bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalous fluorescence line intensity in megavoltage bremsstrahlung
Authors: Litz M. S. , Merkel G. , Pereira N. R. , Boyer C. N. , Holland G. E. , Schumer J. W. , Seely J. F. , Hudson L. T. , Carroll J. J.
Published: April 2010

An anomalous ratio between Kα and Kβ fluorescence interpreted with plasma radiation modeling can be a useful diagnostic in laser-produced plasmas. In cold tungsten there exists a similar but as yet undocumented anomaly: for 2 MeV end point bremsstrahlung in the forward direction Kβ/Kα1≃1, while this ratio is closer to 0.5 for bremsstrahlung in reflection and for an isolated atom. As in the laser-produced plasma, the anomalous ratio reflects a localized source of fluorescence inside the material combined with differential attenuation of the fluorescence photons on their way out. To measure the ≃60 keV fluorescence lines, a Cauchois transmission crystal spectrograph that works well for laser-produced plasmas must suppress the intense bremsstrahlung that accompanies the fluorescence, by beefing up marginal shielding and avoiding extraneous scatter sources.
Temperature-dependent S-shaped photoluminescence in ZnCdO alloy
Authors: Mohanta Antaryami , Thareja Raj K.
Published: April 2010

Photoluminescence (PL) of ZnCdO alloy with medium Cd concentration (50 wt %) is studied at different temperatures and at varying excitation intensity. The PL peak position shows red-blue-red (S-shaped) shift with increase in temperature due to potential fluctuations on alloying. The line width of PL profile shows increasing-decreasing-increasing behavior with increase in temperature. The dependence of S-shape behavior on Cd concentration is analyzed.
Experimental investigation of water droplet binary collisions and description of outcomes with a symmetric Weber number
Authors: Rabe C. , Malet J. , Feuillebois F.
Published: April 2010

The outcomes of binary collisions of water droplets are investigated experimentally for the range of parameters of a spray system used during a severe nuclear reactor accident. Droplets diameters range from 220 to 450 μm with a diameter ratio between 0.5 and 1 and impact velocities between 3 and 10 m s−1. Values of the Weber number based on the small droplet size are between 20 and 280. For droplets with a Weber number up to 120, results in a map of impact parameters versus Weber number show the various regimes, namely, stretching separation, coalescence and reflexive separation. For a higher Weber number, between 120 and 280, the only observed outcomes are the two separation regimes. It is shown that results obtained for unequal droplet sizes match on a single map in terms of the impact parameter and of a new “symmetric” Weber number based on the sum of kinetic energies in the frame of the center of mass and on the sum of surface energies of the two droplets. Ashgriz and Poo [“Coalescence and separation in binary collisions of liquid drops,” J. Fluid Mech. 221, 183 (1990)] models are in agreement with our results, within experimental error. However, in this map, their representative curves depend on the diameter ratio. Simple formulas independent of the diameter ratio are therefore proposed to describe the transitions between regions representing outcomes of collisions.
Electron and hole spin cooling efficiency in InAs quantum dots: The role of nuclear field
Authors: Desfonds P. , Eble B. , Fras F. , Testelin C. , Bernardot F. , Chamarro M. , Urbaszek B. , Amand T. , Marie X. , Gérard J. M. , Thierry-Mieg V. , Miard A. , Lemaître A.
Published: April 2010

The spin dynamics of a resident carrier, hole or electron, in singly charged InAs/GaAs quantum dots has been measured by pump-probe experiments. The relative strength of the hole to the electron hyperfine couplings with nuclei is obtained by studying the magnetic-field dependence of the resident-carrier spin polarization. We find, in good agreement with recent theoretical studies, that the hole hyperfine coupling is ten times smaller than the electron one.
The influence of wall suction and blowing on boundary-layer laminar streaks generated by free-stream vortical disturbances
Authors: Ricco Pierre , Dilib Fahad
Published: April 2010

The effect of mean flow wall transpiration on boundary-layer fluctuations generated by free-stream disturbances of the convected gust type is investigated numerically. The theoretical frameworks of Leib et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 380, 169 (1999)] and Ricco [J. Fluid Mech. 638, 267 (2009)], based on the linearized unsteady boundary-region equations, are adopted. It is found that wall suction has a more significant attenuating effect on the low-frequency laminar streaks, while high-frequency disturbances are brought closer to the wall, but unaffected in magnitude. A simple asymptotic result, confirmed by the numerical calculations, shows that the characteristic peak of the laminar streaks in the core of the boundary layer may be suppressed completely by suction if this is sufficiently intense. Thought experiments of the modification induced by suction on existing wind-tunnel root-mean-square data are carried out. The findings are compared with other laboratory data with wall suction, and the reasons for discrepancy are outlined.
Vorticity and curvature at a general material surface
Authors: Herrera Blas
Published: April 2010

If S is a general material surface in a flow in the space, we show the relationship between the three components of the vorticity field on S and the curvatures of the streamlines of the tangential component of the velocity field (geodesic torsion, normal curvature, and geodesic curvature); and we show the relationship for the case of a general free surface. We present geometric formulae relating vorticity flux, from S, and curvatures of S (Gaussian curvature, mean curvature, curvatures of the streamlines of the tangential component of the velocity field); and we show the formulae for the case of a general free surface.
Probability density function of small separation between two inertial particles in homogenous isotropic turbulence
Authors: Liu Tianshu
Published: April 2010

This paper presents a derivation of the power-law probability density function of a small separation between two inertial particles in homogenous isotropic turbulence by solving a random differential equation when the Stokes number is small. The effects of the Stokes number and Reynolds number on the power-law exponent are studied.
When sound slows down bubbles
Authors: Dangla Rémi , Poulain Cédric
Published: April 2010

We report experimental observations that a bubble rising in water in the presence of a sound field is significantly slowed down, even at moderate acoustic pressures. We measure the mean rise velocity of bubbles under various acoustic forcings and show this effect occurs if the noise spectrum matches or overlaps bubble resonance. We render surface oscillations and translational movements of bubbles using high speed video imaging and thereby identify Faraday waves on the bubble wall as the cause for the velocity reduction. The associated mechanisms are discussed in terms of induced forces.
Role of oxygen vacancies in HfO2-based gate stack breakdown
Authors: Wu X. , Migas D. B. , Li X. , Bosman M. , Raghavan N. , Borisenko V. E. , Pey K. L.
Published: April 2010

We study the influence of multiple oxygen vacancy traps in the percolated dielectric on the postbreakdown random telegraph noise (RTN) digital fluctuations in HfO2-based metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors. Our electrical characterization results indicate that these digital fluctuations are triggered only beyond a certain gate stress voltage. First-principles calculations suggest the oxygen vacancies to be responsible for the formation of a subband in the forbidden band gap region, which affects the triggering voltage (VTRIG) for the RTN fluctuations and leads to a shrinkage of the HfO2 band gap.
Successful pregnancy following oocyte activation by strontium in normozoospermic patients of unexplained infertility with fertilisation failures during previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment
Authors: Chen Juan , Qian Yun , Tan Yong , Mima Hirofumi
Published: April 2010

Fertilisation failures occur in 2–3% of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles and are mostly caused by failure of oocyte activation. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) may be an efficient treatment option to overcome oocyte activation failure. To evaluate the effectiveness of ICSI combined with AOA by strontium, six couples with complete fertilisation failure or low fertilisation rates (ranging from 0% to 16.7%; mean = 7.7%) in previous ICSI cycles were involved in the present study. In the latest ICSI cycles, AOA by strontium treatment was combined with ICSI to improve clinical outcomes. Fifty-two mature oocytes retrieved from six females were stimulated by strontium treatment after ICSI procedure, and 41 (78.8%) of them were successfully fertilised. The high-quality embryo rate was 41.5% (17/41) after culture for 5 days. Thirteen embryos were transferred (ranging from 2 to 3 per individual) resulting in three clinical pregnancies and three healthy babies were born. Furthermore, a pregnancy resulting in the birth of a healthy female infant was achieved following transfer of three frozen–thawed embryos. In conclusion, it appears that strontium treatment would be an effective method for AOA to improve fertilisation rates and embryo quality in cases with fertilisation failure after ICSI.
Fossil traces of the bone-eating worm
Osedax
in early Oligocene whale bones
Authors: Kiel Steffen , Goedert James L. , Kahl Wolf-Achim , Rouse Greg W.
Published: April 2010

Osedax
is a recently discovered group of siboglinid annelids that consume bones on the seafloor and whose evolutionary origins have been linked with Cretaceous marine reptiles or to the post-Cretaceous rise of whales. Here we present whale bones from early Oligocene bathyal sediments exposed in Washington State, which show traces similar to those made by
Osedax
today. The geologic age of these trace fossils (∼30 million years) coincides with the first major radiation of whales, consistent with the hypothesis of an evolutionary link between
Osedax
and its main food source, although older fossils should certainly be studied.
Osedax
has been destroying bones for most of the evolutionary history of whales and the possible significance of this “
Osedax
effect” in relation to the quality and quantity of their fossils is only now recognized.
Hospital-Acquired Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection: Documentation and Coding Issues May Reduce Financial Impact of Medicare's New Payment Policy
Authors: Meddings Jennifer , Saint Sanjay , McMahon Laurence F.
Published: April 2010

Objective.

To evaluate whether hospital-acquired catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) are accurately documented in discharge records with the use of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes so that nonpayment is triggered, as mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative.

Methods.

We conducted a retrospective medical record review of 80 randomly selected adult discharges from May 2006 through September 2007 from the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) with secondary-diagnosis urinary tract infections (UTIs). One physician-abstractor reviewed each record to categorize UTIs as catheter associated and/or hospital acquired; these results (considered “gold standard”) were compared with diagnosis codes assigned by hospital coders. Annual use of the catheter association code (996.64) by UMHS coders was compared with state and US rates by using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data.

Results.

Patient mean age was 58 years; 56 (70%) were women; median length of hospital stay was 6 days; 50 patients (62%) used urinary catheters during hospitalization. Hospital coders had listed 20 secondary-diagnosis UTIs (25%) as hospital acquired, whereas physician-abstractors indicated that 37 (46%) were hospital acquired. Hospital coders had identified no CA-UTIs (code 996.64 was never used), whereas physician-abstractors identified 36 CA-UTIs (45%; 28 hospital acquired and 8 present on admission). Catheter use often was evident only from nursing notes, which, unlike physician notes, cannot be used by coders to assign discharge codes. State and US annual rates of 996.64 coding (~1% of secondary-diagnosis UTIs) were similar to those at UMHS.

Conclusions.

Hospital coders rarely use the catheter association code needed to identify CA-UTI among secondary-diagnosis UTIs. Coders often listed a UTI as present on admission, although the medical record indicated that it was hospital acquired. Because coding of hospital-acquired CA-UTI seems to be fraught with error, nonpayment according to CMS policy may not reliably occur.
An Electronic Hand Hygiene Surveillance Device: A Pilot Study Exploring Surrogate Markers for Hand Hygiene Compliance
Authors: Sahud Andrew G. , Bhanot Nitin , Radhakrishnan Anita , Bajwa Rajinder , Manyam Harish , Post James Christopher
Published: April 2010

Objective.

To evaluate the feasibility of using an electronic hand hygiene surveillance and feedback monitoring device.

Design.

A 2-phase pilot study included initial direct observation of hand hygiene practices as part of routine hospital quality assurance (phase I) and subsequent monitoring using an electronic hand hygiene surveillance device (phase II).

Setting.

A 700-bed tertiary care teaching hospital.

Participants.

Phase I included a convenience sample of healthcare workers. Phase II included 7 medical interns and 7 registered nurses recruited through email and at work-related meetings.

Methods.

During phase I, healthcare workers were directly observed at patient room entry and exit during the period April through November 2008. During phase II, hand hygiene data were gathered through indirect observation using the electronic device during a 4-week period in August 2009. Twenty patient rooms were fitted with electronic trigger devices that signaled a reader unit worn by participants when they entered the room, and 70 dispensers for liquid soap or hand sanitizer were fitted with triggers that signaled the reader unit when the dispenser was used. The accuracy of the devices was checked by the principal investigator, who manually recorded his room entries and exits and dispenser use while wearing a reader unit.

Results.

During phase I, hand hygiene occurred before room entry for 95 (25.1%) and after room exit for 149 (39.4%) of 378 directly observed patient room visits, for a cumulative composite compliance rate of 32.3%. Among the 378 room visits, 347 (91.8%) involved contact with the patient and/or environment. During phase II, electronic monitoring revealed a cumulative composite compliance rate of 25.5%. The electronic device captured 61 (98%) of 62 manually recorded room entries and 133 (95%) of 140 manually recorded dispensing events.

Conclusions.

The electronic hand hygiene surveillance device seems to be a practical method for routinely monitoring hand hygiene compliance in healthcare workers.
An Intron Sense Suppression Construct Targeting Soybean FAD2-1 Requires a Double-Stranded RNA-Producing Inverted Repeat T-DNA Insert
Authors: Mroczka Andrew , Roberts Peter D. , Fillatti JoAnne J. , Wiggins B. Elizabeth , Ulmasov Tim , Voelker Toni
Published: April 2010

We demonstrate that the transformation of soybean (Glycine max) with sense suppression constructs using intron sequences from the fatty acid oleyl Δ12 desaturase gene FAD2-1A leads to efficient and specific reduction of FAD2-1 transcripts in developing seeds, increased oleic acid, and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids. The related FAD2-2 transcripts are only marginally affected. Despite screening a large number of independent transformants, no single-copy efficacious transformants could be found. Invariably, all the least complex transgenic loci have two T-DNA copies in an inverted repeat configuration, centered at the right borders. We show that this T-DNA configuration produces an inverted repeat transcript and that small interfering RNAs accumulate against the target sequence.
Agonist substitution—a treatment alternative for high‐dose benzodiazepine‐dependent patients?
Authors: Liebrenz Michael , Boesch Lukas , Stohler Rudolf , Caflisch Carlo
Published: April 2010

There is vast evidence for the superiority of agonist treatments (methadone, buprenorphine) over a withdrawal approach in opioid‐dependent populations. Little research, however, has been conducted on the same approach for the treatment of high‐dose benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence. Even large‐scale reviews and meta‐analyses discussing treatment strategies for benzodiazepine‐dependent patients focus solely upon approaches that aim at achieving abstinence, namely on complete BZD withdrawal. While the types of interventions differ (e.g. gradual benzodiazepine taper with a long or a short half‐life benzodiazepine, switching to non‐benzodiazepine anxiolytics or prescribing adjunctive medications such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants on an in‐ or out‐patient basis), the common aim of treatment still is total abstinence from benzodiazepines. However, the majority of patients suffering from high‐dose BZD dependence do not succeed with long‐term abstinence, irrespective of the procedure, and clinicians have been using BZD ‘substitution’ treatment in such cases for decades. Therefore, we suggest the evaluation of a substitution approach in this group, consisting of maintenance treatment with a slow‐onset, long‐acting BZD. Advantages of such a procedure may be improved health, less craving, fewer withdrawal complications, reduced anxiety, increased treatment retention, improvements in social functioning and less illegal activity. Cognitive impairments, the most problematic side effects of substitution treatment with benzodiazepines, could possibly be minimized by using an optimal agonist.
Molecular characterization of a serine protease Pro1 from Plasmodiophora brassicae that stimulates resting spore germination
Authors: FENG JIE , HWANG RU , HWANG SHEAU‐FANG , STRELKOV STEPHEN E. , GOSSEN BRUCE D. , ZHOU QI‐XING , PENG GARY
Published: April 2010

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is one of the most serious diseases of cultivated cruciferous crops in the world. However, the basis for pathogenicity in P. brassicae is not well understood. In this study, a serine protease gene (PRO1) was cloned from P. brassicae and its molecular characteristics were investigated. Southern analysis and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification indicated that PRO1 is a single‐copy gene present in a broad range of P. brassicae pathotypes. Northern analysis revealed that the expression of PRO1 was induced during plant infection, and that the quantity of transcript fluctuated according to the stage of pathogenesis. Amino acid sequence analysis suggested that the encoded protein (Pro1) belongs to the S28 family of proteases, with a predicted signal peptide and a theoretical molecular mass of 49.4 kDa. The open reading frame (ORF) of PRO1 was transferred into Pichia pastoris and Pro1 was heterologously produced. Pro1 showed proteolytic activity on skimmed milk and N‐succinyl‐Ala‐Ala‐Phe‐7‐amido‐4‐methylcoumarin, and the activity could be inhibited by serine protease inhibitors and the chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The optimal temperature of Pro1 was 25 °C, and it exhibited high activity at pH 6.0–6.4. These values coincide with the temperature and pH conditions favourable for P. brassicae resting spore germination in the field. When Pro1 was used to treat canola root exudates, it enhanced the stimulating effect of the root exudates on P. brassicae resting spore germination, indicating that Pro1 may play a role during clubroot pathogenesis by stimulating resting spore germination through its proteolytic activity.
Influence of neighbourhood collective efficacy on adolescent sexual behaviour: variation by gender and activity participation
Authors: Kim J.
Published: April 2010

Background  Adolescent sexual engagement is a good proxy measure of health risks in the USA owing to a higher prevalence of risky sexual behaviours among sexually active adolescents and to associated undesirable health outcomes. Neighbourhood collective efficacy is considered a potential social process that may prevent or delay early sexual engagement among adolescents. This study examined whether neighbourhood collective efficacy is associated with adolescent lifetime sexual intercourse and whether the association differs by gender, out‐of‐school activity participation and race/ethnicity.

Methods  This study is a two‐level multilevel analysis of the 2000‐01 Wave 1 Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey (L.A.FANS‐1) data. Responses of 2671 adults who answered collective efficacy‐related questions were used to create a tract‐level measure of collective efficacy (65 tracts). The tract‐level collective efficacy measure was linked to adolescents 12–17 years old who answered a question on lifetime sexual intercourse (n= 859). Individual and family factors including age, gender, race/ethnicity, parental monitoring, activity participation, family composition and family income were controlled for to estimate neighbourhood effects net of individual and family differences. Interactions of collective efficacy with individual‐level covariates were also tested.

Results  The protection of collective efficacy against lifetime sexual intercourse was significant only among boys [odds ratio (OR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.47, 0.95]. The effect differed by participation status in out‐of‐school activities. The influence of collective efficacy was significant only in boys who did not participate in out‐of‐school activities (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.73). The association of collective efficacy with the outcome was similar across racial/ethnic groups including Latino adolescents.

Conclusions  This study indicates the role of neighbourhood collective efficacy in protecting against adolescent sexual engagement with variation by gender and activity participation status. Findings point to the importance of considering specific neighbourhood characteristics and cross‐level interactions in developing effective policies and programmes.
Age‐specific response of a migratory bird to an experimental alteration of its habitat
Authors: Haché Samuel , Villard Marc‐André
Published: April 2010

1. Recruitment, i.e. the influx of new breeding individuals into a population, is an important demographic parameter, especially in species with a short life span. Few studies have measured this parameter in solitary‐breeding animal populations even though it may yield critical information on habitat suitability and functional connectivity.

2. Using a before‐after, control‐impact pairs (BACIP) experimental design, we measured: (i) the return rate and apparent survival rate of individually marked territorial males of a neotropical migrant bird species, the OvenbirdSeiurus aurocapillaLinnaeus and (ii) the age‐specific recruitment rate. Study plots (n = 10) were paired: one was treated through single‐tree selection harvesting (30–40% basal area removal) and the other acted as a control. We hypothesized that experienced males would out‐compete inexperienced ones and tend to avoid settling in lower‐quality, treated stands.

3. In the first year post‐harvest, the mean density of territorial males was significantly lower in treated plots (−41%) than in controls and the difference remained relatively stable thereafter. This lower density mainly reflected a lower recruitment rate compared to controls (17·9 vs. 49·0% of males present), itself driven by a lower recruitment rate of experienced males (2·8 vs. 22·8%). Return rate was similar between controls and treated plots in the first year post‐harvest (59 vs. 55%, respectively) but it decreased in treated plots during the second (−15·8% relative to controls) and third (−12·7%) year post‐harvest. The trend was even stronger when considering only experienced males. The treatment was followed by a major expansion in mean territory size in treated plots (+49% relative to controls, 3rd year post‐treatment).

4. Neither apparent survival rate nor recruitment rate varied as predicted. There was a strong year effect but no treatment effect on apparent survival rate, whereas male recruitment patterns were both year‐ and age‐specific. Three years post‐harvest, recruitment rate was sufficient to fill most territory vacancies in treated plots, due mainly to first‐time breeders.

5. To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the effects of experimental habitat alteration on recruitment rate in a songbird species using a BACI design. The response of this male subpopulation highlights the influence of recruitment on the density of open populations of solitary‐nesting birds and age‐specific patterns in the response of individuals to habitat alterations.
Contemporary habitat loss reduces genetic diversity in an ecologically specialized butterfly
Authors: Collier Neil , Gardner Mike , Adams Mark , McMahon Clive R. , Benkendorff Kirsten , Mackay Duncan A.
Published: April 2010

Aim  This study investigated the influence of contemporary habitat loss on the genetic diversity and structure of animal species using a common, but ecologically specialized, butterfly, Theclinesthes albocincta (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), as a model.

Location  South Australia.

Methods  We used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and allozyme datasets to investigate the genetic structure and genetic diversity among populations of T. albocincta in a fragmented landscape and compared this diversity and structure with that of populations in two nearby landscapes that have more continuous distributions of butterflies and their habitat. Butterflies were sampled from 15 sites and genotyped, first using 363 informative AFLP bands and then using 17 polymorphic allozyme loci (n = 248 and 254, respectively). We complemented these analyses with phylogeographic information based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype information derived from a previous study in the same landscapes.

Results  Both datasets indicated a relatively high level of genetic structuring across the sampling range (AFLP, FST = 0.34; allozyme, FST = 0.13): structure was greatest among populations in the fragmented landscape (AFLP, FST = 0.15; allozyme, FST = 0.13). Populations in the fragmented landscape also had significantly lower genetic diversity than populations in the other two landscapes: there were no detectable differences in genetic diversity between the two continuous landscapes. There was also evidence (r2 = 0.33) of an isolation by distance effect across the sampled range of the species.

Main conclusions  The multiple lines of evidence, presented within a phylogeographic context, support the hypothesis that contemporary habitat fragmentation has been a major driver of genetic erosion and differentiation in this species. Theclinesthes albocincta populations in the fragmented landscape are thus likely to be at greater risk of extinction because of reduced genetic diversity, their isolation from conspecific subpopulations in other landscapes, and other extrinsic forces acting on their small population sizes. Our study provides compelling evidence that habitat loss and fragmentation have significant rapid impacts on the genetic diversity and structure of butterfly populations, especially specialist species with particular habitat preferences and poor dispersal abilities.
Domain structures of ultrafine grained ferromagnets achieved by severe plastic deformation or melt quenching
Authors: KORZNIKOVA G.F.
Published: April 2010

Lorentz electron microscopy was used to analyse the domain structure in some ferromagnets having an ultrafine grained structure produced by high pressure torsion (pure Ni, Fe, Co, Mn55.5Al45.5 C0.5) and by melt quenching (Fe83Nd13B4). For low anisotropy ferromagnets (Ni, Fe, Co), it has been established that the domain structure does not depend strongly on grain size. In high anisotropy ferromagnets alloy (Mn55.5Al45.5 C0.5 and Fe83Nd13B4), grain refinement causes changes in the domain structure configuration and affects the magnetization mechanism.
Investigation of porous asphalt microstructure using optical and electron microscopy
Authors: POULIKAKOS L.D. , PARTL M.N.
Published: April 2010

Direct observations of porous asphalt concrete samples in their natural state using optical and electron microscopy techniques led to useful information regarding the microstructure of two mixes and indicated a relationship between microstructure and in situ performance. This paper presents evidence that suboptimal microstructure can lead to premature failure thus making a first step in defining well or suboptimal performing pavements with a bottom‐up approach (microstructure). Laboratory and field compaction produce different samples in terms of the microstructure. Laboratory compaction using the gyratory method has produced more microcracks in mineral aggregates after the binder had cooled. Well‐performing mixes used polymer‐modified binders, had a more homogeneous void structure with fewer elongated voids and better interlocking of the aggregates. Furthermore, well‐performing mixes showed better distribution of the mastic and better coverage of the aggregates with bitumen. Low vacuum scanning electron microscopy showed that styrene butadiene styrene polymer modification in binder exists in the form of discontinuous globules and not continuous networks. A reduction in the polymer phase was observed as a result of aging and in‐service use.
Measuring the incidence, prevalence and genetic relatedness of hepatitis C infections among a community recruited sample of injecting drug users, using dried blood spots
Authors: Hope V. D. , Hickman M. , Ngui S. L. , Jones S. , Telfer M. , Bizzarri M. , Ncube F. , Parry J. V.
Published: April 2010

Summary.  Monitoring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injecting drug users (IDUs) in the community is complicated by difficulties in obtaining biological specimens and biases in recruitment and follow‐up. This study examined the utility of dried blood spot (DBS) specimens from IDUs recruited using respondent‐driven sampling (RDS). Active IDUs underwent a computer‐assisted interview and provided a DBS sample, tested for HCV antibody (anti‐HCV) and HCV‐RNA. HCV incidence was estimated from the proportion of anti‐HCV‐negative subjects found HCV‐RNA‐positive and estimates of the duration of this state. Results were adjusted according to RDS derived sample weights. HCV‐RNA testing was performed on 288 DBS samples; 173 were anti‐HCV‐positive (54% weighted), of which 70 (42%, 95%CI 34–50% weighted) were RNA‐negative indicating cleared infection. Among the 115 anti‐HCV‐negatives, 14 were RNA‐positive suggesting an incidence of 38–47 per 100pyrs. Incident infections were younger than anti‐HCV‐negative and prevalent infections: 25 vs. 29 and 34, respectively. Incidence was highest among individuals with poor needle exchange coverage. One hundred and fourteen were genotyped (60 1a, 46 3a): a cluster of 14 had homology of >98.5% including 10 incident infections. Public health surveillance of HCV among IDUs could be enhanced through the collection of DBS samples with appropriate recruitment approaches. DBS allow differentiation between individuals with cleared infections, ongoing infection and those recently infected. They also enable virus characterization at genotype and nucleotide level. This would allow surveillance to inform development of harm reduction interventions, and the international evidence base for these.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment uptake and changes in the prevalence of HCV genotypes in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients
Authors: Medrano J. , Resino S. , Vispo E. , Madejón A. , Labarga P. , Tuma P. , Martín‐Carbonero L. , Barreiro P. , Rodriguez‐Novoa S. , Jiménez‐Nacher I. , Soriano V.
Published: April 2010

Summary.  The efficacy of current hepatitis C therapy in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients is largely dependent on HCV genotype. The annual prevalence of HCV genotypes/subtypes and their influence on HCV clearance with antiviral treatment were examined in a dynamic cohort of HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients followed up in Madrid since 2000. Patients entered the cohort at first visit and left the cohort when HCV clearance was achieved with HCV therapy or when follow‐up was interrupted for any reason, including death. A total of 672 HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients constituted the cohort. The mean follow‐up time was 5.5 years, corresponding to 4108 patient‐years. Mean age at entry was 37 years, and 73% were men and 86% were intravenous drug users. Overall distribution of HCV genotypes was as follows: 57.1% HCV‐1 (1a: 29.2%, 1b: 20.4%, unknown: 7.6%), 1.3% HCV‐2, 25.4% HCV‐3 and 15.9% HCV‐4. A total of 274 (40.8%) patients were treated with peginterferon–ribavirin, of whom 116 (42.3%) achieved HCV clearance following 1–3 courses of therapy. The proportion of HCV‐1/4 rose from 71.7% in 2000 to 76.8% in 2008, whereas the proportion of HCV‐2/3 fell from 28.1% in 2000 to 23.2% in 2008. The yearly prevalence increased for HCV‐1 (R2: 0.92, b: 0.59, P < 0.001) and HCV‐4 (R2: 0.77, b: 0.33, P < 0.005) and conversely diminished for HCV‐3 (R2: 0.94, b: −0.82, P < 0.001). In summary, the prevalence of HCV‐1 and HCV‐4 has increased over the last decade in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients, whereas conversely it has declined for HCV‐3, in association with the wider use of HCV therapy (41%) in this population.
Analysis of a Borrelia burgdorferi phosphodiesterase demonstrates a role for cyclic‐di‐guanosine monophosphate in motility and virulence
Authors: Sultan Syed Z. , Pitzer Joshua E. , Miller Michael R. , Motaleb Md. A.
Published: April 2010

The genome of Borrelia burgdorferi encodes a set of genes putatively involved in cyclic‐dimeric guanosine monophosphate (cyclic‐di‐GMP) metabolism. Although BB0419 was shown to be a diguanylate cyclase, the extent to which bb0419 or any of the putative cyclic‐di‐GMP metabolizing genes impact B. burgdorferi motility and pathogenesis has not yet been reported. Here we identify and characterize a phosphodiesterase (BB0363). BB0363 specifically hydrolyzed cyclic‐di‐GMP with a Km of 0.054 µM, confirming it is a functional cyclic‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase. A targeted mutation in bb0363 was constructed using a newly developed promoterless antibiotic cassette that does not affect downstream gene expression. The mutant cells exhibited an altered swimming pattern, indicating a function for cyclic‐di‐GMP in regulating B. burgdorferi motility. Furthermore, the bb0363 mutant cells were not infectious in mice, demonstrating an important role for cyclic‐di‐GMP in B. burgdorferi infection. The mutant cells were able to survive within Ixodes scapularis ticks after a blood meal from naïve mice; however, ticks infected with the mutant cells were not able to infect naïve mice. Both motility and infection phenotypes were restored upon genetic complementation. These results reveal an important connection between cyclic‐di‐GMP, B. burgdorferi motility and Lyme disease pathogenesis. A mechanism by which cyclic‐di‐GMP influences motility and infection is proposed.
A mutant CHS3 protein with TIR‐NB‐LRR‐LIM domains modulates growth, cell death and freezing tolerance in a temperature‐dependent manner in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Haibian , Shi Yiting , Liu Jingyan , Guo Lin , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Shuhua
Published: April 2010

Low temperature is one of environmental factors that restrict plant growth homeostasis and plant–pathogen interactions. Recent studies suggest a link between temperature responses and defense responses; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the chilling sensitive 3 (chs3‐1) mutant in Arabidopsis was characterized. chs3‐1 plants showed arrested growth and chlorosis when grown at 16°C or when shifted from 22 to 4°C. chs3‐1 plants also exhibited constitutively activated defense responses at 16°C, which were alleviated at a higher temperature (22°C). Map‐based cloning of CHS3 revealed that it encodes an unconventional disease resistance (R) protein belonging to the TIR‐NB‐LRR class with a zinc‐binding LIM domain (Lin‐11, Isl‐1 and Mec‐3 domains) at the carboxyl terminus. The chs3‐1 mutation in the conserved LIM‐containing domain led to the constitutive activation of the TIR‐NB‐LRR domain. Consistently, the growth and defense phenotypes of chs3‐1 plants were completely suppressed by eds1, sgt1b and rar1, partially by pad4 and nahG, but not by npr1 and ndr1. Intriguingly, chs3‐1 plants grown at 16°C showed enhanced tolerance to freezing temperatures. This tolerance was correlated with growth defect and cell death phenotypes caused by activated defense responses. Other mutants with activated defense responses, including cpr1, cpr5 and slh1 also displayed enhanced freezing tolerance. These findings revealed a role of an unconventional mutant R gene in plant growth, defense response and cold stress, suggesting a mutual interaction between cold signaling and defense responses.
Work‐related stress, inability to relax after work and risk of adult asthma: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Loerbroks A. , Gadinger M. C. , Bosch J. A. , Stürmer T. , Amelang M.
Published: April 2010

To cite this article: Loerbroks A, Gadinger MC, Bosch JA, Stürmer T, Amelang M. Work‐related stress, inability to relax after work and risk of adult asthma: a population‐based cohort study. Allergy 2010; 65: 1298–1305.

Background:  There is an extensive literature linking stressful work conditions to adverse health outcomes. Notwithstanding, the relationship with asthma has not been examined, although various other measures of psychological stress have been associated with asthma. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relation between work stress and asthma prevalence and incidence.

Methods:  We used data from a population‐based cohort study (n = 5114 at baseline in 1992–1995 and n = 4010 at follow‐up in 2002/2003). Asthma was measured by self‐reports. Two scales that assessed psychologically adverse work conditions were extracted from a list of work‐condition items by factor analysis (these scales were termed ‘work stress’ and ‘inability to relax after work’). For each scale, the derived score was employed both as continuous z‐score and as categorized variable in analyses. Associations with asthma were estimated by prevalence ratios (PRs) and risk ratios (RRs) using Poisson regression with a log‐link function adjusting for demographics, health‐related lifestyles, body mass index and family history of asthma. Analyses were restricted to those in employment (n = 3341).

Results:  Work stress and inability to relax z‐scores were positively associated with asthma prevalence (PR = 1.15, 95%CI = 0.97, 1.36 and PR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.12, 1.83, respectively). Prospective analyses using z‐scores showed that for each 1 standard deviation increase in work stress and inability to relax, the risk of asthma increased by approximately 40% (RR for work stress = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.06, 2.00; RR for inability to relax = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.01, 1.91). Similar patterns of associations were observed in analyses of categorized exposures.

Conclusions:  This is the first study to show a cross‐sectional and longitudinal association of work stress with asthma.
Parental satisfaction with oral peanut food challenges; perception of outcomes and impact on management of peanut allergy
Authors: Nguyen Michelle , Wainstein Brynn Kevin , Hu Wendy , Ziegler John B.
Published: April 2010

Nguyen M, Wainstein BK, Hu W, Ziegler JB. Parental satisfaction with oral peanut food challenges; perception of outcomes and impact on management of peanut allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 1119–1126. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Oral peanut food challenges (OPFC) are the ‘gold standard’ for diagnosing peanut allergy in children. However, there are few data on parental perception of such challenges. We aimed to investigate the parental experience of and satisfaction with OPFC and reported dietary management of children with a history of peanut allergy following OPFC. Telephone interviews were conducted with parents of children who had undergone an open‐label OPFC at a specialist paediatric allergy centre. Forty‐six of 76 eligible parents participated. Of those parents, 54% were very satisfied with the OPFC. The highest levels of satisfaction were reported in relation to (i) clarification of the severity of the child’s peanut allergy (ii) the support provided by staff and (iii) determining the child was tolerant of peanut or assessed to be at low risk of anaphylaxis from accidental peanut exposure. When the outcome of the challenge was perceived to be equivocal, levels of parental satisfaction were lower. Other areas of dissatisfaction included difficulties inducing peanut ingestion, parental distress at seeing their child unwell and perception of inadequate follow‐up. Ninety‐four per cent of parents could not remember the amount of peanut ingested, and 24% could not remember whether management advice was given after the OPFC or reported that none was given. Reported compliance with recalled advice to avoid peanut was found in all cases but one, whilst recalled advice to reintroduce peanuts following a negative challenge was followed in 5/9 cases. Although 12 parents reported that their child had an allergic reaction caused by accidental exposure to peanut since the OPFC, only four were certain peanut was the cause. Comprehensive education, counselling and follow‐up subsequent to an OPFC are required. Parents of children whose challenge outcome is inconclusive should be targeted for support.
A case of Epstein–Barr virus–associated pulmonary leiomyosarcoma arising five yr after a pediatric renal transplant
Authors: Suzuki Komei , Urushihara Naoto , Fukumoto Koji , Watanabe Kentaro , Wada Naohiro , Takaba Emi
Published: April 2010

Suzuki K, Urushihara N, Fukumoto K, Watanabe K, Wada N, Takaba E. A case of Epstein–Barr virus–associated pulmonary leiomyosarcoma arising five yr after a pediatric renal transplant. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: E145–E148. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  EBV‐associated SMTs in immuno‐compromised patients have recently been reported. We report on a case of EBV‐associated pulmonary leiomyosarcoma arising five yr after renal transplantation. The patient was an eight‐yr‐old girl, who received a living related kidney transplant from her mother. She had had bilateral giant Wilm’s tumors as an infant and underwent bilateral nephrectomy at one and two yr of age. At the age of seven, she suffered from bronchitis several times, and a year later, two nodules were detected in her left lung by X‐ray and computed tomography. We suspected a recurrence of Wilm’s tumor and performed surgical resection. The pathological finding was SMT with moderate mitosis and no evidence of Wilm’s tumor. The fact that the tumors were positive for EBER suggested an association with the EBV. Six months later, there was a recurrence in her left lung. Surgical resection was performed, and immunosuppressive agents were reduced. Two yr after the second operation, she is well with no recurrence. We report the first case of EBV‐associated pulmonary leiomyosarcoma in a pediatric patient after renal transplantation owing to a malignant tumor.
Development of microsatellite markers in Guineagrass (Panicum maximumJacq.) and their transferability to other tropical forage grass species
Authors: Sousa A. C. B. , Jungmann L. , Campos T. , Sforça D. A. , Boaventura L. R. , Silva G. M. B. , Zucchi M. I. , Jank L. , Souza A. P.
Published: April 2010

With 1 figure and 1 table

The Guineagrass (Panicum maximumJacq.) is one of the most important tropical forage grasses, but genetic knowledge and tools regarding this species are still limited. Therefore, 20 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed, validated, and employed in estimating genetic relationships among 25P. maximumgenotypes selected from a Brazilian germplasm collection. In addition, they were tested for cross‐species amplification in four other forage grass species. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from 4 to 12 (average 6.7). The values of polymorphism information content (PIC) varied from 0.41 to 0.83 (average 0.61) and the discriminating power (D) ranged from 0.53 to 0.98 (average 0.72). Cross‐amplification demonstrated the potential transferability of these microsatellites to four tropical forage grass species. Cluster analysis based on the unweighted pair group method revealed three distinct groups: two clusters consisted ofP. maximumgenotypes and a third cluster, consisted of the other tropical forage grass species. The data demonstrated that the microsatellites developed herein have potential for germplasm characterization and genetic diversity analysis inP. maximumand other forage grass species.
Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms secondary to sulfasalazine
Authors: Rosenbaum Jeremy , Alex George , Roberts Hugh , Orchard David
Published: April 2010

A severe cutaneous eruption in an unwell patient can be a major cause of physician anxiety. With numerous differential diagnoses, an early accurate diagnosis can be challenging. infectious causes are the most important to exclude in a timely manner and drug rash and eosinophilia with systemic symptoms (DRESS) is another differential diagnosis that should be considered in children. This hypersensitivity reaction is associated with multisystem involvement. Children with underlying chronic diseases may have impairment of normal metabolic pathways and are also often on multiple medications. Therefore, drugs should always be considered in the aetiopathology of any new symptoms and signs. This case report informs readers of the association of sulfasalazine and DRESS in an 11‐year‐old with inflammatory bowel disease and discusses its pathogenesis and treatment. Increased awareness of this disorder will hopefully lead to increased reporting and consequently illuminate the syndrome more clearly and help guide its prevention and treatment.
Safety and efficacy of docetaxel, estramustine phosphate and hydrocortisone in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer patients
Authors: Nakagami Yoshihiro , Ohori Makoto , Sakamoto Noboru , Koga Shoji , Hamada Riu , Hatano Tadashi , Tachibana Masaaki
Published: April 2010

Objective:  To assess the combination of docetaxel (DTX), estramustine phosphate (EMP) and hydrocortisone for patients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).

Methods:  A total of 63 patients with HRPC were treated with a chemotherapeutic regimen including DTX, EMP, and hydrocortisone. Clinical and pathological features were correlated to serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence and survival rates. Incidence and degree of toxicities were also retrospectively reviewed.

Results:  A median of 11 courses of chemotherapy was administered per patient. PSA levels decreased by >50% in 32 (51%) patients and >90% in 18 (29%) patients. Median time to PSA progression was 6 months (range from 1 to 41 months) and median time of overall survival was 14 months (range from 1 to 56 months). In a univariate analysis to predict overall survival, PSA, hemoglobin, alkaliphosphatase, and performance status prior to the chemotherapy were significant factors. Despite grade 3–4 neutropenia in 87% of patients, grade 5 interstitial pneumonia in one patient and grade 4–5 myocardial infarction in two patients were recognized, the regimen seemed to be relatively safe.

Conclusions:  Combination chemotherapy with DTX, EMP and hydrocortisone provides survival benefits for patients with HRPC with an acceptable toxicity profile. We need to further evaluate who might benefit most from this regimen.