bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Projected Alcohol Dose Influences on the Activation of Alcohol Expectancies in College Drinkers
Authors: Read Jennifer P. , Lau‐Barraco Cathy , Dunn Michael E. , Borsari Brian 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Alcohol expectancies have been linked to drinking behavior in college students, and vary according to a number of factors, including projected dose of alcohol. Research using Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) suggests that drinking may be influenced by activation of differing expectancy dimensions in memory, yet studies have not examined expectancy activation according to projected alcohol doses.Methods:  The present study used Individual Differences Scaling (INDSCAL) to map expectancy networks of college students (n = 334) who imagined varied drinking at high and low alcohol doses. Expectancy activation was modeled by dose, as well as by gender and by drinking patterns (typical quantity, blood alcohol content, heavy episodic drinking, and alcohol consequences). Expectancies were organized along positive–negative and arousal–sedation dimensions. Anticipation of a high dose of alcohol was associated with greater emphasis on the arousal–sedation dimension, whereas anticipation of a lower dose was associated with greater emphasis on the positive–negative dimension.Results:  Across heavy, medium, and light drinkers, expectancy dimensions were most distinguishable at higher doses; activation patterns were more similar across drinking groups at lighter doses. Modest evidence for the influence of gender on activation patterns was observed. Findings were consistent across alcohol involvement indices.Conclusions:  These data suggest that both dimensionality and context should be considered in the refinement of interventions designed to alter expectancies in order to decrease hazardous drinking.
Circadian Timing of Ethanol Exposure Exerts Enduring Effects on Subsequent Ad Libitum Consumption in C57 Mice
Authors: Trujillo Jennifer L. , Roberts Amanda J. , Gorman Michael R. 
Published: April 2009

Background:  There is a daily rhythm in the voluntary intake of ethanol in mice, with greatest consumption in the early night and lowest intake during the day. The role of daily timing of ethanol exposure on the development and control of long‐term ethanol self‐administration has been neglected. The present study examines these issues using C57BL/6J mice.Methods:  Mice were repeatedly exposed to 10% ethanol for 2 hours early in the night or day for several weeks. Subsequently, ethanol was available at the opposite time (Expt 1) or 24 hours daily (Expts 1 and 2). Lick sensors recorded the patterns of drinking activity in Experiment 2.Results:  Mice exposed to ethanol during the night drink more than mice exposed during the day. Prior history did not affect ethanol intake when the schedule was reversed. Under 24‐hour exposure conditions, mice with a history of drinking during the night consumed significantly more than mice drinking during the day. The circadian patterns of drinking were not altered.Conclusions:  These results demonstrate that the daily timing of ethanol exposure exerts enduring effects of self‐administration of ethanol in mice. Understanding how circadian rhythms regulate ethanol consumption may be valuable for modifying subsequent intake.
Comparing Models of Frailty: The Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Cigolle Christine T. , Ofstedal Mary Beth , Tian Zhiyi , Blaum Caroline S. 
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To operationalize and compare three models of frailty, each representing a distinct theoretical view of frailty: as deficiencies in function (Functional Domains model), as an index of health burden (Burden model), and as a biological syndrome (Biologic Syndrome model).DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analysis.SETTING: 2004 wave of the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal health interview survey.PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 65 and older (N=11,113) living in the community and in nursing homes in the United States.MEASUREMENTS: The outcome measure was the presence of frailty, as defined according to each frailty model. Covariates included chronic diseases and sociodemographic characteristics.RESULTS: Almost one‐third (30.2%) of respondents were frail according to at least one model; 3.1% were frail according to all three models. The Functional Domains model showed the least overlap with the other models. In contrast, 76.1% of those classified as frail according to the Biologic Syndrome model and 72.1% of those according to the Burden model were also frail according to at least one other model. Older adults identified as frail according to the different models differed in sociodemographic and chronic disease characteristics. For example, the Biologic Syndrome model demonstrated substantial associations with older age (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=10.6, 95% confidence interval (CI)=6.1–18.5), female sex (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.2–2.5), and African‐American ethnicity (OR=2.1, % CI=1.0–4.4).CONCLUSION: Different models of frailty, based on different theoretical constructs, capture different groups of older adults. The different models may represent different frailty pathways or trajectories to adverse outcomes such as disability and death.
The Effect of Age on the Association Between Blood Pressure and Cognitive Function Later in Life
Authors: Euser Sjoerd M. , Van Bemmel Thomas , Schram Miranda T. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Hofman Albert , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Breteler Monique M. B. 
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prospective relationship between blood pressure (BP) and cognitive function across a wide age range.DESIGN: Prospective population‐based cohort study.SETTING: The Rotterdam Study and the Leiden 85‐plus Study.PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand seventy‐eight men and women, initial age 55 to 84 from the Rotterdam Study and 276 men and women, initial age 85, from the Leiden 85‐plus Study.MEASUREMENTS: Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured at baseline, cognitive function was assessed at the end of follow‐up using a dedicated neuropsychological test battery. The association between baseline BP levels and cognitive function later in life was assessed in 10‐year age groups in the Rotterdam Study and in 85‐year‐olds of the Leiden 85‐plus Study.RESULTS: In the youngest participants (<65), SBP and DBP were not associated with cognitive function 11 years later. For persons aged 65 to 74, higher baseline SBP and DBP were related to worse cognitive function 11 years later. In contrast, in older age (≥75), higher SBP and DBP seemed to be related to better cognitive function at the end of follow‐up. This effect appeared strongest in the highest age group (aged 85).CONCLUSION: High BP was associated with greater risk of cognitive impairment in persons younger than 75 but with better cognitive function in older persons. Age‐specific guidelines for BP management are needed, because the current directive that “lower is better” may not apply to BP levels in the very old.
Effect of Two Methods of Reinforcement on the Fracture Strength of Interim Fixed Partial Dentures
Authors: Fahmy Nadia Z. , Sharawi Amr 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Purpose: This study assessed the efficiency of reinforcing provisional restorations by adding a fine gauze metallic mesh or polyethylene fibers between the abutments spanning the pontic length. Materials and Methods: Forty‐five resin fixed partial dentures (FPDs) were constructed using three provisional resins. The three resin groups were further divided into three subgroups depending on their reinforcement. Specimens were loaded compressively, and the load required to fracture the specimens was recorded in Newtons. Data were presented as means and standard deviation values. A regression model with two‐way ANOVA was used in testing significance. Duncan's post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison (p≤ 0.05). Results: Duralay resin and Duralay fiber‐reinforced restorations showed the highest fracture‐resistance values, followed by Protemp and Snap, which showed statistically similar values. The three mesh‐reinforced resin restoration materials showed no statistically significant difference between their fracture resistance values. Reinforcement did not alter the fracture resistance of Duralay and Protemp resin subgroups, but significantly increased that of Snap, equalizing it with the other resins. The three resin materials had similar moduli. Significant alterations occurred after fiber reinforcement. Results showed that fiber‐reinforced Duralay resin showed the highest modulus values, while no statistical difference was found between the moduli of fiber‐reinforced Protemp and Snap. Regarding the mesh‐reinforced groups, Duralay had the highest modulus followed by Protemp and Snap. Reinforcements altered the modulus values of Duralay resin only. Mesh‐reinforced Duralay resin showed the highest mean modulus, but no statistically significant difference was apparent between fiber‐reinforced and control groups. As for Protemp and Snap resin subgroups, their moduli remained unchanged by reinforcements. Conclusion: Initially, Duralay resin had higher fracture resistance values than Protemp II and Snap. Fiber and mesh reinforcements increased the fracture resistance of Snap. No statistically significant difference was evident among the fracture resistances of the three mesh‐reinforced resin FPD restorations. The three resins had similar moduli. Fiber and mesh reinforcement increased the modulus of Duralay resin but did not change that of Protemp and Snap. Fiber and metal mesh reinforcements may alter the fracture strength and modulus of some, but not all, provisional resins.
Influence of Double Flask Investing and Microwave Heating on the Superficial Porosity, Surface Roughness, and Knoop Hardness of Acrylic Resin
Authors: Rizzatti‐Barbosa Celia Marisa , Ribeiro‐Dasilva Margarete C. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Purpose: Simultaneous polymerization of maxillary and mandibular complete dentures with teeth in occlusion through investing in a double special flask has been described as a more rapid and efficient method to polymerize prostheses than the conventional method; however, no study has been done to verify important properties of resin, including superficial porosity, surface roughness, and hardness, when processed by this technique. The purpose of this study was to verify if the simultaneous polymerization associated with microwave heating may alter the superficial porosity, surface roughness, and Knoop hardness of acrylic resin. Materials and Methods: Resin specimens processed in single and double dental flasks were compared using microwave energy and warm water methods. Four groups were tested according to the investing flask and the method of resin cure: Group I control specimens (n = 15) were invested in single metal flasks and cured by warm water at 74°C for 9 hours. Group II (n = 15) specimens were invested in single polyvinyl chloride flasks and cured by microwave energy at 90 W for 20 minutes plus 450 W for 5 minutes. Group III (n = 30) and Group IV (n = 30) specimens were processed by simultaneous polymerization in double flasks and cured by the same warm water and microwave energy protocols, respectively. Results: No significant differences were found in mean superficial porosity (8.06 ± 2.28 pore/cm2), surface roughness (0.14 ± 0.03 μm), or Knoop hardness (19.66 ± 2.25 kgf/mm2) between the control group (GI), and the other three experimental groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Processing acrylic resin in a double flask heated by either warm water or microwave energy does not alter the resin's superficial porosity, surface roughness, or Knoop hardness; however, other properties of resin should be analyzed using this denture processing technique.
In vitro platelet function of platelet concentrates prepared using three different apheresis devices determined by impedance and optical aggregometry
Authors: Jilma‐Stohlawetz Petra , Eichelberger Beate , Horvath Michaela , Jilma Bernd , Panzer Simon 
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Testing the functional capacity of platelets (PLTs) from platelet concentrates (PC) is a main issue in transfusion medicine. Therefore, the aim was to study agonist‐inducible PLT aggregation of PLTs obtained by three apheresis devices. A semiautomated impedance aggregometry‐based whole‐blood method (multiplate electrode PLT aggregometry [MEA]) was modified for the use of PLTs from PC and data were compared with light transmission aggregometry (LTA).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PLT function was determined in 135 PCs without reconstitution with red blood cells (RBCs), obtained by three devices: Amicus, Trima Accel collection system, and MCS+. PLT function was assessed by the Multiplate TRAP test, and the area under the curve (AUC) was quantified. TRAP‐6–inducible maximal PLT aggregation (MA%) by LTA was used for analyses.RESULTS: The AUC was significantly lower in the Amicus PLTs compared to the Trima and MCS+ PLTs (Amicus versus Trima, p = 0.007; Amicus versus MCS+, p < 0.001). The Amicus PLTs were significantly less responsive to TRAP‐6–inducible PLT aggregation than Trima (p = 0.002) or MCS+ PLTs (p < 0.001) by LTA, and Trima PLTs responded significantly less than MCS+ PLTs (p = 0.001). There was only a weak correlation between MEA and LTA (r = 0.29, p = 0.019).CONCLUSION: PLTs obtained by the Amicus system show significantly less aggregation response to thrombin receptor stimulation compared to those obtained with other cell separators, examined by MEA and LTA. Testing PLT function in PCs by the MEA is a simple and rapid method without the need of adding RBCs. However, LTA and MEA appear to measure different aspects of PLT function.
Elevated Ca2+ influx–inducing activity toward mast cells in pretransfusion sera from patients who developed transfusion‐related adverse reactions
Authors: Azuma Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Miki , Takahashi Daisuke , Fujihara Mitsuhiro , Sato Shinichiro , Kato Toshiaki , Ikeda Hisami 
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Type I allergic reactions such as urticaria‐like manifestations constitute a large percentage of transfusion‐related adverse events. Along with donor factors, patient factors might be involved in these reactions. Sera from some patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria show histamine‐releasing activity (HRA). Sera from patients who develop Type I allergic reaction might possess HRA.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Pretransfusion serum samples were collected. Mast cells were cultured from peripheral blood CD34+ cells and mixed with the serum samples. Cells with elevated intracytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations were monitored using flow cytometry to evaluate Ca2+ influx–inducing activity (CaIA) in serum. The amount of histamine released into the supernatant was measured using an enzyme immunoassay kit to evaluate HRA. In some assays, cells were incubated with pertussis toxin (Ptx).RESULTS: CaIA values were higher (p < 0.05) in sera from patients with reactions (27.68 ± 20.38 [n = 145]; range, 0.49‐84.90) than in sera of patients without reactions (10.70 ± 6.50 [n = 54]; range, 2.67‐36.97) and control sera (9.67 ± 5.88 [n = 107]; range, 1.11‐25.68). No difference in CaIA was found between patients with (27.38 ± 20.46 [n = 88]) and without (28.38 ± 20.59 [n = 57]) skin manifestations. However, CaIA was higher (p < 0.05) in patients with pure urticaria (mean, 30.58 ± 21.3 [n = 30]; range, 70.43‐4.1) than in patients with fever alone (mean, 18.61 ± 14.71 [n = 18]; range, 45.94‐3.19). Levels of HRA were higher (p < 0.001) in CaIA‐positive sera than in CaIA‐negative sera. Both CaIA and HRA were blocked by Ptx.CONCLUSION: Elevated CaIA and HRA in pretransfusion sera might be attributable to adverse reactions, especially to urticaria‐like manifestation. The Gi protein–coupled receptor complexes on mast cells and its ligand must be involved.
What type of information is trusted by whom? A multilevel analysis of the stability of the information source‐trust association for blood transfusion
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Spence Alexa , Townsend Ellen , Prowse Chris , Palmer Joyce , Fleming Piers , Van Hilten Joost A. 
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that transfusion information from scientific sources (vs. popular sources) is seen as more trustworthy and that interventions should consider using scientific styles. Before such suggestions can be implemented, it is necessary to know if this science source‐trust link is observed across different sociodemographic groups and psychological characteristics. A large‐scale field‐based study examining the importance of sociodemographics and psychological characteristics on the source‐trust link was conducted.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A large field‐based experiment (the Euro Blood Substitutes Project) was conducted on four different samples (the general public, blood donors, patients, and health experts) in the UK and The Netherlands (total n = 3935). Questions examined levels of trust about sources of transfusion medicine, various aspects of knowledge, and demographic data.RESULTS: People differentiated between scientific and popular sources, with scientific sources perceived as more trustworthy. General trust in transfusion medicine was higher for those who believe that they or scientists were knowledgeable about transfusion medicine or genetic modification (GM). This suggests that people do not differentiate in their subjective knowledge between GM and transfusion medicine. This science trust‐source relationship was moderated by a variety of demographic (e.g., younger people were more likely to trust scientific sources) and psychological (e.g., those who rate science as knowledgeable were more trusting of scientific sources) factors.CONCLUSION: The trust‐source link is not stable and communications should be targeted to the specific population samples for which they will be most effective; scientifically styled information will be particularly effective for communicating information within certain populations.
Molecular bases of unexpressed RHD alleles in Chinese D− persons
Authors: Ye Luyi , Yue Danqi , Wo Dele , Ding Xiyu , Guo Shuangmei , Li Qin , Guo Zhonghui , Zhu Ziyan 
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to use a systematic survey to analyze RHD alleles in Chinese D− donors who do not express D antigen or who lack functional RhD protein.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 733 D− Chinese donors, not including Del phenotypes, were investigated by RHD polymorphism–specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Rhesus box PCR‐PstI digestion, and RHD sequencing. The frequencies of identified alleles were calculated.RESULTS: Three genetic mechanisms and eight alleles were found associated with the Chinese D− phenotype. One new RHD/CE hybrid allele and one novel mutation were also found. The rates of total deletion and the most frequent hybrid allele RHD(1)‐CE(2‐9)‐D(10) were similar to those found in previous studies. A previously reported mutation RHD(711delC) was found to be the predominant cause of aberrant RHD alleles.CONCLUSION: Informative population‐based data for improving molecular diagnostic strategies for Chinese D− persons are suggested by this study. This type of systematic knowledge is important for the development of typing and transfusion strategies for the Chinese population.
Interactions between Corporate Agency Conflicts
Authors: Douglas Alan V. S. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper examines simultaneous incentive conflicts between shareholders, bondholders, and managers. Manager‐owner conflicts arise from information asymmetries, and interact with traditional shareholder‐bondholder conflicts (i.e., underinvestment and asset substitution conflicts). Managers are aligned with the bondholders' preference to avoid underinvestment, but are aligned with the shareholders' preference for asset substitution, to the extent that riskier investments increase the manager's information advantage. The interactions between conflicts extend the agency cost literature and facilitate empirical implications linking the influence of each party to investment opportunities, financial policy, compensation contracts, and firm value.
Prescriptions for Schedule II Opioids and Benzodiazepines Increase after the Introduction of Computer‐generated Prescriptions
Authors: McGerald Genevieve , Dvorkin Ronald , Levy David , Lovell‐Rose Stephanie , Sharma Adhi 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground:  Prescriptions for controlled substances decrease when regulatory barriers are put in place. The converse has not been studied.Objectives:  The objective was to determine whether a less complicated prescription writing process is associated with a change in the prescribing patterns of controlled substances in the emergency department (ED).Methods:  The authors conducted a retrospective nonconcurrent cohort study of all patients seen in an adult ED between April 19, 2005, and April 18, 2007, who were discharged with a prescription. Prior to April 19, 2006, a specialized prescription form stored in a locked cabinet was obtained from the nursing staff to write a prescription for benzodiazepines or Schedule II opioids. After April 19, 2006, New York State mandated that all prescriptions, regardless of schedule classification, be generated on a specialized bar‐coded prescription form. The main outcome of the study was to compare the proportion of Schedule III–V opioids to Schedule II opioids and benzodiazepines prescribed in the ED before and after the introduction of a less cumbersome prescription writing process.Results:  Of the 26,638 charts reviewed, 2.1% of the total number of prescriptions generated were for a Schedule II controlled opioid before the new system was implemented compared to 13.6% after (odds ratio [OR] = 7.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.4 to 8.4). The corresponding percentages for Schedule III–V opioids were 29.9% to 18.1% (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.49 to 0.55) and for benzodiazepines 1.4% to 3.9% (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 2.4 to 3.4).Conclusions:  Patients were more likely to receive a prescription for a Schedule II opioid or a benzodiazepine after a more streamlined computer‐generated prescription writing process was introduced in this ED.
Cardiac renewing: interstitial Cajal‐like cells nurse cardiomyocyte progenitors in epicardial stem cell niches
Authors: Popescu L. M. , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Manole C. G. , Faussone‐Pellegrini Maria Simonetta 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRecent studies suggested that various cell lineages exist within the subepicardium and we supposed that this area could host cardiac stem cell niches (CSCNs). Using transmission electron microscopy, we have found at least 10 types of cells coexisting in the subepicardium of normal adult mice: adipocytes, fibroblasts, Schwann cells and nerve fibres, isolated smooth muscle cells, mast cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, interstitial Cajal‐like cells (ICLCs) and cardiomyocytes progenitors (CMPs). The latter cells, sited in the area of origin of coronary arteries and aorta, showed typical features of either very immature or developing cardiomyocytes. Some of these cells were connected to each other to form columns surrounded by a basal lamina and embedded in a cellular network made by ICLCs. Complex intercellular communication occurs between the ICLCs and CMPs through electron‐dense nanostructures or through shed vesicles. We provide here for the first time the ultrastructural description of CSCN in the adult mice myocardium, mainly containing ICLCs and CMPs. The existence of resident CMPs in different developmental stages proves that cardiac renewing is a continuous process. We suggest that ICLCs might act as supporting nurse cells of the cardiac niches and may be responsible for activation, commitment and migration of the stem cells out of the niches. Briefly, not only resident cardiac stem cells but also ICLCs regulate myocyte turnover and contribute to both cardiac cellular homeostasis and endogenous repair/remodelling after injuries.