bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fjorback L. O. , Arendt M. , Ørnbøl E. , Fink P. , Walach H.
Published: April 2011

Fjorback LO, Arendt M, Ørnbøl E, Fink P, Walach H. Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Objective:  To systematically review the evidence for MBSR and MBCT.

Method:  Systematic searches of Medline, PsycInfo and Embase were performed in October 2010. MBSR, MBCT and Mindfulness Meditation were key words. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) using the standard MBSR/MBCT programme with a minimum of 33 participants were included.

Results:  The search produced 72 articles, of which 21 were included. MBSR improved mental health in 11 studies compared to wait list control or treatment as usual (TAU) and was as efficacious as active control group in three studies. MBCT reduced the risk of depressive relapse in two studies compared to TAU and was equally efficacious to TAU or an active control group in two studies. Overall, studies showed medium effect sizes. Among other limitations are lack of active control group and long‐term follow‐up in several studies.

Conclusion:  Evidence supports that MBSR improves mental health and MBCT prevents depressive relapse. Future RCTs should apply optimal design including active treatment for comparison, properly trained instructors and at least one‐year follow‐up. Future research should primarily tackle the question of whether mindfulness itself is a decisive ingredient by controlling against other active control conditions or true treatments.
Experiences in adding multiple‐choice questions to an objective structural clinical examination (OSCE) in undergraduate dental education
Authors: Näpänkangas R. , Harila V. , Lahti S.
Published: April 2011

In the University of Oulu, the competencies of fourth‐year dental students have traditionally been assessed with a written examination before they go to work for the first time as dentists outside the Institute of Dentistry. In 2009, the objective structural clinical examination (OSCE) modified with multiple‐choice questions was introduced as a tool for assessing clinical competencies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity of the modified OSCE (m‐OSCE) by measuring the attitude of examiners (teachers) and dental students towards the m‐OSCE and to evaluate whether the OSCE is preferred to the written examination in the assessment of knowledge and clinical skills. Additionally, the aim was to evaluate the reliability of the multiple‐choice examination. Altogether 30 students (86%) and 11/12 examiners (92%) responded to the questionnaire. Most of the students considered the multiple‐choice questions easy, but complained about the complex formulation of the questions. The test stations were easy for 87% of the students, but the time allocated was too short. Most of the students (73%) and examiners (91%) preferred the m‐OSCE to the written examination. All students and examiners found the immediate assessment of the tasks good. Based on the evaluations of m‐OSCE, it could be concluded that both students and examiners preferred the m‐OSCE to the pure written examination in assessment, which indicate that m‐OSCE had good face validity. Combining multiple methods in assessment of knowledge and clinical skills whilst simultaneously taking into account the feasibility and available resources provides more valid results.
Non‐fire induced seed release ina weakly serotinous pine: climatic factors, maintenance costs or both?
Authors: Espelta Josep Maria , Arnan Xavier , Rodrigo Anselm
Published: April 2011

The advantages of canopy seed retention (serotiny) for plants inhabiting fire‐prone ecosystems are well documented. However, very few species are completely serotinous and non‐fire induced opening of serotinous fruits is commonly observed (weak serotiny). Two non‐mutually exclusive causes are envisaged to contribute to this process: mechanical changes in serotinous fruits mediated by climatic conditions (e.g. drought) or the costs of maintenance for the plant of these long‐lasting structures. However, their relative contribution to the spontaneous opening of serotinous fruits remains elusive as well as the consequences for the build‐up of the canopy seed bank and inter‐individual differences in serotiny.

In this study we monitored the dynamics of cone production and cone opening in the weakly serotinous Pinus halepensis for five years (2004–2008), including two severe drought episodes (2005, 2006). Drought decreased the production of conelets, increased the abortion of immature cones, reduced the seed quality in the cohorts of cones produced during these years, and increased the opening of serotinous cones. During the first drought episode, a higher proportion of serotinous cones opened in those pines bearing a larger crop of younger cones. This suggests that not only passive changes induced by drought but also competition among cones for resources (e.g. water) might be involved in this process.

The opening of serotinous cones in pines bearing more cones made inter‐individual differences in the size of the canopy cone bank to narrow or even to reverse from 2004 to 2008. These results may help to understand the decrease in serotiny when pines grow and accumulate more cones and the large inter‐individual variability in the degree of serotiny observed in P. halepensis forests. In addition, the negative effects of drought episodes for the size of the canopy cone bank and the seeds contained can be an unexplored cause of post‐fire regeneration constraint.
Quality control technique to reduce the variability of longitudinal measurement of hemoglobin mass
Authors: Gough C. E. , Sharpe K. , Ashenden M. J. , Anson J. M. , Saunders P. U. , Garvican L. A. , Bonetti D. L. , Gore C. J. , Prommer N.
Published: April 2011

The sensitivity of the athlete blood passport to detect blood doping may be improved by the inclusion of total hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), but the comparability of Hbmass from different laboratories is unknown. To optimize detection sensitivity, the analytical variability associated with Hbmass measurement must be minimized. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of using quality controls to minimize the variation in Hbmass between laboratories. Three simulated laboratories were set up in one location. Nine participants completed three carbon monoxide (CO) re‐breathing tests in each laboratory. One participant completed two CO re‐breathing tests in each laboratory. Simultaneously, quality controls containing Low (1–3%) and High (8–11%) concentrations of percent carboxyhemoglobin (%HbCO) were measured to compare hemoximeters in each laboratory. Linear mixed modeling was used to estimate the within‐subject variation in Hbmass, expressed as the coefficient of variation, and to estimate the effect of different laboratories. The analytic variation of Hbmass was 2.4% when tests were conducted in different laboratories, which reduced to 1.6% when the model accounted for between‐laboratory differences. Adjustment of Hbmass values using quality controls achieved a comparable analytic variation of 1.7%. The majority of between‐laboratory variation in Hbmass originated from the difference between hemoximeters, which could be eliminated using appropriate quality controls.
Aripiprazole-induced tardive dyskinesia treated with quetiapine: a case report
Authors: Tomruk Nesrin B. , Saatcioglu Omer , Yildizhan Eren , Alpay Nihat
Published: April 2011

Tomruk NB, Saatcioglu O, Yildizhan E, Alpay N. Aripiprazole-induced tardive dyskinesia treated with quetiapine: a case report.

Background: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a serious, potentially irreversible side effect of antipsychotics. Although the risk is smaller, atypical antipsychotics still pose a risk. Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic with a unique mechanism of action. It has a partial agonistic effect on the presynaptic D2 dopamine autoreceptor and antagonistic effect at postsynaptic D2 receptors.

Method: There have been a few case reports of aripiprazole-induced TD. A case of aripiprazole-induced TD successfully treated with another atypical antipsychotic, quetiapine, is described and discussed in line with the recent literature.

Results: TD showed rapid improvement with discontinuation of aripiprazole and initiation of quetiapine.

Conclusion: Further studies are needed to ascertain the differential effects and side effects of second-generation antipsychotics in terms of TD.
Species distribution models as a tool for forest management planning under climate change: risk evaluation of Abies alba in Bavaria
Authors: Falk Wolfgang , Mellert Karl H.
Published: April 2011

Questions: How can SDMs be adopted as a tool for forest management planning? Based on presence‐absence data, which modelling techniques are appropriate to determine species potential distribution for forest management planning under climate change? Do species distribution models (SDMs) agree with expert knowledge about species distribution and species traits? How can forest researcher deal with distribution data of a species whose distribution is heavily affected by human impacts?

Location: Bavaria (Southern Germany).

Methods: We used SDMs based on the Second National Forest Inventory from 2002 (4 × 4 km grid) containing presence‐absence data of tree species to identify species environment relationships (‘Grinnellian niche’). As an example, the distribution of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) was modelled. Site condition data of the plots were derived from solar radiation, climate and soil maps. Models applied were boosted regression trees (BRT) and generalised additive models (GAM). Model predictions were compared with an expert based evaluation of the potential natural vegetation and were run with a climate change scenario (WETTREG B1) to project future distribution of silver fir.

Results: Both models discriminated well between presence and absence of silver fir but underestimated the potential distribution. The BRT model was more sensitive to local site conditions in the present data, but the GAM showed more generality. The truncated response curves and high uncertainties of predictions at the edge of the site spectrum indicated a low data density and that the data did not cover the whole niche space of silver fir. As indicated by validation with expert knowledge, the model output approached potential distribution by optimizing true positive predictions. The classification of SDMs output into risk classes allowed model evaluation and interpretation. Predictions of GAM and BRT under the climate change scenario showed high accordance and therefore, low uncertainty. Finally, large areas of Bavaria are described to have a high risk of silver fir cultivation in future.

Conclusions: SDMs are especially interesting as a decision basis for forest management because some of the general limitations of static modelling approaches are not relevant in this context. Limitations of forest inventory data can be partially overcome by using information on the potential distribution of species. The transferability of the models to future scenarios strongly depends on the spectrum and range of the training data sets and the depicted functional relationships. In order to improve the models and reduce the uncertainties, we need to improve the soil data and cover the whole niche space of silver fir.
64‐MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY OF THE CANINE CORONARY ARTERIES
Authors: DREES RANDI , FRYDRYCHOWICZ ALEX , REEDER SCOTT B. , PINKERTON MARIE E. , JOHNSON REBECCA
Published: April 2011

Canine coronary artery angiography (CTA) was performed in four anesthetized healthy dogs using 64‐multidetector computed tomography. Esmolol, a β‐1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, and sodium nitroprusside, an arteriolar and venous dilator, were administered to enhance visualization of the coronary arteries by reducing heart rate and creating vasodilation. The left main coronary artery with its three main branches and the right coronary artery were visualized and subdivided in 13 segments for evaluation. Optimal reconstruction interval, expressed as percentage of the R‐to‐R interval, was determined at 5% in 2.9%, 35% in 1%, 75% in 21.2%, 85% in 43.3%, and 95% in 31.7% of the segments. Overall image quality was good in 41.3% of the segments and excellent in 14.4%. There was blur in 98.1%, motion in 17.3%, and stair step in 6.7% of the evaluated segments, but these artifacts did not interfere with anatomic depiction of the arteries. Cross‐sectional anatomy of the coronary arteries as evaluated from the coronary CTA agreed well with gross anatomic evaluation and published information. The use of esmolol did not lead to the target heart rate of 60–65 beats/min. Nitroprusside had no significant effect on visualized length or diameter of the coronary artery branches. Coronary CTA is useful for the anatomic depiction of coronary artery branches in the dog.
Prediction of hospital mortality from admission laboratory data and patient age: A simple model
Authors: Asadollahi Khairollah , Hastings Ian M , Gill Geoffrey V , Beeching Nicholas J
Published: April 2011

Objective: To devise a simple clinical scoring system, using age of patients and laboratory data available on admission, to predict in‐hospital mortality of unselected medical and surgical patients.

Methods: All patients admitted as emergencies to a large teaching hospital in Liverpool in the 5 months July–November 2004 were reviewed retrospectively, identifying all who died in hospital and controls who survived. Laboratory data available on admission were extracted to form a derivation dataset. Factors that predicted mortality were determined using logistic regression analysis and then used to construct models tested using receiver operating characteristic curves. Models were simplified to include only seven data items, with minimal loss of predictive efficiency. The simplified model was tested in a second validation dataset of all patients admitted to the same hospital in October and November 2004.

Results: The derivation dataset included 550 patients who died and 1100 controls. After logistic regression comparisons, 22 dummy variables were given weightings in discriminant analysis and used to create a receiver operating characteristic curve with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.884. The model was simplified to include the seven most discriminant variables, which can each be assigned scores of 2, 3 or 4 to form an index predicting outcome; a validation dataset contained 4828 patients (overall mortality 4.7%), showed this simplified scoring system accurately predicted mortality with AUC 0.848, compared with an AUC of 0.861 in a model containing all 23 original variables.

Conclusion: A simple scoring system accurately predicts in‐hospital mortality of unselected hospital patients, using age of patient and a small number of laboratory parameters available very soon after admission.
Ramiprilate Inhibits Functional Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Crohn’s Disease Fistulas
Authors: Efsen Eva , Særmark Torben , Hansen Alastair , Bruun Eywin , Brynskov Jørn
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, ‐3 and ‐9 has been demonstrated in Crohn’s disease fistulas, but it is unknown whether these enzymes are biologically active and represent a therapeutic target. Therefore, we investigated the proteolytic activity of MMPs in fistula tissue and examined the effect of inhibitors, including clinically available drugs that beside their main action also suppress MMPs. Fistula specimens were obtained by surgical excision from 22 patients with Crohn’s disease and from 10 patients with fistulas resulting from other causes. Colonic endoscopic biopsies from six controls were also included. Total functional MMP activity was measured by a high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐based, fluorogenic MMP‐substrate cleavage assay, and the specific activity of MMP‐2, ‐3 and ‐9 by the MMP Biotrak Activity Assay. The MMP inhibitors comprised ethylene‐diamine‐tetraacetic acid (EDTA), the synthetic broad‐spectrum inhibitor, GM6001, the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, ramiprilate, and the tetracycline, doxycycline. In Crohn’s disease fistulas, about 50% of the total protease activity was attributable to MMP activity. The average total MMP activity was significantly higher (about 3.5‐times) in Crohn’s fistulas (471 FU/μg protein, range 49–2661) compared with non‐Crohn’s fistulas [134 FU/μg protein, range 0–495, (p < 0.05)] and normal colon [153 FU/μg protein, range 77–243, (p < 0.01)]. MMP‐3 activity was increased in Crohn’s fistulas (1.4 ng/ml, range 0–9.83) compared with non‐Crohn’s fistulas, [0.32 ng/ml, range 0–2.66, (p < 0.02)]. The same applied to MMP‐9 activity [0.64 ng/ml, range 0–5.66 and 0.17 ng/ml, range 0–1.1, respectively (p < 0.04)]. Ramiprilate significantly decreased the average total MMP activity level by 42% and suppressed the specific MMP‐3 activity by 72%, which is comparable to the effect of GM6001 (87%). Moreover, MMP‐9 activity was completely blunted by ramiprilate. Doxycycline had no effect on MMP activity. Increased functional MMP activity, notably MMP‐3 and ‐9, is present in Crohn’s fistulas and may be inhibited by ramiprilate, a widely available ACE inhibitor.
Removal of Doripenem During Hemodialysis and the Optimum Dosing Regimen for Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Tanoue Kazutaka , Nishi Kazuhiko , Kadowaki Daisuke , Hirata Sumio
Published: April 2011

The removal of doripenem by hemodialysis was studied in six hemodialysis patients. Following an intravenous drip infusion of 0.5 g of doripenem, plasma concentrations of the drug were measured. The decrease in drug concentrations in plasma was observed during various periods of non‐hemodialysis, and hemodialysis accelerated the elimination of doripenem. For example, the calculated mean half‐life during hemodialysis was significantly shorter than that during non‐hemodialysis periods (P = 0.002). The calculated pharmacokinetic parameters indicated that the mean rate of decrease in plasma concentration due to hemodialysis alone was 56.12 ± 8.11%. Upon obtaining these results and several pharmacokinetic parameters, we attempted to optimize the dosing regimen of doripenem for hemodialysis patients. We recommend the use of 0.25 g of doripenem once a day in patients infected with viable bacteria, and in patients who are infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 0.5 g twice a day on the first day of administration, followed by 0.5 g once a day.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CELERY SEED SPENT RESIDUE AND INFLUENCE OF ITS ADDITION ON QUALITY OF BISCUITS
Authors: SOWBHAGYA H.B. , MAHADEVAMMA S. , INDRANI D. , SRINIVAS P.
Published: April 2011

Celery seed had a total dietary fiber (TDF), 56.0%; insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), 49.0%; soluble dietary fiber (SDF), 7.0%, while celery spent residue (CSR) after oil and oleoresin extraction contained 61% TDF, 53.5% IDF, 7.5% SDF, 19% protein, 7.9% starch and 5% fat. The hydration properties of fiber increased with decrease in particle size of CSR. The CSR exhibited 6.8 g/g water‐holding capacity, 6.0 g/g water‐retention capacity and 5.2 mL/g swelling capacity. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that IDF of CSR had coiled rod type structure with a rugged surface, while SDF had an uneven porous surface. Use of CSR decreased the spread ratio and increased the hardness of biscuits. Addition of CSR above 7.5% adversely affected the taste and texture of biscuits. Use of sodium stearoyl‐2‐lactylate significantly improved the overall quality of biscuits with 7.5% CSR. Incorporation of 7.5% CSR resulted in 7.8% dietary fiber as against 3.5% in control biscuits.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The possibility of utilizing celery spent residue (CSR), a by‐product from spice industry to enrich the nutritional characteristics of biscuits in terms of dietary fiber, protein and minerals, was studied. Results of the study indicated the possibility of utilizing the CSR up to 7.5% without affecting the texture and quality of the biscuits. Addition of an emulsifier improved the quality of the biscuits containing 7.5% CSR. The results of the study reported in this paper will have a practical application in bakery industries and will provide an effective way for the utilization of the spice industry waste. CSR also has potential as a source of dietary fiber in other food formulations.
Community‐based participatory research and American Indian/Alaska Native nurse practitioners: A partnership to promote adolescent health
Authors: Katz Janet R. , Martinez Teressa , Paul Robbie
Published: April 2011

Purpose: To make recommendations for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) nurse practitioners (NPs) and university partners who are partnering on community‐based participatory (CBPR) research projects. An example of a CBPR study using focus groups to assess an important adolescent health problem is used to illustrate opportunities and challenges for AI/AN NPs.

Data sources: Thirteen focus groups were held with 95 participants on the reservation where the AI/AN NP was a member and working. Results indicated that a majority of the community represented in the focus groups were concerned about substance abuse among its youth.

Conclusions: The NP faced several challenges, including remembering emotional events recounted during focus groups differently than participants. This necessitated debriefing and a recommendation to carefully form policies and procedures before collecting data to anticipate such events. By far, the benefit of the NP's involvement was her ability to identify key members for focus groups, to assist in tribal council meetings, and to schedule meetings.

Implications for practice: CBPR research partnerships are enhanced by NPs that are members of the community. CBPR partnerships present opportunities for NPs and university faculty to work on relevant community problems together.
Hypertension among the uninsured: Tensions and challenges
Authors: Schlomann Pam , Virgin Sheila , Schmitke Joan , Patros Sheila
Published: April 2011

Purpose: To explore the experience of living with hypertension (HTN) in uninsured Southern, Appalachian adults who receive care in a nurse practitioner‐run clinic.

Data sources: Focus groups with 16 clients.

Conclusions: Living with hypertension encompassed living with many tensions and challenges. It was described by five organizing themes, each of which involved two basic themes held in tension. The organizing themes were: (a) centrality of HTN; (b) controllability of HTN; (c) visibility of HTN, (d) accessibility and quality of health care; and (e) existential reality.

Implications for practice: Interventions are needed to help clients deal with the tensions and challenges; these include a greater focus on partnering with clients, individual and group educational activities, and developing community partnerships.
Probiotics for prevention of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile‐associated disease in hospitalized adults—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Avadhani Amita , Miley Helen
Published: April 2011

Purpose: A serious complication associated with the use of most antibiotics is antibiotic‐associated diarrhea (AAD). The purpose of this article is to report findings from a meta‐analysis of available studies on adult hospitalized populations to evaluate efficacy of probiotics for prevention of AAD and Clostridium difficile‐associated disease (CDAD).

Data sources: A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted to identify all relevant studies on probiotic efficacy for prevention of AAD and CDAD. Data synthesis was done using MAStARI software from the Joanna Briggs Institute (University of Adelaide, Australia).

Conclusions: AAD affects one in five people on antibiotics. Risk factors for the development of AAD include the use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics and host factors such as age, health status, hospitalization status, and exposure to nosocomial pathogens. About a third of AAD cases have CDAD. Meta‐analysis showed that administration of probiotics led to a statistically significant relative risk reduction of 44% for AAD and 71% for CDAD.

Implications for practice: Extended hospital stays, readmissions, and higher hospital costs are just some of the consequences of ADD and CDAD. Strategies currently used include discontinuing or changing the inciting antibiotic, restricting high‐risk antibiotics, and encouraging the use of antibiotics based on sensitivity reports. Healthcare spending, morbidity, and mortality can potentially be reduced considerably by reducing the occurrence of ADD and CDAD by administering prophylaxis with probiotics concurrently with antibiotics.
Intussusceptive angiogenesis: pillars against the blood flow
Authors: Styp‐Rekowska B. , Hlushchuk R. , Pries A. R. , Djonov V.
Published: April 2011

Adaptation of vascular networks to functional demands needs vessel growth, vessel regression and vascular remodelling. Biomechanical forces resulting from blood flow play a key role in these processes. It is well‐known that metabolic stimuli, mechanical forces and flow patterns can affect gene expression and remodelling of vascular networks in different ways. For instance, in the sprouting type of angiogenesis related to hypoxia, there is no blood flow in the rising capillary sprout. In contrast, it has been shown that an increase of wall shear stress initiates the splitting type of angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. Otherwise, during development, both sprouting and intussusception act in parallel in building the vascular network, although with differences in spatiotemporal distribution. Thereby, in addition to regulatory molecules, flow dynamics support the patterning and remodelling of the rising vascular tree. Herewith, we present an overview of angiogenic processes with respect to intussusceptive angiogenesis as related to local haemodynamics.
Domain shuffling and module engineering of Listeria phage endolysins for enhanced lytic activity and binding affinity
Authors: Schmelcher Mathias , Tchang Vincent S. , Loessner Martin J.
Published: April 2011

Bacteriophage endolysins are peptidoglycan hydrolases employed by the virus to lyse the host at the end of its multiplication phase. They have found many uses in biotechnology; not only as antimicrobials, but also for the development of novel diagnostic tools for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria. These enzymes generally show a modular organization, consisting of N‐terminal enzymatically active domains (EADs) and C‐terminal cell wall‐binding domains (CBDs) which specifically target the enzymes to their substrate in the bacterial cell envelope. In this work, we used individual functional modules of Listeria phage endolysins to create fusion proteins with novel and optimized properties for labelling and lysis of Listeria cells. Chimaeras consisting of individual EAD and CBD modules from PlyPSA and Ply118 endolysins with different binding specificity and catalytic activity showed swapped properties. EAD118–CBDPSA fusion proteins exhibited up to threefold higher lytic activity than the parental endolysins. Recombineering different CBD domains targeting various Listeria cell surfaces into novel heterologous tandem proteins provided them with extended recognition and binding properties, as demonstrated by fluorescent GFP‐tagged CBD fusions. It was also possible to combine the binding specificities of different single CBDs in heterologous tandem CBD constructs such as CBD500‐P35 and CBDP35‐500, which were then able to recognize the majority of Listeria strains. Duplication of CBD500 increased the equilibrium cell wall binding affinity by approximately 50‐fold, and the enzyme featuring tandem CBD modules showed increased activity at higher ionic strength. Our results demonstrate that modular engineering of endolysins is a powerful approach for the rational design and optimization of desired functional properties of these proteins.
Bacteriophages and genetic mobilization in sewage and faecally polluted environments
Authors: Muniesa Maite , Imamovic Lejla , Jofre Juan
Published: April 2011

Bacteriophages are one of the most abundant entities on the planet and are present in high concentrations within humans and animals, mostly in the gut. Phages that infect intestinal bacteria are released by defecation and remain free in extra‐intestinal environments, where they usually persist for longer than their bacterial hosts. Recent studies indicate that a large amount of the genetic information in bacterial genomes and in natural environments is of phage origin. In addition, metagenomic analysis reveals that a substantial number of bacterial genes are present in viral DNA in different environments. These facts support the belief that phages can play a significant role in horizontal gene transfer between bacteria. Bacteriophages are known to transfer genes by generalized and specialized transduction and indeed there are some examples of phages found in the environment carrying and transducing genes of bacterial origin. A successful transduction in the environment requires certain conditions, e.g. phage and bacterial numbers need to exceed certain threshold concentrations, the bacteria need to exist in an infection‐competent physiological state, and lastly, the physical conditions in the environment (pH, temperature, etc. of the supporting matrix) have to be suitable for phage infection. All three factors are reviewed here, and the available information suggests: (i) that the number of intestinal bacteria and phages in faecally contaminated environments guarantees bacteria–phage encounters, (ii) that transduction to intestinal bacteria in the environment is probable, and (iii) that transduction is more frequent than previously thought. Therefore, we suggest that phage‐mediated horizontal transfer between intestinal bacteria, or between intestinal and autochthonous bacteria in extra‐intestinal environments, might take place and that its relevance for the emergence of new bacterial strains and potential pathogens should not be ignored.
Ambiguities of Violence in Beethoven's Ninth through the Eyes of Stanley Kubrick'sA Clockwork Orange
Authors: Höyng Peter
Published: April 2011

As the result of its beleaguered political baggage, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony has drawn so much critique that the author Anthony Burgess proclaimed it to be a “damnable hybrid.” This essay argues that the choral symphony owes its ambiguities to Schiller's intrinsically flawed ode, which at once celebrates unity and wholeness and adumbrates disunity and exclusion, as Freud has outlined in some of his writings. Moreover, the essay makes the case that Kubrick's film adaptation (1971) of Burgess's dystopian novelA Clockwork Orange(1962) is the work that to date most keenly lays out the tools for uncovering the mechanisms at work when we address the ambiguities in Schiller's exalted poem and the reception of Beethoven's last symphony—firstly, because this film abundantly exhibits acoustic and visual representations of Beethoven, and especially of his Ninth, and secondly, because it unveils the links of both to the ambiguities, and in some cases, certainties, of violence.
Defining Self in Kokoschka's Self‐Portraits
Authors: Cernuschi Claude
Published: April 2011

The literature on Oskar Kokoschka is divided between those scholars who argue for the psychological truth of the artist's self‐portraits and those who argue for their fictive artificiality. This debate often hinges upon the pluralistic nature of the artist's self‐portraiture. If Kokoschka depicts himself in multiple guises, so the argument goes, how can his art claim to represent the “real” self? This essay contributes to the discussion by introducing current theories about the nature of the self from social psychology into the debate. By relying on the recent distinctions made between the individual, relational, and collective self, as well as the theory of symbolic self‐completion, and the dramaturgical aspects certain psychologists discern in everyday behavior, such an interdisciplinary approach allows a more nuanced version of the self to emerge. On this account, the self does betray multiple facets, but those facets may not necessarily unveil hitherto disguised layers of the psyche, as much as the various ways an individual engages in deliberate self‐fashioning.
Amphiphilic polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol nanoparticles as a controlled release system for poorly water-soluble drugs: physicochemical characterization
Authors: Gao Xiujun , Zhang Xinge , Zhang Xuejiao , Wang Yanxia , Sun Lei , Li Chaoxing
Published: April 2011

Objectives

Quercetin was applied as a model drug to evaluate the potential application of amphiphilic polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG-PLA) nanoparticles as carriers for poorly water-soluble drugs.

Methods

The drug delivery systems were characterized by dynamic light scattering, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and so forth.

Key findings

The results showed the particle sizes ranged from 205.3 to 433.3 nm with low polydispersity index. XRD and FTIR demonstrated that the crystal of the drug was converted to an amorphous state in the matrices and formed intermolecular interaction with carriers. The drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading could reach 91.8% and 21.0%, respectively. Cell viability assay suggested the nanoparticles had good cytocompatibility. The in-vitro drug release profiles showed a sustained quercetin release up to 192 h, indicating the suitability of nanoparticles in sustained drug release. Furthermore, the influence of many factors on release profiles could also be evaluated for the potential of using nanoparticles as controlled release systems.

Conclusions

This system may be of clinical importance in both stabilizing and delivering hydrophobic drugs for the treatment of many diseases.
In-vivo evaluation of prolonged release bilayer tablets of anti-Parkinson drugs in Göttingen minipigs
Authors: Sousa e Silva José Paulo , Lobo José S , Bonifácio Maria J , Machado Rita , Falcão Amílcar , Soares-da-Silva Patrício
Published: April 2011

Objectives

Patients with Parkinson's disease can benefit from controlled released levodopa dosage forms since there is a clear clinical advantage in obtaining sustained plasma concentrations. The purpose of this study was to obtain a tablet that prolonged the release of levodopa.

Methods

A novel bilayer tablet, consisting of an immediate release layer containing nebicapone (100 mg) and an erosion-matrix type prolonged release layer containing levodopa (100 mg) and carbidopa (25 mg) was developed (LCN PR). A pharmacokinetic study in Göttingen minipigs was performed to evaluate this formulation.

Key findings

LCN PR tablets prolonged the in-vitro release of levodopa in HCl 0.1 m for more than 3 h. In-vivo plasma levodopa levels peaked at a later time point with LCN PR tablets as compared with that obtained with Sinemet 100/25 (2.7 vs 0.5 h). Nebicapone increased the maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve values for levodopa.

Conclusions

The results obtained suggested that LCN PR tablets may have decreased the number of tablets and daily intake in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease.
What do community pharmacists think about undertaking screening and brief interventions with problem drinkers? Results of a qualitative study in New Zealand and England
Authors: Horsfield Emma , Sheridan Janie , Anderson Claire
Published: April 2011

Objective

Problem drinking is an increasing concern to many governments worldwide including those of England and New Zealand. Screening and brief intervention (SBI) is effective at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing escalation of hazardous drinking patterns into harmful drinking or dependence. Community pharmacy has been suggested as a potential site from which to provide readily accessible SBI services. This paper explores the views of 40 pharmacists on the prospect of providing SBI for alcohol health promotion purposes, focusing particularly upon potential barriers and incentives to provision of these services. The aim was to explore the views of community pharmacists toward the development of SBI for risky drinkers through semi-structured interviews.

Methods

Qualitative, tape-recorded interviews conducted with 22 English pharmacists and 18 New Zealand pharmacists. Data collection continued until theme saturation occurred. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed.

Key findings

Pharmacists considered there was a place for alcohol health promotion in community pharmacy. However, not all participants were positive about this potential new role and some expressed apprehension about implementing SBI services due to concerns about offending or alienating customers. Other barriers included lack of experience and confidence, problems faced with other health promotion initiatives, time, privacy and remuneration. Other pharmacists were more positive, seeing potential in terms of remaining competitive. Facilitators included a public health campaign to raise awareness of problem drinking, having appropriate screening tools available and training for pharmacists.

Conclusion

There appears to be potential for alcohol SBI services in community pharmacy, and interventions designed to reduce barriers and enhance incentivisation need to be implemented and evaluated.
The Amplification of Vibration Response Levels of Mistuned Bladed Disks: Its Consequences and Its Distribution in Specific Situations
Authors: Chan Y.-J. , Ewins D. J.
Published: April 2011

It is known that small differences between nominally identical turbomachine blades, known as mistuning, can lead to significant variation in their vibration response levels. A commonly used term in mistuning studies called the “amplification factor” is clearly defined in this paper, and the high sensitivity of high-cycle-fatigue-related fatigue life to the level of vibration response levels is presented. Computer simulations are run to study the distribution of the amplification factor in three situations, namely, (i) bladed disks with damping mistuning, (ii) EO excitation of bladed disk modes in the veering region, and (iii) apparently tuned bladed disks. In addition to running simulations, the upper bound of the adjusted amplification factor in damping-mistuned bladed disks is derived theoretically.
A Mixed Boundary Representation to Simulate the Displacement of a Biofluid by a Biomaterial in Porous Media
Authors: Widmer René P. , Ferguson Stephen J.
Published: April 2011

Characterization of the biomaterial flow through porous bone is crucial for the success of the bone augmentation process in vertebroplasty. The biofluid, biomaterial, and local morphological bone characteristics determine the final shape of the filling, which is important both for the post-treatment mechanical loading and the risk of intraoperative extraosseous leakage. We have developed a computational model that describes the flow of biomaterials in porous bone structures by considering the material porosity, the region-dependent intrinsic permeability of the porous structure, the rheological properties of the biomaterial, and the boundary conditions of the filling process. To simulate the process of the substitution of a biofluid (bone marrow) by a biomaterial (bone cement), we developed a hybrid formulation to describe the evolution of the fluid boundary and properties and coupled it to a modified version of Darcy’s law. The apparent rheological properties are derived from a fluid-fluid interface tracking algorithm and a mixed boundary representation. The region- specific intrinsic permeability of the bone is governed by an empirical relationship resulting from a fitting process of experimental data. In a first step, we verified the model by studying the displacement process in spherical domains, where the spreading pattern is known in advance. The mixed boundary model demonstrated, as expected, that the determinants of the spreading pattern are the local intrinsic permeability of the porous matrix and the ratio of the viscosity of the fluids that are contributing to the displacement process. The simulations also illustrate the sensitivity of the mixed boundary representation to anisotropic permeability, which is related to the directional dependent microstructural properties of the porous medium. Furthermore, we compared the nonlinear finite element model to different published experimental studies and found a moderate to good agreement (R2=0.9895 for a one-dimensional bone core infiltration test and a 10.94–16.92% relative error for a three-dimensional spreading pattern study, respectively) between computational and experimental results.
Evaluating the Bending Response of Two Osseointegrated Transfemoral Implant Systems Using 3D Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Thompson Melanie L. , Backman David , Branemark Rickard , Mechefske Chris K.
Published: April 2011

Osseointegrated transfemoral implants have been introduced as a prosthetic solution for above knee amputees. They have shown great promise, providing an alternative for individuals who could not be accommodated by conventional, socket-based prostheses; however, the occurrence of device failures is of concern. In an effort to improve the strength and longevity of the device, a new design has been proposed. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of the new taper-based assembly in comparison to the current hex-based connection for osseointegrated transfemoral implant systems. This was done to better understand the behavior of components under loading, in order to optimize the assembly specifications and improve the useful life of the system. Digital image correlation was used to measure surface strains on two assemblies during static loading in bending. This provided a means to measure deformation over the entire sample and identify critical locations as the assembly was subjected to a series of loading conditions. It provided a means to determine the effects of tightening specifications and connection geometry on the material response and mechanical behavior of the assemblies. Both osseoinegrated assemblies exhibited improved strength and mechanical performance when tightened to a level beyond the current specified tightening torque of 12 N m. This was shown by decreased strain concentration values and improved distribution of tensile strain. Increased tightening torque provides an improved connection between components regardless of design, leading to increased torque retention, decreased peak tensile strain values, and a more gradual, primarily compressive distribution of strains throughout the assembly.
Comment on “Erosion of Lizard Diversity by Climate Change and Altered Thermal Niches”
Authors: Clusella-Trullas Susana , Chown Steven L.
Published: April 2011

Using a regionally calibrated model, Sinervo
et al
. (Reports, 14 May 2010, p. 894) predicted potential climate change impacts on lizard populations and estimated that many extinctions are under way. We argue that this model is not sufficient for predicting global losses in lizard species in response to anthropogenic climate change.
Surface-Generated Mesoscale Eddies Transport Deep-Sea Products from Hydrothermal Vents
Authors: Adams Diane K. , McGillicuddy Dennis J. , Zamudio Luis , Thurnherr Andreas M. , Liang Xinfeng , Rouxel Olivier , German Christopher R. , Mullineaux Lauren S.
Published: April 2011

Deep-reaching eddies transport heat and material hundreds of kilometers from the northern East Pacific Rise.
Brain Evolution Triggers Increased Diversification of Electric Fishes
Authors: Carlson Bruce A. , Hasan Saad M. , Hollmann Michael , Miller Derek B. , Harmon Luke J. , Arnegard Matthew E.
Published: April 2011

Evolution of the perceptual abilities of mormyrid electric fishes increased signal variation and species diversification.
Self-Organizing and Stochastic Behaviors During the Regeneration of Hair Stem Cells
Authors: Plikus Maksim V. , Baker Ruth E. , Chen Chih-Chiang , Fare Clyde , de la Cruz Damon , Andl Thomas , Maini Philip K. , Millar Sarah E. , Widelitz Randall , Chuong Cheng-Ming
Published: April 2011

Cycling of active and quiescent states of the hair follicle integrates activator and inhibitor signals for patterning.
Reduction of Theta Rhythm Dissociates Grid Cell Spatial Periodicity from Directional Tuning
Authors: Brandon Mark P. , Bogaard Andrew R. , Libby Christopher P. , Connerney Michael A. , Gupta Kishan , Hasselmo Michael E.
Published: April 2011

Inhibition of neuronal activity in the medial septum stops grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex from firing in a grid.
A Crystal Structure of the Complex Between Human Complement Receptor 2 and Its Ligand C3d
Authors: van den Elsen Jean M. H. , Isenman David E.
Published: April 2011

The topology of this molecular interface provides a foundation for the design of therapeutics against autoreactive B cells.
Proton-Catalyzed, Silane-Fueled Friedel-Crafts Coupling of Fluoroarenes
Authors: Allemann Oliver , Duttwyler Simon , Romanato Paola , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S.
Published: April 2011

Putting the F in Friedel-Crafts

The Friedel-Crafts class of reactions, among the oldest and most broadly applied in organic chemistry, form carbon-carbon bonds between aromatic rings and a variety of non-aromatic substituents, such as alkyl groups. Generally, a metal complex is used to activate chlorinated or brominated precursors of these substituents, but by using silicon-based reagents to activate a fluorinated precursor,

Allemann
et al.

(p.
574
) extend the reaction to coupling of two different aromatic sites, leading to efficient formation of elaborate polycyclic structures. The method relies on the unusual strength of silicon-fluorine bonds as a driving force.
Phase-Change Memories on a Diet
Authors: Salinga Martin , Wuttig Matthias
Published: April 2011

Device design helps reduce the power requirements for switching phase-change memory.
How Do You Want That Insulator?
Authors: Fiete Gregory A.
Published: April 2011

A normal insulator is turned into an exotic topological insulator by tuning its elemental composition.
Laws of Cooperation
SuperCooperators
Altruism, Evolution, and Why We Need Each Other to Succeed/Evolution, Altruism and Human Behaviour or Why We Need Each Other to Succeed

by Martin A. Nowak, with Roger Highfield

Free Press, New York, 2011. 352 pp. $27, C$29.99. ISBN 9781439100189. Canongate, Edinburgh, 2011. £20. ISBN 9781847673367.
Authors: Krakauer David
Published: April 2011

Teaming up with science writer Highfield to address lay readers, Nowak argues for the fundamental importance of cooperation throughout life's history.
Alternative Actions for Antibiotics
Authors: Ratcliff William Croft , Denison Robert Ford
Published: April 2011

Compounds recognized as having antibiotic functions may have other possible roles in microbial interactions.
Damping by Depletion
Authors: Sakaguchi Shimon , Wing Kajsa
Published: April 2011

An immunoregulatory protein removes ligands from antigen-presenting cells, thereby suppressing immune responses.
‘Breakthrough’ Deal on Flu Strains Has Modest Provisions
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: April 2011

When negotiators finally reached a deal about the global sharing of influenza viruses on 15 April, the World Health Organization was quick to call it a "landmark agreement." But the most significant breakthrough may be that, after 4 years of complex and often contentious negotiations, there is a deal at all.
Are Dolphins Too Smart for Captivity?
Authors: Grimm David
Published: April 2011

A new movement seeks to end all dolphin research in zoos and aquariums, but critics say that could kill a productive field and hurt these animals in the wild.