bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors driving pathogenicity vs. prevalence of amphibian panzootic chytridiomycosis in Iberia
Authors: Walker Susan F. , Bosch Jaime , Gomez Virgilio , Garner Trenton W. J. , Cunningham Andrew A. , Schmeller Dirk S. , Ninyerola Miguel , Henk Daniel A. , Ginestet Cedric , Arthur Christian‐Philippe , Fisher Matthew C.
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 372–382

Amphibian chytridiomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Whether Bd is a new emerging pathogen (the novel pathogen hypothesis; NPH) or whether environmental changes are exacerbating the host‐pathogen dynamic (the endemic pathogen hypothesis; EPH) is debated. To disentangle these hypotheses we map the distribution of Bd and chytridiomycosis across the Iberian Peninsula centred on the first European outbreak site. We find that the infection‐free state is the norm across both sample sites and individuals. To analyse this dataset, we use Bayesian zero‐inflated binomial models to test whether environmental variables can account for heterogeneity in both the presence and prevalence of Bd, and heterogeneity in the occurrence of the disease, chytridiomycosis. We also search for signatures of Bd‐spread within Iberia using genotyping. We show (1) no evidence for any relationship between the presence of Bd and environmental variables, (2) a weak relationship between environmental variables and the conditional prevalence of infection, (3) stage‐dependent heterogeneity in the infection risk, (4) a strong association between altitude and chytridiomycosis, (5) multiple Iberian genotypes and (6) recent introduction and spread of a single genotype of Bd in the Pyrenees. We conclude that the NPH is consistent with the emergence of Bd in Iberia. However, epizootic forcing of infection is tied to location and shaped by both biotic and abiotic variables. Therefore, the population‐level consequences of disease introduction are explained by EPH‐like processes. This study demonstrates the power of combining surveillance and molecular data to ascertain the drivers of new emerging infections diseases.
Escherichia coli toxin/antitoxin pair MqsR/MqsA regulate toxin CspD
Authors: Kim Younghoon , Wang Xiaoxue , Zhang Xue‐Song , Grigoriu Simina , Page Rebecca , Peti Wolfgang , Wood Thomas K.
Published: January 2010

Previously we identified that the Escherichia coli protein MqsR (YgiU) functions as a toxin and that it is involved in the regulation of motility by quorum sensing signal autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2). Furthermore, MqsR is directly associated with biofilm development and is linked to the development of persister cells. Here we show that MqsR and MqsA (YgiT) are a toxin/antitoxin (TA) pair, which, in significant difference to other TA pairs, regulates additional loci besides its own. We have recently identified that MqsR functions as an RNase. However, using three sets of whole‐transcriptome studies and two nickel‐enrichment DNA binding microarrays coupled with cell survival studies in which MqsR was overproduced in isogenic mutants, we identified eight genes (cspD, clpX, clpP, lon, yfjZ, relB, relE and hokA) that are involved in a mode of MqsR toxicity in addition to its RNase activity. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) showed that (i) the MqsR/MqsA complex (and MqsA alone) represses the toxin gene cspD, (ii) MqsR overproduction induces cspD, (iii) stress induces cspD, and (iv) stress fails to induce cspD when MqsR/MqsA are overproduced or when mqsRA is deleted. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that the MqsA/MqsR complex binds the promoter of cspD. In addition, proteases Lon and ClpXP are necessary for MqsR toxicity. Together, these results indicate the MqsR/MqsA complex represses cspD which may be derepressed by titrating MqsA with MqsR or by degrading MqsA via stress conditions through proteases Lon and ClpXP. Hence, we demonstrate that the MqsR/MqsA TA system controls cell physiology via its own toxicity as well as through its regulation of another toxin, CspD.
Antifreeze proteins in polar sea ice diatoms: diversity and gene expression in the genus Fragilariopsis
Authors: Bayer‐Giraldi Maddalena , Uhlig Christiane , John Uwe , Mock Thomas , Valentin Klaus
Published: January 2010

Fragilariopsis is a dominating psychrophilic diatom genus in polar sea ice. The two species Fragilariopsis cylindrus and Fragilariopsis curta are able to grow and divide below freezing temperature of sea water and above average sea water salinity. Here we show that antifreeze proteins (AFPs), involved in cold adaptation in several psychrophilic organisms, are widespread in the two polar species. The presence of AFP genes (afps) as a multigene family indicated the importance of this group of genes for the genus Fragilariopsis, possibly contributing to its success in sea ice. Protein phylogeny showed the potential mobility of afps, which appear to have crossed kingdom and domain borders, occurring in Bacteria, diatoms, crustaceans and fungi. Our results revealed a broad distribution of AFPs not only in polar organisms but also in taxa apparently not related to cold environments, suggesting that these proteins may be multifunctional. The relevance of AFPs to Fragilariopsis was also shown by gene expression analysis. Under stress conditions typical for sea ice, with subzero temperatures and high salinities, F. cylindrus and F. curta strongly expressed selected afps. An E/G point mutation in the Fragilariopsis AFPs may play a role in gene expression activity and protein function.
The sphingosine‐1‐phosphate pathway is upregulated in response to partial urethral obstruction in male rats and activates RhoA/Rho‐kinase signalling
Authors: Aydin Memduh , Downing Keith , Villegas Guillermo , Zhang Xinhua , Chua Rowena , Melman Arnold , DiSanto Michael E.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of partial urethral obstruction (PUO) on the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P, a bioactive lipid shown to modulate smooth muscle, SM) pathway in the bladders of male rats, and to determine the effect of PUO on the RhoA/Rho‐kinase (ROK) pathway, and whether there is a molecular cross‐talk with the S1P pathways associated with bladder overactivity (S1P1‐S1P3, where S1P1 is associated with nitric oxide‐mediated SM relaxation, and S1P2 and S1P3 receptors are associated more with SM contraction via the ROK pathway).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 20 male rats were divided into two groups and underwent PUO or a sham operation (control). After 2 weeks all rats were killed humanely and bladder specimens used for in vitro organ‐bath physiological contractility studies, and for mRNA and protein analyses of major S1P/ROK pathway constituents via real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. In addition, early‐passage SM cells were transfected with recombinant sphingosine kinase (SPHK, the enzyme that converts sphingosine to S1P).

RESULTS

Bladders from PUO rats had greater mRNA expression of the S1P2 and S1P3 receptors, as well as SPHK1, than the sham controls (4.78, 2.04 and 2.72 times, respectively). PUO rats also had significantly greater expression of RhoA and ROKα (1.76 and 2.19 times, respectively). Western blotting and organ‐bath contractility studies showed similar changes at the protein and in vitro functional level, with an increased contractility of bladder strips from PUO rats to exogenous S1P. Transfection of SPHK into isolated SM cells increased ROK expression.

CONCLUSIONS

We show for the first time that the S1P signalling pathway is significantly upregulated in response to PUO in male rats at both the molecular and in vitro functional levels, correlating with an activation of the RhoA/ROK pathway. Further, we provide novel data that SPHK overexpression increases ROK expression in vitro, suggesting a novel hypothesis of S1P‐induced bladder overactivity in the mechanism for PUO‐induced bladder dysfunction and the S1P signalling pathway as a possible therapeutic target for bladder overactivity.
MULTI‐AGENT COOPERATION VIA REASONING ABOUT THE BEHAVIOR OF OTHERS
Authors: Jiao Wenpin
Published: January 2010

In multi‐agent cooperation, the agents will cooperate efficiently if they can accurately anticipate the behavior of their partners. In this work, we put forward a framework (called as transpositional thinking principle) for reasoning about and predicting the behavior of others and propose an approach to planning the cooperation among agents based on the principle. By using the principle, agents can richen their understanding about the behavior patterns of their partners and then infer their partners' actions more and more accurately. The experiments show that the cooperation among agents will be performed more efficiently and at a low cost when agents can anticipate the behavior of others with a high enough accuracy.
Job Security, Unionisation, Wages and Privatisation: A Case Study in the Turkish Cement Industry
Authors: Cam Surhan
Published: January 2010

In the recent years, many studies have dealt with the economic aspects of privatisation both in developing and developed countries. There is, however, a lack of systematic enquiries into employees' opinions about privatisation, albeit a number of claims have been advanced about the impact of privatisation upon the political attitudes of employees, and about its effects on employment relations. This article aims to contribute to filling this gap by analysing employees' attitudes towards the effects of privatisation on their job security, unionisation and wages. The study is based upon field-work conducted in the Turkish cement industry in 1996, and the research covers 150 employees. The findings of the research hardly support the idea put forward by the new right that privatisation would undermine the class contradictions between bourgeoisie and proletariat (Heller, 1984; Vickers and Yarrow, 1988).
A Combined Renormalization Group‐Multiple Scale Method for Singularly Perturbed Problems
Authors: O'Malley, Jr Robert E. , Kirkinis Eleftherios
Published: January 2010

This paper introduces a straightforward method to asymptotically solve a variety of initial and boundary value problems for singularly perturbed ordinary differential equations whose solution structure can be anticipated. The approach is simpler than conventional methods, including those based on asymptotic matching or on eliminating secular terms.
TORTURE WARRANTS AND DEMOCRATIC STATES: Dirty Hands in an Age of Terror
Authors: Lauritzen Paul
Published: January 2010

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, policy makers and others have debated the question of whether or not the United States should torture in an effort to prevent terrorist attacks. In a series of controversial essays, the legal theorist Alan Dershowitz argues that, if a democratic society is going to torture, it should at least be done under the cover of law. To that end, he recommends establishing a legal mechanism by which a judge could issue torture warrants—much as they do now for search warrants. In this essay, I examine Dershowitz's proposal in light of Michael Walzer's classic essay on dirty hands. Just as Walzer uses political theater as a lens for viewing the issue of political assassination, I similarly draw upon a dramatic response to Dershowitz's proposal to think through the issue of torture warrants.
Benchmark Bonds Interactions under Regime Shifts
Authors: Georgoutsos Dimitris A. , Migiakis Petros M.
Published: January 2010

In the present paper we examine the interactions among five benchmark ten year government bonds, namely those of the USA, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Our aim is to illustrate empirically a net of interactions existing among the major bond markets of Europe and the US market taking into account shifts in the underlying stochastic processes. For this purpose, differing from the rest of the relevant empirical literature, after specifying the long run equilibrium relations we estimate the linkages between the bond markets as subject to hidden Markov chains, by applying the Markov Switching Vector Error Correction framework (MS‐VECM). This formulation is found to efficiently reflect the shifts brought about by significant economic events, such as the European monetary unification. As a result we illustrate different short‐run relations referring to the periods before and after the monetary union. Overall, our empirical results indicate that stronger interactions among the markets of the system exist in the period after the EMU. Also, by means of a variance decomposition analysis we assess leader‐follower relations which indicate that the benchmark status of bonds has changed since the introduction of the common monetary policy framework in Europe.
Against Posthumous Rights
Authors: WINTER STEPHEN
Published: January 2010

abstract

A number of prominent nonconsequentialists support the thesis that we can wrong the dead by violating their moral claims. In contrast, this study suggests that the arguments offered by Thomson, Scanlon, Dworkin, Feinberg and others do not warrant posthumous rights because having claim‐grounding interests requires an entity to have the capacity to experience significance. If dead people don't have this capacity, there is no reason to attribute claims to them. Raising doubts about prominent hypothetical examples of ‘no‐effect injury’, the study concludes that nonconsequentialists should consider adopting an error theory regarding posthumous claims, and suggests two alternative explanations of the relevant moral domains.
Human in vivo study of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and the sympathetic activity after 8 weeks daily intake of fermented milk
Authors: Usinger Lotte , Ibsen Hans , Linneberg Allan , Azizi Michel , Flambard Bénédicte , Jensen Lars T.
Published: January 2010

Objective:  Milk fermented by lactic acid bacteria is suggested to have antihypertensive effect in humans. In vitro and animal studies have established an angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor effect of peptides in fermented milk. However, other modes of action must be considered, because until today no human studies have confirmed an ACE inhibition in relation to the intake of fermented milk.

Materials and methods:  We undertook a double‐blinded randomized placebo‐controlled study including 94 borderline‐hypertensive persons to study the effect on human physiology of Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk. The subjects were randomized into three groups: Cardi04‐300 ml, Cardi04‐150 ml or placebo. All components of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system were measured several times. Sympathetic activity was estimated by plasma noradrenaline and cardiovascular response to head‐up tilt at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.

Results:  No ACE inhibition of the fermented milk was demonstrated, as none of the components of the renin–angiotensin–aldosteron system changed. Plasma noradrenaline response to tilt test after intervention stayed unchanged between groups (P = 0·38), but declined in the group Cardi04‐300 from 2·01 ± 0·93 nmol l−1 at baseline to 1·49 ± 0·74 nmol l−1 after 8 weeks (P = 0·002). There was no change in 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure or heart rate between groups.

Conclusions:  Despite a known ACE inhibitory effect in vitro and in animals, milk fermented with Lb. helveticus did not inhibit ACE in humans. Our results suggest that the intake of fermented milk decreases sympathetic activity, although not to an extent mediating reductions of blood pressure and heart rate in borderline‐hypertensive subjects.
Working with natural processes: the challenge for coastal protection strategies
Authors: COOPER J A G , MCKENNA J
Published: January 2010

The concept of ‘working with natural processes’ has wide currency in coastal zone management. It is one of eight principles for integrated coastal zone management listed in a recent EU Recommendation. From a geomorphological perspective, the concept, however, has a range of imparted meanings that range from (1) direct human intervention in coastal processes using ‘hard engineering’ structures that causes alteration of wave patterns, through (2) a variety of ‘soft engineering’ approaches to (3) non‐intervention and proactively taking steps to enable the coastline to fluctuate freely in response to natural processes. These different views take variable temporal perspectives and only the long‐term approach is likely to be sustainable and in sympathy with the meaning implied in the EU Recommendation. A number of case studies from Ireland are presented through which we show that several factors (administrative, legislative, societal and political) impede adoption of the principle in practical coastal management. Major changes in perception of ‘coastal protection’ coupled with changes in attitudes to property will be required if this principle is to become an integral part of coastal protection strategies.
A neglected lineage of North American turtles fills a major gap in the fossil record
Authors: JOYCE WALTER G. , LYSON TYLER R.
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  The fossil record of the two primary subclades of softshell turtles (Trionychidae) is exceedingly asymmetric, as a result of a ghost range of total clade Cyclanorbinae that is estimated at 80 Ma. Herein, we present the first phylogenetic analysis of Trionychidae that includes a representative of the poorly studied taxon Plastomenidae, which is known from the Campanian to Eocene of North America. The analysis reveals that plastomenids are stem cyclanorbines, thus significantly reducing the apparent ghost range of total group Cyclanorbinae to approximately 30 Ma. Plastomenids are either an early branching clade of stem Cyclanorbinae, or they represent a paraphyletic grade that gave rise to modern cyclanorbines. Although abundant, the fossil record is still too poorly understood to distinguish between these two primary hypotheses. The previously persistent extremely long ghost range of total clade Cyclanorbinae appears to have been the result of a research bias.
Nitric oxide donor trans‐[RuCl([15]aneN4)NO]2+ as a possible therapeutic approach for Chagas' disease
Authors: Guedes Paulo MM , Oliveira Fabiana S , Gutierrez Fredy RS , da Silva Grace Kelly , Rodrigues Gerson Jhonatan , Bendhack Lusiane Maria , Franco Douglas W , Do Valle Matta Maria A , Zamboni Dario S , da Silva Roberto Santana , Silva João Santana
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  Benznidazole (Bz) is the therapy currently available for clinical treatment of Chagas' disease. However, many strains of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites are naturally resistant. Nitric oxide (NO) produced by activated macrophages is crucial to the intracellular killing of parasites. Here, we investigate the in vitro and in vivo activities against T. cruzi, of the NO donor, trans‐[RuCl([15]aneN4)NO]2+.

Experimental approach:  Trans‐[RuCl([15]aneN4)NO]2+was incubated with a partially drug‐resistant T. cruzi Y strain and the anti‐proliferative (epimastigote form) and trypanocidal activities (trypomastigote and amastigote) evaluated. Mice were treated during the acute phase of Chagas' disease. The anti‐T. cruzi activity was evaluated by parasitaemia, survival rate, cardiac parasitism, myocarditis and the curative rate.

Key results:  Trans‐[RuCl([15]aneN4)NO]2+ was 10‐ and 100‐fold more active than Bz against amastigotes and trypomastigotes respectively. Further, trans‐[RuCl([15]aneN4)NO]2+ (0.1 mM) induced 100% of trypanocidal activity (trypomastigotes forms) in vitro. Trans‐[RuCl([15]aneN4)NO]2+ induced permanent suppression of parasitaemia and 100% survival in a murine model of acute Chagas' disease. When the drugs were given alone, parasitological cures were confirmed in only 30 and 40% of the animals treated with the NO donor (3.33 µmol·kg−1·day−1) and Bz (385 µmol·kg−1·day−1), respectively, but when given together, 80% of the animals were parasitologically cured. The cured animals showed an absence of myocarditis and a normalisation of cytokine production in the sera. In addition, no in vitro toxicity was observed at the tested doses.

Conclusions and implications:  These findings indicate that trans‐[RuCl([15]aneN4)NO]2+is a promising lead compound for the treatment of human Chagas' disease.

This article is commented on by Machado et al., pp. 258–259 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00662.x and to view a related paper in this issue by Silva et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00524.x
Lacosamide as adjunctive therapy for partial‐onset seizures: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chung Steve , Sperling Michael R. , Biton Victor , Krauss Gregory , Hebert David , Rudd G. David , Doty Pamela ,   on behalf of the SP754 Study Group
Published: January 2010

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lacosamide (400 and 600 mg/day) as adjunctive treatment in patients with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures taking one to three concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Methods:  This multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial randomized patients 1:2:1 to placebo, lacosamide 400 mg, or lacosamide 600 mg/day. After an 8‐week baseline period, patients began treatment with placebo or lacosamide 100 mg/day, were force‐titrated weekly (100 mg/day increments) to the target dose, and entered a 12‐week maintenance period.

Results:  A total of 405 patients were randomized and received trial medication. Most (82.1%) were taking two to three concomitant AEDs. Median percent reductions in seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline to maintenance (intention‐to‐treat, ITT) were 37.3% for lacosamide 400 mg/day (p = 0.008) and 37.8% for lacosamide 600 mg/day (p = 0.006) compared to 20.8% for placebo, with responder rates of 38.3% and 41.2%, respectively, compared to placebo (18.3%, p < 0.001; ITT). Patients randomized to lacosamide showed large reductions in secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures, with median percent reductions in seizure frequency of 59.4% for lacosamide 400 mg/day and 93.0% for lacosamide 600 mg/day compared to 14.3% for placebo, and responder rates of 56.0% and 70.2% compared to placebo (33.3%). Dose‐related adverse events included dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Discussion:  Adjunctive treatment with lacosamide 400 and 600 mg/day reduced seizure frequency for patients with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures. Lacosamide 400 mg/day provided a good balance of efficacy and tolerability; lacosamide 600 mg/day may provide additional benefit for some patients as suggested by secondary efficacy analyses, including response in patients with secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures.
The Impacts of Household Consumption and Options for Change
Authors: Tukker Arnold , Cohen Maurie J. , Hubacek Klaus , Mont Oksana
Published: January 2010

This introductory article situates the contributions that comprise this special issue within the field of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) studies. After a brief review of the policy history surrounding SCP, we organize our discussion and the subsequent collection of articles into two groups. The first suite of articles views the environmental impacts associated with household consumption from the perspectives of different consumer groups, income levels, and geographic areas. This work confirms and refines several insights that have been developing over the past several years, namely that food and beverages, mobility, housing, and energy‐using products are the most critical consumption domains from the standpoint of environmental sustainability and that higher household income leads to greater (but less than proportional) impacts. The second subset of articles analyzes the potential for mitigating these impacts through behavioral changes and innovation strategies. Although the contributions to this special issue describe several noteworthy examples of information‐ and team‐based initiatives to catalyze behavioral changes, the state of knowledge pertaining to this aspect of the consumption problem is much more inchoate. Research on the formulation and implementation of effective “change management for sustainable consumption” should be treated as an area of priority attention for industrial ecologists.
Association Between Fitness and Changes in Body Composition and Muscle Strength
Authors: Koster Annemarie , Visser Marjolein , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Yu Binging , Allison David B. , Newman Anne B. , van Eijk Jacques Th. M. , Schwartz Ann V. , Satterfield Suzanne , Harris Tamara B. ,   for the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between physical fitness, assessed according to ability and time to complete a 400‐m walk, on changes in body composition and muscle strength over a 7‐year period.

DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING: Memphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand nine hundred forty‐nine black and white men and women aged 70 to 79 participating in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study.

MEASUREMENTS: Body composition (fat and bone‐free lean mass) was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in Years 1 to 6 and 8. Knee extension strength was measured using isokinetic dynamometry and grip strength using isometric dynamometry in Years 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8.

RESULTS: Less fit people weighed more and had a higher total percentage of fat and a lower total percentage of lean mass than very fit men and women at baseline (P<.001). Additionally, the least fit lost significantly more weight, fat mass, and lean mass over time than the very fit (all P<.01). Very fit people had the highest grip strength and knee extensor strength at baseline and follow‐up; decline in muscle strength was similar in every fitness group.

CONCLUSION: Low fitness in old age was associated with greater weight loss and loss of lean mass than with high fitness. Despite having lower muscle strength, the rate of decline in the least fit persons was similar to that in the most fit. In clinical practice, a long‐distance walk test as a measure of fitness might be useful to identify people at risk for these adverse health outcomes.
Bayesian Modeling of ChIP‐chip Data Through a High‐Order Ising Model
Authors: Mo Qianxing , Liang Faming
Published: January 2010

Summary ChIP‐chip experiments are procedures that combine chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and DNA microarray (chip) technology to study a variety of biological problems, including protein–DNA interaction, histone modification, and DNA methylation. The most important feature of ChIP‐chip data is that the intensity measurements of probes are spatially correlated because the DNA fragments are hybridized to neighboring probes in the experiments. We propose a simple, but powerful Bayesian hierarchical approach to ChIP‐chip data through an Ising model with high‐order interactions. The proposed method naturally takes into account the intrinsic spatial structure of the data and can be used to analyze data from multiple platforms with different genomic resolutions. The model parameters are estimated using the Gibbs sampler. The proposed method is illustrated using two publicly available data sets from Affymetrix and Agilent platforms, and compared with three alternative Bayesian methods, namely, Bayesian hierarchical model, hierarchical gamma mixture model, and Tilemap hidden Markov model. The numerical results indicate that the proposed method performs as well as the other three methods for the data from Affymetrix tiling arrays, but significantly outperforms the other three methods for the data from Agilent promoter arrays. In addition, we find that the proposed method has better operating characteristics in terms of sensitivities and false discovery rates under various scenarios.
Enhancing the Densification of Nanocrystalline TiO2 by Reduction in Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Noh Jun Hong , Jung Hyun Suk , Cho In‐Sun , An Jae‐Sul , Cho Chin Moo , Han Hyun Soo , Hong Kug Sun
Published: January 2010

Fully densified TiO2 was obtained from spark plasma sintering (SPS) nanocrystalline rutile powder at a temperature of 720°C. The TiO2 was densified under an applied pressure of 40 MPa at 720°C. However, the applied pressure was not great enough to cause plastic deformation within the TiO2 nanoparticle compact. Therefore, simple plastic deformation by applied pressure could not lead to the abrupt densification of TiO2 during the SPS. In this work, the abrupt densification of nanocrystalline TiO2 was examined at a low temperature in terms of the Joule heat caused by the flow of current through the compact due to the reduction of Ti4+ to Ti3+.
Interfacial Kinetic Engineering: How Far Have We Come Since Kingery's Inaugural Sosman Address?
Authors: Harmer Martin P.
Published: January 2010

The manipulation of the rate of atomic transport along and across interfaces (most notably grain boundaries) remains a central theme in the control of the microstructure and properties of inorganic materials. This is known as the field of interfacial kinetic engineering (IKE). In his opening Sosman Memorial lecture in 1973, Professor Kingery proposed a set of plausible concepts that he considered to be necessary and sufficient for the interpretation of ceramic grain‐boundary phenomena, which provided a foundation for conducting IKE. This 2008 Sosman Memorial lecture provides both a retrospective assessment and a prospective viewpoint of this persistently challenging field of study. A major focus of this paper, like Kingery's Sosman lecture, is the demonstration of how new techniques of observation have led to conceptual advances. A noteworthy new concept that has emerged is that of grain‐boundary complexions. Through control of the complexions, the interface transport rate and the material performance can be engineered toward a given application requirement.
Determination of Subcritical Crack Growth Parameters in Polymer‐Derived SiOC Ceramics by Biaxial Bending Tests in Water Environment
Authors: Schell Karl G. , Bucharsky Ethel C. , Oberacker Rainer , Hoffmann Michael J.
Published: January 2010

Polymer‐derived SiOC ceramics were prepared by field‐assisted sintering at 1600°C. In order to characterize this material, X‐ray diffractometry, density measurements, and mechanical tests were performed. It was determined that the material is dense and predominantly amorphous with fine crystalline regions of β‐SiC. A fracture toughness of 0.84 MPa·m1/2was determined from single edge, v‐notched bending tests. Inert strength and subcritical crack growth parameters were derived from the ball‐on‐three‐balls tests carried out at different loading rates. The inert strength of 212 MPa and the crack growth exponentnof 15 are on a similar level as commonly expected for silica‐based glasses. Because of an enhanced crack growth parameterA0, the crack velocity of the SiOC material at a given stress intensity level is significantly reduced compared with silica glasses.
A New Diagnosis Grouping System for Child Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Alessandrini Evaline A. , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Chamberlain James M. , Shea Judy A. , Gorelick Marc H.
Published: January 2010

Objectives: A clinically sensible system of grouping diseases is needed for describing pediatric emergency diagnoses for research and reporting. This project aimed to create an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐based diagnosis grouping system (DGS) for child emergency department (ED) visits that is 1) clinically sensible with regard to how diagnoses are grouped and 2) comprehensive in accounting for nearly all diagnoses (>95%). The second objective was to assess the construct validity of the DGS by examining variation in the frequency of targeted groups of diagnoses within the concepts of season, age, sex, and hospital type.

Methods: A panel of general and pediatric emergency physicians used the nominal group technique and Delphi surveys to create the DGS. The primary data source used to develop the DGS was the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) Core Data Project (PCDP).

Results: A total of 3,041 ICD‐9 codes, accounting for 98.9% of all diagnoses in the PCDP, served as the basis for creation of the DGS. The expert panel developed a DGS framework representing a clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric emergency patients. The resulting DGS has 21 major groups and 77 subgroups and accounts for 96.5% to 99% of diagnoses when applied to three external data sets. Variations in the frequency of targeted groups of diagnoses related to seasonality, age, sex, and site of care confirm construct validity.

Conclusions: The DGS offers a clinically sensible method for describing pediatric ED visits by grouping ICD‐9 codes in a consensus‐derived classification scheme. This system may be used for research, reporting, needs assessment, and resource planning.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:204–213 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
A Prospective Case Series of Pediatric Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in the Emergency Department Using Single‐syringe Ketamine–Propofol Combination (Ketofol)
Authors: Andolfatto Gary , Willman Elaine
Published: January 2010

Objectives:  This study evaluated the effectiveness, recovery time, and adverse event profile of intravenous (IV) ketofol (mixed 1:1 ketamine–propofol) for emergency department (ED) procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) in children.

Methods:  Prospective data were collected on all PSA events in a trauma‐receiving, community teaching hospital over a 3.5‐year period, from which data on all patients under 21 years of age were studied. Patients receiving a single‐syringe 1:1 mixture of 10 mg/mL ketamine and 10 mg/mL propofol (ketofol) were analyzed. Patients received ketofol in titrated aliquots at the discretion of the treating physician. Effectiveness, recovery time, caregiver and patient satisfaction, drug doses, physiologic data, and adverse events were recorded.

Results:  Ketofol PSA was performed in 219 patients with a median age of 13 years (range = 1 to 20 years; interquartile range [IQR] = 8 to 16 years) for primarily orthopedic procedures. The median dose of medication administered was 0.8 mg/kg each of ketamine and propofol (range = 0.2 to 3.0 mg/kg; IQR = 0.7 to 1.0 mg/kg). Sedation was effective in all patients. Three patients (1.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.0% to 3.0%) had airway events requiring intervention, of which one (0.4%; 95% CI = 0.0% to 1.2%) required positive pressure ventilation. Two patients (0.9%; 95% CI = 0.0% to 2.2%) had unpleasant emergence requiring treatment. All other adverse events were minor. Median recovery time was 14 minutes (range = 3 to 41 minutes; IQR = 11 to 18 minutes). Median staff satisfaction was 10 on a 1‐to‐10 scale.

Conclusions:  Pediatric PSA using ketofol is highly effective. Recovery times were short; adverse events were few; and patients, caregivers, and staff were highly satisfied.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:194–201 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Validation of Length of Hospital Stay as a Surrogate Measure for Injury Severity and Resource Use Among Injury Survivors
Authors: Newgard Craig D. , Fleischman Ross , Choo Esther , John Ma O. , Hedges Jerris R. , John McConnell K.
Published: January 2010

Objectives:  While hospital length of stay (LOS) has been used as a surrogate injury outcome when more detailed outcomes are unavailable, it has not been validated. This project sought to validate LOS as a proxy measure of injury severity and resource use in heterogeneous injury populations.

Methods:  This observational study used four retrospective cohorts: patients presenting to 339 California emergency departments (EDs) with a primary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9), injury diagnosis (years 2005–2006); California hospital injury admissions (a subset of the ED population); trauma patients presenting to 48 Oregon EDs (years 1998–2003); and injured Medicare patients admitted to 171 Oregon and Washington hospitals (years 2001–2002). In‐hospital deaths were excluded, as they represent adverse outcomes regardless of LOS. Duration of hospital stay was defined as the number of days from ED admission to hospital discharge. The primary composite outcome (dichotomous) was serious injury (Injury Severity Score [ISS] ≥ 16 or ICD‐9 ISS ≤ 0.90) or resource use (major surgery, blood transfusion, or prolonged ventilation). The discriminatory accuracy of LOS for identifying the composite outcome was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Analyses were also stratified by age (0–14, 15–64, and ≥65 years), hospital type, and hospital annual admission volume.

Results:  The four cohorts included 3,989,409 California ED injury visits (including admissions), 236,639 California injury admissions, 23,817 Oregon trauma patients, and 30,804 Medicare injury admissions. Composite outcome rates for the four cohorts were 2.1%, 29%, 27%, and 22%, respectively. Areas under the ROC curves for overall LOS were 0.88 (California ED), 0.74 (California admissions), 0.82 (Oregon trauma patients), and 0.68 (Medicare patients). In general, the discriminatory value of LOS was highest among children, tertiary trauma centers, and higher volume hospitals, although this finding differed by the injury population and outcome assessed.

Conclusions:  Hospital LOS may be a reasonable proxy for serious injury and resource use among injury survivors when more detailed outcomes are unavailable, although the discriminatory value differs by age and the injury population being studied.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:142–150 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Places for Practitioners in AAA Sections, Part II
Authors: Colwell‐Chanthaphonh Chip , Bennett Linda , Tashima Nathaniel
Published: January 2010

Shirley Fiske and Niel Tashima are contributing editors of “Anthropology Works,” the AAA Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology column in Anthropology News.
Research on Policy: Shadow Elite: How the Study of Post‐Communist Societies Illuminates US Power Structures
Authors: Wedel Janine R
Published: January 2010

Janine R Wedel is contributing editor of “Research on Policy,” the AAA Interest Group for the Anthropology of Public Policy column in Anthropology News.
Anterior Provisional Restorations Used to Determine Form, Function, and Esthetics for Complex Restorative Situations, Using All‐Ceramic Restorative Systems
Authors: RESHAD MAMALY , CASCIONE DOMENICO , KIM TAE
Published: January 2010

A technique is proposed for the restoration of a large and visible maxillary anterior defect. The importance of proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and communication is emphasized. Irreversible treatment should only be rendered once patient approval has been obtained through objective evaluation with provisional restorations. The techniques presented in this article use a combination of ceramic systems currently available to satisfy functional demands while achieving acceptable esthetics. A controlled series of steps, where the provisional restorative components are being replaced by the definitive ones is planned. The only difference between the provisional and definitive restorative components is the material used. The definitive restorations consisted of an implant‐supported zirconium oxide framework. Individual pressed porcelain restorations were luted to the framework and a natural tooth.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Provisional restorations allow an objective form of communication. Vertical and horizontal transitional lines can be effectively masked with appropriate treatment planning and a skilled ceramist. Many traditional dental laboratory steps may be eliminated or simplified without compromising the definitive restorations.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 22:7–17, 2010)
OPTIONS FOR DENTIN/ENAMEL BONDING: PART I
Authors: Swift Jr. Edward J.
Published: January 2010

Four categories of resin‐based dentin/enamel adhesives are currently available. These include the three‐step etch‐and‐rinse, “one‐bottle” etch‐and‐rinse, two‐step self‐etch primer systems, and “all‐in‐one” self‐etch adhesives. In consecutive issues of the Journal, the Critical Appraisal series will present salient publications on research in each of the categories, beginning with this issue's piece on the three‐step etch‐and‐rinse systems.
Myostatin down‐regulates the IGF‐2 expression via ALK‐Smad signaling during myogenesis in cattle
Authors: MIYAKE Masato , HAYASHI Shinichiro , TAKETA Yoshikazu , IWASAKI Shunsuke , WATANABE Kouichi , OHWADA Shyuich , ASO Hisashi , YAMAGUCHI Takahiro
Published: January 2010

Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator during muscle differentiation, whereas insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) are essential for muscle development. MSTN and IGFs act oppositely during myogenesis, but there is little information on the mutual relationship of MSTN and IGFs. The present study was conducted to examine whether MSTN affects IGF expression during early myogenesis in cattle. IGF‐1 mRNA was similarly expressed in M. longissimus thoracis of double‐muscled (DM) and normal (NM) Japanese shorthorn cattle. IGF‐2 mRNA expression was consistently higher in the normal and regenerating muscle of DM cattle than those of NM cattle. When myoblasts were isolated from regenerating M. longissimus thoracis, IGF‐2 mRNA expression showed a significant increase in differentiating DM derived myoblasts (DM‐myoblasts) as compared with differentiating NM derived myoblasts (NM‐myoblasts). An addition of recombinant mouse myostatin (rMSTN) to myoblast cultures attenuated IGF‐2 mRNA expression and decreased myotube formation, but did not effect IGF‐1 mRNA expression. An activin‐like kinase (ALK) inhibitor, SB431542, mediates MSTN action, suppressed the translocation of Smad2/3 into the nucleus in DM‐myoblasts, and restored the attenuated IGF‐2 mRNA expression and the decreased myotube formation induced by rMSTN in myoblast cultures. The findings indicate that MSTN may negatively regulate myoblast differentiation by suppressing IGF‐2 expression via ALK‐Smad signaling.
The biochemical properties of the mitochondrial thiamine pyrophosphate carrier from Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Iacopetta Domenico , Carrisi Chiara , De Filippis Giuseppina , Calcagnile Valeria M. , Cappello Anna R. , Chimento Adele , Curcio Rosita , Santoro Antonella , Vozza Angelo , Dolce Vincenza , Palmieri Ferdinando , Capobianco Loredana
Published: January 2010

The mitochondrial carriers are a family of transport proteins that shuttle metabolites, nucleotides and cofactors across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The genome of Drosophila melanogaster encodes at least 46 members of this family. Only five of these have been characterized, whereas the transport functions of the remainder cannot be assessed with certainty. In the present study, we report the functional identification of two D. melanogaster genes distantly related to the human and yeast thiamine pyrophosphate carrier (TPC) genes as well as the corresponding expression pattern throughout development. Furthermore, the functional characterization of the D. melanogaster mitochondrial thiamine pyrophosphate carrier protein (DmTpc1p) is described. DmTpc1p was over‐expressed in bacteria, the purified protein was reconstituted into liposomes, and its transport properties and kinetic parameters were characterized. Reconstituted DmTpc1p transports thiamine pyrophosphate and, to a lesser extent, pyrophosphate, ADP, ATP and other nucleotides. The expression of DmTpc1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiaeTPC1 null mutant abolishes the growth defect on fermentable carbon sources. The main role of DmTpc1p is to import thiamine pyrophosphate into mitochondria by exchange with intramitochondrial ATP and/or ADP.
THE EFFECT OF PURGING TIME ON THE SENSORY PROPERTIES OF AQUACULTURED SOUTHERN FLOUNDER (PARALICHTHYS LETHOSTIGMA)
Authors: DRAKE S.L. , DRAKE M.A. , SANDERSON R. , DANIELS H.V. , YATES M.D.
Published: January 2010

This study was conducted to determine the impact of purging on the sensory flavor properties and consumer acceptance of aquacultured southern flounder, especially with regard to earthy/musty off‐flavor common in aquacultured seafood. Flounders were placed into three different purge tanks based on salinity level (0, 15 and 30 ppt) and were held for 0, 2 or 4 weeks. Flounders were then filleted, vacuum‐sealed and frozen at −20C. The fillets were poached in their vacuum‐sealed pouches until cooked. Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted using a defined sensory lexicon (appearance and flavor) to document sensory properties. Consumer acceptance testing (n = 75 consumers) was then conducted. Differences between treatments were evaluated by analysis of variance with means separation. Two or four weeks of purging, regardless of salinity level, decreased earthy/musty off‐flavor in cooked fillets. There was no difference in salty taste perception between 15 and 30 ppt salinity (P < 0.05). Consumers could not differentiate between fish purged for 2 or 4 weeks (P < 0.05), and acceptance for purged fillets was higher than acceptance for unpurged fillets (P < 0.05). The use of purging tanks for aquacultured flounder will be beneficial to the industry to guarantee a consistent and desirable flavor.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Aquacultured flounder fillets are highly desirable and a potentially profitable product, but earthy/musty off flavor can limit consumer appeal. The results of our study demonstrate that purging flounder in fresh water for 2 weeks reduces earthy/musty off‐flavor in cooked flounder fillets, and will help meet the goal of a high‐quality and consistently flavored product.
Legitimacy in corrections
Authors: Franke Derrick , Bierie David , Mackenzie Doris Layton
Published: January 2010

Research Summary

To extend research on legitimacy to the correctional system, we study a sample of 202 adult inmates randomly assigned to serve their 6‐month sentence at one of two institutions—a traditional prison or a military‐style correctional boot camp. Findings show that perceptions of justice system legitimacy changed during the course of incarceration, that the prison (but not the boot camp) proved delegitimizing, and that certain regime characteristics explained why.

Policy Implications

Across academic disciplines, studies continue to link compliance with perceived legitimacy. Compliance with the law, for instance, is related closely to the legitimacy of the justice system and its actors. These findings suggest implementing legitimacy‐building policies such as procedurally fair treatment and decision making by police officers and judges. This article, by finding legitimacy to be malleable even at the final stage of the justice process, proposes the efficacy of similar policies in the correctional system. As research from England and Wales has shown, legitimizing strategies in this context could increase compliance both during and after incarceration.
Is problem‐oriented policing effective in reducing crime and disorder?
Authors: Weisburd David , Telep Cody W. , Hinkle Joshua C. , Eck John E.
Published: January 2010

Research Summary

We conducted a Campbell systematic review to examine the effectiveness of problem‐oriented policing (POP) in reducing crime and disorder. After an exhaustive search strategy that identified more than 5,500 articles and reports, we found only ten methodologically rigorous evaluations that met our inclusion criteria. Using meta‐analytic techniques, we found an overall modest but statistically significant impact of POP on crime and disorder. We also report on our analysis of pre/post comparison studies. Although these studies are less methodologically rigorous, they are more numerous. The results of these studies indicate an overwhelmingly positive impact from POP.

Policy Implications

POP has been adopted widely across police agencies and has been identified as effective by many policing scholars. Our study supports the overall commitment of police to POP but suggests that we should not necessarily expect large crime and disorder control benefits from this approach. Moreover, funders and the police need to invest much greater effort and resources to identify the specific approaches and tactics that work best in combating specific types of crime problems. We conclude that the evidence base in this area is deficient given the strong investment in POP being made by the government and police agencies.