bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of Classroom Social Communication: Do Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Spend Their Time Differently Than Their Typically Developing Peers?
Authors: Olswang Lesley B. , Svensson Liselotte , Astley Susan
Published: August 2010

Purpose

In this research, the authors examined how social communication profiles during classroom activities differed between children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and typically developing pair-matched peers.

Method

Twelve pairs of children were observed in their classrooms 20 min a day for 4 days across 2 weeks. Coders documented classroom social communication by recording performance on handheld computers using the Social Communication Coding System (L. B. Olswang, L. Svensson, T. E. Coggins, J. Beilinson, & A. L. Donaldson, 2006). The Social Communication Coding System consists of 6 behavioral dimensions (prosocial/engaged, passive/disengaged, irrelevant, hostile/coercive, assertive, and adult seeking) that account for all verbal and nonverbal productions during a specified timeframe. The frequency of occurrence and duration of each dimension (as measured by proportion of time and average length of time spent performing each dimension) were recorded.

Results

Children with FASD had significantly more occurrences of passive/disengaged and irrelevant behavior, and the proportion and average length of time in these behaviors were larger and longer than those of their peers. Further, children with FASD had significantly more occurrences of prosocial/engaged behavior; however, the proportion and average length of time that they spent being prosocial were smaller and shorter than those of their peers.

Implications

Results suggest children with mild FASD performed differently than their peers in regard to classroom social communication, which was consistent with parent and teacher behavioral reports.
Theoretical Explanations for Preschoolers' Lowercase Alphabet Knowledge
Authors: Pence Turnbull Khara L. , Bowles Ryan P. , Skibbe Lori E. , Justice Laura M. , Wiggins Alice K.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Letter knowledge is a key aspect of children’s language development, yet relatively little research has aimed to understand the nature of lowercase letter knowledge. We considered 4 hypotheses about children’s lowercase letter knowledge simultaneously—uppercase familiarity, uppercase-lowercase similarity, own-name advantage, and frequency in printed English—as well as 3 interactions.

Method

Participants were 461 children ranging in age from 3 to 5 years, all of whom attended public preschool programs serving primarily children from low-income homes, who completed a letter naming task.

Results

Uppercase familiarity was the strongest predictor of children’s lowercase alphabet knowledge; children were more than 16 times more likely to know a lowercase letter if they knew the corresponding uppercase letter. Uppercase-lowercase similarity and frequency in printed English also predicted children’s lowercase letter knowledge, as did the interaction between uppercase familiarity and own-name advantage and the interaction between uppercase familiarity and uppercase-lowercase similarity.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that transference from uppercase letter knowledge may be a primary mechanism for lowercase letter knowledge and that young children’s knowledge of the lowercase alphabet letters is multiply determined.
Lexicality and Frequency in Specific Language Impairment: Accuracy and Error Data from Two Nonword Repetition Tests
Authors: Jones Gary , Tamburelli Marco , Watson Sarah E. , Gobet Fernand , Pine Julian M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Deficits in phonological working memory and deficits in phonological processing have both been considered potential explanatory factors in specific language impairment (SLI). Manipulations of the lexicality and phonotactic frequency of nonwords enable contrasting predictions to be derived from these hypotheses.

Method

Eighteen typically developing (TD) children and 18 children with SLI completed an assessment battery that included tests of language ability, nonverbal intelligence, and two nonword repetition tests that varied in lexicality and frequency.

Results

Repetition accuracy showed that children with SLI were unimpaired for short and simple high-lexicality nonwords, whereas clear impairments were shown for all low-lexicality nonwords. For low-lexicality nonwords, greater repetition accuracy was seen for nonwords constructed from high over low-frequency phoneme sequences. Children with SLI made the same proportion of errors that substituted a nonsense syllable for a lexical item as TD children, and this was stable across nonword length.

Conclusions

The data show support for a phonological processing deficit in children with SLI, where long-term lexical and sublexical phonological knowledge mediate the interpretation of nonwords. However, the data also suggest that while phonological processing may provide a key explanation of SLI, a full account is likely to be multifaceted.
In vitro streptococcal adherence on prosthetic and implant materials. Interactions with physicochemical surface properties
Authors: Sardin S. , Morrier J.‐J. , Benay G. , Barsotti O.
Published: August 2010

summary  The aim of this study was to evaluate streptococcal adherence to eight currently used prosthetic and implant materials, and enamel samples, after a salivary coating and to investigate the influence of substrata surface free energy (SFE) and its polar and non‐polar components, as well as bacterial surface characteristics, on bacterial adherence. Our results indicate a moderate hydrophobic character of saliva‐coated surfaces and a pronounced basic character of the polar component of SFE values, except for one substrata. The lowest colonization was observed with enamel samples and the lowest values of adherent bacteria on the different substrata were observed with the hydrophilic bacterial strain. Both the nature of the substrata and the nature of the bacterial strains could have an effect on the extent of bacterial adhesion. When the interrelationship between the number of adherent bacteria and the surface properties of bacteria and substrata were analysed, bacterial adherence correlated with the non‐polar component of substrata SFE (r = 0·8, P = 0·02) and with the adhesion to the solvents (r = 0·8, P < 0·0001). These results are consistent with the thermodynamic theory and underline the importance of acid–base characteristics of the cell surface when one is studying bacterial adherence on dental casting alloys and implant materials.
The normal range of mouth opening in an Irish population
Authors: Gallagher C. , Gallagher V. , Whelton H. , Cronin M.
Published: August 2010

summary  The aims of this study were to estimate the average maximum mouth opening and range of mouth opening in a representative sample of the Irish adult population, to compare mouth opening in patients with and without signs or symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction syndrome and to investigate the association between mouth opening and stature among populations. As part of the Irish National Survey of Adult Oral Health, maximum mouth opening was measured and questionnaire data collected for 1513 adults, aged 16–99 years. The average maximum mouth opening was 43 mm for males and 41 mm for females. Mouth opening was found to reduce with age, independent of gender. No link was found between reduced mouth opening and TMJ dysfunction or between mouth opening and stature in populations.
Training in tooth preparation utilizing a support system
Authors: Nishida M. , Sohmura T. , Takahashi J.
Published: August 2010

summary  Tooth preparation is an essential technique for dental treatment, but it is a skill not easily learned by a dental student. To facilitate this leaning process, a new tooth preparation support system with a parallel link mechanism was developed. This study reports the educational efficiency of this system for dental students. Dental students with no experience in clinical practice were selected and divided into two groups; one trained with this support system; and the other, with freehand preparation. They prepared axial walls in right maxillary second premolars and molars mounted in a phantom manikin with an air‐turbine handpiece. Convergence angles of the axial walls and parallelisms between axes of prepared teeth were evaluated. Training with the support system led to significantly smaller convergence angles and parallelisms as compared with freehand preparation training. With the freehand preparation after training, the convergence angles and parallelisms became smaller in the group trained with the support system than those trained with freehand. The above findings suggest that training in tooth preparation utilizing the newly developed support system can be one of practical programs that are useful for dental students to achieve greater competency in tooth preparation.
The effect of dehydration on quantitative light‐induced fluorescence analysis of early enamel demineralization
Authors: Pretty I. A. , Edgar W. M. , Higham S. M.
Published: August 2010

summary  The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hydration [distilled water (DH2O) and saliva] on lesions of varying severity and determine an optimal drying method to obtain reliable quantitative light‐induced fluorescence (QLF) readings. Ten previously extracted molars were placed into a demineralizing solution for 7, 14 and 21 days. Between each demineralizing cycle the teeth were removed. To test for in vitro reliability the teeth were rinsed in DH2O for 1 min and then QLF images were taken every 10 s (control cycle with no drying employed – bench drying only). This was repeated following (i) compressed air drying for 30 s or 15 s and (ii) 30 s cotton wool roll application (CWR). To test for in vivo reliability the experiment was repeated using whole human saliva in place of DH2O. Control groups demonstrated the effect of hydration on QLF reliability; at 7 days reliable results were obtained after 370·4 s (DH2O) and 432·3 s (saliva). Air drying of both DH2O and saliva‐rinsed teeth reduced reliability time to 2·1 (±6·0) and 3·2 s (±7·6), respectively. Cotton wool roll application produced reliable results in 89 s with DH2O and 110 s with saliva. As lesion severity increased [14 days mean ΔQ 115 (±90·2), 21 days mean ΔQ 168·0 (±120·7)] time to reach reliability significantly increased under control drying and CWR (P > 0·05). Time taken for compressed air‐dried teeth to produce reliable results was not significantly different across the groups. Compressed air‐drying for 15 s produces reliable results with both DH2O and saliva‐hydrated lesions. Future in vivo experiments will be required to determine if the air‐drying can be reduced further in a clinical situation.
The efficiency of different light sources to polymerize resin cement beneath porcelain laminate veneers
Authors: Usumez A. , Ozturk A. N. , Usumez S. , Ozturk B.
Published: August 2010

summary  Plasma arc light units for curing resin composites have been introduced with the claim of relatively short curing times. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of two different light sources to polymerize dual curing resin cement beneath porcelain laminate veneers. Twenty extracted healthy human maxillary centrals were used. Teeth were sectioned 2 mm below the cemento‐enamel junction and crown parts were embedded into self‐cure acrylic resin, labial surface facing up. Cavity preparation was carried out on labial surfaces. These teeth were divided into two groups of 10 each. The resin cement/veneer combination was exposed to two different photo polymerization units. A conventional halogen light (Hilux 350, Express Dental Products) and a plasma arc light (Power PAC, ADT) were used to polymerize resin cement. Ten specimens were polymerized conventionally (40 s) and the other specimens by plasma arc curing (PAC) (6 s). Two samples from each tooth measuring 1·2 × 1·2 × 5 mm were prepared. These sections were subjected to microshear testing and failure values were recorded. Statistically significant differences were found between the bond strength of veneers exposed to conventional light and PAC unit (P < 0·001). Samples polymerized with halogen light showed better bond strength. The results of this study suggest that the curing efficiency of PAC through ceramic was lower compared with conventional polymerization for the exposure durations tested in this study.
Concomitant mandibular and head‐neck movementsduring jaw opening–closing in man
Authors: Eriksson P. ‐O. , Zafar H. , Nordh E.
Published: August 2010

To test the hypothesis of a functional relationship between the human mandibular and cranio‐cervical motor systems, head‐neck movements during voluntary mandibular movements were studied in 10 healthy young adults, using a wireless optoelectronic system for three‐dimensional (3D) movement recording. The subjects, unaware of the underlying aim of the study, were instructed to perform maximal jaw opening–closing tasks at fast and slow speed. Movements were quantified as 3D movement amplitudes. A consistent finding in all subjects was parallel and coordinated head‐neck movements during both fast and slow jaw opening–closing tasks. Jaw opening was always accompanied by head‐neck extension and jaw closing by head‐neck flexion. Combined movement and electromyographic recordings showed concomitant neck muscle activity during head‐neck movements, indicative of an active repositioning of the head. No differences in 3D movement amplitudes could be seen with respect to speed. The head movement was 50% of the mandibular movement during jaw opening, but significantly smaller (30–40%), during the jaw closing phase. In repeated tests, the 3D movement amplitudes of the concomitant head movements were less variable during slow jaw movement and during the jaw opening phase, than during fast and jaw closing movements, suggesting speed‐ and phase‐related differences in the mechanisms controlling the integrated mandibular and head‐neck motor acts. The present results give further support to the concept of a functional trigemino‐cervical coupling during jaw activities in man.
Chromosome composition of an F2 Triticum aestivum×T. turgidum spp. durum cross analysed by DArT markers and MCFISH
Authors: Eberhard Friederike S. , Zhang Peng , Lehmensiek Anke , Hare Ray A. , Simpfendorfer Steven , Sutherland Mark W.
Published: August 2010

This study has employed multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (MCFISH) and Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers to determine the segregation of parental A, B and D genome material into the progeny of a cross between a hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. 2-49) and a tetraploid durum wheat [T. turgidum L. spp. durum (Desf.) var. Bellaroi]. In the F2 progeny from a 2-49/Bellaroi cross, 82 out of 83 F2 plants investigated with DArT analysis carried some D genome material, principally as entire chromosomes, while 40 plants included at least one complete copy of all seven D genome chromosomes. Twelve plants containing partial D chromosomes were identified. MCFISH analysis of 26 additional F2 plants of the same cross showed that all 26 plants contained varying amounts of D genome material of which three carried single A-D translocations. In addition two telocentric D genome chromosomes were detected. The D genome content of each line and the breakpoint positions of the three A-D translocations were confirmed with DArT marker analysis. Overall results indicate a random recombination of A and B genome loci from the hexaploid female parent and the tetraploid male parent in this F2 population and a significant retention of the maternal D genome material. This study illustrates that the combined application of the MCFISH and DArT techniques provides a powerful approach for the analysis of crosses between cereal genotypes of different ploidy.
Emergence, survival and seed production of Enteropogon ramosus in a pasture - wheat rotation or continuous pasture rotation in the wheatbelt of Western Australia
Authors: Borger C. P. D. , Riethmuller G. P. , Hashem A.
Published: August 2010

Enteropogon ramosus is a native, perennial, C4 grass species found within the wheatbelt of Western Australia. Emergence, survival, seed production and seed dormancy of E. ramosus was investigated in a continuous pasture rotation, a pasture–minimum tillage wheat rotation, and a pasture–minimum tillage wheat rotation where a cultivation event at the beginning of the pasture year was used to kill all E. ramosus plants. The results indicated that E. ramosus could germinate throughout the year, although plant density (ranging annually from 0 to 17 plants m−2) was lowest in conditions of low rainfall (summer–autumn drought). Seed production (estimated from seed head production, r = 91.7, P < 0.001) ranged from 0 to 2274 m–2 and was greatest in spring, in the continuous pasture rotation. Seed germinability reached 80–89%, following an initial 3 months of dormancy directly after seed production. Cultivation at the beginning of the pasture-crop rotation killed all plants, reduced emergence and prevented seed production for the 2-year period of the experiment. Soil disturbance from minimum tillage crop sowing reduced but did not eliminate E. ramosus plants. As a result, E. ramosus grew throughout the year in the minimum tillage cropping system. Further research is required to determine the competitive effect of E. ramosus on crop growth.
Fast live simultaneous multiwavelength four-dimensional optical microscopy
Authors: Carlton Peter M. , Boulanger Jérôme , Kervrann Charles , Sibarita Jean-Baptiste , Salamero Jean , Gordon-Messer Susannah , Bressan Debra , Haber James E. , Haase Sebastian , Shao Lin , Winoto Lukman , Matsuda Atsushi , Kner Peter , Uzawa Satoru , Gustafsson Mats , Kam Zvi , Agard David A. , Sedat John W.
Published: August 2010

Live fluorescence microscopy has the unique capability to probe dynamic processes, linking molecular components and their localization with function. A key goal of microscopy is to increase spatial and temporal resolution while simultaneously permitting identification of multiple specific components. We demonstrate a new microscope platform, OMX, that enables subsecond, multicolor four-dimensional data acquisition and also provides access to subdiffraction structured illumination imaging. Using this platform to image chromosome movement during a complete yeast cell cycle at one 3D image stack per second reveals an unexpected degree of photosensitivity of fluorophore-containing cells. To avoid perturbation of cell division, excitation levels had to be attenuated between 100 and 10,000× below the level normally used for imaging. We show that an image denoising algorithm that exploits redundancy in the image sequence over space and time allows recovery of biological information from the low light level noisy images while maintaining full cell viability with no fading.
Photoluminescence of InAs0.926Sb0.063N0.011/InAs multi-quantum wells in the mid-infrared spectral range
Authors: de la Mare M , Carrington P J , Wheatley R , Zhuang Q , Beanland R , Sanchez A M , Krier A
Published: August 2010

We report on the epitaxial growth and photoluminescence (PL) of InAs0.926Sb0.063N0.011/InAs multi-quantum wells (QWs) grown using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. These dilute nitride QWs exhibit bright PL in the mid-infrared spectral range up to a temperature of 250 K without any post-growth annealing. Consideration of the power dependent PL behaviour is consistent with a type I band line-up in these QWs, arising from a strong lowering of the conduction band edge due to N-induced band anti-crossing effects.
Investigation on defect levels in CdZnTe : Al using thermally stimulated current spectroscopy
Authors: Nan Ruihua , Jie Wanqi , Zha Gangqiang , Wang Tao , Xu Yadong , Liu Weihua
Published: August 2010

Defect levels present in as-grown semi-insulating CdZnTe : Al samples, taken from the top, middle and tail of the same ingot, have been investigated by thermally stimulated current (TSC) spectroscopy. Their trap signatures, particularly the thermal activation energy, capture cross section and concentration, were characterized and discussed, respectively, by fitting the measured TSC spectra with the simultaneous multiple peak analysis method. Furthermore, the deep donor levels E
DD from the top, middle and tail were found to be positioned at 0.692 eV, 0.659 eV and 0.618 eV below the conduction band, respectively, by fitting the ln(I) versus 1/kT plots above room temperature. The Fermi level was positioned at 0.716 ± 0.05 eV by fitting the linear plots of the temperature dependence of resistivity, which was pinned by the E
DD level near the middle of the band gap, which in turn caused the observed high resistivity in the as-grown CdZnTe : Al ingot.
The double sheath on cathodes of discharges burning in cathode vapour
Authors: Benilov M S , Benilova L G
Published: August 2010

The model of a collisionless near-cathode space-charge sheath with ionization of atoms emitted by the cathode surface is considered. Numerical calculations showed that the mathematical problem is solvable and its solution is unique. In the framework of this model, the sheath represents a double layer with a potential maximum, with the ions which are produced before the maximum returning to the cathode surface and those produced after the maximum escaping into the plasma. Numerical results are given in a form to be readily applicable in analysis of discharges burning in cathode vapour, such as vacuum arcs. In particular, the results indicate that the ion backflow coefficient in such discharges exceeds 0.5, in agreement with values extracted from the experiment.
An investigation of dielectric barrier discharge in Ar and Ar/NH3 mixture using cross-correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Kloc P , Wagner H-E , Trunec D , Navrátil Z , Fedoseev G
Published: August 2010

Dielectric barrier discharges (BDs) are known to operate in two distinctive modes. The filamentary mode of BD is characterized by a large number of short lasting spatially bounded microdischarges. This type of discharge is typical for most cases of BDs at atmospheric pressure. Under some specific conditions another form of BD may arise. In this mode plasma uniformly covers the whole electrode area. This mode is usually referred to as the diffuse or homogeneous mode of BD.

This work presents studies of the filamentary mode of BD in argon and its transition to the diffuse mode by ammonia addition. The discharges were investigated by means of cross-correlation spectroscopy. Particularly, the influence of electrode shape, discharge gap and the influence of ammonia admixture on discharge development were studied. The measurement offers results with high temporal and spatial resolution which are useful for comparison with results of numerical models.

The obtained results include the electrical current measurement of discharge in several ammonia admixtures to argon. The diffuse discharge appeared at ammonia admixture above 3 vol%. The observed propagation of streamer in discharge in pure argon for two different electrode configurations is presented. When compared with discharge in pure argon the streamer velocity is decreased for 0.1 vol% ammonia admixture. With increasing ammonia concentration the streamer velocity increases again. The behaviour of presented impurities was observed and the results are included in this report. The basic model of the discharge kinetic is included. For reduced electric field below 10 Td the electron drift is much higher in argon–ammonia mixture than in pure argon.
Structural and electrical properties of gold nanowires/P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposites
Authors: Lonjon Antoine , Laffont Lydia , Demont Philippe , Dantras Eric , Lacabanne Colette
Published: August 2010

High aspect ratio gold nanowires were uniformly dispersed into a poly(vinylidene difluoride–trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] matrix. The nanowires were synthesized by electrodeposition using nanoporous anodic alumina oxide templates. The intrinsic optical conductivity of the gold nanowires was determined by valence electron energy loss spectroscopy. The effect of increasing volume fraction of Au nanowires on the morphology and crystallization of P(VDF-TrFE) matrix was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The crystallinity of P(VDF-TrFE) is strongly depressed by the randomly dispersed nanowires. Above 30 vol% the crystallization of P(VDF-TrFE) is suppressed. The bulk electrical conductivity of nanocomposite films, at room temperature, obeys a percolation behaviour at a low threshold of 2.2 vol% and this was confirmed using the surface resistivity value. An electrical conductivity of 100 S m−1 is achieved for a 3 vol% filler content.
Volatile organic compound production by organisms in the genus Ascocoryne and a re-evaluation of myco-diesel production by NRRL 50072
Authors: Griffin Meghan A. , Spakowicz Daniel J. , Gianoulis Tara A. , Strobel Scott A.
Published: August 2010

The Patagonian fungal endophyte NRRL 50072 is reported to produce a variety of medium-chain and highly branched volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have been highlighted for their potential as fuel alternatives and are collectively termed myco-diesel. To assess the novelty of this observation, we determined the extent to which ten closely related Ascocoryne strains from commercial culture collections possess similar VOC production capability. DNA sequencing established a high genetic similarity between NRRL 50072 and each Ascocoryne isolate, consistent with its reassignment as Ascocoryne sarcoides. The Ascocoryne strains did not produce highly branched medium-chain-length alkanes, and efforts to reproduce the branched alkane production of NRRL 50072 were unsuccessful. However, we confirmed the production of 30 other products and expanded the list of VOCs for NRRL 50072 and members of the genus Ascocoryne. VOCs detected from the cultures consisted of short- and medium-chain alkenes, ketones, esters and alcohols and several sesquiterpenes. Ascocoryne strains NRRL 50072 and CBS 309.71 produced a more diverse range of volatiles than the other isolates tested. CBS 309.71 also showed enhanced production compared with other strains when grown on cellulose agar. Collectively, the members of the genus Ascocoryne demonstrated production of over 100 individual compounds, with a third of the short- and medium-chain compounds also produced when cultures were grown on a cellulose substrate. This comparative production analysis could facilitate future studies to identify and manipulate the biosynthetic machinery responsible for production of individual VOCs, including several that have a potential application as biofuels.
Heterogeneous distribution of Candida albicans cell-surface antigens demonstrated with an Als1-specific monoclonal antibody
Authors: Coleman David A. , Oh Soon-Hwan , Zhao Xiaomin , Hoyer Lois L.
Published: August 2010

Despite an abundance of data describing expression of genes in theCandida albicansALS (agglutinin-like sequence) gene family, little is known about the production of Als proteins on individual cells, their spatial localization or stability. Als proteins are most commonly discussed with respect to function in adhesion ofC. albicansto host and abiotic surfaces. Development of a mAb specific for Als1, one of the eight large glycoproteins encoded by the ALS family, provided the opportunity to detect Als1 during growth of yeast and hyphae, bothin vitroandin vivo, and to demonstrate the utility of the mAb in blockingC. albicansadhesion to host cells. Although mostC. albicansyeast cells in a saturated culture are Als1-negative by indirect immunofluorescence, Als1 is detected on the surface of nearly all cells shortly after transfer into fresh growth medium. Als1 covers the yeast cell surface, with the exception of bud scars. Daughters of the inoculum cells, and sometimes granddaughters, also have detectable Als1, but Als1 is not detectable on cells from subsequent generations. On germ tubes and hyphae, most Als1 is localized proximal to the mother yeast. Once deposited on yeasts or hyphae, Als1 persists long after the culture has reached saturation. Growth stage-dependent production of Als1, coupled with its persistence on the cell surface, results in a heterogeneous population of cells within aC. albicansculture. Anti-Als1 immunolabelling patterns vary depending on the source of theC. albicanscells, with obvious differences between cells recovered from culture and those from a murine model of disseminated candidiasis. Results from this work highlight the temporal parallels forALS1expression and Als1 production in yeasts and germ tubes, the specialized spatial localization and persistence of Als1 on theC. albicanscell surface, and the differences in Als1 localization that occurin vitroandin vivo.
Bank Restructuring: Developments in 1999
Authors: Eggenberger Knut
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this note is to briefly review developments in the Russian banking sector in 1999, in particular the efforts towards restructuring. There are three main points that I would like to make: 1. The difficult situation of the Russian banking system is not primarily a consequence of the August 1998 financial crash. 2. The health of the banking system has not improved substantially in 1999, and this is partly due to slow progress in bank restructuring. 3. More fundamentally, the banking industry suffers from a set of structural problems in the real sector
What Kind of Poverty Alleviation Policy Does Russia Need?
Authors: Ovcharova Lilia , Popova Daria
Published: August 2010

One of the main negative trends of the last decade in Russia has been an unprecedented rise in the numbers of the poor. The economic crisis has entailed an almost two‐fold drop in average incomes, modernisation of income distribution has led to an unprecedented increase of income inequality, and the Soviet system of social benefits and privileges oriented to supporting the wealthiest groups has remained in place. The result has been a surge in the poverty rate.

This article outlines major issues to be addressed in developing a poverty alleviation policy for Russia. They can be broadly summarised as follows:

Only comprehensive and consistent consideration of these issues will allow a strategy of poverty rate reduction to be formulated.
Prospects for Mortgage Lending Development in Russia
Authors: Avraamova Elena
Published: August 2010

The situation with mortgage lending in Russia is paradoxical. On the one hand, statistics and surveys usually show that people suffer from a shortage of housing, and there has been rapid development of the housing market. On the other hand, mortgage lending programmes have failed to become widespread in Russia. Causes of this failure and their nature (economic, legal, social, mentality‐related) need to be identified.
Turnover of Top Executives in Russian Companies
Authors: Muravyev Alexander
Published: August 2010

Efficient corporate governance and the Russian economy have long been considered to be virtually incompatible. This viewpoint has been supported by numerous studies as well as by extensive anecdotal evidence, a substantial part of which, however, dates back to the early 1990s. This article presents new evidence on Russian corporate governance, obtained from a study of chief executive turnover in Russian companies. Its main finding runs contrary to widely held beliefs that corporate governance is non‐existent in Russia. Managers of Russian firms do face the threat of dismissal if they perform inefficiently. The article also challenges the view that the state is a passive shareholder in Russian companies. Finally, it presents evidence of how managerial succession is influenced by the ownership structure of companies.
Competition Remains Moderate on Russian Markets
Authors: Tsukhlo Sergey
Published: August 2010

Results of business surveys conducted on a regular basis by the Institute for the Economy in Transition (IET) show that the absolute level of competition remains low in Russian industry as a whole. Some enterprises face no competition on their markets. On markets where it exists, the strongest competition is provided by other Russian companies, while competition from foreign producers is much less strong. A quarter of surveyed companies were unable to provide appraisal of the level of competition with imports, and only a half reported with certainty that they were exposed to such competition.
The Efficiency of Public Expenditure in Russia
Authors: Sharipova Elena
Published: August 2010

Every country faces two crucial questions of fiscal governance: 1) how much money should the government spend overall; and 2) what expenditure items should be financed using public resources and to what extent? This paper examines the existing tendency in public spending policy in Russia and attempts to answer questions on the optimal size of the government and efficient structure of public outlays. Methods of international comparison and cross‐regional analysis were applied in the research. International comparisons show that public expenditure in Russia as a percentage of GDP is very close to average expenditure in OECD countries. At the same time, investigation of expenditure across Russian regions shows negative correlation between the growth rate of per capita income and public spending, although positive influence of some expenditure items on growth is evident.
Russian Local Self–Government Today
Authors: Linkola Timo
Published: August 2010

Not everybody in the West knows that Russia has operational local self–government with municipalities and democratically elected bodies practically all over the federation. Local self–government is in charge of key public services to citizens. This article describes how that system has developed and how it currently functions.
Autoantibodies in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Astrinidou‐Vakaloudi A. , Diamanti I. , Xytsas S. , Xatzidimitriou D. , Georgakopoulou E.
Published: August 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study is to examine the diagnostic value of autoanitbodies in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. We evaluated the presence of the following autoantibodies: rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), antibodies against cadiolipin (a‐CL) and antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP).

Methods:  We studied the presence of RF, ANA, a‐CL and anti‐CCP in 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor was measured using nephelometric method, while ANAs were examined by indirect immunofluorescence technique using Hep‐2 cells as substrate. Sera that reacted at 1/80 dilution were classified as ANA positive. Positive sera were studied up to 1/1280 dilution. A‐CL and anti‐CCP were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  RF was positive in 30 patients (75%), ANA in 15 (37%), a‐CL in 10 (25%) and anti‐CCP in 36 (90%). Predominant pattern of nuclear staining of ANA‐positive sera was homogenous and speckled type. ANA titres were particularly low; most patients (6) had ANA titre equal to 1/80, and five patients had a titre of 1/160, while only four out of 40 had an ANA titre of 1/320.

Conclusions:  Autoimmune disorders such as RA are characterized by various autoantibodies that usually are not specific, as they are present in many other diseases. However, RF and especially anti‐CCP are very often and show higher specificity for RA, being useful diagnostic serological markers. On the other hand, ANA and a‐CL are less common in RA paitents; they may be useful in terms of prognosis and treatment, but they always should be evaluated in correlation with the clinical features and the rest of the laboratory findings of each patient.
The Effects of Hyperbaric Exposure on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, with Special Emphasis on Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity and Subsets
Authors: Krog J. , Jepsen C. F. , Tønnesen E. , Parner E. , Hokland M.
Published: August 2010

Materials and methods:  As an experimental physiological stress model, we examined the effects of hyperbaric exposure on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from venous blood drawn from eight divers during a simulated heliox saturation dive. Eight persons working in normobar atmosphere outside the pressurized chamber served as control donors. The spontaneous cytotoxicity of the PBMCs was estimated in a 4 h 51Cr‐release assay using k562 as NK‐sensitive target cells. The PBMCs were characterized, using 4‐colour flow cytometry, with special emphasis on the NK‐cell subsets. The data were statistically analysed using a multivariate regression model (Stata 8.2). P values <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:  The estimated cytotoxicity increased significantly in both the group of divers and control donors during the dive (pdivers < 0.01 and pcontrols < 0.01). Although the cytotoxicity increased relatively more (P < 0.01) in the group of divers compared to the group of control donors between day 1 and 2.

Discussion:  The increased cytotoxicity of PBMC estimated in the group of divers indicate that parts of the cellular immune system are affected during the extreme physiological conditions induced during the initial phase of the presented experimental hyperbaric setup. The increase in cytotoxicity observed in the group of control donors could hypothetically reflect the stress level in persons working outside the pressurized chamber during the dive.
Differential Effects of Interleukin‐12 and Interleukin‐10 on Superantigen‐Induced Expression of Cutaneous Lymphocyte‐Associated Antigen and αEβ7 Integrin (CD103) by CD8+ T cells
Authors: Sigmundsdóttir H. , Johnston A. , Gudjónsson J. E. , Valdimarsson H.
Published: August 2010

The interaction with adhesion molecules expressed by vascular endothelium is the first step in lymphocyte infiltration into tissues. At both cutaneous and mucosal sites interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), IL‐12 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β are important regulators of chronic inflammatory disease, where cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen (CLA) and αE integrin (CD103) may be expressed. Unlike CLA, CD103 is not believed to play a role in tissue‐specific homing but may help to retain T cells within epithelial layers. We have previously shown that IL‐12 alone can together with an unknown cofactor increase the expression of CLA. Stimulation with streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C (SpeC) increased the expression of CD103 by CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells. While IL‐12 increased superantigen‐stimulated expression of CLA, this cytokine strongly inhibited the CD103 expression, and a combination of IL‐12 and TGF‐β completely abrogated the induced CD103 expression. Conversely, IL‐10 suppressed CLA but increased CD103 expression.

These findings indicate that, in addition to suppressing the development of Th1‐mediated inflammatory responses, IL‐10 may also inhibit the migration of CD8+ T cells into the skin while IL‐12 promotes such migration. Thus, the expression of CLA and CD103 may be antagonistically regulated by IL‐10 and IL‐12, and the balance between these cytokines could influence the T‐cell migration of inflammatory cells into epithelial tissues.
Decrease in Fine T‐cell Subset ratio MT2/MT1 During Steroid Reduction of Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Hoffmann H. J. , Nielsen L. P. , Blumberga G. , Dahl R.
Published: August 2010

Combining inhaled long‐acting β‐2 agonist (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) seems to offer asthma control at a lower dose of ICS than achieved by ICS alone. Fine mapping of T‐cell surface markers by flow cytometry offers a detailed status of the individual's inflammatory response. The frequency of MT2 (CD4+CD45RA–CD62L+CD11adim) and MT1 (CD4+CD45RA–CD62L–CD11abright) cells in peripheral blood, and their ratio, has been shown to differ predictably in atopics and patients with leprosy, where MT2 correlates with a Th2 phenotype and MT1 with a Th1 phenotype. Stable asthmatics, requiring fluticasone propionate (FP) 750–1000 µg daily or equivalent, were randomized to receive, double‐blinded, either Seretide®[salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SFC, n = 16)] 50 µg/500 µg bd or FP 500 µg bd (n = 17). If asthma was controlled based on lung function and symptoms at clinic visits every 6 weeks, ICS dose was tapered until asthma exacerbated or 0 µg was reached. The frequency and ratio of MT2 and MT1 T cells of the patients was monitored at 6 week intervals. As treatment tapered, the frequency of MT2 cells decreased (P = 0038 from first to final visit), whereas that of MT1 cells increased. The ratio of MT2/MT1 decreased (P = 0049 from first to final visit). In patients receiving LABA + ICS, the fall in MT2/MT1 ratio appeared to be more pronounced than in patients receiving ICS alone. Thus, the MT2 phenotype may be associated with stable asthma, whereas an imminent exacerbation may associate with an increase in the MT1 phenotype. LABA may allow for a greater effect of FP on the MT ratio.
Levels, Complement Activity and Polymorphisms of Mannan‐Binding Lectin in Patients of Bronchial Asthma with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Sukhija S. , Gupta V. K. , Shah A. , Thiel S. , Sarma P. U. , Madan T.
Published: August 2010

Activation of complement pathways, leading to production of C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins, has been postulated in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergic airway inflammation. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of mannan‐binding lectin (MBL), an initiator of the lectin pathway of complement, in asthma and allergic rhinitis. MBL levels and MBL‐induced complement activity were determined in 19 patients of bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis and 20 unrelated, age‐matched controls of Indian origin. MBL levels and activity were correlated with percent eosinophilia and percent predicted FEV1 values of the patients. Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon 1 and intron 1 of the MBL with the disease, clinical markers, MBL levels and MBL‐induced complement activity was analysed using standard statistical tools. Significantly higher MBL levels and activity were observed in patients of bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis as compared to the controls. We identified five SNPs, of which two, A816G in exon 1 and G1011A in intron 1 of the MBL, were novel. SNP G1011A was significantly associated with the disease (P = 0.0024, OR = 5.8696, 95% CI: 1.7316 < OR < 19.8963). Individuals with ‘A’ allele at position 1011 showed increased MBL levels, activity and disease severity. Our results suggest that ‘A’ allele at position 1011 leading to high MBL levels and complement activity may be contributing to the severity of bronchial asthma and allergic airway inflammation.
Mannan‐Binding Lectin, L‐Ficolin and H‐Ficolin Selectively Binds to Different Bacteria
Authors: Krarup A. , Sørensen U. , Matsushita M. , Jensenius J. C. , Thiel S.
Published: August 2010

Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL), L‐ficolin and H‐ficolin are pattern recognition molecules of the innate immune system. We investigated the ability of these molecules to bind to different serotypes and noncapsulated variants of Streptococcus pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus. We found that MBL binds to noncapsulated S. aureus strain (Wood) but not any of the examined S. pneumoniae serotypes. L‐ficolin binds to some capsulated S. pneumoniae serotypes (11A, 11D and 11F) as well as some capsulated S. aureus serotypes (Type‐1, ‐8, ‐9, ‐11 and ‐12). H‐ficolin does not bind to any of the examined S. pneumoniae and S. aureus serotypes included in this study but did bind to a strain of Aerococcus viridans. When bound to bacteria, MBL and H‐ficolin initiated activation of complement factor C4, whereas L‐ficolin did not. During this study, quantitative assays for the three proteins were developed and the concentration in 97 plasma samples were determined and the median values were estimated at 0.8 μg of MBL/ml, 3.3 μg of L‐ficolin/ml and 18.4 μg of H‐ficolin/ml, respectively.
Studies on the Influence of a Mutation of MASP‐2 on the Binding to MBL and Ficolins
Authors: Sørensen R. , Gadjeva M. , Thiel S. , Jensenius J. C.
Published: August 2010

The complement system is an important part of the innate immune system. The activation of complement proceeds through three different pathways that converge in the generation of C3‐activating enzyme complexes. Complement activation via the lectin pathway is initiated when recognition molecules, mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) or ficolin, bind to carbohydrate structures characteristic for microbial surfaces. In the circulation, MBL and ficolins are found in association with three structurally related MBL‐associated serine proteases (MASP)‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 and a small, nonenzymatic component, MAp19. MASP‐2 has been shown to elicit complement activation through the sequential proteolytic cleavage of C4 and C2 upon binding of MBL/MASP‐2 complexes to microbial surfaces. We have recently uncovered a polymorphism in the MASP‐2/MAp19 gene in a patient shown to be deficient in the lectin pathway of complement activation. The polymorphism results in a single amino acid substitution in the N‐terminal part of the MASP‐2 protein. Recombinant wildtype MASP‐2 and MASP‐2 containing the amino acid substitution in question was produced, and the ability to activate complement was studied. The mutation had a profound impact on MASP‐2 function, resulting in the lack of complement activation through the lectin pathway. ELISA‐based experiments showed that the mutation leads to the impairment of complement activation through influencing the binding of MASP‐2 to MBL or ficolins. Deficiencies in the lectin pathway of complement activation have so far been accounted for only by lack of functional MBL. The mutation described above is the first defect described affecting both activation through MBL and the ficolins.
Idiotypic and Anti‐Idiotypic Antibodies Produced in Immune Response to Bacteria Lactobacillus acidophyllus
Authors: Zivancevic‐Simonovic S. , Inic‐Kanada A. , Petricevic M. , Mijatovic L. J. , Dimitrijevic L. J.
Published: August 2010

Lactobacilli are nonpathogenic gram‐positive inhabitants of the normal human intestine known for their health‐promoting effects. In our earlier work, it is shown that human monoclonal antibody isolated from sera of a patient with Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia possess innate antibody characteristics and binds to lactic acid bacteria. According to the immune network model, immunization with this bacteria could induce the perturbations in immune system that might result in production of anti‐Lactobacillus antibodies, human monoclonal antibody like (Ab1) and anti‐idiotypic antibody (Ab2). In this study, BALB/c mice were immunized with two doses of bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus in complete and incomplete Freund's adjuvant and phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), respectively. Seven days after the last immunization, sera from immunized mice were collected and the presence of Lactobacillus‐specific Ab1 and Ab2 were determined by ELISAs. In the sera of immunized mice, antibodies specific to bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus were shown. The concentration of Lactobacillus‐specific antibodies was higher in the sera of hyperimmunized mice (mice immunized with 1 mg of IgM DJ) than in sera of mice immunized with 100 times lower doses of immunogen (0.01 mg per doses). Moreover, Ab1 and Ab2 antibodies were detected in the sera of Lactobacillus‐hyperimmunized mice. In this study, we have shown the idiotypic network interactions in mice immunized with bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus.