bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The retreat of the Barents Sea Ice Sheet on the western Svalbard margin
Authors: SVENDSEN JOHN INGE , ELVERHMI ANDERS , MANGERUD JAN
Published: July 2010

The deglaciation of the continental shelf to the west of Spitsbergen and the main fjord, Isfjorden. is discussed based on sub‐bottom seismic records and scdirncnt cores. The sea lloor on the shelf to the west of Isfjorden is underlain by less than 2 m of glaciomarine sediments over a firm diamicton interpreted as till. In central Isfjordcn up to 10 m of deglaciation sediments were recorded, whereas in cores from the innermost tributary, Billefjorden, less than a meter of ice proximal sediments was recognized between the till and the ‘normal’ Holocene marine sediments. We conclude that the Barents Sea Ice Sheet terminated along the shelf break during the Late Weichselian glacial maximum. Radiocarbon dates from thc glaciomarine sediments above the till indicate a stepwise deglaciation. Apparently the ice front rctrcatcd from the outermost shelf around 14. 8 ka A dramatic increase in the flux of line‐grained glaciomarine sediments around 13 ka is assumed to reflect increased melting and/or current activity due to a climatic warming. This second stage of deglaciation was intcrruptcd by a glacial readvance culminating on the mid‐shelf area shortly after 12.4 ka. The glacial readvance, which is correlated with a simultaneous readvance of the Fennoscundian ice sheet along the western coast of Norway, is attributed to the so‐called ‘Older Dryas’ cooling event in the North Atlantic region. Following this glacial readvance the outer part of Isljorden became rapidly deglaciated around 12.3 ka. During the Younger Dryas the inner fjord branches were occupied by large outlet glaciers and possibly the ice liont terminated far out in the main fjord. The remnants of the Harcnts Sea Ice Shcet melted quickly away as a response to the Holocene warming around 10 ka.
RNAi analysis of nubbin embryonic functions in a hemimetabolous insect, Oncopeltus fasciatus
Authors: Hrycaj Steven , Mihajlovic Michelle , Mahfooz Najmus , Couso Juan P. , Popadić Aleksandar
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY
Although the expression of the POU homeodomain gene nubbin (nub) has been examined in several arthropod species, its function has been studied only in Drosophila. Here, we provide the first insight into functional roles of this gene in a hemimetabolous insect species, Oncopeltus fasciatus. The analysis of its function using RNAi resulted in the altered morphology of antennae and labial tubes in the head, legs in the thorax, and, most notably, the growth of ectopic appendages originating from abdominal segments A2–A6. This change in the morphology of the abdomen can largely be attributed to the altered expression patterns of two hox genes, Ubx and abd‐A, in RNAinub embryos. First, abd‐A expression is completely abolished in A3–A6. Second, weak Ubx expression expands posteriorly to encompass novel domains in A2 and A3. Concomitant with these changes, limbs on A2 and A3 are small and less developed, whereas limbs on A4–A6 are large thoracic‐like legs. These results show that nub function is necessary for normal abd‐A expression and thus plays a critical role in suppressing leg formation on the abdomen. The loss of this regulation leads to upregulation of Distal‐less, and subsequent development of appendages. In Drosophila, however, abd‐A expression is unaffected in a nub‐depleted background, indicating that no such regulatory relationship exists between these two genes in the fruit fly. These differences reveal that variation exists in the genetic mechanisms that maintain an ancient insect feature, the limbless abdomen.
Sleep and Headache: The Biological Basis
Authors: Evers Stefan
Published: July 2010

Sleep and trigeminal pain processing share several common pathways with respect to neurotransmission and functions of distinct brain areas. In this review, the role of the most important brain stem and midbrain regions for this link is discussed. The central structure involved in both headache and sleep is the hypothalamus in which the orexinergic neurons originate. These neurons project to the periaqueductal grey and are probably the anatomic and physiological link between headache and sleep. Another relevant system for this interrelationship is the melatonin metabolism. However, basic research in this field is still very preliminary and a holistic hypothesis on how sleep physiology impacts headache and vice versa is still missing.
Performance of parallel screening of Brazilian blood donors with two human immunodeficiency virus immunoassays: implications for sequential immunoassay testing algorithms in other countries
Authors: Sabino Ester C. , Salles Nanci A. , de Almeida‐Neto Cesar , Barreto Angela M. , Basques Fernando , Barros Emanuelle A. , Mendrone Jr Alfredo , Busch Michael P. ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II) and International Component
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: In Brazil it is mandatory to screen donors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies using two immunoassays (IAs) in parallel. Confirmatory testing is performed only on reactive donors who return for counseling. The goal of this analysis was to determine if concordant IA reactivity accurately predicts infection and can be used for HIV incidence and/or prevalence analyses.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed HIV screening and confirmatory results obtained for 307,407 donations in the first year of the REDS‐II study in Brazil (2007) and for 2,304,755 donations collected from 1996 to 2006 in one of the REDS‐II sites (São Paulo, Brazil).

RESULTS: In the São Paulo site, 11,410 (0.50%) HIV IA–reactive donations were discarded, but only 2095 (0.09%) were reactive to both IAs. Western blot was positive on 1002 (48%) dual‐IA–reactive donors who returned for counseling. Only four HIV‐infected donors were detected who had been missed at screening by one of the IAs; all occurred before 2002. The positive predictive value (PPV) of dual‐IA reactivity varied from 45.8 to 100%, with 80% to 90% PPVs when using IAs from different manufacturers. If both assays yielded signal‐to‐cutoff (S/C) values of 3.0 or more, PPVs ranged from 91% to 99%, with approximately 99% sensitivity for true HIV seropositivity.

CONCLUSION: Parallel testing of all donations has limited efficacy when highly sensitive IAs are used. Reactivity by two sequential IAs is useful for prevalence studies if the assays are from different manufacturers and especially if high S/C values are considered.
Exploring the Appeal of Product Design: A Grounded, Value‐Based Model of Key Design Elements and Relationships*
Authors: Noble Charles H. , Kumar Minu
Published: July 2010

Product design is increasingly being recognized as an important source of sustainable competitive advantage. Until recently, the domain of design has been loosely categorized as “form and function” issues. However, as this paper will explore, product design deals with a much richer range of issues, many of which have not been considered in the marketing literature. To explore the domain and elements of design, the paper begins with two major goals: (1) to elicit the key dimensions of design and to develop an enriched language for the understanding and study of design; and (2) to integrate the design dimensions within a broader model that ties initial design goals to eventual psychological and behavioral responses from consumers. To achieve these ends, grounded theory development is used by conducting an extensive literature review, in‐depth interviews, and an interactive object elicitation technique. Drawing from this rich source of qualitative information as well as diverse literature fields, a framework is proposed for the creation of design value in consumer products. This framework not only explores the domain of design but also highlights the important elements of design that go well beyond the clichéd form and function issues. The resulting model reflects specific marketplace and organizational constraints that may help or impede the conversion of designer goals to so‐called design levers. These levers are used to convey three types of values to consumers: rational, kinesthetic, and emotional. The framework then explains how and when these different values may be perceived by the consumer. Within this framework, testable research propositions and specific directions for future design‐based research are also offered. Beyond its potential to spur marketing and new product development (NPD) management thought, the framework offered here represents a significant contribution to the field of design, which has historically been represented as a highly fragmented body of knowledge. Formalizing this framework should help overcome perhaps the largest obstacle to date to marketing‐related and NPD‐related research in this area—the lack of a detailed and consistent nomological view of the scope of design dimensions including testable linkages. Design has become an important tool that can be used by managers to develop dominant brands with lasting advantages. This research lends the NPD manager and the marketing manager better insights in into how this increasingly popular focus can be used to influence consumer behavior and firm success.

“Design may be our top unexploited competitive edge.” Tom Peters, 2004 (cover review of Norman, 2004)

“We don't have a good language to talk about [design]. In most people's vocabularies, design means veneer.… But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a man‐made creation.” Steve Jobs, Apple Computers
R&D Collaborations and Product Innovation*
Authors: Un C. Annique , Cuervo‐Cazurra Alvaro , Asakawa Kazuhiro
Published: July 2010

This paper studies the relative impact on product innovation of research and development (R&D) collaborations with universities, suppliers, customers, and competitors. It argues that each type of R&D collaboration differs in terms of the breadth of new knowledge provided to the firm and in the ease of access of this new knowledge, resulting in a different impact on product innovation. As a result, it proposes that R&D collaborations with universities are likely to have the highest impact on product innovation, followed by R&D collaborations with suppliers, customers, and, finally, competitors. These arguments are tested on the R&D collaborations undertaken by a sample of 781 manufacturing firms during 1998–2002. The tests find that R&D collaborations with suppliers have the highest positive impact on product innovation, followed by collaborations with universities. Surprisingly, R&D collaborations with customers do not appear to affect product innovation, and collaborations with competitors appear to harm it. Moreover, the positive influence of R&D collaborations with universities and suppliers is sustained over the long‐term, but the negative influence of R&D collaborations with competitors is, fortunately, short‐lived. These findings indicate that ease of knowledge access, rather than breadth of knowledge, appears to drive the success of R&D collaborations for product innovation. R&D collaborations with suppliers or universities, which are characterized by relatively easy knowledge access, have a positive influence on product innovation, whereas R&D collaborations with customers or competitors, which are characterized by reduced ease in knowledge access, are not related or are even negatively related to product innovation. Moreover, to achieve product innovation with the help of R&D collaborations, it appears that the collaboration must first have mechanisms in place to facilitate the transfer of knowledge; once these are in place, it is better if the partner has a relatively narrow knowledge base. Thus, while R&D collaborations with both suppliers and universities are positively related to product innovation, the narrow knowledge base provided by collaborations with suppliers appears to have a larger positive impact on product innovation than the wider knowledge base provided by collaborations with universities. These arguments and findings are important and novel. The paper is one of the first to theoretically explain and empirically show that various types of collaborations have a differential influence on product innovation. It goes beyond previous literature by providing a theoretical logic for ranking the likely impact of types of collaborations on product innovation. The study also suggests to managers to carefully select the partners for their firms' R&D collaborations. Collaborations with suppliers appear to be the most promising for product innovation, followed by collaborations with universities, whereas collaborations with competitors may be detrimental to product innovation.
Effects of Supplier and Customer Integration on Product Innovation and Performance: Empirical Evidence in Hong Kong Manufacturers
Authors: Lau Antonio K. W. , Tang Esther , Yam Richard C. M.
Published: July 2010

While the beneficial impacts of supplier and customer integration are generally acknowledged, very few empirical research studies have examined how an organization can achieve better product performance through product innovation enhanced by such integration. This paper thus examines the impact of key supplier and customer integration processes (i.e., information sharing and product codevelopment with supplier and customer, respectively) on product innovation as well as their impact on product performance. It contributes to existing literature by asking how such integration activities affect product innovation and performance in both direct and indirect ways. After surveying 251 manufacturers in Hong Kong, this study tested the relationships among information sharing, product codevelopment, product innovativeness, and performance with three control variables (i.e., company size, type of industry, and market certainty). Structural equation modeling with correlation and t‐tests was used to test the hypothesized research model. The findings indicate a direct, positive relationship between supplier and customer integration and product performance. In particular, this study verifies that sharing information with suppliers and product codevelopment with customers directly improves product performance. In addition, this study empirically examines the indirect effects of supplier and customer integration processes on product performance, mediated by innovation. This has seldom been attempted in previous research. The empirical findings show that product codevelopment with suppliers improves performance, mediated by innovation. However, the sampled firms cannot improve their product innovation by sharing information with their current customers and suppliers as well as codeveloping new products with the customers. If the adoption of supplier and customer integration is not cost free, the findings of this study may suggest firms work on particular supplier and customer integration processes (i.e., product codevelopment with suppliers) to improve their product innovation. The study also suggests that companies codevelop new products only with new customers and lead users instead of current ones for product innovation. For managers, this study has demonstrated that both information sharing and product codevelopment affect performance directly and indirectly. Managers should put more emphasis on these key processes, especially when linked with product innovation. Managers should consider involving their suppliers and customers in the early stages of design. Information sharing with suppliers is also important in product development. As suggested by this study, extensive effort on supplier and customer integration should be made to directly augment current product performance and product innovation at the same time.
Anonymity, Stealth Trading, and the Information Content of Broker Identity
Authors: Frino Alex , Johnstone David , Zheng Hui
Published: July 2010

This paper examines whether the identity of a broker involved in transactions contains information. Using a sample of transactions from the Australian Stock Exchange—where broker identity is transparent—we provide evidence that consecutive buyer‐/seller‐initiated transactions by the same broker have a relatively high permanent price impact. This implies that broker identity conveys information to market participants, and that markets in which broker identity is disclosed are likely to be more efficient. We also find that medium‐sized trades by the same broker convey greater information than large and small trades, which is consistent with stealth trading by informed investors.
Preferenced Trading, Quote Competition, and Market Quality: Evidence from Decimalization on the NYSE
Authors: Huang Wei , Rhee S. Ghon , Tang Ning
Published: July 2010

We examine the impact of decimalization on preferenced trading in NYSE‐listed stocks and show a significant decline in preferenced trading around decimalization. For the largest NYSE stocks, the total decline is nearly 22%. We also find a negative correlation between the changes in preferenced trading and the changes in quote competition intensity, and a positive correlation between the changes in preferenced trading and the changes in spreads. Consistent with the cream skimming hypothesis, we find that abnormal changes in information asymmetry cost for NYSE trades are positively correlated with the changes in preferenced trading.
Risk Changes around Calls of Convertible Bonds
Authors: García‐Feijóo Luis , Beyer Scott , Johnson Robert R.
Published: July 2010

We examine changes in equity and asset betas around convertible bond calls and report two major findings. First, calling firms exhibit an increase in asset betas following the call. We argue that the finding is consistent with the implications of the sequential financing theory but not of the backdoor equity financing theory. Second, abnormal returns at call announcements are negative only for the subsample of firms that also exhibit an increase in equity beta. We conclude that risk changes help explain the market reaction to convertible bond calls.
Industry Structure and Corporate Debt Maturity
Authors: Erhemjamts Otgontsetseg , Raman Kartik , Shahrur Husayn
Published: July 2010

We examine how industry competition affects firms’ choice of short‐term debt. We find that the percentage of short‐term debt is positively related to industry concentration at low levels of concentration, and inversely related to industry concentration at higher levels of concentration. This nonlinear relation is stronger in industries where firms are either more homogeneous or compete more aggressively. Moreover, we find that firms with shorter‐maturity debt are less aggressive than their rivals in the product market. The overall evidence suggests that although financial contracts alleviate agency problems, they exacerbate the risk of predation.
Information Transfer Effects of Bond Rating Downgrades
Authors: Jorion Philippe , Zhang Gaiyan
Published: July 2010

This paper investigates information transfer effects of bond rating downgrades measured by equity abnormal returns for industry portfolios. Industry rivals can be subject to two opposing effects, the contagion effect and the competition effect. We find that the net effect is strongly dependent on the original bond rating of the downgraded firm. For investment‐grade (speculative‐grade) firms, industry abnormal equity returns are negative (positive), which implies a predominant contagion (competition) effect. The analysis reveals a rich pattern of positive and negative correlations across negative credit events, which can be used to improve our understanding of portfolio credit risk models.
Treasury Bond Volatility and Uncertainty about Monetary Policy
Authors: Arnold Ivo J. M. , Vrugt Evert B.
Published: July 2010

We show that dispersion‐based uncertainty about the future course of monetary policy is the single most important determinant of Treasury bond volatility across all maturities. The link between Treasury bond volatility and uncertainty about macroeconomic variables is much stronger than for the more traditional time series measures of macroeconomic volatility and adds beyond the information contained in lagged bond market volatility. Uncertainty about monetary policy subsumes the uncertainty about future inflation (consumer price index and the deflator) and economic activity (unemployment, real and nominal gross domestic product and industrial production). In addition, causality clearly runs one way: from monetary policy uncertainty to Treasury bond volatility.
Partial Price Adjustments and Equity Carve‐Outs
Authors: Thompson Thomas H.
Published: July 2010

We examine the extent to which market‐adjusted ex date returns reflect public information for 271 equity carve‐outs in 1988–2006. Although prior studies focus on ex post determinants of equity carve‐out and initial public offering returns, our study is the first to explore ex ante predictors of equity carve‐out returns. We use three primary variables: filing range adjustments, the percentage of the offering used to retire subsidiary debt or to pay dividends, and the CBOE Volatility Index (VXO) to predict initial returns. We show that 11–35% of the variation in market‐adjusted equity carve‐out returns can be predicted using public information known prior to the offer date.
Price Movers on the Stock Exchange of Thailand: Evidence from a Fully Automated Order‐Driven Market
Authors: Charoenwong Charlie , Ding David K. , Jenwittayaroje Nattawut
Published: July 2010

This study examines which trade sizes move stock prices on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), a pure limit order market, over two distinct market conditions of bull and bear. Using intraday data, the study finds that large‐sized trades (i.e., those larger than the 75th percentile) account for a disproportionately large impact on changes in traded and quoted prices. The finding remains even after it has been subjected to a battery of robustness checks. In contrast, the results of studies conducted in the United States show that informed traders employ trade sizes falling between the 40th and 95th percentiles (Barclay and Warner, 1993; Chakravarty, 2001). Our results support the hypothesis that informed traders in a pure limit order market, such as the SET, where there are no market makers, also use larger‐size trades than those employed by informed traders in the United States.
Prior Payment Status and the Likelihood to Pay Dividends: International Evidence
Authors: Twu Mia
Published: July 2010

By using the signaling model and the life‐cycle theory, I examine the importance of prior payment status in determining the likelihood to pay dividends. I categorize firms into those that paid dividends previously and those that did not. My results show that strong dividend stickiness exists and the determinants to pay differ significantly for the two groups of firms. High growth and low insider holdings make prior payers more likely to pay but prior nonpayers less likely to pay. Furthermore, prior payers are more sensitive to profitability and earned/contributed equity mix, while prior nonpayers are more sensitive to risk and dividend premiums. Finally, taking the prior payment status into account eliminates the problem of overestimating the portion of payers put forth by previous studies.
The Difference of Heart Rate Recovery between Males with and without Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Dogru M. Tolga , Basar M. Murad , Haciislamoglu Ahmet
Published: July 2010

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between heart rate recovery (HRR) time and Chronotropic Index (CHIND) parameters, which also reflect autonomic function, after exercise stress test (EST) in males with or without erectile dysfunction (ED), and we investigated the relationship between HRR and CHIND and serum steroid hormone levels.

Material and Methods: A total of 135 participants (mean age: 45.0 ± 11.8 years) were enrolled into the study. Detailed biochemical and hormonal analyses, 12‐lead electrocardiography and EST (Treadmill) were performed in all participants. Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire form. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their IIEF scores as ED (+) (IIEF < 26) and ED (−) (IIEF ≥ 26). Afterward, statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlations between ED and HRR and CHIND.

Results: A total of 65 patients were ED (+) (mean age 44.9 ± 6.4 years), while 70 patients (mean age 43.7 ± 7.7 years) had normal erectile status. There were statistically significant differences in CHIND (P = 0.015) and HRR time (P = 0.037) between ED (+) and ED (−) patients. In correlation analysis, IIEF score was found positively correlated with HRR and metabolic equivalent (MET) values (rHRR= 0.293, P = 0.037; rMETs= 0.388, P = 0.011, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed that METs value and total exercise time had a more linear relationship with IIEF score compared to the other EST parameters (pMETs= 0.002 and pTET= 0.015, respectively).

Conclusion: Chronotropic incompetence and dynamic postexercise autonomic dysfunction are present in ED patients. This condition may reflect decreased functional capacity and exercise intolerance in these patients.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):223–229
Consideration of the Impact of Reperfusion Therapy on the Quantitative Relationship between the Selvester QRS Score and Infarct Size by Cardiac MRI
Authors: Knippenberg Stephanie A. M. , Wagner Galen S. , Ubachs Joey F. A. , Gorgels Anton , Hedström Erik , Arheden Håkan , Engblom Henrik
Published: July 2010

Background: It has previously been shown that there is a good agreement between the Selvester QRS score and myocardial infarct (MI) size determined by postmortem histopathology in patients with nonreperfused MI. Currently, however, most patients with acute coronary thrombosis receive reperfusion therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that early reperfusion alters the quantitative relationship between Selvester QRS score and MI size.

Methods: Twenty‐seven patients with acute first‐time reperfused MI were studied. Infarct size was determined by delayed contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) and estimated with the 50‐criteria/31‐point Selvester QRS scoring system 1 week after admission. The findings in the present study were compared with previous postmortem studies exploring the quantitative relationship between Selvester QRS score and MI size in nonreperfused patients.

Results: The quantitative relationship between QRS score and MI size by DE‐MRI in the present study of early reperfused MI was significantly different from previous postmortem histopathology studies of nonreperfused MI (P < 0.0001). In the present study, each QRS point represented approximately 2% of the left ventricle, compared to approximately 3% in previous postmortem histopathology studies of nonreperfused MI. When only considering small to moderate MI sizes, there was no significant difference in the quantitative relationship between QRS score and infarct size (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: There is a different quantitative relationship between QRS score and MI size in early reperfused MI compared to nonreperfused MI, partly explained by differences in MI size. Thus, the Selvester QRS scoring system may not be linearly related to MI size.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):238–244
Effect of Obesity on P‐Wave Parameters in a Chinese Population
Authors: Liu Tong , Fu Zili , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Shaohua , Li Guangping
Published: July 2010

Objective: To study the association between obesity and P‐wave duration and dispersion (Pd) in order to evaluate the potential risk for atrial fibrillation development in Chinese subjects using the definitions applied for Asian populations.

Methods: The study population consisted of 40 obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 Kg/m2, according to the World Health Organization classification for the Asian population) subjects and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched normal weight controls. Maximum P‐wave duration (Pmax), minimum P‐wave duration (Pmin), and Pd were carefully measured using a 12‐lead electrocardiogram, while the presence of interatrial block (IAB; P ≥ 110 ms) was assessed.

Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age, sex, history of hypertension or diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Compared to controls, BMI, left atrial diameter (LAD), and interventricular septal thickness were increased, while Pmax (111.9 ± 9.3 vs 101.1 ± 6.0 ms, P < 0.01) and Pd (47.9 ± 9.3 vs 31.8 ± 6.9 ms, P < 0.01) were significantly prolonged in the obese group. Pmin was similar between the two groups. The prevalence of IAB was significantly greater in the obese subjects. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there were positive correlations between Pd and BMI (r = 0.6, P < 0.001), as well as between Pd and LAD (r = 0.366, P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our data suggest that obesity is associated with increased Pmax and Pd, and increased prevalence of IAB, parameters that have been associated with atrial fibrillation. The correlation of these electrocardiogram parameters with LAD indicates an association between increased BMI and atrial remodeling in Asian subjects.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):259–263
The Significance of Pulse Oximetry in the Diagnosis of Pacemaker Failure to Output
Authors: Michailidis Athanasios , Barsheshet Alon
Published: July 2010

In a routine monitor electrocardiogram few hours after implantation of a dual‐chamber pacemaker, there was a suspicion of ventricular oversensing leading to failure to output. Pulse oximeter plethysmographic wave signal virtually excluded this suspicion. This case report demonstrates the clinical utility of initial pulse oximeter wave analysis in excluding pacemaker failure to output.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):293–295
Usefulness of T‐Wave Alternans in Sudden Death Risk Stratification and Guiding Medical Therapy
Authors: Nieminen Tuomo , Verrier Richard L.
Published: July 2010

Visible T‐wave alternans (TWA), a beat‐to‐beat alternation in the morphology and amplitude of the ST segment or T wave, has been observed for over a century to occur in association with life‐threatening arrhythmias in patients with acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and cardiac channelopathies. This compelling linkage prompted development of quantitative techniques leading to FDA‐cleared commercial methodologies for measuring nonvisible levels of TWA in the frequency and time domains. The first aim of this review is to summarize evidence from more than a hundred studies enrolling a total of >12,000 patients that support the predictivity of TWA for cardiovascular mortality and sudden cardiac death.

The second focus is on the usefulness of TWA in guiding therapy. Until recently, TWA has been used primarily in decision making for cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation. Its potential utility in guiding pharmacologic therapy has been underappreciated. We review clinical literature supporting the usefulness of TWA as an index of antiarrhythmic effects and proarrhythmia for different drug classes. Beta‐adrenergic and sodium channel‐blocking agents are the most widely studied drugs in clinical TWA investigations, with both reducing TWA magnitude; the exception is patients in whom sodium channel blockade discloses the Brugada syndrome and provokes macroscopic TWA. An intriguing possibility is that TWA may help to detect beneficial effects of nonantiarrhythmic agents such as the angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan, which indirectly protects from arrhythmia through improving myocardial remodeling. We conclude that quantitative analysis of TWA has considerable potential to guide pharmacologic intervention and thereby serve as a therapeutic target.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):276–288
Differential Classification of Acute Myocardial Infarction into ST‐ and Non‐ST Segment Elevation Is Not Valid or Rational
Authors: Phibbs Brendan , Nelson William
Published: July 2010

Background: The distinction between ST elevation and nonST elevation infarcts is widely accepted and is employed as a guide to management.

Aim: This is review of the world literature to assess the basis for this distinction, since the two studies on which it is based are seriously flawed in method and conclusions.

Method: Pathologic and clinical studies were reviewed from the world literature.

Finding: The pathology of the two subsets is identical as are the morbidity, mortality and clinical course. Non‐ST elevation infarcts are likely to be subsequent, to occur in older patients and to involve the circumflex artery: this subset therefore includes a high‐risk group. ST deviation in any part of the electric field of the heart will predictably be accompanied by reciprocal deviation if the entire field of the heart is mapped. Further, ST deviation of infarction is often transient, resolving in minutes so that infarcts will be predictably misclassified. ST deviation per se is therefore not a rational basis for classification of infarcts. In fact, invasive therapy is indicated in both subsets with identical results.

Conclusion: The distinction between ST elevation and non‐ST elevation infarcts is baseless. The high risk subgroup included in the non‐ST elevation infarct set should not be denied the benefit of early invasive therapy.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):191–199
Telocytes in human epicardium
Authors: Popescu L. M. , Manole C. G. , Gherghiceanu M. , Ardelean A. , Nicolescu M. I. , Hinescu M. E. , Kostin S.
Published: July 2010

The existence of the epicardial telocytes was previously documented by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunofluorescence. We have also demonstrated recently that telocytes are present in mice epicardium, within the cardiac stem‐cell niches, and, possibly, they are acting as nurse cells for the cardiomyocyte progenitors. The rationale of this study was to show that telocytes do exist in human (sub)epicardium, too. Human autopsy hearts from 10 adults and 15 foetuses were used for conventional IHC for c‐kit/CD117, CD34, vimentin, S‐100, τ, Neurokinin 1, as well as using laser confocal microscopy. Tissue samples obtained by surgical biopsies from 10 adults were studied by digital transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Double immunolabelling for c‐kit/CD34 and, for c‐kit/vimentin suggests that in human beings, epicardial telocytes share similar immunophenotype features with myocardial telocytes. The presence of the telocytes in human epicardium is shown by TEM. Epicardial telocytes, like any of the telocytes are defined by telopodes, their cell prolongations, which are very long (several tens of μm), very thin (0.1–0.2 μm, below the resolving power of light microscopy) and with moniliform configuration. The interconnected epicardial telocytes create a 3D cellular network, connected with the 3D network of myocardial telocytes. TEM documented that telocytes release shed microvesicles or exocytotic multivesicular bodies in the intercellular space. The human epicardial telocytes have similar phenotype (TEM and IHC) with telocytes located among human working cardiomyocyte. It remains to be established the role(s) of telocytes in cardiac renewing/repair/regeneration processes, and also the pathological aspects induced by their ‘functional inhibition’, or by their variation in number. We consider telocytes as a real candidate for future developments of autologous cell‐based therapy in heart diseases.
Cobalt release from inexpensive jewellery: has the use of cobalt replaced nickel following regulatory intervention?
Authors: Thyssen Jacob Pontoppidan , Jellesen Morten S. , Menné Torkil , Lidén Carola , Julander Anneli , Møller Per , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: July 2010

Background: Before the introduction of the EU Nickel Directive, concern was raised that manufacturers of jewellery might turn from the use of nickel to cobalt following the regulatory intervention on nickel exposure.

Objectives: The aim was to study 354 consumer items using the cobalt spot test. Cobalt release was assessed to obtain a risk estimate of cobalt allergy and dermatitis in consumers who would wear the jewellery.

Methods: The cobalt spot test was used to assess cobalt release from all items. Microstructural characterization was made using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

Results: Cobalt release was found in 4 (1.1%) of 354 items. All these had a dark appearance. SEM/EDS was performed on the four dark appearing items which showed tin–cobalt plating on these.

Conclusions: This study showed that only a minority of inexpensive jewellery purchased in Denmark released cobalt when analysed with the cobalt spot test. As fashion trends fluctuate and we found cobalt release from dark appearing jewellery, cobalt release from consumer items should be monitored in the future. Industries may not be fully aware of the potential cobalt allergy problem.
Methylisothiazolinone, an emerging allergen in cosmetics?
Authors: García‐Gavín Juan , Vansina Sara , Kerre Stefan , Naert Alix , Goossens An
Published: July 2010

Background: A few cases on primary sensitization by, and occupational contact dermatitis from, methylisothiazolinone in paints and glues have been published. In cosmetics, methylisothiazoline (MI) is permitted in a concentration of 100 p.p.m., while 15 p.p.m. for the mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazoline (MCI/MI).

Objectives: To present cases of sensitization to, and allergic contact dermatitis from, cosmetic products containing methylisothiazolinone only.

Patients, Materials, and Methods: Seven patients with suspected contact dermatitis – six of them with (peri‐)anal lesions and one with facial dermatitis – were patch tested with the baseline series, the own products exposed to, cosmetic ingredients, as well as with methylisothiazolinone 1000 p.p.m. and MCI/MI 200 p.p.m.

Results: The patients with anal lesions had become sensitized by wipes for intimate hygiene, and one patient with facial dermatitis by a make‐up remover, all containing methylisothiazolinone only. Three out of seven cases would have been missed if only MCI/MI 100 p.p.m., as present in the baseline series, had been tested.

Conclusion: The inclusion of methylisothiazolinone as a preservative in cosmetics might not represent the solution to the problem of allergic contact dermatitis from isothiazolinones, since it leads to primary sensitization.
The effect of diabetes mellitus on rat mandibular bone formation and microarchitecture
Authors: Abbassy Mona A. , Watari Ippei , Soma Kunimichi
Published: July 2010

Abbassy MA, Watari I, Soma K. The effect of diabetes mellitus on rat mandibular bone formation and microarchitecture. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 364–369. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) on the structure of mandibular bone and on the changes of alveolar/jaw bone formation. Experimental DM was induced in 3‐wk‐old male Wistar rats by a single dose of 60 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin. All rats were injected with calcein on days 21 and 28. The rats were killed when 8 wk of age. Bone structure was analyzed by bone histomorphometry, microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), and histological section. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the mineral apposition and the bone formation rates in most of the mandibular regions were significantly decreased in the DM group compared with the control group. Micro‐CT analysis showed significant deterioration of the bone quality in rats with DM. For a histometric measure of bone resorption, the number of osteoclasts along the distal surface of the alveolar wall was counted. The number of osteoclasts was significantly lower in the rats with DM than in the controls. These findings suggest that uncontrolled DM decreases mandibular bone formation, reduces the rate of bone turnover in the alveolar wall surrounding the root, and affects the quality of bone structure resulting in retardation of its skeletal development.
CRISPLD2 polymorphisms are associated with non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a northern Chinese population
Authors: Shi Jinna , Jiao Xiaohui , Song Tao , Zhang Bing , Qin Chunlin , Cao Fenglin
Published: July 2010

Shi J, Jiao X, Song T, Zhang B, Qin C, Cao F. CRISPLD2 polymorphisms are associated with non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a northern Chinese population. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 430–433. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) is the most common craniofacial birth defect. This complex genetic disorder results from interactions between genes and environmental factors. Numerous genes have been reported in studies demonstrating association between the cleft lip and palate phenotypes and the alleles at single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within specific genes. Recently, the cysteine‐rich secretory protein LCCL domain containing 2 (CRISPLD2) has been revealed to be a novel candidate gene for NSCLP. The SNPs rs1546124, rs4783099 and rs16974880 in CRISPLD2 were highly significant in Caucasian and Hispanic multiplex families but showed no association in Colombian and Irish populations. In the current study, we examined these three SNPs in a northern Chinese population and found an association between these polymorphisms and NSCLP in both single‐marker and haplotype analyses. Our data further strengthen the conclusion that altered CRISPLD2 is associated with NSCLP susceptibility.
Low‐fluoride toothpaste and deciduous enamel demineralization under biofilm accumulation and sucrose exposure
Authors: Cury Jaime A. , Do Amaral Regiane C. , Tenuta Livia M. A. , Del Bel Cury Altair A. , Tabchoury Cínthia P. M.
Published: July 2010

Cury JA, do Amaral RC, Tenuta LMA, Del Bel Cury AA, Tabchoury CPM. Low‐fluoride toothpaste and deciduous enamel demineralization under biofilm accumulation and sucrose exposure. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 370–375. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Because low‐fluoride toothpaste (500 p.p.m. F) has not clearly been shown to be effective for controlling caries in caries‐active children, this experimental in situ study was conducted to evaluate whether its effect, when compared with a conventional toothpaste (1,000–1,500 p.p.m. F), would depend on the cariogenic challenge. During four phases of 14 d each, 14 volunteers used 500 or 1,100 p.p.m. F toothpaste and wore palatal appliances containing deciduous enamel slabs, on which biofilm was accumulated and exposed to 20% sucrose solution at frequencies increasing from two to eight times per day. The F concentration was determined in the biofilm formed, and enamel demineralization was assessed by surface hardness loss (%SHL) and integrated area of hardness × lesion depth (ΔS). The F uptake by enamel was also determined. Fluoride in biofilm fluid and solids was statistically higher when conventional F toothpaste was used. The toothpastes did not differ statistically in terms of %SHL, ΔS, and F in enamel, but only the conventional F toothpaste significantly reduced caries‐lesion progression according to the frequency of sucrose exposure. The findings suggest that the high‐F availability in biofilm, resulting from the use of conventional toothpaste compared with low‐F toothpaste, may be important for reducing caries‐lesion progression in conjunction with a high frequency of sucrose exposure.
Sodium bicarbonate solution as an anti‐erosive agent against simulated endogenous erosion
Authors: Messias Danielle C. F. , Turssi Cecilia P. , Hara Anderson T. , Serra Mônica C.
Published: July 2010

Messias DCF, Turssi CP, Hara AT, Serra MC. Sodium bicarbonate solution as an anti‐erosive agent against simulated endogenous erosion. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 385–388. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

This study investigated whether sodium bicarbonate solution, applied on enamel previously exposed to a simulated intrinsic acid, can control dental erosion. Volunteers wore palatal devices containing enamel slabs, which were exposed twice daily extra‐orally to hydrochloric acid (0.01 M, pH 2) for 2 min. Immediately afterwards, the palatal devices were re‐inserted in the mouth and volunteers rinsed their oral cavity with a sodium bicarbonate solution or deionized water for 60 s. After the washout period, the palatal devices were refilled with a new set of specimens and participants were crossed over to receive the alternate rinse solution. The surface loss and surface microhardness (SMH) of specimens were assessed. The surface loss of eroded enamel rinsed with a sodium bicarbonate solution was significantly lower than the surface loss of eroded enamel rinsed with deionized water. There were no differences between treatments with sodium bicarbonate and deionized water for SMH measurements. Regardless of the solution used as an oral rinse, eroded enamel showed lower SMH than uneroded specimens. Rinsing with a sodium bicarbonate solution after simulated endogenous erosive challenge controlled enamel surface loss but did not alter the microhardness.
MyD88 expression in the rat dental follicle: implications for osteoclastogenesis and tooth eruption
Authors: Liu Dawen , Yao Shaomian , Wise Gary E.
Published: July 2010

Liu D, Yao S, Wise GE. MyD88 expression in the rat dental follicle: implications for osteoclastogenesis and tooth eruption. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 333–341. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is a key adaptor molecule in the interleukin (IL)‐1 and IL‐18 toll‐like receptor signaling pathways. Because MyD88 is present in dental follicle (DF) cells in vitro, the purpose of this study was to determine its chronological expression in vivo, as well as its possible role in osteoclastogenesis and tooth eruption. An oligo DNA microarray was used to determine expression of the Myd88 gene in vivo in the DFs from the first mandibular molars of postnatal rats from days 1 to 11. The results showed that MyD88 was expressed maximally on day 3. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down MyD88 expression in the DF cells also reduced the expression of the nuclear factor‐kappa B‐1 (NFKB1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) genes. Interleukin‐1α up‐regulated the expression of NFKB1, MCP‐1, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), but knockdown of MyD88 nullified this IL‐1α effect. Conditioned medium from DF cells with MyD88 knocked down had reduced chemotactic activity for mononuclear cells and reduced osteoclastogenesis, as opposed to controls. In conclusion, the maximal expression of MyD88 in the DF of postnatal day 3 rats may contribute to the major burst of osteoclastogenesis needed for eruption by up‐regulating MCP‐1 and RANKL expression.