bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of Three‐Dimensional Dendritic Structures based on the Investigation of Microsegregation Patterns
Authors: Domitner J. , Kharicha A. , Grasser M. , Ludwig A.
Published: August 2010

The shape of growing dendrites during the solidification of cast steel depends on many different parameters. This includes the casting technique, the applied cooling conditions or the casting geometry. Alloying elements such as carbon, silicon or manganese have a major influence on the solidification behaviour and therefore on the morphology of the growing dendrites. In this paper, a method is presented which enables the reconstruction of three‐dimensional dendritic structures by using concentration maps of a certain alloying element. For this purpose, a sample of a conventionally produced St52 continuous casting steel has been investigated. To determine the required two‐dimensional maps, an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA or “microprobe”) with wavelength dispersive spectrometers (WDS) has been used. After the EPMA measurements, a commercial software tool has been utilized to process the concentration maps to three‐dimensional structures. This processing includes an iterative numerical method which allows estimating the curvature effect on the measured concentration patterns and therefore on the dendritic shape.
Protein, Lipid, Aliphatic and Triterpenic Alcohol Content of Caper Seeds “Capparis spinosa”
Authors: Tlili Nizar , El Guizani Taissir , Nasri Nizar , Khaldi Abdelhamid , Triki Saida
Published: August 2010

Capparis spinosa has a large natural distribution over the Mediterranean basin. It is used in traditional medicines, and it is one of the most commonly found aromatics in the Mediterranean kitchen. In this paper, the total storage protein and lipids of Tunisian Capparis spinosa seeds were investigated, and the quantities were ca. 27% and ca. 33%, respectively. In this study also the composition of the aliphatic and triterpenic alcohols of C. spinosa was characterized for the first time. Aliphatic alcohol contents were ca. 45 mg kg−1 of total extracted lipids. Three compounds were identified, hexadecanol, octadecanol and tetracosanol, of which octadecanol was the major compound (ca. 28 mg kg−1). Triterpenic alcohol content was 396.82 mg kg−1. Citrostadienol was the major compound (ca. 170 mg kg−1). β‐Amyrin, gramisterol, cycloartanol and 2,4 methylcycloartenol were also detected and identified.
Level-Dependent Annuities: Defaults of Multiple Degrees
Authors: Mjøs Aksel , Persson Svein-Arne
Published: August 2010

Motivated by the effect on valuation of stopped or reduced debt coupon payments from a company in financial distress, we value a level-dependent annuity contract where the annuity rate depends on the value of an underlying asset process. The range of possible values of this asset is divided into a finite number of regions, with constant annuity rates within each region. We present closed-form formulas for the market value of level-dependent annuities contracts when the market value of the underlying asset is assumed to follow a geometric Brownian motion. Such annuities occur naturally in models of debt with credit risk in financial economics. Our results are applied for valuing both corporate debt with suspended interest payments under the U.S. Chapter 11 provisions and loans with contractual level-dependent interest rates.
A worm-inspired new spatial hyper-redundant manipulator
Authors: Gallardo-Alvarado Jaime , Lesso-Arroyo Raúl , García-Miranda J. Santos
Published: August 2010

In this work a novel spatial hyper-redundant manipulator inspired in the motions of the worms is introduced. The displacement analysis is presented in a semi-closed form solution, whereas the velocity and acceleration analyses are carried out by means of the theory of screws. Among typical applications of most hyper-redundant manipulators, interesting biomechanical applications such as the simulation of the motion of the spine are available for this newartificial worm.
Information-oriented patients and physician career satisfaction: is there a link?
Authors: Fang Hai , Rizzo John A.
Published: August 2010

Patients’ increasing use of alternative sources of information besides their physician and more active involvement in medical decision making may be changing relationships between physicians and their patients. We term patients who provide medical information to their physicians from sources other than their physician as information-oriented patients and investigate the relationship between having such patients and physician career satisfaction. We find that having more information-oriented patients is significantly associated with lower physician career satisfaction. Though healthcare information from alternative sources other than their physicians is thought to promote better-informed patient choices, the adverse relationship with physician career satisfaction found in this study may have important implications for patient access and quality of care.
Seismic Lg‐wave Q tomography in and around Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Lian‐Feng , Xie Xiao‐Bi , Wang Wei‐Min , Zhang Jin‐Hai , Yao Zhen‐Xing
Published: August 2010

We investigate regional variations in the Lg‐wave quality factor (Q) in Northeast China and its vicinity with a tomographic method. Digital seismic data recorded at 20 broadband stations from 125 regional events are used to extract Lg‐wave spectra. Tomographic inversions are independently conducted at 58 discrete frequencies distributed log evenly between 0.05 and 10.0 Hz. We simultaneously invert for the Lg‐wave Q distribution and source spectra at individual frequencies without using any a priori assumption about the frequency dependence of the Q model and source function. The best spatial resolution is approximately 1° × 1° in well‐covered areas for frequencies between 0.4 and 2.0 Hz. The Lg Q shows significant regional variations and an apparent relationship with regional geology. We use a statistical method to investigate the regional variations of Lg Q and their frequency dependence. The average Q0 (1 Hz Lg Q) in the entire investigated region is 414. Sedimentary basins are usually characterized by lower average Q0 values (from 155 to 391), while volcanic mountain areas have relatively high average Q0 values (from 630 to 675). Lg Q generally increases with increasing frequency. However, the frequency dependence has complex nonlinear features on a double‐logarithmic scale, indicating that the commonly adopted power‐law relationship may be oversimplified in a broad frequency band. The frequency dependence varies in different geological areas, with larger variations seen at lower frequencies.
A nonparametric stochastic approach for multisite disaggregation of annual to daily streamflow
Authors: Nowak Kenneth , Prairie James , Rajagopalan Balaji , Lall Upmanu
Published: August 2010

Streamflow disaggregation techniques are used to distribute a single aggregate flow value to multiple sites in both space and time while preserving distributional statistics (i.e., mean, variance, skewness, and maximum and minimum values) from observed data. A number of techniques exist for accomplishing this task through a variety of parametric and nonparametric approaches. However, most of these methods do not perform well for disaggregation to daily time scales. This is generally due to a mismatch between the parametric distributions appropriate for daily flows versus monthly or annual flows, the high dimension of the disaggregation problem, compounded uncertainty in parameter estimation for multistage approaches, and the inability to maintain flow continuity across disaggregation time period boundaries. We present a method that directly simulates daily data at multiple locations from a single annual flow value via K‐nearest neighbor (K‐NN) resampling of daily flow proportion vectors. The procedure is simple and data driven and captures observed statistics quite well. Furthermore, the generated daily data are continuous and display lag correlation structure consistent with that of the observed data. The utility and effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated for selected sites in the San Juan River Basin, located in southwestern Colorado, and later compared with the disaggregation technique of Prairie et al. (2007) for several locations in the Colorado River Basin.
Mixing effects on apparent reaction rates and isotope fractionation during denitrification in a heterogeneous aquifer
Authors: Green Christopher T. , Böhlke John Karl , Bekins Barbara A. , Phillips Steven P.
Published: August 2010

Gradients in contaminant concentrations and isotopic compositions commonly are used to derive reaction parameters for natural attenuation in aquifers. Differences between field‐scale (apparent) estimated reaction rates and isotopic fractionations and local‐scale (intrinsic) effects are poorly understood for complex natural systems. For a heterogeneous alluvial fan aquifer, numerical models and field observations were used to study the effects of physical heterogeneity on reaction parameter estimates. Field measurements included major ions, age tracers, stable isotopes, and dissolved gases. Parameters were estimated for the O2 reduction rate, denitrification rate, O2 threshold for denitrification, and stable N isotope fractionation during denitrification. For multiple geostatistical realizations of the aquifer, inverse modeling was used to establish reactive transport simulations that were consistent with field observations and served as a basis for numerical experiments to compare sample‐based estimates of “apparent” parameters with “true“ (intrinsic) values. For this aquifer, non‐Gaussian dispersion reduced the magnitudes of apparent reaction rates and isotope fractionations to a greater extent than Gaussian mixing alone. Apparent and true rate constants and fractionation parameters can differ by an order of magnitude or more, especially for samples subject to slow transport, long travel times, or rapid reactions. The effect of mixing on apparent N isotope fractionation potentially explains differences between previous laboratory and field estimates. Similarly, predicted effects on apparent O2 threshold values for denitrification are consistent with previous reports of higher values in aquifers than in the laboratory. These results show that hydrogeological complexity substantially influences the interpretation and prediction of reactive transport.
Identification of Central‐Pacific and Eastern‐Pacific types of ENSO in CMIP3 models
Authors: Yu Jin‐Yi , Kim Seon Tae
Published: August 2010

Much understanding of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been obtained from the analyses of the climate simulations produced for World Climate Research Programme's Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3). However, most of these analyses do not consider the existence of the Eastern‐Pacific (EP) and Central‐Pacific (CP) types of ENSO events, which have been increasingly recognized as two distinct types of interannual sea surface temperature (SST) variation in the tropical Pacific. This study uses a regression‐Empirical Orthogonal Function method to identify how well these two ENSO types are captured in the pre‐industrial simulations of nineteen CMIP3 models. It is concluded that most CMIP3 models (13 out of 19) can produce realistically strong CP ENSOs, but only a few of them (9 out of 19) can produce realistically strong EP ENSOs. Six models that realistically simulate both the EP and CP ENSOs and their intensity ratio are identified. By separating the SST variability into these two types, it is further revealed that the leading periodicity of the simulated EP ENSO is linearly related to the latitudinal width of SST variability and varies from 1 to 5 years. As for the simulated CP ENSO, its leading periodicity is either 2 or 4 years depending on whether its SST variability is located to the east of the dateline or in the western‐Pacific warm pool, respectively. The identification produced in this study offers useful information to further understand the two types of ENSO using the CMIP3 models.
The effect of washing water on bonding to etched enamel
Authors: Schneider D. J. , Combe E. C. , Martens L. V.
Published: August 2010

summary  There is current concern about bacterial contamination of dental unit waterlines. This research hypothesized that the presence of increasing concentrations of bacteria in water used to wash etched enamel would result in a corresponding decrease in both shear bond strength (SBS) and critical surface tension (γC) of enamel. A further hypothesis was made that there is a correlation between SBS and γC. The effect of 3ḃ5 ppm iodine in the water as a bacteriostatic agent was also assessed. Five groups of 10 samples of bovine enamel were etched, washed, and a resin composite bonded to them. The control group was washed with distilled water. Another group was washed with the dilute iodine solution. The remaining three groups used a different concentration of Escherichia coli DH5α as follows (in cfu mL−1): group 1: 102; group 2: 104; group 3: 106. Shear bond strength data were measured on an Instron testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm min−1. Adhesion data were (MPa): control: 24ḃ6 ± 6ḃ0; with iodine: 20ḃ8 ± 2ḃ7; group 1: 19ḃ8 ± 2ḃ7; group 2: 13ḃ5 ± 3ḃ0; group 3: 13ḃ9 ± 3ḃ6. The F‐test yielded a highly significant difference between control group, iodine group and group 1, compared with groups 2 and 3 (P < 0ḃ0001). Tukey's Studentized Range Test was used for pairwise comparison testing between groups. Using a Cahn dynamic contact angle analyzer and linear regression analysis, the plots of surface tension versus cosθ were extrapolated to cosθ = 1 to give γC data for the control group and groups 1–3. In all cases reasonable linearity was observed (r2 ≥ 0ḃ87). Data (mN m−1) were: control group: 50ḃ8; group 1: 45ḃ; group 2: 43ḃ2; group 3: 39ḃ5. The SBS and γC were then plotted against each other and linear regression analysis performed. It was concluded that increasing concentrations of bacteria in wash water decreased both SBS and γC and that a linear correlation (R2 = 0ḃ84) was found between the values of these two parameters.
Quantitative evaluation of grain boundary activity in multicrystalline semiconductors by light beam induced current: An advanced model
Authors: Micard G. , Hahn G. , Zuschlag A. , Seren S. , Terheiden B.
Published: August 2010

We present an advanced analytical model which applies to light beam induced current contrast profiles to determine reliably the effective surface recombination velocities (Seff) of grain boundaries (GBs) and diffusion lengths (Ldiff) in the grains, in cases where a GB is close to the studied one or when Ldiff of the neighboring grain differs. We introduce additionally a new method for a very accurate determination of the plateau value of the investigated linescan and make use of simultaneously fitting GB profiles measured at various laser wavelengths both aiming at increasing the accuracy of the Ldiff determination. Through several special case investigations, the various applications and limitations of the model are demonstrated. We discuss the influence of the electrical parameters of the semiconductor on the various zones of the profile as well as the influence of measurement technique parameters on the experimental profile and point out the need of an accurately determined small laser beam radius to ensure a reliable extraction of Seff. We discuss the occurring discrepancy between fit and measured data and show that it gives hints about particular material features and the reliability of the extracted parameters. We finally point out the possibility of determining Ldiff in small grains. This model thus allows more realistic GB situations to be investigated.
Three pulse UV photon echo studies of molecules in solution: Effect of the chirp
Authors: Oskouei A. Ajdarzadeh , Tortschanoff A. , Bräm O. , van Mourik F. , Cannizzo A. , Chergui M.
Published: August 2010

We report on the electronic dephasing times of the nonpolar chromophore diphenylacetylene (DPA) in ethanol and in cyclohexane (polar and nonpolar solvents respectively) by photon echo measurements in the ultraviolet. Contrary to previous reports, we observed sub-100-fs electronic dephasing times for DPA in both solvents. We identify fast dynamics of τ=40±10 fs on the photon echo peak shift (PEPS) traces of DPA in ethanol. In addition, we observed a dependence of the PEPS asymptotic value on the temporal chirp of the pulses. We propose a model to describe it in terms of phase-matching condition and beam geometry.
Electric-field and temperature induced phase transitions in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 single crystals
Authors: Lin Dabin , Li Zhenrong , Zhang Shujun , Xu Zhuo , Yao Xi
Published: August 2010

Electric-field and/or temperature induced phase transitions were observed using polarizing light microscope on [100]-oriented Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 (PMN–0.3PT) single crystals with electric fields applied along the [001] and [011] directions, respectively. The monoclinic (M) and tetragonal (T) phases were observed with electric field applied along the [001] direction at 5 and 9 kV/cm, respectively. The orthorhombic (O) and T were observed with 5 kV/cm and 10 kV/cm electric field applied along the [011] direction, respectively. The intermediate phases [M and/or O phase(s)] were also confirmed by the temperature-dependent dielectric behavior.
Random walk of magnetic field lines in dynamical turbulence: A field line tracing method. I. Slab turbulence
Authors: Shalchi A.
Published: August 2010

To study the wandering of magnetic field lines is an important subject in theoretical physics. Results of field line random walk theories can be applied in plasma physics as well as astrophysics. Previous investigations are based on magnetostatic models. These models have been used in analytical work as well as in computer simulations to warrant mathematical and numerical tractability. To replace the magnetostatic model by a dynamical turbulence model is a difficult task. In the present article, a field line tracing method is used to describe field line wandering in dynamical magnetic turbulence. As examples different models are employed, namely, the plasma wave model, the damping model of dynamical turbulence, and the random sweeping model. It is demonstrated that the choice of the turbulence model has a very strong influence on the field line structure. It seems that if dynamical turbulence effects are included, Markovian diffusion can be found for other forms of the wave spectrum as in the magnetostatic model. Therefore, the results of the present paper are useful to specify turbulence models. As a further application we consider charged particle transport at early times.
Electrostatic actuator probe with curved electrodes for time-of-flight scanning force microscopy
Authors: Shao Chuan-Yu , Kawai Yusuke , Esashi Masayoshi , Ono Takahito
Published: August 2010

In this study, we fabricated an electrostatic actuator probe having curved electrodes and evaluated its applicability for use in time-of-flight scanning force microscopy. In this probe, the end position of a cantilever with a tip is switched through electrostatic pull-in effect; the measurement modes can be changed between mass analysis and scanning force microscopy (SFM) modes. We achieved a large displacement of 400 μm for changing working modes. To prevent electrical shortage of the probe and curved electrodes, stoppers were formed along the curved electrodes. Because of the pull-in effect, the spring constant and resonance frequency increased through stiction of the cantilever to the stoppers. Using the fabricated probe, the SFM imaging of a sample featuring a 2-μm-pitch Au grid was demonstrated.
The electronic structure of the triiodide ion from relativistic correlated calculations: A comparison of different methodologies
Authors: Gomes André Severo Pereira , Visscher Lucas , Bolvin Hélène , Saue Trond , Knecht Stefan , Fleig Timo , Eliav Ephraim
Published: August 2010

The triiodide ion I3− exhibits a complex photodissociation behavior, the dynamics of which are not yet fully understood. As a first step toward determining the full potential energy surfaces of this species for subsequent simulations of its dissociation processes, we investigate the performance of different electronic structure methods [time-dependent density functional theory, complete active space perturbation theory to second order (CASPT2), Fock-space coupled cluster and multireference configuration interaction] in describing the ground and excited states of the triiodide ion along the symmetrical dissociation path. All methods apart from CASPT2 include scalar relativity and spin-orbit coupling in the orbital optimization, providing useful benchmark data for the more common two-step approaches in which spin-orbit coupling is introduced in the configuration interaction. Time-dependent density functional theory with the statistical averaging of model orbital potential functional is off the mark for this system. Another choice of functional may improve performance with respect to vertical excitation energies and spectroscopic constants, but all functionals are likely to face instability problems away from the equilibrium region. The Fock-space coupled cluster method was shown to perform clearly best in regions not too far from equilibrium but is plagued by convergence problems toward the dissociation limit due to intruder states. CASPT2 shows good performance at significantly lower computational cost, but is quite sensitive to symmetry breaking. We furthermore observe spikes in the CASPT2 potential curves away from equilibrium, signaling intruder state problems that we were unable to curb through the use of level shifts. Multireference configuration interaction is, in principle, a viable option, but its computational cost in the present case prohibits use other than for benchmarking purposes.
Synchronization transition of identical phase oscillators in a directed small-world network
Authors: Tönjes Ralf , Masuda Naoki , Kori Hiroshi
Published: August 2010

We numerically study a directed small-world network consisting of attractively coupled, identical phase oscillators. While complete synchronization is always stable, it is not always reachable from random initial conditions. Depending on the shortcut density and on the asymmetry of the phase coupling function, there exists a regime of persistent chaotic dynamics. By increasing the density of shortcuts or decreasing the asymmetry of the phase coupling function, we observe a discontinuous transition in the ability of the system to synchronize. Using a control technique, we identify the bifurcation scenario of the order parameter. We also discuss the relation between dynamics and topology and remark on the similarity of the synchronization transition to directed percolation.
Erratum to: The impact of El Niño Southern Oscillation on seasonal drought in the southern Australian grainbelt
Authors: Hayman P. T. , Whitbread A. M. , Gobbett D. L.
Published: August 2010

The cropping simulation model APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems Simulator) was used to investigate the pattern of seasonal moisture stress during the growing season for four medium- to high-rainfall regions and four low-rainfall regions in the southern Australian grains belt over the period 1906–2007. Cluster analysis of the pattern of crop water stress experienced by each simulated crop was used to devise season types for the study sites. Average crop moisture stress for two periods up to grain filling, i.e. germination to 600°C days of thermal accumulation (~Zadoks 0–32) and from 600 to 1200 days of thermal accumulation (~Zadoks 32–71), was used to devise a classification of season type: low moisture stress early and late (L-L), low early and high late (L-H), high early and low late (H-L) and high early and late (H-H). Using regional rainfall we found that El Niño events are associated with double the risk of the season being in the lowest tercile from 33 to 67% and La Niña events increase the chance of being in the top tercile to 50%. Although there was a wide range of simulated yields in El Niño and La Niña years, for most sites the average yields were lower in El Niño years and higher in La Niña years. For most sites in the study 6 or 7 of the worst 10 years were El Niño, 3 Neutral and 1 or nil cases were La Niña events. This contrasts with a pattern assuming no El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence of 2 El Niño, 6 Neutral and 2 La Niña events. Analysis of the relationship of season types identified by the cluster analysis to ENSO showed significant results for high-rainfall sites but not for low-rainfall sites. One of the reasons for this is that in low-rainfall sites, moisture stress occurs in most seasons. We conclude that there is good reason for farmers and advisers in South Australia to pay attention to a forecast of ENSO for the coming season as one part of their risk management strategy. We conclude on the need to think clearly about drought and aridity in these low-rainfall environments and comment on how this analysis further questions canopy management as a means of dealing with drought risk.
The effects of drying on phosphorus sorption and speciation in subtropical river sediments
Authors: Kerr Jason G. , Burford Michele , Olley Jon , Udy James
Published: August 2010

The present study investigated whether drying and desiccation substantially increase the biologically available phosphorus (P) in riverbed sediments from a dry subtropical river. Sequential extraction and batch equilibrium experiments were undertaken on sediments with contrasting organic matter content, percentage fines and P content. The response of sediments to drying differed predominately as a result of drying time rather than as a result of the different physiochemical properties and total P content of the sediments. For both in situ and laboratory drying, major changes in P speciation occurred in the surface-layer sediment (0–2 cm) where NH4Cl-P (loosely sorbed P) was higher in partially dried and desiccated sediments than in wet sediments. Conversely, NaOH-nrP (labile organic and poly-P) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in partially dried and desiccated sediments than in wet sediments, suggesting that a substantial transformation from a relatively unavailable organic form to a readily available inorganic form of P had occurred with drying. The equilibrium phosphate concentration (EPC0), which is a measure of the potential for sediments to function as a source or a sink of phosphate (PO43–), was higher in sediments desiccated in situ and in the laboratory than in submerged and partially dried sediments. Together with the speciation results, the higher EPC0 indicates that the potential for sediments to release P during the next flow event is substantially increased as a result of desiccation. The lower EPC0 in partially dried sediments suggested that the degree of drying may be an important factor in terms of the long-term potential for sediments to act as a source or a sink of PO43– after rewetting. The results from the present study have important implications because natural or anthropogenic processes which lead to riverbed drying may increase the flux of bioavailable P from bed sediments when flow returns.
The Question of Identity vis-à-vis Exoticism in Contemporary Iranian Art
Authors: Keshmirshekan Hamid
Published: August 2010

This essay explores two primary concerns in the art and artistic practice of contemporary Iran, namely “identity” (i.e. local, historical, imagined and collective identity and also self-identity) and “exoticism” (which appears inevitably related to the first), both of which (identity and exoticism) involve challenges relating to the “self” and “other” and the issue of “expectation”. It suggests that these issues see broader contextual socio-political parallels. The first apprehension relates to the concept of identity which addresses how artists have interpreted contemporary aesthetics in the light of national and indigenous ideology. The second refers to the ever-present obsession with cultural and frequently social concern with which Iranian artists are engaged within the country. The two concerns are integrated, in the way that the second is seen to be the outcome of the first. Some critiques are based on the issues of cultural commodification, anti-canonical West, cultural formulation, and also the stereotypes rooted in the preference and interest of the market.
From admiration to competition: Italy as seen from Spain
Authors: Pizzimenti Eugenio
Published: August 2010

The article analyses how Spanish perceptions of Italian domestic politics and its international role have changed over the last decade. The first part of the article presents an overview of the most significant fields of cooperation between the two countries and of the images of Italy in Spanish politics. There follows the reconstruction of non-institutional perceptions through an analysis of articles concerning Italy published by two major Spanish newspapers. The article concludes that the traditional image of Italy as a positive model to imitate has faded away and a more competitive attitude has emerged.
Introduction: Italy in the eyes of others
Authors: Croci Osvaldo , Lucarelli Sonia
Published: August 2010

The international role and status of Italy among international powers has been an issue of debate in both the political and the academic context. What has never been systematically investigated is the way in which other powers with which Italy interacts in institutional contexts perceive Italy and its international role. It is the aim of this special issue to provide an overview of how Italy is perceived abroad. This introduction explains why it is worth looking at international images of Italy, and sums up the findings of the research project.
Bones as biofuel: a review of whale bone composition with implications for deep-sea biology and palaeoanthropology
Authors: Higgs Nicholas D. , Little Crispin T. S. , Glover Adrian G.
Published: August 2010

Whales are unique among vertebrates because of the enormous oil reserves held in their soft tissue and bone. These ‘biofuel’ stores have been used by humans from prehistoric times to more recent industrial-scale whaling. Deep-sea biologists have now discovered that the oily bones of dead whales on the seabed are also used by specialist and generalist scavenging communities, including many unique organisms recently described as new to science. In the context of both cetacean and deep-sea invertebrate biology, we review scientific knowledge on the oil content of bone from several of the great whale species:
Balaenoptera musculus, Balaenoptera physalus
,
Balaenoptera borealis
,
Megaptera novaeangliae, Eschrichtius robustus
,
Physeter macrocephalus
and the striped dolphin,
Stenella coeruleoalba
. We show that data collected by scientists over 50 years ago during the heyday of industrial whaling explain several interesting phenomena with regard to the decay of whale remains. Variations in the lipid content of bones from different parts of a whale correspond closely with recently observed differences in the taphonomy of deep-sea whale carcasses and observed biases in the frequency of whale bones at archaeological sites.
Six cases of daptomycin-non-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in Singapore
Authors: Hsu Li-Yang , Leong Micky , Balm Michelle , Chan Douglas S. , Huggan Paul , Tan Thean-Yen , Koh Tse-Hsien , Hon Pei-Yun , Ng Mary M.
Published: August 2010

We report what we believe to be the first six cases of daptomycin-non-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infections from Singapore. These strains were rapidly isolated after bacteraemic patients were switched to daptomycin following initial prolonged unsuccessful therapy with vancomycin, despite confirmation of daptomycin susceptibility just prior to initiating daptomycin therapy. The majority of post-vancomycin therapy strains exhibited marked thickening of their cell walls on electron microscopic examination. In patients with persistent S. aureus bacteraemia, therapeutic failure with daptomycin may occur if used as salvage therapy following vancomycin failure, notwithstanding initial susceptibility testing results.
From Well‐Having to Well‐Being
Authors: Gardels Nathan
Published: August 2010

To raise the notion of frugality in the midst of the greatest consumer boom in economic history may seem wildly out of place. But if globalization only half succeeds in lifting many more millions into the middle class in this century, by necessity frugality will become a virtue.
The Euro as an Instrument for Promoting Russian‐CIS Trade and Economic Growth
Authors: Shagalov Gregory , Kivikari Urpo , Brunat Eric
Published: August 2010

Exports have been an important factor in Russian economic growth during recent years, but it is clear that growth of the economy cannot continue to depend on expanding exports of oil and other traditional Russian exportables. The role of machinery and other manufactured goods needs to increase. This restructuring of exports could successfully start on markets within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) provided that the existing system of payments inside the CIS is changed. The authors believe that such change could be achieved by introduction for CIS member countries of a multilateral payments system (MPS) similar to the European Payments Union (EPU), which was successfully used in Europe in the 1950s. The clearing currency for the proposed system could be the euro, the new multinational European currency.

Adoption of the euro in such a role would support integration of CIS countries, which are not candidates for EU membership, with the European Union. Russia, which has expressed interest in further integration with the EU and in creation of a wider European Economic Area, should have an important role as an agent and middleman in pan‐European, factually Eurasian, integration.
Industrial Cooperation in the Russian Car Industry
Authors: Ashrafian Victoria , Richet Xavier
Published: August 2010

The automotive industry ranks alongside export‐oriented industries as one of the most promising targets for investment in Russia. On the demand side, its future prospects depend on growth of internal demand fuelled by improvement of Russian living standards and also on the capacity of Russian car manufacturers to regain and expand market shares on their traditional markets in the former Soviet Union, India, Latin America and the Middle East. At the same time, Russian car producers have to cope with a new competitive environment brought about by the presence of foreign car producers in the country. On the supply side, production of cars is supported, among other things, by fairly high levels of development in the Russian metallurgy and petrochemical industries. The car industry has outdated equipment and produces obsolete models, but overall its production base is quite strong, although in urgent need of restructuring.
The Russian Oil Sector: Finally Ready for Investors?
Authors: Ziener Gert
Published: August 2010

More than 10 years after Thane Gustafson characterised the condition of the Russian oil industry as ‘crisis amid plenty’, the situation has not changed for the better. Taking into account the huge resource potential, its performance is still far too weak. After a dramatic decline of oil output during the first five years of transition, production began to stagnate on a non‐optimal level of about 300 mn tonnes per year. The main reason for this development is the absence of upstream investment due to an unstable institutional environment. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to implement new legal and tax instruments, which provide incentives to make Russian oil projects more attractive for investors, mainly foreign oil companies.
After the Economic Rebound in Russia — the Importance of a Pro–Active Policy
Authors: Brunat Eric
Published: August 2010

Russia has recently made significant progress in building a ‘normal economy’. Structural reforms, which remained inadequate under Boris Yeltsin’s rule, have been given a new start with the Government’s social and economic programme of 2000, revised in July 2001. Structural reforms will receive further impetus from the Government’s medium–term reform programme for 2002–2004, which puts the main emphasis on conditions for business creation and definition of a clear and stable legal framework, covering, among other points, judicial and fiscal reform, a labour and retirement code, and land ownership (Brunat and Soos (2002)). At the same time, tighter control by the federal state over the country, Parliament and the oligarchs has brought political stability, which is beginning to have an effect on the behaviour of various economic agents.

The Russian economy has experienced new growth since the 1998 crisis, but has so far failed to install a sustainable growth mechanism due to its structural weaknesses. Establishment of a government programme of structural reforms (see Government of the Russian Federation (2002)) is an important step, but not sufficient in itself. While opening of the Russian economy, notably by accession to the WTO, is indispensable for its integration with the world economy, other political decisions will surely be necessary to overcome inertia effects and deal with difficulties in adaptation to a modern market economy.
Two Russian Stock Exchanges: Analysis of Relationships
Authors: Grigoriev Leonid , Valitova Lilia
Published: August 2010

Development of Russian financial markets is gradually becoming a subject for standard economic analysis. Accumulated statistics make it possible to pose some questions about features of development and operation of financial markets in Russia. This paper analyses relationships between the two leading Moscow stock exchanges, as well as analysing performance of their indices and trading volumes, and factors determining index changes. The authors are far from thinking that their work is comprehensive or gives final answers to the questions posed. On the contrary, the authors hope that the paper will be a starting point for development of a fruitful scientific discussion of the issues concerned.

Russian stock exchanges, their trading volumes and share prices, offer material which makes it possible to search for clear and steady patterns of performance. Although the period of organised stock trading in Russia is quite short, the combined use of monthly, daily and hourly observations allows a variety of questions to be posed. For example, what is the relationship between the performance of the two exchanges as regards indices and trading volumes, and how are those related to international indices and important factors traditionally affecting levels of market activity, such as economic activity in Russia, commodity prices, etc.? One interesting aspect of stock index performance is the slow rate of index growth despite the relatively long‐lasting economic recovery (Figure1).
FS14.7 BMS associated with allergy to metals
Authors: Pigatto Paolo , Passoni E , Crippa R , Tanzi C , Zerboni R , Brambilla L , Guzzi G , Muratori S
Published: August 2010

Background:  Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a burning and painful sensation of the mouth and perioral tissues. Despite several research its causes remain unknown. The treatment of BMS continues to be a challenge. This study investigated the relation between allergy to metals and long‐term outcomes in 5 patients with BMS.

Methods:  We studied 12 consecutive patients who had received a diagnosis of the BMS (ranging in age from 35 to 71). Mean duration of BMS symptoms was 10 months. We did patch‐testing in all patients with dental series. We measured the saliva metal concentrations in each subjects. Of the 12 patients studied, 5 had symptoms which appeared to be related to type 3 BMS. Thus, they were assigned to total metals alloy removal procedures because allergic to at least one metal and had high levels of metals in saliva. No subjects had been receiving drug therapy. The primary outcome was the relief of BMS symptoms. Patients were followed for an average of 1.6 years.

Findings:  Of the 5 patients who underwent to total metal alloy removal, 4 had a complete remission and one had showed notable improvement of his symptoms. Three patients were allergic to mercury. Two patients showed an allergy to gold. The saliva mercury and gold levels were significantly over the threshold limit. We also noted in three patients a full recovery of systemic dermatologic manifestations associated with BMS.

Conclusions:  We believe that our exploratory investigation adds evidence that allergy to dental metals are involved in BMS.
P04 Cashiers’s disease due to euro coins – a case report
Authors: Häberle Michael
Published: August 2010

A 37‐year‐old female cashier working in a drugstore developed a dyshidrotic hand eczema in summer 2001. Positive patch test results were obtained against nickel and cobalt. When the new euro coins were introduced in January 2002, the skin symptoms disappeared. Five months later the work‐related hand eczema flared up with massive aggravation. Money‐triggered hand eczema has occasionally been reported. Its low incidence is probably due to the absence of wet or irritant work. Coins are not mentioned in the EU nickel directive as “products intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin”. Nestle et al. (Nature, Vol 419, p 132, 2002) found that 1‐ and 2‐ euro coins released more nickel than pure nickel itself in vitro. A factor contributing to this high release of nickel is corrosion due to the bimetallic structure of these coins, which generates a galvanic potential of 30–40 mV in human sweat. A current can enhance galvanic corrosion and thereby cause more nickel release. In a thin irregular electrolyte layer such as a sweat deposit, galvanic corrosion occur primarily near the bimetallic junction owing to the high resistance to lateral current flow in the thin layer.
P08 Changes in Nitric oxide synthase expression in acute irritant contact dermatitis: a possible predictive tool
Authors: Willis Carolyn , Britton L , Orton D
Published: August 2010

There is a need for a diversity of approaches to predictive irritancy testing. In this study we examined the potential for changes in the expression of the nitric oxide generating enzyme, nitric oxide synthase, to act as a marker of skin irritation. Human volunteers were patch tested with sodium lauryl sulphate and dithranol so as to induce acute irritant contact dermatitis. Test and control biopsies were removed at various time points and skin sections immunocytochemically labelled with a range of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against the three nitric oxide synthase isoforms, NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3. Quantitative image analysis of keratinocytes and endothelial cells revealed major inconsistencies in the labelling of both normal and inflamed skin between antibodies, including those purported to recognise the same epitope. Of the ten antibodies tested, two, AHP303 and N2643, gave statistically significant changes in NOS2 and NOS3 expression, respectively, in well‐established 48 h and 96 h reactions. Importantly, the changes were consistent for both irritants, despite their differing mechanisms of action. Further investigations are needed to assess their suitability as markers of irritation in animal and in‐vivo models.
P18 Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics: a retrospective six year review
Authors: Santos Patricia , Santos R , Pereira MF
Published: August 2010

A retrospective study was done of allergic contact dermatits to cosmetics, seen at the department of dermatology of Curry Cabral Hospital, over a six year period (1998 to 2003). Of 2848 patients patch tested during this period, 314 had cosmetic contact allergy and represented about 15.7% of all patients with at least one positive patch test. The patients aged between 13 and 82 years old, and were mostly female (78%). Skin reactions occurred most often on the face, followed by hands, neck and the eyelids. All the patients were tested with the standard series, with supplementary series when appropriate, and whenever possible, with the personal cosmetic products. 92% had positive reactions to standard series allergens; 226 patiens to allergens of the standard series, which may be used in cosmetics. The majority of reactions were due to fragrance mix, followed by balsam of Peru, p‐phenylenediamine, kathon CG and colophony. Fragrance series was tested in 118 patients, with the following most frequent positive reactions: oak moss absolute, isoeugenol, hydroxycitronellal. Cosmetic series was tested in 147 patients with the following most frequent positive reactions: toluenesulphonamide‐formaldehyde resin and propolis. 30 patients tested with photoallergen series, 4 reacted to oxybenzone. Skin care products and fragrances were the most commonly involved product categories. Twelve patients reacted only with their own products. The fragrances were the most frequent ingredient recorded as the cause of cosmetic contact allergy. Our standard series detected 70% of cases of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics.
P81 Occupational hypersensitivity to platinum group elements
Authors: Cristaudo Antonio , Severino V , Castellano G , Papale A , Caroli S , Petrucci F
Published: August 2010

Objective: the increasing industrial use of platinum–group elements (PGEs), namely Ir, Pd, Pt and Rh and related hypersensitivity such as respiratory symptoms, urticaria and contact dermatitis, have led to a growing need to monitor selected populations of exposed workers. Our aim is to determine the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of hypersensitivity to the platinum‐group elements; the levels of PGE measured in indoor airborne particulate matter and in biological samples (serum, urine and hair) taken from of employees in a platinum refining and catalyst manufacture; to correlate environmental exposure role and platinum salts concentrations in biological samples in the onset of allergy.

Material and methods:  132 subjects variable exposed were informed about the purpose of this study and gave their consent. The examination consisted of a work exposure and medical questionnaire, physical examination, skin prick test to platinum salts and to other common allergens and patch test to platinum salts. Airborne PGEs was collected by personal and area samples. Biological samples (serum, urine and hair) were collected. Analitical procedure based on sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectometry (SP‐ICP‐MS) for the analysis of airborne filter, serum, urine and hair was used. Results: positive prick test to platinum salts were found in 18 workers, 4 out 14 gave simultaneous positive reactions to Pt, Rh and Ir. 2 out 14 gave a positive reaction to Pt and Pd. Positive patch test reactions to Pt were found in 2 subjects, 1 out 2 gave positive reaction also to Pd

Conclusion:  the preliminary results of the investigation indicate that Pt‐salts are important allergens in catalyst industry and that the clinical manifestation involves both the respiratory system and the skin