bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extremely low prevalence of epinephrine autoinjectors in high‐risk food‐allergic adolescents in Dutch high schools
Authors: Flokstra‐de Blok Bertine M. J. , Doriene van Ginkel C. , Roerdink Emmy M. , Kroeze Maartje A. J. M. , Stel Ashling A. , van der Meulen Gerbrich N. , Dubois Anthony E. J.
Published: May 2011

To cite this article: Flokstra‐de Blok BMJ, van Ginkel CD, Roerdink EM, Kroeze MAJM, Stel AA, van der Meulen GN, Dubois AEJ. Extremely low prevalence of epinephrine autoinjectors in high‐risk food‐allergic adolescents in Dutch high schools. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 374–377.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of probable food allergy in adolescents aged 11–20 and to examine the frequency of epinephrine autoinjector (EAI) ownership among high‐risk individuals. Adolescents were screened followed by a more detailed telephone questionnaire inquiring about suspected food(s), symptoms, diagnosis, and use of an EAI. The participating adolescents were classified as probably or unlikely to be food‐allergic. The need for an EAI was assessed. In total, 2284 adolescents completed the screening questionnaire, of which 396 indicated food to be a problem and 168 agreed to be interviewed. Forty‐eight adolescents were classified as probably food‐allergic, of which eight were not aware of their food allergy. Twenty‐three adolescents were considered candidates for an EAI, whereas only two of them had been prescribed this medication. The calculated questionnaire‐based prevalence of EAI need was 3.0% (minimal prevalence at least 1.0%), whereas the EAI ownership was 0.09%. In conclusion, we found an alarming under prescription of EAIs in school‐going adolescents.
Clinical relevance of the HLA system in blood transfusion
Authors: Brown C. J. , Navarrete C. V.
Published: May 2011

HLA alloimmunization induced by pregnancy, multiple transfusions or transplantation is responsible for some of the serious complications seen in patients receiving blood and blood products. These complications are primarily the result of antibody and antigen triggering an acute immunological reaction, which in some cases can be fatal e.g. TRALI. Some adverse reactions are triggered by HLA antibodies present in the patient whereas others are initiated by antibodies or HLA reactive cells present in the transfused product. The introduction of universal leucodepletion for the prevention of vCJD transmission has resulted in a significant reduction in these reactions by eliminating the main source of alloimmunization, but residual cellular components or platelets are still able to activate the immune system and induce the development of HLA reactive antibodies or T cells. However, the use of more sensitive and specific techniques to detect HLA antibodies and antigens has not only improved the investigation of transfusion reactions and their subsequent diagnosis, but it has also facilitated the implementation of a number of measures such as the use of HLA antibody negative products to further reduce their development.
Isolation, characterization and establishment of an equine retinal glial cell line: a prerequisite to investigate the physiological function of Müller cells in the retina
Authors: Eberhardt C. , Amann B. , Stangassinger M. , Hauck S. M. , Deeg C. A.
Published: April 2011

Retinal Müller glial cells are of vital importance for maintaining a physiological environment within the retina. To this end, they provide highly specialized physiological properties to support neurons in structure, nutrition and metabolism. The purpose of this study was to isolate Müller cells from the equine retina, determine their characteristics and subsequently establish a stable equine Müller cell line (eqMC) that will provide a prerequisite for investigations on their physiological properties. Dissociated retinal cells were obtained from equine retinas by a papain digestion technique followed by trituration and a cell attachment method by which pure Müller cell cultures were achieved. Morphological examination was performed using phase‐contrast microscopy, and further characterization of different subcultures was accomplished by immunocytochemistry. Cells of passage 1 showed distinct signals for glutamine synthetase and vimentin, whereas glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was almost absent. Characteristic expression patterns remained unaltered in all subcultures. Furthermore, cultured Müller cells stably expressed the microfilament alpha‐smooth muscle actin, the proliferation marker Ki67 and the membrane channels Kir4.1 and aquaporin 4. The present study introduces the eqMC‐7 that will facilitate studies investigating the physiological role of Müller cells within the equine retina.
Antifungal susceptibilities of Cryptococcus neoformans cerebrospinal fluid isolates from AIDS patients in Kenya
Authors: Mdodo Rennatus , Moser Stephen A. , Jaoko Walter , Baddley John , Pappas Peter , Kempf Mirjam‐Colette , Aban Inmaculada , Odera Susan , Jolly Pauline
Published: May 2011

Poor susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans to fluconazole (FLC) is a matter of concern among clinicians in Africa. The emergence of resistance to FLC was recently reported in Kenya, but it is not known whether it is widespread. Thus, there is need for more antifungal drug susceptibility studies in Kenya. The aim of this study was to measure the in vitro antifungal drug susceptibilities of incident C. neoformans isolates from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients in Kenya. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed in 67 C. neoformans isolates by broth microdilution method as outlined in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document M27‐A3 using FLC, amphotericin B (AMB), voriconazole (VOR), ravuconazole (RAV) and flucytosine (5‐FC). Isolates were grown on l‐canavanine glycine bromothymol blue medium for serotype identification. Six per cent of the isolates were identified as C. neoformans var. gattii serotype B or C and 94% as C. neoformans var. neoformans. All isolates tested were susceptible to AMB, VOR and RAV (100%), and high susceptibilities were seen to FLC (97%), and 5‐FC (90%). Only 3% and 10% of the isolates’ susceptibility to FLC and 5‐FC, respectively, was dose‐dependent or intermediate. These results demonstrate high susceptibilities of incident C. neoformans isolates to FLC and AMB, antifungals used for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in Kenya.
The Influence of Gamete Co‐incubation Length on the In Vitro Fertility and Sex Ratio of Bovine Bulls with Different Penetration Speed
Authors: Sattar A , Rubessa M , Di Francesco S , Longobardi V , Di Palo R , Zicarelli L , Campanile G , Gasparrini B
Published: April 2011

Contents The objectives of this work were to evaluate whether the sperm penetration speed is correlated to the in vitro fertility and whether adapting the gamete co‐incubation length to the kinetics of the bull improves in vitro fertility and affects the sex ratio. In vitro matured oocytes were co‐incubated with spermatozoa from four different bulls (A–D). At various post‐insemination (p.i.) times (4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 h), samples of oocytes were fixed and stained with DAPI for nuclei examination, while the remaining ones were transferred into culture to evaluate embryo development. The blastocysts produced were sexed by PCR. Two bulls (A and B) had faster kinetics than the others (C and D), as shown by the higher penetration rates recorded at 4 h p.i. (43%, 30%, 11% and 6%, respectively for bulls A, B, C and D; p < 0.01). The differences in the kinetics among bulls did not reflect their in vitro fertility. The incidence of polyspermy was higher for faster penetrating bulls (36%, 24%, 16% and 4%, respectively for bulls A, B, C and D; p < 0.01) and at longer co‐incubation times (0%, 16%, 19%, 30% and 34%, respectively at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 h p.i.; p < 0.01). The fertilizing ability of individual bulls may be improved by adapting the co‐incubation length to their penetration speed. A sperm–oocyte co‐incubation length of 8 h ensured the greatest blastocyst yields for the two faster penetrating bulls. On the contrary, 16 h co‐incubation was required to increase (p < 0.01) cleavage rate of the two slower bulls. Bulls with a faster kinetics did not alter the embryo sex ratio towards males. The female/male (F/M) ratios recorded were 2.1, 1.4, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.6, respectively at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 h p.i.
Modulatory Effects of Bovine Seminal Plasma on Uterine Inflammatory Processes
Authors: Aloé S , Weber F , Behr B , Sauter‐Louis C , Zerbe H
Published: April 2011

Contents

In this study, a simple model to simulate a uterine environment affected by subclinical endometritis was established by culturing isolated primary bovine uterine epithelial cells (pbUEC). Co‐incubation of pbUEC and polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocytes derived from peripheral bovine blood samples, was performed before testing the cell culture supernatant for production of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) via ELISA. Cytokine secretion was only detectable after co‐incubation of pbUEC with PMN, whereas neither pbUEC nor PMN alone generated IL‐8 in relevant chemo attractive doses. Another objective was to examine the influence of bovine seminal plasma (SP) and vesicular gland fluid (VGF) on various functional parameters of PMN including cell viability, production of reactive oxygen species and chemotaxis. Analysis of these effects was conducted by flow cytometry. Viability of PMN was determined by staining the cells with propidium iodide. Seminal plasma was added to suspensions of PMN in increasing increments and resulted in a significant increase of cell membrane damaged PMN when using SP concentrations above 0.2%. The reactive oxygen species production of PMN suspensions, stimulated with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate, was significantly decreased by 30% up to 90% when adding 0.06–30‰ of either SP or VGF. The PMN transmigration induced by IL‐8 was diminished by 50% when 0.4‰ of either SP or VGF were added. The results of this study indicate a potential regulatory impact of SP and VGF on inflammatory processes in the bovine uterus.
Severity of chorioamnionitis and neonatal outcome
Authors: Sato Miho , Nishimaki Shigeru , Yokota Shumpei , Seki Kazuo , Horiguchi Haruko , An Hiromi , Ishida Fumihiko , Fujita Shujiro , Ao Kota , Yatake Haruko
Published: May 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study is to elucidate whether the stage of chorioamnionitis is or is not associated with the development of neonatal diseases.

Material & Methods:  We reviewed the neonatal intensive care unit discharge files and placental pathology reports of 302 preterm infants. The presence of various stages of chorioamnionitis as well as absence of an association with chorioamnionitis (non‐chorioamnionitis) were compared among neonatal diseases.

Results:  Preterm infants were grouped according to three stages of chorioamnionitis or the absence of an association with chorioamnionitis. Gestational age differed significantly between these groups. Before controlling for gestational age, the chorioamnionitis stage was significantly higher among infants with chronic lung disease, retinopathy of prematurity and intraventricular hemorrhage than in infants without these diseases. On the other hand, the chorioamnionitis stage was lower in infants with respiratory distress syndrome than without. After controlling for gestational age, the stage of chorioamnionitis was significantly lower in infants with respiratory distress syndrome than in infants without respiratory distress syndrome, whereas, significant differences were not detected between the presence and absence of chronic lung disease, retinopathy of prematurity and intraventricular hemorrhage. Furthermore, gestational age was a significant risk factor for chronic lung disease, respiratory distress syndrome, retinopathy of prematurity and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Conclusions:  We found no significant differences in stages of chorioamnionitis between infants with and without neonatal diseases except for respiratory distress syndrome. A significant inverse relationship was observed between the stage of chorioamnionitis and development of respiratory distress syndrome.
Enduring Love? Attitudes to Family and Inheritance Law in England and Wales
Authors: Douglas Gillian , Woodward Hilary , Humphrey Alun , Mills Lisa , Morrell Gareth
Published: May 2011

This paper reports on the findings from a large‐scale study of public attitudes to inheritance law, particularly the rules on intestacy. It argues that far from the assumption that the family' is in terminal decline, people in England and Wales still view their most important relationships, at least for the purposes of inheritance law, as centred on a narrow, nuclear family model. However, there is also widespread acceptance of re‐partnering and cohabitation, producing generally high levels of support for including cohabitants in the intestacy rules and for ensuring that children from former relationships are protected. We argue that these views are underpinned by a continuing sense of responsibility to the members of one's nuclear family, arising from notions of sharing and commitment, dependency and support, and a sense of lineage.
Diffusion‐Based Snow Cover Generation
Authors: Festenberg Niels v. , Gumhold Stefan
Published: May 2011

We present a method to generate snow covers on complex scene geometries. Both volumetric snow shapes and photorealistic texturing are computed. We formulate snow accumulation as a diffusive distribution process on a ground scene. Our theoretical framework is motivated by models for granular material deposition. With the framework we can capture the most relevant features of natural snow cover geometries in a concise local computation scheme. Snow bridges and overhangs are also included. Snow surface texture coordinates are computed to create realistic ground–snow interfaces. Several example scenes and a supplementary snow cover growth animation demonstrate the method's efficiency.
ARE THERE PRODUCTIVITY SPILLOVERS FROM FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN CHINA?
Authors: HALE GALINA , LONG CHERYL
Published: May 2011

We review previous literature on productivity spillovers of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China and conduct our own analysis using a firm‐level data set from a World Bank survey. We find that the evidence of FDI spillovers on the productivity of Chinese domestic firms is mixed, with many positive results largely due to aggregation bias or failure to control for endogeneity of FDI. Attempting over 6000 specifications that take into account forward and backward linkages, we fail to find evidence of systematic positive productivity spillovers from FDI in China.
Spider web guilds in cacao agroforestry – comparing tree, plot and landscape‐scale management
Authors: Stenchly Kathrin , Clough Yann , Buchori Damayanti , Tscharntke Teja
Published: May 2011

Aim  Owing to their role as insect predators, web‐building spiders can be important biological control agents within agricultural systems. In complex tropical agroecosystems such as agroforests, management determines plant architecture, vegetation composition and associated ant density, but little is known on how these attributes, together with landscape context, determine spider web density. We hypothesized that all three spatial scales and the presence of Philidris ants significantly contribute to the explanation of spider web density with web types being differently affected.

Location  In 42 differently managed cacao agroforestry systems in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Methods  We surveyed the distribution of five spider‐web types on 420 cacao trees to determine how these relate to habitat variables and a numerically dominant ant species at three different spatial scales, comparing tree, plot and landscape features. We fitted linear mixed‐effects model, selected the best model subset using information‐theoretic criteria and calculated the model‐averaged estimates. We used non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to determine and visualize guild level responses to the effects of the tree, plot and landscape‐scale variables.

Results  The five spider guilds preferred different features of cacao tree architecture. Most frequently recorded webs belonged to the line‐ and orb‐web type. At the tree scale, overall web density was positively related to canopy openness. At the plot scale, a higher number of shade trees was related to a higher web density. At the landscape scale, the altitude determined the distribution patterns of web‐building spiders. Presence of Philidris ants was positively associated with density of orb webs, while no pattern was found for other web types.

Main conclusions  Results suggest spider web density could be increased by pruning of cacao trees while keeping shade trees at high density in cacao plots. The results emphasize the need to consider scale dependency of crop management and web‐guild‐specific responses that may be related to different functional roles of spiders as a high‐density predator group in agroforestry.
The M4 muscarinic antagonist MT‐3 inhibits myopia in chick: evidence for site of action
Authors: McBrien Neville A , Arumugam Baskar , Gentle Alex , Chow Anna , Sahebjada Srujana
Published: May 2011

Citation information: McBrien NA, Arumugam B, Gentle A, Chow A & Sahebjada S. The M4 muscarinic antagonist MT‐3 inhibits myopia in chick: evidence for site of action. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 529–539. doi:10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00841.x

Purpose:  It is well established that the broad‐band muscarinic antagonist, atropine is effective at inhibiting the progression of myopia and does so by preventing the elongation of the vitreous chamber of the eye. However, uncertainty remains as to whether this effect occurs through a receptoral mechanism and, if so, which muscarinic receptor subtype mediates this effect. Previous work, in avian and mammalian models of myopia, implicates the M1 and M4 receptors as potential targets. The current study used physiologically relevant concentrations of highly selective muscarinic antagonists (MT‐3 and MT‐7) to further characterise the role of the M4 receptor in the control of myopia in the chick model of refractive development.

Methods:  Nine groups of week‐old chicks underwent 5 days of monocular deprivation, with a translucent occluder, to induce myopia. These animals had either no injection, scleral puncture with a needle, or daily intravitreal injections of MT‐3 (M4‐selective), MT‐7 (M1‐selective) or vehicle. Three concentrations of each antagonist were delivered (250 nm, 2.5 μm and 10 μm). After the treatment period, keratometry, retinoscopy and A‐Scan ultrasound were used to assess ocular biometry.

Results:  MT‐3 treatment produced a significant dose‐dependent reduction in relative myopia (treated−control eye) compared to vehicle treatment (vehicle −10.1 ± 1.1 D vs 10 μm MT‐3 −4.0 ± 1.5 D, p < 0.01). The majority of this effect was due to reduced relative vitreous chamber elongation in drug treated eyes (vehicle +0.26 ± 0.04 mm, 10 μm MT‐3 +0.08 ± 0.07 mm, p < 0.05). In contrast, MT‐7 had no significant effect on the development of myopia (MT‐7 10 μm: myopia, −12.1 ± 0.8 D and vitreous chamber depth, +0.23 ± 0.07 mm). Calculations indicate that the experimentally achieved concentrations of MT‐3 at intraocular receptors necessary to inhibit 50% of myopia development (between 5 and 50 nm) were consistent with published in vitro affinity constants for the M4 receptor and below those for the M1 receptor. Histology demonstrated that MT‐3 at the doses used had no gross effects on the retina, indicating a non‐toxic mode of action.

Conclusions:  In the chick, which lacks a homologue of the mammalian M1 receptor, the above findings represent compelling evidence that muscarinic antagonists prevent myopia progression through an M4‐receptor mediated mechanism, most likely located in the retina.
Outcome in dogs with surgically resected oral fibrosarcoma (1997–2008)*
Authors: Frazier S. A. , Johns S. M. , Ortega J. , Zwingenberger A. L. , Kent M. S. , Hammond G. M. , Rodriguez C. O. , Steffey M. A. , Skorupski K. A.
Published: May 2011

Oral fibrosarcoma (FSA) is a common oral tumour in dogs, and historically reported survival times after surgical excision range from 7.0 to 12.2 months with local recurrence rates of 32–57%. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report outcome in a cohort of dogs with oral FSA treated with surgical excision with or without adjuvant radiation therapy. Twenty‐nine dogs with a histological diagnosis of FSA arising from the oral cavity that underwent surgical resection of their oral FSA were included in this study. Twenty‐one dogs were treated with surgical excision alone and eight dogs with both surgery and radiation therapy. The median progression‐free interval was >653 days. The median survival time was 743 days. The 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 87.7 and 57.8%, respectively. Seven (24.1%) dogs developed local recurrence. Seven dogs (24.1%) developed metastasis.
Smoking Cessation Counseling for Parents During Child Hospitalization: A National Survey of Pediatric Nurses
Authors: Geller Alan C. , Brooks Daniel R. , Woodring Barbara , Oppenheimer Sarah , McCabe Margaret , Rogers Jayne , Timm Alison , Resnick Elissa A. , Winickoff Jonathan P.
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT Objective: Given the central role played by pediatric nurses in intake assessment, discharge planning, and education for families of hospitalized pediatric patients, a child's hospitalization may provide a unique opportunity for counseling parents about smoking. We sought to determine if hospital policies can support nurses in effectively counseling parents about smoking.

Design and Sample: We conducted a national survey of pediatric staff nurses and administrators/educators who were members of the Society of Pediatric Nurses in 2008 (n=888) to explore counseling practices for tobacco control.

Measures: Questionnaires included data on demographics, personal and work environment characteristics, hospital policy characteristics, work attitudes and barriers and the main outcome—5As for smoking cessation counseling—Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange.

Results: Overall, routine screening for household smokers was most common (43%), followed by advice to quit (25%), assessing willingness to quit (19%), assisting with a quit plan (6%), and arranging follow‐up contact (3%). Nurses working in hospitals with admission assessments specifically asking about household members who smoke were 7 times more likely than those without such assessments to routinely ask about smoking (OR: 7.2, 95% CI: 4.9–10.5).

Conclusion: Future research should test the efficacy of developing comprehensive hospital‐wide policies to deliver smoking cessation for parents during a child's hospitalization.
Surgical Treatment of Disk‐Associated Wobbler Syndrome by a Distractable Vertebral Titanium Cage in Seven Dogs
Authors: De Decker Steven , Caemaert Jacques , Tshamala Mulenda C. , Gielen Ingrid M. V. L. , Van Bree Henri J. J. , Bosmans Tim , Wegge Beatrice , Van Ham Luc M. L.
Published: May 2011

Objective:To evaluate a distractable titanium cage for the treatment of disk‐associated wobbler syndrome (DAWS).

Study Design:Prospective study.

Animals:Dogs (n=7) with DAWS.

Methods:After total discectomy of C5–C6 and C6–C7, the median part of the vertebral body of C6 was removed with preservation of the lateral walls and dorsal cortex. The removed cancellous bone was collected. The implant was placed in the bony defect of C6. After placement, the titanium cage was distracted and affixed by 4 screws. Finally, the implant was filled and covered with cancellous bone. Dogs had follow‐up examinations at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Six months after surgery, cervical radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were performed.

Results:Although no intraoperative complications occurred, correct placement of the cage was technically challenging. Revision surgery was necessary in 2 dogs because of implant loosening and aggravation of vertebral tilting. All dogs improved after discharge from the hospital. In 1 dog, recurrence of clinical signs caused by articular facet proliferation at an adjacent intervertebral disk space occurred. Radiographs at 6 months demonstrated cage subsidence in 4 dogs. In all dogs, CT was suggestive for fusion of the bone graft with the vertebral body.

Conclusions:Although results are promising, technical adaptations will be necessary to make this specific surgical technique, designed for humans, suitable for routine use in dogs.
Real Estate in a Mixed‐Asset Portfolio: The Role of the Investment Horizon
Authors: Rehring Christian
Published: May 2011

In this article, three oft‐mentioned special characteristics of the real estate asset market—high transaction costs, marketing period risk and return predictability—are addressed in analyzing the role of U.K. commercial real estate investments in a mixed‐asset portfolio. Due to favorable horizon effects in risk and return, the allocation to real estate in a portfolio with stocks, bonds and cash increases strongly with the investment horizon. Examining the relative importance of return predictability, transaction costs and marketing period risk for the optimal allocation to real estate, the article finds that the consideration of return predictability is very important, except for short‐term horizons. Accounting for transaction costs is crucial for short‐ and medium‐term investors. Marketing period risk appears to be negligible. Traditional mean‐variance analysis—that is, ignoring return predictability, transaction costs and marketing period risk—can be very misleading.
Eu3+‐Doped YPO4 Self‐Monitoring Environmental Barrier Coating
Authors: Liu Wen , Wang Yiguang , Cheng Laifei
Published: May 2011

Luminescence of europium‐doped yttrium phosphate (YPO4:Eu) environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) has been developed as a means of self‐monitoring. The corrosion behavior of YPO4:Eu in water vapor and molten salt is investigated as well as the effect of these corrosion environments on the intensity of luminescence. By comparison of these results, the relationship between the extent of corrosion of YPO4 and the change in luminescence intensity ratio is determined. Preliminary data suggest that the YPO4:Eu can monitor the microstructural damages including structural perturbations, phase changes and chemical reactions. The results also indicate that the intensity ratio from luminescence spectra can be used as nondestructive evaluation technology for EBCs.
“It’s a Dignity Thing”: Nursing Home Care Workers’ Use of Emotions1
Authors: Rodriquez Jason
Published: May 2011

This article examines how nursing home care workers use emotions to construct dignity at work. Previous scholarship has shown how the financial and organizational characteristics of nursing homes shape and constrain emotion work among staff. Using evidence gathered during 18 months of participant observation in two nursing homes and 65 interviews with staff, this article analyzes how, despite obstacles, nursing home care workers generated authentic emotional attachments to residents. Surprisingly, some staff members said they particularly appreciated working with residents difficult to control. They felt accomplished when such residents successfully transitioned from life at home to life in institutional care. Emotions created dignity for staff and induced compliance among residents. Emotions are not only generated by organizations and imposed on workers; staff themselves produced emotions—sometimes in ways consistent with organizational demands, and sometimes not—and they consistently found in their emotions a resource to manage the strains of their work lives.
Phototherapy reduces serum resistin levels in psoriasis patients
Authors: Kawashima Kana , Torii Kan , Furuhashi Takuya , Saito Chiyo , Nishio Eiichi , Nishida Emi , Shintani Yoichi , Morita Akimichi
Published: May 2011

This study investigated phototherapy‐induced changes in certain adipokine levels in patients with psoriasis. Patients with psoriasis (n=36) were recruited and body mass index (BMI) and disease severity (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) were recorded. Serum resistin and leptin levels before and after bath‐psoralen and ultraviolet (UV) A or narrow‐band UVB therapy were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum leptin levels correlated positively with BMI. Phototherapy induced no remarkable change in the leptin levels, but significantly decreased serum resistin levels from 9.02±8.83 to 4.86±3.30 ng/ml. Serum resistin levels might be involved in insulin resistance and inflammation, and correlate with disease severity in patients with psoriasis. The reduction in serum resistin induced by phototherapy might be related to the clinical efficacy of this treatment for psoriasis.
Progressive macular hypomelanosis, excellent response with narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy
Authors: Montero Laura Cuesta , Belinchón Isabel , Toledo Fernando , Betlloch Isabel
Published: May 2011

Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH) is an acquired disorder of skin pigmentation, which is mostly under‐diagnosed. It is characterized by nummular hypopigmented lesions appearing on the trunk in young persons. Several treatment options are available, although topical clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide have been used traditionally. However, good results have recently been achieved using narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy. We present the case of a 13‐year‐old girl with hypopigmented lesions on the trunk and limbs that had progressed over 1 year and that were diagnosed as PMH. The patient was initially treated with topical clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. However, little improvement was seen and treatment was then started with NBUVB phototherapy. After 25 sessions, with a total cumulative dose of 18 J/cm2, the patient showed almost total repigmentation of the lesions. The treatment of PMH is often difficult, and very little is currently known about the treatment response in this disorder, as most reports have very small series of patients with a short disease progression time. NBUVB phototherapy has been shown to be effective, as seen in our patient, although in many cases, there is recurrence after the cessation of treatment.
A DExD/H box RNA helicase is important for K+ deprivation responses and tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Xu Rui‐Rui , Qi Sheng‐Dong , Lu Long‐Tao , Chen Chang‐Tian , Wu Chang‐Ai , Zheng Cheng‐Chao
Published: May 2011

The molecular mechanism for sensing and transducing the stress signals initiated by K+ deprivation in plants remains unknown. Here, we found that the expression of AtHELPS, an Arabidopsis DExD/H box RNA helicase gene, was induced by low‐K+, zeatin and cold treatments, and downregulated by high‐K+ stress. To further investigate the expression pattern of AtHELPS, pAtHELPS::GUS transgenic plants were generated. Histochemical staining indicated that AtHELPS is mainly expressed in the young seedlings and vascular tissues of leaves and roots. Using both helps mutants and overexpression lines, we observed that, in the low‐K+ condition, AtHELPS affected Arabidopsis seed germination and plant weight. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of AKT1, CBL1/9 and CIPK23 in the helps mutants were much higher than in the overexpression lines under low‐K+ stress. Moreover, under low‐K+ stress, the helps mutants displayed increased K+ influx, whereas the overexpression line of AtHELPS had a lower flux rate in the roots by the noninvasive micro‐test technique. Taken together, these results provide information for the functional analysis of plant DEVH box RNA helicases, and suggest that AtHELPS, as an important negative regulator, plays a role in K+ deprivation stress.
EFFECT OF PRETREATMENTS ON PERFORMANCE OF SCREW PRESSING FOR FLAXSEED
Authors: SINGH K.K. , JHAMB S.A. , KUMAR R.
Published: May 2011

The influence of different pretreatment conditions and moisture content of flaxseed prior to pressing was studied on the screw press performance. Oil recovery, residual oil in cake, press rate and sediment content were measured as a function of pretreatments and moisture content for screw pressing of flaxseed. The pretreatments had significant effect on residual oil and press rate but nonsignificant effect on oil recovery and sediment content. An inverse relationship between seed moisture content and oil recovery was observed in pressing flaxseed that means decreased moisture content in the range of 13.8 to 6.5% resulted increased oil recovery from 44.4 to 73.3%, 36.4 to 76.6% and 45.4 to 81% for the only moisture conditioned, steam‐ and enzyme‐treated seeds, respectively. The residual oil decreased significantly with decrease in moisture content from 13.8 to 6.5% while the press rate and sediment content were not affected significantly with decreased moisture content. Therefore, pressing of flaxseed at lower moisture content appears to offer more benefits rather than other pretreatments, steam and enzyme treatments attempted in this study.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The screw presses are used for the small scale processing of flaxseed. The performance of the screw presses could be improved by selection of appropriate pretreatments prior to screw pressing. Hence, the information generated in this study would directly benefit the processors in selection of pretreatment conditions for better screw press performance. It would also be useful for the researchers to have better understanding of screw pressing under different pretreatment conditions.
“Porpicide” in California: Killing of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) by coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Cotter Mark P. , Maldini Daniela , Jefferson Thomas A.
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Between 2007 and 2009, we witnessed three aggressive interactions between harbor porpoises and bottlenose dolphins in Monterey Bay, California. This is the first time such aggression has been documented in the Pacific, and the first time a harbor porpoise was collected immediately after witnessing its death, inflicted by bottlenose dolphins. Of the bottlenose dolphins present, 92% were males either confirmed (61%) or putative (31%). Since 2005, 44 harbor porpoise deaths inflicted by bottlenose dolphins were documented in California. Aberrant behavior was rejected as a cause of aggression, based on widespread documentation of similar behaviors in other populations of free‐ranging bottlenose dolphins. The evidence for interspecies territoriality as a form of competition for prey was weak: there is little dietary overlap and there are differences in bottlenose dolphin and harbor porpoise distribution patterns in California. Object‐oriented play was plausible as a form of practice to maintain intraspecific infanticidal skills or a form of play to maintain fighting skills between male associates. Contributing factors could be high‐testosterone levels, as attacks occurred at the height of the breeding season, and/or a skewed operational sex ratio. Ultimately, we need more information about bottlenose dolphin social structure at the time of the aggression.
The Comparative Use of Ancient Near Eastern Texts in the Study of the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Chavalas Mark W.
Published: May 2011

This present research is intended as a synthesis of the current state of research in the comparative study of ancient Near Eastern texts and the Hebrew Bible. This will involve a discussion of new texts that have been discovered, as well as the many reevaluations of texts found in previous decades. Beginning with a brief study of the nature of comparative research, this study will then survey textual material from each of the traditional ancient Near Eastern regions: Syria‐Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, and Syria‐Canaan, emphasizing documents that come from the sixth centurybceor earlier. One can conclude that new ancient Near Eastern discoveries continue to supply important material for furthering our historical understanding of the Hebrew Bible.
Conversation Analysis and Language Classroom Discourse
Authors: Huth Thorsten
Published: May 2011

Language classrooms are educational settings in which face‐to‐face talk is viewed as the pivotal factor driving its major functions and goals. Conversation analysis (CA) has increasingly been applied to the analysis of language classroom discourse in pursuit of studies that may further our understanding of what language teachers and learners actually ‘do’ interactionally. This article provides an introduction to the larger strands of CA research in this vein, focusing on language classroom discourse in the context of and beyond tasks, repair and feedback, identity and code switching, and language development.
Psychology as Space: Embodied Relationality
Authors: Tucker Ian
Published: May 2011

The relationship between bodies and space is not one that often concerns social psychology, or for that matter, the social sciences more broadly (cultural geography being an exception). This is largely due to bodies and space being facets of the world that are not usually considered as psychological. The former are traditionally seen as biological whilst the latter are thought of as geographical. In this paper, I will explore the idea that bodies and space are intrinsic to social psychological living, and as such, both should enter the list of key concerns for the discipline. Moreover, I will suggest that bodies and space are best thought of as products of inter‐connecting processes, rather than separate entities each with their own inherent properties. In doing so, the work of relational process philosophy will be drawn upon to ground the arguments made. The aim of the paper is to offer an understanding of social psychological experience as grounded in processes that are at the same time, embodied and spatialised.
Cultural Meanings of Brands and Consumption: A Window into the Cultural Psychology of Globalization
Authors: Torelli Carlos , Cheng Shirley
Published: May 2011

With globalization, the number of individuals with knowledge about multiple cultures is on the rise. This article illustrates how studying consumer reactions to brands that are loaded with cultural meanings can contribute to developing a cultural psychology of globalization. Our review demonstrates that brands can be considered cultural ‘products’– they are tangible, public representations of meanings and ideas shared in a culture. As such, incidental exposure to culturally symbolic brands can spontaneously evoke its attendant cultural meanings and trigger culturally appropriate behavioral decisions. Because globalization makes these brands readily available in diverse cultural contexts, consumer reactions to culturally symbolic brands often reflect people’s views about the cultural effects of globalization. Consumers would respond favorably to these brands when the associated cultural meanings reinforce the consumers’ cultural identity. In contrast, consumers would react negatively toward these brands when they are perceived to be a threat to the local culture. We identify the factors that promote one type of reaction over the other, and discuss how this line of research can further contribute to building a cultural psychology of globalization.
Determination of Trace Silver in Polymetallic Ore Samples by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Solid‐Phase Extraction Using a Microcolumn Comprising Eggshell Membrane
Authors: Cheng Xianzhong , Shao Kun , Shen Shangyue , Hu Shenghong , Qiu Haiou
Published: May 2011

A rapid and inexpensive method was developed for the determination of trace silver in polymetallic ore samples by use of eggshell membrane (ESM), a natural biomaterial, as the solid‐phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The ESM was used for the separation/pre‐concentration of silver, and the parameters affecting sensitivity, such as pH, sample flow rate, eluent volume and eluent flow rate, were carefully investigated. ESM was found to be an effective solid phase extractant for the adsorption of trace silver over a wide range of acidity from 0.02 to 0.50 mol l−1 HNO3. The sample solution in 0.4 mol l−1 HNO3 was pumped through an ESM microcolumn at the rate of 1.0 ml min−1. Silver was absorbed, and then eluted with a solution of 1.0% m/v thiourea–0.5% v/v HCl. Under these optimal conditions, ESM exhibited a good enrichment efficiency for silver with a dynamic adsorption capacity of 1.7 mg g−1. The proposed method was applied to the FAAS determination of trace silver in polymetallic ores and geological reference materials, GSO‐2, 3 and 5, and GSD‐11, GSD‐12, and the determined values were in good agreement with certified values.
Heat Transfer in Double U-Tube Boreholes With Two Independent Circuits
Authors: Eslami-nejad Parham , Bernier Michel
Published: May 2011

This study presents the development of an analytical model to predict steady-state heat transfer in double U-tube geothermal boreholes equipped with two independent circuits. Such boreholes can be used for heat extraction in one circuit, combined with a heat pump, for example, and simultaneous thermal recharging in the other circuit. The model accounts for a thermal interaction among pipes, and it predicts the fluid temperature profiles in both circuits along the borehole depth, including the exit fluid temperature. Different circuit configurations are assessed under typical borehole operating conditions. For a typical borehole geometry, results show that double U-tube boreholes with two independent circuits connected to a relatively low temperature heat source are superior to single U-tube and regular (one circuit) double U-tube boreholes. The axial variation in fluid temperature and the heat exchange among pipes show that most of the heat transfer occurs in the downward legs. Furthermore, in some cases, the fluid in the heat extraction leg gets cooled as it flows upward, which is contrary to the desired effect.
Theoretical, Numerical, and Experimental Study of the Time of Flight Flowmeter
Authors: Gaskin Ian , Shapiro Evgeniy , Drikakis Dimitris
Published: May 2011

Time-of-flight flowmeters offer advantages over other flowmeter types since these are less sensitive to the physical properties of the fluid. However, calibration of the flowmeter for a particular working fluid is still required. A flowmeter that does not require re-calibration with different fluids is desirable in many applications. This paper investigates the performance of a device that measures the time of flight of a heat pulse in a gas stream to determine the flow rate in a pipe. A fusion of the theoretical, experimental, and numerical data is used to suggest a gas-independent correlation function between the response time and flow rate. In particular, the numerical data augmented by the theoretical analysis to account for the wire response time is validated against experimental data and used to further enhance the experimental data set. Nitrogen, helium, and tetrafluoroethane (R134a) are investigated, as these gases provide a wide range of physical and thermodynamic properties. Simulated results match the trends of experimental data well and allow good qualitative analysis. The results also show that using detected pulse width information together with the time of flight can yield a 20% reduction in the errors due to gas type than by using time of flight data alone. This gives a relatively gas-independent function over a dynamic range of 1:400.
The Effect of Nonuniform Viscosity on Stagnation Point Pressure
Authors: Norris Stuart E.
Published: May 2011

For high Reynolds number flows the total pressure remains constant along stream lines. At low Reynolds numbers the total pressure decreases in a global sense due to the actions of viscosity, but it may increase locally in regions such as stagnation points. Previous studies have considered the case of constant viscosity flow. However, gradients in the effective viscosity can occur normal to the wall for the flow of lubricating oils, and for turbulent flows calculated using an eddy viscosity model. In this paper the effect of these viscosity gradients on the stagnation point pressure are examined.
Male Fertility Depends on Ca
2+
Absorption by TRPV6 in Epididymal Epithelia
Authors: Weissgerber Petra , Kriebs Ulrich , Tsvilovskyy Volodymyr , Olausson Jenny , Kretz Oliver , Stoerger Christof , Vennekens Rudi , Wissenbach Ulrich , Middendorff Ralf , Flockerzi Veit , Freichel Marc
Published: May 2011

Production of functional spermatozoa requires regulation of the Ca
2+
concentration in epididymal fluid by TRPV6.
New Roles for Lysosomal Trafficking in Morphogen Gradient Sensing
Authors: Rainero Elena , Norman Jim C.
Published: May 2011

The rate at which morphogen receptors move into lysosomes dictates the extent of downstream signaling during differentiation.
Complement Receptor Complex Structure
Authors: Vinson Valda
Published: May 2011

The topology of this molecular interface provides a foundation for the design of therapeutics against autoreactive B cells.
Identifying Patients Harboring Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae on Hospital Admission: Derivation and Validation of a Scoring System
Authors: Tumbarello Mario , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Bassetti Matteo , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe , Spanu Teresa , Di Meco Eugenia , Losito Angela Raffaella , Parisini Andrea , Pagani Nicole , Cauda Roberto
Published: May 2011

Increases in community-acquired infections caused by extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
have important implications for hospital infection control and empirical antibiotic therapy protocols. We developed and validated a tool for identifying patients harboring these organisms at hospital admission. We retrospectively analyzed chart data for 849 adult inpatients. The derivation cohort included 339 patients admitted to a large hospital in Rome during 2008, with (
n
= 113) or without (
n
= 226) culture positivity for ESBL-producing
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella
spp., or
Proteus mirabilis
within 48 h after admission. Logistic-regression-based prediction scores were calculated based on variables independently associated with the outcome. The model was validated in a second cohort (
n
= 510) selected with identical criteria in hospitals in Genoa and Turin during 2009. Prediction scores were based on the following six variables (reported with odds ratio for study outcome and the 95% confidence intervals in brackets): recent (≤12 months before admission) hospitalization (5.69 [2.94 to 10.99]), transfer from another health care facility (5.61 [1.65 to 19.08]), Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 4 (3.80 [1.90 to 7.59]), recent (≤3 months before admission) β-lactam and/or fluoroquinolone treatment (3.68 [1.96 to 6.91]), recent urinary catheterization (3.52 [1.96 to 6.91]), and age ≥ 70 years (3.20 [1.79 to 5.70]). The model displayed good calibration and good-to-excellent discrimination in the derivation and validation sets (Hosmer-Lemshow χ
2
= 15.28 and 14.07;
P
= 0.17 and 0.23; areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, 0.83 and 0.92). It reliably identified patients likely to be harboring ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
at hospital admission who may need special infection control measures. Further study is needed to confirm this model's potential as a guide for prescribing empirical antibiotic therapy.