bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scoliosis repair in a teenager with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy: who calls the shots?
Authors: MILES FIONA , DARE TIM
Published: July 2009

In this exchange, a clinician (the first author) presents a case scenario for comment by an ethicist (the second author). The case concerns a 15‐year‐old boy with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy requested palliative surgical correction of a 60 degree thoraco‐lumbar scoliosis. The surgical team were initially reluctant to offer surgery given their assessment of the perioperative and postoperative risks (anesthetic review suggested an 80% chance of surviving the surgery and 50% likelihood of returning home), but the operation proceeded. The case raises issues of the rights of patients to insist on nonfutile but high risk surgery, risk perception, resource allocation, autonomy, and the integrity of clinicians.
Targeting Incentives to Reduce Habitat Fragmentation
Authors: Lewis David J. , Plantinga Andrew J. , Wu JunJie
Published: July 2009

This article develops a theoretical model to analyze the spatial targeting of incentives for the restoration of forested landscapes when wildlife habitat can be enhanced by reducing fragmentation. The key theoretical result is that the marginal net benefits of increasing forest can be convex, in which case corner solutions—converting either none or all of the agricultural land in a section to forest—may be optimal. Corner solutions are directly linked to the spatial process determining habitat benefits and the regulator's incomplete information regarding landowner opportunity costs. We present findings from large‐scale empirical landscape simulations that support our key theoretical results.
Food Aid, Food Prices, and Producer Disincentives in Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Getaw , Shively Gerald
Published: July 2009

Although the short‐term aims of food aid are well conceived, strong concerns have been voiced regarding the long‐term impacts of such aid on incentives for agricultural producers in recipient countries. This article examines the statistical link between food aid shipments and food prices in Ethiopia over the period 1996–2006. Monthly data from three markets and three commodities are used to estimate a system of seemingly unrelated regression models for food prices. Results indicate that previous year food aid shipments reduce prices in all producer and consumer markets. These effects, however, appear to be limited to the set of internationally traded commodities that are domestically marketed. A recursive regression procedure is used to identify the food aid threshold at which a negative aid effect emerges. Food aid shipments that constitute less than 10% of domestic production appear to be benign, but shipments above this level show signs of being disruptive to local markets. We use a simple policy simulation to argue that production‐sensitive targeting, e.g., conditioning food aid on local food production, would help to circumvent disincentive effects.
Bodily Awareness and Immunity to Error through Misidentification
Authors: Chen Cheryl K.
Published: July 2009

Abstract: Some first person statements, such as ‘I am in pain’, are thought to be immune to error through misidentification (IEM): I cannot be wrong that I am in pain because—while I know that someone is in pain—I have mistaken that person for myself. While IEM is typically associated with the self‐ascription of psychological properties, some philosophers attempt to draw anti‐Cartesian conclusions from the claim that certain physical self‐ascriptions are also IEM. In this paper, I will examine whether some physical self‐ascriptions are in fact IEM, and—if they are—what role that fact is supposed to play in arguments for the anti‐Cartesian claim that self‐consciousness is consciousness of oneself as a material object. I will argue that if we accept the assumptions required to show that physical self‐ascriptions are IEM, then IEM cannot play the role it needs to play in these anti‐Cartesian arguments.
Matrix metalloproteinases during and outside of migraine attacks without aura
Authors: Ashina M , Tvedskov JF , Lipka K , Bilello J , Penkowa M , Olesen J
Published: July 2009

To test the hypothesis that permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is altered during migraine attack due to enhanced activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), we investigated MMP-3, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP)-1 in the external jugular vein during and outside of migraine attacks in 21 patients with migraine without aura. In addition, we measured plasma levels of several other proteins including MMP-7, -8, -10 and TIMP-2. We used Rules-Based Medicine multi-analyte profiling and protein array technologies to study plasma concentration of MMPs. There was no difference in MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels between ictal and interictal periods. We found significantly decreased plasma levels of MMP-3 in the external jugular ( P = 0.002) and cubital ( P = 0.008) vein during attacks compared with outside of attacks. We found no correlation of ictal or interictal MMP-3, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 to migraine duration and frequency analysed in 21 patients ( P > 0.05). There was no difference between ictal and interictal plasma levels of MMP-7, -8, -10 and TIMP-2 ( P > 0.05). Our data suggest that plasma MMP-9 cannot be used as a biomarker of BBB disruption in migraine without aura. Decreased MMP-3 levels are an interesting and unexpected finding warranting further investigation.
A Regression‐based Association Test for Case‐control Studies that Uses Inferred Ancestral Haplotype Similarity
Authors: Liu Youfang , Li Yi‐Ju , Satten Glen A. , Allen Andrew S. , Tzeng Jung‐Ying
Published: July 2009

Association methods based on haplotype similarity (HS) can overcome power and stability issues encountered in standard haplotype analyses. Current HS methods can be generally classified into evolutionary and two‐sample approaches. We propose a new regression‐based HS association method for case‐control studies that incorporates covariate information and combines the advantages of the two classes of approaches by using inferred ancestral haplotypes. We first estimate the ancestral haplotypes of case individuals and then, for each individual, an ancestral‐haplotype‐based similarity score is computed by comparing that individual's observed genotype with the estimated ancestral haplotypes. Trait values are then regressed on the similarity scores. Covariates can easily be incorporated into this regression framework. To account for the bias in the raw p‐values due to the use of case data in constructing ancestral haplotypes, as well as to account for variation in ancestral haplotype estimation, a permutation procedure is adopted to obtain empirical p‐values. Compared with the standard haplotype score test and the multilocus T2 test, our method improves power when neither the allele frequency nor linkage disequilibrium between the disease locus and its neighboring SNPs is too low and is comparable in other scenarios. We applied our method to the Genetic Analysis Workshop 15 simulated SNP data and successfully pinpointed a stretch of SNPs that covers the fine‐scale region where the causal locus is located.
The seminiferous epithelium cycle and its duration in different breeds of dog (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Soares Jaqueline M. , Avelar Gleide F. , França Luiz R.
Published: July 2009

Testis structure and function in dogs are relatively poorly investigated. The aim of the present study was to carry out a comparative investigation of the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and its duration in different breeds of dog. Fifty‐six sexually mature dogs (mongrel, n = 12; pinscher, n = 12; beagle, n = 5; American pit bull, n = 9; poodle, n = 12; and Labrador retriever, n = 6) were analysed. Intratesticular injections of tritiated thymidine were given to determine the duration of spermatogenesis. Orchiectomy was performed at different time periods following injection (1 h, 2 and 4 weeks). Testis fragments were embedded in plastic and routinely prepared for histological and autoradiographic evaluations. Eight stages were characterized based on the acrosome system. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were found for the frequencies of the different stages characterized (except Stages V, VI and VIII), particularly for the mongrel. Stage IV (when spermiation occurs) was the most frequent in all six breeds (~25%), whereas Stages II and VIII were the least frequent (< 8%). Each spermatogenic cycle and the total duration of spermatogenesis lasted 13.73 ± 0.03 and 61.9 ± 0.14 days, respectively, for the mongrel, poodle, pinscher, beagle, and Labrador retriever. These values were ~10% lower (P < 0.03) for the American pit bull (12.55 ± 0.26 and 56.5 ± 1.17 days, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study to perform a careful investigation of stage frequencies and seminiferous epithelium cycle duration in this very important domestic species.
Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of flying Diptera
Authors: Peng R. K. , Sutton S. L. , Fletcher C. R.
Published: July 2009

The temporal and spatial distributions of flying Diptera have been studied using suction traps hung at three levels and two distances from an emergent hedgerow tree. Most families were far more abundant in 1987 than in 1986, but patterns of spatial and temporal abundance were basically the same. Most families showed a marked concentration close to the tree. Scatopsidae accumulated away from the tree in large numbers. Most families concentrated at the mid‐level, except the Anisopodidae and Mycetophilidae (top and bottom levels, respectively). Vertical distributions showed discontinuities for almost all families. It is suggested that the emergent hedgerow tree plays a very important part in the life of flying insects.
Management options to decrease phosphorus and sediment losses from irrigated cropland grazed by cattle and sheep
Authors: McDowell R. W. , Houlbrooke D. J.
Published: July 2009

In southern New Zealand, grazing of forage crops is common practice to satisfy feed requirements of animals in winter when pasture growth is limited. This practice has been shown to cause soil physical damage and increased loss of surface water contaminants sediment and phosphorus (P) to water bodies. Strategies to mitigate the loss of sediment and P were trialled on a Pallic soil type (Aeric Fragiaquept) in the North Otago Rolling Downlands of New Zealand. All sites were irrigated and measurements were made of losses in overland and sub‐surface flow from intensive cattle or sheep grazed, winter forage crops, and sheep grazed pasture. Two mitigations (restricted grazing of crop to three hours and the application of aluminium sulphate) were assessed for their potential to decrease contaminant loss from cropland. Volumes of surface runoff and loss of total P, filterable reactive P and sediment showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the control treatments (i.e. no mitigation) with cattle crop (88 mm surface runoff) > sheep crop (67 mm) > sheep pasture (33 mm). The contribution of irrigation water to overland flow water, as a result of saturation‐excess conditions, varied between treatments with more loss under cattle crop (20% of total) compared with sheep crop (15%) and sheep pasture (11%). These differences are probably an effect of soil physical condition and highlight the importance of accurate irrigation scheduling to keep soil moisture below field capacity. Restricted winter grazing and alum application after grazing significantly (P < 0.05) decreased P losses in surface runoff under cattle (from 1.4 to 0.9 kg P/ha) and sheep (from 1.0 to 0.7 kg/P/ha) grazed crop plots by about 30%. In cattle grazed plots, restricted grazing also decreased suspended sediments (SS) by 60%. The use of restricted grazing is suggested as a means of decreasing P and SS loss from grazed winter forage crops. The use of alum shows some promise for decreasing P losses, but requires further work to determine its long‐term effectiveness and use in other soils and management regimes.
The Moderating Effects of Virtuality on the Antecedents and Outcome of NPD Team Trust
Authors: Bierly Paul E. , Stark Eric M. , Kessler Eric H.
Published: July 2009

The fundamental dynamics of virtual and traditional face‐to‐face teams may be very different. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine and assess the moderating effects of virtuality on the antecedents and outcome of trust, where virtuality is measured along a continuum from face to face (no virtuality) to fully virtual rather than the more common approach of dichotomizing teams into two groups (i.e., face to face and virtual). The sample includes 116 different new product development teams from a variety of industries. The antecedents of trust that are studied are familiarity, goal clarity, training, relationship conflict, and process conflict. The outcome of trust is analyzed by determining how the impact of trust on cooperation changes as the level of virtuality changes. Primary findings are as follows: (1) Relationship conflict can be more detrimental to virtual teams than face‐to‐face teams because it is very difficult for team members of virtual teams to resolve their interpersonal disputes; (2) goal clarity is more important for face‐to‐face teams and less important for virtual teams in creating trust among team members; and (3) the impact of trust on cooperation is less for virtual teams than face‐to‐face teams. The primary implication for researchers and practice of these findings is that the role and importance of trust in virtual teams needs to be reevaluated. Managers using virtual teams need to realize that interpersonal relationships in virtual teams do not evolve in the same manner as face‐to‐face teams and may require different management techniques to be successful.
Support for the microenvironment hypothesis for adaptive value of gall induction in the California gall wasp, Andricus quercuscalifornicus
Authors: Miller Donald G. , Ivey Christopher T. , Shedd Jackson D.
Published: July 2009

Three major hypotheses have been advanced for the adaptive nature of plant galls: nutrition, enemy‐avoidance, and microenvironment. Of these, the microenvironment hypothesis has been frequently invoked, but rarely tested directly. We tested this hypothesis in a population of Andricus quercuscalifornicus (Bassett) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) wasps inducing galls on Quercus lobata Née (Fagaceae) trees in Northern California, USA. Relative humidity and temperature data gathered from both immature and mature galls in the field indicated that A. quercuscalifornicus larvae modify their microenvironments significantly by raising and stabilizing relative humidity levels inside galls to near saturation. In addition, excised larvae maintained under experimental conditions survived significantly longer under levels of high relative humidity. These data support the hypothesis that through gall induction, A. quercuscalifornicus manipulates its environment adaptively.
Blockade of B‐cell‐activating factor suppresses lupus‐like syndrome in autoimmune BXSB mice
Authors: Ding Hanlu , Wang Li , Wu Xiongfei , Yan Jun , He Yani , Ni Bing , Gao Wenda , Zhong Xuemei
Published: July 2009

B‐cell‐activating factor (BAFF), a member of the tumour necrosis factor superfamily, plays a critical role in the maturation, homeostasis and function of B cells. In this study, we demonstrated the biological outcome of BAFF blockade in BXSB murine lupus model, using a soluble fusion protein consisting of human BAFF‐R and human mutant IgG4 Fc. Mutation of Leu235 to Glu in IgG4 Fc eliminated antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement lysis activity, and generated a protein devoid of immune effector functions. Treatment of BXSB mice with BAFF‐R‐IgG4mut fusion protein for 5 weeks resulted in significant B‐cell reduction in both the peripheral blood and spleen. Treated mice developed lower proteinuria, reduced glomerulonephritis and much delayed host death than untreated animals. Thus, BAFF blockade with BAFF‐R‐IgG4mut protein is an effective strategy to treat B‐cell‐mediated lupus‐like pathology. Moreover, compared with other IgG isotypes with undesired effector functions, mutant IgG4 Fc should prove useful in constructing novel therapeutic reagents to block immune molecule signalling in various diseases.
Where does the antigen of cutaneous sarcoidosis come from?
Authors: Kurata Atsushi , Terado Yuichi , Izumi Miki , Fujioka Yasunori , Franke Folker Ernst
Published: July 2009

Background: The antigen pathway of cutaneous sarcoidosis remains obscure. We have investigated topographic involvement of inflammatory cells and lymphatic vessels.

Methods: Eleven cutaneous biopsies from eight patients were studied, along with controls from other granulomatous disorders and various skin lesions. Markers for lymphocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and lymphatic vessel endothelial cells were detected using immunohistochemistry.

Results: S100+ and CD1a+ immature DCs (Langerhans cells) occurred more frequently within the epidermis, whereas S100+, fascin+, or CD83+ maturing DCs occurred more frequently beneath the epithelium in cutaneous sarcoidosis cases than in controls (e.g. CD83, cutaneous sarcoidosis vs. other granulomatous disorders: r = 0.557, p = 0.011). Fascin+ and CD83+ mature DCs were often closely attached to CD3+ T‐lymphocytes around dermal granulomas. D2‐40+ lymphatic vessels were often found surrounding dermal granulomas, especially those located in the deeper dermis, in contrast to fascin+ blood vessels.

Conclusions: Antigen‐capturing by immature DCs seems to take place initially in the epidermis, followed by maturation of DCs. These mature DCs may present the processed antigen to T‐lymphocytes that cause dermal granulomas either in the interstitium of the upper dermis, or in or around lymphatic vessels of the lower dermis. Environmental antigen could be verified by skin test.

Kurata A, Terado Y, Izumi M, Fujioka Y, and Franke FE. Where does the antigen of cutaneous sarcoidosis come from?
Morphological integration of the skull in craniofacial anomalies
Authors: Richtsmeier JT , DeLeon VB
Published: July 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors – Richtsmeier JT, DeLeon VB

Objectives – To understand how surgical interventions impact the organization and internal integration of the major components of the skull, we address the functional and developmental relationships during perinatal development.

Methods – A number of methods for quantifying modularity and integration of morphological data are available. Here, measures derived from three‐dimensional computed tomographic (CT) images are used to investigate the statistical relationships among measures of the cranial vault, face and cranial base. First, we establish the pattern of associations among quantitative measures in a sample of children unaffected by a craniofacial anomaly. We statistically compare these normative patterns of cranial integration to those of a sample of children with a facial anomaly (complete unilateral complete cleft lip and palate), and to children with a neurocranial anomaly (isolated sagittal synostosis). Finally, we test whether surgery affects the strength and pattern of associations among measures within the cranial base in the affected children.

Results – Our analyses reveal strong internal integration of the cranial base in unaffected children and in our samples of unoperated cleft lip and palate, and sagittal synostosis. Post‐operatively, the magnitude of integration of the cranial base is reduced relative to the pre‐operative condition in both samples of children with craniofacial anomalies.

Conclusion – Our results show how the cranial base adjusts to its broader structural context, and provides added support for the developmental and structural integration of cranial base with both cranial vault and face.
Stability, adaptation and growth following distraction osteogenesis in the craniofacial region
Authors: Peltomäki T
Published: July 2009

Structured Abstract

Author –  Peltomäki T

The objective of the study was to provide a comprehensive review of the literature describing research done on the stability, adaptation and growth of craniofacial structures following distraction osteogenesis (DO). The design of the study was a literature review of clinical and experimental studies using electronic search with several keywords. Despite immediate normalization of craniofacial relationships after DO, post‐distraction mandibular and midface stability and growth is variable in the long‐term based on the initial condition. Unpredictable and/or unstable outcomes after DO can arise mainly from three main sources: 1) true relapse, 2) return to original morphology and 3) defective growth. Despite the biologic and clinical feasibility of DO in the craniofacial region, relapse, compromised adaptation, and defective post‐distraction growth can lead to variable clinical outcomes. When important structures for the mandibular forward and downward displacement are rudimentary or missing in syndromic patients, DO can not ‘correct’ the condition and post‐distraction growth will be defective. Non‐syndromic patients have a better potential to respond favourably to DO.
Lispe patellitarsis Becker (Diptera: Muscidae) new to Korea
Authors: SUH Sang Jae , KWON Yong Jung , JO Tae‐Ho
Published: July 2009

Lispe patellitarsis Becker is identified for the first time in Korea. Diagnoses and illustrations of the habitus and male genitalia are given.
Seasonal prevalence of mosquitoes collected from light traps in the Republic of Korea, 2006
Authors: KIM Heung Chul , CHONG Sung Tae , NUNN Peter V. , McNEMEE Richard B. , KLEIN Terry A.
Published: July 2009

Adult mosquito surveillance was conducted during 2006 at 22 US Army and Air Force installations and two training sites located in six provinces in the Republic of Korea. Adult mosquitoes were collected in New Jersey light traps from 1 May through 15 October 2006 to determine threshold levels to initiate pesticide applications based on trap indices. In total 16 217 adult mosquitoes [13 612 (83.9%) females and 2605 (16.1%) males] comprising 16 species (including five members of the Anopheles sinensis Group) belonging to eight genera were collected. Females of the most commonly collected species were members of the Anopheles sinensis Wiedemann Group (58.9%), followed by Aedes vexans nipponii (Theobald) (21.3%), Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles (11.8%) and Culex pipiens Coquillett (5.2%). Trap indices varied widely for species over their range, due in part, to their geographical distribution and degree of association with urban or rural communities.
Seasonal prevalence and host‐seeking of mosquitoes in southeastern Republic of Korea
Authors: LEE Dong‐Kyu , LEE Young‐Jae , KIM Heung Chul
Published: July 2009

Adult mosquito surveillance was conducted at two sites at Gijang‐gun, Busan southeastern area of the Korean peninsula, in 2004. The most frequently collected species at cow sheds were Anopheles sinensis sensu lato (s.l.) (83.4%), followed by Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles (8.2%), Culex pipiens Coquillett (5.6%) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (2.4%). Adult populations of An. sinensis s.l. peaked during July (Trap Index, TI 1043.1), declining in August (TI 659.4) and September (TI 462.9) in 2004, while Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations increased in August (TI 77.5) and September (TI 35.9). Adult Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was first collected in the second week of May (TI 4.0) and increased through August with two population peaks in the third week of July (TI 98.0) and the second week of August (TI 99.5). Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett) was the most frequently collected mosquito at human‐landing collections (30.4%) followed by An. sinensis s.l. (28.6%) and members of the Cx. pipiens complex (19.3%). Anopheles sinensis s.l. demonstrated two peaks of host‐seeking activity at 22.00–23.00 hours and 02.00–03.00 hours in July, while in August the host‐seeking peaks appeared at 22.00–23.00 hours and 03.00–04.00 hours. The black light trap collections of An. sinensis and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus demonstrated significant correlations to the ambient temperatures.
Cardiogenic Unilateral Pulmonary Edema: An Unreported Complication of a Digestive Endoscopic Procedure
Authors: Baldessari Enrique M. , Mendez‐Villarroel Andres , Mauriño Eduardo , Nachman Fabio D. , Veltri Ignacio A
Published: July 2009

Unilateral pulmonary edema is an uncommon clinical situation that may be difficult to distinguish from other conditions that cause lung infiltrates. Most cases occur in the right lung, and there are no reports about cardiogenic unilateral pulmonary edema as a complication of an endoscopic procedure of gastrointestinal tract. The authors describe a case of a 79‐year‐old woman with acute cardiac heart failure that developed soon after a diagnostic upper and lower digestive endoscopy. Continuous positive airway pressure, intravenous nitroglycerin, and furosemide treatment resulted in rapid improvement of symptoms and the progressive resolution of left‐sided infiltrates on chest radiography. This case is of particular importance because of the rarity of cardiogenic unilateral edema in the left lung. This clinical finding was associated with the prolonged rest on the left side during the gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure.
Corrosion Issues of High Temperature Reactor Structural Metallic Materials
Authors: Cabet Celine , Rouillard Fabien
Published: July 2009

Cooling helium of high temperature reactors (HTRs) is expected to contain a low level of impurities: oxidizing gases and carbon-bearing species. Reference structural materials for pipes and heat exchangers are chromia former nickel base alloys, typically alloys 617 and 230. And as is generally the case in any high temperature process, their long term corrosion resistance relies on the growth of a surface chromium oxide that can act as a barrier against corrosive species. This implies that the HTR environment must allow for oxidation of these alloys to occur, while it remains not too oxidizing against in-core graphite. First, studies on the surface reactivity under various impure helium containing low partial pressures of H2, H2O, CO, and CH4 show that alloys 617 and 230 oxidize in many atmosphere at intermediate temperatures (up to 890–970°C, depending on the exact gas composition). However when heated above a critical temperature, the surface oxide becomes unstable. It was demonstrated that at the scale/alloy interface, the surface oxide interacts with the carbon from the material. These investigations have established an environmental area that promotes oxidation. When exposed in oxidizing HTR helium, alloys 617 and 230 actually develop a sustainable surface scale over thousands of hours. On the other hand, if the scale is destabilized by reaction with the carbon, the oxide is not protective anymore, and the alloy surface interacts with gaseous impurities. In the case of CH4-containg atmospheres, this causes rapid carburization in the form of precipitation of coarse carbides on the surface and in the bulk. Carburization was shown to induce an extensive embrittlement of the alloys. In CH4-free helium mixtures, alloys decarburize with a global loss of carbon and dissolution of the pre-existing carbides. As carbides take part in the alloy strengthening at high temperature, it is expected that decarburization impacts the creep properties. Carburization and decarburization degrade rapidly the alloy properties, and thus result in an unacceptably high risk on the material integrity at high temperature. Therefore, the purification system shall control the gas composition in order to make this unique helium atmosphere compatible with the in-core graphite, as well as with structural materials. This paper reviews the data on the corrosion behavior of structural materials in HTRs and draws some conclusions on the appropriate helium chemistry regarding the material compatibility at high temperature.
The kinematic origin of the cosmological redshift
Authors: Bunn Emory F. , Hogg David W.
Published: July 2009

A common belief about big-bang cosmology is that the cosmological redshift cannot be properly viewed as a Doppler shift (that is, as evidence for a recession velocity) but must be viewed in terms of the stretching of space. We argue that, contrary to this view, the most natural interpretation of the redshift is as a Doppler shift, or rather as the accumulation of many infinitesimal Doppler shifts. The stretching-of-space interpretation obscures a central idea of relativity, namely that it is always valid to choose a coordinate system that is locally Minkowskian. We show that an observed frequency shift in any spacetime can be interpreted either as a kinematic (Doppler) shift or a gravitational shift by imagining a suitable family of observers along the photon’s path. In the context of the expanding universe, the kinematic interpretation corresponds to a family of comoving observers and hence is more natural.
A modified time-dependent perturbation approach to quantum dynamics and its application to relaxation phenomena in magnetic molecules
Authors: Dartora C. A. , Cabrera G. G. , Nobrega K. Z.
Published: July 2009

We introduce a modified version of the interaction picture applicable to situations in which the nonperturbed Hamiltonian is time-dependent but can be diagonalized by the same basis of states at all times. We probe the method using a simple model Hamiltonian to study the spin dynamics of molecular magnets with time-dependent fields. Fully quantum mechanical calculations show the superiority of our method compared to the usual time-dependent perturbation theory. Our approach takes into account time-dependent fields and converges rapidly to the exact solution.
Gnathostomiasis, Another Emerging Imported Disease
Authors: Herman Joanna S. , Chiodini Peter L.
Published: July 2009

Gnathostomiasis is a food-borne zoonosis caused by the late-third stage larvae ofGnathostomaspp. It is being seen with increasing frequency in countries where it is not endemic and should be regarded as another emerging imported disease. Previously, its foci of endemicity have been confined to Southeast Asia and Central and South America, but its geographical boundaries appear to be increasing, with recent reports of infection in tourists returning from southern Africa. It has a complex life cycle involving at least two intermediate hosts, with humans being accidental hosts in which the larvae cannot reach sexual maturity. The main risks for acquisition are consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish and geographical exposure. Infection results in initial nonspecific symptoms followed by cutaneous and/or visceral larva migrans, with the latter carrying high morbidity and mortality rates if there is central nervous system involvement. We review the literature and describe the epidemiology, life cycle, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gnathostomiasis.
Advances and Failures in Preventing Perinatal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Buchanan Ann M. , Cunningham Coleen K.
Published: July 2009

An estimated 2.5 million children are currently living with HIV, the vast majority as a result of mother-to-child transmission. Prevention of perinatal HIV infection has been immensely successful in developed countries. A comprehensive package of services, including maternal and infant antiretroviral therapy, elective cesarean section, and avoidance of breast-feeding, has resulted in transmission rates of less than 2%. However, in developing countries, access to such services is often not available, as demonstrated by the fact that the vast majority of children with HIV live in Africa. Over the past few years, many developing nations have made great strides in improving access to much-needed services. Notably, in eastern and southern Africa, the regions most affected by HIV, mother-to-child-transmission coverage rates for HIV-positive women increased from 11% in 2004 to 31% in 2006. These successes are deserving of recognition, while not losing sight of the fact that much remains to be done; currently, an estimated 75% of pregnant women worldwide have an unmet need for antiretroviral therapy. Further work is needed to determine the optimal strategy for reducing perinatal transmission among women in resource-poor settings, with a particular need for reduction of transmission via breast-feeding.
SOLAR-BLIND SINGLE-PHOTON 4H-SiC AVALANCHE PHOTODIODES
Authors: VERT ALEXEY , SOLOVIEV STANSILAV , FRONHEISER JODY , SANDVIK PETER
Published: July 2009

A solar blind 4 H - SiC single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) is reported. The SPAD with separate absorption and multiplication layers was designed for operation with low dark counts. A thin film optical filter deposited on a sapphire window of the device package provided sensitivity in the wavelength range between 240 and 280 nm with a very high solar photon rejection ratio. An estimated dark current of 0.4 pA (0.75 nA/cm2) at a gain of 1000 was measured on a device with an effective mesa diameter of 260 µm. A single photon detection efficiency of 9% (linear mode) and 9.5% (gated Geiger mode) were achieved at a wavelength of 266 nm for the same device. Corresponding dark count rate and dark count probability were 600 Hz and 4×10-4.
PERFORMANCE OF MOSFETs ON REACTIVE-ION-ETCHED GaN SURFACES
Authors: TANG KE , HUANG WEIXIAO , CHOW T. PAUL
Published: July 2009

We have fabricated, characterized and compared the performance of lateral enhancement-mode GaN MOSFETs on as-grown and RIE-etched surfaces with 900 and 1000°C gate oxide annealing temperatures. Both subthreshold swing and field effect mobility show 1000°C is the optimal annealing temperature for the PECVD gate oxide in our MOSFET process.
EFFECT OF GATE OXIDE PROCESSES ON 4H-SiC MOSFETs ON (000-1) ORIENTED SUBSTRATE
Authors: NAIK HARSH , TANG KE , CHOW T. PAUL
Published: July 2009

We have fabricated, characterized and compared the performance of lateral n -channel 4 H - SiC MOSFETs on (000-1) oriented substrates, using two different gate oxide processes. These processes include low-temperature deposited oxide and plasma-enhanced CVD oxide. Different MOSFET parameters, such as field-effect mobility, threshold voltage, Hall mobility and inversion sheet carrier concentration has been compared for the two processes.
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE EFFECTS ON GMR RECORDING HEADS USING A WAVELET TRANSFORM APPROACH
Authors: SUWANNATA NATTAWOOT , SIRITARATIWAT APIRAT
Published: July 2009

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) effects have been identified as one of the most dangerous causes of giant magnetoresistive (GMR) recording head damage. These phenomena have been studied at all levels of hard-disk drive manufacturing 1. The head gimbal assembly (HGA) is mainly studied because of its exposure to the environment. The standard models are typically based on the human body model (HBM), the machine model (MM) and the charged device model (CDM) where research and practical tests are incompatible. In production, one or more ESD models are normally effective while the other is undergone under a separate model. In addition, tests in the time domain are more accurate than those in the frequency domain. However, picosecond measurements are taken with difficulty where the frequency domain measurement provides non-real time results. Therefore, this is the first report of serial ESD detection using the new technique of wavelet transform. It has been found that the glitch occurs when the ESD level of HBM – MM and HBM – CDM serial ESD on GMR heads are in the ranges of 1.2-2.6 V and 12-15 V respectively.
AN ILL-POSED PROBLEM FOR THE HEAT EQUATION
Authors: PAYNE L. E. , PHILIPPIN G. A.
Published: July 2009

The Cauchy problem for the heat equation in which Cauchy data are prescribed on the outer boundary of a domain with cavity and no data are given on the inner boundary is known to be ill-posed. By a slight modification of the boundary conditions a new problem is introduced whose solution depends continuously on the data in L2.
BIQUANDLES AND THEIR APPLICATION TO VIRTUAL KNOTS AND LINKS
Authors: FENN ROGER
Published: July 2009

In this paper, based on a talk given at the Oberwolfach research centre in May 2008 I will describe how biquandles and their big brother, biracks, can be used to differentiate isotopy classes of virtual (and welded) knots and links.
LINES JOINING COMPONENTS OF A LINK
Authors: VIRO JULIA
Published: July 2009

We estimate from below the number of lines meeting each of given 4 disjoint smooth closed curves in a given cyclic order in the real projective 3-space. We obtain also a similar lower bound for the number of lines meeting each of given 4 disjoint smooth closed curves in a given linear order in ℝ3. The estimates are formulated in terms of linking numbers of the curves and obtained by orienting of the corresponding configuration spaces and evaluating of their signatures. This involves a study of a surface swept by lines meeting 3 given disjoint smooth closed curves. Higher-dimensional generalizations of these results are outlined.
IN SITU ROTATIONAL DISLOCATION OF THE TRAPEZOID ASSOCIATED WITH CARPAL-METACARPAL DISLOCATIONS
Authors: Broadbent M. R. , Bach O. S. , Johnstone A. J.
Published: July 2009

A rare case of in situ rotational dislocation of the trapezoid was described after dislocation of the index and long carpal-metacarpal joints. Due to the difficulty in visualising the trapezoid on plain radiographs, there was a delay in assessing the full extent of the injury. However, after further imaging, the case required open reduction and internal fixation. Therefore, in cases involving high energy dislocations of the second and third metacarpal CMC joints, injury to the peri-trapezoid ligaments should be considered. A pre-operative CT scan or, if not available, open fixation of the CMC joints and trapezoid, is recommended.
A CASE OF VENOUS VARIX OF THE VOLAR DIGIT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Kawakatsu Motohisa , Fujiwara Masao , Iwasaki Kazuo , Sumiya Akikazu
Published: July 2009

Venous varix of the volar digit (VVVD) is a rare condition that is usually described as a firm, blue, and painful mass. However, the clinical features of VVVD are still unclear. We treated a patient who had a firm, normal-skin-colored, and painless mass on the volar aspect of a digit. The mass was removed and was diagnosed as VVVD by histological examination. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful for assisting with the pre-operative diagnosis. We also review 11 previously reported cases.
ON FINITE ABSOLUTE CONTINUITY OF MEASURES RELATED TO WIENER MEASURE
Authors: RIABOV G. V.
Published: July 2009

In this paper we study finite absolute continuity with respect to Wiener measure. A general condition of finite absolute continuity in terms of disintegration of measures is given. Finite absolute continuity of Itô processes and conditional distributions of the Wiener process is studied.
THE THOMPSON GROUP F IS AMENABLE
Authors: SHAVGULIDZE E. T.
Published: July 2009

Amenability of some discrete subgroups of the group of diffeomorphisms [Formula: see text] of interval is proved. As a consequence, a solution of the problem of amenability of the Thompson group F is given.
ADAPTING TO DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS: POLYETHISM IN RESPONSE THRESHOLD MODELS FOR SOCIAL INSECTS
Authors: DIWOLD KONRAD , MERKLE DANIEL , MIDDENDORF MARTIN
Published: July 2009

Response threshold models are an important tool to model division of labor in social insects and to investigate the underlying principles of self-organization. In this article response threshold models which incorporate dynamic environments with varying demand for work and their influence on division of labor are studied. In their natural habitats, social insects are always exposed to dynamic environments, however, the effect that such environments have on response threshold models has rarely been investigated. In the course of this article it is shown that overworking and underworking, i.e. working more or less than the ideal amount, over a certain time is a colony-size dependent effect in dynamic situations. By adjusting the number of possible learning steps, which correspond to changes in the maximal threshold values relative to a colony's size, the performance of colonies in dynamic environments can be increased. A setup inspired by repeated migration behavior is also investigated. It is shown that these different learning rates affect a colony's ability to maintain an activity onset for a reappearing task.
Optical spectroscopy and photochemistry of porphyrins and phthalocyanines
Authors: Costa Sílvia M.B. , Andrade Suzana M. , Togashi Denísio M. , Paulo Pedro M.R. , Laia César A.T. , Isabel Viseu M. , Gonçalves da Silva Amélia M.
Published: July 2009

Studies of excited singlet and triplet states of porphyrins and phthalocyanines in organized media of reverse micelles, vesicles, monolayers, and Langmuir-Blodgett films along with more complex supramolecular organizates with proteins and dendrimers, are reported. Self-assembly in these systems was followed by imaging and temporal fluorescence techniques.
The small stones of Coimbra in the huge tetrapyrrolic chemistry building
Authors: Rocha Gonsalves António M.d'A. , Serra Arménio C. , Pineiro Marta
Published: July 2009

Improvements over the Rothemund classical reaction methods have allowed the development of capacity to obtain a wide range of structures that were earlier unavailable. Performing the reaction in a mixed nitrobenzene/carboxylic acid medium allowed improvements of yield and purity of the porphyrin obtained, and in some cases the control of the oxidation level of the macrocycle. More recently, novel microwave synthetic methodologies were exploited to achieve important improvements in simple porphyrin chemistry. Tidy sulphonations of simple porphyrins opened the way to diverse desired, inexpensive structures in a very simple manner. The option to concentrate interests on improvements of synthetic methods to obtain simple and diversified tetrapyrrolic structures proved to be advantageous. Interesting biomimetic oxidation and photooxidation systems and PDT sensitizers were developed and significant knowledge was achieved in these specific and related areas. This review presents a view of our own results in the synthetic area, and outlines the contributions therefrom to the study of biomimetic and therapeutic processes.
Controlling the molecular organization of porphyrins by hosting in amphiphilic matrix
Authors: de Miguel Gustavo , Martín-Romero María T. , Pérez-Morales Marta , Muñoz Eulogia , Camacho Luis
Published: July 2009

Mixed films containing ionic water-soluble or -insoluble porphyrins and amphiphilic anchors have been prepared at the air/water interface and on solid support (Langmuir-Blodgett, LB). Their molecular organization has been controlled by different strategies. Monomer, twisted dimer and slipped dimers, and tetramer patterns have been organized at those interfaces as a function of the central metal ion of water-soluble porphyrins, the lipid host-matrix and the applied surface pressure. In addition, stable monomolecular or tri-layers are possible to fabricate. Moreover, for water-insoluble porphyrins, dilution by increasing molar ratio of the amphiphilic matrix in mixed films facilitates the disaggregation, i.e. the monomer porphyrin moieties increases. As a result, the response to the presence of the toxic gas, i.e. the speed of the response and recovery phases, the temperature and concentration ranges has been notably enhanced.
Bladder Tumor in Women with Microscopic Hematuria: An Iranian Experience and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Abbaszadeh Shahin , Taheri Saeed , Nourbala Mohammad Hossein
Published: July 2009

Aim. In this study we report our experience with microhematuria and its relation with bladder tumors in Iranian women.Materials and Methods. Overall 249 women were evaluated. Microscopic hematuria was defined as three or more red blood cells per high-power field on at least two different occasions. Patients with a history of gross hematuria or coagulation disorders, having organic diseases, urinary stones, urinary tract infections, nephrological diseases, and local lesions such as urethral caruncle were excluded from the study population. Final diagnosis of malignant tumors was done with cystoscopy and biopsy specimen pathological assessment in all cases.Results. Age for the study population was49.7±11.8years. 95 (38%) of patients were identified during routine check up and presenting symptoms in other patients were frequency, dysuria, stress urge incontinence, urge incontinence, feeling of incomplete urine emptying, and flunk pain, respectively. Finally, 7 (2.8%) of study subjects were confirmed as having bladder tumors. One of tumor cases was diagnosed 24 months after initial assessments. Patients with bladder tumor were significantly older; more frequently had diverticulum in their bladder wall (P<.05).Conclusion. Female microscopic hematuria is relevant and deserves evaluations, especially in elderly patients. Patients whose reason for microhematuria would not be diagnosed at the initial evaluations should be followed.
Characterization of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Subtypes in Moroccan Children
Authors: Bachir Fatima , Bennani Sanae , Lahjouji Ali , Cherkaoui Siham , Harif M'hamed , Khattab Mohamed , Nassereddine Ilham , Zafad Saadia , El Aouad Rajae
Published: July 2009

We present the incidence and the immunologic characteristics of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) subsets in Moroccan children. We studied 279 unselected patients below the age of 18 years with newly diagnosed ALL. Cases were classified according to immunophenotype: 216 (77.42%) precursor B-cell phenotype (pB-cell), mature B-cell in 4 (1.43%), and T-cell in 59 (21.15%) cases. The age distribution showed a peak in incidence between 3 and 5 years among the pB-cell ALLs subtype. There was a significantly higher frequency of males in the T-ALL subset and more females in the T-ALL CD10+ subset when compared with the T-ALL CD10– subset. Myeloid antigens occur more frequently and were expressed in 124 (57.4%) of pB-cell-ALL cases and 20 (33.9%) of T-cell ALLcases. Our results show that the distribution of ALLs in Moroccan children is similar with the general distribution pattern indeveloped countries except for the high frequency of T-ALL phenotype. The phenotypic profiles of our patients are close to thosereported in literature for B-lineage ALLs; for the T-cell ALL subgroup, the blast cells express more CD1a, surface CD3, and CD4 while expressing less TdT. The high frequency of CD1a expression resulted in an excess of the common thymocyte subtype.
Antiproliferative Effects of Honey and of Its Polyphenols: A Review
Authors: Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Mandal Mahitosh
Published: July 2009

Honey has been used since long time both in medical and domestic needs, but only recently the antioxidant property of it came to limelight. The fact that antioxidants have several preventative effects against different diseases, such as cancer, coronary diseases, inflammatory disorders, neurological degeneration, and aging, led to search for food rich in antioxidants. Chemoprevention uses various dietary agents rich in phytochemicals which serve as antioxidants. With increasing demand for antioxidant supply in the food, honey had gained vitality since it is rich in phenolic compounds and other antioxidants like ascorbic acid, amino acids, and proteins. Some simple and polyphenols found in honey, namely, caffeic acid (CA), caffeic acid phenyl esters (CAPE), Chrysin (CR), Galangin (GA), Quercetin (QU), Kaempferol (KP), Acacetin (AC), Pinocembrin (PC), Pinobanksin (PB), and Apigenin (AP), have evolved as promising pharmacological agents in treatment of cancer. In this review, we reviewed the antiproliferative and molecular mechanisms of honey and above‐mentioned polyphenols in various cancer cell lines.