bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacement planning: a starting point for succession planning and talent management
Authors: Rothwell William J.
Published: February 2011

Replacement planning is a process of identifying short‐term or long‐term backups so that organizations have people who can assume responsibility for critical positions during emergencies. Individuals identified as ‘replacements’ are not promised promotions; rather, they are prepared to the point where they can assume a critical position long enough for the organization's leaders to do a proper internal and external search for a permanent replacement. It should not be confused with succession planning, which focuses on developing a pool of people to consider for promotion, or talent management, which focuses on attracting, developing, deploying and retaining the best people. Using a case study approach, this article describes how one organization used replacement planning as a means to raise and consider important issues as a starting point for the eventual implementation of succession planning.
Colonel Blotto und seine ökonomischen Anwendungen
Authors: Homburg Stefan
Published: February 2011

Redistributional issues are important in contemporary welfare states. These issues cannot be analyzed using the median voter theorem because preferences fail singlepeakedness: Collective preferences are intransitive, giving rise to cyclical preferences. A suitable instrument for analyzing redistributional issues is the Colonel Blotto game. This game is older than the more familiar prisoner’s dilemma, but it has been solved only recently. The article introduces the Colonel Blotto Game as well as the general structure of its solutions. Thereafter, the game’s logic is illustrated using several policy examples. The two most fascinating results state that, in a political contest, it is never optimal to use pure strategies, and that the political process itself induces remarkable inequalities.
Werden niedrige Steuersätze in Osteuropa durch Verzicht auf Verlustverrechnung erkauft?
Authors: Jacob Martin , Pasedag Andreas , Wagner Franz W.
Published: February 2011

This paper investigates whether countries in the EU finance low tax rates by restrictive loss offset rules. As effects from intertemporal loss offset rules are difficult to anticipate, restrictions only marginally affect overall investments. In contrast, tax rates have a significant bearing on investment decisions. Therefore, the combination of low tax rates with restrictive loss offset rules can increase investments without affecting the tax revenue. Our analysis for the EU reveals that countries with low tax rates restrict loss offset possibilities while “high tax” countries allow an unlimited loss carryforward or even a loss carryback.
Pet‐related consumption as a consumer identity constructor
Authors: Jyrinki Henna
Published: February 2011

The objective of this paper was to analyse how pet‐related consumption can be connected to consumer identity construction. This objective is based on the idea that consumers use symbolic meanings from possessions to construct and communicate their identities. Objects of attachment have especially been found to be closely connected to the formation of consumer identity. Furthermore, it is often assumed that consumers struggle to maintain a true sense of self or personal identity while retaining a feeling of belonging and social identity. This may be portrayed through layers of identity, which are composed of personal identity, social identity and other people. Empirical research was conducted using focus groups to create individual collages. The findings indicated that pet‐related consumption was used in the following six ways to construct consumer identity: ‘character developer’, ‘source of well‐being’, ‘means to connect’, ‘status communicator’, ‘object of devotion’ and ‘intermediary’, all of which found their places in the layers of identity. Each of these ways of using pet‐related consumption was paired with one other so that the extremes formulated three dimensions in a consumers' identity construction: the personal dimension, the social dimension and the dimension of emotional attachment. In conclusion, it was proposed that consumer identity construction illustrated via pet‐related consumption as created within both social interactions with meaningful others and those three dimensions is multi‐levelled and multifaceted. The paper invites future research to study both identity construction and emotional attachment, being such multifarious phenomena, and to explore the dynamic interactions that may exist.
Consumer trust in animal farming practices – exploring the high trust of Finnish consumers
Authors: Jokinen Pekka , Kupsala Saara , Vinnari Markus
Published: February 2011

Trust in animal farming is a complex phenomenon and it is expressed in heterogeneous ways in different cultural contexts. Nordic countries are typically known as high‐trust societies in terms of food issues. Based on group interviews among Finnish consumers, this paper explores how citizen–consumers express trust and distrust regarding animal farming practices and whether it is possible to identify different forms of trust among different consumer groups. The foundations of emotional trust in animal farming have been weakening due to urbanization and the structural change in agriculture. Ordinary shoppers responded to this situation by transferring responsibility for farm animal welfare to public authorities, relying on habitual policy‐generated trust in animal farming. In contrast, gastronomes and organic consumers actively cultivated their emotional trust in livestock production by creating new kinds of contacts to farming. Gastronomes, organic consumers and vegetarians especially acknowledged the complexity of the claims made in farm animal welfare politics. As trust in food has arguably become a subject of active negotiation in Finland, the foundations for the habit‐based policy‐generated trust may be partly weakening, creating more space for the politicizing of food issues and the developing of alternative sources for regaining trust in food production.
Colon‐specific contractile responses to tetrodotoxin in the isolated mouse gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Okuno Y. , Kondo T. , Saeki A. , Uchida E. , Teraoka H. , Kitazawa T.
Published: February 2011

1 Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a useful pharmacological tool for distinguishing neural and myogenic responses of isolated visceral organs to drugs. Although TTX does not generally affect smooth muscle tonus, in this study, we have found that TTX causes contraction of the mouse colon. The aim of this study was to characterize this TTX‐induced contraction in the mouse gastrointestinal tract.

2 Longitudinal and circular muscle strips from the stomach and small intestine were less sensitive to TTX. However, TTX contracted both smooth muscle strips from the proximal colon and distal colon.

3 Pretreatment with TTX, Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), (1)H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) and apamin inhibited the TTX‐induced contraction. l‐NAME, ODQ or apamin itself caused contraction in the colon but not in the gastric and small intestinal strips. Region dependency of l‐NAME, ODQ and apamin‐induced contraction correlated with that of TTX‐induced contraction.

4 l‐Arginine but not d‐arginine inhibited contractility of the colonic strips without affecting the contractility of muscle strips from other regions. Sodium nitroprusside caused strong relaxation of the colonic strips.

5 1,1‐Dimethyl‐4‐phenylpiperazinium (DMPP) caused relaxation of proximal and distal colons, which was significantly decreased by l‐NAME or apamin.

6 In conclusion, among mouse gastrointestinal preparations, TTX induces contraction of colonic strips preferentially through blockade of potent tonic inhibitory neural outflow, which involves nitrergic and apamin‐sensitive pathways. Colon‐specific responses to l‐arginine, l‐NAME, ODQ and apamin support the hypothesis that there is a continuous suppression of colonic motility by enteric inhibitory neurons.
Increase in mitochondrial DNA mutations impairs retinal function and renders the retina vulnerable to injury
Authors: Kong Yu X. G. , Van Bergen Nicole , Trounce Ian A. , Bui Bang V. , Chrysostomou Vicki , Waugh Hayley , Vingrys Algis , Crowston Jonathan G.
Published: February 2011

Mouse models that accumulate high levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations owing to impairments in mitochondrial polymerase γ (PolG) proofreading function have been shown to develop phenotypes consistent with accelerated aging. As increase in mtDNA mutations and aging are risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, we sought to determine whether increase in mtDNA mutations renders neurons more vulnerable to injury. We therefore examined the in vivo functional activity of retinal neurons and their ability to cope with stress in transgenic mice harboring a neural‐targeted mutant PolG gene with an impaired proofreading capability (Kasahara, et al. (2006) Mol Psychiatry11(6):577–93, 523). We confirmed that the retina of these transgenic mice have increased mtDNA deletions and point mutations and decreased expression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation enzymes. Associated with these changes, the PolG transgenic mice demonstrated accelerated age‐related loss in retinal function as measured by dark‐adapted electroretinogram, particularly in the inner and middle retina. Furthermore, the retinal ganglion cell–dominant inner retinal function in PolG transgenic mice showed greater vulnerability to injury induced by raised intraocular pressure, an insult known to produce mechanical, metabolic, and oxidative stress in the retina. These findings indicate that an accumulation of mtDNA mutations is associated with impairment in neural function and reduced capacity of neurons to resist external stress in vivo, suggesting a potential mechanism whereby aging central nervous system can become more vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Detection of the tumour suppressor gene TP53 and expression of p53, Bcl‐2 and p63 proteins in canine transmissible venereal tumour
Authors: Stockmann D. , Ferrari H. F. , Andrade A. L. , Cardoso T. C. , Luvizotto M. C. R.
Published: February 2011

Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a neoplasm transmitted among healthy dogs by direct contact with injured skin and/or mucous tissue. This study aimed to identify the TP53 gene, messenger RNA (mRNA) as well as the expression of p53, Bcl‐2 and p63 proteins in histological sections of 13 CTVT samples at different stages of evolution. The in situ hybridization (ISH) and in situ reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays were used, which showed the DNA homologous to TP53 and its respective mRNA in 92.3% of the samples. We detected p53, p63 and Bcl‐2 proteins in most of the cell samples in different grades of intensity. In addition, 46% of the samples were in the progressive and 54% in the regression phase. This is the first description of these proteins and a detailed study of their role in CTVT cells needs to be addressed in or to verify how these cells undergo apoptosis.
Use of a Genetic Algorithm for Multiobjective Design Optimization of the Femoral Stem of a Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Ishida Toshimasa , Nishimura Ikuya , Tanino Hiromasa , Higa Masaru , Ito Hiroshi , Mitamura Yoshinori
Published: February 2011

There are many designs of the femoral stem of a cemented total hip arthroplasty, and mechanical failure of the stem is caused by several factors related to the cement, such as failure of the cement. Optimization of the shape of the stem, especially multiobjective optimization, is required to solve these design problems because a cement fracture is caused by multiple factors. The objective of this study was to determine a stem geometry considering multiple factors at the same time. A three‐dimensional finite element model of the proximal femur was developed from a composite femur. A total of four objective functions—two objective functions, the largest maximum principal stress of proximal and distal sections in the cement mantle, for each of the two boundary conditions, walking and stair climbing—were used. The neighborhood cultivation genetic algorithm was introduced to minimize these objective functions. The results showed that the geometry that leads to a decrease in the proximal cement stress and the geometry that leads to a decrease in the distal cement stress were not the same. However, the results of the walking and the stair climbing conditions matched. Five dominant stem designs were considered to be the Pareto solution, and one design was identified as the “better design” for all objective functions. It was shown that multiobjective optimization using a genetic algorithm may be used for optimizing the shape of the femoral stem in order to avoid cement fracture.
A CHARACEAN THALLUS WITH ATTACHED GYROGONITES AND ASSOCIATED FOSSIL CHAROPHYTES FROM THE MAASTRICHTIAN OF THE EASTERN PYRENEES (CATALONIA, SPAIN)1
Authors: Villalba‐Breva Sheila , Martín‐Closas Carles
Published: February 2011

The new species Clavatoraxis microcharophorus is described from the Lower Maastrichtian of the Eastern Pyrenees (Catalonia, Spain). Microchara sp. gyrogonites were found in anatomical connection with this thallus, attached to bract‐cell rosettes and coated by a structural tunica, formed by an expanded bract cell. This is a feature unknown in extant characeans, which only display lime incrustations similar to tunicae in extremely alkaline and well‐illuminated environments. This is the first time that a complete fossil characean is described. The attribution of characean vegetative remains to the genus Clavatoraxis shows that this genus is not exclusive of clavatoraceans as previously thought. The taphonomic study of C. microcharophorus sp. nov. and associated fossil charophytes, along with sedimentological and microfacies analyses, has enabled us to characterize the habitat of this species in the Maastrichtian lake of Vallcebre. They grew forming meadows, and their remains were deposited in the poorly oxygenated lake bottom, where they were well preserved. A number of other characeans and porocharaceans were living in shallower belts. This was the case for Peckichara sp. and Munieria grambasti in the freshwater lacustrine meadows. Another species, Feistiella malladae, was found parautochthonous in brackish lakes.
Mechanical Comparison of Two Suture Constructs For Extra‐Capsular Stifle Stabilization
Authors: Cabano Nic R. , Troyer Kevin L. , Palmer Ross H. , Puttlitz Christian M. , Santoni Brandon G.
Published: February 2011

Objective: Mechanical evaluation of 2 suture constructs for extracapsular stifle stabilization.

Study Design: In vitro study.

Sample Population: Crimped interlocking loop constructs (ILC) of 45 kg nylon leader line (NLL) and Orthofiber® (OF).

Methods: ILC were tightened to 100 N, then crimp secured. Ramp to failure (n=10/group)—Data were derived from force/displacement plots. Stress–relaxation testing (n=10/group)—ILC's were nondestructively loaded and held at resultant displacement as force data were recorded. Incremental, cyclic loading (n=10/group)—ILC's were loaded (5 cycles/set) starting at 100 N and incrementally increased by 50 N (1 and 3 Hz protocols). Loop tension and elongation were recorded after each set.

Results: Ramp to failure—initial loop tension was similar (NLL 75.5 ± 9.5 N; OF 68.7 ± 10.4 N, P=.140). Tested OF constructs were stiffer (NLL 125.7 ± 4.0; OF 234.6 ± 25.0 N/mm, P≤.001), had lower yield load (NLL 193.6 ± 13.8; OF 137.3 ± 94.3 N, P≤.001), lower peak load (NLL 873.7 ± 68.6; OF 653.6 ± 80.2 N, P≤.001), and lower elongation at failure (NLL 19.1 ± 1.4; OF 5.2 ± 1.0 mm, P≤.001) and at yield (NLL 1.52 ± 0.2; OF 0.3 ± 0.6 mm, P=.003) than NLL constructs. Yield in NLL ILC's was variable knot tightening/crimp slippage, but only crimp‐suture slippage in OF. Stress–relaxation testing—OF demonstrated greater relaxation. Incremental, cyclic loading—induced ILC elongation and tension loss in both groups, independent of loading frequency. NLL lost tension at lower rate, but elongated more than OF.

Conclusions: NLL construct is mechanically superior to OF construct.
Blood product use in trauma resuscitation: plasma deficit versus plasma ratio as predictors of mortality in trauma (CME)
Authors: de Biasi Andreas R. , Stansbury Lynn G. , Dutton Richard P. , Stein Deborah M. , Scalea Thomas M. , Hess John R.
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: Resuscitation of rapidly bleeding trauma patients with units of red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma given in a 1:1 ratio has been associated with improved outcome. However, demonstration of a benefit is confounded by survivor bias, and past work from our group has been unable to demonstrate a benefit.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We identified 438 adult direct primary trauma admissions at risk for massive transfusion who received 5 or more RBC units in the first 24 hours and had a probability of survival of 0.010 to 0.975. We correlated survival with RBC and plasma use by hour, both as a ratio (units of plasma/units of RBC) and as a plasma deficit (units of RBC − units of plasma) in the group as a whole and among those using 5 to 9 and more than 9 units of RBCs.

RESULTS: Resuscitation was essentially complete in 58.3% by the end of the third hour and 77.9% by the end of the sixth hour. Mortality by hour was significantly associated with worse plasma deficit status in the first 2 hours of resuscitation (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) but not with plasma ratio. In a subgroup with a Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score of 0.200 to 0.800, early plasma repletion was associated with less blood product use independently of injury severity (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: 1) The efficacy of plasma repletion plays out in the first few hours of resuscitation, 2) plasma deficit may be a more sensitive marker of efficacy in some populations, and 3) early plasma repletion appears to prevent some patients from going on to require massive transfusion.
Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen and occult hepatitis B virus infections in Korean blood donors
Authors: Seo Dong Hee , Whang Dong Hee , Song Eun Young , Kim Hyun Soo , Park Quehn
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) among Korean blood donors and frequencies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) in anti‐HBc–positive donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 12,461 consenting blood donors were consecutively enrolled from Korean Red Cross Blood Services from April to October 2008. All of the donors were screened for anti‐HBc with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Repeat‐reactive anti‐HBc–positive donors were assayed for anti‐HBs and for HBV DNA using a multiplex test (Cobas TaqScreen, Roche Molecular Systems) on individual donation.

RESULTS: Of the 12,461 donors, 1682 (13.5%) were reactive for anti‐HBc. Among different age groups, there was a steady increase in the anti‐HBc–positive rate, ranging from 2.0% in the age group of less than 20 years to 80.0% in the age group of 60 years and older (p < 0.0001). Of the anti‐HBc–positive donors, 1523 (90.5%) were anti‐HBs positive. HBV DNA was detected in two donors who were anti‐HBc positive and hepatitis B surface antigen negative. The prevalence of occult HBV infection was 0.016%, and the HBV nucleic acid test (NAT) yield was 1 in 838 (0.12%).

CONCLUSION: This study helps to determine the current status of hepatitis B infection and the prevalence of occult HBV infection in the blood donor population in Korea. We estimate that in Korea, up to 161 units per million donated units from blood donors may contain HBV DNA. Although the potential infectivity of these units has been debated upon, the HBV NAT assay could prevent certain transfusion‐transmitted HBV infections.
A New Model for University‐Industry Links in Knowledge‐Based Economies*
Authors: Ahrweiler Petra , Pyka Andreas , Gilbert Nigel
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we apply the agent‐based SKIN model (Simulating Knowledge Dynamics in Innovation Networks) to university‐industry links. The model builds on empirical research about innovation networks in knowledge‐intensive industries with procedures relying on theoretical frameworks of innovation economics and economic sociology. Our experiments compare innovation networks with and without university agents. Results show that having universities in the co‐operating population of actors raises the competence level of the whole population, increases the variety of knowledge among the firms, and increases innovation diffusion in terms of quantity and speed. Furthermore, firms interacting with universities are more attractive for other firms when new partnerships are considered. These results can be validated against empirical findings. The simulation confirms that university‐industry links improve the conditions for innovation diffusion and enhance collaborative arrangements in innovation networks.
Factors That Affect the Content of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines in Foods
Authors: Alaejos Maite Sanz , Afonso Ana M.
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  This review compiles the contents of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in foods and beverages, collected from literature data along the period from 1992 up to 2009. Also, it describes the factors that affect the formation of HAAs in foods, such as the cooking method, including temperature, time, and frequency of turning of meat, during cooking. Other factors depending on the type of food and the recipe followed are pH, amounts of HAA precursors, types of amino acids, presence of certain divalent ions, and content of substances with enhancing or inhibiting effects on the formation of HAAs. In addition, there are other factors, which depend on the type of food, such as muscle tissue and the presence of certain genes, since the RN− allele in pigs increases the glycogen content of muscle. The dispersion of the bibliographic data is evident, and there are scarce data, even no data, referred to individual HAAs. Considering that the diverging results can be due to several causes, possible recommendations are given in order to prevent the dispersion of the results and to achieve more valuable information, applied to determine the HAAs exposure. Although there are not direct indications that HAAs represent a serious health risk to the population, and common cancers are produced by many factors including xenobiotics, all measures to minimize the formation of HAAs should be foreseen, some of which are indicated.
Food Safety Challenges within North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Partners
Authors: Holley Richard A.
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  Organizational elements and limitations influencing the effective operation of the food safety regulatory infrastructures in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are compared. Progress to improve the safety of food in North American countries is hampered by common problems, yet differences exist. Foodborne illness surveillance and reporting are most comprehensive in the United States, but it is uniformly more reactive than proactive in all 3 countries. Food safety policy is based on outbreak data, but that may be short‐sighted because these represent roughly 10% of foodborne illness cases. Food inspection in each country is done at 2 tiers (federal and other) by many agencies at 3 (federal/state‐provincial/municipal) levels. Interagency collaboration at times of crisis is weak and frequent heterogeneity in training, inspection targets, and inspection rigor affect regulatory credibility. Enhanced recognition that industry has the prime responsibility for food safety is warranted (and must not be confused with self‐inspection) along with justifiably aggressive regulatory agency interrogation of food safety system performance. End product testing should be used to verify safety system operation and should not be used to predict product safety. Specific microbial and nonmicrobial challenges to safe food in North America are highlighted and a rationalization of fiscal/human resource allocation to most effectively reduce the burden of foodborne illness is provided.
Self‐perceived preparedness for dental practice amongst graduates of The University of Hong Kong’s integrated PBL dental curriculum
Authors: Yiu C. K. Y. , McGrath C. , Bridges S. , Corbet E. F. , Botelho M. G. , Dyson J. E. , Chan L. K.
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  To determine how prepared for dental practice graduates from the integrated problem‐based learning (PBL) dental undergraduate curriculum at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) perceive themselves to be and to identify factors associated with self‐perceived preparedness.

Materials and methods:  A postal questionnaire was sent to five cohorts of dentists who had graduated from HKU’s integrated PBL curriculum between 2004 and 2008. Using a 4‐point Likert scale, the questionnaire assessed the self‐perceived level of preparedness in 59 competencies grouped in nine domains. Responses were dichotomised into ‘poorly prepared’ and ‘well prepared’.

Results:  The response rate was 66% (159/241). The mean proportion (± standard deviation) of respondents indicating well‐preparedness was 72.0 ± 15.1% overall, and for each domain was as follows: general patient management, 93.1 ± 12.1%; practice management, 81.0 ± 22.2%; periodontology and dental public health, 73.5 ± 19.3%; conservative dentistry, 92.5 ± 13.1%; oral rehabilitation, 62.8 ± 24.0%; orthodontics, 23.0 ± 32.9%; managing children and special‐needs patients, 64.8 ± 28.9%; oral and maxillofacial surgery, 52.2 ± 25.2%; and drug and emergency management, 84.7 ± 22.6%. The odds of self‐perceived well‐preparedness were increased for cohorts graduating in 2004 and 2005 and graduates working in a non‐solo dental practice.

Conclusions:  Dental graduates of HKU’s integrated PBL curriculum felt well prepared for the most fundamental aspects of dental practice. However, apparent deficiencies of training in orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery will need to be addressed by continuing education, postgraduate training and planning for the new 6‐year undergraduate curriculum in 2012.
Natural re‐establishment of Atlantic salmon reproduction and the fish community in the previously heavily polluted River Purtse, Baltic Sea
Authors: Kesler Martin , Kangur Mart , Vetemaa Markus
Published: February 2011

Abstract –  The River Purtse was historically a significant Atlantic salmon spawning river in the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). After the establishment of oil shale mining and processing in the catchment area in the late 1920s, the salmon population went extinct. By the 1970s, the river was heavily polluted and the lower reaches lacked any fish fauna. However, since the 1990s, pollution from oil shale mines was greatly reduced and water quality started to improve. The first fish species to repopulate the polluted area were gudgeon and nine‐spined stickleback. The first salmon parr from wild spawning were recorded in 2006. Up to 2009, a total of fifteen fish species have been recorded including trout and the sensitive bullhead. This study illustrates the natural recovery of the fish fauna following water quality improvement.
An improved method for measurement of change in skin roughness caused by cleansing products under mild application conditions
Authors: Lee Eunyoung , An Susun , Im Moon‐sup , Kim Han Kon , Lee Tae Ryong
Published: February 2011

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a method for the evaluation of subtle change in skin roughness caused by cleansing products under mild application conditions using a non‐invasive three‐dimensional (3D) analysis system.

Methods: A double‐blind comparative study of the modified soap chamber test was performed using two soap bars and a syndet bar. Skin changes were evaluated by visual scoring [mean cumulative irritation index (MCII)] and by bioengineering measurements [transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, and skin surface roughness].

Results: MCII of the syndet bar was statistically higher than that of one soap bar, and TEWL increase after application of the syndet bar was statistically higher than that of both soap bars. Skin capacitance decreased significantly only after application of the syndet bar. The change in the average roughness of the skin surface was significantly greater after the application of the syndet bar than with classic soap bars.

Conclusion: A simple, fast, and objective evaluation of skin surface topography was performed using a modified soap chamber test and a non‐invasive 3D analysis system. The results suggest that measurement of skin roughness using a non‐invasive 3D analysis system might be a good method for the evaluation of a subtle change caused by cleansing products under mild application conditions.
Imaging of the skin and subcutaneous tissue using classical and high‐frequency ultrasonographies in anti‐cellulite therapy
Authors: Mlosek Robert Krzysztof , Dębowska Renata Maria , Lewandowski Marcin , Malinowska Sylwia , Nowicki Andrzej , Eris Irena
Published: February 2011

Background: The development of ultrasonography allowed for skin imaging used in dermatology and esthetic medicine. By means of classic and high‐frequency ultrasonographies, changes within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue can be presented.

Objective: The aim of this study was to show the possibilities of applying classic and high‐frequency ultrasonographies in esthetic dermatology based on monitoring various types of anti‐cellulite therapies.

Methods: Sixty‐one women with cellulite were assigned to two smaller groups. One group was using anti‐cellulite cream and the second group was a placebo group. The ultrasound examination was carried out before the initiation and after the completion of the treatment and evaluated epidermal echoes, the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue and the dermis, dermis echogenicity, the length and surface area of the subcutaneous tissue fascicles growing into the dermis, and the presence or absence of edemas.

Results: After the completion of the treatment, a statistically significant difference was observed. The most useful parameters were as follows: the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue, echogenicity, the surface area and length of the subcutaneous tissue, as well as the presence of edemas. The discussed changes were not observed in the placebo group.

Conclusion: Classic and high‐frequency ultrasonographies are useful methods for monitoring anti‐cellulite therapies.
IL‐12 and IL‐18 levels in serum and gingival tissue in aggressive and chronic periodontitis
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández PE , Zamora‐Perez AL , Fuentes‐Lerma M , Robles‐Gómez C , Mariaud‐Schmidt RP , Guerrero‐Velázquez C
Published: February 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 522–529

Objective:  The aim of this study was to compare the levels of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and IL‐18 in gingival tissue and serum between patients with chronic (n = 18) or aggressive periodontitis (n = 12) and healthy subjects (HS) (n = 9).

Methods:  Gingival tissue biopsies and serum were obtained from all study subjects. The tissue was homogenized and cytokines IL‐12 and IL‐18 were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  Interleukin‐12 levels in gingival tissue were significantly higher in aggressive periodontitis patients than in HS; serum IL‐12 was significantly elevated in aggressive periodontitis relative to both chronic periodontitis (CP) and HS. IL‐18 levels in gingival tissue showed no significant differences between the groups. Patients with CP showed significantly elevated levels of serum IL‐18 compared with HS; however, the aggressive periodontitis group showed no significant differences with either the CP group or the HS.

Conclusions:  Our results showed higher levels of IL‐12 in gingival tissue and serum of patients with aggressive periodontitis, and IL‐18 was elevated in the serum of CP patients. The patterns of IL‐12 and IL‐18 are different in chronic and aggressive periodontitis; this finding suggests distinctive mechanisms of immunopathogenesis between these forms of periodontitis.
New Insight Into the Redox Properties of Uremic Solute Indoxyl Sulfate as a Pro‐ and Anti‐Oxidant
Authors: Miyamoto Yohei , Watanabe Hiroshi , Otagiri Masaki , Maruyama Toru
Published: February 2011

Indoxyl sulfate, an extensively investigated uremic toxin, is involved in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent clinical data indicate that serum levels of indoxyl sulfate are a powerful predictor of overall and cardiovascular mortality. Under CKD conditions, indoxyl sulfate induces oxidative stress, which involves the production of excessive levels of reactive oxygen species in renal tubular cells, mesangial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and osteoblast cells. In contrast, our recent findings explain, at least in part, the role that indoxyl sulfate plays in protecting against oxidative stress under normal‐physiological conditions. Namely, under CKD conditions, the pro‐oxidant properties of indoxyl sulfate exceed its anti‐oxidant properties. These findings provide new insights into the dual role of indoxyl sulfate, which appears to be concentration‐dependent, with respect to its pro‐ or anti‐oxidative properties.
Influence of Prostaglandin E1 on Cerebral Mechanisms Involved in the Control of Fluid Balance
Authors: Leksell L. G.
Published: February 2011

The effects of infusions of PGE1 (30 ng/kg min‐1) into the lateral cerebral ventricle were studied in the conscious, hydrated goat. The infusions caused release of antidiuretic hormone and increased renal sodium excretion. When PGE1 was infused together with hypertonic NaCl these effects became markedly enhanced and the infusion also induced drinking and a rise in the arterial blood pressure. Much weaker effects were obtained by the infusion of the hypertonic NaCl alone. This sodium‐PGE1 interaction is discussed in relation to previously observed, central sodium‐angiotensin II interaction. A more pronounced drinking effect was obtained in response to the intraventricular infusion of PGE1+ angiotensin II, than to the infusion of either substance separately. The PGE1 administered into the lateral cerebral ventricle did not induce any febrile response.
Surviving Wartime Emancipation: African Americans and the Cost of Civil War
Authors: Schwalm Leslie A.
Published: February 2011

Ask any Civil War historian about the cost of the Civil War and they will recite a host of well-known assessments, from military casualties and government expenditures to various measures of direct and indirect costs. But those numbers are not likely to include an appraisal of the humanitarian crisis and suffering caused by the wartime destruction of slavery. Peace-time emancipation in other regions (the northern U.S., for example) and in other societies (like the British West Indies) certainly presented dangers and difficulties for the formerly enslaved, but wartime emancipation chained the new opportunities and possibilities for freedom to war’s violence, civil chaos, destruction and deprivation. The resulting health crisis, including illness, injury, and trauma, had immediate and lasting consequences for black civilians and soldiers. Although historians are more accustomed to thinking of enslaved people as the beneficiaries of this war, rather than its victims, we cannot assess the cost of this war until we answer two important questions: first, what price did enslaved people have to pay because their freedom was achieved through warfare rather than a peacetime process; and secondly, in this war in which so many Americans paid such a high cost, to what extent did racism inflate the cost paid by people of African descent? In answering these questions, we reconsider this specific war, but we must also tie the U.S. Civil War to a larger scholarship on how wars impact civilians, create refugee populations, and accelerate harsh treatment of people regarded as racial, religious, or ethnic outsiders. We are reminded that war is not an equal-opportunity killer.
Understanding How the Arts Can Enhance Learning
Authors: Magsamen Susan H. , Battro Antonio M.
Published: February 2011

Understanding how the arts can enhance learning has long been discussed and debated among educators, students, parents, artists, art historians, and philosophers. Many anecdotal examples reference the value and benefits of the arts in a range of fields and learning domains. Emerging methodologies in the brain sciences have added new perspectives and research‐based approaches to better understand the role the arts might play in learning. Psychologists, cognitive scientists, and now neuroscientists are approaching this topic by exploring memory, sensory systems, and other biological measures. The interdisciplinary and potentially interdependence of these fields to work together to identify the neurological mechanisms involved in the arts may offer educators, parents, and child care providers with important information about how we learning takes place. By bringing together uncommon and divergent thinking from a wide range of disciplines, there is an opportunity to change the way we teach, parent, and serve children using the arts to help enhance learning. This issue of Mind, Brain, and Education celebrates the range of approaches that are emerging to shed light and insight in this field.
The Challenges of Interdisciplinary Epistemology in Neuroaesthetics
Authors: Croft James
Published: February 2011

Neuroaesthetics is a burgeoning new interdisciplinary research space in which cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy intersect in order to better inform our understanding of aesthetic experience. The purpose of this study is to analyze high‐profile work in neuroaesthetics in the light of recent research into interdisciplinary epistemology, asking “Do current attempts to use neuroscience to explore art meet rigorous interdisciplinary quality criteria?” I suggest that current approaches in neuroaesthetics frequently fail in a number of ways: they fail to meet disciplinary standards in either aesthetics or neuroscience, they fail to blend disciplines in a generative way, and they add little new that could not be investigated more fruitfully at other levels of analysis. In response to these potential pitfalls, I recommend that future researchers embrace a form of “problem‐focused epistemological pluralism” in their neuroaesthetic endeavors. I end with a consideration of the educational implications of these issues.
Self‐management of chronic disease and hospital readmission: a care transition strategy
Authors: Kelly Michelle D
Published: February 2011

kelly md (2011) Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness 3, 4–11 Self‐management of chronic disease and hospital readmission: a care transition strategy

Aims and objectives.  To identify current trends in readmissions and practices for preventing readmissions in client populations with chronic disease. The objectives are to review evidence and ascertain if best practice guidelines to prevent readmissions exist. An emphasis was placed on the identification of low resource and easy to implement models for the prevention of readmissions.

Background.  Chronic disease is increasing in prevalence, and quality improvement is needed as clients transition between a variety of healthcare settings, particularly from hospital to home. People with chronic disease are more likely to need inpatient care, yet studies indicate that readmissions within 30 days of discharge occur. Hospitalisations are considered preventable if linked to unresolved conditions present at the time of discharge and not remunerated by Medicare. In such cases, hospitals bear 100% of the cost of avoidable readmissions.

Method.  A literature review of databases in English, Internet searches of CINAL, Cochrane database of systematic reviews as well as Agency for Healthcare Quality Research guidelines were conducted. The search terms used were; care coordination, self‐care, self‐care management of chronic disease, readmission, preventing readmission, and care transition(s).

Results.  The association of chronic disease care with the emergence of readmission rates as indicators of quality of care is explored utilising Coleman’s Care Transition Model. This model is suggested as a practical, evidenced‐based intervention, which hospitals can implement to reduce avoidable readmissions.

Conclusions.  The review of evidence revealed a lack of high‐level research identifying which interventions designed to avoid readmissions were most effective. The available literature provided several recurrent themes concerning effective strategies to prevent readmission. The themes identified were; patient empowerment and carer inclusion, bridging discharge process from hospital to the client’s home, improving self‐care capacities and better client understanding of self‐administration of medication. Coleman’s model consisting of four pillars coincided with effective strategies prominent in the literature. The concept of care transitions is contemporary and very much evolving. New higher‐level evidence is needed as models addressing decreasing readmission are rigorously evaluated.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Putting measures into place known to prevent hospital readmission is essential in the provision of quality of care and to addresses rising healthcare costs. Supporting clients with chronic disease through care transitions has been identified as a means to avoid hospital readmissions. Coleman’s model provides a low resource template to build self‐care into a client’s discharge process after hospitalisation.
Envisioning a Person-Centric Work Psychology
Authors: Weiss Howard M. , Rupp Deborah E.
Published: February 2011

We have structured our response around 3 rough categories of commentary themes: those that provided illustrations of existing person-centric research, those that provided novel ideas about extending the viewpoint to traditional research areas, and those that criticized our neglect of issues of morality and power differences. In our response, we clarify and reiterate our position as advocating a science of first-person work experience. In doing so, we differentiate our agenda from others labeled person-centric but not first-person experiential in the way we describe it. We also differentiate our position from a primary interest in worker treatment and well-being, except as part of work experience, and defend that difference.
Generic genetic differences between farmed and wild Atlantic salmon identified from a 7K SNP‐chip
Authors: KARLSSON STEN , MOEN THOMAS , LIEN SIGBJØRN , GLOVER KEVIN A. , HINDAR KJETIL
Published: February 2011

Genetic interactions between farmed and wild conspecifics are of special concern in fisheries where large numbers of domesticated individuals are released into the wild. In the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), selective breeding since the 1970’s has resulted in rapid genetic changes in commercially important traits, such as a doubling of the growth rate. Each year, farmed salmon escape from net pens, enter rivers, and interbreed with wild salmon. Field experiments demonstrate that genetic introgression may weaken the viability of recipient populations. However, due to the lack of diagnostic genetic markers, little is known about actual rates of gene flow from farmed to wild populations. Here we present a panel of 60 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that collectively are diagnostic in identifying individual salmon as being farmed or wild, regardless of their populations of origin. These were sourced from a pool of 7000 SNPs comparing historical wild and farmed salmon populations, and were distributed on all but two of the 29 chromosomes. We suggest that the generic differences between farmed and wild salmon at these SNPs have arisen due to domestication. The identified panel of SNPs will permit quantification of gene flow from farmed to wild salmon populations, elucidating one of the most controversial potential impacts of aquaculture. With increasing global interest in aquaculture and increasing pressure on wild populations, results from our study have implications for a wide range of species.
Discovery and characterization of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in steelhead/rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: ABADÍA‐CARDOSO ALICIA , CLEMENTO ANTHONY J. , GARZA JOHN CARLOS
Published: February 2011

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have several advantages over other genetic markers, including lower mutation and genotyping error rates, ease of inter‐laboratory standardization, and the prospect of high‐throughput, low‐cost genotyping. Nevertheless, their development and use has only recently moved beyond model organisms to groups such as salmonid fishes. Oncorhynchus mykiss is a salmonid native to the North Pacific rim that has now been introduced throughout the world for fisheries and aquaculture. The anadromous form of the species is known as steelhead. Native steelhead populations on the west coast of the United States have declined and many now have protected status. The nonanadromous, or resident, form of the species is termed rainbow, redband or golden trout. Additional life history and morphological variation, and interactions between the forms, make the species challenging to study, monitor and evaluate. Here, we describe the discovery, characterization and assay development for 139 SNP loci in steelhead/rainbow trout. We used EST sequences from existing genomic databases to design primers for 480 genes. Sanger‐sequencing products from these genes provided 130 KB of consensus sequence in which variation was surveyed for 22 individuals from steelhead, rainbow and redband trout groups. The resulting TaqMan assays were surveyed in five steelhead populations and three rainbow trout stocks, where they had a mean minor allele frequency of 0.15–0.26 and observed heterozygosity of 0.18–0.35. Mean FST was 0.204. The development of SNPs for O. mykiss will help to provide highly informative genetic tools for individual and stock identification, pedigree reconstruction, phylogeography and ecological investigation.
Cytogenetics and prognosis for uveal melanoma in Korean patients
Authors: Lee Christopher Seungkyu , Lee Junwon , Choi Jun Jeong , Yang Woo Ik , Yoon Jin Sook , Lee Sang Yeul , Lee Sung Chul
Published: February 2011

Purpose:  To determine the rate of mortality for uveal melanoma in the Korean population and assess whether it correlates with cytogenetic data, and clinical and histopathological factors.

Methods:  A retrospective review of medical files from 33 uveal melanoma patients who underwent enucleation at Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, between January, 1994 and December, 2009 was performed. Dual‐colour fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed using centromeric probes for chromosome 3 and 8 in archived patient tissues.

Results:  The mean age of patients was 53.2 years (range; 29–78), and the mean largest basal diameter was 11.8 mm (range; 6.0–18.1). Of the 20 tissue blocks with available cytogenetic data, there was monosomy 3 in seven (35%) and polysomy 8 in four (20%). The presence of monosomy 3 (p < 0.001), polysomy 8 (p < 0.001), ciliary body involvement (p < 0.001), a mitotic rate ≥5/40 high‐power fields (p = 0.006), closed extravascular matrix loop (p = 0.025), large basal tumour diameter (p = 0.029) and epithelioid cellularity (p = 0.038) predicted melanoma‐related mortality. The median time from enucleation to liver metastasis was 16 months (range; 10–70), and the median survival after metastasis was 5 months (range; 1–9). The Kaplan–Meier survival curve estimated the metastatic death rate to be 22% for 5 years and 30% for 10 years.

Conclusions:  Korean patients with uveal melanoma are younger and appear to exhibit no worse prognosis than Caucasian. Cytogenetic abnormality of chromosome 3 and 8 highly predicted metastatic death.