bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical and non‐technical education and the employability of engineering graduates: an Indian case study
Authors: Gokuladas V. K.
Published: May 2010

India's substantial growth in recent years has resulted in a significant increase in demand for engineers. Information technology companies, now a major part of the Indian private sector, have been prominent in such recruitment, but the competences they seek in engineering students appear to be different in terms of priorities from those sought by engineering firms. Against this background, and Indian employers' general dissatisfaction with graduates' skills, the present study aims to investigate the importance of technical and non‐technical education, respectively, in the employability of undergraduate engineering students. Employability was determined according to students' success in campus recruitment drives by information technology companies, that is, whether they received an offer of employment. The study used a sample of two cohorts consisting of more than 500 undergraduate engineers in total, drawn from one of the leading engineering colleges in South India. Independent variables consisted of marks scored at the higher education admission stage, grades in engineering at graduation and performance in non‐technical education. The last named comprised verbal reasoning, logical reasoning and soft skills. The dependent variable was whether or not they were offered employment. The results, obtained through correlation and ordinal regression, revealed that the performance of students in non‐technical education was a stronger predictor of employability than was grade obtained in technical education. The findings will be of relevance to engineering colleges because they can be used in the formulation of a strategy to improve the employability of their students. The context is a concern in many countries that those leaving higher education are not properly equipped for the world of work.
Accelerating leadership development via immersive learning and cognitive apprenticeship
Authors: Backus Clark , Keegan Kevin , Gluck Charles , Gulick Lisa M. V.
Published: May 2010

The authors put forward an approach to leadership development that builds on the principle of accelerated learning. They argue that leadership development, particularly in a period of recession or slow economic growth, needs to deliver results more quickly and with fewer resources. Indeed, they raise the question of whether or not this is what is necessary for training and development more generally.
P2X7 receptor activation induces CXCL2 production in microglia through NFAT and PKC/MAPK pathways
Authors: Shiratori Miho , Tozaki‐Saitoh Hidetoshi , Yoshitake Mai , Tsuda Makoto , Inoue Kazuhide
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 810–819.

Microglia plays an important role in many neurodegenerative conditions. ATP leaked or released by damaged cells triggers microglial activation through P2 receptors, and stimulates the release of oxygen radicals, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines from activated microglia. However, little is known about mechanisms underlying ATP‐induced chemokine release from microglia. In this study, we found that a high concentration of ATP induces the mRNA expression and release of CXCL2 from microglia. A similar effect was observed following treatment of microglia with a P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) agonist, 2′‐and 3′‐O‐(4‐benzoylbenzoyl) ATP, and this was inhibited by pre‐treatment with a P2X7R antagonist, Brilliant Blue G. ATP induced both activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and MAPKs (p38, ERK, and JNK) through P2X7R. ATP‐induced mRNA expression of CXCL2 was inhibited by INCA‐6 (an NFAT inhibitor), SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor), U0126 (a MEK‐ERK inhibitor) and JNK inhibitor II (a JNK inhibitor). However, MAPK inhibitors did not inhibit activation of NFAT. In addition, protein kinase C inhibitors suppressed ATP‐induced ERK and JNK activation, and also inhibited ATP‐induced CXCL2 expression in microglia. These results suggest that ATP increased CXCL2 production via both NFAT and protein kinase C/MAPK signaling pathways through P2X7 receptor stimulation in microglia.
Neurite‐like structures induced by mevalonate pathway blockade are due to the stability of cell adhesion foci and are enhanced by the presence of APP
Authors: Hughes Mary , Snetkov Vladimir , Rose Ruth‐Sarah , Trousil Sebastian , Mermoud Jacqueline E. , Dingwall Colin
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 832–842.

Epidemiological studies have shown an association between statin use and a decreased risk of dementia. However, the mechanism by which this beneficial effect is brought about is unclear. In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, at least three possibilities have been studied; reduction in amyloid β peptide (Aβ) production, the promotion of α‐secretase cleavage and positive effects on neurite outgrowth. By investigating the effects of mevalonate pathway blockade on neurite outgrowth using real‐time imaging, we found that rather than promote the production of neurite extensions, inhibition rapidly induced cell rounding. Crucially, neurite‐like structures were generated through the persistence of cell–cell and cell–substrate adhesions and not through a mechanism of positive outgrowth. This effect can be strikingly enhanced by the over‐expression of human amyloid precursor protein and is isoprenoid rather than cholesterol dependent.
Characterization of AZD4694, a novel fluorinated Aβ plaque neuroimaging PET radioligand
Authors: Juréus Anders , Swahn Britt‐Marie , Sandell Johan , Jeppsson Fredrik , Johnson Allan E. , Johnström Peter , Neelissen Jan A. M. , Sunnemark Dan , Farde Lars , Svensson Samuel P. S.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 784–794.

Positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands that bind selectively to β‐amyloid plaques (Aβ) are promising imaging tools aimed at supporting the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and the evaluation of new drugs aiming to modify amyloid plaque load. For extended clinical use, there is a particular need for PET tracers labeled with fluorine‐18, a radionuclide with 110 min half‐life allowing for central synthesis followed by wide distribution. The development of fluorinated radioligands is, however, challenging because of the lipophilic nature of aromatic fluorine, rendering fluorinated ligands more prone to have high non‐specific white matter binding. We have here developed the new benzofuran‐derived radioligand containing fluorine, AZD4694 that shows high affinity for β‐amyloid fibrils in vitro (Kd = 2.3 ± 0.3 nM). In cortical sections from human Alzheimer’s disease brain [3H]AZD4694 selectively labeled β‐amyloid deposits in gray matter, whereas there was a lower level of non‐displaceable binding in plaque devoid white matter. Administration of unlabeled AZD4694 to rat showed that it has a pharmacokinetic profile consistent with good PET radioligands, i.e., it quickly entered and rapidly cleared from normal rat brain tissue. Ex vivo binding data in aged Tg2576 mice after intravenous administration of [3H]AZD4694 showed selective binding to β‐amyloid deposits in a reversible manner. In Tg2576 mice, plaque bound [3H]AZD4694 could still be detected 80 min after i.v. administration. Taken together, the preclinical profile of AZD4694 suggests that fluorine‐18 labeled AZD4694 may have potential for PET‐visualization of cerebral β‐amyloid deposits in the living human brain.
Inflammatory hyperalgesia induces essential bioactive lipid production in the spinal cord
Authors: Buczynski Matthew W. , Svensson Camilla I. , Dumlao Darren S. , Fitzsimmons Bethany L. , Shim Jae‐Hang , Scherbart Thomas J. , Jacobsen Faith E. , Hua Xiao‐Ying , Yaksh Tony L. , Dennis Edward A.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 981–993.

Lipid molecules play an important role in regulating the sensitivity of sensory neurons and enhancing pain perception, and growing evidence indicates that the effect occurs both at the site of injury and in the spinal cord. Using high‐throughput mass spectrometry methodology, we sought to determine the contribution of spinal bioactive lipid species to inflammation‐induced hyperalgesia in rats. Quantitative analysis of CSF and spinal cord tissue for eicosanoids, ethanolamides and fatty acids revealed the presence of 102 distinct lipid species. After induction of peripheral inflammation by intra‐plantar injection of carrageenan to the ipsilateral hind paw, lipid changes in cyclooxygenase (COX) and 12‐lipoxygenase (12‐LOX) signaling pathways peaked at 4 h in the CSF. In contrast, changes occurred in a temporally disparate manner in the spinal cord with LOX‐derived hepoxilins followed by COX‐derived prostaglandin E2, and subsequently the ethanolamine anandamide. Systemic treatment with the mu opioid agonist morphine, the COX inhibitor ketorolac, or the LOX inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid significantly reduced tactile allodynia, while their effects on the lipid metabolites were different. Morphine did not alter the lipid profile in the presence or absence of carrageenan inflammation. Ketorolac caused a global reduction in eicosanoid metabolism in naïve animals that remained suppressed following injection of carrageenan. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid‐treated animals also displayed reduced basal levels of COX and 12‐LOX metabolites, but only 12‐LOX metabolites remained decreased after carrageenan treatment. These findings suggest that both COX and 12‐LOX play an important role in the induction of carrageenan‐mediated hyperalgesia through these pathways.
An empirical demonstration of the ideal free distribution: Little Grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis breeding in intensive agricultural landscapes
Authors: SEBASTIÁN‐GONZÁLEZ ESTHER , BOTELLA FRANCISCO , SEMPERE RAÚL A. , SÁNCHEZ‐ZAPATA JOSÉ A.
Published: May 2010

The ideal free distribution (IFD) model predicts that a density‐dependent mechanism operates to regulate habitat selection and reproductive performance. We studied a Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis population, which breeds on irrigation ponds in the Vega Baja Valley (southeastern Spain) to test the premises of the IFD model. These ponds are highly dynamic because they are managed according to agricultural requirements, and are subject to different levels of disturbance, which can change the quality of individual ponds across the landscape. Surveys were carried out during the breeding season from 2002 to 2006, with reproduction performance estimated during two consecutive breeding seasons, 2003 and 2004. Occupation frequency differed from random, indicating preference for some ponds over others. Habitat features such as pond construction and design, the presence of submerged vegetation, vegetation along the shore and reed beds, and pond area correlated with occupation frequency and might be considered to be indicators of pond quality. Ponds were occupied sequentially from best to worst. Thus, when the population size increased, the number of low‐quality ponds occupied also increased. High‐quality ponds held more breeding pairs than low‐quality ones, resulting in the mean reproductive success per breeding pair being independent of pond quality. Little Grebes therefore occupy ponds in a manner consistent with the expectations of the IFD model.
Adverse effects of agricultural intensification and climate change on breeding habitat quality of Black‐tailed GodwitsLimosa l. limosain the Netherlands
Authors: KLEIJN DAVID , SCHEKKERMAN HANS , DIMMERS WIM J. , VAN KATS RUUD J. M. , MELMAN DICK , TEUNISSEN WOLF A.
Published: May 2010

Agricultural intensification is one of the main drivers of farmland bird declines, but effects on birds may be confounded with those of climate change. Here we examine the effects of intensification and climate change on a grassland breeding wader, the Black‐tailed GodwitLimosa l. limosa, in the Netherlands. Population decline has been linked to poor chick survival which, in turn, has been linked to available foraging habitat. Foraging habitat of the nidifugous chicks consists of uncut grasslands that provide cover and arthropod prey. Conservation measures such as agri‐environment schemes aim to increase the availability of chick foraging habitat but have not yet been successful in halting the decline. Field observations show that since the early 1980s, farmers advanced their first seasonal mowing or grazing date by 15 days, whereas Godwits did not advance their hatching date. Ringing data indicate that between 1945 and 1975 hatching dates advanced by about 2 weeks in parallel with the advancement of median mowing dates. Surprisingly, temperature sums at median mowing and hatching dates suggest that while the agricultural advancement before 1980 was largely due to agricultural intensification, after 1980 it was largely due to climate change. Examining arthropod abundance in a range of differently managed grasslands revealed that chick food abundance was little affected but that food accessibility in intensively used tall swards may be problematic for chicks. Our results suggest that, compared with 25 years ago, nowadays (1) a much higher proportion of clutches and chicks are exposed to agricultural activities, (2) there is little foraging habitat left when chicks hatch and (3) because of climate change, the vegetation in the remaining foraging habitat is taller and denser and therefore of lower quality. This indicates that for agri‐environment schemes to make a difference, they should not only be implemented in a larger percentage of the breeding area than the current maxima of 20–30% but they should also include measures that create more open, accessible swards.
Metamorphic P–T profile and P–T path discontinuity across the far‐eastern Nepal Himalaya: investigation of channel flow models
Authors: IMAYAMA T. , TAKESHITA T. , ARITA K.
Published: May 2010

Thermobarometric data and compositional zoning of garnet show the discontinuities of both metamorphic pressure conditions at peak‐T and P–T paths across the Main Central Thrust (MCT), which juxtaposes the high‐grade Higher Himalayan Crystalline Sequences (HHCS) over the low‐grade Lesser Himalaya Sequences (LHS) in far‐eastern Nepal. Maximum recorded pressure conditions occur just above the MCT (∼11 kbar), and decrease southward to ∼6 kbar in the garnet zone and northward to ∼7 kbar in the kyanite ± staurolite zone. The inferred nearly isothermal loading path for the LHS in the staurolite zone may have resulted from the underthrusting of the LHS beneath the HHCS. In contrast, the increasing temperature path during both loading and decompression (i.e. clockwise path) from the lowermost HHCS in the staurolite to kyanite ± staurolite transitional zone indicates that the rocks were fairly rapidly buried and exhumed. Exhumation of the lowermost HHCS from deeper crustal depths than the flanking regions, recording a high field pressure gradient (∼1.2–1.6 kbar km−1) near the MCT, is perhaps caused by ductile extrusion along the MCT, not the emplacement along a single thrust, resulting in the P–T path discontinuities. These observations are consistent with the overall scheme of the model of channel flow, in which the outward flowing ‘HHCS’ and inward flowing ‘LHS’ are juxtaposed against each other and are rapidly extruded together along the ‘MCT’. A rapid exhumation by channel flow in this area is also suggested by a nearly isothermal decompression path inferred from cordierite corona surrounding garnet in gneiss of the upper HHCS. However, peak metamorphic temperatures show a progressive increase of temperature structurally upward (∼570–740 °C) near the MCT and roughly isothermal conditions (∼710–810 °C) in the upper structural levels of the HHCS. The observed field temperature gradient is much lower than those predicted in channel flow models. However, the discrepancy could be resolved by taking into account heat advection by melt and/or fluid migration, as these can produce low or nearly no field temperature gradient in the exhumed midcrust, as observed in nature.
Behavioral and Biological Indicators of Impulsivity in the Development of Alcohol Use, Problems, and Disorders
Authors: Lejuez C.W. , Magidson Jessica F. , Mitchell Suzanne H. , Sinha Rajita , Stevens Michael C. , De Wit Harriet
Published: May 2010

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are a devastating public health problem. The construct of impulsivity is biologically based and heritable, and its various dimensions are relevant for understanding alcohol use. The goal of the current manuscript is to review recent behavioral and biological research examining various dimensions of impulsivity and their relation to AUDs from risk for initial use through dependence and relapse. Moreover, we also highlight key psychological variables including affective processes as they relate to current use and early indications of alcohol problems, as well as psychopathology, violence, and aggression in relation to AUDs. Each section includes a critical summary and we conclude the review with future directions focused on issues relevant to measurement, causality, and intervention. Throughout the review, we attempt to be as specific as possible about the dimensions of impulsivity being referenced, while attempting to draw parallels and highlighting differences as the existing literature allows.
Acute Alcohol Effects on Inhibitory Control and Implicit Cognition: Implications for Loss of Control Over Drinking
Authors: Field Matt , Wiers Reinout W. , Christiansen Paul , Fillmore Mark T. , Verster Joris C.
Published: May 2010

Alcohol impairs inhibitory control, and it alters implicit alcohol cognitions including attentional bias and implicit associations. These effects are seen after doses of alcohol which do not lead to global impairments in cognitive performance. We review studies which demonstrate that the effects of alcohol on inhibitory control are associated with the ability of alcohol to prime alcohol‐seeking behavior. We also hypothesize that alcohol‐induced changes in implicit alcohol cognitions may partially mediate alcohol‐induced priming of the motivation to drink. Based on contemporary theoretical models and conceptualizations of executive function, impulsivity, and the motivational salience of alcohol‐related cues, we speculate on other aspects of cognition that may underlie alcohol’s effects on alcohol seeking. Inconsistencies in existing research and priorities for future research are highlighted, including dose effects and the potential interactions between chronic heavy drinking and the acute effects of alcohol on these cognitive processes.
Reputation, Trust, and Rebates: How Online Auction Markets Can Improve Their Feedback Mechanisms
Authors: Li Lingfang (Ivy)
Published: May 2010

Reputation systems constitute an important institution, helping sustain trust in online auction markets. However, only half of buyers leave feedback after transactions, and nearly all feedback is positive. In this paper, I propose a mechanism whereby sellers can provide rebates (not necessarily in monetary form) to buyers contingent upon buyers' provision of reports. Using a game theoretical model, I show how the mechanism can increase unbiased reporting. There exists a pooling equilibrium where both good and bad sellers choose the rebate option, even though their true types are revealed through feedback. The mechanism also induces bad sellers to improve the quality of the contract.
When Necessity Becomes a Virtue: The Effect of Product Market Competition on Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Fernández‐Kranz Daniel , Santaló Juan
Published: May 2010

We test whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is driven by strategic considerations by empirically studying the link between competition and firms' social performance. We find that firms in more competitive industries have better social ratings. In particular, we show that (i) different market concentration proxies are negatively related to widely used CSR measures; (ii) that an increase in competition due to higher import penetration leads to superior CSR performance; (iii) that firms in more competitive environments have a superior environmental performance, measured by firm pollution levels; and (iv) that more product competition is associated to a larger within‐industry CSR variance. We interpret these results as evidence that CSR is strategically chosen.
Dynamic Effects of Patent Policy on Sequential Innovation
Authors: Koo Bonwoo , Wright Brian D.
Published: May 2010

When one patented innovation enables another, endogenous delay of the latter has important implications for the economics of patent life and scope, if licensing is negotiated ex post. Optimal patent life may be finite under competition, even if the royalty imposes no deadweight loss and there is no competitive dissipation of rent. Reduced scope of the first patent eliminates delay of costly enabled innovations, whether monopolized or competitive, and a combination of limited scope and infinite life can be optimal. If the second innovation is negotiated ex ante, its patentability can increase or decrease the first innovator's profit, depending on cost and market structure of the second innovation, and patent life.
The Two‐Way Language Bridge: Co‐Constructing Bilingual Language Learning Opportunities
Authors: MARTIN–BELTRÁN MELINDA
Published: May 2010

Using a sociocultural theoretical lens, this study examines the nature of student interactions in a dual immersion school to analyze affordances for bilingual language learning, language exchange, and co‐construction of language expertise. This article focuses on data from audio‐ and video‐recorded interactions of fifth‐grade students engaged in joint writing activities (in Spanish and English). A qualitative analysis of discourse found that students seized opportunities to use two languages simultaneously, which multiplied opportunities for metalinguistic analysis and bridged understanding across interlocutors. Findings suggest that language learning affordances could be fostered in linguistically diverse classrooms by allowing interplay between languages and by creating activities that encourage learners to co‐construct text. This study contributes to the expansion and reconceptualization of the field of language education research by attending to bilingual language learners, or first language/second language users, whose reciprocal language learning experiences show how concepts from the fields of second language acquisition and bilingualism are necessarily linked. This study also contributes to language learning research using a sociocultural perspective by revealing the ways that two languages can simultaneously become mediational tools and objects of analyses within bilingual interactional spaces.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks in Monolithic Structures
Authors: Küsgens Pia , Zgaverdea Alina , Fritz Hans‐Gerhard , Siegle Sven , Kaskel Stefan
Published: May 2010

For the first time, the manufacturing of metal‐organic framework‐based monoliths using a two‐step process is reported. In a first experiment, the in situ synthesis of Cu3(BTC)2 (benzene tricarboxylate [BTC]) on cordierite monoliths was chosen to immobilize Cu3(BTC)2. As this approach turned out to be of major disadvantages, the manufacturing of Cu3(BTC)2 monolithic structures was chosen. The two‐step fabrication process included the manufacturing of a molding batch in a lab‐scale kneader followed by extrusion in a ram‐extruder. As additives, methyl hydroxyl propyl cellulose and methoxy functionalized siloxane ether were chosen. The resulting monolithic structures have a specific inner surface area of 370 m2/g and show a high mechanical stability of 320 N.
Statistical Pulse Degradation Characteristics of Grain Boundaries in a ZnO Varistor Based on Microcontact Measurement
Authors: Liu Jun , He Jinliang , Hu Jun , Long Wangcheng , Zeng Rong
Published: May 2010

Based on photolithography and microcontact techniques, the current–voltage characteristics of grain boundaries in a ZnO varistor under the 8/20 μs pulse current stress were investigated. The electrical properties of 100 grain boundaries of the degraded ZnO varistor sample were directly measured and compared with those of the undegraded sample. The statistical results intuitively show that the nonlinear coefficients decrease and the leakage currents increase among most of the grain boundaries due to the pulse current. The mean breakdown voltage of a single grain boundary is around 3.2 V and does not show obvious variation between those two samples. However, several grain boundaries became conductive after being subjected to pulse current stress.
A Probabilistic Computational Model of Cross‐Situational Word Learning
Authors: Fazly Afsaneh , Alishahi Afra , Stevenson Suzanne
Published: May 2010

Words are the essence of communication: They are the building blocks of any language. Learning the meaning of words is thus one of the most important aspects of language acquisition: Children must first learn words before they can combine them into complex utterances. Many theories have been developed to explain the impressive efficiency of young children in acquiring the vocabulary of their language, as well as the developmental patterns observed in the course of lexical acquisition. A major source of disagreement among the different theories is whether children are equipped with special mechanisms and biases for word learning, or their general cognitive abilities are adequate for the task. We present a novel computational model of early word learning to shed light on the mechanisms that might be at work in this process. The model learns word meanings as probabilistic associations between words and semantic elements, using an incremental and probabilistic learning mechanism, and drawing only on general cognitive abilities. The results presented here demonstrate that much about word meanings can be learned from naturally occurring child‐directed utterances (paired with meaning representations), without using any special biases or constraints, and without any explicit developmental changes in the underlying learning mechanism. Furthermore, our model provides explanations for the occasionally contradictory child experimental data, and offers predictions for the behavior of young word learners in novel situations.
Prehospital Ultrasound by Paramedics: Results of Field Trial
Authors: Heegaard William , Hildebrandt David , Spear David , Chason Kevin , Nelson Bret , Ho Jeffrey
Published: May 2010

Objectives:  The objective was to determine if 9‐1‐1 paramedics trained in ultrasound (US) could adequately perform and interpret the Focused Assessment Sonography in Trauma (FAST) and the abdominal aortic (AA) exams in the prehospital care environment.

Methods:  Paramedics at two emergency medical services (EMS) agencies received a 6‐hour training program in US with ongoing refresher education. Paramedics collected US in the field using a prospective convenience methodology. All US were performed in the ambulance without scene delay. US exams were reviewed in a blinded fashion by an emergency sonographer physician overreader (PO).

Results:  A total of 104 patients had an US performed between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2009. Twenty AA exams were performed and all were interpreted as negative by the paramedics and the PO. Paramedics were unable to obtain adequate images in 7.7% (8/104) of the patients. Eighty‐four patients had the FAST exam performed. Six exams (6/84, 7.1%) were read as positive for free intraperitoneal/pericardial fluid by both the paramedics and the PO. FAST and AA US exam interpretation by the paramedics had a 100% proportion of agreement with the PO.

Conclusions:  This pilot study shows that with close supervision, paramedics can adequately obtain and interpret prehospital FAST and AA US images under protocol. These results support a growing body of literature that indicates US may be feasible and useful in the prehospital setting.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:624–630 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Intracardiac injection of matrigel induces stem cell recruitment and improves cardiac functions in a rat myocardial infarction model
Authors: Ou Lailiang , Li Wenzhong , Zhang Yue , Wang Weiwei , Liu Jun , Sorg Heiko , Furlani Dario , Gäbel Ralf , Mark Peter , Klopsch Christian , Wang Liang , Lützow Karola , Lendlein Andreas , Wagner Klaus , Klee Doris , Liebold Andreas , Li Ren‐Ke , Kong Deling , Steinhoff Gustav , Ma Nan
Published: May 2010

Matrigel promotes angiogenesis in the myocardium from ischemic injury and prevents remodelling of the left ventricle. We assessed the therapeutic efficacy of intracardiac matrigel injection and matrigel‐mediated stem cell homing in a rat myocardial infarction (MI) model. Following MI, matrigel (250 μl) or phosphate‐buffered solution (PBS) was delivered by intracardiac injection. Compared to the MI control group (MI‐PBS), matrigel significantly improved left ventricular function (n= 11, P < 0.05) assessed by pressure–volume loops after 4 weeks. There is no significant difference in infarct size between MI‐matrigel (MI‐M; 21.48 ± 1.49%, n= 10) and MI‐PBS hearts (20.98 ± 1.25%, n= 10). The infarct wall thickness of left ventricle is significantly higher (P < 0.01) in MI‐M (0.72 ± 0.02 mm, n= 10) compared with MI‐PBS (0.62 ± 0.02 mm, n= 10). MI‐M hearts exhibited higher capillary density (border 130.8 ± 4.7 versus 115.4 ± 6.0, P < 0.05; vessels per high‐power field [HPF; 400×], n= 6) than MI‐PBS hearts. c‐Kit+ stem cells (38.3 ± 5.3 versus 25.7 ± 1.5 c‐Kit+ cells per HPF [630×], n= 5, P < 0.05) and CD34+ cells (13.0 ± 1.51 versus 5.6 ± 0.68 CD34+ cells per HPF [630×], n= 5, P < 0.01) were significantly more numerous in MI‐M than in MI‐PBS in the infarcted hearts (n= 5, P < 0.05). Intracardiac matrigel injection restores myocardial functions following MI, which may attribute to the improved recruitment of CD34+ and c‐Kit+ stem cells.
A double‐blind randomized‐controlled trial comparing the desensitizing efficacy of a new dentifrice containing carbonate/hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and a sodium fluoride/potassium nitrate dentifrice
Authors: Orsini Giovanna , Procaccini Maurizio , Manzoli Lamberto , Giuliodori Francesca , Lorenzini Alessandro , Putignano Angelo
Published: May 2010

Orsini G, Procaccini M, Manzoli L, Giuliodori F, Lorenzini A, Putignano A. A double‐blind randomized‐controlled trial comparing the desensitizing efficacy of a new dentifrice containing carbonate/hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and a sodium fluoride/potassium nitrate dentifrice. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 510–517. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01558.x.

Background and Aim: Several dentifrices have shown to be effective in reducing dentine hypersensitivity (DH), but more effective products are needed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the desensitizing efficacy of a new dentifrice based on zinc–carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA) nanocrystals.

Methods and Materials: Using a double‐blind, randomized design, the new dentifrice was compared with potassium nitrate/fluoride dentifrice (active control). The participant's DH was evaluated at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks using airblast (primary outcome), tactile, cold water and subjective tests (secondary outcomes).

Results: The final sample consisted of 70 subjects with baseline DH; 36 received the new dentifrice and 34 the control one. Both dentifrices were largely effective; the percentage of score reduction from baseline to 8 weeks was greater than 28% for all tests (and greater than 55% for the cold water test) in both groups. As compared with controls, experimental subjects had a significantly greater improvement in the airblast test score (mean percentage of reduction of 46.0%versus 29.4% in controls) and the subjective test score (47.5%versus 28.1%, respectively), with both differences already being significant after 4 weeks. In contrast, there was no significant difference between groups for either the tactile or cold water tests at any time point and with any outcome.

Conclusions: This study documented that the new dentifrice containing zinc–CHA nanocrystals significantly reduced dentinal hypersensitivity after 4 and 8 weeks, supporting its utility in clinical practice.
Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and periodontitis: a cross‐sectional study in a middle‐aged French population
Authors: Benguigui Catherine , Bongard Vanina , Ruidavets Jean‐Bernard , Chamontin Bernard , Sixou Michel , Ferrières Jean , Amar Jacques
Published: May 2010

Benguigui C, Bongard V, Ruidavets J‐B, Chamontin B, Sixou M, Ferrières J, Amar J. Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and periodontitis: a cross‐sectional study in a middle‐aged French population. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 601–608. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01571.x.

Aim: Metabolic syndrome consists of a cluster of clinical and biological abnormalities, influenced by insulin resistance and promoting cardiovascular diseases. We examined the relationships between metabolic syndrome, its various components, insulin resistance, and periodontitis.

Materials and Methods: The study included 276 subjects (35–74 years) recruited within a cross‐sectional survey on cardiovascular risk factors. Twenty‐one were excluded because of infectious risk or total tooth loss. Clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PD), gingival and plaque indexes were recorded. Periodontitis was classified into moderate and severe forms.

Results: The mean age was 58, 41% of the subjects had moderate and 39% had severe periodontitis. In univariate comparisons, periodontitis was associated with metabolic syndrome (p=0.050), most of its components, and HOMA index (homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance). After adjustment for confounders, only HOMA index remained associated with severe periodontitis (odds ratio [OR]=3.97 [95% confidence interval: 1.22–12.9], OR=3.78 [1.14–12.5] for third and fourth versus the first quartile of the HOMA index, respectively). The HOMA index was also associated with the number of periodontal sites with CAL4 mm, CAL5 mm, or PD4 mm (greater number for higher HOMA‐index values). This relationship disappeared in never‐smokers.

Conclusions: Our data support the relationships between metabolic disturbances and periodontitis, with a central role of insulin resistance.
The Great American Biotic Interchange revisited
Authors: Cody Sarah , Richardson James E. , Rull Valentí , Ellis Christopher , Pennington R. Toby
Published: May 2010

The “Great American Biotic Interchange” (GABI) is regarded as a defining event in the biogeography of the Americas. It is hypothesized to have occurred when the Isthmus of Panama closed ca three million years ago (Ma), ending the isolation of South America and permitting the mixing of its biota with that of North America. This view of the GABI is based largely upon the animal fossil record, but recent molecular biogeographic studies of plants that show repeated instances of long‐distance dispersal over major oceanic barriers suggest that perhaps the land bridge provided by the isthmus may have been less necessary for plant migration. Here we show that plants have significantly earlier divergence time estimates than animals for historical migration events across the Isthmus of Panama region. This difference in timing indicates that plants had a greater propensity for dispersal over the isthmus before its closure compared with animals. The GABI was therefore asynchronous for plants and animals, which has fundamental implications for the historical assembly of tropical biomes in the most species‐rich forests on the planet.
Platelet P‐selectin reflects a state of cutaneous inflammation: possible application to monitor treatment efficacy in psoriasis
Authors: Garbaraviciene Jurate , Diehl Sandra , Varwig Domenica , Bylaite Matilda , Ackermann Hanns , Ludwig Ralf J. , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: Platelet P‐selectin reflects a state of cutaneous inflammation: possible application to monitor treatment efficacy in psoriasis. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 736–741.

Abstract:  Haemostasis‐maintaining platelets are also recognized as important modulators in the regulation of immune response. Activated platelets expressing P‐selectin (CD62P) are involved in the extravasation of leucocytes. This study evaluated platelet P‐selectin expression as a biomarker for cutaneous inflammation. P‐selectin expression was assessed by flow cytometry in 147 successive patients suffering from an inflammatory or infectious skin condition at the day of admission for in‐patient treatment as well as a day prior to demission. Forty‐one patients admitted for allergy testing served as controls. A commercially available ELISA was used in 17 patients to determine soluble P‐selectin in the plasma. In patients with psoriasis, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was documented as a measure for disease severity. We observed a significant increase in platelet P‐selectin expression in patients with inflammatory or infectious disorders, when compared to the control group (3,01% vs. 1,46%; P < 0.000001). Successful treatment resulted in a significant decrease in P‐selectin expression to the level of the control group. In the case of psoriasis (n = 47), we found highly significant correlation between P‐selectin and PASI (r = 0.51; P < 0.000001), as well as between the change in the PASI and the change in P‐selectin expression (r = 0.4; P = 0.006). Platelet P‐selectin expression as determined by flow cytometry correlated well with the results of soluble P‐selectin, determined by ELISA (r = 0.63; P < 0.01). Thus, platelet P‐selectin expression may be used as an efficacy biomarker to monitor treatment success in psoriasis. As platelet P‐selectin correlates with soluble P‐selectin in patient plasma, which can be measured by ELISA, the latter is feasible also for routine use.
Tilted Implants for the Rehabilitation of Edentulous Jaws: A Systematic Review
Authors: Del Fabbro Massimo , Bellini Chiara M. , Romeo Davide , Francetti Luca
Published: May 2010

Purpose: The aim of this review was to evaluate the survival rate of upright and tilted implants supporting fixed prosthetic reconstructions for the immediate rehabilitation of partially and fully edentulous jaws, after at least 1 year of function.

Materials and Methods: An electronic search of databases plus a hand search on the most relevant journals up to December 2009 was performed. The articles were selected using specific inclusion criteria, independent of the study design.

Results: The literature search yielded 347 articles. A first screening based on the title and abstract identified 25 eligible studies. After full‐text review of these studies, 10 articles were selected for analysis. Seven were prospective single‐cohort studies and three had a retrospective design. A total of 462 patients have been rehabilitated with 470 immediately loaded prostheses (257 in the maxilla, 213 in the mandible), supported by a total of 1,992 implants (1,026 upright and 966 tilted). Twenty‐five implants (1.25%) failed in 20 patients within the first year. All failures except one occurred in the maxilla. No significant difference in failure rate was found between tilted and upright implants, nor between maxillary and mandibular implants. No prosthesis failure was reported. Limited peri‐implant bone loss was reported with no difference between upright and tilted implants. Full patients' satisfaction for function, phonetics, and esthetics was reported in three studies, based on questionnaires.

Conclusions: The use of tilted implants to support immediately loaded fixed prostheses for the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws can be considered a predictable technique, with an excellent prognosis in the short‐medium term. However, randomized long‐term trials are needed to determine the efficacy of this surgical approach.
Effects of starch and protein sources on starch disappearance in the gastrointestinal tract of Hanwoo (Korean native) steers
Authors: KIM Kyoung Hoon , JIN Guang‐Lin , OH Young‐Kyoon , SONG Man‐Kang
Published: May 2010

Hanwoo (Korean native) steers (274.8 ± 4.6 kg) with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to examine the effects of dietary treatments on starch disappearance in the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary treatments consisted of concentrate that were based on ground corn with soybean meal (C‐SBM), ground corn with corn gluten meal (C‐CGM), ground barley with soybean meal (B‐SBM) and ground barley with corn gluten meal (B‐CGM). Although the intakes of starch and protein for steers fed experimental diets were different, it did not change ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations. Average duodenal CP flow and quantity of CP apparently digested post‐ruminally was higher (P = 0.001) for CGM‐based diets than SBM‐based diets. There were increases in quantity (P < 0.001) and percentage (P < 0.001) of corn starch digested post‐ruminally compared to barley starch. Synchronized diets showed higher percentages (P = 0.03) of starch apparently digested post‐ruminally than asynchronization. Hanwoo steers fed a corn‐based diet with a large quantity of starch reaching the duodenum and fed C‐CGM supplying great amounts of protein to the small intestine may have contributed to increased post‐ruminal starch digestion.
Age‐related changes in semen quality characteristics and expectations of reproductive longevity in Duroc boars
Authors: HUANG Yu Hung , LO Ling Ling , LIU Shyh Hwa , YANG Tien Shuh
Published: May 2010

Quadratic fitting was used to regress semen characteristics of 1441 samples consisting of 12‐month collection from 58 Duroc boars against animal age varied from 10 to 80 months. Data was divided into two groups of cool (14.0–22.7°C, RH 81.5%) and hot season (22.9–29.9°C, RH 86.6%), to test effects of age, season and their interactions. Results revealed that young boars of around 1 year old could endure the hot season. The endurance gradually diminished as animals grew. In the hot season animals exhibited peak performance at age around 33 month and it remained for 1 month, while cool‐season kept boars could last for 48 months from 16 months old onward. The reproductive longevity should be 51 month in a subtropical environment and it may extend to 70 month if heat stress can be avoided. The estimated total sperm contribution of a Duroc boar would be 1.8 times more when kept below 22°C than in a natural subtropical environment. It is concluded that to maintain Duroc boars as semen donor to at least 4 years of age is feasible in a subtropical environment and boar longevity could reach 6 years old if well kept in a temperate region.
Porcine CPEB1 is involved in Cyclin B translation and meiotic resumption in porcine oocytes
Authors: NISHIMURA Yukio , KANO Kiyoshi , NAITO Kunihiko
Published: May 2010

Ovarian immature oocytes accumulate many dormant maternal mRNAs, which have short poly(A) tails. Cytoplasmic‐polyadenylation‐element binding protein (CPEB) has been reported to play key roles for the elongation of the tails and the translation of these mRNAs in Xenopus oocytes. However, the functions of CPEB in meiotic resumption have not yet been established in mammalian oocytes. The present study examined the roles of porcine CPEB in Cyclin B syntheses and meiotic resumption of porcine oocytes. Porcine CPEB1 (pCPEB1) cDNA was cloned from total RNA of immature oocytes by RT‐PCR. The overexpression of pCPEB1 by mRNA injection into immature oocytes increased Cyclin B expression and the rate of meiotic resumption. Conversely, the inhibition of endogenous CPEB by expression of a dominant‐negative mutant pCPEB1 (AA‐CPEB), which replaced the expected phosphorylation sites with alanines, had the effect of inhibiting Cyclin B synthesis, ribosomal S6 kinase phosphorylation (an indicator of Mos activity), and meiotic resumption. The inhibition of porcine Aurora A by an injection of antisense RNA enhanced the inhibitory effects of AA‐CPEB. These results suggest the involvement of mammalian CPEB1 in Cyclin B syntheses and meiotic resumption in mammalian oocytes. In addition, the phosphorylation sites of pCPEB1 were identified and are suggested to be phosphorylated by porcine Aurora A.
Adverse Events in Therapeutic Apheresis: A Single Center Survey of Various Therapies
Authors: Ishihara Takeshi , Inoue Satoko , Takagi Yukiko , Shimomura Taro , Sagami Yoshiaki , Katayama Sayomi , Eguchi Yoko , Watase Kenji , Miyamoto Masahiko , Minakata Tamotsu
Published: May 2010

The aim of the study was to review the adverse events associated with various treatment modalities performed in a single apheresis facility. A total of 854 sessions with 10 types of apheresis therapies were performed and 154 (18.0%) adverse events were observed over a four‐year period. Of the adverse events, 77 were related to operational problems and another 77 were complications associated with treatment. A transmembranous pressure abnormality constituted more than 80% of the operational problems. Nausea was the most frequent complication, accounting for 19 of the 77 treatment‐related events. A total of 26 (16.9%) adverse events occurred in the early stage of the sessions, 40 (26.0%) in the middle stage, and 88 (57.1%) in the late stage. The information in this study can be used to improve the safety and efficacy of apheresis therapy.
Hydrogeologic Framework of Fractured Sedimentary Rock, Newark Basin, New Jersey
Authors: Lacombe Pierre J. , Burton William C.
Published: May 2010

The hydrogeologic framework of fractured sedimentary bedrock at the former Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC),1 Trenton, New Jersey, a trichloroethylene (TCE)‐contaminated site in the Newark Basin, is developed using an understanding of the geologic history of the strata, gamma‐ray logs, and rock cores. NAWC is the newest field research site established as part of the U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Department of Defense (DoD) Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, and DoD Environmental Security Technology Certification Program to investigate contaminant remediation in fractured rock.

Sedimentary bedrock at the NAWC research site comprises the Skunk Hollow, Byram, and Ewing Creek Members of the Lockatong Formation and Raven Rock Member of the Stockton Formation. Muds of the Lockatong Formation that were deposited in Van Houten cycles during the Triassic have lithified to form the bedrock that is typical of much of the Newark Basin. Four lithotypes formed from the sediments include black, carbon‐rich laminated mudstone, dark‐gray laminated mudstone, light‐gray massive mudstone, and red massive mudstone. Diagenesis, tectonic compression, off‐loading, and weathering have altered the rocks to give some strata greater hydraulic conductivity than other strata. Each stratum in the Lockatong Formation is 0.3 to 8 m thick, strikes N65°E, and dips 25° to 70°NW. The black, carbon‐rich laminated mudstone tends to fracture easily, has a relatively high hydraulic conductivity and is associated with high natural gamma‐ray count rates. The dark‐gray laminated mudstone is less fractured and has a lower hydraulic conductivity than the black carbon‐rich laminated mudstone. The light‐gray and the red massive mudstones are highly indurated and tend to have the least fractures and a low hydraulic conductivity.

The differences in gamma‐ray count rates for different mudstones allow gamma‐ray logs to be used to correlate and delineate the lithostratigraphy from multiple wells. Gamma‐ray logs and rock cores were correlated to develop a 13‐layer gamma‐ray stratigraphy and 41‐layer lithostratigraphy throughout the fractured sedimentary rock research site.

Detailed hydrogeologic framework shows that black carbon‐rich laminated mudstones are the most hydraulically conductive. Water‐quality and aquifer‐test data indicate that groundwater flow is greatest and TCE contamination is highest in the black, carbon‐ and clay‐rich laminated mudstones. Large‐scale groundwater flow at the NAWC research site can be modeled as highly anisotropic with the highest component of permeability occurring along bedding planes.