bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of passive exposure of pregnant women to environmental tobacco smoke with asthma symptoms in children
Authors: Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Manios Yannis , Liarigkovinos Theodoros , Grammatikaki Evangelia , Douladiris Nikolaos , Kortsalioudaki Christine , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: July 2009

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a significant risk factor for the presence and increased severity of asthma‐ and allergy‐related symptoms in children. Smoking during pregnancy has detrimental effects on asthma‐associated outcomes in childhood. Whether passive exposure of pregnant women to ETS may also lead to asthma in their offspring, is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of passive exposure of pregnant women to ETS and asthma‐ and/or allergy‐related symptoms in Preschool children. Cross‐sectional data were collected with questionnaires from 2374 Preschool children, recruited from public and private nurseries and day‐care centers. Parental smoking was significantly associated with wheezing symptoms in their children. Mother’s active smoking during pregnancy significantly increased the risk for occurrence of asthma symptoms and/or medically diagnosed asthma in Preschool children in a dose‐dependent manner. Passive exposure to ETS, mainly during the third trimester of pregnancy, was significantly associated with asthma‐ and allergy‐related symptoms after adjusting for several confounders in a multivariate analysis (current wheeze: OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.06–1.91, pruritic rash ever: OR= 1.45, 95% CI = 1.01–2.08). Passive exposure of pregnant women to ETS during the third trimester is positively associated with asthma‐ and allergy‐related symptoms in their Preschool age children. Public health policies should be oriented not only towards smoking cessation, but also reinforce elimination of ETS exposure of pregnant women.
Mechanisms of Infertility Associated with Clinical and Subclinical Endometritis in High Producing Dairy Cattle
Authors: Sheldon IM , Price SB , Cronin J , Gilbert RO , Gadsby JE
Published: July 2009

Contents

Clinical and subclinical endometritis are common causes of infertility and subfertility in high producing dairy cattle, delaying the onset of ovarian cyclic activity after parturition, extending luteal phases and reducing conception rates.Escherichia coliandArcanobacterium pyogenescause endometrial damage and inflammation. Components of microbes, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are detected by Toll‐like receptors on endometrial cells, leading to secretion of cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobial peptides. Long luteal phases associated with endometritis are probably caused by a switch in endometrial prostaglandin production from prostaglandin F2a(PGF) to prostaglandin E2. In addition, LPS impairs the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary, and directly perturbs ovarian granulosa cells steroidogenesis, providing mechanisms to explain the association between uterine disease and anovulatory anoestrus. Cows with uterine disease that ovulate have lower peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations that may further reduce the chance of conception associated with endometritis.
How to Evaluate and Quantify the Influence of Coincidence on Fertility and Herd Health Parameters? A Practical Overview of Frequently Used and Abused Statistical Techniques in Research and Practice
Authors: Dewulf J , Maes D , Van Soom A , De Kruif A
Published: July 2009

Contents

In this article, frequently encountered statistical questions and methods used both in research and in daily practice are described and explained. First, the concepts of variability and uncertainty are explained and illustrated. From this, it is explained how variation can be quantified and how the limits of what can be expected as a result of normal variation are determined both for continuous and binary data. Based on the basic concepts of probability theory, an introduction to risk assessment was given. Finally it is explained how to test whether individual observations lie outside the normal range or the test whether populations are different from each other. All these are carried out avoiding theory and formulas as much as possible and illustrated with real examples from reproduction and herd health.
Theory Building at the Intersection: Recipe for Impact or Road to Nowhere?
Authors: Markóczy Lívia , Deeds David L.
Published: July 2009

abstract

Zahra and Newey (2009) argue for the importance of creative theory building in management research and suggest that this is best to be done via interdisciplinary research. We argue that the more management research goes down the road of pursuing interdisciplinary research for generating novel theories, the more likely it will compromise another worthwhile goal, which is to establish the discipline of management as a legitimate academic discipline that is distinguishable from other academic disciplines in its subject matter and its theoretical and methodological approach. We also argue against the implicit premise that the focus of management discipline should be on developing new theories.
Personality and Racial/Ethnic Relations: A Perspective From Cognitive–Affective Personality System (CAPS) Theory
Authors: Mendoza‐Denton Rodolfo , Goldman‐Flythe Michelle
Published: July 2009

The five articles in this special section examine personality and racial/ethnic relations from the perspective of Mischel and Shoda's Cognitive–Affective Personality System (CAPS) Theory. In this introductory piece, we first provide a primer on CAPS theory. In particular, we try to highlight the role that context plays in the construction and manifestation of personality as well as the dynamic ways that people interpret and react to input from their environment. We then review research on race‐based rejection sensitivity as a programmatic illustration of the role expectancies play in racial/ethnic relations. Finally, we summarize and tie together the articles that comprise this section via a set of emergent themes that are common to the present contributions.
Spontaneous analog number representations in 3‐year‐old children
Authors: Cantlon Jessica F. , Safford Kelley E. , Brannon Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2009

When enumerating small sets of elements nonverbally, human infants often show a set‐size limitation whereby they are unable to represent sets larger than three elements. This finding has been interpreted as evidence that infants spontaneously represent small numbers with an object‐file system instead of an analog magnitude system (Feigenson, Dehaene & Spelke, 2004). In contrast, non‐human animals and adult humans have been shown to rely on analog magnitudes for representing both small and large numbers (Brannon & Terrace, 1998; Cantlon & Brannon, 2007; Cordes, Gelman, Gallistel & Whalen, 2001). Here we demonstrate that, like adults and non‐human animals, children as young as 3 years of age spontaneously employ analog magnitude representations to enumerate both small and large sets. Moreover, we show that children spontaneously attend to numerical value in lieu of cumulative surface area. These findings provide evidence of young children’s greater sensitivity to number relative to other quantities and demonstrate continuity in the process they spontaneously recruit to judge small and large values.
Touch attenuates infants’ physiological reactivity to stress
Authors: Feldman Ruth , Singer Magi , Zagoory Orna
Published: July 2009

Animal studies demonstrate that maternal touch and contact regulate infant stress, and handling during periods of maternal deprivation attenuates the stress response. To measure the effects of touch on infant stress reactivity during simulated maternal deprivation, 53 dyads were tested in two paradigms: still‐face (SF) and still‐face with maternal touch (SF+T). Maternal and infant cortisol levels were sampled at baseline, reactivity, and recovery and mother’s and infant’s cardiac vagal tone were measured during the free play, still‐face, and reunion episodes of the procedure. Cortisol reactivity was higher among infants in the SF condition and while cortisol decreased at recovery for infants in the SF+T, it further increased for those in the SF. Vagal tone showed a greater suppression when SF was not accompanied by maternal touch. Touch synchrony during free play was associated with higher infant vagal tone, whereas touch myssynchrony – maternal tactile stimulation while the infant gaze averts – correlated with higher maternal and infant cortisol. In humans, as in mammals, the provision of touch during moments of maternal unavailability reduces infants’ physiological reactivity to stress.
BACKWARDNESS OF BORDER REGIONS
Authors: VAN GORP NICOLAI
Published: July 2009

This paper tries to assess the impact of borders on cross‐regional spillovers and regional competitiveness by using a shift share analysis. Based on sector data on employment, it is examined to which extent border regions experience positive (or negative) spillovers from neighbouring regions. The analysis proves that Europe's internal borders still suffer from lower spillovers which gives them a structural disadvantage as compared to non‐border regions. The hypothesis that this is due to low levels of labour mobility has been supported by various studies. The analysis also shows, however, that border regions of weaker performing economies (Germany and Belgium) experience positive cross border spillovers from stronger neighbouring economies (the Netherlands). This finding indicates that other modes of economic integration (trade, capital and inter‐firm relations) are less inhibited by the presence of borders.
Price Discovery for Segmented US‐Listed Chinese Stocks: Location or Market Quality?
Authors: Chen K.C. , Li Guangzhong , Wu Lifan
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  This study extends the cross‐listing literature by examining how, and to what extent, the trading of cross‐listed China‐backed ADRs on the New York Stock Exchange contributes to information flows and price discovery for the corresponding stocks traded in China's A‐share market. We find that the cross‐listed US prices and Chinese prices are not cointegrated in the long‐run and the home market plays a far more important role in both price discovery and volatility spillover than does the US market. The home bias hypothesis still holds for the segmented Chinese A‐share market and the location where price discovery actually originates is the essential factor in the process of international information transmission.
Disclosure and the Cost of Capital: Evidence from the Market's Reaction to Firm Voluntary Adoption of IAS
Authors: Karamanou Irene , Nishiotis George P.
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Using a unique international setting where the effects of disclosure on firm value can be measured in a constant regulatory environment and in isolation of other confounding factors, this paper shows that firms can increase their value through their choice of accounting standards. Specifically, we document strong positive abnormal returns at the announcement of voluntary adoption of International Accounting Standards (IAS / IFRS) by a sample of international firms and an economically significant reduction in long‐run returns, consistent with a reduction in the cost of capital. Consistent with these results we also document evidence of an upgrade in analyst recommendations after the IAS / IFRS adoption announcement and a reduction in the implied cost of capital. Finally, we find strong evidence that the documented abnormal returns are consistent with signaling and bonding benefits stemming from the reduction in asymmetric information. Our results highlight the importance of increased disclosure on minority shareholder protection and on corporate governance in general.
The intercellular organization of the two muscular systems in the adult salmonid heart, the compact and the spongy myocardium
Authors: Pieperhoff Sebastian , Bennett William , Farrell Anthony Peter
Published: July 2009

The ventricle of the salmonid heart consists of an outer compact layer of circumferentially arranged cardiomyocytes encasing a spongy myocardium that spans the lumen of the ventricle with a fine arrangement of muscular trabeculae. While many studies have detailed the anatomical structure of fish hearts, few have considered how these two cardiac muscle architectures are attached to form a functional working unit. The present study considers how the spindle‐like cardiomyocytes, unlike the more rectangular structure of adult mammalian cardiomyocytes, form perpendicular connections between the two muscle layers that withstand the mechanical forces generated during cardiac systole and permit a simultaneous, coordinated contraction of both ventricular components. Therefore, hearts of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) were investigated in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and various light microscopic techniques. In contrast to earlier suggestions, we found no evidence for a distinct connective tissue layer between the two muscle architectures that might ‘glue’ together the compact and the spongy myocardium. Instead, the contact layer between the compact and the spongy myocardium was characterized by a significantly higher amount of desmosome‐like (D) and fascia adhaerens‐like (FA) adhering junctions compared with either region alone. In addition, we observed that the trabeculae form muscular sheets of fairly uniform thickness and variable width rather than thick cylinders of variable diameter. This sheet‐like trabecular anatomy would minimize diffusion distance while maximizing the area of contact between the trabecular muscle and the venous blood as well as the muscle tension generated by a single trabecular sheet.
The role played by the interaction between genetic factors and attachment in the stress response in infancy
Authors: Frigerio Alessandra , Ceppi Elisa , Rusconi Marianna , Giorda Roberto , Raggi Maria Elisabetta , Fearon Pasco
Published: July 2009

Background:  The importance of understanding which environmental and biological factors are involved in determining individual differences in physiological response to stress is widely recognized, given the impact that stress has on physical and mental health.

Methods:  The child–mother attachment relationship and some genetic polymorphisms (5‐HTTLPR, COMT and GABRA6) were tested as predictors of salivary cortisol and alpha amylase concentrations, two biomarkers of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) axis and sympathetic adrenomedullary (SAM) system activity, during the Strange Situation (SS) procedure in a sample of more than 100 healthy infants, aged 12 to 18 months.

Results:  Individual differences in alpha amylase response to separation were predicted by security of attachment in interaction with 5‐HTTLPR and GABRA6 genetic polymorphisms, whereas alpha amylase basal levels were predicted by COMT × attachment interaction. No significant effect of attachment, genetics and their interaction on cortisol activity emerged.

Conclusions:  These results help to disentangle the role played by both genetic and environmental factors in determining individual differences in stress response in infancy. The results also shed light on the suggestion that HPA and SAM systems are likely to have different characteristic responses to stress.
To What Extent Can We Trust Home Blood Pressure Measurement? A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Bachmann Lucas M. , Steurer Johann , Holm Dagmar , Vetter Wilhem
Published: July 2009

Increasingly, patients measure and record their home blood pressure. However, the accuracy with which they report their readings to their physicians is largely unknown. The authors assessed the accuracy and quality of self‐reported home blood pressure values in an ambulatory managed care population. Forty‐eight hypertensive outpatients were randomly allocated to either receive information about the storage capabilities of a home blood pressure measuring device or not to receive such information. All patients were asked to record the measurement results in a logbook twice daily over a 7‐day period. The main outcome measure was the difference in the number of fictional or manipulated reports per group and the difference in missing values. The combined parameter “manipulated or fictional registrations” occurred significantly less frequently in the informed group than in the noninformed group. (10/728 vs. 29/616; relative risk, 0.292; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.57; Pearson X2=13.15; p<0.0001). Informed patients had fewer missing registrations than the noninformed (13/728 vs. 41/616 measurements; relative risk, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.47; Pearson X2=20.5; p<0.0001). The mean of the fictional data did not differ systematically from the mean of the correctly reported individual blood pressure values. There was no trend to over‐ or underestimate blood pressure values in the noninformed group. With this study design, it was possible to identify manipulation of home blood pressure values for the first time. Accuracy and interpretation of home blood pressure measurement may be increased by using devices with a memory function.
ACE Inhibitors and Protection Against Kidney Disease Progression in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: What's the Evidence?
Authors: Bakris George L. , Weir Matthew
Published: July 2009

Although angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors are frequently used as antihypertensive agents to lower blood pressure and slow progression of nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, evidence of their efficacy has been drawn primarily from small trials with surrogate end points. No adequately powered, long‐term trials have tested their effects to reduce the incidence of hard end points, such as progression to end‐stage renal disease or even doubling of serum creatinine in the population of patients with nephropathy from type 2 diabetes. While the results of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor trials from nondiabetic causes and even type 1 diabetes may be extrapolated to the patient with nephropathy associated with type 2 diabetes, the hard evidence is not available. This review critically evaluates the limited evidence in support of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors as renal‐protective agents in people with type 2 diabetes.
Computational Design and In Vitro Characterization of an Integrated Maglev Pump‐Oxygenator
Authors: Zhang Juntao , Taskin M. Ertan , Koert Andrew , Zhang Tao , Gellman Barry , Dasse Kurt A. , Gilbert Richard J. , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: July 2009

For the need for respiratory support for patients with acute or chronic lung diseases to be addressed, a novel integrated maglev pump‐oxygenator (IMPO) is being developed as a respiratory assist device. IMPO was conceptualized to combine a magnetically levitated pump/rotor with uniquely configured hollow fiber membranes to create an assembly‐free, ultracompact system. IMPO is a self‐contained blood pump and oxygenator assembly to enable rapid deployment for patients requiring respiratory support or circulatory support. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computer‐aided design were conducted to design and optimize the hemodynamics, gas transfer, and hemocompatibility performances of this novel device. In parallel, in vitro experiments including hydrodynamic, gas transfer, and hemolysis measurements were conducted to evaluate the performance of IMPO. Computational results from CFD analysis were compared with experimental data collected from in vitro evaluation of the IMPO. The CFD simulation demonstrated a well‐behaved and streamlined flow field in the main components of this device. The results of hydrodynamic performance, oxygen transfer, and hemolysis predicted by computational simulation, along with the in vitro experimental data, indicate that this pump‐lung device can provide the total respiratory need of an adult with lung failure, with a low hemolysis rate at the targeted operating condition. These detailed CFD designs and analyses can provide valuable guidance for further optimization of this IMPO for long‐term use.
Association Among Serum Fetuin‐A Level, Coronary Artery Calcification, and Bone Mineral Densitometry in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kirkpantur Alper , Altun Bulent , Hazirolan Tuncay , Akata Deniz , Arici Mustafa , Kirazli Serafettin , Turgan Cetin
Published: July 2009

Patients with end‐stage renal disease have a very high prevalance and extent of arterial calcification. A number of studies suggest that similar pathophysiologic mechanisms are responsible for development and progression of calcification of atherosclerotic plaque and bone formation. Fetuin‐A is a potent calcification inhibitor and is expressed in bone, with not‐yet well‐defined functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between bone mineral densitometry parameters, coronary artery calcification, and serum fetuin‐A levels. In a cross‐sectional design, we included 72 maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients and 30 age‐ and gender‐ matched healthy controls. Serum fetuin‐A levels were studied both in maintenance HD patients and healthy controls. Maintenance HD patients had radius, hip, and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) measured by electron‐beam computed tomography. The associations between site‐specific BMD parameters, CACS, and serum fetuin‐A levels were studied in maintenance HD patients. CACS, mass, and volume of plaques in coronary arteries were significantly higher in patients with a T‐score below −2.5 than above in the proximal region of the radius, neck and trochanter of the femur, and the lumbar spine. Mean serum fetuin‐A concentration was 0.636 ± 0.118 g/L in maintenance HD patients and it was less than healthy controls (0.829 ± 0.100 g/L, P < 0.0001). CACS, mass, and volume of plaques in coronary arteries correlated significantly with the serum fetuin‐A levels. Moreover, significant positive correlations were shown between the serum fetuin‐A levels, BMD values, and T‐scores of proximal radius, neck, and trochanter of the femur, but not with the lumbar spine. The present study demonstrates an association between serum fetuin‐A levels, coronary artery calcification, and bone mineral densities—except for the lumbar spine, in maintenance HD patients. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the cross‐sectional design of the study.
Improvement of Hemocompatibility in Centrifugal Blood Pump With Hydrodynamic Bearings and Semi‐open Impeller: In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Kosaka Ryo , Maruyama Osamu , Nishida Masahiro , Yada Toru , Saito Sakae , Hirai Shusaku , Yamane Takashi
Published: July 2009

We have developed a noncontact‐type centrifugal blood pump with hydrodynamic bearings and a semi‐open impeller for mechanical circulatory assist. The impeller is levitated by an original spiral‐groove thrust bearing and a herringbone‐groove journal bearing, without any additional displacement‐sensing module or additional complex control circuits. The pump was improved by optimizing the groove direction of the spiral‐groove thrust bearing and the pull‐up magnetic force between the rotor magnet and the stator coil against the impeller. To evaluate hemocompatibility, we conducted a levitation performance test and in vitro hemocompatibility tests by means of a mock‐up circulation loop. In the hemolysis test, the normalized index of hemolysis was reduced from 0.721 to 0.0335 g/100 L corresponding to an expansion of the bearing gap from 1.1 to 56.1 µm. In the in vitro antithrombogenic test, blood pumps with a wide thrust bearing gap were effective in preventing thrombus formation. Through in vitro evaluation tests, we confirmed that hemocompatibility was improved by balancing the hydrodynamic fluid dynamics and magnetic forces.
Extracorporeal Life Support as Ultimate Strategy for Refractory Severe Cardiogenic Shock Induced by Tako‐tsubo Cardiomyopathy: A New Effective Therapeutic Option
Authors: Bonacchi Massimo , Valente Serafina , Harmelin Guy , Gensini Gian Franco , Sani Guido
Published: July 2009

We report a possible new therapeutic strategy, using extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support (ECLS), for severe refractory cardiogenic shock (SRCS) in a patient with Tako‐tsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). TC is a syndrome characterized by left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, without coronary artery disease, mimicking the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. This ventricular dysfunction can be reversible; however, it can progress into refractory cardiogenic shock with limited therapeutic options available. For the first time in a Tako‐tsubo patient with refractory cardiogenic shock, we used ECLS treatment in order to rest the heart, sustain circulation and end‐organ perfusion, and promote potential ventricular recovery. ECLS might be the selected treatment for SRCS in patients with TC, and seems to be an effective and useful ultimate therapeutic strategy for preventing death.
Dispersion and Accuracy of Simulated Phosphene Positioning Using Tactile Board
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Chai Xinyu , Ling Shu , Fan Jin , Yang Kun , Ren Qiushi
Published: July 2009

The evaluation of phosphene is one of the most important things after the electrode array's implantation. Some experiments have been used to study the basic rules on people using their tactile perception in describing the characteristics of simulated phosphenes, such as the dispersion, accuracy, and response time. In order to describe the simulated phosphenes more systematically and scientifically, an improved phosphene‐positioning method using tactile board was designed in this study. Using tactile board to guide the tactile perception, the dispersion was limited to less than 6 mm, while the largest mean error was 8.1 mm, which was nearly equal to the minimal resolution of tactile board (8 mm). The response time greatly increased because of the standard processes in using tactile board. Moreover, the long‐term experiment to repeat the procedure could improve and sustain the subjects' performance in good results.
Novel Use of Kaolin Wastes in Blended Cements
Authors: Rodríguez Largo Olga , Vigil de la Villa Raquel , Sánchez de Rojas Maria Isabel , Frías Moisés
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the influence of different thermally activated clay wastes (ACW) on the hydration phases in cement pastes containing two percentages of addition (10% and 20%). Results show that the main products obtained during hydration of cement pastes containing ACW were portlandite, calcium aluminate hydrates, calcium silicate hydrates, and hydrotalcite‐type compounds. Portlandite formation decreases when addition percentage is 20%, contrary to tetracalcium aluminate hydrate, which increases in similar conditions. The ACW that showed the most portlandite consumption was ACW1 (700°C, 2 h) according to thermogravimetric data.
Visualization of Latent Fingerprint Corrosion of Brass
Authors: Bond John W.
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Visualization of latent fingerprint deposits on metals by enhancing the fingerprint‐induced corrosion is now an established technique. However, the corrosion mechanism itself is less well understood. Here, we describe the apparatus constructed to measure the spatial variation (ΔV) in applied potential (V) over the surface of brass disks corroded by latent fingerprint deposits. Measurement of ΔV for potential of 1400 V has enabled visualization of fingerprint ridges and characteristics in terms of this potential difference with ΔV typically of a few volts. This visualization is consistent with the formation of a Schottky barrier at the brass‐corrosion product junction. Measurement of the work function of the corroded brass of up to 4.87 ± 0.03 eV supports previous results that suggested that the corrosion product is composed of p‐type copper oxides. A model for the galvanic corrosion of brass by ionic salts present in fingerprint deposits is proposed that is consistent with these experimental results.
The emerging role of microRNAs in immune cell development and differentiation
Authors: LIANG TIE‐JUN , QIN CHENG‐YONG
Published: July 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA strands (20–25 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression by translational repression as well as by messenger RNA degradation. This review will examine the application and function of miRNAs in immune cell development and differentiation.
Linking mother access to dental care and child oral health
Authors: Grembowski David , Spiekerman Charles , Milgrom Peter
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Objectives:  The authors examined whether low‐income mothers, who have a regular source of dental care (RSDC), rate the dental health of their young children higher than mothers without an RSDC.

Methods:  From a population of 108 151 children enrolled in Medicaid aged 3 to 6 years and their low‐income mothers in Washington state, a disproportionate stratified random sample of 11 305 children aged 3 to 6 years was selected from enrollment records in four racial/ethnic groups: 3791 Black; 2806 Hispanic; 1902 White; and 2806 other racial/ethnic groups. A mixed‐mode survey was conducted to measure mother RSDC and mother ratings of child’s dental health and pain. The unadjusted response rate was 44%, yielding the following eligible mothers: 816 Black, 1309 Hispanic, 1379 White, 237 Asian, and 133 American‐Indian. Separate regression models for Black, Hispanic, and White mothers estimated associations between the mothers having an RSDC and ratings of child dental health.

Results:  Across racial/ethnic groups, mothers with an RSDC consistently rated their children’s dental health 0.15 higher on a 1‐to‐5 scale (where ‘1’ means ‘poor’ and ‘5’ means ‘excellent’) than mothers without an RSDC, controlling for child and mother characteristics and the mothers’ propensity to have an RSDC. This difference can be interpreted as a net movement of one level up the scale by 15% of the population.

Conclusions:  Across racial/ethnic groups, low‐income mothers who have a regular source of dental care rate the dental health of their young children higher than mothers without an RSDC.
Evaluation of the mechanical and chemical control of dental biofilm in patients with Down syndrome
Authors: Teitelbaum Ana P. , Pochapski Márcia T. , Jansen Jocélia L. , Sabbagh‐Haddad Aida , Santos Fábio A. , Czlusniak Gislaine D.
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Objective:  To evaluate the mechanical and chemical control of dental biofilm in patients with Down syndrome, using different experimental dentifrices.

Material and Methods:  Forty institutionalized children between ages 7 and 13 years in the mixed dentition phase participated in this study. An experimental cross‐over, blind clinical trial was used, having the following protocols: fluoridated dentifrice (protocol G1); fluoridated dentifrice + chlorhexidine (protocol G2); fluoridated dentifrice + chlorhexidine + plaque‐disclosing agent (protocol G3); and fluoridated dentifrice + plaque‐disclosing agent (protocol G4). Each experimental stage lasted 10 days with a 15‐day washout. The evaluated parameters were Plaque Index and gingival bleeding.

Results:  The initial clinical conditions between each stage were similar. Statistical differences were observed (P < 0.001) for the clinical conditions evaluated before and after the treatments. The dentifrices containing plaque‐disclosing agent, irrespective of their association with chlorhexidine, produced a greater reduction in the final plaque index. As for gingival bleeding, the dentifrice containing erythrosine and the one containing chlorhexidine produced similar results. The dentifrice containing an association of chlorhexidine and erythrosine gave the best results.

Conclusion:  With the methodology employed, it was possible to conclude that the combination of drugs (chlorhexidine, fluorine and erythrosine) within one dentifrice can be useful in controlling dental biofilm and in the reduction of gingival bleeding.
Melatonin preserves longevity protein (sirtuin 1) expression in the hippocampus of total sleep‐deprived rats
Authors: Chang Hung‐Ming , Wu Un‐In , Lan Chyn‐Tair
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Sleep disorders cause cognitive dysfunction in which impaired neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus may underline the molecular mechanisms of this deficiency. As sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) plays an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and neuronal plasticity, this study is aimed to determine whether melatonin exerts beneficial effects on preserving SIRT1 activation following total sleep deprivation (TSD). TSD was performed by disc on water method for five consecutive days. During this period, animals daily received melatonin at doses of 5, 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg. The cytochrome oxidase (COX) histochemistry, SIRT1 immunohistochemistry together with Morris water maze learning test were performed to examine the metabolic, neurochemical, as well as the behavioral changes in neuronal plasticity, respectively. The results indicate that in normal rats, numerous COX and SIRT1 positive‐labeled neurons with strong staining intensities were found in hippocampal pyramidal and granular cell layers. Following TSD, both COX and SIRT1 reactivities were drastically decreased as revealed by reduced staining pattern and labeling frequency. Behavioral data corresponded well with morphological findings in which spatial memory test in water maze was significantly impaired after TSD. However, in rats receiving different doses of melatonin, both COX and SIRT1 expressions were successfully preserved. Considerably better performance on behavioral testing further strengthened the beneficial effects of melatonin. These findings suggest that melatonin may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy directed for preventing the memory deficits resulting from TSD, possibly by effectively preserving the metabolic function and neuronal plasticity engaged in maintaining cognitive activity.
Congenital chylous ascites: the roles of fibrin glue and CD31
Authors: Densupsoontorn N , Jirapinyo P , Aanpreung P , Laohapensang M , Parichatikanond P
Published: July 2009

A 6‐month‐old male infant who presented with abdominal distension and congenital chylous ascites was diagnosed. He was initially refractory to conservative therapy, and then was completely cured with ligation of megalymphatics and fibrin glue application. Immunoperoxidase staining for CD31 on the biopsied peritoneal tissues highlighted the lining cells of lymphatic spaces, which indicated lymphangiectasia.

Conclusion: This case emphasizes the effectiveness of lymphatic ligation of the retroperitoneal megalymphatics in conjunction with fibrin glue application to cure congenital lymphangiectasia.
Linking woody species diversity with plant available water at a landscape scale in a Brazilian savanna
Authors: Ferreira Joice N. , Bustamante Mercedes M. da C. , Davidson Eric A.
Published: July 2009

Question: How is the diversity of woody species in a seasonally dry savanna related to plant available water (PAW)?

Location: Savannas in central Brazil.

Methods: Two‐dimensional soil resistivity profiles to 10‐m depth previously measured along three 10 m × 275 m replicate transects revealed differences in belowground water resources among and within transects: (1) driest/most heterogeneous; (2) wettest/least heterogeneous; and (3) PAW‐intermediate. All woody plants along these transects were identified to species, and height and basal circumference measured. Species diversity was evaluated for the whole transect (total diversity), 100‐m2 plots (alpha‐diversity) and dissimilarity among 100‐m2 plots within transects (beta‐diversity). Correlation analyses were conducted between PAW and vegetation variables at the 100‐m2 scale.

Results: The driest/most heterogeneous transect had the lowest total species diversity, while the wettest/least heterogeneous transect showed the lowest beta‐diversity. Floristic variation was correlated with PAW in all transects. In the most heterogeneous transect, species density was positively correlated with PAW in the 0‐400 cm soil layer. Evenness and Simpson's diversity were negatively correlated with PAW in the 700‐1000 cm soil layer.

Conclusion: Woody species diversity was related to PAW at a fine spatial scale. Abundant PAW in the top 4 m of soil may favour many species and increase species total diversity. Conversely, abundant PAW at depth may result in lower evenness and total diversity, probably because the few species adapted to obtaining deep soil water can become dominant. Environmental changes altering soil water availability and partitioning in soil layers could affect the diversity of woody plants in this savanna.
China’s Role in the 2007–2008 Global Food Price Boom and Bust Chinas Rolle beim weltweiten Anstieg und Rückgang der Lebensmittelpreise von 2007–2008 Le rôle de la Chine dans le gonflement et le dégonflement des prix alimentaires mondiaux de 2007–2008
Authors: Carter Colin A. , Zhong Funing , Zhu Jing
Published: July 2009

China’s Role in the 2007–2008 Global Food Price Boom and Bust

The 2007–2008 agricultural commodity price boom was short‐lived, just like past agricultural commodity price spikes. Grain prices doubled or even tripled from 2006 to 2008, while accompanying food prices rose sharply. But prices then fell steeply in the latter part of 2008. Some international agencies argued that the high prices in 2008 were going to persist for many years, partly because of growing food import demand in China and other parts of Asia. So this article investigates China’s role in the 2007–2008 global food price boom and bust. We find that contrary to some claims, income, demand and trade growth in China cannot be blamed for the increase in global food prices in 2007–2008. In fact, in China, growth in meat consumption in the urban areas has slowed down since the 1990s and per capita urban meat consumption has been very constant since 2002. In the rural areas, per capita meat consumption has also stabilized in the last five years. China did not overreact to the 2007–2008 food price boom and one could even argue that strong government intervention in China’s grain sector was a stabilizing factor in the world grain markets over the last two years.
Agricultural and Rural Development in China: Achievements and Challenges Entwicklung der Landwirtschaft und des ländlichen Raums in China: Erfolge und Herausforderungen Le développement agricole et rural en Chine : résultats et défis
Authors: Xiaohua Chen
Published: July 2009

Agricultural and Rural Development in China: Achievements and Challenges

China has made great advances in its agricultural and rural development since the reforms and opening‐up that began in 1978. It has not only fed its population of 1.3 billion, but has also contributed to international agricultural development and food security. Agricultural production registered great development, providing sufficient food and clothes for 21 per cent of the world’s population with 9 per cent of the arable land. In the process farmers’ living standards improved remarkably and rural public utilities and services were greatly enhanced. China is now in a key transition period of accelerating the transformation and modernisation of traditional agriculture and rural society. It is facing significant challenges. Agriculture is still one of the weakest industries in China and it is proving difficult to sustain increases in grain output and farmers’ incomes. The problems of uneven development in rural areas have become increasingly prominent and the gap between urban and rural development is tending to widen. The Chinese government will respond strategically to these challenges and will firmly pursue the construction of a new efficient and sustainable socialist countryside, along the path of modernisation with Chinese characteristics. It will also make greater contributions to world agriculture and rural development.
POINT: A Prescription to Decrease Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Ellestad Myrvin H.
Published: July 2009

The Courage Trial, published in 2007, has significantly reduced the incidence of treating stable angina with angioplasty. The investigators randomized 2297 patients with documented cardiac ischemia to conservative or invasive therapy and concluded that there was no difference in major events during a follow‐up of 2.5 to 7 years and that the urge to open the narrowed artery was unjustified. Over the years it has been well documented by myocardial biopsy that repeated ischemic episodes result in replacement of myocardial cells by fibrous tissue, loss of mitochondria, and deterioration of left ventricular function. Ischemic episodes often occur in the absence of angina so that it is impossible to determine whether the therapy is reducing the magnitude or duration of the process. Also, in their study, 32% of the conservatively treated patients crossed over to invasive. The evidence indicated that conservative treatment may result in a progressive decrease in left ventricular function.
Financial Market Liberalization in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Kwon Eundak
Published: July 2009

This paper examines the process and challenges faced by China as it opens financial markets to foreigners. Since its entry into the World Trade Organization, China has become integrated into the global economy and achieved remarkable economic success. In negotiating its entry into the World Trade Organization, China agreed to ease restrictions on foreign financial institutions doing business in the country and to liberalize its financial market. However, the legacy of a central planned economy and strict financial repression may hamper financial sector development and China's efforts to move to a market‐oriented financial system. In fact, many emerging market economies took a haphazard approach to financial liberalization leading to instability in their financial markets and a financial crisis. China should learn from these economies and be aware that successfully reforming its market, while simultaneously maintaining strong economic growth and avoiding the financial instability that may accrue from liberalization, will depend on careful and skillful implementation of economic reforms.
The pharmacological blockade of medial forebrain bundle induces an acute pathological synchronization of the cortico–subthalamic nucleus–globus pallidus pathway
Authors: Galati Salvatore , Stanzione Paolo , D’Angelo Vincenza , Fedele Ernesto , Marzetti Francesco , Sancesario Giuseppe , Procopio Teresa , Stefani Alessandro
Published: July 2009

Pathological oscillations characterize the firing discharge of different basal ganglia (BG) stations in rat models of Parkinson's disease. Most recent literature focused on the prominence of the beta frequency band in awake rats. Yet, in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned animals, the firing discharge of the globus pallidus (GP) and the substantia nigra reticulata are in phase with urethane‐induced slow wave cortical activity. The neuronal basis of this pathological synergy at low frequency is widely debated. In order to understand the role of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) signalling in the development of pathological synchronization, we performed a pharmacological inactivation of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) through tetrodotoxin (TTX), which led to a dramatic, but reversible, reduction of the dopamine content in the striatum. This procedure caused a significant contralateral akinesia, detectable as soon as anaesthesia vanished, and lasting about 3–4 h. We sought to determine the electrophysiological counterpart of this transient Parkinsonian‐like hypokinetic syndrome. Hence, we obtained the electrocorticogram (ECoG) and single unit recordings from GP and subthalamic nucleus (STN) in normal rats before and after the TTX injection in MFB. Intriguingly, the TTX‐mediated inactivation of MFB induced a fast developing coherence between cortex and GP and a significant increase of the cortex/STN synchronization. The intra‐GP iontophoretic delivery of haloperidol or the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline induced a short term cortex/GP synchronization. Strikingly, STN inactivation by local muscimol reversed both haloperidol‐ and TTX‐mediated coherence between cortex and GP. Our data show that an abnormal cortical/BG synchronization, at low frequency, can be reproduced also without SNc neuronal loss and striatal cytoarchitectonic alterations. In addition, our results, which represent an acute and reversible Parkinsonism based upon impaired cable properties, seem compatible with the interpretation of acute changes of the functional interplay between cortex and the STN–GP pathway as a key factor mechanism underlying the fast deep brain stimulation‐induced acute Off–On transitions.
TMS activation of interhemispheric pathways between the posterior parietal cortex and the contralateral motor cortex
Authors: Koch Giacomo , Ruge Diane , Cheeran Binith , Fernandez Del Olmo Miguel , Pecchioli Cristiano , Marconi Barbara , Versace Viviana , Lo Gerfo Emanuele , Torriero Sara , Oliveri Massimiliano , Caltagirone Carlo , Rothwell John C.
Published: July 2009

Using a twin coil transcranial magnetic stimulation (tc‐TMS) approach we have previously demonstrated that facilitation may be detected in the primary motor cortex (M1) following stimulation over the ipsilateral caudal intraparietal sulcus (cIPS). Here we tested the interhemispheric interactions between the IPS and the contralateral motor cortex (M1). We found that conditioning the right cIPS facilitated contralateral M1 when the conditioning stimulus had an intensity of 90% resting motor threshold (RMT) but not at 70% or 110% RMT. Facilitation was maximal when the interstimulus interval (ISI) between cIPS and M1 was 6 or 12 ms. These facilitatory effects were mediated by interactions with specific groups of interneurons in the contralateral M1. In fact, short intracortical inhibition (SICI) was reduced following cIPS stimulation. Moreover, additional comparison of facilitation of responses evoked by anterior–posterior versus posterior–anterior stimulation of M1 suggested that facilitation was more effective on early I1/I2 circuits than on I3 circuits. In contrast to these effects, stimulation of anterior IPS (aIPS) at 90% RMT induced inhibition, instead of facilitation, of contralateral M1 at ISIs of 10–12 ms. Finally, we found similar facilitation between left cIPS and right M1 although the conditioning stimuli had to have a higher intensity compared with stimulation of right cIPS (110% instead of 90% RMT). These findings demonstrate that different subregions of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in humans exert both facilitatory and inhibitory effects towards the contralateral primary motor cortex. These corticocortical projections could contribute to a variety of motor tasks such as bilateral manual coordination, movement planning in space and grasping.