bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary neurulation: Fate‐mapping and gene manipulation of the neural tube in tail bud
Authors: Shimokita Eisuke , Takahashi Yoshiko
Published: April 2011

The body tail is a characteristic trait of vertebrates, which endows the animals with a variety of locomotive functions. During embryogenesis, the tail develops from the tail bud, where neural and mesodermal tissues make a major contribution. The neural tube in the tail bud develops by the process known as secondary neurulation (SN), where mesenchymal cells undergo epithelialization and tubulogenesis. These processes contrast with the well known primary neurulation, which is achieved by invagination of an epithelial cell sheet. In this study we have identified the origin of SN‐undergoing cells, which is located caudo‐medially to Hensen’s node of early chicken embryo. This region is distinctly fate‐mapped from tail‐forming mesoderm. The identification of the presumptive SN region has allowed us to target this region with exogenous genes using in ovo electroporation techniques. The SN‐transgenesis has further enabled an exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition during SN, where activity levels of Cdc42 and Rac1 are critical. This is the first demonstration of molecular and cellular analyses of SN, which can be performed at a high resolution separately from tail‐forming mesoderm.
Inverted papilloma of the urinary tract
Authors: Brown Alexandra L. , Cohen Ronald J.
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVES

• To compare the clinical and pathological details of inverted papilloma (IP) of the urinary tract diagnosed in Western Australia with those published.

• To determine whether urinary tract IP requires post‐treatment cystoscopic follow‐up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Clinical and pathological details were summarized for 41 cases of IP of the urinary tract diagnosed in Western Australia between 1998 and 2010.

• Publications on IP of the urinary tract were reviewed and summarized.

RESULTS

• IP of the urinary tract is a rare benign tumour most commonly diagnosed in older men presenting with haematuria or symptoms of lower urinary tract obstruction.

• IP is most frequently identified in the bladder neck or trigone as a polypoid growth with a smooth surface.

• The major differential diagnosis is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with an inverted growth pattern, with differentiation based mainly on morphological criteria.

• Treatment involves transurethral resection for lower urinary tract lesions whereas upper urinary tract IPs are resected by ureteroscopy, percutaneous endoscopy, partial ureterectomy or nephroureterectomy.

• IP is weakly associated with a history of TCC and with increased risk of concomitant or subsequent TCC.

CONCLUSIONS

• Based on the association with TCC, post‐treatment follow‐up for IP of the urinary tract should include cystoscopic follow‐up.
Evolution of the USANZ tie
Authors: Webb David R. , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: April 2011

• The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) tie represents the dual nationality of the society, the ancient history of urology, and the continuing development of urology in Australia and New Zealand.

• The earliest badge of the Urological Society of Australasia (USA) was a cartoon depiction of the cystoscopic view of a prostate from the urethra. The inception of the USANZ tie began with the borrowing of the crest of the newly granted USA coat of arms (lynx holding an exploratorium) as the logo for the USA Annual Scientific Meeting Tie in 1988. This tie was adopted de facto as the USA Society Tie; it became the template for subsequent scientific meeting ties, from which the formal USANZ tie design was adapted in 2006, to coincide with and mark the new society name, from the USA to the USANZ. This paper traces the evolution of the USANZ tie.
Participation and cognitive quality profiles in an online discussion forum
Authors: Naranjo Mila , Onrubia Javier , Segués Ma Teresa
Published: April 2011

A case study was used to analyse the relationships between participation in an online discussion forum and the cognitive quality of the contributions made. Participation was calculated using two dimensions: presence (who accesses the environment, how often and for how long) and connectivity (who interacts with whom and the degree of intensity of the interaction). The discussion forum considered forms part of a course on Educational Psychology included in the curriculum of initial teacher training at the University of Barcelona and was accessed by 17 students over a period of 25 days. The analysis was carried out using a multi‐method approach, which combines quantitative indicators of presence and connectivity with a content analysis of the contributions made by each participant. The results suggest that a high level of participation (high level of presence/high level of connectivity) is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for maintaining high‐quality contributions throughout the discussion.
Supporting social awareness in collaborative e‐learning
Authors: Lambropoulos Niki , Faulkner Xristine , Culwin Fintan
Published: April 2011

In the last decade, we have seen the emergence of virtual learning environments. Initially, these environments were a little more than document repositories that tutor used unicast to the students. Informed in part by social constructivist theories of education, later environments included capabilities for tutor–student and student–student, synchronous and asynchronous communication. The initial research of this paper reports the typical low usage of these capabilities. The main research attempted to ameliorate this problem by the provision of tools to promote a sense of social awareness as self‐presence and copresence, and evaluation techniques to analyse e‐learners' interactions. Data was obtained from prepost questionnaires, log files and social network analysis which augmented the data provided by the tools embedded in Moodle. The results indicate the importance of social awareness in effective e‐learning; the quality of active participation can be increased by the use of associated tools. The e‐tutor's role is still pivotal to facilitate and to support such engagement towards collaborative learning. Implications for future research suggest that social awareness tools and evaluation techniques can create awareness cues in an interface with a potential impact on learning.
The reading rate and comprehension of adults with impaired reading skills or visual discomfort
Authors: Conlon Elizabeth , Sanders Mary
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of impaired reading skills and visual discomfort on the reading rate and comprehension of university students when reading texts presented at a high school (Grade 9) or university (Grade 12) level of difficulty. Groups included impaired readers (n=18) and normal readers with (n=13) or without visual discomfort (n=19). Regardless of text difficulty the impaired reader group had a significantly slower reading rate and poorer comprehension than the normal reader control group. However, when reading rate and comprehension were compared at the assessed reading level of each group, no group differences were found. The normal reading visual discomfort group had poorer reading comprehension than other normal readers with presentation of university‐level text only. It was concluded that poor word decoding skills may exacerbate comprehension difficulties in impaired readers. In contrast, the comprehension difficulties found for normal readers with visual discomfort occurred because of the somatic and perceptual difficulties induced with exposure to the repetitive striped patterns found on text pages. The types of strategy needed to increase the reading efficiency and produce greater academic success in university students with impaired reader skills or visual discomfort are discussed.
Measuring college students' reading comprehension ability using cloze tests
Authors: Williams Rihana Shiri , Ari Omer , Santamaria Carmen Nicole
Published: April 2011

Recent investigations challenge the construct validity of sustained silent reading tests. Performance of two groups of post‐secondary students (e.g. struggling and non‐struggling) on a sustained silent reading test and two types of cloze test (i.e. maze and open‐ended) was compared in order to identify the test format that contributes greater variance in reading comprehension. One hundred participants were recruited from students enrolled in a preparatory course for a high‐stakes statewide reading examination. Our results suggest that all three measures have good concurrent validity. There was no evidence that open‐ended cloze performance was more related to verbal ability than any other reading measure. Maze performance did the best job at discriminating between our struggling and non‐struggling readers. Implications for reading comprehension assessment in post secondary‐aged adults are discussed.
Uneven Access to Local Power: Entrepreneurial Domination in the Design of Local Development in Chihuahua, Mexico
Authors: TOPAL AYLİN
Published: April 2011

Decentralization is generally accepted as one of the defining or distinguishing features of the third wave of democratic transition in Latin America. Decentralization, in fact, is commonly understood as an index and an agent of democratization. This article tests this optimistic perspective inherent in the literature and examines the effects of decentralization policies on the design of local development programs in a northern state of Mexico, Chihuahua. The case of Chihuahua shows that, although decentralization policies have expanded local participation in policy design and making, they have failed to bring equal access to local state power by various local social groups. After the decentralization of development programs, internationalized local capitalists have gained privileged access to political power. Thus, decentralization can easily be a vehicle of class domination and may not be a panacea for unequal power relationships in local politics.

Il est généralement admis que la décentralisation fait partie des traits déterminants ou distinctifs de la troisième vague de transition démocratique en Amérique latine. En fait, elle est couramment appréhendée comme indice et agent d'une démocratisation. Cet article met à l'épreuve cette perspective optimiste propre à la littérature, et étudie les incidences des politiques de décentralisation sur la conception des programmes de développement local dans un État du nord du Mexique, Chihuahua. Ce cas montre que, même si les politiques de décentralisation ont étendu la participation locale au sein des processus de conception et de décision des politiques publiques, elles n'ont pas réussi à ce que divers groupes sociaux locaux accèdent égalitairement au pouvoir à l'échelon de l'État local. Après la décentralisation des programmes de développement, les capitalistes locaux de stature internationale ont acquis un accès privilégié au pouvoir politique. La décentralisation peut donc facilement être un instrument de domination de classe, et ne pas se révéler la panacée en cas de relations de pouvoir inégales en matière de politiques locales.
The psychobiology of aggression and violence: bioethical implications
Authors: Díaz José Luis
Published: April 2011

Bioethics is concerned with the moral aspects of biology and medicine. The bioethical relevance of aggression and violence is clear, as very different moral and legal responsibilities may apply depending on whether aggression and violence are forms of behaviour that are innate or acquired, deliberate or automatic or not, or understandable and justifiable based on causes. Biological research and natural science theories are a basic ingredient for reflections, arguments and decisions on such matters. This study presents the problem of the causes of aggressive behaviour, the evolutionary understanding and definition of aggressive behaviour, the biological basis for this behaviour and the link between emotions and aggression. A growing body of evidence suggests that innate factors of behaviour (be they genetic or neurobiological) do not by themselves define behaviour and nor do acquired factors such as learning, cultural norms or worldviews. Both types of factor interact from the outset to shape a development process that mutually interacts to define beliefs or behaviour.
Going beyond or abandoning collective action to achieve individual goals
Authors: Quadri Andrea
Published: April 2011

The title may make the reader slightly uneasy. It sounds suspiciously inappropriate or perhaps unspeakable. In diametric opposition to correct thought it raises the question: is it inherently positive or necessary for individuals to form a group in order to attain a good? Is such collaboration desirable or is it preferable for us to make our own way, setting and reaching the objectives that we consider it important to achieve as unique individuals, as modernity has crowned us? Is it still desirable or possible to form groups to obtain a common good among individuals now immersed in a post‐modernity that practices extreme subjectivity, among unique individuals who think of themselves first but who, albeit from a position of indifference, are touched by others? This article addresses the subject of collective action in a very specific context: visual artists in the city of Buenos Aires. From an anthropological focus, we see how and why certain notions of artists (originality, lack of time, hostile environment, distrusted institutions, inappropriate laws, and fear of stigmatisation) link coherently with their practices. The article highlights the inefficiency and lack of collective action (In permanent tension with the discourse) and its suboptimal results that fail to meet the minimum expectations expressed by the agents. In particular, I analyse copyright and the possibility of its collective protection. The agents' individualistic attitudes and spasms of solidarity are reinterpreted by them in the light of those notions, although the analysis shows that those concepts alone do not explain the limited amount of collective action and its poor results.
Optimizing the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children: a review of the benefit/risk ratio of methylprednisolone aceponate
Authors: Blume‐Peytavi U , Wahn U
Published: April 2011

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurring, pruritic, inflammatory skin condition which has its onset in early childhood in most cases. A stepped approach to therapy, starting with emollients and adding first mild and then more potent topical medications is recommended. For more than 50 years, topical corticosteroids (TCs) have been the gold standard in AD therapy. Increasingly potent TCs have tended to come with increasing risk of adverse events, however. Calculating the benefit/risk ratio [or therapeutic index (TIX)] for TCs when treating children and infants is more challenging in this population. Not only does their increased surface area to volume ratio as a result of their small size mean that they are likely to absorb a greater proportion of any active agent applied to their skin, but drug metabolism is slower than in adults and the systemic effects of corticosteroids are more pronounced (in particular reduction of serum cortisol levels through suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis). Unlike traditional TCs, topical calcineurin inhibitors are not associated with the systemic effects and have shown good efficacy in treating AD in children. Parental/Carer concerns about their long‐term use can limit their acceptance for treatment in the paediatric population, however. Modifications to the structure of fourth generation corticosteroids mean that increased potency is not accompanied by increased risk of adverse events and hence they have an improved TIX. Methylprednisolone aceponate is a potent fourth generation corticosteroid which has demonstrated efficacy and safety in acute and maintenance programmes in infants and children. It is licenced for once‐daily use, and is available in four formulations – ointment, fatty ointment, cream and milk, which combine with its improved TIX to meet the needs of young patients and their carers.
IGFBP7, a novel immunohistochemical marker in differentiating dermatofibroma from dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Li J. , Yu Y. , Yang Y. , Wang L. , Cao J. , Liang X. , Xiao X. , Tu Y. , Chen H.
Published: April 2011

Background  Loss of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) has been found to be a critical step in the development of melanoma and colon cancer. To our knowledge, immunostaining of IGFBP7 in various dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and dermatofibroma (DF) has not been studied before.

Objectives  To assess the immunostaining of IGFBP7 in DFSPs and DFs and to ascertain whether IGFBP7 is superior to antibodies traditionally used in differentiating DFs from DFSPs.

Methods  Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 28 cases of DFSP and 30 cases of DF, using antibodies to IGFBP7, CD34, factor XIIIa (FXIIIa), CD10 and stromelysin‐3 (ST‐3).

Results  Six of 28 (21.4%) DFSP samples were positive for IGFBP7, whereas 28 of 30 (93.3%) DF samples were positive. CD34 was positive in 26 of 28 (92.9%) cases of DFSP and 4 of 30 (13.3%) cases of DF. FXIIIa staining was positive in 4 of 28 (14.3%) cases of DFSP and 28 of 30 (93.3%) cases of DF. CD10 staining was positive in 12 of 28 (42.9%) cases of DFSP and ST‐3 staining was positive in 7 of 28 (25.0%) cases of DFSP. The preferential IGFP7 staining of DFSPs in comparison with DFs was statistically significant (P < 0.01).

Conclusions  We confirmed that IGFBP7 is a negative immunohistochemical marker for DFSPs and the combination with CD34, FXIIIa and ST‐3 immunostaining could make the distinction more reliable.
Constructing Isabella d'Este's musical decorum in the visual sphere
Authors: SHEPHARD TIM
Published: April 2011

Over the course of her life as Marchesa of Mantua, Isabella d'Este won fame as a leader in fashion and taste, and as an enthusiastic employer of artists, musicians, poets and scholars. Her motivations in this respect were, inevitably, neither entirely personal nor entirely philanthropic, but served the purpose of presenting to the world an appropriate image of the noblewoman at leisure. In this study I will discuss aspects of her image‐making in visual, as well as literary and poetic, spheres that relate directly to Isabella's music patronage, and particularly to her own musicianship. I will characterize the persona thus manifested as a social construction, grounded in and shaped by the realities of its performance.
Emily Greene Balch, Political Economist
Authors: DIMAND ROBERT W.
Published: April 2011

Abstract

The first female economist to win a Nobel Prize was Emily Greene Balch, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for the same anti‐war activism for which she lost her Wellesley professorship of economics and sociology in 1918. Balch, an outspoken pacifist, social reformer, and defender of ethnically‐diverse immigration, has largely been forgotten in the history of economic thought and of sociology. Her contributions and her remarkable career warrant attention.
Insufficient nitric oxide bioavailability: a hypothesis to explain adverse effects of red blood cell transfusion
Authors: Roback John D. , Neuman Robert B. , Quyyumi Arshed , Sutliff Roy
Published: April 2011

While transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is effective at preventing morbidity and mortality in anemic patients, studies have indicated that some RBC components have functional defects (“RBC storage lesions”) that may actually cause adverse events when transfused. For example, in some studies patients transfused with RBCs stored more than 14 days have had statistically worse outcomes than those receiving “fresher” RBC units. Recipient‐specific factors may also contribute to the occurrence of these adverse events. Unfortunately, these events have been difficult to investigate because up to now they have existed primarily as “statistical occurrences” of increased morbidity and mortality in large data sets. There are currently no clinical or laboratory methods to detect or study them in individual transfusion recipients. We propose a unifying hypothesis, centered on insufficient nitric oxide bioavailability (INOBA), to explain the increased morbidity and mortality observed in some patients after RBC transfusion. In this model, variables associated with RBC units (storage time; 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate acid concentration) and transfusion recipients (endothelial dysfunction) collectively lead to changes in nitric oxide (NO) levels in vascular beds. Under certain circumstances, these variables are “aligned” such that NO concentrations are markedly reduced, leading to vasoconstriction, decreased local blood flow, and insufficient O2 delivery to end organs. Under these circumstances, the likelihood of morbidity and mortality escalates. If the key tenets of the INOBA hypothesis are confirmed, it may lead to improved transfusion methods including altered RBC storage and/or processing conditions, novel transfusion recipient screening methods, and improved RBC‐recipient matching.
New frontiers in transfusion biology: identification and significance of mediators of morbidity and mortality in stored red blood cells
Authors: Grimshaw Katie , Sahler Julie , Spinelli Sherry L. , Phipps Richard P. , Blumberg Neil
Published: April 2011

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are associated with inflammation and thrombosis, both arterial and venous, the mechanisms of which are not understood. Although a necessary life‐saving procedure in modern medicine, transfusions have rarely been subjected to modern assessments of efficacy and safety, including randomized trials. Storage of RBCs induces changes, including the release of free hemoglobin and the accumulation of biologically active soluble mediators and microparticles. These mediators likely play a direct role in the inflammatory and prothrombotic properties of RBC transfusions. Methods such as leukoreduction, washing of RBCs, and rejuvenation may improve the quality of RBC transfusions.
Infusion of P‐Capt prion‐filtered red blood cell products demonstrate acceptable in vivo viability and no evidence of neoantigen formation
Authors: Cancelas Jose A. , Rugg Neeta , Pratt P. Gayle , Worsham D. Nicole , Pehta Joan C. , Banks Kate , Davenport Robertson D. , Judd W. John
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND: Transmission of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jacob disease (vCJD) is a major concern in blood transfusion. The P‐Capt filter has been shown to remove around 4 log ID50 prion infectivity from prion‐spiked human red blood cells (RBCs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two independent, single‐center, randomized, open‐label studies were designed to analyze the safety of P‐Capt–filtered RBCs. RBCs prepared from leukoreduced whole blood from 43 eligible subjects were randomly assigned to P‐Capt filtration and/or storage in plasma or SAGM and stored for 28 or 42 days. Stored RBCs were analyzed for in vivo 24‐hour recovery, hemolysis, metabolic variables, blood group antigen expression, neoantigen formation, and safety after autologous infusion.

RESULTS: Mean P‐Capt filtration times for leukoreduced RBCs were 41 (SAGM) to 51 (plasma) minutes. Thirteen of 14 subjects receiving P‐Capt–filtered RBCs had 24‐hour RBC recoveries of 75% or more after 42‐day storage, with a mean hemolysis of less than 0.6%. No loss of RBC antigen expression or formation of neoantigens was observed. In both studies, RBCs had white blood cell counts of less than 1 × 106/unit after leukofiltration. P‐Capt prion filtration provided an additional greater than 0.8 log leukoreduction. No serious or unexpected adverse events were observed after infusion of P‐Capt–filtered full‐volume RBC units.

CONCLUSIONS: P‐Capt–filtered, stored RBCs demonstrated acceptable viability and no detectable neoantigen expression, immunogenic responses. or safety issues after infusion of a complete unit. The additional filtration time and modest reduction in RBC content are within acceptable levels for implementation in countries with transfusion transmission of vCJD.
Major and Minor Chronotopes in a Specialized Counting System
Authors: Anderson Donald N.
Published: April 2011

The Northern English Sheep Counting Score, a stray numeral system, has been vexing folklorists and linguists for over a hundred years. I suggest that the form of the score reflects a process of specialization distinct from the abstract mathematical functions which characterize common numeral systems. This specialization is explored through the use of Bakhtin's concepts of minor and major chronotopes. Chronotopes, understood as the creation of spatiotemporal ground on which indexicality has meaning, are used to describe the ways that contiguity and sequence form dialogically interacting indexical relationships at various levels of analysis, from minimal adjacent pairs and rhythm, to performance, to the large‐scale chronotopes organizing scholarly and popular discourses. [Sheep Count, chronotope, indexicality, numeral systems, ethnomathematics]
Implant treatment in patients with oral lichen planus: a prospective‐controlled study
Authors: Hernández Gonzalo , Lopez‐Pintor Rosa María , Arriba Lorenzo , Torres Jesús , de Vicente Juan Carlos
Published: April 2011

Objectives:The main aim of this prospective‐controlled study was to evaluate the implant survival rate in patients diagnosed with oral lichen planus (OLP). The secondary goals were to analyze the presence of implant‐ and patient‐dependent variables.

Material and methods:Two groups, including 18 patients diagnosed with OLP and 18 controls, received 56 and 62 implants during the years 2003–2008. Pain and wound healing were evaluated after the procedure. After a mean follow‐up of 53.5 and 52.3 months, clinical and radiographic assessments were used to evaluate implant survival and patient‐ and implant‐dependent parameters.

Results:The implant survival rate was 100% for the OLP group. Immediate postsurgical complications were similar in both groups. Peri‐implant mucositis (PIM) was detected in 44.6% of the implants and 66.6% of the patients with OLP. The presence of desquamative gingivitis (DG) was associated with a higher rate of PIM on those implants of the OLP group (P=0.004). Peri‐implantitis (PI) appeared in 10.7% of the implants and 27.7% of the patients with OLP (P=NS).

Conclusion:Despite the limitations of the small sample size, it seems that lichen planus is not a prominent local player in the genesis of implant failure. Patients with DG should be carefully examined during follow‐up care.
Diet‐switching experiments show rapid accumulation and preferential retention of highly unsaturated fatty acids in Daphnia
Authors: Taipale Sami J. , Kainz Martin J. , Brett Michael T.
Published: April 2011

Zooplankton transfer ecologically important fatty acids (FA) from their diets to upper trophic levels. We used diet‐switching experiments with 13C‐labeled food sources to determine the time scale at which dietary uptake is manifested in the FA profiles of Daphnia magna. Daphnia dramatically shifted their FA composition in response to diet change within only four days, however Daphnia switched from a high quality (i.e. Cryptomonas) to a moderate quality (Scenedesmus) diet retained the most physiologically important FA from their original diet source even after 14 days. In particular, Daphnia exhibited long‐term retention of eicosapentaenoic (EPA; 20:5ω3) and arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4ω6) when switched from Cryptomonas to Scenedesmus. Similarly, when switched from Scenedesmus to Cryptomonas, Daphnia took up a high proportion of EPA and ARA after only two days. The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) fraction in Daphnia was preferentially enriched with stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1ω9), and linoleic acid (LIN; 18:2ω6). In contrast with studies of marine copepods, dietary FA also strongly affected the PLFA composition (structural lipids) of Daphnia. Results of δ13C signatures of individual FA provided evidence of elongation and desaturation of α‐linolenic (ALA; 18:3ω3) or stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4ω3) to EPA 10 days after a diet switch to EPA‐deficient Scenedesmus. Differences in the ARA content of Daphnia fed Cryptomonas and Scenedesmus suggest Daphnia consuming Cryptomonas synthesized ARA via retroconversion of ω6‐docosapentaenoic acid (ω6‐DPA; 22:5ω6). Daphnia preferentially accumulate and retain, as well as bioconvert, those FA that are also most physiologically important for fish production. Our results also indicate Daphnia FA composition responds to their diet on a short temporal scale and analyses of lipid biomarkers in zooplankton provide strong insights into the food sources that support their production.
In vivo skin measurements with a novel probe head for simultaneous skin impedance and near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Bodén Ida , Larsson William , Nilsson David , Forssell Erik , Naredi Peter , Lindholm‐Sethson Britta
Published: April 2011

Background/purpose: Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and skin impedance (IMP) measurements are useful techniques for objective diagnostics of various skin diseases. Here, we present a combined probe head for simultaneous, time‐saving NIR spectroscopy and skin impedance measurements. The probe also ensures that both measurements are performed under equal conditions and at the same skin location.

Methods: Finite element method simulations were performed for evaluation of the impedance. In vivo skin measurements were performed and combined NIR and impedance spectra were analysed by means of multivariate methods with respect to body location, age and gender. The classification rate was determined by a planar discriminant analysis. Reproducibility was investigated by calculation of scatter values and statistical significance between overlapping groups was assessed by the calculation of intra‐model distances, q.

Results: The novel probe yielded rapid reproducible results and was easy to manage. Significant differences between skin locations and to a lesser extent age groups and gender were demonstrated.

Conclusion: With the novel probe, statistically significant differences between overlapping classes in score plots can be confirmed by calculating intra‐model distances. The influence of molecular differences in the skin at different body locations is larger than the influence of gender or age and therefore relevant reference measurements are discussed.
IL‐8 and MCP‐1 induced by excessive orthodontic force mediates odontoclastogenesis in periodontal tissues
Authors: Asano M , Yamaguchi M , Nakajima R , Fujita S , Utsunomiya T , Yamamoto H , Kasai K
Published: April 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 489–498

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate how interleukin (IL)‐8 (cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant; CINC‐1) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1/CCL2 contribute to root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and methods:  Forty 6‐week‐old male Wistar rats were subjected to orthodontic force of 10 or 50 g to induce a mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 days. We determined the expressions of CINC‐1, CXCR2, and MCP‐1 proteins in root resorption area using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of compression forces (CF) on IL‐8 and MCP‐1 production by human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. We observed an effect of chemokine treatment on rat odonto/osteoclasts in dentin slices that recapitulated root resorption.

Results:  The immunoreactivity for CINC‐1/CXCR2 and MCP‐1 was detected in odontoclasts and PDL fibroblasts by the orthodontic force of 50 g on day 7. CF increased the secretion and the expression of mRNA of IL‐8 and MCP‐1 from PDL cells in a magnitude‐dependent manner. Moreover, CINC‐1 and MCP‐1 stimulated osteoclastogenesis from rat osteoclast precursor cells.

Conclusion:  IL‐8 (CINC‐1) and MCP‐1 may therefore facilitate the process of root resorption because of excessive orthodontic force.
Treating bipolar depression – antidepressants and alternatives: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Tundo Antonio , Cavalieri Paola , Navari Serena , Marchetti Fulvia
Published: April 2011

Objective: Although depressive symptoms are preponderant in the course of bipolar (BP) disorders, the treatment of BP depression remains a controversial issue with different clinical approaches available. This review addresses the issues of whether antidepressants (ADs) are effective in treating acute and long-term BP depression, risks linked to ADs and what alternatives to ADs are available.

Methods: We searched the MEDLINE databases using the following syntax: [bipolar depression AND unipolar depression AND (antidepressants OR anticonvulsants OR lithium OR antipsychotics OR dopamine-agonists OR psychoeducation OR psychotherapy OR electroconvulsive therapy OR transcranial magnetic stimulation)]. The search included studies published up to 31 May 2009 and conducted on adults.

Results: In the acute treatment of BP depression ADs are effective with no differences among drug classes. However, neither the switch into (hypo)mania induction rate nor the suicide risk linked to AD use are definitely established. The effectiveness of long-term AD use is limited to highly selected samples of patients with positive acute response. The risk of long-term ADs causing cycle acceleration and rapid cycling induction concerns a subpopulation of patients. Valid alternatives to ADs in treating acute BP depression are quetiapine, an olanzapine–fluoxetine combination, and electroconvulsive therapy for more severe patients. Lamotrigine is effective and safe in preventing depressive relapses. Psychotherapy and psychoeducation represent effective adjunctive treatments.

Conclusion: In the treatment of BP depression there is not a specific effective treatment for all the patients. Interventions should therefore be personalised and the scientific evidence should be adapted to each patient's clinical features.
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Development of a Japanese Version
Authors: Takahashi Miyako , Inokuchi Tamaki , Watanabe Chie , Saito Tami , Kai Ichiro
Published: April 2011

Introduction

A valid and reliable self-administered scale to measure multidimensional aspects of female sexual function is needed in Japan, as sexual dysfunction is quite common in Japanese women.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to develop a Japanese translation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-J), 3-month version, and to measure its psychometric reliability and validity.

Methods

Following a language validation process and pilot tests, we modified the scale by adding some instructions and answer options. A cross-sectional survey to examine psychometric reliability and validity of FSFI-J was conducted with 126 healthy Japanese women in partnered relationships. Reliability studies on test–retest and on internal consistency were conducted using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's α coefficient, respectively. A validity study was conducted on aspects of face, construct, concurrent, and discriminant validity.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome is the psychometric reliability and validity of FSFI-J.

Results

FSFI-J showed high test–retest reliability (ICC > 0.78) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.84). In terms of face validity, FSFI-J was found to be understandable and can adequately measure various aspects of female sexual function. Regarding construct validity, exploratory factor analysis of FSFI-J supported a five-factor solution, consisting of desire/arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. This domain structure was identical to that of the original FSFI. Regarding concurrent validity, FSFI-J total score and domain scores showed significant correlations (Pearson's r = −0.613 for total score) with the sexual function domain of the perimenopausal subjective symptom inventory and overall sexual satisfaction as measured by a visual analog scale (Pearson's r = 0.387). For discriminant validity, the regular menstruation group showed significantly higher FSFI-J scores than the menopause group in the total score and all subdomain scores except sexual satisfaction.

Conclusions

The FSFI-J is a valid and reliable instrument to measure multidimensional aspects of sexual function in healthy Japanese women who are in partnered relationships.
Intellectual Property and Economic Development in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Blakeney Michael , Mengistie Getachew
Published: April 2011

The World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights in article 7 states that the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) “should contribute to the promotion of technological innovation and to the transfer and dissemination of technology, to the mutual advantage of producers and users of technological knowledge and in a manner conducive to social and economic welfare”. This article examines the developmental claims for IPRs in developing countries and least developed countries with a particular focus on sub‐Saharan Africa.
Development and Validation of an HPLC Method for the Determination of Thiamine and Riboflavin in Green Leafy Vegetables Using Clara‐Diastase
Authors: del Carmen Mondragón‐Portocarrero Alicia , Vázquez‐Odériz Lourdes , Romero‐Rodríguez MaÁngeles
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  There is no literature on the use of the currently available form of clara‐diastase (≥ 35 U/mg; Fluka Product No. 86959) in the analysis of vitamins B1 and B2. Consequently, a method for the determination of total riboflavin and total thiamine in green leafy vegetables by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) following sample preparation by sequential acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis with clara‐diastase ≥ 35 U/mg, and for B1, derivatization to thiochrome, was developed and validated. Prepared samples are run at 35 °C on a 250 × 4.6 mm column of 5 μm Kromasil 100 C18, using a 0.8 mL/min flow of a 72:28 mixture of 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate and methanol as mobile phase and fluorescence detection. The linear response ranges and limits of detection are, respectively, 3.0 to 60.0 and 0.15 ng/mL for B1, and 3.1 to 155.0 and 0.103 ng/mL for B2. Of the 4 green leafy vegetables examined, young turnip tops had the highest B1 and B2 levels (0.19 and 0.20 mg/100 g fresh weight), followed by spinach (0.12 and 0.09 mg/100 g), lettuce (0.11 and 0.05 mg/100 g), and chard (0.04 mg/100 g).
Limitations of the MRL mouse as a model for cardiac regeneration
Authors: Moseley Fleur L , Faircloth Matthew E , Lockwood Wendy , Marber Michael S , Bicknell Katrina A , Valasek Petr , Brooks Gavin
Published: April 2011

Objective

Myocardial repair following injury in mammals is restricted such that damaged areas are replaced by scar tissue, impairing cardiac function. MRL mice exhibit exceptional regenerative healing in an ear punch wound model. Some myocardial repair with restoration of heart function has also been reported following cryoinjury. Increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and a foetal liver stem cell population were implicated. We investigated molecular mechanisms facilitating myocardial repair in MRL mice to identify potential therapeutic targets in non-regenerative species.

Methods

Expressions of specific cell-cycle regulators that might account for regeneration (CDKs 1, 2, 4 and 6; cyclins A, E, D1 and B1; p21, p27 and E2F5) were compared by immunoblotting in MRL and control C57BL/6 ventricles during development. Flow cytometry was used to investigate stem cell populations in livers from foetal mice, and infarct sizes were compared in coronary artery-ligated and sham-treated MRL and C57BL/6 adult mice.

Key findings

No differences in the expressions of cell cycle regulators were observed between the two strains. Expressions of CD34+Sca1+ckit-, CD34+Sca1+ckit+ and CD34+Sca1-ckit+ increased in livers from C57BL/6 vs MRL mice. No differences were observed in infarct sizes, levels of fibrosis, Ki67 staining or cardiac function between MRL and C57BL/6 mice.

Conclusions

No intrinsic differences were observed in cell cycle control molecules or stem cell populations between MRL and control C57BL mouse hearts. Pathophysiologically relevant ischaemic injury is not repaired more efficiently in MRL myocardium, questioning the use of the MRL mouse as a reliable model for cardiac regeneration in response to pathophysiologically relevant forms of injury.
Treatment experience of people with obstructive sleep apnoea seeking continuous positive airways pressure device provision through community pharmacies – a role for pharmacists?
Authors: Shoukry Grace , Wong Keith , Bartlett Delwyn , Saini Bandana
Published: April 2011

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the unique experiences of people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who source their treatment through community pharmacies.

Methods

A qualitative study employing the phenomenological approach was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive convenience sample of 20 participants were conducted. Twenty participants were recruited from community pharmacies offering continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) device provision and a teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim, coded using Nvivo8 software and analysed based on the ‘framework’ method.

Key findings

The quality and delivery of information at diagnosis was reported to have been inappropriate for participants' personal needs. Many barriers emerged in regards to CPAP use, consistent with current literature. Participants' self-reported individual styles, coping practices and health beliefs appeared to be the most influential factors in CPAP uptake and adherence, regardless of mechanical advancements and environmental support. High satisfaction was expressed with CPAP obtainment from pharmacy services listing convenience and good service as notable characteristics.

Conclusions

Community pharmacies have the potential to increase OSA awareness and improve optimal usage of CPAP. Psychosocial based models of adherence intervention could potentially be implemented through CPAP providers, including the community pharmacy, to address some of these factors which impede CPAP adherence.
An exploration of competitiveness and caring in relation to psychopathology
Authors: McEwan Kirsten , Gilbert Paul , Duarte Joana
Published: April 2011

Objectives. Social mentality theory outlines how specialist systems have evolved to facilitate different types of social behaviour such as caring for offspring, forming alliances, and competing for resources. This research explored how different types of self‐experience are linked to the different social mentalities of competitive social ranking (focusing on gaining and defending one's social position/status/rank) in contrast to caring (being helpful to others). Perceived low social rank (with feelings of being inferior and unfavourable social comparison, SC) has been linked to depression, but a caring sense of self has less so. We hypothesized therefore that depression, in both clinical and non‐clinical populations, would be primarily linked to competitive and rank focused sense of self rather than a caring sense of self.

Method. Students (N= 312) and patients with depression (N= 48) completed self‐report scales measuring: self‐experience related to competitiveness and caring; social rank; social safeness; and depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results. The data suggest that in students, and particularly in patients, competitiveness (and feeling unsuccessful in competing for resources) is strongly associated with depression. Although caring shares a small correlation with depression in students, and with depression, anxiety, and stress in patients, when controlling for the rank variable of submissive behaviour this relationship ceases to be significant. Submissive behaviour was found to be a full mediator between caring and depression. We also found that how safe and comfortable one feels in one's social relationships (social safeness), was a full mediator between competitiveness and depression. So, it is the feeling of being unable to compete where one does not feel secure in one's social environment that is particularly linked to depression.

Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that self‐experience is complex and multifaceted and is linked to different social roles that are socially contextualized. In addition, perceived low social rank and perceived failures in being able to ‘attract’ others and compete for social resources, are strongly linked to depression, whereas experiencing oneself as caring and helpful is not when submissiveness is controlled for.
Finite Element Modeling of Microcrack Growth in Cortical Bone
Authors: Mischinski Susan , Ural Ani
Published: April 2011

Bone is similar to fiber-reinforced composite materials made up of distinct phases such as osteons (fiber), interstitial bone (matrix), and cement lines (matrix-fiber interface). Microstructural features including osteons and cement lines are considered to play an important role in determining the crack growth behavior in cortical bone. The aim of this study is to elucidate possible mechanisms that affect crack penetration into osteons or deflection into cement lines using fracture mechanics-based finite element modeling. Cohesive finite element simulations were performed on two-dimensional models of a single osteon surrounded by a cement line interface and interstitial bone to determine whether the crack propagated into osteons or deflected into cement lines. The simulations investigated the effect of (i) crack orientation with respect to the loading, (ii) fracture toughness and strength of the cement line, (iii) crack length, and (iv) elastic modulus and fracture properties of the osteon with respect to the interstitial bone. The results of the finite element simulations showed that low cement line strength facilitated crack deflection irrespective of the fracture toughness of the cement line. However, low cement line fracture toughness did not guarantee crack deflection if the cement line had high strength. Long cracks required lower cement line strength and fracture toughness to be deflected into cement lines compared with short cracks. The orientation of the crack affected the crack growth trajectory. Changing the fracture properties of the osteon influenced the crack propagation path whereas varying the elastic modulus of the osteon had almost no effect on crack trajectory. The findings of this study present a computational mechanics approach for evaluating microscale fracture mechanisms in bone and provide additional insight into the role of bone microstructure in controlling the microcrack growth trajectory.
Giant Nonlocality Near the Dirac Point in Graphene
Authors: Abanin D. A. , Morozov S. V. , Ponomarenko L. A. , Gorbachev R. V. , Mayorov A. S. , Katsnelson M. I. , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Novoselov K. S. , Levitov L. S. , Geim A. K.
Published: April 2011

Unusual transport in graphene may be a consequence of the propagation of long-range charge-neutral currents.
Chlorinated Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes with High Work Function for Organic Device Compatibility
Authors: Helander M. G. , Wang Z. B. , Qiu J. , Greiner M. T. , Puzzo D. P. , Liu Z. W. , Lu Z. H.
Published: April 2011

Closer matching of the energy levels of transparent electrodes and active materials in organic light-emitting diodes improves efficiency.
Genes in Police Files
Genetic Justice
DNA Data Banks, Criminal Investigations, and Civil Liberties

by Sheldon Krimsky and Tania Simoncelli

Columbia University Press, New York, 2011. 424 pp. $29.95, £19.95. ISBN 9780231145206.
Authors: Goldman Michael A.
Published: April 2011

Krimsky and Simoncelli build a convincing case that a cautious approach to forensic DNA data banks is essential to protect constitutional rights.
Chinese Neurosurgeons Quietly Push for Easing of Brain Operation Ban
Authors: Xiao Wang
Published: April 2011

At a World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery meeting last month, researchers and neurosurgeons sought to clarify which brain operations for psychiatric conditions should be allowed and which should be experimental or off-limits.