bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and clinical characteristics of ocular infections after heart transplantation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Del Pozo Jose L. , Van De Beek Diederik , Daly Richard C. , Pulido Jose S. , McGregor Christopher G.A. , Patel Robin
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Background:  Ocular infections associated with organ transplantation are well documented following renal and liver transplantation; however, few studies have reported ocular infections following heart transplant.

Methods:  We retrospectively studied patients who underwent heart transplantation in the Mayo Clinic Cardiac Transplant Program from January 1st 1988 through June 30th 2006.

Results:  We report the frequency and type of ocular infections among 313 heart transplant recipients. There were eight patients (2.5%) diagnosed with ocular infections including three cases of ophthalmic zoster, one case of cytomegalovirus retinitis, one case of Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis, one case of Haemophilus influenzae conjunctivitis, one case of blepharitis, and one case of preseptal orbital cellulitis.

Conclusions:  Ocular infections are rare after heart transplantation and usually present within the first year post‐transplantation. The majority can be regarded as opportunistic infections which may be indicative of infections at other body sites. Ocular infections after heart transplantation may be associated with significant morbidity and visual loss if not promptly diagnosed.
Elliptic General Analytic Solutions
Authors: Conte R. , Musette M.
Published: July 2009

To find analytically the traveling waves of partially integrable autonomous nonlinear partial differential equations, many methods have been proposed over the ages: “projective Riccati method,”“tanh‐method,”“exponential method,”“Jacobi expansion method,”“new … ,” etc. The common default to all these “truncation methods” is that they provide only some solutions, not all of them. By implementing three classical results of Briot, Bouquet, and Poincaré, we present an algorithm able to provide in closed form all those traveling waves that are elliptic or degenerate elliptic, i.e., rational in one exponential or rational. Our examples here include the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation and the cubic and quintic complex Ginzburg–Landau equations.
Legislation, Delegation and Implementation under the Treaty of Lisbon: Typology Meets Reality
Authors: Hofmann Herwig
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  The Treaty of Lisbon has introduced a complex new typology of acts, distinguishing between legislative, delegated and implementing acts. This reform, the first since the Treaty of Rome, will have an impact on some of the most contested topics of EU law, touching several central questions of a constitutional nature. This article critically analyses which potential effects and consequences the reform will have. It looks, inter alia, at the aspects of the shifting relation between EU institutions, the distribution of powers between the EU and its Member States, as well as the future of rule‐making and implementation structures such as comitology and agencies.
Health care insurance in Japan: Beyond a binary vision of State and family
Authors: Naïto Kusuto
Published: July 2009

Despite significant regional diversity in household structures and the existence of community solidarity in Japan, caring for elderly dependent persons has traditionally been considered an exclusively family, and female, responsibility. However, as a result of socio‐demographic changes during the second half of the twentieth century, a public system of health care insurance was introduced in 2000. The objective of this development was to “socialize” family and female care activities. This article presents a critical analysis of Japan's health care insurance system and the context that gave rise to its introduction. An important issue is whether the system meets the needs of the elderly and their carers (family and non‐family). A further issue is whether the system can take account of regional diversity, diversity in household situations (above and beyond financial concerns), and societal values and beliefs. The article concludes by arguing that demographic ageing presents a societal requirement for the ongoing adjustment of behaviour patterns and living arrangements.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 253–262 (July/August 2008) Protocol to predict the dry skin benefit from the unique in‐shower body lotion product form
Authors: Ertel K. , Rodriguez V. , Bacon R. , Farris R. , Hartwig P.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

A controlled exposure method was developed to predict dry skin improvement from a new in‐shower body lotion product form. An in‐shower body lotion is used in the shower after cleansing, and methods for cleansers and leave‐on lotions are not applicable. Protocol parameters were chosen on the basis of consumer habits and practices studies and randomized clinical testing. The resulting protocol is consumer‐relevant, and reliably and reproducibly predicts dry skin improvement from the in‐shower body lotion product form.
Adalimumab for psoriasis patients who are non‐responders to etanercept: open‐label prospective evaluation
Authors: Martyn‐Simmons CL , Green L , Ash G , Groves RW , Smith CH , Barker JNWN
Published: July 2009

Background  Targeted biologic therapies have made a significant impact on the treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends etanercept, a human recombinant tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor fusion protein, for moderate to severe psoriasis patients who have failed conventional therapies. There is, however, no data available on the role of other TNF antagonists for patients who have failed etanercept. Adalimumab, a fully human, anti‐TNF monoclonal antibody, is approved for treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

Objectives  To assess the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (40 mg weekly) in psoriasis patients who were non‐responders to high‐dosage etanercept (50 mg twice weekly).

Methods  All patients attending a tertiary referral service for severe psoriasis who were non‐responders to high‐dosage etanercept [i.e. failed to achieve ≥ 50% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 50) after 12 weeks of treatment] were considered for open‐label adalimumab therapy for 12 weeks. Details on clinical course, PASI, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and adverse events were recorded at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12.

Results  Four of five patients in this study had reached at least PASI 50 by week 12. Of these, two patients achieved a 75% improvement in PASI (PASI 75). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions  Initial data from this open‐label prospective evaluation suggests that weekly adalimumab therapy is an effective treatment for patients with severe psoriasis who had failed to respond to at least 3 months of high‐dosage etanercept.
Inhibitory control in anxious and healthy adolescents is modulated by incentive and incidental affective stimuli
Authors: Hardin Michael G. , Mandell Darcy , Mueller Sven C. , Dahl Ronald E. , Pine Daniel S. , Ernst Monique
Published: July 2009

Background:  Anxiety disorders are characterized by elevated, sustained responses to threat, that manifest as threat attention biases. Recent evidence also suggests exaggerated responses to incentives. How these characteristics influence cognitive control is under debate and is the focus of the present study.

Methods:  Twenty‐five healthy adolescents and 25 adolescents meeting DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder were compared on a task of response inhibition. Inhibitory control was assayed with an antisaccade task that included both incentive (monetary reward) and incidental emotion (facial expression) cues presented prior to the execution of inhibitory behavior.

Results:  Inhibitory control was enhanced following exposure to threat cues (fear faces) only in adolescent patients, and following exposure to positive cues (happy faces) only in healthy adolescents. Results also revealed a robust performance improvement associated with monetary incentives. This incentive effect did not differ by group. No interaction between incentives and emotional cues was detected.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that biased processing of threat in anxious adolescents affects inhibitory control, perhaps by raising arousal prior to behavioral performance. The absence of normalization of performance in anxious adolescents following exposure to positive emotional cues is a novel finding and will require additional exploration. Future studies will need to more specifically examine how perturbations in positive emotion processes contribute to the symptomatology and the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders.
Evolving Darwin's ‘most wonderful’ plant: ecological steps to a snap‐trap
Authors: Gibson Thomas C. , Waller Donald M.
Published: July 2009

Among carnivorous plants, Darwin was particularly fascinated by the speed and sensitivity of snap‐traps inDionaeaandAldrovanda. Recent molecular work confirms Darwin's conjecture that these monotypic taxa are sister toDrosera, meaning that snap‐traps evolved from a ‘flypaper’ trap. Transitions include tentacles being modified into trigger hairs and marginal ‘teeth’, the loss of sticky tentacles, depressed digestive glands, and rapid leaf movement. Pre‐adaptations are known for all these traits inDroserayet snap‐traps only evolved once. We hypothesize that selection to catch and retain large insects favored the evolution of elongate leaves and snap‐tentacles inDroseraand snap‐traps. Although sticky traps efficiently capture small prey, they allow larger prey to escape and may lose nutrients.Dionaea's snap‐trap efficiently captures and processes larger prey providing higher, but variable, rewards. We develop a size‐selective model and parametrize it with field data to demonstrate how selection to capture larger prey strongly favors snap‐traps. As prey become larger, they also become rarer and gain the power to rip leaves, causing returns to larger snap‐traps to plateau. We propose testing these hypotheses with specific field data and Darwin‐like experiments. The complexity of snap‐traps, competition with pitfall traps, and their association with ephemeral habitats all help to explain why this curious adaptation only evolved once.
Share or compete? Load‐dependent recruitment of prefrontal cortex during dual‐task performance
Authors: Low Kathy A. , Leaver Echo E. , Kramer Arthur F. , Fabiani Monica , Gratton Gabriele
Published: July 2009

Dual‐task performance requires flexible attention allocation to two or more streams of information. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is considered important for executive function, and recent modeling work proposes that attention control may arise from selective activation and inhibition of different processing units within this region. Here, we used a tone discrimination task and a visual letter memory task to examine whether this type of competition could be measurable using a neuroimaging technique, the event‐related optical signal, with high spatial and temporal resolution. Left and right DLPFC structures were differentially affected by task priority and load, with the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) being preferentially recruited by the visual memory task, whereas the two tasks competed for recruitment, in a spatially segregated manner, in right MFG. The data provide support for a competition view of dual‐task processing.
Outcome expectancy as a moderator of mental fatigue influence on cardiovascular response
Authors: Stewart Christopher C. , Wright Rex A. , Azor Hui Siu‐Kuen , Simmons Angel
Published: July 2009

Female undergraduates performed an easy (fatigue low) or difficult (fatigue high) scanning task and then were presented mental arithmetic problems with instructions that they would earn a high or low chance of winning a prize if they did as well as or better than 50% of those who had performed previously. As expected, blood pressure responses in the second work period rose or tended to rise with fatigue where the chance of winning was high. By contrast, the responses tended weakly to decline with fatigue where the chance of winning was low. The pressure findings support the suggestion of a recent fatigue analysis that success importance should moderate fatigue influence on CV responses to a challenge so long as fatigued performers view success as possible. They also conceptually replicate previous fatigue results and provide a special class of evidence that fatigue influence on CV response is mediated by effort.
Reciprocal modulation of eye‐blink and pinna‐flexion components of startle during reward anticipation
Authors: Hackley Steven A. , Muñoz Miguel Ángel , Hebert Karen , Valle‐Inclán Fernando , Vila Jaime
Published: July 2009

Because expectancies play a central role in current theories of dopaminergic neuron function, it is important to develop measures of reward anticipation processes. In the present study, reflexogenic bursts of white noise were presented to 39 healthy young adults as they awaited rewards and punishments in a gambling‐like task. The rewards were small pieces of chocolate; the punishments, segments of bitter‐tasting banana peel. Consistent with prior research on affective valence, postauricular reflexes were larger prior to rewards than punishments, whereas the reverse was true for acoustic blink reflexes. We theorized that potentiation of the postauricular reflex prior to consuming appetizing food is related to the priming of ear‐retraction musculature during nursing in our remote ancestors.
Cell surface N‐glycans mediated isolation of mouse neural stem cells
Authors: Hamanoue Makoto , Matsuzaki Yumi , Sato Ken‐ichiro , Okano Hirotaka James , Shibata Shinsuke , Sato Isamu , Suzuki Sadafumi , Ogawara Miyuki , Takamatsu Ken , Okano Hideyuki
Published: July 2009

The isolation of neural stem cells (NSCs) from the brain has been hampered by the lack of valid cell surface markers and the requirement for long‐term in vitro cultivation that may lead to phenotype deterioration. However, few suitable specific cell surface antigens are available on NSCs that could be used for their prospective isolation. The present study demonstrated that the expression of complex type asparagine‐linked oligosaccharide (N‐glycans) was detected on brain cells dissociated from embryonic and adult brain using Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinating lectin (E‐PHA) which binds to biantennary complex type N‐glycans, and demonstrated that E‐PHA bound preferentially to purified NSCs, but not to neurons, microglia, or oligodendrocyte precursor cells. The labeling of dissociated mouse embryonic brain cells or adult brain cells with E‐PHA enabled the enrichment of NSCs by 25‐fold or 9‐fold of the number of neurosphere‐forming cells in comparison to that of unsorted cells, respectively. Furthermore, a lectin blot analysis revealed the presence of several glycoproteins which were recognized by E‐PHA in the membrane fraction of the proliferating NSCs, but not in the differentiated cells. These results indicate that complex type N‐glycans is a valuable cell surface marker for living mouse NSCs from both the embryonic and adult brain.
Effects of transcription factors Phox2 on expression of norepinephrine transporter and dopamine β‐hydroxylase in SK‐N‐BE(2)C cells
Authors: Fan Yan , Huang Jingjing , Kieran Niamh , Zhu Meng‐Yang
Published: July 2009

Phox2a and Phox2b are two homeodomain proteins that control the differentiation of noradrenergic neurons during embryogenesis. In the present study, we examined the possible effect of Phox2a/2b on thein vitroexpression of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH), two important markers of the noradrenergic system. SK‐N‐BE(2)C cells were transfected with cDNAs or short hairpin RNAs specific to the humanPhox2aandPhox2bgenes. Transfection of 0.1 to 5 μg of cDNAs of Phox2a or Phox2b significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of NET and DBH in a concentration‐dependent manner. As a consequence of the enhanced expression of NET after transfection, there was a parallel increase in the uptake of [3H]norepinephrine. Co‐transfection of Phox2a and Phox2b did not further increase the expression of noradrenergic markers when compared with transfection of either Phox2a or Phox2b alone. Transfection of shRNAs specific toPhox2aorPhox2bgenes significantly reduced mRNA and protein levels of NET and DBH after shutdown of endogenousPhox2, which was accompanied by a decreased [3H]norepinephrine uptake. Furthermore, there was an additive effect after cotransfection with both shRNAs specific toPhox2aorPhox2bgenes on NET mRNA levels. Finally, the reduced DBH expression caused by the shRNA specific toPhox2acould be reversed by transfection with Phox2b cDNA and vice versa. The present findings verify the determinant role of Phox2a and Phox2b on the expression and function of NET and DBHin vitro. Further clarifying the regulatory role of these two transcription factors on key proteins of the noradrenergic system may open a new avenue for therapeutics of aging‐caused dysfunction of the noradrenergic system.
The effect of soil texture and organic amendment on the hydrological behaviour of coarse‐textured soils
Authors: Wesseling J. G. , Stoof C. R. , Ritsema C. J. , Oostindie K. , Dekker L. W.
Published: July 2009

To gain more insight into the hydrological behaviour of coarse‐textured soils, the physical properties of artificially created soil mixtures with different texture were determined. The mixtures were prepared according to the specifications of the United States Golf Association (USGA) for constructing putting greens. In addition, the effect of 10 vol.% organic matter addition was studied. The soil moisture retention and hydraulic conductivity relationships of the different mixtures were determined and their hydrological behaviour was studied using the numerical model SoWaM. Both texture and organic matter addition substantially affected the hydraulic properties. Hydraulic conductivity significantly increased with increasing coarseness while moisture retention decreased. On the other hand, organic matter addition reduced saturated hydraulic conductivity by a factor of 10 to 100 and distinctly increased moisture retention capacity. The amounts of total available water were increased by the addition of organic matter between 144% (slightly coarse texture) and 434% (very coarse texture). Results indicate that the mixtures can contain only 2–16% plant available water and therefore need frequent irrigation to maintain plant growth. Addition of organic matter seems a good solution to reduce the irrigation water requirements but it increases the risk of ponding or runoff because of large reductions in the saturated hydraulic conductivity sometimes to below the rate of 3.6 m/day recommended by the USGA.
Validation of data collected in the Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry
Authors: Brønden L. B. , Lindstrand S. , Nielsen S. S. , Toft N. , Kristensen A. T.
Published: July 2009

The Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry (DVCR) was established in 2005 and prospectively collects information about neoplasms in Danish dogs and cats.

The present study evaluated the agreement between veterinary practice records and electronic submissions made to the DVCR from May 2005 through June 2008. The variables compared were gender, breed, diagnosis, date of birth, death and diagnosis, localization and biological behaviour of the neoplasms.

Agreement of 95% between DVCR and the original data were considered acceptable with regard to use of data in studies. Recorded proportions of agreement were: (1) breed: 97.4%; (2) diagnosis: 95.6%; (3) location: 95.6%; (4) biological behaviour: 93.0%; (5) gender: 92.5%; (6) date of death: 91.5%; (7) date of diagnosis: 80.1%; (8) date of birth: 76.7%.

All variables except date of death, birth, and diagnosis met the required 95% agreement limit. Data on dates of birth, death and diagnosis were considered less suitable for further studies.
Gang Youth as a Vulnerable Population for Nursing Intervention
Authors: Sanders Bill , Schneiderman Janet U. , Loken Alisha , Lankenau Stephen E. , Bloom Jennifer Jackson
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT
Background: Gang youth often come from socially and economically marginalized communities. Such youth report significantly higher rates of participation in violence, substance use, and risky sexual behaviors than their nongang peers.

Aims: This manuscript argues that gang‐identified youth constitute a vulnerable population.

Materials and Methods: Data are drawn from the general research literature and a case example of how a nurse in Los Angeles partnered with law enforcement to provide preventive health care to gang youth and youth at‐risk for joining gangs.

Conclusion: Gang youth are a vulnerable population amenable to nursing intervention. Gang youth may have particular health care needs and may need special access to health care.
Root Dynamics of Cultivar and Non‐Cultivar Population Sources of Two Dominant Grasses during Initial Establishment of Tallgrass Prairie
Authors: Klopf Ryan P. , Baer Sara G.
Published: July 2009

Dominance of warm‐season grasses modulates tallgrass prairie ecosystem structure and function. Reintroduction of these grasses is a widespread practice to conserve soil and restore prairie ecosystems degraded from human land use changes. Seed sources for reintroduction of dominant prairie grass species include local (non‐cultivar) and selected (cultivar) populations. The primary objective of this study was to quantify whether intraspecific variation in developing root systems exists between population sources (non‐cultivar and cultivar) of two dominant grasses (Sorghastrum nutansandSchizachyrium scoparium) widely used in restoration. Non‐cultivar and cultivar grass seedlings of both species were isolated in an experimental prairie restoration at the Konza Prairie Biological Station. We measured above‐ and belowground net primary production (ANPP and BNPP, respectively), root architecture, and root tissue quality, as well as soil moisture and plant available inorganic nitrogen (N) in soil associated with each species and source at the end of the first growing season. Cultivars had greater root length, surface area, and volume than non‐cultivars. Available inorganic N and soil moisture were present in lower amounts in soil proximal to roots of cultivars than non‐cultivars. Additionally, soil NO3–N was negatively correlated with root volume inS. nutanscultivars. While cultivars had greater BNPP than non‐cultivars, this was not reflected aboveground root structure, as ANPP was similar between cultivars and non‐cultivars. Intraspecific variation in belowground root structure and function exists between cultivar and non‐cultivar sources of the dominant prairie grasses during initial reestablishment of tallgrass prairie. Population source selection should be considered in setting restoration goals and objectives.
Control of Exotic Annual Grasses to Restore Native Forbs in Abandoned Agricultural Land
Authors: Marushia Robin G. , Allen Edith B.
Published: July 2009

Exotic annual grasses are a major challenge to successful restoration in temperate and Mediterranean climates. Experiments to restore abandoned agricultural fields from exotic grassland to coastal sage scrub habitat were conducted over two years in southern California, U.S.A. Grass control methods were tested in 5 m2 plots using soil and vegetation treatments seeded with a mix of natives. The treatments compared grass‐specific herbicide, mowing, and black plastic winter solarization with disking and a control. In year two, herbicide and mowing treatments were repeated on the first‐year plots, plus new control and solarization plots were added. Treatments were evaluated using percent cover, richness and biomass of native and exotic plants. Disking alone reduced exotic grasses, but solarization was the most effective control in both years even without soil sterilization, and produced the highest cover of natives. Native richness was greatest in solarization and herbicide plots. Herbicide application reduced exotics and increased natives more than disking or mowing, but produced higher exotic forb biomass than solarization in the second year. Mowing reduced grass biomass and cover in both years, but did not improve native establishment more than disking. Solarization was the most effective restoration method, but grass‐specific herbicide may be a valuable addition or alternative. Solarization using black plastic could improve restoration in regions with cool, wet summers or winter growing seasons by managing exotic seedbanks prior to seeding. While solarization may be impractical at very large scales, it will be useful for rapid establishment of annual assemblages on small scales.
Evaluation of Long‐Term Response of Intertidal Creek Nekton to Phragmites australis (Common Reed) Removal in Oligohaline Delaware Bay Salt Marshes
Authors: Kimball Matthew E. , Able Kenneth W. , Grothues Thomas M.
Published: July 2009

In the oligohaline Alloway Creek watershed of the upper Delaware Bay, invasive Phragmites australis (Common reed; hereafter Phragmites) has been removed in an attempt to restore tidal marshes to pre‐invasion form and function. In order to determine the effects of Phragmites on nekton use of intertidal creeks and to evaluate the success of this restoration, intertidal creek nekton assemblages were sampled with weirs from May to November for 7 years (1999‐2005) in three marsh types: natural Spartina alterniflora (Smooth cordgrass; hereafter Spartina), sites treated for Phragmites removal (hereafter referred to as Treated), and invasive Phragmites marshes. Replicate intertidal creek collections in all three marsh types consisted primarily of resident nekton and were dominated by a relatively low number of ubiquitous intertidal species. The Treated marsh nekton assemblage was distinguished by greater abundances of most nekton, especially Fundulus heteroclitus (Mummichog). Phragmites had little impact on nekton use of intertidal creeks over this period as evidenced by similar nekton assemblages in the Spartina and Phragmites marshes for most years. Long‐term assemblage‐level analyses and nekton abundances indicated that the Treated marsh provided enhanced conditions for intertidal creek nekton. The response of intertidal creek nekton suggests that the stage of the restoration may influence the results of comparisons between the marsh types and should be considered when evaluating marsh restorations.
Response of Fish Assemblage Structure and Function Following Restoration of Two Small Bahamian Tidal Creeks
Authors: Valentine‐Rose Lori , Layman Craig A.
Published: July 2009

Disruption of hydrologic connectivity via road crossings is extremely common in Bahamian tidal creeks, resulting in increased sedimentation and decreased habitat quality and quantity for biota. We restored hydrologic connectivity (i.e., tidal flow) in two small Bahamian mangrove tidal creeks in May 2004 and 2005. We observed the characteristics of fish assemblage structure (species richness) and function (secondary production and transient species utilization of restored areas) before and after restoration, and compared these data with fragmented and unfragmented reference creeks. Restoration significantly increased species richness and secondary production of resident fish species in one of the two restored creeks. Increased utilization of the previously blocked wetlands by transient fishes was observed in both creeks. We suggest success could be attributed to the presence of adjacent nearshore recruitment sources, a more complex local seascape (i.e., high habitat heterogeneity in the creek and local nearshore), and the creation of deep upstream refugia pools. This is one of the first studies to use both structural and functional characteristics to monitor the success of restoration in mangrove ecosystems. Studies combining both structural and functional metrics in restoration monitoring are imperative in linking restoration ecology theory with practical ecological restoration efforts.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes From a Comprehensive Magnetic Resonance Study of Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Astley Susan J. , Aylward Elizabeth H. , Olson Heather Carmichael , Kerns Kimberly , Brooks Allison , Coggins Truman E. , Davies Julian , Dorn Susan , Gendler Beth , Jirikowic Tracy , Kraegel Paul , Maravilla Kenneth , Richards Todd
Published: July 2009

Background:  Magnetic resonance (MR) technology offers noninvasive methods for in vivo assessment of neuroabnormalities.

Methods:  A comprehensive neuropsychological/psychiatric battery, coupled with MR imaging, (MRI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), and functional MRI (fMRI) assessments, were administered to children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) to determine if global and/or focal abnormalities could be identified, and distinguish diagnostic subclassifications across the spectrum. The 4 study groups included: (i) fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)/partial FAS (PFAS); (ii) static encephalopathy/alcohol exposed (SE/AE); (iii) neurobehavioral disorder/alcohol exposed (ND/AE) as diagnosed with the FASD 4‐Digit Code; and (iv) healthy peers with no prenatal alcohol exposure. Presented here are the MRI assessments that were used to compare the sizes of brain regions between the 4 groups. The neuropsychological/behavioral, MRS, and fMRI outcomes are reported separately.

Results:  Progressing across the 4 study groups from Controls to ND/AE to SE/AE to FAS/PFAS, the mean absolute size of the total brain, frontal lobe, caudate, putamen, hippocampus, cerebellar vermis, and corpus callosum length decreased incrementally and significantly. The FAS/PFAS group (the only group with the 4‐Digit FAS facial phenotype) had disproportionately smaller frontal lobes relative to all other groups. The FAS/PFAS and SE/AE groups [the 2 groups with the most severe central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction] had disproportionately smaller caudate regions relative to the ND/AE and Control groups. The prevalence of subjects in the FAS/PFAS, SE/AE, and ND/AE groups that had 1 or more brain regions, 2 or more SDs below the mean size observed in the Control group was 78, 58, and 43%, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between size of brain regions and level of prenatal alcohol exposure, magnitude of FAS facial phenotype, and level of CNS dysfunction.

Conclusions:  Magnetic resonance imaging provided further validation that ND/AE, SE/AE, and FAS/PFAS as defined by the FASD 4‐Digit Code are 3 clinically distinct and increasingly more affected diagnostic subclassifications under the umbrella of FASD. Neurostructural abnormalities are present across the spectrum. MRI could importantly augment diagnosis of conditions under the umbrella of FASD, once population‐based norms for structural development of the human brain are established.
Quality of medical care of patients with acne vulgaris in Germany – nationwide survey of pharmacy clients
Authors: Franzke Nadine , Zimmer Lisa , Schäfer Ines , Radermacher Christian , Kresken Joachim , Augustin Matthias
Published: July 2009

Background: No empirical “real world” data on the health care of patients with acne vulgaris in Germany currently exist. The objective of this study was to get an informative basis of health care of patients with acne vulgaris in Germany, taking into account both doctor‐prescribed medication and self‐medication.

Patients and Methods: Surveying both medically and self‐treated patients, n = 504 patients with acne vulgaris were interviewed in 48 pharmacies nationwide. In addition to socio‐demographic data, the duration of illness, localization and therapy as well as patient‐relevant outcomes such as patient benefit, psychological strain and markers of compliance were evaluated. The participation and significance of individual treatment providers were also evaluated.

Results: A large percentage of the patients found acne vulgaris to be burdensome. Despite the longstanding necessity of treatment and the chronic course of the illness, the treatment of acne vulgaris was deemed a rather satisfactory experience by most of those affected. Dermatologists were most frequently consulted for treatment. A great number of medicinal products were further acquired through self‐medication or after consulting with a pharmacist. The medically regulated therapies predominantly complied with the latest guidelines.

Conclusions: Acne vulgaris is a burdensome, socio‐economically relevant illness, and dermatologists treat most cases in Germany. Surveying across a network of pharmacies offers a unique access to relevant treatment data. Selection effects, particularly by choice of doctors and self‐medication, were minimized.
Breastfeeding is an essential complement to vaccination
Authors: Dòrea Josè G
Published: July 2009

Aim:  This article explores the role of breastfeeding in different aspects of vaccination in the first 6 months when infants are still developing: (1) pain management; (2) immunomodulation of infants’ vaccine responses; (3)metabolism of thimerosal.

Methods:  Major databases were searched for studies that addressed outcomes of related issues.

Results:  Studies reveal that breastfeeding can: (1) help mothers and infants to cope with the stressful situations that accompany parenteral vaccines; (2) improve response to vaccines in the still maturing immunologic and enterohepatic systems of infants; (3) influence physiologic parameters that can change metabolism of ethylmercury derived from some vaccines.

Conclusion: Health promotion that supports vaccinations should also emphasize early initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding up until 6 months for maximum protection of the infants with a possible beneficial effect on the vaccine response. Paediatric professionals should inform mothers of the proven benefits of breastfeeding and its importance in complementing vaccination and lowering stress and the risk of untoward reactions on susceptible infants.
Dimethyltin(IV) Derivatives of Biologically Potent Substituted Phenylacrylic Acids: Synthesis, Chemical Characterization and Inhibitory Effects on Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Hussain Mukhtiar , Ahmad Muhammad Sheeraz , Siddique Adnan , Hanif Muhammad , Ali Saqib , Mirza Bushra
Published: July 2009

Effect of dimethyltin(IV) complexes of different substituted phenyl acrylic acids on the ability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to cause tumours in plants was studied by using potato discs. The results demonstrated significant inhibition of tumours formation. All the compounds were synthesized and characterized by using analytical techniques, i.e. FTIR, multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, 19F and 119Sn) and mass spectrometry. These studies explain that dimethyltin(IV) derivatives exist in a deformed octahedral environment known as skew trapezoidal geometry with four strong and two weaker bonds.
A case of multiple unilateral corneal epithelial inclusion cysts in a dog
Authors: Simonazzi B. , Castania M. , Bosco V. , Giudice C. , Rondena M.
Published: July 2009

A three‐year‐old neutered female Labrador cross was presented for investigation of two corneal epithelial inclusion cysts affecting the left eye. The aetiopathogenesis of the cyst formation was suspected to be traumatic. The cysts were removed successfully by superficial keratectomy, followed by a third eyelid flap. Histologically, both lesions were represented by cystic formations lined with multi‐layered squamous epithelium, consistent with stromal inclusion of surface corneal epithelium. Complete recovery was achieved, and there was no recurrence at six month follow‐up.
Phytogeomorphic Influence of Stone Covers and Boulders on Plant Distribution and Slope Processes in High‐Mountain Areas
Authors: Pérez Francisco L.
Published: July 2009

This study reviews several effects stones have on slope geomorphic processes and plant distribution at high elevations, with emphasis on low‐latitude mountains and volcanic environments and rosette plants. It begins by considering how vegetation becomes established on relatively stable footslopes and the principal influences that outcrops and isolated boulders have on slope movement and vegetation development, moves to a comparison of the principal geomorphic processes affecting stone‐covered slopes and the disturbance agents influencing fine‐sediment zones that are devoid of clasts. The significance of stones for plant survival in areas subjected to frost activity, the strategies displayed by plants growing in unstable talus zones and the impacts stones have on plant development and slope dynamics are also considered. The study concludes by examining the role stones play in providing safe sites for plant development and the expansion of ecological niches, and with some speculations on possible future research directions.
Culture of the Labor Movement and Work in the United States
Authors: Rudy P
Published: July 2009

With the resurgence of union organizing during the 1990s, a new scholarship about the labor movement has emerged, documenting and explaining this new social movement unionism. Literature on the culture of work is well developed while, generally speaking, in the scholarship about the labor movement, culture is an underdeveloped analysis. In this article, we look at the culture of market fundamentalism as the dominant way of thinking and explaining work and labor in the United States. Market fundamentalism has emerged at the same time that women and immigrants have become much more numerous among U.S. workers, and they have brought with them new cultural emphases at work and among unions. In response to market fundamentalism and with the activism of women and immigrants among others, unions have transformed their own culture toward social movement unionism and have pushed for a new culture of work.
Grub Street and Suicide: A View from the Literary Press in Late Eighteenth‐Century France
Authors: CARADONNA JEREMY L.
Published: July 2009

This article investigates the manner in which the French press of the late eighteenth century treated the suicides of Grub Street writers. The main argument is that the secularisation of suicide allowed for new attitudes toward self‐inflicted death. One finds that the underground press callously mocked the suicides of hack writers. Secondarily, the article challenges the notion that suicide became ‘medicalised’ in the eighteenth century, and that contemporaries viewed it solely as an act of insanity.
Sophia Lee and the Genre Sérieux
Authors: HYNES PETER
Published: July 2009

This article measures the influence of Denis Diderot's theory of the genre sérieux on English drama of the later eighteenth century, using Sophia Lee's The Chapter of Accidents as its principal test case. It concludes that, while Lee borrowed extensively for plot devices and character types, she did not adopt many of the innovations that in Diderot's view constituted the heart of his programme of reform. A number of reasons for this neglect are suggested, foremost among them the practical demands of English stage production in the 1780s.
Efficacy of Benazepril Hydrochloride to Delay the Progression of Occult Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers
Authors: O'Grady M.R. , O'Sullivan M.L. , Minors S.L. , Horne R.
Published: July 2009

Background:Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are recommended in people to treat asymptomatic (occult) dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Efficacy of therapy in occult DCM in dogs is unknown.

Hypothesis:ACEIs, specifically benazepril hydrochloride (BH), will delay the onset of overt DCM in Doberman Pinschers.

Animals:Ninety‐one Doberman Pinschers were studied, 57 dogs received BH, and 34 dogs no ACEI.

Methods:Retrospective study of the medical records of all Doberman Pinschers with occult DCM that received BH or no ACEI between April 1989 and February 2003. Two criteria of left ventricular enlargement were used for enrollment: one independent of body weight (BW) (C1) and the other indexed to BW (C2). Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to identify variables associated with the onset of overt DCM.

Results:On univariate analysis the median time to onset of overt DCM was significantly longer for the benazepril group (for C1: 425 days for BH, 95% confidence interval [CI] 264–625 days; 339 days for no ACEI, CI 172–453 days,P= .02; for C2: 454 days for BH, CI 264–628 days; 356 days for no ACEI, CI 181–547 days,P= .02). The hazard ratio (HR) (benazepril/no ACEI) was 0.57, CI 0.35–0.94,P= .03 for C1; HR = 0.56, CI 0.34–0.93,P= .02 for C2. On multivariate analysis, BH significantly delayed onset of overt DCM (HR [benazepril/no ACEI] = 0.45, CI 0.26–0.78,P< .01, for C1; HR = 0.36, CI 0.21–0.63,P< .01, for C2).

Conclusions:BH in particular and ACEIs in general might delay the progression of occult DCM. Prospective studies are warranted to test this theory.
Holmium:YAG Laser Lithotripsy for Urolithiasis in Horses
Authors: Grant D.C. , Westropp J.L. , Shiraki R. , Ruby A.L.
Published: July 2009

Background:Laser lithotripsy has been used as an alternative to surgical removal of uroliths.

Objective:To describe the procedure and efficacy of laser lithotripsy for removal of lower urinary tract uroliths in horses. Additionally, the ultrastructure and the differences in mineralogy and microstructure from 1 successful and 1 unsuccessful laser lithotripsy case are described.

Animals:Six client‐owned horses with 7 episodes of naturally occurring urocystoliths, urethroliths, or both.

Methods:Retrospective study of all horses treated between 2006 and 2008 by laser lithotripsy. All horses were sedated followed by laser lithotripsy. Quantitative urolith analysis was performed in all cases. Ultrastructure and microstructure analyses were performed on uroliths from 2 horses.

Results:Procedural success was achieved in 5 of 7 laser lithotripsy procedures. No complications occurred as a result of laser lithotripsy. One horse developed uroabdomen likely as a result of manual lithotrite disruption of the bladder after failure of laser lithotripsy. There were differences in microstructure between 1 urolith that was successfully fragmented by laser lithotripsy and 1 urolith that was resistant to laser fragmentation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Laser lithotripsy is an effective procedure for removal of some urocystoliths, urethroliths, or both in horses.
CONFORMAL MAPPING OF UNRUH TEMPERATURE
Authors: MARTINETTI PIERRE
Published: July 2009

In the framework of conformal field theory, the mapping from (unbounded) wedge regions of Minkowski spacetime to (bounded) double-cone regions is extended to the Unruh temperature associated to a uniformly accelerated observer. The link between a previous result, the diamond's temperature, and the conformal factor (Weyl rescaling of the metric) is worked out. One thus explains from a mathematical point of view why an observer with finite lifetime experiences the vacuum as a thermal state whatever his acceleration, even vanishing.
FIRST-ORDER DISTRIBUTED FERMI ACCELERATION OF COSMIC RAY HADRONS IN NON-UNIFORM MAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: SCHLICKEISER R.
Published: July 2009

Large-scale spatial variations of the guide magnetic field of interplanetary and interstellar plasmas give rise to the adiabatic focusing term in the Fokker–Planck transport equation of cosmic rays. As a consequence of the adiabatic focusing term, the diffusion approximation to cosmic ray transport in the weak focusing limit gives rise to first-order Fermi acceleration of energetic particles if the product HL of the cross helicity state of Alfvenic turbulence H and the focusing length L is negative. The basic physical mechanisms for this new acceleration process are clarified and the astrophysical conditions for efficient acceleration are investigated. It is shown that in the interstellar medium this mechanism preferentially accelerates cosmic ray hadrons over 10 orders of magnitude in momentum. Due to heavy Coulomb and ionization losses at low momenta, injection or preacceleration of particles above the threshold momentum pc≃0.17Z2/3 GeV /c is required.
EXTENDED BOTT–VIRASORO ALGEBRA, SEMIDIRECT PRODUCT, ⋆-LIE ALGEBRA OF DIFFEOMORPHISM AND NONCOMMUTATIVE INTEGRABLE SYSTEMS
Authors: GUHA PARTHA
Published: July 2009

We study noncommutative theory of a coadjoint representation of a universal extension of Vect (S1) ⋉ C∞(S1) algebra using the action of ⋆-deformed matrix Hill's operators Δ⋆ on the space of ⋆-deformed tensor densities. The centrally extended semidirect product algebra [Formula: see text] is a Lie algebra of extended semidirect product of the Bott–Virasoro group [Formula: see text]. The study of deformed diffeomorphisms, deformed semidirect product algebra and deformed Lie derivative action of Δ⋆ on ⋆ deformed tensor-densities on S1 allow us to construct noncommutative two component Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equations, in particular, we derive the noncommutative Ito equation. This leads to a geometric formulation of ⋆-deformed quantization of the centrally extended semidirect product algebra [Formula: see text] and two component noncommutative KdV equations.
ON SOME HYPERCOMPLEX 4-DIMENSIONAL LIE GROUPS OF CONSTANT SCALAR CURVATURE
Authors: SALIMI MOGHADDAM HAMID REZA
Published: July 2009

In this paper we study sectional curvature of invariant hyper-Hermitian metrics on simply connected 4-dimensional real Lie groups admitting invariant hypercomplex structure. We give the Levi–Civita connections and explicit formulas for computing sectional curvatures of these metrics and show that all these spaces have constant scalar curvature. We also show that they are flat or they have only non-negative or non-positive sectional curvature.
KINEMATICS OF FLOWS ON CURVED, DEFORMABLE MEDIA
Authors: DASGUPTA ANIRVAN , NANDAN HEMWATI , KAR SAYAN
Published: July 2009

Kinematics of geodesic flows on specific, two-dimensional, curved surfaces (the sphere, hyperbolic space and the torus) are investigated by explicitly solving the evolution (Raychaudhuri) equations for the expansion, shear and rotation, for a variety of initial conditions. For flows on the sphere and on hyperbolic space, we show the existence of singular (within a finite value of the time parameter) as well as non-singular solutions. We illustrate our results through a phase diagram which demonstrates under which initial conditions (or combinations thereof) we end up with a singularity in the congruence and when, if at all, we can obtain non-singular solutions for the kinematic variables. Our analysis portrays the differences which arise due to positive or negative curvature and also explores the role of rotation in controlling singular behavior. Subsequently, we move on to geodesic flows on two-dimensional spaces with varying curvature. As an example, we discuss flows on a torus. Characteristic oscillatory features, dependent on the ratio of the two radii of the torus, emerge in the solutions for the expansion, shear and rotation. Singular (within a finite time) and non-singular behavior of the solutions are also discussed. Finally, we conclude with a generalization to three-dimensional spaces of constant curvature, a summary of some of the generic features obtained and a comparison of our results with those for flows in flat space.