bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychotropic drug use and alcohol drinking in community‐dwelling older Australian men: the CHAMP study
Authors: Ilomäki Jenni , Gnjidic Danijela , Hilmer Sarah N. , Le Couteur David G. , Naganathan Vasi , Cumming Robert G. , Waite Louise M. , Seibel Markus J. , Blyth Fiona M. , Handelsman David J. , Bell J. Simon
Published: August 2012

Aim

To explore the association between psychotropic drug use and alcohol drinking in community‐dwelling older Australian men.

Design and Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional population‐based study using baseline data collected between 2005 and 2007 from 1705 participants in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) conducted in Sydney, Australia. All participants were men aged ≥70 years. The prevalence of antidepressant and sedative or anxiolytic drug use was ascertained at clinical examinations and alcohol drinking was self‐reported. Logistic regression models were used to compute the unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between sedative or anxiolytic use and antidepressant use with drinking patterns.

Results

In the study sample, 8.0% used an antidepressant, 5.7% used a sedative or anxiolytic, 33.7% were daily drinkers, 13.9% were binge drinkers, 19.2% were heavy drinkers and 11.0% were problem drinkers. Overall, 27.1% of antidepressant users were daily drinkers and 42.7% of sedative or anxiolytic users were daily drinkers. Sedative or anxiolytic use was associated with daily drinking (prevalence ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence intervals 1.09–1.76) but not with other drinking patterns. The associations between antidepressant use and alcohol drinking were not statistically significant.

Discussion and Conclusions

Potential psychotropic drug–alcohol interactions were common in older Australian men. Users of sedative or anxiolytic drugs were more likely to engage in daily drinking compared with non‐users of sedative or anxiolytic drugs. Clinicians should monitor patients prescribed sedative or anxiolytic drugs for possible adverse events arising from concomitant use with alcohol.
The effect of a structured empathy course on the students of a medical and a nursing school
Authors: Ozcan C.T. , Oflaz F. , Bakir B.
Published: August 2012

OZCAN C.T., OFLAZ F. & BAKIR B. (2012) The effect of a structured empathy course on the students of a medical and a nursing school. International Nursing Review

Aim:  The study aims to determine the effect of an empathy course for medical and nursing school students in one university in Turkey. Being able to relate to others empathetically is important for health professionals who need to develop therapeutic relationships with people who are sick, weak, sensitive and vulnerable. Professionals need empathic communication skills and professionalism not only for patients and their families but also for colleagues and other members of the health team.

Method:  All first year students (257) from a medical and a nursing school in one Turkish university in 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 were enrolled to the study. The course included 10 h of lectures on empathy and communication skills given through five consecutive weeks with 2 h in a week in the first year of both schools. Data were collected by using the Empathic Communication Skills Scale (ECSS), and the Empathic Tendency Scale (ETS) before and after the course. There were 143 medical students and 83 nursing students (total: 226, 88%) who completed the ECSS and ETS in a pre‐/post‐test study.

Findings:  Results demonstrated that all students received significantly higher scores for the final application than for initial scores on both scales. This implied that the targeted educational programme could have a positive effect on learning empathy and gaining empathy skills and tendency.

Conclusion:  Effective educational programmes might facilitate and improve empathic skills and empathic tendency of medical and nursing students, and both male and female students benefitted from the empathy course.
Informal Employment Dispute Resolution among Low‐Wage Non‐Union Workers: Does Managerially Initiated Workplace Voice Enhance Equity and Efficiency?
Authors: Charlwood Andy , Pollert Anna
Published: August 2012

The decline of collective industrial relations has shifted the focus of industrial relations research to the study of individual employment disputes. In this article, we investigate whether employer‐initiated workplace voice is associated with improved resolution of individual complaints or grievances workers make against employers. We find that our measure of workplace voice is associated with less serious problems, more informal methods of dispute resolution, more satisfactory outcomes for workers and lower quit rates. However, these findings need to be set against generally low rates of satisfactory dispute resolution for all employees in our sample.
The effect of an amphiphilic self‐assembled lipid lamellar phase on the relief of dry skin
Authors: Pennick G. , Chavan B. , Summers B. , Rawlings A. V.
Published: August 2012

Synopsis

Humectant and occlusive technologies have traditionally been used for the treatment of dry skin. Originally, non‐lamellar‐forming ingredients were used such as petrolatum but recent research has shown the advantage of using lamellar‐forming ingredients such as ceramides, pseudoceramides and phospholipids in the relief of dry skin. Nevertheless, the importance of using lipid‐phase transition inducers, such as long‐chain fatty acids, has not been studied clinically. The evaluation of a novel complex of lipophilic ingredients was of interest: cetyl alcohol, isostearyl isostearate, potassium cetyl phosphate, cetyl behenate and behenic acid. The combination of all these ingredients was shown to be more effective than any single component in water vapour transmission rate studies. This was thought to be owing to the formation of a unique structural organization of the lipids upon dry‐down from an O/W emulsion as was examined by X‐ray diffraction and optical microscopy. When evaluated clinically in a randomized double‐blind and vehicle‐controlled moisturization efficacy trial, this novel blend of ingredients was shown to not only improve the visible signs of skin dryness to a significantly greater extent than a comparable mineral oil‐containing vehicle but also then maintain a better skin condition during the regression no‐treatment phase of the study. This combination of ingredients offers a new technology option for the treatment of dry skin.
Gender Differences in Academic Promotion and Mobility at a Major Australian University*
Authors: KAHN SHULAMIT
Published: August 2012

This paper analyses gender differences in faculty promotion and mobility at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) using personnel records for 1999–2010. It finds female lecturers less likely than men to be promoted or to leave UNSW and female associate professors more likely to be promoted. These results are consistent with a flipping statistical discrimination model. Leave‐taking did not account for gender differences. Instead, taking maternity leave indicates higher likelihood of staying at UNSW and being promoted. The paper finds that gender differences narrowed over time but not always as predicted by gender‐related policy changes.
Real Exchange Rate Movements in Developed and Developing Economies: A Reinterpretation of the Balassa‐Samuelson Hypothesis*
Authors: DUMRONGRITTIKUL TAYA
Published: August 2012

This article applies panel‐data techniques to examine the Balassa‐Samuelson hypothesis (BSH) for 33 countries. We introduce a new approach for classifying traded and non‐traded industries which allows for country‐specific heterogeneity over each industry and changes in classifications across periods. We find that in developed countries, productivity growth in traded goods leads to a real depreciation of the currency, inconsistent with the BSH; however, higher growth countries experience real appreciation. The results of developing countries support the BSH in that higher productivity growth in traded goods leads to real appreciation.
ABILITY AND AGE‐INCOME PROFILES
Authors: HARTOG JOOP
Published: August 2012

This paper is devoted to the personal distribution of income. The focus is on the relation between individual age and income and on the observed regularities in these age‐income profiles. Empirically, age‐income profiles show marked differences by occupation and by education. In general, with increasing levels of education both the level and the slope of the age‐income profile increase; there is also a tendency of the variance of income to increase with age. Explanations of these facts are discussed. The human capital model is found defective in two ways: direct measurement of capital formation that occurs through on‐the‐job training is not feasible and the demand side of the labor market is ignored. Lydall's approach stressing the role of ability development is considered promising, yet lacking a theoretic integration of the relevant factors. The relation between education and ability is also reviewed. It is concluded that IQ is an important variable associated with educational attainment, but that its explanatory power with respect to earnings in addition to length of schooling is almost negligible. Moreover, its development over age cannot be held responsible for the age‐income profile, since its peak is far too early. Ability as a multidimensional concept appears attractive, though empirical problems are manifold. Finally, interesting direct empirical evidence on productivity development with experience is found in the literature on the learning curve. In certain jobs, where productivity can be measured directly, increasing experience on the job produces an asymptotic productivity profile.

In the final section the conclusions are reviewed and used to briefly indicate a new theory. According to this theory, capabilities are the key variables in the labor market. Individual preferences regarding employment of these capabilities guide decisions about job choice. The labor market rewards capabilities and capability development over age explains the age‐income profile.
DISAGGREGATION OF STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE AMERICAN ECONOMY: 1947–1966
Authors: BEZDEK ROGER H. , WENDLING ROBERT M.
Published: August 2012

This paper utilizes input‐output techniques to disaggregate and analyze structural change in the American economy between 1947 and 1966, focussing on the subperiods 1947‐58, 1958‐63, and 1963‐66‐periods determined by the availability of input‐output tables for the terminal years. There was wide variability in the changes in output requirements among industries, but in all periods changes in final demand and in input‐output coefficients tended to reinforce each other. Increases in final demand for an industry's output tended to be accompanied by increases in demand for its product as intermediate input, and vice versa. Plastics, utilities, drugs, and computing machines showed increases for both final consumption and intermediate consumption, whereas such industries as coal, wooden containers, and leather products were of declining importance for both consumption and production.
Effects of alkali and ultraviolet treatment on colour strength and mechanical properties of jute yarn
Authors: Zolriasatein Ali A. , Yazdanshenas Mohammad E , Khajavi Ramin , Rashidi Abosaeed
Published: August 2012

In this study, jute yarns were treated with an aqueous alkali solution and ultraviolet light to improve dyeability. Ultraviolet light treatments were carried out at an air pressure of 1 atm, under water and vacuum, and all the samples were dyed with reactive dyes. Virgin samples and treated jute yarns were analysed by Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy. K/S values were determined by a reflective spectrophotometer and used to establish the fixation values and colour strength of the dyed samples. The tensile mechanical properties of the samples were also measured by a tensile testing apparatus and were compared with the virgin samples. Alkali treatment resulted in a reduction in carbonyl group concentration. However, atmospheric ultraviolet light treatment increased carbonyl group concentration. Dyeability and dye fixation values for atmospheric and underwater ultraviolet light‐treated samples increased. Furthermore, the loss of tensile strength for alkali‐treated samples was much greater than others (up to 50%) in comparison with ultraviolet light‐treated samples.
A Life‐Threatening Flecainide Overdose Treated with Intravenous Fat Emulsion
Authors: ELLSWORTH HEATHER , STELLPFLUG SAMUEL J. , COLE JON B. , DOLAN JOSEPH A. , HARRIS CARSON R.
Published: August 2012

Flecainide is a Vaughan Williams Class Ic antidysrhythmic associated with PR, QRS, and QTc prolongation on the electrocardiogram and development of life‐threatening cardiac toxicity in overdose. The cornerstone of treatment is fluid resuscitation and the administration of magnesium and sodium bicarbonate. We report a case of flecainide overdose associated with life‐threatening hemodynamic compromise successfully treated with intravenous fat emulsion (IFE) therapy. IFE should be considered as a novel adjunctive therapy in patients with life‐threatening toxicity following flecainide overdose.
Regional citrate anticoagulation in CVVH: A new protocol combining citrate solution with a phosphate‐containing replacement fluid
Authors: Morabito Santo , Pistolesi Valentina , Tritapepe Luigi , Zeppilli Laura , Polistena Francesca , Fiaccadori Enrico , Pierucci Alessandro
Published: August 2012

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is a valid anticoagulation method in continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT) and different combination of citrate and CRRT solutions can affect acid‐base balance. Regardless of the anticoagulation protocol, hypophosphatemia occurs frequently in CRRT. In this case report, we evaluated safety and effects on acid‐base balance of a new RCA‐ continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH) protocol using an 18 mmol/L citrate solution combined with a phosphate‐containing replacement fluid. In our center, RCA‐CVVH is routinely performed with a 12 mmol/L citrate solution and a postdilution replacement fluid with bicarbonate (protocol A). In case of persistent acidosis, not related to citrate accumulation, bicarbonate infusion is scheduled. In order to optimize buffers balance, a new protocol has been designed using recently introduced solutions: 18 mmol/L citrate solution, phosphate‐containing postdilution replacement fluid with bicarbonate (protocol B). In a cardiac surgery patient with acute kidney injury, acid‐base status and electrolytes have been evaluated comparing protocol A (five circuits, 301 hours) vs. protocol B (two circuits, 97 hours): pH 7.39 ± 0.03 vs. 7.44 ± 0.03 (P < 0.0001), bicarbonate 22.3 ± 1.8 vs. 22.6 ± 1.4 mmol/L (NS), Base excess −2.8 ± 2.1 vs. −1.6 ± 1.2 (P = 0.007), phosphate 0.85 ± 0.2 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5 mmol/L (P = 0.027). Protocol A required bicarbonate and sodium phosphate infusion (8.9 ± 2.8 mmol/h and 5 g/day, respectively) while protocol B allowed to stop both supplementations. In comparison to protocol A, protocol B allowed to adequately control acid‐base status without additional bicarbonate infusion and in absence of alkalosis, despite the use of a standard bicarbonate concentration replacement solution. Furthermore, the combination of a phosphate‐containing replacement fluid appeared effective to prevent hypophosphatemia.
An Investigation of Self‐Rated Cues Believed to Influence the Judgment of Intelligence in a Zero‐Acquaintance Context1
Authors: SWAMI VIREN , FURNHAM ADRIAN
Published: August 2012

This study examined participants' perceptions of the cues they believed to be important when making intelligence judgments in zero‐acquaintance contexts. In total, 467 British participants rated 29 items for how important they were when making judgments of intelligence and completed scales measuring their personality, self‐assessed intelligence, and demographics. A factor analysis showed that the 29 intelligence cues could be reduced to 4 factors: Physical Cues, Nonphysical Cues, Adornments, and Knowledge. There were no gender differences in ratings of these factors, and Knowledge was rated as the most important factor, followed by Nonphysical Cues, Adornments, and Physical Cues. These factors were weakly associated with participants' personality scores and self‐assessed intelligence. Results are discussed in relation to the literature on intelligence judgments.
What is known on angiogenesis‐related rare diseases? A systematic review of literature
Authors: Rodríguez‐Caso Luis , Reyes‐Palomares Armando , Sánchez‐Jiménez Francisca , Quesada Ana R. , Medina Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2012

Angiogenesis, the formation of new vessels from pre‐existing ones, is essential during ontogenetic development and is related to many important physio‐pathological processes in the adult. In fact, a persistent and deregulated angiogenesis is a required event for many diseases and pathological situations, including cancer progression and metastasis. Some rare diseases are also angiogenesis‐related pathologies. However, there is a lack of an exhaustive review on the topic. The main purpose of this work is to carry out a systematic review of literature to determine what (and how much) scientific information concerning angiogenesis‐related rare diseases can be extracted from available sources. After exhaustive searches in bibliographic databases, preselected data were filtered by selecting only those articles on rare diseases with an Orpha number hosted in the Orphanet web. The selected bibliographic references were further curated manually. With the 187 selected references, a critical reading and analysis was carried out allowing for an identification and classification of angiogenesis‐related rare diseases, the involved genes and the drugs available for their treatment, all on the basis of the information available in Orphanet database.
Perivascular cells for regenerative medicine
Authors: Crisan Mihaela , Corselli Mirko , Chen William C.W. , Péault Bruno
Published: August 2012

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are currently the best candidate therapeutic cells for regenerative medicine related to osteoarticular, muscular, vascular and inflammatory diseases, although these cells remain heterogeneous and necessitate a better biological characterization. We and others recently described that MSC originate from two types of perivascular cells, namely pericytes and adventitial cells and contain the in situ counterpart of MSC in developing and adult human organs, which can be prospectively purified using well defined cell surface markers. Pericytes encircle endothelial cells of capillaries and microvessels and express the adhesion molecule CD146 and the PDGFRβ, but lack endothelial and haematopoietic markers such as CD34, CD31, vWF (von Willebrand factor), the ligand for Ulex europaeus 1 (UEA1) and CD45 respectively. The proteoglycan NG2 is a pericyte marker exclusively associated with the arterial system. Besides its expression in smooth muscle cells, smooth muscle actin (αSMA) is also detected in subsets of pericytes. Adventitial cells surround the largest vessels and, opposite to pericytes, are not closely associated to endothelial cells. Adventitial cells express CD34 and lack αSMA and all endothelial and haematopoietic cell markers, as for pericytes. Altogether, pericytes and adventitial perivascular cells express in situ and in culture markers of MSC and display capacities to differentiate towards osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic cell lineages. Importantly, adventitial cells can differentiate into pericyte‐like cells under inductive conditions in vitro. Altogether, using purified perivascular cells instead of MSC may bring higher benefits to regenerative medicine, including the possibility, for the first time, to use these cells uncultured.
Topical application of phosphatidyl‐inositol‐3,5‐bisphosphate for acute lung injury in neonatal swine
Authors: Preuß Stefanie , Omam Friede D. , Scheiermann Julia , Stadelmann Sabrina , Winoto‐Morbach Supandi , von Bismarck Philipp , Adam‐Klages Sabine , Knerlich‐Lukoschus Friederike , Lex Dennis , Wesch Daniela , Held‐Feindt Janka , Uhlig Stefan , Schütze Stefan , Krause Martin F.
Published: August 2012

Hypoxemic respiratory failure of the neonatal organism involves increased acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase) activity and production of ceramide, a second messenger of a pro‐inflammatory pathway that promotes increased vascular permeability, surfactant alterations and alveolar epithelial apoptosis. We comparatively assessed the benefits of topical aSMase inhibition by either imipramine (Imi) or phosphatidylinositol‐3,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) when administered into the airways together with surfactant (S) for fortification. In this translational study, a triple‐hit acute lung injury model was used that entails repeated airway lavage, injurious ventilation and tracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation in newborn piglets subject to mechanical ventilation for 72 hrs. After randomization, we administered an air bolus (control), S, S+Imi, or S+PIP2. Only in the latter two groups we observed significantly improved oxygenation and ventilation, dynamic compliance and pulmonary oedema. S+Imi caused systemic aSMase suppression and ceramide reduction, whereas the S+PIP2 effect remained compartmentalized in the airways because of the molecule's bulky structure. The surfactant surface tensions improved by S+Imi and S+PIP2 interventions, but only to a minor extent by S alone. S+PIP2 inhibited the migration of monocyte‐derived macrophages and granulocytes into airways by the reduction of CD14/CD18 expression on cell membranes and the expression of epidermal growth factors (amphiregulin and TGF‐β1) and interleukin‐6 as pro‐fibrotic factors. Finally we observed reduced alveolar epithelial apoptosis, which was most apparent in S+PIP2 lungs. Exogenous surfactant “fortified” by PIP2, a naturally occurring surfactant component, improves lung function by topical suppression of aSMase, providing a potential treatment concept for neonates with hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Association ofSOD1andSOD2single nucleotide polymorphisms with susceptibility to gastric cancer in aKorean population
Authors: Han Lin , Lee Suk Woo , Yoon Jung Hwan , Park Yong Gyu , Choi Yoo Jin , Nam Suk Woo , Lee Jung Young , Wang Yin Ping , Park Won Sang
Published: August 2012

Oxidative stress is accepted as one of the main factors involved in the development and progression of cancer. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are important in avoiding oxidative stress by eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). To determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms atG7958AwithinSOD1and atT5482CwithinSOD2are associated with an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer, we investigated the genotype and allele frequencies of the genes from 294 gastric cancer patients and 300 healthy individuals. A polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism assay was used to identify theSOD1G7958Aand theSOD2T5482Cgenotypes. Statistically significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies ofSOD2T5482Cwere found between the healthy controls and gastric cancer patients (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). When the data were stratified according to gastric cancer histological subtypes, the risk of both diffuse‐ and intestinal‐type gastric cancer was statistically higher for carriers of the C allele compared with carriers of the T allele. However, there were no statistically significant differences in genotype distribution (p = 0.5069) and allele frequencies (p = 0.3714) ofSOD1G7958Abetween gastric cancer patients and controls. Our findings suggest that polymorphism of theSOD2T5482Cmay be closely associated with an increased susceptibility to the development and differentiation of gastric cancer in the Korean population.
Cleaning and modification of intraorally contaminated titanium discs with calcium phosphate powder abrasive treatment
Authors: Tastepe Ceylin S. , Liu Yuelian , Visscher Corine M. , Wismeijer Daniel
Published: August 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cleaning efficiency on intraorally contaminated titanium discs by using calcium phosphate and air powder abrasive (APA) treatment. The modification of titanium surface (SLA) was evaluated and compared with the conventional air powder abrasive methods and phosphoric acid. This treatment modality might give new perspectives for peri‐implant surface treatment.

Materials and Methods

A total of 36 SLA surface titanium discs were kept in the human mouth for 48 h by 14 volunteers. The intraorally contaminated discs were stained with erythrosine dye to make the biofilm visible. Discs were randomly assigned to one of the six groups:

APA without powder‐only water and air (Control).

APA with Hydroxylapatite (HA).

APA with Hydroxylapatite and Calcium Phosphate (HA + TCP).

APA with Titanium Dioxide (TiO2).

APA with EMS Soft Subgingival powder (EMS).

Phosphoric Acid.

Light microscope photos were taken during the treatment. Following the cleaning, the residual biofilm, surface changes, and surface chemical content were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). A systematic random sampling protocol and a point counting method were applied for the quantitative evaluation of the remaining biofilm.

Multiple comparisons within and between groups are performed by Kruskall Wallis test and if significant Mann–Whitney U‐test as post hoc testing is applied. The significance level was P < 0.05.

Results

All methods with the exception of phosphoric acid could decrease the initial amount of biofilm significantly. Among all air powder abrasive treatments, the HA + TCP group showed the best results with 99% biofilm removal, followed by HA and EMS powders. The cleaning method caused minimal changes to the surface structure. With the exception of the control group, all air powder applications caused sharp edges around the grooves in the implant surface to be rounded. TiO2 powder caused less change than HA and HA + TCP. Phosphoric acid did not cause a visible surface change on the SEM photos. Powder particles remnants were observed on and impacted in the titanium surface. In the HA and HA + TCP group, a Ca content was observed varying between 2% and 5%. In the control group, saliva and biofilm‐related elements were observed.

Conclusions

Using the air powder abrasive method with calcium phosphate powders on contaminated titanium discs, an efficient implant cleaning and surface modification can be achieved. This method should be further improved as it has possible potential to be used as an implant surface treatment method for implants involved with peri‐implantitis.
Reye's or Reye's‐like syndrome in western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Authors: Minter Larry J. , Cullen John M. , Loomis Michael R.
Published: August 2012

Background

A 15‐year‐old western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) died shortly after transfer to the North Carolina Zoo.

Methods

Complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and necropsy were performed.

Results

Combination of compatible clinical signs, biochemical and histopathological findings fulfilled all of the CDC definition criteria of Reye's or a Reye's like syndrome.

Conclusions

This report describes a case of Reye's syndrome or Reye's‐like syndrome in a non‐human primate.
Periodontal tissue engineering with stem cells from the periodontal ligament of human retained deciduous teeth
Authors: Ji K. , Liu Y. , Lu W. , Yang F. , Yu J. , Wang X. , Ma Q. , Yang Z. , Wen L. , Xuan K.
Published: August 2012

Background and Objective:  Periodontal ligament stem cells from human permanent teeth (PePDLSCs) have been investigated extensively in periodontal tissue engineering and regeneration. However, little knowledge is available on the periodontal ligament stem cells from human retained deciduous teeth (DePDLSCs). This study evaluated the potential of DePDLSCs in periodontal tissue regeneration.

Material and Methods:  DePDLSCs were isolated and purified by limited dilution. The characteristics of DePDLSCs were evaluated and compared with PePDLSCs both in vitro and in vivo.

Results:  DePDLSCs presented a higher proliferation rate and colony‐forming capacity than PePDLSCs in vitro. During the osteogenic induction, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralized matrix formation and expression of mineralization‐related genes, including runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), ALP, collagen type I (COLI) and osteocalcin (OCN) were significantly enhanced in DePDLSCs compared with PePDLSCs. Furthermore, DePDLSC cell sheets showed a stronger synthesis of collagen type I in the extracellular matrix than did PePDLSC cell sheets. After in vivo transplantation, DePDLSC cell sheets recombined with human dentin blocks were able to generate new cementum/periodontal ligament‐like tissues.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that DePDLSCs can be used as a promising candidate for periodontal tissue engineering.
Wild Plum: novel blue fluorescent compounds capable of luminosity restoration in sun‐exposed skin
Authors: Reicks Cassie , Groathouse Jordan , Trauernicht Mitch , Sikich Sharmin , Wilson Mark V. , Holmes Andrea E. , Jackson Abby J.
Published: August 2012

Background

Novel, blue fluorescent solids referred to as Wild Plum compounds can camouflage skin imperfections when incorporated into cosmetic products. We evaluated the relationship between sun exposure and skin fluorescence and determined if the application of Wild Plum formulations could restore lost fluorescence without harming the skin.

Methods

The forehead skin of two groups of volunteers of mixed gender and age was examined for fluorescence and redness. In addition, subjects answered questions describing any adverse sensations they experienced after their skin was exposed to Wild Plum formulations for extended periods of time.

Results

Fluorescence measurements of both solar and non‐solar skin indicated that repeated sun exposure causes a loss of skin fluorescence. Application of Wild Plum formulations caused an increase in skin fluorescence at all concentrations, restoring solar skin fluorescence to values well beyond that of non‐solar skin. Photo analysis and interview questions indicated that these formulations did not cause any symptoms of irritancy.

Conclusion

Wild Plum compounds have the ability to restore fluorescence of solar skin to a level significantly higher than that associated with non‐solar skin. Skin appears more luminous and therefore more youthful. This fluorescence restoration is achieved at relatively low concentrations, without any harmful side effects.
Effects of photoperiod on the secretion of growth hormone and prolactin during nighttime in female goats
Authors: JIN Jin , YAEGASHI Tomoyoshi , HASHIZUME Tsutomu
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of photoperiod on nighttime secretion of growth hormone (GH) in goats. Adult female goats were kept at 20°C with an 8 h or 16 h dark photoperiod, and secretory patterns of GH for 8 h in the dark period were examined with the profile of prolactin (PRL) secretion. GH was secreted in a pulsatile manner in the dark period. There were no significant differences in pulse frequency between the 8‐ and 16‐h dark photoperiods; however, pulse amplitude tended to be greater in the group with the 16‐h dark photoperiod (P = 0.1), and mean GH concentrations were significantly greater in the same photoperiod (P < 0.05). PRL secretion increased quickly after lights off under both photoperiods. The PRL‐releasing responses were weaker in the 8‐h than 16‐h dark photoperiod. The secretory response to photoperiod was more obvious for PRL than GH. The present results show that a long dark photoperiod enhances the nighttime secretion of GH in female goats, although the response is not as obvious as that for PRL.
Do all stars in the solar neighbourhood form in clusters? A cautionary note on the use of the distribution of surface densities
Authors: Gieles Mark , Moeckel Nickolas , Clarke Cathie J.
Published: August 2012

Bressert et al. recently showed that the surface density distribution of low-mass, young stellar objects (YSOs) in the solar neighbourhood is approximately log-normal. The authors conclude that the star formation process is hierarchical and that only a small fraction of stars form in dense star clusters. Here, we show that the peak and the width of the density distribution are also what follow if all stars form in bound clusters which are not significantly affected by the presence of gas and expand by two-body relaxation. The peak of the surface density distribution is simply obtained from the typical ages (few Myr) and cluster membership number (few hundred) typifying nearby star-forming regions. This result depends weakly on initial cluster sizes, provided that they are sufficiently dense (initial half mass radius of ≲0.3 pc) for dynamical evolution to be important at an age of a few Myr. We conclude that the degeneracy of the YSO surface density distribution complicates its use as a diagnostic of the stellar formation environment.
Maximizing Net Extraction Using an Injection‐Extraction Well Pair in a Coastal Aquifer
Authors: Lu Chunhui , Werner Adrian D. , Simmons Craig T. , Robinson Neville I. , Luo Jian
Published: August 2012

In this study, we examine the maximum net extraction rate from the novel arrangement of an injection‐extraction well pair in a coastal aquifer, where fresh groundwater is reinjected through the injection well located between the interface toe and extraction well. Complex potential theory is employed to derive a new analytical solution for the maximum net extraction rate and corresponding stagnation‐point locations and recirculation ratio, assuming steady‐state, sharp‐interface conditions. The injection‐extraction well‐pair system outperforms a traditional single extraction well in terms of net extraction rate for a broad range of well placement and pumping rates, which is up to 50% higher for an aquifer with a thickness of 20 m, hydraulic conductivity of 10 m/d, and fresh water influx of 0.24 m2/d. Sensitivity analyses show that for a given fresh water discharge from an inland aquifer, a larger maximum net extraction is expected in cases with a smaller hydraulic conductivity or a smaller aquifer thickness, notwithstanding physical limits to drawdown at the pumping well that are not considered here. For an extraction well with a fixed location, the optimal net extraction rate linearly increases with the distance between the injection well and the sea, and the corresponding injection rate and recirculation ratio also increase. The analytical analysis in this study provides initial guidance for the design of well‐pair systems in coastal aquifers, and is therefore an extension beyond previous applications of analytical solutions of coastal pumping that apply only to extraction or injection wells.
Structural and functional comparison of the proboscis between tapirs and other extant and extinct vertebrates
Authors: MILEWSKI Antoni V. , DIERENFELD Ellen S.
Published: August 2012

Tapirs (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) are the only living vertebrates, beyond the order Proboscidea, found to possess a true proboscis, defined as a flexible tubular extension of the joint narial and upper labial musculature that serves, at least in part, to grasp food. Tapirs show only partial homology and analogy with elephants in the narial and upper labial structures, as well as in the skull bones and teeth. However, superficially similar extensions in other extant vertebrates differ greatly in anatomy and function. Therefore, they deserve new names: prorhiscis (e.g. Mammalia:Saiga tatarica), prorhinosis (e.g. Chondrichthyes:Callorhinchusspp.), prorhynchis (e.g. Osteichthyes:Campylomormyrusspp.) and progeneiontis (e.g. Osteichthyes:Gnathonemusspp.). Among non‐mammalian vertebrates, no bird or reptile is known to possess a proboscis. Among fishes, there are various extensions of the rostrum, jaws, ‘nose’ and ‘chin’ that lack the required narial involvement. The skulls of extinct mammals within (e.g. deinotheres) and beyond (e.g. astrapotheres) the Proboscidea confirm that a proboscis evolved independently in several mammalian lineages before the Pliocene. This convergence with tapirs presumably reflects, in part, the advantages of concentrating the olfactory sensor on what is, effectively, the tip of a long mobile upper lip. However, the proboscis does not appear to have arisende novoin any vertebrate post‐Pliocene, and its continued evolution has apparently depended on the further development of its length, flexibility and innervations, as epitomized by elephants.
Guinea Pig Skin, a Model for Epidermal Cellular and Molecular Changes Induced by UVR in vivo and in vitro: Effects on Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guérin Vaccination
Authors: Jeevan Amminikutty , Formichella Cathryn R. , Russell Karen E. , Dirisala Vijaya R.
Published: August 2012

Previously, we reported that ultraviolet B‐radiation (UVR) suppressed Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine‐induced resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in guinea pigs (GP). Herein, we investigated the cellular and molecular changes within the irradiated GP epidermis and the in vivo effect of supernatants from UV‐irradiated (200 J m−2) epidermal cells (UV‐sup) on M. bovis BCG vaccination. UVR increased the number of nucleated keratinocytes in the skin, but caused a decrease in the proportions of CD25+T cells. In the spleen, UVR resulted in a decrease in the proportions of T‐cell subsets including CD25+T cells, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ and CD14+ cells. Similarly, significant up‐regulation of several cytokine mRNAs including IL‐10 was also observed. Furthermore, UV‐sup significantly reduced the MHC class II expression in peritoneal cells and reduced T‐cell proliferation to ConA. The proliferation to purified protein derivative (PPD) was restored to normal levels by anti‐IL‐10 antibody. The UV‐sup when injected into BCG‐vaccinated GP significantly diminished the skin test response and T‐cell proliferation to PPD and up‐regulated the expression of IL‐10, IL‐4, IL‐1β and Foxp3 mRNAs in the lymph node or spleen. Thus, whole body UVR induces profound cellular and molecular changes and injection of UV‐sup from epidermal cells mimics the effect of whole body UVR in BCG‐vaccinated GP.
Motivational interviewing training to promote Head Start children's adherence to oral health care recommendations: results of a program evaluation
Authors: Cook Paul F. , Richardson Gloria , Wilson Anne
Published: August 2012

Objectives: Motivational interviewing (MI) is a research‐supported, patient‐centered counseling technique to support health behavior change. We evaluated training to help teachers use MI for oral health promotion in a multi‐site, diverse, urban Head Start organization.

Methods: MI training was evaluated based on the intervention's reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

Results: MI was introduced to 150 Head Start staff and 32 received intensive training. Trainees had greater knowledge and willingness to use MI 6 months after training than non‐trained staff, and reported increased use of MI‐consistent counseling techniques. Additionally, the rate of completed dental visits improved slightly across all families served by this Head Start program after teachers used MI with a subset of families. Maintenance is likely based on ongoing organizational interest.

Conclusions: Trainees reported successfully using MI techniques in this community‐based educational setting. Additional efforts are needed to increase the reach of training and to ensure sustainability.
Wicked problems: policy contradictions in publicly financed dental care
Authors: Quiñonez Carlos
Published: August 2012

Objectives: To review two policy issues that define publicly financed dental care as a “wicked policy problem.”

Methods: Historical review.

Results: By demonstrating how governments have shifted their funding focus from direct delivery care, to public third‐party financing arrangements in private dental offices, and by their willingness to fund composite restorations in public fee schedules, it is clear that the logic and sustainability of public programming needs reconsideration.

Conclusions: The current contradictions in public dental care programs speak to the need for policy makers to reassess their goals, and ask whether decisions are based more on political necessity than on a logical evidence‐informed approach to the delivery of publicly financed dental care.
Collective and State Violence in the Palestinian‐Israeli Conflict: The Limits of Classical Rational‐Choice Theory
Authors: Brym Robert
Published: August 2012

Nombre d'observateurs continuent à adopter des variantes aux perspectives locales et restreintes de la théorie du choix rationnel, et ce en dépit de la nécessité d'une refonte de cette dernière pour l'adapter aux spécificités historiques et aux sensibilités culturelles de la région. Cet article démontre de façon empirique les limites de cette théorie du choix rationnel dans sa version classique en synthétisant une partie des résultats d'un projet de recherche mené récemment sur l'insurrection palestinienne et la réponse de l’État d’Israël au cours de la période 1987–2007. Une fois établie l'existence de plusieurs grands cycles de violence collective et étatique, considérés comme irréguliers dans la perspective de la théorie classique, il en ressort un modèle d'actions rationnelles liées à la situation qui augmente les variations de la fréquence des attaques suicides et des assassinats commandités par l’État. L'analyse mène à la conclusion selon laquelle bien que le comportement des insurgés et des responsables d’État soit rationnel, cette rationalité est étroitement liée au contexte culturel et historique, qui peut prendre plusieurs formes selon les situations.
Action collective patronale sur fond de crise: vers une reconfiguration du modèle associatif
Authors: Laroche Mélanie
Published: August 2012

Cet article propose une analyse des stratégies déployées par une association patronale pour s'adapter aux multiples transformations de son environnement. Il montre la capacité des acteurs, considérés comme des entrepreneurs institutionnels, à transformer les institutions du travail pour qu'elles soient plus représentatives de leurs besoins et intérêts. Le cas de l’Association des manufacturiers du vêtement pour hommes au Québec (AMVQ) permet de lever le voile sur le comportement associatif des employeurs et surtout, d'illustrer le potentiel dont l'acteur est investi pour enclencher (ou freiner) le processus de changement institutionnel, et dans ce cas précis, pour transformer son modèle associatif en réponse aux fortes pressions vers la décentralisation des relations industrielles.
New Macroscopic Problematic Fossil from the Early Cambrian Yanjiahe Biota, Yichang, Hubei, China
Authors: Junfeng GUO , Yong LI , Huiping HAN , Qiang OU , Jianren ZHOU , Yajuan ZHENG
Published: August 2012

Yanjiahella gen. nov., a distinctive fossil taxon from the Early Cambrian Yanjiahe Biota in Yichang, Hubei Province, is characterized by: 1) an overall body plan composed of a stalk and a calyx (also arms in some species); 2) a stalk with closely spaced, transverse wrinkles and a medial, longitudinal ridge; and 3) a calyx preserved with three‐dimensional radiating striations, as well as a probable madreporite in some specimens. Three species that can be assigned to this genus, which are Y. ancarpa sp. nov., Y. monocarpa sp. nov., and Y. biscarpa sp. nov. Yanjiahella is comparable to certain echinoderm taxa in terms of morphology and some biological structures, which might indicate the early evolution and diversification of ancestral echinoderm lineages from the early Early Cambrian Yangtze Platform. The discovery of putative echinoderms in the Yanjiahe Biota provides significant clues about the origination and evolution of the deuterostome phylum Echinodermata.
Structural Traps in Detachment Folds: a Case Study from the ‘Comb‐ and Trough‐like’ Deformation Zone/s, East Sichuan, China
Authors: Zongxiu WANG , Jin ZHANG , Tao LI , Xingui ZHOU , Zongjin MA , Liangjie TANG , Weifeng XIAO , Xili YAN
Published: August 2012

Detachment structures occur widely in the crust, and it is the commonest and most important deformation type developed in the region between erogenic belts and basins. The ‘comb‐like’ and ‘toughlike’ fold belts in eastern Sichuan are caused by multi‐layer detachment. The duplex structure is the most important deformation style in the region, exhibiting different characteristics from typical detachment structures. Different deformation styles, scales, and shortenings resulting from independent deformations of various detachment systems would lead to the phenomenon whereby most of the topographical heights in the region do not correspond to the structural heights in depth. Based on systematic structural analysis and combined with practical oil/gas prospecting, four types of structural traps are described from eastern Sichuan Province, which are: detachment and thrust trap; detachment folding trap; fault‐flat blocking trap; and detachment layer trap. Meticulous studies on the deformation and distribution of detachment layers in the eastern Sichuan Province will contribute to oil/gas prospecting and selection of potential regions of marine‐origin oil/gas prospecting in South China.
SHRIMP Zircon U‐Pb Dating of Alkaline Dykes in the Pobei Area, Beishan Rift, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China: Implications for Tectonic Setting and Mantle Plume Events
Authors: Jingwen MAO , PIRAJNO Franco , Zuoheng ZHANG , Yusheng WAN
Published: August 2012

In the Beishan rift in the eastern Tianshan orogen, Xinjiang Province, a N‐S‐trending dyke swarm is present in the Pobei area. The swarm cuts through the 270–290 Ma mafic‐ultramafic intrusions associated with Ni‐Cu sulphide mineralization. These mafic‐ultramafic intrusions are typically found along E‐W major faults in the Tianshan orogenic belts. We report SHRIMP U‐Pb dating of zircons from a dyke of alkaline composition, which yielded a mean age of 252±9 Ma. Alkaline dykes of the same age are found in the Altay region of Siberia. This age is younger than the 270–290 Ma intraplate magmatic events that produced the mafic‐ultramafic intrusions in the region, but in general agreement with the 250–260 Ma Permian plume event that gave rise to the Siberian traps and the Emeishan flood basalts in SW China. We suggest that there is a link between the Emeishan event and the dyke swarm in the Beishan rift and that the intraplate magmatism at 270–290 Ma reflects an early stage of mantle plume activity. The N‐S trending dyke swarm in the Beishan rift may represent a later stage in the evolution of mantle plume activity in the NW and SW of China. We also speculate that in Beishan rift and possibly elsewhere in the Tianshan region, the dykes fed basaltic volcanism, whose products have since been eroded due to the strong uplift of the Tianshan orogen as a result of the India‐Eurasia collision in the Cenozoic.