bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automorphisms of Regular Wreath Product p‐Groups
Authors: Riedl Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2009

We present a useful new characterization of the automorphisms of the regular wreath product group P of a finite cyclic p‐group by a finite cyclic p‐group, for any prime p, and we discuss an application. We also present a short new proof, based on representation
theory, for determining the order of the automorphism group Aut(P), where P is the regular wreath product of a finite cyclic p‐group by an arbitrary finite p‐group.
Application of an Impedimetric Technique for the Detection of Lytic Infection ofSalmonellaspp. by Specific Phages
Authors: Amorim Lara R. P. , Silva Joana G. L. , Gibbs Paul A. , Teixeira Paula C.
Published: November 2009

This study was performed to evaluate the adaption of the impedimetric method to detect the lytic infection bySalmonella-specific bacteriophages and to provide a higher selectivity to this rapid method in detectingSalmonellaspp. by using specific agents. Three bacteriophages and twelve strains ofSalmonellaspp. were tested. Each of the twelve strains was used separately to inoculate TSB together with each one of the phages. The inoculum concentration was between 106and 107 cfu/mL, at a cell: phage ratio of 1 : 100. From the sample analysis, based on conductance (G) measurements (37°C), the infection could be detected, by observation of both detection-time delay and distinct curve trends. The main conclusions were that kinetic detection by impedance microbiology with phage typing constitutes a method of determining whether a test microorganism is sensitive to the bacteriophage and a method to evaluate whether a lytic bacteriophage is present in a sample, by affecting bacterial growth rate/metabolic change.
Reducing Reconfiguration Overheads in Heterogeneous Multicore RSoCs with Predictive Configuration Management
Authors: Chevobbe Stéphane , Guyetant Stéphane
Published: November 2009

A predictive dynamic reconfiguration management service is described here, targeting a new generation of multicore SoC that embed multiple heterogeneous reconfigurable cores. The main goal of the service is to hide the reconfiguration overheads, thus permitting more dynamicity for reconfiguring. We describe the implementation of the reconfiguration service managing three heterogeneous cores; functional results are presented on generated multithreaded applications.
Highly Ordered Pd Nanowire Array by Template Fabrication for Propanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Sun Zhihong , Cheng Faliang , Dai Xiangcheng
Published: November 2009

Highly ordered Pd nanowire arrays (NWAs) prepared by electrodeposition method using the fresh prepared anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) as the template have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical measurements. SEM results revealed that the brush‐shaped Pd NWAs are dispersed uniformly. The diameter and length of the obtained Pd NWAs are about 50 nm and 850 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic activity of Pd NWAs electrode for propanol oxidation in alkaline media has also been studied. It is found that the obtained nanostructurs exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of propanol, demonstrating the potential application in portable direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs).
Production of Polyclonal Antibody against Interleukin‐33 and Assessment of Its Distribution in Murine Liver and Lung
Authors: Liu Xiaojin , Wu Yan , Li Mingcai , Chen Sui , Zhou Yanchun
Published: November 2009

Interleukin (IL)‐33 is the latest member of IL‐1 cytokine family. In this study, the cloning, expression, purification, and polyclonal antibody preparation of mouse IL‐33 were described. The coding region of IL‐33 mature protein was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET‐44. The recombinant protein, IL‐33 containing a hexahistidine tag in the C‐terminal, was expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed soluble protein was purified by immobilized metal‐ion affinity chromatography using Ni2+‐nitrilotriacetic acid agarose. The rabbits were immunized with the purified recombinant protein. The obtained antiserum was precipitated by saturated ammonium sulfate and then purified by Protein A affinity chromatography. The sensitivity and specificity of the antibodies were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. The high titer (1:32000) polyclonal antibodies with high specificity were obtained by immunizing rabbits with the purified recombinant protein. Significant expression of IL‐33 was seen in mouse liver and lung tissues determined with the anti‐IL‐33. The production of the polyclonal antibody against IL‐33 provides a good tool for studying the biofunctions of IL‐33.
Skeletal Muscle Sorbitol Levels in Diabetic Rats with and without Insulin Therapy and Endurance Exercise Training
Authors: Sánchez O. A. , Walseth T. F. , Snow L. M. , Serfass R. C. , Thompson L. V.
Published: November 2009

Sorbitol accumulation is postulated to play a role in skeletal muscle dysfunction associated with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of insulin and of endurance exercise on skeletal muscle sorbitol levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were assigned to one of five experimental groups (control sedentary, control exercise, diabetic sedentary, diabetic exercise, diabetic sedentary no-insulin). Diabetic rats received daily subcutaneous insulin. The exercise-trained rats ran on a treadmill (1 hour, 5X/wk, for 12 weeks). Skeletal muscle sorbitol levels were the highest in the diabetic sedentary no-insulin group. Diabetic sedentary rats receiving insulin had similar sorbitol levels to control sedentary rats. Endurance exercise did not significantly affect sorbitol levels. These results indicate that insulin treatment lowers sorbitol in skeletal muscle; therefore sorbitol accumulation is probably not related to muscle dysfunction in insulin-treated diabetic individuals. Endurance exercise did not influence intramuscular sorbitol values as strongly as insulin.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) Treatment in Chronic Central Neuropathic Pain and Fibromyalgia Patients: Results of a Multicenter Survey
Authors: Weber Janet , Schley Marcus , Casutt Matthias , Gerber Helmut , Schuepfer Guido , Rukwied Roman , Schleinzer Wolfgang , Ueberall Michael , Konrad Christoph
Published: November 2009

Central neuropathic pain is difficult to treat, but delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) may be a promising therapeutic agent. We administered in 172 patients on average 7.5 mg delta 9-THC over 7 months. Of these, 48 patients prematurely withdrew due to side effects, insufficient analgesia, or expense of therapy. Thus, 124 patients were assessed retrospectively in a multicenter telephone survey. Reported changes in pain intensity, recorded on a numeric rating scale (NRS), Pain Disability Index (PDI), Medical Outcomes Short-Form (SF-12), Quality of Life Impairment by Pain (QLIP), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and amount of concomitant pain medication were recorded. Psychometric parameters (PDI, SF-12, QLIP, HADS) and pain intensity improved significantly during delta 9-THC treatment. Opioid doses were reduced and patients perceived THC therapy as effective with tolerable side effects. About 25% of the patients, however, did not tolerate the treatment. Therapy success and tolerance can be assessed by a transient delta 9-THC titration and its maintained administration for several weeks. The present survey demonstrates its ameliorating potential for the treatment of chronic pain in central neuropathy and fibromyalgia. A supplemental delta 9-THC treatment as part of a broader pain management plan therefore may represent a promising coanalgesic therapeutic option.
Changes inSenna obstuifoliaGermination Requirements over 12 Months under Field Conditions
Authors: Norsworthy Jason K. , Oliveira Marcos J.
Published: November 2009

Senna obtusifoliaseeds were collected in Fall 2003 and immediately field sown to assess dormancy alleviation and effect of after-ripening over a 12-month period on light and temperature requirements for germination. Seeds did not exhibit physical dormancy at maturation and readily germinated over a broad range of light and thermal conditions. Dormancy gradually increased during Winter months, resulting in only a small fraction of the population capable of germination by early Spring. Dormancy break did not occur at a specific time of the year nor did dormancy alleviation increase over the 12-month period following maturation. Conditions during Spring and Summer coincided with thermal requirements for germination of the nondormant fraction of the population.Senna obtusifoliaseeds were nonresponsive to red and far-red lights, and seeds did not acquire a light requirement following burial for 6 months.
Basic Research Tools for Earthworm Ecology
Authors: Butt Kevin R. , Grigoropoulou Niki
Published: November 2009

Earthworms are responsible for soil development, recycling organic matter and form a vital component within many food webs. For these and other reasons earthworms are worthy of investigation. Many technologically-enhanced approaches have been used within earthworm-focused research. These have their place, may be a development of existing practices or bring techniques from other fields. Nevertheless, let us not overlook the fact that much can still be learned through utilisation of more basic approaches which have been used for some time. New does not always equate to better. Information on community composition within an area and specific population densities can be learned using simple collection techniques, and burrowing behaviour can be determined from pits, resin-insertion or simple mesocosms. Life history studies can be achieved through maintenance of relatively simple cultures. Behavioural observations can be undertaken by direct observation or with low cost webcam usage. Applied aspects of earthworm research can also be achieved through use of simple techniques to enhance population development and even population dynamics can be directly addressed with use of relatively inexpensive, effective marking techniques. This paper seeks to demonstrate that good quality research in this sphere can result from appropriate application of relatively simple research tools.
Genotypic Diversity ofStreptococcus mutansin Caries-Free and Caries-Active Preschool Children
Authors: Pieralisi F. J. S. , Rodrigues M. R. , Segura V. G. , Maciel S. M. , Ferreira F. B. A. , Garcia J. E. , Poli-Frederico R. C.
Published: November 2009

Aim. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the genotypic diversity ofS. mutansin caries-free and caries-active preschool children in Brazil.Design. Twenty-eight preschool children were examined regarding caries experience by the dmft index. DNA from 280 isolates ofS. mutanswas extracted.S. mutansevaluated using to the PCR method, with primers for the glucosyltransferase gene. The genetic diversity ofS. mutansisolates was analyzed by arbitrary primed-PCR (AP-PCR) reactions. The differences between the diversity genotypic and dmft/caries experience were evaluated by test and Spearman's correlation.Results. The Spearman correlation test showed a strong association between genotypic diversity and caries experience (; ). There were moreS. mutansgenotypes in the group of preschool children with dental caries, compared with the caries-free group. Among the children with more than 1 genotype, 13 had dental caries (2 to 5 genotypes) and 4 were caries-free (only 2 genotypes).Conclusion. Our results support the previous findings of genetic diversity ofS. mutansin preschool children being associated with dental caries. The investigation of such populations may be important for directing the development of programs for caries prevention worldwide.
Chronic Stress Is Associated with High Cortisol Levels and Emotional Coping Mechanisms in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Souza-Talarico J.N. , Chaves E.C. , Nitrini R. , Caramelli P.
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: To investigate the association between cortisol levels, chronic stress and coping in subjects with amnestic-type mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods: Cortisol levels were measured using morning saliva samples from 33 individuals with aMCI and from 41 healthy elderly. Chronic stress was evaluated with the Stress Symptoms List (SSL), whereas coping strategies were assessed using the Jalowiec Coping Scale. Results: aMCI subjects with high SSL scores presented higher cortisol levels (p = 0.045). Furthermore, aMCI subjects who employed emotion-focused coping had higher SSL scores (p = 0.023). Conclusion: The association between increased cortisol secretion, chronic stress and coping strategies may be modulated by the presence or absence of cognitive impairment, where memory defi- cit awareness constitutes an additional potential factor involved in high stress severity.
Successful Management of Anti-Jra Alloimmunization in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Masumoto Akio , Masuyama Hisashi , Sumida Yumi , Segawa Tomonori , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: November 2009

Background: Hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn due to Jra immunization is very rare and considered to be mild, and only routine obstetrical care is recommended for pregnant women sensitized to the Jra antigen. Case Report: A 20-year-old nulliparous woman was referred to our hospital for perinatal management. Her indirect Coombs test was positive for anti-Jra antibody (1:64). At 33 weeks’ gestational age, we observed that fetal growth was mildly restricted and the peak systolic velocity of the fetal middle cerebral artery (PSV-MCA) was above the upper limit of the reference range (1.55 multiples of the median). Amniocentesis was also carried out and the ΔOD450 value was in the lower mid-zone of the Liley curve. We continued to carefully observe the patient because we observed PSV-MCA values within 1.50–1.60 multiples of the median and no other findings of fetal anemia. She vaginally delivered a female infant weighing 2,136 g at 37 weeks’ gestational age. The infant received treatment with both iron and recombinant erythropoietin without developing hyperbilirubinemia and blood transfusion. Conclusion: PSV-MCA should be monitored for the detection of fetal anemia, even in pregnant women sensitized to some antigens for which only routine obstetrical care is recommended.
Temporal Aspects of Speech Production: Anticipatory Labial Coarticulation
Authors: Lubker James
Published: November 2009

This research attempts to define the temporal extent of anticipatory labial coarticulation and the effect on rounding onset of a stressed nonround vowel located temporally prior to the rounded vowel. The results suggest that the onset of the labial rounding gesture is controlled in relation to the temporal extent of the nonlabial duration preceding the rounded vowel and that the onset of activity for the rounded vowel is somehow related to the stress of the preceding nonround vowel. These results argue against the classic articulatory syllable model as well as against a concept of the onset of rounding being temporally locked to the rounded vowel. They can be argued to support a look-ahead or scanning model.
Temporal Organization of Articulatory Movements as a Multidimensional Phrasal Structure
Authors: Fujimura Osamu
Published: November 2009

Recently obtained data from X-ray microbeam experiments indicate inherently multidimensional articulatory phenomena with respect to temporal characteristics of speech. Elementary gestures in different articulatory dimensions for phonetic elements, typically representing demisyllabic transitions, constitute the content of a phrasal frame.
Timing of Articulatory Control in the Production of Plosives
Authors: Kohler Klaus J.
Published: November 2009

EMG data from the musculus palatoglossus and the m. levator veli palatini as well as velograph recordings of velic movement in the production of plosives in German are discussed. The results point to the articulation of lenis plosives being controlled by a slower raising and a faster lowering of the velum than in the case of fortis plosives, within a fairly constant time frame for the complete movement. A simple neural programme is postulated consisting of a control for the macro-timing and for two movement patterns within it.
Fricative Envelope Parameters and Silent Intervals in Distinguishing ‘slit’ and ‘split’
Authors: Summerfield Q. , Bailey P.J. , Seton J. , Dorman M.F.
Published: November 2009

In two experiments, the minimal duration of silence between [s] and [lrt] required to hear ‘split’ was shown to vary. More silence was required both when the durations of the fricative and vocalic segments were increased and when the intensity fall-time of the fricative was reduced. The effect of segment duration is consistent with demonstrations of perceptual sensitivity to variations in speech rate found for other contrasts distinguished by temporal parameters. The effect of intensity fall-time can be added to the set of temporally distributed acoustical consequences of the articulation of a stop consonant to which perceptual sensitivity can be demonstrated.
Evaluation of a Novel Polihexanide-Preserved Wound Covering Gel on Dermal Wound Healing
Authors: Goertz O. , Ring A. , Knie U. , Abels C. , Daigeler A. , Steinau H.-U. , Steinstraesser L. , Langer S.
Published: November 2009

Objective: Daily wound assessment, including dressing changes and the removal of old ointments causes discomfort for the patient. We therefore developed a new thermoreversible and transparent gel formulation that allows for filling wounds of different shapes and depths. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a wound covering gel on wound healing and the skin’s microcirculation. Materials and Methods: Investigations were carried out in a standardized and reproducible wound model (hairless mice SKH1/hr, n = 30). Three groups were studied by intravital fluorescence microscopy: treatment with polihexanide-preserved wound covering gel, a formulation containing 3% povidone (PVP)-iodine, and physiological saline for control. Microcirculatory standard parameters were analysed. Results: The non-perfused area vanished within 14 days due to angiogenesis. The venular diameter, oedema formation and functional capillary density showed no significant differences between the three groups. Conclusion: The use of the newly developed wound covering gel has no toxic effects on microcirculation and angiogenesis and reveals no significant differences in the overall assessment of microcirculation compared to the control group and the well-established PVP-iodine. The transparent antibacterial wound covering gel allows for direct wound assessment. Due to its thermoreversible gel formulation it enables good wound contact and easy handling.
Metabolic Syndrome Components in Patients with Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Pietrzak-Nowacka Maria , Safranow Krzysztof , Byra Elżbieta , Bińczak-Kuleta Agnieszka , Ciechanowicz Andrzej , Ciechanowski Kazimierz
Published: November 2009

Background: The aim of this work was to compare the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components between a group of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with normal kidney function and no prior diagnosis of diabetes and healthy controls. Methods: Forty-nine patients with ADPKD (age 35.9 ± 11.1 years) with serum creatinine <1.35 mg/dl and 50 healthy controls (36.7 ± 9.2 years) were enrolled for the study. Physical examination, basic laboratory measurements and oral glucose tolerance test were performed in all subjects. Results: In the group of ADPKD patients, when compared to controls, the following values were significantly higher: waist-to-hip ratio (0.84 ± 0.09 vs. 0.81 ± 0.10, p = 0.046), systolic blood pressure (133.9 ± 19.8 vs. 122.2 ± 14.9 mm Hg, p = 0.0023), diastolic blood pressure (92.9 ± 12.4 vs. 82.9 ± 9.3 mm Hg, p < 0.0001), fasting glycemia (91.6 ± 10.5 vs. 84.5 ± 9.2 mg/dl, p = 0.04), and HbA1C (5.41 ± 0.35 vs. 5.28 ± 0.33%, p = 0.06, borderline significance). Adult Treatment Panel III criteria of MS were fulfilled by 14% of patients and 14% of controls, while International Diabetes Federation criteria were fulfilled by 22% of patients and 20% of controls, without any significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: The presence of ADPKD with normal kidney function is associated with components of MS such as hypertension, abdominal obesity and higher fasting glycemia.
Are There Valid Subtypes of Schizophrenia? A Grade of Membership Analysis
Authors: Pomarol-Clotet Edith , Salvador Raymond , Murray Graham , Tandon Subash , McKenna Peter J.
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Cluster analysis has had limited success in establishing whether there are subtypes of schizophrenia. Grade of membership (GoM) analysis is a multivariate statistical technique which has advantages when, as in schizophrenia, individuals conforming to pure types are uncommon and mixed forms are frequent. Methods: GoM analysis was applied to 118 chronic schizophrenic patients. The patients were of all clinical subtypes, including 13 with simple schizophrenia. Both current and ‘lifetime’ symptoms were assessed, and two different rating systems were used. Results: Specifying 3 pure types resulted in robust findings across analyses. One pure type corresponded to paranoid schizophrenia, one to simple schizophrenia and the third combined elements of hebephrenic and catatonic schizophrenia. Specifying 4 pure types split the original 3 pure types in ways which were not clinically intuitive. Conclusion: GoM analysis divides schizophrenia into subtypes along conventional lines, with the proviso that hebephrenic and catatonic schizophrenic patients are not separable, at least in the chronic stage of the illness.
No Evidence of PGRN or MAPT Gene Dosage Alterations in a Collection of Patients with Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: Skoglund Lena , Ingvast Sofie , Matsui Toshifumi , Freeman Stefanie H. , Frosch Matthew P. , Brundin Rosemarie , Giedraitis Vilmantas , Growdon John H. , Hyman Bradley T. , Lannfelt Lars , Ingelsson Martin , Glaser Anna
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Alterations in gene dosage have recently been associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and deletions of the progranulin (PGRN) locus were recently described in patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). FTLD is a genetically complex neurodegenerative disorder with mutations in the PGRN and the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) genes being the most common known causes of familial FTLD. In this study, we investigated 39 patients with FTLD, previously found negative for mutations in PGRN and MAPT, for copy number alterations of these 2 genes. Methods: Gene dosage analysis of PGRN and MAPT was performed using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Results: We did not identify any PGRN or MAPT gene dosage variations in the 39 FTLD patients investigated. Conclusion: We therefore conclude that alterations in gene copy number of PGRN and MAPT are not a cause of disease in this collection of FTLD patients.
A Uniform Approach to Modeling Risk Factor Relationships for Ischemic Lesion Prevalence and Extent: The Women’s Health Initiative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Tooze Janet A. , Gaussoin Sarah A. , Resnick Susan M. , Fischbein Nancy J. , Robinson Jennifer G. , Bryan R. Nick , An Yang , Espeland Mark A.
Published: November 2009

Background: Both the prevalence and extent of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities are related to risk factors for dementia. Typically these associations have been explored separately, but an integrated modeling approach would allow the separate relationships to be consistently described and contrasted. Methods: Region-specific measures of ischemic lesion volumes were obtained from standardized brain MRI from 1,403 women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative hormone therapy trials. Mixed-effects mixed-distribution models were fitted to explore jointly the relationships that the region-specific prevalence of ischemic lesions and region-specific ischemic lesion volumes had with risk factors and scores from tests of cognitive function. Results: Women with greater probabilities (prevalence) of having ischemic lesions in brain regions also tended to have larger volumes (extent) of ischemic lesions within the affected regions (p < 0.001). Across the 5 regions included in analyses (frontal, limbic, occipital, parietal and temporal), prevalence and extent varied (p < 0.001). Each was increased among women who were older, had hypertension or who had previously been classified as cognitively impaired (p < 0.01). Additionally, extent was significantly increased among women with a history of smoking (p = 0.02). Cognitive function tests were more strongly related to the extent than prevalence of ischemic lesions and relationships varied among cognitive domains (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Mixed-effects mixed-distribution models provide a coherent basis for examining relationships involving the prevalence and extent of ischemic brain lesions. Across the cohort and regions we examined, relationships with risk factors and cognitive function appeared to be stronger for extent than for prevalence.
Relevant B Cell Epitopes in Allergic Disease
Authors: Pomés Anna
Published: November 2009

The 3-dimensional structure of an allergen defines the accessible parts on the surface of the molecule or epitopes that interact with antibodies. Mapping the antigenic determinants for IgE antibody binding has been pursued through strategies based on the use of overlapping synthetic peptides, recombinant allergenic fragments or unfolded allergens. These approaches led to the identification of mostly linear epitopes and are useful for food allergens that undergo digestion or food processing. For inhaled allergens, conformational epitopes appear to be the primary targets of IgE responses. Knowledge of the molecular structure of allergens alone and in complex with antibodies that interfere with IgE antibody binding is important to understand the immune recognition of B cell-antigenic determinants on allergens and the design of recombinant allergens for immunotherapy. Starting with the molecular cloning and expression of allergens, and with the advent of X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, we have been able to visualize conformational epitopes on allergens.
A Six-SNP Haplotype of ADAM33 Is Associated with Asthma in a Population of Cartagena, Colombia
Authors: Vergara Candelaria I. , Acevedo Nathalie , Jiménez Silvia , Martínez Beatriz , Mercado Dilia , Gusmão Leonor , Barnes Kathleen C. , Caraballo Luis
Published: November 2009

Background: A disintegrin and metalloprotein-33 (ADAM33) participates in the bronchial remodeling process in asthma, and genetic analyses pointed it out as a candidate gene in asthma. Methods: To analyze the association between ADAM33 and asthma and total and mite-specific IgE levels in a population of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, we genotyped 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of ADAM33 in 429 asthmatics, 401 controls and 116 family trios using fluorogenic probes. Total and specific IgE against Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were determined by ELISA. Case-control and family-based analyses were performed. Case-control association analyses were corrected by population stratification using a set of 52 ancestry-informative markers. Results: Eight common haplotypes were identified; among them, H4 (GCAGGG) was associated with asthma in the family group (Z score: –2.049, p = 0.04). We also found an association between the TT genotype of ST+7 and asthma in the case-control study (p = 0.05) that disappeared after correcting for multiple testing. In the family-based analysis, this genotype was a risk factor for asthma (p = 0.01), high total IgE (Z score: 2.546, p = 0.01) and high specific IgE against B. tropicalis (p = 0.02) and D. pteronyssinus (Z score: 2.414, p = 0.01). V4 was associated with specific IgE against B. tropicalis (p = 0.03); T2 with asthma (p = 0.03), high total IgE (p = 0.02) and IgE against D. pteronyssinus (p = 0.03) and T1 with high total IgE (p = 0.04). None of these associations was maintained after correction for multiple testing. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a relevant role of ADAM33 in thepathogenesis of asthma in this population.
Xolair Is Effective in Allergics with a Low Serum IgE Level
Authors: Ankerst J. , Nopp A. , Johansson S.G.O. , Adédoyin J. , Öman H.
Published: November 2009

Background: Two atopic patients suffering from severe allergy difficult to handle by conventional medication were given Xolair despite an IgE level <30 kU/l. Methods: Increasing dosages were given and monitored by clinical evaluation and CD-sens to clinically relevant allergens. The patients’ IgE antibody fractions were 11–14%. Results: Xolair dosages extrapolated from a recommended dose for IgE of 30–75 kU/l were adapted to the patients’ IgE body pool but had very little effect. The double dose resulted in some clinical improvement and a decrease in CD-sens. However, not until the dose was doubled again did the patients become symptom free, although 1 patient needed some additional drugs but no oral steroids. CD-sens turned negative to 5 of the 7 tested allergens. Conclusions: Xolair is most useful also in atopics with an IgE level <30 kU/l. The dose must be adjusted to the size of the IgE antibody fraction adding all non-cross-reacting, clinically relevant specificities.
Differential Mucosal IL-17 Expression in Two Gliadin-Induced Disorders: Gluten Sensitivity and the Autoimmune Enteropathy Celiac Disease
Authors: Sapone Anna , Lammers Karen M. , Mazzarella Giuseppe , Mikhailenko Irina , Cartenì Maria , Casolaro Vincenzo , Fasano Alessio
Published: November 2009

Background: The immune-mediated enteropathy, celiac disease (CD), and gluten sensitivity (GS) are two distinct clinical conditions that are both triggered by the ingestion of wheat gliadin. CD, but not GS, is associated with and possibly mediated by an autoimmune process. Recent studies show that gliadin may induce the activation of IL-17-producing T cells and that IL-17 expression in the CD mucosa correlates with gluten intake. Methods: The small-intestinal mucosa of patients with CD and GS and dyspeptic controls was analyzed for expression of IL-17A mRNA by quantitative RT-PCR. The number of CD3+ and TCR-γδ lymphocytes and the proportion of CD3+ cells coexpressing the Th17 marker CCR6 were examined by in situ small-intestinal immunohistochemistry. Results: Mucosal expression of IL-17A was significantly increased in CD but not in GS patients, compared to controls. This difference was due to enhanced IL-17A levels in >50% of CD patients, with the remainder expressing levels similar to GS patients or controls, and was paralleled by a trend toward increased proportions of CD3+CCR6+ cells in intestinal mucosal specimens from these subjects. Conclusion: We conclude that GS, albeit gluten-induced, is different from CD not only with respect to the genetic makeup and clinical and functional parameters, but also with respect to the nature of the immune response. Our findings also suggest that two subgroups of CD, IL-17-dependent and IL-17-independent, may be identified based on differential mucosal expression of this cytokine.
Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants from the Vermont Oxford Network: 1998–2003
Authors: Mercier Charles E. , Dunn Michael S. , Ferrelli Karla R. , Howard Diantha B. , Soll Roger F. ,   and the Vermont Oxford Network ELBW Infant Follow-Up Study Group
Published: November 2009

Background: Physicians and parents face significant uncertainties when making care decisions for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Many published estimates of death and developmental outcome are from well-funded university programs and may not reflect outcomes of infants from a variety of settings. The best estimates of the probabilities of death and severe disability combine local experience and published data. Objective: To describe the neurodevelopmental outcome of ELBW infants from centers of the ELBW Infant Follow-Up Group of the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) and to identify characteristics associated with severe disability. Methods: Predefined measures of living situation, health and developmental outcome were collected at 18–24 months’ corrected age for infants born from July 1, 1998 to December 31, 2003 with birth weights of 401–1,000 g at 33 North American VON centers. Logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with severe disability. Results: 6,198 ELBW infants were born and survived until hospital discharge; by the time of follow-up, 88 infants (1.4%) had died. Of the remaining 6,110 infants, 3,567 (58.4%) were evaluated. Severe disability occurred in 34% of the assessed infants. Multivariate logistic regression suggested cystic periventricular leukomalacia, congenital malformation and severe intraventricular hemorrhage were the characteristics most highly associated with severe disability. There were marked variations among the follow-up clinics in the attrition rate. Conclusion: ELBW infants completing evaluation were at a high risk for severe disability. There are considerable differences among participating centers in attrition at follow-up. Further resources will be needed to study the effect of follow-up care for this group of infants.
Positive Influence of Hyaluronate on Cell Vitality of Human Conjunctival Cells after Alkali Injuries
Authors: Rabensteiner Dieter Franz , Trummer Gabriele , Spitzenberger Helga , Faschinger Christoph , Schmut Otto , Wedrich Andreas
Published: November 2009

Background:To analyse the influence of hyaluronate (HA) on the cell vitality of human conjunctival cells after chemical injuries from NaOH or alkali-containing household cleaners. Methods:Human conjunctival cells (Chang cells) were incubated either with NaOH solutions or dilutions of household cleaners. HA (0.025%) was added to the cell culture medium of part of the cells subsequent to chemical injuring. After 24 h the cell vitality of the HA-incubated cells, determined by MTS assay (Cell Titer 96® Aqueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay), was compared to the control cells without HA addition. Results: The addition of HA to the cell culture medium subsequent to chemical injuring resulted in a significantly lower decrease in cell vitality (mean difference: 11.79; p = 0.00; CI = 98%). Conclusion: Because HA attenuates the decrease in cell vitality of alkali-damaged human conjunctival cells, formulations containing HA may be recommended for the treatment of chemical injuries to the anterior part of the eye.
Pegylated-Interferon-Associated Retinopathy in Chronic Hepatitis Patients
Authors: Lim Ji Won , Shin Min-Cheol
Published: November 2009

Purpose: To investigate the clinical features of pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN)-associated retinopathy in chronic hepatitis patients. Methods: We examined a consecutive case series of 46 patients who were treated with PEG-IFN for chronic hepatitis C or B between October 2007 and September 2008. All patients underwent regular ophthalmologic examinations every 3 weeks during the 6 months after treatment. Results: Ten of the 46 patients (21.73%) developed retinal abnormalities. PEG-IFN-associated retinopathy occurred a mean of 7.25 ± 10.28 weeks after treatment and manifested itself as cotton wool spots and retinal hemorrhages. All patients, except for 1 with a retinal vein occlusion, recovered without cessation of treatment. Conclusions: PEG-IFN-associated retinopathy in chronic hepatitis patients was reversible, and patients recovered without visual complications; however, 1 patient did present with an irreversible visual impairment. This type of retinopathy is usually asymptomatic, and clinicians should closely observe patients for 3 months after treatment.
First-Line Capecitabine Monotherapy for Slowly Progressing Metastatic Breast Cancer: Do We Need Aggressive Treatment?
Authors: Debled Marc , Madranges Nicolas , Trainaud Alexandra , Floquet Anne , Donamaria Catherine , Brouste Véronique , Durand Michel , Mauriac Louis
Published: November 2009

Background: Primary treatment goals in less aggressive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are prolonged survival, good quality of life and control of the disease and its symptoms. High activity, oral administration and no alopecia make capecitabine monotherapy attractive in slowly evolving disease. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 226 patients who had received single-agent capecitabine as 1st-line chemotherapy at our institution. Results: The median interval between breast cancer diagnosis and MBC was 52 months (range 0–479); 76% had received endocrine therapy for MBC, 58% had visceral involvement and 30% had 3 or more metastatic sites. The median starting dose was 1,000 mg/m2 twice daily. Disease was improved in 56% of the patients (median duration: 13.2 months) and stabilised in 20%. Median time to treatment failure was 8.8 months (95% CI: 7.1–10.5); median overall survival from initiating capecitabine was 23.6 months (95% CI: 19.7–27.4). Prior adjuvant chemotherapy, endocrine therapy for MBC, visceral disease, hormone receptor status and initial capecitabine dose did not influence time to treatment failure. Among 161 patients <75 years, 90% received further chemotherapy. Conclusion: Based on these findings, 1st-line capecitabine should be considered in slowly progressing disease, offering an active, well-tolerated oral treatment with minimal toxicity and no alopecia. More toxic treatments may be reserved for more aggressive disease.
Incidence of Auto-Immune Pemphigus in the Midi-Pyrénées Region in 2002–2006
Authors: Thomas M. , Paul C. , Berard E. , Fortenfant F. , Mazereeuw-Hautier J. , Livideanu C. , Viraben R. , Meyer N.
Published: November 2009

Introduction: Auto-immune pemphigus is an organ-specific immune disorder due to pathogenic auto-antibodies. Both genetic and environmental factors have been associated with the occurrence of auto-immune pemphigus. Little is known about the epidemiology of auto-immune pemphigus in western Europe. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of auto-immune pemphigus in south-western France (namely the Midi-Pyrénées region) in a 5-year period between 2002 and 2006. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of the annual incidence of auto-immune pemphigus diagnosed in the Midi-Pyrénées region, between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2006. Possible cases of pemphigus were initially selected using skin direct immunofluorescence (DIF) databases from all laboratories in the Midi-Pyrénées region. Systematic validation of all cases was performed by two of the authors (N.M., M.T.). To qualify as a case of auto-immune pemphigus, patients had to fulfil the following criteria: history of clinical signs of pemphigus as assessed by a dermatologist and a positive DIF. To be included in the study, validated cases of auto-immune pemphigus had to fulfil the following criteria: the date of first positive skin DIF between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2006, and patient living in the Midi-Pyrénées region at the time of the first positive skin DIF. Results: Between 2002 and 2006, 91 patients with positive DIF were identified. Fifty-four patients with positive DIF did not meet the validation criteria for the study. Thirty-seven cases were included in the analysis. The crude annual mean incidence of auto-immune pemphigus between 2002 and 2006 was 2.7 cases/106 inhabitants/year (95% CI: 1.87–3.69). The world-population-standardized annual mean incidence of auto-immune pemphigus was 1.55 (95% CI: 0.99–2.11). Conclusion: We report a 1.55/106 inhabitants/year world-population-standardized incidence of auto-immune pemphigus in the south-west of France. A nationwide epidemiological study of pemphigus should be performed in France.
Individual Variation in the Perception of Vowels: Implications for a Perception-Production Link
Authors: Fox Robert Allen
Published: November 2009

A scaling experiment using dyadic comparisons of vowel pairs was performed to determine if significant perceptual variation existed on an individual level and whether such variation could be correlated with differences among subjects in their production of vowels. Subjects were required to scale six separate sets of vowel stimuli. Each stimulus set consisted of the 36 possible dyads from the vowel set /i, I, ε, æ, a, Λ, o, Æ, u/. Analysis of the resulting data indicated that significant individual perceptual variation was present which could be seen as a function of perceptual structure differences between the subjects and not merely error variance. In addition, such variations were related to aspects of each subject’s acoustic vowel space – indicators of tongue height and advancement during vowel articulation. These results were interpreted as suggesting a link between perception and production.
Is a Stop Consonant Released when Followed by Another Stop Consonant?
Authors: Henderson Janette B. , Repp Bruno H.
Published: November 2009

Many phonetics textbooks state that, in sequences of two stop consonants in English, the first stop is commonly unreleased. For nonhomorganic stop consonant sequences, this statement may be taken to imply that the (necessary) articulatory release of the first stop has no observable acoustic consequences. To examine this claim, we recorded sentences, produced by several native speakers of American English at a conversational rate, containing word-internal sequences of two nonhomorganic stops, either across a syllable boundary (e.g., cactus, pigpen), or in word-final position (e.g., act, sobbed). Oscillograms of the critical words revealed that release bursts of the first stop occurred in the majority of tokens, except in those where the second stop was bilabial. The bursts were acoustically rather weak and difficult to detect by ear, which may account for their having been neglected in the literature. Instead of a simple ‘released’-‘unreleased’ distinction, we propose five classification categories which make use of articulatory, acoustic, perceptua and contrastive phonetic criteria.
Effects of Lingual Anesthetization upon Lingualabial Coarticulation
Authors: Kramer Mitchell B. , Hoffman Paul R. , Daniloff Raymond G. , Wilcox Kim
Published: November 2009

(Right to Left) and (Left to Right) coarticulation of vowels with stop consonants in VGV logotemes was studied before and during oral anesthetization. Correlational analysis revealed that neither LR nor RL coarticulation was markedly reduced in extent, suggesting that orosensorv feedback was not crucial to control of coarticulation. This lends support to the notion of central control of coarticulation.
Subjective Estimation of Speech Rate
Authors: Vaane Eveline
Published: November 2009

The presupposition that listeners tend to estimate speech of an unfamiliar language as being faster than speech in their mother tongue was tested by means of a perception test consisting of five different languages (Dutch, English, French, Spanish and Moroccan Arabic) and three different speech rates (normal, fast and extra fast). The perception test was offered to two listening panels, differing in level of familiarity with one language (English) and in general listening ability (trained versus untrained listeners). The results indicate that the presupposition has to be rejected, as both panels were able to estimate the speech rate of items of different languages and intended speech rates with great accuracy and agreement. The results also indicate that the listeners’ main cue for tempo detection is not their knowledge of the lexical information of the signal, but rather some temporal feature or features in the speech signal.
Textual Aspects of Prosody in Swedish
Authors: Bruce Gösta
Published: November 2009

The present paper explores the textual function of intonation in indicating coherence and boundaries between successive utterances of speech. An informal listening test showed how such prosodic coupling can be used to mark coherence between sentences of a text unit. The coherence is expressed as a downdrift of F₀ peaks and valleys characterizing the whole text unit. The boundary between two text units is signalled by terminating one and beginning another downdrift ramp. The characteristic features of the downdrift pattern seem to be (1) an adjustment of F₀ values to the length of the text unit, and (2) an adaptation of the F₀ of the beginning of a succeeding sentence to that of the later part of a preceding one in the same unit. Some preliminary implications of these results for speech planning are discussed.
What Makes Speakers Omit Pitch Accents ? An Experiment
Authors: Nooteboom S.G. , Terken J.M.B.
Published: November 2009

The present paper reports on an experiment which was set up to examine whether we can make a speaker either accent or de-accent particular words by systematically varying the objective probability that a particular referent will be mentioned (and therewith the referent’s predictability for speaker and listener). In the experiment each of 24 speakers was asked to watch a visual display, showing a very simple configuration of letter symbols, and to describe orally each change in the current configuration to a listener. By manipulating the letter configurations shown on the display, the objective probability that the speaker would mention a particular letter could be controlled. Letters could either move around on the screen (moving letters) or remain fixed and serve as spatial reference points (fixed letters). Objective probabilities were 0.5 and 1 for both moving letters and fixed letters. The main findings were the following: (1) When a referent is fully predictable to speaker and listener there is a high proportion of ellipsis, particularly for the moving letter, which was always referred to from subject position. (2) The probability that a word referring to a letter will be accented appears not to be immediately controlled by the predictability of the referent. The controlling factor is rather the preceding linguistic context. More specifically, the probability of accenting, being close to 1 the first time a specific referent is mentioned, sharply decreases when the same referent is mentioned for the second time in a row, and decreases again when this same referent is mentioned three or more times in a row. However, as soon as the competing referent is mentioned once, in the same role (moving or fixed letter), the probability of accenting jumps up again. (3) The probability of accenting is systematically lower for the moving letters in subject position (average 0.32) than for the fixed letters in predicate position (average 0.52). In view of these findings, de-accenting, defined as conspicuously omitting an accent on a word that, for grammatical reasons, otherwise would have been accented, is interpreted as a device which can be used by a cooperative speaker for helping the listener to find the intended referent as easily and quickly as possible. It is supposed that speakers not using this device systematically give their listeners a harder time.
Eduard Sievers und die Geschichte der Phonologie. Zum 50. Todestag von Eduard Sievers
Authors: Sinder L.R.
Published: November 2009

The author compiles remarks by E. Sievers on concepts such as sound, sound system, differentiating feature etc., which prove that Sievers must be included among the pioneers of modern phonology.
50 Jahre «Permanent Council»
Authors: Zwirner Eberhard
Published: November 2009

The first ‘International Congress of Phonetics’ took place in Hamburg in 1914, the second in Bonn in 1930. The ‘International Congress of Phonetic Sciences’ of 1932 in Amsterdam, in which the circle of phonologists took part for the first time, was therefore the third phonetic congress. At this congress, the ‘Permanent Council’ was founded, which thus celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year.