bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing irritant contact dermatitis with protective creams: influence of the application dose
Authors: Schliemann Sibylle , Petri Maximilian , Elsner Peter
Published: July 2013

Background

Skin protection creams (PC)s are used in the occupational setting to help prevent irritant hand dermatitis. The actual amounts of PC applied and the resulting dose per unit area on hands at work are lower than recommended.

Objectives

To assess the influence of the applied dose on the efficacy of PCs in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis.

Methods

Experimental cumulative irritant contact dermatitis was induced by twice daily application of 0.5% NaOH or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for 4 days on the backs of 20 healthy volunteers. Test areas were left unprotected or were pretreated with three different PCs applied at a low dose (2 mg/cm2) or a high dose (20 mg/cm2) before irritation. Irritant responses were assessed by visual scoring and measurement of transepidermal water loss, chromametry, and corneometry.

Results

Although cumulative irritant dermatitis developed in all unprotected test sites, irritation was significantly reduced in a dose‐dependent manner on PC‐protected sites. The higher doses of all PCs provided significant protection against irritation. However, the lower dose of one product did not significantly protect against SLS‐induced irritation.

Conclusions

The protective efficacy of PCs depends on the amount of product applied per unit skin surface area. Some products may show no protective efficacy when used at doses close to those practically applied at workplaces. Future efficacy studies of PCs should be performed with doses not higher than 2 mg/cm2, to avoid overestimation of their protective efficacy.
Impact of radiotherapy on surgical repair and outcome in patients with rectourethral fistula
Authors: Beddy D. , Poskus T. , Umbreit E. , Larson D. W. , Elliott D. S. , Dozois E. J.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Most patients presenting with rectourethral fistula acquire it as a complication of radiotherapy for prostate cancer, as a result of injury to the rectum during prostatectomy, through trauma or from Crohn's disease. This study examined whether choice of operation and results of surgery for rectourethral fistula are influenced by prior radiotherapy.

Method

Male patients undergoing surgery for rectourethral fistula were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Data regarding aetiology, surgical treatment and outcomes were analysed.

Results

Fifty patients (median age = 65.5 years) were identified. Radiation was received by 29 patients for prostate or rectal cancer, and 21 patients developed a fistula following prostatectomy, Crohn's disease or pelvic fracture (without radiation). Prior to definitive surgery, 30 patients underwent fecal diversion and 37 underwent urinary diversion. In total, 57 repairs were performed (44 patients had one repair, five patients had two and one patient had three). Definitive surgery was approached predominantly abdominally in radiated patients (90.6 vs 9.3%, P < 0.001) and perineally in nonradiated patients (80 vs 20%, P < 0.001). Successful primary fistula repair was more frequent in the nonradiated group compared with the radiated group (80.9 vs 0%, P < 0.001). Permanent colostomy and urinary diversion were more often required in radiated patients than in nonradiated patients (colostomy: 83 vs 0%, P < 0.001; urorostomy: 100 vs 19%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Few patients with radiation‐induced rectourethral fistula avoid permanent colostomy and urostomy. In contrast, most patients with nonradiation‐related fistulae undergo successful perineal repair without permanent faecal and urinary diversion.
Evidence for the Role of Shape in Mental Representations of Similes
Authors: van Weelden Lisanne , Schilperoord Joost , Maes Alfons
Published: July 2013

People mentally represent the shapes of objects. For instance, the mental representation of an eagle is different when one thinks about a flying or resting eagle. This study examined the role of shape in mental representations of similes (i.e., metaphoric comparisons). We tested the prediction that when people process a simile they will mentally represent the entities of the comparison as having a similar shape. We conducted two experiments in which participants read sentences that either did (experimental sentences) or did not (control sentences) invite comparing two entities. For the experimental sentences, the ground of the comparison was explicit in Experiment 1 (“X has the ability to Z, just like Y”) and implicit in Experiment 2 (“X is like Y”). After having read the sentence, participants were presented with line drawings of the two objects, which were either similarly or dissimilarly shaped. They judged whether both objects were mentioned in the preceding sentence. For the experimental sentences, recognition latencies were shorter for similarly shaped objects than for dissimilarly shaped objects. For the control sentences, we did not find such an effect of similarity in shape. These findings suggest that a perceptual symbol of shape is activated when processing similes.
Striatal dopamine transmission is reduced after chronic nicotine with a decrease in α6‐nicotinic receptor control in nucleus accumbens
Authors: Exley Richard , Clements Michael A. , Hartung Henrike , McIntosh J. Michael , Franklin Michael , Bermudez Isabel , Cragg Stephanie J.
Published: July 2013

Nicotine directly regulates striatal dopamine (DA) neurotransmission via presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that are α6β2 and/or α4β2 subunit‐containing, depending on region. Chronic nicotine exposure in smokers upregulates striatal nAChR density, with some reports suggesting differential impact on α6‐ or α4‐containing nAChRs. Here, we explored whether chronic nicotine exposure modifies striatal DA transmission, whether the effects of acute nicotine on DA release probability persist and whether there are modifications to the regulation of DA release by α6‐subunit‐containing (*) relative to non‐α6* nAChRs in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and in caudate‐putamen (CPu). We detected electrically evoked DA release at carbon‐fiber microelectrodes in striatal slices from mice exposed for 4–8 weeks to nicotine (200 μg/mL in saccharin‐sweetened drinking water) or a control saccharin solution. Chronic nicotine exposure subtly reduced striatal DA release evoked by single electrical pulses, and in NAc enhanced the range of DA release evoked by different frequencies. Effects of acute nicotine (500 nm) on DA release probability and its sensitivity to activity were apparent. However, in NAc there was downregulation of the functional dominance of α6‐nAChRs (α6α4β2β3), and an emergence in function of non‐α6* nAChRs. In CPu, there was no change in the control of DA release by its α6 nAChRs (α6β2β3) relative to non‐α6. These data suggest that chronic nicotine subtly modifies the regulation of DA transmission, which, in NAc, is through downregulation of function of a susceptible population of α6α4β2β3 nAChRs. This imbalance in function of α6:non‐α6 nAChRs might contribute to DA dysregulation in nicotine addiction.
The interaction of gelsolin with tropomyosin modulates actin dynamics
Authors: Khaitlina Sofia , Fitz Helene , Hinssen Horst
Published: July 2013

We have investigated the interactions between the actin‐binding proteins gelsolin and tropomyosin, with special respect to any effects on the functional properties of gelsolin. Limited proteolysis indicated that the loop connecting the gelsolin domains G3 and G4 is involved in tropomyosin binding. Under nonpolymerizing conditions, binding of tropomyosin neither prevented the formation of a 2 : 1 actin–gelsolin complex, nor did it affect the nucleating activity of gelsolin in actin polymerization, likely as a result of competitive displacement of tropomyosin from gelsolin. To evaluate the effect of tropomyosin on the actin filament severing activity of gelsolin, we measured both filamentous actin (F‐actin) viscosity and the relative number concentrations of filaments after fragmentation, either by gelsolin alone or by gelsolin–tropomyosin complexes. The interaction of gelsolin with tropomyosin caused a reduction in F‐actin severing activity of up to 80% compared to gelsolin alone. Thus, being bound to gelsolin, tropomyosin prevented gelsolin from severing actin filaments. By contrast, the severing activity of gelsolin for F‐actin/tropomyosin was similar to that for F‐actin alone even at a tropomyosin : actin saturation ratio of 1 : 7. Thus, when bound to actin filaments, tropomyosin did not significantly inhibit the severing of filaments by gelsolin. The interaction between gelsolin and tropomyosin was largely independent of the muscle actin and tropomyosin isoforms investigated. The results obtained in the present study suggest that tropomyosin is involved in the modulation of actin dynamics not via the protection of filaments against severing, but rather by binding gelsolin in solution to prevent it from severing and to promote the formation of new actin filaments.
Managing European cormorant‐fisheries conflicts: problems, practicalities and policy
Authors: Marzano M. , Carss D. N. , Cheyne I.
Published: July 2013

This article focuses on transboundary conflicts between great cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo L., and European fisheries interests. Two races of this species commonly occur in Europe; the ‘Atlantic’ Phalacrocorax carbo carbo and the ‘Continental’ P. c. sinensis. This migratory fish‐eating bird has steadily expanded its European range and many consider this a nature conservation success. However, fishery representatives see the birds as harmful to their business and way of life, considering European Union (EU) legislation to be blocking the most intuitive and effective solution to the cormorant problem, namely co‐ordinated, pan‐European population reduction. This article argues that cormorant‐fisheries conflicts and their resolution and management cannot be characterised as, or reduced to, a simplistic ‘pan‐European’ vs ‘local’ argument. The nature of cormorant‐fisheries conflicts is explored, key issues of cormorant ecology examined, and consideration is given to how impacts on fisheries might be measured. Discussions then focus on whether current policy prevents balanced and constructive solutions or whether better use of available instruments at local‐national levels could actually be a vital step to a sustainable management solution.
Acquisition of response thresholds for timed performance is regulated by a calcium‐responsive transcription factor, CaRF
Authors: Agostino P. V. , Cheng R.‐K. , Williams C. L. , West A. E. , Meck W. H.
Published: July 2013

Interval timing within the seconds‐to‐minutes range involves the interaction of the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia via dopaminergic–glutamatergic pathways. Because the secreted protein brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is able to modulate dopamine release as well as glutamatergic activity, we hypothesized that BDNF may be important for these timing mechanisms. Recently, the calcium‐responsive transcription factor (CaRF) was identified as an important modulator of BDNF expression in the cerebral cortex. In this study, a strain of Carf knockout mice was evaluated for their ability to acquire the ‘Start’ and ‘Stop’ response thresholds under sequential and simultaneous training conditions, using multiple (15‐second and 45‐second) or single (30‐second) target durations in the peak‐interval procedure. Both Carf+/− and Carf−/− mice were impaired in their ability to acquire timed response thresholds relative to Carf+/+ mice. Additionally, control mice given microinjections of BDNF antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to inhibit protein expression in the prefrontal cortex showed timing impairments during acquisition similar to Carf mice. Together, these results suggest that the inhibitory processes required to update response thresholds and exert temporal control of behavior during acquisition may be dependent on CaRF regulation of genes including Bdnf in cortico‐striatal circuits.
Oral health intervention among community‐dwelling older people: a randomised 2‐year intervention study
Authors: Komulainen Kaija , Ylöstalo Pekka , Syrjälä Anna‐Maija , Ruoppi Piia , Knuuttila Matti , Sulkava Raimo , Hartikainen Sirpa
Published: July 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 2‐year oral‐health‐promoting intervention on oral health behaviour and oral health among people aged 75 years or older.

Materials and methods

In a 2‐year randomised intervention study, 279 community‐dwelling older people completed the study: 145 persons in an intervention group and 134 in a control group. Interviews and clinical oral examinations were performed at the beginning of the study and at a 2‐year follow‐up. Changes in oral health behaviour and oral health were used as outcomes.

Intervention

Oral health intervention included individually tailored instructions for oral and/or denture hygiene, relief of dry mouth symptoms, decrease of sugar‐use frequency, use of fluoride, xylitol or antimicrobial products, and professional tooth cleaning.

Results

More participants in both the intervention and control groups had better dental and denture hygiene and were free of oral diseases or symptoms at the 2‐year follow‐up than at the baseline. The differences in changes in outcomes between the intervention and control groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that oral health of community‐dwelling older people could be improved. Oral health improved in both groups, more among the participants in the intervention group compared with control group, but the effect attributed to oral‐health‐promoting intervention remained small.
Functional decline over 2 years in older Spanish adults: Evidence from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Rodríguez López Santiago , Montero Pilar , Carmenate Margarita , Avendano Mauricio
Published: July 2013

Aim

To evaluate the social, educational, health and behavioral predictors of physical functional decline in older Spanish adults.

Methods

A 2‐year longitudinal study based on 699 community‐dwelling Spanish adults aged over 65 years participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe was carried out. Several predictors of a combined measure of functional disability were examined using logistic regressions.

Results

A decline in function was experienced by 166 individuals. Functional decline in men was associated with an increased number of chronic diseases (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.21–4.19) and depressive symptoms (OR 5.05, 95% CI 2.42–10.54) over a 2‐year period, whereas among women it was associated with decreased numeracy score (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.05–3.34).

Conclusions

Longitudinal changes in predictors are strongly associated with longitudinal changes in function between baseline and a 2‐year follow up, most clearly among men. A decrease in cognitive functioning and increased depressive symptoms are associated with a decline in physical functioning, and can serve as useful clinical predictors to prevent disability in older Spanish adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 403–412.
Comorbidity of Migraine and Psychiatric Disorders Among Substance‐Dependent Inpatients
Authors: McDermott Michael J. , Tull Matthew T. , Gratz Kim L. , Houle Timothy T. , Smitherman Todd A.
Published: July 2013

Background

Limited and conflicting data exist regarding the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, particularly substance use disorders (SUDs), among migraineurs in inpatient clinical settings.

Methods

As part of a larger cross‐sectional study, 181 substance‐dependent inpatients completed a structured psychiatric interview and measures of psychiatric symptoms and migraine. Standardized mean differences were used to quantify differences between inpatients with and without migraine across 4 domains of predictors (demographic variables, non‐SUD psychiatric diagnoses, specific SUDs, and self‐reported psychiatric symptoms). The predictors within each domain that best discriminated between the migraine and no‐migraine groups were identified using a classification tree approach with Bonferroni corrections. These candidate predictors were subsequently entered into a multivariate logistic regression to predict migraine status, which was then replicated using bootstrapping of 500 samples. Associations between migraine status and SUD treatment dropout were also examined.

Results

Forty‐four of the 181 (24.3%) participants met criteria for migraine. Migraineurs were more likely to be female (34.8% vs 18.3%) and reported higher levels of current anxiety symptoms (mean [standard deviation]: 19.7 [11.0] vs 11.3 [10.3]). Having a lifetime diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (56.8% vs 27%, odds ratio 3.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39‐10.58) or a current diagnosis of alcohol dependence (45.5% vs 24.1%, odds ratio 3.79, 95% CI 1.63‐13.62) was associated with more than a 3‐fold risk of migraine. These 4 variables in combination were forced into the final multivariate model, which differentiated well between those with and without migraine (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.81; 95% CI 0.73‐0.88). Migraine was not differentially associated with increased risk for SUD treatment dropout (13.6% vs 16.1% dropout among those without migraine).

Discussion

A history of generalized anxiety disorder, high levels of current anxiety symptoms, and current alcohol dependence are the strongest psychiatric predictors of migraine status among substance‐dependent inpatients. However, migraine status is not associated with SUD treatment dropout.
Chronic Pain and Traumatic Brain Injury in OEF/OIF Service Members and Veterans
Authors: Bosco Michelle A. , Murphy Jennifer L. , Clark Michael E.
Published: July 2013

The co‐occurrence of chronic pain and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are 2 of the most common concerns among the Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom population and present unique challenges for evaluation and treatment. Previous research suggests that almost half the cohort report clinically significant pain, while up to 1 in 4 experiences some form of TBI. There is limited information regarding how TBI affects the presence and course of pain, and how pain impacts TBI and its symptoms. The present paper provides an overview of the range and degree of TBIs as well as a brief summary of current knowledge regarding the interaction between chronic pain and TBI, particularly in light of the numerous variables impacting it. Information on ways to best assess for and treat pain in the TBI population, including in those with multiple system injuries or associated affective symptoms, is provided. In addition, several innovative approaches for addressing the needs of this complex cohort of patients are described, which may stimulate further research and clinical innovation for this important subgroup.
Is it Possible and Desirable for Theologians to Speculate after Barth?
Authors: Gordon James
Published: July 2013

This essay asks what Karl Barth meant by ‘speculation’ in volume two of the Church Dogmatics. Rather than equating speculative theology with metaphysical theology in general, Barth views speculation not as a monolithic act but as a conglomeration of modes of theological speech that undermine God's revelation in Jesus Christ. This essay argues that Barth's views of speculation, rather than undercutting the use of metaphysics in theology, pave the way for a responsible Christian use of metaphysics by tying one's use of categories and concepts in theology closely to the text of Scripture.
Egg development time in the Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata varies with laying order and clutch size
Authors: Griffith Simon C. , Gilby Amanda J.
Published: July 2013

As female birds are able to lay no more than a single egg each day, in those species producing larger clutches the first laid eggs may get a developmental head‐start over later eggs in the clutch. All other things being equal, the differential pattern of development across the clutch may contribute to hatching asynchrony and subsequent inequity in the competition between brood mates, and ultimately increase variance in the quality and fitness of first‐ and last‐laid offspring. It has been suggested that females might allocate resources differently across the laying sequence to moderate the developmental rate and hatching time of different embryos. We tested this theory in the Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata, a common model species for investigating maternal effects in birds. We removed 758 eggs from 160 nests shortly after they were laid and used artificial incubators to control for parental effects and monitor hatching times. Eggs from larger clutches consistently hatched sooner than those from average‐sized clutches, demonstrating that the intrinsic properties of an egg can alter the developmental time of embryos. There were also differences in the development time of eggs across the laying sequence, but these patterns were weaker, inconsistent and unrelated to sequential investment across the laying sequence in a straightforward way. This study indicates that maternal resource allocation to eggs across the laying sequence and across clutch sizes can influence development times and play a potentially important role in determining the competitive dynamics of broods.
Solid‐phase extraction of lead and copper on a polyhydroxybutyrate‐b‐polydimethyl siloxane (PHB‐b‐PDMS) block copolymer disc and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of them in water and food samples
Authors: Tuzen Mustafa , Unsal Yunus Emre , Soylak Mustafa , Akkirman Zeynep , Hazer Baki
Published: July 2013

A separation and preconcentration procedure based on solid‐phase extraction of Cu(II) and Pb(II) as their Sudan III chelates on polyhydroxybutyrate‐b‐polydimethyl siloxane (PHB‐b‐PDMS) block copolymer disc has been established. Various analytical parameters including pH, amount of Sudan III, eluent type and volume, sample volume, flow rates were optimised. The effects of concomitant ions on the retentions of the analyte ions on PHB‐b‐PDMS disc were also examined. The detection limits for Cu(II) and Pb(II) were found to be 2.3 and 4.9 μgL−1, respectively. Preconcentration factor was found to be sixty. Relative standard deviation was found to be 5%. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysing certified reference materials (TMDA 54.4 fortified lake water and NIST 1515 Apple leaves). Optimised method was applied to determine the analyte ions in various water and food samples from Turkey.
Degradation kinetics of rebaudioside A in various buffer solutions
Authors: Gong Qianyun , Bell Leonard N.
Published: July 2013

Rebaudioside A is a noncaloric high‐intensity sweetener extracted from Stevia rebaudiana. For it to be used in foods, rebaudioside A needs to be stable during processing and storage. This study evaluated the kinetics of rebaudioside A degradation in 0.02 and 0.1 m citrate and phosphate buffer solutions at pH 3, 5 and 7 stored at 20, 30 and 40 °C for 9 months. At pH 3 and temperatures less than 30 °C, degradation was slow (i.e. less than 6% loss in 6 months) and not affected by buffer type or buffer concentration. At pH 7, the degradation of rebaudioside A increased dramatically in phosphate buffer (losses of up to 25% in 6 months at 30 °C), while remaining relatively slow in citrate buffer (less than 5% loss). The degradation rates at pH 7 increased 2.6 times as the concentration of phosphate buffer increased. For optimum stability of beverages containing rebaudioside A, formulations with lower concentrations of citrate buffer stored at lower temperatures are recommended.
A critical review of mental health and mental health‐related policies in China: More actions required
Authors: Wong Daniel Fu Keung , Zhuang Xiao Yu , Pan Jia‐Yan , He Xue Song
Published: July 2013

In China, there are over 170 million people suffering from mental illness. However, there is a lack of a critical review of the policies governing the provision of mental health services. Drawing on the framework of mental health policy developed by the WHO, this article critically examines mental health policies regarding legislation, financing, model of care and delivery, as well as manpower and the training of mental health professionals in China. This analysis raises a number of policy‐related questions concerning the lack of community‐based psychiatric services, inadequate coverage of mental health services in the rural areas, poor standard of education and an insufficient number of trained mental health professionals, and insufficient protection of the human rights of people with mental illness. The article ends by urging the various levels of governments to make a firm commitment to improve mental health care for people with mental illness in China.
Role of a gamma‐aminobutryic acid (GABA) receptor mutation in the evolution and spread of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera resistance to cyclodiene insecticides
Authors: Wang H. , Coates B. S. , Chen H. , Sappington T. W. , Guillemaud T. , Siegfried B. D.
Published: July 2013

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is a damaging pest of cultivated corn that was controlled by applications of cyclodiene insecticides from the late 1940s until resistance evolved ∼10 years later. Range expansion from the western plains into eastern USA coincides with resistance development. An alanine to serine amino acid substitution within the Rdl subunit of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor confers resistance to cyclodiene insecticides in many species. We found that the non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) G/T at the GABA receptor cDNA position 838 (G/T838) of D. v. virgifera resulted in the alanine to serine change, and the codominant SNP allele T838 was genetically linked to survival of beetles in aldrin bioassays. A phenotypic gradient of decreasing susceptibility from west to east was correlated with higher frequencies of the resistance‐conferring T838 allele in the eastern‐most populations. This pattern exists in opposition to perceived selective pressures since the more eastern and most resistant populations probably experienced reduced exposure. The reasons for the observed distribution are uncertain, but historical records of the range expansion combined with the distribution of susceptible and resistant phenotypes and genotypes provide an opportunity to better understand factors affecting the species' range expansion.
Practical aspects of telehealth: financial considerations
Authors: Loh P. K. , Sabesan S. , Allen D. , Caldwell P. , Mozer R. , Komesaroff P. A. , Talman P. , Williams M. , Shaheen N. , Grabinski O. , Withnall D. ,   The Royal Australasian College of Physicians Telehealth Working Group
Published: July 2013

The second in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper includes information and a case history on the cost‐benefits for patients and practitioners using telehealth. The case history demonstrates that telehealth can save travel time for patients, carers and specialists, and can reduce out‐of‐pocket expenses. The practical aspects of telehealth article series considers the contextual, clinical, technical and ethical components of online video consultations.
Living With Ambiguity: Pricing Mortality‐Linked Securities With Smooth Ambiguity Preferences
Authors: Chen Hua , Sherris Michael , Sun Tao , Zhu Wenge
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Mortality is a stochastic process. We have imprecise knowledge about the probability distribution of mortality rates in the future. Mortality risk, therefore, can be defined in a broader term of ambiguity. In this article, we investigate the effects of ambiguity and ambiguity aversion on prices of mortality‐linked securities. Ambiguity may arise from parameter uncertainty due to a finite sample of data and inaccurate old‐age mortality rates. We compare the price of a mortality bond in three scenarios: (1) no parameter uncertainty, (2) parameter uncertainty with Bayesian updates, and (3) parameter uncertainty with the smooth ambiguity preference. We use the indifference pricing approach to derive the minimum ask price and the maximum bid price, and adopt the economic pricing method to compute the equilibrium price that clears the market. We reveal the connection between the indifference pricing approach and the economic pricing approach and find that ambiguity aversion has a much smaller effect on prices of mortality‐linked securities than risk aversion in our example.
FRAMING AND CLAIMING: HOW INFORMATION‐FRAMING AFFECTS EXPECTED SOCIAL SECURITY CLAIMING BEHAVIOR
Authors: Brown Jeffrey R. , Kapteyn Arie , Mitchell Olivia S.
Published: July 2013

This article provides evidence that Social Security benefit claiming decisions are strongly affected by framing and are thus inconsistent with expected utility theory. Using a randomized experiment that controls for both observable and unobservable differences across individuals, we find that the use of a “breakeven analysis” encourages early claiming. Respondents are more likely to delay when later claiming is framed as a gain, and the claiming age is anchored at older ages. Additionally, the financially less literate, individuals with credit card debt, and those with lower earnings are more influenced by framing than others.
El impacto de la crisis económica en los mercados laborales de la Unión Europea: una perspectiva comparada
Authors: TRIDICO Pasquale
Published: July 2013

Mediante un «índice de gestión de la crisis», el autor clasifica a los 27 miembros de la Unión Europea según el desempeño de su PIB y su mercado laboral de 2007 a 2011. Tras un análisis por correlaciones empíricas y regresiones, concluye que los países de mejor desempeño comparten un modelo de economía de mercado coordinada, caracterizado por una combinación de políticas económicas e instituciones sociales –como mecanismos de coordinación y reglamentación financiera más estricta– que contribuyeron a estabilizar sus niveles de consumo y de demanda agregada. Además, la ausencia de flexibilidad laboral les permitió mantener la estabilidad del empleo.
Is China up to the Test? A Review of Theories and Priorities for Education Investment for a Modern China
Authors: Glazebrook Kate , Song Ligang
Published: July 2013

This paper reviews the key theories relating to the role of education in economic development and social change and how education, as a critical component of total factor productivity, contributes to sustained economic growth. It examines how China's education policy reflects the country's unique dual economy. Focusing on the post‐reform period, the paper contends that while progress has been made, there are risks to China's future growth prospects from failing to reap the benefits of sound education policy. It argues that if the Chinese education system is to continue to be a driver of rather than a drain on economic growth, and if China is to successfully manage its transition towards more inclusive, sustainable and equitable growth, reforms will be needed to improve the quality of education at all levels and to create an environment in which China's extensive human capital is duly recognized and respected. Crucially, the education system should be transformed to ensure it promotes a comprehensive range of human capabilities, including those that go beyond the part humans play in augmenting production possibilities.
Investigation of Native Point Defects and Nonstoichiometry Mechanisms of Two Yttrium Silicates by First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Jiemin , Li Fangzhi , Sun Luchao , Wang Jingyang , Zhou Yanchum
Published: July 2013

First‐principles method is used to study the native point defects in Y2SiO5 and Y2Si2O7 silicates. The calculated defect formulation energies show similar native point defect behaviors in Y2SiO5 and Y2Si2O7: the oxygen Frenkel defect is predominant; and it is followed by the cation antisite and Schottky defects. The possible chemical potential range of each constituent is further considered in the calculation of defect formation energy. Oxygen interstitial (Oi) and oxygen vacancy (VO) are the predominant native point defects under O‐rich and O‐poor condition, respectively. In addition, the mechanisms of accommodating composition deviations from stoichiometric Y2SiO5 and Y2Si2O7 are investigated. For Y2SiO5, Y2Si2O7 impurity may appear, together with the defects of SiY antisite, Oi interstitial, and/or VY vacancy when SiO2 is excess; while YSi antisite appears together with Yi interstitial and/or VO vacancy in Y2SiO5 when Y2O3 is excess. For Y2Si2O7, the main process is the formation of SiY antisite accompanied by Oi interstitial and/or VY vacancy when SiO2 is excess; but Y2SiO5 impurity forms, together with YSi antisite, VO vacancy, and/or Yi interstitial in Y2Si2O7 when Y2O3 is excess. We expect that the results are useful to control of processing conditions and further to optimization of performance of the two silicates.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Automated Telephone Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Harrison Teresa N. , Ho Timothy S. , Handler Joel , Kanter Michael H. , Goldberg Ruthie A. , Reynolds Kristi
Published: July 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a telephonic outreach program to improve blood pressure (BP) control among patients with hypertension. The authors identified adults 18 years and older with uncontrolled BP within the previous 12 months. Patients received either an automated telephone call advising them to have a walk‐in BP check (n=31,619) or usual care (n=33,154). The primary outcome was BP control at 4 weeks. Significantly more patients who received the intervention achieved BP control compared with the usual care group (32.5% vs 23.7%; P<.0001). Patients in the intervention arm with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes mellitus achieved better BP control. Older age, female sex, and having a household income above the median were associated with BP control. When designing quality‐improvement interventions to increase BP control rates, health care organizations should consider utilizing an automated telephone outreach campaign.
Hierarchical Modeling of Patient and Physician Determinants of Blood Pressure Outcomes in Adherent vs Nonadherent Hypertensive Patients: Pooled Analysis of 6 Studies With 14,646 Evaluable Patients
Authors: Abraham Ivo , Van Camp Yoleen , Villa Lorenzo , Denhaerynck Kris , Sun Diana , Vancayzeele Stefaan , Brié Heidi , Aerts Ann , Hermans Christine , MacDonald Karen
Published: July 2013

The authors used pooled data from 6 valsartan‐related studies including 3983 adherent and 10,663 nonadherent patients to evaluate blood pressure (BP) outcomes in both groups after 90 days of treatment, applying hierarchical linear and logistic regression to identify determinants of BP outcomes. The principal findings were that: (1) BP outcomes were consistently better in adherent patients; (2) approximately a quarter of the variance in 90‐day BP values was attributable to a physician class effect; (3) common and unique patient‐ and physician‐related variables were associated with BP outcomes in both groups; (4) physician vigilance was associated with better outcomes, especially in adherent patients; and (5) adherent patients were more likely to exhibit target organ damage and associated events while being prescribed more complex medication regimens. Adherence to antihypertensive medication may be a function of prior line treatment failure, severity of illness, and sequelae, and the ensuing patient resolution to change medication behavior.
Cross‐talk between EGF and BMP9 signalling pathways regulates the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Xing , Qin Jiaqiang , Luo Qing , Bi Yang , Zhu Gaohui , Jiang Wei , Kim Stephanie H. , Li Mi , Su Yuxi , Nan Guoxin , Cui Jing , Zhang Wenwen , Li Ruidong , Chen Xiang , Kong Yuhan , Zhang Jiye , Wang Jinhua , Rogers Mary Rose , Zhang Hongyu , Shui Wei , Zhao Chen , Wang Ning , Liang Xi , Wu Ningning , He Yunfeng , Luu Hue H. , Haydon Rex C. , Shi Lewis L. , Li Tingyu , He Tong‐Chuan , Li Ming
Published: July 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors, which give rise to several lineages, including bone, cartilage and fat. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. EGF acts by binding with high affinity to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the cell surface and stimulating the intrinsic protein tyrosine kinase activity of its receptor, which initiates a signal transduction cascade causing a variety of biochemical changes within the cell and regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. We have identified BMP9 as one of the most osteogenic BMPs in MSCs. In this study, we investigate if EGF signalling cross‐talks with BMP9 and regulates BMP9‐induced osteogenic differentiation. We find that EGF potentiates BMP9‐induced early and late osteogenic markers of MSCs in vitro, which can be effectively blunted by EGFR inhibitors Gefitinib and Erlotinib or receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors AG‐1478 and AG‐494 in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, EGF significantly augments BMP9‐induced bone formation in the cultured mouse foetal limb explants. In vivo stem cell implantation experiment reveals that exogenous expression of EGF in MSCs can effectively potentiate BMP9‐induced ectopic bone formation, yielding larger and more mature bone masses. Interestingly, we find that, while EGF can induce BMP9 expression in MSCs, EGFR expression is directly up‐regulated by BMP9 through Smad1/5/8 signalling pathway. Thus, the cross‐talk between EGF and BMP9 signalling pathways in MSCs may underline their important roles in regulating osteogenic differentiation. Harnessing the synergy between BMP9 and EGF should be beneficial for enhancing osteogenesis in regenerative medicine.
Correlation of thalamic blood flow redistribution with persistent complex regional pain syndrome in a stroke patient with poor diabetic control
Authors: Hsu Kao‐Chih , Chang Shin‐Tsu
Published: July 2013

We present a right‐hemispheric stroke patient with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Symptoms of CRPS developed in conjunction with a corresponding elevation of the contralateral thalamic flow when the glycosylated hemoglobin values were high (16.1% and 13.4%), twice observed as migration from the bottom to the top location of the thalamus. CRPS improved after the glycosylated hemoglobin level reduced to 10.6% and 8.3%. Poor blood sugar control might cause redistribution of thalamic regional blood flow and be associated with the persistence of CRPS in this case.
Managing the Peri‐implant Mucosa: A Clinically Reliable Method for Optimizing Soft Tissue Contours and Emergence Profile
Authors: Parpaiola Andrea , Sbricoli Luca , Guazzo Riccardo , Bressan Eriberto , Lops Diego
Published: July 2013

State of the Problem

The proper representation of soft tissue contours for a natural aspect of the peri‐implant mucosa and its mimesis with the adjacent teeth is a crucial aspect of the esthetic area restoration.

Purpose

This paper describes a method for the easy transfer of the peri‐implant tissue morphology onto impression material with a view to achieving an accurate, custom implant restoration. The procedure described is suitable both for single and multi‐unit implant‐supported prostheses.

Clinical Procedures

Once the peri‐implant mucosa is sculpted by the provisional restoration, the emergence profile is duplicated. The implant analog is embedded into laboratory stone or plaster in a mixing cup and allowed to set. The provisional restoration is removed from the oral cavity and screwed to the implant analog; then, a polyether material is placed in the mixing cup so that the provisional restoration is put into impression material at the level of the prosthetic emergence profile. After the polyether polymerizing, the provisional prosthesis is unscrewed and replaced with the stock hexed transfer for the final impression. Next, cold self‐curing resin is poured into this gap and left to set. A custom transfer for this single implant site is thus obtained. This modified transfer is then removed and screwed onto the implant in the oral cavity for the definitive impression.

Conclusions

The technique described enables a faithful reproduction of the peri‐implant soft tissues and emergence profile.

Clinical Significance

An emergence profile that mimics the natural tooth should be obtained by successful esthetic implant restoration. Moreover, it allows proper hygiene, which is fundamental for implant maintenance. The best way to achieve the correct emergence profile is to sculpture the peri‐implant mucosa by means of a provisional prosthesis. Prefabricated provisional crowns cannot mimic the complexity and the variations of human soft tissue. Therefore, only a chair‐side modification of the provisional restoration can accomplish the optimal result. Such a requirement can be satisfied by the clinical method described in the present report.
Liquidity and Information Flow around Monetary Policy Announcement
Authors: CHUNG KEE H. , ELDER JOHN , KIM JANG‐CHUL
Published: July 2013

We analyze the effects of monetary policy announcements on stock market liquidity using intraday data. We show that the impairment in liquidity associated with policy announcements occurs primarily after, rather than before, the announcements, and is relatively short lived, lasting about 1.5 hours. Liquidity impairment varies proportionately with the information content of the policy announcement, with larger effects associated with unscheduled announcements and scheduled announcements with larger policy surprises. Overall, our results suggest that informed traders have an information processing advantage over uninformed participants rather than access to private information.
Real Exchange Rates and Fundamentals: A Cross‐Country Perspective
Authors: RICCI LUCA ANTONIO , MILESI‐FERRETTI GIAN MARIA , LEE JAEWOO
Published: July 2013

This paper employs newly constructed measures for productivity differentials, external imbalances, and commodity terms of trade to estimate a panel cointegrating relationship between real exchange rates and a set of fundamentals for a sample of 48 industrial countries and emerging markets. It finds evidence of a strong positive relation between the consumer price index‐based real exchange rate and commodity terms of trade. The estimated impact of productivity growth differentials between traded and nontraded goods, while statistically significant, is small. Increases in net foreign assets, government consumption, and trade restrictions tend to be associated with appreciating real exchange rates.
Do Sales of Foreign Exchange Reserves Lead to Currency Appreciation?
Authors: DOMINGUEZ KATHRYN M.E. , FATUM RASMUS , VACEK PAVEL
Published: July 2013

We employ novel time‐stamped reserve sales data, provided by the Czech National Bank (CNB), to carry out a time‐series analysis of the exchange rate implications of Czech reserve sales aimed at mitigating valuation losses on Euro‐denominated assets. The sales were explicitly not intended to influence the value of the koruna relative to the euro. The period under study includes a well‐defined regime change in the CNB's approach to reserves sales, allowing us to address whether the manner in which the sales are carried out matters for their influence on the relative value of the domestic currency. We find little evidence that reserve sales influence the exchange rate when sales are carried out on a discretionary and relatively infrequent basis. However, when the sales are carried out daily, we find a statistically and economically significant appreciation of the domestic currency follows.
U.S. Real Interest Rates and Default Risk in Emerging Economies
Authors: FOLEY‐FISHER NATHAN , GUIMARAES BERNARDO
Published: July 2013

This paper empirically investigates the impact of changes in U.S. real interest rates on sovereign default risk in emerging economies using the method of identification through heteroskedasticity. Policy‐induced increases in U.S. interest rates starkly raise default risk in emerging market economies. However, the overall correlation between U.S. real interest rates and the risk of default is negative, demonstrating that the effects of other variables dominate the anterior relationship.
Expectations and experiences of open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair patients: a mixed methods study
Authors: Tocher Jennifer M
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To establish what patients' expectations of postoperative pain were when undergoing open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. A review of the relevant literature highlighted the fact that there had been no such studies conducted within a similar such homogenous group. Therefore, this study aimed to explore pain expectations prospectively and then compare these with the patients' actual experiences.

Background

It has long been established that high levels of satisfaction with pain management are very often reported in patients despite suffering from severe to moderate levels of pain. The reasons for these high satisfaction levels are not always as clear, although it is suggested that patients have an expectation of postoperative pain.

Design

The study set out to establish what expectations of pain patients had and the factors that might influence them within the abdominal aortic aneurysm subject group. A mixed methods approach was used.

Method

Pain expectations were gathered preoperatively using a Likert scale of pain scoring. These were then compared with the recorded postoperative pain scores. This was followed by a semi‐structured interview.

Results

The study illustrated that patients expected to have postoperative pain as a natural consequence of their operations. Patients appeared to draw upon their previous experiences. Pain expectation levels were statistically significant, 60% of patients expected to have pain postoperatively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that patients expect to have postoperative pain. Such expectations might influence the individual's relationship and experience of their postoperative management.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study highlights the need for nurses to evaluate the preoperative information given to patients and to listen to expectations they voice. Patient expectations of pain are sometimes that they expect to have pain, and it is the management of this pain that makes a difference to them.
American Sociology: History and Racially Gendered Classed Knowledge Reproduction
Authors: Padilla Wyse Jennifer
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this paper is to explore how racially gendered classed power‐relations structure history, knowledge andAmericanSociology's historical memory and disciplinary knowledge production. In order to do so, this paper will 1) utilizeCabral's (1970) theory of history to center humanity as historically developed into a racially gendered classed capitalist world‐system, 2) employ intersectionality as a heuristic device to see how knowledge is manipulated to normalize dehumanization as well as to perpetuate exploitation and privilege by denying “Othered' ” knowledges, and lastly 3) sociologically imagine this racially gendered classed process in the “institutional‐structure” of American Sociology by exploring the ancestry of the concept of “intersectionality.” In all this paper argues 1) American Sociology under theorizes history, a central aspect of the sociological imagination and production of new sociological knowledge, 2) American Sociology reproduces a dehumanized theory of history perMarx's “historical materialism” and 3) the structure of American Sociology's knowledge is racially gendered classed, as illustrated in the collective memory of the concept of “intersectionality.”