bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofilm disruption by root canal irrigants and potential irrigants
Authors: Bryce G. , Ready D. , Donnell D. O’. , Ng P. , Pratten J. , Gulabivala K.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To investigate the disruption and bactericidal effect of root canal irrigants on single and dual‐species biofilms.

Methodology  Single‐species (Streptococcus sanguis, Enterococcus faecalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphymonas gingivalis) and dual‐species (S. sanguis and F. nucleatum) biofilms were grown on nitro‐cellulose membranes and immersed in either a commonly used root canal irrigant; (NaOCl, EDTA, Corsodyl®, iodine) or potential root canal irrigant [sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and Tween®80] for 1, 5 or 10 min. The number of viable and nonviable bacteria disrupted from the biofilm and those remaining attached to the biofilm were determined using a viability stain in conjunction with fluorescent microscopy. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to allow a visual assessment of the disruptive effects of selected agents on the stained biofilms.

Results  Gram‐negative species were more susceptible to cell removal than their Gram‐positive counterparts, S. sanguis being the least susceptible. The majority of the cell disruption occurred after the first minute of exposure as all of the agents exerted some effect on bacterial disruption and viability; however, the extent varied according to the agent. The most effective root canal irrigant for disrupting biofilms was NaOCl whilst in contrast iodine was generally effective at bacterial killing but not disruption. Of the potential root canal irrigants, CTAB and SDS were both effective in disrupting the biofilm and at bacterial cell‐killing.

Conclusions  Biofilm disruption and cell viability were influenced by the species, their co‐association in dual‐species biofilms and the test agent. The effectiveness of NaOCl as an endodontic irrigant was reinforced.
A survey on the experience of UK endodontists and general dental practitioners in the management of intra‐canal fractured endodontic files
Authors: Madarati A. , Watts D. C. , Qualtrough A. J. E.
Published: August 2008

Aim To investigate the attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontists in the UK towards management of fractured endodontic file (SEF).

Methodology A questionnaire was sent to 330 systemically selected GDPs and all endodontic specialists working in the UK (170). It was accompanied by a covering letter explaining the aims of the study and indicating that all information given would remain confidential. Those who did not respond to the first mailing were sent another two mailings comprising a differently worded covering letter and another copy of the questionnaire. Data were analysed using chi‐squared test at the 0.05 level of significance.

Results The overall response rate was 75% (82.82% for endodontists and 70.92% for GDPs). 18.5% of respondents reported they would retrieve files located in the apical third of root canals with a significantly higher proportion of endodontists (25.9%) compared with that of GDPs (14%) doing so. A significantly higher proportion of endodontists (98.5%) used ultrasonics for removal of SEF compared with GDPs (75.8%). The most common complication of SEF retrieval was excessive removal of dentine (67%). The majority of respondents (88.5%) reported that they would leave the un‐removed file in situ and obturate the root canal.

Conclusion This study showed that both endodontists and GDPs are aware of the limitations of root canal anatomy when removal of separated instruments is considered. Excessive removal of dentine, which was the most common complication associated with the removal process, suggests the need for more conservative techniques. Both endodontists and GDPs demonstrated a conservative approach towards unsuccessful management of SEF. Further studies regarding attitudes of GDPs and endodontists towards some specific aspects of management of SEF are required.
Serum contamination affects the surface hardness of Portland‐type cements
Authors: Mahmoud O. , Whitworth J. M. , McCabe J. F.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To compare the surface hardness of cured mineral trioxide aggregates (MTAs), Portland cements (PC) and a dental gypsum product (die stone) after mixing with the recommended solution alone or incorporating serum.

Methodology  Samples (n = 3) of white MTAs (ProRoot and Angelus), white PCs (Lafarge) and dental die stone (BPB) were mixed to standard consistency with recommended solution or 50 : 50 (v/v) recommended solution : defibrinated horse serum, packed into 15 mm × 2mm Perspex moulds and stored at 37 °C/100% humidity. Vickers hardness (3/specimen: 200 g at 0.05 mm mm‐1) was determined at 1 or 4 h (depending on setting time), 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. Differences in surface hardness between materials and mixing solutions and changes over time were compared with anova and paired sample t‐tests (P < 0.05).

Results  Die stone attained full hardness within 1 day and remained constant thereafter. White PC and MTAs became significantly harder with time. Serum contamination greatly reduced the 1‐day hardness of white PC and ProRoot MTA, significantly increased the 56‐day hardness of PC and all MTAs.

Conclusions  The Vickers hardness of white PC and MTAs increased for extended periods after initial hardening. Portland‐type cements appeared to cure in a dissimilar manner to a gypsum‐based dental stone. The hardness of white PC was greater than that of white MTAs at all times after initial hardening. Significant serum contamination may retard the early hardening of some Portland‐type cements, but uniformly produced a significantly harder material at 56 days. The mechanisms of this action are incompletely understood. Clinically, assessing the set of MTAs at 24 h may not be warranted.
Additive partitioning of diversity including species differences: a comment on Hardy & Senterre (2007)
Authors: Villéger Sébastien , Mouillot David
Published: August 2008

The distribution of biodiversity at multiple spatial scales has been traditionally investigated through the additive partitioning of γ‐biodiversity (regional) into α‐(within‐site) and β‐(among‐site) components.

However, this decomposition is almost exclusively applied using species turnover among communities while two communities with no species in common can be very similar because they share some ‘biological’ similarity.

To overcome this limitation, Hardy & Senterre (2007) (J. Ecol., 95, 493–506) presented a new statistical framework partitioning the phylogenetic diversity into α‐ and β‐components using the Rao's quadratic entropy.

We show that their decomposition is correct only when sites have the same total abundance, otherwise it may lead to negative β‐diversity values. As an alternative, we provided a general decomposition of the quadratic entropy into α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversities.

Synthesis. We suggest that the ‘biological’ turnover quantified by the β‐component of the regional quadratic entropy may help, at least, to disentangle dispersal vs. niche influences on biodiversity patterns.
Relationship between severity of blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans/L. biglobosa species complex) and subsequent primary inoculum production on oilseed rape stubble
Authors: Lô‐Pelzer E. , Aubertot J. N. , David O. , Jeuffroy M. H. , Bousset L.
Published: August 2008

The relationship between severity of blackleg, or phoma stem canker (Leptosphaeria maculans/L. biglobosa), and subsequent primary inoculum production on oilseed rape (Brassica napus) stubble was investigated at two sites in France over 3 years. The quantity of primary inoculum produced in the following year increased with canker severity, from 1·9 to 10·8 pseudothecia cm−2 on stubble with the least and most severe cankers, respectively. Stubble incubated at Le Rheu (cooler, more rain) had 1·7 times more pseudothecia than stubble incubated at Grignon. Stubble collected at Grignon had 2·7 times more pseudothecia than that collected at Le Rheu. The use of Darmor, a cultivar with a good level of quantitative resistance, reduced the severity of canker in the field, but not the subsequent inoculum production for stubble of the same canker severity class. At both sites, maturation of pseudothecia occurred after 63–75 days of incubation and increased with canker severity with a mean of 0·5 and 3% mature pseudothecia appearing per favourable day, on stubble with the least and most severe cankers, respectively. A simplified procedure for pseudothecial quantification proved satisfactory: for all three observers, most (91–96%) of the fructifications counted as pseudothecia were real pseudothecia. Only a few (4–14%) of the fructifications considered as non‐pseudothecia were in fact pseudothecia of L. maculans. The total area occupied by pseudothecia, which was simpler and faster to evaluate, was correlated (coefficient of determination, R2 = 71%) with the number of counted pseudothecia. The results presented here make it possible to forecast the quantity of available primary inoculum for a given disease severity.
The interaction between Meloidogyne arenaria and Cylindrocladium parasiticum in runner peanut
Authors: Dong W. B. , Brenneman T. B. , Holbrook C. C. , Timper P. , Culbreath A. K.
Published: August 2008

Cylindrocladium black rot (CBR), caused by Cylindrocladium parasiticum, and root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria, both infect and cause damage to the roots of peanut. Greenhouse and microplot experiments were conducted with the runner type peanut genotypes C724‐19‐15, C724‐19‐25 and Georgia‐02C with different levels of resistance to nematode and CBR to better understand the interactions between the two pathogens. In the greenhouse, inoculation of 500–3000 eggs per plant of M. arenaria did not affect the level of root rot induced by 1·0 to 5·0 microsclerotia of C. parasiticum per g soil. In microplots, the root rot ratings from Georgia‐02C and C724‐19‐25 were higher in plots infested with M. arenaria (0·4–2·0 eggs per cm3 soil) and C. parasiticum than in plots with C. parasiticum alone; however, M. arenaria did not increase the root rot ratings on the nematode resistant C724‐19‐15. This was inconsistent with results in the greenhouse. Gall indices were not affected by C. parasiticum inoculations in the greenhouse or microplots. In both 2006 and 2007, a significant interaction between C. parasiticum inoculum densities and nematode level was observed on plant mortality. CBR inoculum greatly increased mortality on C724‐19‐25 and Georgia‐02C, but not on C724‐19‐15, in the presence of M. arenaria. The mortality increase was more apparent at lower inoculum levels of both pathogens, but on the nematode‐susceptible cultivars plant mortality was more with co‐inoculations of the two pathogens than from either alone. Simultaneous inoculation with the two pathogens decreased yield of C724‐19‐25 and Georgia‐02C as C. parasiticum inoculum levels increased, but even the largest inoculum of M. arenaria (2·0 eggs per cm3 soil) did not decrease yield of C724‐19‐15.
Three‐dimensional architecture and development of Danian bryozoan mounds at Limhamn, south‐west Sweden, using ground‐penetrating radar
Authors: NIELSEN LARS , VON BROCKDORFF ADAM SCHACK , BJERAGER MORTEN , SURLYK FINN
Published: August 2008

Bryozoan mounds from the middle Danian (Lower Palaeocene) of the Danish Basin represent a possibly new class of non‐cemented skeletal mounds. The sedimentology and palaeoecology of the mounds have recently been studied in detail. Three‐dimensional images of middle Danian bryozoan mound structures in the Limhamn limestone quarry, south‐west Sweden, obtained from combined reflected ground‐penetrating radar signals and outcrop analysis provide new information about the architecture and growth development of such mounds. The mounds are composed of bryozoan limestone and dark‐grey to black flint bands which outline mound geometries. Ground‐penetrating radar data sections are collected over a 120 m by 60 m grid of data lines with trace spacing of 0·25 m, providing a depth penetration of 7 to 12 m and a vertical resolution of ca 0·30 m. The ground‐penetrating radar images outline the geometry of the internal layering of the mounds which, typically, have widths and lengths of 30 to 60 m and heights of 5 to 10 m. Mound architecture and growth show great variability in the ground‐penetrating radar images. Small‐scale mound structures with a palaeorelief of only a few metres may constitute the basis for growth of larger mounds. The outermost beds of the individual mounds are commonly characterized by sub‐parallel to parallel reflections which have a circular to slightly oval appearance in map view. The mounds are mainly aggrading and do not show clear signs of pronounced lateral migration during growth, although some mound structures indicate a preferential growth direction towards the south. Growth patterns interpreted from the ground‐penetrating radar images suggest that the palaeocurrents in the study area may have shown great variability, even on a small scale. This observation is in contrast to results from studies of extensive, slightly older early Danian mound complexes exposed in coastal cliffs at Stevns Klint and Karlby Klint located 50 and 200 km away from the study area, respectively. At these locations the mounds show a remarkably uniform development and typically are asymmetrical, clearly showing migration directions towards the south. These differences in mound geometry may be the result of differences in the current systems and water depths that existed during formation of the early and middle Danian mounds, respectively. The mounds at Limhamn were located closer to the basin margin in shallower water than those at Stevns Klint and Karlby Klint. In addition, the difference in mound architecture may be due to the occurrence of non‐layered, irregular coral mounds intercalated with the bryozoan mounds at Limhamn.
The 14 bp deletion polymorphisms in HLA‐G gene play an important role in the expression of soluble HLA‐G in plasma
Authors: Chen X.‐Y. , Yan W.‐H. , Lin A. , Xu H.‐H. , Zhang J.‐G. , Wang X.‐X.
Published: August 2008

Soluble human leukocyte antigen‐G (sHLA‐G) functions as a multiple immunoregulator. A 14 bp insertion (+14 bp)/deletion (−14 bp) polymorphism in exon 8 of the HLA‐G gene has been proposed to be associated with HLA‐G mRNA stability and the expression of HLA‐G. In the current study, a total of 150 normal Chinese Han population had been genotyped for the +14 bp/−14 bp polymorphism, and the expression of plasma sHLA‐G was determined with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in these case‐matched plasma. Data showed that genotype of 14 bp polymorphism was significantly associated with sHLA‐G expression. Plasma sHLA‐G level with the +14 bp/+14 bp genotype was dramatically lower than that with +14 bp/−14 bp (P = 0.004) and −14 bp/−14 bp genotypes (P = 0.003), while no dramatic difference was observed between the +14 bp/−14 bp and −14 bp/−14 bp genotypes (P > 0.05). In both males and females, plasma sHLA‐G with the +14 bp/+14 bp genotype was also significantly lower when compared with other two respective 14 bp genotypes. Data also showed that sHLA‐G expression was unrelated to gender. This study suggests that the 14 bp deletion polymorphism in the HLA‐G gene plays an important role in sHLA‐G expression and that interpretation of the potential biological functions of sHLA‐G should be made with caution, taking the polymorphism into consideration.
Dietary phytate (inositol hexaphosphate) regulates the activity of intestinal mucosa phytase
Authors: Onyango E. M. , Adeola O.
Published: August 2008

The role of dietary phytate (inositol hexaphosphate) in the regulation of intestinal mucosa phytase was investigated in chicks. Seven‐day‐old chicks were grouped by weight into six blocks of three cages with six birds per cage. Three purified diets [a chemically defined casein diet, a chemically defined casein diet plus sodium phytate (20 g/kg diet) and a chemically defined casein diet plus sodium phytate (20 g/kg diet) and microbial phytase (1000 units/kg diet)] were randomly assigned to cages within each block. Chicks were fed experimental diets from 8 to 22 days of age then killed, and duodenal mucosa and left tibia removed. Phytase activity in duodenal mucosa, growth performance and bone ash content were determined. Addition of phytate to the chemically defined casein diet reduced (p < 0.05) the Vmax of the duodenal brush border phytase, but the Km of the enzyme was not affected. Addition of phytate also reduced (p < 0.05) weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and percentage ash. Addition of microbial phytase fully restored the feed efficiency (p < 0.05), but Vmax and body weight gain were only partially restored (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it would seem that dietary phytates non‐competitively inhibit intestinal mucosa phytase.
Effect of increased methionine level on performance and apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in ducks
Authors: Jamroz D. , Wiliczkiewicz A. , Lemme A. , Orda J. , Skorupińska J. , Wertelecki T.
Published: August 2008

The experiment was conducted with 960 one‐day‐old ducklings fed mixtures (I control – 0.28% methionine) additionally supplemented with DL‐methionine (DL‐Met) at amounts: 0.03% (group II), 0.07% (III), 0.12% (IV) and 0.18% (V). The performance, carcass quality and apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids as the criterions of methionine (Met) effectivity were considered. The analysis of growth and development of ducks as an effect of diversified DL‐Met supplements indicate that increased content of this amino acid in the diets has not affected clearly the performance parameters. The body weight of 21‐day‐old ducklings was significantly affected only by the level of 0.12% of added Met in comparison to control group. On day 42, the differences among groups were negligible; only the addition of 0.12% DL‐Met has increased the body weight by 2.4% when compared with control (p > 0.05). Feed conversion estimated for a period of 1–42 days has not been influenced by Met supplementation. The indistinct, however, visible tendency of better ileal amino acids’ apparent digestibility (for Asp.a.,Thr, Ser, Glu, Lys) was noted in the groups fed supplemented diets. Application of 0.07% and 0.18% of DL‐met, has significantly (p < 0.05) improved the coefficient of cysteine (Cys) apparent ileal digestibility; however, the improvement of Met apparent ileal digestibility has been achieved by the addition of 0.18% Met. The mortality of ducklings in the experiment was very low and varied between 3.15% (II) and 0.0% (groups I and III). In general, application of 0.12% of DL‐Met to mixture containing 0.28% Met had positive effect on the productive output of birds and also improved the apparent ileal digestibility of Cys and Met.
Seasonal dynamics, dispersion, sequential sampling plans and treatment thresholds for the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), in a mature lemon block in coastal New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Liu Zhong Min , Meats Alan , Beattie G Andrew C
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Studies of citrus leafminer in a coastal orchard in NSW, Australia indicated that an increase in abundance to about one mine per flush was followed during the midseason flush by a rapid increase in population that was related to an increase in the percentage of leaves infested within flushes and the number of mines per leaf. The fits of frequency distributions and Iwao's patchiness regression indicated that populations were highly contagious initially, and as the exponent k of the negative binomial distribution increased with increasing population density, the distribution approached random. Concurrently, the coefficient of variation of mines per flush (which was strongly related to the proportion of un‐infested flushes) decreased to about unity as the proportion of un‐infested flushes reached zero and fell further as the number of mines per flush increased. Both numerative and binomial sequential sampling plans were developed using a decision threshold based on 1.2 mines per flush. The binomial sampling plan was based on a closely fitting model of the functional relationship between mean density and proportion of infested flushes. Functional relationships using the parameters determined from Iwao's patchiness regression and Taylor's power law were equally satisfactory, and one based on the negative binomial model also fitted well, but the Poisson model did not. The three best fitting models indicated that a decision threshold of 1.2 mines per flush was equivalent to 50% of flushes infested. From a practical point of view, the transition from 25% infestation of flushes through 50% is so rapid that it may be prudent to take action when the 25% level is reached; otherwise, the 50% may be passed before the crop is checked again. For valuable nursery stock should infestation be detected in spring, it may be advisable to apply prophylactic treatment as the midseason flush starts.
Speed of action and in vitro efficacy of spinosad against sheep body lice, Bovicola ovis (Schrank) (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae), resistant to pyrethroid, organophosphate or insect growth regulator insecticides
Authors: Levot Garry
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Results of laboratory bioassays indicated that spinosad was equally effective against sheep lice populations that were susceptible to insecticides or resistant to pyrethroid, organophosphorus or insect growth regulator (IGR) insecticides. Spinosad had similar toxicity against susceptible strains of lice to that previously reported for diazinon, but lower toxicity than cypermethrin. Lethal concentrations of spinosad and diazinon caused knock down of lice within 6 h of exposure and death within 24 h. Prior to the current phasing out of diazinon as a sheep dip, most wool producers, needing to control pyrethroid‐ or IGR‐resistant lice infestations in short‐wool, would have chosen to use diazinon. Our results suggest that spinosad is an effective alternative for treatment of lice resistant to other chemical groups.
Redberry mite, Acalitus essigi (Hassan) (Acari: Eriophyidae), an additional biological control agent for Rubus species (blackberry) (Rosaceae) in Australia
Authors: Scott John K , Yeoh Paul B , Knihinicki Danuta K
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Acalitus essigi, the eriophyoid mite that causes red berry disease in Rubus species (Rosaceae), was collected from the fruits of three species of weedy blackberry, R. anglocandicans, R. laudatus and R. ulmifolius, in south‐west Australia. This is the first record for this species in Western Australia and these plants appear to be new host records for A. essigi, which causes uneven ripening of fruit. Information on the mite is reviewed in the context of determining its potential as a biological control agent for Rubus species, especially those that are not susceptible to Phragmidium violaceum (Uredinales), the rust fungus being released against species of European blackberry in Australia. Published records also show that A. essigi will attack a wide range of Rubus species including species of North American origin that currently escape biological control in Australia. It may also be useful for preventing the spread of commercial varieties of Rubus (e.g. raspberry and loganberry) that have escaped to become weedy. However, the mite may have limited dispersal ability and thus require redistribution.
Development of number combination skill in the early school years: when do fingers help?
Authors: Jordan Nancy C. , Kaplan David , Ramineni Chaitanya , Locuniak Maria N.
Published: August 2008

Children's change over time in frequency of finger use on number combinations was examined in relation to their change in accuracy. Performance was tracked longitudinally over 11 time points, from the beginning of kindergarten (mean age = 5.7 years) to the end of second grade (n= 217). Accuracy in number combinations increased steadily during the time period while frequency of finger use declined. Correlations between finger use and accuracy decreased gradually, ranging from 0.60 in kindergarten to −0.15 at the end of second grade. Low‐income children showed linear growth in frequency of finger use while middle‐income children slowed down by second grade and even started to decline. Although girls and boys showed similar growth patterns in frequency and accuracy, boys used their fingers less often than girls and were more accurate. The findings indicate that finger use is most adaptive when children are first learning number combinations, but this benefit lessens over time.
To see or not to see: infants prefer to follow the gaze of a reliable looker
Authors: Chow Virginia , Poulin‐Dubois Diane , Lewis Jessica
Published: August 2008

In two experiments, we examined whether 14‐month‐olds understand the subjective nature of gaze. In the first experiment, infants first observed an experimenter express happiness as she looked inside a container that either contained a toy (reliable looker condition) or was empty (unreliable looker condition). Then, infants had to follow the same experimenter's gaze to a target object located either behind or in front of a barrier. Infants in the reliable looker condition followed the experimenter's gaze behind the barrier more often than infants in the unreliable looker condition, whereas both groups followed the experimenter's gaze to the target object located in front of the barrier equally often. In the second experiment, infants did not generalize their knowledge about the unreliability of a looker to a second ‘naïve’ looker. These findings suggest that 14‐month‐old infants adapt their gaze following as a function of their past experience with the looker.
Head‐to‐head studies evaluating efficacy of pharmaco‐therapy for obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Neovius M. , Johansson K. , Rössner S.
Published: August 2008

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly comparing weight loss drugs approved in the European Union were reviewed and the results analysed by meta‐analysis. Eight RCTs including 885 patients were found comparing weight loss of orlistat and sibutramine, while no study including rimonabant was found. The median study duration was 7 months (range 3–12). Four of the seven studies comparing sibutramine and orlistat mono‐therapy showed that sibutramine was significantly more efficacious for weight loss, while the remaining three showed equivalence. The weighted mean difference in weight loss was 2.2 kg (95% CI 0.5–3.9) favouring sibutramine. Three studies investigated orlistat and sibutramine as combination therapy, and two found it to be significantly better than orlistat alone, but not better than sibutramine alone. Based on these head‐to‐head RCT data, sibutramine appears to be significantly more efficacious for achieving weight loss than orlistat. This is concordant with indirect evidence from previous meta‐analyses, where the respective compounds were compared with placebo. Only four studies reported attrition, and the pooled risk ratio was 0.6 (0.3–1.4) indicating lower dropout for sibutramine. This information together with an understanding of the clinical properties of each drug should help to guide the prescribing physician in the selection of adequate drug therapy for obesity.
EVIDENCE THEORY AS A PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING NOVEL EVENTS
Authors: Fioretti Guido
Published: August 2008

Evidence Theory is a branch of the mathematics of uncertain reasoning that entails profound epistemological differences with respect to Probability Theory. In fact, its paradigmatic situation is the judge who must evaluate testimonies, rather than the gambler who must evaluates odds. Unlike a gambler, who faces a definite set of possibilities, a judge maybe forced to change her evaluation because of novel possibilities suggested by unexpected testimonies. In this sense, Evidence Theory provides a formalization of some among Shackles intuitions. While the details of the connections between Shackle's theory and Evidence Theory have been explored elsewhere, this article is devoted to a detailed explanation of the working of Evidence Theory. An example is discussed in detail and several domains of application are briefly sketched.
PUBLIC CAPITAL, TAXATION AND ENDOGENOUS GROWTH IN A FINITE HORIZONS MODEL
Authors: Tamai Toshiki
Published: August 2008

This paper presents development of an endogenously growing finite horizons model with public capital, and investigates macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy and a change in life expectancy. Specifically regarding novel results, a growth‐maximizing income tax rate exists that is less than the elasticity of public capital to output. In addition, in the model with income tax financing, there might exist an inverted‐U‐shaped relationship between life expectancy and growth, which is consistent with some empirical evidence. In this paper, we elucidate the interaction among public capital accumulation, taxes, growth, welfare and life expectancy.
Transfer of Information Between Parents and Teachers of Children with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities at Special Educational Centres
Authors: Fonteine H. , Zijlstra H. P. , Vlaskamp C.
Published: August 2008

Background:  Because of the complexity of the problems that affect children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), communication between parents and teachers at special educational centres is indispensable. Logs are widely used in the Netherlands although only little is known about the effectiveness and efficiency of communication logs.

Method:  Sentences written in communication logs were analysed with two categorization systems. Frequencies and percentages of topics in each category were computed for teachers and for parents.

Results:  Most entries concern ‘exchanging experiences’ and ‘requesting or giving information’; teachers write significantly more than parents.

Conclusion:  The results show that communication logs are not very effective or efficient in relation to an adequate information transfer between parents and professionals to optimize the mutual support of children with PIMD. The article concludes with some recommendations for the practical use of these communication logs.
Young Urban African American Adolescents' Experience of Discretionary Time Activities
Authors: Bohnert Amy M. , Richards Maryse H. , Kolmodin Karen E. , Lakin Brittany L.
Published: August 2008

This cross‐sectional study examined the daily discretionary time experiences of 246 (107 boys, 139 girls) fifth through eighth grade urban African American adolescents using the Experience Sampling Method. Relations between the types of activities (i.e., active structured, active unstructured, passive unstructured) engaged in during discretionary time and self‐reported levels of motivated engagement, positive affect, confidence, and perceived alienation were explored. Results indicated that active structured activities occupied a small but important amount of young adolescents' discretionary time. Adolescents experienced the highest mean levels of motivated engagement and confidence, and the lowest mean levels of alienation when involved in these types of activities. Higher levels of positive affect were associated with participation in active as opposed to passive activities. Findings suggest that urban African American young adolescents experience more positive emotional states when they are involved in active, structured activities.
The Central Banker as a Risk Manager: Estimating the Federal Reserve's Preferences under Greenspan
Authors: KILIAN LUTZ , MANGANELLI SIMONE
Published: August 2008

We derive a natural generalization of the Taylor rule that links changes in the interest rate to the balance of the risks implied by the dual objective of sustainable economic growth and price stability. This monetary policy rule reconciles economic models of expected utility maximization with the risk management approach to central banking. Within this framework, we formally test and reject the standard assumption of quadratic and symmetric preferences in inflation and output that underlies the derivation of the Taylor rule. Our results suggest that Fed policy decisions under Greenspan were better described in terms of the Fed weighing upside and downside risks to their objectives rather than simply responding to the conditional mean of inflation and of the output gap.
Financial System Size in Transition Economies: The Effect of Legal Origin
Authors: HARPER JOEL T. , MCNULTY JAMES E.
Published: August 2008

Gorton and Winton (1998) link the size of the banking system in transition economies to financial stability. We provide empirical evidence consistent with their notion that the size of the financial system will be smaller in these countries. This effect holds even after controlling for the effect of rule of law and/or legal origin, and other relevant variables. Transition economy status, thus adds additional explanatory power to traditional law and finance explanations of financial development. Classification of transition economies by legal origin reveals that Russian legal origin has a strong negative effect on financial development. Regression analysis shows claims on the private sector/gross domestic product (GDP) to be 46 to 60 percentage points lower in the countries of the former Soviet Union, and 23 to 39 percentage points lower in non‐Soviet transition economies compared to countries of English legal origin. There is a positive relation between claims on the private sector and the rule of law for a broad cross section of countries.
Money Velocity in an Endogenous Growth Business Cycle with Credit Shocks
Authors: BENK SZILÁRD , GILLMAN MAX , KEJAK MICHAL
Published: August 2008

The paper sets the neoclassical monetary business cycle model within endogenous growth, adds exchange credit shocks, and finds that money and credit shocks explain much of the velocity variations. The role of the shocks varies across subperiods in an intuitive fashion. Endogenous growth is key to the construction of the money and credit shocks because these have similar effects on velocity, but opposite effects upon growth. The model matches the data's average velocity and simulates well velocity volatility. Its Cagan‐like money demand means that money and credit shocks cause greater velocity variation, the higher is the nominal interest rate.
Another Example of a Credit System that Co‐Exists with Money
Authors: CAMERA GABRIELE , LI YITING
Published: August 2008

We study an economy in which exchange occurs pairwise, there is no commitment, and anonymous agents choose between random monetary trade or deterministic credit trade. To accomplish the latter, agents can exploit a costly technology that allows limited record‐keeping, and enforcement. An equilibrium with money and credit is shown to exist if the cost of using the technology is sufficiently small. Anonymity, record‐keeping, and enforcement limitations also permit some incidence of default, in equilibrium.
Japan's Phillips Curve Looks Like Japan
Authors: SMITH GREGOR W.
Published: August 2008

During the past 15 years Japan has experienced unprecedented, high unemployment rates and low (often negative) inflation rates. This research shows that these outcomes were predictable as part of a stable, readily recognized Phillips curve.
Cation Ordering and Domain Boundaries in Ca[(Mg1/3Ta2/3)1−xTix]O3 Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Fu Mao Sen , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming , Zeng Yao Wu
Published: August 2008

Cation ordering and domain boundaries in perovskite Ca[(Mg1/3Ta2/3)1−xTix]O3 (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3) microwave dielectric ceramics were investigated by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Rietveld analysis. The variation of ordering structure with Ti substitution was revealed together with the formation mechanism of ordering domains. When x=0.1, the ceramics were composed of 1:2 and 1:1 ordered domains and a disordered matrix. The 1:2 cation ordering could still exist until x=0.2 but the 1:1 ordering disappeared. Neither 1:2 nor 1:1 cation ordering could exist at x=0.3. The space charge model was used to explain the cation ordering change from 1:2 to 1:1 and then to disorder. A comparison between the space charge model and random layer model was also conducted. HRTEM observations showed an antiphase boundary inclined to the (111)c plane with a projected displacement vector in the 〈001〉c direction and ferroelastic domain boundaries parallel to the 〈100〉c direction.
Study of Crystallization Kinetics in Glasses along the Diopside–Ca‐Tschermak Join
Authors: Goel Ashutosh , Shaaban Essam R. , Tulyaganov Dilshat U. , Ferreira José M. F.
Published: August 2008

We report on the thermal stability and crystallization kinetics of the glasses in the diopside (CaMgSi2O6)–Ca‐Tschermak (CaAl2SiO6) system. Four glasses with compositions corresponding to different diopside/Ca‐Tschermak ratio were studied. Structural investigations on the glasses have been made by employing Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Activation energies for structural relaxation and viscous flow have been calculated using the data obtained from differential thermal analysis. The existence of glass‐in‐glass phase separation was observed in all the glasses. Kinetic fragility of the glasses along with other thermal parameters have also been calculated. Nonisothermal crystallization kinetic studies have been employed to study the mechanism of crystallization in all the four glasses. The Avrami parameter for the glass powders is ∼2, indicating the existence of intermediate mechanism of crystallization. Crystallization sequence in the glasses has been followed by X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and FTIR.
Transparent Polycrystalline Alumina Ceramics with Orientated Optical Axes
Authors: Mao Xiaojian , Wang Shiwei , Shimai Shunzo , Guo Jingkun
Published: August 2008

A novel method is reported for the manufacture of transparent polycrystalline alumina ceramics by means of orientating the optical axes of grains parallel to each other. Such ceramics were achieved simply by exposing the slip casting process to a strong magnetic field followed by the traditional processing for translucent alumina ceramics. X‐ray diffraction and orthogonal polarizing microscopy showed that the grains have been successfully orientated in the alumina ceramics. The in‐line optical transmission is much higher than that of the randomly orientated polycrystalline alumina because the optical axes of grains are parallel to each other.
Use of the 1‐mm micro‐probe for metabolic analysis on small volume biological samples
Authors: Serkova Natalie J. , Freund Amy S. , Brown Jaimi L. , Kominsky Douglas J.
Published: August 2008

Endogenous metabolites are promising diagnostic end‐points in cancer research. Clinical application of high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy is often limited by extremely low volumes of human specimens. In the present study, the use of the Bruker 1‐mm high‐resolution TXI micro‐probe was evaluated in the elucidation of metabolic profiles for three different clinical applications with limited sample sizes (body fluids, isolated cells and tissue biopsies). Sample preparation and 1H‐NMR metabolite quantification protocols were optimized for following oncology‐oriented applications: (i) to validate the absolute concentrations of citrate and spermine in human expressed prostatic specimens (EPS volumes 5 to 10 μl: prostate cancer application); (ii) to establish the metabolic profile of isolated human lymphocytes (total cell count 4 = 106: chronic myelogenous leukaemia application); (iii) to assess the metabolic composition of human head‐and‐neck cancers from mouse xenografts (biopsy weights 20 to 70 mg: anti‐cancer treatment application). In this study, the use of the Bruker 1‐mm micro‐probe provides a convenient way to measure and quantify endogenous metabolic profiles of samples with a very low volume/weight/cell count.
Platelet lysate promotes in vitro wound scratch closure of human dermal fibroblasts: different roles of cell calcium, P38, ERK and PI3K/AKT
Authors: Ranzato Elia , Mazzucco Laura , Patrone Mauro , Burlando Bruno
Published: August 2008

There is a growing interest for the clinical use of platelet derivates in wound dressing. Platelet beneficial effect is attributed to the release of growth factors and other bioactive substances, though mechanisms are mostly unknown. We studied wound‐healing processes of human primary fibroblasts, by exposing cells to a platelet lysate (PL) obtained from blood samples. Crystal violet and tetrazolium salt (MTS) assays showed dose–response increase of cell proliferation and metabolism. In scratch wound and transwell assays, a dose of 20% PL induced a significant increase of wound closure rate at 6 and 24 hrs, and had a strong chemotactic effect. BAPTA‐AM, SB203580 and PD98059 caused 100% inhibition of PL effects, whereas wortmannin reduced to about one third the effect of PL on wound healing and abolished the chemotactic response. Confocal imaging showed the induction by PL of serial Ca2+ oscillations in fibroblasts. Data indicate that cell Ca2+ plays a fundamental role in wound healing even without PL, p38 and ERK1/2 are essential for PL effects but are also activated by wounding per se, PI3K is essential for PL effects and its downstream effector Akt is activated only in the presence of PL. In conclusion, PL stimulates fibroblast wound healing through the activation of cell proliferation and motility with different patterns of involvement of different signalling pathways.
Serum withdrawal up‐regulates human SIRT1 gene expression in a p53‐dependent manner
Authors: Shang Linshan , Zhou Haibin , Xia Yu , Wang Hui , Gao Guimin , Chen Bingxi , Liu Qiji , Shao Changshun , Gong Yaoqin
Published: August 2008

SIRT1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent histone/protein deacetylase, has been extensively studied recently for its critical role in the regulation of physiology, calorie restriction and aging. Studies on laboratory mice showed that expression of SIRT1 can be induced by starvation in a p53‐dependent manner and requires the p53‐binding sites present in the Sirt1 promoter. However, it remains to be determined whether these findings based on rodents apply to human beings. In this paper, we characterized a putative p53‐binding element in the human SIRT1 promoter that might be required for the up‐regulation of SIRT1 in response to nutritional stress. The p53‐binding site in the promoter of human SIRT1 is more deviant from the consensus sequence than the corresponding sequence in the mouse Sirt1. There is a C to A change at the second half site in human SIRT1, thus disrupting the core‐binding element CWWG in the canonical RRRCWWGYYY. To test whether such sequence change would affect its binding with p53 and the SIRT1 expression under stress, we studied various human cell lines with different p53 status and cells with ectopic expression of functionally distinct p53. We found that serum withdrawal also up‐regulates human SIRT1 gene expression in a p53‐dependent manner and that the p53‐binding element in SIRT1 is required for the up‐regulation. Thus, the mechanism responsible for the regulation of SIRT1 expression by p53 is conserved between mice and human beings.
Kinesin‐1 (uKHC/KIF5B) is Required for Bidirectional Motility of ER Exit Sites and Efficient ER‐to‐Golgi Transport
Authors: Gupta Vijay , Palmer Krysten J. , Spence Peter , Hudson Andrew , Stephens David J.
Published: August 2008

Transport of proteins and lipids between intracellular compartments is fundamental to the organization and function of eukaryotic cells. The efficiency of this process is greatly enhanced through coupling of membranes to microtubules. This serves two functions, organelle positioning and vesicular transport. In this study, we show that in addition to the well‐known role for the minus‐end motor dynein in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐to‐Golgi transport, the plus‐end‐directed motor kinesin‐1 is involved in positioning coat protein II‐coated ER exit sites (ERES) in cells as well as the formation of transport carriers and their movement to the Golgi. Using two‐dimensional Gaussian fitting to determine their location at high spatial resolution, we show that ERES undergo short‐range bidirectional movements. Bidirectionality depends on both kinesin‐1 and dynein. Suppression of kinesin‐1 (KIF5B) also inhibits ER‐to‐Golgi transport and affects the morphology of ER‐to‐Golgi transport carriers. Furthermore, we show that suppression of dynein heavy chain expression increases the range of movement of ERES, suggesting that dynein might anchor ERES, or the ER itself, to microtubules. These data implicate kinesin‐1 in the spatial organization of the ER/Golgi interface as well as in traffic outside the ER.
Genetic control of experience‐dependent plasticity in the visual cortex
Authors: Heimel J. A. , Hermans J. M. , Sommeijer J.‐P. ,   Neuro‐Bsik Mouse Phenomics consortium, Levelt C.N.
Published: August 2008

Depriving one eye of visual experience during a sensitive period of development results in a shift in ocular dominance (OD) in the primary visual cortex (V1). To assess the heritability of this form of cortical plasticity and identify the responsible gene loci, we studied the influence of monocular deprivation on OD in a large number of recombinant inbred mouse strains derived from mixed C57BL/6J and DBA/2J backgrounds (BXD). The strength of imaged intrinsic signal responses in V1 to visual stimuli was strongly heritable as were various elements of OD plasticity. This has important implications for the use of mice of mixed genetic backgrounds for studying OD plasticity. C57BL/6J showed the most significant shift in OD, while some BXD strains did not show any shift at all. Interestingly, the increase in undeprived ipsilateral eye responses was not correlated to the decrease in deprived contralateral eye responses, suggesting that the size of these components of OD plasticity are not genetically controlled by only a single mechanism. We identified a quantitative trait locus regulating the change in response to the deprived eye. The locus encompasses 13 genes, two of which –Stch and Nrip1 – contain missense polymorphisms. The expression levels of Stch and to a lesser extent Nrip1 in whole brain correlate with the trait identifying them as novel candidate plasticity genes.
Discovery Interviews: a mechanism for user involvement
Authors: Bridges Jackie , Gray Wendy , Box Graham , Machin Sheelagh
Published: August 2008

Discovery Interviews have become widely used in the UK National Health Service as a service improvement tool and patient involvement mechanism. This first paper in a series of three explores the development of Discovery Interviews in the NHS in the context of explicit central government policy of the development of patient‐centred services and user involvement in shaping health service organization and delivery. It draws on the published literature on Discovery Interviews to date, including that on evaluation.