bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkalinity distribution in the western North Atlantic Ocean margins
Authors: Cai Wei‐Jun , Hu Xinping , Huang Wei‐Jen , Jiang Li‐Qing , Wang Yongchen , Peng Tsung‐Hung , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2010

Total alkalinity (TA) distribution and its relationship with salinity (S) along the western North Atlantic Ocean (wNAO) margins from the Labrador Sea to tropical areas are examined in this study. Based on the observed TA‐S patterns, the mixing processes that control alkalinity distribution in these areas can be categorized into a spectrum of patterns that are bracketed by two extreme mixing types, i.e., alongshore current‐dominated and river‐dominated. Alongshore current‐dominated mixing processes exhibit a segmented mixing line with a shared mid‐salinity end‐member. In such cases (i.e., Labrador Sea, Gulf of Maine, etc.), the y‐intercept of the high salinity segment of the mixing line is generally higher than the local river alkalinity values, and it reflects the mixing history of the alongshore current. In contrast, in river‐dominated mixing (Amazon River, Caribbean Sea, etc.), good linear relationships between alkalinity and salinity are generally observed, and the zero salinity intercepts of the TA‐S regressions roughly match those of the regional river alkalinity values. TA‐S mixing lines can be complicated by rapid changes in the river end‐member value and by another river nearby with a different TA value (e.g., Mississippi‐Atchafalaya/Gulf of Mexico). In the wNAO margins, regression intercepts and river end‐members have a clear latitudinal distribution pattern, increasing from a low of ∼300 μmol kg−1 in the Amazon River plume to a high value between ∼500–1100 μmol kg−1 in the middle and high latitude margins. The highest value of ∼2400 μmol kg−1 is observed in the Mississippi River influenced areas. In addition to mixing control, biological processes such as calcification and benthic alkalinity production may also affect ocean margin alkalinity distribution. Therefore, deriving inorganic carbon system information in coastal oceans using alkalinity‐salinity relationships, in particular, those of generic nature, may lead to significant errors.
From grain size to tectonics
Authors: Duller R. A. , Whittaker A. C. , Fedele J. J. , Whitchurch A. L. , Springett J. , Smithells R. , Fordyce S. , Allen P. A.
Published: August 2010

Regional grain size trends in fluvial successions can reveal important information regarding the dynamics of sediment routing systems. Self‐similar solutions for down‐system grain size fining have recently been proposed to explore how key variables, such as the spatial distribution of deposition, sediment discharge, and sediment supply characteristics, control spatial distribution of grain size in fluvial successions over time scales of 104–106 years. We explore the sensitivity of these solutions to changes in key variables and assess their applicability to ancient fluvial successions. Several sensitivity analyses are presented to investigate the relative control of the key model variables on the spatial pattern of down‐system grain size fining in fluvial successions. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that (1) an increase in the initial value of sediment discharge to a basin causes a decrease in the rate of grain size fining in fluvial successions, an effect that becomes nonlinear for large values of initial sediment discharge; (2) a short‐wavelength/high‐amplitude subsidence regime generates a greater rate of down‐system grain size fining and a long‐wavelength/lower‐amplitude subsidence regime generates a lesser rate of down‐system grain size fining in fluvial successions; and (3) an increase in the spread of grain sizes in the sediment supply generates a greater rate of down‐system grain size fining. We apply this modeling technique to grain size data sets collected from two time surfaces within conglomerates of the Upper Eocene Montsor Fan Succession of the Pobla Basin, Spanish Pyrenees. These data sets exhibit approximately self‐similar grain size distributions; further, the observed increase in down‐system grain size fining associated with smaller depositional system lengths provides support for the application of self‐similar solutions to fluvial successions. By applying these solutions to carefully collected grain size data from fluvial successions, we are able to relate explicitly the initial grain size supplied to the system, the spatial distribution of subsidence and the sediment discharge into the basin to the rate of grain size fining in fluvial successions. This method thus offers a powerful means of elucidating sediment routing system dynamics over time.
In Memoriam
Authors: Anonymous
Published: August 2010

Donald M. Packer, 102, 22 May 2010, Solar and Heliospheric Physics, 1961

Douglas ReVelle, 64, 2 May 2010, Atmospheric Sciences, 1972
Coping With Lake Kivu, East Africa: Workshop on Tropical Rift Lake Systems: Integrated Volcanogenic, Tectonic, Biogeochemical, and Geohazard Assessment of Lake Kivu; Gisenyi, Rwanda, 13–15 January 2010
Authors: Johnson Thomas C. , Scholz Christopher A.
Published: August 2010

Situated in the volcanic highlands of the East African Rift Valley's western branch, Lake Kivu contains one of the most unusual and fascinating aquatic ecosystems on the planet. Bottom waters in the 480‐meter‐deep lake are warmer and saltier than its surface waters. The concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide and methane are so high in the deep water that catastrophic overturn, an abrupt upwelling of deep water and gas driven by the buoyancy of expanding gas bubbles as they rise from the depths, could well happen in the coming century. Were this to occur, human fatalities would likely number in the hundreds of thousands—a disaster similar to what occurred when Lake Nyos (Cameroon) in 1986 emitted a large amount of carbon dioxide, causing hundreds of local residents to suffocate—but with orders‐of‐magnitude more gas release.
U.S. Congress Sharply Divided Over Gulf Oil Spill Responsibility
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: August 2010

More than 100 days after the Deep water Horizon oil spill began in the Gulf of Mexico, efforts by BP to permanently plug the spill appear to be working. Moreover, a 4 August report, authored by top scientists from several U.S. federal agencies, says that of the now estimated 4.9 billion gallons of oil released by the spill, 74% has been burned, skimmed, recovered from the wellhead, or dispersed either by chemicals or naturally. According to the report, entitled “BP Deepwater Horizon oil budget: What happened to the oil?,” the remaining 26% of the oil released from the spill remains either on or below the water surface, has washed ashore, or is buried in sand or sediment.
Correction [to “Outstanding Student Paper Awards”]
Authors: Anonymous
Published: August 2010

In “Outstanding Student Paper Awards” (Eos, 91(28), 248, 2010), Adam Jew's name was incorrectly listed as Andrew Jew. Eos regrets this error.
Evaluation of sinks and sources of CO2 in the global coastal ocean using a spatially‐explicit typology of estuaries and continental shelves
Authors: Laruelle Goulven G. , Dürr Hans H. , Slomp Caroline P. , Borges Alberto V.
Published: August 2010

The exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the global coastal ocean was evaluated from a compilation of air‐water CO2 fluxes scaled using a spatially‐explicit global typology of inner estuaries (excluding outer estuaries such as large river deltas) and continental shelves. The computed emission of CO2 to the atmosphere from estuaries (+0.27 ± 0.23 PgC yr−1) is ∼26% to ∼55% lower than previous estimates while the sink of atmospheric CO2 over continental shelf seas (−0.21 ± 0.36 PgC yr−1) is at the low end of the range of previous estimates (−0.22 to −1.00 PgC yr−1). The air‐sea CO2 flux per surface area over continental shelf seas (−0.7 ± 1.2 molC m−2 yr −1) is the double of the value in the open ocean based on the most recent CO2 climatology. The largest uncertainty of scaling approaches remains in the availability of CO2 data to describe the spatial variability, and to capture relevant temporal scales of variability.
Seamounts in a restless ocean: Response of passive tracers to sub‐tidal flow variability
Authors: Mohn Christian , White Martin
Published: August 2010

The action of sub‐tidal oceanic flow impinging on an isolated seamount, and its consequences for biological tracer patterns, was assessed using a three‐dimensional ocean circulation model. Passive tracers released above an isolated Gaussian seamount were exposed to variations of flow magnitude, frequency, direction and seamount height. The evolving patterns indicate significant qualitative differences: Steady and amplitude modulated unidirectional inflows generate advective downstream particle loss and patchiness. Non‐uniform inflow reduces advective particle loss, and tracers are systematically redistributed and aggregated around the seamount summit. Tracer retention is mainly controlled by flow magnitude and summit depth. Variations of flow period were of lesser importance. Two important biological implications arise from this study: First, particle dynamics at isolated seamounts is strongly constrained by mesoscale variability of the sub‐tidal far field flow. Secondly, the influence of seamounts on particle distribution is not restricted to local and small‐scale phenomena, but can penetrate deep into the oceanic far field on a scale of tens to hundreds of kilometers.
Temperature, shape, and phase of mesospheric ice from Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment observations
Authors: Hervig Mark E. , Gordley Larry L.
Published: August 2010

The temperature and shape of ice particles in polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) were determined using observations near 3 μm wavelength from the Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment (SOFIE). The resulting ice temperatures are 5–20 K colder than the current SOFIE temperatures retrieved from CO2 transmission measurements. Particle shape is described using oblate spheroids, and the axial ratios determined in this study are slightly more spherical than previous results obtained using SOFIE observations assuming constant temperature (1.9 at the altitude of peak mass density compared to 2.3 previously). Using ice temperatures in an equilibrium PMC model results in ice mass densities that are much higher than observed. SOFIE observations indicate that the amount of H2O that can enter the ice phase is related to ice concentration, suggesting that ice nucleation plays an important role in determining PMC formation and variability. This result may also imply that the neglect of transient phenomena in the equilibrium PMC model may be a large source of error. SOFIE observations do not support the existence of amorphous ice particles near the summer mesopause but rather indicate that cubic ice is ubiquitous.
Impairment of F1F0-ATPase, adenine nucleotide translocator and adenylate kinase causes mitochondrial energy deficit in human skin fibroblasts with chromosome 21 trisomy
Authors: Valenti Daniela , Tullo Apollonia , Caratozzolo Mariano F. , Merafina Riccardo S. , Scartezzini Paolo , Marra Ersilia , Vacca Rosa A.
Published: August 2010

A central role for mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed in the pathogenesis of DS (Down's syndrome), a multifactorial disorder caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21. To explore whether and how abnormalities in mitochondrial energy metabolism are involved in DS pathogenesis, we investigated the catalytic properties, gene expression and protein levels of certain proteins involved in mitochondrial ATP synthesis, such as F1F0-ATPase, ANT (adenine nucleotide translocator) and AK (adenylate kinase), in DS-HSF (human skin fibroblasts with trisomic karyotype), comparing them with euploid fibroblasts. In DS-HSF, we found a strong impairment of mitochondrial ATP synthesis due to a reduction in the catalytic efficiency of each of the investigated proteins. This impairment occurred in spite of unchanged gene expression and an increase in ANT and AK protein content, whereas the amount of ATPase subunits was selectively reduced. Interestingly, exposure of DS-HSF to dibutyryl-cAMP, a permanent derivative of cAMP, stimulated ANT, AK and ATPase activities, whereas H89, a specific PKA (protein kinase A) inhibitor, suppressed this cAMPdependent activation, indicating an involvement of the cAMP/PKA-mediated signalling pathway in the ATPase, ANT and AK deficit. Consistently, DS-HSF showed decreased basal levels of cAMP and reduced PKA activity. Despite the impairment of mitochondrial energy apparatus, no changes in cellular energy status, but increased basal levels of L-lactate, were found in DS-HSF, which partially offset for the mitochondrial energy deficit by increasing glycolysis and mitochondrial mass.These results provide new insight into the molecular basis for mitochondrial dysfunction in DS and might provide a molecular explanation for some clinical features of the syndrome.
Effect of Subject Types on the Production of AuxiliaryIsin Young English-Speaking Children
Authors: Guo Ling-Yu , Owen Amanda J. , Tomblin J. Bruce
Published: August 2010

Purpose

In this study, the authors tested the unique checking constraint (UCC) hypothesis and the usage-based approach concerning why young children variably use tense and agreement morphemes in obligatory contexts by examining the effect of subject types on the production of auxiliaryis.

Method

Twenty typically developing 3-year-olds were included in this study. The children’s production of auxiliaryiswas elicited in sentences with pronominal subjects, high-frequency lexical noun phrase (NP) subjects (e.g.,the dog), and low-frequency lexical NP subjects (e.g.,the deer).

Results

As a group, children did not use auxiliaryismore accurately with pronominal subjects than with lexical NP subjects. Furthermore, individual data revealed that although some children used auxiliaryismore accurately with pronominal subjects than with lexical NP subjects, the majority of children did not show this trend.

Conclusion

The symmetry observed between lexical and pronominal subjects supports the predictions of the UCC hypothesis, although additional mechanisms may be needed to account for the asymmetry between subject types in some individual children. Discrepant results between the present study and previous studies were attributed to differences in task formats and children’s developmental levels.
The role of absorption in Raman amplification in warm plasma
Authors: Ersfeld B. , Farmer J. , Raj G. , Jaroszynski D. A.
Published: August 2010

Raman backscattering in plasma is subject to—collisional and collisionless—absorption of the interacting waves. A model for studying its role over a wide parameter range is developed by coupling the envelope equations for pump, probe, and plasma waves with those describing heating of the plasma. The latter is treated as a warm fluid, making the model useful for moderate temperatures and field amplitudes. The main effect is the time-dependent Bohm–Gross shift of the Langmuir resonance frequency, which can either enhance or suppress amplification; this can be further controlled by varying the frequency of the pump. Anisotropy in the collisional processes for longitudinal and transverse waves leads to temperature anisotropy at high field amplitudes. Direct Landau damping of the plasma wave, as well as its contribution to the frequency shift, can be neglected due to rapid saturation.
Potential for foliar phosphorus fertilisation of dryland cereal crops: a review
Authors: Noack S. R. , McBeath T. M. , McLaughlin M. J.
Published: August 2010

Although not commonly used in dryland cropping systems to date, foliar phosphorus (P) fertilisation may allow a tactical response to prevailing seasonal climatic conditions, with the added benefit of reduced input costs at sowing. However, variable outcomes have been reported from field trials predominantly conducted in the USA, and to a lesser degree in Australia. The effectiveness of foliar P is dependent on soil P status, soil water status, crop type, fertiliser formulation and prevailing climatic conditions. This review argues that the potential of foliar P fertilisation in Australian dryland cereal cropping could be enhanced by altering formulations for enhanced leaf penetration using adjuvants, and by accurately assessing the responsiveness of sites before application. This review demonstrates that it is important to use appropriate techniques such as isotopic labelling, to measure the efficacy and mode of action of foliar formulations.
Australian waterbirds - time and space travellers in dynamic desert landscapes
Authors: Kingsford R. T. , Roshier D. A. , Porter J. L.
Published: August 2010

Australia’s waterbirds are mostly nomadic, capitalising on highly variable aquatic resources in the arid interior (70% of the continent) for feeding and breeding. Waterbirds, unlike most aquatic organisms, can move between catchments, exploiting habitat wherever it occurs. In Australia, patterns of resource availability for waterbirds are mostly pulsed with peaks of productivity, coinciding with flooding and differing in time and space, affecting individuals, species and functional groups of waterbirds. Australian waterbirds are no different from waterbirds elsewhere, with their behaviour reflecting broad-scale resource availability. They respond to changing patterns of resource distribution, with rapid movements at spatial and temporal scales commensurate with the dynamics of the resource. The most serious conservation threat to waterbirds is a bottleneck in resource availability, leading to population declines, increasingly forced by anthropogenic impacts. River regulation and other threats (e.g. draining) reduce the availability of wetland habitat and decrease the probability of viable resource patches. It is axiomatic that waterbirds need water and such population bottlenecks may occur when the availability of water across the continent is limited. The rehabilitation of regulated rivers with environmental flows and protection of naturally flowing rivers in the arid region are essential for long-term sustainability of Australia’s waterbird populations.
Ecology and management of subsurface groundwater dependent ecosystems in Australia - a review
Authors: Tomlinson Moya , Boulton Andrew J.
Published: August 2010

As demand for consumptive use of groundwater escalates, the need for careful management becomes more pressing. Water reforms in Australia require explicit recognition of environmental needs in water resource plans, but subsurface groundwater dependent ecosystems (SGDEs) are rarely provided for. The ecological values of these sequestered ecosystems are not well documented and are readily overlooked. We review the biodiversity, ecological processes and ecosystem services of Australian SGDEs and highlight the ecological relevance of their connectivity with other ecosystems. A lack of attention to SGDEs in groundwater plans risks inadequate provision for environmental water requirements with probable impacts on ecological values, water quality and ecosystem goods and services in SGDEs and connected ecosystems. We suggest an ecohydrogeological approach to understanding the implications of anthropogenic disturbance on SGDEs based on their connectivity to other ecosystems and aquifer permeability. As well as a template for comparative research on the biogeochemistry and ecology of SGDEs in Australia and overseas, this conceptual tool has potential application in conservation planning, water resource assessment and environmental impact assessment.
What if …..? Designing tools to help the public make difficult decisions
Authors: Wright Patricia
Published: August 2010

Information overload results from having plenty of data but not enough time to organize it so that it assists decision making. This paper argues that although digital tools can help people make decisions, their development could benefit from an appreciation of how people’s behavior changes as the display features of the tools change. Therefore advantages could come from greater collaboration between designers and researchers who explore the psychological processes that enable decision making (processes such as search, understanding, inference and memory). Evidence is provided of individual differences in the way decision aids are used, and the value of multimodality information to accommodate diverse audience needs.
Social mobility in Mexico: Graphs that help understanding the relation between education and socio-economic level
Authors: González de Cossío Maria
Published: August 2010

This information design study is based on a social mobility survey developed in Mexico that investigated how people are moving – between generations – from one socioeconomic level to the next. The aim of the design project is to offer data visualizations to help people from different backgrounds understand complex issues, such as the relationship between level of education and income level. The visualizations consist of bar graphs in motion and images that help users identify themselves with various living situations. The graphs were tested among different users to confirm their effectiveness.
Interpreting in Nazi concentration camps during World War II
Authors: Tryuk Malgorzata
Published: August 2010

This paper is based on a study of the records of prisoners in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp with the aim of uncovering as much information as possible about camp interpreters, their work and their attempts to ease the hardships of other prisoners, often risking their own lives in the process. As will be demonstrated, the generally accepted deontological norms for interpreting in community settings were not applicable to concentration camps, and different norms were adopted which were clearly justified, under the circumstances. The paper in particular investigates why interpreters were needed in the concentration camps, who they were, how they were recruited for the job, what their language combinations were, what their duties were, when the interpreters were required, and how they performed their duties as well what their roles were.
FSY1, a horizontally transferred gene in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae EC1118 wine yeast strain, encodes a high-affinity fructose/H+ symporter
Authors: Galeote Virginie , Novo Maïté , Salema-Oom Madalena , Brion Christian , Valério Elisabete , Gonçalves Paula , Dequin Sylvie
Published: August 2010

Transport of glucose and fructose in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeplays a crucial role in controlling the rate of wine fermentation. InS. cerevisiae, hexoses are transported by facilitated diffusion via hexose carriers (Hxt), which prefer glucose to fructose. However, utilization of fructose by wine yeast is critically important at the end of fermentation. Here, we report the characterization of a fructose transporter recently identified by sequencing the genome of the commercial wine yeast strain EC1118 and found in many other wine yeasts. This transporter is designated Fsy1p because of its homology with theSaccharomyces pastorianusfructose/H+symporter Fsy1p. A strain obtained by transformation of the V5hxt1-7Δ mutant withFSY1grew well on fructose, but to a much lesser extent on glucose as the sole carbon source. Sugar uptake and symport experiments showed thatFSY1encodes a proton-coupled symporter with high affinity for fructose (Km0.24±0.04 mM). Using real-time RT-PCR, we also investigated the expression pattern ofFSY1in EC1118 growing on various carbon sources.FSY1was repressed by high concentrations of glucose or fructose and was highly expressed on ethanol as the sole carbon source. The characteristics of this transporter indicate that its acquisition could confer a significant advantage toS. cerevisiaeduring the wine fermentation process. This transporter is a good example of acquisition of a new function in yeast by horizontal gene transfer.
Leaf Senescence Signaling: The Ca2+-Conducting Arabidopsis Cyclic Nucleotide Gated Channel2 Acts through Nitric Oxide to Repress Senescence Programming
Authors: Ma Wei , Smigel Andries , Walker Robin K. , Moeder Wolfgang , Yoshioka Keiko , Berkowitz Gerald A.
Published: August 2010

Ca2+ and nitric oxide (NO) are essential components involved in plant senescence signaling cascades. In other signaling pathways, NO generation can be dependent on cytosolic Ca2+. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant dnd1 lacks a plasma membrane-localized cation channel (CNGC2). We recently demonstrated that this channel affects plant response to pathogens through a signaling cascade involving Ca2+ modulation of NO generation; the pathogen response phenotype of dnd1 can be complemented by application of a NO donor. At present, the interrelationship between Ca2+ and NO generation in plant cells during leaf senescence remains unclear. Here, we use dnd1 plants to present genetic evidence consistent with the hypothesis that Ca2+ uptake and NO production play pivotal roles in plant leaf senescence. Leaf Ca2+ accumulation is reduced in dnd1 leaves compared to the wild type. Early senescence-associated phenotypes (such as loss of chlorophyll, expression level of senescence-associated genes, H2O2 generation, lipid peroxidation, tissue necrosis, and increased salicylic acid levels) were more prominent in dnd1 leaves compared to the wild type. Application of a Ca2+ channel blocker hastened senescence of detached wild-type leaves maintained in the dark, increasing the rate of chlorophyll loss, expression of a senescence-associated gene, and lipid peroxidation. Pharmacological manipulation of Ca2+ signaling provides evidence consistent with genetic studies of the relationship between Ca2+ signaling and senescence with the dnd1 mutant. Basal levels of NO in dnd1 leaf tissue were lower than that in leaves of wild-type plants. Application of a NO donor effectively rescues many dnd1 senescence-related phenotypes. Our work demonstrates that the CNGC2 channel is involved in Ca2+ uptake during plant development beyond its role in pathogen defense response signaling. Work presented here suggests that this function of CNGC2 may impact downstream basal NO production in addition to its role (also linked to NO signaling) in pathogen defense responses and that this NO generation acts as a negative regulator during plant leaf senescence signaling.
Dysfunction of Chromatin Assembly Factor 1 Induces Shortening of Telomeres and Loss of 45S rDNA inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mozgová Iva , Mokroš Petr , Fajkus Jiří
Published: August 2010

Chromatin Assembly Factor 1 (CAF1) is a three-subunit H3/H4 histone chaperone responsible for replication-dependent nucleosome assembly. It is composed of CAC 1-3 in yeast; p155, p60, and p48 in humans; and FASCIATA1 (FAS1), FAS2, and MULTICOPY SUPPRESSOR OF IRA1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. We report that disruption of CAF1 function by fas mutations in Arabidopsis results in telomere shortening and loss of 45S rDNA, while other repetitive sequences (5S rDNA, centromeric 180-bp repeat, CACTA, and Athila) are unaffected. Substantial telomere shortening occurs immediately after the loss of functional CAF1 and slows down at telomeres shortened to median lengths around 1 to 1.5 kb. The 45S rDNA loss is progressive, leaving 10 to 15% of the original number of repeats in the 5th generation of mutants affecting CAF1, but the level of the 45S rRNA transcripts is not altered in these mutants. Increasing severity of the fas phenotype is accompanied by accumulation of anaphase bridges, reduced viability, and plant sterility. Our results show that appropriate replication-dependent chromatin assembly is specifically required for stable maintenance of telomeres and 45S rDNA.
Pension Arrears in Russia: The Story Behind the Figures
Authors: Romanova Elena
Published: August 2010

By the middle of the 1990s', the Russian pension system was suffering from an accumulation of arrears in payment of all pensions and benefits. The arrears damaged the welfare of a large segment of the population, leading to an increase in poverty and inequality, and also negatively impacted the health of recipients of pensions and benefits. 1 The problem of pension arrears seemed to be solved by the end of 1997. However, in 1998 the payment delays started again. The danger of a new round of pension arrears accumulation is still real, since the causes of the problem remain unsolved. The main point of this article is to analyse the overall reasons, which led to heavy arrears, and to review the situation across Russian regions regarding accumulation dynamics, the causes for accumulation, and measures implemented to resolve the situation. The article will conclude by considering how the lessons of the arrears crisis might be usedto structure a reform of the pension system.
The Mired Restructuring of Russia's Banking System
Authors: Schoors Koen
Published: August 2010

Much has been written about Russia's banking crisis, and it has become clear that the August 1998 devaluation and the ensuing government default on its bonds triggered a crisis of the banking system. The underlying cause of the crisis, however, was the failure to restructure bank assets. Banks had long accumulated bad loans and failed to account for them in their portfolios. Therefore, a banking crisis had been overdue for some time. It can be said that the banking system was bound for serious trouble even if the August 1998 crisis had not occurred. This contribution does not address the crisis itself, nor does it elaborate extensively on the role of the Agency for Restructuring of Credit Organisations (ARCO) or the government in restructuring (see: ‘Bank Restructuring: Developments in 1999’ by K. Eggenberger in this issue). Rather, this report concentrates on the restructuring that has taken place in the banking system, describes how restructuring was achieved, andidentifies the winners and losers in this process.
Non‐Payments in the Energy Sector
Authors: Ivanova Nadezhda , Pavlov George
Published: August 2010

Despite the reduction in arrears and barter observed after the rouble devaluation of the August 1998 crisis the phenomenon of non‐payments in Russia is yet to be addressed. Non‐payments of all forms remain especially severe in transactions involving the energy sector, defined as an aggregation of the electricity and natural gas industries. The high concentration of overdue receivables and non‐monetary forms of settlement in the energy sector provides evidence that power and gas industries subsidise a large share of the economy, including industrial and social consumers. Social and political costs of the closure of large nonviable industrial enterprises unable to pay their operational costs force the governments of all levels to prevent their disconnection from the energy supplies. The authorities effectively encourage EUS and Gazprom to tolerate ‘strategic’ customers's arrears by turning a blind eye to natural monopolies tax obligations. On the other hand, the persistent failure of the federal and regional authorities to comply with the budget laws have prompted the budget‐funded organisation to run arrears to the energy suppliers, which, in turn, led to numerous tax offsets involving the electricity and gas companies.

In addition to the government's policies there are structural factors specific to the energy sector. Imperfections of the delivery network allow the rent‐seeking electricity resellers and regional utilities managers to use nontransparent barter chains. This and the lack of supervision by UES enable them to put up with non‐payments by the customeres and divert funds from the power generators. Consolidation of control over UES subsidiaries accompanied by the active debt settlement policy and modernisation of the delivery network are the structural measures that required to reduce the scale of non‐payments in the energy sector.
The Common European Economic Space Between Russia and the EU: an Institutional Anchor for Accelerating Russian Reform
Authors: Samson Ivan
Published: August 2010

The prospect of bringing the European Union and Russia closer together within a Common European Economic Space (CEES) tops the agenda in the EU–Russia dialogue, confirming that the EU views Russia as a strategic partner. This article argues that the CEES is not only positive for Russian economic growth, but that it is a condition for acceleration of sustainable growth and higher productivity in Russia. The aim of the EU in building the CEES is not to force Russia into a particular mould, but to offer a model for economic and legal integration, which can help to boost Russian economic performance. Both the EU and Russia have achieved internal unities, bringing together huge diversities of nations, cultures, and religions. The time has now come to close the gap opened between Russia and the rest of Europe at the beginning of the last century. Integration within the CEES opens the way to this objective.
Association between Mannose‐Binding Lectin and Vascular Complications in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hansen T. K. , Tarnow L. , Thiel S. , Steffensen R. , Parving H.‐H. , Flyvbjerg A.
Published: August 2010

Complement activation and inflammation have been suggested in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular lesions. We investigated serum mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) levels and polymorphisms in the MBL gene in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) patients with and without diabetic nephropathy and associated macrovascular complications. Polymorphisms in the MBL gene and serum MBL levels were determined in 199 T1DM patients with overt nephropathy and 192 T1DM patients with persistent normoalbuminuria matched for age, sex and duration of diabetes as well as in 100 healthy control subjects. The frequencies of high and low expression MBL genotypes were similar in patients with T1DM and healthy controls. High MBL genotypes were significantly more frequent in diabetic patients with nephropathy than in the normoalbuminuric group, and the risk of having nephropathy, given a high MBL genotype, assessed by odds ratio was 1.52 (1.02–2.27), P = 0.04. Median serum MBL concentrations were significantly higher in patients with nephropathy than in patients with normoalbuminuria [2306 µg/l (IQR 753–4867 µg/l) versus 1491 µg/l (IQR 577–2944), P = 0.0003], and even when comparing patients with identical genotypes, serum MBL levels were higher in the nephropathy group than in the normoalbuminuric group. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease had significantly elevated MBL levels independently of nephropathy status [3178 µg/l (IQR 636–5231 µg/l) versus 1741 µg/l (IQR 656–3149 µg/l), P = 0.02]. The differences in MBL levels between patients with and without vascular complications were driven primarily by pronounced differences among carriers of high MBL genotypes (P < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that MBL may be involved in the pathogenesis of microvascular and macrovascular complications in type 1 diabetes and that determination of MBL status might be used to identify patients at increased risk of developing these complications.
The Histologic Differences Between Neurofibromas in Patients With Neurofibromatosis, Type I and Sporadic Neurofibromas
Authors: Ball N.J. , Tanhuanco‐Kho G.
Published: August 2010

Neurofibromatosis is associated with cutaneous melanin pigmentation, but an association with ordinary melanocytic nevi has not been described. This retrospective case‐control study was designed to see if neurofibromas in patients with Neurofibromatosis, Type I (NF‐1) differ from sporadic neurofibromas (SN) in their incidence of associated melanocytic nevi and other histologic features. Slides from 114 NF‐1 were compared with 112 SN. Lentiginous melanocytic nevi were identified over 13 NF‐1 (11%) but no SN (p = 0.00019, Fisher’s test). Compared with other NF‐1, NF‐1 with nevi were more frequently associated with melanocytic hyperplasia, honeycomb infiltration of the subcutis (p < 0.03, Fisher’s test), and a greater number of biopsies (p = 0.04, t‐test). Compared with SN, NF‐1 were more frequently associated with melanocytic hyperplasia, lentigo simplex‐like changes, honeycomb infiltration of the subcutis (p < 0.001, Chi squared test), plexiform neurofibroma and epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (p < 0.03, Fisher’s test). SN more frequently presented as a polyp or papule (p < 0.009). Sebaceous hyperplasia (present in 14% of cases), dermal elastosis (9%), lipomatous neurofibroma (8%), epithelial cysts (4%), and keratin granulomas or folliculitis (3%) were equally common in NF‐1 and SN. This study suggests that there may be a fundamental difference in the potential for melanocytic proliferation in NF‐1 compared with SN.
Cutaneous Leiomyosarcoma Resembling a Skin Tag
Authors: Brown T. , Junkins‐Hopkins J.M. , Grossman D.
Published: August 2010

Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma typically presents as solitary, well‐circumscribed, firm plaques or nodules. We describe a case of cutaneous leiomyosarcoma clinically presenting as a skin tag on the thigh of a 50‐year‐old male. Histological examination of the lesion revealed a dome‐shaped tumor with interlacing fascicles of smooth muscle with pleomorphism, cellular atypia and multiple mitoses. Malignant tumors may rarely present as a skin tag, and these are most frequently basal cell carcinomas. We are unaware of previously reported leiomyosarcoma clinically presenting as a skin tag. This case suggests that solitary, wide‐based, papilloma‐like lesions or skin tags should be submitted for histologic examination to rule out malignancy.
Atypical Response of Xeroderma Pigmentosum to 5‐Fluorouracil: A Histopathological Image Analysis Study Reveals New Insight into Etiopathogenesis
Authors: Centurion S.A. , Li H. , Kim M.J. , Lambert W. C.
Published: August 2010

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a recessively inherited genodermatosis associated with extreme sun sensitivity, defective repair of several types of sunlight induced adducts in cellular DNA, and numerous, early‐onset skin cancers. The dry, rough skin corresponds to progressive cytologic atypia and loss of polarity in the underlying epidermis. Associated with these changes are immune deficiencies against ultraviolet radiation‐induced skin cancer. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a DNA synthesis antimetabolite used against several types of cancers. Applied topically in normal subjects it is associated with moderate to severe inflammation in areas where actinic keratoses have arisen followed by ablation of the actinic keratoses which is dependent on the inflammation. We applied 5‐FU to the sun‐exposed skin of two patients with XP, a 14 year‐old light complected black male and a 14 year‐old Caucasian female. No inflammation was observed, but marked improvement in the clinical presentation of the skin was seen, as well as an absence of new malignancies. This change was confirmed histopathologically and correlated with normalization of polarity and cytologic changes in the epidermal cells. These histologic findings were quantitated using computerized image analysis. These results may be due to activation of alternative DNA repair pathways in these nucleotide excision repair deficient cells.
The Diagnostic Concordance of Actinic Keratosis and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Davis D. A. , Donahue J.P. , Bost J.E. , Horn T.D.
Published: August 2010

Diagnostic concordance of intraepithelial malignancy is generally only fair. Because the diagnosis of actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma is not uniform and because such terms are not consonant with the nomenclature of other human epithelial malignancies, nomenclature revisions have been attempted. One hundred dermatopathologists were solicited to review 15 tissue sections representing a spectrum of varying thickness epidermal malignancy and to choose either actinic keratosis or squamous cell carcinoma as the diagnosis. Among the 77 participating dermatopathologists intraclass correlation was high for what was perceived as actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma and their differentiation. Development of a two‐tiered diagnostic system that retains our present diagnostic capabilities, but better fits the pathobiology of superficial epidermal malignancy is suggested.
Primary Cutaneous Ewing’s Sarcoma
Authors: Draft K.S. , Billings S.D.
Published: August 2010

A 57‐year‐old woman presented with a three‐week history of an erythematous nodule on her palm. The clinical diagnosis was pyogenic granuloma. Histology revealed a circumscribed dermal nodule of uniform, primitive round cells with numerous mitotic figures and apoptopic cells. The tumor cells showed strong membranous immunoreactivity for CD99 and nuclear immunoreactivity for Fli‐1. The tumor cells were negative for S‐100 protein, cytokeratin AE1/3, cytokeratin 20, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and actin. The diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma was made. CT scans showed no evidence of an osseous or deep soft tissue primary tumor or metastatic disease. The tumor was excised with 1 cm margins, and the patient received six courses of adjuvant chemotherapy. One year after diagnosis, the patient is alive without evidence of disease. Extraosseous Ewing’s sarcoma (EES) rarely presents as a primary skin tumor and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors involving the skin. It is important to distinguish primary cutaneous EES from secondary involvement of the skin by ES, as primary cutaneous EES has a more indolent course compared to classic EES or osseous ES. Immunohistochemical stains for CD99 and Fli‐1 are useful markers to confirm the diagnosis of cutaneous ES.
Lymphomatoid Papulosis Presenting With B‐Cell Lymphoma: A New Association?
Authors: Galan A. , Wenner N. P. , Henneberry J. M.
Published: August 2010

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a cutaneous T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder, characterised by recurrent crops of necrotic self‐healing papules and nodules. Although chronic, LyP typically has a benign clinical course in the majority of cases. Histologically, a malignant appearing T‐cell lymphoid infiltrate is seen. The atypical cells often resemble the cerebriform cells of mycosis fungoides or Reed‐Sternberg cells in Hodgkin lymphoma. Approximately 10–20% of the patients go on to develop lymphomas, including mycosis fungoides, CD30‐positive anaplastic large cell and Hodgkin lymphoma. We report a case of LyP associated with a B‐cell lymphoma. A 50‐year‐old male, presented with scattered erythematous scaly papules, some with central crust, located on the arms, trunk and leg of one‐month duration. A skin biopsy revealed a polymorphous infiltrate with many large atypical lymphocytes, resembling Reed Sternberg cells. By immunohistochemistry, the large cells were positive for T‐cell markers and CD30. Subsequently, he developed fever, night sweats and diffuse lymphadenopathy. A lymph node biopsy showed a vaguely nodular proliferation of small to medium lymphocytes. Immunophenotypic and flow cytometric studies best characterised the process as mantle cell lymphoma. Although, LyP has been previously associated with lymphomas of above‐mentioned types, this is an extremely unusual case presenting with a low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma.
Birt‐Hogg‐Dube Syndrome – an Easily Missed Diagnosis
Authors: Harvey Valerie , Rothman Anne , Lowitt Mark , Sina Bahram , Deng April
Published: August 2010

Birt‐Hogg‐Dube (BHD) syndrome is a rare autosomal genodermatosis characterized by the triad of fibrofolliculomas, trichodyscomas and acrochordons. The gene for BHD was localised to chromosome 17p11.2 and a germline insertion/deletion was identified to cause premature truncation of the BHD protein, folliculin. Patients carry increased risk for developing lung cysts, spontaneous pneumothorax, and renal carcinoma. Prompt diagnosis is important for patient clinical management. We encountered a 41 year‐old white male, otherwise healthy, with classic clinical presentation of BHD, i.e. numerous firm, smooth, whitish papules covering his face and neck, which were developed after adolescence. There is no related family history. Nine biopsies were taken during the past 5 years. The following changes are present: markedly dilated hair follicles, telangiectasia in fibrosing stroma, and melanocytic nevus cells. Diagnoses of epidermal inclusion cyst, fibrous papules, and dermal nevus were given. However, some subtle but diagnostic histopathological features for fibrofolliculoma, perifolliculafibroma, and trichodyscoma were overlooked. Correct diagnosis was reached upon review of all the biopsies. Patient is currently undergoing genetic testing and clinical workups. We present this case to update our knowledge on this rare disease, particularly the diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and diagnostic pitfalls, in order to avoid the delay of correct diagnosis.
Squamous Islands in Clear Cell Hidradenoma : A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Kamath A. , Radfar A. , Stefanato C.M.
Published: August 2010

Clear cell hidradenoma is a benign eccrine tumor with nodular‐cystic architecture, ductal differentiation and poroid cytology. Squamous islands occurring in eccrine neoplasms are classified into three types, according to their location, histologic characteristics and degrees of cellular atypia. Type I squamous islands resemble normal epidermis and are present in the superficial to middle portion of eccrine poromas. Type II squamous islands are localised in the deeper portion of eccrine poromas and show lumen formation suggestive of acrosyringeal differentiation. Type III squamous islands show atypical features and are limited to malignant eccrine tumors. A 55‐year‐old man was biopsied for a dermal nodule on his left arm. The initial shave biopsy revealed the surface of an intradermal cystic nodule with numerous whorls and horn pearls of squamatization, reminiscentÂof a well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma; however, no cytologic atypia, necrosis or mitotic activity were identified; focal clear cell and ductal differentiation were also present. Complete excision revealed clear cell hidradenoma with extensive mixed type I and type II squamous islands. The presence of whorls and pearls of squamoid cells is a rare finding in clear cell hidradenoma that, moreover, in the setting of a superficial biopsy, may be a diagnostic pitfall.
Chondroma of the Tongue
Authors: Lee J. , Iskaros B.
Published: August 2010

Soft tissue chondroma is a rare lesion that has been reported in various organs including brain, nasopharynx, larynx, lung, esophagus, liver, urinary bladder, fallopian tube, skin, and oral mucosa. We report a chondroma occurred on the tongue of a 38‐year‐old‐woman. She presented with an asymptomatic, several‐millimeter, firm papule on the lateral border of the tongue. She had been healthy otherwise, and the lesion had been present for about 9 to 10 months without change in size. Possibility of sialolith was considered clinically. Microscopic examination revealed a well‐circumscribed, lobular, subepithelial lesion composed of mature hyaline cartilage. No cytologic atypia of chondrocytes was noted. The overlying squamous mucosa was unremarkable. Chondromas may occur in association with Maffucci’s syndrome, Ollier’s disease, CREST syndrome, and Carney’s triad. However, in most cases, such as in this case, it is solitary and not associated with the preceding entities.