bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated multi‐azimuth VSP study for fracture characterization in the vicinity of a well
Authors: Maultzsch Sonja , Nawab Ramin , Yuh Sung , Idrees Muhammad , Frignet Bernard
Published: February 2009

We present the analysis of a multi‐azimuth vertical seismic profiling data set that has been acquired in a tight gas field with the objective of characterizing fracture distributions using seismic anisotropy. We investigate different measurements of anisotropy, which are shear‐wave splitting, P‐wave traveltime anisotropy and azimuthal amplitude variation with offset. We find that for our field case shear‐wave splitting is the most robust measure of azimuthal anisotropy, which is clearly observed over two distinct intervals in the target. We compare the results of the vertical seismic profiling analysis with other borehole data from the same well. Cross‐dipole sonic and Formation MicroImager data from the reservoir section suggest that no open fractures intersect the well or are present within half a metre of the borehole wall. Furthermore, a detailed dispersion analysis of the sonic scanner data provides no indication of stress‐induced seismic anisotropy along the logged borehole section. We therefore explain the azimuthal anisotropy measured in the vertical seismic profiling data with a model that contains discrete fracture corridors, which do not intersect the well itself but lie within the vertical seismic profiling investigation radius. We show that such a model can reproduce some basic characteristics of azimuthal anisotropy observed in the vertical seismic profiling data. The model is also consistent with well test data that suggest the presence of a fracture corridor away from the well. With this study we demonstrate the necessity of integrating different data types that investigate different scales of rock volume and can provide complementary information for understanding the characteristics of fracture networks in the subsurface.
Laboratory‐scale study of field of view and the seismic interpretation of fracture specific stiffness
Authors: Acosta‐Colon Angel , Pyrak‐Nolte Laura J. , Nolte David D.
Published: February 2009

The effects of the scale of measurement, i.e., the field of view, on the interpretation of fracture properties from seismic wave propagation was investigated using an acoustic lens system to produce a pseudo‐collimated wavefront. The incident wavefront had a controllable beam diameter that set the field of view at 15 mm, 30 mm and 60 mm. On a smaller scale, traditional acoustic scans were used to probe the fracture in 2 mm increments. This laboratory approach was applied to two limestone samples, each containing a single induced fracture and compared to an acrylic control sample. From the analysis of the average coherent sum of the signals measured on each scale, we observed that the scale of the field of view affected the interpretation of the fracture specific stiffness. Many small‐scale measurements of the seismic response of a fracture, when summed, did not predict the large‐scale response of the fracture. The change from a frequency‐independent to frequency‐dependent fracture stiffness occurs when the scale of the field of view exceeds the spatial correlation length associated with fracture geometry. A frequency‐independent fracture specific stiffness is not sufficient to classify a fracture as homogeneous. A nonuniform spatial distribution of fracture specific stiffness and overlapping geometric scales in a fracture cause a scale‐dependent seismic response, which requires measurements at different field of views to fully characterize the fracture.
Chilling damage in a changing climate in coastal landscapes of the subtropical zone: a case study from south Florida
Authors: ROSS MICHAEL S. , RUIZ PABLO L. , SAH JAY P. , HANAN ERIN J.
Published: February 2009

Freeze events significantly influence landscape structure and community composition along subtropical coastlines. This is particularly true in south Florida, where such disturbances have historically contributed to patch diversity within the mangrove forest, and have played a part in limiting its inland transgression. With projected increases in mean global temperatures, such instances are likely to become much less frequent in the region, contributing to a reduction in heterogeneity within the mangrove forest itself. To understand the process more clearly, we explored the dynamics of a Dwarf mangrove forest following two chilling events that produced freeze‐like symptoms, i.e., leaf browning, desiccation, and mortality, and interpreted the resulting changes within the context of current winter temperatures and projected future scenarios. Structural effects from a 1996 chilling event were dramatic, with mortality and tissue damage concentrated among individuals comprising the Dwarf forest's low canopy. This disturbance promoted understory plant development and provided an opportunity for Laguncularia racemosa to share dominance with Rhizophora mangle. Mortality due to the less severe 2001 event was greatest in the understory, probably because recovery of the protective canopy following the earlier freeze was still incomplete. Stand dynamics were static over the same period in nearby unimpacted sites. The probability of reaching temperatures as low as those recorded at a nearby meteorological station (≤3 °C) under several warming scenarios was simulated by applying 1° incremental temperature increases to a model developed from a 42‐year temperature record. According to the model, the frequency of similar chilling events decreased from once every 1.9 years at present to once every 3.4 and 32.5 years with 1 and 4 °C warming, respectively. The large decrease in the frequency of these events would eliminate an important mechanism that maintains Dwarf forest structure, and promotes compositional diversity.
Seeing the forest for the trees: long‐term exposure to elevated CO2increases some herbivore densities
Authors: STILING PETER , MOON DANIEL , ROSSI ANTHONY , HUNGATE BRUCE A. , DRAKE BERT
Published: February 2009

The effects of elevated CO2on plant growth and insect herbivory have been frequently investigated over the past 20 years. Most studies have shown an increase in plant growth, a decrease in plant nitrogen concentration, an increase in plant secondary metabolites and a decrease in herbivory. However, such studies have generally overlooked the fact that increases in plant production could cause increases of herbivores per unit area of habitat. Our study investigated leaf production, herbivory levels and herbivore abundance per unit area of leaf litter in a scrub‐oak system at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, under conditions of ambient and elevated CO2, over an 11‐year period, from 1996 to 2007. In every year, herbivory, that is leafminer and leaftier abundance per 200 leaves, was lower under elevated CO2than ambient CO2for each of three species of oaks,Quercus myrtifolia, Quercus chapmaniiandQuercus geminata. However, leaf litter production per 0.1143 m2was greater under elevated CO2than ambient CO2forQ. myrtifoliaandQ. chapmanii, and this difference increased over the 11 years of the study. Leaf production ofQ. geminataunder elevated CO2did not increase. Leafminer densities per 0.1143 m2of litterfall forQ. myrtifoliaandQ. chapmaniiwere initially lower under elevated CO2. However, shortly after canopy closure in 2001, leafminer densities per 0.1143 m2of litter fall became higher under elevated CO2and remained higher for the remainder of the experiment. Leaftier densities per 0.1143 m2were also higher under elevated CO2forQ. myrtifoliaandQ. chapmaniiover the last 6 years of the experiment. There were no differences in leafminer or leaftier densities per 0.1143 m2of litter forQ. geminata. These results show three phenomena. First, they show that elevated CO2decreases herbivory on all oak species in the Florida scrub‐oak system. Second, despite lower numbers of herbivores per 200 leaves in elevated CO2, increased leaf production resulted in higher herbivore densities per unit area of leaf litter for two oak species. Third, they corroborate other studies which suggest that the effects of elevated CO2on herbivores are species specific, meaning they depend on the particular plant species involved. Two oak species showed increases in leaf production and herbivore densities per 0.1143 m2in elevated CO2over time while another oak species did not. Our results point to a future world of elevated CO2where, despite lower plant herbivory, some insect herbivores may become more common.
Studies with experimental transmission of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Kongtorp R T , Taksdal T
Published: February 2009

Heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) is a transmissible disease causing mortality in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. It is characterized by epi‐, endo‐ and myocarditis and myocardial necrosis, as well as myositis and necrosis of red skeletal muscle. The present paper describes two infection experiments, with the aim of further exploring the infectivity and pathogenesis of HSMI. In both experiments, Atlantic salmon were intraperitonally injected with putatively infective material. The first experiment was carried out in fresh water, using cardiac tissue, blood plasma and cell cultured material as inoculates. In the second experiment, various tissues sampled from fish in the mid‐outbreak phase were used to inoculate experimental fish in sea water. Also, cardiac tissue sampled before and after the outbreak phase was used. Finally, cardiac tissue pre‐treated with chloroform was tested. In both experiments, all inoculates resulted in cardiac inflammation during the study period of 8 weeks. Early cardiac changes included perivasculitis and endocarditis, which were observed from 1–3 weeks post‐challenge (p.c.). Focal myocarditis first appeared 3 weeks p.c., and the number of fish showing myocardial changes at 8 weeks p.c. was high in all groups. A possible mechanism for the development of HSMI is discussed.
Morphological and molecular redescription of the myxozoan Unicapsula pflugfelderiSchubert, Sprague & Reinboth 1975 from two teleost hosts in the Mediterranean. A review of the genus Unicapsula Davis 1924
Authors: Alama‐Bermejo G , Cuadrado M , Raga J A , Holzer A S
Published: February 2009

Elongate plasmodia with myxosporean spores belonging to the genus Unicapsula, Davis, 1924 were found in the skeletal muscle of the striped seabream, Lithognathus mormyrus (L.), a candidate for the mediterranean aquaculture. The only species of Unicapsula described from the Mediterranean is Unicapsula pflugfelderi Schubert et al. 1975, which occurs in the picarel, Spicara smaris (L.). For morphological and molecular comparison of U. pflugfelderi from S. smaris with Unicapsula sp. from L. mormyrus measurements of plasmodia and spores, ultrastructural details and 18S and 28S rDNA sequences were analysed. Whereas plasmodia were 2–3 times larger in S. smaris than in L. mormyrus (length 2.47–0.81 mm; width 0.22–0.09 mm; P = 0.000), spore morphology showed minor differences and both 18S and 28S rDNA sequences were 100% identical identifying the myxozoan as U. pflugfelderi. Scanning electron microscopy of the spores revealed a different shell valve distribution than the one used for the diagnosis of the genus Unicapsula. This resulted in a review of the genus Unicapsula dividing it into two morphological groups of different spore valve arrangement. TEM revealed the presence of a yet undescribed crystalline structure in the sporoplasm of the spores.
A new high‐content model system for studies of gastrointestinal transit: the zebrafish
Authors: Rich A.
Published: February 2009

Abstract  The zebrafish gastrointestinal (GI) tract displays an anatomy and cellular architecture that is similar to the human GI tract, with concentric layers of inner epithelia, connective tissue, circular muscle and outer longitudinal muscle layers. Propulsion of luminal content results from the integrated activity of smooth muscle cells, enteric neurons and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Zebrafish larvae are transparent and propagating contractions in the entire GI tract are easily visualized. A new moderate‐throughput zebrafish‐based GI transit assay is described in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. This assay utilizes intact zebrafish larvae which contain essential regulatory elements (ICC and enteric neurons). Forward genetic analysis, which identifies genes underlying specific phenotypes, is possible using the zebrafish system. The zebrafish model system compliments existing models for studies of GI motility and will contribute to the understanding of the regulation of GI motility, and to identification of novel drug targets.
Prolonged duodenal acid perfusion and dyspeptic symptom occurrence in healthy volunteers
Authors: Di Stefano M. , Vos R. , Vanuytsel T. , Janssens J. , Tack J.
Published: February 2009

Abstract  The pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD) is unknown and several mechanisms associated with specific symptom patterns have been recently proposed. Increased duodenal acid exposure has been supposed to be associated with nausea, but recently an increase of severity of several dyspeptic symptoms was noted in a subset of dyspeptic patients. As its pathogenetic role is still unclear, we evaluated an involvement of duodenal acid exposure in symptom generation by inducing a hyperacidity status of the duodenum. Twelve young adult healthy volunteers in a randomized, double‐blind protocol, underwent duodenal acid (0.2 N, 5 mL min−1) or saline perfusion, antropyloroduodenal manometry and duodenal pH monitoring both during fasting and postprandially. Every 15 min, severity of discomfort, fullness, bloating, belching, nausea, heartburn, epigastric burning, satiety and pain were evaluated by visual analogue scale. During acid perfusion, symptom scores for discomfort, bloating, nausea, epigastric burning were significantly higher (P < 0.01) compared to saline. Postprandial antral motility index was lower (2.96 ± 1.8 vs 3.62 ± 1.8, P = 0.01) and jejunal motility index higher (4.87 ± 1.0 vs 4.37 ± 1.4, P = 0.01) during acid perfusion. Occurrence and duration of phases III of the migrating motor complex showed no difference. Duodenal acid perfusion causes a sensitization to dyspeptic symptoms and induces antral hypomotility and jejunal hypercontractility. Through these mechanisms, increased duodenal acid exposure may play a role in the pathophysiology of FD symptoms.
Neuropsychologic status at the age 4 years and atopy in a population‐based birth cohort
Authors: Julvez J. , Torrent M. , Guxens M. , Antó J. M. , Guerra S. , Sunyer J.
Published: February 2009

Background: Mental health has been reported to be associated with allergy, but only a few cohort studies have assessed if neurodevelopment predicts atopy.

Objective: To investigate if neurobehavioral status of healthy 4‐year‐old children was associated with specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) at the same age and skin prick test results 2 years later.

Methods: A population‐based birth cohort enrolled 482 children, 422 of them (87%) provided neurobehavioral data, 341 (71%) had specific IgE measured at the age of 4 years; and 395 (82%) had skin prick tests completed at the age of 6 years. Atopy was defined as IgE levels higher than 0.35 kU/l to any of the three tested allergens at the age of 4 or as a positive skin prick test to any of the six tested allergens at the age of 6. McCarthy Scales of Child Abilities and California Preschool Social Competence Scale were the psychometric instruments used.

Results: Twelve percent of children at the age of 4 and 17% at the age of 6 were atopic. Neurobehavioral scores were negatively associated with 6‐year‐old atopy after adjustment for socio‐demographic and allergic factors, A relative risk of 3.06 (95% CI: 1.30–7.24) was associated with the lowest tertile (scorings ≤90 points) of the general cognitive scale. Similar results were found for verbal abilities, executive functions, and social competence. Asthma, wheezing, rhinitis, and eczema at the age of 6, but not at the age of 4, were associated with neurodevelopment at the age of 4.

Conclusions: Neuropsychologic functioning and later atopy are negatively associated in preschool age children.
Comparison of biomarkers between allergic rhinitis only and allergic rhinitis with concomitant asthma
Authors: Wang W. Y. , Boot J. D. , Mascelli M. A. , Gerth van Wijk R. , Diamant Z.
Published: February 2009

This post hoc analysis suggests distinct immunologic profiles in the allergic rhinitis (AR)‐only and the AR & AA phenotypes.
Major histocompatibility complex class II (DRB1*, DQA1*, and DQB1*) and DRB1*04 subtypes’ associations of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in a Greek population
Authors: Kokaraki G. , Daniilidis M. , Yiangou M. , Arsenakis M. , Karyotis N. , Tsilipakou M. , Fleva A. , Gerofotis A. , Karadani N. , Yovos J. G.
Published: February 2009

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease resulting from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The disease is associated with certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles in various populations. We aimed to determine in this study, for the first time in a Greek population, the association of HLA‐DRB1*, ‐DQA1*, and ‐DQB1* alleles with HT. HLA‐DRB1*, ‐DQA1*, and ‐DQB1* alleles’ and ‐DRB1*04 subtypes’ distribution was evaluated in 125 patients with HT and in 500 healthy control individuals by using a DNA‐based sequence‐specific primer method. Chi_squared tests and Bonferroni correction method were applied in the statistical analysis of the data. Significantly higher frequency of DRB1*04 (24.8% vs 7.7%, P < 0.0001) was observed in HT patients, while HLA‐DRB1*07 was significantly decreased (2.8% vs 7.9%, P < 0.05). HLA‐DRB1*04 subtyping showed a significant increase of DRB1*0405 (21% vs 7.8%, P < 0.0001) in HT patients. Also significant high frequencies of DQB1*0201 (14.8% vs 8.2%, P < 0.001), DQB1*0302 (18.8% vs 7.0%, P < 0.0001), and DQA1*0301 (25.6% vs 7.8%, P < 0.0001) were recorded in the patient group. Conducting the first research of this kind in a Greek population, our study tries to provide an evaluation of the prevalence of HT relating to HLA‐DRB1*0405, and we report a relative risk of 2.7 for HT in a Greek population.
Rapid typing of the human neutrophil antigen 1a by the particle gel agglutination assay
Authors: Abou‐Chaker K. , Meyer O. , Salama A.
Published: February 2009

The human neutrophil antigen 1a (HNA‐1a) plays a major role in immune neutropenias and transfusion‐associated lung injury. In this study, we describe a simple and rapid particle gel agglutination assay (PaGIA) for HNA‐1a phenotyping. A commercially available monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to HNA‐1a was biotinylated and coupled onto superparamagnetic streptavidin particles. Diluted anticoagulated whole blood samples from healthy blood donors (n = 147) were incubated with MoAb‐coated particles, washed, transferred into an ID‐gel card, and, subsequently, centrifuged. HNA‐1a‐positive samples resulted in a visible agglutination of the particles on top of the gel column and could be evaluated macroscopically. The results obtained by the new test were identical with those obtained by the polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific priming technique that was performed in parallel. Seventy‐four (50.3%) of the 147 samples were found to be HNA‐1a positive. The HNA‐1a PaGIA is both simple and safe and can be implemented in various laboratory settings.
Biology and clinical relevance of granulysin
Authors: Krensky A. M. , Clayberger C.
Published: February 2009

Granulysin is a cytolytic and proinflammatory molecule first identified by a screen for genes expressed ‘late’ (3–5 days) after activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Granulysin is present in cytolytic granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Granulysin is made in a 15‐kDa form that is cleaved into a 9‐kDa form at both the amino and the carboxy termini. The 15‐kDa form is constitutively secreted, and its function remains poorly understood. The 9‐kDa form is released by receptor‐mediated granule exocytosis. Nine kiloDalton granulysin is broadly cytolytic against tumors and microbes, including gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, fungi/yeast and parasites. It kills the causative agents of both tuberculosis and malaria. Granulysin is also a chemoattractant for T lymphocytes, monocytes and other inflammatory cells and activates the expression of a number of cytokines, including regulated upon activation T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, MCP‐3, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐1, IL‐6 and interferon (IFN)‐α. Granulysin is implicated in a myriad of diseases including infection, cancer, transplantation, autoimmunity, skin and reproductive maladies. Small synthetic forms of granulysin are being developed as novel antibiotics. Studies of the full‐length forms may give rise to new diagnostics and therapeutics for use in a wide variety of diseases.
Parental perceptions in egg allergy: Does egg challenge make a difference?
Authors: Kemp Andrew Stewart , Allen Clare Wendy , Campbell Dianne Elisabeth
Published: February 2009

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of an oral egg challenge in egg sensitized children on parental perceptions relating to their child’s allergy. A questionnaire was completed by parents for 167 children attending a tertiary paediatric clinic with egg sensitization. The questionnaires included 10 questions concerning parental perceptions of their child’s egg allergy. Parental perceptions of those children who had not had an egg challenge (n = 83) were compared with those whose children had a positive (n = 27) and those with a negative (n = 57) egg challenge. A significant difference (p = ≤0.02) was observed between challenge positive(CP) and challenge negative (CN) subjects in reported changes to lifestyle and the fact that more parents in the CN group expected little or no future inconvenience for the child. The responses of parents whose child had undergone an egg challenge differed significantly (p = ≤0.005) from those not challenged with a significant reduction in the following parameters; the effect on out‐of‐home care arrangements, the perception of being more severe as compared to other common childhood illnesses, whether they found egg allergy to be moderately or very stressful, whether their lifestyle was changed, the expectation of little or no future discomfort for the child and whether others treated the child differently. The performance of an egg challenge was associated with reduced adverse parental concerns. For 6/10 parameters, expectations concerning egg allergy in children who had been challenged were significantly better than those who had never been challenged irrespective of the challenge outcome. The greater certainty provided by the performance of a food challenge may be a positive outcome in both CP and CN children.
High prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in children 4 yrs of age or younger with symptoms of allergic disease
Authors: Baatenburg de Jong Adriana , Dikkeschei Lambert D. , Brand Paul L. P.
Published: February 2009

The assumption that sensitization to aeroallergens is rare in preschool children is based on population studies in which most subjects have little or no symptoms of atopic disease. We assessed the prevalence of atopic sensitization in children 0 to 4 yr of age presenting with symptoms of allergic disease by reviewing results of all specific immunoglobulin (IgE) tests performed in our hospital laboratory in children 4 yr of age or younger between 1985 and 2003. Tests were ordered by general practitioners or hospital‐based pediatricians in children presenting with symptoms of allergic disease. Specific IgE tests to a panel of common food and inhalant allergens were performed in 2946 children; a specific IgE concentration >0.35 kU/l was considered positive. Overall, 505 (17%) tests were positive to aeroallergens: 346 (12%) for house dust mite, 257 (9%) for dog dander, 240 (8%) for cat dander, and 197 (7%) for grass pollen. Positive tests were more common in boys (19.2%) than in girls (14.2%, p < 0.01), irrespective of age. Although sensitization to food allergens was more common in 0‐<3 yr olds, aeroallergen and food allergen showed comparable prevalence rates in 3‐<5 yr olds. Sensitization to aeroallergens is common in preschool children with symptoms of allergic disease, and more common in boys than in girls. Screening tests for allergy in infants and toddlers should include inhalant allergens.
Successful intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and hepatosplenic candidiasis: case report and review of literature
Authors: Poon L.‐M. , Chia H.‐Y. , Tan L.‐K. , Liu T.‐C. , Koh L.‐P.
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Hepatosplenic candidiasis (HSC) in patients with acute leukemia poses management challenges because the therapeutic limitations of the present antifungal armamentarium may adversely impact on treatment outcomes of the underlying leukemia. We report a patient with acute myeloid leukemia who developed HSC during post‐remission consolidation chemotherapy and was treated with a prolonged course of caspofungin followed by fluconazole. The stabilization of infection permitted further chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) without breakthrough fungemia and further dissemination of candidiasis. The favorable outcome provides further evidence that with optimal treatment, the presence of stable or non‐progressive HSC is not an absolute contraindication for HCT. The use of caspofungin in the primary treatment of HSC appears to be a promising approach. The favorable outcome seen in this case is encouraging, although further study on its efficacy is warranted.
Analysis of Pathotypic and Genotypic Diversity of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in China
Authors: Li Gang , Song Cong‐Feng , Pang Xiao‐Mai , Yang Yue , Wang Jin‐Sheng
Published: February 2009

Virulence analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to evaluated the population structure of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) from the main rice‐growing region in China. The pathotype of Xoo was determined for 103 strains by inoculating 13 near‐isogenic rice lines using IR24 as the recurrent parent. Sixty‐one pathotypes was shared by these strains, on the basis of the consensus of three clustering statistics, and four clusters for pathotype were formed. Cluster 2 consists of strains with high molecular polymorphorism and many pathotypes that are either virulent to a majority of the 13 major resistance (R) genes or avirulent only to Xa21, and is geographically dispersed. The resistance gene Xa21 has broader resistance than others to the strains tested. A probe from a member of the avrBs3/pthA type III effector family, 1376 bp SphI‐digested fragment, was used to screen the genomes of 52 strains tested. Four common bands were found in the DNA fingerprint pattern of Xoo, suggesting basic patterns of evolutionary relationship for members of avrBs3/pthA family and/or the pathogen. Each distinct RFLP banding pattern of each strain was considered as a haplotype; 42 haplotypes were revealed by the probe and divided into four lineages by the same statistics method. It was observed that some isolates with different pathotypes shared the same haplotype and others with different haplotypes harboured identical pathotype. There was a weak correlation between virulent pathotypes and molecular haplotypes.
Specificity of splenopancreatic field abnormality in trisomy 13 syndrome: Macroscopic and histological analysis in 21 autopsy cases
Authors: Gomi Kiyoshi , Sato Yukiko , Tanaka Mio , Ijiri Rieko , Kato Keisuke , Aoki Ichiro , Tanaka Yukichi
Published: February 2009

Splenopancreatic field abnormalities were carefully examined macroscopically and microscopically in 21 trisomy 13 (TR13) subjects, and the results were compared with those of non‐TR13 control cases. Of the 21 TR13 subjects, 12 had intrapancreatic splenic tissue (IPST) and 17 had fusion of the pancreatic tail and splenic hilus and/or accessory spleen (FPS/FPAS). All 21 had IPST and/or FPS/FPAS. Five of 1060 controls (non‐TR13) had IPST, while two had FPS/FPAS. On histology the pancreata of TR13 subjects had intralobular ducts, with goblet cells (ILDGC) and microcysts (MC) in 17 and 18 subjects, respectively. All 21 TR13 subjects had ILDGC and/or MC. Two of 360 age‐matched controls (stillbirths and neonates) had ILDGC and nine had MC. IPST, FPS/FPAS, ILDGC, and MC were considered to be highly specific for TR13, and could therefore be useful in differentiating TR13 from other malformation diseases.
Vesicular thick‐walled swollen hyphae in pulmonary zygomycosis
Authors: Kimura Masatomo , Ito Hiroyuki
Published: February 2009

An autopsy case of pulmonary zygomycosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressive therapy is presented herein. There was a pulmonary cavitated infarct caused by mycotic thrombosis. Thin‐walled narrow hyphae and vesicular thick‐walled swollen hyphae were found on the pleural surface and in the necrotic tissue at the periphery of the cavity. Findings of such shaped fungal elements may cause erroneous histopathological diagnosis because pauciseptate broad thin‐walled hyphae are usually the only detectable fungal elements in zygomycosis tissue. Although immunohistochemistry confirmed these unusual elements to be zygomycetous in the present case, it is important for the differential diagnosis to be aware that zygomycetes can form thin narrow hyphae and vesicular thick‐walled swollen hyphae.
Sebaceous carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Murakami Ayumi , Kawachi Kae , Sasaki Takeshi , Ishikawa Takashi , Nagashima Yoji , Nozawa Akinori
Published: February 2009

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the breast is a rare malignant tumor and only nine cases, including the present one, have been reported in the English‐language literature. The present report describes a case of mammary SC in a 50‐year‐old Japanese woman. The tumor was gray–white on cut surface and separate from the skin and the nipple. Microscopically, lobules encircled by a fibrous envelope and cords or small cell nests in the stroma were noted. These two types of structures were composed of dark cells and clear foamy cells. The dark cells had large nuclei and amphophilic cytoplasm. The clear foamy cells had numerous lipid vacuoles, confirmed on immunostaining with anti‐adipophilin antibody and electron microscopy. In the lobules the gradual transitions from basal dark cells to central clear foamy cells and comedo‐like necrosis were observed. The tumor cells were positive on immunohistochemistry for cytokeratins (CAM5.2, AE1/AE3), Her2/neu and androgen receptor but negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors. This is the first case of an androgen receptor‐positive mammary SC to be reported, and therefore contributes to the understanding of the clinicopathological features of SC of the breast.
Retrospective observational study of the incidence of short‐term indwelling urinary catheters in elderly patients with neck of femur fractures
Authors: Kamdar Ami , Yahya Abdus , Thangaraj Latha
Published: February 2009

Background:  15–25% of general hospital admissions tend to involve patients that have had a short‐term indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) inserted some time during their stay. There is little data on the specific incidence and complications of short‐term urinary catheterization in elderly patients with neck of femur fractures.

Methods:  Data was collected from the notes of 50 patients at Hemel Hempstead General Hospital with neck of femur fractures retrospectively from 31 August 2007. Specific information on patient demographics, premorbid status, record and reason for urethral catheterization, place of insertion, gentamicin cover pre‐ and post‐removal of IDC, residual volumes, duration of catheter insertion, catheter clamping prior to removal of IDC, urinary tract infection with IDC, post‐IDC removal newly incontinent/in retention were collated from patient notes. Patients with prior chronic catheterization were excluded from the study.

Results:  78% of the patients had an IDC insertion (95% confidence interval, 64–88.4%). Most of the catheters were inserted on the ward (75%) with the rest being inserted mostly in theatre and recovery. Only approximately one‐third of the sample that had IDC inserted had residual volume documented in the notes. Of these patients, the majority had residual volume above 300 mL. The main reasons for IDC insertion were urinary retention (50%), incontinence (30.8%) and fluid monitoring (11.5%). Of the patients, 31.4% had documented urinary tract infection as a result of IDC insertion.

Conclusion:  This study revealed a higher incidence of short‐term IDC insertion (∼75%) in elderly patients with neck of femur fractures in comparison to general hospital admissions of 15–25%. There is a role for more effective documentation in patient notes on the reasons behind urinary IDC insertion and increased clinical vigilance in preventing unnecessary catheterizations.
The Future Is Another Country: Offshore Views of the British Industrial Revolution1
Authors: RIELLO GIORGIO , O'BRIEN PATRICK K.
Published: February 2009

This article is built upon a dense description and inferences drawn from the diaries and memoirs of travellers who visited the British Isles between 1815 and 1850. The majority came from Mainland Europe and North America and arrived aware of the economic growth and social change underway in Britain. We comment upon and analyze the ways that they reported and the language they used to describe novel features of the British economy. We reflect upon the key issues raised by these travellers on the economic, social and political change that they observed at first hand. Finally, we reflect on the overall contribution that sources from offshore might offer for the plurality of meanings attached to the First Industrial Revolution.
Engendering a Therapeutic Ethos: Modernity, Masculinity & Nervousness
Authors: WRIGHT KATIE
Published: February 2009

This article considers discourses of “nervousness” as an important historical dimension of the “therapeutic turn”. By tracing an emerging therapeutic sensibility through Australian medical literature and the popular print media of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, it provides an Antipodean perspective on the discursive and cultural terrain receptive to Freudian ideas and psychology, which were central to the ascendancy of a psychotherapeutic ethos. Through a particular focus on concerns about “nervous men”, the article explores how perceived problems of “nervousness” destabilized masculine ideals and helped engender a greater concern with personal distress, factors significant for the florescence of therapeutic culture.
In Whose Interest? Women Organizing on the Waterfront – St. John's, Newfoundland, 1948
Authors: CULLUM LINDA
Published: February 2009

In 1948, female fish and blueberry processors formed the Ladies' Cold Storage Workers Union in Job Brothers fish plant, St. John's, Newfoundland. This was accomplished in the context of structural and social change in the Newfoundland fishery that altered the social relations of paid work for the women. Literature on unionization generally assumes it to be a positive event for women workers, but closer examination of specific instances raises questions about economic, social and ideological conditions shaping experiences of unionization. Whose interests were served by the formation of the Ladies' Cold Storage Workers Union and how did women engage with “their union” in this moment?
Dynamic Marketing Capabilities in Science‐based Firms: an Exploratory Investigation of the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Bruni Daniele Severi , Verona Gianmario
Published: February 2009

This paper investigates how market knowledge can benefit science‐based firms. By reviewing the literature on dynamic capabilities and recent empirical works on the impact of market knowledge on technological innovation, we derive the concept of dynamic marketing capabilities and explore its validity through a qualitative study of high‐performing pharmaceutical firms. We provide a description of key variables involved in market knowledge creation and release, and highlight how these activities support the creation of new products and the changes in the new product development process. We discuss our results by pointing out that dynamic marketing capabilities can contribute to a more granular understanding of management practices and performance heterogeneity in science‐based settings and conclude our work by identifying its limitations and providing fruitful directions for future research on this topic.
Creative Search and Strategic Sense‐making: Missing Dimensions in the Concept of Dynamic Capabilities
Authors: Pandza Krsto , Thorpe Richard
Published: February 2009

In this paper we discuss the role of managerial agency in creating and shaping dynamic capabilities. We argue that dynamic capability is a phenomenon that enables a deviation to take place from the knowledge that otherwise would have arisen cumulatively from experiential learning. In addition we argue that to create major changes in patterns of knowledge accumulation managers need to be purposefully and creatively engaged. Such agency is identifiable in two cognitive processes we call creative search and strategic sense‐making. We show how these processes differ in respect to their temporal orientation and relationship to uncertainty and by adopting a process perspective we demonstrate how creative search, strategic sense‐making and experiential learning are complementary. This notion of complementarity implies that these processes, notwithstanding their contrasting characteristics, coexist together and serve to offer an explanation for how knowledge progresses at a firm level. Variance is introduced into the framework proposed through the identification of factors that influence the coexistence of creative search and strategic sense‐making. The argument developed is illustrated through the use of an emergent technology context.
Learning L2 German Vocabulary Through Reading: The Effect of Three Enhancement Techniques Compared
Authors: Peters Elke , Hulstijn Jan H. , Sercu Lies , Lutjeharms Madeline
Published: February 2009

This study investigated three techniques designed to increase the chances that second language (L2) readers look up and learn unfamiliar words during and after reading an L2 text. Participants in the study, 137 college students in Belgium (L1 = Dutch, L2 = German), were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, forming combinations of two between‐subject factors: ± prereading test announcement and ± postreading vocabulary task. Comprehension questions were used to direct participants' attention to half of the 16 target words in this study, creating the within‐subject factor (word relevance). Participants accomplished the experimental tasks at computers. They could look up the meaning of unfamiliar words in an online dictionary. The dependent variables are the following: use of online dictionary during reading, performance on a word‐form recognition test, and performance on two word‐meaning recall tests (immediate and delayed). Test announcement and word relevance substantially prompted participants to use the online dictionary more. Only test announcement and vocabulary task (not word relevance) affected performance in the word recognition test positively. Both word relevance and postreading vocabulary task substantially affected word retention in the recall posttests. These findings, together with those of the studies reviewed, provide robust evidence that the low incidence of vocabulary acquisition through reading (“input only”) can be substantially boosted by techniques that make students look up the meaning of unknown words, process their form‐meaning relationship elaborately, and process them again after reading (“input plus”).
Long‐Term Crosslinguistic Transfer of Skills From L1 to L2
Authors: Sparks Richard , Patton Jon , Ganschow Leonore , Humbach Nancy
Published: February 2009

This study investigated the relationship of first language (L1) skills in elementary school and second language (L2) learning in high school. Students classified as high‐, average‐, and low‐proficiency L2 learners were compared on L1 achievement measures of reading, spelling, vocabulary, phonological awareness, and listening comprehension administered in the first, second, third, and fifth grades. An L2 aptitude measure was administered in ninth grade and L2 word decoding and L2 spelling measures were administered at the end of the first‐ and second‐year L2 courses. Outcome measures were oral and written L2 proficiency measures in Spanish, French, and German administered at the end of 2 years of L2 study. Results showed overall differences among the three proficiency groups on the L1 achievement measures from second through fifth grades, the L2 aptitude measure, and the L2 word decoding and spelling measures. High‐proficiency L2 learners exhibited stronger L1 skills and L2 aptitude than the average and low‐proficiency L2 learners. Findings showed that L1 skill differences emerged early in elementary school and are related to L2 proficiency and achievement several years later in high school. The findings provide support for long‐term crosslinguistic transfer of L1 to L2 skills.
Changes in cerebral blood flow after acetazolamide: an experimental study comparing near‐infrared spectroscopy and SPECT
Authors: Schytz H. W. , Wienecke T. , Jensen L. T. , Selb J. , Boas D. A. , Ashina M.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  It is important to find a reliable and bedside method, which can estimate the cerebral blood flow (CBF) of patients in clinical settings. Estimation of CBF by calculating a blood flow index (BFI) using continuous wave near‐infrared spectroscopy (CW‐NIRS) and indocyanine green (ICG) as an iv tracer has been proposed to be a feasible and promising method. To validate if the BFI method can detect relative changes in CBF we compared data with the established method 133Xenon single photon emission computer tomography (133Xe‐SPECT).

Methods:  Ten healthy subjects were investigated before and after a bolus of acetazolamide. NIRS data were obtained using a multi source detector separation configuration in order to assess a corrected BFI (BFIcorr) value, which attempts to eliminate contamination of skin blood flow.

Results:  Data obtained showed no significant correlation between CBF changes measured by 133Xe‐SPECT and BFIcorr (0.133, P = 0.732). After acetazolamide, a 49% increase in CBF was detected using the 133Xe‐SPECT method, whereas no changes in any ICG variables were observed after acetazolamide.

Conclusion:  The study shows that it is not possible to obtain reliable BFI data, which reflect changes in CBF after acetazolamide infusion, using the CW‐NIRS and ICG method.
Efficacy and safety of ginsenoside‐Rd for acute ischaemic stroke: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase II multicenter trial
Authors: Liu X. , Xia J. , Wang L. , Song Y. , Yang J. , Yan Y. , Ren H. , Zhao G.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: Ginsenoside‐Rd is a selective competitive Ca2+receptor antagonist. A phase II randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study was conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of ginsenoside‐Rd in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Methods: A total of 199 patients were randomized equally to receive a 14‐day infusion of placebo (group B), ginsenoside‐Rd 10 mg (group A) or ginsenoside‐Rd 20 mg (group C). Primary end‐points were National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at 15 days. Secondary end‐points were NIHSS scores and the Barthel Index at 8 days, the Barthel Index and the modified Rankin scale at 15 days and 90 days. The safety end‐points included serious and non‐serious adverse events, laboratory values and vital signs. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results: For the primary study outcome, there is significant difference amongst the three groups at 15 days in NIHSS scores (P = 0.0003). Comparing group A with B and group B with C, the difference in the mean for NIHSS was significant in statistics (P = 0.0004,P = 0.0009 respectively). This is no significant difference between group A and C (P = 0.9640). For the secondary study outcome, ginsenoside‐Rd did not improve neurological functioning. Incidence of serious and non‐serious adverse events was similar amongst the three groups.

Conclusions: Ginsenoside‐Rd may be of some benefit in acute ischaemic stroke.
Screening for aneurysm of the abdominal aorta: prevalence in patients with stroke or TIA
Authors: Van Lindert N. H. A. , Bienfait H. P. , Gratama J. W. C. , Vriesema H. , Ten Hove W. , Vermeulen E. G. J. , Van Leeuwen R. B.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Population screening for aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (AAA) is still not implemented in any country, despite proven benefit both in decreased mortality and in cost effectiveness. Detecting a subpopulation with higher prevalence of AAA may alter this situation.

Methods:  Between 2002 and 2005, all patients with a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) admitted to the department of Neurology of a community‐based hospital were classified according to the Toast criteria and enrolled in a prospective study to assess the diameter of the abdominal aorta. The diameter was assessed by ultrasonography. A written questionnaire and blood tests were used to assess risk factors.

Results:  The prevalence of AAA amongst the 499 screened patients in the study was 5.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6–6.0%]. Of the risk factors or Toast criteria, only male gender and age over 59 years correlated significantly with AAA. In the subgroup of 235 men aged over 59 years, the prevalence of AAA was 11.1% (95% CI 10.4–11.8%).

Conclusion:  The prevalence of AAA in men over 59 years of age presenting with a stroke or TIA is nearly twofold increased (11.1%) compared with all patients. Therefore, screening for AAA in this subgroup of patients seems beneficial. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to explore the clinical benefit and cost effectiveness.
Interferon‐induced Mx proteins in brain tissue of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Al‐Masri A. N. , Heidenreich F. , Walter G. F.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Recombinant interferon‐beta is proven as an effective long‐term treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Unlike in other chronic inflammatory diseases, endogenous synthesis of type I interferons (IFN‐alpha and IFN‐beta) has not been studied extensively in MS. Mx proteins A and B (MxA and MxB) are intracellular proteins that are induced exclusively by type I IFNs. We investigated the expression of Mx proteins in post‐mortem brain tissue of IFN‐beta‐naïve MS patients as a marker for endogenous synthesis of type I IFNs.

Methods:  By employing monoclonal antibodies specific for MxA and MxB positive staining was detectable predominantly in reactive astrocytes within the MS plaques but also in endothelial and ependymal cells as well as in lymphocytic infiltrates.

Results:  This is of interest in view of results previously published by our group and others that Mx protein concentrations measured by ELISA increase in blood samples from MS patients after IFN‐beta therapy.

Conclusions:  In MS, Mx proteins are detectable in plaques suggesting endogenous synthesis of type I IFNs as part of the acute inflammatory process.