bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture, social class, and independence–interdependence: The case of Chinese adolescents
Authors: Hamamura Takeshi , Xu Qinmei , Du Yushen
Published: March 2012

Social class demarcates sociocultural environments differing in the relative abundance and scarcity of resources, which in turn differentially afford independent and interdependent psychological processes. The relationships between social class and psychological processes are well documented in Western populations but less so elsewhere. Examining such a relationship is particularly important in China, with its unique historical and sociocultural issues surrounding social class. This research examined the relationship between social class and independence–interdependence among Chinese adolescents (N = 1184). Findings were consistent across a diverse array of psychological processes implicated by independence–interdependence: Participants with well‐educated parents experienced more socially disengaging emotions and a higher level of self‐esteem, and were more inclined toward dispositional attribution and focused attention, compared to participants with less well‐educated parents. These findings highlight the cross‐cultural commonality in the relationship between social class and independence–interdependence.
The influence of training status on the aerobic and anaerobic responses to exercise in children: A review
Authors: McNarry Melitta , Jones Andy
Published: March 2012

Exercise training represents a potent stimulus to the development of aerobic and anaerobic fitness in adults; whether the same is true in young children is unclear. With the possible exception of peak , many parameters of aerobic and anaerobic fitness remain scarcely investigated in children, especially pubertal children. Despite this lack of empirical evidence, it has been suggested that children may lack trainability and that this may be related to the presence of a maturational threshold below which significant adaptations to training cannot occur. This suggestion requires investigation, not least because the findings of some studies which appear to support this contention may in reality be a reflection of the use of an inappropriate test modality or training programme for the investigation of training status influences. The purpose of this review is therefore to provide insight into the current consensuses and controversies regarding the influence of training in young people.
Effects of different precooling techniques on repeat sprint ability in team sport athletes
Authors: Brade Carly , Dawson Brian , Wallman Karen
Published: March 2012

This study aimed to compare the simultaneous use of internal and external precooling methods with singular methods and their effect on repeated sprint cycling in hot/humid conditions. Twelve male team sport players completed four experimental conditions, initially involving a 30‐min precooling period consisting of either a cooling jacket (J); ingestion of an ice slushy ice slushy; combination of cooling jacket and ice ingestion (J + ice slushy); or control (CONT). This was followed by 70 min of repeat sprint cycling (in~35°C, 60% relative humidity [RH]), consisting of 2×30‐min halves, separated by a 10‐min half‐time period where the same cooling method was again used. Each half comprised 30×4 s maximal sprints on 60 s, interspersed with sub‐maximal exercise at varying intensities. Total mean power and work performed were significantly higher (p = 0.02) in J + ice slushy (233.6±31.4 W) compared to ice slushy (211.8±34.5 kJ), while moderate effect sizes (ES: d = 0.67) suggested lower core temperatures (TC) in J + ice slushy (36.8±0.3°C) compared to J (37.0±0.3°C) and CONT (37.0±0.3°C) following precooling. A moderate ES (d = 0.57) also indicated lower TC in J + ice slushy (38.2±0.3) compared to ice slushy (38.4±0.4°C) after half‐time cooling. Change (Δ) in mean skin temperature over half‐time cooling was significantly greater (p = 0.036) for J (1.0±0.4°C) compared to ice slushy (0.5±0.5°C), and ES (d = 0.5–1.10) also suggested a greater Δ for J compared to the other conditions. Sweat loss was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in ice slushy and J + ice slushy compared to J and CONT. In conclusion, a combination of (external and internal) body cooling techniques may enhance repeated sprint performance in the heat compared to individual cooling methods.
Preparing or Executing the Wrong Task: The Influence on Switch Effects
Authors: Desmet Charlotte , Fias Wim , Brass Marcel
Published: March 2012

In a previous study, it was proposed that executing a task leads to task strengthening. In other words, task activation at the moment of response execution determines subsequent switch effects (Steinhauser & Hübner, 2006). The authors investigated this issue by comparing switch effects after task and response errors. However, the use of bivalent stimulus–response mappings might have obscured some of the effects. Therefore, we replicated the experiment using univalent stimulus–response mappings. With this adjusted design, which overcomes some shortcomings of the original study, we were able to replicate the finding of switch benefits after task errors. Closer inspection of the data showed the importance of preexecution processes on subsequent switch effects. In a second experiment, we further elaborated on these preexecution processes. More precisely, we investigated the effect of task preparation on subsequent switch effects. Taken together, our data extend current accounts of task switching by showing that the preparatory processes occurring before the response on trial n influence the switch cost on trial n + 1.
Food Questionnaire for the Assessment of Gluten Intake by Children 1 to 4 Years Old
Authors: Hopman Erica G.D. , Pruijn Ricardo , Tabben Eric H. , le Cessie Saskia , Mearin M. Luisa
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

A food questionnaire (FQ) to assess gluten intake in infants 0 to 12 months old has been developed and validated (FQ‐gluten), but an instrument to assess gluten intake in children 1 to 4 years is not available. Development and validation of such an instrument (FQ‐gluten4) was the aim of the present study.

Methods:

The FQ‐gluten was adapted according to age‐related food consumption. The results of this FQ‐gluten4 were compared with the results of a 2‐day food record.

Results:

Seventy‐one parents filled in both instruments. The mean amount of gluten consumption calculated from the FQ‐gluten4 was comparable with that of the food record, but significant differences were found in the amount of gluten intake in 1‐ to 2‐year‐old children and in the percentage of gluten from porridge among the 1‐ to 3‐year‐olds. The Blant‐Altman limits of agreement with standard deviation of 2600 mg were −5118 to 5630 mg.

Conclusions:

The new, short, standardized, validated, and easy‐to‐use FQ‐gluten4 may be a useful instrument in the assessment of gluten intake in young children. Using this standardized method provides opportunity for better comparison of the results of gluten consumption in studies throughout the world. Furthermore, such an instrument can be used to quantify the gluten intake in individuals suspected to have celiac disease but in whom the diagnoses cannot be confirmed.
Genetic variation and recombination in Aichi virus
Authors: Lukashev Alexander N. , Drexler Jan Felix , Belalov Ilya S. , Eschbach-Bludau Monika , Baumgarte Sigrid , Drosten Christian
Published: March 2012

Aichi virus (AiV), a member of the genus Kobuvirus in the family Picornaviridae, causes gastroenteritis in humans. It was noted that AiV differs from other picornaviruses in its unusually high C content and a very high degree of genome-ordered RNA secondary structures. However, the genetic variability and mutational restrictions on a full-genome scale have not been studied. In addition to the available five complete AiV genomes, we determined here another five complete coding sequences of AiV sampled in Germany, 2004. Distinctive AiV genetic features included a low incidence of recombination along the genome without obvious hotspots or spared regions and very low rates of synonymous and non-synonymous variation, supporting an absence of AiV serotypes. In addition, the absence of recombination between AiV genotypes A and B suggested the existence of reproductive isolation between taxonomic units below the species level. In contrast to most other picornaviruses, AiV genomes strongly avoided the UpA dinucleotide, while there was no obvious selection against the CpG dinucleotide. AiV genomes also appeared to contain a codon usage bias (CUB) apparent as an effective number of codons of 39.5, which was amongst the most extreme among RNA viruses. A set of sequence scrambling algorithms was developed to determine the origin of CUB in AiV. While in most picornaviruses the genomic dinucleotide content contributed significantly to CUB, in AiV its extreme nucleotide content, i.e. 57 % third codon position C, was the main driving force behind the apparent CUB.
Virion endocytosis is a major target for murid herpesvirus-4 neutralization
Authors: Glauser Daniel L. , Gillet Laurent , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: March 2012

Herpesviruses consistently transmit from immunocompetent carriers, implying that their neutralization is hard to achieve. Murid herpesvirus-4 (MuHV-4) exploits host IgG Fc receptors to bypass blocks to cell binding, and pH-dependent protein conformation changes to unveil its fusion machinery only after endocytosis. Nevertheless, neutralization remains possible by targeting the virion glycoprotein H (gH)–gL heterodimer, and the neutralizing antibody responses of MuHV-4 carriers are improved by boosting with recombinant gH–gL. We analysed here how gH–gL-directed neutralization works. The MuHV-4 gH–gL binds to heparan sulfate. However, most gH–gL-specific neutralizing antibodies did not block this interaction; neither did they act directly on fusion. Instead, they blocked virion endocytosis and transport to the late endosomes, where membrane fusion normally occurs. The poor endocytosis of gH–gL-neutralized virions was recapitulated precisely by virions genetically lacking gL. Therefore, driving virion uptake appears to be an important function of gH–gL that provides a major target for antibody-mediated neutralization.
Immunostaining of Ectocarpus Cells
Authors: Coelho Susana M. , Scornet Delphine , Rousvoal Sylvie , Peters Nick , Dartevelle Laurence , Peters Akira F. , Cock J. Mark
Published: March 2012

This article describes an immunostaining protocol for Ectocarpus that was optimized for the detection of tubulin but could be used with any suitable antibody. Ectocarpus has small but relatively transparent cells and the uniseriate filaments can be grown directly attached to the surface of microscope slides. These features make Ectocarpus particularly suitable for high resolution imaging approaches, both in vivo or after fixation. All incubations described below are carried out on a platform shaker at room temperature. Use high-quality microscope slides to avoid imperfections in the glass that can be a problem for confocal laserscan microscopy analysis.
Preparation of Chemotactically Competent Dictyostelium Cells
Authors: Matsuoka Satomi , Miyanaga Yukihiro , Yanagida Toshio , Ueda Masahiro
Published: March 2012

Environmental changes result in signaling events in cell membranes. To develop the means to understand these events at the molecular level, it is essential to become familiar with the stochastic nature of signaling molecules in living cells. Using total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy (TIRFM), these signaling events can be directly observed at the single-molecule level. This protocol describes the preparation of chemotactically competent Dictyostelium cells. These cells are highly sensitive to chemoattractant stimulation and can be used to visualize single molecules with TIRFM.
Short-Term High-Resolution Imaging of Developing Hippocampal Neurons in Culture
Authors: Kaech Stefanie , Huang Chun-Fang , Banker Gary
Published: March 2012

Dissociated cell cultures of the rodent hippocampus have become a standard model for studying many facets of neural development. The cultures are quite homogeneous and it is relatively easy to express green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged proteins by transfection. Because the cultures are essentially two dimensional, there is no need to acquire images at multiple focal planes. For capturing rapid subcellular events at high resolution, as described here, one must maximize weak signals and reduce background fluorescence. Thus, these methods differ in several respects from those used for time-lapse imaging. Lipofectamine-mediated transfection yields a higher level of expression than does transfection with a nucleofection device. Images are usually collected with a spinning-disk confocal microscope, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, we use an imaging medium designed to minimize background fluorescence rather than to enhance long-term cell survival. It is also important to select cultures at an appropriate stage of development. In our hands, lipofectamine-based transfection works best on cells between 3 and 10 d after plating. GFP-based fluorescence can be observed as early as 4 h after adding the DNA/lipid complexes to the cells, but expression usually increases over the next ∼12 h and remains steady for days. The ratio of DNA to lipid is critical; to lower expression levels of the tagged construct, we use a combination of expression vector and empty plasmid, keeping the DNA amount constant. An example is included to illustrate the imaging of the microtubule-based vesicular transport of membrane proteins.
Seed dispersal interactions in the Mediterranean Region: contrasting patterns between islands and mainland
Authors: González‐Castro Aarón , Traveset Anna , Nogales Manuel
Published: March 2012

Aim We studied, for the first time, the effect of insularity on plant–seed disperser networks at both the community and species level. We focused on the Mediterranean shrubland, comparing different biogeographical scenarios (insular and continental) that share the same basic species composition.

Location The study was conducted within one mainland (southern Spain) and four island localities: two in the Canary Islands (oceanic origin) and two in the Balearic Islands (continental origin).

Methods We built qualitative (presence/absence of interaction) and quantitative seed dispersal networks (number of consumed fruits) and used different descriptor parameters, such as connectance, nestedness, interaction asymmetry and various interaction diversity indices that describe their topology. To assemble the interaction networks, we used data on the presence of different species of fruits in systematically collected droppings of the different seed dispersers; seeds in droppings were identified by means of a binocular lens whereas a microscope was used to identify pericarp tissue remains.

Results Island networks were smaller and less complex (a lower number of observed links than expected for their size) than the mainland network. As expected, connectance was higher within islands than on the mainland. By contrast, nestedness was consistently high at all sites, although relative nestedness (which accounts for network size) was lower within islands, whether continental or oceanic. At both community and species level (especially for animals) interactions tended to be more specialized and symmetric within the islands.

Main conclusions The lower species number and greater specialization in insular seed dispersal systems appears to lead to the prevalence of more symmetric interactions than those found on the mainland. This indicates that insular mutualistic interactions and interacting species are more vulnerable than mainland ones to disturbances, as previous work has suggested that asymmetrical interactions facilitate the maintenance of biodiversity and act as a resilience mechanism against species extinction.
Disability and kidney transplantation in the United States
Authors: McGee Jennifer , Jackson Nicole R. , Slakey Douglas P.
Published: March 2012

Transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end‐stage renal disease. Despite complete or partial restoration of renal function, many recipients after transplant continue to self‐identify as disabled. It is a designation required for federal healthcare assistance pre‐transplant, but in some cases, post‐transplantation, the designation is misapplied. When kidney recipients bear the label of disabled, regardless if the disability is real or perceived, they are less likely to participate in work and social activities. Although transplantation improves quality of life, for many recipients the designation of disability can extend an unintended, negative impact. It is well recognized that kidney recipients return to employment, education, and social activities after transplantation. However, there is a portion of the recipient population that can work but chooses not to engage. A large part of the phenomenon is related to disability status and the federal financing of kidney disease. This paper summarizes the history of the relationship between disability and kidney transplantation, the potential pitfalls associated with the relationship, and evidence‐based strategies designed to mitigate or lead to mitigation of the unfavorable effects associated with misappropriated, perceived disability after kidney transplantation.
Genetic variation for seed hull and fibre content in a collection of European winter oilseed rape material (Brassica napus L.) and development of NIRS calibrations
Authors: Dimov Zoran , Suprianto Edy , Hermann Frank , Möllers Christian
Published: March 2012

With 2 figures and 6 tables

After oil extraction, the meal of oilseed rape provides an important protein‐rich animal feedstuff. However, compared with soybean meal, the crude fibre content of oilseed rape meal is too high. The objectives of the present study were to analyse the genetic variation for and the environmental influence on the seed hull, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content of 28 black‐seeded winter oilseed rape cultivars tested in field experiments in Germany and to develop near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopic calibrations (NIRS). Significant effects of the genotype and of the location on all traits were found. NIRS calibrations showed in independent validations low standard errors [SEP(C)] of about 1% for NDF, ADF and ADL contents in the defatted meal and coefficients of determination (R2V) ranging from 0.72 for NDF to 0.80 for ADF. Results indicate a large genetic variation for NDF, ADF and ADL contents among current black‐seeded winter oilseed rape cultivars, which can be used to develop new improved cultivars with reduced crude fibre content.
IgG4‐related sclerosing mesenteritis: A rare mesenteric disease of unknown etiology
Authors: Minato Hiroshi , Shimizu Junzo , Arano Yoshihiko , Saito Kenichiro , Masunaga Takaharu , Sakashita Toshiki , Nojima Takayuki
Published: March 2012

Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare inflammatory and fibrosing disorder of unknown etiology, while IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) consists of mass‐forming, fibroinflammatory lesions characterized by high serum IgG4 levels and tissue infiltration of many IgG4‐positive plasma cells; obliterative phlebitis is common. This report describes a case of sclerosing mesenteritis that was considered a manifestation of IgG4‐RD. A 53‐year‐old man underwent right hemicolectomy because of an ileocecal mass that did not improve with conservative therapy. The ill‐defined fibroinflammatory lesion extended in the mesentery with storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and infiltration of many IgG4‐positive plasma cells. The ratio of IgG4‐positive/IgG‐positive cells was 64%, and the ratio of forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3)‐positive/CD4‐positive cells was elevated (13%). It is likely that at least some cases of sclerosing mesenteritis are a manifestation of IgG4‐RD. It is important to investigate this relationship because steroid therapy may benefit such cases.
Introducing surprising events can stimulate deep learning in a serious game
Authors: van der Spek Erik D. , van Oostendorp Herre , Ch. Meyer John‐Jules
Published: March 2012

Serious games show great potential, but many fail to live up to that potential. One way to improve serious game design could be to introduce surprising events linked to the instructional material. We modified our serious game for triage training, called Code Red Triage, to include three surprising events pertaining to decision‐making moments in the triage procedure. Forty‐one participants were divided into two groups: one group played a version of the game with the surprising events, and the other group played a control version of the game. A pre‐posttest design showed no significant difference in engagement and surface learning, but did show the participants in the surprising events condition obtained significantly superior knowledge structures, indicating that surprising events in a serious game foster deeper learning.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

(Very little.)

That serious games often fail to reach their potential.

That a surprising event can lead to a better comprehension of text.

But that a narrative background in a virtual learning environment led to worse learning.

What this paper adds

A thorough, single‐blind, controlled empirical experiment on the effects of serious game design on different factors of learning and engagement.

That introducing small surprising events in a serious game leads to improved deep comprehension of the instructional material.

That this intervention has no ostensible effect on engagement.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Surprising events should be introduced in a serious game to improve learning.

Serious game designers should therefore carefully consider how to embed instruction in the game narrative.

Research in serious game design is worthwhile (and highly needed) because it can lead to better serious games.
Modelling human emotions for tactical decision‐making games
Authors: Visschedijk Gillian C. , Lazonder Ard W. , van der Hulst Anja , Vink Nathalie , Leemkuil Henny
Published: March 2012

The training of tactical decision making increasingly occurs through serious computer games. A challenging aspect of designing such games is the modelling of human emotions. Two studies were performed to investigate the relation between fidelity and human emotion recognition in virtual human characters. Study 1 compared five versions of a virtual character that expressed emotions through different combinations of posture, facial expression, and tone of voice. Results showed that emotion recognition was best when all three behavioural cues were present; posture + face and posture + tone of voice were joint second best. In study 2, these three versions were supplemented with contextual information. Cross‐variant comparisons yielded marginal differences in emotion recognition and no differences in tactical decision making. Together, these findings suggest that the combination of posture with either facial expression or tone of voice is sufficient to ensure recognition of human emotions in tactical decision‐making games.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Tactical decision making often involves the recognition of human emotions.

Humans exhibit their emotions through facial expressions, body movement and posture and tone of voice.

Some of these behavioural cues are more predominant than others.

Environmental cues convey important additional information to help recognise or infer emotional states.

What this paper adds

Not all three behavioural cues need to be present to recognise human emotions in a known context.

The combination of posture with either facial expression or tone of voice is sufficient to recognise human emotions.

Both cue combinations lead to equally high recognition rates and qualitatively comparable tactical decisions.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Designers of tactical decision‐making games can lower the quality of the game characters' facial expressions or omit their vocalisations.

As high‐end graphics involve high development costs, the former option seems the most cost‐effective.
Sustainability and Business in a Complex World
Authors: PORTER TERRY , DERRY ROBBIN
Published: March 2012

Sustainability is a topic of growing importance today in all aspects of organizational life. Businesses and managers are increasingly considering ways to incorporate a balance among economic, ecological, social, and cultural value creation into their business models. At the same time, the world is becoming exponentially more complex. Indeed, complexity theory and thinking are now apparent in academic and practice accounts of sustainability in business, as scholars and practitioners recognize the limitations of traditional reductionist approaches to systemic problems. To date, however, a more theoretical framing of sustainability lags behind accumulating practical evidence. The purpose of this article is to address this gap by developing a complexity‐based framework for understanding and managing sustainability in complex adaptive systems. We aim for simplicity, wholeness, and practicality in our approach, taking a qualitative rather than quantitative perspective on complex systems. Using several contemporary case examples, the article describes the important qualities of complex systems and develops them into a working framework that integrates principles and parameters of sustainability. In doing so, we create an approach to sustainability issues and dilemmas called “sustainability thinking.” The article concludes with more generalized sustainability action strategies for managers and recommendations for future researchers.
The Irreducible Core of the Duty of Care, Skill and Diligence of Company Directors: Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Healey
Authors: Lowry John
Published: March 2012

The decision in ASIC v Healey raises hitherto unexplored questions about the standard of care of non‐executive directors in monitoring the production of financial statements. More particularly, it considers the power of directors to delegate areas of responsibility requiring specialist knowledge and the degree of permissible reliance on professional advisers. The reasoning of the judge will doubtless prove helpful to the English courts not only in relation to duty of care issues under section 174 of the Companies Act 2006, but also when considering the duty to exercise independent judgment which is now restated in section 173.
Public–Private Partnerships in Solid Waste Management: Sustainable Development Strategies for Brazil
Authors: KRULJAC SHANI
Published: March 2012

An often overlooked issue in the discussion of sustainable development is that of municipal solid waste management. Yet solid waste management is pervasive in all sustainable development objectives: its management, or lack thereof, can have major implications for the health of the environment, economy and society. This article argues the need for a governance dimension in the sustainability model, taking into account implementation strategies, monitoring and institutional controls. This focus heavily relies on integrated public–private partnerships and deliberative democracy approaches in order to achieve sustainability within the solid waste management sector. In this article, national and local policies in Brazil are analysed, primarily focusing on the inclusion of informal waste collection into municipal solid waste management schemes. The city of Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, which is world‐renowned for its innovative sustainable development policies, is used to frame and illustrate the case.
Food Standards and Welfare: General Equilibrium Effects
Authors: Xiang Tao , Huang Jikun , Kancs d’Artis , Rozelle Scott , Swinnen Jo
Published: March 2012

We analyse the general equilibrium effects of the growth of high standard food chains on household welfare. To measure structural production changes and welfare effects on rural and urban households, our model has two types of agents, five kinds of products and four types of factors. We calibrate the model using a Chinese dataset. The simulation results show that the effects on poor rural households depend on a variety of factors, including the nature of the shocks leading to the expansion of high standard sector, production technologies, trade effects, spillover effects on low standard markets, factor market constraints and labour market effects.
Yield Effects of Tissue Culture Bananas in Kenya: Accounting for Selection Bias and the Role of Complementary Inputs
Authors: Kabunga Nassul S. , Dubois Thomas , Qaim Matin
Published: March 2012

We analyse yield effects of tissue culture (TC) banana technology in the Kenyan small farm sector, using recent survey data and an endogenous switching regression approach. TC banana plantlets, which are free from pests and diseases, have been introduced in East Africa since the late 1990s. Although field experiments show significant yield advantages over traditional banana suckers, a rigorous assessment of impacts in farmers’ fields is still outstanding. A comparison of mean yield levels between TC adopters and non‐adopters in our sample shows no significant difference. However, we find evidence of negative selection bias, indicating that farmers with lower than average yields are more likely to adopt TC. Controlling for this bias results in a positive and significant TC net yield gain of 7%. We also find that TC technology is more knowledge intensive and more responsive to irrigation than traditional bananas. Simulations show that improving access to irrigation could lift TC productivity gains to above 20%. The analytical approach developed and applied here and the finding of negative selection bias may also be relevant for the evaluation of other agricultural technologies.
The role of endogenous and exogenous enzymes in chronic wounds: A focus on the implications of aberrant levels of both host and bacterial proteases in wound healing
Authors: McCarty Sara M. , Cochrane Christine A. , Clegg Peter D. , Percival Steven L.
Published: March 2012

Cutaneous wound healing is orchestrated by a number of physiological pathways that ultimately lead to reformation of skin integrity and the production of functional scar tissue. The remodeling of a wound is significantly affected by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which act to control the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Regulation of MMPs is imperative for wound healing as excessive levels of MMPs can lead to disproportionate destruction of the wound ECM compared to ECM deposition. In addition to human MMPs, bacterial proteases have been found to be influential in tissue breakdown and, as such, have a role to play in the healing of infected wounds. For example, the zinc‐metalloproteinase, elastase, produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, induces degradation of fibroblast proteins and proteoglycans in chronic wounds and has also been shown to degrade host immune cell mediators. Microbial extracellular enzymes have also been shown to degrade human wound fluid and inhibit fibroblast cell growth. It is now being acknowledged that host and bacterial MMPs may act synergistically to cause tissue breakdown within the wound bed. Several studies have suggested that bacterial‐derived secreted proteases may act to up‐regulate the levels of MMPs produced by the host cells. Together, these findings indicate that bacterial phenotype in terms of protease producing potential of bacteria should be taken into consideration during diagnostic and clinical intervention of infected wound management. Furthermore, both host MMPs and those derived from infecting bacteria need to be targeted in order to increase the healing capacity of the injured tissue. The aim of this review is to investigate the evidence suggestive of a relationship between unregulated levels of both host and bacterial proteases and delayed wound healing.
Diabetes‐impaired wound healing and altered macrophage activation: A possible pathophysiologic correlation
Authors: Miao Mingyuan , Niu Yiwen , Xie Ting , Yuan Bo , Qing Chun , Lu Shuliang
Published: March 2012

Macrophages play a critical role in wound healing and can be activated to two distinctive phenotypes in vitro: classical macrophage activation (caM) and alternative macrophage activation (aaM). This study investigated whether the impaired cutaneous repair observed in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats was associated with altered macrophage activation. Our results show that macrophage activation phenotypes could be observed in wound healing through double immunostaining. The caM macrophages appeared in the initial stage of wound healing, followed by aaM macrophages, which predominated in normal wounds. However, through examining markers associated with activation by immunoblotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), diabetic wounds demonstrated insufficient caM in the early stage but excessive aaM in the later proliferative phase. Moreover, the macrophage activation markers were correlated with the instructive T helper cell type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokines in both groups. It was indicated that changed macrophage activation might contribute to impaired healing in diabetes wounds, and that strategies for reverting this abnormal activation could be useful for enhancing the wound healing process.
Recurrent Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion after Hemilaminectomy and Concomitant Prophylactic Fenestration in 662 Chondrodystrophic Dogs
Authors: Aikawa Takeshi , Fujita Hiroshi , Shibata Mitsuhiro , Takahashi Taishi
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and location of recurrent thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (T‐L IVDE) after hemilaminectomy with prophylactic fenestration (PF) and to documentPF‐related complications.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Sample population

Chondrodystrophic dogs (n = 793).

Methods

In 662 successfully recovered dogs (>1 year follow‐up), the prevalence of dogs with recurrentT‐L IVDEthat required a 2nd surgery and dogs with clinical signs that improved without surgery was evaluated. Prevalence of second disc extrusions (SDEs) withinT11‐L4 intervertebral discs was compared betweenPFdiscs and non‐PFdiscs.

Results

T‐L SDEs were intraoperatively confirmed in 15 dogs (2.3%), 2–61 months after initial surgery and 66 dogs (10.0%) had signs ofT‐L IVDErecurrence that improved without surgery (mean follow‐up, 44.7 months). No dog had further extrusion at the initialT‐Lsite.SDEoccurred at aPFdisc (n = 1), adjacent toPFdiscs (8), or at distant discs (6). Prevalence ofSDEin non‐PFdiscs was 26.2 times higher thanPFdiscs (95%CI: 3.4, 203.4;P< .001). MajorPF‐related complications included iatrogenic introduction of the disc material into the spinal canal (n = 1), and vertebral subluxation/instability (3) at 1–88 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

SDEis more likely to occur at non‐PFdiscs thanPFdiscs whenPFis performed at spaces predisposed to disc extrusion.PFis a safe and effective treatment to preventSDEin chondrodystrophic dogs.
Effect of Grain Size on the Microwave Dielectric Characteristics of High‐Energy Ball‐Milled Zinc Magnesium Titanate Ceramics
Authors: Roopas Kiran Sirugudu , Sreenivasulu Gollapudi , Murthy Vemuri Rama Krishna , Subramanian Venkatachalam , Murty Budaraju Srinivasa
Published: March 2012

Using solid‐state reaction route and high‐energy ball milling technique Zn1−xMgxTiO3 (x = 0–0.5) compositions were synthesized. These ball milled samples were sintered at 1100°C for 2 h and microwave dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (ε’), quality factor (Q), and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) were studied. Significant improvement in quality factor of ~ 65% was observed for x = 0.3. To understand the effect of sintering duration on the microwave dielectric properties, single phase Zn0.7Mg0.3TiO3 samples were sintered at 1100°C for different durations from 2 to 20 h. The grain size increases with sintering duration and it influences to enhance the microwave dielectric properties and as a result, the quality factor further improved by three times. The dielectric constant and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency showed a slight improvement of ~ 10%–15% with sintering duration.
Quality of reporting of experimental research in implant dentistry. Critical aspects in design, outcome assessment and model validation
Authors: Vignoletti Fabio , Abrahamsson Ingemar
Published: March 2012

Objective

The aim was to assess the quality of reporting of experimental research in implant dentistry by a critical evaluation of study design, outcome assessments and model validation.

Material & Methods

An online search was performed using the MEDLINE. Experimental studies performed in both animals and humans were included. A’stratified random sample of the included studies was extracted and used for quantitative and qualitative analyses. Modified versions of the ARRIVE guidelines were used for quality assessment.

Results

A total of 982 papers were eligible and used for quantitative analyses. A’stratified random sample of 193 publications was extracted. The dog model was the most used experimental model whereas experimental studies on humans were few. Intra‐oral experimental sites dominated in human, monkey, dog and mini‐pig studies. Extra oral sites dominated in rabbit, rodent and goat/sheep studies. Studies on the pathogenesis and treatment of peri‐implant diseases were few.

Conclusion

Different animal models, experimental protocols and methods of analysis have been used to address different areas of experimental research in implant dentistry. Standardized designs for investigations within this type of experimental research seem to be lacking. Furthermore, in many of these studies there were limitations in reporting on methodology and statistical methods.
Systematic review of parameters and methods for the professional assessment of aesthetics in dental implant research
Authors: Benic Goran I. , Wolleb Karin , Sancho‐Puchades Manuel , Hämmerle Christoph H.F.
Published: March 2012

Objective

The purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the scientific literature regarding the professional assessment of aesthetics in implant dentistry.

Material and Methods

An electronic search of Medline database and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed, and complemented by a manual search. Clinical or validation studies (Part 1) and randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs) (Part 2) reporting parameters and methods for the assessment of aesthetics were included. The information regarding the assessment of aesthetics was extracted. The methodological quality of RCTs was evaluated by means of the Cochrane Collaboration's Tool for assessing risk of bias.

Results

The search yielded 149 and 32 publications in Part 1 and Part 2, respectively. A great diversity with regard to parameters, methods and measurement units used for the assessment of aesthetics was found among the included studies. With respect to time points of assessment there were significant differences between the RCTs. Only two RCTs fulfilled all the criteria of the The Cochrane Collaboration's Tool for assessing risk of bias.

Conclusions

Due to the differences of the study designs, parameters and methods used for the assessment of aesthetics, comparisons between studies should be interpreted with caution. Only a limited number of RCTs offer sound evidence on aesthetic outcomes in implant dentistry.
Models of Fetal Brain Injury, Intrauterine Inflammation, and Preterm Birth
Authors: Burd Irina , Balakrishnan Bindu , Kannan Sujatha
Published: March 2012

Intrauterine infection and inflammation are known risk factors for brain damage in the neonate irrespective of the gestational age. Infection‐induced maternal immune activation leads to a fetal inflammatory response mediated by cytokines that has been implicated in the development of not only periventricular leukomalacia and cerebral palsy but also a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia (Behav Brain Res 2009; 204:313, Ann Neurol 2005; 57:67, Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000; 182:675). A common link among the neurobehavioral disorders associated with intrauterine inflammation appears to be the evidence for immune dysregulation in the developing brain (Behav Brain Res 2009; 204:313). The timing of the immune challenge with respect to the gestational age and neurologic development of the fetus may be crucial in the elicited response (J Neurosci 2006; 26:4752). Studies involving animal models of maternal inflammation serve a key role in elucidation of mechanisms involved in fetal brain injury associated with exposure to the maternal milieu. These animal models have been shown to result in fetal microglial activation, neurotoxicity as well motor deficits and behavioral abnormalities in the offspring (J Neurosci 2006; 26:4752, J Neurosci Res 2010; 88:172, Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 201:279, Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008; 199:651). A better understanding of the mechanisms of perinatal brain injury will allow discoveries of novel neuroprotective agents, better outcomes following preterm birth and stratification of fetuses and neonates for therapies in cases of preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and chorioamnionitis.
The Mucin MUC16 (CA125) Binds to NK Cells and Monocytes from Peripheral Blood of Women with Healthy Pregnancy and Preeclampsia
Authors: Tyler Chanel , Kapur Arvinder , Felder Mildred , Belisle Jennifer A. , Trautman Christine , Gubbels Jennifer A. A. , Connor Joseph P. , Patankar Manish S.
Published: March 2012

Problem

MUC16 (CA125) released from ovarian tumors binds to NK cells and monocytes via the inhibitory receptor Siglec‐9. Here, we investigate whether MUC16 also binds to circulating immune cells during pregnancy and in women with preeclampsia.

Method of study

MUC16 binding was monitored by flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation, and RT‐PCR was used to monitor indigenous expression in immune cells. Serum CA125 levels were measured by a clinical assay.

Results

MUC16 was equally distributed on Siglec‐9pos CD16pos/CD56dim and CD16neg/CD56br NK cells in the healthy pregnant and preeclampsia groups. While serum CA125 levels and number of NK and monocytes were similar, increased binding of MUC16 was observed on these immune cells in the preeclampsia cohort as compared to the healthy pregnant samples.

Conclusion

MUC16 binding to NK cells and monocytes likely contributes to tolerance of the fetal allograft from maternal responses and may also serve as a novel biomarker for preeclampsia.
Effects of Cigarette Smoke and Ethanol Intake on Mouse Oesophageal Mucosa Changes Induced by Dietary Zinc Deficiency and Deoxycholic Acid Supplementation
Authors: Zapaterini Joyce R. , de Moura Nelci A. , Ribeiro Daniel A. , Rodrigues Maria A.M. , Barbisan Luis F.
Published: March 2012

The noxious effects of dietary zinc deficiency (ZD) and deoxycholic bile acid (DCA) supplementation in the oesophagus were investigated. The additional influence of cigarette smoke and ethanol intake on the changes in the oesophageal mucosa induced by dietary ZD plus DCA was also assessed. Male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into four groups: Group 1 was fed control diet and groups 2–4 were fed ZD plus DCA diet. After 5 weeks, groups 3 and 4 were exposed to 10% ethanol intake or cigarette smoke for 15 weeks, respectively. All animals were euthanized at the end of week 20, and the oesophagus, lung, liver and colon were collected and analysed by conventional morphology. Cell proliferation was assessed in the oesophageal mucosa by Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) protein by Western blotting. Dietary ZD plus DCA treatment induced mild hyperkeratosis and hyperplasia, increased cell proliferation index and COX‐2 protein expression in the oesophagus, and intranuclear inclusion, karyocytomegaly and microvesicular fatty change in the liver. Cigarette smoke increased COX‐2 protein expression in oesophageal mucosa and irregular enlargement of alveolus and alveolar ductal air spaces, while ethanol enhanced liver damage induced by ZD plus DCA diet. These findings indicate that dietary ZD plus DCA treatment during 20 weeks induces a pattern of chemical oesophageal injury but not Barrett's‐like lesions.
SEVERE SANCTIONS, EASY CHOICE? INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF SCHOOL SANCTIONS IN PREVENTING ADOLESCENT VIOLENT OFFENDING*
Authors: MAIMON DAVID , ANTONACCIO OLENA , FRENCH MICHAEL T.
Published: March 2012

Although schools in the United States adopted harsher disciplinary policies in the early 1990s, to date, there is little evidence showing whether severe school sanctions against student misconduct prevent crime. Drawing on both deterrence and rational choice theories, we test the proposition that harsh school‐based policies against violence reduce students’ involvement in violent behavior. However, in contrast to prior research that explores the direct link between sanctions and student behavior, we emphasize the role of school sanctions in adolescent cognitive decision‐making processes, hypothesizing that school sanctions against violence condition the effect of thoughtfully reflective decision making (TRDM) on adolescent involvement in violent behavior. We use data from the first two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to test our research hypotheses. The results from a series of multilevel models show that more severe school sanctions against violence (i.e., home suspension and expulsion) disarm the process of cognitive reflection and attenuate the effect of low TRDM on violent offending.
Comparison of four DNA barcodes in identifying certain medicinal plants of Lamiaceae
Authors: HAN Jian‐Ping , SHI Lin‐Chun , CHEN Xiao‐Chen , LIN Yu‐Lin
Published: March 2012

Abstract  Many species in the family Lamiaceae have been widely used for the treatment of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other conditions, and authenticating each of these species has become an important topic of research. Due to the lack of distinct phenotypic differences between the species, morphological identification is often inaccurate. In the third Consortium for the Barcode of Life, the combination of matK and rbcL was recommended as the universal barcode for plants, but this combination resolved only 70% of the species; the psbA‐trnH intergenic region and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)/ITS2 were required for further study. In this study, we compared the sequences of the four candidate barcodes (matK, rbcL, ITS2, and psbA‐trnH), among different species of Lamiaceae medicinal plants based on three selection criteria: intraspecific and interspecific genetic divergences; Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests; and species identification ability. The results showed that ITS2 was the most variable region of the four tested barcodes. Of 672 samples collected from 314 species, ITS2 successfully identified 78.3% at the species level and 100% at the genus level. This strategy could widen the optimal range of divergence levels for the identification of Lamiaceae medicinal plants.
ROCK BOTTOM: COHERENTISM'S SOFT SPOT
Authors: RUSSELL BRUCE
Published: March 2012

abstract

Often coherentism is taken to be the view that justification is solely a function of the coherence among a person's beliefs. I offer a counterexample to the idea that when so understood coherence is sufficient for justification. I then argue that the counterexample will still work if coherence is understood as coherence among a person's beliefs and experiences. I defend a form of nondoxastic foundationalism that takes sensations and philosophical intuitions as basic and sees nearly all other justification as depending on inference to the best explanation. I take up Wilfrid Sellars's Dilemma, which starts with the idea that the foundations must be either propositional in nature or not. The argument continues: if they are, they stand in need of justification; if they are not, they cannot confer justification. It concludes that there cannot be foundations that confer justification on other beliefs. I deny both horns of this dilemma, arguing that philosophical intuitions are propositional but do not stand in need of justification and that sensations are not propositional but can confer justification on perceptual beliefs.