bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone H4K20me3 and HP1α are late heterochromatin markers in development, but present in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells
Authors: Wongtawan Tuempong , Taylor Jane E. , Lawson Kirstie A. , Wilmut Ian , Pennings Sari
Published: May 2011

We report here that the formation of heterochromatin in cell nuclei during mouse development is characterised by dynamic changes in the epigenetic modifications of histones. Our observations reveal that heterochromatin in mouse preimplantation embryos is in an immature state that lacks the constitutive heterochromatin markers histone H4 trimethyl Lys20 (H4K20me3) and chromobox homolog 5 (HP1α, also known as CBX5). Remarkably, these somatic heterochromatin hallmarks are not detectable – except in mural trophoblast – until mid-gestation, increasing in level during foetal development. Our results support a developmentally regulated connection between HP1α and H4K20me3. Whereas inner cell mass (ICM) and epiblast stain negative for H4K20me3 and HP1α, embryonic stem (ES) cell lines, by contrast, stain positive for these markers, indicating substantial chromatin divergence. We conclude that H4K20me3 and HP1α are late developmental epigenetic markers, and slow maturation of heterochromatin in tissues that develop from ICM is ectopically induced during ES cell derivation. Our findings suggest that H4K20me3 and HP1α are markers for cell type commitment that can be triggered by developmental or cell context, independently of the differentiation process.
Regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor signalling by inducible feedback inhibitors
Authors: Segatto Oreste , Anastasi Sergio , Alemà Stefano
Published: May 2011

Signalling by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) controls morphogenesis and/or homeostasis of several tissues from worms to mammals. The correct execution of these programmes requires the generation of EGFR signals of appropriate strength and duration. This is obtained through a complex circuitry of positive and negative feedback regulation. Feedback inhibitory mechanisms restrain EGFR activity in time and space, which is key to ensuring that receptor outputs are commensurate to the cell and tissue needs. Here, we focus on the emerging field of inducible negative feedback regulation of the EGFR in mammals. In mammalian cells, four EGFR inducible feedback inhibitors (IFIs), namely LRIG1, RALT (also known as MIG6 and ERRFI1), SOCS4 and SOCS5, have been discovered recently. EGFR IFIs are expressed de novo in the context of early or delayed transcriptional responses triggered by EGFR activation. They all bind to the EGFR and suppress receptor signalling through several mechanisms, including catalytic inhibition and receptor downregulation. Here, we review the mechanistic basis of IFI signalling and rationalise the function of IFIs in light of gene-knockout studies that assign LRIG1 and RALT an essential role in restricting cell proliferation. Finally, we discuss how IFIs might participate in system control of EGFR signalling and highlight the emerging roles for IFIs in the suppression of EGFR-driven tumorigenesis.
Surface-modified Tubular Glass Electrolyte for Portable Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Umeki Motoharu , Daiko Yusuke , Yusa Shin-ichi , Mineshige Atsushi , Kobune Masafumi , Yazawa Tetsuo
Published: May 2011

A fast-proton-conducting porous tubular glass electrolyte was prepared by surface modification of glass, and the direct methanol fuel cell performance of the glass electrolyte was measured. The glass electrolyte showed very low methanol permeability of 2.1 × 10−7 cm2 s−1 compared with the polymer electrolyte Nafion® (2.3 × 10−6 cm2 s−1). An open-circuit voltage of approximately 0.7 V was obtained at room temperature, which corresponds to 15 V when the tubes are stacked in a 6.5 cm3 portable cell.
Electrochemical Conversion of Benzylamine to Dibenzylamine Using a Microreactor: Analogous System of Photocatalytic Redox Combined Synthesis
Authors: Amemiya Fumihiro , Kashiwagi Tsuneo , Fuchigami Toshio , Atobe Mahito
Published: May 2011

An electrochemical conversion of benzylamine to dibenzylamine using a microreactor has been investigated as an alternative of photocatalytic redox combined reaction. The use of the microreactor was clearly superior to the use of a more conventional batch type reactor.
Synthesis of Pd-supported Nanosized Mesoporous Silica as a Spherical Nanocatalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reaction
Authors: Okada Shusuke , Urata Takuma , Kamegawa Takashi , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: May 2011

Nanosized mesoporous silica spheres with an average diameter of approximately 50 nm have been used as a catalyst support of active Pd nanoparticles, which was found to be highly efficient for Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling compared to submicrosized or microsized conventional mesoporous silicas.
Ring Expansion Approach to Azaspiro[4.5]decane Skeletons via Electrophilic Activation of Benzocyclobutenols Bearing Pyridyl Group
Authors: Hayashi Taiki , Ohmori Ken , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: May 2011

Facile construction of azaspiro[4.5]decane skeletons was enabled by the ring expansion of benzocyclobutenols substituted with a pyridyl group, triggered by electrophilic activation of the heteroaromatic moiety.
Offshoring Bias in U.S. Manufacturing
Authors: Houseman Susan , Kurz Christopher , Lengermann Paul , Mandel Benjamin
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we show that the substitution of imported for domestically produced goods and services—often known as offshoring—can lead to overestimates of U.S. productivity growth and value added. We explore how the measurement of productivity and value added in manufacturing has been affected by the dramatic rise in imports of manufactured goods, which more than doubled from 1997 to 2007. We argue that, analogous to the widely discussed problem of outlet substitution bias in the literature on the Consumer Price Index, the price declines associated with the shift to low-cost foreign suppliers are generally not captured in existing price indexes. Just as the CPI fails to capture fully the lower prices for consumers due to the entry and expansion of big-box retailers like Wal-Mart, import price indexes and the intermediate input price indexes based on them do not capture the price drops associated with a shift to new low-cost suppliers in China and other developing countries. As a result, the real growth of imported inputs has been understated. And if input growth is understated, it follows that the growth in multifactor productivity and real value added in the manufacturing sector have been overstated. We estimate that average annual multifactor productivity growth in manufacturing was overstated by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points and real value added growth by 0.2 to 0.5 percentage points from 1997 to 2007. Moreover, this bias may have accounted for a fifth to a half of the growth in real value added in manufacturing output excluding the computer and electronics industry.
The Minimum Legal Drinking Age and Public Health
Authors: Carpenter Christopher , Dobkin Carlos
Published: May 2011

The Amethyst Initiative, signed by more than 100 college presidents and other higher education officials calls for a reexamination of the minimum legal drinking age in the United States. A central argument of the initiative is that the U.S. minimum legal drinking age policy results in more dangerous drinking than would occur if the legal drinking age were lower. A companion organization called Choose Responsibility explicitly proposes “a series of changes that will allow 18–20 year-olds to purchase, possess and consume alcoholic beverages.” Does the age-21 drinking limit in the United States reduce alcohol consumption by young adults and its harms, or as the signatories of the Amethyst Initiative contend, is it “not working”? In this paper, we summarize a large and compelling body of empirical evidence which shows that one of the central claims of the signatories of the Amethyst Initiative is incorrect: setting the minimum legal drinking age at 21 clearly reduces alcohol consumption and its major harms. We use a panel fixed effects approach and a regression discontinuity approach to estimate the effects of the minimum legal drinking age on mortality, and we also discuss what is known about the relationship between the minimum legal drinking age and other adverse outcomes such as nonfatal injury and crime. We document the effect of the minimum legal drinking age on alcohol consumption and estimate the costs of adverse alcohol-related events on a per-drink basis. Finally we consider implications for the correct choice of a minimum legal drinking age.
The Market for Charitable Giving
Authors: List John A
Published: May 2011

Through good and bad economic times, charitable gifts have continued to roll in largely unabated over the past half century. In a typical year, total charitable gifts of money now exceed 2 percent of gross domestic product. Moreover, charitable giving has nearly doubled in real terms since 1990, and the number of nonprofit organizations registered with the IRS grew by nearly 60 percent from 1995 to 2005. This study provides a perspective on the economic interplay of three types of actors: donors, charitable organizations, and government. How much is given annually? Who gives? Who are the recipients of these gifts? Would changes in the tax treatment of charitable contributions lead to more or less giving? How can charitable institutions design mechanisms to generate the greatest level of gifts? What about the effectiveness of seed money and matching grants?
Incomplete Contracts and the Theory of the Firm: What Have We Learned over the Past 25 Years?
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Holden Richard
Published: May 2011

Sanford Grossman and Oliver Hart used the theory of incomplete contracts to develop answers to the question “What is a firm, and what determines its boundaries?” in their path-breaking paper on “The Costs and Benefits of Ownership: A Theory of Vertical and Lateral Integration” (Journal of Political Economy, 1986, vol. 94, no. 4). Perhaps the central issue is that economic actors are only boundedly rational and cannot anticipate all possible contingencies. It might well be that certain states of nature or actions cannot be verified by third parties after they arise, like certain qualities of a good to be traded in the future, and thus cannot be written into an enforceable contract. When contracts are incomplete, and consequently not all uses of an asset can be specified in advance, any contract negotiated in advance must leave some discretion over the use of the assets; and the “owner” of the firm is the party to whom the residual rights of control have been allocated at the contracting stage. The optimal allocation of property rights—or governance structure—is one that minimizes efficiency losses. This produces a theory of ownership and vertical integration as well as a theory of the firm. First we spell out Grossman and Hart's argument using a simple numerical example. Then we show how the incomplete contracts approach can be used to analyze the firms' internal organization; the firms' financial decisions; the costs and benefits from privatization; and the organization of international trade between inter- and intrafirm trade. We discuss several criticisms of the incomplete contracts/property rights methodology and review recent developments of the incomplete contracts approach.
Retrospectives: Lionel W. McKenzie and the Proof of the Existence of a Competitive Equilibrium
Authors: Weintraub E. Roy
Published: May 2011

The theorem proving the existence of general equilibrium in a competitive economy, which necessarily involved specifying the conditions under which such an equilibrium would exist, is an extraordinary achievement of twentieth-century economics. The discovery is commonly attributed to a paper by (eventual) Nobel Prize winners Kenneth Arrow and Gerard Debreau: “Existence of an Equilibrium for a Competitive Economy,” published in the July 1954 issue of Econometrica. However it is less well-known that Lionel McKenzie published a paper in the previous issue of Econometrica, “On Equilibrium in Graham's Model of World Trade and Other Competitive Systems,” that discussed many of the same themes. Both papers established the existence of a competitive equilibrium for suitable general equilibrium models and employed fixed point theorem arguments. McKenzie had priority in publication in 1954 and received credit for simultaneous discovery in prominent sources around that time. But over the years, McKenzie's role in creating the proof of the existence of a general equilibrium seems to have faded from the collective consciousness of the economics profession. Newly available archival material permits a reexamination of the events surrounding the publication of both Econometrica papers in 1954. The story raises general issues concerning “simultaneous discovery,” “priority,” and “credit” in economic research and opens a window into some academic practices of that time.
Reforming Payments to Healthcare Providers: The Key to Slowing Healthcare Cost Growth While Improving Quality?
Authors: McClellan Mark
Published: May 2011

This paper focuses on a broad movement toward a fundamentally different way of paying healthcare providers. The approach reaches beyond the old dichotomies about whether healthcare providers are reimbursed on a fee-for-service or a “capitated” or per-person payment. Instead, these reforms seek to create direct linkages between payments to healthcare providers and measures of the quality and efficiency of care. After an overview of payment reforms for healthcare providers and their welfare implications, this paper discusses a range of empirical studies. These often small-scale studies suggest that provider payment reforms in conjunction with greater attention to improving measurements of care quality and outcomes can have a significant impact on quality of care and, in some cases, resource use and costs of care.
Evaluating the Medical Malpractice System and Options for Reform
Authors: Kessler Daniel P
Published: May 2011

The U.S. medical malpractice liability system has two principal objectives: to compensate patients who are injured through the negligence of healthcare providers and to deter providers from practicing negligently. In practice, however, the system is slow and costly to administer. It both fails to compensate patients who have suffered from bad medical care and compensates those who haven't. According to opinion surveys of physicians, the system creates incentives to undertake cost-ineffective treatments based on fear of legal liability—to practice “defensive medicine.” The failures of the liability system and the high cost of health care in the United States have led to an important debate over tort policy. How well does malpractice law achieve its intended goals? How large of a problem is defensive medicine and can reforms to malpractice law reduce its impact on healthcare spending? The flaws of the existing system have led a number of states to change their laws in a way that would reduce malpractice liability—to adopt “tort reforms.” Evidence from several studies suggests that wisely chosen reforms have the potential to reduce healthcare spending significantly with no adverse impact on patient health outcomes.
Conformational changes at the nucleotide pocket of motor proteins monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Naber Nariman , Cooke Roger , Pate Edward
Published: May 2011

A fundamental goal in the field of motor proteins is to identify the conformational changes associated with the hydrolysis of the physiological substrate, ATP, and to define how these conformational changes are modulated by binding to the polymer track and translated into biologically useful movement. We have used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to monitor conformational changes at the nucleotide-binding site of myosin- and kinesin-family motors. A novel set of nucleotide-analog EPR spin probes were synthesized and used to localize a spin moiety at the nucleotide site. This allows a reporter group to be placed with high specificity at the ATP binding site. Our results indicate that the nucleotide-binding site of myosin motors opens when the motor binds to its polymer roadway, actin, while that of kinesin closes on binding to microtubules (MTs). However, the transition is not all-or-none. There is instead an equilibrium between open and closed conformations. The different conformational changes in the two motor families can be correlated with differences in their biochemical cycles. Thus, we can now define the relationship between nucleotide-site structure, biochemistry and polymer binding for the two motors.
A Randomised Clinical Trial of a Meridian-Based Intervention for Food Cravings With Six-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Stapleton Peta , Sheldon Terri , Porter Brett , Whitty Jennifer
Published: May 2011

This randomised, clinical trial tested whether The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) reduced food cravings. This study involved 96 overweight or obese adults who were allocated to the EFT treatment or 4-week waitlist condition. Degree of food craving, perceived power of food, restraint capabilities and psychological symptoms were assessed pre- and post- a 4-week treatment program (mixed method ANOVA comparative analysis), and at 6-month follow-up (repeated measure ANOVA with group data collapsed). EFT was associated with a significantly greater improvement in food cravings, the subjective power of food and craving restraint than waitlist from pre- to immediately post-test (p< .05). Across collapsed groups, an improvement in food cravings and the subjective power of food after active EFT treatment was maintained at 6 months, and a delayed effect was seen for craving restraint. Although there was a significant reduction in measures of psychological distress immediately after treatment (p< .05), there was no between-group difference. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that EFT can have an immediate effect on reducing food cravings and can result in maintaining reduced cravings over time.
The Relationship Between Perfectionism, Stress and Burnout in Clinical Psychologists
Authors: D'Souza Fiona , Egan Sarah J. , Rees Clare S.
Published: May 2011

Perfectionism has been suggested as a risk factor for the development of stress and burnout in psychotherapists, but this has not been extensively investigated. This study examined the relationship between perfectionism, stress and burnout in 87 Australian clinical psychologists. Stress had significant influences on the relationship between perfectionism and burnout. Specifically, stress was found to be a partial intervening variable in the relationship between perfectionism and personal burnout. In addition, stress was also found to completely mediate the influence of perfectionism on work-related and client-related burnout. The results indicated that perfectionism was both directly and indirectly related through stress to various types of burnout in clinical psychologists. Implications of the findings for research in to the utility of intervention for high levels of perfectionism in clinical psychologists are discussed.
Developing and PilotingePACT: A Flexible Psychological Treatment for Depression in People Living With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Migliorini Christine , Tonge Bruce , Sinclair Andrew
Published: May 2011

Accessibility, stigma and adverse effects of self-reliance can hinder the receipt of psychological treatments, especially in people living with chronic illness or disability. The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a flexible online psychological treatment using CBT and positive-psychology based techniques, for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who also lived with depression or both depression and anxiety. A multiple case study approach provided in-principle evidence of the acceptability of the Electronic Personal Administration of Cognitive Therapy:ePACT. Three adults living with SCI completed pre- and post-intervention interviews and multiple modules ofePACT. The interviews used the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID/-N/P) for diagnosis and the standardised survey instruments: Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale — short version (DASS-21), Personal Wellbeing Index 4th edition (PWI) and the Spinal Cord Lesion Emotional Wellbeing Questionnaire (SCL EWQ v1 Australia). The results indicated that the online program was acceptable, and they all showed some improvement in symptoms. All participants indicated that they would not have sought face-to-face therapy for reasons of access and stigma. They all had a strong sense of independence and felt this would have been questioned if they sought therapy.
Synapses, NMDA receptor activity and neuronal Aβ production in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bordji Karim , Becerril-Ortega Javier , Buisson Alain
Published: May 2011

A direct relationship has been established between synaptic activity and amyloid-β secretion. Dysregulation of neuronal calcium homeostasis was shown to increase production of amyloid-β, contributing to the initiation of Alzheimer’s disease. Among the different routes of Ca2+ entry, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors, are especially involved in this process because of their ability to gate high levels of Ca2+ influx. These receptors have been extensively studied for their crucial roles in synaptic plasticity that underlies learning and memory but also in neurotoxicity occurring during acute brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. For one decade, several studies provided evidence that NMDA receptor activation could have distinct consequences on neuronal fate, depending on their location. Synaptic NMDA receptor activation is neuroprotective, whereas extrasynaptic NMDA receptors trigger neuronal death and/or neurodegenerative processes. Recent data suggest that chronic activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors leads to a sustained neuronal amyloid-β release and could be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, as for other neurological diseases, therapeutic targeting of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors could be a promising strategy. Following this concept, memantine, unlike other NMDA receptor antagonists was shown, to preferentially target the extrasynaptic NMDA receptor signaling pathways, while relatively sparing normal synaptic activity. This molecular mechanism could therefore explain why memantine is, to date, the only clinically approved NMDA receptor antagonist for the treatment of dementia.
Hot-Dip Galvanizing Process Using ZinQuench for Processing Advanced High-Strength Steels
Authors: Huber Frédéric , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: May 2011

ZinQuench—Dynamic Galvanizing® (ZQ-DG) is an approach combining coatability improvement and process flexibility to produce advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). During this process, steel strips are gas-jet cooled and quenched from a high tuned temperature into a zinc melt with dynamic flow after annealing. The scientific objective is to develop ZQ-DG to design new AHSS with improved coating quality and mechanical properties simultaneously. The influence and effectiveness of the theoretical considerations are tested experimentally. Process parameters are studied with a laboratory scale hot-dip process simulator. Mechanical characterization of processed multiphase AHSS is carried out through a tensile test and correlated with steel microstructure. Wettability is also evaluated. The actual state of the investigations and results are presented and discussed for the different steels processed. Comparison between laboratory ZQ and conventional hot-dip galvanizing results allows forecasting of the industrial application potential of ZQ-DG to process flexibly new galvanized AHSS with lower alloying element content and resulting in less expensive products with improved mechanical properties.
Laser Cladding and Heat Treatment of Ni–Co–Mo Maraging Steel
Authors: Zoran Bergant , Marko Slabe Janez , Luis Ocaña Jose , Janez Grum
Published: May 2011

The subject of this paper is a surface-integrity analysis of Ni–Co–Mo laser cladded maraging steel (EN 10027-2, W. No. 1.2799). Experiments were performed on 3.3 kW Nd:YAG laser system with coaxial injection of Ni–Co–Mo powder alloy that integrates various modes of laser beam guidance and different degrees of overlapping. The specimens were subsequently solution and precipitation annealed in order to examine a precipitation hardening of the newly formed material using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with a microprobe for energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis, supported by microhardness tests. The residual stresses were determined by a hole-drilling method, using the integral method for residual stresses calculation. Favourable compressive residual stresses are generated in laser cladded layers due to a phase transformation from austenite to lath-martensite. The optimal selection of laser cladding process parameters enables efficient and cost-effective maintenance of damaged surfaces on the vital parts of die-casting tools, made from 1.2799 maraging steel.
Slip Safety Analysis of Differently Surface Processed Dimension Marbles
Authors: Sariisik A. , Akdas H. , Sariisik G. , Coskun G.
Published: May 2011

The present work attempts to determine the most suitable surface processing techniques to reduce the slipping risk of pedestrians while walking barefoot and wearing shoes on marble coverings. In this study, slip angles of surface-processed marbles in different plate dimensions have been determined by using DIN EN 51097, DIN EN 51130, and TS EN 14231 Standards “The determination of the characteristics that reduce slipping on wet, barefoot surfaces.” Slip angles and surface slip resistances have been determined by using ramp test equipment and pendulum method on five different types of classified marbles applied polishing and honing surface processing techniques. It was found that the parameters which affected slip resistance and slip angle values of the marbles were plate size and the applied surface processing techniques. The marbles were then grouped according to safe utilization places depending on slip angles and slip resistances, according to the statistical results.
STM Studies of Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces and Silicon Surface Reactions in Controlled Atmospheres
Authors: Wade Christopher P. , Luo Huihong , Dunbar William L. , Linford Matthew R. , Chidsey Christopher E.D.
Published: May 2011

We have assembled a scanning tunneling microscope with an inverted sample that allows the sample surface to be contacted by fluid electrolytes in a controlled atmosphere. A hanging meniscus is formed between the sample and a small cup surrounding the tunneling tip. In-situ imaging of the electrode/electrolyte interface is conveniently achieved with clean samples under potentiostatic control. The functioning of the microscope is illustrated by the imaging of the electrodeposition of copper on gold. This microscope has been used to image hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces and to demonstrate that islands, tentatively assigned as silicon oxide, are formed on rinsing in water but can be avoided if the surface is not rinsed on withdrawal from the ammonium fluoride etching solution. Finally, STM shows that the convenient, gas-phase photochlorination of H-Si(111) produces the simple Cl-Si(111)(1×1) structure with little or no etching of the silicon surface.
A Modified Technique for Removing a Failed Abutment Screw From an Implant With a Custom Guide Tube
Authors: Taira Yohsuke , Sawase Takashi
Published: May 2011

Fracture of abutment screw is a serious prosthodontic complication. When the abutment screw is fractured at the junction of the screw shank and screw thread, removal of the fractured screw fragment from the screw hole can be difficult. This article describes a modified technique for removing the failed abutment screw with a custom guide tube and tungsten carbide bur. The failed screw can be removed speedily without damaging the screw hole of the implant body or the screw threads.
Efficacy of Antibacterial Sealing Gel and O-Ring to Prevent Microleakage at the Implant Abutment Interface: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Nayak Aishwarya Gajanan , Fernandes Aquaviva , Kulkarni Raghavendra , Ajantha Ganavalli Subramanyam , Lekha Krishnapillai , Nadiger Ramesh
Published: May 2011

Gaps and hollow spaces at the implant abutment interface will act as a bacterial reservoir that may cause peri-implantitis. Hence, the sealing ability of O-ring (in addition to polysiloxane) and GapSeal (an antibacterial sealing gel) was evaluated. A total of 45 identical implant systems (ADIN Dental Implant Systems) were divided into 3 groups of 15 implants each: an unsealed group, a group sealed with O-rings, and a group sealed with GapSeal gel. The implant and abutment were gamma sterilized after assembly. Two implants from each group were randomly incubated in sterile brain heart infusion (BHI) broth tubes and checked for sterility. The remaining 13 implants were incubated in BHI broth inoculated with Enterococcus and incubated for 5 days. They were then removed from the tubes, dried aseptically, placed in 2% sodium hypochlorite solution for 30 minutes, and washed with sterile saline for 5 minutes. Next, the assembly was dried aseptically and put in sterile BHI broth tubes and incubated for 24 hours to check surface sterility. Keeping 2 implants as controls from each group, the remaining 11 implants were dismantled group-wise and placed in liquid BHI broth; the test tubes were then shaken thoroughly so that the broth would come in contact with all implant surfaces. The solution from this tube was poured on pre-prepared sterile agar plates and incubated for 24 hours. The colonies formed on the agar plate were then counted using a digital colony counter. The data thus obtained were subjected to statistical analysis by Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test. It was concluded that though microbial growth is seen in all the 3 groups, the least growth was seen in the GapSeal group followed by the O-ring group.
Bone Morphogenic Protein: An Elixir for Bone Grafting—A Review
Authors: Shah Prasun , Keppler Louis , Rutkowski James
Published: May 2011

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional growth factors that belong to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily. This literature review focuses on the molecular biology of BMPs, their mechanism of action, and subsequent applications. It also discusses uses of BMPs in the fields of dentistry and orthopedics, research on methods of delivering BMPs, and their role in tissue regeneration. BMP has positive effects on bone grafts, and their calculated and timely use with other growth factors can provide extraordinary results in fractured or nonhealing bones. Use of BMP introduces new applications in the field of implantology and bone grafting. This review touches on a few unknown facts about BMP and this ever-changing field of research to improve human life.
Effect of the Topical Use of the Antioxidant Taurine on the Two Basement Membrane Proteins of Regenerating Oral Gingival Epithelium
Authors: Gültekin Sibel Elif , Sengüven Burcu , Sofuoğlu Altuğ , Taner Levent , Koch Manuel
Published: May 2011

Background: The essential amino acid taurine has important physiologic and pathologic roles, and has been shown to have osmoregulatory, antioxidative, antiapoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and antilipid activities. However, the response of oral gingival epithelium to taurine during wound healing remains unclear. The goal of this study is to evaluate the expression of laminin 5 and Type IV collagen histologically in regenerating gingival epithelium after direct application of taurine on incised human gingival samples.

Methods: The study was conducted on 16 gingival samples obtained from gingivectomy specimens of eight adult patients with generalized gingival overgrowth. The samples were divided into two groups: gingiva with 1% taurine‐hydrated collagen membrane (n = 8) and saline‐hydrated collagen membrane (n = 8) applied specimens. The length of the newly formed epithelium on the wound surface and inflammation was assessed on hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections. Basement membrane formation was evaluated by detection of laminin 5 and Type IV collagen expressions on immunohistochemically stained samples.

Results: Complete new epithelial formation was observed in 1% taurine‐treated gingivectomy specimens, whereas incomplete regeneration of the epithelium was observed in control gingivectomy specimens (P <0.05). The length of the newly formed epithelium showed a negative correlation with inflammation in the taurine group (P = −0.712; P <0.05). Immunoreactivity for both laminin 5 and Type IV collagen did not show any significant difference between groups.

Conclusion: The local application of taurine‐hydrated collagen membrane on human gingival wounds demonstrated the histologic evidence of rapid reepithelization with taurine.
Implicit and Explicit Cognition of Chinese Heroin Abusers
Authors: Geng Liuna , Qian Bojian
Published: May 2011

Sixty-five heroin abusers receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT), 38 heroin abusers not receiving MMT, and 30 nonusers of drugs participated in this investigation of cognition in heroin and methadone users. Heroin users were measured for both implicit and explicit cognition,
while the control group of nonusers was measured only for implicit cognition. The results demonstrate that implicit cognition can influence the development of addictive behaviors, and that implicit and explicit cognition of heroin were separate and independent constructs. Based on the results
of Implicit Association Tests (IAT; Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998) MMT appears to be a valid method for opiate withdrawal treatment as it reverses the implicit desire for heroin in heroin abusers.
The Relationship of Masculinity and Femininity to the Big Five Personality Dimensions Among a Chinese Sample
Authors: Zheng Lijun , Zheng Yong
Published: May 2011

The aim in this study was to examine the relationship of masculinity and femininity to the Big Five personality dimensions in a Chinese context. Using the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bem, 1974) and IPIP Big Five factor markers (Goldberg, 2001), we assessed data from an Internet survey of
322 heterosexual men, 253 homosexual men, 942 heterosexual women, and 288 homosexual women in China. Controlling for age and education, masculinity was strongly predicted on extraversion, conscientiousness, intellect, and, to a lesser degree, on agreeableness, and femininity was predicted
strongly on agreeableness across gender, sexual orientation, and occupation. The predictions of masculinity and femininity on emotional stability were very small, which may be a feature unique to Chinese culture.
The Relationship Between Perfectionism and Depression in Turkish High School Students
Authors: Erozkan Atilgan , Karakas Yahya , Ata Seda , Ayberk Anis
Published: May 2011

The relationship between perfectionism and depression was investigated using a sample of 598 high school students. Perfectionism and depression levels were measured using the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost, Marten, Lahart, & Rosenblate, 1990) and the Beck Depression
Inventory (Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979), respectively. To analyze data, regression and correlation analyses were employed. Depression levels of students with high scores on the subdimension of perfectionism were found to be significantly higher than depression levels of those who gained
low scores. Depression levels of girls were found to be significantly higher than those of boys. A significant effect of subdimensions of perfectionism on depression was detected and all subdimensions of perfectionism were found to be significantly correlated to depression.
Saying, But Not Doing: Induced Hypocrisy, Trivialization, and Misattribution
Authors: Fointiat Valérie
Published: May 2011

Hypocrisy paradigm has been identified as a form of dissonance induction. Hypocrisy is induced by the combination of 2 factors: commitment (advocating a position one supports) and mindfulness (being made mindful of one's failure to act in accord with the advocated standards). The experimental
2 x 2 between participants design manipulates misattribution and the order of presentation of 2 modes of dissonance reduction, behavior change – which is the paradigmatic measure of hypocrisy reduction – versus trivialization – which consists of minimizing the importance
of what was done. Misattribution effect is observed for any given mode of reduction so long as it is made available first. Furthermore, the misattribution effect no longer occurs when considering the mode of reduction is made available second. These results suggest that misattribution is not
a permanent and efficient route of dissonance reduction, and support the perspective of a complementary model of dissonance reduction.
Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Leisure Volunteering Constraint: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Chang Shu-Chun , Fang Chen-Ling , Ling Yi-Chang , Tsai Bi-Kun
Published: May 2011

Our objectives were to examine the model fitness of leisure volunteering constraint and then to discuss the impact of socioeconomic status on leisure volunteering constraint. Intrapersonal, constraint, and structural constraint were used as the 3 dimensions to measure leisure volunteering
constraint. A causal model was tested and the impact of socioeconomic status on leisure volunteering constraint was theoretically constructed. Participants were 285 volunteers who belonged to community volunteering organizations. Results indicate that socioeconomic status has a negative impact
on leisure volunteering constraint.
Student Perspectives on the University Professor Role
Authors: Sánchez Manuel Marín , -Pecino Roberto Martinez , Rodríguez Yolanda Troyanor , Melero Pilar Teruel
Published: May 2011

The perception of the university lecturer/teacher role from the students' perspective was analyzed. A sample of 1,599 social sciences university students responded to an open question about the most relevant characteristics that their ideal teacher/lecturer should have. The chi-square
test performed showed that students' preferred features of the teacher/lecturer role were associated with their mutual interaction (e.g., having respectful manners, being understanding and open) as well as having the ability to clearly transmit information. Understanding students' expectations
of their professors is essential in order to improve the professor-student relationship, and can also assist professors in developing their roles.
Reliability and Validity of the Career Locus of Control Scale – Turkish Form
Authors: Savci Lkay , Ersoy-Kart Müge
Published: May 2011

The reliability and validity of the Turkish form of the Career Locus of Control Scale (CLCS; Millar & Shevlin, 2007) was examined. University students (N = 152) from Ankara University, Turkey completed a questionnaire. Validity analysis revealed that the new shortened scale
has adequate convergent validity and reliability.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Consumer Behavior, Corporate Strategy, and Public Policy
Authors: Kreng Victor B. , Huang May-Yao
Published: May 2011

In this theoretical article the concept of feedback with a system perspective and the system dynamics of cause-effect feedback circuits are used to explore the dynamic relationships among consumer behavior, corporate strategy, and public policy with regard to 2 aspects of corporate
social responsibility; making a profit and providing social services. A good harmony with consumer behavior is based on emotion, with consumers playing the roles of demander and care receiver. In addition, effective corporate strategy and policy is based on reason, with the corporation playing
the roles of supplier and philanthropist. Finally, the regulations established by public policy are based on law, and thus public policy plays the roles of guider and regulator.
Cinderella Revisited: Women's Appearance Modification as a Function of Target Audience Sex and Attractiveness
Authors: Regan Pamela C.
Published: May 2011

The impact of 2 target audience characteristics on appearance modification was examined. Women participants were led to expect an interaction with an attractive or unattractive male or female target (randomly assigned). Female raters assessed the amount of cosmetics worn by participants
both before the experimental manipulation and on the day that they returned for the anticipated interaction. It was revealed that women wore significantly more makeup when they anticipated an interaction with a highly attractive target, irrespective of sex, wore the same amount of makeup when
anticipating meeting an unattractive woman, and wore significantly less makeup when expecting to meet an unattractive man. These findings are congruent with a self-presentational conceptualization of appearance and provide evidence that attractiveness and sex/gender are powerful social cues
that elicit behavioral displays from others.
Characterization of non-starter lactic acid bacteria in traditionally produced home-made Radan cheese during ripening
Authors: Jokovic Natasa , Vukasinovic Maja , Veljovic Katarina , Tolinacki Maja , Topisirovic L.
Published: May 2011

Two hundred thirteen non-starter lactic acid bacteria isolated from Radan
cheese during ripening were identified with both a classical biochemical test
and rep-PCR with (GTG)5 primer. For most isolates, which belong to the
Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus
plantarum, Lactobacillus paraplantarum and Enterococcus faecium, a phenotypic
identification was in good agreement with rep-PCR identification. Lactococeus
lactis subsp. lactis, Enterococcus faecium and subspecies from the
Lenconostoc mesenteroides group were the dominant population of lactic acid
bacteria in cheese until 10 days of ripening and only one Streptococcus
thermophilus strain was isolated from the 5-day-old cheese sample. As
ripening progressed, Lactobacillus plantarum became the predominant species
together with the group of heterofermentative species of lactobacilli that
could not be precisely identified with rep-PCR.
Analysis of dominant lactic acid bacteria from artisanal raw milk cheeses produced on the mountain Stara Planina, Serbia
Authors: Begovic Jelena , Brandsma J.B. , Jovcic B. , Tolinacki Maja , Veljovic Katarina , Meijer W.C. , Topisirovic L.
Published: May 2011

Traditional Serbian cheese production has a long history and generates
products with rich flavor profiles. To enable the industrial manufacture of
these home-made Serbian cheeses, the lactic acid bacteria present in them
needs to be characterized. Five fresh white cheeses made from raw cow?s milk
without commercial starter cultures were collected from households on the
mountain Stara Planina, Serbia. According to phenotypical and molecular
analysis, 262 isolated Lwere found to belong to Lactococcus,
Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Leuconostoc or Enterococcus. The unique
bacterial composition of each cheese indicates that the preservation of
household industry is the way to maintain production of distinct cheeses.
Expression of cyp1a protein in the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea (Müller)
Authors: Vrankovic Jelena , Labus-Blagojevic Svetlana , Paunovic M.
Published: May 2011

We investigated the expression of CYP1A in the foot, gill and visceral mass
of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea in relation to polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) exposure. Different PCBs congeners were found in the foot
and visceral mass, while the expression of CYP1A was observed only in the
visceral mass. However the level of CYP1A expression in the visceral mass was
not related to the level of PCBs present in the tissue. Our results indicate
a higher rate of biotransformation and lower threshold of CYP1A induction in
the visceral mass compared with other tissues.
Indirect selection of Cre1 gene in winter wheat populations
Authors: Çalişkan M. , Uranbey S. , Nicol J. , Akar T. , Elekçioğlu H. , Kaya G.
Published: May 2011

The nematodes are important biotic constraint in rain-fed wheat production
systems. In Turkey, they is found in 75.0% of soil samples in Central
Anatolia with the dominant species being Heterodera filipjevi. Yield losses
for winter wheat in rain-fed environments are documented between 27.0-46.0%.
A single dominant gene for resistance to H. avenae, designated as Cre1, was
assessed in Turkey. It was also found to be effective to Heterodera
filipjevi. In this research, a STS based Cre1 marker was applied in a number
of segregating wheat populations from F1 to F4 to discriminate Cre1-positive
lines among the wheat populations. Results clearly indicated that Marker
Assisted Selection (MAS) is functioning effectively, with recovery of Cre1
positive lines up to 88.0 % depending on the cross in early stage of
breeding.
STR loci D19S216, D20S502 and D20S842 analysis in the Serbian population using dentin DNA
Authors: Puzovic Dragana , Dunjic D. , Popovic Branka , Stojkovic O. , Novakovic Ivana , Milasin Jelena
Published: May 2011

Dentin provides a protective enclosure for genomic and mitochondrial DNA. In
the present study, DNA was obtained from pulverized or ground teeth. The
quality of the DNA extracted from the teeth of 70 unrelated individuals was
tested in the context of assessing the allelic and genotypic frequencies of
autosomal loci D19S216, D20S502 and D20S842, and calculating a number of
parameters of population genetics and forensic interest. This study
illustrates that teeth can be a convenient tissue to extract DNA from large
numbers of individuals for population genetic studies as well as for forensic
case work.
Antibacterial activity of Iranian medicinal plants against Streptococcus iniae isolated from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Pirbalouti Ghasemi , Broujeni Nikobin , Momeni Manouchehr , Poor Malek , Hamedi Behzad
Published: May 2011

Streptococcus iniae is among the major pathogens of a large number of fish
species cultured in fresh and marine recirculating and net pen production
systems. Ten Iranian medicinal plants were assessed for their antimicrobial
activity against Streptococcus iniae isolates obtained from diseased
Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmonidae; Walbaum, 1972) collected from fish farms in
Iran. The antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of Punica granatum,
Quercus branti, Glycyrrhiza glabra and essential oils of Heracleum
lasiopetalum, Satureja bachtiarica, Thymus daenensis, Myrtus communis,
Echinophora platyloba, Kelussia odoratissima and Stachys lavandulifolia
against Steptococcus iniae was evaluated by disc diffusion and serial
dilution assays. Most of the extracts and essential oils showed a relatively
high antibacterial activity against Streptococcus iniae. Of the plants
studied, the most active extracts were those obtained from the essential oils
of Satureja bachtiarica, Echinophora platyloba, Thymus daenensis and the
ethanol extract of Quercus branti. Some of the extracts were active against
Streptococcus iniae. Two essential oils showed lower MIC values; Heracleum
lasiopetalum (78 ?g/ml) and Satureja bachtiarica (39 ?g/ml). The essential
oil of Satureja bachtiarica could be an important source of antibacterial
compounds against the Streptococcus iniae isolated from rainbow trout.
Biochemical and molecular changes in buckwheat leaves during exposure to salt stress
Authors: Jovanovic Z.S. , Maksimovic Vesna , Radovic Svetlana
Published: May 2011

In spite of the great nutritive and pharmacological potentials of buckwheat,
data about the abiotic stress tolerance of this plant species are very
limited. The aim of this work was to analyze the biochemical and molecular
response of buckwheat plants in the middle vegetative phase against short-
and long-term salt stress. Changes in relative water content, level of lipid
peroxidation, content and localization of H2O2 as well as changes in
antioxidative enzyme activity and expression of ubiquitin and dehydrins, were
investigated. Reasons for observed buckwheat salt stress sensitivity as well
as possibilities for enhancing stress tolerance are discussed.