bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring development through public policy evaluation? The case of the North Province in New Caledonia
Authors: Sourisseau Jean‐Michel , Bosc Pierre‐Marie , Bouard Séverine , Gaillard Catherine , Bélières Jean‐François , Passouant Michel
Published: December 2014

Policies designed for sustainable development are becoming ever more complex and ambiguous. Assessments should thus incorporate development representations and values, rather than only relying on economic and financial normative indicators. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that acknowledges the plurality of the various stakeholders' viewpoints. We suggest that evaluation of grassroots development policies could provide an innovative and more integrative way to measure development by broadening the scope to encompass both livelihood and welfare dimensions. Based on the assessment of a development scheme in New Caledonia, we argue that this cognitive and shared approach could be used to obtain a contextualised measurement of development. Two conditions further strengthen this approach: combining the use of different types of measurement tools, and adopting a rigorous quantitative measurement approach, in line with the collective representations. This promising approach may be applied to gain insight into the ability of implemented policies to address local development choices.
Miao migrants toShanghai: Multilocality, invisibility and ethnicity
Authors: Tapp Nicholas C.T.
Published: December 2014

This paper reports on a recent research project into rural–urban labour migrants inShanghai,China, who are members of ethnic minorities, inquiring into the role of ethnicity in national labour migration. It introduces some of the main features of the ethnic nationalities (minzu) inChina and considers some of the literature on rural–urban migration inChina which may be considered as relevant to ethnicity. The case of aMiao minority family in Shanghai is described in detail to argue that what remains important to them in the city is not their formal ethnic affiliation (minzu) so much as a sub‐ethnic identity of connectedness and intimacy, importantly related to kinship and place.
Low expression of the antibacterial factor L‐amino acid oxidase in bovine mammary gland
Authors: Nagaoka Kentaro , Zhang Haolin , Arakuni Masahiro , Taya Kazuyoshi , Watanabe Gen
Published: December 2014

In the mouse, L‐amino acid oxidase (LAO) produces hydrogen peroxide by utilizing free amino acids and is a proven antibacterial factor in mammary glands. Mastitis, a bacterial infection of the mammary gland, is the most frequent disease in dairy cattle. Here, we investigate whether LAO is expressed in the mammary gland of dairy cattle and is antibacterial. In dairy cattle, the expression level of LAO mRNA in the mammary gland was considerably lower than that in mice, and LAO activity was not observed in cattle milk that produced hydrogen peroxide. The expression of LAO mRNA was also low in Japanese Black cattle, the same as in Holstein cattle. A higher LAO mRNA expression was observed in the mastitis glands than in the lactating glands. Furthermore, spleen and lymph nodes expressed high levels of LAO mRNA in dairy cattle. We conclude that mammary glands in dairy cattle have lower ability to express the LAO gene compared to that in mice, which may result in a high incidence of mastitis.
The Lion King and the Hyaena Queen: large carnivore interactions and coexistence
Authors: Périquet Stéphanie , Fritz Hervé , Revilla Eloy
Published: December 2014

Interactions among species, which range from competition to facilitation, have profound effects on ecosystem functioning. Large carnivores are of particular importance in shaping community structure since they are at the top of the food chain, and many efforts are made to conserve such keystone species. Despite this, the mechanisms of carnivore interactions are far from understood, yet they are key to enabling or hindering their coexistence and hence are highly relevant for their conservation. The goal of this review is thus to provide detailed information on the extents of competition and facilitation between large carnivores and their impact in shaping their life histories. Here, we use the example of spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) and lions (Panthera leo) and provide a comprehensive knowledge of their interactions based on meta‐analyses from available literature (148 publications). Despite their strong potential for both exploitation and interference competition (range and diet overlap, intraguild predation and kleptoparasitism), we underline some mechanisms facilitating their coexistence (different prey‐age selection and scavenging opportunities). We stress the fact that prey abundance is key to their coexistence and that hyaenas forming very large groups in rich ecosystems could have a negative impact on lions. We show that the coexistence of spotted hyaenas and lions is a complex balance between competition and facilitation, and that prey availability within the ecosystem determines which predator is dominant. However, there are still many gaps in our knowledge such as the spatio‐temporal dynamics of their interactions. As both species' survival becomes increasingly dependent on protected areas, where their densities can be high, it is critical to understand their interactions to inform both reintroduction programs and protected area management.
Development of Antivirulence Compounds: A Biochemical Review
Authors: Zambelloni Riccardo , Marquez Rudi , Roe Andrew J.
Published: December 2014

There is an urgent requirement for new anti‐infective compounds that can be used to prevent or treat bacterial pathogens. In particular, Gram‐negative pathogens, which are most commonly associated with hospital‐acquired infections, are of major concern. In this review, we cover recent developments in the screening and testing of new anti‐infective compounds that interfere with aspects of bacterial pathogenicity. This so‐called antivirulence approach is very different to traditional antibiotic development and testing. Moreover, antivirulence compounds vary considerably in their chemical structures, ranging from small compounds to large natural products. The challenge of understanding the precise mechanism of action of any such compound is also highlighted.
Synthesis and Bio‐Evaluation of New 18F‐Labeled Pyridaben Analogs with Improved Stability for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Mice
Authors: Mou Tiantian , Zhao Zuoquan , Zhang Pu , Fang Wei , Peng Cheng , Lu Jie , Wang Qian , Ma Yunchuan , Zhang Xianzhong
Published: December 2014

To improve the stability of 18F‐labeled pyridaben analogs for myocardial perfusion imaging, three new analogs of pyridaben ([18F]FPTP2, [18F]FPTP‐P2, and [18F]FPTP‐P3) were synthesized with ‘side chain’ modifications. The radiolabeled tracers and corresponding non‐radioactive compounds were obtained by substituting tosyl group with 18/19F. The effect of structure modification on myocardial targeting and physicochemical properties of new tracers were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The total radiosynthesis time of these tracers was approximately 70–90 min with high decay‐corrected radiochemical yields (36–65%) and good radiochemical purity (> 98%). These lipophilic tracers exhibited obvious improved stability in water. Studies of their biodistribution in normal Kunming mice demonstrated that [18F]FPTP2 exhibited very high initial heart uptake (39.70 ± 2.81 %ID/g at 2 min after injection) and low background in the liver, blood, and soft tissues. The heart‐to‐liver, heart‐to‐lung, and heart‐to‐blood ratios were 3.59, 19.34, and 67.34 at 15 min postinjection, respectively. Favorable myocardial targeting property and remarkable improvement of stability of [18F]FPTP2 suggest that the substitution of the phenyl ‘sidechain’ with other non‐phenyl rings has no effect on the myocardial targeting property of 18F‐labeled pyridaben analogs.
Depression among adults with neurofibromatosis type 1: prevalence and impact on quality of life
Authors: Cohen J.S. , Levy H.P. , Sloan J. , Dariotis J. , Biesecker B.B.
Published: December 2014

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) carries a significant psychosocial burden for affected individuals. The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of depressive symptoms among a large sample of adults with NF1 and to quantify the impact of depressive symptoms on quality of life (QoL). This cross‐sectional study used an Internet‐based questionnaire to collect data from 498 adults who self‐reported as having NF1. Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) scale, 55% of all participants (61% of females and 43% of males) scored above 16, indicating a high likelihood of clinical depression. In a multivariate regression model controlling for demographics and potential confounders, depressive symptoms accounted for 32% of the variance in QoL as measured by the Quality of Life Index. This study is the largest to date and found the highest prevalence of depression compared to prior studies. Our data provide more compelling evidence that individuals with NF1 are at increased risk for psychiatric morbidity and suggest that this population should be routinely screened for depression. Because depression was found to be strongly associated with QoL and accounted for nearly one‐third of the variance in QoL, it is likely that effectively treating depression may significantly enhance QoL for individuals with NF1.
Analysis of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and S. aureus levels in edentulous mouths prior to and 6 months after placement of one‐piece zirconia and titanium implants
Authors: Siddiqi Allauddin , Milne Trudy , Cullinan Mary P. , Seymour Gregory J.
Published: December 2014

Background

It has been suggested that completely edentulous patients harbour fewer periodontopathic bacteria compared with dentate patients, due to the removal of the subgingival periodontal environment. However, reappearance of certain microbes has been reported after the placement of implants in these patients.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether the periodontopathic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, as well as the non‐periodontopathic bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, emerged in edentulous patients 6 months after placement of one‐piece zirconia and titanium implants.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐six patients were included in the study (titanium = 13, zirconia = 13). Microbial samples were collected from the tongue prior to implant placement and 6 months after implant placement from both the tongue and from around the implants. A qRT‐PCR assay using SYBR green/ROX chemistry was used for the detection and quantification of rgp, nuc and karilysin single‐copy gene of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and S. aureus, respectively. Positive controls used in the study were pure bacterial gDNA purified from cultures of P. gingivalis and S. aureus, a cloned sequence of the karilysin gene for T. forsythia, a plaque sample positive for P. gingivalis and T. forsythia, and nasal gDNA for S. aureus.

Results

The results show that prior to implant placement, all three bacterial species were below the lower limit of quantification in all edentulous patients. The samples collected from the tongue and around the implants remained below the lower limit of quantification for each of the three species. However, all positive controls used in the study were detectable in the samples. qPCR standard curves showed correlation coefficients >0.97 and efficiencies >94.5% (slope range −3.19 to −3.46) for each of the SYBR green PCR assays.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the tested organisms did not emerge 6 months after implant placement irrespective of the nature of the implant biomaterial. A further follow‐up of at least 2 years post‐implantation of these patients is suggested to determine whether there are any changes in the oral microbiota and whether such changes are associated with the development of peri‐implant disease.
Single symptomatic colonic metastasis as first presentation of a pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Franco Inês , Tente David , Coutinho Daniel , Linhas Rita , Antunes Ana , Barroso Ana
Published: December 2014

Metastatic lesions in the large bowel are rare. A case of single symptomatic colonic metastasis as first presentation of pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is described. A 62‐year‐old male was admitted with constipation and rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed extrinsic compression at sigmoid colon, and microscopy suggested a secondary origin. Subsequent chest computed tomography confirmed a right perihilar mass invading posterior mediastinum, carina and esophagus, and also a second consolidation on right lower lobe and ipsilateral mediastinal and subcarinal lymph nodes. After pathologic evaluation of a transthoracic biopsy specimen, the diagnosis of pulmonary high‐grade MEC, stage IV (T4, N3, M1b – 7th ed. TNM), was established. Chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel was initiated, and disease progression occurred after two cycles with increasing colonic mass. Palliative surgery was rejected because of advanced stage, and the patient was submitted to palliative pelvic radiotherapy. Second‐line chemotherapy with gemcitabine was initiated, but clinical status worsened and the patient died because of severe lung failure. Clinical, pathological and therapeutic aspects of this uncommon site of extrathoracic metastatic disease are discussed, emphasizing the important contribution of special stains and immunohistochemistry to the diagnosis.
Skin cancer evaluation in transplant patients: a physician opinion survey with recommendations
Authors: Lloyd Amanda , Klintmalm Goran , Qin Huanying , Menter Alan
Published: December 2014

Background

Non‐melanoma skin cancer is the most common malignancy in transplant patients. However, routine skin cancer evaluation is currently not the standard of care.

Objective

To investigate the current barriers among transplant physicians to skin cancer screening in their patients. To provide recommendations for appropriate routine skin surveillance.

Methods

A web‐based survey was conducted among Baylor, Dallas transplant physicians. Thirty‐seven of 46 responses were received, and 13 physicians (28%) were classified as “high screeners.”

Results

The univariate analysis revealed three main barriers including the perception of difficulty in seeing a dermatologist (p = 0.017), skin cancer evaluation is not an important aspect of transplant care (p = 0.038), and thirdly, the belief that there is insufficient evidence to warrant universal skin cancer screening in transplant patients (p = 0.013). The fully adjusted multivariable analysis resulted in two significant conclusions; the most important predictor was the perceived lack of medical evidence for skin cancer screening.

Limitations

The small sample size and all responses being from the same institution in Texas.

Conclusion

The dermatologic evidence for regular skin cancer screening in transplant patients needs dissemination to our transplant colleagues. This is a significant practice gap which can be appropriately closed by integrating dermatologists into the transplant team.
Uniquely human self‐control begins at school age
Authors: Herrmann Esther , Misch Antonia , Hernandez‐Lloreda Victoria , Tomasello Michael
Published: December 2014

Human beings have remarkable skills of self‐control, but the evolutionary origins of these skills are unknown. Here we compare children at 3 and 6 years of age with one of humans’ two nearest relatives, chimpanzees, on a battery of reactivity and self‐control tasks. Three‐year‐old children and chimpanzees were very similar in their abilities to resist an impulse for immediate gratification, repeat a previously successful action, attend to a distracting noise, and quit in the face of repeated failure. Six‐year‐old children were more skillful than either 3‐year‐olds or chimpanzees at controlling their impulses. These results suggest that humans’ most fundamental skills of self‐control – as part of the overall decision‐making process – are a part of their general great ape heritage, and that their species‐unique skills of self‐control begin at around the age at which many children begin formal schooling.
Drift in children's categories: when experienced distributions conflict with prior learning
Authors: Kalish Charles W. , Zhu XiaoJin , Rogers Timothy T.
Published: December 2014

Psychological intuitions about natural category structure do not always correspond to the true structure of the world. The current study explores young children's responses to conflict between intuitive structure and authoritative feedback using a semi‐supervised learning (Zhu et al., 2007) paradigm. In three experiments, 160 children between the ages of 4 and 8 learned a one‐dimensional decision criterion for distinguishing yummy and yucky ‘alien fruits’. They then categorized a large number of new fruits without corrective feedback. The distribution of the new fruits was manipulated such that the natural boundary in the stimuli did not always correspond to the learned boundary. Children changed their decision criteria to reflect the structure of the new stimuli, effectively unlearning the original boundary. Younger children were especially swayed by the distributional information, being relatively insensitive to feedback that the original non‐natural boundary was, in fact, still correct. Results are discussed in terms of children's ability to selectively attend to specific information (i.e. feedback vs. distribution), and their interests in forming generally useful representations of experience.
Lichen colonization patterns show minor effects of dispersal distance at landscape scale
Authors: Gjerde Ivar , Blom Hans H. , Heegaard Einar , Sætersdal Magne
Published: December 2014

The role of dispersal in controlling the distribution of species at landscape scale (102–104 m) is still a matter of dispute. Here, we use the early colonization pattern of 23 epiphytic lichen species in a former tree‐less heathland landscape (170 km2) to test three hypotheses on how a landscape is colonized: A) mainly by long‐distance dispersal (LDD), B) by rare LDD events followed by limited local dispersal, and C) mainly by limited dispersal, resulting in a colonization front. The study system consisted of a chronosequence of 94 habitat patches constituting 0.4% of the landscape area, with a minimum inter‐site distance of 0.2 km. We used generalized linear mixed models with Bayesian inference to test predictions from the hypotheses. When age of sites and habitat area were accounted for, additional effects of geographical position of sites (distance from old sites, distance‐dependent relative propagule pressure, and distance from border of study area) on the probability of colonization by lichen species were small. Furthermore, species richness of sites did not depend on geographical position, either. Our results support a colonization process mainly governed by LDD at landscape scale, and that local stepwise colonization was not important. We argue that passively dispersed species with numerous small propagules tend to exhibit patchy populations with extensive dispersal at the landscape scale, rather than behaving like classical metapopulations.
Trends in outcomes, complications, and hospitalization costs for hemispherectomy in the United States for the years 2000–2009
Authors: Lin Yimo , Harris Dominic A. , Curry Daniel J. , Lam Sandi
Published: December 2014

Objective

Hemispherectomy is an established surgical treatment for carefully selected pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy. Published perioperative data report low mortality rates and seizure reduction rates of 50–89%. This study investigates trends in the demographics, hospital utilization, and in‐hospital complication rates of patients undergoing hemispherectomy over the past decade in the United States, using the nationally representative Kids' Inpatient Database (KID).

Methods

The KID was queried for all discharges with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) procedure code for hemispherectomy in the years 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009. The patient cohorts from these four time points were compared, analyzing differences in demographic data, insurance and payer status, total cost, length of stay, in‐hospital mortality, and complications. National estimates and 95% confidence intervals are reported given the weighted sample design of KID.

Results

This study identified an estimated total of 552 hospital admissions for hemispherectomy surgery during the years studied in this cohort. The incidence of this procedure increased from 1.2/100,000 admissions in 2000 to 2.2/100,000 in 2009 (p = 0.05). Mean age was 6.7 years (range 0–20). There were no significant changes in demographics (age, gender, or race), hospital descriptors (size or type), insurance type, or zip code income quartile. There was a significant increase in total cost, from $42,807 in 2003 to $57,443 in 2009 (p = 0.015) (adjusted to 2009 dollars). There were no trends in postoperative complications. In‐hospital mortality occurred in five subjects (0.9%). Ventricular shunt placement during hemispherectomy hospitalizations increased over time from 6.7% to 16.5% (p = 0.056). Hospitals that performed two or more hemispherectomies yearly had a significantly decreased incidence of in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.08, p = 0.04) and an increased incidence of blood transfusion (OR 3.7, p = 0.01) compared to hospitals that performed 0–1 procedures a year.

Significance

Hemispherectomy procedures increased slightly in frequency over the past decade, with no change in demographic characteristics of the patients over time. Rates of mortality and perioperative complications remained low. Total costs have increased significantly over time. In‐hospital mortality was lower in higher volume hospitals.
Factorial design of essential oil extraction from Fagraea fragrans Roxb. flowers and evaluation of its biological activities for perfumery and cosmetic applications
Authors: Yingngam B. , Brantner A. H.
Published: December 2014

Synopsis

Objective

To optimize the extraction yields of essential oil from Fagraea fragrans Roxb. flowers in hydro‐distillation using a central composite design (CCD) and to evaluate its biological activities for perfumery and cosmetic applications.

Methods

Central composite design was applied to study the influences of operational parameters [water to flower weight (X1) and distillation time (X2)] on the yields of essential oil (Y). Chemical compositions of the essential oil extracted from the optimized condition were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activities of the essential oil were determined against ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals, and the cytotoxic effects were assessed on human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells by the use of the MTT assay. Also, the aromatic properties of the essential oil were evaluated by five healthy trained volunteers.

Results

The best conditions to obtain the maximum essential oil yield were 7.5 mL g−1 (X1) and 215 min (X2). The experimental yield of the essential oil (0.35 ± 0.02% v/w) was close to the value predicted by a mathematical model (0.35 ± 0.01% v/w). 3‐Octadecyne, Z,Z,Z‐7,10,13‐hexadecatrienal, E‐nerolidol, pentadecanal and linalool were the major constituents of the essential oil. The essential oil showed moderate antioxidant capacities with no toxic effects on HEK293 cells at 1–250 μg mL−1. Also, the essential oil exhibited a very strong aroma and was classified to be top‐ to middle‐notes.

Conclusion

The results offer the effectively operational conditions in the extraction of essential oil from F. fragrans using hydro‐distillation. The essential oil could be used as a natural fragrance, having antioxidant activity with slight cytotoxicity, for perfumery and cosmetic applications.
Cyclic Electrical Energy Harvesting Using Mechanical Confinement in Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Vats Gaurav , Patel Satyanarayan , Chauhan Aditya , Vaish Rahul
Published: December 2014

Present study introduces a novel energy conversion cycle for giant electro‐mechanical energy conversion using ferroelectric materials. The proposed cycle is used to perform indirect measurements for harnessable energy densities of two well‐known configurations ((0.5PbZrO3‐0.5Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3: (PZ‐PNN) and 0.9Pb(Zr1/2Ti1/2)O3‐0.1Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3: (0.9PZT‐0.1PZN)). PZ‐PNN is depicted to illustrate an energy density of 70 kJ/m3 under the conditions of 0–106 MPa applied stress and 1–15 kV/cm electric field. On the other hand, a maximum energy density of 50 kJ/m3 is obtained for 0.9PZT‐0.1PZN under ambient conditions of 0–173 MPa compressive stress and 1 to 18 kV/cm electric field.
Establishing an external quality assessment scheme for point‐of‐care international normalized ratio in Thailand
Authors: Tientadakul P. , Chuntarut A.
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Effective warfarin therapy management has gained national interest, resulting in the increased use of point‐of‐care testing (POCT) for international normalized ratio (INR). External quality assessment (EQA) is recommended to ensure quality of the testing. CoaguChek XS and CoaguChek XS Plus are the only commonly available POCT INR monitors in Thailand. Therefore, Thailand NEQAS for Blood Coagulation initiated the scheme for POCT INR in 2013, including only hospitals using these devices.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to the hospitals, enquiring about their interest in EQA participation. Two surveys were distributed; each included five certified European Concerted Action on Anticoagulation (ECAA) INR plasma sets. Unsatisfactory performance was indicated by a 15% deviation from the certified mean INR value.

Results

There were 156 hospitals using the devices. Thirty‐five hospitals responded to the questionnaires. Medical personnel undertaking POCT INR were limited to laboratory staff in 29 (83%) of these centers, and 31 hospitals actually participated. The medians of results from participants were the same or nearly the same as the certified mean INRs.

Conclusion

External quality assessment for POCT INR in Thailand is feasible using the ECAA plasmas as control materials. The results therefore appear encouraging to other developing countries to establish their own EQA schemes.
Association of heart rate with albuminuria in a general adult population: the 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Choi H. S. , Hong J. W. , Lee J. H. , Noh J. H. , Kim D. J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Albuminuria is associated with increased risk of multiple adverse health outcomes, such as progressive renal failure, cardiovascular disease and death. However, in the general population, it is uncertain whether albuminuria is associated with elevated heart rate, which is an independent and powerful risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Aim

To investigate whether an elevated heart rate is an independent factor associated with albuminuria in the general adult population of Korea.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was carried out on 5198 Korean adults aged 19 years or older who participated in the fifth (2011) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V‐2).

Results

The prevalence of albuminuria showed an increasing trend throughout the whole range of heart rate, even after adjusting for confounders (P = 0.002). The increment was most profound at the heart rate of 70–75 and >76 beats per minute (b.p.m.; P = 0.011). In multiple logistic regression analysis, age (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), diabetes (P < 0.001), hypertriglyceridaemia (P = 0.025), estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.028) and heart rate (P = 0.023) were independently associated with the presence of albuminuria in Korean adults. Compared with participants with heart rate ≤64 b.p.m., the odds ratio (95% CI) for albuminuria was 1.50 (1.15–1.96) for those with heart rate ≥76 b.p.m.

Conclusions

The prevalence of albuminuria is independently associated with heart rate in the general adult population of Korea.
A Rapid Method for Determining Boron Concentration (ID‐ICP‐MS) and δ11B (MC‐ICP‐MS) in Vegetation Samples after Microwave Digestion and Cation Exchange Chemical Purification
Authors: Roux Philippe , Lemarchand Damien , Hughes Harold J. , Turpault Marie‐Pierre
Published: December 2014

We present in this article a rapid method for B extraction, purification and accurate B concentration and δ11B measurements by ID‐ICP‐MS and MC‐ICP‐MS, respectively, in different vegetation samples (bark, wood and tree leaves). We developed a rapid three‐step procedure including (1) microwave digestion, (2) cation exchange chromatography and (3) microsublimation. The entire procedure can be performed in a single working day and has shown to allow full B recovery yield and a measurement repeatability as low as 0.36‰ (± 2s) for isotope ratios. Uncertainties mostly originate from the cation exchange step but are independent of the nature of the vegetation sample. For δ11B determination by MC‐ICP‐MS, the effect of chemical impurities in the loading sample solution has shown to be critical if the dissolved load exceeds 5 μg g−1 of total salts or 25 μg g−1 of DOC. Our results also demonstrate that the acid concentration in the sample loading solution can also induce critical isotopic bias by MC‐ICP‐MS if chemistry of the rinsing‐, bracketing calibrator‐ and sample solutions is not thoroughly adjusted. We applied this method to provide a series of δ11B values of vegetal reference materials (NIST SRM 1570a = 25.74 ± 0.21‰; NIST 1547 = 40.12 ± 0.21‰; B2273 = 4.56 ± 0.15‰; BCR 060 = −8.72 ± 0.16‰; NCS DC73349 = 16.43 ± 0.12‰).
Evaluation of Novel Microabrasion Paste as a Dental Bleaching Material and Effects on Enamel Surface
Authors: Bağlar Serdar , Çolak Hakan , Hamidi Mehmet Mustafa
Published: December 2014

Purpose

Dental fluorosis is an enamel dysplasia that can cause serious aesthetic and psychological problems. An examination of the literature shows that the microabrasion method is the most effective way to treat fluorosis. This study aimed to produce a prototype microabrasion paste for the treatment of fluorosis stains and to examine the effects of the paste on tooth structure and color in vitro.

Material and Methods

Forty extracted upper incisor teeth were used in this study. The teeth were divided into four treatment groups: a prototype microabrasion paste group (N = 10), an Opalustre paste group (N = 10), a 37% phosphoric acid gel group (N = 10), and a distilled water (control) group (N = 10). Following treatment, all specimens in each of the four groups were examined by scanning electron microscopy for changes in their surface enamel. Changes in tooth color changes of the 1st and 2nd groups were measured before and after treatment by a VITA Easyshade Advance spectrophotometer.

Results

In scanning electron microscopy evaluations, significant differences were not observed between the 1st and 2nd groups. Differences in three color‐measuring coordinates between the 1st and 2nd were also not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that the prototype paste is a viable treatment option for dental fluorosis.

Clinical Significance

The findings in this study demonstrated that the tested prototype microabrasion paste is extremely harmless, minimally invasive agent, and able to improve the color, shine and chrome values of the teeth.
The Effect of Dental Adhesive on Final Color Match of Direct Laminate Veneer (DLV): In Vitro Study
Authors: Alabdulwahhab Bander M. , AlShethry Mohammed A. , AlMoneef Meshari A. , AlManie Mohammad A. , AlMaziad Mansour M. , AlOkla Mohammad S.
Published: December 2014

Aim

To evaluate the influence of dental adhesive on the color match of direct laminate veneer.

Materials and Method

Specimens were prepared in the form of discs. B1 nano‐filled composite Filtek Z‐350 XT (3M‐ESPE) and single‐bond universal adhesive were used. Twenty discs of each test group with a diameter of 10 ± 0.1 mm and thickness of 0.7 ± 0.1 mm were prepared. The specimens were divided into three groups: control group that has composite material only (C), a group that has adhesive with composite material (AC), and a group that has adhesive with composite and re‐bonding technique (ACR). The samples were placed in viewing port for color measurement. Spectrophotometer was used in this study. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the CIE L*, a*, and b* values. Statistical software IBM SPSS 16.0 was used for analyzing the data, with a significance level of 0.05 (p < 0.05).

Results

In this study, both groups where bonding agent was applied had significant change in color of the samples (p < 0.05). AC and ACR showed a change along the “a” coordinate and the “b” coordinate with using adhesive and re‐bonding technique. There were significant differences when comparing the values of a* and b* of the control group C with AC group and ACR on using adhesive and re‐bonding technique. ACR specimens presented the lowest “L” value.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, despite the fact that the change of color is not extensive, the dental adhesive changes the color of direct composite restoration in a way that may warrant caution. Additional studies are essential to substantiate the findings of this study.

Clinical Significance

Dental adhesive play an important role in changing the color of direct composite restoration.
Effect of Exercise and Cognitive Activity on Self‐Reported Sleep Quality in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults with Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pa Judy , Goodson William , Bloch Andrew , King Abby C. , Yaffe Kristine , Barnes Deborah E.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To compare the effects of different types of physical and mental activity on self‐reported sleep quality over 12 weeks in older adults with cognitive and sleep complaints.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

General community.

Participants

Seventy‐two inactive community‐dwelling older adults with self‐reported sleep and cognitive problems (mean age 73.3 ± 6.1; 60% women).

Intervention

Random allocation to four arms using a two‐by‐two factorial design: aerobic+cognitive training, aerobic+educational DVD, stretching+cognitive training, and stretching+educational DVD arms (60 min/d, 3 d/wk for physical and mental activity for 12 weeks).

Measurements

Change in sleep quality using seven questions from the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire on the 2005 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (range 0–28, with higher scores reflecting worse sleep quality). Analyses used intention‐to‐treat methods.

Results

Sleep quality scores did not differ at baseline, but there was a significant difference between the study arms in change in sleep quality over time (P < .005). Mean sleep quality scores improved significantly more in the stretching+educational DVD arm (5.1 points) than in the stretching+cognitive training (1.2 points), aerobic+educational DVD (1.1 points), or aerobic+cognitive training (0.25 points) arms (all P < .05, corrected for multiple comparisons). Differences between arms were strongest for waking at night (P = .02) and taking sleep medications (P = .004).

Conclusion

Self‐reported sleep quality improved significantly more with low‐intensity physical and mental activities than with moderate‐ or high‐intensity activities in older adults with self‐reported cognitive and sleep difficulties. Future longer‐term studies with objective sleep measures are needed to corroborate these results.
On the Same Side of the Faultline: Inclusion in the Leader's Subgroup and Employee Performance
Authors: Meyer Bertolt , Shemla Meir , Li Jia , Wegge Jürgen
Published: December 2014

Extending theory on faultlines and subgroups, we argue that faultlines splitting a team into homogeneous subgroups can have different effects on team members' individual performance, depending on different intra‐subgroup processes. Specifically, we propose that the effect of faultline strength on individual performance depends on whether a team member's subgroup includes the team leader. Building on the notion of faultline triggers, we further propose that organizational crises exacerbate this interaction because they make social support by the team leader especially important. We tested these assumptions with objective performance data collected over a period of four years from 3263 financial consultants (325 teams) while controlling for the effects of relational demography. Results showed that in teams with strong faultlines, consultants' performance decreased to a lesser extent in crisis years if the consultants shared a subgroup with their team leader. Thus, faultlines had different effects on team members from different subgroups.
A practical guide to the use of thiopurines in oral medicine
Authors: Hullah E. A. , Blaker P. A. , Marinaki A. M. , Escudier M. P. , Sanderson J. D.
Published: December 2014

Thiopurines are widely used as first‐line immunosuppressive therapies in the management of chronic inflammatory oral disease. However, despite over half a century of clinical experience, the evidence base for their use is limited. The aims of this paper were to review the evidence for the use of thiopurines in oral medicine and provide a contemporary model of thiopurine metabolism and mechanism of action and a rationale for clinical use and safe practice.
Arecoline increases basic fibroblast growth factor but reduces expression of IL‐1, IL‐6, G‐CSF and GM‐CSF in human umbilical vein endothelium
Authors: Ullah Mafaz , Cox Stephen , Kelly Elizabeth , Moore Malcolm A. S. , Zoellner Hans
Published: December 2014

Background

Areca nut chewing is associated with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Raised vascular basic fibroblast growth factor may induce fibrosis. Arecoline is a muscarinic alkaloid in areca nut, which we earlier reported causes injury and necrosis of human endothelium.

Materials and methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to arecoline with or without tumor necrosis factor‐α, and separately to acetylcholine, muscarine, or nicotine. Protein levels of basic fibroblast growth factor, as well as the inflammatory cytokines: granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF), granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor, and Interleukins‐6, 1‐α and 1‐β, were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. mRNA levels were established by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Basic fibroblast growth factor was released into the culture medium at arecoline levels causing necrosis (P < 0.05). This contrasted with an opposite effect of arecoline on levels of the inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor‐α increased IL‐6 and granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulated factor, but arecoline reduced this stimulated expression (P < 0.05). Arecoline had no effect on mRNA for basic fibroblast growth factor, although there was reduced mRNA for the separate inflammatory cytokines studied. The effect of acetylcholine, muscarine, and nicotine was minimal and dissimilar to that of arecoline.

Conclusions

Data raise the possibility that arecoline‐induced, vascular basic fibroblast growth factor contributes to OSF, by combining increased growth factor expression with endothelial necrosis, and thus driving fibroblast proliferation.
Provocative intraocular pressure challenge preferentially decreases venous oxygen saturation despite no reduction in blood flow
Authors: O'Connell Rachael A. , Anderson Andrew J. , Hosking Sarah L. , Bui Bang V.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

Ocular disease can both alter the retina's oxygen requirements, and decrease its ability to cope with changes in metabolic demand. We examined the influence of a moderate intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation on three outcome measures: arterial and venous oxygen saturation, blood flow, and the pattern electroretinogram (PERG).

Methods

We increased IOP to ˜30 mmHg in 23 healthy participants (22–39 years) using a mechanical probe applied to the eyelid, thereby lowering ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) by ~30%. The Oxymap retinal oximeter was used to measure oxygen saturation for arteries and veins. Blood flow, volume and velocity were measured using the Heidelberg retinal flowmeter and steady‐state PERG waveforms (8.34 Hz) were recorded bilaterally (200 sweeps). For each outcome measure, data was obtained three times: at baseline, 1 min into sustained IOP elevation, and 1 min after the probe was removed.

Results

During IOP elevation, changes in oxygen saturation of retinal arteries failed to reach statistical significance [F(1,30) = 3.69, p = 0.05], whereas venous oxygen saturation was significantly reduced [F(1,21) = 27.43, p < 0.01]. Blood flow increased slightly [F(2,40) = 6.28, p < 0.0001], PERG amplitude significantly reduced [F(2,44) = 24.24, p < 0.0001] and PERG phase was significantly delayed [F(2,44) = 17.00, p < 0.0001]. Contralateral eyes were unchanged. OPP reduction correlated little with PERG amplitude, PERG phase or venous oxygen saturation.

Conclusions

Mild, acute IOP elevation increases arterio‐venous oxygen saturation differences primarily through lowering venous oxygen saturation, suggesting increased oxygen consumption by healthy neurons when physiologically stressed.
Growth under Visible Light Increases Conidia and Mucilage Production and Tolerance to UV‐B Radiation in the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: de Menezes Henrique D. , Massola Nelson S. , Flint Stephan D. , Silva Geraldo J. , Bachmann Luciano , Rangel Drauzio E. N. , Braga Gilberto U. L.
Published: December 2014

Light conditions can influence fungal development. Some spectral wavebands can induce conidial production, whereas others can kill the conidia, reducing the population size and limiting dispersal. The plant pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum acutatum causes anthracnose in several crops. During the asexual stage on the host plant, Colletototrichum produces acervuli with abundant mucilage‐embedded conidia. These conidia are responsible for fungal dispersal and host infection. This study examined the effect of visible light during C. acutatum growth on the production of conidia and mucilage and also on the UV tolerance of these conidia. Conidial tolerance to an environmentally realistic UV irradiance was determined both in conidia surrounded by mucilage on sporulating colonies and in conidial suspension. Exposures to visible light during fungal growth increased production of conidia and mucilage as well as conidial tolerance to UV. Colonies exposed to light produced 1.7 times more conidia than colonies grown in continuous darkness. The UV tolerances of conidia produced under light were at least two times higher than conidia produced in the dark. Conidia embedded in the mucilage on sporulating colonies were more tolerant of UV than conidia in suspension that were washed free of mucilage. Conidial tolerance to UV radiation varied among five selected isolates.
Thermal response of intravascular and rectal tissue to temperature changes and chemical conditions in the rumen of sheep
Authors: Mendel V. E. , Raghavan G. V.
Published: December 2014

1. Experiments were conducted with two wether sheep which were fitted with rumen cannulae and chronically implanted intravascular thermocouples. An attempt was made to study the thermal response of intravascular and rectal tissue to temperature changes and chemical conditions in the rumen.

2. When ice or hot water were placed in the rumen there was an immediate fall or rise in the intravascular temperature accompanied by a similar change in rectal temperature. The intravascular temperatures returned to their precooling or preheating level of 40° C within 130 min, the rectal temperatures required 6‐8 hr to return to their pretreatment values.

3. When 0·5
M acetic acid was infused into the rumen there was a marked rise in the intravascular temperature, over and above the diurnal rhythm but not in rectal temperatures. Infusion of mixtures of acetic plus propionic or acetic plus n‐butyric acids caused an intravascular temperature rise on feeding within the range of the diurnal pattern. In fasted animals, infusions of volatile fatty acids resulted in no rise in intravascular temperature.
The effects of pressure and pharmacologically active substances on gastric peristalsis in a transmurally stimulated rat stomach‐duodenum preparation
Authors: Armitage A. K. , Dean A. C. B.
Published: December 2014

1. A rat stomach—duodenum preparation in which pressures in the body and the antrum and flow through the pylorus could be recorded simultaneously has been used to study the effects of pressure and pharmacologically active substances on the peristalsis induced by transmural stimulation.

2. Vagal and transmural stimulation produced vigorous peristalsis and episodic flow. Simultaneous stimulation of the peri‐arterial nerves abolished peristalsis and relaxed the pylorus.

3. After repeated stimulation the preparation lost tone and peristalsis failed. Peristalsis and tone could then be improved by lowering intragastric pressure. Vigorous peristalsis could be restored in an inactive preparation by eserine and more transiently by 5‐HT.

4. Drugs which increased smooth muscle tone improved peristalsis and, under the conditions used, they reduced flow. Eserine was more active in this respect than acetylcholine or 5‐HT.

5. Adrenaline and hyoscine abolished peristalsis and caused the stomach and the pylorus to relax.

6. The results suggest that the peristaltic activity of the antrum is more important than the tone of the pylorus itself in controlling gastric emptying.
The pattern of gastric emptying: a new view of old results
Authors: Hopkins Anthony
Published: December 2014

1. Gastric emptying has until now been regarded as exponential in form, but this pattern does not account for all phases of a meal.

2. A pattern of emptying in which the square root of the volume of meal remaining declines linearly with time has been shown to account for the experimental results with less error.
Transfer of propionate by rat small intestine in vitro
Authors: Barry R. J. C. , Jackson M. J. , Smyth D. H.
Published: December 2014

1. The transfer of propionate by sacs of rat everted intestine has been investigated in relation to a number of physico‐chemical factors which affect movement of weak electrolytes.

2. Neither the observed movement nor the distribution of propionate can be accounted for by the theory of non‐ionic diffusion or by modifications of it, such as the microclimate hypothesis or partial permeability to ions.

3. It is not possible to account for the observed propionate movement by the electrical potential across the gut or by solvent drag.

4. The most satisfactory explanation for the observations is a transfer process in the gut for volatile fatty acids, and some features of this are discussed.