bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐cleaning effects of acrylic resin containing fluoridated apatite‐coated titanium dioxide
Authors: Sawada Tomofumi , Sawada Tomoji , Kumasaka Tomonari , Hamada Nobushiro , Shibata Takeshi , Nonami Toru , Kimoto Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesSpecific materials when used in the manufacture of dentures can enhance the elimination of micro‐organisms to promote oral hygiene. We used Candida albicans adhesion assays, methylene blue (MB)‐decomposition tests and mechanical property tests to evaluate the photocatalytic properties of acrylic resin containing fluoridated apatite‐coated titanium dioxide (FAp‐TiO2) after treatment with ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation.BackgroundConventional denture cleaning methods are unable to completely eliminate micro‐organisms from dentures.Materials and methodsTest specimens were prepared using acrylic resin containing three types of TiO2 powder [FAp‐TiO2, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and hydroxyapatite‐coated TiO2 (HAp‐TiO2)]; n = 96. In the adhesion assay, test specimens were incubated in a fungal suspension and subjected to UVA irradiation, and the number of attachments of C. albicans on the test specimens was counted. The MB‐decomposition test and the three‐point bending test were then performed to assess the photocatalytic effects of the FAp‐TiO2‐containing acrylic resin.ResultsFluoridated apatite‐coated titanium dioxide‐containing acrylic resin demonstrated superior effectiveness in inhibiting C. albicans adherence as well as in decomposing MB. In the three‐point bending test, the resin showed a smaller decrease in flexural strength compared with TiO2‐ or HAp‐TiO2‐containing acrylic resin. Furthermore, UVA irradiation for 360 h did not significantly influence its flexural strength or elasticity modulus as compared with the control; this fulfils the requirements of International Organization for Standardization 1567:1999.ConclusionFluoridated apatite‐coated titanium dioxide‐containing acrylic resin is a clinically suitable material that promotes proper denture hygiene, particularly for elderly persons requiring nursing care or who have a decreased ability to perform normal activities of daily living.
Atenolol use is associated with long‐term mortality in community‐dwelling older adults with hypertension
Authors: Testa Gianluca , Cacciatore Francesco , Della‐Morte David , Mazzella Francesca , Mastrobuoni Chiara , Galizia Gianluigi , Gargiulo Gaetano , Rengo Franco , Bonaduce Domenico , Abete Pasquale 
Published: April 2013

AimThe role of atenolol, a non‐vasodilating beta‐blocker drug, on long‐term mortality in hypertensive older adults is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate long‐term mortality in community‐dwelling hypertensive older adults taking atenolol.MethodsLong‐term mortality after 12‐year follow up in isolated hypertensive older adults (n = 972) was analyzed. The patients were stratified in the presence and absence of atenolol use. Systolic, diastolic and pulse arterial pressure were measured.ResultsOlder adults taking atenolol showed a greater mortality and higher pulse arterial pressure values than those not taking atenolol (73.9% vs 55.0%; P = 0.047 and 74.7 ± 14.1 vs 63.0 ± 14.2 mmHg, P < 0.001, respectively). Cox regression analysis showed that atenolol use (hazard risk 1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.04–4.31; P = 0.04) and pulse arterial pressure (hazard risk 1.02; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.03; P = 0.032) were predictive of long‐term mortality.ConclusionsAtenolol use was related to increased mortality in community‐dwelling hypertensive Older adults. This increase in mortality risk seems to be related to an increase of pulse arterial pressure. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 153–158.
Freezing of gait caused by infarction in the unilateral genu of the corpus callosum
Authors: Kinno Ryuta , Yamazaki Takahiro , Owan Yoshiyuki , Uchiyama Masanobu , Kii Yoshitaka , Fukui Toshiya 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA 72‐year‐old man experienced a sudden onset of gait difficulty. He showed freezing of gait when he began walking with the right foot. When he followed an instruction to begin walking with the left foot and used visual cueing provided by a walking stick, an improvement in the freezing of gait was accomplished. Magnetic resonance imaging showed selective lesions in the left genu of the corpus callosum. We inferred that the freezing of gait was caused by the callosal lesions. This case implies that the white‐matter pathways are critical in the development of freezing of gait.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 abrogates microglial oxidative stress and TNF‐α responses to spreading depression
Authors: Grinberg Yelena Y. , Dibbern Megan E. , Levasseur Victoria A. , Kraig Richard P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSpreading depression (SD), the most likely cause of migraine aura and perhaps migraine, occurs with increased oxidative stress (OS). SD increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ROS, in turn, can signal to increase neuronal excitability, which includes increased SD susceptibility. SD also elevates tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), which increases neuronal excitability. Accordingly, we probed for the cellular origin of OS from SD and its relationship to TNF‐α, which might promote SD, using rat hippocampal slice cultures. We observed significantly increased OS from SD in astrocytes and microglia but not in neurons or oligodendrocytes. Since insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) mitigates OS from SD, we determined the cell types responsible for this effect. We found that IGF‐1 significantly decreased microglial but not astrocytic OS from SD. We also show that IGF‐1 abrogated the SD‐induced TNF‐α increase. Furthermore, TNF‐α application increased microglial but not astrocytic OS, an effect abrogated by IGF‐1. Next, we showed that SD increased SD susceptibility, and does so via TNF‐α. This work suggests that microglia promote SD via increased and interrelated ROS and TNF‐α signaling. Thus, IGF‐1 mitigation of microglial ROS and TNF‐α responses may be targets for novel therapeutics development to prevent SD, and perhaps migraine.
image
Spreading depression (SD), the likely cause of migraine, occurs with increased TNF‐α and oxidative stress (OS), which we show is specific to microglia and astrocytes. We then show TNF‐α and SD itself increase susceptibility to subsequent SD. IGF‐1 decreases TNF‐α and microglial OS from SD. These findings support IGF‐1 and microglial OS as potential therapeutic targets against SD and perhaps migraine.
Cognitive Decision Strategies Adopted in Reminder Tasks by Trained Judges When Discriminating Aqueous Solutions Differing in the Concentration of Citric Acid
Authors: Stocks Miriam A. , van Hout Danielle , Hautus Michael J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFour sensory difference tests – A‐Not A, two‐alternative forced choice (2‐AFC) and their reminder counterparts, A‐Not A with reminder task (A‐Not AR) and 2‐AFC with reminder task (2‐AFCR) – were applied to pairs of aqueous solutions containing different concentrations of citric acid to determine the decision strategy adopted by judges in the reminder tasks, and which of the four tasks has the greatest test sensitivity. Three solution types, each containing a different number of compounds, were employed to determine if the strategy adopted or test sensitivity is contingent upon the number of compounds in solution. Auditory and visual research suggests that observers adopt a tau (τ) strategy for simple stimuli (which could be likened to a solution containing a few compounds) and a beta (β) strategy for complex stimuli (which could be likened to a solution containing several compounds). Results suggest that the strategy adopted for the 2‐AFCR task is fairly consistent across judges and solution types, whereas that for A‐Not AR is fairly consistent across judges but depends on solution type. All four tasks were found to have similar test sensitivity. The results highlight the need for caution when using difference tests when the decision strategy being used by judges is not known. Relatively large errors in estimates of performance can result from an incorrect assumption.Practical ApplicationsChanges to ingredients, processing and storage methods frequently challenge manufacturers who strive to maintain products that will appeal to consumers. Difference tests can assist the manufacturer in determining the effect of such changes on perception. Difference tests need to be effective in use and must produce valid and reliable results. A‐Not A and 2‐AFC tasks are sensitive to sensory differences, and are frequently used, but require a time‐consuming familiarization procedure. A‐Not AR and 2‐AFCR do not require this, as they provide a comparative reminder stimulus on each trial. Comparisons of these four tasks showed all to be equal in test sensitivity, a component of validity, however, not equal in reliability. Of the reminder tasks, A‐Not AR was less reliable, as decision strategy depended on stimulus type, whereas in 2‐AFCR, decision strategy was more consistent, particularly for stimuli containing more components.
Group therapy in public mental health services: approaches, patients and group therapists
Authors: Lorentzen S. , Ruud T. 
Published: April 2013

Accessible summary
There is a plethora of different types of group therapy in public mental health services. Psychodynamic groups are most frequent, followed by cognitive‐behavioural and psycho‐educative groups. Groups with mixed theoretical background are frequent.
Patients with similar diagnosis are offered different group approaches, but some trends exist.
The development of clinician–researcher networks will facilitate research on regular patients in clinical contexts.
The largest proportion of group therapists are nurses. More group therapists should be trained.
AbstractGroup therapy is used extensively within public mental health services, but more detailed knowledge is needed. All 25 health authorities in Norway were invited to describe their groups: theory, primary tasks, interventions, structure, patients and therapists. Four hundred twenty‐six groups, 296 in community mental health centres and 130 in hospitals, were categorized into nine types, based on theoretical background. Psychodynamic groups were most frequent, followed by cognitive‐behavioural, psycho‐educative, social skills/coping and art/expressive groups. Weekly sessions of 90 min and treatment duration <6 or >12 months was most frequent. Main diagnosis for 2391 patients: depression (517), personality disorder (396), schizophrenia/psychosis (313) and social phobia (249). Patients with depression or personality disorder were mostly in psychodynamic groups, psychosis/bipolar disorder in psycho‐educative groups. Cognitive‐behavioural groups were used across several diagnoses. Most therapists were nurses, only 50% had a formal training in group therapy. There is a plethora of groups, some based on one theoretical school, while others integrate theory from several ‘camps’. Patients with similar diagnosis were offered different group approaches, although some trends existed. More research evidence from regular clinical groups is needed, and clinician–researcher networks should be developed. More group therapists with formal training are needed.
Association Between Prostate Volume and Red Cell Distribution Width
Authors: ZORBA Orhan Ü , UZUN Hakkı , ÖNEM Kadir , ÇETINKAYA Mehmet , RIFAIOĞLU Murat , AKÇA Nezih 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate relation between red cell distribution width (RDW) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsThe overall study population consisted of 942 men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), ranging in age from 60 to 85 years old. Patients with disorder or medication that can influence lower urinary tract or erythrocytes were excluded from the study. The relationship between RDW, white blood cell (WBC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were assessed with multivariate linear regression model. Patients were analyzed in four groups stratified according to the quartiles of prostate volume. The one‐way analysis of variance (anova) was used to compare RDW, WBC CRP, and ESR between different quartiles of prostate volume.ResultsA graded and independent association of RDW with the prostate volume was identified (P = 0.001). RDW was significantly associated with prostate volume in multivariate linear regression model that was adjusted for age and hemoglobin. IPSS was significantly correlated with RDW, CRP and ESR. However significance was lost after adjustment for age and prostate volume. The RDW was significantly associated with the surgical treatment in the multivariate linear regression model that was adjusted for age and prostate volume.ConclusionsA correlation between an increased RDW and prostate volume was suggested by the new data from this study. This relation may be a consequence of inflammatory stress arising from BPH. The significant association between the easy, inexpensive RDW may provide a rational basis to include the RDW in algorithms for surgery risk prediction.
Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery: Validation of the Japanese version
Authors: Kaneda Yasuhiro , Ohmori Tetsuro , Okahisa Yuko , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Pu Shenghong , Ueoka Yoshinori , Takaki Manabu , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Sora Ichiro 
Published: April 2013

AimThis preliminary study was performed to test the reliability and validity of the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), developed by the National Institute of Mental Health MATRICS initiative, as an assessment tool in a Japanese‐language version (MCCB‐J).MethodsThe subjects for the present study were 37 patients with schizophrenia. Each subject gave written informed consent to participate in the research. In order to examine the validity of the MCCB‐J, the correlation between the MCCB‐J and the Japanese‐language version of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) was determined.ResultsCronbach's alpha for the MCCB‐J was 0.72. The MCCB‐J composite score was significantly correlated with all subtests of the MCCB‐J. There was a significant correlation between the MCCB‐J and the BACS composite score.ConclusionThis preliminary study indicates that the MCCB‐J has good psychometric properties and validity.
Species‐Specific Responses to Combined Thermal‐irradiance Stress in Microalgae – “Each is to its Own”
Authors: Neale Patrick 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis article is a highlight of the study by Stamenkovic and Hanelt in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology describing the high‐irradiance photophysiology of several strains of freshwater chlorophyte microalgal genus, Cosmarium. These strains exhibit distinct differences in how combined thermal‐ high irradiance stress is managed which can be related to the temperature and irradiance conditions of their native habitat.
Mu suppression as an indicator of activation of the perceptual‐motor system by smoking‐related cues in smokers
Authors: Dickter Cheryl L. , Kieffaber Paul D. , Kittel Julie A. , Forestell Catherine A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe goal of the current study was to determine whether activation of the mirror neuron system, as measured by mu rhythm desynchronization, varied as a function of image content in smokers compared with nonsmokers. EEG activity was recorded while participants passively viewed images depicting smoking‐related and nonsmoking‐related stimuli. In half of the images, cues were depicted alone (inactive), while for the remaining images, cues were depicted with humans interacting with them (active). For the nonsmoking stimuli, smokers and nonsmokers showed greater mu suppression to the active cues compared to the inactive cues. However, for the smoking‐related stimuli, smokers showed greater perception‐action coupling for the active cues as reflected in their enhanced mu suppression, compared to nonsmokers. The results of the current study support the involvement of the perceptual‐motor system in the activation of motivated drug use behaviors.
Acid–Base Parameters and Steroid Concentrations in Pre‐Ovulatory Follicles and Plasma of Lactating Dairy Cows with Spontaneous and Synchronized Oestrus or Follicular Cyst
Authors: Hussein HA , Boryczko Z , Bostedt H 
Published: April 2013

ContentsThe study aimed to compare the acid–base balance and steroid concentrations between follicular fluids (FF) of pre‐ovulatory follicles derived from a spontaneous oestrus (SO), synchronized or induced oestrus (IO) and follicular cysts (CYS) and between FF and blood in dairy cows. Forty‐two dairy cows were included in this study. The animals were allocated to three groups: SO (n = 23); IO (n = 11) using GnRH at day 0 and day 9 and PGF2α at day 7; and animals with CYS (n = 10). The follicular fluids (FF) were aspirated from the cyst/pre‐ovulatory follicles (∅ ≥ 15 mm) after SO and after second GnRH dose in IO by transvaginal ultrasound‐guided ovum pick‐up technique. Blood samples (BL) were collected in heparinized vacutainer tubes. The oxygen tension (pO2) in FF of IO was higher (p < 0.05) than in SO and CYS groups. There were negative correlations (p < 0.001, r = −0.89) between FF and blood pO2. The carbon dioxide tension (pCO2) and lactate level in FF of CYS group were higher (p < 0.05) than in SO and IO groups. There were negative correlations (p < 0.01, r = −0.73) between blood and FF pO2. Oestradiol‐17β concentration in pre‐ovulatory follicles and plasma of the SO group was higher (p < 0.001) than in IO and CYS groups. Progesterone concentration in pre‐ovulatory follicles and plasma of the SO and IO groups was lower (p < 0.01) than in CYS group. Plasma androstenedione concentration in SO and IO groups was higher (p < 0.05) than in CYS group. In conclusion, acid–base parameters, E2 and P4 levels in the follicular fluid of both IO and CYS groups were deviated greatly from the physiological level (disturbances of intrafollicular/intracystic environment), which may affect the quality of both the oocyte and the granulosa cells.
Economic Strain, Education and Attitudes towards Foreigners in the European Union
Authors: Gang Ira N. , Rivera‐Batiz Francisco L. , Yun Myeng‐Su 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSurveys carried out by the Eurobarometer survey series show a sharp increase in the negative attitudes of European citizens towards foreigners between 1988 and 2003, but a noticeable reversal of this trend between 2003 and 2008. This paper provides a statistical analysis of the determinants of attitudes towards foreigners and analyzes the factors associated with changes in anti‐foreigner sentiment among European citizens. The paper concludes that while rising racial prejudice accounts for a substantial portion of the trend in anti‐foreigner sentiment, economic conditions also matter, with economic strain leading to more negative attitudes. At the same time, educational attainment is shown to be a strong antidote to anti‐foreigner attitudes. Both rising average schooling and more positive attitudes towards foreigners by the highly educated have led to a reversal of the climbing anti‐immigrant sentiments in Europe. The paper discusses policy implications and the potential effects of the European economic collapse since 2008.
Is Internal Migration in Yemen Driven by Climate or Socio‐economic Factors?
Authors: Joseph George , Wodon Quentin 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIdentifying the impact of climate on migration is a difficult undertaking because migration is a multi‐causal phenomenon, with a wide range of physical, climatic, cultural, and socio‐economic factors influencing decisions made by individuals and households. Combining data from the latest census in Yemen with a weather database as well as other geographic information, we assess the push and pull factors that may drive migration. These factors include climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall and their variability, socio‐economic factors such as the attractiveness of the areas of origin and destination among others in terms of employment, education, and irrigation, and cost factors as proxied by the distance between the places of origin and destination. The results suggest that climate variables do affect migration, but in a limited way, with socio‐economic and cost factors playing a much more prominent role.
The Costs of Babylon—Linguistic Distance in Applied Economics
Authors: Isphording Ingo Eduard , Otten Sebastian 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLinguistic distance, i.e. the dissimilarity between languages, is an important factor influencing international economic transactions such as migration or international trade flows by imposing hurdles for second language acquisition and increasing transaction costs. To measure these costs, we suggest using a new measure of linguistic distance. The Levenshtein distance is an easily computed and transparent approach of including linguistic distance into econometric applications. We show its merits in two different applications. First, the effect of linguistic distance in the language acquisition of immigrants is analyzed using data from the 2000 US Census, the German Socio‐Economic Panel, and the National Immigrant Survey of Spain. Across countries, linguistic distance is negatively correlated with reported language skills of immigrants. Second, applying a gravity model to data on international trade flows covering 178 countries and 52 years, it is shown that linguistic distance has a strong negative influence on bilateral trade volumes.
Residential Choice Constraints and Environmental Justice
Authors: Kim Yushim , Campbell Heather , Eckerd Adam 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveIn the environmental justice literature, uncertainty exists about the underlying causes of environmental risk disparities, especially as they relate to residential choices. To simplify, the two dominant views are racism/discrimination versus inevitable market dynamics. In this article, we move aside from these to examine the potential role of various residential choice constraints on environmental injustice and how they may be interrelated.MethodsUsing an agent‐based simulation model, we examine the interaction of race‐based constraints with other experimental conditions that can affect minorities’ residential choice sets.ResultsSimulation experiments demonstrate that if the minority holds relatively lower similarity preferences, the environmental quality gap declines when other conditions are held constant. However, racial parity in communities also decreases the environmental quality gap, as do slower population growth and larger geographies.ConclusionThese results enable us to look at the problem of race‐based environmental injustice more holistically, and begin to think about holistic solutions that may finally address what has heretofore been an intractable social problem.