bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pedunculated Lipofibroma
Authors: Öztürkcan Serap , Terzioğlu Ahmet , Akyol Melih , Altinor Savaş , Yildiz Esin
Published: April 2015

Pedunculated lipofibroma is a relatively rare form of nevus lipomatosus superficialis. The lesions are large, slow growing, pedunculated tumors. Histologically, groups and strands of fat cells are found embedded among the collagen bundles of the dermis. We presented a woman diagnosed with a pedunculated lipofibroma clinically and histopathologically.
Kangal Hot Spring with Fish and Psoriais Treatment
Authors: Özçelik Sedat , Polat H. Hüseyin , Akyol Melih , Yalçin A. Nevzat , Özçelik Derviş , Marufihah Mehmet
Published: April 2015

The effect of “Kangal Hot Spring with Fish” in the treatment of psoriasis is investigated. The study was carried out on 87 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and the patients were evaluated by a dermatologist for 21 days. The evaluation of the disease was performed using PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores. Recurrences were investigated in the patient population, who had been previously treated in the same hot spring. The first examination scores were significantly higher than the scores of the 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 21 days after treatment (p<0.01). Longer remission periods, when compared to the topical corticosteroid treatment, expressed by the 35 patients previously treated in hot spring (p<0.01). Spa therapy under observation of a dermatologist may be effective and useful for psoriasis vulgaris patients.
A Case of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis‐Type Drug Eruption Induced by Oral Lysozyme Chloride
Authors: Kobayashi Miwa , Yamamoto Osamu , Yasuda Hiroshi , Asahi Masakazu
Published: April 2015

We report a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis‐type drug eruption. A 23‐year‐old man took an oral over‐the‐counter preparation for the common cold. A few days later, generalized erythema developed with systemic malaise and pain. A multiple blister formation followed, and Nikolsky's sign was noted on each blister. A lymphocyte stimulation test (LST) with the patient's peripheral lymphocytes strongly suggested that the eruption was attributable to lysozyme chloride which was included in the preparation taken. Follwing an intravenous drip of betamethasone for two weeks, the eruptions improved favorably.
Transplant of Cultured Autologous Pure Melanocytes after Laser‐Abrasion for the Treatment of Segmental Vitiligo
Authors: Chen Yu‐Fu , Chang Jeffrey S. , Yang Pey‐Yuh , Hung Chih‐Ming , Huang Min‐Ho , Hu Dan‐Ning
Published: April 2015

Segmental vitiligo is a special type of vitiligo with unilateral distribution of lesions and has a stable course. Clinically, many patients with segmental vitiligo have unsatisfactory responses to topical corticosteroid or UV phototherapy. We have developed a technique for the isolation of melanocytes from a small specimen of normally pigmented skin obtained via a suction blister. The melanocytes can be proliferated in culture and then replanted onto laser‐abrased vitiliginous areas. We used this procedure to treat 25 patients with segmental vitiligo that were refractory to medical therapy. The repigmented portion of the total treated area amounted to 95–100% in 21 patients and 65 to 94% in 4 patients. The response rate to treatment was 100% in this study. No scarring or other side‐effects developed. The results of this study demonstrate that this method is a valuable tool for the treatment of patients with segmental vitiligo.
A Case of Acute Graft‐versus‐Host Disease Following Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Tokime Kazuya , Isoda Ken‐ichi , Yamanaka Kei‐ichi , Mizutani Hitoshi
Published: April 2015

A 42–year‐old woman developed severe erythema with exfoliative scaling on the bilateral palms and soles and erosive dermatitis on the axillae and groin eight days after an autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for the treatment of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. She also developed exanthema; however she did not show intestinal, hepatic, or renal involvement. The skin biopsy revealed characteristic apoptotic cell death of the epidermis with eosinophilic necrosis, and she was diagnosed with acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). The cutaneous lesions responded to topical corticosteroid treatments and improved within a month without systemic immunosuppressing therapies. The cutaneous GVH reaction did not recur. However, she was treated with an intermittent thrombocyte transfusion because of persistent thrombocytopenia. On day 130, she developed intestinal pneumonia and died due to respiratory dysfunction. Unlike an allo‐bone marrow graft, GVHD after an autologous stem cell transplantation is not common. Even for an autologous transplantation, GVH may develop with less characteristic clinical manifestations.
Electron Microscopic Study of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Kobayashi Miwa , Yamamoto Osamu , Suenaga Yoshinori , Asahi Masakazu
Published: April 2015

Among the several forms of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Letterer‐Siwe disease is the most acute disseminated multisystemic variant. The course of Letterer‐Siwe disease is usually rapid and fatal. We report here a cases of Letterer‐Siwe disease which showed a good response to chemotherapy. We also describe the unusual ultrastructural findings in the histiocyte‐like cells in this case.
A Case of Mycosis Fungoides after CD30 Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Lee Mi‐Woo , Chi Doo‐Hyun , Choi Jee‐Ho , Sung Kyung‐Jeh , Moon Kee‐Chan , Koh Jai‐Kyoung
Published: April 2015

A 55‐year‐old woman presented with mycosis fungoides (MF) after the total excision of primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). In the specimens obtained from the nodule of CD30+ ALCL and the plaque lesion of MF, the same pattern of T‐cell receptor gene rearragement was detected.
Phakomatosis Pigmentovascularis with Sturge‐Weber Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Uysal Gülnar , Güven Alev , Özhan Bayram , Öztürk M. Halil , Mutluay A. Hürriyet , Tulunay Özden
Published: April 2015

We describe here a Turkish girl with pigmentovascularis type 2b, consisting of disseminated Mongolian‐spot‐like maculae and unilateral Sturge‐Weber angiomatosis.
Myxomatous Granulation as a Feature of a Subcutaneous Pseudotumor
Authors: Horiuchi Yasuhiro
Published: April 2015

This paper presents myxomatous granulation in the sacral area as a feature of a pseudotumor. The patient was an 86‐year‐old male with a pseudotumor in the sacral area that may possibly have been the result of prolonged bed confinement. The initial diagnosis was lipoma. Specimen examination disclosed granulation tissue with inflammatory mixed cellular infiltrates undergoing myxomatous change. Plasma cell infiltrates were frequently present.
Soluble Thrombomodulin, a Possible Predictor of Thrombotic Crisis in Thrombotic Disease
Authors: Fujita Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Serum soluble thrombomodulin is known to be a factor in visceral vascular disorders such as organic vasculitis in collagen diseases, but recently it has also been reported as a predictor of thrombotic crisis in thrombotic diseases. In this report, serum soluble thrombomodulin levels and events of thrombotic crises in clinical patients were studied retrospectively in our dermatology department over the past five years. I found an increase in soluble thrombomodulin one to two months before the crisis in eight of ten patients including three with anti‐phospholipid syndrome, two with lupus anticoagulant‐positive systemic lupus erythematosus, four patients with chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome and one patient with thrombotic thrombocytepenic purpura. A decrease was found after treatment. Other tested parameters did not respond as soluble thrombomodulin, and they were not useful for predicting the crisis one to two months before the crisis. These results suggest the possibility that soluble thrombomodulin might be an important factor in predicting thrombotic crisis.
Lichen Planus after HBV Vaccination in a Child: A Case Report from Nepal
Authors: Agrawal Sudha , Garg Vijay Kumar , Joshi Arun , Agarwalla Arun , Sah Shatrughan Prasad
Published: April 2015

Vaccination against hepatitis B virus has rarely been associated with lichen planus. We report a case of this kind in a child from Nepal. A 12‐year‐old boy had developed generalized itchy violaceous papules and plaques six weeks after the second dose of hepatitis B virus vaccine. Serum HBsAg and HBeAb were negative, but HBsAb was positive. New crops of generalized, similar eruptions developed after the booster dose of vaccine. All the lesions resolved within three months of systemic steroid therapy. There was no recurrence after one year of follow up. Awareness of such an association is necessary, especially in children, because vaccination campaigns are increasing.
Relationship between Propionibacterium acnes Biotypes and Jumi‐haidoku‐to
Authors: Higaki Shuichi , Kitagawa Taro , Kagoura Masayori , Morohashi Masaaki , Yamagishi Takayoshi
Published: April 2015

We examined the relationship between Propionibacterium acnes biotypes and Jumi‐haidoku‐to (JHT). In all the P. acnes strains tested, the production of propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) was suppressed in a medium containing 1 mg/ml JHT compared with the control medium without JHT. There were no significant differences in the rates of decreased PA and BA production between P. acnes biotype 3 (B3) and the other biotypes or between isolates from mild skin rash and more severe skin rash. P. acnes B3 was the most commonly identified biotype. The clinical effects on acne due to the anti‐P. acnes lipase activity of JHT did not seem to be influenced by the degree of acne rash or the P. acnes biotype.
Crusted (Norwegian) Scabies in a Patient with Smoldering Adult T‐cell Leukemia
Authors: Takeshita Taizo , Takeshita Hiromichi
Published: April 2015

Crusted (Norwegian) scabies is described in a patient with smoldering adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL). The patient is an 84‐year‐old Japanese woman who presented with widespread scaling over the trunk and limbs and crusted lesions on the scalp and ears. Microscopical examination of scrapings from the scalp and ears showed extraordinarily large numbers of scabies mites. The white blood cell count was 5.1 times 109/L with 6% abnormal lymphocytes with mature nuclei that showed convolution and lobulation. Anti‐HTLV‐I antibodies were positive. Southern blot analysis revealed that the cellular DNA extracted from this patient's peripheral blood cells, digested with Pst I, showed the same pattern of provirus genome as the DNA from ATL patients. A diagnosis of crusted scabies with smoldering ATL was made. It is possible that crusted scabies could be an opportunistic infection and a pre‐diagnostic sign of ATL.
A Case of Dermatomyositis Associated with Mechanic's Hand
Authors: Watanabe Chiharu , Okubo Yukari , Oh‐i Tsunao , Koga Michiyuki , Abe Haruo , Tawara Kouichirou , Tsuboi Norioki , Hayashi Toru
Published: April 2015

A 67‐year‐old man was referred to the Department of Internal Medicine at Tokyo Medical University with interstitial pneumonia in July 1999. He presented with keratotic plaques on both palms and on the ventral and lateral sides of his fingers. Erythematous keratosis was observed on the dosal aspect of his fingers and metatarsophalangeal (MP) joints. Edematous erythema was seen on the patient's chest, back, and the extensor surfaces of his arms. Electromyography revealed a myogenic pattern and an increased level of myogenic enzymes was found in the blood. Histological findings of the ventral sides of his fingers showed hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis of the dermal tissue and liquefaction degeneration of the basal layer at the papilla. Based on these findings, the patient was given a diagnosis of dermatomyositis associated with mechanic's hand. A systemic examination confirmed interstitial pneumonia and carcinoma of the duodenal papilla. Mechanic's hand is a type of dermatitis associated with myopathy first reported by Stahl et al. in patients with collagen disease. We report herein the first documented case of mechanic's hand in Asians.
Benign Symmetrical Lipomatosis of the Hands
Authors: Yamamoto Koichiro , Ichimiya Makoto , Hamamoto Yoshiaki , Muto Masahiko
Published: April 2015

Benign symmetrical lipomatosis (BSL) is a disease characterized by massively symmetrical fat deposits predominantly in the neck and shoulder girdle area. The disease is frequently associated with alcoholism, hepatopathy, glucose intolerance, hyperuricemia, and malignant tumors. We describe a patient with BSL of the dorsal surfaces of both hands.
A Case of Varicella Complicated by Cellulitis and Scarlet Fever Due to Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Oyake Shinichi , Oh‐i Tsunao , Koga Michiyuki
Published: April 2015

We report a 4‐year‐old boy with cellulitis and scarlet fever due to streptococcal infection following the onset of varicella. He developed a painful ulcer and subcutaneous induration on the left shoulder and a small, light‐red‐colored rash on the trunk at approximately the same time as the development of vesicles over the entire body. Streptococcus pyrogenes was isolated from samples from the posterior intranasal space and the ulcer on the shoulder. The clinical symptoms improved with the administration of antibiotics and intravenous drip infusion, but it took approximately one month from the first visit for the subcutaneous induration to disappear and the ulcer to heal with epithelialization. The complication of secondary streptococcal infection in varicella is relatively rare in Japan, but in Western countries there have been many reported cases of life‐threatening necrotizing fasciitis and necrotizing pyomyositis due to secondary streptococcal infection following varicella. Close attention should be paid to streptococcal infection as a complicaion of varicella.
Three Cases of Polyarteritis Nodosa Cutanea and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Gushi Akira , Hashiguchi Takaki , Fukumaru Keiko , Usuki Kazunari , Kanekura Takuro , Kanzaki Tamotsu
Published: April 2015

We describe three cases of polyarteritis nodosa cutanea (PNC) showing necrotizing arteritis and only cutaneous lesions without systemic symptoms or visceral involvement for eleven, six, and three years after the onset of the disease. Since it was first described, there has been continuous controversy as to whether PNC progresses to systemic PN. Some cases have been described which had begun with a cutaneous lesion and progressed to the systemic form 19 and 18 years after the onset of the disease, so we believe that long term follow‐up of this disease is essential.
Colchicine Treatment in a Patient with Neutrophilic Dermatosis Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Youn Choon Shik , Hwang Ji Hwan , Cho Kwang Hyun , Yoon Tae Young
Published: April 2015

Neutrophilic dermatoses (ND) are characterized by epidermal and dermal infiltrates of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), without any infectious or other detectable agents as a cause. We describe a case of ND, which very rapidly improved upon colchicine treatment. The patient was a 67‐year‐old female with an 8‐month history of dusky‐red, tender, swollen plaques and nodules with superimposed vesicles and bullae on the buttocks, hands, and ankles associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis of ND was made on the basis of the clinical and histopathological features of the skin lesions. She was treated with 0.6 mg of oral colchicine twice daily. Within one week, the erythematous plaques and arthralgia began to recede and disappeared within four weeks. In our case, colchicine seemed to improve the signs and symptoms of ND and appeared to be more effective than the other drugs we had used.
A Case of Acinic Cell Adenocarcinoma on the Left Hemifacial Area
Authors: Whang Sung Won , Chang Sung‐Nam , Park Wook‐Hwa , Kim Soo‐Chan
Published: April 2015

Acinic cell adenocarcinoma is a rare salivary gland tumor which predominantly occurs in the parotid gland. A 46‐year‐old man presented with a left preauricular mass of one month duration; the pathologic report showed acinic cell adenocarcinoma. He was transferred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery department, and a total parotidectomy was performed. We present this interesting case of acinic cell adenocarcinoma from the parotid gland with cutaneous involvement.
Sweet's Syndrome with Abscess‐like Lesions in a Patient with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Yoon Tae‐Young , Ahn Gwang‐Bum , Yang Tae‐Ho , Shin Hyoung‐Shik
Published: April 2015

We describe a 49‐year‐old man with acute myelogenous leukemia associated with Sweet's syndrome and abscess‐like lesions mimicking an infectious disease. Although blisters may be included in the clinical spectrum, frank non‐infectious abscesses have not been reported as far as we know. Clinicians should be familiar with this clinical and histopathologic variant of Sweet's syndrome. It is mandatory to make every effort to find an infectious cause for abscesses before a diagnosis of Sweet's syndrome is made.
Crop Coefficients, Growth Rates and Quality of Cool‐Season Turfgrasses
Authors: Aamlid T. S. , Knox J. W. , Riley H. , Kvalbein A. , Pettersen T.
Published: April 2015

Determination of crop coefficients (Kc), the ratio between actual (ETa) and reference evapotranspiration (ET0), is necessary to schedule irrigation. Our objective was to determine Kc, turf quality and growth rate under daily irrigation to field capacity (FC = −3 kPa tension) and drying. Minilysimeters installed in a green (mowing height 3–5 mm) and fairway (15 mm) were weighed during four periods of 4–10 days duration in 2009 and 2010. Crop coefficients on the second and subsequent days after irrigation were not significantly different among species and averaged 0.81 and 0.91 on green and fairway, respectively. On the first day after irrigation, the Kc varied from 1.67 to 2.85 and decreased in the order Agrostis capillaris > Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis > F. rubra ssp. commutata > A. stolonifera > A. canina on the green, and F. rubra ssp. litoralis > Lolium perenne > F.rubra ssp. rubra > Poa pratensis > F. rubra ssp. commutata on the fairway. Drying reduced the average daily height growth from 0.98 to 0.74 mm on the green and 1.97–1.72 mm on the fairway. Scores for turf quality were reduced but remained acceptable. Although the Kc during the first day after irrigation to FC may be overestimated due to latent soil heat and a possible oasis effect, we conclude that irrigation to FC should be avoided as it causes excessive water use.
Stress Development in Hard Particle Coatings in the Absence of Lateral Drying
Authors: Price Kyle K. , Wu Yan , McCormick Alon V. , Francis Lorraine F.
Published: April 2015

Stress development in coatings prepared from aqueous suspensions of hard particles was monitored using a modified cantilever deflection technique that suppresses lateral drying fronts. Without complications from lateral drying, stress development was found to be negligible until a critical amount of drying when stress increases dramatically to a maximum and then falls more slowly as drying completes. In addition, the maximum stress measured for coatings prepared on the modified cantilevers was more than double the maximum stress for coatings measured on standard cantilevers where lateral drying fronts were present. By achieving drying uniformity, direct correlations were made between the microstructure of the coating and the measured coating stress. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryoSEM) was used to image the microstructure of aqueous alumina and silica particle coatings during the intermediate stages of drying. CryoSEM revealed that stress increases dramatically once the particles form a saturated close‐packed network, and that stress decays as water evaporates from the pore structure.
Social Connections for Older People with Intellectual Disability in Ireland: Results from Wave One of IDS‐TILDA
Authors: McCausland Darren , McCallion Philip , Cleary Eimear , McCarron Mary
Published: April 2015

Background

The literature on influences of community versus congregated settings raises questions about how social inclusion can be optimised for people with intellectual disability. This study examines social contacts for older people with intellectual disability in Ireland, examining differences in social connection for adults with intellectual disability and other adults.

Materials & Methods

Data were drawn from the IDS‐TILDA study in Ireland. A nationally representative sample (n = 753) included adults aged 40 years and older, with additional comparison with general population participants. Predictors of social contacts were explored.

Results

Residence, level of intellectual disability and age were significant factors determining social contact. People in institutional residences, older respondents and those with severe/profound intellectual disability had the lowest levels of contact; older adults with intellectual disability had much lower rates than general population counterparts.

Conclusions

Community‐dwelling people with intellectual disability have greater social contact than those living in institutions, but levels are below those for other adults in Ireland.
Stopover duration, movement patterns and temporary home ranges of fall migrant yellow‐rumped warblersSetophaga coronatain native and anthropogenic woodlands of the Northern Prairie region, USA
Authors: Liu Ming , Swanson David L.
Published: April 2015

Stopover behavior of migrant birds is influenced by their energetic condition, but also by extrinsic factors, including weather conditions and habitat attributes such as vegetation structure, microclimates, predation pressure, competition, and food availability. Anthropogenic habitats may differ from natural habitats in these attributes, which could promote differing stopover behaviors for migrants in the two habitat types and affect overall habitat suitability. We used radio‐telemetry to measure stopover behaviors of fall migrant yellow‐rumped warblersSetophaga coronatain native riparian corridor woodlands (corridors) and anthropogenic woodlots (woodlots) in the Northern Prairie region. We measured stopover duration, movement rate, and temporary home range size for birds in both habitat types by attaching radio‐transmitters and relocating birds to either corridor (n = 17) or woodlot (n = 16) study sites. We used AICCto rank null, global, and reduced models, which included habitat type, energetic condition, habitat size, year, date, and movement rate (for stopover duration analyses only) as explanatory variables. Model rankings showed that habitat type was not included in any of the top models (ΔAICC< 2) for movement behavior, temporary home range size, or stopover duration, which suggests similar functional habitat quality between the two habitat types. These data add similar behavioral responses for birds in the two habitat types to similar fattening rates and stress physiology, further confirming similar suitability of native and anthropogenic woodland habitats in this region as stopover habitat. We also applied logistic regression with a model selection approach, including cloud cover, tail wind component, temperature, and barometric pressure as independent variables, and departure decision as the dependent variable, to evaluate the effects of weather variables on departure. Model selection suggested that cloud cover is a prominent factor affecting departure decisions and the other variables may also influence departure decisions of yellow‐rumped warblers from inland stopover sites.
Evidence for strong genetic structure in European populations of the little owl Athene noctua
Authors: Pellegrino Irene , Negri Alessandro , Boano Giovanni , Cucco Marco , Kristensen Torsten N. , Pertoldi Cino , Randi Ettore , Šálek Martin , Mucci Nadia
Published: April 2015

The little owl Athene noctua is a widespread species in Europe. This mainly sedentary owl experienced reduction in population sizes in some areas due to habitat loss and modification of the landscape. To assess the genetic structure of the populations of western and central Europe, we analysed 333 specimens from 15 geographical areas at 13 microsatellite loci. Statistical analyses and Bayesian clustering procedures detected two major genetically distinct clusters, the first distributed from Portugal to the Czech Republic and the second from the Balkans to Italy. The second cluster was further split into three groups, located in Italy, Sardinia and the Balkans. These groups match four previously‐described mtDNA haplogroups, and probably originated from the isolation of little owl populations in Sardinia and in three glacial refugia (Iberia, south Italy and Balkans) during the ice ages. High genetic admixture was recorded in central and northern Europe, probably as a consequence of the expansion from the refugia during interglacial. The main colonization route originated from the Iberian Peninsula towards central and northern Europe. Contact zones with colonization events from Italy and the Balkans were detected respectively in northern Italy and central Europe. Genetic indices show the existence of moderate levels of genetic variability throughout Europe, although evidence of recent evolutionary bottlenecks was found in some populations. Estimation of migration rates and approximate Bayesian computations highlighted the most likely phylogeographical scenario for the current distribution of little owl populations.
Survival outcomes in patients with multiple primary melanomas
Authors: Rowe C.J. , Law M.H. , Palmer J.M. , MacGregor S. , Hayward N.K. , Khosrotehrani K.
Published: April 2015

Background

A substantial number of melanoma patients will develop multiple primary melanomas (MPM). Currently, little is known about the impact of MPM on survival.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether melanoma survival is worse for patients with MPM compared to those with a single invasive primary melanoma (SPM).

Materials and methods

A cohort study was conducted. Patients were sourced from an Australian population, with follow‐up information collected retrospectively from registry data. Melanoma‐specific survival analysis was performed to find associated variables after adjustment for known prognostic factors, using four different models, each selecting a different index melanoma lesion.

Results

1068 stage I and II melanoma patients were followed up for a median of 24.4 years. MPM was found in 17.8% of the cohort (190 patients), more likely among males and older age groups. Other clinicopathological parameters were similar between the MPM and SPM (878 patients) cohorts. After adjustment for age, sex and Breslow thickness, MPM was a hazard for death from melanoma, across all models, reaching significance when considering the last invasive lesion as the index melanoma (HR = 2.76, P = 0.017).

Conclusion

Patients with multiple invasive lesions seem more at risk of death from melanoma, independent of known prognostic factors.
Escherichia coli populations in unpredictably fluctuating environments evolve to face novel stresses through enhanced efflux activity
Authors: Karve S. M. , Daniel S. , Chavhan Y. D. , Anand A. , Kharola S. S. , Dey S.
Published: April 2015

There is considerable understanding about how laboratory populations respond to predictable (constant or deteriorating environment) selection for single environmental variables such as temperature or pH. However, such insights may not apply when selection environments comprise multiple variables that fluctuate unpredictably, as is common in nature. To address this issue, we grew replicate laboratory populations of Escherichia coli in nutrient broth whose pH and concentrations of salt (NaCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were randomly changed daily. After ~170 generations, the fitness of the selected populations had not increased in any of the three selection environments. However, these selected populations had significantly greater fitness in four novel environments which have no known fitness‐correlation with tolerance to pH, NaCl or H2O2. Interestingly, contrary to expectations, hypermutators did not evolve. Instead, the selected populations evolved an increased ability for energy‐dependent efflux activity that might enable them to throw out toxins, including antibiotics, from the cell at a faster rate. This provides an alternate mechanism for how evolvability can evolve in bacteria and potentially lead to broad‐spectrum antibiotic resistance, even in the absence of prior antibiotic exposure. Given that environmental variability is increasing in nature, this might have serious consequences for public health.
Weak photoperiodic response facilitates the biological invasion of the harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Reznik S. Ya. , Dolgovskaya M. Yu. , Ovchinnikov A. N. , Belyakova N. A.
Published: April 2015

Photoperiodic regulation of reproductive diapause in two invasive and two native populations of Harmonia axyridis and in one native population of Harmonia yedoensis was investigated in laboratory at 20°C, five photoperiods (day length of 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 h) and two diets: (i) eggs of the Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella and (ii) the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. Laboratory strains originated from native populations of H. axyridis from Irkutsk province of Siberia and H. yedoensis from South Korea showed a strong photoperiodic response: under short photoperiods (10–14 h and 10–12 h for H. axyridis and H. yedoensis, correspondingly), all females which fed on eggs and most of those fed on aphids did not start to lay eggs during 40 days after emergence, while under long photoperiods, all females fed on aphids and most of those fed on eggs oviposited. The photoperiodic response of H. axyridis from South Korea was less strong: on the both diets, the range of the photoperiodic response (the difference in the proportion of ovipositing females between the treatments with long and short days) was ca 40%. In the European (Czech Republic) and in the Caucasian (Sochi region, Russia) invasive populations of H. axyridis, the photoperiodic response was very weak: the proportion of females that started oviposition (when fed on aphids) or at least reproductive maturation (when fed on eggs) during 40 days after emergence was close to 100%, independently of the photoperiodic conditions. Obviously, instead of a rapid micro‐evolutionary adaptation of the critical day length to a new climate, the invasive populations of the harlequin ladybird decrease their dependence on photoperiod and thus the weak photoperiodic response of SE Asian population of H. axyridis can be considered as a pre‐adaptation further developed during the invasion.
Pressure and temperature conditions for crystallization of metamorphic allanite and monazite in metapelites: a case study from the Miyar Valley (high Himalayan Crystalline of Zanskar, NW India)
Authors: Goswami‐Banerjee S. , Robyr M.
Published: April 2015

The textural and chemical evolution of allanite and monazite along a well‐constrained prograde metamorphic suite in the High Himalayan Crystalline of Zanskar was investigated to determine the P–T conditions for the crystallization of these two REE accessory phases. The results of this study reveals that: (i) allanite is the stable REE accessory phase in the biotite and garnet zone and (ii) allanite disappears at the staurolite‐in isograd, simultaneously with the occurrence of the first metamorphic monazite. Both monazite and allanite occur as inclusions in staurolite, indicating that the breakdown of allanite and the formation of monazite proceeded during staurolite crystallization. Staurolite growth modelling indicates that staurolite crystallized between 580 and 610 °C, thus setting the lower temperature limit for the monazite‐forming reaction at ~600 °C. Preservation of allanite and monazite inclusions in garnet (core and rim) constrains the garnet molar composition when the first monazite was overgrown and subsequently encompassed by the garnet crystallization front. Garnet growth modelling and the intersection of isopleths reveal that the monazite closest to the garnet core was overgrown by the garnet advancing crystallization front at 590 °C, which establishes an upper temperature limit for monazite crystallization. Significantly, the substitution of allanite by monazite occurs in close spatial proximity, i.e. at similar P–T conditions, in all rock types investigated, from Al‐rich metapelites to more psammitic metasedimentary rocks. This indicates that major silicate phases, such as staurolite and garnet, do not play a significant role in the monazite‐forming reaction. Our data show that the occurrence of the first metamorphic monazite in these rocks was mainly determined by the P–T conditions, not by bulk chemical composition. In Barrovian terranes, dating prograde monazite in metapelites thus means constraining the time when these rocks reached the 600 °C isotherm.
A simple but precise method for quantitative measurement of the quality of the laser focus in a scanning optical microscope
Authors: TRÄGÅRDH J. , MACRAE K. , TRAVIS C. , AMOR R. , NORRIS G. , WILSON S.H. , OPPO G.‐L. , MCCONNELL G.
Published: April 2015

We report a method for characterizing the focussing laser beam exiting the objective in a laser scanning microscope. This method provides the size of the optical focus, the divergence of the beam, the ellipticity and the astigmatism. We use a microscopic‐scale knife edge in the form of a simple transmission electron microscopy grid attached to a glass microscope slide, and a light‐collecting optical fibre and photodiode underneath the specimen. By scanning the laser spot from a reflective to a transmitting part of the grid, a beam profile in the form of an error function can be obtained and by repeating this with the knife edge at different axial positions relative to the beam waist, the divergence and astigmatism of the postobjective laser beam can be obtained. The measured divergence can be used to quantify how much of the full numerical aperture of the lens is used in practice. We present data of the beam radius, beam divergence, ellipticity and astigmatism obtained with low (0.15, 0.7) and high (1.3) numerical aperture lenses and lasers commonly used in confocal and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy. Our knife‐edge method has several advantages over alternative knife‐edge methods used in microscopy including that the knife edge is easy to prepare, that the beam can be characterized also directly under a cover slip, as necessary to reduce spherical aberrations for objectives designed to be used with a cover slip, and it is suitable for use with commercial laser scanning microscopes where access to the laser beam can be limited.
Nidogen‐1 is a common target of microRNAs MiR‐192/215 in the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Zhu Dongmei , Xie Hua , Li Hongxing , Cai Peng , Zhu Hairong , Xu Chao , Chen Pingfa , Sharan Ankur , Xia Yankai , Tang Weibing
Published: April 2015

Recent studies have emphasized the important role of microRNA (miRNA) clusters and common target genes in disease progression. Despite the known involvement of the miR‐192/215 family in many human diseases, its biological role in Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) remains undefined. In this study, we explored the role of the miR‐192/215 family in the pathogenesis of HSCR. Quantitative real‐time PCR and western blotting measured relative expression levels of miRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins in 80 HSCR patients and 77 normal colon tissues. Targets were evaluated by dual‐luciferase reporter assays, and the functional effects of miR‐192/215 on human 293T and SH‐SY5Y cells were detected by the Transwell assay, CCK8 assay and flow cytometry. MiR‐192/215 was significantly down‐regulated in HSCR tissue samples, and their knockdown inhibited cell migration and proliferation in the human 293T and SH‐SY5Y cell lines. Nidogen 1 (NID1) was confirmed as a common target gene of miR‐192/215 by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and its expression was inversely correlated with that of miR‐192/215 in tissue samples and cell lines. Silencing of NID1 could rescue the extent of the suppressing effects by miR‐192/215 inhibitor. The down‐regulation of miR‐192/215 may contribute to HSCR development by targeting NID1.

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We proposed the following cascade for the proposed mechanism of miR‐192/215 in the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) by targeting Nidogen 1 (NID1). Aberrant expression of miR‐192/215 inhibits cell migration and cell proliferation via NID1. We think the miR‐192/miR‐215/NID1 signaling pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of HSCR.
CIDP‐like neuropathies in graft versus host disease
Authors: Cocito Dario , Romagnolo Alberto , Rosso Michela , Peci Erdita , Lopiano Leonardo , Merola Aristide
Published: April 2015

Cases of chronic inflammatory demyelinating poliradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) have been reported in hematopoietic stem cells transplantation complicated by graft versus host disease (GVHD). A systematic review of the CIDP‐like neuropathies associated with GVHD was conducted until January 2015, analyzing the clinical presentation and the response to different therapeutic regimens. Nineteen patients have been reported in literature including the present one. Fourteen subjects fulfilled the criteria for CIDP, whereas two cases presented with an asymmetric motor onset and one showed motor involvement only associated with anti‐ganglioside antibodies. In addition, two subjects already affected by CIDP developed a significant relapse after GVHD. This study reviews the literature data and reports one additional case of CIDP and GVHD, suggesting that the two clinical entities might share a similar immunological background.
An exercise regimen prevents development paclitaxel induced peripheral neuropathy in a mouse model
Authors: Park Jae Sung , Kim Sangri , Hoke Ahmet
Published: April 2015

Peripheral neuropathy is a major, dose‐limiting complication of many chemotherapeutic agents. Currently there is no effective method to prevent development of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Recent studies have shown that exercise can improve regeneration of peripheral nerves but its effect in preventing peripheral neuropathy is unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of a rigorous treadmill exercise program that was started 1 week before administration of paclitaxel and continued throughout the study in a mouse model of CIPN. We showed that exercise can partially abrogate features of axonal degeneration induced by paclitaxel including reduction in epidermal nerve fiber density in the plantar hind paw and thermal hypoalgesia. Furthermore, detyrosinated tubulin that is elevated in nerves treated with paclitaxel was normal in exercised animals. This study points to a relatively simple and potentially effective therapeutic option to reduce the neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy.
Bounded Rationality and Use of Alternative Financial Services
Authors: ROBB CLIFF A. , BABIARZ PATRYK , WOODYARD ANN , SEAY MARTIN C.
Published: April 2015

The increasing pervasiveness of high‐cost alternative financial services (AFS) has captured the attention of policymakers, consumer educators, and financial counselors. Using data from the 2009 to 2012 waves of the National Financial Capability Study (NFCS), this article investigates AFS borrowing behaviors through the lens of a boundedly rational choice framework, with an emphasis on overconfidence. Through repeated testing of isolated samples of individuals with characteristics that make them less likely to objectively need such products, the roles of actual (objective) and perceived (subjective) financial knowledge in the decision‐making process are explored. Consistent results indicate that individuals with lower objective financial knowledge and those that are overconfident in their self‐assessed knowledge level are significantly more likely to utilize AFS instruments. These results suggest that a significant portion of AFS users may select these products without conducting adequate search, resulting in less than optimal financial decisions holding all else equal.
The Downsides of Extreme Conscientiousness for Psychological Well‐being: The Role of Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies
Authors: Carter Nathan T. , Guan Li , Maples Jessica L. , Williamson Rachel L. , Miller Joshua D.
Published: April 2015

Although conscientiousness exhibits positive relations with psychological well‐being, theoretical and empirical work suggests individuals can be too conscientious, resulting in obsessive‐compulsiveness, and therein less positive individual outcomes. However, the potential for curvilinearity between conscientiousness and well‐being has been underexplored.

We measured 912 subjects on facets of conscientiousness, obsessive‐compulsive personality, and well‐being variables (life satisfaction, job satisfaction, self‐esteem, positive affect, negative affect, work stress). Methods of scoring included traditional sum‐scoring, traditional item response theory (IRT), and a relatively new IRT approach. Structural models were estimated to evaluate curvilinearity.

Results confirmed the curvilinear relationship between conscientiousness and well‐being, and demonstrated that differential facet‐level relationships underlie weaker curvilinearity at the general trait level. Consistency was found in the strength of relation between conscientiousness facets with their obsessive‐compulsive variants and their contribution to decreased well‐being. The most common association was that higher standing on conscientiousness facets was positively related to negative affect.

Findings support the idea that extreme standing on facets of conscientiousness more strongly linked to their obsessive‐compulsive variants contributed to lower well‐being, highlighting the importance of considering alternative functional representations of the relationship between personality and other constructs. Future work should seek to further clarify the link between conscientiousness and negative affect.
Relationship between the dinoflagellate cyst Spiniferites pachydermus and Gonyaulax ellegaardiae sp. nov. from Izmir Bay, Turkey, and molecular characterization
Authors: Mertens Kenneth Neil , Aydin Hilal , Uzar Serdar , Takano Yoshihito , Yamaguchi Aika , Matsuoka Kazumi
Published: April 2015

Here, we established the cyst‐motile stage relation‐ship for Spiniferites pachydermus through incubation of cysts with a characteristically microreticulate/perforate surface isolated from Izmir Bay in the eastern Aegean Sea of the eastern Mediterranean. The morphology of the motile stage was similar to Gonyaulax spinifera but had a different size, overhang, displacement and reticulations. Based on the distinct morphology of the cyst and morphological differences in motile cells, we assigned S. pachydermus from Izmir Bay to the new species Gonyaulax ellegaardiae. We elucidate the phylogenetic relationship of G. ellegaardiae through large and small subunit ribosomal DNA and show that it forms a clade with other species that belong to the G. spinifera complex.
Effect of the MC1R gene on sexual dimorphism in melanin‐based colorations
Authors: San‐Jose Luis M. , Ducrest Anne‐Lyse , Ducret Valérie , Béziers Paul , Simon Céline , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Roulin Alexandre
Published: April 2015

Variants of the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) gene result in abrupt, naturally selected colour morphs. These genetic variants may differentially affect sexual dimorphism if one morph is naturally selected in the two sexes but another morph is naturally or sexually selected only in one of the two sexes (e.g. to confer camouflage in reproductive females or confer mating advantage in males). Therefore, the balance between natural and sexual selections can differ between MC1R variants, as suggest studies showing interspecific correlations between sexual dimorphism and the rate of nonsynonymous vs. synonymous amino acid substitutions at the MC1R. Surprisingly, how MC1R is related to within‐species sexual dimorphism, and thereby to sex‐specific selection, has not yet been investigated. We tackled this issue in the barn owl (Tyto alba), a species showing pronounced variation in the degree of reddish pheomelanin‐based coloration and in the number and size of black feather spots. We found that a valine (V)‐to‐isoleucine (I) substitution at position 126 explains up to 30% of the variation in the three melanin‐based colour traits and in feather melanin content. Interestingly, MC1R genotypes also differed in the degree of sexual colour dimorphism, with individuals homozygous for the II MC1R variant being 2 times redder and 2.5 times less sexually dimorphic than homozygous individuals for the VV MC1R variant. These findings support that MC1R interacts with the expression of sexual dimorphism and suggest that a gene with major phenotypic effects and weakly influenced by variation in body condition can participate in sex‐specific selection processes.
How “Intuition” Exploded
Authors: Andow James
Published: April 2015

Recent decades have seen a surge in interest in metaphilosophy. In particular there has been an interest in philosophical methodology. Various questions have been asked about philosophical methods. Are our methods any good? Can we improve upon them? Prior to such evaluative and ameliorative concerns, however, is the matter of what methods philosophers actually use. Worryingly, our understanding of philosophical methodology is impoverished in various respects. This article considers one particular respect in which we seem to be missing an important part of the picture. While it is a received wisdom that the word “intuition” has exploded across analytic philosophy in recent decades, the article presents evidence that the explosion is apparent across a broad swathe of academia (and perhaps beyond). It notes various implications for current methodological debates about the role of intuitions in philosophy.
Latent transforming growth factor‐β binding proteins (LTBP‐1 and LTBP‐2) and gingiva keratinization
Authors: Chiang M‐S , Yang J‐R , Liao S‐C , Hsu C‐C , Hsu C‐W , Yuan K
Published: April 2015

Objective

Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) proteins are involved in epithelial keratinization. The major function of latent TGF‐β binding proteins (LTBPs) is modulating TGF‐β activity. However, whether LTBP‐1 and LTBP‐2 play roles in gingiva keratinization remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

Human keratinized gingiva and non‐keratinized alveolar mucosa were processed for LTBP‐1, LTBP‐2, cytokeratin‐1 (K1), cytokeratin‐4 (K4), and TGF‐β immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Porcine heterotopically transplanted connective tissues and newly grown epithelia were harvested for IHC staining. The expression levels of LTBP‐1 and LTBP‐2 were compared between differentiated and undifferentiated human normal oral keratinocytes (hNOK). The expression of LTBP‐1 and LTBP‐2 was knocked down in a cell line (OEC‐M1) to evaluate the effects on the expression of K1, K4, and involucrin (INV).

Results

In human and porcine specimens, LTBP‐2 expression patterns distinguished keratinized and non‐keratinized oral epithelia. Western blotting results showed that K1, LTBP‐1, and INV proteins were upregulated in differentiated hNOK. In OEC‐M1 cells, LTBP‐2 knockdown resulted in upregulated the expression of K1 and INV and downregulated the expression of K4. LTBP‐1 knockdown resulted in opposite effects.

Conclusion

The expression patterns of LTBP‐2 differ in keratinized gingiva and non‐keratinized mucosa. LTBP‐1 and LTBP‐2 are involved in the keratinization of oral epithelium; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated.