bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A validation study of new cryopreservation bags for implementation in a blood and marrow transplant laboratory
Authors: Pomper Gregory J. , Wilson Emily , Isom Scott , Hurd David D.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND: A new cryopreservation bag for hematopoietic cell transplantation requires validation as a safe alternative to the bag currently being used in the laboratory.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The new bag was validated using both laboratory and clinical criteria. Laboratory validation proceeded using paired samples of mononuclear cells processed using standard procedures. Cells cryopreserved in the new and old bags were compared for viability, cell counts, CD34 enumeration, colony‐forming unit assays, and bag integrity. After completion of laboratory investigations, engraftment with the new bags was followed and compared to historical engraftment using the old bags.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the old and new bags detected using laboratory studies. Bag integrity was equivalent. The validation data suggested impaired cell function after cryopreservation in the new bags, but there were no significant differences in engraftment potential using either material. Days to engraftment was longer using the new bags, but statistical analysis revealed an association with CD34 dose and not with cryopreservation bag type.

CONCLUSION: The new bags were noninferior to the old bags. A change in cryopreservation bag type may appear to affect cell function and potentially affect engraftment. Multiple analyses may be needed to understand the effect of cell processing changes.
Allometric Scaling: Analysis of LD50 Data
Authors: Burzala‐Kowalczyk Lidia , Jongbloed Geurt
Published: December 2010

The need to identify toxicologically equivalent doses across different species is a major issue in toxicology and risk assessment. In this article, we investigate interspecies scaling based on the allometric equation applied to the single, oral LD 50 data previously analyzed by Rhomberg and Wolff.(1) We focus on the statistical approach, namely, regression analysis of the mentioned data. In contrast to Rhomberg and Wolff's analysis of species pairs, we perform an overall analysis based on the whole data set. From our study it follows that if one assumes one single scaling rule for all species and substances in the data set, then β= 1 is the most natural choice among a set of candidates known in the literature. In fact, we obtain quite narrow confidence intervals for this parameter. However, the estimate of the variance in the model is relatively high, resulting in rather wide prediction intervals.
Evaluation of Legal Liability for Technological Risks in View of Requirements for Peaceful Coexistence and Progress
Authors: Zandvoort Henk
Published: December 2010

Legal liability for risk‐generating technological activities is evaluated in view of requirements that are necessary for peaceful human coexistence and progress in order to show possibilities for improvement. The requirements imply, given that political decision making about the activities proceeds on the basis of majority rule, that legal liability should be unconditional (absolute, strict) and unlimited (full). We analyze actual liability in international law for various risk‐generating technological activities, to conclude that nowhere is the standard of unconditional and unlimited liability fully met. Apart from that there are enormous differences. Although significant international liability legislation is in place for some risk‐generating technological activities, legislation is virtually absent for others. We discuss fundamental possibilities and limitations of liability and private insurance to secure credible and ethically sound risk assessment and risk management practices. The limitations stem from problems of establishing a causal link between an activity and a harm; compensating irreparable harm; financial warranty; moral hazard in insurance and in organizations; and discounting future damage to present value. As our requirements call for prior agreement among all who are subjected to the risks of an activity about the settlement of these difficult problems, precautionaryex anteregulation of risk‐generating activities may be a more attractive option, either combined with liability stipulations or not. However, ifex anteregulation is not based on the consent of all subjected to the risks, it remains that the basis of liability in the law should be unconditional and unlimited liability.
Methodology for the Calculation of Annualized Incremental Risks in Systems of Dams
Authors: Serrano‐Lombillo Armando , Escuder‐Bueno Ignacio , de Membrillera‐Ortuño Manuel G. , Altarejos‐García Luis
Published: December 2010

In the past few years, the field of dam safety has approached risk informed methodologies throughout the world and several methodologies and programs are appearing to aid in the systematization of the calculations. The most common way of implementing these calculations is through the use of event trees, computing event probabilities, and incremental consequences. This methodology is flexible enough for several situations, but its generalization to the case of systems of several dams is complex and its implementation in a completely general calculation methodology presents some problems. Retaining the event tree framework, a new methodology is proposed to calculate incremental risks. The main advantage of this proposed methodology is the ease with which it can be applied to systems of several dams: with a single risk model that describes the complete system and with a single calculation the incremental risks of the system can be obtained, being able to allocate the risk of each dam and of each failure mode. The article shows how both methodologies are equivalent and also applies them to a case study.
Glycine and Taurine Equally Prevent Fatty Livers from Kupffer Cell‐Dependent Injury: AnIn VivoMicroscopy Study
Authors: BRUNS HELGE , WATANPOUR INGO , GEBHARD MARTHA‐MARIA , FLECHTENMACHER CHRISTA , GALLI UWE , SCHULZE‐BERGKAMEN HENNING , ZORN MARKUS , BÜCHLER MARKUS W. , SCHEMMER PETER
Published: December 2010

Please cite this paper as: Bruns, Watanpour, Gebhard, Flechtenmacher, Galli, Schulze‐Bergkamen, Zorn, Büchler and Schemmer (2011). Glycine and Taurine Equally Prevent Fatty Livers from Kupffer Cell‐Dependent Injury: AnIn VivoMicroscopy Study.Microcirculation 18(3), 205–213.

Background: IRI still is a major problem in liver surgery due to warm ischemia and organ manipulation. Steatosis is not only induced by diabetes, hyperalimentation, alcohol and toxins, but also chemotherapy given before resection. Since steatotic livers are prone to Kupffer cell‐dependent IRI, protection of steatotic livers is of special interest. This study was designed to compare the effect of taurine and glycine on IRI in steatotic livers.

Materials and Methods: Steatosis was induced with ethanol (7 g/kg b.w.; p.o.) in female SD rats. Ten minutes after inactivation of Kupffer cells with taurine or glycine (300 mM; i.v.), left liver lobes underwent 60 minutes of warm ischemia. Controls received the same volume of valine (300 mM; i.v.) or normal saline. After reperfusion, white blood cell‐endothelial interactions and latex‐bead phagocytosis by Kupffer cells were investigated. Liver enzymes were measured to estimate injury. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and Student’st‐test were used.

Results: Glycine and taurine significantly decreased leukocyte‐ and platelet‐endothelium interactions and latex‐bead phagocytosis (p < 0.05). Liver enzymes were significantly lower after glycine and taurine (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study shows that preconditioning with taurine or glycine is equally effective in preventing injury to fatty livers most likely via Kupffer cell‐dependent mechanisms.
Interspecific aggregation of ectoparasites on bats: importance of hosts as habitats supersedes interspecific interactions
Authors: Presley Steven J.
Published: December 2010

Patterns of aggregation of species or individuals may result from combinations of interspecific interactions such as competition, facilitation, or apparent facilitation, as well as from equivalent responses to environmental factors. Host–parasite systems are ideal for the investigation of mechanisms that structure assemblages. Interspecific aggregation is documented for multiple groups that are ectoparasitic on mammals and host‐mediated apparent facilitation has been suggested to explain these aggregation patterns. To investigate the generality of this pattern and to determine likely structuring mechanisms, I analyzed species co‐occurrence, correlations of abundances, and nestedness for ectoparasite assemblages from each of 11 species of Neotropical bat. Ectoparasite assemblages on four of 11 host species exhibited significant positive co‐occurrence for the entire assemblage or for at least one pair of species in the assemblage; ectoparasites on two host species exhibited positive co‐occurrence that approached significance. There was no evidence of negative co‐occurrence. Nine species‐pairs exhibited positive abundance correlations, including seven of the eight species‐pairs that exhibited positive co‐occurrence. No species‐pair exhibited a negative correlation of abundances (i.e. density compensation). Ectoparasite assemblages from five of 11 host species exhibited nestedness, including all three assemblages that exhibited assemblage‐wide positive co‐occurrence. Multiple mechanisms associated with host characteristics may contribute to host aggregation in ectoparasite assemblages, including host body size, vagility, home range size, burrow or roost size and complexity, immunocompetence and social structure. In general, data in this study and elsewhere are not consistent with interspecific interactions among ectoparasites, including apparent facilitation, being primary structuring mechanisms of ectoparasite assemblages on mammalian hosts. Rather, host behavior and ecology are likely to affect the frequency of host–ectoparasite encounters and of conspecific host interactions that facilitate transfer of ectoparasites, thereby, molding patterns of ectoparasite co‐occurrence, abundance and species composition on mammalian hosts. Combinations of characteristics that are primarily responsible for molding ectoparasite assemblage composition likely are host‐taxon specific.
Zirconia in Fixed Implant Prosthodontics
Authors: Guess Petra Christine , Att Wael , Strub Joerg Rudolf
Published: December 2010

Background: CAD/CAM technology in combination with zirconia ceramic has increasingly gained popularity in implant dentistry.

Purpose: This narrative review presents the current knowledge on zirconia utilized as framework material for implant‐borne restorations and implant abutments, laboratory tests and developments, clinical performance, and possible future trends for implant dentistry are addressed.

Material and Methods: A review of available literature from 1990 through 2010 was conducted with search terms zirconia,”“implants,”“abutment,”“crown,” and “fixed dental prosthesis” using electronic databases (PubMed) and manual searching.

Results: Latest applications of zirconia in implant dentistry include implant abutments, multiple unit and full‐arch frameworks as well as custom‐made bars to support fixed and removable prostheses. High biocompatibility, low bacterial surface adhesion as well as favorable chemical properties of zirconia ceramics are reported. Zirconia stabilized with yttrium oxide exhibits high flexural strength and fracture toughness due to a transformation toughening mechanism. Preliminary clinical data confirmed the high stability of zirconia for abutments and as a framework material for implant borne crowns and fixed dental prostheses. Zirconia abutment or framework damage has rarely been encountered. However, veneering porcelain fractures are the most common technical complication in implant‐supported zirconia restorations. These porcelain veneer failures have led to concerns regarding differences in coefficient of thermal expansions between core and veneering porcelain and their respective processing techniques.

Conclusion: As presently evidence of clinical long‐term data is missing, caution with regard to especially extensive implant‐borne zirconia frameworks is recommended.
Implant Placement in Combination with Sinus Membrane Elevation without Biomaterials: A 1‐Year Study on 15 Patients
Authors: Balleri Piero , Veltri Mario , Nuti Niccolò , Ferrari Marco
Published: December 2010

Background: Membrane elevation in combination with implant placement without biomaterials is a rather new technique proposed for sinus lifting.

Purpose: This study assessed the clinical outcome of such technique during the first year of loading.

Material and Methods: Fifteen patients with a mean residual bone height of 6.2 mm were consecutively recruited for sinus lifting. After opening a replaceable bone window, the membrane was dissected from the sinus walls. A total of 28 implants were placed in the residual crest and they kept the membrane lifted upwards. After window repositioning, the flap was sutured. A 6‐month healing period was allowed. Patients were re‐examined after 12 months of loading.

Results: All the implants survived at the end of the follow‐up. The 5.5 mm mean bone reformation was significantly lower than the 8.2 mm mean membrane lift achieved after implant placement. Regeneration at the distal surface of the most posterior implants was significantly less than at other aspects. The height of membrane lift was not correlated with the amount of regenerated bone.

Conclusions: All of the 28 implants placed in combination with sinus membrane elevation were stable during the first year of loading. No extra costs for biomaterial or morbidity for bone harvesting were necessary.
Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido and Erectile Dysfunction and Depression in a Subset of Patients
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Hassani John , Guay Andre T. , Zitzmann Michael , Hansen Michael L.
Published: December 2010

Introduction

5α-reductase inhibitors (5α-RIs), finasteride and dutasteride, have been approved for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms, due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, with marked clinical efficacy. Finasteride is also approved for treatment of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Although the adverse side effects of these agents are thought to be minimal, the magnitude of adverse effects on sexual function, gynecomastia, depression, and quality of life remains ill-defined.

Aim

The goal of this review is to discuss 5α-RIs therapy, the potential persistent side effects, and the possible mechanisms responsible for these undesirable effects.

Methods

We examined data reported in various clinical studies from the available literature concerning the side effects of finasteride and dutasteride.

Main Outcome Measures

Data reported in the literature were reviewed and discussed.

Results

Prolonged adverse effects on sexual function such as erectile dysfunction and diminished libido are reported by a subset of men, raising the possibility of a causal relationship.

Conclusions

We suggest discussion with patients on the potential sexual side effects of 5α-RIs before commencing therapy. Alternative therapies may be considered in the discussion, especially when treating androgenetic alopecia.
Bevacizumab in combination with oxaliplatin and doxorubicin or liposomal doxorubicin for hepatocellular cancer: A case series
Authors: KU Geoffrey Y , DE LIMA LOPES Jr Gilberto , CHANG Alex Y
Published: December 2010

Aims:  Despite the emergence of sorafenib as the standard treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular cancer (HCC), therapy remains sub‐optimal and toxic.

Methods:  We report on five patients with advanced HCC treated with bevacizumab, oxaliplatin and doxorubicin or liposomal doxorubicin.

Results:  Of the five patients, four had cirrhosis; two patients had Child‐Pugh A cirrhosis, while one each had Child‐Pugh B and C cirrhosis. Grade 3/4 toxicity was uncommon. Four patients had a decrease of ≥50% in alpha‐fetoprotein levels following therapy and one patient each had a radiographic complete response and stable disease.

Conclusion:  These data add to the growing phase II data that bevacizumab‐containing regimens are active in advanced HCC patients. Further evaluation of regimens containing bevacizumab with oxaliplatin and/or doxorubicin may be warranted.
Transferability of Microsatellite Markers from Brachypodium distachyon to Miscanthus sinensis, a Potential Biomass Crop F
Authors: Zhao Hua , Yu Jiangyan , You Frank M. , Luo Mingcheng , Peng Junhua
Published: December 2010

Miscanthus sinensis has high biomass yield and contributed two of the three genomes in M. x giganteus, a bioenergy crop widely studied in Europe and North America, and thus is a potential biomass crop and an important germplasm for Miscanthus breeding. Molecular markers are essential for germplasm evaluation, genetic analyses and new cultivar development in M. sinensis. In the present study, we reported transferability of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from Brachypodium distachyon to M. sinensis. A set of 57 SSR markers evenly distributed across the B. distachyon genome were deliberately designed. Out of these B. distachyon SSR markers, 86.0% are transferable to M. sinensis. The SSR loci amplified in M. sinensis were validated by re‐sequencing the amplicons. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of the transferable SSR markers varied from 0.073 to 0.375 with a mean of 0.263, assessed based on 21 M. sinensis genotypes. Phylogenetic tree based on 162 alleles detected by 49 SSR markers could unambiguously distinguish B. distachyon from M. sinensis, and cluster 21 M. sinensis genotypes into three groups that are basically in coincidence with their geographical distribution and ecotype classifications. The markers developed by the comparative genomic approach could be useful for germplasm evaluation, genetic analysis, and marker‐assisted breeding in Miscanthus.
A cost–benefit analysis of alternative wastewater treatment standards: a case study in Israel
Authors: Lavee Doron
Published: December 2010

This paper analyses a number of possible standards for wastewater treatment in Israel from a cost–benefit perspective. Specifically, the paper examines the possibility to introduce stricter standards with respect to both sanitary quality and salinity levels, under the assumption that the treated wastewater is then reused in agriculture. The costs associated with each standard are compared with its expected benefits, and the economically efficient standard is identified. As wastewater reuse in agriculture is an attractive option for countries suffering from water scarcity, it is important to develop guidelines for optimal public policy in the field, and herein lies the main contribution of the paper.
Maxillomandibular external skeletal fixation in five cats with caudal jaw trauma
Authors: Moores A. P.
Published: December 2010

Five cats with caudal jaw injuries including mandibular ramus fractures, temporomandibular luxation/subluxation and temporal bone fractures were managed with external skeletal fixation to provide open‐mouth maxillomandibular fixation. Three of five cats were able to eat orally during the period of fixation, whereas two cats with jaws fixed in a suboptimal position were dependent on oesophagostomy tube nutrition. Fixation was well tolerated and was maintained for 21 to 42 days. All cats were eating normally and had good jaw function at follow‐up (mean 39 months, range 7 to 71 months).
A retrospective study of 153 cases of undiagnosed collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance: the outcomes
Authors: Barnett L. , Martin M. W. S. , Todd J. , Smith S. , Cobb M.
Published: December 2010

Objectives: To retrospectively assess the long‐term outcome for dogs that were presented with collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance for which an underlying cause is not identified.

Methods: The clinical records of animals presenting to two practices were assessed. Dogs which presented for collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance at least 6 months previously and did not receive a definitive diagnosis despite investigation were included. Follow‐up of these cases was carried out by conducting telephone interviews with the owners.

Results: One hundred and fifty‐three cases were successfully followed up. Clinical signs had resolved in 64 cases (42%), 35 dogs (23%) were continuing to exhibit clinical signs, although 22 of these had improved without medical intervention. In 17 cases (11%), a diagnosis had subsequently been made or treatment was being administered and 37 dogs (24%) had died. Of the deaths, 18 (12%) were considered to be related to the original presentation. The overall prevalence of death and deterioration related to the problems investigated was 16·2% of cases. Death in boxers was significantly more common than in other breeds (36%).

ClinicalSignificance: Death and deterioration are uncommon outcomes for dogs other than boxers presenting with collapse, syncope and exercise intolerance for which a definitive diagnosis cannot be made.
Full recovery of subinvolution of placental sites in an American Staffordshire terrier bitch
Authors: Sontas H. B. , Stelletta C. , Milani C. , Mollo A. , Romagnoli S.
Published: December 2010

A three‐year‐old, sexually intact, female American Staffordshire terrier was presented with chronic postpartum vulvar haemorrhage. Sixty‐one days before presentation, the bitch had whelped 10 puppies. A tentative diagnosis of subinvolution of placental sites was made when syncythial trophoblast‐like cells were identified in the specimen collected through the opening of the cervix by endoscopy.

Five weeks after the diagnosis, the bitch was clinically healthy with no vaginal bleeding and spontaneous recovery occurred without surgical treatment.
Antibiotic heterogeneity: from concept to practice
Authors: Bal A. M. , Kumar A. , Gould I. M.
Published: December 2010

Bacterial resistance to multiple antibiotics is a serious and emerging threat. Several measures have been proposed to curb this growing trend. These include prescribing restrictions, education, and infection control that target transmission, among several others. Antibiotic cycling has been a subject of debate, and although many investigators have studied the utility of antibiotic cycling with the help of theoretical models or as part of clinical investigations, several areas remain undefined and unclear. This review summarizes the available information on antibiotic heterogeneity (antibiotic cycling, antibiotic mixing, and other types of antibiotic protocols) with a critical analysis of the published studies.
From Predictive Mapping of Mineral Prospectivity to Quantitative Estimation of Number of Undiscovered Prospects
Authors: Carranza Emmanuel J. M.
Published: December 2010

This paper proposes that the spatial pattern of known prospects of the deposit‐type sought is the key to link predictive mapping of mineral prospectivity (PMMP) and quantitative mineral resource assessment (QMRA). This proposition is demonstrated by PMMP for hydrothermal Au‐Cu deposits (HACD) and by estimating the number of undiscovered prospects for HACD in Catanduanes Island (Philippines). The results of analyses of the spatial pattern of known prospects of HACD and their spatial associations with geological features are consistent with existing knowledge of geological controls on hydrothermal Au‐Cu mineralization in the island and elsewhere, and are used to define spatial recognition criteria of regional‐scale prospectivity for HACD. Integration of layers of evidence representing the spatial recognition criteria of prospectivity via application of data‐driven evidential belief functions results in a map of prospective areas occupying 20% of the island with fitting‐ and prediction‐rates of 76% and 70%, respectively. The predictive map of prospective areas and a proxy measure for degrees of exploration based on the spatial pattern of known prospects of HACD were used in one‐level prediction of undiscovered mineral endowment, which yielded estimates of 79 to 112 undiscovered prospects of HACD. Application of radial‐density fractal analysis of the spatial pattern of known prospects of HACD results in an estimate of 113 undiscovered prospects of HACD. Thus, the results of the study support the proposition that PMMP can be a part of QMRA if the spatial pattern of discovered prospects of the deposit‐type sought is considered in both PMMP and QMRA.
The Crater Mountain Deposit, Papua New Guinea: Porphyry‐related Au–Te System
Authors: Noku Shadrach K. , Akasaka Masahide , Matsueda Hiroharu
Published: December 2010

Ore mineralization and wall rock alteration of Crater Mountain gold deposit, Papua New Guinea, were investigated using ore and host rock samples from drill holes for ore and alteration mineralogical study. The host rocks of the deposit are quartz‐feldspar porphyry, feldspar‐hornblende porphyry, andesitic volcanics and pyroclastics, and basaltic‐andesitic tuff.

The main ore minerals are pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and moderate amounts of tetrahedrite, tennantite, pyrrhotite, bornite and enargite. Small amounts of enargite, tetradymite, altaite, heyrovskyite, bismuthinite, bornite, idaite, cubanite, native gold, CuPbS2, an unidentified Bi‐Te‐S mineral and argentopyrite occur as inclusions mainly in pyrite veins and grains. Native gold occurs significantly in the As‐rich pyrite veins in volcanic units, and coexists with Bi‐Te‐S mineral species and rarely with chalcopyrite and cubanite relics.

Four mineralization stages were recognized based on the observations of ore textures. Stage I is characterized by quartz‐sericite‐calcite alteration with trace pyrite and chalcopyrite in the monomict diatreme breccias; Stage II is defined by the crystallization of pyrite and by weak quartz‐chlorite‐sericite‐calcite alteration; Stage III is a major ore formation episode where sulfides deposited as disseminated grains and veins that host native gold, and is divided into three sub‐stages; Stage IV is characterized by predominant carbonitization. Gold mineralization occurred in the sub‐stages 2 and 3 in Stage III. The fS2 is considered to have decreased from ∼10−2 to 10−14 atm with decreasing temperature of fluid.
Determinants of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Gout
Authors: Brook Robert D. , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Myles James D. , Khalatbari Shokoufeh , Hench Rita , Lustig Susan , Marder Wendy , Neidert Adam , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: December 2010

Epidemiologic studies have proposed a relationship between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular (CV) risk. However, it is unclear whether uric acid (UA) is an independent risk factor for CV disease (CVD) after controlling for other predisposing conditions. Gout patients might have persistent systemic inflammation, which, in addition to hyperuricemia, may potentiate CVD. This study examined vascular function and markers of CV damage in gout patients when compared with healthy controls. Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation, arterial compliance, and microvascular function were measured. Circulating apoptotic endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells were quantified by FACS and circulating biomarkers of CVD by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Gout patients displayed significant increases in body mass index, C‐reactive protein, UA, and triglycerides and decreases in high‐density lipoprotein. There were no significant differences in other CV traditional risk factors, adhesion molecules, or chemokines. Gout patients did not differ from controls in vascular function. In univariate and multivariate analysis, UA was not associated with the quantified CV risk parameters. Despite an increase in several CV risk factors, inflammation, and UA, gout patients display normal endothelial function and no increases in biomarkers of CVD. These results do not support the notion that gout is an independent risk factor for premature CVD. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:178–188. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk indicators for early childhood caries in 2‐year‐old children in southern China
Authors: Zhou Y , Lin HC , Lo ECM , Wong MCM
Published: December 2010

Background:  The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between early childhood caries (ECC) and relevant socio‐economic, behavioural and biological experiences in the life course of children.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of 2‐year‐old children was analysed. A questionnaire collected socio‐economic and behavioural data during the first two years of the participants’ life. Caries experience was recorded at the level of cavitation and oral hygiene was assessed using the Visible Plaque Index (VPI). Microbiological investigation collected information on colony‐forming units (CFU) of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). The outcome was ECC. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:  The study included 394 children, with 109 having ECC and 285 being caries‐free. The mean decayed, missing and filled primary teeth (dmft) score of the ECC group was 3.65 ± 3.12, with decayed teeth making up 100% of the score. The results of the final logistic regression analysis showed that ECC was significantly associated with the mother’s schooling at child’s birth [<12 years vs. ≥12 years, OR = 1.80], VPI score [>60% vs. 0–20%, OR = 5.71], and S. mutans [≥105 CFU/ml vs. 0 CFU/ml, OR = 3.80].

Conclusions:  Social, behavioural and biological factors during the life course of 2‐year‐old children in southern China are associated with the development of ECC.
Maintenance for Stormwater Treatment Practices
Authors: Erickson Andrew J. , Gulliver John S. , Kang Joo‐Hyon , Weiss Peter T. , Wilson C. Bruce
Published: December 2010

Maintenance is imperative to preserve performance and extend useable life of stormwater treatment practices. Increased attention to mass balance, numerical goals, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), and antidegradation requirements has created the need for more emphasis on stormwater treatment practice maintenance in order to meet permitting and reporting requirements. The purpose of this paper is to advance short and long‐term maintenance considerations so as to develop more realistic maintenance plans. To do so, a municipal public works survey was developed, distributed, and the results were analyzed. The results of the survey revealed that most (61 percent) cities and counties perform routine maintenance once or more per year. Complexity of maintenance is most often minimal or simple, but is more complicated for constructed wetlands, soil/sand filters, and permeable pavement. The most common causes of required maintenance are sediment buildup and litter/debris. Survey results for maintenance cost compare well with data gathered from a national literature review.
Product Design and Financial Performance
Authors: Guo Liang
Published: December 2010

This paper intends to offer useful complements to prior studies in the field by relating product design effectiveness to firms’ financial performance. Six hypotheses were proposed on this relationship and the moderating effect of particular industries. The hypotheses were then tested by six latent class regression models with a sample of 577 design award‐winning firms and 524 non‐winning firms selected from 34 countries and 46 industries. The findings provided compelling, worldwide evidence that product design consistently contributed to company financial performance. However, the effect varies with countries and industries. In Europe and North America, where firms have centuries‐long design traditions, mature product design has salient impacts on financial performance. In Asia‐Pacific and emerging countries, the contribution of product design to sales and gross profit becomes evident but does not yet have a significant impact on the bottom line. Design also helps firms escape price competition in industries that have not traditionally made use of it—not so much in “high‐design” industries. For industries that fall into the middle, product design strategy is more ambiguous.
Design‐Driven Innovation Process Model
Authors: Acklin Claudia
Published: December 2010

Two applied research projects undertaken in Central Switzerland aimed to introduce design and design management into the strategy building and innovation processes of firms with little or no design experience and—on a theoretical level—to introduce design management into a generic innovation management model. Research with 11 variously‐sized companies in a variety of industries revealed that many of the small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) do not engage in innovation activities in a systematic and proactive way in order to understand market and customer needs. They also lack a design management function that would coordinate the processes of product and service development, brand design, and communication to create a coherent market entry and customer experience for new products or services. Researchers explored the contribution of design research, design leadership, and design management to a generic innovation management model, and developed a design‐driven innovation process model with six phases: impulse, research, development, strategy, implementation, and evolution. The model is designed to meet the needs of SMEs for easy implementation and cost and risk reduction. Further applied research is planned to validate the model.
Luxury Redesigned: How The Ritz‐Carlton Uses Experiential Service Design to Position Abundance in Times of Scarcity
Authors: Nixon Natalie W. , Rieple Alison
Published: December 2010

The Ritz‐Carlton has evolved by implementing rigorous self‐analysis based on institutional structures, working in tandem with creative customer‐experience management. The hotel began reevaluating its service design in 2001, well before the global recession in the latter half of 2008 made its full impact. There were several moments that served as catalysts, prompting The Ritz‐Carlton to shift from its status as a formally structured organization with a centralized hierarchy and delivery of consistently high‐quality operations. Instead, it became an emergent organization that extended those systems to encourage self‐organizing among employees, as well as customized hotel design. One way of understanding emergent properties and adaptive systems is through chaordic systems thinking, or CST. The chaordic view of an organization studies the balance and flow between the firm’s structures and frameworks (order) and the emergent creative self‐organizing among employees (chaos). Viewed through the lens of chaordic systems thinking, the qualitative research undertaken for this article examines The Ritz‐Carlton as an evolving organization that has re‐evaluated its service design processes in order to deliver more experientially‐based employee and customer engagement.
Measuring individual differences in reaction norms in field and experimental studies: a power analysis of random regression models
Authors: Martin Julien G. A. , Nussey Daniel H. , Wilson Alastair J. , Réale Denis
Published: December 2010

1.Interest in measuring individual variation in reaction norms using mixed‐effects and, more specifically, random regression models have grown apace in the last few years within evolution and ecology. However, these are data hungry methods, and little effort to date has been put into understanding how much and what kind of data we need to collect in order to apply these models usefully and reliably.

2.We conducted simulations to address three central questions. First, what is the best sampling strategy to collect sufficient data to test for individual variation using random regression models? Second, on occasions when precision is difficult to assess, can we be confident that a failure to detect significant variance in plasticity using random regression represents a biological reality rather than a lack of statistical power? Finally, does the common practice of censoring individuals with one or few repeated measures improve or reduce power to estimate individual variation in random regressions?

3.We have also developed a series of easy‐to‐use functions in the ‘pamm’ statistical package for R, which is freely available, that will allow researchers to conduct similar power analyses tailored more specifically to their own data.

4.Our results reveal potentially useful rules of thumb: large data sets (N > 200) are needed to evaluate the variance of individual‐specific slopes; a number of individuals/number of observations per individual ratio of approximately 0·5 consistently yielded the highest power to detect random effects; individuals with one or few observations should not generally be censored as this reduces power to detect variance in plasticity.

5.We discuss the wider implications of these simulations and remaining challenges and suggest a new way to standardize results that would better facilitate the comparison of findings across empirical studies.
Preparation and in-vitro characterization of tramadol-loaded carrier erythrocytes for long-term intravenous delivery
Authors: Foroozesh Mahshid , Hamidi Mehrdad , Zarrin Adbolhossein , Mohammadi-Samani Soliman , Montaseri Hashem
Published: December 2010

Objectives

The hypo-osmotic dialysis method was used for preparation of tramadol-loaded human intact erythrocytes. In response to rapid drug escape from the erythrocytes, a membrane cross-linker, glutaraldehyde, was used successfully.

Methods

The resulting carrier cells were validated in terms of the accuracy and precision of the whole drug loading procedure.

Key findings

The average loaded amount, entrapment efficiency and cell recovery were 1.9041 mg, 95.98% and 85.13%, respectively. The effects of different drug concentrations on loading parameters were studied with the concentration of 10 mg/ml selected as optimal. A series of in-vitro characteristics of carrier erythrocytes, including tramadol release behaviour, haematological indices, particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy, and osmotic/turbulence fragilities were determined compared with the sham-entrapped and unloaded cells. The results of these in-vitro tests indicated that the erythrocytes did not undergo remarkable irreversible size and shape/topology changes, but the fragility of the membranes of the processed cells were increased.

Conclusions

The collective results of this study showed that the optimized method of entrapment was suitable for the encapsulation of tramadol in erythrocytes with the final carrier cells ready to enter the in-vivo animal studies as a promising long-circulating carrier for tramadol.
The IFITM Proteins Inhibit HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Lu Jennifer , Pan Qinghua , Rong Liwei , Liu Shan-Lu , Liang Chen
Published: December 2010

Type I interferon protects cells from virus infection through the induction of a group of genes collectively named interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). In this study, we utilized short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to deplete ISGs in SupT1 cells in order to identify ISGs that suppress the production of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Among the ISG candidates thus identified were interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins, including IFITM1, IFITM2, and IFITM3, that potently inhibit HIV-1 replication at least partially through interfering with virus entry. Further mutagenesis analysis shows that the intracellular region, rather than the N- and C-terminal extracellular domains, is essential for the antiviral activity of IFITM1. Altogether, these data suggest that the IFITM proteins serve as important components of the innate immune system to restrict HIV-1 infection.
Disorders of iron metabolism. Part 1: molecular basis of iron homoeostasis
Authors: Muñoz Manuel , García-Erce José Antonio , Remacha Ángel Francisco
Published: December 2010

Iron functions

Iron is an essential micronutrient, as it is required for satisfactory erythropoietic function, oxidative metabolism and cellular immune response.

Iron physiology

Absorption of dietary iron (1–2 mg/day) is tightly regulated and just balanced against iron loss because there are no active iron excretory mechanisms. Dietary iron is found in haem (10%) and non-haem (ionic, 90%) forms, and their absorption occurs at the apical surface of duodenal enterocytes via different mechanisms. Iron is exported by ferroportin 1 (the only putative iron exporter) across the basolateral membrane of the enterocyte into the circulation (absorbed iron), where it binds to transferrin and is transported to sites of use and storage. Transferrin-bound iron enters target cells—mainly erythroid cells, but also immune and hepatic cells—via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Senescent erythrocytes are phagocytosed by reticuloendothelial system macrophages, haem is metabolised by haem oxygenase, and the released iron is stored as ferritin. Iron will be later exported from macrophages to transferrin. This internal turnover of iron is essential to meet the requirements of erythropoiesis (20–30 mg/day). As transferrin becomes saturated in iron-overload states, excess iron is transported to the liver, the other main storage organ for iron, carrying the risk of free radical formation and tissue damage.

Regulation of iron homoeostasis

Hepcidin, synthesised by hepatocytes in response to iron concentrations, inflammation, hypoxia and erythropoiesis, is the main iron-regulatory hormone. It binds ferroportin on enterocytes, macrophages and hepatocytes triggering its internalisation and lysosomal degradation. Inappropriate hepcidin secretion may lead to either iron deficiency or iron overload.
Fermented soymilk increases voluntary wheel running activity and sexual behavior in male rats
Authors: Sato Takuya , Shinohara Yasutomo , Kaneko Daisuke , Nishimura Ikuko , Matsuyama Asahi
Published: December 2010

Wheel running by rodents is thought to reflect voluntary exercise in humans. The present study examined the effect of fermented soymilk (FSM) on voluntary wheel running in rats. FSM was prepared from soymilk (SM) using the bacteria Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides . The rats were fed a normal diet for 3 weeks followed by a 3-week administration of diet containing FSM or SM (5% w/w), and then the diets were switched back to a normal diet for 3 weeks. The voluntary wheel running activity was increased by FSM administration, although no changes were observed by SM administration. This effect was observed 2 weeks after FSM administration and lasted 1 week after deprivation of FSM. Then we evaluated the effect of FSM on sexual behavior in male rats. FSM administration for 10 days significantly increased the number of mounts. The protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) increased in the hippocampus by FSM administration and it is suggested that FSM may change norepinephrine or dopamine signaling in the brain. Our study provides the first evidence that FSM increases voluntary wheel running activity and sexual behavior and suggests that TH may be involved in these effects.
Effect of Pleuran (β-glucan fromPleurotus ostreatus) supplementation on cellular immune response after intensive exercise in elite athletes
Authors: Bobovčák Marián , Kuniaková Renata , Gabriž Ján , Majtán Juraj
Published: December 2010

Excessive and exhausting physical loads depress the immune system. Carbohydrate consumption may minimize the postexercise suppression of the innate immune system. β-Glucan is a well-known immunomodulator, with positive effects on the functioning of immunocompetent cells. The goal of this study was to determine whether β-glucan dietary supplementation from the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus decreases the suppressed immune system responses induced by short-term high-intensity exercise in humans. In this double-blind pilot study, 20 elite athletes were randomized to β-glucan (n = 9) or placebo (n = 11) groups; these groups consumed 100 mg of β-glucan (Imunoglukan) or placebo supplements, respectively, once a day for 2 months. Venous whole blood was collected before and after 2 months of supplementation (baseline), both immediately and 1 h after (recovery period) a 20-min intensive exercise bout at the end of the supplementation period. The blood samples were used to measure the cell counts of leukocytes, erythrocyte, and lymphocytes; subpopulations of lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes; and natural killer (NK) cell activity (NKCA). A 28% reduction in NKCA (p < 0.01) below the baseline value was observed in the placebo group during the recovery period, whereas no significant reduction in NKCA was found in the β-glucan group. In addition, no significant decrease in NK cell count was measured in the β-glucan group during the recovery period. Immune cell counts did not differ significantly between the groups. These results indicate that insoluble β-glucan supplementation from P. ostreatus may play a role in modulating exercise-induced changes in NKCA in intensively training athletes.
Voluntary fluid intake, hydration status, and aerobic performance of adolescent athletes in the heat
Authors: Wilk Boguslaw , Timmons Brian W. , Bar-Or Oded
Published: December 2010

We determined whether beverage flavoring and composition would stimulate voluntary drink intake, prevent dehydration, and maintain exercise performance in heat-acclimated adolescent males running in the heat. Eight adolescent (age, 13.7 ± 1.1 years) runners (peak oxygen uptake, 59.5 ± 4.0 mL·kg–1·min–1) underwent at least four 80-min exercise heat-acclimation sessions before completing 3 experimental sessions. All sessions were performed at 30 °C and 60%–65% relative humidity. Each experimental session consisted of five 15-min treadmill runs at a speed eliciting 65% peak oxygen uptake, with a 5 min rest prior to each run. Ten minutes after the final run, a time to exhaustion test was performed at a speed eliciting 90% peak oxygen uptake. Counterbalanced experimental sessions were identical, except for fluid intake, which consisted of tap water (W), flavored water (FW), and FW with 6% carbohydrate and 18 mmol·L–1 NaCl (CNa) consumed ad libitum. Fluid intake and body weight were monitored to calculate dehydration. Voluntary fluid intake was similar to fluid losses in W (1032 ± 130 vs. 1340 ± 246 g), FW (1086 ± 86 vs. 1451 ± 253 g), and CNa (1259 ± 119 vs. 1358 ± 234 g). As a result, significant dehydration was avoided in all trials (–0.45% ± 0.68% body weight in W, –0.66% ± 0.50% body weight in FW, and –0.13% ± 0.71% body weight in CNa). Core temperature increased by ~1 °C during exercise, but was not different between trials. Time to exhaustion was not different between trials and averaged 8.8 ± 1.7 min. Under exercise conditions more closely reflecting real-life situations, heat-acclimatized adolescent male runners can appropriately gauge fluid intake regardless of the type of beverage made available, resulting in consistency in exercise performance.
Analysis and design of steel plate walls: experimental evaluation
Authors: Kharrazi Mehdi H.K. , Ventura Carlos E. , Prion Helmut G.L.
Published: December 2010

In this paper, the effectiveness of the Modified Plate–Frame Interaction (M-PFI) model is evaluated by comparing its outcomes against those from experimental results obtained from a number of steel plate walls (SPWs) tested at different universities. As a result of the comparison, the M-PFI model was found to provide satisfactory predictions for SPW specimens constructed with steel plates welded to column and beam members. The M-PFI model was able to predict the initial stiffness, as well as to evaluate whether the boundary members of the SPW have sufficient capacity to allow for the infill plate to yield entirely. However, the model was found to underestimate the ultimate capacity of the SPW system mainly because, among other reasons, the material model used for its underlying theory is the elastic – perfectly plastic material model.