bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for the management of recurrent difficult bile duct stones after previous endoscopic sphincterotomy
Authors: Yoon Hyung Geun , Moon Jong Ho , Choi Hyun Jong , Kim Dong Choon , Kang Myung Soo , Lee Tae Hoon , Cha Sang‐Woo , Cho Young Deok , Park Sang‐Heum , Kim Sun‐Joo
Published: April 2013

Background

Endoscopic management of recurrent bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is effective and safe. However, repeat EST for extension of a previous EST for recurrent bile duct stones may involve substantial risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) without repeat EST for recurrent difficult bile duct stones after previous EST.

Patients and Methods

From January 2006 to October 2010, a total of 52 patients were enrolled; all had undergone EPLBD (balloon diameter: 12–20 mm) to remove recurrent difficult bile duct stones after previous EST. In all patients, stone removal had failed with conventional methods using a basket and/or balloon. The size of the balloon for EPLBD was selected to fit the diameter of the common bile duct or the largest stone.

Results

The median interval between initial EST and stone recurrence was 2.2 years (range 1–10). Median diameters of thelargest stone and balloon were 20.1 mm (range 12–40) and 14.7 mm (range 12–20), respectively. Complete stone removal was achieved in all patients (100%). The median number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography sessions needed for complete stone removal was 1.6 (range 1–3). Additional lithotripsy was required in 16 patients (30.7%). No procedure‐related complications were documented, with the exception of four cases of asymptomatic hyperamylasemia. The recurrence rate of CBD stones after bile duct clearance was 17.3% (9/52) during the follow‐up period (mean 27.0 ± 14.1 months).

Conclusions

EPLBD without repeat EST is effective and relatively safe for the extraction of recurrent difficult bile duct stones after previous EST.
Ventilatory function in children with severe motor disorders using night‐time postural equipment
Authors: Dawson Nicola C , Padoa Kathryn A , Bucks Romola S , Allen Penny , Evans Hazel , McCaughey Elizabeth , Hill Catherine M
Published: April 2013

Aim

Night‐time postural equipment (NTPE) can prevent hip subluxation in children with severe motor disorders (SMDs). However, it is unclear how it affects ventilatory function. The aims of the study were to determine how NTPE use affects ventilatory function and to compare night‐to‐night variability of ventilatory function in children with SMDs and typically developing healthy children.

Method

Fifteen NTPE users (six males, nine females), aged 1 to 19 years (mean age 8y 7mo) alternated sleep condition between NTPE and sleeping unsupported for 14 nights. In all but two participants, gross motor function was classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V; in the other two it was level IV. Oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2) was monitored each night and transcutaneous CO2 (PtcCO2) for one night in each sleep condition. In 17 healthy children of similar age, home SpO2 only was monitored for seven nights.

Results

In 13 of 15 NTPE users and 12 of the 17 typically developing children, SpO2 monitoring was satisfactorily completed. Of the children with SMDs, two had mean SpO2 levels below the treatment threshold for supplemental oxygen, which was uniquely associated with use of NTPE in only one participant, and three had nocturnal hypoventilation, which was uniquely associated with NTPE use in only one case. Night‐to‐night SpO2 variability was higher in children with SMDs than in typically developing children.

Interpretation

NTPE may impair or enhance ventilatory function in a minority of children. Owing to night‐to‐night variability in SpO2, at least three nights of monitoring are recommended to determine optimal positioning for effective ventilation before and after NTPE introduction.
Guidelines for the organisation of continuing professional development activities for the European dentist
Authors: Suomalainen K. , Karaharju‐Suvanto T. , Bailey S. , Bullock A. , Cowpe J. , Barnes E. , Thomas H. , Thomas R. , Kavadella A. , Kossioni A. , Kersten H. , Povel E. , Giles M. , Walmsley D. , Soboleva U. , Liepa A. , Akota I.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Free movement of dental professionals across the European Union calls for more uniform continuing education in dentistry to ensure up‐to‐date, high‐quality patient care and patient safety. This article provides guidelines for the management and delivery of high‐quality continuing professional development (CPD) by European dental schools and other CPD providers.

Method

The guidelines are based on an extensive literature inventory, a survey of existing practices (both available as separate publications), discussions during meetings of the Association for Dental Education in Europe in 2011 and 2012 and debate amongst the members of the DentCPD project team representing six dental schools.

Results

On the basis of the literature review, survey and discussions, we recommend that (i) every dentist should be given the opportunity for CPD, (ii) providers should be quality‐approved and impartial, (iii) educators should be approved, impartial, suitably trained, and with educational expertise, (iv) the mode of CPD delivery should suit the educational activity, with clear learning objectives or outcomes, (v) effort should be made to assess the learning, (vi) participant feedback should be collected and analysed to inform future developments and (vii) uniform use of the pan‐European system of learning credit points (ECTS) should be implemented.

Conclusion

Implementation of these guidelines should make dental CPD more transparent to all relevant parties and facilitate the transferability of earned credits across the European Union. It will also enable better quality control within dentistry, resulting in enhanced dental care and ultimately the improvement in patient safety.
Core continuing professional development (CPD) topics for the European dentist
Authors: Bailey S. , Bullock A. , Cowpe J. , Barnes E. , Thomas H. , Thomas R. , Kavadella A. , Kossioni A. , Karaharju‐Suvanto T. , Suomalainen K. , Kersten H. , Povel E. , Giles M. , Walmsley A. D. , Soboleva U. , Liepa A. , Akota I.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

In the context of free movement, EU‐citizens need assurance that dental practitioners providing their care have a degree/license to practice that meets EU‐standards and that they maintain their knowledge and skills through ongoing education.

Aim

One aim of the ‘DentCPD’ project (HYPERLINK ‘http://www.dentcpd.org’ www.dentcpd.org) was to identify and agree essential CPD requirements for EU dentists. This paper reports the consensus process and outcomes.

Methods

Agreement on core components of CPD was achieved through a three stage process: an online survey of dental educators' (n = 143) views on compulsory topics; a paper‐based questionnaire to practitioners (n = 411); leading to a proposal discussed at the Association for Dental Education (ADEE) 2011 Lifelong Learning special interest group (SIG).

Results

From the online survey and practitioner questionnaire, high levels of agreement were achieved for medical emergencies (89%), infection control (79%) and the medically compromised patient (71%). The SIG (34 attendees from 16 countries) concluded that these three CPD topics plus radiation protection should be core‐compulsory and three CPD topics should be core‐recommended (health and safety, pain management, and safeguarding children & vulnerable adults). They also agreed that the teaching of all topics should be underpinned by evidence‐based dentistry.

Conclusion

Building four core topics into CPD requirements and making quality‐approved education and training available will ensure that all dentists have up‐to‐date knowledge and skills in topic areas of direct relevance to patient safety. In turn, this will contribute to patients having access to comparably high standards of oral health care across Europe.
Realism and Representation: The Case of Rembrandt's Hat
Authors: Morris Michael
Published: April 2013

Some artistic representations—the painting of a hat in a famous picture by Rembrandt is an example—are able to present vividly the character of what they represent precisely by calling attention to their medium of representation. There is a puzzle about this whose structure, I argue, is analogous to that of a familiar Kantian problem for traditional realism. I offer a precise characterization of the puzzle, before arguing that an analogue for the case of representation to the Kantian solution to the problem for traditional realism is implausible. I offer an alternative solution to the puzzle about representation which also explains why we should be interested in artistic representation in the first place. I close with the outline of a possible realist response to the traditional Kantian problem.
Comparison of soil carbon stocks in Scottish soils between 1978 and 2009
Authors: Chapman S. J. , Bell J. S. , Campbell C. D. , Hudson G. , Lilly A. , Nolan A. J. , Robertson A. H. J. , Potts J. M. , Towers W.
Published: April 2013

The change in soil carbon (C) stock over a 19–31‐year period (mean 25 years) has been measured at 179 sites on a 20‐km grid across Scotland. Sampling was by horizon from a profile pit. Although soil bulk density determinations were absent at the first sampling time, we used bulk density values from the second sampling time calibrated against NIR spectra to predict the missing values. There was no detectable change in overall total soil C stock (mean ± standard error, to a depth of 100 cm), which was 266 ± 15 and 270 ± 15 t C ha−1 for the first and second sampling times, respectively, or generally in C stock within specific vegetation or soil types. The exception was for soils under woodland, excluding those on deep peat, which exhibited a significant (P = 0.05) gain of 1.0 t C ha−1 year−1. Soils under woodland (mainly coniferous plantation) also showed a significant (P = 0.04) increase in C content (g kg−1), a significant decrease in bulk density (P = 0.006) and an increase in the thickness of the Litter‐Fermentation‐Humus (LFH) layer (P = 0.06). Recalculating the C stock to a depth of 15 cm showed a significant increase in overall C stock (when deep peat sites were excluded) as well as specifically in moorland and woodland soils, suggesting that had we sampled only to 15 cm, we would have reached a different conclusion. Both improved grassland soils and those initially under arable cultivation showed a significant decrease in C content. However, the mean thickness of Ap horizons increased from 29 to 32 cm, with a concomitant decrease in C content and a slight increase in bulk density; this we ascribe to deeper ploughing between the sample periods. In the context of possible soil C losses, we can be 95% confident that the mean loss does not exceed 0.2% year−1 and 99% confident that it does not exceed 0.4% year−1.
The tail wagging the dog – regulation of lipid metabolism by protein kinase C
Authors: Schmitz‐Peiffer Carsten
Published: April 2013

Upon their discovery almost 40 years ago, isoforms of the lipid‐activated protein kinase C (PKC) family were initially regarded only as downstream effectors of the second messengers calcium and diacylglycerol, undergoing activation upon phospholipid hydrolysis in response to acute stimuli. Subsequently, several isoforms were found to be associated with the inhibitory effects of lipid over‐supply on glucose homeostasis, especially the negative cross‐talk with insulin signal transduction, observed upon accumulation of diacylglycerol in insulin target tissues. The PKC family has therefore attracted much attention in diabetes and obesity research, because intracellular lipid accumulation is strongly correlated with defective insulin action and the development of type 2 diabetes. Causal roles for various isoforms in the generation of insulin resistance have more recently been confirmed using PKC‐deficient mice. However, during characterization of these animals, it became increasingly evident that the enzymes play key roles in the modulation of lipid metabolism itself, and may control the supply of lipids between tissues such as adipose and liver. Molecular studies have also demonstrated roles for PKC isoforms in several aspects of lipid metabolism, such as adipocyte differentiation and hepatic lipogenesis. While the precise mechanisms involved, especially the identities of protein substrates, are still unclear, the emerging picture suggests that the currently held view of the contribution of PKC isoforms to metabolism is an over‐simplification. Although PKCs may inhibit insulin signal transduction, these enzymes are not merely downstream effectors of lipid accumulation, but in fact control the fate of fatty acids, thus the tail wags the dog.
Are Stock‐for‐Stock Acquirers of Unlisted Targets Really Less Overvalued?
Authors: Louis Henock
Published: April 2013

Extant studies assume that targets’ private ownership mitigates acquirers’ incentives and opportunities to finance acquisitions with inflated stocks. This view stems from the observation that, although the average stock‐for‐stock acquirer's merger announcement return is negative when the target is listed, it is positive when the target is unlisted. Accordingly, extant studies often suggest that announcements of stock‐for‐stock acquisitions of unlisted targets convey favorable private information about the acquirers. However, an analysis of stock‐for‐stock acquirers’ stock performance, abnormal accruals, net operating assets, and insider trading suggests the opposite. Acquirers of unlisted targets are generally more overvalued than acquirers of listed targets.
Self‐cleaning effects of acrylic resin containing fluoridated apatite‐coated titanium dioxide
Authors: Sawada Tomofumi , Sawada Tomoji , Kumasaka Tomonari , Hamada Nobushiro , Shibata Takeshi , Nonami Toru , Kimoto Katsuhiko
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Specific materials when used in the manufacture of dentures can enhance the elimination of micro‐organisms to promote oral hygiene. We used Candida albicans adhesion assays, methylene blue (MB)‐decomposition tests and mechanical property tests to evaluate the photocatalytic properties of acrylic resin containing fluoridated apatite‐coated titanium dioxide (FAp‐TiO2) after treatment with ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation.

Background

Conventional denture cleaning methods are unable to completely eliminate micro‐organisms from dentures.

Materials and methods

Test specimens were prepared using acrylic resin containing three types of TiO2 powder [FAp‐TiO2, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and hydroxyapatite‐coated TiO2 (HAp‐TiO2)]; n = 96. In the adhesion assay, test specimens were incubated in a fungal suspension and subjected to UVA irradiation, and the number of attachments of C. albicans on the test specimens was counted. The MB‐decomposition test and the three‐point bending test were then performed to assess the photocatalytic effects of the FAp‐TiO2‐containing acrylic resin.

Results

Fluoridated apatite‐coated titanium dioxide‐containing acrylic resin demonstrated superior effectiveness in inhibiting C. albicans adherence as well as in decomposing MB. In the three‐point bending test, the resin showed a smaller decrease in flexural strength compared with TiO2‐ or HAp‐TiO2‐containing acrylic resin. Furthermore, UVA irradiation for 360 h did not significantly influence its flexural strength or elasticity modulus as compared with the control; this fulfils the requirements of International Organization for Standardization 1567:1999.

Conclusion

Fluoridated apatite‐coated titanium dioxide‐containing acrylic resin is a clinically suitable material that promotes proper denture hygiene, particularly for elderly persons requiring nursing care or who have a decreased ability to perform normal activities of daily living.
Atenolol use is associated with long‐term mortality in community‐dwelling older adults with hypertension
Authors: Testa Gianluca , Cacciatore Francesco , Della‐Morte David , Mazzella Francesca , Mastrobuoni Chiara , Galizia Gianluigi , Gargiulo Gaetano , Rengo Franco , Bonaduce Domenico , Abete Pasquale
Published: April 2013

Aim

The role of atenolol, a non‐vasodilating beta‐blocker drug, on long‐term mortality in hypertensive older adults is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate long‐term mortality in community‐dwelling hypertensive older adults taking atenolol.

Methods

Long‐term mortality after 12‐year follow up in isolated hypertensive older adults (n = 972) was analyzed. The patients were stratified in the presence and absence of atenolol use. Systolic, diastolic and pulse arterial pressure were measured.

Results

Older adults taking atenolol showed a greater mortality and higher pulse arterial pressure values than those not taking atenolol (73.9% vs 55.0%; P = 0.047 and 74.7 ± 14.1 vs 63.0 ± 14.2 mmHg, P < 0.001, respectively). Cox regression analysis showed that atenolol use (hazard risk 1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.04–4.31; P = 0.04) and pulse arterial pressure (hazard risk 1.02; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.03; P = 0.032) were predictive of long‐term mortality.

Conclusions

Atenolol use was related to increased mortality in community‐dwelling hypertensive Older adults. This increase in mortality risk seems to be related to an increase of pulse arterial pressure. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 153–158.
M WORLD SPECIAL REPORT
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: April 2013

How mobile phones are changing the world – and the challenges facing the next mobile revolution.
MOBILE NUMBERS
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: April 2013

A happy side effect of the mobile revolution is an array of stunning stats.
MOBILISING AGAINST DIABETES
Authors: Chandy Rajesh , Ramdas Kamalini
Published: April 2013

Diabetes, a condition where a person's blood sugar level is too high because their body is unable to control it properly, is a chronic disease on the increase.
M READING
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: April 2013

Bookshelves and ebook libraries increasingly feature new thoughts and fears on mobile communication. We present our recommended e‐reading.
FIZZY LOGIC: BUBBLING UP
Authors: Vermeulen Freek
Published: April 2013

Freek Vermeulen reveals what is on his research agenda.
THE RIGHT PRICE, AT THE RIGHT MOMENT, TO THE RIGHT CUSTOMER
Authors: Ham Tim , Bertini Marco
Published: April 2013

Every company has to put a price on what it sells, but Tim Ham and Marco Bertini have found that most companies often fail at this important task in a manner that jeopardises long‐term value. And, there are surprisingly large rewards for those companies that invest in even the simplest of price optimisation techniques.
IN SEARCH OF BETTER HOSPITALS
Authors: Shaukat Sikander , Younis Naeem
Published: April 2013

What do better performing hospitals do that other hospitals do not?Sikander Shaukat and Naeem Younis examine best practice.
FACE VALUES: JOHN KAY: ECONOMICS WITH A KAY
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: April 2013

The founding editor of Business Strategy Review, John Kay is one of the UK's leading economists. He writes for the Financial Times and his books include Obliquity. Most recently Kay chaired the UK government's Review of Equity Markets and Long‐Term Decision‐Making. He talked with Stuart Crainer.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: BEING AND DOING: ARE YOU CALLING ME A CHEAT?
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: April 2013

Christopher Bryan, Gabrielle Adams, and Benoît Monin. “Cheating” vs. “Being a Cheater”. When Cheating Would Make You a Cheater: Implicating the Self Prevents Unethical Behaviour, forthcoming in the Journal of Experimental Psychology.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: HAPPY EQUALS: WEALTH AND WELL‐BEING
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: April 2013

Shigehiro Oishi, Selin Kesebir, and Ed Diener, ‘Income Inequality and Happiness’, Psychological Science, September 2011, vol. 22 no. 9 1095–1100.
VOICES: NOT‐SO‐SECRET: DEADLY SINS OF MANAGEMENT
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian
Published: April 2013

What is it about bad bosses that we find so fascinating? Perhaps, like every anti‐hero, we find the bad manager a ripe target for criticism or, at least, extensive discussion. Julian Birkinshaw, however, says that bad bosses can change for the better. It all starts with knowing what needs changing.
VOICES: THE BIGGER GAME FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS
Authors: Dahad Manisha , Thoms Jackie
Published: April 2013

Manisha Dahad and Jackie Thorns chart the emerging agenda of global organisations being asked to go beyond profitability to create value for society as a whole.
VOICES: SEE, BE, DO: PUTTING THE ‘I’ IN LEADERSHIP
Authors: Nicholson Nigel
Published: April 2013

The ‘I’ of Leadership: Strategies for Seeing, Being and Doing. Nigel Nicholson explains his leadership formula.
MY DAY: A DAY WITH THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF UNLEASH, THERESE KINAL
Authors: Kinal Therese S.
Published: April 2013

Therese S. Kinal, Go‐Founder and Managing Director of consulting firm, Unleash, lets us into her diary.
Freezing of gait caused by infarction in the unilateral genu of the corpus callosum
Authors: Kinno Ryuta , Yamazaki Takahiro , Owan Yoshiyuki , Uchiyama Masanobu , Kii Yoshitaka , Fukui Toshiya
Published: April 2013

A 72‐year‐old man experienced a sudden onset of gait difficulty. He showed freezing of gait when he began walking with the right foot. When he followed an instruction to begin walking with the left foot and used visual cueing provided by a walking stick, an improvement in the freezing of gait was accomplished. Magnetic resonance imaging showed selective lesions in the left genu of the corpus callosum. We inferred that the freezing of gait was caused by the callosal lesions. This case implies that the white‐matter pathways are critical in the development of freezing of gait.
Reaction Synthesis and Mechanical Properties ofLu4Si2O7N2
Authors: Sun Luchao , Liu Mingyue , Zheng Liya , Lu Xinpo , Wang Jingyang , Hu Zijun
Published: April 2013

CrystallizedLu–Si–O–Nphases were believed to be the grain‐boundary (GB) phases that might provideSi3N4with excellent high‐temperature mechanical properties. However, little is known about the intrinsic properties, as well as the synthesis, of theLu–Si–O–Nceramics. This work reveals the reaction paths of heatingLu2O3,SiO2, andSi3N4powder mixtures (with the stoichiometry of 4:0.96:1) from room temperature to 1600°C. Thereafter, denseLu4Si2O7N2samples are synthesized byin situreaction/hot‐pressing method, and the mechanical properties at room temperature and elevated temperatures are reported for the first time. TheLu4Si2O7N2samples show significant high‐temperature mechanical properties, such as the elastic stiffness remains 77% from room temperature to 1500°C; and bending strength keeps 93% from room temperature to 1400°C. The present results shine a light onLu4Si2O7N2as a promising targetGBphase for the optimization of high‐temperature mechanical properties ofSi3N4.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 abrogates microglial oxidative stress and TNF‐α responses to spreading depression
Authors: Grinberg Yelena Y. , Dibbern Megan E. , Levasseur Victoria A. , Kraig Richard P.
Published: April 2013

Spreading depression (SD), the most likely cause of migraine aura and perhaps migraine, occurs with increased oxidative stress (OS). SD increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ROS, in turn, can signal to increase neuronal excitability, which includes increased SD susceptibility. SD also elevates tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), which increases neuronal excitability. Accordingly, we probed for the cellular origin of OS from SD and its relationship to TNF‐α, which might promote SD, using rat hippocampal slice cultures. We observed significantly increased OS from SD in astrocytes and microglia but not in neurons or oligodendrocytes. Since insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) mitigates OS from SD, we determined the cell types responsible for this effect. We found that IGF‐1 significantly decreased microglial but not astrocytic OS from SD. We also show that IGF‐1 abrogated the SD‐induced TNF‐α increase. Furthermore, TNF‐α application increased microglial but not astrocytic OS, an effect abrogated by IGF‐1. Next, we showed that SD increased SD susceptibility, and does so via TNF‐α. This work suggests that microglia promote SD via increased and interrelated ROS and TNF‐α signaling. Thus, IGF‐1 mitigation of microglial ROS and TNF‐α responses may be targets for novel therapeutics development to prevent SD, and perhaps migraine.

image

Spreading depression (SD), the likely cause of migraine, occurs with increased TNF‐α and oxidative stress (OS), which we show is specific to microglia and astrocytes. We then show TNF‐α and SD itself increase susceptibility to subsequent SD. IGF‐1 decreases TNF‐α and microglial OS from SD. These findings support IGF‐1 and microglial OS as potential therapeutic targets against SD and perhaps migraine.
Neuropsychological function and memory suppression in conversion disorder
Authors: Brown Laura B. , Nicholson Timothy R. , Aybek Selma , Kanaan Richard A. , David Anthony S.
Published: April 2013

Conversion disorder (CD) is a condition where neurological symptoms, such as weakness or sensory disturbance, are unexplained by neurological disease and are presumed to be of psychological origin. Contemporary theories of the disorder generally propose dysfunctional frontal control of the motor or sensory systems. Classical (Freudian) psychodynamic theory holds that the memory of stressful life events is repressed. Little is known about the frontal (executive) function of these patients, or indeed their general neuropsychological profile, and psychodynamic theories have been largely untested. This study aimed to investigate neuropsychological functioning in patients with CD, focusing on executive and memory function. A directed forgetting task (DFT) using words with variable emotional valence was also used to investigate memory suppression. 21 patients and 36 healthy controls completed a battery of neuropsychological tests and patients had deficits in executive function and auditory‐verbal (but not autobiographical) memory. The executive deficits were largely driven by differences in IQ, anxiety and mood between the groups. A subgroup of 11 patients and 28 controls completed the DFT and whilst patients recalled fewer words overall than controls, there were no significant effects of directed forgetting or valence. This study provides some limited support for deficits in executive, and to a lesser degree, memory function in patients with CD, but did not find evidence of altered memory suppression to support the psychodynamic theory of repression.
Cognitive Decision Strategies Adopted in Reminder Tasks by Trained Judges When Discriminating Aqueous Solutions Differing in the Concentration of Citric Acid
Authors: Stocks Miriam A. , van Hout Danielle , Hautus Michael J.
Published: April 2013

Four sensory difference tests – A‐Not A, two‐alternative forced choice (2‐AFC) and their reminder counterparts, A‐Not A with reminder task (A‐Not AR) and 2‐AFC with reminder task (2‐AFCR) – were applied to pairs of aqueous solutions containing different concentrations of citric acid to determine the decision strategy adopted by judges in the reminder tasks, and which of the four tasks has the greatest test sensitivity. Three solution types, each containing a different number of compounds, were employed to determine if the strategy adopted or test sensitivity is contingent upon the number of compounds in solution. Auditory and visual research suggests that observers adopt a tau (τ) strategy for simple stimuli (which could be likened to a solution containing a few compounds) and a beta (β) strategy for complex stimuli (which could be likened to a solution containing several compounds). Results suggest that the strategy adopted for the 2‐AFCR task is fairly consistent across judges and solution types, whereas that for A‐Not AR is fairly consistent across judges but depends on solution type. All four tasks were found to have similar test sensitivity. The results highlight the need for caution when using difference tests when the decision strategy being used by judges is not known. Relatively large errors in estimates of performance can result from an incorrect assumption.

Practical Applications

Changes to ingredients, processing and storage methods frequently challenge manufacturers who strive to maintain products that will appeal to consumers. Difference tests can assist the manufacturer in determining the effect of such changes on perception. Difference tests need to be effective in use and must produce valid and reliable results. A‐Not A and 2‐AFC tasks are sensitive to sensory differences, and are frequently used, but require a time‐consuming familiarization procedure. A‐Not AR and 2‐AFCR do not require this, as they provide a comparative reminder stimulus on each trial. Comparisons of these four tasks showed all to be equal in test sensitivity, a component of validity, however, not equal in reliability. Of the reminder tasks, A‐Not AR was less reliable, as decision strategy depended on stimulus type, whereas in 2‐AFCR, decision strategy was more consistent, particularly for stimuli containing more components.
Group therapy in public mental health services: approaches, patients and group therapists
Authors: Lorentzen S. , Ruud T.
Published: April 2013

Accessible summary

There is a plethora of different types of group therapy in public mental health services. Psychodynamic groups are most frequent, followed by cognitive‐behavioural and psycho‐educative groups. Groups with mixed theoretical background are frequent.

Patients with similar diagnosis are offered different group approaches, but some trends exist.

The development of clinician–researcher networks will facilitate research on regular patients in clinical contexts.

The largest proportion of group therapists are nurses. More group therapists should be trained.

Group therapy is used extensively within public mental health services, but more detailed knowledge is needed. All 25 health authorities in Norway were invited to describe their groups: theory, primary tasks, interventions, structure, patients and therapists. Four hundred twenty‐six groups, 296 in community mental health centres and 130 in hospitals, were categorized into nine types, based on theoretical background. Psychodynamic groups were most frequent, followed by cognitive‐behavioural, psycho‐educative, social skills/coping and art/expressive groups. Weekly sessions of 90 min and treatment duration <6 or >12 months was most frequent. Main diagnosis for 2391 patients: depression (517), personality disorder (396), schizophrenia/psychosis (313) and social phobia (249). Patients with depression or personality disorder were mostly in psychodynamic groups, psychosis/bipolar disorder in psycho‐educative groups. Cognitive‐behavioural groups were used across several diagnoses. Most therapists were nurses, only 50% had a formal training in group therapy. There is a plethora of groups, some based on one theoretical school, while others integrate theory from several ‘camps’. Patients with similar diagnosis were offered different group approaches, although some trends existed. More research evidence from regular clinical groups is needed, and clinician–researcher networks should be developed. More group therapists with formal training are needed.
Association Between Prostate Volume and Red Cell Distribution Width
Authors: ZORBA Orhan Ü , UZUN Hakkı , ÖNEM Kadir , ÇETINKAYA Mehmet , RIFAIOĞLU Murat , AKÇA Nezih
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To evaluate relation between red cell distribution width (RDW) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

The overall study population consisted of 942 men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), ranging in age from 60 to 85 years old. Patients with disorder or medication that can influence lower urinary tract or erythrocytes were excluded from the study. The relationship between RDW, white blood cell (WBC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were assessed with multivariate linear regression model. Patients were analyzed in four groups stratified according to the quartiles of prostate volume. The one‐way analysis of variance (anova) was used to compare RDW, WBC CRP, and ESR between different quartiles of prostate volume.

Results

A graded and independent association of RDW with the prostate volume was identified (P = 0.001). RDW was significantly associated with prostate volume in multivariate linear regression model that was adjusted for age and hemoglobin. IPSS was significantly correlated with RDW, CRP and ESR. However significance was lost after adjustment for age and prostate volume. The RDW was significantly associated with the surgical treatment in the multivariate linear regression model that was adjusted for age and prostate volume.

Conclusions

A correlation between an increased RDW and prostate volume was suggested by the new data from this study. This relation may be a consequence of inflammatory stress arising from BPH. The significant association between the easy, inexpensive RDW may provide a rational basis to include the RDW in algorithms for surgery risk prediction.
Minocycline suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by increasing tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases
Authors: Niimi Naoko , Kohyama Kuniko , Matsumoto Yoh
Published: April 2013

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are secreted by activated T cells play a significant role in degradation of the extracellular matrix around the blood vessels and facilitate autoimmune neuroinflammation; however, it remains unclear how MMPs act in lesion formation and whether MMP‐targeted therapies are effective in disease suppression. In the present study, we attempted to treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by administration of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and minocycline, all of which have MMP‐inhibiting functions. Minocycline, but not siRNAs, significantly suppressed disease development. In situ zymography revealed that gelatinase activities were almost completely suppressed in the spinal cords of minocycline‐treated animals, while significant gelatinase activities were measured in the EAE lesions of control animals. However, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 mRNAs and proteins in the spinal cords of treated rats were unexpectedly upregulated. At the same time, mRNA for tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP)‐1 and ‐2 were also upregulated. The EnzChek Gelatinase/Collagenase assay using tissue containing native MMPs and TIMPs demonstrated that gelatinase activity levels in the spinal cords of treated rats were suppressed to the same level as those in normal spinal cord tissues. Finally, double immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that MMP‐9 immunoreactivities of treated rats were almost the same as those of control rats and that MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 immunoreactivities were colocalized in the spinal cord. These findings suggest that minocycline administration does not suppress MMPs at mRNA and protein levels but that it suppresses gelatinase activities by upregulating TIMPs. Thus, MMP‐targeted therapies should be designed after the mechanisms of candidate drugs have been considered.
Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery: Validation of the Japanese version
Authors: Kaneda Yasuhiro , Ohmori Tetsuro , Okahisa Yuko , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Pu Shenghong , Ueoka Yoshinori , Takaki Manabu , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Sora Ichiro
Published: April 2013

Aim

This preliminary study was performed to test the reliability and validity of the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), developed by the National Institute of Mental Health MATRICS initiative, as an assessment tool in a Japanese‐language version (MCCB‐J).

Methods

The subjects for the present study were 37 patients with schizophrenia. Each subject gave written informed consent to participate in the research. In order to examine the validity of the MCCB‐J, the correlation between the MCCB‐J and the Japanese‐language version of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) was determined.

Results

Cronbach's alpha for the MCCB‐J was 0.72. The MCCB‐J composite score was significantly correlated with all subtests of the MCCB‐J. There was a significant correlation between the MCCB‐J and the BACS composite score.

Conclusion

This preliminary study indicates that the MCCB‐J has good psychometric properties and validity.
Species‐Specific Responses to Combined Thermal‐irradiance Stress in Microalgae – “Each is to its Own”
Authors: Neale Patrick
Published: April 2013

This article is a highlight of the study by Stamenkovic and Hanelt in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology describing the high‐irradiance photophysiology of several strains of freshwater chlorophyte microalgal genus, Cosmarium. These strains exhibit distinct differences in how combined thermal‐ high irradiance stress is managed which can be related to the temperature and irradiance conditions of their native habitat.
Mu suppression as an indicator of activation of the perceptual‐motor system by smoking‐related cues in smokers
Authors: Dickter Cheryl L. , Kieffaber Paul D. , Kittel Julie A. , Forestell Catherine A.
Published: April 2013

The goal of the current study was to determine whether activation of the mirror neuron system, as measured by mu rhythm desynchronization, varied as a function of image content in smokers compared with nonsmokers. EEG activity was recorded while participants passively viewed images depicting smoking‐related and nonsmoking‐related stimuli. In half of the images, cues were depicted alone (inactive), while for the remaining images, cues were depicted with humans interacting with them (active). For the nonsmoking stimuli, smokers and nonsmokers showed greater mu suppression to the active cues compared to the inactive cues. However, for the smoking‐related stimuli, smokers showed greater perception‐action coupling for the active cues as reflected in their enhanced mu suppression, compared to nonsmokers. The results of the current study support the involvement of the perceptual‐motor system in the activation of motivated drug use behaviors.
Acid–Base Parameters and Steroid Concentrations in Pre‐Ovulatory Follicles and Plasma of Lactating Dairy Cows with Spontaneous and Synchronized Oestrus or Follicular Cyst
Authors: Hussein HA , Boryczko Z , Bostedt H
Published: April 2013

Contents

The study aimed to compare the acid–base balance and steroid concentrations between follicular fluids (FF) of pre‐ovulatory follicles derived from a spontaneous oestrus (SO), synchronized or induced oestrus (IO) and follicular cysts (CYS) and between FF and blood in dairy cows. Forty‐two dairy cows were included in this study. The animals were allocated to three groups: SO (n = 23); IO (n = 11) using GnRH at day 0 and day 9 and PGF2α at day 7; and animals with CYS (n = 10). The follicular fluids (FF) were aspirated from the cyst/pre‐ovulatory follicles (∅ ≥ 15 mm) after SO and after second GnRH dose in IO by transvaginal ultrasound‐guided ovum pick‐up technique. Blood samples (BL) were collected in heparinized vacutainer tubes. The oxygen tension (pO2) in FF of IO was higher (p < 0.05) than in SO and CYS groups. There were negative correlations (p < 0.001, r = −0.89) between FF and blood pO2. The carbon dioxide tension (pCO2) and lactate level in FF of CYS group were higher (p < 0.05) than in SO and IO groups. There were negative correlations (p < 0.01, r = −0.73) between blood and FF pO2. Oestradiol‐17β concentration in pre‐ovulatory follicles and plasma of the SO group was higher (p < 0.001) than in IO and CYS groups. Progesterone concentration in pre‐ovulatory follicles and plasma of the SO and IO groups was lower (p < 0.01) than in CYS group. Plasma androstenedione concentration in SO and IO groups was higher (p < 0.05) than in CYS group. In conclusion, acid–base parameters, E2 and P4 levels in the follicular fluid of both IO and CYS groups were deviated greatly from the physiological level (disturbances of intrafollicular/intracystic environment), which may affect the quality of both the oocyte and the granulosa cells.
Economic Strain, Education and Attitudes towards Foreigners in the European Union
Authors: Gang Ira N. , Rivera‐Batiz Francisco L. , Yun Myeng‐Su
Published: April 2013

Surveys carried out by the Eurobarometer survey series show a sharp increase in the negative attitudes of European citizens towards foreigners between 1988 and 2003, but a noticeable reversal of this trend between 2003 and 2008. This paper provides a statistical analysis of the determinants of attitudes towards foreigners and analyzes the factors associated with changes in anti‐foreigner sentiment among European citizens. The paper concludes that while rising racial prejudice accounts for a substantial portion of the trend in anti‐foreigner sentiment, economic conditions also matter, with economic strain leading to more negative attitudes. At the same time, educational attainment is shown to be a strong antidote to anti‐foreigner attitudes. Both rising average schooling and more positive attitudes towards foreigners by the highly educated have led to a reversal of the climbing anti‐immigrant sentiments in Europe. The paper discusses policy implications and the potential effects of the European economic collapse since 2008.
Is Internal Migration in Yemen Driven by Climate or Socio‐economic Factors?
Authors: Joseph George , Wodon Quentin
Published: April 2013

Identifying the impact of climate on migration is a difficult undertaking because migration is a multi‐causal phenomenon, with a wide range of physical, climatic, cultural, and socio‐economic factors influencing decisions made by individuals and households. Combining data from the latest census in Yemen with a weather database as well as other geographic information, we assess the push and pull factors that may drive migration. These factors include climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall and their variability, socio‐economic factors such as the attractiveness of the areas of origin and destination among others in terms of employment, education, and irrigation, and cost factors as proxied by the distance between the places of origin and destination. The results suggest that climate variables do affect migration, but in a limited way, with socio‐economic and cost factors playing a much more prominent role.
The Costs of Babylon—Linguistic Distance in Applied Economics
Authors: Isphording Ingo Eduard , Otten Sebastian
Published: April 2013

Linguistic distance, i.e. the dissimilarity between languages, is an important factor influencing international economic transactions such as migration or international trade flows by imposing hurdles for second language acquisition and increasing transaction costs. To measure these costs, we suggest using a new measure of linguistic distance. The Levenshtein distance is an easily computed and transparent approach of including linguistic distance into econometric applications. We show its merits in two different applications. First, the effect of linguistic distance in the language acquisition of immigrants is analyzed using data from the 2000 US Census, the German Socio‐Economic Panel, and the National Immigrant Survey of Spain. Across countries, linguistic distance is negatively correlated with reported language skills of immigrants. Second, applying a gravity model to data on international trade flows covering 178 countries and 52 years, it is shown that linguistic distance has a strong negative influence on bilateral trade volumes.
Residential Choice Constraints and Environmental Justice
Authors: Kim Yushim , Campbell Heather , Eckerd Adam
Published: April 2013

Objective

In the environmental justice literature, uncertainty exists about the underlying causes of environmental risk disparities, especially as they relate to residential choices. To simplify, the two dominant views are racism/discrimination versus inevitable market dynamics. In this article, we move aside from these to examine the potential role of various residential choice constraints on environmental injustice and how they may be interrelated.

Methods

Using an agent‐based simulation model, we examine the interaction of race‐based constraints with other experimental conditions that can affect minorities’ residential choice sets.

Results

Simulation experiments demonstrate that if the minority holds relatively lower similarity preferences, the environmental quality gap declines when other conditions are held constant. However, racial parity in communities also decreases the environmental quality gap, as do slower population growth and larger geographies.

Conclusion

These results enable us to look at the problem of race‐based environmental injustice more holistically, and begin to think about holistic solutions that may finally address what has heretofore been an intractable social problem.
The rice GERMINATION DEFECTIVE 1, encoding a B3 domain transcriptional repressor, regulates seed germination and seedling development by integrating GA and carbohydrate metabolism
Authors: Guo Xiaoli , Hou Xiaomei , Fang Jun , Wei Piwei , Xu Bo , Chen Mingluan , Feng Yuqi , Chu Chengcai
Published: April 2013

It has been shown that seed development is regulated by a network of transcription factors in Arabidopsis including LEC1 (LEAFY COTYLEDON1), L1L (LEC1‐like) and the B3 domain factors LEC2, FUS3 (FUSCA3) and ABI3 (ABA‐INSENSITIVE3); however, molecular and genetic regulation of seed development in cereals is poorly understood. To understand seed development and seed germination in cereals, a large‐scale screen was performed using our T–DNA mutant population, and a mutant germination‐defective1 (gd1) was identified. In addition to the severe germination defect, the gd1 mutant also shows a dwarf phenotype and abnormal flower development. Molecular and biochemical analyses revealed that GD1 encodes a B3 domain‐containing transcription factor with repression activity. Consistent with the dwarf phenotype of gd1, expression of the gibberelic acid (GA) inactivation gene OsGA2ox3 is increased dramatically, accompanied by reduced expression of GA biosynthetic genes including OsGA20ox1, OsGA20ox2 and OsGA3ox2 in gd1, resulting in a decreased endogenous GA4 level. Exogenous application of GA not only induced GD1 expression, but also partially rescued the dwarf phenotype of gd1. Furthermore, GD1 binds to the promoter of OsLFL1, a LEC2/FUS3‐like gene of rice, via an RY element, leading to significant up‐regulation of OsLFL1 and a large subset of seed maturation genes in the gd1 mutant. Plants over‐expressing OsLFL1 partly mimic the gd1 mutant. In addition, expression of GD1 was induced under sugar treatment, and the contents of starch and soluble sugar are altered in the gd1 mutant. These data indicate that GD1 participates directly or indirectly in regulating GA and carbohydrate homeostasis, and further regulates rice seed germination and seedling development.