bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The age‐21 minimum legal drinking age: a case study linking past and current debates
Authors: Toomey Traci L. , Nelson Toben F. , Lenk Kathleen M.
Published: November 2009

Background  The minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) in the United States (U.S.) has raised debate over the past several decades. During the 1970s many states lowered their MLDAs from age 21 to 18, 19, or 20. However, as a result of studies showing that these lower MLDAs were associated with increases in traffic crashes, state‐level movements began in the later1970s to return MLDAs to age 21. A new movement has arisen to again lower the MLDA in the U.S.

Aim  The aim is to discuss this current MLDA debate within the context of the long history of the U.S. MLDA.

Methods  A search of research articles, websites, and newspaper articles was conducted to identify key messages and influences related to the MLDA movements.

Results  The complexity of state movements to change their MLDAs is illustrated by the Michigan experience, where strong political forces on both sides of the issue were involved, resulting in the MLDA returning to 21. Because the 21st Constitutional amendment prevents the federal government from mandating a MLDA for all states, a federal policy was proposed to provide incentives for all states to implement age‐21 MLDAs. Due largely to strong research evidence, the National Minimum Legal Drinking Age Act was enacted in 1984, stipulating that states set their MLDA to 21 or face loss of federal highway funds. By 1988, all states had an age‐21 MLDA.

Conclusion  Any current debate about the MLDA should be informed by the historical context of this policy and the available research.
Global analysis of mutual interaction surfaces of nucleosomes with comprehensive point mutants
Authors: Sakamoto Makoto , Noguchi Shuhei , Kawashima Satoshi , Okada Yusuke , Enomoto Takemi , Seki Masayuki , Horikoshi Masami
Published: November 2009

The surfaces of core histones in nucleosome are exposed as required for factor recognition, or buried for histone–DNA and histone–histone interactions. To understand the mechanisms by which nucleosome structure and function are coordinately altered in DNA‐mediated reactions, it is essential to define the roles of both exposed and buried residues and their functional relationships. For this purpose, we developed GLASP (GLobal Analysis of Surfaces by Point mutation) and GLAMP (GLobal Analysis of Mutual interaction surfaces of multi‐subunit protein complex by Point mutation) strategies, both of which are comprehensive analyses by point mutagenesis of exposed and buried residues in nucleosome, respectively. Four distinct DNA‐mediated reactions evaluated by Ty suppression (the Spt− phenotype), and sensitivities to 6‐azauracil (6AU), hydroxyurea (HU), and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), require common and different GLAMP residues. Mutated GLAMP residues at the interface between histones H2A and H2B mainly affect the Spt− phenotype but not HU and MMS sensitivities. Interestingly, among the mutated GLAMP residues surrounding the histone H3–H3′ interface, some equally affect the Spt− phenotype, and HU and MMS sensitivities, whereas others differentially affect the Spt− phenotype, and HU and MMS sensitivities. Based on these and other results, the functional relationships among chromatin factors and GLASP and GLAMP residues provide insights into nucleosome disassembly/assembly processes in DNA‐mediated reactions.
Phylogeography of the introduced species Rattus rattus in the western Indian Ocean, with special emphasis on the colonization history of Madagascar
Authors: Tollenaere Charlotte , Brouat Carine , Duplantier Jean‐Marc , Rahalison Lila , Rahelinirina Soanandrasana , Pascal Michel , Moné Hélène , Mouahid Gabriel , Leirs Herwig , Cosson Jean‐François
Published: November 2009

Aim  To describe the phylogeographic patterns of the black rat, Rattus rattus, from islands in the western Indian Ocean where the species has been introduced (Madagascar and the neighbouring islands of Réunion, Mayotte and Grande Comore), in comparison with the postulated source area (India).

Location  Western Indian Ocean: India, Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and the islands of Madagascar, Réunion, Grande Comore and Mayotte.

Methods  Mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b, tRNA and D‐loop, 1762 bp) was sequenced for 71 individuals from 11 countries in the western Indian Ocean. A partial D‐loop (419 bp) was also sequenced for eight populations from Madagascar (97 individuals), which were analysed in addition to six previously published populations from southern Madagascar.

Results  Haplotypes from India and the Arabian Peninsula occupied a basal position in the phylogenetic tree, whereas those from islands were distributed in different monophyletic clusters: Madagascar grouped with Mayotte, while Réunion and Grand Comore were present in two other separate groups. The only exception was one individual from Madagascar (out of 190) carrying a haplotype that clustered with those from Réunion and South Africa. ‘Isolation with migration’ simulations favoured a model with no recurrent migration between Oman and Madagascar. Mismatch distribution analyses dated the expansion of Malagasy populations on a time‐scale compatible with human colonization history. Higher haplotype diversity and older expansion times were found on the east coast of Madagascar compared with the central highlands.

Main conclusions  Phylogeographic patterns supported the hypothesis of human‐mediated colonization of R. rattus from source populations in either the native area (India) or anciently colonized regions (the Arabian Peninsula) to islands of the western Indian Ocean. Despite their proximity, each island has a distinct colonization history. Independent colonization events may have occurred simultaneously in Madagascar and Grande Comore, whereas Mayotte would have been colonized from Madagascar. Réunion was colonized independently, presumably from Europe. Malagasy populations may have originated from a single successful colonization event, followed by rapid expansion, first in coastal zones and then in the central highlands. The congruence of the observed phylogeographic pattern with human colonization events and pathways supports the potential relevance of the black rat in tracing human history.
Have we underestimated the importance of humans in the biogeography of free‐living terrestrial microorganisms?
Authors: Wilkinson David M.
Published: November 2009

The role of humans in the global dispersal of free‐living terrestrial microorganisms has received surprisingly little attention in the literature, compared with the frequent discussions of human dispersal for aquatic microbes. Here I argue that this area needs more study, using examples from the ecology of testate amoebae to illustrate the nature of the problem. The techniques of molecular ecology now make these ideas open to investigation in a way that would have been difficult in the past, and, in the case of testate amoebae, palaeoecological approaches may also be valuable.
Lack of intermediate‐scale disturbance data prevents robust extrapolation of plot‐level tree mortality rates for old‐growth tropical forests
Authors: Chambers Jeffrey Q. , Negrón‐Juárez Robinson I. , Hurtt George C. , Marra Daniel M. , Higuchi Niro
Published: November 2009

Ecology Letters (2009) 12: E22–E25

Lloyd et al. (2009) question the methods, concepts and conclusions of Fisher et al. (2008). We address these assertions, and place our work into a broader context. We demonstrate the veracity of Fisher et al., and further show that lack of data for intermediate‐scale tree mortality disturbance events for old‐growth tropical forests might prevent robust extrapolation of forest plot biomass accumulation data, and accurate estimates of distribution parameters such as power‐law exponents (α).
TURNING REPRESENTATION INSIDE OUT: AN ADVERBIAL APPROACH TO THE METAPHYSICS OF LANGUAGE AND MIND
Authors: GEISZ STEVEN F.
Published: November 2009

In order to resolve problems about the normative aspects of representation without having to (1) provide a naturalized theory of intentional/semantic properties, (2) accept non‐natural intentional/semantic properties into our worldview, or (3) eliminate intentionality, this article questions a basic assumption about the metaphysics of representation: that representation involves representation‐objects. An alternative, nonreifying approach to the metaphysics of representation is introduced and developed in detail. The argumentative strategy is as follows. First, an adverbial view of linguistic representation is introduced. Two potential objections are identified and considered. To respond to these objections, relationships between physical form and linguistic/representational form are examined. In the process, two ways of idealizing away from the heterogeneous details of actual language use are introduced: idealization toward homogeneity and idealization toward complete heterogeneity. I argue that an adverbial view of linguistic representation both allows for and requires that we idealize toward complete heterogeneity and that doing so has important implications for (1) our understanding of the relationship between physical form and representational form and (2) property attribution in general. These implications provide further indirect support for the alternative metaphysics of representation developed here.
Reducing Narcissistic Aggression by Buttressing Self-Esteem: An Experimental Field Study
Authors: Thomaes Sander , Bushman Brad J. , Castro Bram Orobio de , Cohen Geoffrey L. , Denissen Jaap J.A.
Published: November 2009

Narcissistic individuals are prone to become aggressive when their egos are threatened. We report a randomized field experiment that tested whether a social-psychological intervention designed to lessen the impact of ego threat reduces narcissistic aggression. A sample of 405 young adolescents (mean age = 13.9 years) were randomly assigned to complete either a short self-affirmation writing assignment (which allowed them to reflect on their personally important values) or a control writing assignment. We expected that the self-affirmation would temporarily attenuate the ego-protective motivations that normally drive narcissists' aggression. As expected, the self-affirmation writing assignment reduced narcissistic aggression for a period of a school week, that is, for a period up to 400 times the duration of the intervention itself. These results provide the first empirical demonstration that buttressing self-esteem (as opposed to boosting self-esteem) can be effective at reducing aggression in at-risk youth.
Losing Access to the Native Language While Immersed in a Second Language: Evidence for the Role of Inhibition in Second-Language Learning
Authors: Linck Jared A. , Kroll Judith F. , Sunderman Gretchen
Published: November 2009

Adults are notoriously poor second-language (L2) learners. A context that enables successful L2 acquisition is language immersion. In this study, we investigated the effects of immersion learning for a group of university students studying abroad in Spain. Our interest was in the effect of immersion on the native language (L1), English. We tested the hypothesis that immersion benefits L2 learning as a result of attenuated influence of the L1. Participants were English-speaking learners of Spanish who were either immersed in Spanish while living in Spain or exposed to Spanish in the classroom only. Performance on both comprehension and production tasks showed that immersed learners outperformed their classroom counterparts with respect to L2 proficiency. However, the results also revealed that immersed learners had reduced L1 access. The pattern of data is most consistent with the interpretation that the L1 was inhibited while the learners were immersed.
SKILL FORMATION, CAPITAL ADJUSTMENT COST AND WAGE INEQUALITY
Authors: Yabuuchi Shigemi , Chaudhuri Sarbajit
Published: November 2009

The paper employs a three‐sector general equilibrium model for examining the consequences of an infrastructure development scheme to the education sector and an inflow of foreign capital on the skilled‐unskilled wage inequality in a developing economy. The education sector faces a capital adjustment cost for which the effective unit cost of capital depends positively on the amount of capital employed. Although both infrastructure development schemes and inflows of foreign capital lead to higher skill formation, the policies produce incongruent effects on the wages of skilled and unskilled labor. Furthermore, the effects of the policies on the skilled‐unskilled wage inequality depend crucially on the relative factor intensities of the low‐skill and high‐skill sectors. Finally, which of the two policies a country should adopt will depend on technological, institutional and trade related factors.
INTERACTIONS AMONG DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS OF A RESPONSIVE PUBLIC SPACE: CASE STUDY IN IRAN
Authors: Charkhchian Maryam , Daneshpour Seyyed Abdolhadi
Published: November 2009

A place is generally identified by its varying physical, activity, social and meaning (connotative) characteristics. In this paper, the “Model of Responsive Public Space” is defined by these four aspects and each of them has its own special indicators as shown in previous studies on this subject. To examine this model and evaluate the interactions between these dimensions, experimental studies were carried out in two stages. In the first stage, open‐ended structured interviews were carried out with 70 participants to adjust the model with personal opinions about public spaces in Qazvin city, Iran. In the second stage a questionnaire was used to explore the effect of the four dimensions on each other. 598 users of a selected public space participated in this study. The results were analyzed by SPSS software applying a Pearson correlation test and Excel software. These results indicate that not only in theory but also in practice, public spaces have four distinct aspects that must be taken into consideration when creating a responsive public space. The most significance correlation is that between the meaning and the social dimension of public spaces.
SPATIALLY‐VARYING EFFECTS OF REZONING ON HOUSING PRICE
Authors: Cho Seong‐Hoon , Kim Seung Gyu , Lambert Dayton M.
Published: November 2009

A hedonic price equation is estimated at the parcel level to capture the spatially‐varying effects of rezoning on housing prices using a geographically weighted regression ‐ spatial autoregressive error model (GWR‐SEM). The empirical results highlight a number of points. Firstly, the positive amenities from rezoning to office use act as a buffer and transition the zones between single family housing to commercial zones near downtown areas may be applicable to approving the same kind of rezoning in other areas. Secondly, when approving rezoning from agriculture to residential or commercial use, it may be necessary to anticipate the positive amenities from rezoning in less well‐off neighborhoods and the negative amenities from rezoning in well‐off neighborhoods. Thirdly, the positive amenities from well‐designed open space preservation districts may encourage county planners to consider similar types of projects in the future.
The enamel–dentine junction in the postcanine dentition of Australopithecus africanus: intra‐individual metameric and antimeric variation
Authors: Braga J. , Thackeray J. F. , Subsol G. , Kahn J. L. , Maret D. , Treil J. , Beck A.
Published: November 2009

We used micro‐computed tomography and virtual tools to study metric and morphological features at the enamel–dentine junction and on the outer enamel surface in the postcanine dentition of an exceptionally well‐preserved maxilla and mandible of an early hominin. The fossil, Sts 52 from Sterkfontein, South Africa, is attributed to Australopithecus africanus and is about 2.5 million years old. For comparative purposes in this exploratory study, we also used micro‐computed tomography to analyse the dentition of a common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), a pygmy chimpanzee (Pan paniscus) and three extant humans. Metameric variation of the 3D enamel–dentine junction in the two chimpanzee mandibles was much smaller than in extant humans. Variation in metameric shape was high and complex. Notably, the mandibular metameric variation in extant humans can be greater within individuals, as compared with variation between individuals, with differences in shape appearing greater for M2 compared with M1. We recommend the use of a new approach in which individual metameric variation is systematically assessed before making inferences about differences between fossil hominin species. The fossil hominin examined in this study showed a metameric pattern of mandibular variation in shape that was comparable to the pattern seen in two chimpanzees. This degree of metameric variation appeared relatively small compared with the much larger patterns of variation observed within and between extant humans.
Collagen fibril organization in the pregnant endometrium of decorin‐deficient mice
Authors: Sanches Juliane C. T. , Jones Carolyn J. P. , Aplin John D. , Iozzo Renato V. , Zorn Telma M. T. , Oliveira Sergio F.
Published: November 2009

In the pregnant mouse endometrium, collagen fibrillogenesis is characterized by the presence of very thick collagen fibrils which are topographically located exclusively within the decidualized stroma. This dynamic biological process is in part regulated by the small leucine‐rich proteoglycans decorin and biglycan. In the present study we utilized wild‐type (Dcn+/+) and decorin‐deficient (Dcn−/−) time‐pregnant mice to investigate the evolution of non‐decidualized and decidualized collagen matrix in the uterine wall of these animals. Ultrastructural and morphometric analyses revealed that the organization of collagen fibrils in the pregnant endometrium of both non‐decidualized and decidualized stroma showed a great variability of shape and size, regardless of the genotype. However, the decidualized endometrium from Dcn−/− mice contained fibrils with larger diameter and more irregular contours as compared to the wild‐type littermates. In the Dcn−/− animals, the proportion of thin (10–50 nm) fibrils was also higher as compared to Dcn+/+ animals. On day 7 of pregnancy, biglycan was similarly localized in the decidualized endometrium in both genotypes. Lumican immunostaining was intense both in decidualized and non‐decidualized stroma from Dcn−/− animals. The present results support previous findings suggesting that decorin participates in uterine collagen fibrillogenesis. In addition, we suggest that the absence of decorin disturbs the process of lateral assembly of thin fibrils, resulting in very thick collagen fibrils with irregular profiles. Our data further suggest that decorin, biglycan and lumican might play an interactive role in collagen fibrillogenesis in the mouse endometrium, a process modulated according to the stage of pregnancy.
Constructing a social geography of grandparenthood: a new focus for intergenerationality
Authors: Tarrant Anna
Published: November 2009

In this paper I suggest ways in which a geographical approach to grandparent identities could successfully build upon social geography's understandings of relational geographies of age. In intergenerational geographies, the compartmentalised nature of age studies means that transitions in later stages of the lifecourse, particularly in family life, remain substantially under‐researched. The paper draws together established geographical literatures of age, family and lifecourse, and evidence from qualitative interviews conducted over the past 12 months in the UK for ongoing research with grandfathers, to suggest ways in which the discipline might engage with and critique intergenerational geographies to move it forward. In particular there is a focus on spatialities of body space, embodiment and intimacy, activity spaces, and distance and locality.
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY: Streamlining ABO antibody titrations for monitoring ABO‐incompatible kidney transplants
Authors: Shirey R. Sue , Cai Wei , Montgomery Robert A. , Chhibber Vishesh , Ness Paul M. , King Karen E.
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: We have monitored ABO antibody titers in 53 ABO‐incompatible kidney transplants (INKTs) using a time‐consuming, conventional test tube (CTT) method that included a 30‐minute room temperature (RT) phase, followed by incubation for 30 minutes at 37°C and conversion to the anti‐human globulin (AHG) phase. Our studies have indicated that AHG ABO antibody titers are critical for clinical management, but RT titers do not supplement clinical decision making. Therefore, we assessed AHG titers by two methods: 1) a revised test tube (TT) method without RT and 2) an anti‐immunoglobulin G (IgG) gel microcolumn (IgG gel) method with a goal of streamlining ABO antibody titrations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Fifty frozen samples from our INKT collection with anti‐A and/or anti‐B AHG titers of 2 to 512 were titrated by revised TT method with 30 minutes at 37°C and conversion to AHG and by IgG gel method with 15 minutes at 37°C and centrifugation.

RESULTS: The titers using the revised TT and IgG gel methods had 64 and 52% concordance, respectively, with CTT AHG titers. Neither the revised TT AHG titers nor the IgG gel titers varied by more than one standard dilution from the CTT AHG titers, which is within acceptable limits for titration techniques.

CONCLUSIONS: The revised TT and IgG gel titers are comparable to the CTT AHG titers. The IgG gel method offers the best titer turnaround time, eliminating 45 minutes of incubation time alone. Implementation of this technique would benefit ABO INKT patients by providing titer results in a more timely manner.
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY: Storage of murine red blood cells enhances alloantibody responses to an erythroid‐specific model antigen
Authors: Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Hod Eldad A. , Spitalnik Steven L. , Hillyer Christopher D. , Zimring James C.
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization can be a serious complication of blood transfusion, but factors influencing the development of alloantibodies are only partially understood. Within FDA‐approved time limits, RBCs are generally transfused without regard to length of storage. However, recent studies have raised concerns that RBCs stored for more than 14 days have altered biologic properties that may affect medical outcomes. To test the hypothesis that storage time alters RBC immunogenicity, we utilized a murine model of RBC storage and alloimmunization.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood from transgenic HOD donor mice, which express a model antigen (hen egg lysozyme [HEL]) specifically on RBCs, was filter leukoreduced and stored for 14 days under conditions similar to those used for human RBCs. Fresh or 14‐day‐stored RBCs were transfused into wild‐type recipients. The stability of the HOD antigen and posttransfusion RBC survival were analyzed by flow cytometry. RBC alloimmunization was monitored by measuring circulating anti‐HEL immunoglobulin levels.

RESULTS: Transfusion of 14‐day‐stored, leukoreduced HOD RBCs resulted in 10‐ to 100‐fold higher levels of anti‐HEL alloantibodies as detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay than transfusion of freshly collected, leukoreduced RBCs. RBC expression of the HOD antigen was stable during storage.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that HOD murine RBCs become more immunogenic with storage and generate the rationale for clinical trials to test if the same phenomenon is observed in humans. Length of storage of RBCs may represent a previously unappreciated variable in whether or not a transfusion recipient becomes alloimmunized.
Hypoxia‐inducible factors in stem cells and cancer
Authors: Mazumdar Jolly , Dondeti Vijay , Simon M. Celeste
Published: November 2009

Introduction

From metabolic adaptation to stem cell signalling

HIF‐1α regulates Notch effects on cellular differentiation

Stem cell pluripotency requires HIF target gene function

O2 regulation of Wnt signalling is differentiation‐stage specific

HIFs, stem cell pathways and disease

HIF and cMyc

HIF and p53

Cellular properties are influenced by complex factors inherent to their microenvironments. While oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) occurs in tumours because of rapid cell proliferation and aberrant blood vessel formation, embryonic cells develop in a naturally occurring hypoxic environment. Cells respond to hypoxia by stabilizing hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs), which are traditionally viewed to function by altering cellular metabolism and blood vessel architecture. Recently, HIFs have been shown to modulate specific stem cell effectors, such as Notch, Wnt and Oct4 that control stem cell proliferation, differentiation and pluripotency. Direct molecular links have also been established between HIFs and critical cell signalling pathways such as cMyc and p53. These novel links suggest a new role for HIFs in stem cell and tumour regulation.
Functional alterations of myeloid cell subsets in hyperlipidaemia: relevance for atherosclerosis
Authors: Soehnlein Oliver , Drechsler Maik , Hristov Mihail , Weber Christian
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Development of atherosclerotic plaques

Dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis

Myeloid cells in atherosclerosis and effects of hyperlipidaemia

Conclusions

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease wherein the infiltration of myeloid cells of the vessel wall is a hallmark event. Lymphocytes, platelets and endothelial cells stand out as prominent suspects being involved in atherosclerosis. However, recent advances suggest a crucial role for myeloid leucocytes, specifically monocyte subsets, neutrophils, dendritic cells and endothelial progenitor cells. These cell types are not just rapidly recruited or already reside in the vascular wall, but also initiate and perpetuate core mechanisms in plaque formation and destabilization. Hyperlipidaemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Herein, hyperlipidaemia skews myeloid cell haemostasis, phenotype and transcriptional regulation of pro‐inflammatory factors ultimately promoting myeloid cell extravasation and atherosclerosis. We here review the role of myeloid cells in atherosclerosis as well as the effects of hyperlipidaemia on these cells.
Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics in small bone defects: potential influence of carrier substances and bone marrow on bone regeneration
Authors: Castellani C. , Zanoni G. , Tangl S. , Van Griensven M. , Redl H.
Published: November 2009

Objectives: Synthetic calcium phosphate bone substitutes such as hydroxyapatite (HA), β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) or mixtures are alternatives to autogenous bone grafts. TricOs T® and Collagraft® are resorbable bone substitutes consisting of biphasic calcium phosphate and a bioactive matrix. Both products have a similar HA to β‐TCP ratio, but differ by their matrix. It was the aim of this study to determine the influence of matrix and autologous bone marrow on bone regeneration in a rabbit femoral condyle model.

Material and methods: A critical‐sized bicortical channel with a diameter of 4.5 mm was drilled through the femoral condyles in male New Zealand rabbits. Collagraft® with bone marrow harvested from the posterior iliac crest or TricOs T® with and without bone marrow was introduced into the defect. Rabbits were euthanized 8 weeks later. The percentage of newly formed bone was determined by micro‐computed tomography.

Results: There was no significant difference between bone ingrowth at 8 weeks. Thus, TricOs T® without bone marrow showed similar bone ingrowth as Collagraft® with bone marrow. Furthermore, no increase of bone ingrowth could be achieved by adding bone marrow to TricOs T® in the present setting.

Conclusion: Both bone substitutes showed similar bone ingrowth in this investigation. Using TricOs T® without bone marrow could avoid donor site morbidity due to harvesting of bone marrow. Further prospective clinical trials will be needed to investigate this approach.
Generation of microdamage around endosseous implants
Authors: Warreth Abdulhadi , Polyzois Ioannis , Lee Clive T. , Claffey Noel
Published: November 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microdamage as a result of osteotomy preparation and/or insertion of endosseous screw‐shaped titanium implants into the dog mandible.

Materials and methods: The mandibular premolar regions of four young adult male Beagle dogs were used for the study. Four implant sites were prepared in the edentulous area of each mandible on each side and the sites were divided into four experimental groups. Group I included sites that contained an osteotomy preparation only. Group II included sites that contained an osteotomy preparation and were tapped but did not receive any implant. Group III included sites that contained an osteotomy preparation and were not tapped but received an implant. Group IV included sites that contained an osteotomy preparation and were tapped before implant placement. Control sites (Group V) were randomly selected from different mandibular sites. Ground sections were prepared from biopsies taken at 2 days and were examined using epifluorescence microscopy. Total number and length of microcracks for each side were compared (left vs. right) using descriptive statistical methods.

Results: The control group (V) had fewer microcracks compared with the modalities I–IV. There were no differences in microcrack lengths between the jaw sides, treatment modalities, jaw regions and between the treatment modalities and controls.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that most of the microcracks were generated by the osteotomy preparation and the other modalities did not appear to have any major additional effects.
Cutaneous presentation of post‐renal transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: a series of four cases
Authors: Salama Samih , Todd Stanley , Cina Davide Pietro , Margetts Peter
Published: November 2009

We report detailed histological and molecular characteristics of four post transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) presenting in the skin of renal transplant patients, and their clinical outcome.

Three had B‐cell lymphomas (cases 1–3), and one had a T‐cell lymphoma (case 4). All B‐cell lymphomas showed Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or in situ hybridization (ISH). Cases 1 and 2 were large cell lymphomas, and case 3 a plasmacytoma. Case 1 showed light chain restriction and heavy chain gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient was then diagnosed with an abdominal lymphoma and died of sepsis. Case 2 had no recoverable DNA. Case 3 had a plasmacytoma that showed monoclonal light chain restriction on IHC and an oligoclonal heavy chain rearrangement by PCR. In cases 2 and 3, the lesions regressed following reduction of immunosuppression, and died 1.5 and 8 years later from unrelated medical causes. Case 4 was a CD 30+ anaplastic large T‐cell lymphoma with no EBV detected by IHC, ISH and PCR, and died of heart failure 2 years later.

Cutaneous manifestations of PTLD are rare, show wide array of clinical and pathological features, and generally have a favorable prognosis. EBV appears to be associated only with B‐cell cutaneous lymphomas

Salama S, Todd S, Cina DP and Margetts P. Cutaneous presentation of post‐renal transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: a series of four cases.
Amelioration of pneumonia with Streptococcus pneumoniae infection by inoculation with a vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in a non‐human primate mixed infection model
Authors: Miyake Taichiro , Soda Kosuke , Itoh Yasushi , Sakoda Yoshihiro , Ishigaki Hirohito , Nagata Tomoya , Ishida Hideaki , Nakayama Misako , Ozaki Hiroichi , Tsuchiya Hideaki , Torii Ryuzo , Kida Hiroshi , Ogasawara Kazumasa
Published: November 2009

Background  Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infection has a high mortality rate in humans. Secondary bacterial pneumonia with HPAIV infection has not been reported in human patients, whereas seasonal influenza viruses sometimes enhance bacterial pneumonia, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. Therefore, if HPAIV infection were accompanied by bacterial infection, an increase in mortality would be expected. We examined whether a vaccine against HPAIV prevents severe morbidity caused by mixed infection with HPAIV and bacteria.

Methods  H7N7 subtype of HPAIV and Streptococcus pneumoniae were inoculated into cynomolgus macaques with or without vaccination of inactivated whole virus particles.

Results  Vaccination against H7N7 HPAIV decreased morbidity caused by HPAIV and pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae. Bacterial replication in lungs was decreased by vaccination against HPAIV, although the reduction in bacterial colonies was not significant.

Conclusions  Vaccination against HPAIV reduces pneumonia caused by bacterial superinfection and may improve prognosis of HPAIV‐infected patients.
Dehydration Kinetics of Embryonic Axes from Desiccation‐sensitive Seeds: An Assessment of Descriptive Models
Authors: Ntuli Tobias M. , Pammenter Norman W.
Published: November 2009

The response of desiccation‐sensitive plant tissues to dehydration is significantly affected by dehydration conditions, particularly the rate of drying. Consequently it is important to be able to quantify drying rate. The aim of the study was to assess two models that have been proposed to describe drying kinetics, and thus to provide a quantification of non‐linear drying rates, of embryonic axes excised from recalcitrant seeds. These models are an exponential drying time course, and a modified inverse relationship, respectively. For the six species investigated here the inverse function was generally found to fit drying data better than the exponential function under both rapid and slow drying conditions, and so is recommended. The rate of drying, under the conditions used here, was determined by axis size and possibly the nature of the axis outer coverings, rather than the water activity difference between the tissue and surrounding air.
Moulding the migrant family
Authors: Wray Helena
Published: November 2009

This paper offers a critical perspective on how immigration control regulates the family lives of British residents and nationals of migrant descent. Family migration is problematic for a government determined to restrict long-term immigration to the skilled. The extended or ‘corporate’ family is particularly problematic because it also causes the reproduction of forms of family life that are regarded as oppressive and a barrier to cohesion. Policies have tended to minimise these forms of migration, and recent changes and proposals are consistent with that. The result is the increased marginalisation or exclusion of some migrants and pressure on migrant family life to conform more closely to majority norms.
Doctrine and fairness in the law of contract
Authors: Phang Andrew
Published: November 2009

This paper explores, through illustrations from the law of contract, the important central theme to the effect that the rules and principles, which constitute the doctrine of the law, are not ends in themselves but are, rather, the means through which the courts arrive at substantively fair outcomes in the cases before them. The paper focuses on the concept of ‘radicalism’, which relates to the point at which the courts decide that it is legally permissible to hold that a contract should come to an end because a radical or fundamental ‘legal tipping point’ has not only been arrived at but has, in fact, been crossed. It explores the role of this concept as embodied in the doctrines of frustration, common mistake, discharge by breach, as well as fundamental breach in the context of exception clauses – in particular, how ‘radicalism’ with regard to these doctrines can be viewed from the (integrated) perspectives of structure, linkage and fairness. The paper also touches briefly on linkages amongst the doctrines of economic duress, undue influence and unconscionability, as well as the ultimate aim these doctrines share of achieving fair outcomes in the cases concerned.
Optimization of Fruit Punch Using Mixture Design
Authors: Kumar S. Bharath , Ravi R. , Saraswathi G.
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT: A highly acceptable dehydrated fruit punch was developed with selected fruits, namely lemon, orange, and mango, using a mixture design and optimization technique. The fruit juices were freeze dried, powdered, and used in the reconstitution studies. Fruit punches were prepared according to the experimental design combinations (total 10) based on a mixture design and then subjected to sensory evaluation for acceptability. Response surfaces of sensory attributes were also generated as a function of fruit juices. Analysis of data revealed that the fruit punch prepared using 66% of mango, 33% of orange, and 1% of lemon had highly desirable sensory scores for color (6.00), body (5.92), sweetness (5.68), and pleasantness (5.94). The aroma pattern of individual as well as combinations of fruit juices were also analyzed by electronic nose. The electronic nose could discriminate the aroma patterns of individual as well as fruit juice combinations by mixture design. The results provide information on the sensory quality of best fruit punch formulations liked by the consumer panel based on lemon, orange, and mango.
Rheology and Oxidative Stability of Whey Protein Isolate‐Stabilized Menhaden Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions as a Function of Heat Treatment
Authors: Sun Changhui , Gunasekaran Sundaram
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT:  Menhaden oil‐in‐water emulsions (20%, v/v) were stabilized by 2 wt% whey protein isolate (WPI) with 0.2 wt% xanthan gum (XG) in the presence of 10 mM CaCl2 and 200 μM EDTA at pH 7. Droplet size, lipid oxidation, and rheological properties of the emulsions were investigated as a function of heating temperature and time. During heating, droplet size reached a maximum at 70 °C and then decreased at 90 °C, which can be attributed to both heating effect on increased hydrophobic attractions and the influence of CaCl2 on decreased electrostatic repulsions. Combination of effects of EDTA and heat treatment contributed to oxidative stability of the heated emulsions. The rheological data indicate that the WPI/XG‐stabilized emulsions undergo a state transition from being viscous like to an elastic like upon substantial thermal treatment. Heating below 70 °C or for less than 10 min at 70 °C favors droplet aggregation while heating at 90 °C or for 15 min or longer at 70 °C facilitates WPI adsorption and rearrangement. WPI adsorption leads to the formation of protein network around the droplet surface, which promotes oxidative stability of menhaden oil. Heating also aggravates thermodynamic incompatibility between XG and WPI, which contributes to droplet aggregation and the accumulation of more WPI around the droplet surfaces as well.
Trabeculectomy with OloGen versus trabeculectomy for the treatment of glaucoma: a pilot study
Authors: Papaconstantinou Dimitris , Georgalas Ilias , Karmiris Efthimios , Diagourtas Andreas , Koutsandrea Chrysanthi , Ladas Ioannis , Apostolopoulos Michalis , Georgopoulos Gerasimos
Published: November 2009

Purpose:  To present the preliminary results of our study comparing the outcomes of trabeculectomy with or without OloGen implant in patients requiring glaucoma surgery for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods:  Forty eyes of 40 patients were assigned randomly to undergo trabeculectomy either with OloGen implant (study group) or without implant (control group). Preoperative data included age, gender, type of glaucoma, IOP and number of preoperative glaucoma medications. Postoperative IOP, number of postoperative glaucoma medications and postoperative complications were recorded. Each patient was followed up for at least 6 months.

Results:  There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, type of glaucoma, preoperative IOP and number of antiglaucoma medications. Mean IOPs for both groups were significantly lower than preoperative levels at all intervals (P < 0.05) The number of glaucoma medications used dropped from a preoperative mean of 3.5 ± 0.7 to a 6‐month postoperative mean of 0.3 ± 0.7 (P < 0.001) in the study group and from 3.7 ± 0.4 to 0.5 ± 1.1 (P < 0.001) in the control group. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed in terms of postoperative complications.

Conclusion:  In this pilot study it appears that trabeculectomy with OloGen does not seem to offer any significant advantages compared with trabeculectomy alone. Additionally, even though there were no statistical differences between the two groups as far as complications were concerned, one eye from the study group developed endophthalmitis 10 days after surgery and two eyes presented with positive Seidel test and flat anterior chamber and required additional suturing. Studies with larger numbers of patients and longer follow‐ups are required to confirm these findings and to examine the safety and long‐term outcomes of trabeculectomy with OloGen.
Visual improvement in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) following intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Avastin®)
Authors: Algvere Peep V. , Von Wendt Gunvor , Gudmundsson Johann , Seregard Stefan , Kvanta Anders
Published: November 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 836–841

Purpose:  To perform a prospective study on central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) to evaluate whether visual acuity can be improved and macular oedema reduced in response to intravitreal injections of bevacizumab.

Methods:  The case material comprised 13 patients (aged 34–79 years), duration of CRVO was 2 weeks to 6 months, baseline ETDRS visual acuity 0.06–0.4 (mean Snellen 0.13, derived from logMAR value) and intraocular pressure (IOP) 12–20 (mean 15.2) mmHg. Clinical examination, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), was carried out at baseline and every 6 weeks, digital fluorescein angiography at baseline, at 3 months and 6 months. Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) were given under microscopic control at baseline and every 6 weeks during the 6‐month follow‐up.

Results:  Following one intravitreal injection of bevacizumab, average visual acuity improved by 13 ETDRS letters at 1 month (p < 0.05) and in response to 4 injections by 24 letters (logMAR 0.48) at 6 months (p < 0.05). Foveal thickness as measured by OCT decreased from 596 μm at baseline to 288 μm at 6 months (p < 0.05) concomitant with resorption of intra‐ and subretinal fluid. IOP ranged from 10 to 24 (17.3) mmHg at 6‐month follow‐up. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:  In response to four intravitreal injections of bevacizumab during 6 months, a substantial improvement in visual acuity and reduction in central retinal thickness were achieved. A randomized clinical trial is warranted to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment modality.
Effects of Laropiprant, a Selective Prostaglandin D2 Receptor 1 Antagonist, on the Pharmacokinetics of Rosiglitazone
Authors: Schwartz Jules I. , Stroh Mark , Gao Bing , Liu Fang , Rosko Kimberly , Zajic Stefan , Meehan Alan J. , Ruckle Jon , Lai Eseng , Wagner John A.
Published: November 2009

Laropiprant (LRPT), a prostaglandin D2 receptor‐1 antagonist shown to reduce niacin‐induced flushing symptoms, has been combined with niacin for treatment of dyslipidemia. This open‐label, randomized, 2‐period crossover study assessed the pharmacokinetics of single‐dose rosiglitazone in the presence and absence of multiple‐dose LRPT. Twelve healthy male and female subjects, 34–64 years of age, received two, once‐daily oral treatments in random sequence separated by ≥3‐day washout: (1) multiple‐dose LRPT 40 mg/day for 7 days (Days 1 to 7) coadministered with single‐dose rosiglitazone 4 mg on Day 6; (2) single‐dose rosiglitazone 4 mg on Day 1. Comparability was declared because the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the AUC0‐∞ geometric mean ratio (GMR; rosiglitazone + LRPT/rosiglitazone alone) [0.92 (0.86, 0.99)], was contained within prespecified bounds (0.70, 1.43). The Cmax GMR (90% CI) for rosiglitazone was 0.98 (0.95, 1.02). There was no evidence of clinically meaningful alterations in the pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone, a probe CYP2C8 substrate, following coadministration of multiple‐dose LRPT in healthy subjects. Therefore, findings suggest that LRPT does not inhibit CYP2C8‐mediated metabolism.
Regenerative Therapy in Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Germani Antonia , Di Campli Cristiana , Pompilio Giulio , Biglioli Paolo , Capogrossi Maurizio C.
Published: November 2009

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia are the main candidates for limb amputations and have a poor life expectancy. Frequently, these patients are not eligible for either surgical or percutaneous interventions aimed at mechanical revascularization. Therefore, new strategies need to be identified to offer these patients a viable therapeutic option. Gene and cell therapy hold great promise for the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases because, in animal models, local delivery of growth factors and endothelial progenitor cells result in new blood vessel formation and regeneration of ischemic tissues. In this article, are reviewed phase I and phase II gene, and cell therapy clinical trials in patients with PAD.
Stroke Prevention Versus Bleeding Risk of Vitamin‐K Antagonists: A Double‐Edged Sword in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Who Require Surgery
Authors: Dobrev Dobromir , Goette Andreas , Ravens Ursula
Published: November 2009

Patients with atrial fibrillation taking vitamin‐K antagonists and undergoing invasive interventions or large surgery procedures are at highest risk of bleeding complications. Therefore, the temporary interruption of vitamin‐K antagonists and bridging with heparin is a frequent clinical need, particularly in patients with high risk for stroke. The management of such patients is challenging because of the lack of randomized clinical trials assessing different periprocedural anticoagulation approaches and inconsistent recommendations from consensus groups. Recent non‐randomized trials have helped to estimate the risks of thromboembolism and bleeding with “bridging” anticoagulation involving either low‐molecular‐weight heparin or intravenous unfractioned heparin. Nevertheless, there is still a clear need for randomized double‐blinded controlled trials comparing efficacy and safety of the different “bridging” strategies, including unfractionated heparin and placebo comparators, in preventing thromboembolism for specific patients and procedures.
Analyses of Hydrodynamic Radial Forces on Centrifugal Pump Impellers
Authors: Adkins D. R. , Brennen C. E.
Published: November 2009

Hydrodynamic interactions that occur between a centrifugal pump impeller and a volute are experimentally and theoretically investigated. The theoretical analysis considers the inability of the blades to perfectly guide the flow through the impeller, and also includes a quasi-one dimensional treatment of flow in the volute. Flow disturbances at the impeller discharge and the resulting forces are determined by the theoretical model. The model is then extended to obtain the hydrodynamic force perturbations that are caused by the impeller whirling eccentrically in the volute. Under many operating conditions, these force perturbations were found to be destabilizing. Comparisons are made between the theoretical model and the experimental measurements of pressure distributions and radial forces on the impeller. The theoretical model yields fairly accurate predictions of the radial forces caused by the flow through the impeller. However, it was found that the pressure acting on the front shroud of the impeller has a substantial effect on the destabilizing hydrodynamic forces.