bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple bottom line study of a lignocellulosic biofuel industry
Authors: Malik Arunima , Lenzen Manfred , Geschke Arne
Published: December 2014

Growing concerns about energy security and climate change have prompted interest in Australia and worldwide to look for alternatives of fossil fuels. Among the renewable fuel sources, biofuels are one such alternative that have received unprecedented attention in the past decade. Cellulosic biofuels, derived from agricultural and wood biomass, could potentially increase Australia's oil self‐sufficiency. In this study, we carry out a hybrid life‐cycle assessment (LCA) of a future cellulose‐refining industry located in the Green Triangle region of South Australia. We assess both the upstream and downstream refining stages, and consider as well the life‐cycle effects occurring in conventional industries displaced by the proposed biofuel supply chains. We improve on conventional LCA method by utilising multi‐region input–output (IO) analysis that allows a comprehensive appraisal of the industry's supply chains. Using IO‐based hybrid LCA, we evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of lignocellulosic biofuel production. In particular, we evaluate the employment, economic stimulus, energy consumption and greenhouse gas impacts of the biofuel supply chain and also quantify the loss in economic activity and employment in the paper, pulp and paperboard industry resulting from the diversion of forestry biomass to biofuel production. Our results reveal that the loss in economic activity and employment will only account for 10% of the new jobs and additional stimulus generated in the economy. Lignocellulosic biofuel production will create significant new jobs and enhance productivity and economic growth by initiating the growth of new industries in the economy. The energy return on investment for cellulosic biofuel production lies between 2.7 and 5.2, depending on the type of forestry feedstock and the travel distance between the feedstock industry and the cellulose refinery. Furthermore, the biofuel industry will be a net carbon sequester.
Field‐based grassland management for cirl buntings (Emberiza cirlus L.) and its effect on plant‐ and leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha)
Authors: Helden Alvin J. , Mckenzie Rodi , Cobbold Gail , Grice Philip V. , Anderson Guy Q.A. , MacDonald Michael A.
Published: December 2014

The cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus L.) has been the subject of targeted and successful conservation efforts based on agri‐environment schemes (AES) in the UK since 1993. Recent work has suggested that although focused on a single species, there have been wider biodiversity benefits for plants and some invertebrates.

In this study we investigated whether a similar pattern could be found for the Auchenorrhyncha (plant‐ and leafhoppers) within agricultural grasslands, where they form an important component of the herbivore community.

Sweep netting was used to sample Auchenorrhyncha from AES pastures, on which no pesticide or fertiliser inputs are allowed, and from conventionally grazed and cut (silage) fields at 25 locations in south Devon UK, during 2008.

Generalised linear mixed models and non‐metric multidimensional scaling were used to model abundance, species density, and community structure.

AES fields had the highest abundance, followed by conventionally grazed and then cut fields. The same pattern occurred for species density, although there was no significant difference between conventionally grazed and cut fields. There was no difference in community structure between field types.

Number of plant species, sward age, and nitrogen input were important covariates of field type, suggesting that the limitations on inputs resulting from AES are the likely drivers of the observed differences.

The results add to the evidence base that suggests that increased agricultural intensity is inversely related to invertebrate biodiversity. They also provide evidence that AES designed for the cirl bunting have provided wider biodiversity benefits.
Induction and treatment of anergy in murine leprosy
Authors: Juarez‐Ortega Mario , Hernandez Víctor G. , Arce‐Paredes Patricia , Villanueva Enrique B. , Aguilar‐Santelises Miguel , Rojas‐Espinosa Oscar
Published: December 2014

Leprosy is a disease consisting of a spectrum of clinical, bacteriological, histopathological and immunological manifestations. Tuberculoid leprosy is frequently recognized as the benign polar form of the disease, while lepromatous leprosy is regarded as the malignant form. The different forms of leprosy depend on the genetic and immunological characteristics of the patient and on the characteristics of the leprosy bacillus. The malignant manifestations of lepromatous leprosy result from the mycobacterial‐specific anergy that develops in this form of the disease. Using murine leprosy as a model of anergy in this study, we first induced the development of anergy toMycobacterium lepraemurium(MLM) in mice and then attempted to reverse it by the administration of dialysable leucocyte extracts (DLE) prepared from healthy (HLT),BCG‐inoculated andMLM‐inoculated mice. Mice inoculated with eitherMLMorBCGdeveloped a robust cell‐mediated immune response (CMI) that was temporary in theMLM‐inoculated group and long‐lasting in theBCG‐inoculated group.DLEwere prepared from the spleens ofMLM‐ andBCG‐inoculated mice at the peak ofCMI. IndependentMLMintradermally‐inoculated groups were treated every other day withHLT‐DLE,BCG‐DLEorMLM‐DLE, and the effect was documented for 98 days.DLEadministered at a dose of 1.0 U (1 × 106splenocytes) did not affect the evolution of leprosy, whileDLEgiven at a dose of 0.1 U showed beneficial effects regardless of theDLEsource. The dose but not the specificity ofDLEwas the determining factor for reversing anergy.
Spleen tyrosine kinase contributes to acute renal allograft rejection in the rat
Authors: Ramessur Chandran Sharmila , Tesch Greg H. , Han Yingjie , Woodman Naomi , Mulley William R. , Kanellis John , Blease Kate , Ma Frank Y. , Nikolic‐Paterson David J.
Published: December 2014

Kidney allografts induce strong T‐cell and antibody responses which mediate acute rejection. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is expressed by most leucocytes, except mature T cells, and is involved in intracellular signalling following activation of the Fcγ‐receptor, B‐cell receptor and some integrins. A role for Syk signalling has been established in antibody‐dependent native kidney disease, but little is known of Syk in acute renal allograft rejection. Sprague–Dawley rats underwent bilateral nephrectomy and received an orthotopic Wistar renal allograft. Recipient rats were treated with a Syk inhibitor (CC0482417, 30 mg/kg/bid), or vehicle, from 1 h before surgery until being killed 5 days later. Vehicle‐treated recipients developed severe allograft failure with marked histologic damage in association with dense leucocyte infiltration (T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and NK cells) and deposition of IgM, IgG and C3. Immunostaining identified Syk expression by many infiltrating leucocytes. CC0482417 treatment significantly improved allograft function and reduced histologic damage, although allograft injury was still clearly evident. CC0482417 failed to prevent T‐cell infiltration and activation within the allograft. However, CC0482417 significantly attenuated acute tubular necrosis, infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils and thrombosis of peritubular capillaries. In conclusion, this study identifies a role for Syk in acute renal allograft rejection. Syk inhibition may be a useful addition to T‐cell‐based immunotherapy in renal transplantation.
In‐Situ XRD Measurement and Quantitative Analysis of Hydrating Cement: Implications for Sulfate Incorporation in C–S–H
Authors: Valentini Luca , Dalconi Maria Chiara , Favero Marco , Artioli Gilberto , Ferrari Giorgio
Published: December 2014

The study of hydration kinetics by in‐situ X‐ray powder diffraction can provide fundamental details on the time evolution of the phase assemblage in hydrating cement pastes. The main limit of the technique is the lack of quantitative information about the amount of C–S–H and unbound water, which cannot be measured directly by conventional quantitative phase analysis procedures based on X‐ray diffraction, due to their X‐ray amorphous nature. Here, a mass balance algorithm, which can be used to determine the amount of both C–S–H and capillary water, is presented and compared with methods based on standards. This method can also provide information about the stoichiometry of C–S–H formed by the reaction of C3S, hydrated in the presence of gypsum, suggesting the incorporation of 0.3 mol of sulfate per mole of C–S–H precipitated. In addition, the results show a significant increase in the rate of C3S hydration, when gypsum is added to the system.
Supporting Primary Healthcare Professionals to Care for People with Intellectual Disability: A Research Agenda
Authors: Lennox Nicholas , Van Driel Mieke L. , van Dooren Kate
Published: December 2014

Background

The vast health inequities experienced by people with intellectual disability remain indisputable. Persistent and contemporary challenges exist for primary healthcare providers and researchers working to contribute to improvements to the health and well‐being of people with intellectual disability. Over two decades after the only review of supports for primary healthcare providers was published, this paper contributes to an evolving research agenda that aims to make meaningful gains in health‐related outcomes for this group.

Methods

The present authors updated the existing review by searching the international literature for developments and evaluations of multinational models of care.

Results

Based on our review, we present three strategies to support primary healthcare providers: (i) effectively using what we know, (ii) considering other strategies that offer support to primary healthcare professionals and (iii) researching primary health care at the system level.

Conclusions

Strengthening primary care by supporting equitable provision of health‐related care for people with intellectual disability is a much needed step towards improving health outcomes among people with intellectual disability. More descriptive quantitative and qualitative research, as well as intervention‐based research underpinned by rigorous mixed‐methods evaluating these strategies at the primary care level, which is sensitive to the needs of people with intellectual disability will assist primary care providers to provide better care and achieve better health outcomes.

Accessible Abstract

Many people with intellectual disability have poor health. The authors reviewed what has been written by other researchers about how to improve the health of people with intellectual disability. In the future, people who support adults with intellectual disability should continue doing what they do well, think of other ways to improve health, and do more research about health. At all times, the needs of people with intellectual disability should be the greatest concern for those trying to support them.
The Informativeness of Dividends and Associated Tax Credits
Authors: Coulton Jeffrey J. , Ruddock Caitlin M. S. , Taylor Stephen L.
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the informativeness of dividends and the associated tax credits with respect to earnings persistence. After confirming that dividend‐paying firms have more persistent earnings than non‐dividend‐paying firms, we show that the taxation status of the dividend is also important. Firms that pay dividends with a full tax credit attached have significantly more persistent earnings than firms that pay dividends which carry no associated tax credit. Consistent with higher levels of tax credits identifying more mature firms, those paying dividends with full tax credits have significantly less persistent losses than firms that pay dividends with only partial tax credits. Further, market pricing tests confirm that the incremental information in dividends and tax credits contributes to reductions in market mispricing of the persistence of earnings and earnings components. Our results are robust to alternative model specifications and controlling for dividend size and firm age.
Influence of Gender, Anxiety and Depression Symptoms, and Use of Oral Contraceptive in Color Perception
Authors: da Silva Maria Aparecida , Anfe Taciana Emília de Almeida , Matos Adriana Bona , Vieira Glauco Fioranelli
Published: December 2014

Objective

The color is a psychophysical phenomenon, and much has been studied about its physical components. However, the psychological part is poorly investigated, except for the difference between genders in the literature shows that more men are color deficient than women. Dental students are trained to better understand the differences in color, so we became interested in studying whether psychological variables such as anxiety and depression and use of hormonal contraceptives may interfere with this ability. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate if factors, such as, hormonal contraceptive use, depressive symptoms, anxiety and quality of life, influence on the ability of color discrimination of dental school students.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐one subjects participated and the following instruments apply: (1) test that consists in the observation of a set of 25 labels (pantones) with values of known colors, (2) scales of depression, anxiety, and quality of life assessments, and (3) Ishihara test.

Results

No difference was observed between genders as color perception (p = 0.868). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly more frequent in the female population that showed worse quality of life (p < 0.000) but did not interfere with color perception. Women using hormonal contraceptives had lower color perception than men (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

No difference between the genders in the perception of colors was observed, contrary to common sense that women discriminate more colors than men, but women using hormonal contraceptives showed more difficulty in color perception.

Clinical Significance

The ability to understand and distinguish color differences is extremely important in clinical dentistry. There could be differences in color perception between men and women that would influence clinical performance.
Bilateral Bargaining with Externalities
Authors: de Fontenay Catherine C. , Gans Joshua S.
Published: December 2014

This paper provides an analysis of a non‐cooperative pairwise bargaining game between agents in a network. We establish that there exists an equilibrium that generates a coalitional bargaining division of the reduced surplus that arises as a result of externalities between agents. That is, we provide a non‐cooperative justification for a cooperative division of a non‐cooperative surplus. The resulting division is related to the Myerson‐Shapley value with properties that are particularly useful and tractable in applications. We demonstrate this by examining buyer‐seller networks and vertical foreclosure.
Indirect Taxation in Vertical Oligopoly
Authors: Peitz Martin , Reisinger Markus
Published: December 2014

This paper analyzes the effects of specific and ad valorem taxation in an industry with downstream and upstream oligopoly and endogenous entry in both layers. We find that it is typically more efficient to levy an ad valorem tax downstream than upstream, while it is immaterial on which layer a specific tax is levied. We also show that tax revenues should be raised only through ad valorem taxes. Furthermore, we provide conditions under which the introduction of an indirect tax improves welfare. From a total surplus perspective, excise taxes tend to appear in a less favorable light when the full vertical supply chain is considered compared to a partial analysis which only takes into account market power at one layer. Finally, we demonstrate that a tax tends to be shifted to a larger extent into the final consumer price in vertical oligopoly than in standard oligopoly.
Measuring Welfare from Ambulatory Surgery Centers: A Spatial Analysis of Demand for Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Weber Ellerie
Published: December 2014

This paper studies competition between healthcare facilities, particularly between hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASC's), in the market for outpatient surgery. The goal is to answer questions about the existence and magnitude of welfare gains earned from the use of ASC's. These questions are relevant to current policy debates about the usefulness of ASC's. I calculate welfare by specifying a multinomial logit model of consumer demand for healthcare facilities, and estimating structural elements of demand functions. Total elimination of ASC's results in between 10.2 and 28.1 minutes of welfare loss per patient surgery.
A NEW MODEL FOR THE FORMATION OF DOLOMITE IN THE TRIASSIC DOLOMITES, NORTHERN ITALY
Authors: Blendinger W. , Lohmeier S. , Bertini A. , Meißner E. , Sattler C.-D.
Published: December 2014

The Pale di San Martino and Pale di San Lucano (referred to together as the “Pale”) are remnants of an originally more extensive carbonate platform in the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy. The platforms are composed of Middle Triassic dolomites and limestones up to 1.6km thick. Limestones comprise 2–3% of the platform carbonates and are restricted to narrow corridors (tens to a few hundred metres wide, hundreds of metres long and high) within the dolomite. The mainly sucrosic dolomites of the Pale are interpreted as the result of recrystallization of a depositional, nearly stoichiometric Mg calcite under burial temperatures of ca. 40–70°C. The principal arguments are:

The quantitative composition indicates that all platform carbonates are composed mainly of micritic crusts (45%; boundstone fabric prevails) and early cement (35%; microcrystalline, fibrous). The platform carbonates were probably mainly bacterial precipitates and tight at the sediment‐water interface (porosities <5%, permeabilities in the micro‐Darcy range).

The limestone‐dolomite transitions (centimetres to decimetres wide) lack dolomite gradients. The lack of evidence for flowing fluids causing dolomitization suggests stagnant pore waters.

The δ13C of average dolomite is 1.3‰ heavier than that of coeval limestone (666 analyses). The difference corresponds to a primary difference of 50mol% MgCO3 and is interpreted as the result of fractionation. It suggests a dolomite precursor of very high Mg calcite, whereas present‐day limestone of the Pale was probably deposited as a basically Mg‐free polymorph (aragonite and/or calcite).

The dolomite δ18O (+1 to −11‰ VPDB) values show a scatter over the platform thickness and preserve randomly distributed values around 0‰. The scatter is probably due to selective re‐setting of δ18O near pore spaces and is mainly a sampling effect.

The observation that 87Sr/86Sr ratios (77 analyses) of limestone and dolomite are either slightly higher or lower than Middle Triassic seawater, but almost never “normal marine”, suggests that the platform carbonates of the Pale were deposited from seawater contaminated with artesian freshwater. The limestone corridors are probably caused by artesian springs of somewhat higher than ambient depositional temperature, with low Mg calcite and/or aragonite deposited in or near fracture zones. The volumetrically subordinate cycle‐cap dolomite is possibly a primary precipitate.
What can we learn from hepatitis B virus clinical cohorts?
Authors: Lin Chih‐Lin , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: December 2014

Chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are considered to be sequential adverse outcomes in patients with persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBV infection is endemic in Taiwan and most HBV carriers acquire the virus early in life. The impact of HBV factors on the natural course of patients with chronic HBV infection has been investigated in three cohort studies. The first Risk Evaluation of Viral Load Elevation and Associated Liver Disease/Cancer‐Hepatitis B Virus (REVEAL‐HBV) cohort study revealed that HBV viral load is a strong predictive factor for the risk of cirrhosis and HCC and baseline serum HBV DNA levels >2000 IU/ml may increase the risk of cirrhosis and HCC in adult HBV carriers. In the second Study of E Antigen seRoClearance of Hepatitis B (SEARCH‐B), HBsAg level <100 IU/ml at 1‐year post HBeAg seroconversion was shown to be a predictor of HBsAg seroclearance over time. Recently, the third Elucidation of Risk Factors for Disease Control or Advancement in Taiwanese Hepatitis B Carriers (ERADICATE‐B) cohort study also suggested that HBsAg levels were a complementary predictive risk factor to HBV DNA levels for predicting HBV‐related adverse events in patients with low viral load (HBV DNA level <2000 IU/ml). An HBsAg level >1000 IU/ml in HBeAg‐negative patients with low viral load, is associated with higher risks of HCC, cirrhosis, and HBeAg‐negative hepatitis. Based on results of the REVEAL‐HBV cohort study, a risk calculator to predict HCC in non‐cirrhotic patients was developed and validated by independent international cohorts (REACH‐B). In the recent update of the REVEAL‐HBV study, HBsAg level was incorporated into the HCC risk prediction model with excellent accuracy. In conclusion, evidence from these HBV clinical cohorts confirms the progression and integration of viral biomarkers for the prediction of the prognosis of Asian chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. If the predictive power of the HCC risk calculator could be validated in non‐Asian populations, it could be used in clinical practice to individualize the management of HBV carriers with different levels of HCC risk.
Optimal IFN‐free therapy in treatment‐naïve patients with HCV genotype 1 infection
Authors: Asselah Tarik , Marcellin Patrick
Published: December 2014

There has been a revolution in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Several oral regimens combining direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) from different families [NS5B nucleotide inhibitors, NS5B non‐nucleoside inhibitors, NS5A replication complex inhibitors and NS3/4A protease inhibitors (PI)] are under development. These regimens result in an increase in sustained virological response (SVR) rates to above 90% and reduce the duration of treatment to twelve weeks or less. As of 2015 several regimens will be approved with additive potencies, without cross‐resistance and with a good safety profile. Remaining issues will include increasing screening and access to care so that HCV may become the first chronic viral infection eradicated worldwide. This review summarizes results obtained with oral DAAs combinations, that have been approved and/or have completed phase III clinical trials for HCV genotype 1 (HCV‐1) treatment‐naïve patients.
HBV and the immune response
Authors: Ferrari Carlo
Published: December 2014

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection acquired in adult life is generally self‐limited while chronic persistence of the virus is the prevalent outcome when infection is acquired perinatally. Both control of infection and liver cell injury are strictly dependent upon protective immune responses, because hepatocyte damage is the price that the host must pay to get rid of intracellular virus. Resolution of acute hepatitis B is associated with functionally efficient, multispecific antiviral T‐cell responses which are preceded by a poor induction of intracellular innate responses at the early stages of infection. Persistent control of infection is provided by long‐lasting protective memory, which is probably sustained by continuous stimulation of the immune system by trace amounts of virus which are never totally eliminated, persisting in an occult episomic form in the nucleus of liver cells even after recovery from acute infection. Chronic virus persistence is instead characterized by a lack of protective T‐cell memory maturation and by an exhaustion of HBV‐specific T‐cell responses. Persistent exposure of T cells to high antigen loads is a key determinant of functional T‐cell impairment but also other mechanisms can contribute to T‐cell inhibition, including the tolerogenic effect of the liver environment. The degree of T‐cell impairment is variable and its severity is related to the level of virus replication and antigen load. The antiviral T‐cell function is more efficient in patients who can control infection either partially, such as inactive HBsAg carriers with low levels of virus replication, or completely, such as patients who achieve HBsAg loss either spontaneously or after antiviral therapy. Thus, understanding the features of the immune responses associated with control of infection is needed for the successful design of novel immune modulatory therapies based on the reconstitution of efficient antiviral responses in chronic HBV patients.
Factors influencing the distribution of coastal lichens Hydropunctaria maura and Wahlenbergiella mucosa
Authors: Higgins Niall F. , Connan Solène , Stengel Dagmar B.
Published: December 2014

Responses to abiotic and biotic stresses that potentially drive the vertical zonation of the intertidal lichens Hydropunctaria maura, an upper littoral lichen, and Wahlenbergiella mucosa, a lower littoral lichen, were investigated in field and laboratory experiments. When transplanted, both lichens exhibited an inability to survive outside their normal vertical distribution range. W. mucosa appeared to be unable to tolerate prolonged periods of desiccation following translocation from lower to upper littoral regions, whereas H. maura was unable to survive in lower littoral zones possibly owing to increased grazing pressure. The effect of desiccation in both lichens was compared using pulse amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorescence and infra‐red gas analysis; results indicated a more hydration‐dependent nature of W. mucosa. Photosynthetic (algal) pigments and phenolic compounds were determined in both lichen thalli, and a range of additional coastal lichens occupying a natural gradient from upper to lower shore levels. Pigment composition and concentration in both lichen thalli were similar whereas levels of phenolic compounds were up to three times higher in W. mucosa than H. maura. Pigment and phenolic concentration and composition exhibited some seasonality across 13 different lichens originating from different shore levels. Phenolic concentration increased towards the lower shore, suggesting a potential anti‐herbivory function. This marks the first study of pigments and phenolics in coastal lichen communities, and prompts further investigations on the particular physiological features of marine and maritime lichens that enable them to thrive in this extreme environment.
Spectrum ofFusariuminfections in tropical dermatology evidenced by multilocus sequencing typing diagnostics
Authors: van Diepeningen Anne D. , Feng Peiying , Ahmed Sarah , Sudhadham Montarop , Bunyaratavej Sumanas , de Hoog G. Sybren
Published: December 2014

Fusariumspecies are emerging causative agents of superficial, cutaneous and systemic human infections. In a study of the prevalence and genetic diversity of 464 fungal isolates from a dermatological ward in Thailand, 44 strains (9.5%) proved to belong to the genusFusarium. Species identification was based on sequencing a portion of translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (tef1‐α),rDNAinternal transcribed spacer and RNA‐dependent polymerase subunit II (rpb2). Our results revealed that 37 isolates (84%) belonged to theFusarium solanispecies complex (FSSC), one strain matched withFusarium oxysporum(FOSC) complex 33, while six others belonged to theFusarium incarnatum‐equisetispecies complex. Within the FSSC two predominant clusters representedFusarium falciformeand recently describedF. keratoplasticum. No gender differences in susceptibility toFusariumwere noted, but infections on the right side of the body prevailed. Eighty‐nine per cent of theFusariumisolates were involved in onychomycosis, while the remaining ones caused paronychia or severe tinea pedis. Comparing literature data, superficial infections by FSSC appear to be prevalent in Asia and Latin America, whereas FOSC is more common in Europe. The available data suggest that Fusarium is a common opportunistic human pathogens in tropical areas and has significant genetic variation worldwide.
Morphological and physiological features of Arthroderma benhamiae anamorphs isolated in northern Germany
Authors: Brasch Jochen , Wodarg Svea
Published: December 2014

The anamorph of Arthroderma benhamiae is an upcoming zoophilic dermatophyte that only in recent years has gained importance as a cause of tinea in humans. Its identification by conventional methods can cause problems. In this study we have subjected seven genetically confirmed strains of A. benhamiae anamorphs from northern Germany recently identified in our laboratory to a comprehensive assessment. Their macroscopic and microscopic morphology was checked on various agars and enzyme release stimulated by substrates with keratin, hair perforation and other physiological characteristics were tested. All strains were related to the previously described yellow phenotype of the A. benhamiae anamorph and showed a high resemblance among themselves. Coherent features were their uniform thallus morphology on Sabouraud glucose agar with yellow pigmentation, the formation of circuit‐like hyphal structures and hyphal connections that had not been described previously, a lack of conidia, thiamine dependence, the spectrum of released enzymes and a good growth on human stratum corneum. With exception of the latter two these criteria are suggested for the identification of this anamorph phenotype that should be evaluated by future observations. Different phenotypes of the A. benhamiae anamorph may prevail in other geographic regions.
Acute callosal disconnection syndrome as an initial manifestation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Kobayashi Junpei , Kuroda Hiroshi , Ezura Michinori , Sugeno Naoto , Shibui Aya , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Misu Tatsuro , Fujihara Kazuo , Mori Etsuro , Aoki Masashi
Published: December 2014

We present a 76‐year‐old ambidextrous man with acute callosal disconnection syndrome accompanied by acquired stuttering and right hemiparesis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed edematous pancallosal lesions and a spotty lesion in the left precentral gyrus. We diagnosed him as having neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders according to the seropositivity for anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody. Callosal disconnection syndrome presented unique laterality as a result of ambidexterity, and was outstanding even during the acute attack as a result of massive and selective corpus callosum involvement. Measurement of anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody can be useful for differential diagnosis of patients presenting acute callosal disconnection syndrome.
Plant–pollinator community network response to species invasion depends on both invader and community characteristics
Authors: Campbell Colin , Yang Suann , Albert Réka , Shea Katriona
Published: December 2014

The effect of an invasive species on the species richness of its host community can range from catastrophic to negligible to beneficial. Here, we use a network model of plant–pollinator community formation to consider the influence of invader and invasion‐related properties (including physical characteristics, assignment and type of interacting partners, and number of independent introductions of the species into the community) and community properties (including connectance and nestedness) on the outcome of an invasion. As expected from empirical work, invaders with properties atypical of the regional species pool drive the strongest changes in species richness. However, we find that an increase in species richness corresponds to an increase in the community's spectral nestedness coupled with a decrease in connectance. While such a response has been observed in real invaded systems, these results differ from previous theoretical studies in which these two measures respond in a similar way outside the context of species invasions.
Overview of Dermatologic Disorders of Neonates in a Central Regional Intensive Care Unit in Hungary
Authors: Csoma Zsanett , Meszes Angéla , Mader Krisztina , Kemény Lajos , Tálosi Gyula
Published: December 2014

The immaturity and vulnerability of the skin and epidermal barrier function and the frequent iatrogenic complications following diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are often associated with skin manifestations in infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The aim of the current study was to investigate dermatologic disorders in neonates in our NICU. A prospective cohort study was conducted in the NICU at the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Szeged between January 2012 and January 2013. All full‐ and preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU underwent whole‐body skin examinations and all dermatologic disorders and treatment modalities were recorded. Eighty‐nine dermatologic conditions were detected in 64 of the 211 neonates admitted to the NICU. A wide variety of clinical symptoms accompanied these conditions in these preterm and severely ill full‐term infants. A considerable proportion of the disorders that were seen resulted from the immaturity of the skin and various iatrogenic complications. Dermatologic disorders are frequent in neonates requiring intensive care. Prevention, early detection, and optimal treatment of these disorders with modern, standardized skin care management strategies can result in significant improvements in barrier function and in the integrity of the skin, increasing the overall efficacy of neonatal intensive care.
Epidermal Choristoma of the Tongue Mimicking a Congenital Melanotic Macule
Authors: Curto‐Barredo Laia , Vicente Asunción , Rovira Carlota , García‐Diez Eloy , Pujol Ramón M. , González‐Enseñat Maria Antonia
Published: December 2014

We report the fifth case of epidermal choristoma of the oral cavity in a Caucasian newborn with a congenital melanotic macule on the dorsum of the tongue. Epidermal choristoma is an exceedingly rare and benign condition probably caused by a developmental abnormality. It is identified according to the presence of normal skin in an abnormal location. Histologically it is identified according to areas of stratified epithelium and hyperpigmentation of the basal layer along with cutaneous adnexal structures (hair follicles, sebaceous or sweat glands). The clinical presentation is variable, but most of the cases described presented with a congenital lingual pigmented macule. These lesions should be included within the differential diagnosis of congenital lingual macules and distinguished from other entities such as congenital lingual melanotic macules and melanocytic lesions. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Epidermal choristoma is a benign condition that probably is underdiagnosed because it is a new and rare entity, and dermatologists should be aware of it.
Understanding associations among family support, friend support, and psychological distress
Authors: HORWITZ BRIANA N. , REYNOLDS CHANDRA A. , CHARLES SUSAN T.
Published: December 2014

Emotional support from family and friends is associated with lower psychological distress. This study examined whether genetic and environmental influences explain associations among family support, friend support, and psychological distress. Data were drawn from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study and included 947 pairs of monozygotic (MZ), same‐sex dizygotic (DZ), and opposite‐sex DZ twins. Results showed that a genetic factor explains the relation between friend support and psychological distress, independent of family support. Alternatively, a nonshared environmental factor accounts for an association between family support, friend support, and psychological distress. Thus, heritable factors shape a distinct relation between friend support and psychological distress, but unique experiences contribute to a link between family support, friend support, and psychological distress.
Welfare Attitudes of Singaporeans – Ambiguity in Shifting Socio‐political Dynamics
Authors: Ng Irene Y. H.
Published: December 2014

This article presents findings from a survey of 440 Singaporeans on their attitudes towards welfare and welfare recipients. Attitudes were generally favourable, but sentiments towards higher taxes to help the poor were ambivalent. Controlled for demographic characteristics, ‘poverty sympathizers’ and affiliates of opposition political parties held the most liberal views, but were not more willing to pay higher taxes. Instead, poor respondents on the one hand and highly educated respondents on the other hand were more willing to pay higher taxes. Knowledge accumulation and beliefs about causes of poverty were strong predictors of attitudes. Effects of personal values and self‐interest were less evident. Couched against the backdrop of an economy that has experienced rapid transformation and one of the widest income inequality in the developed world, the article discusses the critical juncture of social response and policy choices that Singapore finds itself.
On a filtration of for an abelian variety
Authors: Gazaki Evangelia
Published: December 2014

Let $A$ be an abelian variety defined over a field $k$. In this paper we define a descending filtration $\{F^{r}\}_{r\geqslant 0}$ of the group $\mathit{CH}_{0}(A)$ and prove that the successive quotients $F^{r}/F^{r+1}\otimes \mathbb{Z}[1/r!]$ are isomorphic to the group $(K(k;A,\dots ,A)/Sym)\otimes \mathbb{Z}[1/r!]$, where $K(k;A,\dots ,A)$ is the Somekawa $K$-group attached to $r$-copies of the abelian variety $A$. In the special case when $k$ is a finite extension of $\mathbb{Q}_{p}$ and $A$ has split multiplicative reduction, we compute the kernel of the map $\mathit{CH}_{0}(A)\otimes \mathbb{Z}[\frac{1}{2}]\rightarrow \text{Hom}(Br(A),\mathbb{Q}/\mathbb{Z})\otimes \mathbb{Z}[\frac{1}{2}]$, induced by the pairing $\mathit{CH}_{0}(A)\times Br(A)\rightarrow \mathbb{Q}/\mathbb{Z}$.
‘Unstirred layers’ in frog skin
Authors: Dainty J. , House C. R.
Published: December 2014

1. Estimates of the magnitudes of the unstirred regions associated with isolated frog skin in sulphate Ringer's solution have been made under different stirring conditions.

2. The method of investigation was an analysis of the time course of the p.d. transients which occurred when external sodium concentration and internal potassium concentration changes were made in the bathing solution.

3. Making an arbitrary but reasonable assumption about the diffusional coefficient of Na2SO4 in the outer unstirred region, the magnitudes of the outer unstirred layers were found to lie within the ranges 40‐60 μ, 30‐50 μ and 30‐40 μ under stirring conditions of 120, 300 and 500 rev/min, respectively.

4. Making an arbitrary but reasonable assumption about the diffusion coefficient of K2SO4 in the inner unstirred region, the magnitudes of the inner unstirred layers were found to lie within the ranges 150‐230 μ, 120‐200 μ and 100‐170 μ under stirring conditions of 120, 300 and 500 rev/min, respectively.
The representation of some visceral afferents in the anterior lobe of the cerebellum
Authors: Newman P. P. , Paul D. H.
Published: December 2014

1. Evoked single unit discharges have been recorded from the right side of the anterior lobe of the cerebellum following distension of the gall‐bladder, mechanical stimulation of abdominal viscera and electrical stimulation of the right splanchnic nerve.

2. The majority of the evoked units were located in the posterior part of the culmen, lateral to the paravermian vein. Unit depths ranged from 0·2 to 5·0 mm below the pial surface.

3. Units responding to distension of the gall‐bladder or mechanical stimulation of the viscera were not affected by other peripheral stimuli.

4. Responses to gall‐bladder stimulation were either excitatory or inhibitory. Responses to mechanical stimulation of the viscera were mainly inhibitory.

5. Units evoked by electrical stimulation of the right splanchnic nerve fell into two groups: (1) high threshold. The majority of units responded to activation of the Aδ group of splanchnic afferents with a latency of 20‐25 msec, and a high probability that the unit would respond to successive stimuli over long periods of time. (2) Low threshold. Some units were evoked by excitation of the Aβ group of splanchnic afferents only. They had a shorter latency and a lower probability of response, which was not increased by exciting Aδ fibres.

6. It is suggested that the two groups of splanchnic afferent fibres project to the anterior lobe of the cerebellum as two separate functional systems.
The effect of some anticholinesterases on the response of the taenia to sympathetic nerve stimulation
Authors: Ng K. K. F.
Published: December 2014

1. A preparation of the taenia from the caecum of the guinea‐pig has been used. Acetylcholine caused contraction and noradrenaline caused relaxation. When the perivascular nerves running to the taenia were stimulated, at low frequencies there was sometimes contraction and sometimes relaxation. At high frequencies there was always relaxation. In the presence of hyoscine there was relaxation at all frequencies, the relaxation increasing as the frequency rose up to 20/sec. The relaxation was not affected by the presence of hexamethonium, but was blocked by bretylium.

2. When stimulation was applied in the presence of hyoscine, the addition of physostigmine, Mipafox or Dyflos increased the relaxation to stimulation of low frequency, the increase becoming smaller as the frequency rose. At high frequencies Mipafox decreased the relaxation.
The relation between mechanical displacements applied to a cat's pad and the resultant impulse patterns
Authors: Fuller D. R. G. , Gray J. A. B.
Published: December 2014

1. A way of determining an approximation to the distribution of impulses resulting from certain mechanical stimuli to a cat's pad is described. In essence this consists of calculating the results from a model of the way in which the impulses are set up.

2. The results of these calculations have been compared with results of experiments of a type different from those on which the calculations were based. Total numbers of impulses have been found by measuring mass action potential areas under appropriate conditions. The ranges of absolute numbers of impulses are similar for both calculated and direct results. The curves relating changes of number to changes of stimulus strength are similar in the two cases as are the effects of changing the position of the stimulus. Similar comparisons using two pulses at different times and distances apart have also been made. The over‐all time distribution has been checked by reconstructing mass action potentials from the calculations and comparing these with those observed.

3. The calculations were carried out with values which were chosen in advance and which were based on previous experimental evidence; the results were in reasonable agreement with the experimental checks. It is therefore concluded that the results are a sufficiently good approximation to the neural responses of cats' pads to this type of stimulation to justify applying them in answering the questions posed in the Introduction.
Intracellular autogenetic effects of muscular contraction on extensor motoneurones. The silent period
Authors: Granit R. , Kellerth J.-O. , Szumski A. J.
Published: December 2014

1. Intracellular records have been taken from cat motoneurones belonging to gastrocnemius and soleus or to popliteal synergists during contractions of gastrocnemius and soleus, acting separately or jointly. Such contractions were elicited by brief tetani or single shocks to the peripheral end of the cut ventral roots L7 or S1.

2. Hyperpolarization of the motoneurone accompanies rise of tension in contraction. The amount of it increases when at constant extension the contraction of the muscle is increased by increasing stimulus strength, as well as when it is increased by augmenting extension at constant stimulus strength. It is therefore tension‐sensitive.

3. The duration of the hyperpolarization induced in this manner reflects the duration of the contraction itself, being considerably longer in the slow soleus than in the faster gastrocnemius. It is often preceded by a brief wavelet of depolarization ascribed to the so‐called back‐response.

4. Early in relaxation there occurs a transient ‘hump’ of membrane depolarization. This corresponds to the moment characterized by phasic bursts from the spindle primaries. The ‘hump’ terminates hyperpolarization.

5. When the cell is stimulated by injected current to maintained repetitive firing, the ‘silent period’ in contraction begins with the phase of hyperpolarization and ends with the hump of depolarization as described above.

6. Later during relaxation, delayed inhibition, may or may not follow often accompanied by hyperpolarizing activation noise and sometimes also visible as an extension of the silent period of a firing cell. There is, however, no marked hyperpolarization of the motoneurone in delayed inhibition.

7. In the Discussion the events described above are related to previous studies employing monosynaptic testing or electromyography for the analysis of the variations of excitability caused in extensor motoneurones by autogenetic contractions as well as to known properties of stretch receptors.
Sodium‐glucose interactions in the goldfish intestine
Authors: Smith M. W.
Published: December 2014

1. Everted sacs of goldfish intestine transfer glucose and water to their serosal surfaces and the total transfer is greater in the anterior intestine than in the intestinal bulb or rectum.

2. Transmural potentials, with the serosa positive to the mucosa, were recorded from all parts of the goldfish intestine but were highest in the anterior intestine and the rectum. In both these areas the total potential was dependent partly upon the presence of glucose.

3. Reducing the concentration of sodium bathing the mucosa of the anterior intestine reduced the glucose‐evoked potential in a non‐linear way. The steady‐state potentials, with or without glucose, first increased and later decreased as the sodium concentration was further reduced.

4. Reducing the concentration of glucose bathing the mucosa from 27 to 5 m
M slightly increased the glucose‐evoked potential. Further reduction of the glucose concentration caused the glucose‐evoked potential to fall.

5. Phlorrhizin inhibited the glucose‐evoked potential. The degree of inhibition was proportional to the log concentration of phlorrhizin over the range 2 × 10−7‐6 × 10−5
M. The steady‐state potential with glucose present was lower than when glucose was absent at phlorrhizin concentrations, 6 × 10−6‐6 × 10−5
M.

6. The glucose‐evoked potential increased rapidly over the temperature range 5‐15° C and more slowly from 15 to 30° C. The steady‐state potentials also increased with temperature, the rate of increase being greater when glucose was present. Below 15° C the glucose‐independent potential was higher and above 15° C lower than the steady‐state potential recorded with glucose present.

7. These findings are discussed in terms of sodium—glucose interaction taking place at the luminal side of the mucosal cell, on the outside of the mucosal cell membrane.