bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of polyester‐based scaffolds seeded with adipose derived stem cells for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Tse Kai‐Hei , Sun Mingzhu , Mantovani Cristina , Terenghi Giorgio , Downes Sandra , Kingham Paul J.
Published: August 2010

To overcome the disadvantages of autografts for peripheral nerve repair, different methods such as artificial nerve conduits have been investigated for an alternative approach. This study demonstrated that solvent casting is a simple but efficient method to create thin polyester‐based scaffolds for stem cell delivery. Using poly (ε‐caprolactone) and poly (D,L‐lactic acid), we produced scaffold films containing heterogenous depressions (pits) on the air surface with a size ranging from 0.5 to 30 μm2. These scaffolds were moderately hydrophobic; however, they supported the differentiation of adipose derived stem cells (ADSC) into a Schwann cell‐like phenotype. The differentiated ADSC (dADSC) expressed S100 protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein and readily adhered to the films and proliferated at a similar rate to those cultured on tissue culture polystyrene. Cells were also positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Furthermore, dADSC retained functional activity and significantly enhanced neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglia neurons. This study suggests polymer scaffolds combined with dADSCs could be a promising therapy for peripheral nerve injuries. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
UV‐killed Staphylococcus aureus enhances adhesion and differentiation of osteoblasts on bone‐associated biomaterials
Authors: Somayaji Shankari N. , Huet Yvette M. , Gruber Helen E. , Hudson Michael C.
Published: August 2010

Titanium alloys (Ti) are the preferred material for orthopedic applications. However, very often, these metallic implants loosen over a long period and mandate revision surgery. For implant success, osteoblasts must adhere to the implant surface and deposit a mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we utilized UV‐killed Staphylococcus aureus as a novel osteoconductive coating for Ti surfaces. S. aureus expresses surface adhesins capable of binding to bone and biomaterials directly. Furthermore, interaction of S. aureus with osteoblasts activates growth factor‐related pathways that potentiate osteogenesis. Although UV‐killed S. aureus cells retain their bone‐adhesive ability, they do not stimulate significant immune modulator expression. All of the abovementioned properties were utilized for a novel implant coating so as to promote osteoblast recruitment and subsequent cell functions on the bone‐implant interface. In this study, osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and mineralized ECM synthesis were measured on Ti surfaces coated with fibronectin with and without UV‐killed bacteria. Osteoblast adhesion was enhanced on Ti alloy surfaces coated with bacteria compared to uncoated surfaces, while cell proliferation was sustained comparably on both surfaces. Osteoblast markers such as collagen, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralized nodule formation were increased on Ti alloy coated with bacteria compared to uncoated surfaces. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Enhancement of osteoblast differentiation that is inhibited by titanium particles through inactivation of NFATc1 by VIVIT peptide
Authors: Maoqiang Li , Zhenan Zhu , Fengxiang Liu , Gang Wang , Yuanqing Mao , Ming Liu , Xin Zhao , Tingting Tang
Published: August 2010

Bone formation, which is inhibited by particulate wear debris, is a pathological factor that contributes to periprosthetic osteolysis. Although the nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) is known to be involved in osteoblast differentiation, and its effect on osteoblasts in response to wear particles remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of NFATc1 in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation of rat calvaria (RC) cells (a cell‐culture model comprising many osteoprogenitors) that were challenged with titanium (Ti) particles. The results showed that the Ti particles inhibited osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization of RC cells. NFATc1 plays a critical role in the Ti‐particle inhibition process of the osteoblastic differentiation in RC cells. Inactivation of NFATc1 by the 11R‐VIVIT peptide potently enhanced osteoblast differentiation and mineralization inhibition by the Ti particles. The 11R‐VIVIT peptide does not have a toxic effect on the RC cells. On the basis of these data, we conclude that inactivation of NFATc1 by the 11R‐VIVIT peptide may provide a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of periprosthetic osteolysis by increasing bone formation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Biomaterial topography alters healing in vivo and monocyte/macrophage activation in vitro
Authors: Bota Paige C. S. , Collie Angela M. B. , Puolakkainen Pauli , Vernon Robert B. , Sage E. Helene , Ratner Buddy D. , Stayton Patrick S.
Published: August 2010

The effect of biomaterial topography on healing in vivo and monocyte/macrophage stimulation in vitro was assessed. A series of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) materials were characterized by increasing average intranodal distance of 1.2 μm (1.2‐ePTFE), 3.0 μm (3.0‐ePTFE), and 4.4 μm (4.4‐ePTFE), but presented consistent surface chemistry with nonporous PTFE (np‐PTFE). Subcutaneous implantation of 4.4‐ePTFE into mice resulted in a statistically thinner capsule that appeared less organized and less dense than the np‐PTFE response. In vitro, isolated monocytes/macrophages cultured on np‐PTFE produced low levels of interleukin 1‐beta (IL‐1β), 1.2‐ePTFE and 3.0‐ePTFE stimulated intermediate levels, and 4.4‐ePTFE stimulated a 15‐fold increase over np‐PTFE. Analysis of cDNA microarrays demonstrated that additional proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL‐1β, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1‐beta, were expressed at higher levels by monocytes/macrophages cultured on 4.4‐ePTFE at 4 and 24 h, respectively. Expression ratios for several genes were quantified by RT‐PCR and were consistent with those from the cDNA array results. These results demonstrate the effect of biomaterial topography on early proinflammatory cytokine production and gene transcription by monocytes/macrophages in vitro and decreased fibrous capsule thickness in vivo. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Mono‐dispersed bioactive glass nanospheres: Preparation and effects on biomechanics of mammalian cells
Authors: Hong Zhongkui , Luz Gisela M. , Hampel Paul J. , Jin Minshan , Liu Aixue , Chen Xuesi , Mano João F.
Published: August 2010

Mono‐dispersed SiO2‐CaO bioactive glass nanospheres (BGNS) were prepared by a two step sol‐gel method in the absence of surfactant. The size of BGNS ranged from 200 to 350 nm in diameter and exhibited a rough surface texture. In vitro biomineralization tests showed that BGNS could rapidly induce the deposition of an apatite layer in simulated body fluid (SBF). The effect of bioactive glass on the biomechanical properties of various mammalian cells was first reported in this paper. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used for measuring the biomechanical properties of mammalian cells. The result showed that BGNS‐medium could significantly decrease the plasma membrane stiffness of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) by ∼50% and stimulate BMSCs spreading. The effect of BGNS on biomechanical properties of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) was opposite to that on BMSCs. BGNS increased the BAECs' stiffness and stimulated the elongation of endothelial cells and the formation of endothelial networks, which might potentially facilitate the vascularization of implanted BGNS‐based biomaterials in tissue engineering as a scaffold or as an injectable system. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Synthesis and characterization of injectable composites of poly[D,L‐lactide‐co‐(ε‐caprolactone)] reinforced with β‐TCP and CaCO3 for intervertebral disk augmentation
Authors: López Alejandro , Persson Cecilia , Hilborn Jöns , Engqvist Håkan
Published: August 2010

Degeneration of the intervertebral disk constitutes one of the major causes of low back pain in adults aged 20–50 years old. In this study, injectable, in situ setting, degradable composites aimed for intervertebral disk replacement were prepared. β‐TCP and calcium carbonate particles were mixed into acrylic‐terminated oligo[D,L‐lactide‐co‐(ε‐caprolactone)], which were crosslinked at room temperature. The structure of the oligomers was confirmed by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The composites were examined via SEM, and the mechanical properties of the crosslinked networks were determined. The porous β‐TCP particles showed good mechanical anchorage to the matrix due to polymer penetration into the pores. In vitro degradation tests showed that the composites containing β‐TCP slowly degraded, whereas the composites containing CaCO3 exhibited apatite formation capacity. It was concluded that the surface area, morphology, and solubility of the fillers might be used to control the degradation properties. The incorporation of fillers also increased both the elastic modulus and the maximum compression strength of the composites, properties that were similar to those of the physiological disk. These materials have potential for long‐term intervertebral disk replacement and regenerative scaffolds because of their low degradation rates, bioactivity, and mechanical properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Silk hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Chao Pen‐Hsiu Grace , Yodmuang Supansa , Wang Xiaoqin , Sun Lin , Kaplan David L. , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana
Published: August 2010

Cartilage tissue engineering based on cultivation of immature chondrocytes in agarose hydrogel can yield tissue constructs with biomechanical properties comparable to native cartilage. However, agarose is immunogenic and nondegradable, and our capability to modify the structure, composition, and mechanical properties of this material is rather limited. In contrast, silk hydrogel is biocompatible and biodegradable, and it can be produced using a water‐based method without organic solvents that enables precise control of structural and mechanical properties in a range of interest for cartilage tissue engineering. We observed that one particular preparation of silk hydrogel yielded cartilaginous constructs with biochemical content and mechanical properties matching constructs based on agarose. This finding and the possibility to vary the properties of silk hydrogel motivated this study of the factors underlying the suitability of hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering. We present data resulting from a systematic variation of silk hydrogel properties, silk extraction method, gel concentration, and gel structure. Data suggest that silk hydrogel can be used as a tool for studies of the hydrogel‐related factors and mechanisms involved in cartilage formation, as well as a tailorable and fully degradable scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Hyaluronic acid hydrogel modified with nogo‐66 receptor antibody and poly‐L‐lysine to promote axon regrowth after spinal cord injury
Authors: Wei Yue‐Teng , He Yu , Xu Chang‐Lei , Wang Ying , Liu Bing‐Fang , Wang Xiu‐Mei , Sun Xiao‐Dan , Cui Fu‐Zhai , Xu Qun‐Yuan
Published: August 2010

The biomaterials used for central nervous system injury require not only interacting with specific cell adhesion but also specific growth factor receptors to promote nerve regeneration. In this study, hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based hydrogels modified with poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) and nogo‐66 receptor antibody (antiNgR) (HA‐PLL/antiNgR) were administered to rats after lateral hemisection of the spinal cord. Anti‐neurofilament positive axons were found to extend into the HA‐PLL/antiNgR hydrogel at 8 weeks after implantation, which shows significant difference compared with HA‐PLL or blank control group. Electron micrographs of implanted hydrogels showed that there were more cells and normal axons with myelin in the HA‐PLL/antiNgR implant than that of HA‐PLL hydrogel. The antiNgR grafted on HA hydrogels could be detected for 8 weeks after transplantation in vivo. All of these properties may facilitate HA‐PLL/antiNgR hydrogels to become a promising scaffold for repairing spinal cord injury. Nevertheless, both two kinds of modified hydrogels (HA‐PLL/antiNgR and HA‐PLL) showed remarkable advantages in supporting angiogenesis, and simultaneously inhibiting the formation of glial scar. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Use of textile dyeing technology to create an infection‐resistant functionalized polyester biomaterial
Authors: Aggarwal Puja , Sousa Kerry A. , LoGerfo Frank W. , Bide Martin J. , Phaneuf Matthew D.
Published: August 2010

Infection is a major complication when utilizing implantable devices. The purpose of this study was to create a functionalized polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) biomaterial with sustained antimicrobial properties using textile‐dyeing technology. Polyester was hydrolyzed via exposure to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to provide two functional sites within the polymeric backbone. A modified textile dyeing technique known as thermofixation or pad‐heating (pad‐heat) in conjunction with autoclaving was employed to directly incorporate the fluoroquinolone antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) into polyester fibers. Woven polyester segments were placed into various concentrations of boiling NaOH solutions to create carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups (HYD). The segments were then sprayed (padded) with a 5 mg mL−1 Cipro solution and dried overnight, followed by exposure to intense heat and autoclaving. Untreated HYD, Cipro‐dipped, and pad‐heat‐treated HYD segments were then washed under stringent conditions. The antimicrobial activity of the each material was determined via zone of inhibition. Untreated HYD controls had no antimicrobial activity at any of the time periods examined. Cipro‐dipped HYD segments had no antimicrobial activity after 1 h. In contrast, antimicrobial activity for autoclaved, pad‐heat‐treated HYD segments persisted for 80 days (length of study). Autoclave usage prior to plating affected antimicrobial activity substantially. Additionally, varying hydrolysis concentrations did not significantly affect overall Cipro release. Thus, Cipro application to HYD polyester via thermofixation resulted in controlled, sustained antibiotic release over an extended period of time. The long‐term infection resistance provided by this technique may address major problems of infection from which implantable devices suffer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Guided bone regeneration: Dynamic procedures versus static shielding in an animal model
Authors: Lethaus Bernd , Tudor Christian , Bumiller Lars , Birkholz Torsten , Wiltfang Jörg , Kessler Peter
Published: August 2010

Due to its osteoinductive potential, the periosteum plays a crucial role in the process of neoosteogenesis. Therefore, periosteal elevation can lead to new bone formation in an artificially created space. In this study, we compared dynamic periosteal elevation with static shielding in an animal experiment. Different elevation/shielding heights of 5, 10, and 15 mm were tested with regard to various consolidation periods. Histological analysis, histomorphometry, and microradiography were used to measure the quantity and quality of the newly formed bone. No significant differences regarding bone quantity or quality were found between the two techniques. The cumulative results for the bone regeneration in the space created by distraction/elevation were about 66% in the dynamic and 67% in static procedure. The main advantages of both techniques are minimal invasion and low morbidity. In terms of clinical applications, periosteal elevation could be applied in cranio‐maxillofacial surgery, in pre‐implant augmentation and in reconstructive surgery. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease without dementia
Authors: Rodríguez‐Ferreiro Javier , Cuetos Fernando , Herrera Elena , Menéndez Manuel , Ribacoba Renée
Published: August 2010

Some degree of cognitive impairment appears frequently in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, even at the onset of the disease. However, due to the heterogeneity of the patients and the lack of standardized assessment batteries, it remains unclear which capacities are primarily affected by this disease. Fifty PD patients were assessed with 15 tests including executive functions, attention, temporal and spatial orientation, memory, and language tasks. Their results were compared with those of 42 age‐ and education‐matched healthy seniors. Semantic fluency, along with visual search appeared to be the most discriminant tasks, followed by temporal orientation and face naming, as well as action naming and immediate recall. PD patients studied showed an impairment of frontal‐ to posterior‐dependent capacities. Executive functions, attention, and recall tasks appeared to be significantly impaired in the patients. Nevertheless, significantly poor scores in tasks like action and face naming, as well as semantic fluency, also reveal a mainly semantic deficit. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Blood oxygenation level–dependent activation in basal ganglia nuclei relates to specific symptoms in de novo Parkinson's disease
Authors: Prodoehl Janey , Spraker Mathew , Corcos Daniel , Comella Cynthia , Vaillancourt David
Published: August 2010

To aid the development of symptomatic and disease modifying therapies in Parkinson's disease (PD), there is a strong need to identify noninvasive measures of basal ganglia (BG) function that are sensitive to disease severity. This study examines the relation between blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) activation in every nucleus of the BG and symptom‐specific disease severity in early stage de novo PD. BOLD activation measured at 3 T was compared between 20 early stage de novo PD patients and 20 controls during an established precision grip force task. In addition to the BG nuclei, activation in specific thalamic and cortical regions was examined. There were three novel findings. First, there were significant negative correlations between total motor Unified PD Rating Scale and BOLD activation in bilateral caudate, bilateral putamen, contralateral external segment of the globus pallidus, bilateral subthalamic nucleus, contralateral substantia nigra, and thalamus. Second, bradykinesia was the symptom that most consistently predicted BOLD activation in the BG and thalamus. Also, BOLD activation in the contralateral internal globus pallidus was related to tremor. Third, the reduced cortical activity in primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area in de novo PD did not relate to motor symptoms. These findings demonstrate that BOLD activity in nuclei of the BG relates most consistently to bradykinesia and functional magnetic resonance imaging has strong potential to serve as a noninvasive marker for the state of BG function in de novo PD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Homogeneous Polymerization: Benefits Brought by Microprocess Technologies to the Synthesis and Production of Polymers
Authors: Bally Florence , Serra Christophe A. , Hessel Volker , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: August 2010

In this paper, different polymerization processes for the synthesis of polymers in homogeneous phase comprising some microsystems are reviewed. Due to their unique characteristics, microsystems allow rapid heat removal and mixing. This contributes to significantly improve the control over the polymerization by reducing or eliminating mass transfer limitations and hot spot formation. As a consequence macromolecules with better‐controlled characteristics are obtained like specific molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions. Most common microsystems include microchannel‐based and microtubular reactors used for heat‐transfer sensitive reactions. Micromixers are also an important class of microsystems from which polymerization processes sensitive to mixing masking can benefit a lot. The typical few milliseconds mixing achieved in these micromixers and the easy operation at high temperatures (and pressures) allow for new operating process windows (e.g. high temperatures combined with short reaction times, higher reactant concentrations) and selective reaction pathways. Therefore, higher yields and selectivities can be obtained. Additionally, these microsystems are useful tools for high‐throughput experiments (HTE) in order to generate libraries of (co)polymers and to rapidly assess different process parameters.

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Symptom cluster and physical activity in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Motl Robert W. , Weikert Madeline , Suh Yoojin , Dlugonski Deirdre
Published: August 2010

We compared the explanatory power of two symptom clusters that consisted of either three or five symptoms as correlates of physical activity in individuals with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS; N = 218). The data were primarily analyzed using covariance modeling in Mplus 3.0. A symptom cluster of fatigue, depression, and pain had a moderate, negative relationship with physical activity, and this relationship was comparable in magnitude with a symptom cluster of fatigue, depression, pain, perceived cognitive dysfunction, and poor sleep quality. The relationships were attenuated after controlling for exercise history and neurological impairment. Such findings further support the consideration of a narrowly defined cluster of three symptoms as an independent correlate of physical activity in persons with RRMS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:398–412, 2010
Key Aspects of Health Policy Development to Improve Surgical Services in Uganda
Authors: Luboga Sam , Galukande Moses , Mabweijano Jacqueline , Ozgediz Doruk , Jayaraman Sudha
Published: August 2010

Recently, surgical services have been gaining greater attention as an integral part of public health in low‐income countries due to the significant volume and burden of surgical conditions, growing evidence of the cost‐effectiveness of surgical intervention, and global disparities in surgical care. Nonetheless, there has been limited discussion of the key aspects of health policy related to surgical services in low‐income countries. Uganda, like other low‐income sub‐Saharan African countries, bears a heavy burden of surgical conditions with low surgical output in health facilities and significant unmet need for surgical care. To address this lack of adequate surgical services in Uganda, a diverse group of local stakeholders met in Kampala, Uganda, in May 2008 to develop a roadmap of key policy actions that would improve surgical services at the national level. The group identified a list of health policy priorities to improve surgical services in Uganda. The priorities were classified into three areas: (1) human resources, (2) health systems, and (3) research and advocacy. This article is a critical discussion of these health policy priorities with references to recent literature. This was the first such multidisciplinary meeting in Uganda with a focus on surgical services and its output may have relevance to health policy development in other low‐income countries planning to improve delivery of surgical services.
Eleven‐Year Follow‐Up of a Randomized Study of Pectoral Fascia Preservation After Mastectomy for Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Dalberg Kristina , Krawiec Kamilla , Sandelin Kerstin
Published: August 2010

Background

The present study reports results of a randomized trial in which breast cancer patients operated with preserved pectoral fascia compared to removal of the pectoral fascia showed a trend toward an increased risk for chest wall recurrence The aim of the study was to assess whether the different procedural modes had any impact on survival or local control in breast cancer patients followed in the long term.

Method

The trial included 247 patients with breast cancer who underwent modified radical mastectomy in five Swedish hospitals between 1993 and 1997. The median follow‐up time was 11 years. The patients were randomized between removal (n = 122) versus preservation (n = 125) of the pectoral fascia.

Results

The breast‐cancer‐specific survival at 10 years was 73%. Removal or preservation of the pectoral fascia had no significant impact on chest‐wall recurrence rate or breast‐cancer‐specific survival. A total of 18 patients with chest‐wall recurrence were seen in the group allocated to pectoral fascia preservation versus a total of 10 in patients allocated to pectoral fascia removal (hazard ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval = 0.8–4.0). The majority of the chest‐wall recurrences were detected 0–5 years postoperatively. The cumulative chest‐wall recurrence rates at 5 and at 10 years were 13 and 15%, respectively, in patients allocated to pectoral fascia preservation and 8 and 9% in patients allocated to pectoral fascia removal.

Conclusions

With long‐term follow‐up neither the chest wall recurrence rate nor the breast‐cancer‐specific survival was significantly influenced by the preservation of the pectoral fascia. A trend toward an increased risk for chest wall recurrence was observed in patients with preserved pectoral fascia. A hazard ratio of 1.8 for a chest‐wall recurrence in patients with preserved fascia indicates that fascia‐sparing mastectomy may negatively affect prognosis.
Indirect interactions in the microbial world: specificities and similarities to plant–insect systems
Authors: Miki Takeshi , Jacquet Stéphan
Published: August 2010

Trophic interactions between bacteria, viruses, and protozoan predators play crucial roles in structuring aquatic microbial communities and regulating microbe‐mediated ecosystem functions (biogeochemical processes). In this microbial food web, protozoan predators and viruses share bacteria as a common resource, and protozoan predators can kill viruses [intraguild predation (IGP)] and vice versa, even though these latter processes are probably of less importance. However, protozoan predators (IG predator) and viruses (IG prey) generally occur together in various environments, and this cannot be fully explained by the classic IGP models. In addition, controlled experiments have often demonstrated that protozoan predators have apparently positive effects on viral activity. These surprising patterns can be explained by indirect interactions between them via induced trait changes in bacterial assemblages, which can be compared with trait‐mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs) in terrestrial plant–insect systems. Here, we review some trait changes in bacterial assemblages that may positively affect the activities and abundance of viruses. It has been suggested that in bacterial assemblages, protozoan predation may enhance growth conditions for individual bacteria and induce both phenotypic trait changes at the individual (e.g., filament‐forming bacteria) and group level as a result of changes in bacterial community composition (e.g., species dominance). We discuss the specificities of aquatic microbial systems and attempt find functional similarities between aquatic microbial systems and terrestrial plant–insect systems with regard to TMII function.
Linkages among trait‐mediated indirect effects: a new framework for the indirect interaction web
Authors: Utsumi Shunsuke , Ando Yoshino , Miki Takeshi
Published: August 2010

Plants have diverse ways of responding to damage by herbivores, such as changes in allelochemistry, physiology, morphology, growth, and phenology. These responses form the mechanistic basis for trait‐mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs) between organisms on the plants. There is a growing appreciation that such TMIIs form complex networks (i.e., indirect interaction webs) in terrestrial plant‐associated arthropod communities. Almost all previous studies have had the same framework: examining trait‐mediated indirect effects within a single interactive unit consisting of one initiator of herbivore, a host plant as a mediator, and one receiver [trait‐mediated indirect interaction unit (TMIU)]. However, this framework is too simple to understand the dynamics of the indirect interaction web. Recent studies suggest that there is a wide variety of interactions among TMIUs within a community, which may largely affect the outcomes of indirect effects in each unit. Here, we review recent advance in studies of trait‐mediated indirect effects in plant‐associated arthropod communities and explore the mechanisms of linkages among TMIUs. Then, we argue the importance of examining linkages among TMIUs as a new framework for future studies on the indirect interaction web. Finally, we propose the hypothesis that linkages among TMIUs contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity.
Merchant Lineage in Coastal Jinjiang, Quanzhou Prefecture during the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Chen Zhiping
Published: August 2010

Along with the promotion of Taiwan’s economic status in the mid-Qing Dynasty and the expansion of trade with the mainland, the merchants of Jinjiang County of Quanzhou Prefecture in the Qing Dynasty developed a business model focused on the growing cross-strait trade and coastal shipping in Southeast China. The success of these coastal traders in business was closely related to their full use of family and lineage. However, the links of family and lineage, at the same time, were problematical for these businessmen when exploiting economic opportunities. These complex family and lineage ties could either promote or obstruct the development of commercial capital depending on specific situations. Thus, the traditional argument that the family and lineage system hindered socio-economic development should be re-examined.
Results of the European thematic network ageing and disability: improving the quality of life of elderly persons through more physical activity
Authors: Van Coppenolle Herman , Djobova S. , Niemiro A. , Dobreva I. , Leuven K. U.
Published: August 2010

Experts in Adapted Physical Activity (APA) for elderly persons from 66 higher education institutions of 29 European countries worked during 3 years together (2004–2007) in producing education materials to promote an active lifestyle, the content of an APA programme for the elderly at master and bachelor level, a motivational DVD (Never too old to be Active: The Joy of Movement and practical active ageing activity cards and a brochure with a European survey and recommendations. During the dissemination year (2009–2010) these materials were translated from English into 15 European languages and disseminated in all countries in institutions of Higher Education (physical education, physiotherapy, sport science), nursing homes for elderly persons and caregivers). In each country, as many as possible elderly persons were approached as well as the concerned ministries, sports organizations and the press. A consortium was created between the universities of Amiens (France), Groningen (The Netherlands) and Verona (Italy), to start up the European Masters programme in APA for the elderly and the motivating products disseminated the urgent message of the Thematic Network for all elderly persons with and without disabilities in Europe “Save yourself by more physical activity” This same approach applied in all European countries at the same time during these 4 years, gave a boost to the better education of students in this matter: stimulating the responsibility and motivation of elderly persons for bringing more physical activity in their daily schedule, during at least 30 min each day. The established cooperation between the actors of the network should however be continued through the European Master in APA for the elderly and further dissemination of the products through the website www.thenapa2.org
Sensitivity of Dielectric Properties to Wear Process on Carbon Nanofiber/High-Density Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Liu Tian , Wood Weston , Zhong Wei-Hong
Published: August 2010

We examined the correlation of wear effects with dielectric properties of carbon nanofibers (CNFs; untreated and organosilane-treated)-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Wear testing for the nanocomposites over up to 120 h was carried out, and then, dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss factor of the polymer composites with the increased wear time were studied. Scanning electron microscope and optical microscope observations were made to analyze the microstructure features of the nanocomposites. The results reveal that there exist approximate linear relationships of permittivity with wear coefficient for the nanocomposites. Composites containing silanized CNFs with the sufficiently thick coating exhibited high wear resistance. The change in permittivity was more sensitive to the increased wear coefficient for the nanocomposites with lower wear resistance. This work provides potential for further research on the application of dielectric signals to detect the effects of wear process on lifetime of polymeric materials.
Synthesis and Surface Active Properties of Novel Carbohydrate‐based Cationic Surfactants
Authors: Nowicki Janusz , Sokołowski Adam , Reksa Dagmara
Published: August 2010

The synthesis of new cationic carbohydrate surfactants is presented in this paper. The obtained surfactants have structures that are typical for saponins, which contain fatty amide hydrophobic chains and hydrophilic heads with cationic carbohydrate units. Their surface active properties and biodegradability have been studied. For two types, the biodegradability was above 85% and comparable to standard carbohydrate surfactants.
Persistent pain and sensory changes following cosmetic breast augmentation
Authors: von Sperlingl Marie L , Høimyrl Hilde , Finnerupl Kenneth , Jensenl Troels S , Finnerupl Nanna B
Published: August 2010

Background: Persistent postsurgical pain has been reported following cosmetic breast augmentation, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms.

Aims: To describe the prevalence, character, and impact of sensory changes and chronic pain following cosmetic breast augmentation and to assess possible causes of pain.

Methods: In September 2009, a detailed questionnaire was mailed to all 142 patients who underwent cosmetic breast augmentation at Viborg Private Hospital from 2004 to 2009.

Results: Ninety‐five patients (66.9%) returned the questionnaire; mean age was 34.2 years (SD 9.3). All patients were operated by the same surgeon. Mean time since operation was 31.8 months. Forty‐two patients (44.2%) reported having pain as a consequence of the operation, 9.5% had moderate to severe pain, and 6.3% regretted the cosmetic surgery due to pain. Patients with pain were less satisfied with the surgery than those without pain. Seventy‐two patients (75.8%) had sensory changes over the breast. There was an increased risk for developing pain in those with hypoesthesia (OR 4.6 (1.7–12.8)) and hyperesthesia (OR 2.6 (1.1–6.2)). Sixty‐two percent had touch‐evoked pain and 38% used pain descriptors that met the neuropathic pain diagnostic questionnaire (DN4) cut‐off criteria for neuropathic pain.

Conclusion: Sensory changes and persistent pain are common following cosmetic breast augmentation and may have a negative impact on daily activities and satisfaction after surgery. Findings suggest that neuropathic pain should be considered in these patients. Preoperative information about the risk of developing sensory changes and chronic pain after breast augmentation is important.
Strategic Herding Behavior in Peer-to-Peer Loan Auctions
Authors: Herzenstein Michal , Dholakia Utpal M. , Andrews Rick L.
Published: August 2010

Online Peer-to-Peer (P2P) loan auctions enable individual consumers to borrow and lend money directly to one another. We study herding behavior, defined as a greater likelihood of bidding in auctions with more existing bids, in P2P loan auctions on Prosper.com . The results of an empirical study provide evidence of strategic herding behavior by lenders such that they have a greater likelihood of bidding on an auction with more bids (a 1% increase in the number of bids increases the likelihood of an additional bid by 15%), but only to the point at which it has received full funding. After this point, herding diminishes (a 1% increase in bids increases the likelihood of an additional bid by only 5%). We also find a positive association between herding in the loan auction and its subsequent performance, that is, whether borrowers pay the money back on time. Unlike eBay auctions where herding impacts bidders adversely, our findings reveal that strategic herding behavior in P2P loan auctions benefits bidders, individually and collectively.
The price of doing good: Executive compensation in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Frumkin Peter , Keating Elizabeth K
Published: August 2010

This article examines foundational assumption that nonprofit organizations operate under a non-distribution constraint, which prohibits the paying out of excess earnings and requires instead their application to advancing the mission of the organization. We explore this topic through an examination of the determinants of nonprofit executive compensation. We find that the pay of nonprofit chief executive officers (CEOs) is strongly predicated on what managers in similar-sized organizations receive. Our analysis indicates that nonprofit executive compensation is only modestly effected by CEO performance, as measured either by improved fund-raising results or better administrative efficiency. We do find, however, evidence that CEO compensation is significantly higher in organizations where “free cash flows” are present. This finding is inconsistent with the principle of not distributing profits. We conclude by discussing the implications of this last finding on distinctive organizational identity of nonprofit organizations.
Bovine colostrum is superior to enriched formulas in stimulating intestinal function and necrotising enterocolitis resistance in preterm pigs
Authors: Møller Hanne K. , Thymann Thomas , Fink Lisbeth N. , Frokiaer Hanne , Kvistgaard Anne S. , Sangild Per T.
Published: August 2010

Milk contains immunomodulatory compounds that may be important to protect the immature intestine in preterm neonates from harmful inflammatory reactions involved in disorders like necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). We hypothesised that bovine colostrum and milk formulas enriched with sialic acids (SL), gangliosides (Gang) or osteopontin (OPN) would improve gastrointestinal function and NEC resistance in preterm neonates. Forty-seven caesarean-delivered preterm pigs were given total parenteral nutrition for 2 d followed by 1·5 d of enteral feeding. In Expt 1, a control formula was compared with an OPN-enriched formula (n 13), while Expt 2 compared a control formula with bovine colostrum or formulas enriched with Gang or SL (n 4–6). OPN enrichment decreased NEC severity relative to control formula (P < 0·01), without any significant effects on NEC incidence, digestive enzyme activities and hexose absorption. Neither SL- nor Gang-enriched formulas improved NEC resistance or digestive functions, while all the intestinal functional parameters were significantly improved in pigs fed bovine colostrum, relative to formula. The effects in vivo were supported in vitro by bacteria- and dose-dependent modulation by colostrum whey of the cytokine response from bacteria-stimulated murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC). In conclusion, OPN had only moderate NEC-protective effects, while formulas enriched with Gang or SL were ineffective. The observed modulation of DC cytokine response by bovine colostrum whey in vitro may be due to a synergistic action of various milk bioactives, and it may explain its beneficial effects on NEC development and intestinal function in a piglet model of preterm infants.
Political Polarization and Cabinet Stability in Multiparty Systems: A Social Networks Analysis of European Parliaments, 1945–98
Authors: Maoz Zeev , Somer-Topcu Zeynep
Published: August 2010

Bargaining theory predicts that as a political system’s polarization increases, parties have fewer opportunities to form coalitions without resorting to elections, inducing constraints on the management of political crises. This study tests the hypothesis that political polarization has a positive effect on cabinet duration, and draws on Social Networks Analysis to conceptualize and measure political polarization. Combining information about party ideology, inter-party distances and party size, this polarization index measures the structure of political systems in terms of possible and actual coalitions, and identifies proto-coalitionsex ante. The propositions regarding the effect of the bargaining environment on cabinet survival are tested with data covering sixteen European states in 1945–99, and are fairly robustly supported. The measure of political polarization outperforms alternative measures of this concept.
Electron energization in lunar magnetospheres
Authors: BINGHAM R. , BAMFORD R. , KELLETT B. J. , SHAPIRO V. D.
Published: August 2010

The interaction of the solar wind with lunar surface magnetic fields produces a bow shock and a magnetosphere-like structure. In front of the shock wave energetic electrons up to keV energies are produced. This paper describes how resonant interactions between plasma turbulence in the form of lower-hybrid waves and electrons can result in field aligned electron acceleration. The turbulent wave fields close to the lower-hybrid resonant frequency are excited most probably by the modified two-stream instability, driven by the solar wind ions that are reflected and deflected by the low shock.
Wildlife hunting by indigenous tribes: a case study from Arunachal Pradesh, north-east India
Authors: Aiyadurai Ambika , Singh Navinder J. , Milner-Gulland E. J.
Published: August 2010

Hunting is a serious threat to wildlife worldwide. The rainforest-rich Arunachal Pradesh state of India, a biodiversity hotspot, is an area severely affected by indigenous hunting. The state has several indigenous tribes who hunt for food, trade, culture and leisure. Using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires we surveyed 184 individuals in 51 villages across four tribes for information on species hunted and hunting practices. A total of 33 mammalian species are reportedly hunted, of which only 11 were reported by hunters during formal interviews. The other 22 species were observed during casual visits, festivals and informal discussions. Of the species hunted 20 are Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Villagers now travel longer distances to hunt than they did a decade ago, suggesting a decline in wildlife populations around villages. The extent of offtake of mammals was related to the altitude of the village and the use of guns. Villagers living at higher altitudes and with guns appeared to hunt more. We also documented the importance of ritualistic hunting by some tribes. Additional research is required to estimate offtake and consumption rates of wild meat. Increasing conservation awareness and community-based conservation projects may assist in controlling the severity and extent of this hunting problem.
Inverse kinematics by numerical and analytical cyclic coordinate descent
Authors: Olsen Anders Lau , Petersen Henrik Gordon
Published: August 2010

Cyclic coordinate descent (CCD) inverse kinematics methods are traditionally derived only for manipulators with revolute and prismatic joints. We propose a new numerical CCD method for any differentiable type of joint and demonstrate its use for serial-chain manipulators with coupled joints. At the same time more general and simpler to derive, the method performs as well in experiments as the existing analytical CCD methods and is more robust with respect to parameter settings. Moreover, the numerical method can be applied to a wider range of cost functions.
Lichen and moss communities of Botany Bay, Granite Harbour, Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Seppelt Rodney D. , Türk Roman , Green T.G. Allan , Moser Gerald , Pannewitz Stefan , Sancho Leo G. , Schroeter Burkhard
Published: August 2010

Botany Bay is one of the richest sites for lichen and bryophyte biodiversity in continental Antarctica. A total of 29 lichen, nine moss and one liverwort species have been identified. The most extensive vegetation occurs on a sheltered raised beach terrace. Vegetation associations are described and compared to other continental Antarctic localities that also possess a rich vegetation cover. Ordination analysis clearly indicates the importance of the type of water supply, its regularity, the substrate type, and particularly in Botany Bay, the influence of nutrients derived from the local bird population in governing plant distribution and associations. A vegetation map has been produced and can be used as a baseline to assess vegetation changes over time.
Religious Discrimination in the Workplace: An Emerging Hierarchy?
Authors: Vickers Lucy
Published: August 2010

This article considers some of the more high profile cases decided under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, to assess whether courts are developing case law which adequately protects religion and belief at work. First, it considers the meaning of religion with particular reference toNicholson v Grainger PLCand suggests that this may represent a step in the wrong direction in defining ‘belief’. It then looks at cases which have involved religious individuals seeking to manifest religion at work in terms of religious dress. It critically examines the way the concept of proportionality has been used to decide these cases, and suggests that at times courts are stepping beyond their usual boundaries in determining religious issues, with particular reference to comments by the courts on issues such whether particular beliefs are ‘core beliefs’. The third area of discussion is the question of whether discrimination by religious individuals on grounds of sexual orientation should be tolerated. The case law (Ladele v Islington Borough Council) is considered in detail. In conclusion, the article assesses whether a hierarchy is developing between different grounds of discrimination protection.
Church Buildings Council: Collaboration in the Building of Mission
Authors: Gough Janet
Published: August 2010

This article considers the Church Buildings Council (CBC) and its role within the faculty system, emphasising that the whole system, and the CBC in particular, works best through effective and meaningful collaboration. Pivotal to this collaboration are the 42 Diocesan Advisory Committees on the Care of Churches (DACs). Specifically, it is argued that greater clarity about the CBC, its expectations and what it aims to deliver will benefit all concerned in the great collective enterprise of maintaining sacred heritage buildings mindful of their continuing purpose to serve the mission of the Church.1
Clergy Employment, Judicial Review and the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: August 2010

The Revd Allan Macdonald was inducted as Free Presbyterian Minister at Daviot, Tomatin and Stratherrick in 2001. He received neither a written contract of employment nor a statement of terms and conditions. In 2006 he wrote book, Veritatem Eme, that was highly critical of some aspects of the life of the Church and was ordered to apologise. He refused to comply, was temporarily suspended in January 2007 and suspended from the ministry sine die – in effect, dismissed – in May 2008.