bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earthshine and the Earth's albedo: 2. Observations and simulations over 3 years
Authors: Pallé E. , Goode P. R. , Yurchyshyn V. , Qiu J. , Hickey J. , Montañés Rodriguez P. , Chu M.‐C. , Kolbe E. , Brown C. T. , Koonin S. E.
Published: November 2003

Since late 1998, we have been making sustained measurements of the Earth's reflectance by observing the earthshine from Big Bear Solar Observatory. Further, we have simulated the Earth's reflectance for both the parts of the Earth in the earthshine and for the whole Earth. The simulations employ scene models of the Earth from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment, simulated snow/ice cover, and near‐real‐time satellite cloud cover data. Broadly, the simulations and observations agree; however, there are important and significant differences, with the simulations showing more muted variations. During the rising phase of the Moon we measure the sunlit world to the west of California, and during the declining lunar phase we measure the sunlit world to the east. Somewhat surprisingly, the one third of the Earth to the west and that to the east have very similar reflectances, in spite of the fact that the topographies look quite different. The part to the west shows less stability, presumably because of the greater variability in the Asian cloud cover. We find that our precision, with steady observations since December 1998, is sufficient to detect a seasonal cycle. We have also determined the annual mean albedos both from our observations and from simulations. To determine a global albedo, we integrate over all lunar phases. Various methods are developed to perform this integration, and all give similar results. Despite sizable variation in the reflectance from night to night and from season to season (which arises from changing cloud cover), we use the earthshine to determine annual albedos to better than 1%. As such, these measurements are significant for measuring climate variation and are complementary to satellite determinations.
Dynamics of the 2‐day wave in a nonlinear model of the middle and upper atmosphere
Authors: Salby M. L. , Callaghan P. F.
Published: December 2003

The 2‐day wave is investigated in a three‐dimensional model of the nonlinear primitive equations. Extending upward from the tropopause into the thermosphere, the model is forced stochastically by fluctuations of tropospheric wave structure. The behavior recovered is broadly consistent with linear calculations of the Rossby‐gravity normal mode in the presence of instability. The mode's amplification depends sensitively upon details of the zonal‐mean flow, which determine instability through a reversal of potential vorticity (PV) gradient. On the other hand, the mode's period and structure are robust. They retain much the same form under a variety of conditions. The response is sharply discriminated to wave number 3 and westward periods of 2.0–2.3 days, even though forcing is broadband. Under January conditions, strong easterlies and the accompanying reversal of PV gradient enable the mode to amplify through sympathetic interaction with the mean flow. The amplifying signal eventually emerges from random variability, which is excited by broadband forcing. Amplification continues until eddy velocities approach 70 m/s, whereupon the signal saturates. Horizontal mixing then ensues, destroying the meridional gradient of PV, which in turn limits instability and further amplification. Under June conditions the response fluctuates randomly during the entire integration, with no evidence of sustained amplification. Nevertheless, it too is sharply discriminated to westward periods of 2.0–2.3 days, achieving eddy velocities of 10–20 m/s. The sharply discriminated response appears even when a reversal of PV gradient is absent, leaving the mean flow stable. Under all of these conditions the structure of eddy stream function Ψ′ is nearly barotropic, with antisymmetric character between the hemispheres. Eddy motion assumes the form of a wave‐number‐3 pattern of equatorial gyres, reducing in the tropics to v′ and strong cross‐equatorial motion. The pattern is very similar to the limiting structure of the 2‐day wave observed by UARS. Although magnified in the summer stratosphere and mesosphere, the structure of Ψ′ is global, with a phase reversal between the hemispheres. The modal structure extends upward into the thermosphere and, albeit weaker, as low as the tropopause.
Cross‐tropopause transport over the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Traub M. , Lelieveld J.
Published: December 2003

The transport of air from the troposphere to the stratosphere over the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the neighboring countries up to the Black Sea is investigated, using a trajectory model and analyzed winds from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts. It is found that in summer the upper troposphere in this region is influenced by both westerly winds in the Polar Front Jet (PFJ) and southerly winds at the western flank of the upper level anticyclones over the Arabian and Asian heat lows. The convergence of these airflows accelerates the horizontal wind and increases the horizontal and vertical wind shear, creating a jet streak within the Subtropical Jet Stream (STJ) and deep tropopause folds. Clear‐air turbulence, caused by horizontal deformation and the vertical wind shear along the STJ, and consequently turbulent mixing of tropospheric and stratospheric air near the tropopause region, appears to contribute strongly to the cross‐tropopause transport over the eastern Mediterranean in summer.
Large‐scale equatorward transport of ozone in the subtropical lower stratosphere
Authors: Richard Erik C. , Aikin Kenneth C. , Ray Eric A. , Rosenlof Karen H. , Thompson Thomas L. , Weinheimer Andrew , Montzka Denise , Knapp David , Ridley Brian , Gettelman Andrew
Published: December 2003

Anomalous vertical profiles of ozone were observed in the subtropical lower stratosphere (near south Florida) in July 2002 during the NASA‐sponsored Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers‐Florida Area Cirrus Experiment measurement campaign. It is shown that there is an enhancement of ozone (initially >150%) above the tropopause extending up to ∼410 K potential temperature. This ozone increase is the result of recent transport of middle‐and high‐latitude lower stratospheric air into the subtropics. This meridional transport was a consequence of a geostrophic flow pattern established by a quasi‐stationary anticyclone centered over the south central United States that persisted for much of July 2002. We show the spatial and temporal extent of meridional isentropic transport into the subtropics by examining the ozone vertical profiles in combination with the NOy:O3 correlations as well as isentropic back trajectory calculations. The anomalous ozone profiles are also reproduced in a global chemical transport model.
Mars Exploration Rover Athena Panoramic Camera (Pancam) investigation
Authors: Bell J. F. , Squyres S. W. , Herkenhoff K. E. , Maki J. N. , Arneson H. M. , Brown D. , Collins S. A. , Dingizian A. , Elliot S. T. , Hagerott E. C. , Hayes A. G. , Johnson M. J. , Johnson J. R. , Joseph J. , Kinch K. , Lemmon M. T. , Morris R. V. , Scherr L. , Schwochert M. , Shepard M. K. , Smith G. H. , Sohl‐Dickstein J. N. , Sullivan R. J. , Sullivan W. T. , Wadsworth M.
Published: November 2003

The Panoramic Camera (Pancam) investigation is part of the Athena science payload launched to Mars in 2003 on NASA's twin Mars Exploration Rover (MER) missions. The scientific goals of the Pancam investigation are to assess the high‐resolution morphology, topography, and geologic context of each MER landing site, to obtain color images to constrain the mineralogic, photometric, and physical properties of surface materials, and to determine dust and aerosol opacity and physical properties from direct imaging of the Sun and sky. Pancam also provides mission support measurements for the rovers, including Sun‐finding for rover navigation, hazard identification and digital terrain modeling to help guide long‐term rover traverse decisions, high‐resolution imaging to help guide the selection of in situ sampling targets, and acquisition of education and public outreach products. The Pancam optical, mechanical, and electronics design were optimized to achieve these science and mission support goals. Pancam is a multispectral, stereoscopic, panoramic imaging system consisting of two digital cameras mounted on a mast 1.5 m above the Martian surface. The mast allows Pancam to image the full 360° in azimuth and ±90° in elevation. Each Pancam camera utilizes a 1024 × 1024 active imaging area frame transfer CCD detector array. The Pancam optics have an effective focal length of 43 mm and a focal ratio of f/20, yielding an instantaneous field of view of 0.27 mrad/pixel and a field of view of 16° × 16°. Each rover's two Pancam “eyes” are separated by 30 cm and have a 1° toe‐in to provide adequate stereo parallax. Each eye also includes a small eight position filter wheel to allow surface mineralogic studies, multispectral sky imaging, and direct Sun imaging in the 400–1100 nm wavelength region. Pancam was designed and calibrated to operate within specifications on Mars at temperatures from −55° to +5°C. An onboard calibration target and fiducial marks provide the capability to validate the radiometric and geometric calibration on Mars.
Evolution of deepwater mixing and weathering inputs in the central Atlantic Ocean over the past 33 Myr
Authors: Frank M. , van de Flierdt T. , Halliday A. N. , Kubik P. W. , Hattendorf B. , Günther D.
Published: December 2003

The isotopic composition of Nd in present‐day deep waters of the central and northeastern Atlantic Ocean is thought to fingerprint mixing of North Atlantic Deep Water with Antarctic Bottom Water. The central Atlantic Romanche and Vema Fracture Zones are considered the most important pathways for deep water exchange between the western and eastern Atlantic basins today. We present new Nd isotope records of the deepwater evolution in the fracture zones obtained from ferromanganese crusts, which are inconsistent with simple water mass mixing alone prior to 3 Ma and require additional inputs from other sources. The new Pb isotope time series from the fracture zones are inexplicable by simple mixing of North Atlantic Deep Water and Antarctic Bottom Water for the entire past 33 Myr. The distinct and relatively invariable Nd and Pb isotope records of deep waters in the fracture zones appear instead to have been controlled to a large extent by contributions from Saharan dust and the Orinoco/Amazon Rivers. Thus the previously observed similarity of Nd and Pb isotope time series from the western and eastern North Atlantic basins is better explainable by direct supply of Labrador Seawater to the eastern basin via a northern pathway rather than by advection of North Atlantic Deep Water via the Romanche and Vema Fracture Zones.
Steady infiltration from line sources into a layered profile
Authors: Warrick A. W. , Knight J. H.
Published: December 2003

Two‐dimensional unsaturated flow emanating from an array of line sources is analyzed for a stratified soil. The present work extends earlier solutions for flow from an array of line sources into a homogeneous soil to the more complex and realistic case of layered conditions. The hydraulic conductivity is of the form Ki exp(αh) where the saturated conductivity Ki is different in each stratum considered, α is a constant in the entire flow domain, and h is the pressure head. An interesting feature of the derived solution is the use of an expression of the gradients of the stream function at the strata interfaces. This is analogous to the change in slope of path lines crossing a region of contrasting conductivities for saturated flow. For a two‐layer example, a build‐up of pressures is shown within a layer of lower permeability overlying a more conductive soil. The effect of an included finite stratum on spreading (for an inclusion layer of lower permeability) or concentrating flow (for an inclusion layer of higher permeability) is also shown using a three‐layered domain.
Release of nickel ions from stainless steel alloys used in dental braces and their patch test reactivity in nickel‐sensitive individuals
Authors: Jensen Christian Stab , Lisby Steen , Baadsgaard Ole , Byrialsen Kirsten , Menné Torkil
Published: November 2003

Nickel ions leached in sufficient quantities from nickel‐containing alloys may induce nickel sensitization or elicit allergic contact dermatitis. Nickel‐containing stainless steel alloys are generally considered safe for nickel‐sensitive individuals to use. The study summarized in this paper investigated 3 parameters. First, the release of nickel was estimated in artificial saliva and sweat from 4 different stainless steel alloys frequently used in dental braces. Second, in a pilot study, oral mucosa cells harvested from 3 dental patients before and after the attachment of dental braces were analysed for possible nickel content. Third, patch test reactivity of the 4 stainless steel alloys was tested on 31 nickel‐sensitive subjects. All 4 stainless steel alloys released small amounts of nickel ions into artificial saliva (<0·13 µg/cm2/week) and artificial sweat (<0·05 µg/cm2/week), but no measurable amounts of nickel were found in any of the oral mucosa samples. None of the 31 nickel‐sensitive subjects reacted to patch testing with the 4 stainless steel alloys, indicating that these stainless steel alloys would be safe to use in direct and prolonged contact with the skin.
A randomized comparison of an emollient containing skin‐related lipids with a petrolatum‐based emollient as adjunct in the treatment of chronic hand dermatitis
Authors: Kucharekova M. , Van De Kerkhof P. C. M. , Van Der Valk P. G. M.
Published: November 2003

Hand dermatitis is a multifactorial skin disorder in which skin barrier impairment is involved in the pathogenesis. The development of topical agents that improve skin barrier function is therefore a promising approach for the management of hand dermatitis. Topically applied lipids may interfere with skin barrier function, and emollients containing skin‐related lipids have been suggested to facilitate repair of the skin barrier. However, evidence for the superiority of emollients containing skin‐related lipids over the more traditional emollients is still lacking. The aim of this study was to compare an emollient containing skin‐related lipids (Locobase® Repair) with a traditional petrolatum‐based emollient for the management of hand dermatitis. Adult males and females (n = 30) with mild to moderate chronic hand dermatitis were treated twice daily for 2 months either with an emollient containing skin‐related lipids or with a pet.‐based emollient. In the case of exacerbation, the patients of both treatment groups were allowed to use a mild corticosteroid according to instructions. Both treatment regimes significantly improved clinical signs of hand dermatitis as assessed by the investigator global assessment, hand eczema area and severity score. We did not observe significant differences in the improvement of clinical signs, itching, patients' assessment of efficacy, cosmetic acceptability or usage of topical corticosteroids between both treatment groups. In conclusion, this study confirms that the frequent use of emollients may be useful in the therapy of hand dermatitis. However, we could not demonstrate the superiority of this particular emollient containing skin‐related lipids in patients with chronic hand dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis from dicyclohexylmethane‐4,4′‐diisocyanate
Authors: Frick Malin , Björkner Bert , Hamnerius Nils , Zimerson Erik
Published: November 2003

From August 1999 to April 2001, there was an outbreak of severe eczema at a factory manufacturing medical equipment. A glue, mainly based on the isocyanate dicyclohexylmethane‐4,4′‐diisocyanate (DMDI), was suspected as being the cause of the problem. 16 workers with recent episodes of eczema were patch tested with a standard series, an isocyanate series and work material. The latter consisted of, among other things, the glue, DMDI, and an amine, dicyclohexylmethane‐4,4′‐diamine (DMDA), which is formed when DMDI reacts with water. 13 patients reacted to DMDI, 9 to 1,6‐hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI) and 4 to isophoronediisocyanate (IPDI), all of which are aliphatic isocyanates. None reacted to the aromatic isocyanates, diphenylmethane‐4,4′‐diisocyanate (MDI) or toluenediisocyanate (TDI). One explanation for this pattern could be that aromatic diisocyanates are more reactive than the aliphatic ones and that, therefore, they are inactivated before penetrating the skin. 5 patients reacted to DMDA and 5 to 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA). Concurrent reactions to DMDA and or MDA with DMDI could be due to cross‐reactivity. The positive reactions to MDA could also be a marker of MDI exposure. Yet another patient, investigated in 1997 with suspected work‐related contact dermatitis from the glue, is described. She, however, showed no positive reactions to any isocyanates.
Hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde‐ known as Lyral®: quantitative aspects and risk assessment of an important fragrance allergen
Authors: Johansen J. D. , Frosch P. J. , Svedman C. , Andersen K. E. , Bruze M. , Pirker C. , Menné T.
Published: November 2003

Hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, also known as Lyral®, is a fragrance ingredient identified as the cause of contact allergic reactions in 2–3% of eczema patients undergoing patch testing. Lyral® has been included in the standard patch test series in many clinics due to its importance as an allergen. It has been used without restrictions in cosmetic products, until now. In the present study, the dose–response relationship of Lyral® contact allergy was studied with doses relevant for normal exposure in cosmetic products. 18 eczema patients, who previously had given a positive patch test to Lyral® 5% petrolatum, were included along with 7 control subjects. All cases were tested with a serial dilution of Lyral® in ethanol 6% to 6 p.p.m and subjected to a 2‐week, repeated open application test with a low dose of Lyral® in ethanol. In the case of no reaction, this was followed by another 2 weeks of testing with a higher dose. The test was performed at the volar aspect of the forearm. In 16 of 18 cases (89%), a positive use test developed, 11 reacting to the low and 5 to the high concentration. None reacted to the vehicle control of ethanol applied to the contralateral arm. All controls were negative to both the test solutions of Lyral® and the ethanol control. The difference between the test and the control group was statistically significant (Fisher's test, P < 0·001). It is concluded that Lyral® at the current usage levels is inducing sensitization in the community. The same levels were shown to elicit allergic contact dermatitis in almost all sensitized individuals. A significant reduction in usage concentrations is recommended to prevent contact allergic reactions.
Fragrance allergy in patients with hand eczema – a clinical study
Authors: Heydorn Siri , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Andersen Klaus E. , Bruze Magnus , Svedman Cecilia , White Ian R. , Basketter David A. , Menné Torkil
Published: November 2003

Fragrance allergy and hand eczema are both common among dermatological patients. Fragrance mix (FM) and its constituents have a recognized relevance to exposure to fine fragrances and cosmetic products. Based on extensive chemical analysis and database search, a new selection of fragrances was established, including 14 known fragrance allergens present in products to which hand exposure would occur. A non‐irritating patch‐test concentration for some fragrances was established in 212 consecutive patients. 658 consecutive patients presenting with hand eczema were patch tested with the European standard series and the developed selection of fragrances. 67 (10·2%) of the 658 patients had a positive reaction to 1 or more of our selection of fragrance chemicals present in the new selection. The most common reactions to fragrances not included in the FM were to citral, Lyral® (hydroxyisohexyl‐3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde) and oxidized l‐limonene. A concomitant reaction to the FM identified potential fragrance allergy in less than ½ of these patients. Exposure assessment and a statistically significant association between a positive patch test to our selected fragrances and patients' history support the relevance of this selection of fragrances. Those with a positive reaction to our selected fragrances were significantly more likely to have 1 or more positive patch tests in the standard series. This observation is the basis for the hypothesis concerning cross‐reactivity and the effect of simultaneous exposure. The study found that fragrance allergy could be a common problem in patients with eczema on the hands.
The fragrance hand immersion study – an experimental model simulating real‐life exposure for allergic contact dermatitis on the hands
Authors: Heydorn S. , Menné T. , Andersen K. E. , Bruze M. , Svedman C. , Basketter D. , Johansen J. D.
Published: November 2003

Recently, we showed that 10·2% of consecutively patch‐tested hand eczema patients had a positive patch test to a selection of fragrances containing fragrances relevant to hand exposure. In this study, we used repeated skin exposure to a patch test‐positive fragrance allergen in patients previously diagnosed with hand eczema to explore whether immersion of fingers in a solution with or without the patch‐test‐positive fragrance allergen would cause or exacerbate hand eczema on the exposed finger. The study was double blinded and randomized. All participants had a positive patch test to either hydroxycitronellal or Lyral® (hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde). Each participant immersed a finger from each hand, once a day, in a solution containing the fragrance allergen or placebo. During the first 2 weeks, the concentration of fragrance allergen in the solution was low (approximately 10 p.p.m.), whilst during the following 2 weeks, the concentration was relatively high (approximately 250 p.p.m.), imitating real‐life exposure to a household product like dishwashing liquid diluted in water and the undiluted product, respectively. Evaluation was made using a clinical scale and laser Doppler flow meter. 3 of 15 hand eczema patients developed eczema on the finger immersed in the fragrance‐containing solution, 3 of 15 on the placebo finger and 3 of 15 on both fingers. Using this experimental exposure model simulating real‐life exposure, we found no association between immersion of a finger in a solution containing fragrance and development of clinically visible eczema on the finger in 15 participants previously diagnosed with hand eczema and with a positive patch test to the fragrance in question.
Oral lichen planus and dental materials: a case‐control study
Authors: Martin Michael D. , Broughton Steven , Drangsholt Mark
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of dental materials with oral lichen planus (OLP) and, particularly, the effects of amalgam, amalgam corrosion status, gold and dissimilar metals in continuous contact. A case‐control study was performed with 43 OLP cases from the Oral Medicine Clinic at the School of Dentistry, University of Washington and 78 controls from a general dental care‐screening clinic, also at the School of Dentistry, University of Washington. Health histories and oral examinations were obtained. Current metal or metal‐based restorations were charted, along with corrosion status of amalgams and the presence of dissimilar metals in continuous contact. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for the following potential risk factors were found to be: (1) number of teeth with amalgam, OR = 1·02 (0·92, 1·13); (2) total surfaces of amalgam, OR = 0·96 (0·92, 1·0); (3) number of teeth with gold, OR = 1·12 (0·95, 1·31); (4) mean amalgam corrosion score, OR = 5·74 (2·34, 14·1); (5) presence of dissimilar metals in contact (per quadrant), OR = 1·25 (0·81, 1·92). These findings suggest that although the presence of amalgam or gold themselves is not associated with increased risk of OLP, corrosion of amalgams and the presence of a ‘galvanic effect’ from dissimilar dental materials in continuous contact (bimetallism) are associated with an increased risk of OLP.
Brentanos Philister‐Rede am Ende des romantischen Jahrhunderts oder Der Philister‐Krieg und seine unrühmliche Kapitulation
Authors: Arendt Dieter
Published: November 2003

Clemens Brentano hält um die Jahrhundertewende vom 1799/1800 an der unruhigen Universität Jena im Caroline‐Kreis vor namhaften Zeitgenossen – Tieck, den Brüdern Schlegel, Schelling, Fichte, u.a. – seine berühmte Philisterrede. Die launige, wie immer epochal bedingte Ansprache, erweist sich bei näherem Hinsehen nicht nur als scharf geschliffener Spiegel seines zuende gehenden, sondern unvorhergesehenerweise auch der beiden folgenden Jahrhunderte, insofern als er nicht nur einen zeitgenössischen sondern einen zeitlosen Typus der Philisters karikiert und charakterisiert, der in der Folge im Rahmen der Literatur und Philosophie in besorgnisserregender Häufigkeit erscheint: etwa bei Sören Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Wilhelm Raabe und Martin Heidegger. Schließlich gelingt diesem Typus der Aufstieg in die bürokratische Elite der europäischen Gesellschaft und am Ende auf verhängnisvolle Weise die Machtergreifung.
Violating the Mütter: Staging the Semiotics of Desire, or, Aspects of the Eternal‐Feminine in “Faust”
Authors: Niazi M. Nadeem
Published: November 2003

The following study seeks to isolate and define the violence of Faust's encounter with the Mütter through a nuanced investigation of the signifying practices governing Faust's first encounters with the other maternal figures prominent in the play, Helen and Gretchen. By problematizing the dichotomy between acting subject and impersonal linguistic processes during the sequence of Faust's ‘infatuations’ with the maternal‐feminine, it is possible to discern the cause of violence against the Mütter and, subsequently, locate its textual manifestation in a mythological pre‐figure in the ‘Walpurgisnacht’. What takes place between Faust and the Mütter may well exceed the phenomenal modes of dramatic representation involving intersubjective interaction on‐stage, but is accessible to discursive elaboration sensitive to the limits and modes of representation. Interrogating the complexities of Faust's encounters alerts us to the semantic depth of the enigmatic designation the ‘Eternal‐Feminine’.
Antigone and Cassandra: Gender and Nationalism in German Literature
Authors: Gil Isabel Capeloa
Published: November 2003

Stemming from an understanding of literature as a sub‐text of culture, created through the circulation of social energies, this paper will discuss how the reception of the Antigone and Cassandra stories in German literature may help understand the nation‐building process, particularly from Bismarck's “Grunderjahre” until 1990. Seen as female models in the Western tradition, Antigone and Cassandra derive their particular role in German literature, especially in the 20th century from the coming together of three factors: a sense of decay in the present which leads to the search for cultural models in the past, more specifically in Greek and Roman Antiquity; the “verspätete Nation” complex leading both to a cosmopolitan outlook on the nationality issue, as well as to an identity‐reductive conception further represented by the “völkisch” ideology; and thirdly the ideological and utopian projection of the feminine as the “natural” representative of an alternative and purified existence. Since all identity is constructed across difference, this paper argues that Antigone and Cassandra function as gendered nation‐building constructions and will show how in literary terms they were used to support and/or reject nationalist cohesion.
The Persistence of Patriarchy in Franz Kafka's “Judgment”
Authors: Pan David
Published: November 2003

Though commentators such as Gerhard Neumann have read Kafka's “Judgment” as a critique of patriarchal authority and the tyranny of familial relations, the story's powerful effect originates from the affirmation of patriarchal authority which motivates its plot. The story situates the protagonist in a conflict between the demands of a patriarchal family and a universalist culture outside the family based on friendship. The victory of the father and the resulting death of the son function as part of an attempt to recover traditional structures of authority which have been eroded by a modern notion of culture based on individual freedom and ‘elective’ affinities rather than binding ones. The death of the son is not an example of senseless repression but of a self‐sacrifice of modern and individualist desires in favor of the patriarchal authority of the father.
LIM‐domain‐binding protein 1: a multifunctional cofactor that interacts with diverse proteins
Authors: Matthews Jacqueline M , Visvader Jane E
Published: December 2003

The ubiquitous nuclear adaptor protein LIM‐domain‐binding protein 1 (Ldb1) was originally identified as a cofactor for LIM‐homeodomain and LIM‐only (LMO) proteins that have fundamental roles in development. In parallel, Ldb1 has been shown to have essential functions in diverse biological processes in different organisms. The recent targeting of this gene in mice has revealed roles for Ldb1 in neural patterning and development that have been conserved throughout evolution. Furthermore, the elucidation of the three‐dimensional structures of LIM–Ldb1 complexes has provided insight into the molecular basis for the ability of Ldb1 to contact diverse LIM‐domain proteins. It has become evident that Ldb1 is a multi‐adaptor protein that mediates interactions between different classes of transcription factors and their co‐regulators and that the nature of these complexes determines cell fate and differentiation.
Fibulins: physiological and disease perspectives
Authors: Argraves W Scott , Greene Lisa M , Cooley Marion A , Gallagher William M
Published: December 2003

The fibulins are a family of proteins that are associated with basement membranes and elastic extracellular matrix fibres. This review summarizes findings from studies of animal models of fibulin deficiency, human fibulin gene mutations, human tumours and injury models that have advanced our understanding of the normal and pathological roles of members of this formerly obscure family.
Environmental Unpredictability and the Value of Social Information for Foraging Starlings
Authors: Rafacz Michelle , Templeton Jennifer J.
Published: December 2003

Environmental and behavioral cues are useful sources of information that allow group foraging individuals to improve their foraging success. Few studies to date, however, have examined how varying degrees of environmental unpredictability may affect when and how individuals use the social information they obtain in foraging groups. In this experiment, European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were tested to determine in which type of environment, predictable or unpredictable, social information would be the most valuable. Subjects were placed under one of four conditions: an unpredictable environment with either (1) an informing demonstrator bird or (2) an uninforming demonstrator; or a predictable environment with either (3) an informing demonstrator or (4) an uninforming demonstrator. Environmental predictability was manipulated by altering the meaning of available color cues. Subjects in the unpredictable environment that had an informing demonstrator performed significantly better than subjects in an unpredictable environment with an uninforming demonstrator, although only on the second day of testing. Subjects in both the predictable conditions performed similarly to each other. The results suggest that social information is more valuable to individuals in an unpredictable environment than it is in a predictable environment; however, there appears to be a time lag in the ability of the birds to recognize the value of this information.
The Role of Ultraviolet‐A Reflectance and Ultraviolet‐A‐Induced Fluorescence in Budgerigar Mate Choice
Authors: Pearn Sophie M. , Bennett Andrew T. D. , Cuthill Innes C.
Published: December 2003

Many parrots have plumage that either reflects strongly in the ultraviolet‐A (UVA) waveband, between 315–400 nm, or exhibits UVA‐induced fluorescence. Previous experimental work on budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) suggests that UVA reflectance plays a role in mate choice, as in other diurnal birds, but evidence for fluorescent cues playing a role is unconvincing. Here we report two experiments on budgerigars, designed to determine whether fluorescent cues play a role in signalling when UVA reflectances are absent, an approach which separates removal of UVA reflectance from removal of fluorescence. First, we determined whether the choices of different females are correlated under these treatment conditions. Secondly, we investigated female preferences for fluorescing and non‐fluorescing males when UVA reflections are absent, to determine whether the yellow emissions of fluorescence are playing a role in mate choice. Results from experiment 1 do not suggest that females agree on which males are attractive when UVA reflectances are absent, with only half of the subjects choosing the same male. Neither did different females make the same choices in experiment 2. This lack of agreement provides further evidence that UVA reflectances from males play an important role in female choice in this species. Experiment 2 provides no evidence to suggest that UVA‐induced fluorescence plays a role in mate choice. Overall, our study supports previous findings showing that UVA reflectance plays a role in sexual signalling in this species, but provides no evidence to suggest the same for fluorescence when UVA reflectances are absent.
In vitro cariogenic potential of Candida albicans
Authors: Nikawa H. , Yamashiro H. , Makihira S. , Nishimura M. , Egusa H. , Furukawa M. , Setijanto D. , Hamada T.
Published: November 2003

The adherence and dissociation of Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, Streptococcus mutans and S. sanguis to six substrates including hydroxylapatite (HAP) which exhibit various hydrophobicity, was examined by the use of a bioluminescent adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay. Dissolution of HAP by C. albicans or S. mutans was determined spectrophotometrically by the use of o‐cresolphthalein complexone. In the adherence of C. tropicalis, S. mutans and S. sanguis, the amount of adherent cells correlated with the hydrophobicity of the substrates. In contrast, the adherence of C. albicans to HAP was extraordinary high, although the adherence of the fungi also correlated with the hydrophobicity of the substrates, except for HAP. The yeasts attached to HAP was effectively removed by high concentration of either phosphate or calcium ions. The amount of calcium‐release from HAP caused by C. albicans and S. mutans was 113 μg ml−1 (final pH = 3.45), and 5.4 μg ml−1 (final pH 4.81), respectively and the maximum growth of C. albicans and S. mutans was 107 cfu ml−1 and 7.4 × 1012 cfu ml−1, respectively. The results, taken together, suggest that C. albicans adhere to HAP specifically through electrostatic interaction, and that, in a much smaller number (1.0/7.4 × 105), C. albicans possesses the ability to dissolve HAP to a greater extent (approximately 20‐fold) when compared with S. mutans.
Performance of BacticardTM Candida compared with the germ tube test for the presumptive identification of Candida albicans
Authors: Carrillo‐Muñoz A. J. , Quindós G. , Cárdenes C. D. , Alonso‐Vargas R. , Brió S. , Arévalo P. , Pemán J. , Estivill D. , Pontón J.
Published: November 2003

BacticardTM Candida was compared with the germ tube test for the rapid, presumptive identification of Candida albicans. This test kit detects the enzymatic activities l‐proline aminopeptidase and beta‐galactosaminidase in yeast colonies grown on culture media. Candida albicans produces both enzymes whereas other yeasts produce only one or neither of the enzymes. We evaluated 536 isolates including eight genera and 33 species of medically important yeasts, including 228 C. albicans and 36 C. dubliniensis. Both tests did not discriminate between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis isolates. The sensitivity and specificity for the BacticardTM Candida test were 97.8 and 96.5%, respectively. BacticardTM Candida and germ tube tests detected 246 (93.2%), and 256 (97%) C. albicans plus C. dubliniensis isolates. There were eight false‐positive results with BactiCardTM Candida kit and four false‐positive results with the germ tube test. Positive and negative predictive values for BacticardTM Candida enzymatic test were 95.3 and 98.4%, respectively, while 97.4 and 98.1% for the germ tube test, its specificity being 98.1% and efficiency 97% (97.7% for germ tube). We have observed slightly lower values of sensitivity and specificity than those reported by others using the BactiCardTM test kit. BacticardTM Candida provides a rapid and accurate alternative to the germ tube test for the presumptive identification of C. albicans.
Successful treatment of Acremonium fungemia with voriconazole
Authors: Mattei D. , Mordini N. , Nigro C. Lo , Gallamini A. , Osenda M. , Pugno F. , Viscoli C.
Published: November 2003

We report two cases of Acremonium fungemia with proven involvement of the skin and probably of the lung in patients who were both undergoing chemotherapy, one for mantle cell lymphoma and the other for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Both patients failed amphotericin B deoxycholate treatment and were successfully treated with voriconazole with very mild toxicity.
Genotyping of clinical Rhodotorula mucilaginosa isolates by pulsed field gel electrophoresis
Authors: Saracli M. A. , Sener K. , Gonlum A. , Yildiran S. T. , Wickes B. L.
Published: November 2003

Identification and typing of fungal isolates is a prerequisite for control and prevention of nosocomial infections. As the discriminatory power of phenotypic methods is not sufficient for epidemiological purposes, genotyping methods such as DNA fingerprinting, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, or pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) are preferred. To our knowledge, this study is the first application of PFGE for typing Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strains. The PFGE patterns of six clinical isolates produced two different karyotypes, which were confirmed by RAPD analysis. Five strains isolated from bloodstream infections from three different institutions showed the same karyotype and RAPD patterns, while the urological specimen differed slightly.
Skin infection caused by Scedosporium apiospermum
Authors: Karaarslan A. , Arıkan S. , Karaarslan F. , Sesli Çetin E.
Published: November 2003

A woman with a skin infection because of Scedosporium apiospermum, in the interdigital spaces of her feet is presented. The minimum inhibition concentration values (MIC, μg ml−1) of this isolated mould for itraconazole, amphotericin B and terbinafine after 48 h were determined as 1, 8 and 16, respectively. The patient was treated successfully with oral terbinafine and topical clotrimazole.
Sinonasal aspergillosis in immunocompetent Indian children: an eight‐year experience
Authors: Gupta A. K. , Ghosh S. , Gupta A. K.
Published: November 2003

A retrospective study of 40 otherwise healthy children suffering from paranasal aspergillosis is presented. Fifteen percentage of this group was under 10 years of age. The clinical characteristics were marked facial deformity, orbital involvement (52.5%) and skull base erosion (12.5%). Ethmoid sinus was the commonest sinus to be affected. Aspergillus serology was positive in 35% and fungal culture grew the organism in 40%. Histopathology revealed allergic or non‐invasive fungal infections without any tissue invasions. Surgery was performed in all except one case. Recurrence was 15% treated by revision surgery and antifungal therapy.
Prosthetic joint infections with osteomyelitis due to Candida albicans
Authors: Lerch K. , Kalteis T. , Schubert T. , Lehn N. , Grifka J.
Published: November 2003

We report the case of a 78‐year‐old woman who suffered from a severe soft tissue and bone infection of her left knee 3 years after a total knee‐joint replacement without loosening of her endoprosthesis. Cultures from joint aspiration and tissue specimen identified Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Direct microscopic examination of vital spongy bone and fibrous tissue revealed microabscesses and seeds of yeasts inside the fatty marrow and interface. After removal of the prosthesis several soft tissue and bone specimens were taken during planned re‐operations. The histological examination showed no morphological changing, no reduction or extinction of the yeast cells under fluconazole therapy with a dosage of 6 mg kg−1 body weight (400 mg daily). Curing of the fungal infection with eradication of the yeasts in the bony specimens was achieved with higher doses of 12 mg kg−1 body weight (800 mg day−1) over a 2 month regimen in combination with repeated surgical debridements.
Candida albicans strain carriage in patients and nursing staff of an intensive care unit: a study of morphotypes and resistotypes
Authors: Khan Z. U. , Chandy R. , Metwali K. E.
Published: November 2003

Candida albicans carriage of patients and nursing staff of an intensive care unit (ICU) was studied over an 8‐month period. Swabs were taken at weekly intervals from multiple sites from patients. None of the patients had clinical Candida infection at the time of the first sampling. The hands and mouth of the nursing staff were sampled at fortnightly intervals. Of the 68 patients investigated for varying periods, 37 (54%) yielded C. albicans from one or more body sites, resulting in the isolation of 269 strains. Nosocomial acquisition of C. albicans was recorded in seven (19%) patients. The frequency of C. albicans isolation increased with extended stay in ICU. Sixteen of the 180 samples taken from hands and mouth of nursing staff, yielded C. albicans, 12 of which came from the mouth. Morphotyping of 88 randomly selected strains of C. albicans originating from 31 patients yielded 34 morphotypes. There appeared to be no preference for any morphotype to colonize a particular anatomic site. Based on the susceptibility results, nine resistotypes were recognized. No correlation was apparent between any specific morphotype and resistotype patterns. The differences in morphotype and resistogram patterns of C. albicans isolates originating from same patients over a period of time suggest that some of the patients were colonized with more than one strain. Similarities in the morphotype and resistotype patterns of C. albicans strains isolated from patients and nursing staff tend to suggest possibility of exogenous acquisition.
Experimental evaluation of antifungal and antiseptic agents against Rhodotorula spp.
Authors: Preney L. , Théraud M. , Guiguen C. , Gangneux J. P.
Published: November 2003

We studied the susceptibility of 21 strains of Rhodotorula rubra and nine strains of R. glutinis to eight antifungals and tested eight antiseptic agents on one strain of R. rubra. The tested strains were susceptible to ketoconazole, 5‐fluorocytosine, amphotericin B, and nystatin, intermediate to econazole and resistant to fluconazole, itraconazole and miconazole. After 5‐min contact, six of the eight antiseptic agents tested showed a fungicidal activity on the tested R. rubra strain.
Invasive fungal infections are responsible for one‐fifth of the infectious deaths in children with ALL
Authors: Grigull L. , Beier R. , Schrauder A. , Kirschner P. , Loening L. , Jack T. , Welte K. , Sykora K. W. , Schrappe M.
Published: November 2003

The following report will discuss in detail all lethal invasive fungal infections (IFI) that occurred in a group of 2021 children with acute lymphoblasic leukaemia (ALL). The German ALL‐Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Muenster (BFM) study group is one of the largest cooperation for the treatment of childhood ALL. Between 1995 and 2000, 2021 children with ALL received chemotherapy according to the German BFM 95 protocols (ALL‐BFM 95). This population was retrospectively screened, whether a lethal fungal infection occurred: totally, in this group, 43 of 2021 (2.1%) children died because of infections. Nine of 43 (21%) patients died in the context of an IFI: six fatal Aspergillus infections and three fatal yeast infections were reported. The following report will focus on the nine children with ALL who died from IFI. The underlying risk factors (RF) included neutropenia (seven of nine patients) and steroid medication (nine of nine patients). Seven of nine children had additional medical complications (e.g. liver failure, haemolytic uraemic syndrome and acute renal failure). In six of nine children the fungal infection was progressive despite intravenous antimycotic therapy, three patients received no antifungal therapy, as IFI was not considered. The progression of IFI despite antimycotic therapy illustrates the inherent problems of diagnosis and the need for innovative therapeutic modalities. The high percentage (21%) of death from IFI among lethal infections in paediatric ALL patients illustrates the relevance of fungi in this group of patients. On the contrary, the total number of IFI in paediatric ALL patients remains to be determined, as only lethal infections were included in this report.
Action mechanisms of modern antifungal agents and resulting problems in the management of onychomycosis
Authors: Seebacher Claus
Published: November 2003

Successful treatment of onychomycosis in the infection site depends not only on achieving the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antifungal agent, usually determined on fresh, proliferating fungal strains, but also on the effectivity against fungal spores dormant in nail keratin. Ciclopiroxolamine and terbinafine were investigated for their fungicidal properties against proliferating and dormant dermatophyte strains. While ciclopiroxolamine was 100% effective againstTrichophyton mentagrophytes(50 μg ml−1) andMicrosporum canis(5 μg ml−1) both in the proliferative and dormant phase after 5 days of incubation, the same result was achieved under identical test conditions with 0.002 μg ml−1terbinafine usingT. mentagrophytesas test organism in the proliferative and 2.0 μg ml−1in the dormant phase. The terbinafine concentrations of 0.52 μg g−1measured in the nail are well below 2.0. This explains the high treatment failure and relapse rates observed under monotherapy of toenail onychomycosis even with modern antifungals. Consequently, combined therapy is recommended, beginning with atraumatic removal of the affected toenails and continuing with an antifungal nail lacquer combined with a systemic antifungal.