bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Measuring the Bioavailability of Topical Ibuprofen in Commercial Formulations Using Drug Content in Epidermis and a Methyl Nicotinate Skin Inflammation Assay
Authors: Treffel P. , Gabard B.
Published: April 2009

A method has been developed which simultaneously compares the inhibition of an inflammation induced by a methyl nicotinate assay with the concentration of drug in the human epidermis determined in vitro following topical application of two 10% ibuprofen formulations. The bioavailability of drug from commercial gel and emulsion was assessed after the application of various doses (3, 6 and 12 mg/cm2) and an application time of 0.5 h at two time points: 0.5 and 24 h (only with the 12 mg/cm2 dose) after the removal of the non-steroi-dal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) from the skin. In parallel, we assessed the epidermal concentration of the drug in vitro and evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of the topicals in vivo. A correlation (r = 0.9603, p < 0.001) between the amount of drug in the epidermis expressed as micrograms per milligram of epidermal protein and the corresponding inhibition of the inflammation was observed. Increasing the amount of drug in the epidermis correlated with an increased inhibition of the inflammation. The gel formulation released more drug to the skin and produced a greater anti-inflammatory effect. Topical NSAID concentration in treated skin can therefore be determined and correlates well with the resulting phar-macodynamic activity. This approach will likely have utility in optimizing topical NSAIDs.
Embryotoxicity and Teratogenicity of Topical Retinoic Acid
Authors: Nau Heinz
Published: April 2009

All-trans-retinoic acid is a potent developmental toxicant in all species examined. The teratogenic risk of topical all- trans-retinoic acid is reviewed. Experimental studies are limited because of the high maternal toxicity, including skin irritation, with doses below those resulting in significant teratogenic response with other application routes, such as oral application. The maximal systemic availability reported for transdermal exposure of all- trans-retinoic acid was 5-6% in the rat, 9.6% in the monkey (48% with dermatitic skin) and 5-7% in the human. Oral administration of threshold teratogenic doses of all- trans-retinoic acid (6 mg/kg/day) to Wistar rats and Swiss hare rabbits resulted in embryonic area under the concentration time curve levels (approximately 1,000 ng·h/g) which were 2- to 4-fold higher than the endogenous all- trans-retinoic acid levels; corresponding maternal plasma area under the concentration time curve values were 98 and 321 ng·h/ml in rat and rabbit, respectively. The 4-oxo-metab-olite was also found in maternal plasma and embryo. Large, controlled studies on the possible developmental toxicity of topical all- trans -retinoic acid in the human are not available. Isolated case reports appeared in the literature claiming teratogenic outcome resembling effects after oral iso-tretinoin use or those observed in experimental studies with oral or paren-teral all- trans-retinoic acid administration. The dose absorbed from daily cosmetic or therapeutic application of all- trans -retinoic acid is expected to be below 0.015 mg/kg, which is at least 30-fold lower than the lowest teratogenic dose of isotretinoin in the human. Topical all- trans -retinoic acid application did not appreciably alter endogenous plasma retinoid levels. The influence of nutrition, diurnal variation and in particular oral vitamin A supplements are more important determinants of plasma retinoic acid compounds than topical all- trans -retinoic acid. These results imply a low risk of therapeutic or cosmetic application of topical all-trans-retinoic acid. However, the highly specific spatial and temporal distribution of binding proteins and nuclear receptors in the embryo suggests that even small alterations in endogenous levels of all- trans -retinoic acid in the embryo may alter crucial developmental processes such as morphogenes; this aspect should be further investigated.
A Model to Assess the Effectiveness of Topical Antipruritics
Authors: Drozdenko Ronald , Pennisi Stephen C. , Minkin Wilfred , Spivak Howard , Weinstein Sidney , Weinstein Curt
Published: April 2009

A model has been developed to determine the effectiveness of topical antipruritics. It utilizes controlled, experimentally induced itch and has demonstrated the effectiveness of the direct action on cutaneous receptor sites of a topical anesthetic, benzocaine, in a topical antipruritic formulation, and has been used to differentiate between two effective topical antipruritics. Three studies are presented: The first study examined the reliability of the experimentally induced itch. Several indices of reliability were computed from the data of this first study. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.92. Winer’s theta also was 0.92. Simple test-retest reliability, computed at intervals of 29 min, 1 day, and 6-7 days, resulted in Pearson correlations of 0.84, 0.73, and 0.60, respectively. In the second study, the model differentiated statistically between the itch relief resulting from the topical application of a formulation with 6% benzocaine and the same formulation without benzocaine. The third study examined 2 known topical antipruritics: one containing 6% benzocaine and the other 1 % hydrocortisone. Both topical antipruritics were found to relieve itch; however, the benzocaine antipruritic produced statistically significantly greater itch relief in more subjects than the hydrocortisone antipruritic at both 1 and 30 min after application. These results demonstrate that OTC antipruritics can be differentiated for effectiveness.
Cyclosporin G Inhibits Proliferation of A431 Cells in a Dose-and Time-Dependent Manner Comparable to Cyclosporin A
Authors: Teofoli Patrizia , de Pità Ornella , Lottia Torello M.
Published: April 2009

Cyclosporm A (CyA), a fungal metabolite with potent immuno-suppressive activity and an antiproliferative effect on epithelial cells, i.e. normal and transformed keratinocytes, is currently proposed in the treatment of psoriasis, where its use is limited mainly by possible nephrotoxicity and/or hepatotoxicity. Numerous analogs of CyA have been produced and studied. The most promising of these is the immunosuppressive analog cyclosporin G (CyG), in which norvaline is substituted for alpha-aminobutyric acid at the 2 position. This would maintain strong immunological activity, with reduced to absent nephro-toxic and hepatotoxic effects. The authors compared the antiproliferative effect of CyG and CyA on the epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431 in vitro, performing the MTT-microculture tetrazolium colorimetric assay based on the ability of viable cells to reduce the MTT compound to a blue formazan product. Subconfluent A431 cells were incubated with CyA or CyG or solvent only, for 24, 48, 72 or 96 h at concentrations of in vivo relevance (0.3, 0.6, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 μg/ml). CyA and CyG showed similar antiproliferative effects, in low-serum-containing media in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After 24 h of incubation, the inhibition of the growth rate was irrelevant. A striking inhibition of the growth rate at the higher concentrations of the drugs (7.5 and 10 μg/ml) at 72 and 96 h of incubation was evident. Therefore CyG has been demonstrated to exercise an antiproliferative effect on the A431 cell line. These data suggest possible use for CyG in the treatment of immune-mediated disease, particularly in the treatment of dermatologic diseases characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and/or kerati-nocyte hyperproliferation.
DNA Ploidy Changes in Rhino Mouse Skin Induced by All-Trans Retinoic Acid and Retinol
Authors: González Salvador , Alcaraz María Victoría , Díaz Florentina , Flotte Thomas J. , Pérez de Vargas Ignacio , Anderson Rox , Kollias Nik
Published: April 2009

Objective: In order to assess the proliferative changes induced by all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and retinol (ROL), we have carried out a study of the DNA content of basal and suprabasal keratinocytes after epicutaneous application on the rhino mouse. Study Design: Skin sections were analyzed ste-reologically and cytophotometrically using the Feulgen technique. The diploid DNA value (2C) was obtained from hepa-tocyte nuclei of control animals. Whereas cells in phase G₀-G1 will show a 2C content, cells during phase S and in phase G2-M will show DNA values ranging from 2C to 4C and 4C, respectively. Results: Although epidermal thickness (ET) increased significantly in all treated animals, surface density only increased in animals treated with all-trans RA. Quantification of DNA content of basal keratinocytes showed reduction of 2C and 2C-4C populations with a commensurate increase in proportions of cells with 4C and > 4C in the animals treated with 0.025% all-trans RA and ROL. Suprabasal keratinocytes of mice treated with 0.025% all-trans showed a decrease of the 2C population and an increased proportion of cells with 4C. Whereas 0.025% all-trans RA induced an increase of both basal and suprabasal DNA indices, ROL enhanced only the basal DNA index significantly. Conclusion: Animals treated with 0.025% ROL showed a significant increase in the basal proliferative index (PI) while the suprabasal PI remained constant; treatment with 0.025% all-trans RA produced a significant increase of both basal and suprabasal PIs and parakeratotic hyperkeratosis probably due to incomplete differentiation.
Effects of Vitamin D3 on Keratinocyte Proliferation and Differentiation in vitro: Modulation by Ligands for Retinoic Acid and Retinoid X Receptors
Authors: Sørensen S. , Sølvsten H. , Politi Y. , Kragballe K.
Published: April 2009

Keratinocytes express receptors for 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], all-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans-RA), 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA) and triiodothyronine (T3). The vitamin-D receptor (VDR) can act as a transcription factor by forming homodimers or heterodimers with the retinoic-acid receptor (RAR), the retinoid X receptor (RXR) or the triiodothyronine receptor (TR). This study investigated whether the antiproli-ferative and prodifferentiating effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on normal human keratinocyte cultures is modified by all-trans-RA, a ligand for RAR, by CD2809, a ligand for RXR, by 9-cis-RA, a ligand for the RAR and RXR, and T3, a ligand for the TR. Submerged, second-passage normal human keratinocytes were grown to approximately 30% confluency before incubation for 4 days with ligands in keratinocyte growth medium supplemented with 3% charcoal-stripped fetal calf serum and 0.3 mM Ca2+. Proliferation was measured by the dimethylthiazolyl-diphenyl-tetrazolium-bromide assay. Then differentiation was determined in the same culture, performing a cell ELISA for transglutaminase type 1. All-trans-RA, 9-cis-RA and CD2809 had a slight stimulatory effect on proliferation. In combination with 1,25(OH)2D3, all retinoids partially counteracted the antiprol-iferative effect of 1,25(OH)2D3. The differentiation was dose-dependently inhibited by all-trans-RA, 9-cis-RA and CD2809 alone. In combination with 1,25(OH)2D3, all retinoids reversed the prodifferentiating effect of 1,25(OH)2D3, resulting in a net inhibition of differentiation. T3 had no effect on proliferation of differentiation, either alone or in combination with 1,25(OH)2D3. In conclusion, retinoids with different receptor selec-tivities had similar effects on keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. The effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on proliferation and differentiation were reversed by all retinoids. Therefore, ligand-dependent heterodimer formation between the VDR and retinoid receptors may not be important for the combined effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and retinoids on keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in vitro.
Significance of Leukotriene-A4 Hydrolase in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis
Authors: Iversen Lars , Kragballe Knud , Ziboh Vincent A.
Published: April 2009

The 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) product of arachidonic acid, leukotriene (LT-)B4, is considered to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In vitro LTB4 is a potent chemoat-tractant for leukocytes, and it increases DNA synthesis in human cultured keratinocytes. Intradermal injection of LTB4 into human skin in vivo results in a wheal and flare reaction, and topical application produces intraepidermal microab-scesses and induces hyperproliferation. Furthermore, LTB4 has been determined in biologically active amounts in psoriat-ic skin lesions. Despite the importance of LTB4 in psoriasis, the capacity of the human epidermis to synthesize LTB4 has remained controversial. Recently, a very limited 5-LO activity was reported in human epidermis. Thus, it was shown that human epidermis can contribute significantly to LT formation by transcellular LT synthesis. By this mechanism, LTA4 released from activated leukocytes is further transformed into LTB4 in the keratinocytes by the LTA4 hydrolase. Transcellular metabolism may be of importance in psoriasis where neu-trophils migrate into the epidermis, because in human neutro-phils the LTA4 hydrolase has been shown as the rate-limiting step in LTB4 formation. The LTA4 hydrolase was localized in the epidermis by activity determination, by inhibition of enzyme activity with known LTA4 hydrolase inhibitors, by Western blotting and by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover the enzyme was purified and further characterized from human cultured keratinocytes and human epidermis. Because of these recent results it is concluded that LTB4 is of significance in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and it is suggested that future work should focus on developing potent LTA4 hydrolase inhibitors for treatment of psoriasis.
Effect of Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone Aceponate and Momethasone Furoate on Collagen Synthesis in Human Skin in vivo
Authors: Haapasaari K.-M. , Risteli J. , Karvonen J. , Oikarinen A.
Published: April 2009

Background: Topical corticoids decrease de novo collagen synthesis in the human skin. Objective: We studied the effect of three corticoids, hydrocortisone (HC), methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) and momethasone furoate (MMF) on the de novo synthesis of type I and III collagens. Methods: Fifteen healthy male volunteers treated four areas marked on their abdominal skin for 1 week. HC was applied twice a day, MPA and MMF once a day plus vehicle once a day and vehicle twice a day. After the treatment, suction blisters were induced on the treated areas, the suction blister fluid (SBF) was collected and procollagen propeptides of type I and III procollagens (PINP, PIIINP, respectively) were analyzed by radioimmunological assays. The protein concentration in SBF was determined by a colorimetric method. Results: All the corticoids studied decreased the procollagen propeptide concentrations in SBF. HC decreased PINP concentration by 66%, MPA by 68% and MMF by 72%. HC decreased PIIINP by 62%, MPA by 68% and MMF by 72%. The protein concentration in SBF was decreased by 11-15% by these topical corticoids. Conclusion: HC decreases the concentration of procollagen propeptides in human skin in males to nearly the same extent as MPA and MMF.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Overlaps between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Dyspepsia, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Lee Soon Young , Lee Kwang Jae , Kim Soo Jeong , Cho Sung Won
Published: April 2009

Background/Aims: People may have symptoms of multiple disorders at the same time. We aimed to determine prevalence and risk factors for overlaps between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a Korean population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed on 1,688 randomly selected Korean subjects. Data on 1,443 subjects could be analyzed. Dyspepsia and IBS were diagnosed using modified Rome II criteria. Results: The prevalences of GERD, dyspepsia and IBS were 8.5, 9.5 and 9.6%. Overlaps between GERD and dyspepsia, GERD and IBS, and dyspepsia and IBS were observed in 2.3 (95% CI 1.4–3.0), 2.0 (95% CI 1.2–2.6%) and 1.3% (95% CI 0.6–1.8%) of the population. 27 and 24% of GERD subjects suffered from dyspepsia and IBS. 24 and 14% of dyspeptic subjects had GERD and IBS. 21 and 14% of IBS subjects had GERD and dyspepsia. Anxiety was significantly associated with GERD overlap (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.13–6.57), dyspepsia overlap (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.33–7.63) and IBS overlap (OR 4.92, 95% CI 2.04–11.84), compared with GERD alone, dyspepsia alone and IBS alone. Conclusions: Overlaps between GERD, dyspepsia, and IBS are common in the general population. These overlaps occur predominantly in individuals with anxiety.
Regulation of Catalase Activity in Mice of Different Ages
Authors: Baird M.B. , Samis H.V.
Published: April 2009

The renewal of catalase activity in C57BL/6J male mice of different ages was followed for 24 h after the removal of activity with 3-amino-1,2,4,-triazole (AT). The return of activity after injection of AT in both liver and kidney of old animals was significantly slower than that of either young or middle-aged mice. Some old mice failed to renew any catalase activity following treatment with AT. This suggests either an increase in the rate of degradation, or decrease in the rate of synthesis, of catalase in old mice, since all old animals showed catalase activity prior to treatment.The study demonstrates that the regulation of catalase is a good model system for age-related studies of enzyme regulation. In addition, the possible involvement of catalase as an intrinsic factor in senescence is discussed.
Effets de I’âge sur les processus d’apprentissage et de rétention
Authors: Poitrenaud J. , Parot S.
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study is to check the following 2 hypotheses: (1).Has the age factor a different influence on learning abilities and retention in normal individuals? (2). Has the age factor the same qualitative effects on learning abilities and retention as brain damage? In order to check the 1st hypothesis, the scores recorded when 2 groups of normal individuals underwent a verbal learning test were compared. Both groups were matched as far as social and cultural level was concerned; age varied from 55 to 69 within the 1st group and from 70 to 84 within the 2nd one. In order to check the 2nd hypothesis, the scores recorded when 46 brain damaged subjects underwent the same test were compared with those obtained for 46 subjects randomized in the healthy sample. Both groups were matched as far as age, sex as well as social and cultural level were concerned. In order to assess learning abilities, the subjects were asked to recall the material they had just learnt. In order to assess retention, they were asked to recall the material they had learnt 2 h beforehand. As the delayed recall is evidently dependent upon the learning process, the scores obtained after a delay were dealt with through a covariance analysis. From the results, it is possible to draw the following conclusions: (1). In normal individuals, aging involves a loss of learning abilities, but does not disturb retention. (2). In brain damaged subjects, not only learning abilities, but also retention appear to be seriously disturbed, hence the effects of age and those of brain damage are not qualitatively identical.
Age Change of Skeletal Muscles of Rats
Authors: Tauchi H. , Yoshioka T. , Kobayashi H.
Published: April 2009

Comparative micromeasuring studies have been made on the senile changes of the skeletal muscle tissues of the rats. The senile decrease in weight of the skeletal muscle was observed to be due to decrease in number and in volume of the muscle fibers; in case of the white fibers, the senile decrease was due mainly to a decrease in volume, on the contrary, in case of the senile change of the red fibers, there was noticed a marked decrease in number of the fibers without distinct decrease in volume. These differences in the decrease in number and volume between the two kinds of muscle fibers were statistically significant. Some discussions have been made on the difference in the process of senile changes between the two types of the muscle fibers with special references to their morphology and function.
An Autoradiographic Study of 3H-Proline Utilization by Aging Mouse Skeletal Tissues
Authors: Tonna E.A.
Published: April 2009

Autoradiographic data of 3H-proline turnover by mouse skeletal cell compartments of different age were subjected to graphical analysis for the further characterization of the effects of age on skeletal cell metabolic behavior. Periosteal osteoblasts showed early significant age changes by 26 weeks of age, paralleling the previously reported histocytomorphological changes. Age changes appeared to be nonsignificant in metaphyseal osteoblasts at 52 weeks of age, however, the total turnover of 3H-proline was adjusted to the reduced functional demands associated with trabecular remodeling and closure of the epiphyseal plate. The dramatic changes observed in 3H-proline uptake and turnover of the epiphyseal plate cartilage cells coincided with the closure of the plate and termination of matrix formation. In addition, highly significant age changes occurred in response to the cessation of functional demands. Residual articular cartilage cells appeared to be capable of retaining their viability, staving off early age changes, thus insuring a reasonably healthy joint function in older animals. The effects of age on the skeletal cell utilization of 3H-proline were best expressed as a series of steady-state events of diminishing activity. The time table for significant age changes varied in different cell compartments and also in similar cell types located at different anatomical sites. Modulation of the time table for skeletal cell aging appeared to be dictated by functional demands.
The Reactivity of Aged Mice to Bordetella pertussis as an Immunological Adjuvant
Authors: Finger H. , Emmerling P. , Bertz R.
Published: April 2009

The adjuvant activity of Bordetella pertussis was investigated, both at the cellular and humoral levels, when the bacterial adjuvant was administered together with 4 × 108 sheep erythrocytes in young adult (3 months old) and senile (22 months old) female mice. When compared with young adult animals, the spleens of aged mice contained significantly reduced numbers of direct and indirect plaque-forming cells and the serum hemolysin titres were found to be markedly lowered. After the simultaneous injection of B. pertussis cells into young adult mice, significant splenomegaly was demonstrable, this being associated with an accelerated and prolonged increase in the number of plaque-forming cells per 106 spleen cells. The additional injection of pertussis organisms into aged mice did not lead to splenomegaly, but to a significantly increased primary immune response, detectable both at the cellular and humoral levels.
Laser-Induced Fluorescence and Reflectance Spectroscopy for the Discrimination of Basal Cell Carcinoma from the Surrounding Normal Skin Tissue
Authors: Drakaki E. , Kaselouris E. , Makropoulou M. , Serafetinides A.A. , Tsenga A. , Stratigos A.J. , Katsambas A.D. , Antoniou C.
Published: April 2009

The object of this study was to investigate whether laser-induced skin autofluorescence (LIF) and/or light reflectance spectra could provide a useful contrast between basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tissues and the surrounding healthy skin. Unstained human skin samples, excised from humans undergoing biopsy examination, were irradiated with a nitrogen laser (λ = 337 nm) for excitation of autofluorescence and a tungsten halogen lamp for the reflectance measurements. The ex vivo spectroscopic results were correlated with the histopathology images to distinguish the areas of BCC from those of the surrounding health skin. A simple spectral analysis technique was also applied for better skin diagnosis. In conclusion, it seems that LIF and reflectance spectra could be used to differentiate neoplastic from normal skin tissue using an appropriate classification model analysis.
Effects of an Ultraviolet B Radiation Absorber on Photocarcinogenesis in Hairless Albino Mice
Authors: Coelho Palermo Cunha G. , van Ravenzwaay B. , Tennekes H.A. , Mellert W. , Schulte S. , Burkhardt S.
Published: April 2009

Uvinul® T 150, a UVB absorber, was administered (concentration 5%) in a vehicle to the skin of hairless albino mice before ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure for 5 days per week in a photocarcinogenicity study. Uvinul T 150 prolonged the latency period to 50% skin tumor incidence (controls: 21–22 weeks; Uvinul T 150: 36 weeks in males and 31 weeks in females). When Uvinul T 150 was applied in an alternating-exposure procedure (3 days/week before and 2 days/week after UVR), the inhibition of photocarcinogenesis was less marked (latency period 28–30 weeks). The vehicle formulation had no effect (latency period 20–21 weeks). The sensitivity of the test system was demonstrated by a positive control (8-methoxy-psoralene). Although UVB absorption was shown to inhibit photocarcinogenesis, the results also suggest that UVA radiation makes a contribution to skin tumor formation.
Adiposity and Incidence of Heart Failure Hospitalization and Mortality
Authors: Levitan Emily B. , Yang Amy Z. , Wolk Alicja , Mittleman Murray A.
Published: April 2009

Background—

Obesity is associated with heart failure (HF) incidence. We examined the strength of the association of body mass index (BMI) with HF by age and joint associations of BMI and waist circumference (WC).

Methods and Results—

Women aged 48 to 83 (n=36873) and men aged 45 to 79 (n=43487) self-reported height, weight, and WC. HF hospitalization or death (n=382 women, 718 men) between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2004, was determined through administrative registers. Hazard ratios, from Cox proportional-hazards models, for an interquartile range higher BMI were 1.39 (95% CI, 1.15 to 1.68) at age 60 and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.27) at 75 in women. In men, hazard ratios were 1.54 (95% CI, 1.37 to 1.73) at 60 and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.16 to 1.35) at 75. A 10-cm higher WC was associated with 15% (95% CI, 2% to 31%) and 18% (95% CI, 4% to 33%) higher HF rates among women with BMI 25 and 30 kg/m
2
, respectively; hazard ratios for 1 kg/m
2
higher BMI were 1.00 (95% CI, 0.96 to 1.04) and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.04) for WC 70 and 100 cm, respectively. In men, a 10-cm higher WC was associated with 16% and 18% higher rates for BMI 25 and 30 kg/m
2
, respectively; a 1 kg/m
2
higher BMI was associated with 4% higher HF rates regardless of WC.

Conclusions—

Strength of the association between BMI and HF events declined with age. In women, higher WC was associated with HF at all levels of BMI. Both BMI and WC were predictors among men.
Wave Propagation in Microstretch Thermoelastic Plate Bordered with Layers of Inviscid Liquid
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Partap Geeta
Published: April 2009

The propagation of free vibrations in microstretch thermoelastic homogeneous isotropic, thermally conducting plate bordered with layers of inviscid liquid on both sides subjected to stress free thermally insulated and isothermal conditions is investigated in the context of Lord and Shulman (L‐S) and Green and Lindsay (G‐L) theories of thermoelasticity. The secular equations for symmetric and skewsymmetric wave mode propagation are derived. The regions of secular equations are obtained and short wavelength waves of the secular equations are also discussed. At short wavelength limits, the secular equations reduce to Rayleigh surface wave frequency equations. Finally, the numerical solution is carried out for magnesium crystal composite material plate bordered with water. The dispersion curves for symmetric and skew‐symmetric wave modes are computed numerically and presented graphically.
Aging Versus Stable Enduring Traits as Explanatory Constructs in Sex Offender Recidivism
Authors: Barbaree Howard E. , Langton Calvin M. , Blanchard Ray , Cantor James M.
Published: April 2009

This study investigates whether sex offenders' age at release from custody affects their likelihood of reoffending. The participants were 468 men with a mean follow-up (time at risk) of just more than 5 years after release. Items from the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide, the Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide, the Rapid Risk Assessment of Sexual Offense Recidivism, the Static-99, and the Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Test—Revised were coded. Results show that the predictive ability of items tapping antisocial behavior is inflated by their association with age at release, whereas the predictive ability of items tapping sexual deviance is diminished by that association. An assessment instrument comprising an age-corrected antisocial behavior scale, an age-corrected sexual deviance scale, and an age at release scale predicted recidivism as well as the best existing actuarial instruments. Cox regression analysis shows that age at release provided unique and significant predictive ability over and above age-corrected antisocial behavior and age-corrected sexual deviance combined.
Contingent Earnouts in Acquisitions of Privately Held Targets
Authors: Ragozzino Roberto , Reuer Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2009

Prior research has devoted significant attention to ownership choices when firms make market-entry decisions (e.g., equity alliance versus acquisition). This article emphasizes the importance of studying firms' contractual choices as well as the potential relationships between their contractual and ownership choices. This study of acquisitions examines the incidence and determinants of contingent earnouts, which are contracts that specify deferred variable payments to the target. The evidence indicates that the usage of such contracts increases with information asymmetries surrounding mergers and acquisitions, in particular when privately held targets are young or possess knowledge bases that are dissimilar from those of the acquirers. The article also presents evidence that firms' contractual choices (i.e., earnouts) and ownership choices (i.e., equity alliances) can substitute for one another.
Predicting Drug Use at Electronic Music Dance Events: Self-Reports and Biological Measurement
Authors: Johnson Mark B. , Voas Robert A. , Miller Brenda A. , Holder Harold D.
Published: April 2009

Most information on the prevalence of drug use comes from self-report surveys. The sensitivity of such information is cause for concern about the accuracy of self-report measures. In this study, self-reported drug use in the last 48 hr is compared to results from biological assays of saliva samples from 371 young adults entering clubs. The relationship between self-reports and drug presence in oral fluid was determined for three substances as follows: cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamine. Forty-one percent of the participants with drugs detected in their oral fluids reported no use in the last 48 hr. The significance of these results is discussed.
Effects on sleep stages and microarchitecture of caffeine and its combination with zolpidem or trazodone in healthy volunteers
Authors: Paterson LM , Nutt DJ , Ivarsson M , Hutson PH , Wilson SJ
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Caffeine is the world’s most popular stimulant and is known to disrupt sleep. Administration of caffeine can therefore be used in healthy volunteers to mimic the effects of insomnia and thus to test the hypnotic effects of medication. This study assessed the effects of caffeine on sleep architecture and electroencephalography (EEG) spectrum alone and in combination with two different sleep-promoting medications. Home polysomnography was performed in 12 healthy male volunteers in a double-blind study whereby subjects received placebo, caffeine (150 mg), caffeine plus zolpidem (10 mg) and caffeine plus trazodone (100 mg) at bedtime in a randomised crossover design. In addition to delaying sleep onset, caffeine decreased total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE) and stage 2 sleep without significantly altering wake after sleep onset or the number of awakenings. Zolpidem attenuated the caffeine-induced decrease in SE and increased spindle density in the caffeine plus zolpidem combination compared with placebo. Trazodone attenuated the decrease in SE and TST, and it also increased stage 3 sleep, decreased the number of awakenings and decreased the spindle density. No significant changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep were observed, neither was any significant alteration in slow wave activity nor other EEG spectral measures, although the direction of change was similar to that previously reported for caffeine and appeared to ‘normalise’ after trazodone. These data suggest that caffeine mimics some, but not all of the sleep disruption seen in insomnia and that its disruptive effects are differentially attenuated by the actions of sleep-promoting compounds with distinct mechanisms of action.
Commentary on STAR*D: a summary and UK perspective
Authors: Hawley CJ , Fineberg NA
Published: April 2009

Abstract

The Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) program attempted to determine whether some treatment sequences are better than others in the management of depression. Application of the findings to UK treatment settings is difficult because depression is an inhomogeneous condition and to regard it as a unitary entity, to which a unitary stratagem can be applied, is possibly misguided.
Identity Processes and Memory Controllability in Middle and Later Adulthood
Authors: Jones Kelly M. , Krauss Whitbourne Susan , Whitbourne Stacey B. , Skultety Karyn M.
Published: April 2009

Memory is a salient area of functioning in adulthood known to be influenced by beliefs about performance. To date, individual variations in memory beliefs have not been systematically examined. The present study used hierarchical linear regressions to examine the relationship between Memory Controllability Index (MCI) subscales and identity processes in 250 adults ( M = 58.01, 40 to 91 years), controlling for age, gender, and self-rated health. The ability to integrate age-related changes into identity was positively related to MCI scales measuring assessment of ability, potential to improve memory, and belief in the value of using memory strategies. The identity scale measuring negative age-related changes was related to lower memory self-assessment, ability to improve, and the belief that memory decline is inevitable. Contrary to expectation, the tendency to resist making changes in identity was not related to controllability. Findings support the utility of understanding memory-related beliefs in middle and later adulthood in terms of identity processes.
Stability of Adolescents’ Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Reports
Authors: Antaramian Susan P. , Huebner E. Scott
Published: April 2009

Eighty-four students were administered the Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS) on three occasions, 1 year apart (Grades 8, 9, and 10). The 1-year stability coefficients ranged from .29 to .59, whereas the 2-year stability coefficients ranged from .41 to .59. MSLSS mean scores were consistent across administrations, with the exception of satisfaction with living environment in which scores were lower in Grade 10 relative to the previous two grades. Although a fair degree of stability was observed across most MSLSS domains, differences in the magnitudes of the coefficients across domains and time intervals suggested the importance of contextual factors in understanding the nature of the life satisfaction construct among adolescents as well as implications for the use of total and domain-specific life satisfaction reports as outcomes measures.
Convergent Validity of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) Using the Woodcock—Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability, Third Edition (WJ-III) With University Students
Authors: Krach S. Kathleen , Loe Scott A. , Jones W. Paul , Farrally Autumn
Published: April 2009

Validity studies with the Reynolds Intellectual Ability scales (RIAS) indicated that RIAS composite intelligence index (CIX) and verbal intelligence index (VIX) scores have moderate-to-high correlation with comparable scores on other instruments. The authors of the RIAS described the VIX scale as a measure of crystallized ability and the nonverbal index (NIX) as a measure of fluid ability, but no studies were available comparing the VIX and NIX scores with an established measure of these abilities, nor studies specifically addressing the utility of the RIAS with a university population. The study examined RIAS scores of university students in comparison to scores on the Woodcock—Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (third edition; WJ-III). Consistent with previous studies, there were moderate-to-high correlations between the CIX and VIX scores and corresponding scores on the WJ-III. A substantially lower correlation was evident between the NIX and WJ-III fluid ability scores.
Food, publics, science
Authors: Blue Gwendolyn
Published: April 2009

This paper draws attention to food as a site around which a historically particular form of public engagement has emerged. In the past decade, some of the most lively debates and policy actions for science and publics have focused on food related issues: first with BSE and subsequently with genetically modified organisms. Even though much of the literature surrounding publics and science acknowledges that the very definition of “publics” is shifting, little attention has been paid to food as a significant arena in which publics are engaging in politically motivated challenges to techno-scientific practices, policies and institutions. Taking food seriously means contextualizing publics as well as extending discursive models of democratic engagement to embrace consumer practices.
Research on Social Work Practice
Authors: Holden Gary , Rosenberg Gary , Barker Kathleen , Lioi Justin
Published: April 2009

Objective: This article describes a bibliometric analysis of articles appearing in the journal Research on Social Work Practice (RSWP). Method: Descriptive and predictive analyses for the sample of 322 articles are presented. Results: The typical RSWP article was 15 pages long, had two authors and 28 references, and was cited for the first time 2 years after publication. The typical article was cited in two different years and for a total of three times during the publication year and six subsequent years. The overall sample of articles received a total of 1,139 citations during the year of publication and subsequent 6 years. Additional subsample analyses are presented. Conclusion: Articles published during RSWP's first decade had an impact.
Examining Childhood Abuse Patterns and Sensitive Periods in Juvenile Sexual Offenders
Authors: Grabell Adam S. , Knight Raymond A.
Published: April 2009

Findings in the sexual aggression literature on the link between childhood sexual abuse and future sexual coercion have been inconsistent. In adult sexual offenders, studies have found that the relation of sexual abuse to sexual coercion is mediated by sexually related deviant cognitions, but this mediation is not found when replicated on juvenile sexual offenders. In this study it is hypothesized that this link will be found in juvenile sexual offenders when their sexual abuse history is stratified into discrete developmental epochs. It is further hypothesized that the age range of 3 to 7 years, when children rapidly acquire inhibition and cognitive flexibility skills, will be the most potent predictor. A sample of 193 juvenile sexual offenders is used to examine whether sexual abuse specifically in this discrete period, as opposed to other periods, predicts subsequent sexual fantasy. The results confirm that sexual abuse correlates with later adolescent sexual fantasy only during the 3- to 7-year epoch.
Q Method and Surveys: Three Ways to Combine Q and R
Authors: Danielson Stentor
Published: April 2009

This article describes three techniques for combining a Q method analysis with a traditional survey. Q method is an effective way of identifying the various shared perspectives that people may hold about a given topic. The ability to measure those viewpoints in a later survey would allow the researcher to generalize the findings to a larger population and to construct explanations in which respondents' adherence to those perspectives is related to other variables. “Scale creation” involves presenting distinctive Q statements as Likert items that can be used to construct a traditional psychometric scale to measure each perspective. “Profile correlation” involves correlating respondents' overall pattern of responses with prototypes representing the perspectives. Finally, “narrative evaluation” asks the respondent to give his or her opinion about a narrative description of each perspective.
A Conceptual Model for Evaluating System Effects of Response to Intervention
Authors: Shapiro Edward S. , Clemens Nathan H.
Published: April 2009

Implementing a Response to Intervention (RTI) system could improve overall student achievement and the way in which students with disabilities are identified. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of an RTI system (i.e., “Is our RTI system accomplishing its stated goals?”), a set of data-based indicators are needed. This paper will describe a set of five measure-able indicators from three domains of evaluation that schools can use to obtain frequent feedback on the impact of their RTI system on reading instruction and achievement. The evaluation methodology provides multiple, sensitive metrics that can be used soon after RTI implementation begins, and does not require that schools wait for more long-term, singular outcome measures such as performance on high-stakes tests to determine if the RTI system is functioning as intended. The data used for each indicator and the way in which the data can impact decisions is described. Issues related to RTI evaluation and areas of further research are discussed.
Ewing’s Sarcoma of the Inferior Vena Cava
Authors: Mahmood Asif , Cleasby Morgan , Hübscher Stephan G. , Khaira Harmeet S.
Published: April 2009

Ewing’s sarcoma most commonly arises from bone but may also arise from soft tissues. Sarcoma of the inferior vena cava is a rare entity that requires multimodal therapy including surgical resection and vascular reconstruction. We describe the first reported case of Ewing’s sarcoma of the inferior vena cava.
Excimer Laser for Debulking and Lysing Chronic Venous Thrombi and Occlusions
Authors: Moritz Mark W. , Ombrellino Michael , Agis Harry
Published: April 2009

Lysis of deep venous thrombotic obstruction in the extremities has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of symptoms of postthrombotic syndrome. However, for those lesions that contain organized thrombus, the use of conventional methods to lyse thrombus is less successful than for acute thrombus. The authors here present a novel method for treatment of older, organized thrombus using excimer laser. This technique can obviate some of the limitations of the other methods and allow effective treatment when other methods fail. It has been used successfully in 19 patients with excellent results and is recommended for those cases.
Understanding the Impact of Proactive Personality on Job Performance
Authors: Gerhardt Megan , Ashenbaum Bryan , Newman W. Rocky
Published: April 2009

The current study investigated the moderating impact of job tenure and the mediating process of self-management on the relationship between proactive personality and performance. Using a sample of 95 sales executives, results indicated a significant interaction between proactive personality and job tenure. In addition, there was an indirect effect of self-management behavior on the relationship between proactive personality and performance. Such findings suggest that a proactive personality may be differentially related to performance dependent on job tenure and that self-managing behaviors may be a key linking mechanism between proactive personality and performance. Implications for both research and practice are discussed.
Epstein-Barr virus colonization of tonsillar and peripheral blood B-cell subsets in primary infection and persistence
Authors: Chaganti Sridhar , Heath Emily M. , Bergler Wolfgang , Kuo Michael , Buettner Maike , Niedobitek Gerald , Rickinson Alan B. , Bell Andrew I.
Published: April 2009

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) persists in the immune host by preferentially colonizing the isotype-switched (IgD−CD27+) memory B-cell pool. In one scenario, this is achieved through virus infection of naive (IgD+CD27−) B cells and their differentiation into memory via germinal center (GC) transit; in another, EBV avoids GC transit and infects memory B cells directly. We report 2 findings consistent with this latter view. First, we examined circulating non–isotype-switched (IgD+CD27+) memory cells, a population that much evidence suggests is GC-independent in origin. Whereas isotype-switched memory had the highest viral loads by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, EBV was detectable in the nonswitched memory pool both in infectious mononucleosis (IM) patients undergoing primary infection and in most long-term virus carriers. Second, we examined colonization by EBV of B-cell subsets sorted from a unique collection of IM tonsillar cell suspensions. Here viral loads were concentrated in B cells with the CD38 marker of GC origin but lacking other GC markers CD10 and CD77. These findings, supported by histologic evidence, suggest that EBV infection in IM tonsils involves extrafollicular B cells expressing CD38 as an activation antigen and not as a marker of ectopic GC activity.
Ectopic expression of B-lymphoid kinase in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Krejsgaard Thorbjørn , Vetter-Kauczok Claudia S. , Woetmann Anders , Kneitz Hermann , Eriksen Karsten W. , Lovato Paola , Zhang Qian , Wasik Mariusz A. , Geisler Carsten , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth , Becker Juergen C. , Ødum Niels
Published: April 2009

B-lymphoid kinase (Blk) is exclusively expressed in B cells and thymocytes. Interestingly, transgenic expression of a constitutively active form of Blk in the T-cell lineage of mice results in the development of T-lymphoid lymphomas. Here, we demonstrate nuclear factor–kappa B (NF-κB)–mediated ectopic expression of Blk in malignant T-cell lines established from patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Importantly, Blk is also expressed in situ in lesional tissue specimens from 26 of 31 patients with CTCL. Already in early disease the majority of epidermotropic T cells express Blk, whereas Blk expression is not observed in patients with benign inflammatory skin disorders. In a longitudinal study of an additional 24 patients biopsied for suspected CTCL, Blk expression significantly correlated with a subsequently confirmed diagnosis of CTCL. Blk is constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated in malignant CTCL cell lines and spontaneously active in kinase assays. Furthermore, targeting Blk activity and expression by Src kinase inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibit the proliferation of the malignant T cells. In conclusion, this is the first report of Blk expression in CTCL, thereby providing new clues to the pathogenesis of the disease.