bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power scalability in a mesh-connected reconfigurable architecture
Authors: Beckett Paul
Published: October 2009

We analyze power--area--performance trade-offs within a hypothetical mesh-connected reconfigurable architecture. A new analytic model relating area, power, and performance based on a simple VLSI complexity metric, is used to determine the behavior of some computing functions mapped to the platform. Although it might reasonably be expected that entirely local connectivity in the array would impose severe delay overheads, thus making performance--power trade-offs more difficult, it was found that the flexibility of the reconfigurable platform, in which logic and interconnect are (mostly) interchangeable, can result in compact layouts, which tends to offset the impact of the interconnect delay.
Spin transfer torque (STT)-MRAM--based runtime reconfiguration FPGA circuit
Authors: Zhao Weisheng , Belhaire Eric , Chappert Claude , Mazoyer Pascale
Published: October 2009

As the minimum fabrication technology of CMOS transistor shrink down to 90nm or below, the high standby power has become one of the major critical issues for the SRAM-based FPGA circuit due to the increasing leakage currents in the configuration memory. The integration of MRAM in FPGA instead of SRAM is one of the most promising solutions to overcome this issue, because its nonvolatility and high write/read speed allow to power down completely the logic blocks in “idle” states in the FPGA circuit. MRAM-based FPGA promises as well as some advanced reconfiguration methods such as runtime reconfiguration and multicontext configuration. However, the conventional MRAM technology based on field-induced magnetic switching (FIMS) writing approach consumes very high power, large circuit surface and produces high disturbance between memory cells. These drawbacks prevent FIMS-MRAM's further development in memory and logic circuit. Spin transfer torque (STT)-based MRAM is then evaluated to address these issues, some design techniques and novel computing architecture for FPGA logic circuits based on STT-MRAM technology are presented in this article. By using STMicroelectronics CMOS 90nm technology and a STT-MTJ spice model, some chip characteristic results as the programming latency and power have been calculated and simulated to demonstrate the expected performance of STT-MRAM based FPGA logic circuits.
Who said that?
Authors: Scheuermann Björn , Kiess Wolfgang
Published: October 2009

When analyzing packet log files from network experiments, the question which received packet belongs to which send event arises. If non-unique (i.e.,binary identical) transmissions have occurred, this send-receive correlation problem can become very challenging. We discuss this problem in the case of networks with local broadcast media, and outline first directions how it can be solved.
Deriving cramér-rao bounds and maximum likelihood estimators for traffic matrix inference
Authors: Wang Chao , Ma Xiaoli
Published: October 2009

Traffic matrix estimation has caught numerous attentions these days due to its importance on network management tasks such as traffic engineering and capacity planning for Internet Service Providers (ISP). Various estimation models and methods have been proposed to estimate the traffic matrix. However, it is difficult to compare these methods since they adopt different model assumptions. Currently most evaluations are based on some particular realization of data. We propose to use the (Bayesian) Cramér-Rao Bound (CRB) as a benchmark on these estimators. We also derive the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) for certain models. With coupled mean and variance, our simulations show that the least squares (LS) estimator reaches the CRB asymptotically, while the MLEs are difficult to calculate when the dimension is high.
Workload optimality in switches without arrivals
Authors: Gupta Gagan R. , Sanghavi Sujay , Shroff Ness B.
Published: October 2009

We analyze a switch with cross-bar constraints. Beginning with an initial loading and no further arrivals, we provide necessary conditions for a scheduling policy to minimize the workload at all times. We show that these conditions are sufficient for a switch of size N x 3 or smaller. We then consider a weaker notion of optimality: cumulative average workload optimality. Using a counter example for a 7 x 7 switch, we show that it is not possible to approximate the cumulative average workload within (1+4/475) of the optimal at all times. We conjecture that the workload under the MVM policy is within twice of the optimal at all times.
Time accurate integration of software prototypes with event-based network simulations
Authors: Weingärtner Elias , Schmidt Florian , Heer Tobias , Wehrle Klaus
Published: October 2009

The concept of network emulation brings together the flexibility of network simulations and the accuracy of real-world prototype implementations. However, this approach suffers from the fundamental problem of simulation overload which occurs if the simulation is not able to execute in real-time. We tackle this problem with a concept we call Synchronized Network Emulation It enables the time accurate integration of implementations with network simulations of any complexity.
Stealthy poisoning attacks on PCA-based anomaly detectors
Authors: Rubinstein Benjamin I.P. , Nelson Blaine , Huang Ling , Joseph Anthony D. , Lau Shing-hon , Rao Satish , Taft Nina , Tygar J. D.
Published: October 2009

We consider systems that use PCA-based detectors obtained from a comprehensive view of the network's traffic to identify anomalies in backbone networks. To assess these detectors' susceptibility to adversaries wishing to evade detection, we present and evaluate short-term and long-term data poisoning schemes that trade-off between poisoning duration and the volume of traffic injected for poisoning. Stealthy Boiling Frog attacks significantly reduce chaff volume,while only moderately increasing poisoning duration. ROC curves provide a comprehensive analysis of PCA-based detection on contaminated data, and show that even small attacks can undermine this otherwise successful anomaly detector.
State-dependent response times via fluid limits in shortest remaining processing time queues
Authors: Down Douglas G. , Gromoll H. Christian , Puha Amber L.
Published: October 2009

We consider a single server queue with renewal arrivals and i.i.d. service times, in which the server employs the Shortest Remaining Processing Time (SRPT) policy. We provide a fluid model (or formal law of large numbers approximation) for this system. The foremost payoff of our fluid model is a fluid level approximation for the state-dependent response time of a job of arbitrary size, that is, the amount of time it spends in the system, given an arbitrary system configuration at the time of its arrival.
SlackSim
Authors: Chen Jianwei , Annavaram Murali , Dubois Michel
Published: October 2009

Parallel simulation is a technique to accelerate microarchitecture simulation of target CMPs by exploiting the inherent parallelism of host CMPs. In this paper, we explore the simulation paradigm of simulating each core of a target CMP in one thread and the spreading the threads across the hardware thread contexts of a host CMP. We introduce the concept of slack simulation where the Pthreads simulating different target cores do not synchronize after each simulated cycle, but rather they are given some slack. The slack is the difference in cycles between the simulated times of any two target cores. Small slacks,such as a few cycles, greatly improve the efficiency of parallel CMP simulations, with no or negligible simulation error. We have developed a simulation framework called SlackSim to experiment with various slack simulation schemes. Unlike previous attempts to parallelize multiprocessor simulations on distributed memory machines, SlackSim takes advantage of the efficient sharing of data in the host CMP architecture. We demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of some well-known slack simulation schemes and of some new ones on SlackSim running on a state-of-the-art CMP platform.
Flapjax
Authors: Meyerovich Leo A. , Guha Arjun , Baskin Jacob , Cooper Gregory H. , Greenberg Michael , Bromfield Aleks , Krishnamurthi Shriram
Published: October 2009

This paper presents Flapjax, a language designed for contemporary Web applications. These applications communicate with servers and have rich, interactive interfaces. Flapjax provides two key features that simplify writing these applications. First, it provides
event streams
, a uniform abstraction for communication within a program as well as with external Web services. Second, the language itself is reactive: it automatically tracks data dependencies and propagates updates along those dataflows. This allows developers to write reactive interfaces in a declarative and compositional style.

Flapjax is built on top of JavaScript. It runs on unmodified browsers and readily interoperates with existing JavaScript code. It is usable as either a programming language (that is compiled to JavaScript) or as a JavaScript library, and is designed for both uses. This paper presents the language, its design decisions, and illustrative examples drawn from several working Flapjax applications.
Executing code in the past
Authors: Pluquet Frédéric , Langerman Stefan , Wuyts Roel
Published: October 2009

Object versioning refers to how an application can have access to previous states of its objects. Implementing this mechanism is hard because it needs to be efficient in space and time, and well integrated with the programming language. This paper presents HistOOry, an object versioning system that uses an efficient data structure to store and retrieve past states. It needs only three primitives, and existing code does not need to be modified to be versioned. It provides fine-grained control over what parts of objects are versioned and when. It stores all states, past and present, in memory. Code can be executed in the past of the system and will see the complete system at that point in time. We have implemented our model in Smalltalk and used it for three applications that need versioning: checked postconditions, stateful execution tracing and a planar point location implementation. Benchmarks are provided to asses the practical complexity of our implementation.
Software evolution and the moving picture metaphor
Authors: Mahoney Mark
Published: October 2009

Software systems evolve over time. Currently we do not do a good job of documenting this evolution. This essay discusses the need to better document software evolution and introduces the
Moving Picture Metaphor
. Source Control Management systems are more like collections of still photographs than moving pictures. Still photography is not ideal when trying to capture evolutional changes. Moving pictures do a much better job. A storyteller can use moving pictures to tell compelling stories that are easier to digest than traditional documentation. We can learn a great deal from watching stories that document a system's evolution.
On understanding data abstraction, revisited
Authors: Cook William R.
Published: October 2009

In 1985 Luca Cardelli and Peter Wegner, my advisor, published an ACM Computing Surveys paper called "On understanding types, data abstraction, and polymorphism". Their work kicked off a flood of research on semantics and type theory for object-oriented programming, which continues to this day. Despite 25 years of research, there is still widespread confusion about the two forms of data abstraction,
abstract data types
and
objects
. This essay attempts to explain the differences and also why the differences matter.
Prevalence of and Factors Affecting Pulmonary Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Dagli Canan Eren , Sayarlioglu Hayriye , Dogan Ekrem , Acar Gurkan , Demirpolat Gulen , Ozer Ali , Koksal Nurhan , Gelen Mehmet Emin , Atilla Nurhan , Tanrikulu A. Cetin , Isik Ismet Onder , Ugur Tuncay
Published: October 2009

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been reported to be high among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) flow in the pathogenesis of PH and the prevalence of PH in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and to suggest other possible etiologic factors. Methods: The prevalence of PH was prospectively estimated by Doppler echocardiography in 116 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis (HD). Laboratory and clinical variables were compared between patients with and without PH (groups 1 and 2, respectively). PH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) over 30 mm Hg. Patients with PH underwent further evaluation by 2 pulmonologists. AVF flow was measured by Doppler ultrasonography. Blood tests including arterial blood gases, hemoglobin, serum calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone were determined. Results: PH was found in 25 (21.6%) patients (group 1) with an SPAP of 37.9 ± 2.8 mm Hg. Mean AVF flow was increased (1,554 ± 207.60 ml/min) in group 1. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly different between the 2 groups (55.3 ± 11.5 and 64.4 ± 40, respectively; p < 0.05). Neither significant primary lung disease nor parenchymal lesions were detected in group 1. PH showed a significant difference for cigarette smoking (p < 0.05). In group 1 the prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher. The main etiology of CRF was diabetes mellitus with a ratio of 44% in group 1. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a surprisingly high prevalence of PH among patients receiving long-term HD. PH was related to high AVF flow, low LVEF and cigarette smoking. AVF flow and cigarette smoking are important correctable causes of PH. Early detection is important in order to avoid the serious consequences.
Delayed Skin Reaction Caused by a Coelenterate
Authors: Frenk E. , Mancarella A. , Vion B.
Published: October 2009

We report a delayed skin reaction, histologically characterized by liquefaction degeneration of the basal layer, which was observed in a 30-year-old man returning from Guadeloupe. It was most likely due to contact with a marine animal.
Xanthogranulome nécrobiotique et myélome
Authors: Bourlond A. , Pirard C. , Eggers S.
Published: October 2009

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma represents a very peculiar dermatosis with distinctive microscopic features. It is associated with paraproteinemia and quite often with myeloma : it is a good marker of medullary dysfunction or degeneration. The pathogenesis of cutaneous granulomas remains highly speculative: distorted interaction of histiocytes and lymphocytes-plasmocytes and influence of immune complexes. So far, chlorambucil appears as the most interesting drug.
Un cas de dysplasie oculo-auriculo-vertébrale (Syndrome de Goldenhar) avec atteinte cutanée
Authors: Willocx D. , Bourlond A. , Vliers A. , Verellen-Dumoulin C. , de Sélys R.
Published: October 2009

For the first time, cutaneous dryness and ichthyosis-like aspects are noted in a baby afflicted with Goldenhar’s syndrome. Cardiopulmonary malformations are frequently described in those cases of oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia (DOAV). A florid form of this syndrome is reported and the most important symptoms commented upon. Generally sporadic, the syndrome is, except in few cases, not genetically transmitted; it is thought to be closely related to the first or the two first branchial arch syndromes.
Skin Necrosis due to Intravenous Heparin
Authors: Rongioletti F. , Pisani S. , Ciaccio M. , Rebora A.
Published: October 2009

A patient on intravenous heparin is described who developed an acute hemorrhagic necrosis of her legs. Thrombi without vasculitis were seen in the dermal blood vessels. This appears to be the 4th reported case of skin necrosis after intravenous heparin at sites unrelated to injections. Skin necrosis after intravenous heparin should warn the dermatologist of a possible fatal outcome from myocardial or cerebral infarction.
Dermatomyositis-Like Syndrome Induced by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Grob J.J. , Collet A.M. , Bonerandi J.J.
Published: October 2009

A dermatomyositis-like syndrome developed in a patient treated with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAI), niflumic acid, and regressed after the cessation of treatment. Previously an eruption had occurred under treatment with another NSAI, diclofenac. Our report shows that NSAI can induce not only lupus-like syndromes but also other connective tissue disorders.
New Subtype of Solar Urticaria?
Authors: Panizzon Renato
Published: October 2009

A patient is presented with solar urticaria (SU) with an action spectrum of 285–550 nm. The patient showed a positive passive transfer test and a negative reverse passive transfer test. Since such a type of SU is not described in Harber’s classification, we suggest that this patient shows a new subtype of SU. A combination of UVA/UVB phototherapy proved successful.
Generalized Atrophic Benign Form of Junctional Epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Foldes C. , Wallach D. , Aubinière E. , Vignon-Pennamen M.-D. , Cottenot F.
Published: October 2009

There are at least six variants of junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). About 20 cases of the generalized atrophic benign variant of JEB (GABEB) have been previously reported. We present an additional case of GABEB, occurring in a 14-year-old girl. Generalized cutaneous blisters occurred since birth and healed without severe scarring or milia, but with slight atrophy. In addition, mucous membrane involvement and hair, nail and tooth abnormalities were found. Electron microscopic examination showed a cleavage within the lamina lucida and the presence of numerically and structurally abnormal hemidesmosomes.
Eosinophilic Histiocytosis. A Subset of Lymphomatoid Papulosis
Authors: Tuneu Anna , Moreno Abelardo , Pujol Ramón M. , de Moragas José M.
Published: October 2009

A 43-year-old male with a 23-year history of small-plaque-type parapsoriasis developed a chronic recurrent self-healing papulonodular and tumoral cutaneous eruption. The microscopic findings were consistent with eosinophilic histiocytosis. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies revealed a population of T lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocyte-macrophage cells in the dermal infiltrate. These findings confirm the similarities between eosinophilic histiocytosis and lymphomatoid papulosis suggesting that the former may be a clinicopathologic variant of the latter.
Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia areata, Including 3-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Price V.H.
Published: October 2009

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of topical minoxidil is the fact that this drug can promote hair growth in two unrelated conditions: alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia. The two conditions have quite different underlying mechanisms. In AA, hair follicles respond to some signal or cell injury by entering a state of aborted cyclical activity; this state can reverse itself spontaneously, or it can be temporarily circumvented with nonspecific immunomodulating agents. In androgenetic alopecia, genetically marked hair follicles undergo progressive, androgen-mediated miniaturization; antiandrogens have been conventionally sought to intercept this process. It is not known how minoxidil promotes hair growth except that living follicles capable of stimulation and hypertrophy are required. It may be that minoxidil influences some fundamental signal to the follicular apparatus, irrespective of the pathophysiology involved. We have used opical minoxidil solution in 90 patients, aged 7–63 years, with extensive AA affecting 25–100% of the scalp. One study was double-blind, and placebo-controlled for an entire year. Minoxidil-treated patients responded better than placebo-treated patients. Both 3 and 5% topical minoxidil solutions have been used, and treatment with the 3% solution has continued for up to 3 years. The results of these studies will be discussed. While topical minoxidil is not very effective for those with 100% scalp hair loss, it is an effective, easy and safe treatment for those with AA affecting 25–99% of the scalp.
2% Topical Minoxidil Solution in Male-Pattern Baldness: Preliminary European Results
Authors: Civatte J.C. , Laux B. , Simpson N.B. , Vickers C.F.H.
Published: October 2009

A 48-week, double-blind, randomized study was conducted in France, West Germany and the UK to compare the safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil 2% (Regaine®; registered trade mark of The Upjohn Company) solution with placebo in the treatment of early male-pattern baldness. At week 24, the end of the placebo period, there were 225 evaluable patients, 116 in the treatment group and 109 in the placebo group. The 2% minoxidil group showed superiority to the placebo group with respect to the following parameters at week 24: (1) non-vellus hair counts (p = 0.0084); (2) changes in non-vellus hair counts compared with baseline values (p = 0.0227), and (3) investigators’ evaluations of hair growth (p = 0.019). There was no significant difference between minoxidil and placebo treatment with regard to blood pressure, pulse or weight changes. No serious side effects were reported during the study. The greatest number of medical events were dermatological in nature and mainly local and mild in intensity. From week 24 to week 48 all patients received active medication and showed further hair growth. At week 48 the investigators evaluated the new hair growth as moderate or dense in 32.7% of the patients. Our conclusion confirms previous reported studies according to which topical minoxidil seems to offer a safe and efficacious treatment for early male-pattern baldness in some patients. Further studies need to be done to characterize the most likely responders.
Alopecia areata incognita: A Hypothesis
Authors: Rebora Alfredo
Published: October 2009

To explain why in alopecia areata the hair falls out in a particular area the hypothesis is proposed that the area occurs as a stochastic event only in those subjects who, in a restricted zone of their scalp, happen to have a group of hairs that are simultaneously in the early anagen VI subphase of the hair cycle. Once this point has been accepted, a number of conclusions may be drawn. Especially important is the inference that only people with low percentages of telogen hairs are likely to exhibit areas, whereas those with androgenetic alopecia, when affected by alopecia areata, preferentially show a diffuse and delayed hair loss that has the features of Kligman’s telogen effluvium (alopecia areata incognita). Epidemiological evidence is provided.
Topical Minoxidil Useful in 18% of Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Study of 430 Cases
Authors: Tosti Antonella
Published: October 2009

A 1% minoxidil lotion was used to treat 670 male patients affected by androgenetic alopecia. Of the 430 patients who completed the 6 months’ treatment, only 78 (18%) had good results. A 1-year follow-up after the drug was suspended showed that the regrowth was present only in 33% of the patients who had had good results, i.e. 6% of the 430.
Incontinentia pigmenti in Four Generations
Authors: Peltonen Leena
Published: October 2009

Clinical and genetical aspects of a family with incontinentia pigmenti (IP) in 5 emale members belonging to four successive generations are reported. In 4 individuals IP vas associated with dental anomalies and partial hypodontia. Three of them also had convulsive disorders.
Acrokeratoelastoidosis: A Spectrum of Diseases
Authors: de Boer E.M. , van Dijk E.
Published: October 2009

Two familial cases of acrokeratoelastoidosis (AKE) are reported. As a quite uncommon feature, both showed a distinct violaceous hue in addition to the characteristic clinicopathological changes. Furthermore a case of keratoelastoidosis marginalis of the hands, also showing involvement of the feet, is described. This latter syndrome may cause confusion with AKE, but appears to be a separate entity. The classification of AKE is discussed. It is suggested that AKE is a syndrome with a broad spectrum of clinical and histological abnormalities.
Acrosyringial Epidermolytic Papulosis neviformis
Authors: Zina A.M. , Bundino S. , Pippione M.G.
Published: October 2009

A 42-year-old woman showed multiple verrucous papules on her right ringfinger. Histology revealed a hyperkeratotic plug and epidermal foci of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis exclusively involving the intraepidermal sweat duct units. We propose the term acrosyringial epidermolytic papulosis neviformis or epidermolytic sweat duct nevus to define this unique entity.
Reactive Perforating Collagenosis and Phototraumatism
Authors: Berlin Chaim , Goldberg Leonard H.
Published: October 2009

Two pairs of siblings are reported suffering from reactive perforating collagenosis. The clinical features were recurrent crusted papules with a central keratinaceous plug. The plug was sometimes encircled by a narrow yellowish ring and a wider red ring, giving the appearance of a cockade. Lesions recurred spontaneously or were provoked by superficial injury to sun-exposed skin (phototraumatism). There were no other changes in the general health of these patients.
L’hyperplasie épithéliale focale: premiers cas suisses et revue de la littérature
Authors: Samson J. , Fiore-Donno G. , Avizara N.
Published: October 2009

Three cases of ‘focal epithelial hyperplasia’ (FEH) of the oral mucosa observed for the first time in Switzerland are reported. The patients were of Turkish and North African extraction. The lesions of FEH were multiple, painless, located at various sites of the oral mucosa including the tongue, in the form of either soft papules or hard nodules. Evidence of a human papilloma virus origin was ascertained. Among the 1,067 cases reported in the literature and reviewed for this study, this condition has been described to occur among American Indians, Eskimos and Cape Coloureds; also in Israeli and European cases the disorder was often reported in individuals of Turkish or North African extraction.
Multiple Familial Pilomatricomas: A Cutaneous Marker for Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Delfino Mario , Monfrecola Giuseppe , Ayala Fabio , Suppa Francesco , Piccirillo Angelo
Published: October 2009

4 members of the same family with association of multiple pilomatricomas and myotonic dystrophy are described. A muscular electron microscopic study and the electro-myographic findings are reported.
Hyperkeratotic (Norwegian) Scabies and Onychomycosis in an Immunosuppressed Patient
Authors: Van Neste D. , Minne G. , Thomas P. , Gosselin X.
Published: October 2009

Hyperkeratotic scabies and onychomycosis were associated in an immunosuppressed patient. Onychomycosis healed spontaneously after treatment of scabies. A possible interrelationship between Sarcoptes scabiei infestation of the hyponychium and dermatophytes infestation of the nail plate could be responsible for this peculiar evolution.
Romberg’s Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Singh Malkit , Bharija S.C. , Belhaj M.S. , Mangoush E.A.
Published: October 2009

A first case of Romberg’s syndrome from Libya is reported. Romberg’s syndrome is a rare disease causing progressive facial hemiatrophy. It was first described by Parry in 1825 and then by Romberg in 1846. Since then there have been sporadic case reports and reviews in the literature [1–5]. For the first time, we report a case from Libya.
Contact Leukoderma Due to ‘Bindi’ and Footwear
Authors: Pandy R.K. , Kumar A.S.
Published: October 2009

3 cases of contact leukoderma due to ‘Bindi’ and footwear occurring together in the same patients are reported. In 2 patients depigmentation occurred at the patch test sites with ‘Bindi’, most probably due to the adhesive in it.
Tinea capitis in the Elderly
Authors: Moberg Sven
Published: October 2009

The clinical picture in tinea capitis due to Trichophyton tonsurans varies. In this report, 2 elderly female patients with T. tonsurans infections of the scalp mimicking eczema seborrhoeicum and discoid lupus erythematosus, respectively, are described. Recurrence of the infection in the first case was probably related to reduced fungal sensitivity to griseofulvin, as indicated in in vitro studies.
Is There a Place for β-Carotene/Canthaxanthin in Photochemotherapy for Psoriasis?
Authors: Macdonald K. , Holti G. , Marks Janet
Published: October 2009

A randomised study of β-carotene/canthaxanthin or placebo in chronic plaque psoriasis has failed to show any significant difference in the time to clearing and in the total accumulative dose required. Orange discolouration and hyperpigmentation of the skin occurred in the test group. In patients studied outside the randomised comparison, 2 patients who had not been able to tolerate PUVA therapy because of burning were subsequently able to do so when β-carotene/canthaxanthin was added to their treatment regimen.
Interferon in the Treatment of Persistent Viral Warts
Authors: Gibson J.R. , Harvey S.G.
Published: October 2009

7 patients with a diagnosis of common and/or plantar warts present for at least 1 year and resistant to previous vigorous therapy were studied. All patients entered completed the study and during the trial period the warts of 4 patients receiving intralesional injections were completely cleared. 2 other patients demonstrated partial clearance of their warts.
Polyarthritis with Atypical Keratotic Nodular Dermatosis or Polyarthritis with Multiple Keratoacanthoma
Authors: Mittal Radha , Mittal R.L. , Chopra Adarsh , Gupta Kamla
Published: October 2009

We report an interesting case of generalized papular and nodular lesions with central keratinous plugs and severe hyperkeratotic-acanthotic histopathology with arthritis in a 19-year-old male patient who had suffered from a similar disease 2 years earlier. Papules and nodules erupted a few days after the arthritis and this was noticed during both episodes. On healing, nodules fell spontaneously leaving behind insignificant hyperpigmented scars.
C1 Inhibitor Functional Activities in Hereditary Angioedema Plasma of Patients under Therapy with Attenuated Androgens
Authors: Späth P.J. , Wüthrich B. , Bütler R.
Published: October 2009

The effects of therapy with danazol or stanozolol on complement component C4 and on C1 inhibitor concentrations and functions in 6 patients suffering from the common form of hereditary angioedema are described. Whereas the mean C4 concentration was found within the normal range, the therapy with attenuated androgens resulted in a subnormal mean of C1 inhibitor concentration, but an almost normal mean of functional activity.
Steroid Sulfatase = Aryl Sulfatase C? Chromatographic and Electrophoretic Properties in Extracts from Placental Microsomes and Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Meyer Jürg Ch. , Grundmann Hanspeter , Weiss Heidi
Published: October 2009

Although the deficiency of steroid sulfatase (STS) as well as aryl sulfatase C (ASC) activities in patients with X-linked recessive ichthyosis has been confirmed by several groups all over the world, the question whether STS = ASC is not yet completely answered. To obtain more information, Miranol H2M extracts from placental microsomes and cultured skin fibroblasts were subjected to gel permeation chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. STS (3H-dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) and ASC (4-methylumbelliferone sulfate) activities were estimated in the eluted gel permeation chromatography fractions and within the same gel cylinders in half gel slices. None of these two methods allowed a separation of the two microsomal sulfatase activities. From these results and from different behavior of STS and ASC (not deficient in uncultured skin preparations of X-linked recessive ichthyosis, different kinetic properties between STS and ASC, etc.) we propose microsomal sulfatase activities to be assembled in an enzyme aggregate.
Skin Metastasis of Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Takematsu Hideaki , Obata Masaaki , Sato Akihiko , Miura Takashi
Published: October 2009

A papillomatous tumor developed on the skin from the inguinal region to the middle of the right thigh. The histological findings showed tumor cells with papillary formation surrounded with fibrous stroma, and a diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lower gastrointestinal tract was ascertained. Autopsy findings revealed that the cutaneous metastasis was of urinary bladder origin. This paper reports the extreme rarity of metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder to the skin and the peculiar appearance of the cutaneous metastatic lesion.
A Randomized Trial on the D-Homosteroid Domoprednate (Ro 12-7024) in the Treatment of Dermatoses
Authors: Schmidt Henning , Hjorth Niels , Holm Per
Published: October 2009

39 patients with bilateral dermatoses, mainly psoriasis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis, were treated with 0.1% Ro 12-7024 ointment and 0.1% betamethasone valerate ointment according to a double-blind, right-left, randomized design. Treatment lasted up to 4 weeks. 5 patients did not complete the trial. Assessment of efficacy, expressed as degree of healing in percent of treated skin area and according to an overall assessment of efficacy made by both physician and patient only revealed marginal, mostly statistically insignificant differences, with a trend in favor of betamethasone. Patients’ preferences for one of the two treatments favored betamethasone valerate in 17 cases and Ro 12-7024 in 5 cases; 13 cases were ties (p < 0.001). With the exception of one case of bilateral erythema and itching no side effects were reported. The efficacy of the D-homosteroid Ro 12-7024 is evidently of the same order as that of the group III steroid betamethasone valerate, and the tolerance of the two ointments is good and equal.
Maladie des griffes de chat
Authors: De Maubeuge J. , Ledoux M. , Parent D. , Hubrechts J.M. , Achten G.
Published: October 2009

A case of cat-scratch syndrome is described. The dermatological features and skin reactions reported in this illness (erythema nodosum, erythema multiforma) as well as the diagnostical criteria are reviewed. The hypothetical nature of the etiologic agent of this syndrome is discussed.
Unusual Cases of Meleda Keratoderma Treated with Aromatic Retinoid Etretinate
Authors: Brambilla L. , Pigatto P.D. , Boneschi V. , Altomare G.F. , Finzi A.F.
Published: October 2009

We studied a brother and sister of South Italian origin with palmoplantar keratoderma which, because of the clinical aspects (transgrediens et progrediens), mode of inheritance (autosomal recessive) and evolution, we diagnosed as Meleda keratoderma with particular clinical features (presence of ainhum-like narrowings and concomitant lesions at other sites). Appropriate classical histologic and familial investigations, as well as HLA typing were done, and retinol-binding protein values were determined. The patients were treated with the aromatic retinoid etretinate, and the clinical and histological results after 9 months’ treatment are reported.
Disseminate Palmoplantar Keratodermia with Truncal Lesions
Authors: Mutasim Diya , Kurban Amal K.
Published: October 2009

A 20-year-old woman with clinical features of punctate palmoplantar keratodermia is presented. Specimens from the trunk, hands and feet showed similar histologic features. The nosology of disseminate palmoplantar keratodermia is discussed and its features delineated as an extension of punctate palmoplantar keratodermia. To our knowledge, truncal lesions have not been previously reported in disseminate palmoplantar keratodermia.
Effects of Isotretinoin on the Neutrophil Chemotaxis in Cystic Acne
Authors: Pigatto P.D. , Fioroni A. , Riva F. , Brugo M.A. , Morandotti A. , Altomare G.F. , Finzi A.F.
Published: October 2009

The authors show that the use of Isotretinoin (Ro 4–3740) in cystic acne brings a reduction of chemotactic activity of the neutrophil granulocytes, like another retinoid, Etretinate, in pustular and vulgar psoriasis. This effect of retinoids, with a direct action on the polymorphonuclear leukocytes plays an important role in the recovery of the disease.
Pilot Study of a New Retinoid, Ro 12–7554, in Psoriasis and in Some Congenital Disorders of Keratinization
Authors: Ott F. , Bounameaux Y.
Published: October 2009

Ro12–7554, a chlorinated derivative of etretinate, was evaluated in an open study. 16 patients, 13 suffering from severe psoriasis and 3 from congenital disorders of keratinization previously treated with etretinate, received Ro 12–7554 at a mean daily dosage of 12.3 mg/day. Ro 12–7554 was very similar to etretinate in terms of clinical efficacy and overall safety.
Comparative Investigations on the Water Content of the Stratum corneum Using Different Methods of Measurement
Authors: Triebskorn Arno , Gloor Max , Greiner Fritz
Published: October 2009

Measurements of the water content of the stratum corneum were made on the flexor side of the forearm in healthy male volunteers using direct current resistance and alternating current (1.5 and 15 kHz) electric impedance measurements, capacity measurements and measurements of transepidermal water loss. In addition, infrared-spectroscopic investigations were made using a Frustrated Multiple Internal Reflection device on unstripped skin, then on the same skin area after five and ten strippings with adhesive tape. The tests showed (except for the measurements of transepidermal water loss) all of the aforementioned test methods led to relevant measurement values. While the direct current electrical resistance measurement yielded data on the water content of the most superficial layer of the stratum corneum, it was found that the capacitor measurements gave results from the deep layers of the stratum corneum. With the alternating current impedance measurement method, both superficial and deep layers of the stratum corneum were taken into account. Comparative measurements of direct current resistance and infrared absorption after occlusion treatment revealed that under certain circumstances using both methods can lead to contradictory results.
Toxic Hepatitis due to Combination Therapy with Methotrexate and Etretinate in Psoriasis
Authors: Beck Hans-Iver , Foged Erik K.
Published: October 2009

A case of toxic hepatitis caused by combination therapy with methotrexate and etretinate in the treatment of severe psoriasis is presented in a 47-year-old woman. The patient had received methotrexate alone for more than 10 years without any signs of severe liver damage. The liver status had been controlled by consecutive liver biopsies. The treatment was discontinued and after 2 months the liver parameters became normal.
Effect of Photochemotherapy on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Prens E.P. , Smeenk G.
Published: October 2009

The effect of PUVA therapy on the cardiovascular system was studied in 2 groups of patients. The first group consisted of 9 otherwise healthy patients, who were treated without airconditioning. The second group was formed by 15 otherwise healthy psoriasis patients, who were treated with photochemotherapy, using airconditioning. In both groups the cabinet-skin and rectal temperature rose significantly. The most marked finding however was the rise in heart rate. By applying airconditioning, significantly smaller increases in the measured parameters occurred. In none of the patients changes in the electrocardiograms were observed. The effects on the cardiovascular system can evidently be limited by applying airconditioning and by keeping the time of light exposure as short as possible.
Etretinate (Tigason®) and Betamethasone Valerate (Celeston Valerate®) in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Christiansen Jørgen V. , Holm Per , Møller Rigmor , Reymann Flemming , Schmidt Henning
Published: October 2009

A randomized trial with 146 psoriatic patients studied the relative merits of (1) oral etretinate (daily dose approximately 1 mg/kg body weight); (2) 0,1% betamethasone valerate cream twice daily, and (3) a combination of treatments 1 and 2. The combined treatment was the best and betamethasone valerate alone was on the whole inferior.
Improvement of Patch Test Allergen Exposure by Short-Term Local Pressure
Authors: Hornstein O.P. , Kienlein-Kletschka B.M.
Published: October 2009

Since false-negative results in patch testing may be due to insufficient skin contact with the allergen during exposure, we tried a modified test method by initially applying standardized pressure (10-kg sand bag for 15 min) on the test patches. Tests were simultaneously performed in 50 patients with and without local pressure. Comparing the results of both methods and (in some cases) to those after stripping the horny layers, positive contact sensitivity reactions could more often be detected after initial application of pressure.
Infantile Acropustulosis
Authors: Bundino S. , Zina A.M. , Ubertalli S.
Published: October 2009

A case of infantile acropustulosis is described. The condition responded to sulfones while it was not affected by any other therapy. Histologically, subcorneal pustules were found; persistent modest eosinophilia and eosinophils were present in the vesicular content, a feature never observed before. The significance of this finding is discussed.
Wegener’s Granulomatosis: Successful Treatment with High-Dose Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Nishioka Kiyoshi , Katayama Junko , Katayama Ichiro , Sano Shigeharu
Published: October 2009

A 30-year-old male taxi driver developed extensive purpuric necrotic lesions all over his body. He had a consolidated shadow in the right upper lung field, proteinuria with microscopic hematuria, and granulomatous change in the nasal mucosa. The standard regimen of prednisolone alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide showed only a limited effect on the lesion. However, weekly intravenous injections of a high dose of cyclophosphamide (500 mg/week) in combination with 60 mg/day of prednisolone exhibited dramatical suppression of the disease activity.
Pyodermite chancriforme
Authors: Gianadda B. , Gianadda E. , Fazio M.
Published: October 2009

A case of chancriform pyoderma with three lesions (penis, side and palm) in a 13-year-old boy is reported. A review of the literature of this rare disease follows.
Lichen nitidus and Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Kint A. , Meysman L. , Bugingo G. , Verdonk G. , Hublé F.
Published: October 2009

A case of lichen nitidus (LN) was found to be associated with Crohn’s disease. Some histological features, namely circumscribed epithelioid infiltrates, suggest a relationship between both diseases. LN might, on this ground be one of the cutaneous manifestations in ileitis regionalis.
Urticaria as Presenting Manifestation of Pemphigus Herpetiformis
Authors: Parodi Aurora , Nunzi E. , Rebora A.
Published: October 2009

A patient with pemphigus herpetiformis is described. She had an urticarial itching eruption which cleared with prednisolone 50 mg/day and dapsone 150 mg/day tapering to 15 mg/day and 75 mg every other day, respectively. The possible causal relationship with aminophenazone is discussed.
Epidemiological Survey of Skin Diseases in Schoolchildren Living in the Purus Valley (Acre State, Amazonia, Brazil)
Authors: Bechelli Luiz M. , Haddad Nagib , Pimenta Waiter P. , Pagnano Paulo M.G. , Melchior, Jr E. , Fregnan Roberto C. , Zanin Luiz C. , Arenas Ademir
Published: October 2009

A total of 9,955 schoolchildren aged 6–16 years have been examined in a tropical region. The prevalence of dermatosis varied from 21 to 87% in the municipalities surveyed. The most common dermatoses were pediculosis (prevalence 50%), nevi (16.8%), pityriasis versicolor (13.2%), pyoderma (12.2%), pityriasis alba (9.9%), dermatophytosis (6.2%), viral dermatosis (6.2%), scabies (3.0%) and acne vulgaris (2.7%). The prevalence of angular stomatitis, miliaria rubra, candidiasis, piedra nigra, keratosis pilaris, ephelides and geographic tongue is lower but still relatively high. Females had higher rates of pediculosis capitís and males higher prevalence of pityriasis alba. The prevalence of pityriasis versicolor, pigmented nevus and scabies was similar in males and females. Folliculitis, macular pigmented nevi and especially pityriasis versicolor tended to increase with age. Leprosy is hyperendemic in the surveyed area and its rate in the schoolchildren examined was 0.08%. Population movement (urbanization), socioeconomic situation, living conditions, promiscuity, and lack of hygiene may be the cause of such high prevalence and of association of two or more skin conditions. Climatic conditions might have enhanced the prevalence of certain dermatoses (pityriasis versicolor, dermatophytosis, piedra nigra, candidiasis, miliaria rubra).
Electron Microscopic Investigation on the Local Cellular Reaction to Primary Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Szekeres Lenke , Daróczy Judit
Published: October 2009

Five untreated primary malignant melanomas with relatively long duration have been investigated. Particular attention has been paid to the local cellular reaction observed in the intermediate zone lying between neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissue. Activated macrophages and histiocytes were seen as well as lymphocytes and lymphoid cells with cerebriforme nuclei. Also, Langerhans cells were found in this zone and a close contact between these cells and melanophages was observed. The importance of the peritumoral cellular reaction in the local defence to neoplasma is discussed.
Treatment of Dyskeratosis Follicularis Darier with the Retinoic Acid Derivative Ro 10–9359 (Tigason®)
Authors: Christiansen Jørgen V. , Holm Per , Møller Rigmor , Reymann Flemming , Schmidt Henning
Published: October 2009

The results of treatment of 29 patients with Darier’s disease with the aromatic retinoid Ro 10–9359 are reported. Therapeutic tests for a period of more than 18 months seem to justify its use in Darier’s disease. With a modest dose it is possible to keep the symptoms at an acceptable level, i.e., 50% clearing or more without too troublesome side effects. Because of the side effects the dosage must be fixed individually. It is pointed out that with the development of Ro 10–9359, an efficient remedy for Darier’s disease has become available for the first time.
Le gel au peroxyde de benzoyle dans l’acné juvénile
Authors: de Bersaques J.
Published: October 2009

Local application of a benzoyl peroxide gel was prescribed to 266 patients with acne. A good therapeutic result was seen in 70 of the 84 patients followed for 3 months or longer.
Necrolytic Migratory Erythema Associated with an Islet Cell Tumour of the Pancreas
Authors: Verbov Julian
Published: October 2009

A man of 59 is described with a characteristic skin eruption, necrolytic migratory erythema, associated with a malignant islet cell pancreatic tumour. There was no definite evidence that this was a glucagonoma although previous reports have suggested that the pancreatic tumour usually associated with necrolytic migratory erythema is always a glucagonoma. The relevant literature is reviewed.
Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis
Authors: Bard James W.
Published: October 2009

24 clinically and pathologically typical lesions of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis occurring in 19 patients are reviewed. The lesions seem to fit well with the clinical and pathologic findings of diseases of transepidermal elimination. Clinically, one finds exceedingly chronic tender nodules of the ear with a central horny plug. Histologically, there is epidermal hyperplasia around an area in the upper dermis which displays fibrinoid material and/or necrobiotic collagen with the formation of a sinus tract through the epidermis. Although the derangement of the collagen in the upper dermis seems to be the inciting factor in producing transepidermal elimination, other factors such as anatomy, vascular deficiency and trauma are also important in pathogenesis.
Lichen myxedematosus: Histochemical Study
Authors: Abd-El-Aal H. , Salem Sayed Zaki , Salem Adly
Published: October 2009

The case is reported of a diabetic female aged 32 years with lichen myxedematosus. Skin biopsy showed enormous amounts of mast cells (59,000/mm3) and heavy deposition of acid mucopolysaccharides.