bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct current superposed dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasmas in selective etching of SiOCH over SiC
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Komuro Tatsuya , Koshimizu Chishio , Takashima Seigo , Takeda Keigo , Kondo Hiroki , Ishikawa Kenji , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru
Published: December 2011

Superpositioning of negative dc bias in dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasmas (dc-superposed (DS)-CCP) was realized for the selective etching of carbon-doped silicon oxide (SiOCH) films over carbon-doped amorphous silicon (SiC) films, while the dc bias exceeded about −800 V. When a dc bias of −1200 V was superposed on 60 MHz VHF power on the top electrode opposed to a wafer on the bottom electrode biased with 13.56 MHz power, a selectivity of above 50 for SiOCH over SiC was obtained. From characterization of the plasma density and various chemical species in the gaseous phase, such as CF2, CF and atomic N, the density of CF2 significantly decreased with the application of dc bias ranging from −800 to −1200 V. This indicated that CF2 radicals were consumed at the surface of the counter electrode which was made of silicon. The bulk densities of the species including CF2 were decreased, especially due to excess surface loss caused by the bombardment of highly energetic ions accelerated by the superposed dc bias, as well as the rf sheath for the superposition of the negative dc bias. The DS-CCP technology is thus concluded to be indispensable for yielding highly selective etching of SiOCH over SiC.
Influence of the oxygen partial pressure and post-deposition annealing on the structure and optical properties of ZnO films grown by dc magnetron sputtering at room temperature
Authors: Yuste M , Escobar Galindo R , Caretti I , Torres R , Sánchez O
Published: December 2011

A systematic study for the optimization of the deposition process of ZnO thin films grown by dc magnetron sputtering at room temperature was carried out using different oxygen partial pressures and deposition times. We have established a correlation between the oxygen partial pressure, the chemical composition and the crystalline structure of the films.

Stoichiometric and highly oriented ZnO thin films along the (0 0 2) crystal plane with very good optical performance were obtained for a relative oxygen gas flow of 20% in the gas mixture. Higher O2 concentrations resulted in non-stoichiometric ZnO with an excess of oxygen, which exhibited a lower degree of crystallinity and slightly higher band-gap energy.

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis indicated that this excess of oxygen was incorporated in molecular form inducing a reduction in the crystallinity of the material. Post-deposition annealing treatments up to 500 °C significantly improved their crystallinity as confirmed by x-ray diffraction and XANES. Therefore, it has been found that it is possible to grow ZnO at room temperature with high crystal quality and good optical response by controlling the growth conditions.
Charge trapping at organic/self-assembly molecule interfaces studied by electrical switching behaviour in a crosspoint structure
Authors: Li Yun , Liu Chuan , Pan Lijia , Pu Lin , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Shi Yi
Published: December 2011

Charge trapping at organic/self-assembly molecule (SAM) interfaces is studied by the electrical switching behaviour in a crosspoint structure, where interfacial charge trapping tunes the potential barrier of the SAM layer. The sample with rubrene exhibits the write-once read-many-times memory effect, which is due to the interfacial charges trapped at deep states. On the other hand, the sample with 2-amino-4,5-dicyanoimidazole presents recyclable conduction transition, which results from the trapped charges distributed at shallow states. Moreover, the percentage of the charges trapped at shallow states can be estimated from electrical transition levels.
On homomorphisms between global Weyl modules
Authors: Bennett Matthew , Chari Vyjayanthi , Greenstein Jacob , Manning Nathan
Published: December 2011

Let

g

\mathfrak g

be a simple finite-dimensional Lie algebra and let

A
A

be a commutative associative algebra with unity. Global Weyl modules for the generalized loop algebra

g

⊗
A

\mathfrak g\otimes A

were defined by Chari and Pressley (2001) and Feigin and Loktev (2004) for any dominant integral weight

λ
\lambda

of

g

\mathfrak g

by generators and relations and further studied by Chari, Fourier, and Khandai (2010). They are expected to play a role similar to that of Verma modules in the study of categories of representations of

g

⊗
A

\mathfrak g\otimes A

. One of the fundamental properties of Verma modules is that the space of morphisms between two Verma modules is either zero or one-dimensional and also that any non-zero morphism is injective. The aim of this paper is to establish an analogue of this property for global Weyl modules. This is done under certain restrictions on

g

\mathfrak g

,

λ
\lambda

and

A
A

. A crucial tool is the construction of fundamental global Weyl modules in terms of fundamental local Weyl modules.
Climatic variability in the Skagerrak and coastal waters of Norway
Authors: Albretsen Jon , Aure Jan , Sætre Roald , Danielssen Didrik S.
Published: December 2011

Albretsen, J., Aure, J., Sætre, R., and Danielssen, D. S. 2012. Climatic variability in the Skagerrak and coastal waters of Norway. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 758–763. The Institute of Marine Research in Norway collects marine data from all national waters. Data are primarily collected from vessels, but observation buoys, manual measurements, and oceanographic gliders are also used. The most valuable long-term data for elucidating decadal hydrographic variability in the Skagerrak and along the Norwegian coast are the time-series from the transect between Norway and Denmark, and observations carried out at eight fixed coastal stations in the region. The time-series date back to the 1950s and the 1930s, respectively, and the observation frequencies range from approximately once a month to 3–4 times per month. The hydrographic data and their long-term fluctuations have been used in several studies, with particular emphasis on the increased salinity and temperature of the 1990s. Trends during the past decade, however, indicate that warming has continued but that a salinity increase is less evident, implying signs of regional warming in parallel with the global warming observed both on land and in the sea. The overall temperature increase off the Norwegian coast at deeper layers from the 1961–1990 period to the 2000–2009 decade is ∼0.8°C, but some of this can be related to natural variability in the North Atlantic circulation pattern.
Determining effective sample size in integrated age-structured assessment models
Authors: Hulson Peter-John F. , Hanselman Dana H. , Quinn Terrance J.
Published: December 2011

Hulson, P-J. F., Hanselman, D. H., and Quinn II, T. J. 2012. Determining effective sample size in integrated age-structured assessment models. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69:281–292. Effective sample size (ESS) is a quantity that allows for overdispersion of variance and is used commonly in integrated age-structured fishery assessment models to fit age-and-length-composition datasets. Owing to the sources of measurement, observation, process, and model-specification errors, the ESS is smaller than the actual sample size. In this study, methods to set a priori or to estimate the ESS when confronted with datasets that include these sources of error were investigated. In general, a number of methods previously proposed to incorporate the ESS resulted in accurate estimation of population quantities and parameters when different sources of error were included in the data on age and length compositions. Three objective methods to incorporate the ESS resulted in unbiased population quantities: (i) using sampling theory to derive the ESS from actual age and length compositions, (ii) iteratively estimating the ESS with the age-structured assessment model, and (iii) estimating the ESS as a parameter with the Dirichlet distribution.
First Report of Aspergillus niger Causing Postharvest Fruit Rot of Cherry in the Prefectures of Imathia and Pella, Northern Greece
Authors: Thomidis T. , Exadaktylou E.
Published: December 2011

In June 2011, symptoms of postharvest rot were observed on approximately 3% of all cherries collected from commercial orchards of cultivars Lapen and Ferrovia in the prefectures of Imathia and Pella (northern Greece). Fruit were harvested in a timely manner to avoid overripeness. No wounds or other predisposing injuries were observed on the infected fruits. Lesions enlarged rapidly and separated easily from healthy tissue when pressure was applied. Infected tissues were pale and water soaked and the associated fungal spores were dark and powdery and easily liberated when mature. The fungus grew rapidly and produced black colonies on acidified potato dextrose agar (2.5 ml of 85% lactic acid per liter of nutrient medium) after 5 days at 24°C. Identification of the pathogen was based on morphological characteristics (1). The conidial head was radiate, vesicles were nearly spherical and covered with metulae and phialides (biseriate). Conidia were globose (3 to 5 μm in diameter) and usually very rough with irregular ridges, bars, and verrucae. Koch's postulates were completed in the laboratory by inoculating mature cherry fruits (cv. Lapen). The fruits were surface sterilized by dipping in 10% chloride bleach solution, allowed to dry in a laminar flow hood, and wounded with a sharp glass rod that was 2 mm in diameter. A 40-μl drop of a suspension containing 20,000 conidia per ml of water was placed on each wound. There were 20 inoculated and 20 control fruits (similarly wounded and inoculated with a 40-μl drop of sterile distilled water) in a randomized design and incubated at 24 to 26°C for 6 days. Koch's postulates were satisfied after reisolating the fungus from inoculated fruit that developed symptoms similar to those observed on fruit collected from orchards. Control fruits did not show any symptom of the disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of Aspergillus niger as the causal agent of postharvest rots of cherries in Greece. Postharvest fruit rots caused by A. niger have been reported in cherry orchards of other countries around the world (2). Because this disease causes postharvest rots of cherry fruits, measures may need to be implemented to manage the pathogen.

References: (1) M. A. Klich. Page 12 in: Identification of Common Aspergillus Species. Centraalbureau Voor Schimmelcultures, Utrecht, the Netherlands, 2002. (2) A. Valiuskaite et al. Phytopathol. Pol. 35:197, 2005.
Genetic control of gene expression in whole blood and lymphoblastoid cell lines is largely independent
Authors: Powell Joseph E. , Henders Anjali K. , McRae Allan F. , Wright Margaret J. , Martin Nicholas G. , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Montgomery Grant W. , Visscher Peter M.
Published: December 2011

The degree to which the level of genetic variation for gene expression is shared across multiple tissues has important implications for research investigating the role of expression on the etiology of complex human traits and diseases. In the last few years, several studies have been published reporting the extent of overlap in expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) identified in multiple tissues or cell types. Although these studies provide important information on the regulatory control of genes across tissues, their limited power means that they can typically only explain a small proportion of genetic variation for gene expression. Here, using expression data from monozygotic twins (MZ), we investigate the genetic control of gene expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) and whole blood (WB). We estimate the genetic correlation that represents the combined effects of all causal loci across the whole genome and is a measure of the level of common genetic control of gene expression between the two RNA sources. Our results show that, when averaged across the genome, mean levels of genetic correlation for gene expression in LCL and WB samples are close to zero. We support our results with evidence from gene expression in an independent sample of LCL, T-cells, and fibroblasts. In addition, we provide evidence that housekeeping genes, which maintain basic cellular functions, are more likely to have high genetic correlations between the RNA sources than non-housekeeping genes, implying a relationship between the transcript function and the degree to which a gene has tissue-specific genetic regulatory control.
Stable expression of FRET biosensors: A new light in cancer research
Authors: Aoki Kazuhiro , Komatsu Naoki , Hirata Eishu , Kamioka Yuji , Matsuda Michiyuki
Published: December 2011

The constituents of the oncogene signal transduction pathway are promising targets for anticancer drugs. Despite the wealth of available knowledge regarding their molecular properties, the spatiotemporal regulation of the signaling molecules remains elusive. Biosensors based on the principle of FRET have been developed to visualize the activities of the signaling molecules in living cells. However, difficulties in the development of sensitive FRET biosensors have prevented their widespread use in cancer research. The lack of cell lines constitutively expressing a FRET biosensor has also limited their use. In this review, we will introduce the principle of FRET‐based biosensors, describe an optimized backbone of the FRET biosensors, techniques to express FRET biosensors stably in the cells, and discuss the future perspectives of FRET biosensors in cancer research. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 614–619)
Racial patterns of extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type, in California: a population‐based study
Authors: Ai Weiyun Z. , Chang Ellen T. , Fish Kari , Fu Kai , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Keegan Theresa H. M.
Published: December 2011

In order to investigate whether the clinical behaviour of extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) varies by race within a geographic region, we identified a total of 213 non‐Hispanic whites, Hispanics and Asians/Pacific islanders (APIs) diagnosed with ENKTL in the California Cancer Registry between 2001 and 2008. The incidence and outcomes of the disease in these racial groups were analysed. The incidence rates in non‐Hispanic whites, Hispanics and APIs were 0·05, 0·18 and 0·23 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively, among males; and 0·03, 0·07 and 0·10 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively, among females. The overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 28·6% in non‐Hispanic whites, 30·4% in Hispanic, and 24·0% in APIs. In multivariate analysis, distant versus local/regional disease (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 2·01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1·36, 2·96), initial treatment with chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (HR = 0·39, 95% CI: 0·22, 0·70) or radiotherapy alone (HR = 0·48, 95% CI: 0·23, 0·99) versus no therapy were associated with OS. However, OS was not affected by age, sex, race, chemotherapy alone, socioeconomic status, or human immunodeficiency virus infection. In conclusion, ENKTL is more common and clinically more similar among Hispanics and APIs than non‐Hispanic whites with poor outcome in all racial groups.
Thyroid function and prevalent and incident metabolic syndrome in older adults: the health, ageing and body composition study
Authors: Waring Avantika C. , Rodondi Nicolas , Harrison Stephanie , Kanaya Alka M. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Miljkovic Iva , Satterfield Suzanne , Newman Anne B. , Bauer Douglas C. ,   for the Health, Ageing, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study
Published: December 2011

Objective  Both subclinical hypothyroidism and the metabolic syndrome have been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease events. It is unknown whether the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome is higher as TSH levels increase, or in individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism. We sought to determine the association between thyroid function and the prevalence and incidence of the metabolic syndrome in a cohort of older adults.

Design  Data were analysed from the Health, Ageing and Body Composition Study, a prospective cohort of 3075 community‐dwelling US adults.

Participants  Two thousand one hundred and nineteen participants with measured TSH and data on metabolic syndrome components were included in the analysis.

Measurements  TSH was measured by immunoassay. Metabolic syndrome was defined per revised ATP III criteria.

Results  At baseline, 684 participants met criteria for metabolic syndrome. At 6‐year follow‐up, incident metabolic syndrome developed in 239 individuals. In fully adjusted models, each unit increase in TSH was associated with a 3% increase in the odds of prevalent metabolic syndrome (OR, 1·03; 95% CI, 1·01–1·06; P = 0·02), and the association was stronger for TSH within the normal range (OR, 1·16; 95% CI, 1·03–1·30; P = 0·02). Subclinical hypothyroidism with a TSH > 10 mIU/l was significantly associated with increased odds of prevalent metabolic syndrome (OR, 2·3; 95% CI, 1·0–5·0; P = 0·04); the odds of incident MetS was similar (OR 2·2), but the confidence interval was wide (0·6–7·5).

Conclusions  Higher TSH levels and subclinical hypothyroidism with a TSH > 10 mIU/l are associated with increased odds of prevalent but not incident metabolic syndrome.
Peptide fingerprinting of folate‐responsive proteins in human B lymphoblasts and orofacial clefting
Authors: Bliek Bart J. B. , Guzel Coskun , de Klein Annelies , Stingl Christoph , Luider Theo M. , Lindemans Jan , Steegers Eric A. P. , Steegers‐Theunissen Régine P. M.
Published: December 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (7): 738–750

Background  Maternal periconceptional use of folic acid contributes to the prevention of neural crest–related congenital malformations including orofacial clefts. The underlying biological pathways affected by folic acid, however, are still not clarified. In an explorative study, we identify folate‐responsive proteins and pathways by advanced proteomic techniques and their possible role in orofacial development in young children.

Materials and methods  At 15 months of age, we obtained B lymphoblasts from 10 children with and 10 children without an orofacial cleft. Folate‐responsive protein expression was determined in folate‐free B‐lymphoblast cultures, supplemented with 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate to reach the target concentration 30 nM. Folate‐associated differences of peptide and protein expressions were assessed by analysing samples before and after folate addition. Samples were trypsin digested and measured by nano‐liquid chromatography coupled online to a LTQ‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Significantly differentiating peptides were determined using a McNemar’s test, and correlations with proteins and existing pathways were visualized using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.

Results  We found 39 folate‐responsive peptides that were assigned to 30 proteins. Those proteins consisted of histones, ribosomal and heat shock proteins (HSP), and proteins involved in antioxidant reactions, cytoskeleton, glycolysis, energy production, protein processing, signal transduction and translation.

Conclusions  Histones, ribosomal and HSP were mainly found in the case group, and we confirm that almost 60% of these proteins were also found in a subset of the samples in our previous study using microarray on folate‐responsive gene expression. The proteins were compared with known biological pathways and matched with recent relevant literature.
Experimental verification of the fracture density and shear‐wave splitting relationship using synthetic silica cemented sandstones with a controlled fracture geometry
Authors: Tillotson Philip , Sothcott Jeremy , Best Angus Ian , Chapman Mark , Li Xiang‐Yang
Published: December 2011

We present laboratory ultrasonic measurements of shear‐wave splitting from two synthetic silica cemented sandstones. The manufacturing process, which enabled silica cementation of quartz sand grains, was found to produce realistic sandstones of average porosity 29.7 ± 0.5% and average permeability 29.4 ± 11.3 mD. One sample was made with a regular distribution of aligned, penny‐shaped voids to simulate meso‐scale fractures in reservoir rocks, while the other was left blank. Ultrasonic shear waves were measured with a propagation direction of 90° to the coincident bedding plane and fracture normal. In the water saturated blank sample, shear‐wave splitting, the percentage velocity difference between the fast and slow shear waves, of <0.5% was measured due to the bedding planes (or layering) introduced during sample preparation. In the fractured sample, shear‐wave splitting (corrected for layering anisotropy) of 2.72 ± 0.58% for water, 2.80 ± 0.58% for air and 3.21 ± 0.58% for glycerin saturation at a net pressure of 40 MPa was measured. Analysis of X‐ray CT scan images was used to determine a fracture density of 0.0298 ± 0.077 in the fractured sample. This supports theoretical predictions that shear‐wave splitting (SWS) can be used as a good estimate for fracture density in porous rocks (i.e., SWS = 100εf, where εf is fracture density) regardless of pore fluid type, for wave propagation at 90° to the fracture normal.
Presentation of the candidate rheumatoid arthritis autoantigen aggrecan by antigen‐specific B cells induces enhanced CD4+ T helper type 1 subset differentiation
Authors: Wilson Caroline L. , Hine Dominic W. , Pradipta Ariel , Pearson Jeffrey P. , van Eden Willem , Robinson John H. , Knight Andrew M.
Published: December 2011

Effective immune responses require antigen uptake by antigen‐presenting cells (APC), followed by controlled endocytic proteolysis resulting in the generation of antigen‐derived peptide fragments that associate with intracellular MHC class II molecules. The resultant peptide–MHC class II complexes then move to the APC surface where they activate CD4+ T cells. Dendritic cells (DC), macrophages and B cells act as efficient APC. In many settings, including the T helper type 1 (Th1) ‐dependent, proteoglycan‐induced arthritis model of rheumatoid arthritis, accumulating evidence demonstrates that antigen presentation by B cells is required for optimal CD4+ T cell activation. The reasons behind this however, remain unclear. In this study we have compared the activation of CD4+ T cells specific for the proteoglycan aggrecan following antigen presentation by DC, macrophages and B cells. We show that aggrecan‐specific B cells are equally efficient APC as DC and macrophages and use similar intracellular antigen‐processing pathways. Importantly, we also show that antigen presentation by aggrecan‐specific B cells to TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells results in enhanced CD4+ T cell interferon‐γ production and Th1 effector sub‐set differentiation compared with that seen with DC. We conclude that preferential CD4+ Th1 differentiation may define the requirement for B cell APC function in both proteoglycan‐induced arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Effects of self‐ligating brackets on the surfaces of stainless steel wires following clinical use: AFM investigation
Authors: CHOI S. , JOO H.‐J. , CHEONG Y. , PARK Y.‐G. , PARK H.‐K.
Published: December 2011

In orthodontic treatment, the frictional force between the archwire and bracket reduces the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. The frictional force is affected not only by the geometry of the self‐ligating brackets but also by physical changes between the bracket slots and archwire surfaces during sliding movement. This study examined quantitatively the effect of self‐ligating treatments on the surfaces of stainless steel (SS) archwires during tooth movement in vivo by atomic force microscopy. Orthodontic 0.019″ × 0.025″ SS archwires after clinical use with the first bicuspid‐extraction treatment were employed using the Damon 3MX® SS self‐ligating brackets, Clippy‐C® ceramic self‐ligating brackets, and Kosaka® SS brackets. Intact SS archwires were used as the control group. All SS archwires after clinical use showed severe scratches and significantly higher roughness caused by frictional interactions between the brackets and archwires (p < 0.0001 vs. control). The descending order of surface roughness was the SS archwires treated, with ceramic self‐ligating brackets, with conventional SS brackets, and with SS self‐ligating brackets (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that an orthodontic treatment with SS self‐ligating brackets may require smaller orthodontic forces than that with ceramic self‐ligating brackets or conventional SS brackets.
Transcription regulation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae PHO5 gene by the Ino2p and Ino4p basic helix–loop–helix proteins
Authors: He Ying , Swaminathan Aishwarya , Lopes John M.
Published: December 2011

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae PHO5 gene product accounts for a majority of the acid phosphatase activity. Its expression is induced by the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) protein, Pho4p, in response to phosphate depletion. Pho4p binds predominantly to two UAS elements (UASp1 at −356 and UASp2 at −247) in the PHO5 promoter. Previous studies from our lab have shown cross‐regulation of different biological processes by bHLH proteins. This study tested the ability of all yeast bHLH proteins to regulate PHO5 expression and identified inositol‐mediated regulation via the Ino2p/Ino4p bHLH proteins. Ino2p/Ino4p are known regulators of phospholipid biosynthetic genes. Genetic epistasis experiments showed that regulation by inositol required a third UAS site (UASp3 at −194). ChIP assays showed that Ino2p:Ino4p bind the PHO5 promoter and that this binding is dependent on Pho4p binding. These results demonstrate that phospholipid biosynthesis is co‐ordinated with phosphate utilization via the bHLH proteins.
Scalp seborrheic dermatitis: prevalence and associated factors in male adolescents
Authors: de Avelar Breunig Juliano , de Almeida Jr Hiram Larangeira , Duquia Rodrigo Pereira , Souza Paulo Ricardo Martins , Staub Henrique Luiz
Published: December 2011

Background The prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) in the general population is variable in the literature. Factors associated with SD are not well understood.

Objective To verify the prevalence of scalp SD in a selected survey of male adolescents on mandatory military service and to find possible associated factors (skin color, socioeconomic level, triceps skin fold, acne, and tobacco consumption).

Methods This cross‐sectional study included 18‐year‐old male adolescents on compulsory military service in a southern Brazilian city. Scalp SD was considered as erythema and scaling in any part of the scalp. Skin color, socioeconomic level, triceps skin fold, acne, and tabagism comprised the independent variables studied in our population.

Results A total of 2201 adolescents entered the study. The global prevalence of scalp SD was 11%. White skin [adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) 1.42; 95% CI 1.06–1.92;P = 0.02] and triceps skin fold >19.5 mm (adjusted PR 1.56; 95% CI 1.12–2.18;P = 0.009) were significantly associated with scalp SD. The other variables were not associated with the outcome.

Conclusions Prevalence of scalp SD in our survey of male adolescents was 11%. The occurrence of scalp SD was associated with white skin and a higher body fat content.
Clinical and histopathological study of Simulium (blackfly) dermatitis from North‐Eastern India – a report
Authors: Borah Subhalaxmi , Goswami Sewali , Agarwal Manisha , Rahman Imtiaz , Deka Manab , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh , Singh Lokendra
Published: December 2011

Background  Simulium dermatitis is a common problem in humans and animals in areas where Simulium species occur. It is characterized by chronic eruptions of pruritic papules, vesicles, and erythematous wheals resulting from a hypersensitivity reaction to biting of simuliids or blackflies. It can result in severe skin complications where the man‐biting species of Simulium are available.

Materials and methods  We report two clinical cases of Simulium dermatitis from the North‐Eastern region of India. Histopathological study was carried out in one of the cases and the other one was successfully treated with medication.

Results  Clinical features like intense itching, which accompanies the eruption, resulting in excoriations, scarring, and permanent hyperpigmentation were reported. Histopathological study revealed the characteristic features of Simulium bite reaction, such as vesicles filled with serous fluid, dermal edema, and perivascular infiltrates rich in eosinophils and lymphocytes.

Conclusion  The clinical manifestations and severity of Simulium dermatitis are serious matters of concern in hypersensitive persons.
Psoriasis, a model of dermatologic psychosomatic disease: psychiatric implications and treatments
Authors: Rieder Evan , Tausk Francisco
Published: December 2011

Psoriasis is a common dermatologic disorder with psychiatric comorbidity that often goes undetected and untreated. Psoriasis has higher associations with psychiatric illness than do other dermatologic conditions. We conducted a comprehensive qualitative review of all published medical literature on psoriasis and psychiatric comorbidities since 2005. We found that psoriasis patients suffer psychiatric and psychosocial morbidity that is not commensurate with the extent of cutaneous lesions. Biologic therapies and nonpharmacologic psychosocial interventions show promise in treating comorbid psychiatric illness. The main limitations of this review are the low quality of published studies and the infrequent use of basic science endpoints in reporting treatment outcomes. The literature examining the psychiatric comorbidity of psoriasis is expanding but remains of variable quality. Stronger studies will be necessary to more accurately estimate comorbidities and help identify and comprehensively treat suffering patients.
The effect of l‐thyroxine treatment on chronic idiopathic urticaria and autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Magen Eli , Mishal Joseph
Published: December 2011

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is more prevalent in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria CIU) than in the general population. Previous small studies without any controlled comparison reported that CIU remits in patients with CIU and AT treated with l‐thyroxine. To determine whether l‐thyroxine treatment can improve the clinical course of CIU in patients with the co‐occurrence of AT and CIU. A total of 749 patients with CIU were retrospectively studied. Clinical and laboratory evaluation and classification of chronic urticaria were performed according to the EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO guidelines. After l‐thyroxine treatment for 53 ± 19 days, euthyroidism was restored in all subjects. Urticaria activity score (UAS) was evaluated at baseline and after three and six months. The control group consisted of matched 44 euthyroid subjects with CIU. A total of 44 (5.9%) patients were diagnosed to have hypothyroidism related to AT. Autologous serum skin test (ASST) was found to be positive in 17 (38.6%) of them. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline UAS, between the ASST+ (3.94 ± 1.52) and the ASST− (3.63 ± 1.42; P = 0.27) hypothyroid subjects and the euthyroid CIU controls (3.73 ± 1.74). During the l‐thyroxine treatment, a significant reduction of UAS was observed in both hypothyroid ASST+ and ASST− subjects. However, the mean UAS after three and six months of l‐thyroxine treatment remained not significantly different from that in control euthyroid subjects with CIU. l‐Thyroxine treatment has no effect on the course of CIU in patients with CIU and AT.
Human blood basophils do not act as antigen‐presenting cells for the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1
Authors: Kitzmüller C. , Nagl B. , Deifl S. , Walterskirchen C. , Jahn‐Schmid B. , Zlabinger G. J. , Bohle B.
Published: December 2011

Background:

Several studies in mice have recently shown that basophils can act as antigen‐presenting cells (APC) inducing Th2‐mediated immune responses against parasites or protease allergens. The aim of this study was to investigate whether human basophils function as APC for the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1.

Methods:

Fluorescently labeled Bet v 1 was used to assess surface binding and internalization of allergen by basophils and different types of APC from birch pollen‐allergic and nonallergic individuals. Sorted basophils were analyzed in terms of up‐regulation of MHC class II and co‐stimulatory molecules in the absence and presence of IL‐3 and IFN‐γ by flow cytometry. Expression of proteins crucial for antigen presentation, namely cathepsin S and invariant chain, was determined. Basophils were used as APC in co‐culture experiments with Bet v 1‐specific T‐cell clones (TCCs).

Results:

Basophils from birch pollen‐allergic donors very efficiently bound Bet v 1 through IgE/FcεRI complexes on their surface. In contrast to professional APC, basophils did not internalize allergen and expressed marginal levels of cathepsin S and invariant chain. HLA‐DP, HLA‐DQ, CD80/CD86, and CD40 were absent from purified basophils even when stimulated with IL‐3 plus IFN‐γ. IL‐3/IFN‐γ marginally up‐regulated HLA‐DR. Bet v 1‐pulsed basophils failed to induce proliferative and cytokine responses in Bet v 1‐specific, HLA‐DR‐restricted TCCs.

Conclusion:

Human basophils neither internalize, process nor present Bet v 1. Because Bet v 1 is a highly relevant allergen, we conclude that basophils play no role as APC in IgE‐mediated allergy in humans.
Percutaneous tracheostomy, a systematic review
Authors: CABRINI L. , MONTI G. , LANDONI G. , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI G. , BOROLI F. , MAMO D. , PLUMARI V. P. , COLOMBO S. , ZANGRILLO A.
Published: December 2011

Background

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a common procedure in intensive care units and the identification of the best technique is very important. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized studies comparing different PDT techniques in critically ill adult patients to investigate if one technique is superior to the others with regard to major and minor intraprocedural complications.

Methods

BioMedCentral and other database of clinical trials were searched for pertinent studies. Inclusion criterion was random allocation to at least two PDT techniques. Exclusion criteria were duplicate publications, nonadult studies, and absence of outcome data.

Study Design

Population, clinical setting, and complications were extracted.

Results

Data from 1130 patients in 13 randomized trials were analyzed. Multiple dilators, single‐step dilatation, guide wire dilating forceps, rotational dilation, retrograde tracheostomy, and balloon dilation techniques were always performed in the intensive care unit. The different techniques and devices appeared largely equivalent, with the exception of retrograde tracheostomy, which was associated with more severe complications and more frequent need of conversion to other techniques when compared with guide wire dilating forceps and single‐step dilatation techniques. Single‐step dilatation technique was associated with fewer failures than rotational dilation, and fewer mild complications in comparison with balloon dilation and guide wire dilating forceps (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Among the six analyzed techniques, single‐step dilatation technique appeared the most reliable in terms of safety and success rate. However, the number of available randomized trials was insufficient to confidently assess the best PDT technique.
GhAGP31, a cotton non‐classical arabinogalactan protein, is involved in response to cold stress during early seedling development
Authors: Gong S.‐Y. , Huang G.‐Q. , Sun X. , Li P. , Zhao L.‐L. , Zhang D.‐J. , Li X.‐B.
Published: December 2011

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), a superfamily of highly glycosylated hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins, are widely implicated in plant growth and development. A gene (including its cDNA), designated GhAGP31, encoding a non‐classical AGP protein was isolated from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). The deduced GhAGP31 protein contains the conserved features of non‐classical AGPs: a putative signal peptide, N‐terminal histidine‐rich stretch, middle repetitive proline‐rich domain and a cysteine‐containing ‘PAC’ domain. GFP fluorescence assay demonstrated that GhAGP31 protein was localised on cell walls. GhAGP31 transcripts were mainly detected in roots, hypocotyls and ovules, but little or almost none were detected in other tissues. In particular, expression of GhAGP31 was developmentally regulated in roots. Further study demonstrated that GhAGP31 expression in cotton roots was remarkably up‐regulated by cold stress. Expression of the GUS gene driven by the GhAGP31 promoter was also dramatically enhanced in roots of transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings under cold treatment. Additionally, overexpression of GhAGP31 in yeast and Arabidopsis significantly improved the freezing tolerance of yeast cells and cold tolerance of Arabidopsis seedlings. These data imply that GhAGP31 protein may be involved in the response to cold stress during early root development of cotton.
Genetic structure of the shrub Daphne laureola across the Baetic Ranges, a Mediterranean glacial refugium and biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Castilla A. R. , Alonso C. , Herrera C. M.
Published: December 2011

Distribution margins constitute areas particularly prone to random and/or adaptive intraspecific differentiation in plants. This trend may be particularly marked in species discontinuously distributed across mountain ranges, where sharp geographic isolation gradients and habitat boundaries will enhance genetic isolation among populations. In this study, we analysed the level of neutral genetic differentiation among populations of the long‐lived shrub Daphne laureola (Thymelaeaceae) across the Baetic Ranges, a glacial refugium and biodiversity hotspot in the western Mediterranean Basin. Within this area, core and marginal populations of D. laureola were compared with regard to their spatial isolation, size, genetic diversity and differentiation. A spatially explicit analysis conducted on the vast majority of the species’ known populations in the study area (N = 111) showed that marginal populations (western and eastern) present larger spatial isolation than core populations, but are not smaller. We compared genetic diversity and differentiation between core and marginal populations using a subsample of 15 populations and 225 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Core and marginal populations did not differ in genetic diversity, probably because of the occurrence of large populations on the local margins. Western populations were strongly differentiated from the other populations. In addition, spatial and genetic differentiation among populations was larger on the western margin. Eastern populations constituted a genetically homogeneous group closely related to core populations, despite their greater spatial isolation. Results suggest that studies on phenotypic differentiation between core and marginal populations of D. laureola, and presumably other species having discontinuous distributions across the Baetic ranges, should take into account geographical differences in levels of genetic differentiation between the different distribution borders.
Nutrient additions in pristine Patagonian Sphagnum bog vegetation: can phosphorus addition alleviate (the effects of) increased nitrogen loads
Authors: Fritz C. , van Dijk G. , Smolders A. J. P. , Pancotto V. A. , Elzenga T. J. T. M. , Roelofs J. G. M. , Grootjans A. P.
Published: December 2011

Sphagnum‐bog ecosystems have a limited capability to retain carbon and nutrients when subjected to increased nitrogen (N) deposition. Although it has been proposed that phosphorus (P) can dilute negative effects of nitrogen by increasing biomass production of Sphagnum mosses, it is still unclear whether P‐addition can alleviate physiological N‐stress in Sphagnum plants. A 3‐year fertilisation experiment was conducted in lawns of a pristine Sphagnum magellanicum bog in Patagonia, where competing vascular plants were practically absent. Background wet deposition of nitrogen was low (∼0.1–0.2 g·N·m−2·year−1). Nitrogen (4 g·N·m−2·year−1) and phosphorus (1 g·P·m−2·year−1) were applied, separately and in combination, six times during the growing season. P‐addition substantially increased biomass production of Sphagnum. Nitrogen and phosphorus changed the morphology of Sphagnum mosses by enhancing height increment, but lowering moss stem density. In contrast to expectations, phosphorus failed to alleviate physiological stress imposed by excess nitrogen (e.g. amino acid accumulation, N‐saturation and decline in photosynthetic rates). We conclude that despite improving growth conditions by P‐addition, Sphagnum‐bog ecosystems remain highly susceptible to nitrogen additions. Increased susceptibility to desiccation by nutrients may even worsen the negative effects of excess nitrogen especially in windy climates like in Patagonia.
Silicification of the adaxial epidermis of leaves of a panicoid grass in relation to leaf position and section and environmental conditions
Authors: Fernández Honaine M. , Osterrieth M. L.
Published: December 2011

Many studies relate silica content in plants with internal or external factors; however, few works analyse the effect of these factors on the silicification of different cell types. In this study, we examined the effect of leaf section and leaf position, and environmental conditions on the percentages of silicified epidermal cells of a native Pampean panicoid grass, Bothriochloa laguroides D. C. Pilger. Two different environmental situations were selected for the collection of plants: a natural wetland and a quartzite quarry, located in the southeast Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Clarification and staining methodologies were applied so as to study the distribution of silicified cells in different sections of leaves of the plants collected. Two and three‐factor anovas were applied to the data. Between 13% and 19% of total cells of the adaxial epidermis of leaf blades were silicified. Typical silica short cells were the largest contributor to total silicified cells (53–98%), while the second largest contributor was bulliform cells (0–30%). Percentages of total silicified cells were higher in superior than in inferior leaves, while values from leaf sections varied. When collection sites were compared, plants growing in Los Padres pond, where the silica content in soils is higher, had the higher percentage of silicified cells. Among all types of cell, bulliform cells showed differences in the proportion of silicified cells between leaf position and section and collection site. These results show that silica availability in soils is an important factor that conditions silica accumulation and overlaps with the transpiration effect.
Molecular cloning and gene transcription analyses of barwin‐type PR‐4 genes from Phellinus sulphurascens‐infected Douglas‐fir seedlings
Authors: Islam M. A. , Sturrock R. N. , Ekramoddoullah A. K. M.
Published: December 2011

To better understand the molecular basis of interactions between the laminated root rot pathogen Phellinus sulphurascens Pilát and its principal host, Douglas‐fir [DF; Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco.], we constructed a cDNA library from roots of P. sulphurascens‐infected DF seedlings. From a total of 3600 random cDNA clones, we identified 56 clones that matched with barley wound induced (barwin)‐type pathogenesis‐related 4 (PR4) genes that have been reported in planta. At least three PR4 genes comprising 426‐ to 444‐bp full‐length open reading frames, Pm PR4a1, Pm PR4a2, and Pm PR4b1, were identified from DF seedlings. Deduced amino acid sequences for the proteins encoded by these genes confirmed that two of them are acidic (Mr, 12.8–13.0 kDa; pI, 4.12–4.53) and one is a basic (Mr, 13.0 kDa; pI, 8.53) PR4 protein. Quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR analyses of these transcripts showed significantly higher transcription in P. sulphurascens‐infected vs. control DF tissues. Upregulation of the transcripts in roots of a P. sulphurascens‐resistant DF family was significant. Our results suggest that DF PR4 genes play an important role in the defence mechanism of DF against P. sulphurascens infection and thus could be useful in DF breeding.
Re‐resection for metachronous primary hepatocellular carcinoma: is it justified?
Authors: Chok Kenneth Siu Ho , Chan See Ching , Poon Ronnie Tung Ping , Fan Sheung Tat , Lo Chung Mau
Published: December 2011

Background:  In management of intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), controversy exists over the efficacy of re‐resection for patients with preserved liver function. This study aimed to determine the long‐term outcomes of re‐resection in these patients.

Methods:  Prospectively collected data of 47 patients having re‐resection (Group R) with curative intent for metachronous primary HCC between December 1989 and December 2007 were compared with those of 863 patients having primary resection (Group P) in the same period. There was no overlap of patient. All patients had gross tumour‐free resection margin.

Results:  The two groups had comparable demographics. Group R had a median age of 58 years (range, 48–67 years), and had almost all patients belonging to Child‐Pugh class A (46/47). Median blood loss was 0.66 L (range, 0.3–1.28 L) for Group P and 0.37 L (range, 0.13–0.92 L) for Group R. Both groups had median blood transfusion rate at 0. Median operative time was 365 min (range, 240–490 min) for Group P and 270 min (range, 193–360 min) for Group R. Group R had significantly fewer tumour nodules and the only one operative death. Median follow‐up was 41 months for Group P and 37 months for Group R (P= 0.133). The two groups displayed no significant differences in disease‐free survival and overall survival. Univariate analysis showed that re‐resection was not a significant risk factor in overall survival.

Conclusion:  Re‐resection for metachronous primary HCC for patients with preserved liver function can achieve favourable survival outcome.
Development of lowland weed management and weed succession in Japan
Authors: WATANABE HIROAKI
Published: December 2011

Since the introduction of rice production in Japan, lowland areas have been managed for rice production with the purpose of better rice growth, as well as lesser weed infestation. Rice is cropped every year in lowland fields by repeated cultivation of a single crop, with high yields and without soil sickness usually being observed in upland fields. This is probably because the irrigation water supplies various nutrients for healthy rice growth and the drainage washes out and removes harmful factors. However, until recently, the wet or flooded conditions of lowland fields in the Asian monsoon region never have allowed humans to cultivate useful summer crops, except rice or some aquatic plants. Therefore, the management of lowland areas in the Asian monsoon region has been significantly different from European field management, where crop rotation has been the traditional standard practice. Paddy weeds are aquatic plants or hygrophytes that have adapted to lowland fields. Traditionally, tillage and puddling were practiced seasonally in lowland fields on a regular schedule every year. Rice cultivation technology was developed and supported by regional irrigation systems that created stable environments for typical paddy weeds to complete their life cycle. After the introduction of chemical weed control, rice fields became very severe habitats for these paddy weeds, where they could not grow and reproduce without strategies for survival under herbicide exposure. Even so, many of the traditional paddy weeds survived because of their accumulated or uneradicated seed banks, although several aquatic plants were listed as endangered or threatened species. The important weed species changed, sometimes rapidly and sometimes slowly, depending both on their reproductive system and their biological response towards field management and weed control systems. Very recently, the level of perennial weeds, herbicide‐resistant weeds, and weedy rice has increased in paddy fields that are highly dependent on herbicide use. In addition, several hygrophyte species have invaded paddy fields. In order to address these issues, the improvement and application of integrated weed management methods are expected to be critical.