bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced charge-carrier injection caused by molecular orientation
Authors: Matsushima Toshinori , Murata Hideyuki
Published: June 2011

Current densities of hole-only devices based on alpha-sexithiophene (α-6T) and N-N′-diphenyl-N-N′-bis(1-naphthyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD) increase 42 times at 1 V by rubbing α-6T with a Nylon cloth. Results of absorption spectroscopy with normal and oblique light incidence reveal that the rubbing induces a change from standing to lying orientations of α-6T in a film surface region. The increased current densities are attributed to enhanced α-6T-to-α-NPD hole injection due to the lying orientation.
On-demand electrostatic droplet charging and sorting
Authors: Ahn Byungwook , Lee Kangsun , Panchapakesan Rajagopal , Oh Kwang W.
Published: June 2011

This study reports a droplet-based microfluidic device for on-demand electrostatic droplet charging and sorting. This device combines two independent modules: one is a hydrodynamic flow focusing structure to generate water-in-oil droplets, and the other is the two paired-electrodes for charging and sorting of the droplets. Depending on the polarity on charging electrodes, water-in-oil droplets can be electrostatically charged positively or negatively, followed by automatic real-time electric sorting. This approach will be useful when preformed droplets, with a positive, a negative, or with no charge, need to be manipulated for further on-chip droplet manipulation.
An electroactive microwell array for trapping and lysing single-bacterial cells
Authors: Kim Soo Hyeon , Yamamoto Takatoki , Fourmy Dominique , Fujii Teruo
Published: June 2011

Interest in single-cell analysis has increased because it allows to understand cell metabolism and characterize disease states, cellular adaptation to environmental changes, cell cycles, etc. Here, the authors propose a device to electrically trap and lyse single-bacterial cells in an array format for high-throughput single-cell analysis. The applied electric field is highly deformed and concentrated toward the inside of the microwell structures patterned on the planar electrode. This configuration effectively generates dielectrophoretic force to attract a single cell per well. The microwell has a comparable size to the target bacterial cell making it possible to trap single cells by physically excluding additional cells. Inducing highly concentrated electric potential on the cell membrane can also effectively lyse the trapped single-bacterial cells. The feasibility of the authors’ approach was demonstrated by trapping and lysing Escherichia coli cells at the single-cell level. The present microwell array can be used as a basic tool for individual bacterial cell analysis.
Communication: Universality of the melting curves for a wide range of interaction potentials
Authors: Khrapak Sergey A. , Chaudhuri Manis , Morfill Gregor E.
Published: June 2011

We demonstrate that the melting curves of various model systems of interacting particles collapse to (or are located very close to) a universal master curve on a plane of appropriately chosen scaled variables. The physics behind this universality is discussed. An equation for the emerging “universal melting curve” is proposed. The obtained results can be used to approximately predict melting of various substances in a wide range of conditions.
A comparison of reproductive parameters of the Bering skate, Bathyraja interrupta, from two Alaskan large marine ecosystems
Authors: Ainsley Shaara M. , Ebert David A. , Cailliet Gregor M.
Published: June 2011

Estimates of size at maturity are crucial to fisheries stock assessments and may change spatially and temporally. This study directly compares life-history characteristics of a skate species in two large marine ecosystems in a region where there is both a directed fishery and considerable skate by-catch in other fisheries. The Bering skate, Bathyraja interrupta, is one of the most common skate species in Alaskan waters, occurring in two large marine ecosystems, the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) and the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), but little is known about its life history. Skates were sampled from both regions between 2004 and 2007. In the GOA, the size at maturity was estimated to be 69 cm total length (TL) for males and 71 cm TL for females, while in the EBS size at maturity was estimated as 70 cm and 72 cm TL for males and females, respectively. Median size at maturity differed by sex but not by region. Our results indicate that B. interrupta shows late maturity, typical of most skate species, suggesting that more detailed monitoring of skate populations and precautionary management is warranted as skate fisheries expand.
Evaluation and use of a portable field kit for measuring whole-blood lactate in sharks
Authors: Awruch C. A. , Simpfendorfer C. , Pankhurst N. W.
Published: June 2011

Measurement of lactate is becoming a common procedure in assessing the physiological effects of capture stress in sharks, although the necessity to measure the concentrations in the laboratory limits the ability for field assessments. Portable lactate analysers offer an alternative, but await validation against laboratory assays for sharks. The present study assessed the reliability of a portable Lactate Pro analyser for measuring whole-blood lactate in the school shark, Galeorhinus galeus, in the field. Laboratory determination of whole-blood and plasma lactate obtained by spectrophotometry was highly correlated with field determinations. Because shark lactate concentration can exceed the upper detection limit of the portable analysers, which were designed for mammalian use, a method for dealing with values greater than the maximum detection limit was evaluated. Whole-blood diluted by 50% with acidified saline solution, tap water and distilled water gave measured values of 55, 56 and 52%, respectively, of the original values, allowing accurate estimation of concentrations exceeding the upper detection limit of the analyser. These findings indicated that the Lactate Pro can be used to rapidly and reliably measure lactate for sharks in the field.
Evaluating catch and mitigating risk in a multispecies, tropical, inshore shark fishery within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
Authors: Harry Alastair V. , Tobin Andrew J. , Simpfendorfer Colin A. , Welch David J. , Mapleston Amos , White Jimmy , Williams Ashley J. , Stapley Jason
Published: June 2011

Small-scale and artisanal fisheries for sharks exist in most inshore, tropical regions of the world. Although often important in terms of food security, their low value and inherent complexity provides an imposing hurdle to sustainable management. An observer survey of a small-scale commercial gill-net fishery operating within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area revealed at least 38 species of elasmobranch were present in the catch. Of the total elasmobranch catch, 95% was 25 species of Carcharhiniformes from the families Carcharhinidae, Hemigaleidae and Sphyrnidae. Individual species were captured in a variety of ways by the fishery, often with strongly biased sex ratios and in a variety of life stages (e.g. neonates, juveniles, adult). Despite this, the main carcharhiniform taxa captured could be qualitatively categorised into four groups based on similar catch characteristics, body size and similarities in life history: small coastal (<1000 mm); medium coastal (1000–2000 mm); large coastal/semi-pelagic (>2000 mm); and hammerheads. Such groupings can potentially be useful for simplifying management of complex multispecies fisheries. The idiosyncrasies of elasmobranch populations and how fisheries interact with them provide a challenge for management but, if properly understood, potentially offer underutilised options for designing management strategies.
Distribution, habitat and biology of a rare and threatened eastern Australian endemic shark: Colclough's shark, Brachaelurus colcloughi Ogilby, 1908
Authors: Kyne Peter M. , Compagno Leonard J. V. , Stead Joanna , Jackson Micha V. , Bennett Michael B.
Published: June 2011

Despite increasing research effort and conservation focus on sharks, small species of little commercial value are often overlooked, although they make a considerable contribution to global diversity. The poorly known Colclough’s shark, Brachaelurus colcloughi, is naturally rare to uncommon and is encountered only irregularly. Collating all known records (n = 50), we review the species’ geographic and bathymetric distribution, habitat, reproductive biology and diet. All but four B. colcloughi records are from within a core distribution of <2° latitude on the Australian east coast. Bathymetric distribution is from less than 4 to 217 m depth, with all but three records from less than 100 m depth. The species shelters on rocky reefs during the day and is thought to forage nocturnally around reefs and adjacent substrates. B. colcloughi is viviparous, with litter sizes of 6–7. Mature males and females have been observed from 61.0- and 54.5-cm total length, respectively. Gravid females have been collected in austral winter months. Dietary analysis indicates a predominantly piscivorous diet. Our results are placed in the context of existing threats and future research and management directions, demonstrating that shark species with low abundances and restricted ranges, such as B. colcloughi, require a suite of management arrangements to ensure long-term population viability.
Subjective judgement in data subsetting: implications for CPUE standardisation and stock assessment of non-target chondrichthyans
Authors: Braccini J. M. , Etienne M.-P. , Martell S. J. D.
Published: June 2011

Standardisation of catch-per-effort (CPUE) data is an essential component for nearly all stock assessments. The first step in CPUE standardisation is to separate the comparable from the non-comparable catch and effort records and this is normally done based on subjective rules. In the present study, we used catch-and-effort data from the elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii) to illustrate the differences in CPUE when using expert judgement to define different ad hoc selection criteria used to subset these data. The data subsets were then used in the standardisation of CPUE and the stock assessment of elephant fish. The catch-and-effort subsets produced different patterns of precision and trends, each of which led to different estimates (and related uncertainty) of model parameters and management reference points. For most CPUE series, there was a very high probability that the elephant fish stock is overexploited and that overfishing is occurring. The estimates of total allowable catch (TAC) and the uncertainty around these estimates also varied considerably depending on the CPUE series used. Our study shows how sensitive TAC estimation is when there is high uncertainty in the definition of the fishing effort targeted at the species analysed.
Indigenous Performing Traditions in Post-Revolutionary Iranian Theater
Authors: Talajooy Saeed
Published: June 2011

One of the major trends in experimental theater refashions the representational and presentational techniques of ancient rituals, medieval dramatic forms and popular performing traditions to create new forms of dramatic expression. In pre-revolutionary Iran, the proponents of this trend included those who worked with Iran National Theater and Theater Workshop. The 1979 revolution heralded the arrival of a different kind of drama in response to a host of new subjects and restrictions. However, unlike the political upheavals of previous periods which led to catastrophic discontinuity in the development of Iranian theater, it did not result in a complete breach. The post-revolutionary practitioners continued working with the templates devised by their pre-revolutionary colleagues, creating a dramatic tradition that has produced several masterpieces during recent decades. The purpose of this paper is to put the history of this experimental trend in perspective and examine the works of three of its major post-revolutionary practitioners. As such it will not focus on the history of indigenous forms or western-style theater in Iran, but on the recent history of this experimental mode and how its practitioners have refashioned Iranian performing traditions.
Trauma, Mourning and Resistance in Spozhmai Zaryab's Short Stories
Authors: Bezhan Faridullah
Published: June 2011

The war in Afghanistan (1978 to the present) is one of the longest and bloodiest wars in modern history. From the early 1980s war intensified between the Leftist regime and the opposition Mujahideen and touched the life of every citizen. Bombardments, rockets and landmines killed and injured hundreds of thousands of civilians and caused massive displacement. Women were the direct and indirect targets of the war; some women lost members of their immediate family, others were displaced and emigrated, some were raped, and others were enslaved and sold. Thus trauma and mourning mark the lives of the majority of Afghanistani women. Given the political nature of the conflict—with superpowers and regional powers behind the warring sides—and the nature of socio-cultural bonds that required women to keep silent, how did women deal with these traumas? One of the areas in which this can best be seen is in women's literature—most notably narrative works. These works, in which the authors were themselves either victims or witnesses, voice women's resistance to the war and portray war and its consequences for ordinary women's everyday lives. In the narrative works of Spozhmai Zaryab (the pioneer of the anti-war fiction in Afghanistan), women and trauma are multi-dimensional. In some of her short stories women mourn publicly; in others, women cope with war and resist it by whatever means available to them. In others, women visualize war, invasion and destruction of all socio-cultural bonds. Women are transformed by a profound change, including in their perception of gender relations.
Determination of metastable level densities in a low-pressure inductively coupled argon plasma by the line-ratio method of optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Young-Kwang , Moon Se-Youn , Oh Se-Jin , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: June 2011

The line-ratio method of optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is used for the diagnosis of plasma parameters. In this work, electrostatic probe-assisted OES is employed to measure metastable level densities from spectral lines and electron energy distribution functions (EEDFs) in a low-pressure inductively coupled argon plasma. Emission spectroscopy is based on plasma modelling through a simple collisional–radiative model. The line intensities of Ar(3p54p → 3p54s) are modified due to the plasma reabsorption at relatively high pressures where the plasma becomes optically thick. To consider this effect, a pressure dependence factor α
ij
(P) is first derived from both the measured intensity and pressure-dependent cross-section for electron excitation. It is found that the obtained metastable densities range from 1.3 × 109 to 1.2 × 1010 cm−3 and their ratios are nearly constant by a factor of about 3–5 in the investigated pressure range (3–50 mTorr). The effect of non-Maxwellian EEDF on the metastable densities is also discussed. The results measured by the line-ratio method are consistent with that of the OES-branching fraction method taking into account the photon escape factor to treat the radiation trapping.
Bacillus kochii sp. nov., isolated from foods and a pharmaceuticals manufacturing site
Authors: Seiler Herbert , Schmidt Verena , Wenning Mareike , Scherer Siegfried
Published: June 2011

Three Gram-staining-positive, strictly aerobic, motile, catalase-positive, endospore-forming rods, designated WCC 4582T, WCC 4581 and WCC 4583, were isolated from two different food sources and a pharmaceuticals production site. The three isolates were highly similar in their 16S rRNA gene sequences (100 % similarity) and groEL sequences (99.2–100 % similarity), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic fingerprints and other features tested. The isolates were most closely related to

Bacillus horneckiae

; the isolates and the type strain of

B. horneckiae

shared 97.6 % and 89.6 % 16S rRNA gene and groEL sequence similarities, respectively. The organisms grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7 and in the presence of 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of WCC 4582T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid (A1γ) and the genomic DNA G+C content was 36.4 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain WCC 4582T and

B. horneckiae

NRRL B-59162T was 17 %. The three isolates are considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Bacillus

, for which the name Bacillus kochii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WCC 4582T ( = DSM 23667T = CCUG 59877T = LMG 25855T).
Evolution of C4 Photosynthesis in the GenusFlaveria: How Many and Which Genes Does It Take to Make C4?
Authors: Gowik Udo , Bräutigam Andrea , Weber Katrin L. , Weber Andreas P.M. , Westhoff Peter
Published: June 2011

Selective pressure exerted by a massive decline in atmospheric CO2 levels 55 to 40 million years ago promoted the evolution of a novel, highly efficient mode of photosynthetic carbon assimilation known as C4 photosynthesis. C4 species have concurrently evolved multiple times in a broad range of plant families, and this multiple and parallel evolution of the complex C4 trait indicates a common underlying evolutionary mechanism that might be elucidated by comparative analyses of related C3 and C4 species. Here, we use mRNA-Seq analysis of five species within the genus Flaveria, ranging from C3 to C3-C4 intermediate to C4 species, to quantify the differences in the transcriptomes of closely related plant species with varying degrees of C4-associated characteristics. Single gene analysis defines the C4 cycle enzymes and transporters more precisely and provides new candidates for yet unknown functions as well as identifies C4 associated pathways. Molecular evidence for a photorespiratory CO2 pump prior to the establishment of the C4 cycle-based CO2 pump is provided. Cluster analysis defines the upper limit of C4-related gene expression changes in mature leaves of Flaveria as 3582 alterations.
Comparison of transgene expression in Aedes aegypti generated by mariner Mos1 transposition and ΦC31 site‐directed recombination
Authors: Franz A. W. E. , Jasinskiene N. , Sanchez‐Vargas I. , Isaacs A. T. , Smith M. R. , Khoo C. C. H. , Heersink M. S. , James A. A. , Olson K. E.
Published: June 2011

Transgenic mosquitoes generated by transposable elements (TEs) often poorly express transgenes owing to position effects. To avoid these effects, the ΦC31 site‐directed recombination system was used to insert transgenes into a locus favourable for gene expression in Aedes aegypti. We describe phenotypes of mariner Mos1 TE and ΦC31 transgenic mosquitoes expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter in midguts of blood‐fed females. Mosquitoes of nine TE‐generated lines [estimated transformation frequency (TF): 9.3%] clearly expressed the eye‐specific selection marker but only 2/9 lines robustly expressed the EGFP reporter. The piggyBac TE‐generated ΦC31 docking strain, attP26, supported recombination with attB site containing donors at an estimated TF of 1.7–4.9%. Using a codon‐optimized ΦC31 integrase mutant instead of the ‘wild‐type’ enzyme did not affect TF. Site‐directed recombination of line attP26 with an attB‐containing donor expressing EGFP from the Ae. aegypti carboxypeptidase promoter produced one transgenic line with blood‐fed females expressing the reporter in midgut tissue. Docking strain attP26 also supported robust expression of Flock House virus B2 from the Ae. aegypti polyubiquitin promoter. Our data confirm that eye‐specific selection marker expression alone is not a reliable indicator for robust gene‐of‐interest expression in Ae. aegypti and that the ΦC31 system can ensure predictable transgene expression in this mosquito species.
Optimization of the Gal4‐UAS system in an Anopheles gambiae cell line
Authors: Lynd A. , Lycett G. J.
Published: June 2011

The development of the bipartite Gal4‐UAS system in Anopheles gambiae would improve the functional characterization of genes in this important malaria vector. Towards this aim, we used Gal4 driver plasmids to successfully activate expression of the reporter gene, luciferase, from UAS responder plasmids when cotransfected into an An. gambiae cell line. To optimize Gal4‐regulated gene expression in mosquitoes, we compared the efficiency of a series of alternative Gal4 transactivators to drive reporter gene expression from responder plasmids incorporating different numbers of tandemly arrayed Gal4 binding sites or upstream activation sequences (UAS). The results indicated that the native Gal4 is only weakly active in these cells. Modified forms of Gal4, including those carrying minimal VP16 activation domains, as well as a deleted form of Gal4, give up to 20‐fold greater activity than the native protein, when used in conjunction with a responder plasmid having 14 UAS repeats. The identification of Gal4‐UAS vectors that are efficiently expressed in a mosquito cell line should facilitate the transfer of this versatile expression system to An. gambiae, and potentially to other insects of medical importance.
Larval morphology of the lesser housefly, Fannia canicularis
Authors: GRZYWACZ A. , PAPE T. , SZPILA K.
Published: June 2011

The morphology of all larval instars of Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Fanniidae) is documented using a combination of light and scanning electron microscopy. The following structures are documented for all instars: antennal complex; maxillary palpus; facial mask; cephaloskeleton; ventral organ; anterior spiracle; Keilin's organ; posterior spiracle; fleshy processes, and anal pad. Structures reported for the first time for all instars include: two pairs of lateral prominences on the prothoracic segment; additional ventrolateral prominences on the second thoracic segment, and a papilla at the base of the posterior spiracle. Other structures reported for the first time are anterior spiracles in the first instar and a serrated tip on the mouthhook in the second instar. A trichoid sensillum on the posterior spiracular plate, representing a sensory organ otherwise unknown in the Calyptratae, is described in the second and third instars. Results are discussed and compared with existing knowledge on dipteran larval morphology.
From transcription to activation: how group A streptococcus, the flesh‐eating pathogen, regulates SpeB cysteine protease production
Authors: Carroll Ronan K. , Musser James M.
Published: June 2011

Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is a protease secreted by group A streptococci and known to degrade a wide range of host and GAS proteins in vitro. Although the role of SpeB in GAS infection is debated, recent evidence has conclusively demonstrated that SpeB is critical for the pathogenesis of severe invasive disease caused by GAS. Genetic inactivation of the speB gene results in significantly decreased virulence in a necrotizing fasciitis model of infection. Production of fully active SpeB by GAS is extremely complex. Following transcription and translation the SpeB protein is secreted as an inactive zymogen, which is autocatalytically processed through a series of intermediates to form an active protease. Each step from transcription to protease activation is tightly controlled and regulated by the bacterial cell reflecting the critical role played by this virulence factor in GAS infection. Here we review the molecular aspects of SpeB production by GAS from transcription to activation and the multiple layers of control involved.
Clinical features of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis in 646 subjects and association with other aspects of photoaging
Authors: Shin Min‐Kung , Jeong Ki‐Heon , Oh In‐Hwan , Choe Bong‐Keun , Lee Mu‐Hyoung
Published: June 2011

Background  The lesions of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) are commonly seen in elderly persons, although this is an often unrecognized skin disease with an obscure etiopathogenesis. The prevalence and clinical features of IGH have not yet been well studied.

Objectives  The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of IGH in different age groups and to determine the association of IGH with other dermatoses related to photoaging.

Methods  A total of 1174 subjects were examined for IGH. A detailed history was taken and general, systemic, and cutaneous examinations were carried out on the basis of clinical features. Woods lamp examination, KOH wet mounting, and/or histopathologic examination were conducted as required.

Results  Of 1174 subjects, 646 showed signs of IGH. The prevalence of IGH in the group of patients aged ≥40 years was 87%. This prevalence increased with advancing age. The prevalence of IGH was 54% (n = 307) among males and 56% (n = 339) among females. Sites of frequent involvement included the distal part of the lower extremity in 93% (n = 598) of cases, the distal part of the upper extremity in 91% (n = 585), the proximal part of the upper extremity in 73% (n = 474), and the proximal part of the lower extremity in 58% (n = 376). Thirty‐nine (6%) subjects also developed IGH on the face. Frequency of dermatoses related to aging was found to be significantly associated with IGH, including numerous solar lentigo [odds ratio (OR) = 5.95] and xerosis (OR = 2.40). In addition, the subjects who used “body scrubbers” were significantly more likely to have IGH lesions (OR = 1.64).

Conclusions  It is very likely that IGH is a phenomenon associated with the skin’s normal aging process and repeated microtrauma to skin.
Pink verrucous plaque over the right foot
Authors: Chandy Anisha , Shah Sanjeev , Chandrashekar Laxmisha
Published: June 2011

What is your diagnosis?
Autoimmune diseases in patients with pemphigus and their first‐degree relatives
Authors: Leshem Yael A. , Katzenelson Varda , Yosipovitch Gil , David Michael , Mimouni Daniel
Published: June 2011

Background  Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting the skin and mucosa, which mostly in anecdotal reports has been associated with several autoimmune diseases.

Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of autoimmune diseases in a large group of patients with pemphigus and their first‐degree relatives.

Methods  One hundred and ten patients with pemphigus were interviewed for the existence of various autoimmune diseases. Patients’ sera were examined for the presence of several autoantibodies. The existence of autoimmune diseases in 969 first‐degree relatives of the patients was assessed via questionnaires.

Results  Seven of 110 (6.3%) patients with pemphigus had concurrent autoimmune diseases, including four (3.6%) with autoimmune thyroid disease and three (2.7%) with rheumatoid arthritis. Ten of 969 (1.03%) first‐degree relatives of patients with pemphigus had autoimmune thyroid disease, three (0.31%) had rheumatoid arthritis, and three (0.31%) had type 1 diabetes mellitus. The patient’s group had a statistically significant higher prevalence of thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis than their first‐degree relatives (P = 0.046 and 0.016 respectively).

Conclusions  Patients with pemphigus seem to have a higher rate of autoimmune thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis than both the general population and their own first‐degree relatives. Further studies comparing patients with pemphigus with healthy controls are needed to stratify their risk factors for developing other autoimmune diseases and to define guidelines regarding diagnosis and treatment of coexistent autoimmune disorders.
Pattern of skin diseases in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: El‐Khateeb Ekramy A. , Imam Adel A. , Sallam Mohammed A.
Published: June 2011

Background  Information on patterns of skin diseases in Egypt is scanty.

Methods  The medical records of patients attending dermatology outpatient clinics at Ain Shams University Hospitals from January 2001 to December 2001 were retrieved. Valid data of 7528 patients were included in the study. Demographic data (age and sex) and diagnoses of skin disease were extracted, coded, and analyzed.

Results  Patients’ attendance revealed mean age of 23.5 ± 15.6 years and female predominance in a female to male ratio of 1.6:1. Most patients presented in summer (40.7%). Infections constituted most of the dermatoses (45.4%), and scabies was the most common disease (9.26%). Hypersensitivity diseases came after (22%) and, interestingly, the dermatitis subgroup (12.94%) followed fungal infections (15.83%) immediately, preceding other infection subgroups. Females predominated in most dermatoses. Urticaria predominated in infants, bacterial infections in preschool stage, fungal infections in school and young adult stages, and dermatitis in old adult and geriatric stages. Fungal infections predominated in all seasons. The peak presentation of all diseases was in summer except urticaria that was represented more in spring.

Conclusion  Dermatitis preceded many infectious diseases as an index of the development and urbanization of a community. However, infections still represent the most common dermatoses. Fortunately, they are potentially controllable and, therefore, healthcare strategies that target infections may represent the key for an efficient national healthcare program.
Physiologic changes and dermatoses of pregnancy
Authors: Geraghty Laurel Naversen , Pomeranz Miriam Keltz
Published: June 2011

Like all organ systems, the skin undergoes significant changes during pregnancy. The majority of physiologic skin conditions related to gestation resolve after childbirth. However, they may cause significant concern or cosmetic distress or be mistaken for one of the specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Dermatoses unique to pregnancy are rare but important to recognize because they may be intensely pruritic or painful to the mother, and they may pose significant risks to the patient, her fetus, or both. Clinicians familiar with the cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy can most effectively treat and counsel patients, guide expectations, and avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and therapies. This review summarizes physiologic skin changes in the gravid patient and the specific dermatoses of pregnancy.
Actinomycetoma of the scalp after a car accident
Authors: Welsh Oliverio , Morales‐Toquero Amelia , Cabrera‐Vera Lucio , Vazquez‐Martinez Osvaldo , Gómez‐Flores Minerva , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge
Published: June 2011

Background  Actinomycetoma is the most frequent type of mycetoma in Mexico. Localization on the scalp is very rare. Because of this topography and potential spread to the brain, the present case became a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Materials and methods  We report the case of a 44‐year‐old woman with a 6 × 5 cm red, friable, granulomatous, vascular neoformation on the scalp and eye diagnosed as Nocardia brasiliensis actinomycetoma.

Results  A combination of amikacin and oral trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (SXT) was successfully administered with an excellent outcome and no side effects.

Conclusions  This is a rare presentation of mycetoma of the scalp that was cured in 12 weeks with a combination of amikacin and SXT.
CROSS‐COUNTRY RANKINGS IN INTERGENERATIONAL MOBILITY: A COMPARISON OF APPROACHES FROM ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY
Authors: Blanden Jo
Published: June 2011

Abstract This paper summarizes research on the relative level of intergenerational mobility – whether classified by income, education or social class. The literatures on education and income mobility reveal a similar ranking with South America, other developing nations, southern European countries and France tending to have rather limited mobility although the Nordic countries exhibit strong mobility. Estimates of mobility based on social class point to rather different patterns, and we demonstrate that these differences are most likely generated by intergenerational earnings persistence within social classes. The second part of the paper looks for explanations for the differences in earnings and education persistence and finds that mobility is negatively correlated with inequality and the return to education but positively correlated with a nation's education spending.
Performance of Robust GCV and Modified GCV for Spline Smoothing
Authors: LUKAS MARK A. , DE HOOG FRANK R. , ANDERSSEN ROBERT S.
Published: June 2011

Abstract.  While it is a popular selection criterion for spline smoothing, generalized cross‐validation (GCV) occasionally yields severely undersmoothed estimates. Two extensions of GCV called robust GCV (RGCV) and modified GCV have been proposed as more stable criteria. Each involves a parameter that must be chosen, but the only guidance has come from simulation results. We investigate the performance of the criteria analytically. In most studies, the mean square prediction error is the only loss function considered. Here, we use both the prediction error and a stronger Sobolev norm error, which provides a better measure of the quality of the estimate. A geometric approach is used to analyse the superior small‐sample stability of RGCV compared to GCV. In addition, by deriving the asymptotic inefficiency for both the prediction error and the Sobolev error, we find intervals for the parameters of RGCV and modified GCV for which the criteria have optimal performance.
Is beta‐trace protein an alternative marker of glomerular filtration rate in liver transplant recipients?
Authors: Gerhardt Thomas , Pöge Uwe , Stoffel‐Wagner Birgit , Palmedo Holger , Sauerbruch Tilman , Woitas Rainer P.
Published: June 2011

Background: Renal insufficiency is common after liver transplantation (LT). The use of creatinine (Crea) as a marker of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is limited in patients after LT. Beta‐trace protein (BTP), an alternative marker of GFR, is independent of muscle mass and has not been evaluated in LT recipients.

Aim: To evaluate BTP as an alternative tool to monitor renal function in LT recipients.

Methods: We determined the diagnostic performance of BTP in comparison to Crea and cystatin C (CysC) in 52 patients, who concomitantly underwent 99mTc‐DTPA‐clearance measurements. Furthermore, we evaluated bias, precision and accuracy of five recently developed BTP‐based equations to estimate GFR.

Results: The average measured GFR was 51 (46.1; 56.0) ml/min/1.73 m2. Using a cut‐off of 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 the area under the curve (AUC) was nearly identical for all markers. At a decision point of 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 BTP showed only a trend towards a higher AUC compared with Crea and CysC (0.806 vs. 0.754 and 0.760, respectively; P>0.2). In comparison to the modification of diet in renal disease‐formula (MDRD) only one of five BTP‐based equations displayed a significantly higher accuracy within 30% of the measured GFR (84.6 vs. 59.6%; P=0.006). None of these equations showed a significant improvement compared with MDRD with respect to bias and precision.

Conclusions: Beta‐trace protein can be used as an alternative diagnostic tool to detect moderate or severe GFR reduction in patients after LT. Furthermore BTP‐based equations are able to estimate GFR in LT recipients. However, these equations fail to perform constantly better than the MDRD formula.
Association of interleukin 28B and mutations in the core and NS5A region of hepatitis C virus with response to peg‐interferon and ribavirin therapy
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Katano Yoshiaki , Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Itoh Akihiro , Hirooka Yoshiki , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Nakano Isao , Yoshioka Kentaro , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Goto Hidemi
Published: June 2011

Background and aims: Mutations in the core and NS5A region of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b have been associated with response to interferon (IFN) therapy. Genome‐wide association studies have revealed that the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of interleukin 28B (IL28B) contributes to IFN response. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the SNP of IL28B (rs8099917) and amino acid substitutions in the core and NS5A region affect the response to IFN therapy.

Methods: A total of 299 patients (157 men, 142 women; mean age, 55.9 ± 10.3 years) infected with HCV genotype 1b were studied. The fibrosis stage was diagnosed as F0 (n=23), F1 (n=121), F2 (n=62), F3 (n=32) and F4 (n=7) by liver biopsy.

Results: Of the 299 patients, 138 achieved sustained virological response (SVR). On univariate analysis, predictors of SVR were age <60 years, male gender, higher platelet count, lack of fibrosis, non‐Q at core 70, mutant‐type interferon sensitivity‐determining region (ISDR) and IL28B genotype TT. The factors related to SVR on multivariate analysis were IL28B (P=0.0001), fibrosis (P=0.0111) and mutations in the core region70 (P=0.0267) and ISDR (P=0.0408). The best SVR was achieved in patients with non‐Q70, mutant‐type ISDR and T allele (74.5%), and the worst was achieved in patients with Q70, wild‐type ISDR and G allele (8.1%).

Conclusions: The SNP of IL28B and mutations in the core region and NS5A are associated with IFN responsiveness. Both host and viral factors might be useful for predicting IFN response.
Acceptance of oral health promotion programmes by dental hygienists and dental nurses in public dental service
Authors: Arpalahti I , Järvinen M , Suni J , Pienihäkkinen K
Published: June 2011

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene
10, 2012; 46–53  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00517.x  Arpalahti I, Järvinen M, Suni J, Pienihäkkinen K. Acceptance of oral health promotion programmes by dental hygienists and dental nurses in public dental service.

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to analyse how dental hygienists and in‐service trained dental nurses accepted new health promotion programmes, how did they experience them in practice, and how did these programmes affect their attitudes to work.

Methods:  The subjects were all the dental hygienists and in‐service trained dental nurses (n = 28) involved in health promotion of small children. Education and written instructions on two new programmes had been given to the professionals in two areas of Vantaa and those in the third area used the routine programme. The transtheoretical model (TTM) was selected as the theoretical framework for counselling. A structured questionnaire of 31–35 items was sent to all subjects. Independent samples Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests were used as statistical methods.

Results:  The response rate was 89%. All respondents felt that the work they had carried out had always been important during their working career. Twenty‐one of 25 respondents reported that the instructions and education were suitable for oral health promotion. The respondents within the new programmes felt they had advanced more as health professionals (P = 0.020) and acquired more confidence from the education (P = 0.018) compared with the routine programme.

Conclusions:  The new programmes for small children were well accepted by the dental hygienists and the in‐service trained dental nurses, and the majority of them gained some new practices for their work.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN FOALS WITH INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS
Authors: GASCHEN LORRIE , LEROUX ALEXANDRE , TRICHEL JESSICA , RIGGS LAURA , BRAGULLA HERMAN H. , RADEMACHER NATHALIE , RODRIGUEZ DANIEL
Published: June 2011

The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of foals with infectious and noninfectious arthritis are described. Six foals with infectious arthritis and three foals with noninfectious arthritis were grouped based on synovial fluid analysis results and examined with radiography and MR imaging. Four out of six foals with infectious arthritis had osseous lesions in MR images indicative of osteomyelitis and only 4/19 lesions were detected on digital radiographs. The three foals with noninfectious arthritis had no osseous lesions in MR images or radiographically. Of the six joints that had osseous lesions detected with MR imaging, three had at least one lytic lesion detected radiographically. Osseous lesions in the epiphysis, metaphysis, and physis appeared in MR images as T2W, short tau inversion recovery, and proton density hyperintense foci with a hypointense halo. The same lesions appeared hyperintense in the 3D RSSG water excitation pulse sequence but lacked a surrounding hypointense halo. Most joints of foals with infectious arthritis had heterogenous signals within the synovial fluid whereas all of the nonseptic joints had homogenous synovial fluid signals. MR imaging appears to be better than radiography in the detection of osseous lesions in foals diagnosed with infectious arthritis and may be a valuable screening test for the presence of osteomyelitis.
Value versus Growth: Time‐Varying Expected Stock Returns
Authors: Gulen Huseyin , Xing Yuhang , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2011

Is the value premium predictable? We study time variations of the expected value premium using a two‐state Markov switching model. We find that when conditional volatilities are high, the expected excess returns of value stocks are more sensitive to aggregate economic conditions than the expected excess returns of growth stocks. As a result, the expected value premium is time varying. It spikes upward in the high volatility state, only to decline more gradually in the subsequent periods. However, out‐of‐sample predictability of the value premium is close to nonexistent.
Modeling of Oxygen Diffusion Along Grain Boundaries in a Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Zhao L. G.
Published: June 2011

Finite element analyses of oxygen diffusion at the grain level have been carried out for a polycrystalline nickel-based superalloy, aiming to quantify the oxidation damage under surface oxidation conditions at high temperature. Grain microstructures were considered explicitly in the finite element model where the grain boundary was taken as the primary path for oxygen diffusion. The model has been used to simulate natural diffusion of oxygen at temperatures between 650∘C and 800∘C, which are controlled by the parabolic oxidation rate and oxygen diffusivity. To study the effects of mechanical stress on oxygen diffusion, a sequentially coupled deformation-diffusion analysis was carried out for a generic specimen geometry under creep loading condition using a submodeling technique. The material constitutive behavior was described by a crystal plasticity model at the grain level and a unified viscoplasticity model at the global level, respectively. The stress-assisted oxygen diffusion was driven by the gradient of hydrostatic stress in terms of pressure factor. Heterogeneous deformation presented at the grain level imposes a great influence on oxygen diffusion at 750∘C and above, leading to further penetration of oxygen into the bulk material. Increased load level and temperature enhance oxygen concentration and penetration within the material. At 700∘C and below, mechanical loading seems to have negligible influence on the oxygen penetration because of the extremely low values of oxygen diffusivity and pressure factor. In the case of an existing surface microcrack, oxygen tends to accumulate around the crack tip due to the high stress level presented near the crack tip, leading to localized material embrittlement and promotion of rapid crack propagation.
Physical Properties of Porous Clay Ceramic-Ware
Authors: Plappally A. K. , Yakub I. , Brown L. C. , Soboyejo W. O. , Soboyejo A. B. O.
Published: June 2011

The focus of this study is on the physical properties of clay ceramic materials compatible for drinking water filtration. A multiparameter lognormal multivariate regression approach is proposed for assessing the combined effects of quantity of compositional constituent of raw materials used in ceramic manufacture on toughness. The approach was validated for two specimen types (T- and S-specimens) derived from a circular base of the frustum shaped, porous clay ceramic ware (PCCW). The PCCW were manufactured from clay and sieved sawdust mixed at distinct volume fractions. The variation of the porosity and density of the PCCW was studied with respect to the amounts of sawdust and clay used in the manufacturing. The research helped to clearly define the roles of clay and sawdust quantities for strength development in both T- and S-specimen. A generalized experimental approach is proposed for estimation of mechanical properties of clay ceramics as a function of the material constituent fractions. A polynomial relationship was developed between the compressive strength and density of the PCCW material. The statistical model expressions developed herein may be used for the prediction of material and mechanical properties of similar materials, including natural and engineered materials.
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N-Poor Isotopic Composition for the Solar System As Shown by Genesis Solar Wind Samples
Authors: Marty B. , Chaussidon M. , Wiens R. C. , Jurewicz A. J. G. , Burnett D. S.
Published: June 2011

The solar atmosphere is about 40% enriched in the heavy nitrogen-15 isotope compared with the Sun and Jupiter.
The Earth and the Sun
Authors: Clayton Robert N.
Published: June 2011

Sample collection by the Genesis spacecraft reveals the isotopic composition of elements in the solar system.
The Limits of Ordinary Matter
Authors: Müller Berndt
Published: June 2011

The temperature at which quarks escape the confines of protons and neutrons has been determined from high-energy particle collision data.
Attention—Voluntary Control of Brain Cells
Authors: Roelfsema Pieter R.
Published: June 2011

Monkeys are able to increase and decrease the activity of single neurons involved in vision.
Panel Selects Most Dangerous Select Agents
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: June 2011

Last week, a federal panel called for tightening security measures on a select group of select agents and loosening research restrictions on others.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: Does This Taste Funny?
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2011

It's a tough time for food manufacturers. Every week, it seems,government regulators announce that some food or other is being recalled for bacterial contamination, toxins, or carcinogens. Among the recent headlines, dozens have been sickened and two have died in an outbreak linked to contaminated pastries in Rhode Island. In January, a dioxin scare halted sales of poultry, eggs, and pork from Germany. And let's not forget radiation in Japan, oil in the Gulf, and melamine in pet food and powdered milk. If the average American never thought about food safety before, the past few years have made it abundantly clear they need to start. Fortunately, food producers and inspectors are way ahead of them.
Development of a 16S rRNA Gene Primer and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Method for Rapid Detection of Members of the Genus Megasphaera and Species-Level Identification
Authors: Ohnishi Akihiro , Abe Shinko , Nashirozawa Shiho , Shimada Sayaka , Fujimoto Naoshi , Suzuki Masaharu
Published: June 2011

The genus
Megasphaera
is relevant to the environment, human health and food, and renewable energy for the future. In this study, a primer set was designed for PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses to detect and identify the members of
Megasphaera
. Direct detection and identification were achieved for environmental samples and isolates.