bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Azole antifungals: weak inhibitors of inducible nitric oxide synthase in mouse and human cells
Authors: Vermuyten Karen , Laurijssens Leen , Bossche H. Vanden
Published: April 2009

Summary.The effect of three azole antifungals on inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) activity in different mouse and human cells was evaluated. The iNOS activity was determined by L‐citrulline and nitrite measurement. In the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7, in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) and in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (DLD‐1), iNOS activity could be induced with lipopolysaccharides and cytokines. Under similar conditions, no iNOS induction was found in human monocytes/macrophages. The concentration of itraconazole, ketoconazole or miconazole needed to inhibit iNOS activity by 50% in RAW 264.7 cells, MPM and DLD‐1 cells was 10 μmol 1‐1This is at least 100 times more than the concentrations of these azole antifungals required to produce a 50% inhibition of yeast growth and ergosterol synthesis of, for example,Candida albicansafter the same incubation period. These results show that azole antifungals are weak inhibitors of iNOS in intact cells.

Zusammenfasung.Der Effekt von drei Azol‐Antimyzetika auf die induzierbare Stickstoffmonoxid‐Synthase (iNOS) in verschiedenen Mausund menschlichen Zellen wurde untersucht. Die iNOS‐Aktivität wurde mittels L‐Citrullin‐ und Nitrit‐Messung bestimmt. In der Maus‐Makrophagen Zelllinie RAW 264.7, in murinen peritonealen Macrophagen (MPM) und in menschlichen colorektalen Adenokarzinom‐Zellen (DLD‐1) konnte die iNOS Aktivität mit Lipopoly‐sacchariden und Cytokinen induziert werden. Unter vergleichbaren Bedingungen wurde in menschlichen Monozyten/Makrophagen keine iNOS‐Aktivität gefunden. Die notwendige Konzentration an Itraconazol, Ketoconazol oder Miconazol zur Hemmung der iNOS‐Aktivität in RAW 264.7 Zellen, MPM und DLD‐1 Zellen um 50% liegt bei 10 μmol 1‐1Dies ist mehr als die hundertfache Azol‐Konzentration, die bei gleicher Inkubationszeit benötigt wird, um das Wachstum oder die Ergosterolsynthese von zum BeispielCandida albicansauf 50% zu inhibieren. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, daß Azol‐Antimyzetika schwache iNOS Inhibitoren in intakten Zellen sind.
Isolation of Microsporum nanum from a patient with tinea corporis in Madras, India
Authors: Ranganathan S. , Menon Thangam , Balajee S. Arun Mozhi
Published: April 2009

Summary. Microsporum nanum was isolated from a case of tinea corporis in a 16‐year‐old boy. This is the first recorded case of human ringworm infection caused by M. nanum in India.

Zusammenfassung. Microsporum nanum wurde von Tinea corporis‐Arealen eines 16‐jährigen Jungen isoliert. Dies ist der erste dokumentierte Falle einer M. nanum‐Dermatophytose in Indien.
Therapie von Infektionen durch Schwärzepilze
Authors: Tintelnot Kathrin
Published: April 2009

Zusammenfassung. Da Schwärzepilze zu den seltenen Erregern von Mykosen zählen, begründen sich Therapieempfehlungen vorwiegend auf Einzelfallbeobachtungen. Bei Eumyzetomen und herdförmigen Phaeohyphomykosen des Zentralnervensystems (z. B. durch Cladophialophora bantiana, Exophiala dermatitidis) und in bestimmten Fällen einer Chromoblastomykose ist die Resektion in toto Therapie der Wahl, ggf. mit antimykotischer Begleitmedikation. Zur antimykotischen Therapie ex juvantibus bei Phaeohyphomykosen ist z. Z. ein Therapicerfolg mit einer Kombinationsbehandiung aus Itraconzol und 5‐Fluorcytosin am ehesten zu erwatten. Eine ausreichende Therapiedauer ist für den Erfolg maßgebend.

Summary. Since dematiaceous fungi belong to the group of rare infectious agents causing mycoses, therapeutic recommendations are mainly deduced from observations of single cases. In cases of eumycetoma or focal phaeohyphomycoses of the central nervous system (e.g. caused by Cladophialophora bantiana or Exophiala dermatitidis) and in certain cases of chromoblastomycoses, the resection in loto is the therapy of choice, which may be accompanied by antimycotic medication. As antimycotic therapy ex juvantibus in case of phaeohyphomycoses, a simultaneous application of itraconazole and 5‐fluorocytosine is presently most promising. The success depends on an adequate duration of therapy.
Diagnosis of fungal infections
Authors: Füssle Roswitha
Published: April 2009

Summary. Fungal infections become more and more important due to their increasing incidence in immunocompromised patients. In these patients opportunistic fungi (Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus) can cause life‐threatening infections. Diagnosis of fungal infections is difficult. Clinical symptoms are uncharacteristic, and laboratory diagnosis is confronted with many problems and requires expert interpretation.

Zusammenfassung. Pilzinfektionen nehmen in ihrer Bedeutung zu wegen der steigenden Häufigkeit bei infektabwehrgeschwächten Patienten. Bei diesen können opportunistische Pilze (Candida, Aspergtllus, Cryptococcus) lebensbcdrohliche Infektionen verursachen. Die Diagnose der Pilzinfektionen ist schwierig: Die klinischen Symptome sind uncharakteristisch und die Labordiagnose ist problematisch und erfordert sachkundige Interpretation.
Clinical and diagnostic aspects of dermatophyte onychomycosis
Authors: Maleszka R. , Adamski Z.
Published: April 2009

Summary. The paper presents mechanisms of the spread of dermatophyte infection in the nail and the associated most frequently encountered clinical features. Particular attention has been paid to advantages for dermatological practice that are based on using some diagnostic traits of dermatophyte onychomycosis, in particular signs of a transverse and spriggy network, typical of the disease.

Zusammenfassung. Die Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über die pathogenetischen Mechanismen von Dermatophyteninfektionen im Nagel und die am häufigsten beobachteten klinischen Bilder. Besonders betont werden vorteilhafte Vorgehensweisen für die dermatologische Praxis unter Einbeziehung bestimmter diagnostischer Symptome bei Dermatophyten‐bedingter Onychomykose, insbesondere die Ausbreitungscharak‐teristika, wie sie für diese Krankheit typisch sind.
Keratin degradation by Scytalidium species and Fusarium solani
Authors: Oyeka C. A. , Gugnani H. C.
Published: April 2009

Summary. The keratin degradation capability of some non‐dermatophytic filamentous fungi, viz Scytalidium dimidiatum types A and B, S. hyalinum, S. japonicum and Fusarium solani, was investigated using nail clippings and keratin powder as substrates. Representative isolates of the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes were also tested. The two morphological types of S. dimidiatum were almost equally effective in the degradation of substrates, 42–43% nail clippings and 24–26% keratin. Scytalidium hyalinum and S. japonicum degraded 40% and 38% of nail clippings respectively. Degradation of keratin was insignificant. In the case of F. solani, nail clippings were degraded 43% and keratin 20%. The dermatophytes caused much higher degradation of nail clippings (70–73%) and keratin (42–52%).

Zusammenfassung. Die Fähigkeit zum Keratinabbau wurde an einigen Nicht‐Dermatophyten, nämlich Scytalidium dimitiatum Typ A und B, S. hyalinum, S. japonicum und Fusarium solani mit Nagelspänen und Keratinpulver als Substrat untersucht. Daneben wurden auch repräsentative Dermatophyten‐Isolate, nämlich Trichophyton rubrum und Trichophyton mentagrophytes getestet. Die beiden Morphetypten von S. dimitiatum verhielten sich im Keratinabbau fast gleich: 42–43% Nagelspäne und 24–26% Keratinpulver. S. hyalinum und S. japonicum bauten 40% bzw. 38% Nagelspäne ab; der Abbau von Keratinpulver war unbedeutend. Fusarium solani baute Nagelspäne zu 43% und Keratinpulver zu 20% ab. Die Dermatophyten dagegen degradierten Nagelspäne zu 70–73% und Keratinpulver zu 42–52%.
Zur Vergangenheit und Gegenwart der Mykologie in der deutschsprachigen Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe
Authors: Mendling W.
Published: April 2009

Zusammenfassung. Geburtshilfliche Mykologie hatte nach der Entdeckung von Pilzen 1839 zuerst das Ziel, die mögliche Ursache des, Soors bei Neugeborenen zu finden. Dafür stehen die Namen Berg (1846), Mayer (1862), Martin (1856), Winckel (1866), Haussmann (1870), Kehrer (1883), Epstein (1924), Rüther, Rieth und Koch (1958), Malicke (1963), Blaschke‐Hellmessen (1968) und Schnell (1981) u.a. Auf gynäkologischem Gebiet wurden Vaginalmykosen sowie deren Therapieprobleme von den Gynäkologen Döderlein (1892), Spitzbart (1960), Lachenicht und Potel (1971), Neumann und Kaben (1971), Müller und Nold (1981) und Mendling (1987, 1995) untersucht. Viele gynäkologische Arbeiten wurden allerdings auch von Dermatologen und Mikrobiologen geschrieben.

Summary. After the detection of yeasts in 1839, German speaking mycology was first performed in obstetrics to find out the source of neonatal thrush. The authors are Berg (1846), Mayer (1862), Martin (1856), Winckel (1866), Haussmann (1870), Kehrer (1883), Epstein (1924), Rüther, Rieth and Koch (1958) Malicke (1963), Blaschke‐Hellmessen (1968) and Schnell (1981) and others. In the gynecological field yeasts, vaginal mycoses and therapeutic problems had been investigated by the gynecologists Döderlein (1892), Spitzbart (1960), Lachenicht and Potel (1971), Neumann and Kaben (1971), Müller and Nold (1981) and Mendling (1987, 1995). Many gynecological papers, however, had also been written by dermatologists and microbiologists.
Pyogenic granuloma complicating pulsed‐dye laser therapy for cherry angioma
Authors: Cheah Sheryn , DeKoven Joel
Published: April 2009

A 37 year‐old‐woman presented for cosmetic removal of a 7‐mm (diameter) cherry angioma on her right anterior thigh. Various treatment options were discussed and removal of the lesion using pulsed‐dye laser was carried out. The patient returned 5 weeks later complaining of bleeding from the treatment site, which on examination showed a 23 × 23‐mm friable nodular lesion with the typical appearance of a pyogenic granuloma. This lesion was removed by shave excision, curettage and electrodessication. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma. This is a rare occurrence post pulsed‐dye laser therapy that physicians may choose to discuss with patients prior to performing this procedure.
Dealing with threats: Integrating science and management
Authors: Auld Tony D. , Keith David A.
Published: May 2009

Summary  Threats to biodiversity are pervasive and diverse. The management of these threats is the major focus of conservation biology. We briefly reviewed the taxonomy of direct threats to biodiversity as a means of examining legislated planning actions and strategies for managing threatening processes in eastern Australia and propose a simple classification of five general types of threat. These include the major threats of destruction and fragmentation of habitat and global climate change; threats that relate directly to changes in disturbance regimes (e.g. fire and water); threats related to reduced functionality of biological interactions or life‐cycle processes (e.g. due to invasions of exotic species); and over‐exploitation affecting specific groups of plant and animal species. We applied this five‐level classification to the listings of key threatening processes under legislation in three Australian jurisdictions (Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria). A small core group of threats are currently common to all three jurisdictions, including clearing of native vegetation, climate change and particular alien predators and diseases. The bulk of listings reflect differences in emphasis between jurisdictions, with the Commonwealth having not listed threats related to weeds or disturbance regimes.

To manage all types of threats, we need a clear understanding of cause and effect combined with adaptive management strategies for amelioration. We use selected case studies to show how a process‐based understanding of threats can be incorporated into conservation management. In fire‐prone ecosystems in New South Wales, for example, threats posed by increased fire frequency have been addressed in fire planning by prescribing management thresholds, derived from knowledge of the limits set by seed bank dynamics in relation to species persistence. Monitoring of species after fire allows re‐evaluation of recommended intervals. In arid and semi‐arid systems, grazing by introduced herbivores has disrupted the recruitment of new individuals into plant populations, resulting in long‐term decline of a number of perennial plant species across extensive proportions of their ranges. In conjunction with long‐term monitoring of recruitment patterns at selected locations, control of introduced herbivores is being used to address this threat. Finally, strategies for dealing with threats of a changing climate (including managing the capacity of species to disperse across the landscape) must include strategies for minimizing habitat loss and on‐site management of existing threats.
Adaptive management in practice: Conservation of a threatened plant population
Authors: Mackenzie Berin D. E. , Keith David A.
Published: May 2009

Summary  We applied an adaptive management approach to reduce extinction risks faced by a disjunct and ecologically significant population of Black Cypress Pine (Callitris endlicheri), listed as an endangered population on the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. In summer 2001–2002, an unplanned fire burnt the population, resulting in mortality of most standing plants. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of herbivores, particularly feral Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis), on the recruitment of post‐fire seedlings that might replace the loss of fire‐killed standing plants. We applied an adaptive management approach to detect trends in the population following the fire, and to evaluate and trial in situ management options for mitigating threats to the remaining plants. Post‐fire monitoring detected continuing declines in both the remaining adult population and the post‐fire cohort of seedlings, and identified browsing by Deer as a serious and ongoing threat to the population. We designed a controlled experiment, with the aid of natural and artificial ‘nurse plants’ to assess the effects of herbivore exclusion on seedling growth and survival, and to test for differences in those effects under alternative management strategies. The experiment was designed and implemented with little cost other than field time and with logistic constraints on replication. By protecting exposed seedlings from browsing using woody debris, we were able to significantly increase seedling growth and survival, and to quickly arrest the population decline. Our results suggest that excluding Deer from the population by more permanent means will have a significant positive effect on its long‐term persistence. Our case study demonstrates the utility of adaptive management approaches in threatened species conservation, their feasibility even under severe budgetary and logistical constraints, and how ongoing monitoring and experimentation are crucial for successful management of biodiversity.
Indigenous ENT anaesthesia. Humanitarians at home
Authors: Donaldson A. , Murray R.
Published: April 2009

Indigenous Australian children have rates of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) that according to the World Health Organization (WHO) constitute a public health emergency [1, 2]. CSOM may result in permanent hearing impairment, learning difficulties [2, 3] and contribute to the cycle of illiteracy, unemployment, and poverty seen in Indigenous communities.

Paediatric anaesthetists form a vital part of the Deadly Ears program, a program which seeks to provide ENT outreach services to remote Indigenous communities in Queensland. We examine the reasons for, and the benefits of, the creation of this particular service [4, 5] and the role performed by the paediatric anaesthetist. In particular, we focus on the cultural and environmental challenges, and identify specifically our modifications in anaesthetic technique to overcome these difficulties in a setting where anaesthesia is rarely performed. We demonstrate the role of the paediatric anaesthetist in a public health setting.

We have focused on 22 cases conducted in Bamaga and Woorabinda on two outreach trips in 2008. Local ethics committee approval was obtained to review these charts. In particular, we focus on patient characteristics, surgical procedures and per‐operative complications.

1 Coates HL, et al. Otitis media in Aboriginal children: tackling a major health problem. Med J Aust 2002; 177(4): 177–178.

2 Rothstein J, Heazlewood R and Fraser M, Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in remote Far North Queensland: findings of the Paediatric Outreach Service. Med J Aust 2007; 186(10): 519–521.

3 Morris PS. A systematic review of clinical research addressing the prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of otitis media in Australian Aboriginal children. J Paediatr Child Health 1998; 34(6): 487–497.

4 Gruen RL, Weeramanthri TS and Bailie RS. Outreach and improved access to specialist services for indigenous people in remote Australia: the requirements for sustainability. J Epidemiol Community Health, 2002; 56(7): 517–521.

5 Gruen RL et al. Specialist outreach to isolated and disadvantaged communities: a population‐based study. Lancet 2006; 368(9530): 130–138.
Monitoring electrical skin conductance: a tool for the assessment of postoperative pain in children?
Authors: Hullett B. , Chambers N. , Preuss J , Zamudio I. , Lange J. , Pascoe E. , Ledowski T.
Published: April 2009

Funding:  Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Perth, Australia

The manuscript has been written and checked according to the STROBE consensus.

Objectives:  To test whether changes in electrical skin conductance are a suitable tool for the assessment of postoperative pain in paediatric patients.

Design:  Prospective, blinded observational study.

Setting:  Recovery room Department of Anaesthesia, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Australia.

Participants:  A total of 180 postoperative paediatric patients aged 1–16 years.

Main Outcome Measures:  Area under the curve (ROC) for the skin conductance parameter ‘number of fluctuation per second’ (NFSC) to distinguish between no or mild vs moderate or severe postoperative pain (obtained by standard pain scores).

Results:  Postoperative pain was assessed in 165 children (1–16 years) by standard validated clinical pain assessment tools (Revised Faces Scale, FLACC Scale, Visual Analogue Scale) at various time points during their stay in the recovery room. NFSC was recorded simultaneously. Fifteen patients were excluded due to technical problems with monitoring NFSC. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting moderate to severe pain from NFSC was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.79–0.85). Over all age groups, a NFSC cut‐off value of 0.13 was found to distinguish between no or mild vs moderate or severe pain with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 64% (positive predictive value 35%, negative predictive value 97%).

Conclusion:  NFSC accurately predicts moderate to severe pain in postoperative paediatric patients. In this group of patients, the measurement of NFSC may therefore be a useful addition to the presently used, clinical pain assessment tools.

Trial Registration:  Australian Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN12607000474459)
State of the Art in Ray Tracing Animated Scenes
Authors: Wald Ingo , Mark William R. , Günther Johannes , Boulos Solomon , Ize Thiago , Hunt Warren , Parker Steven G. , Shirley Peter
Published: April 2009

Ray tracing has long been a method of choice for off‐line rendering, but traditionally was too slow for interactive use. With faster hardware and algorithmic improvements this has recently changed, and real‐time ray tracing is finally within reach. However, real‐time capability also opens up new problems that do not exist in an off‐line environment. In particular real‐time ray tracing offers the opportunity to interactively ray trace moving/animated scene content.

This presents a challenge to the data structures that have been developed for ray tracing over the past few decades. Spatial data structures crucial for fast ray tracing must be rebuilt or updated as the scene changes, and this can become a bottleneck for the speed of ray tracing. This bottleneck has recently received much attention by researchers and that has resulted in a multitude of different algorithms, data structures and strategies for handling animated scenes. The effectiveness of techniques for ray tracing dynamic scenes vary dramatically depending on details such as scene complexity, model structure, type of motion and the coherency of the rays. Consequently, there is so far no approach that is best in all cases, and determining the best technique for a particular problem can be a challenge. In this State of the Art Report (STAR), we aim to survey the different approaches to ray tracing animated scenes, discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and their relationship to other approaches. The overall goal is to help the reader choose the best approach depending on the situation, and to expose promising areas where there is potential for algorithmic improvements.
A Time Model for Time‐Varying Visualization
Authors: Wolter M. , Assenmacher I. , Hentschel B. , Schirski M. , Kuhlen T.
Published: April 2009

The analysis of unsteady phenomena is an important topic for scientific visualization. Several time‐dependent visualization techniques exist, as well as solutions for dealing with the enormous size of time‐varying data in interactive visualization. Many current visualization toolkits support displaying time‐varying data sets. However, for the interactive exploration of time‐varying data in scientific visualization, no common time model that describes the temporal properties which occur in the visualization process has been established. In this work, we propose a general time model which classifies the time frames of simulation phenomena and the connections between different time scales in the analysis process. This model is designed for intuitive interaction with time in visualization applications for the domain expert as well as for the developer of visualization tools. We demonstrate the benefits of our model by applying it to two use cases with different temporal properties.
Kadomtsev–Petviashvili Equation Revisited and Integrability in 4 + 2 and 3 + 1
Authors: Fokas A. S.
Published: May 2009

The Cauchy problem of Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I (KPI) was reduced to a nonlocal Riemann–Hilbert (RH) problem by the author and Ablowitz in 1983. This formulation was based on the introduction of two spectral functions (nonlinear Fourier transforms, FTs). This formalism was improved by Boiti et al. [1], where it was shown that the earlier nonlocal RH problem can be formulated in terms of a single spectral function (nonlinear FT). A different formalism was presented by Zhou [2], where the Cauchy problem was rigorously solved in terms of a linear integral equation involving a nonanalytic eigenfunction. Here, we first revisit the above results and then review some recent results about the derivation of integrable generalizations of KP in 4 + 2 (i.e., in four spatial and two temporal dimensions), as well as in 3 + 1 (i.e., in three spatial and one temporal dimensions).
New Solutions to the Ultradiscrete Soliton Equations
Authors: Hirota Ryogo
Published: May 2009

New solutions to the ultradiscrete soliton equations, such as the Box–Ball system, the Toda equation, etc. are obtained. One of the new solutions which we call a “negative‐soliton” satisfies the ultradiscrete KdV equation (Box–Ball system) but there is not a corresponding traveling wave solution for the discrete KdV equation. The other one which we call a “static‐soliton” satisfies the ultradiscrete Toda equation but there is not a corresponding traveling wave solution for the discrete Toda equation. A collision of a soliton with a negative‐soliton generates many balls in a box over the capacity of the box in the Box–Ball system, while a collision of a soliton with the static‐soliton describes, in the ultradiscrete limit, transmission of a soliton through junctions of a “nonuniform Toda equation.” We have obtained exact solutions describing these phenomena.
JUSTICE AS INHERENT RIGHTS: A RESPONSE TO MY COMMENTATORS
Authors: Wolterstorff Nicholas
Published: May 2009

The critical comments by my fellow symposiasts on my book, Justice: Rights and Wrongs, have provided me with the opportunity to clarify parts of my argument and to correct some misunderstandings; they have also helped me see more clearly than I did before the import of some parts of my argument. In his comments, Paul Weithman points out features of the right order conception of justice that I had not noticed. They have also prodded me to clarify in what way rights are trumps; and both his comments and Bernstein's have prodded me to clarify certain aspects of the theistic account of human rights that I offered. Attridge's comments lead me to see that I was perhaps over‐zealous in emphasizing the objective aspects of the semantic range of dikaiosunê as used in the New Testament and downplaying the subjective aspects. And O'Donovan's comments have provided me with the opportunity to make clear that my account of rights is not an immunities account that presupposes nominalism, and to emphasize the ways in which it is not an asocial individualistic account.
Other‐Repetition as a Resource for Participation in the Activity of Playing a Video Game
Authors: MARSH ARJA PIIRAINEN , TAINIO LIISA
Published: May 2009

This article offers an empirically based contribution to the growing body of studies using Conversation Analysis (CA) as a tool for analyzing second/foreign language learning in and through interaction. Building on a sociointeractional view of learning as grounded in the structures of participation in social activities, we apply CA methods to examine the affordances offered by interaction during the activity of playing a video game for additional language learning. We focus on one type of interactional practice, lexical and prosodic repetition, as a recurring resource through which players attend to the game and collaboratively build their understanding and experience of game events. We argue that other‐repetition offers participants a resource for not only interpreting the game but also for engaging with the second language, analyzing it, and putting it to use in ways that enable players to display and develop their linguistic and interactional competence.
Stop Bombing Villages
Authors: KARZAI HAMID
Published: April 2009

President Barack Obama pledged in his first TV interview—with the Arab satellite channel Al Arabiya—that America under his watch would “listen with respect and not dictate” to the world. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has further announced that this country will no longer just throw around its military might but will pursue a “smart power” approach by tempering the use of hard weaponry with the “soft power” of persuasion and cultural attraction. Or, as Madame Secretary's husband Bill has put it, America will now lead through the power of example instead of the example of power.

The first exceedingly complex test of Obama's smart power strategy will be how to end George W. Bush's misguided “war on terror” in Afghanistan and Pakistan, keeping al‐Qaida at bay without being swallowed by the quagmire of tribal politics. An array of experts from New Delhi to Paris offers their views in this section.
China's Dilemma: Invest at Home or in US Stimulus
Authors: KUANGDI XU
Published: April 2009

As the global financial crisis emanating from the United States shuts down world markets, can globalization survive? Will the resurgent intrusion of the state—and thus politics—into the market lead to protectionism and collapse, as was the case in the early 20th century? Or will the new interconnectivity of climate change and mutual economic dependence—especially between China and the US—deepen global links?

The former mayor of Shanghai, legendary Nobel economist Paul Samuelson and Third Way guru Anthony Giddens ponder those questions in this section.
Fabrication of Bioactive Scaffold of Poly(ɛ‐Caprolactone) and Nanofiber Wollastonite Composite
Authors: Wei Jie , Wu Xiaohui , Liu Changsheng , Jia Junfeng , Heo Su‐jin , Kim Seung‐eon , Hyun Yong‐taek , Shin Jung‐Woog
Published: May 2009

A scaffold of nanofiber wollastonite (nf‐WS) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) composite was fabricated, and the morphology, degradation, and cellular response to the scaffold were investigated. The results indicate that the composite scaffold contained open and interconnected pores ranging in size from 400 to 500 μm and exhibited a porosity of around 80%, as well as degradation of the scaffold in phosphate‐buffered saline. MTT tests demonstrated that MG63 cell proliferation was greater on the composite scaffold than on PCL alone at 4 and 7 days of culture. Moreover, the level of alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells cultured on the composite scaffold was higher than that in cells grown on PCL alone at 7 days, and scanning electron microscopy revealed significant osteoblast‐like adhesion and ingrowth into the composite scaffold. Elevated levels of calcium (Ca) and silicon (Si) were detected in the culture medium during cell culture, and the continuous dissolution of nf‐WS produced a Ca‐ and Si‐rich environment that might stimulate cellular proliferation and differentiation. The composite scaffold was bioactive, as indicated by the formation of an apatite layer on the scaffold surface after immersion in cell medium.
Tribological Characterization of WC–Co Plasma Sprayed Coatings
Authors: Di Girolamo Giovanni , Pilloni Luciano , Pulci Giovanni , Marra Francesco
Published: May 2009

Atmospheric plasma spraying of WC coatings is typically characterized by increased decarburization, with a consequent reduction of their wear resistance. Indeed, high temperature and oxidizing atmosphere promote the appearance of brittle crystalline and amorphous phases. However, by using a high helium flow rate in a process gas mixture, plasma spraying may easily be optimized by increasing the velocity of sprayed particles and by reducing the degree of WC dissolution. To this purpose, a comparative study was performed at different spray conditions. Both WC–Co powder and coating phases were characterized by X‐ray difraction. Their microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical, dry sliding friction, and wear tests were also performed. The wear resistance was highly related to both microstructural and mechanical properties. The experimental data confirmed that high‐quality cermet coatings could be manufactured by using optimized Ar–He mixtures. Their enhanced hardness, toughness, and wear resistance resulted in coatings comparable to those sprayed by high velocity oxygen‐fuel.
Crystal Structure and Ferroelectric Properties of (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–Ba(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Lee Wei‐Chih , Lee Yi‐Fang , Tseng Min‐Hui , Huang Chi‐Yuen , Wu Yu‐Chun
Published: May 2009

The crystal structure and ferroelectric properties of (1−x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–xBa(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 (BNBZTx, x≤12%) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics were studied. The distance between the centers of cations and anions (dc–a) as well as the lattice parameters was carefully investigated by Rietveld refinement on X‐ray diffraction patterns. It was found that the crystal phase was determined by the amount of Ba(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3 added, whereas the pure rhombohedral and tetragonal phases are observed in compositions containing x≤4 and x≥8%, respectively. A rhombohedral–tetragonal morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) was found at around BNBZT6, which showed a maximum and minimum dc–a at its rhombohedral and tetragonal phases, respectively. According to the present study, the ferroelectric properties show a strong dependence on their crystal phases. For the single‐phase compositions, the remanent polarization (Pr) generally increased with the value of dc–a while their coercive fields (Ec) were determined by their lattice parameters. Nevertheless, the behavior in Pr and Ec for MPB compositions is related to not only the lattice parameter but also the composed phases.
A New Compound with Ultra Low Dielectric Loss at Microwave Frequencies
Authors: Tseng Ching‐Fang , Hsu Cheng‐Hsing
Published: May 2009

A new ultra low loss microwave dielectric ceramic, Mg(Sn0.05Ti0.95)O3 (MSnT), was found and investigated. The compounds were prepared by the conventional solid‐state route, and sintered at 1360°–1480°C for 2–6 h. The investigations show that the MgTi2O5 secondary phase was observed. Moreover, the dielectric properties were correlated with the formation second phase. The excellent microwave dielectric properties of Q×f=322 000 (GHz), ɛr=17.4, and τf=−54 ppm/°C were obtained from the new MSnT ceramics sintered at 1390°C for 4 h.
Effects of Water Amount and pH on the Crystal Behavior of a TiO2 Nanocrystalline Derived from a Sol–Gel Process at a Low Temperature
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Zhao Gaoling , Li Hong , Han Gaorong , Song Bin
Published: May 2009

TiO2 nanocrystallines with a size of 3–7 nm have been synthesized by the sol–gel method with excessive water at a low temperature of about 50°C. The effects of amount of water and pH on the formation of sols and powders containing TiO2 nanocrystallines were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that a pure anatase phase was formed at pH 1, in contrast to the formation of particles with a mixture of anatase and brookite phases at pH 2–7. Moreover, at pH 1, the intensity of the XRD peaks and the crystal size increased with increasing water content when the water ratio increased from 40 to 100. Whereas the crystal intensity remained invariant, the crystal size still increased when the water ratio increased from 100 to 400. The photocatalytic activity was also investigated. It was shown that when the water ratio was below 100, the photocatalytic activity increased with increasing water content. Further increase of the water content decreased the photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity decreased with increasing pH. All samples with pH=1 showed better photocatalytic activity than Degussa P25. Mechanisms for the formation of the TiO2 nanocrystalline particles at such a low temperature were also discussed.
Analytical Approaches to Stress Intensity Factor Evaluation for Indentation Cracks
Authors: Leonardi Alessandro , Furgiuele Franco , Syngellakis Stavros , Wood Robert J. K.
Published: May 2009

In the present paper, an analytical solution for the stress intensity factor in the case of cracks produced by Vickers indenters has been extended to the cases of triangular indenters, i.e., Berkovich and cube‐corner. According to the adopted approach, median/radial cracks produced by indentations are modeled as loaded by either a point‐force or a symmetric disk‐shaped wedge. The wedge diameter is assumed to be equal to the plastic zone size whereas the wedge thickness is evaluated by comparing the wedge volume with the hardness‐impression volume. The point‐force and the disk‐shaped wedge analyses produce an upper and a lower bound, respectively, of the geometry‐dependent parameter appearing in the expression for the fracture toughness. The predictions of the present analysis are in good agreement with similar experimental and numerical results.
Acquired genetic and functional alterations associated with transforming growth factor β type I resistance in Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line
Authors: Zimonjic Drazen B. , Zhou Xiaoling , Lee Ju‐Seog , Ullmannova‐Benson Veronika , Tripathi Veenu , Thorgeirsson Snorri S. , Popescu Nicholas C.
Published: May 2009

During the neoplastic process tumour cells frequently acquire resistance to the antiproliferative signals of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). Here we examined a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Hep3B‐TS) sensitive to TGF‐β signalling, and a derivative line (Hep3B‐TR) rendered resistant to TGF‐β by stepwise exposure to TGF‐β1. Comprehensive molecular cytogenetic analysis revealed that the acquisition of TGF‐β‐resistance by Hep3B‐TR cells was due to loss of TGF‐β receptor 2 (TGFβRII) gene. As demonstrated by spectral karyotyping and array‐based comparative genomic hybridization, and in difference to Hep3B‐TS cells, which have three rearranged and two normal copies of chromosome 3 that harbour the TGFβRII gene, Hep3B‐TR cells have four rearranged and one apparently normal chromosome 3, which nonetheless underwent a critical microdeletion at the site of TGFβRII gene. Gene expression analysis using an oligonucleotide microarray of 21,397 genes showed that Hep3B‐TR differentially expressed 307 genes, out of which 197 and 110 were up‐ and down‐regulated, respectively, compared to Hep3B‐TS. Six of differentially expressed genes were identified as downstream targets of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) gene, suggesting that loss of TGFβRII triggered activation of the TNF pathway known to be regulated by TGF‐β1 network. On the functional level, the TGF‐β‐resistant Hep3B‐TR cells displayed significantly enhanced capacity for anchorage independent growth and cell migration in vitro, and also increased tumorigenicity in vivo and in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity compared with parental sensitive cells.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 enhances bone formation when delivered by a synthetic matrix containing hydroxyapatite/tricalciumphosphate
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Weber Franz E. , Thoma Daniel S. , Ehrbar Martin , Cochran David L. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: May 2009

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to test whether or not a synthetic matrix consisting of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel containing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) combined with grafting materials enhances bone regeneration compared with grafting alone or empty control sites.

Material and methods: In each of 10 rabbits, four titanium cylinders were screwed in perforated slits made in the external cortical bones of the calvaria. The following four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: (1) empty control, (2) a combination of a PEG matrix and hydroxyapatite/tricalciumphosphate (HA/TCP) granules and a combination of a PEG matrix containing either 10 μg/ml (3) or 30 μg/ml (4) of BMP‐2 and HA/TCP granules. After 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections were obtained for histological analysis. For statistical analysis repeated measures ANOVA and subsequent pairwise Student's t‐test were applied (P<0.01).

Results: Histomorphometric analysis showed an average area fraction of newly formed bone of 13.96±5.98% for the empty control, 15.16±7.95% for the PEG and HA/TCP group, 26.32±8.56% for the group containing 10 μg rhBMP‐2/ml, and 30.15±7.63% for the group containing 30 μg rhBMP‐2/ml. Statistical analysis revealed significantly more newly formed bone in the two rhBMP‐2 groups compared with the PEG and HA/TCP group and with the empty control. Regarding the surface fraction of the HA/TCP graft particles covered with newly formed bone the addition of rhBMP‐2 revealed a more than two‐fold increase compared with cylinders containing HA/TCP granules without rhBMP‐2. This difference reached statistical significance.

Conclusions: It is concluded that rhBMP‐2 significantly enhances bone regeneration in rabbits when delivered by a synthetic matrix containing HA/TCP. This synthetic PEG matrix containing HA/TCP granules apparently fulfills a number of criteria required for an ideal carrier system for rhBMP‐2.
Closely related parasitoids induce different pupation and foraging responses inDrosophilalarvae
Authors: Seyahooei Majeed Askari , Kraaijeveld‐Smit Femmie J. L. , Kraaijeveld Ken , Crooijmans Jessica B. M. , Van Dooren Tom J. M. , Van Alphen Jacques J. M.
Published: May 2009

Few examples exist where parasites manipulate host behaviour not to increase their transmission rate, but their own survival. Here we investigate fitness effects of parasitism byAsobaraspecies in relation to the pupation behaviour of the host,Drosophila melanogaster. We found thatAsobara citriparasitized larvae pupate higher in rearing jars compared to unparasitized controls, whileA. tabidapupated on or near the medium. No change in pupation site was found for three other species. A follow‐up experiment showed a non‐random distribution of parasitized and unparasitized pupae over the different jar parts. To test the adaptiveness of these findings, we performed pupal transfer experiments. Optimum pupation sites were found to be different between host individuals; wall individuals survived better than bottom individuals, but bottom individuals did worse at the wall. Two parasitoid species that alter pupation site significantly showed high rates of diapause at their ‘preferred’ pupation site. For one of them,A. citri, pupation occurred at the optimal site for highest survival (emergence plus diapause). From literature we know that pupation height and foraging activity are genetically positively linked. Therefore, we implement a short assay for rover/sitter behavioural expression by measuring distance travelled during foraging after parasitism. For one out of three species, foraging activity was reduced, suggesting that this species suppresses gene expression in theforpathway and thereby reduces pupation height. The parasitoid species used here, naturally inhabit widely different environments and our results are partly consistent with a role for ecology in shaping the direction of parasite‐induced changes to host pupation behaviour. More parasitoids are found on the wall of the rearing jar when they originate from dry climates, while parasitoids from wet climates pupate on the humid bottom.
Broadband targeted UVB phototherapy for localized vitiligo: a retrospective study
Authors: Akar Ahmet , Tunca Mustafa , Koc Erol , Kurumlu Zafer
Published: April 2009

Phototherapy with ultraviolet B (UVB) or PUVA has been used in the treatment of vitiligo for many years. The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively the efficacy and safety of targeted broadband UVB phototherapy in patients with localized vitiligo. Thirty‐two patients (14 male, 18 female), aged 18–65 years, were treated with Daavlin T500x High Dose Targeted Phototherapy System. Patients were treated twice or thrice weekly, totaling 20 to 60 sessions. Out of 32 total patients, only four patients (12.5%) showed visible repigmentation. In two patients, repigmentation was more than 75%. Other two patients showed mild repigmentation (less than 25%). All the lesions responsive to treatment were facial lesions. Mild adverse events recorded in 3 of 32 patients. Although safety of targeted broadband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of localized vitiligo is good, its therapeutic effectiveness is limited and depends on the locations of vitiligo lesions.
Treatment of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wetzig Tino , Maschke Jan , Kendler Michael , Simon Jan C.
Published: April 2009

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common tumor in Central Europe, the U.S. and Australia. The increasing incidence of basal cell carcinoma presents the health care system, especially dermatology, with great challenges. In recent years new options for treating basal cell carcinoma have become available, enriching our therapeutic options. We review the current status of each of these treatment approaches.
Weight gain in childhood and blood lipids in adolescence
Authors: Horta Bernardo L , Victora Cesar G , Lima Rosângela C. , Post Paulo
Published: May 2009

Aim: To assess the effect of weight gain in childhood on blood lipid levels in adolescence.

Methods: A population‐based birth cohort carried out in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. All newborns in the city's hospitals were enrolled in 1982. The subjects have been followed up for several times in childhood. At age 18, 79% of all males were followed, and 2083 blood samples were available. Adjusted analyses controlled for household assets index, family income, parental schooling at birth, maternal smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding duration.

Results: Birth weight for gestational age and weight gain in the first 20 months was not associated with blood lipid levels in adolescence. On the other hand, those subjects whose weight gain from 20 to 42 months of age was faster than that predicted from birth weight and weight‐for‐age z‐score at the mean age of 20 months had lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol [−0.78 (95% confidence interval: −1.28; −0.29)] and higher very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)/HDL ratio in adolescence. After controlling for current body mass index (BMI), the regression coefficient for HDL cholesterol decreased from −0.78 mg/dL to −0.29 mg/dL (95% confidence interval: −1.00 to 0.05).

Conclusion: Weight gain from 2 to 4 years is related to an atherogenic lipid profile in adolescence and this association is mediated by current BMI.
Early iron supplementation in very low birth weight infants – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sankar Mari Jeeva , Saxena Renu , Mani Kalaivani , Agarwal Ramesh , Deorari Ashok K , Paul Vinod K
Published: May 2009

Aim: To evaluate if supplementing iron at 2 weeks of age improves serum ferritin and/or haematological parameters at 2 months of life in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods: Preterm VLBW infants who received at least 100 mL/kg/day of oral feeds by day 14 of life were randomized to either ‘early iron’ (3–4 mg/kg/day orally from 2 weeks) or ‘control’ (no iron until 60 days) groups. Infants were followed up fortnightly and all morbidities were prospectively recorded. Serum ferritin was measured at 60 days by enzyme immunoassay method.

Results: Forty‐six infants were included in the study; primary outcome was available for 42 infants. There was no difference in either serum ferritin (mean: 50.8 vs. 45.3 μg/L; adjusted difference in means: 5.8, 95% CI: −3.0, 14.6; p = 0.19) or haematocrit (32.5 ± 5.3 vs. 30.8 ± 6.3%; p = 0.35) at 60 days between the early iron and control groups. The magnitude of fall in serum ferritin from baseline to the end of study period was also not different between the groups (4.9 vs. 13.8 μg/L; difference in means: 8.8; 95% CI: −0.3, 17.9; p = 0.06). The requirement of blood transfusions (9.5 vs. 13%; p = 0.63) and a composite outcome of common neonatal morbidities (19% vs. 21.7%; p = 0.55) were also not different between the two groups.

Conclusion: Supplementing iron at 2 weeks of age in preterm VLBW infants did not improve either serum ferritin or the haematological parameters at 2 months when compared to the standard practice of starting iron from 8 weeks of age.
Breastfeeding duration and exclusivity associated with infants’ health and growth: data from a prospective cohort study in Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Rebhan Barbara , Kohlhuber Martina , Schwegler Ursula , Fromme Hermann , Abou‐Dakn Michael , Koletzko Berthold V
Published: May 2009

Aim: To investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and infant health and to describe growth in the first 9 months.

Methods: Mothers delivering a baby in April 2005 were recruited throughout Bavaria, Germany, for a prospective birth cohort study. These mothers reported breastfeeding data, health and growth data of 1901 infants assessed by a physician in questionnaires on day 2–6, and in months 2, 4, 6 and 9. Subjects were healthy term infants with a birth weight ≥2500 g. We compared 475 infants breastfed exclusively for ≥6 months (group A), 870 infants breastfed fully/exclusively ≥4 months, but not exclusively ≥6 months (group B) and 619 infants not breastfed/breastfed <4 months (group C).

Results: In multivariate analysis ≥6 months of exclusive breastfeeding reduced significantly the risk for ≥1 episode of gastrointestinal infection(s) during months 1–9 compared to no/<4 months breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–0.82). The application of the World Health Organization (WHO) – child growth standards showed lower weight‐for‐length z‐scores in first days of life in group C versus groups A and B, whereas in months 6/7 group C showed the highest scores.

Conclusion: Differences in child growth depending on breastfeeding duration should be investigated further. Concerning health outcomes our findings support the recommendation for ≥6 months of exclusive breastfeeding.