bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Enrichment and Antimicrobial Protection of Fresh‐Cut Fruits Using Their Own Byproducts: Looking for Integral Exploitation
Authors: Ayala‐Zavala J.F. , Rosas‐Domínguez C. , Vega‐Vega V. , González‐Aguilar G.A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Fresh‐cut fruit consumption is increasing due to the rising public demand for convenience and awareness of fresh‐cut fruit's health benefits. The entire tissue of fruits and vegetables is rich in bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and vitamins. The fresh‐cut fruit industry deals with the perishable character of its products and the large percentage of byproducts, such as peels, seeds, and unused flesh that are generated by different steps of the industrial process. In most cases, the wasted byproducts can present similar or even higher contents of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds than the final produce can. In this context, this hypothesis article finds that the antioxidant enrichment and antimicrobial protection of fresh‐cut fruits, provided by the fruit's own byproducts, could be possible.
Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Italian Bella di Cerignola Table Olives: Selection of Potential Multifunctional Starter Cultures
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Altieri Clelia , Corbo Maria Rosaria , Sinigaglia Milena , Ouoba Labia Irène Ivette
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Lactic acid bacteria (19 isolates) from Bella di Cerignola Italian table olives were investigated for their technological and probiotic properties for the selection of multifunctional starter cultures for table olives. The bacteria were first identified by phenotyping and genotyping, then characterized for the production of biogenic amines, growth at different pH, NaCl concentrations, and temperatures. The potentiality of the bacteria to have some probiotic properties (antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, survival in low pH and in the presence of bile salts, ability to adhere to the mammalian cells model IPEC‐J2) was also investigated. Eighteen of the studied isolates were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum and one as Enterococcus faecalis. All bacteria were able to grow at a range of pH between 4.0 and 10.0 as well as in media supplemented with 2.5 to 7.5% of NaCl and 0.3% bile salts and survived in MRS broth acidified at pH 2.5; moreover, they inhibited significantly Escherichia coli O157:H7. The adhesion to IPEC‐J2 cells was in general low to moderate (5.3 to 8.3%); however, 2 isolates of L. plantarum (c16 and c19) showed interesting higher adhesion values (up to 16%). Our results suggest that at least 3 isolates could be possible multifunctional starters for Bella di Cerignola olives: L. plantarum 16 and 19 for mainly their probiotic properties and L. plantarum 10 for mainly its technological characteristics.

Practical Application:  A functional starter is a microorganism exerting benefits on human health (probiotic) and able to guide a fermentation (starter). The main goal of this article was to select a functional starter for table olives.
Odor Active Compounds Content in Spices and Their Microencapsulated Powders Measured by SPME
Authors: Wojtowicz Elżbieta , Zawirska‐Wojtasiak Renata , Adamiec Janusz , Wąsowicz Erwin , Przygoński Krzysztof , Remiszewski Marian
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Within this study, main odorants of marjoram and thyme (linalool and thymol) were determined in spices and microencapsulated powders using solid‐phase microextraction (SPME). Analyses were conducted on selected batches of spices before and after decontamination and on microencapsulated powders prepared for technological purposes (improvement of aroma in decontaminated spices). Conditions of SPME analyses were determined for individual compounds and matrices. Determination of total and surface contents of compounds and the percentage dependencies between encapsulated and surface aroma made it possible to identify the best powders in terms of their quality.
Carotenoid Composition and Vitamin A Value in Ají (Capsicum baccatum L.) and Rocoto (C. pubescens R. & P.), 2 Pepper Species from the Andean Region
Authors: Rodríguez‐Burruezo Adrián , González‐Mas Maria del Carmen , Nuez Fernando
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  The carotenoid patterns of fully ripe fruits from 12 Bolivian accessions of the Andean peppers Capsicum baccatum (ají) and C. pubescens (rocoto) were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐photodiode array detector (PDA)‐mass spectrometry (MS). We include 2 California Wonder cultivars as C. annuum controls. A total of 16 carotenoids were identified and differences among species were mostly found at the quantitative level. Among red‐fruited genotypes, capsanthin was the main carotenoid in the 3 species (25% to 50% contribution to carotenoid fraction), although ajíes contained the lowest contribution of this carotenoid. In addition, the contribution of capsanthin 5,6‐epoxide to total carotenoids in this species was high (11% to 27%) in comparison to rocotos and red C. annuum. Antheraxanthin and violaxanthin were, in general, the next most relevant carotenoids in the red Andean peppers (6.1% to 10.6%). Violaxanthin was the major carotenoid in yellow‐/orange‐fruited genotypes of the 3 species (37% to 68% total carotenoids), although yellow rocotos were characterized by lower levels (<45%). Cis‐violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, and lutein were the next most relevant carotenoids in the yellow/orange Andean peppers (5% to 14%). As a whole, rocotos showed the highest contributions of provitamin A carotenoids to the carotenoid fraction. In terms of nutritional contribution, both ajíes and rocotos provide a remarkable provitamin A activity, with several accessions showing a content in retinol equivalents higher than California Wonder controls. Furthermore, levels of lutein in yellow/orange ajíes and rocotos were clearly higher than California Wonder pepper (≥1000 μg·100/g). Finally, the Andean peppers, particularly red ajíes, can be also considered as a noticeable source of capsanthin, the most powerful antioxidant compound among pepper carotenoids.

Practical Application:  Capsicum peppers are known for their content in carotenoids, although there is no information about 2 species with Andean origin: ajíes and rocotos. Due to their relevance for the Andean cuisine and increasing importance in ethnic restaurants in Europe, we studied their carotenoid pattern and vitamin A contribution.
Dietary Ligands as Determinants of Iron–Zinc Interactions at the Absorptive Enterocyte
Authors: Iyengar Vasuprada , Pullakhandam Raghu , Nair K. Madhavan
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Iron and zinc interact at the enterocyte and influence the absorption of one another. We have previously reported that zinc noncompetitively inhibits iron uptake in Caco‐2 cells, a widely accepted model of the absorptive enterocyte. However, the determinants of this interaction, such as the effect of dietary ligands, remain uncharacterized. Dietary ligands selectively chelate iron and zinc in definite stoichiometric proportions and thus alter the bioavailability from food matrices. Here, we have used common dietary ligands, such as ascorbic acid, phytic acid, tannic acid, tartaric acid, cysteine, histidine, and methionine to characterize iron, zinc uptake individually and in combination, using Caco‐2 cells. Selective chelation of zinc, using cysteine, decreased the magnitude of inhibition of iron uptake but could not reverse the inhibition. On the other hand, selective increase in iron uptake in the presence of methionine resulted in increased zinc uptake, rather than inhibition. Taken together, these in vitro results suggest that dietary ligands can modulate iron–zinc interaction and that zinc cannot competitively inhibit iron uptake.
A Matter of Trust: From Social Preferences to the Strategic Adherence to Social Norms
Authors: Krueger Joachim I. , Massey Adam L. , DiDonato Theresa E.
Published: September 2010

In a mathematical analysis of the trust game, we show that utility‐maximizing trustees should establish equal payoffs or return nothing depending on the strength of their social preferences (benevolence and inequality aversion). Trustors may invest any amount depending on their social preferences and their expectations regarding the trustees’ preferences. For both types of player, empirical distributions of transfers are rather flat, however, and players’ morality, but not their rationality, is judged in proportion to the money transferred. This pattern of findings suggests that people are primarily motivated by self‐interest, and that they adhere to relevant social norms inasmuch as they can enhance their self‐image or reputation as a moral person.
Why Negotiators Should Reveal Their Deadlines: Disclosing Weaknesses Can Make You Stronger
Authors: Gino Francesca , Moore Don A.
Published: September 2010

Conventional wisdom holds that negotiators who are under time pressure should avoid revealing their final deadlines to the other side, especially if they are in a weak position. The present study questions this conventional wisdom. The experiment manipulates time pressure on the negotiators, knowledge of that time pressure, and each side’s power at the bargaining table. Power is manipulated by varying the quality of each side’s alternatives to negotiated agreement (BATNAs). Results show that negotiators benefited from revealing their final deadlines, regardless of the strength of their BATNAs. The discussion explores why this simple lesson is counterintuitive and why negotiators mistakenly believe they ought to keep their deadlines secret.
Electronic Tuning of Ruthenium Complexes by 8‐Quinolate Ligands
Authors: Bryan Sears R. , Joyce Lauren E. , Turro Claudia
Published: September 2010

A series of Ru(II) complexes were synthesized with the deprotonated forms of the ligands 8‐hydroxyquinoline (quo−) and 5‐NO2‐8‐hydroxyquinoline (5‐NO2‐quo−) as analogs to the prototypical complex [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine). Electrochemistry, spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations were utilized to investigate the electronic tuning of the occupied t2g‐type orbitals of the metal center with variation in the ligation sphere. The maximum of the lowest energy absorption of complexes containing one, two and three 8‐quinolate ligands progressively redshifts from 452 nm in [Ru(bpy)3]2+ to 510 nm in [Ru(bpy)2(quo)]+, 515 nm in [Ru(bpy)(quo)2] and 540 nm in [Ru(quo)3]− in water. This bathochromic shift results from the increase in energy of the occupied t2g‐type orbital across the series afforded by coordination of each subsequent quo− ligand to the Ru(II) center. Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations along with electrochemical analysis reveals that the lowest energy transition has contributions in the highest occupied molecular orbital from both the quo− ligand and the metal, such that the lowest energy transition is not from an orbital that is purely metal‐centered in character as in [Ru(bpy)3]2+.
Peculiar Properties of Photoinduced Hydroxylaminolysis in Different Bacteriorhodopsin‐based Media Using O‐Substituted Hydroxylamines
Authors: Dyukova Tatyana V. , Druzhko Anna B.
Published: September 2010

The process of photoinduced hydroxylaminolysis has been re‐examined in different bacteriorhodopsin (BR)‐based media using O‐substituted hydroxylamines, in particular, O‐(4‐nitrobenzyl) hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NBHA), O‐(2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl) hydroxylamine hydrochloride (FBHA) and O‐(t‐butyl) hydroxylamine hydrochloride (BHA). Both wild type (WT) and D96N BR‐based gelatine films and gels were studied. The expected increase in the bleaching rate of BR in gelatin films by using O‐substituted hydroxylamines in place of HA was not achieved. On the other hand, it was shown that in gels HA derivatives NBHA and FBHA (as against HA itself) do provide about three‐ to four‐fold higher bleaching rate. By contrast to that in films, D96N BR in gels demonstrates more effective bleaching as compared to WT BR. The plausible interpretation for the results is discussed in frames of reduced mobilities of large‐sized molecules of O‐substituted hydroxylamines in dehydrated media. FBHA‐ or NBHA‐modified gels possess higher photosensitivity both with D96N and WT BR (as compared with that for HA‐modified gels) and offer a potentiality for application as an irreversible‐recording medium. As anticipated, it is specifically D96N BR gel modified with FBHA that may present a promising medium suitable for write‐once recording thus extending the range of recording materials in the optical processing field.
Proteomic Identification of Cathepsin B and Nucleophosmin as Novel UVA‐Targets in Human Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Lamore Sarah D. , Qiao Shuxi , Horn David , Wondrak Georg T.
Published: September 2010

Solar UVA exposure plays a causative role in skin photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Here, we describe the proteomic identification of novel UVA‐targets in human dermal fibroblasts following a two‐dimensional‐difference‐gel‐electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) approach. Fibroblasts were exposed to noncytotoxic doses of UVA or left untreated, and total protein extracts underwent CyDye‐labeling followed by 2D‐DIGE/mass‐spectrometric identification of differentially expressed proteins, confirmed independently by immunodetection. The protein displaying the most pronounced UVA‐induced upregulation was identified as the nucleolar protein nucleophosmin. The protein undergoing the most pronounced UVA‐induced downregulation was identified as cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine‐protease displaying loss of enzymatic activity and altered maturation after cellular UVA exposure. Extensive lysosomal accumulation of lipofuscin‐like autofluorescence and osmiophilic material occurred in UVA‐exposed fibroblasts as detected by confocal fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Array analysis indicated UVA‐induced upregulation of oxidative stress response gene expression, and UVA‐induced loss of cathepsin B enzymatic activity in fibroblasts was suppressed by antioxidant intervention. Pharmacological cathepsin B inhibition using CA074Me mimicked UVA‐induced accumulation of lysosomal autofluorescence and deficient cathepsin B maturation. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that cathepsin B is a crucial target of UVA‐induced photo‐oxidative stress causatively involved in dermal photodamage through the impairment of lysosomal removal of lipofuscin.
Duodenal ulcers dominate acute upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in childhood: A 10‐year experience from Hong Kong
Authors: HOUBEN Christoph Heinrich , CHIU Philip Wai Yan , LAU James Yun Wong , LEE Kim Hung , NG Enders Kwok Wai , TAM Yuk Him , YEUNG Chung Kwong
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:  Systematic reports on acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children/adolescents are scanty. The aim of this study is to analyze its presentation, pathology and outcome in Hong Kong.

METHODS:  A retrospective review of the hospital database for admissions up to the age of 18 years with signs of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding between 1 June 1996 and 31 May 2006.

RESULTS:  During the 10‐year period 76 patients (55 boys) were admitted with signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The median age was 13.5 (range 0.25–18) years. Melena and hematemesis were by far the most frequent presentations. Medication was implicated in 16 cases (21%) as the possible cause for the bleeding. Endoscopic findings were a duodenal ulcer in 57 (75%) patients (50 boys) and a gastric ulcer in eight (10.5%). Helicobacter pylori infection was identified in 42 (55%) patients, of which 38 were found in duodenal ulcer patients. Eleven patients (14.5%) had interventions to achieve hemostasis: six epinephrine spray only, three thermal probe and two vessel ligation.

After a median follow‐up time of 3.5 years six patients had a recurrent duodenal ulcer. Three patients died of unrelated illnesses.

CONCLUSION:  Acute upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in children and adolescents in Hong Kong is dominated by a duodenal ulcer in 75% of the patients. Acute bleeding is more frequent in boys (boy to girl ratio 2.6:1). Medication is a predisposing factor in 20% of the bleedings. Six patients (8%) have recurrent duodenal ulcers.
Role of bile reflux and Helicobacter pylori infection on inflammation of gastric remnant after distal gastrectomy
Authors: LI Xiao Bo , LU Hong , CHEN Hui Min , CHEN Xiao Yu , GE Zhi Zheng
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:  The influence of the main pathogenic factors on remnant gastritis is still to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of bile reflux and Helicobacter pylori infection on endoscopic inflammation and histological changes of gastric remnant after distal gastrectomy.

METHODS:  A total of 281 patients with a more than 1‐year history of distal gastrectomy were retrospectively involved after excluding those with tumors and ulcers on endoscopy. The severity of endoscopic remnant gastritis and bile reflux were recorded during the endoscopy. The histological changes including chronic inflammation, activity, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and H. pylori were evaluated independently.

RESULTS:  An endoscopic inflammation of remnant gastric mucosae was found in 81.1% (228/281) of the patients. The prevalence of H. pylori infection and bile reflux in patients with endoscopic remnant gastritis was more common than in those without gastritis (21.5%vs 0%, 88.6%vs 24.5%, P < 0.0001). The score of histological chronic inflammation was significantly higher in patients with bile reflux than in those without obvious bile reflux (1.65 vs 1.45, P = 0.02). Chronic inflammation (1.82 vs 1.57), activity (0.78 vs 0.34), atrophy (0.67 vs 0.41) and intestinal metaplasia (0.67 vs 0.27) in H. pylori‐positive patients were all significantly more severe than in H. pylori‐negative patients.

CONCLUSION:  Bile reflux and H. pylori infection exacerbates the severity of endoscopic remnant gastritis and chronic histological inflammation.
Clinicopathological study of lymph‐node metastasis in 1389 patients with early gastric cancer: Assessment of indications for endoscopic resection
Authors: HARUTA Hidenori , HOSOYA Yoshinori , SAKUMA Kazuya , SHIBUSAWA Hiroyuki , SATOH Kiichi , YAMAMOTO Hironori , TANAKA Akira , NIKI Toshiro , SUGANO Kentaro , YASUDA Yoshikazu
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:  The endoscopic resection of early gastric cancers (EGC) is a standard technique in Japan and is increasingly used throughout the world. Further experience in the treatment of EGC and a clearer delineation of the factors related to lymph‐node metastasis would permit a more accurate assessment of endoscopic resection.

METHODS:  The study group comprised 1389 patients with EGC who underwent gastrectomy with lymph‐node dissection. We evaluated the relations of lymph‐node metastasis to clinicopathological factors.

RESULTS:  Of the 718 patients with intramucosal carcinomas, 14 (1.9%) had lymph‐node metastasis. All cases of lymph‐node metastasis were associated with ulceration. No lymph‐node metastasis was found in patients with intramucosal carcinomas without ulceration, irrespective of tumor size and histological type. Lymph‐node metastasis was present in 14 (4.7%) of the 296 patients who had cancer with a submucosal invasion depth of less than 500 μm (sm1). Significantly increased rates of lymph‐node metastasis were associated with undifferentiated types, ulcerated lesions and lymphatic invasion. No lymph‐node metastasis was found in patients with differentiated sm1 carcinomas 30 mm or less in diameter without ulceration. Lymph‐node metastasis occurred in 29% of the patients who had cancer with a submucosal invasion depth of 500 μm or more (sm2).

CONCLUSION:  This large series of patients with EGC provides further evidence supporting the expansion of indications for endoscopic treatment, as well as warns against potential risks.
Postpartum Adiponectin Concentration, Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Abnormalities Among Women With Pregnancy‐Induced Disturbances
Authors: Costacou Tina , Bosnyak Zsolt , Harger Gail F. , Markovic Nina , Silvers Nancy , Orchard Trevor J.
Published: September 2010

The authors compared postpartum adiponectin levels among women with prior pregnancy‐induced disturbances and assessed their association with homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), the metabolic syndrome (MS), and the Framingham risk score (FRS). Women delivering in 1998 through 2001 and who had gestational diabetes mellitus (n=22), gestational hypertension (n=32), or preeclampsia (n=34) were examined 1 to 2 years after delivery and were grouped‐matched to controls (n=29) by age and prepregnancy body mass index. HOMA‐IR was increased, adiponectin values were decreased, and there was a higher MS prevalence in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (all P<.05). Adiponectin levels were inversely related to HOMA‐IR (r=−0.45; P<.0001) and FRS (r=−0.25; P=.007), and a significant trend for decreasing adiponectin values with increased number of MS components was noted (P trend <.0001). Adiponectin concentration remained a significant correlate of FRS and MS irrespective of pregnancy history; a concentration <10.5 µg/mL provided the optimal cutoff to distinguish those with or without MS. Thus, a lower postpartum adiponectin concentration identifies women at increased cardiovascular risk regardless of pregnancy history.
The Effect of Tai Chi Exercise on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yeh Gloria Y. , Wang Chenchen , Wayne Peter M. , Phillips Russell S.
Published: September 2010

A systematic review of the literature on the effect of tai chi exercise on blood pressure (BP) was performed. The authors searched Medline, CAB, Alt HealthWatch, BIOSIS previews, Science Citation Index, and EMBASE systems (inception through January 2007); researched Chinese Medical, China Hospital Knowledge, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and China Traditional Chinese Medicine databases (inception to June 2005); and performed hand searches at the medical libraries of Beijing and Nanjing Universities. Clinical studies of tai chi examining BP as an outcome published in English or Chinese were included. Studies reporting only acute exercise effects were excluded. Data were extracted in a standardized manner and 2 independent investigators assessed methodologic quality. Twenty‐six studies examining patients with and without cardiovascular conditions met inclusion criteria: 9 randomized controlled trials, 13 nonrandomized studies, and 4 observational studies. Study heterogeneity precluded formal meta‐analyses. Twenty‐two studies (85%) reported reductions in BP with tai chi (3–32 mm Hg systolic and 2–18 mm Hg diastolic BP reductions). Five randomized controlled trials were of adequate quality (Jadad score ≥3). No adverse effects were reported. Tai chi exercise may reduce BP and serve as a practical, nonpharmacologic adjunct to conventional hypertension management.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Mihalopoulos Nicole L. , Berenson Gerald S.
Published: September 2010

Modification of risk factors can reduce the number of deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Internal medicine (IM) residents devote significant clinical time to help patients modify CVD risk factors but may fail to recognize the presence of such factors in their own lives. The prevalence of major modifiable risk factors was assessed in IM residents. Of 101 eligible residents, 56 completed at least 1 component of the study. None had symptoms or history of CVD, and 11 (20%) had ≥2 CVD risk factors. Of 39 subjects who had physical assessment, 3 had systolic hypertension and 13 had a body mass index ≥25. Of 38 patients with fasting lipid measurements, 13 had total cholesterol >200 mg/dL; 28 had low‐density lipoprotein ≥100 mg/dL, with 7 >160 mg/dL; and 7 had high‐density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL. Three residents smoked 10 cigarettes per day and 15 were sedentary. Training in IM should include strategies to increase awareness of modifiable personal risk factors for CVD, as well as strategies to reduce or eliminate them.
Elevated Levels of Homocysteine Predict Cardiovascular Death, Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction, and Symptomatic Bypass Graft Disease at 2‐Year Follow‐Up Following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Shammas Nicolas W. , Dippel Eric J. , Jerin Michael , Toth Peter P. , Kapalis Matthew , Reddy Mythri , Harb Harb
Published: September 2010

Severe graft disease occurs in patients at a rate of approximately 15% within the first year of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this study, the authors examined predictors of the combined end point of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and bypass graft disease at 2‐year follow‐up after CABG. One hundred twenty‐one consecutive patients were included in this study after informed consent was obtained. In univariate analysis, there was a significantly (P<.05) higher homocysteine level (11.0 ng/mol vs 9.7 ng/mol, P=.04) in patients who met the combined end point vs those who did not. There were no statistically significant differences in the following: low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and lipoprotein(a) values; age; body mass index; smoking and diabetes status; statin or aspirin use; creatinine level; hematologic markers; left ventricular ejection fraction; number of bypass grafts; and distribution of coronary artery disease. Logistic regression analysis modeling for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), fibrinogen, and homocysteine showed that homocysteine value (P=.016) was an independent predictor of the primary combined end point.
The Atherosclerotic Aortic Arch: Considerations in Diagnostic Imaging
Authors: Gottsegen Joshua M. , Coplan Neil L.
Published: September 2010

The atheromatous aortic arch poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the clinician. The association between aortic atheroma and clinical events such as stroke and distal embolization have been well described in the literature, but the best approach to assessment of risk is controversial and evolving. This review seeks to highlight the significance of factors such as aortic plaque morphology, distribution, and severity. The different imaging modalities currently available for evaluating aortic plaque (including transesophageal echocardiography, non‐contrast‐ and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography, positron emission computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and intraoperative epiaortic ultrasonography are compared and contrasted.
JOINING FOR CHANGE: AN INTERVENTION OF STATE CHANGE OR AN INTERACTION OF UNFORESEEN CONSEQUENCES?
Authors: Gale Jerry
Published: September 2010

This article is in response to Laurie Charlés' (this issue) research article on hostage negotiation. It is suggested that her article provides an opportunity for family therapists to reexamine our own taken‐for‐granted clinical practices, particularly the practice of joining to achieve rapport. Rapport is considered from the two perspectives of either being an experience of the individual (state trait) or as a dynamic process that is relationally accomplished with unpredictable consequences for both participants. Implications for practice and training are presented.
FAMILY THERAPY WITH SELECTIVELY MUTE CHILDREN: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Sloan Trish L.
Published: September 2010

Due to its rarity (<1% of all clinical cases), few Marriage and Family Therapists have significant expertise in dealing with children who have become selectively mute, and little research has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of family therapy in treating this disorder. Much of what has been researched does not serve to provide a cohesive or uniform road map to follow in determining the course of treatment. The purposes of this article are (a) to present a case study outlining specific treatment interventions in a specific case used over the course of 2 years in a school‐based setting, (b) to demonstrate the efficacy of utilizing school‐based family‐centered treatment, and (c) to stimulate further research and development on the efficacy of family therapy in alleviating anxiety and stress in children who have developed this disorder.
Issues in Intervention with Battered Women in Collectivist Societies
Authors: Haj‐Yahia Muhammad M. , Sadan Elisheva
Published: September 2010

Over the past three decades, several models for individual and group intervention with battered women have been developed. The common assumption underlying all of these models is that violence and abuse are never appropriate in an intimate relationship, and that battered women have a basic right to safety, which is not negotiable. Because almost all of those models were developed in the individualistic contexts of Western societies, some questions and concerns have been raised as to their suitability for intervention with battered women in collectivist contexts. In this article, we explore the characteristics of collectivist societies based on the conceptual framework of Triandis, Brislin, and Hui, (1988) which focuses on five dimensions: the self, attitudes, values, activities, and behaviors. Furthermore, we explore each of those dimensions and their relevance to various aspects of wife abuse in collectivist societies, such as the way that battered women cope with violence against them, and possibilities for professional intervention.
Physical Aggression in the Family and Preschoolers’ Use of the Mother as a Secure Base
Authors: Posada Germán , Pratt Dawn Marie
Published: September 2010

The quality of child–mother attachment relationships is context sensitive. Conflict and aggression in the marital relationship as well as aggressive discipline practices may diminish a child’s confidence in her or his mother as a secure base. We investigated whether physical aggression against the mother, exposure of the child to it, and use of aggressive physical discipline practices were related to attachment security. Forty‐five preschoolers and their mothers from a nonclinical, middle‐class population were studied. Security scores were obtained from observers’ descriptions of children’s behavior at home. Mothers reported on marital conflict, physical aggression from their spouse, exposure of the child to aggression, and use of physical discipline practices. Findings indicate that marital conflict, physical aggression, exposure of the child, and use of physical discipline are significantly and negatively associated with security. Regression analyses show that physical aggression contributed unique information to the prediction of security, and that physical discipline did not mediate the associations between physical aggression and child security. Clinical implications of the findings presented are discussed.
Reacciones a las propuestas de reforma de la jubilación de la seguridad social en los Estados Unidos
Authors: Becker Fred W.
Published: September 2010

Desde hace algún tiempo el desequilibrio actuarial entre los ingresos y los pagos de prestaciones en el régimen de jubilación de la seguridad social de los Estados Unidos ha sido un tema de preocupación para los encargados de la toma de decisiones, los analistas profesionales y el público. En respuesta a este desequilibrio actuarial, el Presidente George W. Bush propuso en 2004 que se llevasen a cabo cambios en la manera en que se determinan las prestaciones de la seguridad social y que se creasen cuentas individuales de inversión bajo el rubro de la seguridad social. El debate sobre el tema fue muy animado, pero cesó totalmente a mediados de 2005. El probable legado del debate de 2004‐2005 es que se fijaron límites en las futuras opciones sobre cómo tratar las dificultades financier as de los regímenes de seguridad social. Este artículo identifica dichos límites que, en su conjunto, constituyen el nuevo «modelo» de política pública para los futuros debates sobre el régimen de jubilación de la seguridad social en los Estados Unidos.
The oral health of older people: general dental practitioners' beliefs and treatment experience
Authors: Antoun Joseph S. , Adsett Luke A. , Goldsmith Samuel M. , Thomson W. Murray
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine New Zealand general dentists' beliefs about older people's oral health and to identify the important barriers that prevent dentists from treating institutionalized older adults. A postal survey was distributed nationwide to a representative sample of 700 dentists (response rate 64.5%).

Dentists' beliefs were mostly consistent with current epidemiological knowledge, although most (81.5%) mistakenly believed that the root surface caries increment was greater than that for coronal caries. One in four had visited a long‐term care (LTC) facility during the previous 2 years. Over threequarters cited the inconvenience of leaving their practices as a barrier, and the lack of a financial incentive was cited by almost half. The results suggested that the areas most in need of attention were the LTC staff's oral health knowledge and attitudes, as well as government policies.

Although dentists' beliefs, practices, and attitudes occasion some optimism, the increase in the dentate older population means that policymakers will need to examine efficient, dentist‐acceptable ways of delivering care. The profession will need to develop and sustain an appropriate workforce.
A review of malocclusion among individuals with mental and physical disabilities
Authors: Winter Katherine , Baccaglini Lorena , Tomar Scott
Published: September 2010

Oral health disparities between individuals with disabilities and the general population are widely reported in the literature, and malocclusion is no exception. As the number of people living with disabilities grows, so does the need to explore their oral health status. This review examines the reported prevalence of malocclusion in individuals with Down syndrome (DS), cerebral palsy (CP), cleft disorders, mental disabilities, and physical disabilities from 1976 to 2004. Malocclusion was assessed according to Angle's classifications, the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), and selected occlusion characteristics. The prevalence of malocclusion was higher in individuals with disabilities than in controls without disabilities. Malocclusion was more frequent when the handicap was mental rather than physical in origin. Class II and Class III malocclusions were common in individuals with CP and DS, respectively. Crowding, anterior diastema, and > 1/2 cusp antero‐posterior molar relations were frequent among people with disabilities. Findings varied according to disability, but were attributed to musculoskeletal abnormalities, altered cranial‐base relationships, premature tooth eruption, corrective surgery, and lip incompetence. Only a deep bite was more frequent in controls compared to the individuals with disabilities.
Tooth surface protection for individuals who are mentally disabled
Authors: Yeganegi Khodayar S. , Tandon Shobha
Published: September 2010

For individuals with mental disabilities, oral hygiene care is often neglected, especially in the posterior teeth. One hundred children and young adults, aged 7 to 25 years, who had mental disabilities were chosen to participate in this study. Fuji VII glass ionomer cement (GIC) was applied to the cervical third of posterior teeth using a split‐mouth design. The plaque accumulation on test and control side teeth were compared on follow‐up examinations and the retention of the GIC was evaluated on each surface. Plaque scores increased over time in both the test and the control sides, although the scores were significantly less on the test side when compared to the control side. The GIC was best retained on the maxillary buccal surface, and least on the mandibular lingual surfaces. The overall retention of the GIC was not adequate as a preventive measure.
Oral hygiene status in relation to sociodemographic factors of children and adults who are hearing impaired, attending a special school
Authors: Kumar Santhosh , Dagli Rushabh Jayesh , Mathur Anmol , Jain Manish , Duraiswamy Prabu , Kulkarni Suhas
Published: September 2010

This study examined the oral hygiene levels and periodontal status in a group of children and adults with hearing impairment attending a special school in Udaipur, India. Oral hygiene status was assessed by the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‐S) of Greene and Vermillion and periodontal status by the Community Periodontal Index. An analysis using a bivariate analysis revealed that all the oral hygiene variables varied significantly with age, economic status, and education of the parents. A multiple regression analysis showed that the education of the mother was the single best predictor for oral hygiene status and explained 92% of the variance. These findings show that children with hearing impairment have poor oral hygiene and high levels of periodontal disease. This may be due to a lack of communication; hence, appropriate oral health education should be tailored to the needs of these students with the support of their teachers and their parents.
Lighting a path to pigmentation: mechanisms of MITF induction by UV
Authors: Liu Jue J. , Fisher David E.
Published: September 2010

While sunlight is important for life, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can have harmful and mutagenic effects. This duality is particularly relevant to human skin, in which UVR both participates in evolutionarily important photochemical reactions yet may act as a potential carcinogen. UVR can upregulate production of melanin, the “tanning response” that serves a photoprotective function. This genetic program is centrally tuned by the transcription factor MITF, a master regulator of melanogenesis and melanocyte function. In this review, we discuss the myriad consequences of UV exposure for skin homeostasis, highlighting the diverse pathways activated by this ultraviolet radiation.
Two Coronary “Orphan” Diseases in Search of Clinical Consideration: Coronary Syndromes X and Y
Authors: Gori Tommaso , Fineschi Massimo
Published: September 2010

We set out to describe the clinical characteristics of patients presenting with acute or stable coronary syndromes and no stenosis in epicardial coronaries. Although the existence of patients who experience typical angina and who have intact epicardial coronaries is well accepted, the pathophysiology of cardiac ischemia in this setting remains poorly understood. In typical coronary syndrome X, it is believed that at least two components play a role: the first is the incapacity of coronary resistance vessels to adapt to situations of increased blood demand, resulting in demand ischemia; the second is an inappropriate transduction or generation or pain stimuli within the central nervous system. These two mechanisms concur to determine episodes of precordial pain and electrocardiogram (ECG) evidence of ischemia during exercise. In contrast, the coronary slow‐flow phenomenon, or syndrome Y, is an angiographic finding that is characterized by delayed progression of the contrast medium during coronary angiography. Although the mechanism of this phenomenon remains largely unknown, it has been proposed that it might depend on the presence of inappropriately high resting coronary resistances, causing reduced blood flow and therefore low‐flow ischemia and unstable angina. Importantly, the prognosis of many of the patients presenting with coronary slow‐flow does not appear to be favorable, with recurrence of acute coronary syndromes and life‐threatening arrhythmias. In the present article, we revise the current evidence regarding these two phenomena, and propose that syndrome Y should be considered a separate clinical entity.
A Double‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial To Study the Efficacy of Topiramate in a Civilian Sample of PTSD
Authors: Yeh Mary S. L. , Mari Jair Jesus , Costa Mariana Caddrobi Pupo , Andreoli Sergio Baxter , Bressan Rodrigo Affonseca , Mello Marcelo Feijó
Published: September 2010

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of topiramate in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: We conducted a 12‐week double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study comparing topiramate to placebo. Men and women aged 18–62 years with diagnosis of PTSD according to DSM‐IV were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the violence program of Federal University of São Paulo Hospital (Prove‐UNIFESP), São Paulo City, between April 2006 and December 2009. Subjects were assessed for the Clinician‐Administered Posttraumatic Stress Scale (CAPS), Clinical Global Impression, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). After 1‐week period of washout, 35 patients were randomized to either group. The primary outcome measure was the CAPS total score changes from baseline to the endpoint. Results: 82.35% of patients in the topiramate group exhibited improvements in PTSD symptoms. The efficacy analysis demonstrated that patients in the topiramate group exhibited significant improvements in reexperiencing symptoms: flashbacks, intrusive memories, and nightmares of the trauma (CAPS‐B; P= 0.04) and in avoidance/numbing symptoms associated with the trauma, social isolation, and emotional numbing (CAPS‐C; P= 0.0001). Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated a significant difference in decrease in CAPS total score (topiramate −57.78; placebo −32.41; P= 0.0076). Mean topiramate dose was 102.94 mg/d. Topiramate was generally well tolerated. Conclusion: Topiramate was effective in improving reexperiencing and avoidance/numbing symptom clusters in patients with PTSD. This study supports the use of anticonvulsants for the improvement of symptoms of PTSD.
Crepis gemicii sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from east Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Yıldırım Hasan , Bingöl Ömer , Armağan Metin
Published: September 2010

Crepis gemicii Hasan Yıldırım, Ömer Bingöl & Metin Armağan (Asteraceae) is described as a new species. Diagnostic morphological characteris, full descriptions and detailed illustrations are given on the basis of the type material. Crepis gemicii is restricted to the province of Van in east Anatolia, Turkey. It is releated to and compared with C. bupleurifolia (Boiss.) Freyn & Sint., C. paludosa (L.) Moench and C. pannonica (Jacq.) C. Koch. Its’ seed and pollen ultrastructure is described based on studies with SEM.
Critical Reynolds Number in Constant-Acceleration Pipe Flow From an Initial Steady Laminar State
Authors: Knisely Charles W. , Nishihara Kazuyoshi , Iguchi Manabu
Published: September 2010

The transition to turbulence in a constant-acceleration pipe flow from an initial laminar state was investigated in a custom-made apparatus permitting visual access to the water flow in the pipe. The apparatus allowed both laser Doppler velocimetry measurements and flow visualization using a tracer. The experiment was carried out by accelerating the flow from a steady laminar state to a steady turbulent state. The relation between the critical Reynolds number for transition to turbulence and the acceleration was found to be similar to that in a constant-acceleration pipe flow started from rest. In addition, with increased acceleration, the turbulent transition was found to be delayed to higher Reynolds numbers using flow visualization with simultaneous laser Doppler velocimetry measurements.
Reflectance and substrate currents of dielectric layers under vacuum ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Sinha H. , Straight D. B. , Lauer J. L. , Fuller N. C. , Engelmann S. U. , Zhang Y. , Antonelli G. A. , Severson M. , Nishi Y. , Shohet J. L.
Published: September 2010

The reflectance of low-k porous organosilicate glass (SiCOH) as a function of photon energy under synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation was measured using a nickel mesh reflectometer. The authors found that during VUV irradiation, the reflectance of SiCOH and the substrate current were inversely correlated. Thus, reflectance can be inferred from substrate current measurements and vice versa. The authors conclude that reflectance or substrate current measurements can determine the photon energies that are absorbed and, therefore, cause dielectric damage during processing. Thus, reducing the flux of deleterious photon energies in processing systems can minimize dielectric damage.
Adsorbate-enhanced transport of metals on metal surfaces: Oxygen and sulfur on coinage metals
Authors: Thiel Patricia A. , Shen Mingmin , Liu Da-Jiang , Evans James W.
Published: September 2010

Coarsening (i.e., ripening) of single-atom-high, metal homoepitaxial islands provides a useful window on the mechanism and kinetics of mass transport at metal surfaces. This article focuses on this type of coarsening on the surfaces of coinage metals (Cu, Ag, Au), both clean and with an adsorbed chalcogen (O, S) present. For the clean surfaces, three aspects are summarized: (1) the balance between the two major mechanisms—Ostwald ripening (the most commonly anticipated mechanism) and Smoluchowski ripening—and how that balance depends on island size; (2) the nature of the mass transport agents, which are metal adatoms in almost all known cases; and (3) the dependence of the ripening kinetics on surface crystallography. Ripening rates are in the order (110)>(111)>(100), a feature that can be rationalized in terms of the energetics of key processes. This discussion of behavior on the clean surfaces establishes a background for understanding why coarsening can be accelerated by adsorbates. Evidence that O and S accelerate mass transport on Ag, Cu, and Au surfaces is then reviewed. The most detailed information is available for two specific systems, S/Ag (111) and S/Cu(111). Here, metal-chalcogen clusters are clearly responsible for accelerated coarsening. This conclusion rests partly on deductive reasoning, partly on calculations of key energetic quantities for the clusters (compared with quantities for the clean surfaces), and partly on direct experimental observations. In these two systems, it appears that the adsorbate, S, must first decorate—and, in fact, saturate—the edges of metal islands and steps, and then build up at least slightly in coverage on the terraces before acceleration begins. Acceleration can occur at coverages as low as a few thousandths to a few hundredths of a monolayer. Despite the significant recent advances in our understanding of these systems, many open questions remain. Among them is the identification of the agents of mass transport on crystallographically different surfaces e.g., 111, 110, and 100.
Comparative study on passivation of GaAs0.86P0.14/Al0.6Ga0.4As near-surface quantum well
Authors: Pal Suparna , Singh S. D. , Porwal S. , D’Souza S. W. , Barman S. R. , Oak S. M.
Published: September 2010

The authors report a comparative study on ex situ passivation of a near-surface GaAs0.86P0.14/Al0.6Ga0.4As quantum well using various sulfide solutions and nitrogen plasma treatments. The built-in surface electric field is changed via band bending by applying various surface passivation conditions. The band bending is measured using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Reduction in surface electric field in the range of 10–35 kV/cm is observed depending on different passivation conditions. The photoreflectance spectra show enhancement in intensity and blueshift of ∼3 meV accompanied by significant reduction in the broadening parameter of the observed e1-lh1 transitions. Among all the methods studied here, passivation by Na2S⋅xH2O is found to be most effective as it removes the native oxide layer completely leading to almost flat band condition.
Reaction-Diffusion Model as a Framework for Understanding Biological Pattern Formation
Authors: Kondo Shigeru , Miura Takashi
Published: September 2010

Turing Model Explained

The reaction-diffusion (Turing) model is a theoretical model used to explain self-regulated pattern formation in biology. Although many biologists have heard of this model, a better understanding of the concept would aid its application to many research projects and developmental principles.
Kondo and Miura
(p.
1616
) now review the reaction-diffusion model. Despite the associated mathematics, the basic idea of the Turing model is relatively easy to understand and relates to morphogen gradients. In addition, user-friendly software makes it easy to understand how a whole variety of patterns can be produced by this simple mechanism.