bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Reduce Pathological Fear in Mathematics among Secondary School Students in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Yahya Anaf Sulienam , Fasasi K M.
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study is to identify causes of pathological fear in Mathematics among secondary school students in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study also examines strategies that could be adopted to reduce pathological fear in Mathematics among students. Three research questions and a hypothesis tested at a = 0.05 level of significant were formulated to guide the study. A research questionnaire on Pathological Fear in Mathematics Questionnaire (PFMATQ) was used in collecting data from 250 senior secondary school students. They were selected by stratified random sampling technique from five educational zones in Adamawa State. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used to analyses the data generated. The study reveals that causes of pathological fear in Mathematics among others include: parental indoctrination that Mathematics is difficult, the Mathematics teacher factor and the abstract nature of Mathematics. Strategies that could be adopted to reduce pathological fear in Mathematics among others include; the use of mathematical games; uses of heuristic method of teaching and use of relevant set induction techniques. It is recommended that parents should stop indoctrinating their children that Mathematics is difficult; they should keep away their unpleasant experiences about Mathematics and present favorable ones to encourage them to develop interest in Mathematics. Recommendations were outlined.
Public Officials' Profile and Skills in Presiding Meetings, Writing Agenda, Minutes and Resolutions
Authors: Arong Cecilia D.
Published: December 2012

Local legislation is effective for good governance. Legislators must be proficient in presiding meetings, drafting resolution, formulating agenda, taking down minutes and writing official communications. This study assesses public officials' profile in presiding meetings and in writing agenda, taking down minutes and drafting resolutions. The study used the descriptive design. Fish bowl technique determines 23 Village captains, their councilors, SK chairmen, secretaries and treasurers as respondents. Results revealed that most captains and councilors are male; most secretaries and treasurers are female. Majority are 50 years and below; Most are college graduates/college level; first termer. Councilors are reelected. Majority of the secretaries and treasurers are reappointed. Majority have attended one seminar on writing agenda/resolutions. Nearly all captains and secretaries can formulate agenda while majority of the councilors and treasurers cannot. Majority of the captains, councilors, and treasurers claim they cannot take down minutes and cannot draft resolutions. The study concludes that officials lack competence in presiding meetings and writing resolutions.
Destination in the Southern Part of Iloilo, Philippines
Authors: Pelasol Ma. Rhona J. , Tayoba Michelle Anne T. , Mondero Elna , Jugado Khristy , Lahaylahay Christopher
Published: December 2012

The Philippines is endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions. One of the provinces in the Philippines is Iloilo wherein the town of Igbaras can be found. Igbaras is considered as one of the leading tourist destinations in the province due to its bountiful hidden attractions. Igcabugao is home to Igbaras' several beauty spots such as Igcabugao Cave, Lapusan Cave, with an underground river, and Guiritsan Falls. This study was conducted to determine the potential of Igcabugao as a tourist destination in the southern part of Iloilo. Videos and pictures of Igcabugao were used by the researchers in focused group discussion conducted among tourism students of the different colleges and universities in Iloilo City. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the findings of the study. Findings revealed that Igcabugao have a lot of natural attractions that it could be developed as a potential tourist destination. It concluded that Igcabugao has the elements of a successful tourist destination. The cooperation of residents, local government and the tourism sector is a key to plan for and develop Igcabugao as a tourist destination. Recommendations, among others, were centered on the drafting of a Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for Igcabugao.
The Information Seeking Strategies of Digitized Resources in Cebu Technological University, Philippines
Authors: Atanoza Ve Leslie E. , Camasura Johannes M.
Published: December 2012

The study investigates the strategies employed by the students of Cebu Technological University in searching information using digitized resources. It identifies students' information needs using the main campus' library and describes the information seeking approaches students employ using the Internet, Online databases and Optical media. The study employs simple purposive sampling. It uses descriptive method of survey and document analysis. A focus group discussion was also conducted and computer log monitoring analysis. The study revealed that students' information needs are varied and course related. Students' purposes in searching information in digitize sources are to get an overview of their research topic; answering class assignments and gathering related literature. Students supply their own keywords rather than the keywords provided in the index of online databases was generally the first approach used in searching information in digitized sources. Boolean operators and truncations as search techniques were the least used approach. Search engines of Google, Yahoo, and You Tube were the top three preferences of students when using the Internet as a Digitized Information Source. Dealing with too many results to choose from and inadequate instructions on how to proceed with the search usually contribute to the delay in finding the needed information.
Leaf To Uplift Mindoro: Rehabilitation And Propagation Of Nipa (Nypa Fruticans Wurmb) In Occidental Mindoro
Authors: Cadiao Leah Veloria , Espiritu Leticia C.
Published: December 2012

Nypa fruticans wurmb commonly called nipa is the only palm considered as mangrove. It plays an important role in stabilizing river banks preventing, soil erosion and producing various useful products. In Occidental Mindoro, this species is dwindling and might be considered endangered if not given utmost attention at this point in time. The location of the site was mapped out using GPS coordinates. The assessment of nipa was conducted along Amindan River, Bubog, San Jose, and Occidental Mindoro with a plan table area of 7,800 sq m. Nipa species density shows 379 plants on the right side of the river bank and 414 plants on the left side. The seaward zone has the highest density of 770 plants/ha and middle ward zone of 630 plants/ha. The least dense is the landward zone of 247 plants/ha. A survey questionnaire and unstructured interview were administered and conducted respectively among 30 randomly selected stakeholders. Continuous consultation and partnership with the community and other stakeholders; provision of financial and technical support from collaborating agencies, nursery establishment and additional trainings and seminar to enhance the participation of the community are the most important strategies done in the implementation of the project.
Atomic Force Microscopy Study of new Sensing Platforms: Cucurbit[n]uril (n=6, 7) on Gold
Authors: Blanco Elías , Quintana Carmen , Hernández Lucas , Hernández Pedro
Published: December 2012

This work presents the comparative study of the spontaneous adsorption of cucurbit[6]uril and cucurbit[7]uril on gold by means of atomic force microscopy. A faster cucurbit[6]uril adsorption was not achieved by the use of a cucurbit[6]uril solution with sodium salts to increment its solubility than by the treatment with a saturated one in water. However, sodium ions promoted the cucurbit[6]uril polymerization on the previously adsorbed layer. The electrode reaction of hydroquinone became irreversible when a cucurbit[6]uril modified gold electrode was used. Cucurbit[7]uril adsorption was faster than for the smaller homologue and multilayers were generated too with high adsorption times.
Compositional and Isotopic Analytical Methods in Archaeological Micromorphology
Authors: Mentzer Susan M. , Quade Jay
Published: December 2012

Resin‐impregnated sediment blocks are a by‐product of micromorphological sample processing. These blocks can be further studied using a variety of destructive, nondestructive, and minimally destructive geochemical techniques. X‐ray fluorescence microanalyses conducted on sediment blocks yield semiquantitative major and trace elemental abundances that can be used to generate compositional maps, and to illustrate compositional change within or between archaeological strata and features. Sediment blocks can also be drilled to obtain small sediment samples for stable oxygen and carbon isotopic analyses. Both elemental and isotopic analyses can be conducted in conjunction with micromorphological analyses to yield a holistic picture of archaeological sediment composition, source, and depositional processes. The integration of micromorphological, compositional, and isotopic analyses is used here to aid in the differentiation of calcareous ash and lime plasters from the Neolithic site of Asıklı Höyük, Turkey.
Highly Selective Optical‐Electrochemical Zn2+ Detection Based on Tetrathiafulvalene
Authors: Xiao Xunwen , He Yanjun , Wang Guannan , Shen Liangjun , Guo Yuping , Fang Jianghua , Yang Jianping
Published: December 2012

Ethylenedioxytetrathiafulvalene substituted with a pyridinyl (Py) group (1) shows remarkable sensing and coordinating properties only to Zn2+ ion, not to the other metal ions. Addition of a micromolar concentration of Zn2+ ion to the solution of 1, a dramatic change is observed in the UV–vis absorption spectrum and redox property, and the discrimination is readily possible even by “the naked eye.” Comparison of the recognition ability between 1 and its reference compound (ethynylpyridinyltetrathiafulvalene) 2 suggests that the nature of the space linking tetrathiafulvalene and acceptor moiety plays an important role in the intramolecular charge‐transfer state. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 24:72–76, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21066
Human blood dendritic cell antigen 3 (BDCA3)+ dendritic cells are a potent producer of interferon-λ in response to hepatitis C virus
Authors: Yoshio Sachiyo , Kanto Tatsuya , Kuroda Shoko , Matsubara Tokuhiro , Higashitani Koyo , Kakita Naruyasu , Ishida Hisashi , Hiramatsu Naoki , Nagano Hiroaki , Sugiyama Masaya , Murata Kazumoto , Fukuhara Takasuke , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Hayashi Norio , Mizokami Masashi , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: December 2012

The polymorphisms in the interleukin (

IL)-28B

(interferon-lambda [IFN]-λ3) gene are strongly associated with the efficacy of hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance. Dendritic cells (DCs) sense HCV and produce IFNs, thereby playing some cooperative roles with HCV-infected hepatocytes in the induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Blood dendritic cell antigen 3 (BDCA3)+ DCs were discovered as a producer of IFN-λ upon Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) stimulation. We thus aimed to clarify the roles of BDCA3+ DCs in anti-HCV innate immunity. Seventy healthy subjects and 20 patients with liver tumors were enrolled. BDCA3+ DCs, in comparison with plasmacytoid DCs and myeloid DCs, were stimulated with TLR agonists, cell-cultured HCV (HCVcc), or Huh7.5.1 cells transfected with HCV/JFH-1. BDCA3+ DCs were treated with anti-CD81 antibody, inhibitors of endosome acidification, TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF)-specific inhibitor, or ultraviolet-irradiated HCVcc. The amounts of IL-29/IFN-λ1, IL-28A/IFN-λ2, and IL-28B were quantified by subtype-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequency of BDCA3+ DCs in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) was extremely low but higher in the liver. BDCA3+ DCs recovered from PBMC or the liver released large amounts of IFN-λs, when stimulated with HCVcc or HCV-transfected Huh7.5.1. BDCA3+ DCs were able to induce ISGs in the coexisting JFH-1-positive Huh7.5.1 cells. The treatments of BDCA3+ DCs with anti-CD81 antibody, cloroquine, or bafilomycin A1 reduced HCVcc-induced IL-28B release, whereas BDCA3+ DCs comparably produced IL-28B upon replication-defective HCVcc. The TRIF-specific inhibitor reduced IL-28B release from HCVcc-stimulated BDCA3+ DCs. In response to HCVcc or JFH-1-Huh7.5.1, BDCA3+ DCs in healthy subjects with IL-28B major (rs8099917, TT) released more IL-28B than those with IL-28B minor genotype (TG).

Conclusion :

Human BDCA3+ DCs, having a tendency to accumulate in the liver, recognize HCV in a CD81-, endosome-, and TRIF-dependent manner and produce substantial amounts of IL-28B/IFN-λ3, the ability of which is superior in subjects with IL-28B major genotype.
Hypoxia inducible factor 2 alpha inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth through the transcription factor dimerization partner 3/ E2F transcription factor 1–dependent apoptotic pathway
Authors: Sun Hai-Xiang , Xu Yang , Yang Xin-Rong , Wang Wei-Min , Bai Haibo , Shi Ruo-Yu , Nayar Suresh K. , Devbhandari Ranjan P. , He Yi-zhou , Zhu Qin-Feng , Sun Yun-Fan , Hu Bo , Khan Mehtab , Anders Robert A. , Fan Jia
Published: December 2012

Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are activated in many tumors and show either promoter or suppressor activity, depending on tumor cell biology and background. However, the role of HIF member HIF-2α remains unclear in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, HIF-2α expression was measured in HCC and paired peritumoral tissues by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays, and the clinical significance was explored in 246 HCC patients. In cell culture, HIF-2α levels were up-regulated or down-regulated by use of expression or short hairpin RNA recombinant plasmid, respectively. Cells were analyzed by immunoblotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with microarray, coimmunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemical staining.

In vivo

tumor growth was analyzed in nude mice. We found that the average expression of HIF-2α was relatively low in HCC tissues, and the decreased level was associated with lower overall survival (

P

= 0.006). High HIF-2α expression in HCC cells induced higher levels of apoptosis and expression of proapoptotic proteins and inhibited cell and tumor growth. Furthermore, HIF-2α inhibited expression of the novel target gene, transcription factor dimerization partner 3 (TFDP3). TFDP3 protein was found to bind with E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and inhibit its transcriptional activity through both p53-dependent and -independent pathways. Reintroduction of TFDP3 expression reversed HIF-2α-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions
: Data gathered from cell lines, tumorigenicity studies, and primary HCC samples demonstrate a negative role of HIF-2α in tumors, which is mediated by the TFDP3/E2F1 pathway. Our study provides evidence supporting a possible tumor-suppressor role for HIF-2α and has uncovered a mechanism that links HIF-2α to a fundamental biological regulator, E2F1. (Hepatology 2013)
How to evaluate the effect of pain treatments in cancer patients: Results from a longitudinal outcomes and endpoint Italian cohort study
Authors: Corli O. , Montanari M. , Greco M.T. , Brunelli C. , Kaasa S. , Caraceni A. , Apolone G.
Published: December 2012

Background

Dealing with cancer pain implies assessing the intensity and other attributes of pain and identifying appropriate outcomes and endpoints to evaluate the effect of treatments.

Methods

In the context of an observational longitudinal prospective study, 1461 painful cancer patients were evaluated at baseline and weekly over 4 weeks. Four pain intensity (PI) measures (worst, average, least and right now: WP, AP, LP, and PRN), pain relief and patients’ satisfaction with pain treatments were recorded. Starting from these data, we extrapolated the full responder (FR) subjects, whose PI decreased by ≥2 points, or by ≥30%, or who obtained a final score of ≤5 points, according to criteria previously suggested by literature. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to estimate the predictive accuracy.

Results

All the PI measures decreased from the initial to final visit: the reduction was 1.9 as WP, 1.3, 0.8 and 1.2 as AP, LP and PRN, respectively. The proportion of FR differed from 47.8% to 88.3% depending on PI measures and the criterion adopted. ROC analysis showed an acceptable accuracy of all endpoints and confirmed the cut‐offs recommended by the literature. The best criterion corresponded to a PI absolute value of ≤4 points when measured as AP.

Conclusions

All measures applied seem able to profile the evolution of pain, with some differences. This implies the need of an appropriate choice of outcomes and endpoints according to the goal and objective of the intervention under evaluation.
Comparative immunomodulatory properties of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells conditioned media from BALB/c, C57BL/6, and DBA mouse strains
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mahmoud , Hassan Zuhair Mohammad , Pourfathollah Ali Akbar , Soudi Sara , Shafiee Abbas , Soleimani Masoud
Published: December 2012

Adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD‐MSCs) have been shown to be capable of differentiating into multiple cell type and exert immunomodulatory effects. Since the selection of ideal stem cell is apparently crucial for the outcome of experimental stem cell therapies, therefore, in this study we compared AD‐MSCs conditioned media (CM) from BALB/c, C57BL/6, and DBA mouse strains. No significant difference was found in the morphology, cell surface markers, in vitro differentiation and proliferation potentials of AD‐MSCs isolated from C57BL/6, BALB/c, and DBA mice. The immunological assays showed some variation among the strains in the cytokines, nitric oxide (NO), and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) production and immunomodulatory effects on splenocytes functions. Our results indicated a suppression of splenocytes proliferation in the presence of AD‐MSC CM from the three inbred mouse strains. However, BALB/c CM exerted a higher suppression of splenocytes proliferation. AD‐MSCs isolated from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice produced higher levels of TGF‐β than those from DBA mice. Furthermore, IL‐17 and IDO production was higher in AD‐MSCs isolated from BALB/c mice. Our results indicated an increased production of TGF‐β, IL‐4, IL‐10, NO, and IDO by splenocytes in response to CM from BALB/c AD‐MSCs. In conclusion, our results showed that the immunomodulatory properties of mouse AD‐MSCs is strain‐dependent and this variation should be considered during selection of appropriate stem cell source for in vivo experiments and stem cell therapy strategies. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 955–965, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gas‐containing gallstones as a cause of the “effervescent gallbladder” sign and pneumobilia
Authors: Niederhauser Blake D. , Atwell Thomas D. , MacCarty Robert L. , Bender Claire E.
Published: December 2012

The “effervescent gallbladder” sign, the sonographic finding of tiny echogenic foci rising from the dependent portion of the gallbladder, reminiscent of bubbles rising in a glass of champagne, has been reported previously as a finding of emphysematous cholecystitis. We report two additional cases of this unusual finding in an asymptomatic patient and in a patient with acute, gangrenous cholecystitis, confirmed in both cases by CT, to be secondary to the release of gas from gallstones. These two cases cast doubt on the sonographic sign as a pathognomonic finding of emphysematous cholecystitis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:50–53, 2013
Relationships between aerosols and precipitation in the southern Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Kelly G. M. , Taubman B. F. , Perry L. B. , Sherman J. P. , Soulé P. T. , Sheridan P. J.
Published: December 2012

There are many uncertainties associated with aerosol‐precipitation interactions, particularly in mountain regions where a variety of processes at different spatial scales influence precipitation patterns. Statistical relationships between aerosols and precipitation were examined in the southern Appalachian Mountains to determine the seasonal and synoptic influences on these relationships, as well as the influence of air mass source region. Precipitation events were identified based on regional precipitation data and classified using a synoptic classification scheme developed for this study and published in a separate manuscript (Kelly et al. 2012). Hourly aerosol data were collected at the Appalachian Atmospheric Interdisciplinary Research (AppalAIR) facility at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC (1110 m asl, 36.215°, –81.680°). Backward air trajectories provided information on upstream atmospheric characteristics and source regions. During the warm season (June–September), greater aerosol loading dominated by larger particles was observed, whereas cool season (November–April) precipitation events exhibited overall lower aerosol loading with an apparent influence from biomass burning particles. A significant relationship between aerosol optical properties and precipitation intensity was observed, which may be indicative of aerosol‐induced precipitation enhancement in each season, particularly during warm season non‐frontal precipitation.
Oxidation Kinetics of Simvastatin Using Cetyltrimethylammonium Dichromate
Authors: Sahoo Prangya Rani , Patel Sabita , Mishra B. K.
Published: December 2012

This article reports an attempt on the studies on resistance of oxidative stress by the prodrug, simvastatin (SV). Cetyltrimethylammonium dichromate has been used as a lipid compatible oxidant to study the oxidation kinetics of SV in organic media. The reaction undergoes via an ionic mechanism without any side product. The reaction is found to be acid catalyzed and sensitive to solvent polarity. The increase in the rate constant due to an increase in hydrophobicity (apolarity) of the solvent indicates the existence of a less polar transition state. Furthermore, the decrease in the rate constant due to an increase in [CTAB] suggests partitioning of the substrates and the oxidants into two different domains with different polar characteristics akin to a reversed micellar aggregates. Considering the above results and the thermodynamic parameters, a reaction mechanism has been proposed, wherein a complex formed at the interface of the two domains due to the reactant and the oxidant in a fast process decomposes to the products in a slow process in the nonpolar bulk.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel ambipolar polymer semiconductor based on a fumaronitrile core as an electron‐withdrawing group
Authors: Jeong Hyung‐Gu , Khim Dongyoon , Jung Eunhwan , Yun Jin‐Mun , Kim Juhwan , Ku Jamin , Jang Yun Hee , Kim Dong‐Yu
Published: December 2012

Two conjugated polymers containing stilbene and fumaronitrile moieties were synthesized to investigate their electronic properties by the existence of electron‐withdrawing cyano groups on a vinylene backbone. The cyclic voltammetry investigation and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations indicated that the cyano substituents lowered the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level by about 0.65 and 0.63 eV, respectively. The lowering of the LUMO energy levels due to the electron‐withdrawing properties of the cyano substituents could enhance electron injection capability. Furthermore, bithiophene‐fumaronitrile (donor‐acceptor) intermolecular interaction facilitates the self‐assembly of the polymer chains. Organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) based on PBTSB without the electron‐withdrawing group only exhibit hole transport, while OFETs based on PBTFN with cyano substituents exhibit ambipolar characteristics. The growth of PBTFN crystalline fibrils was observed with increasing annealing temperature, which enhanced hole and electron mobility. A complementary‐like inverter using PBTFN with ambipolar properties exhibited good symmetry with an inverting voltage nearly half that of the power supply with a gain of 9 at VDD = 100 V. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Hollow spheres of aromatic polyamide prepared by reaction‐induced phase separation
Authors: Fujitsu Yuji , Nakayama Hirofumi , Uchida Tetsuya , Yamazaki Shinichi , Kimura Kunio
Published: December 2012

Hollow spheres of aromatic polyamide are obtained by the reaction‐induced phase separation during polymerization of 5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid and 1,4‐phenylene diamine in an aromatic solvent at a concentration of 1–2% at 320 °C without stirring. The hollow sphere has a dimple hole and the diameters of the hollow spheres are 3–4 μm. The droplets are initially generated via liquid–liquid phase separation and then rigid cross‐linked network structure formed the rigid skin layer on the surface of the droplets. The solidification of the droplets occurred owing to the further polymerization in them with maintaining the morphology to form the hollow spheres. The hollow spheres exhibit outstanding thermal stability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Structural properties of Si/SiO2 nanostructures grown by decomposition of substoichiometric SiOxNy layers for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Roczen Maurizio , Laades Abdelazize , Schade Martin , Barthel Thomas , Ordeñez Jose , Töfflinger Jan Amaru , Malguth Enno , Ruske Florian , Leendertz Caspar , Korte Lars , Leipner Hartmut S. , Rech Bernd
Published: December 2012

The structural properties of crystalline Si nanodots embedded in a SiO2 matrix are investigated with respect to the exploitation of quantum confinement effects (QCE) in Si solar cells. The nanostructures are grown on crystalline Si (c‐Si) wafers by decomposition of substoichiometric SiOxNy layers with various [O]/[Si] ratios. Cross‐sectional high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy investigations reveal the formation of separated single crystalline nanodots with diameters below 5 nm inside the SiOxNy volume and directly on the c‐Si wafer. The density and diameter of the nanodots decreases with increasing [O]/[Si] ratio, leading to inter‐dot distances above 10 nm for [O]/[Si]>1.3. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra are blue‐shifted relative to the Si bulk PL, which is in good agreement with theoretical QCE models. It is found that for observing the PL signal the nanodots must be covered by a SiO2 shell to reduce charge carrier recombination via defects at the nanodot surface. This requires an [O]/[Si] ratio >0.5 for which the inter‐dot distance becomes too large for charge carrier transport between the nanodots. It is concluded that a better control over the nanodot formation at high [O]/[Si] ratios has to be achieved before QCE can be successfully applied in Si solar cell devices.
How valid and applicable are current diagnostic criteria and assessment methods for dentin hypersensitivity? An overview
Authors: Gernhardt Christian R.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Although dentin hypersensitivity is a common clinical condition and is generally reported by the patient after experiencing a sharp, short pain caused by one of several different external stimuli, it is often inadequately understood. The purpose of this paper is to discuss different available diagnostic approaches and assessment methods used in order to suggest a basis to diagnose, monitor, and measure these challenging painful conditions related to dentin hypersensitivity in daily practice and scientific projects properly.

Material and methods

A PubMed literature search strategy including the following MeSH terms were used as follows: “dentin sensitivity”[MeSH Terms] OR “dentin”[All Fields] AND “sensitivity”[All Fields] OR “dentin sensitivity”[All Fields] OR “dentin”[All Fields] AND “hypersensitivity”[All Fields] OR “dentin hypersensitivity”[All Fields] AND “diagnosis”[Subheading] OR “diagnosis”[All Fields] OR “diagnosis”[MeSH Terms] AND “assessment”[All Fields] AND (“methods”[Subheading] OR “methods”[All Fields] OR “methods”[MeSH Terms]. Furthermore, alternative terms such as “validity,” “reliability,” “root,” “cervical,” “diagnostic criteria,” and “hypersensitivities” were additionally evaluated.

Results

The literature search, also including the alternative terms and journals, revealed only a small number of specific papers related to valid diagnosis, diagnostic criteria, and assessment methods of dentin hypersensitivity. Outcomes from these publications showed that the response to different stimuli varies substantially from one person to another and is, due to individual factors, often difficult to assess correctly. Furthermore, the cause of the reported pain can vary, and the patient’s description of the history, symptoms, and discomfort might be different from one to another, not allowing a reliable and valid diagnosis.

Conclusions

The dental practitioner, using a variety of diagnostic and measurement techniques each day, will often have difficulties in differentiating dentin hypersensitivity from other painful conditions and in evaluating the success of a conducted therapy in a reliable way.

Clinical relevance

Correct diagnosis of dentin hypersensitivity including a patient’s history screening and a brief clinical examination in combination with the identification of etiologic and predisposing factors, particularly dietary and oral hygiene habits associated with erosion and abrasion, is essential. The relevant differential diagnosis should be considered to exclude all other dental conditions with similar pain symptoms.
Perceived support from adults, interactions with police, and adolescents' depressive symptomology: An examination of sex, race, and social class
Authors: Tummala‐Narra Pratyusha , Sathasivam‐Rueckert Nina
Published: December 2012

Several risk factors, including female sex, racial minority status, and family poverty, have been implicated in adolescents' depression. The present study focused on the role of one specific aspect of adolescents' ecological context, interactions with adults, in depressive symptomology. We examined the relationship between perceived support from adult family members and adults at school and depressive symptomology, and the relationship between negative interactions with police and depressive symptomology among adolescents, across sex, race, and social class. Participants included 707 adolescents (349 boys and 358 girls) from an urban high school. Analyses revealed that perceived support from adult family members was negatively associated with depressive symptoms, that negative interactions with police were positively associated with depressive symptoms, and that these relationships varied with respect to sex, race, and social class. The implications of the findings for research and practice with adolescents are discussed.
First‐generation neuronal precursors in the crayfish brain are not self‐renewing
Authors: Benton Jeanne L. , Chaves da Silva Paula Grazielle , Sandeman David C. , Beltz Barbara S.
Published: December 2012

Adult‐born neurons in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are the progeny of 1st‐generation precursor cells (functionally analogous to neuronal stem cells in vertebrates) that are located in a neurogenic niche on the ventral surface of the brain. The daughters of these precursor cells migrate along the processes of bipolar niche cells to proliferation zones in the cell clusters where the somata of the olfactory interneurons reside. Here they divide again, producing offspring that differentiate into olfactory local and projection neurons. The features of this neuronal assembly line, and the fact that it continues to function when the brain is isolated and perfused or maintained in organotypic culture, provide opportunities unavailable in other organisms to explore the sequence of cellular and molecular events leading to the production of new neurons in adult brains. Further, we have determined that the 1st‐generation precursor cells are not a self‐renewing population, and that the niche is, nevertheless, not depleted as the animals grow and age. We conclude, therefore, that the niche is not a closed system and that there must be an extrinsic source of neuronal stem cells. Based on in vitro studies demonstrating that cells extracted from the hemolymph are attracted to the niche, as well as the intimate relationship between the niche and vasculature, we hypothesize that the hematopoietic system is a likely source of these cells.
Sensitivity and specificity of ventromedial prefrontal cortex tests in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Bertoux Maxime , Funkiewiez Aurélie , O'Callaghan Claire , Dubois Bruno , Hornberger Michael
Published: December 2012

Background

Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is characterized by early and substantial ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) dysfunction. To date, however, there is no consensus regarding which tests are most sensitive and specific to assess VMPFC dysfunction in this condition.

Methods

In this study we compared the sensitivity and specificity of four common VMPFC specific tests (Mini‐SEA, Go/No‐Go Subtest of the Frontal Assessment Battery, Reversal‐Learning Test, and Iowa Gambling Task) at first clinic presentation in two neurodegenerative cohorts (bvFTD, Alzheimer's disease) and age‐matched, healthy controls.

Results

We found that the Mini‐SEA, evaluating theory of mind and emotion processes, emerged as the most sensitive and specific of the VMPFC tests employed. The Mini‐SEA alone successfully distinguished bvFTD and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in >82% of subjects at first presentation. Similarly, the FAB Go/No‐Go and Reversal‐Learning Tests also showed very good discrimination power, but to a lesser degree. The Iowa Gambling Task, one of the most common measures of VMPFC function, was the least specific of these tests.

Conclusion

Sensitivity to detect VMPFC dysfunction was high across all test employed, but specificity varied considerably. The Mini‐SEA emerged as the most promising of the VMPFC‐specific diagnostic tests. Clinicians should take into account the variable specificity of currently available VMPFC tests, which can complement current carer‐based questionnaires and clinical evaluation to improve the diagnosis of behavioral dysfunctions due to VMPFC dysfunction.
The Australian Judiciary
Authors: Campbell Enid , Lee H. P.
Published: December 2012

The second edition of H. P. Lee's The Australian Judiciary provides a timely update to this seminal text. The only definitive survey of the entire Australian judiciary, this text describes and evaluates the work, techniques, problems and the future of the different tiers of courts and judges. It discusses the role of the judiciary as the third sector of government and analyses and comments on judicial conduct, judicial independence and impartiality, the work of judges beyond the courts, the accountability of judges and the dangers to judicial institutions. It is an excellent reference work which will appeal to legal scholars and practitioners throughout Australia and internationally.
Scalability, Density, and Decision Making in Cognitive Wireless Networks
Authors: Marshall Preston
Published: December 2012

This cohesive treatment of cognitive radio and networking technology integrates information and decision theory to provide insight into relationships throughout all layers of networks and across all wireless applications. It encompasses conventional considerations of spectrum and waveform selection and covers topology determination, routing policies, content positioning and future hybrid architectures that fully integrate wireless and wired services. Emerging flexibility in spectrum regulation and the imminent adoption of spectrum-sharing policies make this topic of immediate relevance both to the research community and to the commercial wireless community.
• Features specific examples of decision-making structures and criteria required to extend network density and scaling to unprecedented levels
• Integrates sensing, control plane and content operations into a single cohesive structure
• Provides simpler and more powerful models of network operation
• Presents a unique approach to decision-making and to mechanisms for adjusting control plane activity to ensure network scaling
• Generalises the concepts of shared and adaptive spectrum policies
• Addresses network transport operations and dynamic management of cognitive wireless networks' own information seeking behaviour
Regional Anesthesia in Trauma
Authors: Gadsden Jeff
Published: December 2012

The management of pain from acute injuries is a priority in trauma care. Regional analgesic techniques are very effective at treating acute pain and are gaining in popularity as recognition of their beneficial effects on morbidity increases. Regional Anesthesia in Trauma employs multiple narrative problem-solving case scenarios that explore the use of regional anesthesia in: • Blunt chest trauma, amputations, upper and lower extremity fractures and spinal injury • Burn injury • Patients with pre-existing nerve injury and other co-morbidities • Patients at risk for compartment syndrome • Pregnant, obese, elderly and pediatric patients • Local anesthetic systemic toxicity With a focus on ultrasound-guided techniques, the reader is guided through the technical aspects of performing regional anesthesia as well as the medical and surgical considerations that influence the choice of analgesic therapy. Regional Anesthesia in Trauma is invaluable for practitioners and trainees in anesthesiology, emergency medicine and trauma surgery.
Deficits, Debt, and the New Politics of Tax Policy
Authors: Ippolito Dennis S.
Published: December 2012

The Constitution grants Congress the power 'to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises'. From the First Congress until today, conflicts over the size, role and taxing power of government have been at the heart of national politics. This book provides a comprehensive historical account of US tax policy that emphasizes the relationship between taxes and other budget components. It explains how wars, changing conceptions of the domestic role of government, and beliefs about deficits and debt have shaped the modern tax system. The contemporary focus of this book is the partisan battle over budget policy that began in the 1960s and triggered the disconnect between taxes and spending that has plagued the budget ever since. With the US government now facing its most serious deficit and debt challenge in the modern era, partisan debate over taxation is almost completely divorced from fiscal realities.
The Penetration of Arabia
Authors: Hogarth David George
Published: December 2012

The archaeologist D. G. Hogarth (1862–1927) was, when he died, keeper of the Ashmolean Museum and president of the Royal Geographical Society. During the First World War he was acting director of the Arab Bureau in Cairo, where he was instrumental in launching the Arab Revolt, in which T. E. Lawrence, a protégé of his, played so prominent a part. This book, published in 1904 as the Hejaz railway was being built, is a summary of earlier explorations in the Arabian peninsula, by both Muslim and European travellers. Hogarth's first visit to Arabia was not made until 1916, when he travelled to Jeddah with £10,000 in gold to finance the revolt; this book is instead based on his extensive reading of travel literature, included in a bibliography for each chapter. It is thus interesting for its historiographical analysis as well as a background to Hogarth's subsequent political involvement with the region.
Bioethics in Perspective
Authors: Mann Scott
Published: December 2012

In Bioethics in Perspective Scott Mann demonstrates the importance of issues of corporate power, global inequality and sustainability in shaping health outcomes around the world. The text develops a comprehensive ethical and practical critique of the neoliberal economic ideas which have guided policy in the English-speaking world. It explores the consequences of such policies for health and healthcare around the world, in terms of increasing health inequalities, serious food and water shortages, inadequate health care provision and the marketing of dangerous and unnecessary drugs. With clear proposals for political and economic reform to effectively address these problems, Bioethics in Perspective provides an important counterbalance to much conventional commentary on bioethics. It takes readers with little or no prior knowledge of ethics, economics or medicine quickly and easily into advanced debates and discussions about the causes and consequences of health and illness around the world.
International Organizations in WTO Dispute Settlement
Authors: Foltea Marina
Published: December 2012

This book analyses the role of international organizations in WTO dispute settlement as arising from a number of WTO disputes. In particular, the roles of the IMF, WIPO, WCO and WHO are addressed. The use of the Vienna Convention rules of interpretation framework allows an evaluation of the weight attributed to this material by the WTO adjudicator. This allows specific conclusions to be drawn regarding the level of institutional sensitivity of the WTO adjudicator to each of the organizations. As well as being a valuable source of research, the analysis will appeal to international law scholars, civil servants and law practitioners interested in the WTO and dispute settlement.
Structural Information Theory
Authors: Leeuwenberg Emanuel L. J. , Helm Peter A. van der
Published: December 2012

Structural information theory is a coherent theory about the way the human visual system organises a raw visual stimulus into objects and object parts. To humans, a visual stimulus usually has one clear interpretation even though, in theory, any stimulus can be interpreted in numerous ways. To explain this, the theory focuses on the nature of perceptual interpretations rather than on underlying process mechanisms and adopts the simplicity principle which promotes efficiency of internal resources rather than the likelihood principle which promotes veridicality in the external world. This theoretically underpinned starting point gives rise to quantitative models and verifiable predictions for many visual phenomena, including amodal completion, subjective contours, transparency, brightness contrast, brightness assimilation and neon illusions. It also explains phenomena such as induced temporal order, temporal context effects and hierarchical dominance effects, and extends to evaluative pattern qualities such as distinctiveness, interestingness and beauty.
Democracy and the Politics of Electoral System Choice
Authors: Ahmed Amel
Published: December 2012

Amel Ahmed brings new historical evidence and a novel theoretical framework to bear on the study of democratization. Looking at the politics of electoral system choice at the time of suffrage expansion among early democratizers, she shows that the electoral systems used in advanced democracies today were initially devised as exclusionary safeguards to protect pre-democratic elites from the impact of democratization and, particularly, the existential threat posed by working-class mobilization. The ubiquitous use and enduring nature of these safeguards calls into question the familiar picture of democracy moving along a path of increasing inclusiveness. Instead, what emerges is a picture that is riddled with ambiguity, where inclusionary democratic reforms combine with exclusionary electoral safeguards to form a permanent part of the new democratic order. This book has important implications for our understanding of the dynamics of democratic development both in early democracies and in emerging democracies today.
Lyapunov spectrum of invariant subbundles of the Hodge bundle
Authors: FORNI GIOVANNI , MATHEUS CARLOS , ZORICH ANTON
Published: December 2012

We study the Lyapunov spectrum of the Kontsevich–Zorich cocycle on SL(2,ℝ)-invariant subbundles of the Hodge bundle over the support of SL(2,ℝ)-invariant probability measures on the moduli space of Abelian differentials. In particular, we prove formulas for partial sums of Lyapunov exponents in terms of the second fundamental form (the Kodaira–Spencer map) of the Hodge bundle with respect to the Gauss–Manin connection and investigate the relations between the central Oseledets subbundle and the kernel of the second fundamental form. We illustrate our conclusions in two special cases.
Approaching the Mughal Past in Indian Art Criticism: The case of MARG (1946 –1963)
Authors: SINGH DEVIKA
Published: December 2012

The paper examines the model value of the Mughal period in MARG, the leading art journal of 1940s and 1950s India. It combines a discussion of some of the key historiographical questions of Indian art history and the role played by specific art historians, including European exiles who were among the contributors to the journal, with broader questions on the interaction of national cultural identity with global modernism. In this context, the Mughal period—celebrated in MARG for its synthesis of foreign and indigenous styles—was consistently put forward as an example for contemporary artists and architects. From its inception in 1946 until the 1960s the review favoured a return to the spirit of India's prestigious artistic past, but not to its form. Its editorials and articles followed a clearly anti-revivalist and cosmopolitan line. It aimed at redressing misunderstandings that had long undermined the history of Indian art and surmounting the perceived tensions in art and architecture between a so-called Indian style and a modern, international one.
An implausible model and evolutionary explanation of the revenge motive
Authors: Gintis Herbert
Published: December 2012

McCullough et al.'s target article is a psychological version of the reputation models pioneered by biologist Robert Trivers (1971) and economist Robert Frank (1988). The authors, like Trivers and Frank, offer an implausible explanation of the fact that revenge is common even when there are no possible reputational effects. I sketch a more plausible model based on recent research.
Why so complex? Emotional mediation of revenge, forgiveness, and reconciliation
Authors: Aureli Filippo , Schaffner Colleen M.
Published: December 2012

Humans have the cognitive abilities to implement the revenge and forgiveness systems hypothesized by McCullough et al., but the evidence suggests that simpler processes may underlie most revenge cases in humans and other animals. The mediating role of emotions can be at the basis of the flexibility needed in the hypothesized systems and the associated assessment of social relationships.
Immigration, wealth and the ‘mortality plateau’ in emergent industrial cities of nineteenth-century Massachusetts
Authors: LEONARD SUSAN HAUTANIEMI , BEEMER JEFFREY K. , ANDERTON DOUGLAS L.
Published: December 2012

The mortality transition in Western Europe and the United States encompassed a much more complex set of conditions and experiences than earlier thought. Our research addresses the complex set of relationships among growing urban communities, family wealth, immigration and mortality in New England by examining individual-level, sociodemographic mortality correlates during the nineteenth-century mortality plateau and its early twentieth-century decline. In contrast to earlier theories that proposed a more uniform mortality transition, we offer an alternative hypothesis that focuses on the impact of family wealth and immigration on individual-level mortality during the early stages of the mortality transition in Northampton and Holyoke, Massachusetts.