminuria that occurred with diabetes. The reduction in albuminuria, with EGFR inhibition in diabetic TGR(mRen‐2)27 rats, was associated with preservation of the number of glomerular cells staining positively for the podocyte nuclear marker, WT1. Immunostaining for WT1 inversely correlated with glomerular volume in diabetic rats. In contrast to agents that block the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), EGFR inhibition had no effect on either the quantity of mesangial matrix or the magnitude of tubular injury in diabetic animals.

Conclusion:  These observations indicate that inhibition of the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR attenuates kidney and glomerular enlargement in association with podocyte preservation and reduction in albuminuria in diabetes. Accordingly, targeting the EGF‐EGFR pathway may represent a therapeutic strategy for patients who continue to progress despite RAS‐blockade.
Occurrence of the predatory mite Haemogamasus pontiger (Berlese) (Acari: Laelapidae) in Australia, with a review of its biology
Authors: Halliday Bruce
Published: February 2011

Haemogamasus pontiger (Acari: Laelapidae) is shown to be widespread in straw and stored grain in south‐eastern Australia. It sometimes invades houses and other structures, and has been suspected of biting humans and causing dermatitis. However, behavioural and morphological evidence has shown that it is a predator. There is no convincing evidence that this species is a parasite of mammals, or that it has any medical significance.
Two new Dasineura species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from coastal tea tree, Leptospermum laevigatum (Myrtaceae) in Australia
Authors: Dorchin Netta , Adair Robin J
Published: February 2011

Two new species of gall midges, Dasineura strobila Dorchin n.sp. and D. tomentosa Dorchin n.sp., are described from galls in vegetative and reproductive buds of coastal tea tree, Leptospermum laevigatum from Australia and South Africa. Galls cause abortion of buds and, when induced in reproductive tissues, prevent fruit set and seed formation. Despite their assumed relatedness, the two species exhibit clear morphological differences in larvae, pupae and adults of both sexes as well as in the morphology of their galls. These are the first Dasineura species to be described from plants of the Myrtaceae outside the Neotropical and Nearctic regions and the first ones recorded from the chiefly Australian subfamily Leptospermoideae. Given the effect of galls on growth and reproduction of the plant, the gall midges are considered as possible biological control agents of coastal tea tree in areas of Australia and South Africa where the plant is an invasive weed.
The Consequences of Kadi: Where the Divergence of Opinion between EU and International Lawyers Lies?
Authors: Vara Juan Santos
Published: February 2011

The divergence of opinion between EU and international lawyers as to the consequences of the Kadi/Al Barakaat judgment is likely to remain for the foreseeable future. While international lawyers focus their analysis on the constitutional role of the UN Charter in international law, EU lawyers seek to assert the autonomy and primacy of the EU treaties. The aim of this article is to analyse where the divergence between the two perspectives can be found. The judgment of the European Court of Justice cannot be interpreted as questioning the authority of the Security Council in discharging its duties for the maintenance of international peace and security. The consequences of the General Court's case‐law as regards the EU autonomous list of terrorists should be borne in mind when faced with the implications of Kadi/Al Barakaat. It is not justified that the level of protection to the individuals or entities affected by targeted sanctions should depend on the legal framework in which the restrictive measures have been adopted (UN or EU), or on the margin of discretion left to the EU Member States by the Security Council.
Bringing European Democracy Back In—Or How to Read the German Constitutional Court's Lisbon Treaty Ruling
Authors: Eriksen Erik Oddvar , Fossum John Erik
Published: February 2011

This article critically examines the democratic theory that informs the German Federal Constitutional Court's Lisbon Treaty ruling. This is needed because the ruling is ambiguous with regard to which type of democracy applies to which type of Union. In order to analyse the ruling we establish three models of what European democracy possibly can amount to: audit democracy based on the EU as a derivative of the Member States; a multinational federal state; or a regional cosmopolitan polity? The court's depiction of the EU does not fit as well as we would expect when labeled as a derivative entity due to the important legislative role of the European Parliament. The EU's legal supranationalism points in the direction of a federation, but the court's argumentation does not lend support to this notion. The court models democracy on a rather specific set of institutional presuppositions that are derived from the parliamentary model of democracy associated with the sovereign nation state. At the same time, the court operates with a conception of a changing state sovereignty that unfolds more in line with cosmopolitan rather than with classical Westphalian statist principles.
RADIOCARBON DATES FROM THE OXFORD AMS SYSTEM: ARCHAEOMETRY DATELIST 34
Authors: HIGHAM T. F. G. , BRONK RAMSEY C. , BROCK F. , BAKER D. , DITCHFIELD P.
Published: February 2011

This is the thirty‐fourth list of AMS radiocarbon determinations measured at the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit (ORAU). Amongst the dates obtained for archaeological sites included here are the latest series of determinations from the key sites of Proskynas (Greece), Kovačevo (Bulgaria) and Khirbet Qeiyafa (Israel), as well as others dating to the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and later periods. Submitters of the material provide comments on the significance of the results.
QUADRATIC PEN'S PARADE AND THE COMPUTATION OF THE GINI INDEX
Authors: MUSSARD STÉPHANE , KAMDEM J. SADEFO , SEYTE FRANÇOISE , TERRAZA MICHEL
Published: February 2011

Following Milanovic's (1997) paper, we propose a simple way to compute the Gini index when income y is a quadratic function of its rank among n individuals.
Vancomycin Dosing in Patients on Intermittent Hemodialysis
Authors: Vandecasteele Stefaan J. , De Vriese An S.
Published: February 2011

Vancomycin has been a cornerstone antibiotic for the treatment of severe gram‐positive infections in dialysis patients for decades. Whereas subtherapeutic vancomycin levels convey a risk of treatment failure and the further emergence of resistance in staphylococci, supratherapeutic vancomycin levels are associated with a dose‐related incremental risk for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Consequently, a narrow therapeutic range with a trough‐level target between 15 and 20 μg/ml is recommended. Vancomycin dosing in hemodialysis patients is mainly influenced by the timing of administration (during or after dialysis), the type of filter used, and the duration of dialysis. Actual body weight, the interdialytic interval, and residual renal function are also considerations. As in patients with normal kidney function, a weight‐based loading dose of 20–25 mg/kg should be used in dialysis patients. While most fixed‐dose maintenance regimens fail to reach target levels in the majority of hemodialysis patients, straightforward evidence on optimal maintenance dosing is lacking.
Abdominal Catastrophe in a 43‐Year‐Old Female with End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Volpini Kaelin , Kinonen Chris
Published: February 2011

A 43‐year‐old female with end‐stage renal disease secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath after missing hemodialysis. On admission, the patient was noted to have painful skin lesions consistent with calciphylaxis on biopsy. While undergoing aggressive wound care, she developed altered mental status and was found to be septic and started empirically on broad‐spectrum antibiotics. The patient was intubated on day 4 of admission owing to worsening mental status and acidemia. She had persistent positive blood cultures throughout her hospitalization despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. On day 25 of admission, the patient was found to have abdominal distension. A radiograph revealed intra‐abdominal free air, and the patient was taken to the operating room where she was found to have perforated necrotic bowel. The patient expired on day 26 of admission. An autopsy revealed calciphylaxis within the gut wall and within the dura of the central nervous system. While typically a disorder of subcutaneous tissue, calciphylaxis can affect internal organs, which in this case resulted in a catastrophic outcome.
Dominican Party System Continuity amid Regional Transformations: Economic Policy, Clientelism, and Migration Flows
Authors: Morgan Jana , Hartlyn Jonathan , Espinal Rosario
Published: February 2011

In the 1980s and 1990s, economic crisis produced ideological convergence in many Latin American party systems. Much scholarship explores how this convergence frequently provoked system change that enabled renewed ideological differentiation, but little research examines instances where convergence persisted without destabilizing the system. Through comparative historical analysis of Dominican continuity amid regional change, this study identifies factors that sustain or challenge party systems. Then, through analysis of Americas Barometer surveys, it assesses the causal mechanisms through which these factors shape support for the traditional Dominican parties. The findings demonstrate that maintaining programmatic and clientelist linkages facilitates continuity. In addition, the article argues that the threats political outsiders pose to existing party systems are constrained when people excluded from the system are divided and demobilized. In the Dominican case, Haitian immigration divides the popular sector while Dominicans abroad sustain ties to the parties, with both migration flows facilitating party system continuity.
Overcoming Clientelism through Local Participatory Institutions in Mexico: What Type of Participation?
Authors: Montambeault Françoise
Published: February 2011

This article addresses the relationship between institutionalized citizen participation at the municipal level and clientelism. It argues, contrary to what the literature has suggested, that the institutionalization of local citizen participation does not necessarily lead to the erosion of clientelism. Drawing on a comparative case study of participatory experiences in two Mexican municipalities, León and Nezahualcóyotl, this study argues that participation does matter, but that not all types of participation have the same effect on state-society relations. Institutional design is important in assessing the significance of popular participation in defining the relationship between the state and its citizens, but informal practices are even more important determinants of citizens' level of autonomy in institutionalized participatory mechanisms. This level of autonomy, in turn, determines the potential for such local institutions to become a means to overcome clientelism as the mechanism traditionally characterizing state-society relationships in Mexico.
The Impact of Domestic Politics and International Changes on the Brazilian Perception of Regional Integration
Authors: Vigevani Tullo , Júnior Haroldo Ramanzini
Published: February 2011

This article aims to analyze the impact of domestic politics and international changes that influence Brazilian positions regarding regional integration processes in South America, particularly the Southern Common Market, Mercosur. The dynamics of the international system and their impact on the evolution of the elite's perception of the role the country should play in the world are important variables for understanding these positions. The state's postures in relation to integration were and are based on a real interest, but this interest is also linked with the objective of ensuring better conditions for participation in other international arenas. Starting with the hypothesis that transformations in the international setting have strongly influenced Brazil's positioning, the elements of continuity and change in the country's behavior toward Mercosur are identified, with domestic politics as the main explanation.
Syntaxin 11 marks a distinct intracellular compartment recruited to the immunological synapse of NK cells to colocalize with cytotoxic granules
Authors: Dabrazhynetskaya Alena , Ma Jinxia , Guerreiro‐Cacais Andre Ortlieb , Arany Zita , Rudd Eva , Henter Jan‐Inge , Karre Klas , Levitskaya Jelena , Levitsky Victor
Published: February 2011

The syntaxin 11 (STX11) gene is mutated in a proportion of patients with familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) and exocytosis of cytotoxic granules is impaired in STX11‐deficient NK cells. However, the subcellular localization, regulation of expression and molecular function of STX11 in NK cells and other cytotoxic lymphocytes remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that STX11 expression is strictly controlled by several mechanisms in a cell‐type‐specific manner and that the enzymatic activity of the proteasome is required for STX11 expression in NK cells. In resting NKL cells, STX11 was localized in the cation‐dependent mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor (CD‐M6PR)‐containing compartment, which was clearly distinct from cytotoxic granules or Rab27a‐expressing vesicles. These subcellular structures appeared to fuse at the contact area with NK‐sensitive target cells as demonstrated by partial colocalization of STX11 with perforin and Rab27a. Although STX11‐deficent allo‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes efficiently lysed target cells and released cytotoxic granules, they exhibited a significantly lower extent of spontaneous association of perforin with Rab27a as compared with STX11‐expressing T cells. Thus, our results suggest that STX11 promotes the fusion of Rab27a‐expressing vesicles with cytotoxic granules and reveal an additional level of complexity in the spatial/temporal segregation of subcellular structures participating in the process of granule‐mediated cytotoxicity.
Chromatic aberration correction: an enhancement to the calibration of low‐cost digital dermoscopes
Authors: Wighton Paul , Lee Tim K. , Lui Harvey , McLean David , Atkins M. Stella
Published: February 2011

Background/purpose: We present a method for calibrating low‐cost digital dermoscopes that corrects for color and inconsistent lighting and also corrects for chromatic aberration. Chromatic aberration is a form of radial distortion that often occurs in inexpensive digital dermoscopes and creates red and blue halo‐like effects on edges. Being radial in nature, distortions due to chromatic aberration are not constant across the image, but rather vary in both magnitude and direction. As a result, distortions are not only visually distracting but could also mislead automated characterization techniques.

Methods: Two low‐cost dermoscopes, based on different consumer‐grade cameras, were tested. Color is corrected by imaging a reference and applying singular value decomposition to determine the transformation required to ensure accurate color reproduction. Lighting is corrected by imaging a uniform surface and creating lighting correction maps. Chromatic aberration is corrected using a second‐order radial distortion model.

Results: Our results for color and lighting calibration are consistent with previously published results, while distortions due to chromatic aberration can be reduced by 42–47% in the two systems considered.

Conclusion: The disadvantages of inexpensive dermoscopy can be quickly substantially mitigated with a suitable calibration procedure.
Adherence to diet and quality of life in patients with phenylketonuria
Authors: Cotugno G , Nicolò R , Cappelletti S , Goffredo BM , Dionisi Vici C , Di Ciommo V
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To investigate adherence to dietary treatment and quality of life (QoL) in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Methods:  In the setting of a tertiary paediatric hospital, 41 early‐treated patients affected by PKU aged more than 3 years old were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study. Three‐days dietary assessment, QoL questionnaires for patients <18 years old (Child Health Questionnaire) and Short Form for adults were completed.

Results:  Of 41 patients, 23 (56.1%) were considered adherent to the dietary prescriptions as their phenylalanine intake was less than prescribed. Phenylalanine intake was significantly in excess of prescribed if mothers had a lower level of education. Adherence was not correlated with age. Metabolic control was obtained in 41.5–51.2% of the patients depending on the target. QoL was reduced in children and adolescents. There was no significant correlation between adherence and QoL, except for the domains of Global Health and Family Activities (ρ = 0.42 and 0.46, respectively). The overall agreement between adherence and metabolic control varied according to different targets of metabolic control (51.2–65.9%).

Conclusions:  It is necessary to improve the adherence to diet and the QoL in children and adolescents affected by PKU.