bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test in College Students
Authors: Kokotailo Patricia K. , Egan Judith , Gangnon Ronald , Brown David , Mundt Marlon , Fleming Michael
Published: November 2010

Background: High‐risk alcohol use among college students is associated with accidents, partner violence, unwanted sexual encounters, tobacco use, and performance issues. The identification and treatment of high‐risk drinking students is a priority for many college campuses and college health centers. The goal of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in college students.

Methods: A convenience sample of students coming into a college health clinic was asked to complete the 10‐question AUDIT and then participate in a research interview. The interview focused on assessing students for alcohol abuse and dependence by using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module and timeline follow‐back procedures to assess a 28‐day drinking history.

Results: A total of 302 students met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The sample consisted of 185 females (61%) and 117 males (39%), with a mean age of 20.3 years. Forty students were abstinent, 88 were high‐risk drinkers, and 103 met criteria for a 12‐month history of dependence. Receiver operator curves demonstrated that the AUDIT had the highest area under the cure for detecting high‐risk alcohol use (0.872) and the lowest for identifying persons with a lifetime history of alcohol abuse or dependence (0.775). An AUDIT cutoff score of 6 or greater demonstrated a sensitivity of 91.0% and a specificity of 60.0% in the detection of high‐risk drinkers.

Conclusions: The AUDIT has reasonable psychometric properties in sample of college students using student health services. This study supports the use of the AUDIT in this population.
Laboratory Markers Carbohydrate‐Deficient Transferrin, γ‐Glutamyltransferase, and Mean Corpuscular Volume Are Not Useful as Screening Tools for High‐Risk Drinking in the General Population: Results From the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Authors: Alte Dietrich , Luedemann Jan , Rose Hans‐Joachim , John Ulrich
Published: November 2010

Background: Assessment of high‐risk drinking in the general population can be problematic: questionnaire‐based instruments may carry the problem of random or systematic recall bias, and the effectiveness of screening of single biomarkers has been shown to be insufficient. In this article, we analyze the alcohol intake/biomarker relationship of carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), and erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Specific aims were (1) screening effectiveness comparison of GGT, CDT, and MCV in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) and the effect of covariates on these measures; (2) the comparison of summary measures for the effectiveness of screening: the receiver characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the ROC; and (3) to answer the question of which covariates effect which biomarkers and whether accounting for relevant covariates increases the prognostic value of biomarkers to levels that allow for application in the general population.

Methods: In a representative cross‐sectional health survey in northeast Germany with data collection from 1997 to 2001, 4310 men and women were asked for their recent alcohol consumption and smoking. Biomarkers were analyzed from blood samples. The effectiveness of screening of CDT, GGT, and MCV for high‐risk drinking (men: >60 g/day, women: >40 g/day) was analyzed with PPV and ROC curve analysis.

Results: For all three biomarkers, PPVs for high‐risk drinking are very low (< 50%). There are some effects of covariates on screening effectiveness and on PPV, and knowledge of these covariates increases screening effectiveness, but no subgroup that had a combination of covariate levels and prevalence of high‐risk drinking that led to a PPV > 50% could be found.

Conclusions: Accounting for covariates in the screening procedure does not lead to a sufficient increase in PPV. Screening effectiveness of laboratory markers CDT, GGT, and MCV is insufficient for their application as screening tools for high‐risk alcohol drinking in the general population. This was found using self‐reported alcohol consumption as an imperfect gold standard, which is a limitation of the study, although self‐reports are the standard instrument in comparable epidemiologic studies.
The Effect of Ethanol on Cell Fate Determination of Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Tateno Masaru , Ukai Wataru , Yamamoto Megumi , Hashimoto Eri , Ikeda Hiroshi , Saito Toshikazu
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Background: Recent studies have described the possible relevance of impaired neural stem cell (NSC) functions to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, including alcoholism. However, relatively little is known about ethanol's effects on the determination of cell fate in NSCs. In this study, we investigated the effect of ethanol on neuronal and glial differentiation of NSCs.

Methods: Under neuron‐inductive culture conditions, NSCs were induced to differentiate and exposed to ethanol for 96 hr. Immunocytochemistry with cell‐type‐specific markers was performed (microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) for neurons, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocytes and O4 for oligodendrocytes). The cells positive to MAP2, GFAP or O4 were counted, and the number of MAP2‐positive cells was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following immunostaining with anti‐MAP2 (MAP2‐ELISA). The alteration of MAP2, GFAP or myelin basic protein (MBP, a marker for oligodendrocytes) expression was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

Results: Ethanol exposure increased astrocytic and oligodendrocytic differentiation with a statistically significant difference at 100mM, while 25 to 100 mM ethanol reduced neuronal differentiation without affecting the viability of NSCs. The enhanced expression of glial markers was revealed by Western blot analysis for GFAP or MBP.

Conclusions: Glial cells are known to increase in response to various kinds of insults to the central nervous system. It is possible that the increase of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes after ethanol exposure is a compensatory mechanism to repair the impaired neural network by promoting neurite outgrowth and increasing newly generated neurons.
Difference and Similarity Between Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Kojima Hideyuki , Sakurai Shinya , Uemura Masahito , Takekawa Takashi , Morimoto Hiroyo , Tamagawa Yasuhiro , Fukui Hiroshi
Published: November 2010

Abstract:Background:Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are extremely similar in the pathologic findings and pathogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the difference and similarity between these diseases.

Methods:Twenty‐six patients with NASH and 26 with ALD including 11 with alcoholic hepatitis underwent clinico‐pathologic analysis. The visceral fat area and liver/spleen ratio, an index of the hepatic fat content, were evaluated with computed tomography. The hepatic iron deposit and oxidative stress induced‐lipid peroxidation were estimated by Prussian blue staining and 3‐nitrotyrosine staining, respectively.

Results:The most prominent difference between NASH and ALD was the nutritional status, although elevation of AST/ALT ratio and γ‐GT is relatively characteristic of ALD. NASH was more frequently associated with diabetes mellitus as compared with ALD. The BMI and serum levels of total cholesterol and cholinesterase were higher in NASH than in ALD. Although the degree and distribution of fibrosis and necro‐inflammatory reaction were similar in NASH and ALD, steatosis was more severe in NASH than in ALD. The liver/spleen ratio was lower and the visceral fat area was larger in NASH than in ALD, regardless of the coincidence of alcoholic hepatitis. Interestingly, the visceral fat area positively correlated with ALT and HOMA‐IR in NASH, whereas these correlations were not observed in ALD. The hepatic iron deposit was less in NASH than in ALD, whereas lipid peroxidation in NASH was similar to that in ALD with alcoholic hepatitis and more advanced as compared with that in ALD without alcoholic hepatitis.

Conclusions:NASH was characterized with over‐nutrition and visceral fat type obesity as compared with ALD. The visceral fat accumulation was associated with hepatic inflammation and insulin resistance in NASH, but not in ALD. The difference in the nutritional status between NASH and ALD is not only reflected in the clinical features but also may closely associate with the mechanisms of hepatocellular damage in these diseases.
Comparison of Liver Histology Between Patients with Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Patients with Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Japan
Authors: Morita Yasuyo , Ueno Takato , Sasaki Nozomi , Kuhara Kouichiro , Yoshioka Shinichiro , Tateishi Yukio , Nagata Eisuke , Kage Masayoshi , Sata Michio
Published: November 2010

Abstract:Background:This study compared the liver histology of patients with NASH and patients with ASH.

Methods:Subjects consisted of 79 patients (41 in the NASH group and 38 in the ASH group). We performed physical and laboratory examinations as well as liver biopsy in all subjects, and we evaluated the differences between the NASH and ASH groups. In addition, we compared the liver histology of patients with obesity, diabetes or hyperlipidemia within the NASH group.

Results and Conclusions:BMI was significantly higher in the NASH group than in the ASH group. Steatosis and nuclear vacuoles were more prevalent in the NASH group than in the ASH group. On the other hand, ballooning hepatocytes, lipogranuloma, focal necrosis, acidophilic bodies and fibrosis were more remarkable in the ASH group than in the NASH group. The degrees of steatosis and lipogranuloma gradually decreased as the stage of liver fibrosis progressed. Necro‐inflammation and fibrosis tended to be more remarkable in the ASH group than in the NASH group. In the NASH group, ballooning hepatocytes and acidophilic bodies were significantly higher in the group with diabetes than in that without diabetes. Perivenular fibrosis, pericellular fibrosis and portal fibrosis were also higher in the NASH group with diabetes than in the NASH group without diabetes. These findings suggested that diabetes is deeply involved in the development and progression of NASH.
Decreased Activity of Plasma ADAMTS13 May Contribute to the Development of Liver Disturbance and Multiorgan Failure in Patients with Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Uemura Masahito , Matsuyama Tomomi , Ishikawa Masatoshi , Fujimoto Masao , Kojima Hideyuki , Sakurai Shinya , Ishii Sadanobu , Toyohara Masahisa , Yamazaki Masaharu , Yoshiji Hitoshi , Yamao Jyunichi , Matsumoto Masanori , Ishizashi Hiromichi , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Fukui Hiroshi
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Background: The pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis (AH) remains unclear and the prognosis of severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is very poor. Deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF)‐cleaving protease (VWF‐CP/ADAMTS13) results in an increase of the plasma unusually large VWF multimer and leads to platelet clumping, which causes microcirculatory disturbance and finally multiorgan failure. The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of ADAMTS13 on the development of liver disturbance and multiorgan failure in AH.

Methods: The activity of plasma ADAMTS13 and its clinical correlation were determined in 14 patients with AH, 4 with SAH (Maddrey score, mean 62), and 10 with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (LC).

Results: The activity of the plasma ADAMTS13 significantly decreased in patients with AH (mean 59%, p < 0.001), SAH (17%, p < 0.001) and LC (76%, p < 0.02) as compared with the healthy subjects (102%, n = 60). The activity was markedly lower in SAH than in AH (p < 0.02) and LC (p < 0.02). In three nonsurvivors with SAH who had multiorgan failure, it was extremely low (4.5%, 5.0%, and 16.0%, respectively), but in a survivor with SAH it remained mild decrease (44%). In AH, the protease activity increased at the recovery stage (42%→ 75%, p < 0.05). In the univariate analysis, the activity correlated with 10 clinical variables including functional liver capacity, inflammation signs, renal function, and platelet count in patients with AH and SAH. Among these, multivariate analysis showed that serum total bilirubin and C‐reactive protein independently correlated with the protease activity.

Conclusion: The activity of plasma ADAMTS13 markedly decreased in SAH in addition to AH. The activity was closely related to hyperbilirubinemia and inflammation signs, and was extremely low in nonsurvivors with SAH and multiorgan failure. The marked decrease of plasma ADAMTS13 may, in part, contribute to not only the progression of liver disturbance in AH, but also the development of multiorgan failure in SAH through microcirculatory disturbance.
Susceptibility of grapevine pruning wounds to infection by Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum
Authors: Úrbez‐Torres J. R. , Gubler W. D.
Published: November 2010

The susceptibility of 1‐ and 2‐year‐old grapevine wood to botryosphaeria canker caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum was evaluated in California in two seasons. In the 2007 dormant season, pruning‐wound susceptibility was highest when wounds were inoculated immediately after pruning in December (80% of pruning wounds were infected in Chardonnay for both fungal species and 75% and 98% in Cabernet Sauvignon for N. parvum and L. theobromae, respectively). In the 2008 dormant season, pruning‐wound susceptibility was highest in November in Chardonnay (86% and 93% for N. parvum and L. theobromae, respectively) and in December in Cabernet Sauvignon (71% and 75% for N. parvum and L. theobromae, respectively). The lowest infection rates (13–35%) were observed when vines were pruned and inoculated in March in both dormant seasons and for both cultivars. Susceptibility of pruning wounds did not differ significantly (P = 0·7612) between 1‐ and 2‐year‐old wood and consequently, pruning‐wound protection treatments should be applied to all wounds. In conclusion, grapevine pruning wounds were susceptible to infection by L. theobromae and N. parvum to varying extents throughout the dormant season in California (November–March), but, overall, susceptibility of pruning wounds was highest when inoculations were done immediately after pruning and decreased significantly as the interval between pruning and inoculation increased. Results of this study suggest that pruning grapevines in late winter (March) in California would significantly reduce the risk of infection by L. theobromae and N. parvum.
Elimination of common scab sensitive progeny from a potato breeding population using thaxtomin A as a selective agent
Authors: Hiltunen L. H. , Alanen M. , Laakso I. , Kangas A. , Virtanen E. , Valkonen J. P. T.
Published: November 2010

Common scab is one of the most important soil‐borne diseases of potato and is difficult to control. Selection of potato breeding lines for resistance to common scab is also cumbersome due to environmental factors influencing symptom development and an erratic spatial distribution of the scab pathogens (Streptomyces spp.) in the field. The bacterial phytotoxin thaxtomin A, which causes scab symptoms, can be used to screen large numbers of potato seedlings for tolerance in vitro, but few studies have investigated whether the results correspond to resistance to common scab observed in the field. In this study, 120 F1 potato progeny from a single cross were screened in vitro by exposing the seedlings to thaxtomin A added to the culture medium. Eighteen genotypes were selected based on high sensitivity or tolerance using shoot growth as the criterion, multiplied in vitro, and tested for resistance to common scab caused by S. turgidiscabies and S. scabies in a glasshouse and in three different fields. Evaluation of ca. 6500 tubers showed that the 18 potato genotypes differed in scab indices and disease severity (P < 0·0001). The relative shoot height in vitro (thaxtomin A used at 0·5 μg mL−1) and the scab index in the field showed significant correlation (rs = −0·463, P = 0·0528, n = 18), also consistent with the results obtained under controlled conditions in the glasshouse. Hence, the in vitro bioassay may be used to discard scab‐susceptible genotypes and elevate the overall levels of common scab resistance in the potato breeding populations.
Systematic Review: The use of vouchers for reproductive health services in developing countries: systematic review
Authors: Bellows Nicole M. , Bellows Ben W. , Warren Charlotte
Published: November 2010

Objectives  To identify where vouchers have been used for reproductive health (RH) services, to what extent RH voucher programmes have been evaluated, and whether the programmes have been effective.

Methods  A systematic search of the peer review and grey literature was conducted to identify RH voucher programmes and evaluation findings. Experts were consulted to verify RH voucher programme information and identify further programmes and studies not found in the literature search. Studies were examined for outcomes regarding targeting, costs, knowledge, utilization, quality, and population health impact. Included studies used cross‐sectional, before‐and‐after and quasi‐experimental designs.

Results  Thirteen RH voucher programmes fitting established criteria were identified. RH voucher programmes were located in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Kenya (2), Korea, India, Indonesia, Nicaragua (3), Taiwan, and Uganda. Among RH voucher programmes, 7 were quantitatively evaluated in 15 studies. All evaluations reported some positive findings, indicating that RH voucher programmes increased utilization of RH services, improved quality of care, and improved population health outcomes.

Conclusions  The potential for RH voucher programmes appears positive; however, more research is needed to examine programme effectiveness using strong study designs. In particular, it is important to see stronger evidence on cost‐effectiveness and population health impacts, where the findings can best direct governments and external funders.
Determinants of uptake, short‐term and continued use of insecticide‐treated curtains and jar covers for dengue control
Authors: Vanlerberghe V. , Villegas E. , Jirarojwatana S. , Santana N. , Trongtorkit Y. , Jirarojwatana R. , Srisupap W. , Lefèvre P. , Van der Stuyft P.
Published: November 2010

Objective  To evaluate the acceptance and long‐term use of insecticide‐treated (IT) materials for dengue vector control.

Methods  In 2007, IT jar covers and/or curtains (PermaNet®) were distributed under routine conditions to 4101 households (10 clusters) in Venezuela and to 2032 households (22 clusters) in Thailand. The use of IT tools was measured at distribution (uptake), at 5/6 months (short‐term use) and at 18/22 months (continued use) after distribution. Determinants of use were assessed with logistic regression analysis.

Results  The uptake of IT curtains was 76.7% in Venezuela and 92.3% in Thailand. It was associated with being a resident for >5 years (OR Venezuela 3.0 95% CI 2.0–4.4; OR Thailand 3.5 95% CI 1.7–7.3) and with pre‐intervention use of ordinary curtains (OR Venezuela 2.2 95% CI 1.4–3.6). The continued use decreased significantly to 38.4% of households in Venezuela and 59.7% in Thailand and was, conditional on short‐term use, only determined by the perceived effectiveness of IT curtains (OR Venezuela 13.0 95%CI 8.7–19.5; OR Thailand 4.9 95% CI 3.1–7.8). Disease knowledge and pre‐intervention perception of mosquito nuisance were not associated with IT curtains’ uptake or use. The uptake of IT jar covers in Venezuela was 21.5% and essentially determined by the presence of uncovered jars in the household (OR 32.5 95% CI 14.5–72.6). Their continued use, conditional on short‐time use, was positively associated with the household use of Abate® (OR 7.8 95% CI 2.1–28.9).

Conclusion  The use of IT curtains rapidly declines over time. Continued use is mainly determined by the perceived effectiveness of the tool. This poses a real challenge if IT curtains are to be introduced in dengue control programmes.
The overexpression of AtPrx37, an apoplastic peroxidase, reduces growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pedreira Jorge , Herrera María Teresa , Zarra Ignacio , Revilla Gloria
Published: November 2010

Understanding peroxidase function in plants is difficult because of the lack of substrate specificity, the high number of genes and their diversity in structure. In the present study, the relative expression of 22 genes coding putative peroxidases (E.C 1.11.1.x) in Arabidopsis was studied. The relative expression of AtPrx37 showed a correlation with the cessation of growth in rosette leaves as well as with the growth capacity along the flower stem. Using AtPrx37::GUS construction, its expression was associated with the vascular bundles. Furthermore, the overexpression of AtPrx37 under the control of CaMV 35S promoter rendered a dwarf phenotype with smaller plants and delayed development. The plants overexpressing AtPrx37 also showed an increase in the amount of esterified phenolic material associated with their walls. A role in the growth cessation and phenolic cross‐linking during lignin deposition is postulated.
Effect of inoculation with the endophyte Clavibacter sp. strain Enf12 on chilling tolerance in Chorispora bungeana
Authors: Ding Shuo , Huang Cong‐Lin , Sheng Hong‐Mei , Song Chun‐Li , Li Ya‐Bo , An Li‐Zhe
Published: November 2010

Endophytic bacteria have been shown to increase resistance against biotic stress and tolerance to abiotic stress in many plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an endophytic bacterium, Clavibacter sp. strain Enf12, in regenerated plantlets of Chorispora bungeana subjected to chilling stress (0°C). Aerial biomass and physiological markers for chilling stress, such as electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, proline content and activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), guaiacol peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) and ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), were assessed. We demonstrated that Clavibacter sp. strain Enf12 was capable of colonizing internal tissues of regenerated plantlets of C. bungeana and maintained stable population densities under both normal (20°C) and chilling (0°C) conditions. Inoculation enhanced plantlet growth under both conditions and significantly attenuated the chilling‐induced electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and ROS accumulation. The endophyte significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and proline content in C. bungeana plantlets under chilling stress. These findings suggest that Clavibacter sp. strain Enf12 inoculation stimulates the growth of C. bungeana plantlets and improves their tolerance to chilling stress through enhancing the antioxidant defense system.
The ever‐declining role of gender equality in the European Employment Strategy
Authors: Smith Mark , Villa Paola
Published: November 2010

This article analyses the changing position of gender in the European Employment Strategy (EES) since its 2005 relaunch. Overall, we find a picture of mixed progress towards gender equality goals across Member States. There is evidence of the EU soft law approach leading to positive developments as the use of targets in conjunction with Country‐Specific Recommendations and Points‐to‐Watch have had some influence in promoting gender equality policies among Member States. However, the weakened position of gender mainstreaming in European‐level initiatives has led to gender being marginalised or ignored in national and EU policy responses to the crisis. The prominence of gender has declined further in the 2010 revision of the EES under the 2020 banner. This introduces new risks as the emphasis on gender equality falls further down the list of priorities in the streamlining of the Lisbon Process.
European Works Councils in Central and Eastern Europe: varieties of institution building among French service sector multinationals
Authors: Contrepois Sylvie , Jefferys Steve
Published: November 2010

European Works Councils (EWCs) were launched as important institutions capable of helping workers coordinate responses to multinational corporations (MNCs). Euro‐optimists hoped they might help the transfer of the European social model to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Euro‐pessimists believed they lacked the capacity to be effective and suggested EU enlargement might encourage ‘a race to the bottom’ in Western Europe. This article focuses on the behaviours of eight service sector French‐origin multinationals in Bulgaria, Hungary and Poland. It finds that they generally adapt to the host country social model. However, while most keep their subsidiaries in separate compartments, investing little in EWC institution building, some are more ready to invest in stronger EWC institutions and to use them as an integrating tool.
Contingent work in the UK and Sweden: evidence from the construction industry
Authors: MacKenzie Robert , Forde Chris , Robinson Andrew , Cook Hugh , Eriksson Birgitta , Larsson Patrik , Bergman Ann
Published: November 2010

This article explores the use of contingent forms of employment in two diverse country contexts—the UK and Sweden—and investigates the influence of changing regulatory and economic conditions over a period that covers the current economic downturn. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data for the construction sector, the article addresses three questions. How do employers balance their flexibility preferences in the context of regulatory constraints? How has the global recession influenced employer behaviour? And to what extent can the Swedish experience be explained by convergence on other country models? While the UK employment model encourages employers to externalise the risk of unpredictable market conditions through the use of contingent contracts, the more supportive welfare regime in Sweden underpins a resilient preference of employers for open‐ended employment contracts. Ongoing changes in labour market regulation pose challenges to the strongly regulated Swedish model, yet we find only a shared direction of travel with the UK rather than convergence in the use of contingent employment.
Soil radon and thoron studies near the mofettes at Harghita Bai (Romania) and their relation to the field location of fault zones
Authors: PAPP B. , SZAKÁCS A. , NÉDA T. , PAPP SZ. , COSMA C.
Published: November 2010

In the aftermath of postvolcanic activity, dry gases, containing mainly CO2, bring along radioactive gases such as radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) that migrate together to the surface. Tectonic faults facilitate the upward migration of these gases. The study described here is based on measurements of radon and thoron activity concentrations performed around the mofettes and mineral springs at Harghita Bai, Harghita Mts. (part of the Neogene Volcanic region of the Eastern Carpathians, Romania). The aim of the study was to identify the location and the direction of the fault system that controls the occurrence of the two mofettes, as well as the mineral springs in the resort by means of systematic measurements of soil radon and thoron activity concentrations. During fieldwork, the existence of the presumed fault system across two different profiles, normal to assumed fault directions, was examined. We sought to identify the local fault hypothetically traced across the two mofettes directed at N 50°W. We also considered the major fault system connecting mofettes and mineral springs, whose direction is N 5°E. For radon and thoron concentration determinations in soil gas, we used a main measurement method (a LUK3C scintillation detector with Lucas cells). Results showed normal distributions for the activity concentrations for both radon and thoron, with a maximum value in both cases. The concentrations for radon and thoron were in the range of several kBq m−3 to tens of kBq m−3. The distributions are consistent with the hypothesis that the fault lines cross at the point corresponding to maximum values of the radon and thoron concentrations. From the results it is also clear that high precision thoron concentration determinations provided a more accurate location for this type of geological environment than for radon alone, because of its shorter half‐life and its shorter migration length.
SPECIES DELIMITATION, TAXONOMY, AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF DICTYOTA IN EUROPE (DICTYOTALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Tronholm Ana , Steen Frederique , Tyberghein Lennert , Leliaert Frederik , Verbruggen Heroen , Antonia Ribera Siguan M. , De Clerck Olivier
Published: November 2010

Taxonomy of the brown algal genus Dictyota has a long and troubled history. Our inability to distinguish morphological plasticity from fixed diagnostic traits that separate the various species has severely confounded species delineation. From continental Europe, more than 60 species and intraspecific taxa have been described over the last two centuries. Using a molecular approach, we addressed the diversity of the genus in European waters and made necessary taxonomic changes. A densely sampled DNA data set demonstrated the presence of six evolutionarily significant units (ESUs): Dictyota dichotoma (Huds.) J. V. Lamour., D. fasciola (Roth) J. V. Lamour., D. implexa J. V. Lamour., D. mediterranea (Schiffn.) G. Furnari, D. spiralis Mont., and the newly described D. cyanoloma sp. nov., which was previously reported as D. ciliolata from the Mediterranean Sea. Species distributions, based on DNA‐confirmed occurrence records, indicate that all species are geographically confined to the NE Atlantic Ocean with the exception of D. dichotoma and D. implexa, which also occur in South Africa and Bermuda, respectively. To investigate potential hybridization between D. dichotoma and D. implexa, which were previously shown to be sexually compatible in culture, we compiled and analyzed sets of mitochondrial, plastid, and nuclear markers to detect putative hybrids or introgression in natural populations. Failure to detect natural hybrids indicates that effective pre‐ and postzygotic isolation mechanisms are at play in natural populations and supports the by‐product hypothesis of reproductive isolation.
MULTIGENE ANALYSES OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC EUGLENOIDS AND NEW FAMILY, PHACACEAE (EUGLENALES)1
Authors: Kim Jong Im , Shin Woongghi , Triemer Richard E.
Published: November 2010

Bayesian and maximum‐likelihood (ML) analyses of the combined multigene data (nuclear SSU rDNA, and plastid SSU and LSU rDNA) were conducted to evaluate the phylogeny of photosynthetic euglenoids. The combined data set consisted of 108 strains of photosynthetic euglenoids including a colorless sister taxon. Bayesian and ML analyses recovered trees of almost identical topology. The results indicated that photosynthetic euglenoids were divided into two major clades, the Euglenaceae clade (Euglena, Euglenaria, Trachelomonas, Strombomonas, Monomorphina, Cryptoglena, Colacium) and the Phacaceae clade (Phacus, Lepocinclis, Discoplastis). The Euglenaceae clade was monophyletic with high support and subdivided into four main clades: the Colacium, the Strombomonas and Trachelomonas, the Cryptoglena and Monomorphina, and the Euglena and Euglenaria clades. The genus Colacium was positioned at the base of the Euglenaceae and was well supported as a monophyletic lineage. The loricate genera (Strombomonas and Trachelomonas) were located at the middle of the Euglenaceae clade and formed a robust monophyletic lineage. The genera Cryptoglena and Monomorphina also formed a well‐supported monophyletic clade. Euglena and the recently erected genus Euglenaria emerged as sister groups. However, Euglena proxima branched off at the base of the Euglenaceae. The Phacaceae clade was also a monophyletic group with high support values and subdivided into three clades, the Discoplastis, Phacus, and Lepocinclis clades. The genus Discoplastis branched first, and then Phacus and Lepocinclis emerged as sister groups. These genera shared a common characteristic, numerous small discoid chloroplasts without pyrenoids. These results clearly separated the Phacaceae clade from the Euglenaceae clade. Therefore, we propose to limit the family Euglenaceae to the members of the Euglena clade and erect a new family, the Phacaceae, to house the genera Phacus, Lepocinclis, and Discoplastis.
COPPER‐UPTAKE KINETICS OF COASTAL AND OCEANIC DIATOMS1
Authors: Guo Jian , Annett Amber L. , Taylor Rebecca L. , Lapi Suzanne , Ruth Thomas J. , Maldonado Maria T.
Published: November 2010

We investigated copper (Cu) acquisition mechanisms and uptake kinetics of the marine diatoms Thalassiosira oceanica Hasle, an oceanic strain, and Thalassiosira pseudonana Hasle et Heimdal, a coastal strain, grown under replete and limiting iron (Fe) and Cu availabilities. The Cu‐uptake kinetics of these two diatoms followed classical Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Biphasic uptake kinetics as a function of Cu concentration were observed, suggesting the presence of both high‐ and low‐affinity Cu‐transport systems. The half‐saturation constants (Km) and the maximum Cu‐uptake rates (Vmax) of the high‐affinity Cu‐transport systems (∼7–350 nM and 1.5–17 zmol · μm−2 · h−1, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the low‐affinity systems (>800 nM and 30–250 zmol · μm−2 · h−1, respectively). The two Cu‐transport systems were controlled differently by low Fe and/or Cu. The high‐affinity Cu‐transport system of both diatoms was down‐regulated under Fe limitation. Under optimal‐Fe and low‐Cu growth conditions, the Km of the high‐affinity transport system of T. oceanica was lower (7.3 nM) than that of T. pseudonana (373 nM), indicating that T. oceanica had a better ability to acquire Cu at subsaturating concentrations. When Fe was sufficient, the low‐affinity Cu‐transport system of T. oceanica saturated at 2,000 nM Cu, while that of T. pseudonana did not saturate, indicating different Cu‐transport regulation by these two diatoms. Using CuEDTA as a model organic complex, our results also suggest that diatoms might be able to access Cu bound within organic Cu complexes.
NICHE PARTITIONING AND THE COEXISTENCE OF TWO CRYPTIC DICTYOTA (DICTYOTALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) SPECIES FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS1
Authors: Tronholm Ana , Sansón Marta , Afonso‐Carrillo Julio , Verbruggen Heroen , De Clerck Olivier
Published: November 2010

Coexistence in a homogeneous environment requires species to specialize in distinct niches. Sympatry of cryptic species is of special interest to both ecologists and evolutionary biologists because the mechanisms that facilitate their persistent coexistence are obscure. In this study, we report on two sympatric Dictyota species, D. dichotoma (Huds.) J. V. Lamour. and the newly described species D. cymatophila sp. nov., from the Canary Islands. Gene sequence data (rbcL, psbA, nad1, cox1, cox3, and LSU rDNA) demonstrate that D. dichotoma and D. cymatophila do not represent sister species. Rather, D. cymatophila and D. dichotoma have converged on a nearly identical morphology, only to be distinguished with detailed morphometric observations. Both species co‐occur in eulittoral pools and the shallow subtidal in Tenerife. Even though D. cymatophila was more dominant in wave‐exposed places and D. dichotoma in less exposed areas, the spatial distribution of both species overlapped in intermediate habitats. The species display radically different phenologies. D. dichotoma reached its highest density in winter and early spring and disappeared nearly completely in autumn, while D. cymatophila dominated the study site from July until November. The timing of gamete release also differs between both species, D. dichotoma releasing gametes twice every lunar cycle, while the release of gametes in D. cymatophila occurred roughly every other day.
Crystallization of Ferroelectric Lead Zirconate Titanate Thin Films by Microwave Annealing at Low Temperatures
Authors: Wang Zhanjie , Chen Yanna , Otsuka Yuka , Zhu Mingwei , Cao Ziping , Kokawa Hiroyuki
Published: November 2010

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films were coated on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by the sol–gel method and then crystallized by microwave annealing using a single‐mode 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation system in the magnetic field. The crystalline phases and microstructures as well as the ferroelectric properties of the PZT films were investigated as a function of the elevated temperature generated by microwave irradiation, and the phase transition in the crystallization of the PZT thin films was discussed. X‐ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopic study indicated that the crystallization to the perovskite phase in the PZT films by microwave annealing started at 430°C, and mostly finished at 450°C for 30 min. The remanent polarization of the PZT films increased with the increasing annealing temperature, and the lowest temperature required to obtain perovskite PZT films with good ferroelectric properties in the microwave irradiation processing was 450°C, which is much lower than that in conventional thermal processing.
Effect of Mechanical and Chemical Wear on Soil Attachment and Cleanability of Sanitary Ware with Additional Coatings
Authors: Piispanen Minna , Kronberg Thomas , Areva Sami , Hupa Leena
Published: November 2010

We studied three different types of additional coatings on sanitary ware glazes for their cleanability and resistance to mechanical and chemical wear. The additional coatings were two commercial fluoropolymer films, one experimental sol–gel‐derived titania film, and an outer glassy layer fired on the substrate in two different ways. The surface chemical durability was tested by soaking them up to 7 days in a weakly alkaline detergent solution. In the mechanical testing, the surfaces were subjected to different abrasions, steel wool and a moist microfiber cloth rotated against the surfaces at a constant load. Surface topography was studied with white light confocal and scanning electron microscopy. We determined surface hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity by water contact angle measurements. The surfaces were stained with model dirt; they were then wiped with a moist microfiber cloth. The soil pick‐up and removal were measured colorimetrically. The additional coatings did not markedly affect surface topology. Chemical wear by an alkaline detergent solution and mechanical abrasion by steel wool severely damaged the fluoropolymer films. Sol–gel‐derived ceramic titania coating and double‐glazed surfaces had satisfactory resistance to chemical and mechanical wears. Cleanability clearly increased for surfaces with the fluoropolymer and sol–gel‐derived titania coatings. The glassy additional layers decreased the surface roughness, but did not affect attachment of the soil on the surfaces.
Formation of Cotunnite Phase in ZrO2 under Uniaxial Stress: A First Principles Study
Authors: Öztürk Hülya , Durandurdu Murat
Published: November 2010

Using a constant pressure ab initio technique, we study the response of ZrO2 to uniaxial stresses and find two different phase transformations; the application of uniaxial stress along the [010] and [100] directions yields a direct phase transformation from the baddeleyite structure to the P21/m and Pnma structures, respectively. Conversely, we observe structural failure of ZrO2 when it is compressed along the [001] axis.
The Oxidation Behavior of SiC–ZrC–SiC‐Coated C/SiC Minicomposites at Ultrahigh Temperatures
Authors: Liu Qiaomu , Zhang Litong , Liu Jia , Luan Xingang , Cheng Laifei , Wang Yiguang
Published: November 2010

Carbon‐fiber‐reinforced SiC (C/SiC) minicomposites were fabricated by the chemical vapor infiltration process. A multilayer of SiC–ZrC–SiC was coated on the C/SiC minicomposites. As comparison, the C/SiC minicomposites with SiC coating were also fabricated. The oxidation behavior of the coated C/SiC minicomposites was studied in the temperature range of 1800°–2000°C in a combustion wind tunnel. The tensile strength of the coated C/SiC minicomposites before and after the oxidation was measured. The results indicated that the SiC–ZrC–SiC‐coated C/SiC minicomposites performed better oxidation resistance at ultrahigh temperatures than the SiC‐coated ones. The effect of the additional zirconium carbide layer on the oxidation behavior of the minicomposites was discussed.
Herschel-SPIRE, far-infrared properties of millimetre-bright and -faint radio galaxies
Authors: Chapman S. C. , Ivison R. J. , Roseboom I. G. , Auld R. , Bock J. , Brisbin D. , Burgarella D. , Chanial P. , Clements D. L. , Cooray A. , Eales S. , Franceschini A. , Giovannoli E. , Glenn J. , Griffin M. , Mortier A. M. J. , Oliver S. J. , Omont A. , Page M. J. , Papageorgiou A. , Pearson C. P. , Pérez-Fournon I. , Pohlen M. , Rawlings J. I. , Raymond G. , Rodighiero G. , Rowan-Robinson M. , Scott Douglas , Seymour N. , Smith A. J. , Symeonidis M. , Tugwell K. E. , Vaccari M. , Vieira J. D. , Vigroux L. , Wang L. , Wright G.
Published: November 2010

We present the first study of the far-infrared (FIR) properties of high-redshift, radio-selected ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) using deep observations obtained with the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) from the Herschel Multi-tiered Extragalactic Survey (HerMES). These galaxies span a large range of 850-μm fluxes from submillimetre-luminous ∼10 mJy sources (SCUBA galaxies) to ∼1.5 mJy from stacked SCUBA non-detections, thus likely representing a complete distribution of ULIRG spectral energy distributions (SEDs). From Keck spectroscopic surveys in the Lockman-North field we identified a sample of 31 submillimetre galaxies (SMGs) and 37 submillimetre-faint, optically faint radio galaxies (OFRGs), all with radio-inferred IR luminosities >1012 L⊙. These galaxies were cross-identified with SPIRE 250-, 350- and 500-μm catalogues based on fluxes extracted at 24-μm positions in the SWIRE survey, yielding a sample of more than half of the galaxies well detected in at least two of the SPIRE bandpasses. By fitting greybody dust models to the SPIRE photometry together with SCUBA 850-μm measurements (for OFRGs, only 850- upper limits), we infer dust temperatures and FIR luminosities. The OFRGs detected by SPIRE have median 〈Td〉= 41 ± 5 K and the SMGs have 〈Td〉= 34 ± 5 K, both in reasonable agreement with previous (pre-Herschel) estimates, reaffirming that the local FIR/radio correlation holds (at least for this subset of high-z ULIRGs) at high redshift (we measure 〈qIR〉= 2.43 ± 0.21 using SIR derived from greybody fit coupled with a power-law extrapolation to the 24 μm). Our observations first confirm that a substantial fraction of OFRGs exhibits large infrared luminosities corresponding to SFRs of ∼400 M⊙ yr−1. The SPIRE observations secondly confirm the higher dust temperatures for these OFRGs than similarly selected SMGs, consistent with early predictions of the submillimetre-faint radio populations. Our observations also clearly confirm the large infrared luminosities of most SMGs selected with S850 μm > 5 mJy and radio and strong 24-μm detections, corresponding to SFRs of ∼700 M⊙ yr−1.
Tooth transplantation in cherubism and incontinentia pigmenti: report of two unusual cases
Authors: Jensen J.L. , Album B.
Published: November 2010

In children, autotransplantation has been an accepted treatment alternative in the Scandinavian countries for decades in cases of agenesis or trauma. When working with children with rare syndromes, lack of teeth is often so pronounced that there are no teeth available for transplantation. Even so, sometimes there are retained teeth that can be transplanted!

Here we present two patients with rare syndromes in which a retained tooth was transplanted. In both cases, neither the donor tooth nor the recipient site was ideal for transplantation. The first case is a girl with incontinentia pigmenti, 15 years old at the time of transplantation, and the second case is a boy with severe cherubism, aged 9.5 years at the time of transplantation. In the first case, a second molar with multiple roots retained at a mesial angle to the first molar in the upper jaw was transplanted to an infected site. In the second case, a retained first premolar in the upper jaw was transplanted to a cystic lesion. In both patients, the profit in the event of a successful transplantation was so great, that an attempt was made in spite of the negative circumstances. Both teeth were successfully transplanted and have been followed for more than 2 years with no ankylosis or pulp necrosis developing. We conclude that in a child with multiple missing teeth, the conventional rules of transplantation may be stretched.
The use of high‐resolution melting analysis for genotyping Symbiodinium strains: a sensitive and fast approach
Authors: GRANADOS‐CIFUENTES CAMILA , RODRIGUEZ‐LANETTY MAURICIO
Published: November 2010

High‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a closed‐tube, rapid and sensitive technique able to detect DNA variations. It relies on the fluorescence melting curves that are obtained from the transition of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) to single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) as a result of temperature increase. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of HRM as a tool to rapidly and precisely genotype monotypic Symbiodinium populations using the internal transcribed spacer, region 2, ribosomal DNA (ITS2 rDNA). For this, Symbiodinium denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles, where gel bands were excised and sequenced, were compared to HRM genotypes. Results showed that twenty cultures were correctly genotyped in <2 h using HRM analysis with a percentage of confidence >90%. Limitations of the technique were also investigated. Unlike other techniques used for genotyping Symbiodinium, such as DGGE and other fingerprint profiles, HRM is a technique of great advantage for field coral reef ecologists and physiologists as no expertise in advanced molecular methods is required.
Using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the underlying neural mechanisms of human motor learning and memory
Authors: Censor Nitzan , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: November 2010

In the last two decades, there has been a rapid development in the research of the physiological brain mechanisms underlying human motor learning and memory. While conventional memory research performed on animal models uses intracellular recordings, microfusion of protein inhibitors to specific brain areas and direct induction of focal brain lesions, human research has so far utilized predominantly behavioural approaches and indirect measurements of neural activity. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a safe non‐invasive brain stimulation technique, enables the study of the functional role of specific cortical areas by evaluating the behavioural consequences of selective modulation of activity (excitation or inhibition) on memory generation and consolidation, contributing to the understanding of the neural substrates of motor learning. Depending on the parameters of stimulation, rTMS can also facilitate learning processes, presumably through purposeful modulation of excitability in specific brain regions. rTMS has also been used to gain valuable knowledge regarding the timeline of motor memory formation, from initial encoding to stabilization and long‐term retention. In this review, we summarize insights gained using rTMS on the physiological and neural mechanisms of human motor learning and memory. We conclude by suggesting possible future research directions, some with direct clinical implications.