bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tenascin‐C promotes differentiation of rat dental pulp cells in vitro
Authors: Matsuoka K. , Matsuzaka K. , Yoshinari M. , Inoue T. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the effects of tenascin‐C (TN‐C) on cultured rat dental pulp cells in relation to the expression of Notch signalling.MethodologySubcultured dental pulp cells derived from rat incisors were seeded both in wells and on plastic coverslips coated with various concentrations of recombinant human TN‐C. Expression of bone‐related mRNA was then analysed by RT‐PCR and observed by immunohistochemical staining. Encoding of Notch1 and Notch2 (markers of initial differentiation of odontoblast‐like cells), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) (markers of mineralization) was investigated. Non‐TN‐C‐coated wells were used as controls. Primary antibodies to Notch1, ALP and OCN were used for immunofluorescence staining, and ALP activity was evaluated. Data were compared using Student's t‐test.ResultsCell proliferation rate in the experimental groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control group at 72 h. Expression of Notch1, Notch2, ALP, OPN and OCN mRNAs was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the experimental group than that in the control group. Strongly positive staining for Notch1, ALP and OCN was observed in the experimental group. ALP activity was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the experimental group than in the control group at 24 h.Conclusion
TN‐C promoted differentiation of rat dental pulp cells by the activation of Notch.
Antimicrobial effectiveness of intracanal medicaments on Enterococcus faecalis: chlorhexidine versus octenidine
Authors: de Lucena J. M. V. M. , Decker E. M. , Walter C. , Boeira L. S. , Löst C. , Weiger R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimTo determine the viability of
Enterococcus faecalis in infected human root dentine in vitro after exposure to root canal medicaments based on chlorhexidine and octenidine.MethodologyHuman root segments (n = 40) were infected with
E. faecalis for 8 weeks. Root dentine samples (rd) collected at week 4 served as individual baseline values. At week 8, the root segments were randomly divided into four test groups (n = 10 each) for the placement of one of the following medicaments in the root canals: calcium hydroxide paste (CH), chlorhexidine gel (CHX‐gel) (5.0%), chlorhexidine/gutta‐percha points (CHX‐GP) (active points®; Roeko, Langenau, Germany) and octenidine gel (OCT‐gel) (5.0%) followed by incubation for 4 weeks. The effect on
E. faecalis viability was assessed by two fluorescent dyes (syto 9/propidium iodide) to determine the ‘proportion of viable bacteria’ (PVB%) and number of ‘colony‐forming units’ (CFU). Mean values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for PVB% and log CFU, and the difference between groups was established.ResultsViable and dead bacterial cells were detected in all ‘rd’ samples at weeks 4 and 8. The treatment with CHX‐gel, CHX‐GP and OCT‐gel resulted in significantly lower PVB% values with 15.4%, 3.5% and 0%, respectively. No growth (CFU) was recorded for these samples at week 12. When medicated by CH, the PVB% was increased without a corresponding change in CFUs.ConclusionsIn contrast to calcium hydroxide, both CHX – and octenidine‐based intracanal medicaments were effective in decreasing the viability of
E. faecalis. OCT showed the most favourable results and may have potential as an endodontic medicament.
Mechanism of the asymmetric activation of the MinD ATPase by MinE
Authors: Park Kyung‐Tae , Wu Wei , Lovell Scott , Lutkenhaus Joe 
Published: June 2012

SummaryMinD is a component of the Min system involved in the spatial regulation of cell division. It is an ATPase in the MinD/ParA/Mrp deviant Walker A motif family which is within the P loop GTPase superfamily. Its ATPase activity is stimulated by MinE; however, the mechanism of this activation is unclear. MinD forms a symmetric dimer with two binding sites for MinE; however, a recent model suggested that MinE occupying one site was sufficient for ATP hydrolysis. By generating heterodimers with one binding site for MinE we show that one binding site is sufficient for stimulation of the MinD ATPase. Furthermore, comparison of structures of MinD and related proteins led us to examine the role of N45 in the switch I region. An asparagine at this position is conserved in four of the deviant Walker A motif subfamilies (MinD, chromosomal ParAs, Get3 and FleN) and we find that N45 in MinD is essential for MinE‐stimulated ATPase activity and suggest that it is a key residue affected by MinE binding.
Bacterial urinary tract infection after solid organ transplantation in the RESITRA cohort
Authors: Vidal E. , Torre‐Cisneros J. , Blanes M. , Montejo M. , Cervera C. , Aguado J.M. , Len O. , Carratalá J. , Cordero E. , Bou G. , Muñoz P. , Ramos A. , Gurguí M. , Borrell N. , Fortún J. ,   on behalf of the Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI)
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection in renal transplant patients, but it is necessary to determine the risk factors for bacterial UTI in recipients of other solid organ transplants (SOTs), as well as changes in etiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis.MethodsIn total, 4388 SOT recipients were monitored in 16 transplant centers belonging to the Spanish Network for Research on Infection in Transplantation (RESITRA). The frequency and characteristics of bacterial UTI in transplant patients were obtained prospectively from the cohort (September 2003 to February 2005).ResultsA total of 192 patients (4.4%) presented 249 episodes of bacterial UTI (0.23 episodes per 1000 transplantation days); 156 patients were kidney or kidney–pancreas transplant recipients, and 36 patients were liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients. The highest frequency was observed in renal transplants (7.3%). High frequency of cystitis versus pyelonephritis without related mortality was observed in both groups. The most frequent etiology was Escherichia coli (57.8%), with 25.7% producing extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL). In all transplants but renal, most cases occurred in the first month after transplantation. Cases were uniformly distributed during the first 6 months after transplantation in renal recipients. Age (odds ratio [OR] per decade 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.17), female gender (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.42–2.13), and the need for immediate post‐transplant dialysis (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.29–2.05) were independent variables associated with bacterial UTI in renal and kidney–pancreas recipients. The independent risk factors identified in non‐renal transplants were age (OR per decade 1.79, 95% CI 1.09–3.48), female gender (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.43–2.49), and diabetes (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.001–1.040).ConclusionsUTI was frequent in renal transplants, but also not unusual in non‐renal transplants. Because E. coli continues to be the most frequent etiology, the emergence of ESBL‐producing strains has been identified as a new problem. In both populations, most cases were cystitis without related mortality. Although the first month after transplantation was a risk period in all transplants, cases were uniformly distributed during the first 6 months in renal transplants. Age and female gender were identified as risk factors for UTI in both populations. Other particular risk factors were the need for immediate post‐transplant dialysis in renal transplants and diabetes in non‐renal transplants.
Graft‐versus‐host disease or toxic epidermal necrolysis: diagnostic dilemma after liver transplantation
Authors: Jeanmonod P. , Hubbuch M. , Grünhage F. , Meiser A. , Rass K. , Schilling M.K. , Kollmar O. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGraft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare and severe complications after liver transplantation. While mild acute GvHD is quite different from TEN and easy to distinguish, severe acute GvHD and TEN can be hard to differentiate because of similar clinical symptoms. We herein report a case with rapid progression of critical illness, after liver transplantation, caused by GvHD or TEN, although between those, diagnosis was not possible during the clinical course. Although, based on the timing/progression of the symptoms and the chimerism of >40%, the case seemed much more clinically consistent with GVHD, the combination of clinical symptoms together with skin rashes and the histologic appearance of skin lesions indicated diagnosis of a Stevens‐Johnson syndrome/TEN overlap. The true diagnostic dilemma in such cases is discussed in detail, as these cases emphasize the need for more advanced diagnostic techniques.
Polymorphic variation of CYP11B2 predicts postoperative resolution of hypertension in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for aldosterone‐producing adenomas
Authors: Wang Wei , Hu Wei Lie , Zhang Li Chao , Xiao Yuan Song , Liu Jun , Bin Chen 
Published: June 2012

Objectives:  The surgical cure rate of patients with aldosterone‐producing adenoma varies widely, and causes of persistent hypertension are not completely established. The objective of this study was to assess the blood pressure outcome in patients after retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy, and to analyze the CYP11B2 344 C/T polymorphism and any factors associated with the outcome.Methods:  Between 2002 and 2009, 82 patients with unilateral aldosterone‐producing adenoma underwent retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Clinical and biochemical data were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were investigated to assess the association of the CYP11B2 344 C/T polymorphism with resistant hypertension after surgery.Results:  Adrenalectomy cured hypertension in 44 patients (53.7%), and 27 patients (32.9%) had persistent hypertension that was much easier to control after surgery, whereas 11 patients (13.4%) had continued hypertension and poor blood pressure control. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the main determinants of postoperative cure were duration of hypertension less than 5 years (OR 4.515, 95% CI 1.978–10.293), number of antihypertensive medications ≤2 (OR 2.639, 95% CI 1.154–6.035), preoperative response to spironolactone (OR 3.105, 95% CI 1.381–6.985) and the TT genotype of the CYP11B2 gene (344 C/T; OR 2.765, 95% CI 1.261–6.064).Conclusions:  The 344 C/T polymorphism of the CYP11B2 gene predicts resolution of hypertension in patients undergoing adrnelactomy for aldosterone‐producing adenoma. Duration of hypertension, number of antihypertensive medications, and preoperative response to spironolactone also represents predictive factors that need to be considered for the identification of patients with continued postoperative hypertension requiring long‐term monitoring and treatment.
An investigation on the impact fatigue characteristics of valve leaves for small hermetic reciprocating compressors in a new automated test system
Authors: ALTUNLU A. C. , LAZOGLU I. , OGUZ E. , KARA S. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an investigation on the impact fatigue characteristics of valve leaves that are prevalently used in hermetic reciprocating compressors especially for the household type refrigerators. A unique automated impact fatigue test system has been designed and produced, which enables to carry out impact fatigue tests of the compressor valve leaves under the desired impact velocities. The test system incorporates a noncontact actuation, a data acquisition system and an acoustic‐based damage detection technique, which continuously monitors the health of the structure. The damage detection system allows parametrical investigation on the impact fatigue life by detecting any possible damage and automatically terminating the test. The investigation relates the impact fatigue lifetime of the valve leaves with the impact velocity, asymmetrical impact, operation temperature, material type (carbon strip steel, stainless strip steel and new stainless strip steel grade) and tumbling operation duration. The observations show that the cracks have initiated from the edges of the valve leaf where is in contact with the valve plate. Subsequently, the cracks initially have propagated in the radial direction inwards the center of the impact area. Various failure cases have been resulted in by either a single crack or inter‐related multiple cracks. Microscopic and metallographic observations have been performed on the specimens to enhance the understanding of the damage mechanisms. The investigation and introduced test system guide the design optimization of the valve leaves in terms of compressor performance due to the energy consumption and lifetime of the valve leaf.
A clinical evaluation of the i‐gelTM supraglottic airway device in children
Authors: Hughes Corinna , Place Kelly , Berg Simon , Mason David 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackground:  The i‐gelTM is one of the latest commercially available, second‐generation supraglottic airway devices (SADs). Specific features include a distal cuff made of a thermoplastic elastomer gel that does not require inflation and a gastric side channel to allow passage of a gastric tube, venting of gas from the stomach, and an early indication of regurgitation. Previous studies in older children and adults have shown that it is a reliable, efficient, and safe device for airway management.Methods:  We evaluated the i‐gelTM in sizes ranging from 1 to 2.5 in children considered suitable for a supraglottic device. We assessed successful rates of insertion, airway leak pressure, position confirmed by fiberoptic laryngoscopy, gastric tube placement, manipulations required, and complications.Results:  The i‐gelTM was used in 154 children over a period of 12 months. The median age [interquartile range (IQR)] was 4 years 11 months (2–7 years), median weight (IQR) 19 kg (13–26), and median (IQR) duration of procedure 29 (30–45) min. First insertion attempt was successful in 93.5% of patients, and second attempt in 5.8%. The median (IQR) time to insertion was 14 (13–16) s. The median (IQR) leak pressure was 20 (15–25) cmH20. Gastric tube placement was successful in 90% of cases. On fiberoptic examination, the vocal cords were visible in 97% of patients. Complications arose in 20% of patients, but the majority were minor. Anesthetists commented that the device had a tendency to displace upward out of the mouth and that extension toward the forehead and flexion toward the feet of the proximal tube altered the quality of the airway. Overall, in seven (4.5%) patients, the device was abandoned and an alternative airway was used.Conclusions:  Pediatric i‐gelTM sizes 1.5–2.5 provided a satisfactory airway during anesthesia for spontaneously breathing infants and children. However, to ensure a clear airway, considerable vigilance is required when fixing the device in the mouth and to avoid the negative effects of flexion of the proximal tubing. The i‐gelTM is more expensive than first‐generation devices. Whether this additional cost for the potential benefit of greater airway protection is considered acceptable will depend on longer‐time evaluation and surveillance to establish overall safety.
The First Quarter Century of the GASB (1984–2009): A Perspective on Standard Setting (Part Two)
Authors: ROYBARK HELEN M. , COFFMAN EDWARD N. , PREVITS GARY J. 
Published: June 2012

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (hereafter GASB or Board) was established in April 1984 as the authoritative accounting standard‐setting body for state and local governmental entities in the United States. There are over 87,000 state and local entities in the country and for the most part these entities are required to comply with the generally accepted accounting principles established by the GASB; hence, the standards promulgated by the GASB are significant.On 30 June 2009, the GASB completed its twenty‐fifth year of standard setting. Because of the Board's influence and the importance of its mission, an increased understanding of the GASB and its accomplishments during its first 25 years of existence is important.This is the second of two papers which together provide a complete sequential treatment of the GASB's operational history through the end of its first quarter century. The first part provided an historical perspective about municipal accounting issues from colonial times to 2009 and included appendix materials identifying the composition of the Board and biographical material on key personnel. The first paper concluded with a review of the relationship of other governmental standard setting bodies at the Federal and the International level.This paper provides an overview of the future challenges faced by the Board and supplies a digest of the standards including appendix and a synoptic summary of the standards the Board has promulgated by topic and by standard number.
A Socio‐Economic Profile of Families in the First Wave of the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children
Authors: Mullan Killian , Redmond Gerry 
Published: June 2012

Abstract‘Footprints in time’, the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC), has been developed to provide insights into how Indigenous children's early years affect their development. Socio‐economic factors are at the core of many analyses of child development and well‐being and this article provides a socio‐economic profile of Indigenous families in the first wave of the LSIC. Utilising 12 indicators that are organised into three groups—primary carer, family income and financial stress—the article provides an extensive overview of the full range of socio‐economic data available in the LSIC. The article examines whether, when taken together, the different indicators tell a consistent story. It finds that, broadly, they do. The article raises some issues about the reporting of certain government payments and highlights the importance of family size when looking at family income. The article concludes by pointing to the potential for future research that these data present.
Renewable Resource Economics
Authors: McWhinnie Stephanie 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRenewable resources play an important role in our economy directly as outputs, such as fish and timber, and indirectly as inputs, such as water and soil. This article introduces three key issues in renewable resource economics and the techniques that economists use to address them. Using examples from fisheries, I outline the theory of sustainable resource use, the problems associated with common property and interjurisdictional sharing. I complete the article with a discussion of two current challenges facing fisheries: the estimated $25–29 billion paid globally in subsidies each year and international sharing that has an adverse effect on stock status.
Women in the Workforce
Authors: Broderick Elizabeth 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe case for increasing women's labour market participation in Australia includes a positive economic impact and an ability to remain competitive internationally. To increase participation, we must address existing barriers including pay inequity, unequal caring responsibilities, discrimination and harassment. Reforms have already been implemented, including paid parental leave and amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act. These provide a strong legislative base to support workplaces that are inclusive of both men and women. However, there is still much to be done to create a fairer and more equal Australia but, most importantly, an Australia with a prosperous and sustainable future.
Wages in Managed Markets: An Explanation of the Gender Wage Gap?
Authors: Gordon Jenny 
Published: June 2012

AbstractOver the last decade or so in Australia, relative wages have declined in some female‐dominated occupations, notably in the care industries. This article argues that the strong growth in labour force participation of mature‐aged women has allowed wages to remain low in these ‘managed’ industries. Limited mobility across industries and occupations, at least in part due to preferences for part‐time work, and an institutional wage‐setting mechanism also play a role. Growing demand for workers in the care industries, rising skill levels of women, and slowing growth in participation as rates converge with those of men will contribute to stronger wage growth in the future.
Corporate Responsibility in the Collective Age: Toward a Conception of Collaborative Responsibility
Authors: WETTSTEIN FLORIAN 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTIn this article, I will argue that it is time to rethink and reconfigure some of the established assumptions underlying our conception of moral responsibility. Specifically, there is a mismatch between the individualism of our common sense morality and the imperative for collaborative responses to global problems in what I will call the “collective age.” This must have an impact also on the way we think about the responsibility of corporations. I will argue that most plausibly we ought to reframe corporate responsibility as a conception of collaborative responsibility. Such a conception of collaborative responsibility is characterized by five key elements: first, it is based on the moral imperative for collaboration. Second, it shifts emphasis from commission to omission. Third, it is not only negative but also, and perhaps essentially, positive responsibility. Fourth, it is political responsibility. And finally, it is, most basically, human rights responsibility.
The Obama Administration's Regulatory Review Initiative: A 21st Century Federal Regulatory Initiative?
Authors: HEMPHILL THOMAS A. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTOn January 18, 2011, President Obama signed Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, which instructs federal regulators to do the following: coordinate their agencies activities to simplify and harmonize rules that may be overlapping, inconsistent, or redundant; determine whether the present and future benefits of a proposed regulation justify its potential costs (including taking into account both quantitative and qualitative factors); increase participation of industry, experts, and the public (“stakeholders”) in the formal rule‐making process; encourage the use of warnings, default rules, disclosure requirements, and provisions of information to the public as an alternative to traditional “command‐and‐control” rule‐making restricting consumer choice; and mandate a government‐wide review of all existing administrative rules to remove outdated regulations. Executive Order 13563 includes a qualitative “values” provision to be considered in the required cost–benefit analysis, which can potentially counteract the alleged regulatory reform rationale of President Obama. Furthermore, in Executive Order 13563, President Obama established a deadline of May 18, 2011, for all executive branch agencies to submit their plans to streamline their rulemaking operations and repeal those “overlapping, inconsistent, or redundant” rules. These two issues, along with complementary regulatory review proposals being discussed in the U.S. Congress, are evaluated in this essay.
Do Low‐risk Sexual Offenders Need Treatment?
Authors: Wakeling Helen C. , Mann Ruth E. , Carter Adam J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe risk principle of offender rehabilitation states that the intensity of treatment should be proportional to the offender's risk. This article reviews the evidence base for the risk principle with sexual offenders, as well as identifying other arguments, in order to determine whether low‐risk sexual offenders need treatment, and of what type and magnitude. We conclude that low‐risk sexual offenders probably need no more than 100 hours of offence‐focused treatment given their very low reconviction rates. Low‐risk sexual offenders should be kept separate from higher‐risk offenders, and treatment should not interfere with other activities that will enable a non‐offending lifestyle.