bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bi‐Level Model for Planning Signalized and Uninterrupted Flow Intersections in an Evacuation Network
Authors: Liu Yue , Luo Zhenke
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The problem to be addressed in this paper is the lack of an advanced model in the literature to locate the optimal set of intersections in the evacuation network for implementing uninterrupted flow and signal control strategies, respectively, which can yield the maximum evacuation operational efficiency and the best use of available budgets. An optimization model, proposed in response to such needs, contributes to addressing the following critical questions that have long challenged transportation authorities during emergency planning, namely: given the topology of an evacuation network, evacuation demand distribution, and a limited budget, (1) how many intersections should be implemented with the signals and uninterrupted flow strategies; (2) what are their most appropriate locations; and (3) how should turning restriction plans be properly designed for those uninterrupted flow intersections? The proposed model features a bi‐level framework. The upper level determines the best locations for uninterrupted flow and signalized intersections as well as the corresponding turning restriction plans by minimizing the total evacuation time, while the lower level handles routing assignments of evacuation traffic based on the stochastic user equilibrium (SUE) principle. The proposed model is solved by a genetic algorithm (GA) ‐based heuristic. Extensive analyses under various evacuation demand and budget levels have indicated that the location selection of uninterrupted flow and signalized intersections plays a key role in emergency traffic management. The proposed model substantially outperforms existing practices in prioritizing limited resources to the most appropriate control points by significantly reducing the total evacuation time (up to 39%).
Making death ‘good’: instructional tales for dying in newspaper accounts of Jade Goody’s death
Authors: Frith Hannah , Raisborough Jayne , Klein Orly
Published: August 2012

Facilitating a ‘good’ death is a central goal for hospices and palliative care organisations. The key features of such a death include an acceptance of death, an open awareness of and communication about death, the settling of practical and interpersonal business, the reduction of suffering and pain, and the enhancement of autonomy, choice and control. Yet deaths are inherently neither good nor bad; they require cultural labour to be ‘made over’ as good. Drawing on media accounts of the controversial death of UK reality television star Jade Goody, and building on existing analyses of her death, we examine how cultural discourses actively work to construct deaths as good or bad and to position the dying and those witnessing their death as morally accountable. By constructing Goody as bravely breaking social taboos by openly acknowledging death, by contextualising her dying as occurring at the end of a life well lived and by emphasising biographical continuity and agency, newspaper accounts serve to position themselves as educative rather than exploitative, and readers as information‐seekers rather than ghoulishly voyeuristic. We argue that popular culture offers moral instruction in dying well which resonates with the messages from palliative care.
UncertWeb Processing Service: Making Models Easier to Access on the Web
Authors: Jones Richard , Cornford Dan , Bastin Lucy
Published: August 2012

Models are central tools for modern scientists and decision makers, and there are many existing frameworks to support their creation, execution and composition. Many frameworks are based on proprietary interfaces, and do not lend themselves to the integration of models from diverse disciplines. Web‐based systems, or systems based on web services, such as Taverna and Kepler, allow the composition of models based on standard web service technologies. At the same time the Open Geospatial Consortium has been developing their own service stack, which includes the Web Processing Service, designed to facilitate execution of geospatial processing – including complex environmental models. The current Open Geospatial Consortium service stack employs Extensible Markup Language as a default data exchange standard, and widely‐used encodings such as JavaScript Object Notation can often only be used when incorporated with Extensible Markup Language. Similarly, no successful engagement has been seen of the Web Processing Service standard with the well‐supported technologies of Simple Object Access Protocol and Web Services Description Language. In this article we propose a pure Simple Object Access Protocol/Web Services Description Language processing service, which addresses some of the issues with the Web Processing Service specification and brings us closer to achieving a degree of interoperability between geospatial models, thus realizing the vision of a useful ‘model web’.
COMPETITION VERSUS STABILITY IN BANKING
Authors: Oppenheimer Peter
Published: August 2012

COLLECTED WORKS OF WALTER BAGEHOT: THE ECONOMIC ESSAYS, VOLUMES IX—XI, edited by Norman St John Stevas
Rational formulation design
Authors: Lane M. E. , Hadgraft J. , Oliveira G. , Vieira R. , Mohammed D. , Hirata K.
Published: August 2012

Synopsis

To be efficacious and to satisfy the requirements for claim substantiation, a cosmetic formulation must achieve effective targeting of an active in the skin. Although the basic principles governing the skin permeation and disposition of molecules have been known for many years, attention has been far less focused on the role of the vehicle, particularly at cosmetically relevant doses. In this article, we discuss the necessity to understand the fate of the formulation components as well as the active once applied onto skin. Recent data confirm that the residence time of the formulation constituents can have a profound impact on the fate of the active. Approaches to identify the ideal vehicle for skin delivery are considered critically, specifically the recent work on ‘formulating for efficacy’ (FFE) by the late Johann Wiechers. Essentially, FFE aims to match the active with the optimal vehicle for skin delivery based on matching polarity/solubility values of the trinity of skin, active and vehicle. The emerging importance of techniques that provide insight to how the vehicle distributes in and on skin is highlighted.
The revised COLIPA in vitro UVA method
Authors: Moyal D. , Alard V. , Bertin C. , Boyer F. , Brown M.W. , Kolbe L. , Matts P. , Pissavini M.
Published: August 2012

Synopsis

A multicentred study derived from the COLIPA in vitro UVA method was performed to assess the influence of test conditions on UVA protection factor (UVAPF) values in terms of amplitude, reproducibility between laboratories and correlation with in vivo UVA results. Eight products with a range of in vivo UVAPF from three to 29 were used. Two different types of plates, namely high‐roughness (5 μm) and low‐roughness (2 μm) plates, were used with a different application rate for each (1.3 mg cm−2 and 0.75 mg cm−2 respectively). The UVR dose applied to both plate types followed the same principle as the original test (1.2 J. cm−2 × UVAPF0). Strong, significant correlations between in vitro and in vivo UVAPF values were observed for both plate types (Pearson correlation > 0.9, P ≤ 0.01). The correlation and slope obtained with the low‐roughness plates confirmed the previous results obtained by COLIPA. Across all laboratories, higher UVAPF values were obtained on the high‐roughness plates (P < 0.01). Reproducibility of UVAPF values between laboratories was comparable between the two plate roughness values (low roughness, COV = 8%; high roughness, COV = 12%). Considering the in vitro/in vivo comparisons, a regression slope of 0.83 was observed for the low‐roughness plates, in comparison with a value of 1.05 for the high‐roughness plates. The accuracy of the method was improved, therefore, with the use of the high‐roughness plates. With a constraint to recommend the use of only one plate type in the COLIPA UVA in vitro Test, the high‐roughness plate was selected on an on‐going basis to limit variability of results and to provide better accuracy with in vivo data.
Absolute reliability of isokinetic knee flexion and extension measurements adopting a prone position
Authors: Ayala F. , De Ste Croix M. , Sainz de Baranda P. , Santonja F.
Published: August 2012

The main purpose of this study was to determine the absolute and relative reliability of isokinetic peak torque (PT), angle of peak torque (APT), average power (PW) and total work (TW) for knee flexion and extension during concentric and eccentric actions measured in a prone position at 60, 180 and 240° s−1. A total of 50 recreational athletes completed the study. PT, APT, PW and TW for concentric and eccentric knee extension and flexion were recorded at three different angular velocities (60, 180 and 240° s−1) on three different occasions with a 72‐ to 96‐h rest interval between consecutive testing sessions. Absolute reliability was examined through typical percentage error (CVTE), percentage change in the mean (ChM) and relative reliability with intraclass correlations (ICC3,1). For both the knee extensor and flexor muscle groups, all strength data (except APT during knee flexion movements) demonstrated moderate absolute reliability (ChM < 3%; ICCs > 0·70; and CVTE < 20%) independent of the knee movement (flexion and extension), type of muscle action (concentric and eccentric) and angular velocity (60, 180 and 240° s−1). Therefore, the current study suggests that the CVTE values reported for PT (8–20%), APT (8–18%) (only during knee extension movements), PW (14–20%) and TW (12–28%) may be acceptable to detect the large changes usually observed after rehabilitation programmes, but not acceptable to examine the effect of preventative training programmes in healthy individuals.
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF OBSIDIAN SOURCING STUDIES IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH*
Authors: FREUND K. P.
Published: August 2012

This paper thematically characterizes a large body of recent obsidian sourcing discourse as a means of highlighting the current place of obsidian provenance studies in larger archaeological discourse. It is shown that the field of obsidian sourcing is flourishing, with a clear upward trend in the number of published studies in the past decade. This paper further argues that sourcing is a means to an end, a way to determine where artefacts originate, and thus a means of addressing broader archaeological problems. Through this contextual framework, obsidian sourcing studies—and indeed all provenance studies—are seen as relevant because they transcend the increasingly specialized world of archaeological discourse.
REGIONAL ACCOUNTS: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN THE RECENT EXPERIENCE OF ARGENTINA
Authors: SOURROUILLE J. V.
Published: August 2012

This paper examines some problems in the recent experience with regional accounts in Argentina. In Section I a detailed exploration of the possibility of an adaptation of the UN System of National Accounts to any one regional division of a country is presented. The proposal is introduced in matrix form, compatible with the SNA. In Section II selected problems in the definition of the concept of residence and their implications, particularly in the production accounts, are discussed. The presentation is based upon examples for the construction sector, interregional transport, the services of public administration, and the branches of public enterprises resident outside the region. In Section III the principal conclusions of the usefulness, possibility and priorities of regional accounts in Argentina are noted.
THE SOVIET PATH TO ECONOMIC GROWTH: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: COHN STANLEY H.
Published: August 2012

Considerable attention has been devoted in the past to the methodological issues involved in the measurement and explanation of economic growth. Following the method pioneered by Denison and applied by him to the United States and Western Europe, comparative studies have been made of various other countries; that for Japan is of special interest. The present paper extends the analysis to the Soviet Union. In order to preserve comparability, the analysis follows the Denison methodology exactly, and compares the results with those for the United States, Northwest Europe, and Japan.
DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH IN AUSTRALIA*
Authors: PODDER N. , KAKWANI N. C.
Published: August 2012

This paper discusses the distribution of wealth derived from the Australian Survey of Consumer Finances and Expenditures, 1966‐68, carried out jointly by Macquarie University and the University of Queensland. It analyzes the composition of net worth, assets, and liabilities by socio‐demographic characteristics and over time.
THE VALUE OF HOUSEHOLD SERVICES: A SURVEY OF EMPIRICAL ESTIMATES*
Authors: HAWRYLYSHYN OLI
Published: August 2012

This paper surveys the various estimates that have been made of the value of household services, summarizing the methods used and comparing the statistical results. It concludes that there is wide variability in the results obtained, much of which can be attributed to the differing methods. The highest values are obtained with methods based upon the opportunity cost of women in paid employment, lower with methods based upon the cost of a single housekeeper, and lowest with methods based upon pricing individual services performed. On the basis of time use studies, three factors are found to affect very strongly the value of services performed: family size, wife's market‐work status, and age of youngest child. The value of total household services should include not only the wife's contribution, but also that of the husband and children, which may amount to as much as a third of the total. The increasing burden of more children, however, appears to fall mainly on the wife, with some relief from older children; the amount of time spent by husbands appears relatively invariant to number of children or work status of the wife.
Dyeing of silk fabric with phenazine from Pseudomonas species
Authors: Saranya Rajasekar , Jayapriya Jayaprakash , Tamilselvi Alagumuthu
Published: August 2012

Phenazines, namely oxychlororaphin and pyorubin, were extracted from Pseudomonas sp., purified and their dyeing potential as colorants for silk dyeing were examined. The effects of the process variables, such as phenazine concentration, pH, temperature, time, type of mordant, relative colour strength and fastness properties have been studied. The results showed that the optimum condition for dyeing was 90 °C at pH 3 and dyeing time 90 min for oxychlororaphin, and 70 °C at pH 3 and dyeing time 60 min for pyorubin. The K/S value of a pre‐mordanted silk fabric with oxychlororaphin was high when compared to that with the pyorubin. The antimicrobial activity of a dyed silk fabric was tested against Salomonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli and Shigella flexneri.
Global Warming Potential of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass Stored in the Anthroposphere and Used for Bioenergy at End of Life
Authors: Guest Geoffrey , Cherubini Francesco , Strømman Anders H.
Published: August 2012

There is growing interest in understanding how storage or delayed emission of carbon in products based on bioresources might mitigate climate change, and how such activities could be credited. In this research we extend the recently introduced approach that integrates biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes with the global carbon cycle (using biogenic global warming potential [GWPbio]) to consider the storage period of harvested biomass in the anthroposphere, with subsequent oxidation. We then examine how this affects the climate impact from a bioenergy resource. This approach is compared to several recent methods designed to address the same problem. Using both a 100‐ and a 500‐year fixed time horizon we calculate the GWPbiofactor for every combination of rotational and anthropogenic storage periods between 0 and 100 years. The resulting GWPbiofactors range from −0.99 (1‐year rotation and 100‐year storage) to +0.44 (100‐year rotation and 0‐year storage). The approach proposed in this study includes the interface between biomass growth and emissions and the global carbon cycle, whereas other methods do not model this. These results and the characterization factors produced can determine the climate change benefits or impacts associated with the storage of biomass in the anthroposphere, and the subsequent release of biogenic CO2with the radiative forcing integrated in a fixed time window.
Medial Humeral Epicondylitis in Cats
Authors: Streubel Ronny , Geyer Hans , Montavon Pierre M.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To describe medial humeral epicondylitis in cats based on radiographic, anatomic, and histologic observations.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Animals

Feline cadavers (n = 60).

Methods

Extended craniocaudal, and extended and flexed mediolateral radiographic projections were taken of both elbows of 60 consecutiveEuropean shorthair cats that died or were euthanatized. Elbows with new bone formation at the medial epicondyle were dissected and embedded in methyl‐methacrylate (MMA). For comparison, both elbows of a cat with no radiographic changes were prepared in a similar manner. Sections of theMMAblocks wereGiemsa stained and examined with light microscopy.

Results

Bilateral new bone formation was identified radiographically at the medial aspect of the humeral epicondyle in 6 cats (10%). All of these cats had mineral deposition in the humeral head of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Other findings were cartilage damage (n = 3 cats), an additional loose medial joint body (1), and tendinosis (3). The ulnar nerve was flattened and displaced caudally, and signs of chronic epineural fibrosis were present in 2 severely affected cats.

Conclusions

Ten percent of this feline population had radiographic evidence of medial humeral epicondylitis with chronic degeneration, mineralization, and metaplastic bone formation in damaged fibrillar matrix involving the origin of the humeral head of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. New bone formation caused displacement and compression of the ulnar nerve in severely affected elbows. Based on our findings, medial humeral epicondylitis appears to be a common disorder in cats with potential clinical sequelae.
Prediction of Long‐Term Outcomes of Catheter Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation by Parameters of Preablation DC Cardioversion
Authors: KANG JUN HYUK , LEE DAE IN , KIM SUA , KIM MI NA , PARK YAE MIN , BAN JI EUN , CHOI JONG IL , LIM HONG EUY , PARK SANG WEON , KIM YOUNG‐HOON
Published: August 2012

Prediction of Long‐Term Outcomes of Catheter Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Aim: It has been demonstrated that atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently recurred after cardioversion (CV) using direct current (DC) or radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with persistent (PeAF) or longstanding persistent AF (LPAF). We hypothesized that the atrial substrate impeding successful CV would also produce difficulty in catheter ablation, and therefore, the outcomes of RFCA for PeAF and LPAF could be predicted by the parameters determined at the time of DC CV.

Method: From 2006 to 2009, 94 patients with PeAF and LPAF who had undergone elective DC CV before RFCA were studied. The parameters associated with DC CV, including number of shocks, cumulative energy adjusted, highest energy adjusted, with or without intravenous amiodarone use, and other clinical parameters were assessed.

Result: Thirty‐two out of the 94 patients (34%) experienced AF recurrence during the follow‐up of 19.8 ± 12.3 months after RFCA. The average time to recurrence of AF after RFCA was 9.2 ± 3.2 months. Of the 62 patients, 29 patients (31%) remained sinus rhythm (SR) without antiarrhythmic drug (AAD). The patients who maintained SR had smaller body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.048), shorter duration of AF (P = 0.012), and lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.023) compared with patients in whom AF recurred. Total number of shocks, total energy, and highest shock energy during CV were lower (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.048, respectively) in patients with SR during the follow‐up. The outcome in patients who used amiodarone IV prior to CV, however, was not different from that in those who did not use amiodarone IV.

Conclusion: DC energy parameters for successful CV before RFCA were useful to predict the long‐term outcome after RFCA in patients with PeAF and LPAF. The presence of the atrial substrate making DC CV difficult might reflect atrial substrate that subsequently related to the recurrence of AF after RFCA in chronic AF. These DC energy parameters may be related to the chronicity or electroanatomical remodeling of AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1165–1170, November 2012)
Patient experiences and preferences on short daily and nocturnal home hemodialysis
Authors: Xi Wang , Singh P. Mony , Harwood Lori , Lindsay Robert , Suri Rita , Brown Judith Belle , Moist Louise M.
Published: August 2012

Quotidian/intensive hemodialysis (short daily and nocturnal) has variable effects on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured by standard HRQOL tools. We sought to understand the perceived benefits and limitations of quotidian dialysis by interviewing patients who had switched from conventional to home quotidian dialysis. We used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to explore the perceived benefits of quotidian dialysis from 10 patients using either short daily or nocturnal hemodialysis at a tertiary health care center in London, Canada. The patients varied in gender, age, employment status, home support, physical capacity, primary cause of kidney disease, previous forms of renal replacement therapy, and level of education. Four major themes emerged: (1) improvement in physical and mental well‐being including better blood pressure and concentration, (2) increased control over patient's own life including time availability, choosing when to dialyze, and dialyzing at home, (3) decreased perception of being sick including returning to regular employment and avoiding sicker patients who must have in‐center dialysis, and (4) identification of the competencies and supports required for quotidian dialysis including ability to provide self‐care, supportive family, and medical support. Our findings suggest when patients' willingness and physical ability to use quotidian dialysis are coupled with education and support systems to assist patients' and families' self‐directed care, patients qualitatively perceive benefits of both increased physical and mental health, both measures of health‐related quality of life.
Complex evaluation of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Vopenkova Katerina , Mollova Klara , Buresova Ivana , Michalek Jaroslav
Published: August 2012

Dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy is capable of generating tumour‐specific immune responses. Different maturation strategies were previously tested to obtain DC capable of anti‐cancer responses in vitro, usually with limited clinical benefit. Mutual comparison of currently used maturation strategies and subsequent complex evaluation of DC functions and their stimulatory capacity on T cells was performed in this study to optimize the DC vaccination strategy for further clinical application. DC were generated from monocytes using granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin (IL)‐4, pulsed with whole tumour cell lysate and then matured with one of five selected maturation strategies or cultured without additional maturation stimulus. DC were characterized with regard to their surface marker expression, cytokine profiles, migratory capacity, allogeneic and autologous T cell stimulatory capacity as well as their specific cytotoxicity against tumour antigens. We were able to demonstrate extensive variability among different maturation strategies currently used in DC immunotherapeutic protocols that may at least partially explain limited clinical benefit of some clinical trials with such DC. We identified DC matured with interferon‐γ and lipopolysaccharide as the most attractive candidate for future clinical trials in cancer immunotherapy.
Cerebrolysin administration reduces oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in limphocytes from healthy individuals
Authors: Formichi Patrizia , Radi Elena , Battisti Carla , Di Maio Giuseppe , Muresanu Dafin , Federico Antonio
Published: August 2012

Cerebrolysin is the only drug available for clinical use containing active fragments of some important neurotrophic factors obtained from purified porcine brain proteins, which has long been used for the treatment of dementia and stroke sequels. Cerebrolysin has growth factor‐like activities and promotes neuronal survival and sprouting, however, its molecular mechanism still needs to be determined. It has been shown that Cerebrolysin may interact with proteolytic pathways linked to apoptosis. Administration of Cerebrolysin significantly reduces the number of apoptotic neurons after glutamate exposure. Furthermore, it has been reported that Cerebrolysin inhibits free radicals formation and lipid peroxidation. In vitro we evaluated the protective effects of Cerebrolysin towards spontaneous and induced apoptotic death in cells from healthy individuals. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from 10 individuals were used as cell model; 2‐deoxy‐D‐ribose (dRib), a highly reducing sugar, was used as paradigm pro‐apoptotic stimulus. Apoptosis was analysed using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Our results showed that Cerebrolysin significantly reduced the number of apoptotic PBLs after dRib treatment, although it had no significative effects on cells cultured in standard conditions. Our work showed a protective effect of Cerebrolysin on oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis and suggested that PBLs can be used as an easy obtainable and handy cell model to verify Cerebrolysin effects in neurodegenerative pathologies.
The liberated domain I of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor – a new tumour marker in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Almasi Charlotte E. , Drivsholm Lars , Pappot Helle , Høyer‐Hansen Gunilla , Christensen Ib J.
Published: August 2012

The prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains poor with a 5‐year survival rate of 4–6%. In non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), high levels of intact and cleaved forms of the receptor for urokinase plasminogen activator (uPAR) are significantly associated with short overall survival. Our aim was therefore to determine the prognostic value of the different uPAR forms in blood from SCLC patients. Serum samples from 92 treatment naive SCLC patients were analysed. Intact uPAR, uPAR(I–III), intact and cleaved uPAR, uPAR(I–III) + uPAR(II–III) and the liberated domain I, uPAR(I) were measured using time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassays (TR‐FIA 1–3). Assessment of association of the uPAR forms to overall survival (OS) was done using Cox regression analysis adjusted for clinical covariates [age, gender, stage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), WHO performance status (PS)]. Multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that high levels of uPAR(I) were significantly (p = 0.009) associated with short overall survival (OS). Patients with uPAR(I) levels above the second tertile had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–3.3), compared to patients with levels below the first tertile. High serum uPAR(I) levels are associated with short OS in SCLC patient, independent of LDH and PS.
Expression of apoptosis associated proteins Survivin, Livin and Thrombospondin‐1 in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Kalungi Sam , Wabinga Henry , Bostad Leif
Published: August 2012

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) accounts for 80% of Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in Uganda. The tumour is fast growing with a very short doubling time. Inhibition of apoptosis, achieved through the apoptosis inhibitor family of proteins enhances survival of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of apoptosis related proteins Survivin, Livin and Thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) in BL and comparing it with the expression in reactive follicular hyperplasia. Among the BL cases, survivin was positive in 37 (75%) and negative in 12 (25%). Livin staining was positive in 23 (48%) and negative in 25 (52%) of the BL cases. TSP‐1 was positive in 40 (87%) and negative in 6 (13%) of the BL cases. All the 10 reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) were positive for survivin, livin expression was found in 4 (40%), whereas TSP‐1 was positive in 7 (70%) of the RLH cases. Among the BL, there was no statistically significant association between survivin and livin expression (p = 0.6), livin and TSP‐1 (p = 1.0) or survivin and TSP‐1 (p = 0.6). Likewise no statistical association was found between the expressions of the proteins in RLH. There was no statistically significant difference between the expression frequency of the apoptosis associated proteins examined in BL and RLH. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, survivin and Livin and the pro‐apoptotic protein TSP‐1 in endemic BL. No significant difference was found between BL and RLH.
Mechanical stress‐induced interleukin‐1beta expression through adenosine triphosphate/P2X7 receptor activation in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Kanjanamekanant K. , Luckprom P. , Pavasant P.
Published: August 2012

Background and Objective

Mechanical stress is an important factor in maintaining homeostasis of the periodontium. Interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) are considered potent inflammatory mediators. In macrophages, ATP‐activated P2X7 receptor is involved in IL‐1β processing and release. Our previous works demonstrated mechanical stress‐induced expression of osteopontin and RANKL through the ATP/P2Y1 receptor in human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells. This study was designed to examine the effect of mechanical stress on IL‐1β expression in HPDL cells, as well as the mechanism and involvement of ATP and the P2 purinergic receptor.

Material and Methods

Cultured HPDL cells were treated with continuous compressive loading. IL‐1β expression was analyzed at both mRNA and protein levels, using RT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively. Cell viability was examined using the MTT assay. ATP was also used to stimulate HPDL cells. Inhibitors, antagonists and the small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique were used to investigate the role of ATP and the specific P2 subtypes responsible for IL‐1β induction along with the intracellular mechanism.

Results

Mechanical stress could up‐regulate IL‐1β expression through the release of ATP in HPDL cells. ATP alone was also capable of increasing IL‐1β expression. The induction of IL‐1β was markedly inhibited by inhibitors and by siRNA targeting the P2X7 receptor. ATP‐stimulated IL‐1β expression was also diminished by intracellular calcium inhibitors.

Conclusion

Our work clearly indicates the capability of HPDL cells to respond directly to mechanical stimulation. The results signified the important roles of ATP/P2 purinergic receptors, as well as intracellular calcium signaling, in mechanical stress‐induced inflammation via up‐regulation of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β, in HPDL cells.
Current Trends of Reproductive Immunology Practices in In Vitro fertilization (IVF) ‐ A First World Survey Using IVF‐Worldwide.com
Authors: Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Han Ae Ra , Gilman‐Sachs Alice , Fishel Simon , Leong Milton , Shoham Zeev
Published: August 2012

Problem

Reproductive immunology has evolved from basic research studies to clinical applications. In this study, we aim to investigate the actual application of reproductive immunology concepts and findings in clinical reproductive medicine such as recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL), repeated implantation failures (RIF), and failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.

Method of Study

A web‐based survey was performed on IVF-Worldwide.com. Collected data were analyzed by the computerized software.

Results

A significant proportion of physicians recommend thrombophilia workups (86%), parental genetic study (79%), and immunologic evaluations (69%) to IVF candidates who have a history of RPL or chemical pregnancy losses. IVF physicians consider an immunologic workup when patients have two (30%) or three (21%) failed IVF cycles. Assays for anticardiolipin antibody, lupus anticoagulant, thyroid peroxidase antibody, and antinuclear antibody are the four most commonly ordered immunologic tests for RPL (88, 84, 50, 47% each) and RIF (68, 63, 38, 38% each). Cellular immune evaluations, such as NK assay, human leukocyte antigen study, Th1/Th2 study or immunophenotype assay, are less commonly ordered.

Conclusions

Reproductive immunology principles have been applied to the clinical management of RPL, RIF, and failed IVF cycles, and a significant proportion of IVF physicians acknowledge the importance of immunologic alterations with reproductive outcomes.
Prevalence of oral trauma in Para‐Pan American Games athletes
Authors: Andrade Rafaela Amarante , Modesto Adriana , Evans Patricia Louise Scabell , Almeida Anne Louise Scabell , de Jesus Rodrigues da Silva Juliana , Guedes Aurelino Machado Lima , Guedes Fábio Ribeiro , Ranalli Dennis N. , Tinoco Eduardo Muniz Barretto
Published: August 2012

The aim of this cross‐sectional epidemiological survey was to assess the prevalence of oral trauma in athletes representing 25 countries competing at the most recent Para‐Pan American Games (III PARAPAN) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study was approved by the appropriate institutional review board. The examiners participated in standardization and calibration training sessions before the field phase began. Invitations were sent to >1200 participating athletes competing in eight sports and to the Medical Committee of the Para‐Pan American Sports Organization before and during the III PARAPAN. A convenience sample of 120 athletes was recruited. After signing an informed consent, all athletes answered a questionnaire. Data were collected at the clinical examination and recorded in a specific trauma form. The mean age of the athletes was 32.5 years. Males comprised 79.2% of the sample; females 20.8%. The prevalence of oral trauma among the athletes was 47.5% (N = 57). However, only 15 athletes reported that these traumatic injuries were sports‐related. The sport with the highest prevalence of oral trauma was judo (75%); the least was volleyball with no reported traumatic injuries. The most common traumatic injury was enamel fracture (27.4%). The teeth most affected were the maxillary permanent central incisors (N = 19), followed by the maxillary premolars (N = 8). On the basis of the results of this study of oral trauma among athletes examined at the III PARAPAN, a recommendation for enhanced educational efforts and the use of properly fitted mouthguards to prevent traumatic injuries among high‐performance athletes with disabilities seems warranted.
Rumen fermentation, milk production and conjugated linoleic acid in the milk of cows fed high fiber diets added with dried distillers grains with solubles
Authors: KUROKAWA Yuzo , SHIBATA Hiroko , TATENO Shoko , KANDA Shuhei , TAKAURA Kazuki , ISHIDA Souichi , ITABASHI Hisao
Published: August 2012

The effects of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) feeding on rumen fermentation and milk production in cows were evaluated using diets high in neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 45.9–46.6%). The control diet (Control) consisted mainly of hay, corn silage and concentrates. In the experimental diets, the concentrates were replaced with DDGS as 10% dry matter (DM) (10%DDGS) and 20% DM (20%DDGS). Eight cows were used for each 14‐day treatment period. Effect of DDGS feeding on DM intake was not significant. Ruminal volatile fatty acids and ammonia‐N at 5 h after feeding of 20%DDGS were decreased compared to Control, whereas protozoal count at 2 h after feeding of 20%DDGS was higher than that of 10%DDGS. Milk yield of cows fed DDGS diets was greater than that of Control, although percentages of milk protein and solids‐not‐fat were decreased by DDGS diets. The proportions of C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 in the milk fat decreased, and those of C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increased markedly with elevated DDGS. Increase in trans‐11 C18:1 was observed in the rumen fluid at 5 h after feeding. These findings suggest that DDGS feeding enhanced milk yield, as well as CLA synthesis under a high dietary NDF condition.
Resurgence of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera in northern Greece associated with insecticide resistance
Authors: Mironidis George K. , Kapantaidaki Despina , Bentila Maria , Morou Evangelia , Savopoulou‐Soultani M. , Vontas John
Published: August 2012

Helicoverpa armigera has been controlled effectively with chemical insecticides in the major cotton crop production areas of northern Greece for many years. However, a resurgence of the pest was observed in 2010, which significantly affected crop production. During a 4‐year survey (2007–2010), we examined the insecticide resistance status of H. armigera populations from two major and representative cotton production areas in northern Greece against seven insecticides (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, methomyl, alpha‐cypermethrin, cypermethrin, gamma‐cyhalothrin and endosulfan). Full dose‐response bioassays on third instar larvae were performed by topical application. Lethal doses at 50% were estimated by probit analysis and resistance factors (RF) were calculated, compared to a susceptible laboratory reference strain. Resistance levels were relatively moderate until 2009, with resistance ratios below 10‐fold for organophosphates and carbamates and up to 16‐fold for the pyrethroid alpha‐cypermethrin. However, resistance rose to 46‐ and 81‐fold for chlorpyrifos and alpha‐cypermethrin, respectively in 2010, when the resurgence of the pest was observed. None of the known pyrethroid resistance mutations were found in the pyrethroid‐resistant insects. The possible association between resistance and H. armigera resurgence in Greece is discussed.
Pressure Buildup and Brine Migration During CO2 Storage in Multilayered Aquifers
Authors: Cihan Abdullah , Birkholzer Jens T. , Zhou Quanlin
Published: August 2012

Carbon dioxide injection into deep saline formations may induce large‐scale pressure increases and migration of native fluid. Local high‐conductivity features, such as improperly abandoned wells or conductive faults, could act as conduits for focused leakage of brine into shallow groundwater resources. Pressurized brine can also be pushed into overlying/underlying formations because of diffuse leakage through low‐permeability aquitards, which occur over large areas and may allow for effective pressure bleed‐off in the storage reservoirs. This study presents the application of a recently developed analytical solution for pressure buildup and leakage rates in a multilayered aquifer‐aquitard system with focused and diffuse brine leakage. The accuracy of this single‐phase analytical solution for estimating far‐field flow processes is verified by comparison with a numerical simulation study that considers the details of two‐phase flow. We then present several example applications for a hypothetical CO2 injection scenario (without consideration of two‐phase flow) to demonstrate that the new solution is an efficient tool for analyzing regional pressure buildup in a multilayered system, as well as for gaining insights into the leakage processes of flow through aquitards, leaky wells, and/or leaky faults. This solution may be particularly useful when a large number of calculations needs to be performed, that is, for uncertainty quantification, for parameter estimation, or for the optimization of pressure‐management schemes.
Disinfection observations on a major unfiltered water supply in Scotland
Authors: Robertson Stuart J.
Published: August 2012

The Loch Katrine water supply to Glasgow was unfiltered until a new treatment works was completed in 2007. Disinfection observations on the unfiltered supply are reported here for the decade 1995–2004. On one half of the supply, raw water contamination by gulls led to annual final water microbiological failure rates up to 2.7%, which fell below 0.4% after introducing revised gull control measures. Seasonality in gull contamination contributed to marked seasonality in observed final water microbiological failure rates. A 14‐min chlorine contact time at pH 5.8 realised all the effective disinfection; a longer second stage contact time at pH 8.6 provided no significant (P > 0.05) improvement. For a range of raw water Escherichia coli counts, a logistic regression model predicted probabilities of a final water E. coli failure that varied with quarterly period; this was consistent with seasonal factors, aside from raw water quality, contributing to probability of these failures.
Rapid ongoing decline of Baird's tapir in Cusuco National Park, Honduras
Authors: McCANN Niall P. , WHEELER Phil M. , COLES Tim , BRUFORD Michael W.
Published: August 2012

During the International Tapir Symposium 16–21 Oct 2011, the conservation of Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in Honduras received a boost with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Minister Director of the Honduran Institute of Conservation and Forestry (ICF) and the Tapir Specialist Group (TSG). Despite this agreement, accelerating levels of hunting and habitat loss continue to pose a threat to Baird's tapir in Honduras. An ongoing study in Cusuco National Park in northwestern Honduras has been monitoring changes in population dynamics of Baird's tapir since 2006 through the collection of occupancy data. The study has identified an increase in hunting pressure, coinciding with a drastic decline in the encounter rate with Baird's tapir spoor. Here, we examine the significance of a range of demographic variables on Baird's tapir occupancy in Cusuco National Park using the software PRESENCE, and simulate the effects of different management strategies on the future dynamics of the population using the stochastic simulation software VORTEX. The predictions of the theoretical population models are compared to observed changes in occupancy levels. We found that non‐intervention resulted in the local extinction of Baird's tapir within a very short time frame, but that various intervention models enabled the population to recover to near carrying capacity. Occupancy and extinction probability were shown to respond markedly to the increase in hunting pressure; and occupancy models supported the future population predictions generated by VORTEX. Our study suggests that immediate intervention is required to reduce hunting pressure to near historical levels to prevent the imminent local extinction of the species.
Predicting the distribution of the Asian tapir in Peninsular Malaysia using maximum entropy modeling
Authors: CLEMENTS Gopalasamy Reuben , RAYAN D. Mark , AZIZ Sheema Abdul , KAWANISHI Kae , TRAEHOLT Carl , MAGINTAN David , YAZI Muhammad Fadlli Abdul , TINGLEY Reid
Published: August 2012

In 2008, the IUCN threat status of the Asian tapir (Tapirus indicus) was reclassified from ‘vulnerable’ to ‘endangered’. The latest distribution map from the IUCN Red List suggests that the tapirs’ native range is becoming increasingly fragmented in Peninsular Malaysia, but distribution data collected by local researchers suggest a more extensive geographical range. Here, we compile a database of 1261 tapir occurrence records within Peninsular Malaysia, and demonstrate that this species, indeed, has a much broader geographical range than the IUCN range map suggests. However, extreme spatial and temporal bias in these records limits their utility for conservation planning. Therefore, we used maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling to elucidate the potential extent of the Asian tapir's occurrence in Peninsular Malaysia while accounting for bias in existing distribution data. Our MaxEnt model predicted that the Asian tapir has a wider geographic range than our fine‐scale data and the IUCN range map both suggest. Approximately 37% of Peninsular Malaysia contains potentially suitable tapir habitats. Our results justify a revision to the Asian tapir's extent of occurrence in the IUCN Red List. Furthermore, our modeling demonstrated that selectively logged forests encompass 45% of potentially suitable tapir habitats, underscoring the importance of these habitats for the conservation of this species in Peninsular Malaysia.
The reporting of race and ethnicity information in the dental public health literature
Authors: Susarla Harlyn K. , Dentino Kelley M. , Kalenderian Elsbeth , Ramoni Rachel B.
Published: August 2012

Objectives: To document how race and ethnicity are identified, categorized, and utilized in contemporary dental public health literature.

Methods: Two researchers independently performed a literature review of all articles in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology and the Journal of Public Health Dentistry over a 5‐year period (2004‐2009). Articles pertaining to the study of US‐based populations with any mention of race or ethnicity were included. The following data were abstracted from each article: a) how each article broadly described race and/or ethnicity; b) the terms used to specifically define the races and/or ethnicities captured; c) the location of any mention of the concept of race and/or ethnicity; d) the stated purpose for including race and/or ethnicity concepts; e) the stated analytic use of race and/or ethnicity concepts; and f) the stated method used to assess race and/or ethnicity concepts.

Results: Overall, race and/or ethnicity concepts were most commonly referred to within the text of the results section. Fifty percent of articles did not state their purpose for including race and/or ethnicity concepts within their studies, while 34.3 percent omitted stating their analytic use of these concepts. When assessing these concepts, 41.4 percent relied upon subject self‐report.

Conclusion: These data showed that there was inconsistent documentation of how race and ethnicity was measured. While race and ethnicity are important measures for public health studies and are frequently reported in dental public health research, there is no clear system for classifying these measures.
Job satisfaction among dental therapists in South Africa
Authors: Singh Pratima K.
Published: August 2012

Objectives: This article forms part of a larger research project on the dental therapy profession in South Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the level of job satisfaction among dental therapists trained at one South African university.

Methods: This study was conducted using the qualitative research approach, where purposive and convenience sampling was used to select interviewees. They were asked a single question: “Do you think that dental therapists in South Africa are satisfied within their present careers?” The narrative data was interpreted using thematic analysis, and the data was validated by using the markers of trustworthiness.

Results: All stakeholders believed that dental therapists trained at this university were not satisfied in the private and public sectors. In the private sector, they expressed frustration with their limited scope of practice. In the public service, lack of posts, poorly functioning dental facilities, and inadequate remuneration caused high levels of dissatisfaction. Many dental therapists chose this profession as a stepping stone to dentistry.

Conclusions: The roles and scope of practice of all members of the oral health team needs to be redefined within the context of the primary health care approach. Universities need to recruit students appropriately to fulfill their role within this team. Dental services in the public sector need to be upgraded to meet the oral health needs of the country.