bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Multiple Relationships Between Neutrality And Therapeutic Influence
Authors: Furlong M. , Lipp J.
Published: September 2013

The term ‘neutrality’ has multiple meanings within the literature and practice of family therapy. The first section of this paper identifies and discusses these uses. A second and more heuristic section developes linkages between neutrality and what is seen to possess professional authority. We believe these linkages tend to be obscure, only becoming accessible if the multiple, interlacing contexts within which therapists participate are examined. These contexts include:

the place given to neutrality in Western culture

the organisations employing therapists and how these bodies view professional neutrality, and

the expectations and experience of clients in relation to professional neutrality.

Because neutrality is so entwined with questions of professional effectiveness and power, the authors believe it is not possible to declare neutrality good or bad, possible or impossible. Rather the question should be: within what local circumstances, and in what particular senses of the term, can neutrality be effectively and ethically employed?
Towards Balancing Power in Domestic Violence Relationships
Authors: Wileman Robin , Wileman Bud
Published: September 2013

Women's powerlessness to effect change in their partner's violence has been promoted in the literature. This has led to a downgrading in therapeutic responses to domestic violence and an over‐reliance on legalistic remedies. However, many victims of domestic violence assert often that they want their relationships to survive and the violence to stop. Others may wish to leave their partners but find this too difficult. This paper describes a therapeutic/educational group program which set out to identify how women can become empowered and effect positive change in their partner's violent behaviour. The balancing of power was based upon the application of a set of guidelines which were applied in conjunction with McDonald's (1989) Cycle of Violence, with cognisance given to perpetrator characteristics. This initiative broadens the range of services available to women and it questions the political correctness of current domestic violence public social policy.
Leunig Cartoons As Therapeutic Letters Crafting a Viable Therapeutic Focus for Change
Authors: Kennedy Simon
Published: September 2013

This paper describes the use of Leunig cartoons as therapeutic letters. The paper proposes the use of the cartoons in the facilitation of establishing a viable therapeutic focus. The method illustrates principles focused on avoiding expert/non‐expert dichotomies while crafting an appropriate focus for the therapy. The paper illustrates how the cartoons can be used to add complexity to the understanding of relevant therapeutic themes, while avoiding some of the change‐inhibiting processes involved in identification of problematic cognitive processes and frames of meaning.
Spirituality, Science and Therapy
Authors: Adams Neil
Published: September 2013

This article firstly explores the dissociation between therapy and spirituality in the context of the historical split between facts' and ‘values,’ science and religion, and secondly the recent shift away from dichotomies such as therapy/spirituality, science/religion towards a ‘both/and’ synthesis in the ‘new science’ and spirituality. The ‘Cartesian anxiety’ and dualism that has dominated Western thought in the last 300 years is now less apparent, and science is more inclusive of different paradigms. This paper argues for a closer integration of family therapy and spirituality, and is linked to a manuscript in preparation which explores the clinical application of spirituality to family adaptation following trauma. For many survivors and their families, trauma opens a window into the world of spirituality. Aspects of Jung's and Frankl's work will be related to the area of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), linking factors such as ‘attribution of meaning’ and ‘positive appraisal’ to family adaptation.
A Pilot Use of Letters to Clients before the Initial Session
Authors: Coles Don
Published: September 2013

This paper explores the nature of engagement in the therapy process, and proposes that engagement may be facilitated when both client and therapist are able to develop an appreciation of each other's position within the therapeutic relationship. Some ways that a therapist can assist in this process are explored. An experiment is described in which information letters are sent to clients before the initial therapy session, as a possible way to enhance the engagement process.
Positive Outcomes in Families Following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Authors: Adams Neil
Published: September 2013

In an earlier paper, the relationship between spirituality, science and therapy was explored. In this paper spirituality is discussed in a more clinical context. Family response to trauma is outlined, concentrating on the area of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), and several models of adaptation are reviewed. There appear to he commonalities in response to different types of trauma. However in the area of ABI, positive outcomes have been under‐reported in the literature which has focussed for various reasons on maladaptation. In viewing response to trauma as involving both the potential for positive transformation as well as suffering and burden, concepts of Frankl and Jung, spiritual belief and ‘near death experience’ are discussed. Examples of how families find meaning and positively appraise their experience of ABI are given.
Clients' Perceptions of Single Session Consultations as an Option to Waiting for Family Therapy
Authors: Boyhan Patricia A.
Published: September 2013

A single‐session program was mailed at Bouverie Family Therapy Centre (BFTC), Melbourne, and results indicated a high level of client satisfaction with the service. Within the review period 53% of clients chose to attend for a one off consultation only, with the option of an ‘open door’ to return far therapy if they felt the need. The BFTC outcome supported findings of Moshe Talmon (an international advocate of the effectiveness of single session therapy), and also of two other Australian agencies whose research was reviewed and compared with the BFTC results.
Criticism From Within An Interview With Kerrie James
Authors: Hollonds Anne
Published: September 2013

Kerrie James is the Clinical Director at Relationships Australia (NSW). Having trained in family therapy in Canada in 1979, Kerrie came back to Australia and was employed by Relationships Australia (NSW), then the Marriage Guidance Council, to develop one of the first professional training programs in family therapy. Since then Kerrie has taught and supervised in family therapy both in Australia and overseas. Through her publications and presentations, Kerrie has made a significant contribution to the feminist debate within family therapy. Kerrie is currently completing a Masters in Womens Studies in which she is researching connections between the social constructions of gender and violence.
The Family Safety Model: A Comprehensive Strategy For Working With Domestic Violence
Authors: Shaw Elisabeth , Bouris Akivra , Pye Sheena
Published: September 2013

There has been continuous debate about the viability, efficacy and appropriateness of providing services to perpetrators and couples where domestic violence is the presenting problem in therapy. This paper argues that within a comprehensive and integrated model of service provision that encompasses all family members, it can be appropriate and effective to incorporate these service options if screening, monitoring and service models are carefully selected and provided in a context of agency safety and support.
To Live More Comfortably with Difference An Interview with Peter Churven
Authors: Crago Maureen
Published: September 2013

Peter Churven's name has been associated with family therapy in Australia since the early days. He is remembered as the original Director of Redbank House (which pioneered whole family admissions), and for his forceful presence as the Foundation President of the N.S.W. Family Therapy Association. He was recently elected as a member of the Board for this journal. As you read his words, imagine him now and then pausing to think, swivelling in his chair, so that the creaking acts as punctuation.
Family Therapy: Inner, Outer and the Issue of Pathology
Authors: Gibney Paul
Published: September 2013

This paper sets out to examine the relationship between ‘the inner’, ‘the outer’, and ‘the issue of pathology’ in the family therapy field. It begins with the observations that ‘pathology’ has become a rarely mentioned issue in family therapy, and ‘what is wrong’ is increasingly located in ‘the outer’: the family ‘game’, ‘linguistic activity’ or ‘the cultural discourse’. At the same time, family therapy often hosts forums in which presenters are ‘attacked’ for not seeming to hold the ‘correct view’. The paper considers these phenomena in tandem, looks at the matter of ‘method’, and applies James Hillman's critique of psychoanalysis to family therapy. The suggestion is that family therapy has been blinded by its own metaphor of ‘seeing’, symbolised and literalised in the one way screen. Alternative metaphors privileging intuition, feeling and aesthetics are put forward, before discussion points are raised, and before this paper on therapy concludes poetically, or this paper concludes that therapy may be poetry.
Talking about Blame
Authors: Furlong Mark , Young Jeff
Published: September 2013

In this analysis particular emphasis is given to the question of blame in meaningful relationships, such as those occurring within families and between practitioners and their clients. The authors suggest there is a potential in these contexts for the subjective experience of being blamed to challenge, perhaps even disturb, an individual's sense of personhood and for interpersonal boundaries to therefore become de‐regulated. A general implication for practice is then raised: if blame can be so powerful in its effects, practitioners may benefit from talking explicitly to their clients about blame in order to access intrapsychic and interactional material, for its relevance to the immediacy of the client's lived experience, for its ability to contribute to engagement, and perhaps most importantly, because feeling blamed and being blaming reduces the self‐agency available to clients and hence potential for change.
Families in Crisis: The Family Court Perspective
Authors: Nicholson Alastair
Published: September 2013

The Chief Justice, Family Court of Australia, explores the changing and challenged concept of family’ and the range of critical external pressures which impinge on families and inhibit their functioning. He then considers Family Court responses to issues of partner and child abuse, and recent legislative changes especially as they impinge on children.
Marital Therapy, EMDR, Herman's Model of Recovery from Trauma The Journey of One Woman and Her Family
Authors: Arnstein Malise
Published: September 2013

Judith Herman (1992, page 183) delineates a three stage model of recovery from trauma: 1) Safety, 2) Remembrance and Mourning, 3) Reconnection. She criticises current treatment methods for their failure to make a difference in the “constrictive symptoms of numbing and social withdrawal … and marital, social and work problems do not necessarily improve”. Family therapy has been criticised often for insufficient focus on emotion and general sensations. This case analysis will illustrate how these shortcomings can be successfully addressed with the use of marital counselling and EMDR. The use of multiple treatment approaches contributed to one client's resolution of recent trauma due to a car accident, of past crises due to marital infidelity and early childhood abuse, with significant changes for her in her current family as well as in her family of origin. Theoretical implications for “family therapy” are raised.
Trigeminal nerve injury‐induced thrombospondin‐4 up‐regulation contributes to orofacial neuropathic pain states in a rat model
Authors: Li K.‐W. , Kim D‐S. , Zaucke F. , Luo Z.D.
Published: September 2013

Background

Injury to the trigeminal nerve often results in the development of chronic pain states including tactile allodynia, or hypersensitivity to light touch, in orofacial area, but its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Peripheral nerve injury has been shown to cause up‐regulation of thrombospondin‐4 (TSP4) in dorsal spinal cord that correlates with neuropathic pain development. In this study, we examined whether injury‐induced TSP4 is critical in mediating orofacial pain development in a rat model of chronic constriction injury to the infraorbital nerve.

Methods

Orofacial sensitivity to mechanical stimulation was examined in a unilateral infraorbital nerve ligation rat model. The levels of TSP4 in trigeminal ganglia and associated spinal subnucleus caudalis and C1/C2 spinal cord (Vc/C2) from injured rats were examined at time points correlating with the initiation and peak orofacial hypersensitivity. TSP4 antisense and mismatch oligodeoxynucleotides were intrathecally injected into injured rats to see if antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment could reverse injury‐induced TSP4 up‐regulation and orofacial behavioural hypersensitivity.

Results

Our data indicated that trigeminal nerve injury induced TSP4 up‐regulation in Vc/C2 at a time point correlated with orofacial tactile allodynia. In addition, intrathecal treatment with TSP4 antisense, but not mismatch, oligodeoxynucleotides blocked both injury‐induced TSP4 up‐regulation in Vc/C2 and behavioural hypersensitivity.

Conclusions

Our data support that infraorbital nerve injury leads to TSP4 up‐regulation in trigeminal spinal complex that contributes to orofacial neuropathic pain states. Blocking this pathway may provide an alternative approach in management of orofacial neuropathic pain states.
The effects of colesevelam HCl on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of glimepiride, extended‐release glipizide, and olmesartan medoxomil
Authors: He Ling , Wickremasingha Prachi , Lee James , Tao Ben , Mendell‐Harary Jeanne , Walker Joseph , Wight Douglas
Published: September 2013

Bile acid sequestrants can potentially bind to concomitant drugs. Single‐dose studies evaluated the effects of colesevelam on the pharmacokinetics of glimepiride, glipizide extended‐release (ER), and olmesartan medoxomil. Each study enrolled healthy subjects aged 18–45 years. The olmesartan medoxomil study used a randomized adaptive crossover design that initially compared olmesartan medoxomil alone versus simultaneously with colesevelam, then olmesartan medoxomil alone versus 4 hours before colesevelam. The other studies used a three‐period crossover design (test drug alone, test drug simultaneously with colesevelam, and test drug 4 hours before colesevelam). For the colesevelam coadministration periods, 3,750 mg once daily was dosed throughout the pharmacokinetic sampling period. After each single dose of test drug, serial blood samples were collected for determination of plasma drug concentrations and calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters. Administering colesevelam simultaneously with glimepiride or glipizide ER resulted in minor reductions (18% and 13%, respectively) in total exposure that were negated by staggering colesevelam dosing by 4 hours. Administering colesevelam simultaneously with olmesartan medoxomil resulted in a major reduction (39%) in olmesartan exposure that was reduced by staggering colesevelam dosing by 4 hours. This reduction in olmesartan exposure is not predicted to have a clinically significant impact on blood pressure control.
Delayed reinforcement and fixed‐ratio performance
Authors: Jarmolowicz David P. , Lattal Kennon A.
Published: September 2013

Effects of delayed reinforcement on fixed‐ratio (FR) maintained responding of pigeons were investigated. In Experiments 1–3, the delay of reinforcement was increased across successive sessions until pigeons paused for 300 s. Both signaled and unsignaled delays were studied across different conditions. Overall response rates and run rates (timed from the first to last response of a ratio) decreased and postreinforcement pauses increased as delays increased in each experiment. As delays increased, the likelihood of pausing during a ratio run also increased. When these measures were plotted as a function of obtained delays, signaled delays had less of an effect on the above measures than did unsignaled ones. In Experiment 2, delays had a greater effect on the above measures than did a control condition arranging equivalent interreinforcer intervals to those accompanying the delays. Experiments 3 and 4 examined the generality of the effects obtained in the first two experiments. In Experiment 3, delays imposed on FR or yoked‐interval schedules had similar behavioral effects. In Experiment 4, effects similar to those found in Experiments 1–3 for 1, 10, and 20‐s delays imposed on FR 50 schedules were found when the FR requirement increased across sessions. Despite the different contingencies relating response rate and reinforcement rates on interval and ratio schedules, delays of reinforcement generally affect performance on these schedules similarly.
Extending water vapor trend observations over Boulder into the tropopause region: Trend uncertainties and resulting radiative forcing
Authors: Kunz A. , Müller R. , Homonnai V. , M. Jánosi I. , Hurst D. , Rap A. , M. Forster P. , Rohrer F. , Spelten N. , Riese M.
Published: September 2013

Thirty years of balloon‐borne measurements over Boulder (40°N,105°W) are used to investigate the water vapor trend in the tropopause region. This analysis extends previously published trends, usually focusing on altitudes greater than 16 km, to lower altitudes. Two new concepts are applied: (1) Trends are presented in a thermal tropopause (TP) relative coordinate system from −2 km below to 10 km above the TP, and (2) sonde profiles are selected according to TP height. Tropical (TPz>14km), extratropical (TPz<12km), and transitional air mass types (12km<TPz<14km) reveal three different water vapor reservoirs. The analysis based on these concepts reduces the dynamically induced water vapor variability at the TP and principally favors refined water vapor trend studies in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Nonetheless, this study shows how uncertain trends are at altitudes −2 to +4 km around the TP. This uncertainty in turn has an influence on the uncertainty and interpretation of water vapor radiative effects at the TP, which are locally estimated for the 30 year period to be of uncertain sign. The much discussed decrease in water vapor at the beginning of 2001 is not detectable between −2 and 2 km around the TP. On lower stratospheric isentropes, the water vapor change at the beginning of 2001 is more intense for extratropical than for tropical air mass types. This suggests a possible link with changing dynamics above the jet stream such as changes in the shallow branch of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation.
Influence of radiolytic‐produced hydrogen peroxide on the stability of commercial kit 99mtechnetium‐exametazime preparation
Authors: Martinez Teresa , Miñana Elena , Martín‐Falquina Tomás Chivato , Fuente Teodomiro
Published: September 2013

99mTc‐d,l‐hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc‐d,l‐HMPAO) is a widely used radiopharmaceutical that suffers from an inherent instability with a shelf life of 30 min that constrains its availability for clinical use. A protocol for improving the stability of the kit with minimal modification of manufacturer's instructions and no chemicals addition to the commercial formulation is proposed. The protocol is based on the displacement of the oxygen present in the preparation, preventing free radicals build up and free pertechnetate formation. Although the degradation of 99mTc‐d,l‐HMPAO cannot be explained solely by the radiolytic production of free radicals, it appears to be an important factor in the shelf stability of the complex. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymorphisms in the HIV‐1 gp41 env gene, natural resistance to enfuvirtide (T‐20) and pol resistance among pregnant Brazilian women
Authors: Reis Mônica Nogueira da Guarda , de Alcântara Keila Correa , Cardoso Ludimila Paula Vaz , Stefani Mariane Martins Araújo
Published: September 2013

The selective pressure of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) targeting HIV‐1 pol can promote drug resistance mutations in other genomic regions, such as env. Drug resistance among women should be monitored to avoid horizontal and mother‐to‐child transmission. To describe natural resistance to T‐20 (enfuvirtide), gp41 env polymorphisms, mutations in pol and HIV‐1 subtypes, 124 pregnant women were recruited. For 98 patients, the gp41 env, protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) fragments were sequenced. The patients were ARV naïve (n = 30), taking mother‐to‐child transmission prophylaxis (n = 50), or being treated with highly active ARV therapy/HAART (n = 18). The Stanford and IAS/USA databases and other sources were used to analyze PR/RT, gp41 env resistance mutations. The HIV‐1 genetic diversity was analyzed by REGA/phylogenetic analyses. The patients' median age was 25 years (range, 16–42), 18.4% had AIDS. The frequency of natural resistance to T‐20 (N42D, L44M, and R46M‐low‐impact mutations) was 6.1% (6/98); 20.4% (20/98) had compensatory mutations in HR2. The prevalence of transmitted drug resistance in the pol was 13.3% (4/30), and the prevalence of secondary drug resistance was 33.3% (6/18). Two patients were infected with multidrug resistant/MDR viruses. The analysis of HIV‐1 subtypes (PR/RT/gp41) revealed that 61.2% (60/98) were subtype B, 12.2% (12/98) were subtype C, 4.1% (4/98) were subtype F1, and 22.4% (22/98) were possible recombinants (BF1 = 20.4%; BC = 2%). Natural resistance to T‐20 was not associated with pol resistance or previous ARV use. The high rate of secondary resistance, including MDR, indicates that the number of women that may need T‐20 salvage therapy may be higher than anticipated. J. Med. Virol. 86:8–17, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serology indicates cytomegalovirus infection is associated with varicella‐zoster virus reactivation
Authors: Ogunjimi Benson , Theeten Heidi , Hens Niel , Beutels Philippe
Published: September 2013

Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox after which the virus remains latent in neural ganglia. Subsequent reactivation episodes occur, leading mainly to subclinical detection of VZV, but also to the clinical entity herpes zoster. These reactivations are known to occur most frequently amongst immunocompromised individuals, but the incidence of herpes zoster is also known to increase with age, supposedly as a consequence of immunosenescence. Our analysis aims to explore associations between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and VZV reactivation by analyzing VZV‐specific antibody titers as a function of age, gender, and CMV serostatus. The analysis was repeated on measles and parvovirus B19 antibody titers. At the time of the observations, measles virus circulation was virtually eliminated, whereas parvovirus B19 circulated at lower levels than VZV. Multiple linear regression analyses, using the log‐transformed antibody titers, identified a positive association between ageing and VZV antibody titers suggesting that ageing increasingly stimulates VZV reactivation. CMV infection further amplified the positive association between ageing and the reactivation rate. A negative association between CMV infection and VZV antibody titers was found in young individuals, thereby supporting the hypothesis that CMV infection may have a negative effect on the number of B‐cells. However, no associations between CMV infection and measles or parvovirus B19 antibody titers occurred, but ageing tended to be associated with a decrease in the antibody titer against parvovirus B19. The combined results thus suggest that both CMV‐dependent and CMV‐independent immunosenescence occurs. This is supported by an in‐depth analysis of VZV, measles and parvovirus B19 antibody titers. J. Med. Virol. 86:812–819, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative effect of human urine and ammonium nitrate application on maize (Zea mays L.) grown under various salt (NaCl) concentrations
Authors: Yongha Boh Michael , Germer Jörn , Müller Torsten , Sauerborn Joachim
Published: September 2013

The present study investigates the effect of urine and ammonium nitrate on maize (Zea mays L.) vegetative growth, leaf nutrient concentration, soil electrical conductivity, and exchangeable‐cations contents under various concentrations of NaCl in a soil substrate. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with eight replications under greenhouse conditions. The experimental soil substrate was made from a 1 : 1 : 1 volume‐ratio mixture of compost, quartz sand, and silty‐loam soil. Salinity was induced by adding 0, 15, and 30 mL of 1 M NaCl solution per kg of substrate to achieve an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.3 (S0), 4.6 (S1), and 7.6 (S2) dS m–1. Nitrogen sources were urine and ammonium nitrate applied at 180 and 360 mg N (kg soil substrate)–1. Basal P and K were added as mono potassium phosphate in amounts equivalent to 39 mg P and 47 mg K (kg substrate)–1, respectively. In the S0 treatment, a 3‐fold increase in EC was measured after urine application compared to an insignificant change in ammonium nitrate–fertilized substrates 62 d after sowing. Under saline conditions, application of 360 mg N (kg soil)–1 as urine significantly decreased soil pH and maize shoot dry weight. At the highest salt and N dose (S2, N360) 50% of urine‐fertilized plants died. Regardless of salinity there was no significant difference between the two fertilizers for investigated growth factors when N was supplied at 180 mg (kg soil)–1. Leaf N and Ca contents were higher after urine application than in ammonium nitrate–fertilized plants. At an application rate of 180 mg N (kg soil)–1, urine was a suitable fertilizer for maize under saline conditions. Higher urine‐N dosages and/or soil salinity exceeding 7.6 dS m–1 may have a deleterious effect on maize growth.
Issues in the absolute chronology of the Early–Middle Bronze Age transition in Sicily and southern Italy: a Bayesian radiocarbon view
Authors: ALBERTI GIANMARCO
Published: September 2013

This article focuses on the Early–Middle Bronze Age (MBA) transition in Sicily and southern Italy from a Bayesian radiocarbon perspective. The aims are to: (i) estimate the beginning of the MBA (i.e. Thapsos–Milazzese culture in Sicily; Apennine culture in southern Italy) at four key‐sites; (ii) assess the existence of a site‐wide variability; and (iii) understand if an offset is likely to have existed between the beginning of the MBA and the Aegean Late Helladic (LH) IIIA phase, which currently marks the start of the MBA. The study indicates that the MBA probably started earlier at Portella (95.4% range 1541–1430, mode 1465 BC) and Roca Vecchia (1706–1394, mode 1460 BC) than at Coppa Nevigata (1527–1292, mode 1410 BC; or 1490–1265, mode 1380 BC) and Ustica (1609–1261, mode 1405 BC). Also, the beginning of the MBA at Portella and Roca Vecchia is probably earlier than that of the LH IIIA. This suggests that the current synchronization between MBA and LH IIIA, based on historical grounds, needs revision as radiocarbon evidence points to an earlier start of the MBA at two of the four sites. Overall, by means of scientific dating methods and Bayesian modelling, the study allows us to set in a different perspective the chronology proposed in the current literature based on historical synchronizations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman and IR reflection micro‐spectroscopic study of Er:YAG laser treated permanent and deciduous human teeth
Authors: Jegova Galia , Titorenkova Rositsa , Rashkova Maya , Mihailova Boriana
Published: September 2013

Permanent and deciduous human teeth treated by a dental Er‐doped yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet pulse laser (λ = 2940 nm) as well as by classical drilling tools under conditions typical of the clinical practice were studied by ultraviolet Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflection microspectroscopy. Enamel was analyzed by both spectroscopic methods, whereas dentine was studied only by FTIR reflection because of the high level of photoluminescence continuum background even when a wavelength of 325 nm was used in inelastic light scattering experiments. The applied energy and pulse frequency of the dental laser varied between 200 and 500 mJ and between 10 and 30 Hz, respectively. The most important result is that after the laser treatment, the hydroxyapatite structure in both permanent and deciduous enamel is preserved: the apatite Ca‐P‐O framework remains intact, and the content of channel OH‐ groups is not changed within experimental uncertainties. The calcium‐phosphate framework of dentine also exhibits negligible laser‐induced changes. The only alterations in enamel induced by laser as well as by mechanical drilling are reduction of the amount of CO32‐ in apatite and changes in the protein conformation. The laser impact on the organic material and carbonate groups is strongest for laser power of 8 W; for powers of 4 or 5 W, the combination of higher pulse energy and lower pulse frequency has less impact than the combination of lower energy and higher frequency. No differences between deciduous and permanent teeth in their resistivity to laser irradiation with λ = 2940 nm were detected. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microanalysis of clay‐based pigments in painted artworks by the means of Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Košařová Veronika , Hradil David , Němec Ivan , Bezdička Petr , Kanický Viktor
Published: September 2013

FT Raman spectroscopy and micro‐Raman spectroscopy with lasers of three different wavelengths (1064 nm, 785 nm and 532 nm) were used for analysis of reference samples of natural clay pigments including white clay minerals (kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite), green earths (glauconite and celadonite) and red earths (natural mixtures of white clay minerals with hematite). In addition, eight micro‐samples obtained from historical paintings containing clay pigments in ground and colour layers have been examined. Powder X‐ray diffraction and micro‐diffraction were used as supplementary methods. It was found that laser operating at 1064 nm provided the best quality Raman spectra for distinguishing different white clay minerals, but the spectra of green and red earths were affected by strong fluorescence caused by the presence of iron. Green earth minerals could be easily distinguished by 532 or 785 nm excitation lasers, even in small concentrations in the paint layers. On the other hand, when anatase (TiO2) or iron oxides (such as hematite) were present as admixtures (both are quite common, particularly in red earths), the collection of characteristic spectra of clay minerals which form the main component of the layer was hindered or even prevented. Another complicating factor was the fluorescence produced by organic binders when analysing the micro‐samples of artworks. In those cases, it is always necessary to use powder X‐ray micro‐diffraction to avoid misleading interpretations of the pigment's composition. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic‐liquid‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for high‐throughput multiple food contaminant screening
Authors: Ho Yee‐Man , Tsoi Yeuk‐Ki , Leung Kelvin Sze‐Yin
Published: September 2013

This paper describes an innovation of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction enabling multiple‐component analysis of eight high‐priority food contaminants in two chemically distinctive families: Sudan dyes and phthalate plasticizers. To provide convenient sample handling for solid and solid‐containing matrices, a modified dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure used an extractant precoated frit to perform simultaneous filtration, solvent mixing, and phase dispersion in one simple step. A binary ionic liquid extractant system was carefully tuned to deliver high quality analysis based only on affordable LC with diode array detector instrumentation. The method is comprehensively validated for robust quantification with good precision (6.9–9.8% RSD) in a linear 2–1000 μg/L range. Having accomplished enrichment factors up to 451, the treatment enables sensitive detection at 0.09–1.01 μg/L levels. Analysis of six high‐risk solid condiments and sauces further verified its practical applicability within a 70–120% recovery range. Compared to other approaches, the current dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction treatment offers major advantages in terms of minimal solvent (1.5 mL) and sample (0.1 g) consumption, ultra‐high analytical throughput (6 min), and the ability to handle complex solid matrices. The idea of performing simultaneous analysis for multiple contaminants presented here fosters a more effective mode of operation in food control routines.
Effects of orally administered yeast‐derived beta‐glucans: A review
Authors: Samuelsen Anne Berit C. , Schrezenmeir Jürgen , Knutsen Svein H.
Published: September 2013

Yeast‐derived beta‐glucans (Y‐BG) are considered immunomodulatory compounds suggested to enhance the defense against infections and exert anticarcinogenic effects. Specific preparations have received Generally Recognized as Safe status and acceptance as novel food ingredients by European Food Safety Authority. In human trials, orally administered Y‐BG significantly reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in individuals susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections, whereas significant differences were not seen in healthy individuals. Increased salivary IgA in healthy individuals, increased IL‐10 levels in obese subjects, beneficial changes in immunological parameters in allergic patients, and activated monocytes in cancer patients have been reported following Y‐BG intake. The studies were conducted with different doses (7.5–1500 mg/day), using different preparations that vary in their primary structure, molecular weight, and solubility. In animal models, oral Y‐BG have reduced the incidence of bacterial infections and levels of stress‐induced cytokines and enhanced antineoplastic effects of cytotoxic agents. Protective effects toward drug intoxication and ischemia/reperfusion injury have also been reported. In conclusion, additional studies following good clinical practice principles are needed in which well‐defined Y‐BG preparations are used and immune markers and disease endpoints are assessed. Since optimal dosing may depend on preparation characteristics, dose‐response curves might be assessed to find the optimal dose for a specific preparation.
High epibenthic foraminiferal δ13C in the Recent deep Arctic Ocean: Implications for ventilation and brine release during stadials
Authors: Mackensen Andreas
Published: September 2013

Low planktic and benthic δ18O and δ13C values in sediments from the Nordic seas of cold stadials of the last glaciation have been attributed to brines, formed similar to modern ones in the Arctic Ocean. To expand on the carbon isotopes of this hypothesis, I investigated benthic δ13C from the modern Arctic Ocean. I show that mean δ13C values of live epibenthic foraminifera from the deep Arctic basins are higher than mean δ13C values of upper slope epibenthic foraminifera. This agrees with mean high δ13C values of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in Arctic Bottom Water (ABW), which are higher than mean δ13CDIC values from shallower water masses of mainly Atlantic origin. However, adjustments for oceanic 13C Suess depletion raise subsurface and intermediate water δ13CDIC values over ABW δ13CDIC ones. Accordingly, during preindustrial Holocene times, the δ13CDIC of ABW was as high or even higher than today but lower than the δ13CDIC of younger subsurface and intermediate water. If brine‐enriched water significantly ventilated ABW, brines should have had high δ13CDIC values. Analogously, high‐δ13CDIC brines may have been formed in the Nordic seas during warm interstadials. During cold stadials, when most of the Arctic Ocean was perennially sea ice covered, a cessation of high‐δ13CDIC brine rejection may have lowered δ13CDIC values of ABW, and ultimately the δ13CDIC in Nordic seas intermediate and deep water. So in contrast to the idea of enhanced brine formation during cold stadials, the results of this investigation imply that a cessation of brine rejection would be more likely.
A highly sensitive “test paper” for Hg2+ ions based on polyurethane membrane
Authors: Li Xianghong , Yang Zhen , Cheng Xinjian , Zhang Huijuan , Wu Guiping , Zhang Aiqing
Published: September 2013

Heavy metals have caused a lot of serious problems to human beings. A reusable, highly sensitive metal sensor based on polyurethane membrane, which can detect and remove Hg2+ ions, was prepared and tested in this work. A sensor with hydroxyl (−OH) group was grafted to polyurethane, and the heavy metal sensitive membrane was synthesized accordingly. Upon addition of Hg2+ ion solution to the as‐prepared membrane, the color change occurred instantly. Moreover, different colors appeared with different concentration of the Hg2+ ions, which could make the membrane be employed as a heavy metal “test paper”. In addition, the membrane sensor could be recycled after the interaction with Hg2+ ions by treating the used membrane with dilute ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid 2Na solution. This efficient and easily prepared membrane‐based sensor has a promising application in environmental science. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of surfactant‐free carbon nanotube/poly(styrene‐co‐acrylamide) by dynamic interfacial emulsion polymerization under sonication
Authors: Suckeveriene Ran Y. , Rahman Ron , Ovadia Maya , Szczupak Daniela , Mechrez Guy , Narkis Moshe
Published: September 2013

This paper describes a study on emulsifier‐free ultrasonically assisted in‐situ copolymerization method of acrylamide and styrene in the presence of CNT, resulting in stable and uniform dispersions. The dispersions prepared were found stable for several months. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves and conversion measurements provided an insight regarding the polymerization mechanism and the nanocomposites structure. Films prepared of the polymerization products resulted in some clear and transparent coatings. The polymerization method described is simple and very fast compared with the other literature reported methods. TGA was extensively used as an analytical tool for determination of the composition of acrylamide–styrene copolymers. TGA and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that the polymerization product is largely a poly(styrene‐co‐acrylamide), where the acrylamide fraction is attached to the CNT surfaces. The copolymer produced, with and without CNT, is essentially a block copolymer, where each block contains small amounts of the other comonomer. To the authors' best knowledge, this report is the first one describing the production of stable dispersions of CNT in surfactant‐free poly(styrene‐co‐acrylamide) emulsion. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amphiphilic copolymers with poly(meth)acrylic acid chains “grafted from” caprolactone 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester‐based backbone
Authors: Neugebauer Dorota , Bury Katarzyna , Paprotna Magdalena , Biela Tadeusz
Published: September 2013

Well‐defined amphiphilic graft copolymers containing hydrophilic poly((meth)acrylic acid) (PMAA) or poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) side chains with gradient and statistical distributions were synthesized. For this purpose, the hydroxy‐functionalized copolymers with various gradient degrees, in which 2‐(6‐hydroxyhexanoyloxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate units (caprolactone 2‐[methacryloyloxy]ethyl ester, CLMA) formed strong gradient with tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA), slight gradient copolymers with tert‐butyl (meth)acrylate (tBMA), and statistical copolymers with methyl (meth)acrylate (MMA) were modified to bromoester multifunctional macroinitiators, P(tBMA‐grad‐BrCLMA), P(BrCLMA‐grad‐tBA), and P(BrCLMA‐co‐MMA). In the next step, they were applied in controlled radical polymerization of tBMA and tBA yielding graft copolymers with various lengths of side chains as well as graft densities. Further, the tert‐butyl groups in copolymers were successfully removed via acidolysis in the presence of trifluoracetic acid, which caused transformation of the hydrophobic graft copolymers into amphiphilic ones with ability of self‐assembly for the future biomedical applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioassays in Natural Product Research – Strategies and Methods in the Search for Anti‐inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Strömstedt Adam A. , Felth Jenny , Bohlin Lars
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Identifying bioactive molecules from complex biomasses requires careful selection and execution of relevant bioassays in the various stages of the discovery process of potential leads and targets.

Objective

The aim of this review is to share our long‐term experience in bioassay‐guided isolation, and mechanistic studies, of bioactive compounds from different organisms in nature with emphasis on anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

Methods

In the search for anti‐inflammatory activity, in vivo and in vitro model combinations with enzymes and cells involved in the inflammatory process have been used, such as cyclooxygenases, human neutrophils and human cancer cell lines. Methods concerning adsorption and perforation of bacteria, fungi, human cells and model membranes, have been developed and optimised, with emphasis on antimicrobial peptides and their interaction with the membrane target, in particular their ability to distinguish host from pathogen.

Results

A long‐term research has provided experience of selection and combination of bioassay models, which has led to an increased understanding of ethnopharmacological and ecological observations, together with in‐depth knowledge of mode of action of isolated compounds.

Conclusion

A more multidisciplinary approach and a higher degree of fundamental research in development of bioassays are often necessary to identify and to fully understand the mode of action of bioactive molecules with novel structure–activity relationships from natural sources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First trimester screening for holoprosencephaly with choroid plexus morphology (‘butterfly’ sign) and biparietal diameter
Authors: Sepulveda Waldo , Wong Amy E.
Published: September 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether choroid plexus morphology (‘butterfly’ sign) and biparietal diameter (BPD) are effective sonographic screening tools for holoprosencephaly (HPE) in the first trimester.

Methods

An axial view of the fetal head was obtained routinely to determine the presence of the ‘butterfly’ sign in pregnancies presenting for sonographic screening at 11–13 weeks of gestation. The same view was also used to obtain BPD measurements. The definitive diagnosis of HPE was established by the sonographic demonstration of an anterior cerebral monoventricular cavity and thalamic fusion.

Results

During a 9‐year study period, 11 068 live fetuses were screened. There were 11 cases of HPE (prevalence 1/1006); all of them were detected by demonstration of an absent ‘butterfly’ sign with no false‐positive cases. The BPD was less than the 5th percentile in 40% of the cases.

Conclusions

The ‘butterfly’ sign appears to be a highly sensitive marker for HPE in the first trimester. On the other hand, BPD measurements had a lower sensitivity, implying that microcephaly is not a prominent first‐trimester feature in these cases. Incorporation of the ‘butterfly’ sign into the first trimester anatomy scan is simple and can facilitate the identification of the vast majority of fetuses with HPE in the first trimester. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spiritual quality of life in advanced cancer patients receiving radiation therapy
Authors: Piderman Katherine M. , Johnson Mary E. , Frost Marlene H. , Atherton Pamela J. , Satele Daniel V. , Clark Matthew M. , Lapid Maria I. , Sloan Jeff A. , Rummans Teresa A.
Published: September 2013

Objective

The aim of this randomized controlled trial for patients with advanced cancer receiving radiation therapy was to determine the effect of a multidisciplinary intervention on spiritual quality of life (QOL) at the end of the intervention (week 4) and at two follow‐up time points (weeks 26 and 52).

Methods

One hundred thirty‐one persons were randomized to either the intervention or control (forms only) groups. The intervention included six 90‐min in‐person sessions based on the physical, emotion, social, and spiritual domains of QOL. Three sessions included the spiritual component. Caregivers were present for four sessions, one which included a spiritual component. Ten follow‐up phone calls were made to the patients in the intervention group during the 6‐month follow‐up period. Patients completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: General Scale, the Linear Analog Self‐Assessment which includes an assessment of spiritual QOL, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Spiritual Well‐Being (FACIT‐Sp) at enrollment, and weeks 4, 27, and 52.

Results

Following the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated improved spiritual QOL on the FACIT‐Sp, whereas the spiritual QOL of the control group decreased, resulting in significant mean changes between groups (total score: 1.7 vs. −2.9; p < 0.01; meaning/peace subscale: 1.0 vs. −3.5; p < 0.01; faith subscale: 3.1 vs. −1.7; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The results indicate that a multidisciplinary intervention which includes a spiritual component can maintain the spiritual QOL of patients with advanced cancer during radiation therapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using multiple imputation to estimate cumulative distribution functions in longitudinal data analysis with data missing at random
Authors: Dinh Phillip
Published: September 2013

In longitudinal clinical studies, after randomization at baseline, subjects are followed for a period of time for development of symptoms. The interested inference could be the mean change from baseline to a particular visit in some lab values, the proportion of responders to some threshold category at a particular visit post baseline, or the time to some important event. However, in some applications, the interest may be in estimating the cumulative distribution function (CDF) at a fixed time point post baseline. When the data are fully observed, the CDF can be estimated by the empirical CDF. When patients discontinue prematurely during the course of the study, the empirical CDF cannot be directly used. In this paper, we use multiple imputation as a way to estimate the CDF in longitudinal studies when data are missing at random. The validity of the method is assessed on the basis of the bias and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov distance. The results suggest that multiple imputation yields less bias and less variability than the often used last observation carried forward method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.