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Several Characteristics (several + characteristic)
Selected AbstractsThe effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1242) on thyroxine, estradiol, molt, and plumage characteristics in the American kestrel (Falco sparverius)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2002Michael J. Quinn Jr. Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of Aroclor 1242, a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), on plumage characteristics and molt in the American kestrel, Falco sparverius. Several characteristics of plumage, including color and molt schedule, are modulated by hormonal signals and hence may be modified by endocrine-active contaminants. If so, the functions of plumage (e.g., communication for mating or territorial defense) may be compromised by exposure to such compounds. Captive American kestrels were fed Aroclor 1242 at 0, 6.0, and 60.0 ppm (n = 6 males and 6 females per treatment) mixed in their normal diet. Concentrations of plasma estradiol and thyroxine were measured weekly from the beginning of treatment. Measured plumage characteristics included width of the black subterminal band on the tail, color (a composite index of hue and saturation), reflectance from 230 to 800 nm, pattern of feather loss and regrowth on the tail and wing, and timing of onset and duration of molt. Aroclor 1242 depressed plasma thyroxine. Plasma estradiol levels remained low due to the phase of the breeding cycle. Treatments did not disrupt the measured plumage characteristics. This may be due to timing or dose of exposure or to genetic factors. [source] Early childhood temperament in Pediatric bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorderJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Amy E. West Abstract Recent theories suggest that children with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) may exhibit more difficult temperaments premorbidly, including traits such as behavioral disinhibition and difficulty with emotion regulation. We investigated temperament characteristics retrospectively during infancy and toddlerhood in subjects with PBD (n=25), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; n=25), and healthy controls (n=25). Children with PBD were reported to experience increased difficult temperament in both infancy and toddlerhood compared to children with ADHD. Several characteristics of difficult temperament were associated with residual symptoms of mania and depression. Difficult premorbid temperament characteristics may be a specific indicator of a bipolar diathesis, or might signal underlying dysfunction in affective processes that significantly increase risk for a mood disorder. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1,20, 2008. [source] What is an empowerment approach to working with sexual assault survivors?JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Sarah E. Ullman This exploratory study sought to better understand what constitutes the empowerment approach used by rape crisis advocates working with sexual assault survivors. A grounded theory, qualitative, semistructured interview study was conducted of rape victim advocates (N=25) working in rape crisis centers in a large metropolitan area. Several characteristics were described as reflecting an empowerment orientation or approach to work with survivors, some of which were specifically described as a "feminist" empowerment approach. Implications for research and practice are drawn. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Fast Effects of Glucocorticoids on Memory-Related Network Oscillations in the Mouse HippocampusJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 5 2008E. K. Weiss Transient or lasting increases in glucocorticoids accompany deficits in hippocampus-dependent memory formation. Recent data indicate that the formation and consolidation of declarative and spatial memory are mechanistically related to different patterns of hippocampal network oscillations. These include gamma oscillations during memory acquisition and the faster ripple oscillations (approximately 200 Hz) during subsequent memory consolidation. We therefore analysed the effects of acutely applied glucocorticoids on network activity in mouse hippocampal slices. Evoked field population spikes and paired-pulse responses were largely unaltered by corticosterone or cortisol, respectively, despite a slight increase in maximal population spike amplitude by 10 ,m corticosterone. Several characteristics of sharp waves and superimposed ripple oscillations were affected by glucocorticoids, most prominently the frequency of spontaneously occurring sharp waves. At 0.1 ,m, corticosterone increased this frequency, whereas maximal (10 ,m) concentrations led to a reduction. In addition, gamma oscillations became slightly faster and less regular in the presence of high doses of corticosteroids. The present study describes acute effects of glucocorticoids on sharp wave-ripple complexes and gamma oscillations in mouse hippocampal slices, revealing a potential background for memory deficits in the presence of elevated levels of these hormones. [source] Prosthodontists in Private Practice: Current and Future Conditions of Practice in the United States (Part I)JOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 4 2007Kent D. Nash PhD Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use data from surveys of prosthodontists to examine the current conditions and characteristics of prosthodontists in private practice in the United States. Materials and Methods: Characteristics of prosthodontists and conditions of practice are based on the 2002 Survey of Prosthodontists and the 2005 Survey of Prosthodontists. Both surveys were conducted by the American College of Prosthodontists. Several characteristics of private practice/practitioners are estimated including age, gender, number of patient visits, hours in the practice, employment of staff, and financial conditions (gross receipts, expenses of the practice, and net income of prosthodontists) Results: In 2004, the average age of private practitioners was 50 years. Years since graduation from dental school averaged 23.4 years, and years since completion of residency was 18.3 years. Prosthodontists spent an average of 35.7 hours per week in the office and 29.5 hours treating patients. In 2004, the average gross revenue per owner of a private practice reached $782,130, and mean net income was $258,490. The largest percentage of prosthodontist time was spent providing six procedures including fixed prosthodontics, implant services, complete dentures, operative care, diagnosis, and partial dentures. Conclusion: The United States spends about $1.8 billion on prosthodontic services provided by prosthodontists in private practice. Prosthodontists spend $1.1 billion dollars in expenses and treat an estimated 1.1 million patients per year. [source] The influence of sociodemographic characteristics on agreement between self-reports and expert exposure assessments,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2010Grace Sembajwe ScD Abstract Background Often in exposure assessment for epidemiology, there are no highly accurate exposure data and different measurement methods are considered. The objective of this study was to use various statistical techniques to explore agreement between individual reports and expert ratings of workplace exposures in several industries and investigate the sociodemographic influences on this agreement. Methods A cohort of 1,282 employees at 4 industries/14 worksites answered questions on workplace physical, chemical, and psychosocial exposures over the past 12 months. Occupational hygienists constructed job exposure matrices (JEMs) based on worksite walkthrough exposure evaluations. Worker self-reports were compared with the JEMs using multivariable analyses to explore discord. Results There was poor agreement between the self-reported and expert exposure assessments, but there was evidence that agreement was modified by sociodemographic characteristics. Several characteristics including gender, age, race/ethnicity, hourly wage and nativity strongly affected the degree of discord between self-reports and expert raters across a wide array of different exposures. Conclusions Agreement between exposure assessment tools may be affected by sociodemographic characteristics. This study is cross-sectional and therefore, a snapshot of potential exposures in the workplace. Nevertheless, future studies should take into account the social contexts within which workplace exposures occur. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1019,1031, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Risk factors for non-syndromic holoprosencephaly in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study,,§AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS, Issue 1 2010Eric A. Miller¶ Abstract Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a complex structural brain anomaly that results from incomplete cleavage of the forebrain. The prevalence of HPE at birth is low, and risk factors have been difficult to identify. Using data from a large multi-state population-based case-control study, we examined risk factors for non-syndromic HPE. Data from maternal telephone interviews were available for 74 infants with HPE and 5871 controls born between 1997 and 2004. Several characteristics and exposures were examined, including pregnancy history, medical history, maternal diet and use of nutritional supplements, medications, tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances. We used ,2 -tests and logistic regression (excluding women with pre-existing diabetes) to examine associations with HPE. Except for diet (year before pregnancy) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (throughout pregnancy), most exposures were examined for the time period from the month before to the third month of pregnancy. HPE was found to be associated with pre-existing diabetes (,2,=,6.0; P,=,0.01), aspirin use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR),=,3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6,6.9], lower education level (aOR,=,2.5; 95%CI 1.1,5.6), and use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) (crude OR,=,4.2; 95%CI 1.3,13.7). Consistent maternal folic acid use appeared to be protective (aOR,=,0.4; 95%CI 0.2,1.0), but the association was of borderline statistical significance. While some of these findings support previous observations, other potential risk factors identified warrant further study. Published 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effective interprofessional teams: "Contact is not enough" to build a teamTHE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Issue 4 2008Joan Sargeant PhD Abstract Introduction: Teamwork and interprofessional practice and learning are becoming integral to health care. It is anticipated that these approaches can maximize professional resources and optimize patient care. Current research, however, suggests that primary health care teams may lack the capacity to function at a level that enhances the individual contributions of their members and team effectiveness. This study explores perceptions of effective primary health care teams to determine the related learning needs of primary health care professionals. Methods: Primary health care team members with a particular interest in teamwork shared perspectives of effective teamwork and educational needs in interprofessional focus groups. Transcripts from nine focus groups with a total of 61 participants were analyzed using content analysis and grounded hermeneutic approaches to identify themes. Results: Five themes of primary care team effectiveness emerged: (1) understanding and respecting team members' roles, (2) recognizing that teams require work, (3) understanding primary health care, (4) working together: practical "know-how" for sharing patient care, and (5) communication. Communication was identified as the essential factor in effective primary health care teams. Discussion: Several characteristics of effective primary health care teams and the related knowledge and skills that professionals require as effective team members are identified. Effective teamwork requires specific cognitive, technical, and affective competence. [source] Children's knowledge acquisition through film: influence of programme characteristicsAPPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Eva Michel Several characteristics of educational programmes for children are discussed to influence learning of content. In the present study, positive effects of a preview and inserted summaries in educational films for learning are examined. A total of 127 6-and 8-year-old participating children watched one of the four educational film versions: The original film (without preview and summaries), a version with a preview, with inserted summaries or with a verbal ,preview'. One week later, children's recollection of facts was tested in a memory interview. Results show that previews and summaries in educational films can enhance learning, and that visual scene repetition appears to further boost knowledge acquisition. Formal and content characteristics of educational programmes are discussed in terms of the underlying mechanisms influencing children's cognitive processing and learning. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] UROX 2.0: an interactive tool for fitting atomic models into electron-microscopy reconstructionsACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 7 2009Xavier Siebert Electron microscopy of a macromolecular structure can lead to three-dimensional reconstructions with resolutions that are typically in the 30,10,Ĺ range and sometimes even beyond 10,Ĺ. Fitting atomic models of the individual components of the macromolecular structure (e.g. those obtained by X-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance) into an electron-microscopy map allows the interpretation of the latter at near-atomic resolution, providing insight into the interactions between the components. Graphical software is presented that was designed for the interactive fitting and refinement of atomic models into electron-microscopy reconstructions. Several characteristics enable it to be applied over a wide range of cases and resolutions. Firstly, calculations are performed in reciprocal space, which results in fast algorithms. This allows the entire reconstruction (or at least a sizeable portion of it) to be used by taking into account the symmetry of the reconstruction both in the calculations and in the graphical display. Secondly, atomic models can be placed graphically in the map while the correlation between the model-based electron density and the electron-microscopy reconstruction is computed and displayed in real time. The positions and orientations of the models are refined by a least-squares minimization. Thirdly, normal-mode calculations can be used to simulate conformational changes between the atomic model of an individual component and its corresponding density within a macromolecular complex determined by electron microscopy. These features are illustrated using three practical cases with different symmetries and resolutions. The software, together with examples and user instructions, is available free of charge at http://mem.ibs.fr/UROX/. [source] A comparative view on mechanisms and functions of skeletal remodelling in teleost fish, with special emphasis on osteoclasts and their functionBIOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 2 2009P. Eckhard Witten ABSTRACT Resorption and remodelling of skeletal tissues is required for development and growth, mechanical adaptation, repair, and mineral homeostasis of the vertebrate skeleton. Here we review for the first time the current knowledge about resorption and remodelling of the skeleton in teleost fish, the largest and most diverse group of extant vertebrates. Teleost species are increasingly used in aquaculture and as models in biomedical skeletal research. Thus, detailed knowledge is required to establish the differences and similarities between mammalian and teleost skeletal remodelling, and between distantly related species such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes). The cellular mechanisms of differentiation and activation of osteoclasts and the functions of teleost skeletal remodelling are described. Several characteristics, related to skeletal remodelling, distinguish teleosts from mammals. These characteristics include (a) the absence of osteocytes in most species; (b) the absence of haematopoietic bone marrow tissue; (c) the abundance of small mononucleated osteoclasts performing non-lacunar (smooth) bone resorption, in addition to or instead of multinucleated osteoclasts; and (d) a phosphorus- rather than calcium-driven mineral homeostasis (mainly affecting the postcranial dermal skeleton). Furthermore, (e) skeletal resorption is often absent from particular sites, due to sparse or lacking endochondral ossification. Based on the mode of skeletal remodelling in early ontogeny of all teleosts and in later stages of development of teleosts with acellular bone we suggest a link between acellular bone and the predominance of mononucleated osteoclasts, on the one hand, and cellular bone and multinucleated osteoclasts on the other. The evolutionary origin of skeletal remodelling is discussed and whether mononucleated osteoclasts represent an ancestral type of resorbing cells. Revealing the differentiation and activation of teleost skeletal resorbing cells, in the absence of several factors that trigger mammalian osteoclast differentiation, is a current challenge. Understanding which characters of teleost bone remodelling are derived and which characters are conserved should enhance our understanding of the process in fish and may provide insights into alternative pathways of bone remodelling in mammals. [source] Ownership and Incentives in Joint Forest Management: A SurveyDEVELOPMENT POLICY REVIEW, Issue 1 2005Tuukka Castrén The relationship between the state and communities has been an overriding issue in the development of forestry institutions globally. In many countries, the trend is for communities to become co-managers of public forests. Meanwhile, in development co-operation both poverty and multiple rural livelihoods have received increased attention. In this article, the potential of joint community-state management of forests is discussed. Forest production has several characteristics that make it suitable for joint management where both parties benefit. Involving communities in management decreases the state's monitoring costs, while communities benefit from better access to market information. For this to take place, however, the state forest apparatus needs to be free from undue rent-seeking. The most advantageous solutions are case- and context-specific. [source] Introducing ELW: Facilitating a Smooth TransitionDIALOG, Issue 2 2008Karen Salvo Hawkins Abstract:, The author discusses how a combination of trust and teaching helped make the transition from the LBW to ELW more of a pleasurable transition than anticipated. While several characteristics of ELW have proved troublesome, the pattern of trust and teaching built over eleven years, along with flexibility, made it work. [source] Use of the oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus, as a prey organism for toxicant exposure of fish through the dietENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2006David R. Mount Abstract The oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus, has several characteristics that make it desirable as a prey organism for conducting dietary exposure studies with fish. We conducted 21- and 30-d experiments with young fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), respectively, to determine whether a diet consisting solely of L. variegatus would support normal growth and to compare performance with standard diets (Artemia nauplii, frozen brine shrimp, or trout chow). All diets were readily accepted, and fish survived and grew well. Food conversion in both fathead minnows and rainbow trout was as high as or higher for the oligochaete diet compared with others, although this comparison is influenced by differences in ration, ingestion rate, or both. The oligochaete diet had gross nutritional analysis similar to the other diets, and meets fish nutrition guidelines for protein and essential amino acids. Methodologies and practical considerations for successfully using oligochaetes as an experimental diet are discussed. Considering their ready acceptance by fish, their apparent nutritional sufficiency, the ease of culturing large numbers, and the ease with which they can be loaded with exogenous chemicals, we believe that L. variegatus represents an excellent choice of exposure vector for exposing fish to toxicants via the diet. [source] TIP30 is associated with progression and metastasis of prostate cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 4 2008Hui Zhang Abstract Tat-interacting protein 30 (TIP30), a transcriptional repressor for ER,-mediated transcription, possesses several characteristics of a tumor suppressor in certain human and mouse cells. It is reported that deletion of TIP30 gene preferentially increases tumorigenesis in the female knockout mice. Here, we analyzed TIP30 gene expression in the databases of several DNA microarray studies of human prostate cancer and show that TIP30 is specifically overexpressed in metastatic prostate cancers. We demonstrate that TIP30 nuclear expression is associated with prostate cancer progression and metastasis by immunohistochemical analysis in primary and metastatic prostate cancers. Consistent with these data, we also show that knockdown of TIP30 expression, through use of a short hairpin RNA-expressing plasmid, suppresses the cellular growth of PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Ectopic overexpression of TIP30 stimulates metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells in an in vitro invasion assay, whereas knockdown of TIP30 inhibits the prostate cancer cells invasion. Finally, we demonstrate that ectopic overexpression of TIP30 enhances androgen receptor mediated transcription, whereas knockdown of TIP30 results in a decreased transcription activity. These data provide evidence that TIP30 plays a role in prostate cancer progression and that TIP30 overexpression may promote prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] An investigation into the swelling properties, dimensional changes, and gel layer evolution in chitosan tablets undergoing hydrationADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Manuel Efentakis Abstract The purpose of this research is to determine several characteristics of chitosan lactate in tablet form such as dimensional changes, gel evolution, swelling (liquid uptake), and erosion using an image analysis method. The examination of these characteristics will be helpful in the design of oral drug delivery systems with this polymer. It has been demonstrated that image analysis is a valuable technique, allowing the study of quantitative measurements of dimensional and core changes and gel evolution. The dimensional expansion changes of the chitosan lactate tablets were greater in water, and the crushing strength and the stirring effect affected these attributes to a limited extent. The fastest and greatest liquid uptake was observed in water, whereas the greatest erosion was observed in HCl. The thickness of the gel layer increased considerably with time up to the eighth hour, indicating the formation and development of a thick and durable gel, particularly in water. This is an essential characteristic for potential sustained drug release delivery. Consequently, this polymer appears to be a versatile material and a promising vehicle for the preparation of various oral sustained release medications and relevant devices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:32,39, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20147 [source] Silicone oil: An effective absorbent for the removal of hydrophobic volatile organic compoundsJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Guillaume Darracq Abstract BACKGROUND: Hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as toluene, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), are poorly soluble in water and classical air treatment processes like chemical scrubbers are not efficient. An alternative technique involving an absorption step in an organic solvent followed by a biodegradation phase was proposed. The solvent must fulfil several characteristics, which are key factors of process efficiency, and a previous study allowed polydimethylsiloxane (or PDMS, i.e. silicone oil) to be selected for this purpose. The aim of this paper was to determine some of its characteristics like absorption capacity and velocity performances (Henry's constant, diffusivity and mass transfer coefficient), and to verify its non-biodegradability. RESULTS: For the three targeted VOCs, Henry's constants in silicone oil were very low compared to those in water, and solubility was infinite. Diffusivity values were found to be in the range 10,10 to 10,11 m2 s,1 and mass transfer coefficients did not show significant differences between the values in pure water and pure silicone oil, in the range 1.0 × 10,3 to 4.0 × 10,3 s,1 for all the VOCs considered. Silicone oil was also found to be non-biodegradable, since its biological oxygen demand (BOD5) value was zero. CONCLUSION: Absorption performances of silicone oil towards toluene, DMS and DMDS were determined and showed that this solvent could be used during the first step of the process. Moreover, its low biodegradability and its absence of toxicity justify its use as an absorbent phase for the integrated process being considered. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Comparing adults in Los Angeles County who have and have not been homelessJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Michael R. Cousineau This study compares the formerly homeless with those who have not been homeless on several characteristics, based on a telephone survey of the general adulate population. The study was conducted in Los Angeles County. Researchers estimate how many and what percentage of adults (aged 18 or older) have been homeless in the past 5 years and the types of places people stayed while they were homeless. An estimated 370,000 adults have experienced homelessness within the past 5 years, 5.7% of the adult population (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2,6.2). A third were literally homeless (in a shelter, street, or car). Just over half (56%) stayed with a friend or relative while homeless. Nine percent had a mixed experience. Compared to those who were not homeless, the formerly homeless are disproportionately poor, African American, not in the job market, on public assistance, and in poor health. There are few differences when comparing place of birth, citizenship status, or length of residence in Los Angeles County. Yet many homeless have been able to achieve some economic stability. Implications for the development of intervention and prevention programs are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] Prediction of protein folding rates from primary sequences using hybrid sequence representationJOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2009Yingfu Jiang Abstract The ability to predict protein folding rates constitutes an important step in understanding the overall folding mechanisms. Although many of the prediction methods are structure based, successful predictions can also be obtained from the sequence. We developed a novel method called prediction of protein folding rates (PPFR), for the prediction of protein folding rates from protein sequences. PPFR implements a linear regression model for each of the mainstream folding dynamics including two-, multi-, and mixed-state proteins. The proposed method provides predictions characterized by strong correlations with the experimental folding rates, which equal 0.87 for the two- and multistate proteins and 0.82 for the mixed-state proteins, when evaluated with out-of-sample jackknife test. Based on in-sample and out-of-sample tests, the PPFR's predictions are shown to be better than most of other sequence only and structure-based predictors and complementary to the predictions of the most recent sequence-based QRSM method. We show that simultaneous incorporation of several characteristics, including the sequence, physiochemical properties of residues, and predicted secondary structure provides improved quality. This hybridized prediction model was analyzed to reveal the complementary factors that can be used in tandem to predict folding rates. We show that bigger proteins require more time for folding, higher helical and coil content and the presence of Phe, Asn, and Gln may accelerate the folding process, the inclusion of Ile, Val, Thr, and Ser may slow down the folding process, and for the two-state proteins increased ,-strand content may decelerate the folding process. Finally, PPFR provides strong correlation when predicting sequences with low similarity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009 [source] Private Practice of Prosthodontists: Current Conditions of Practice in the United StatesJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 3 2010Kent D. Nash PhD Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine data and results from the 2008 Survey of Prosthodontists. Survey results are used to examine current trends and characteristics of prosthodontists in private practice. Materials and Methods: Characteristics of prosthodontists and conditions of private practice are based on surveys conducted in 2002, 2005, and 2008 sponsored by the American College of Prosthodontists. Survey results are used to estimate several characteristics including age, gender, number of patient visits, hours in the practice, employment of staff, referral sources, and financial conditions (gross receipts, expenses of the practice, and net income of prosthodontists). Results: The average age of a private-practicing prosthodontist reached 51 years in 2007; 12.3 is the number of years in the current practice; and most prosthodontists (71%) are solo private practitioners. The average amount of time per week by prosthodontists in the practice averaged 36.1 hours, and prosthodontists treated an average of 44.1 patient visits per week. The largest source of patient referrals is the patient themselves. The largest percentage of a prosthodontist's treatment time is spent rendering procedures in fixed prosthodontics, but this percentage has declined since 2001. In 2007, the average gross billings of a practicing prosthodontist reached $805,675; average total practice expenses were $518,255; the mean net earnings of practitioners were $268,930. Conclusion: In 2007, prosthodontists in private practice paid out about $1.4 billion in practice expenses to provide $2.2 billion dollars in prosthodontic care. Based on survey results from 2007 and the previous 6 years, specialization in prosthodontic care continues to be an economically attractive and productive healthcare profession in the United States. [source] Menopausal asthma: a new biological phenotype?ALLERGY, Issue 10 2010M. P. Foschino Barbaro To cite this article: Foschino Barbaro MP, Costa VR, Resta O, Prato R, Spanevello A, Palladino GP, Martinelli D, Carpagnano GE. Menopausal asthma: a new biological phenotype? Allergy 2010; 65: 1306,1312. Abstract Background:, Female hormones play an important role in women's lung health, especially in asthma pathophysiology. Although a growing interest has recently been aroused in asthma related to short-term reproductive states, menopausal asthma has been little studied in the past. The aim of the present study was to explore airway inflammation in menopausal asthmatic women in a noninvasive manner. Methods:, Forty consecutive women with menopausal asthma, 35 consecutive women with premenopausal asthma and 30 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Urinary LTE-4, induced sputum inflammatory cells, and exhaled LTE-4, IL-6, pH, and NO levels were measured in all the subjects enrolled. Results:, Women with menopausal asthma showed decreased estradiol concentrations, high sputum neutrophils, and exhaled IL-6. Women with premenopausal asthma presented instead an essentially eosinophilic inflammatory pattern. Higher urine and breath condensate LTE-4 concentrations were found in premenopausal and menopausal asthma compared to controls. Conclusion:, Our results substantiate the existence of a new biological phenotype of menopausal asthma that is mainly characterized by neutrophilic airways inflammation and shares several characteristics of the severe asthma phenotype. [source] The local introduction of strongly interacting species and the loss of geographic variation in species and species interactionsMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2008CRAIG W. BENKMAN Abstract Species introductions into nearby communities may seem innocuous, however, these introductions, like long-distance introductions (e.g. trans- and intercontinental), can cause extinctions and alter the evolutionary trajectories of remaining community members. These ,local introductions' can also more cryptically homogenize formerly distinct populations within a species. We focus on several characteristics and the potential consequences of local introductions. First, local introductions are commonly successful because the species being introduced is compatible with existing abiotic and biotic conditions; many nearby communities differ because of historical factors and the absence of certain species is simply the result of barriers to dispersal. Moreover, the species with which they interact most strongly (e.g. prey) may have, for example, lost defences making the establishment even more likely. The loss or absence of defences is especially likely when the absent species is a strongly interacting species, which we argue often includes mammals in terrestrial communities. Second, the effects of the introduction may be difficult to detect because the community is likely to converge onto nearby communities that naturally have the introduced species (hence the perceived innocuousness). This homogenization of formerly distinct populations eliminates the geographic diversity of species interactions and the geographic potential for speciation, and reduces regional species diversity. We illustrate these ideas by focusing on the introduction of tree squirrels into formerly squirrel-less forest patches. Such introductions have eliminated incipient species of crossbills (Loxia spp.) co-evolving in arms races with conifers and will likely have considerable impacts on community structure and ecosystem processes. [source] Menstrual cycle variability and the perimenopauseAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Kathleen A. O'Connor Menopause, the final cessation of menstrual cycling, occurs when the pool of ovarian follicles is depleted. The one to five years just prior to the menopause are usually marked by increasing variability in menstrual cycle length, frequency of ovulation, and levels of reproductive hormones. Little is known about the mechanisms that account for these characteristics of ovarian cycles as the menopause approaches. Some evidence suggests that the dwindling pool of follicles itself is responsible for cycle characteristics during the perimenopausal transition. Another hypothesis is that the increased variability reflects "slippage" of the hypothalamus, which loses the ability to regulate menstrual cycles at older reproductive ages. This paper examines the underlying cause of the increasing variability in menstrual cycle length prior to the menopause. A model of ovarian cycles is developed, based on the process of follicular growth and depletion. Under this model, the follicular phase of each menstrual cycle is preceded by an inactive phase, a period of time when no ovarian follicles have left the resting state and begun secreting steroids in response to gonadotropin stimulation. The model makes predictions about the variability in menstrual cycles across the reproductive life span based on the size of the surviving pool of ovarian follicles. We show that the model can explain several characteristics of the perimenopause in humans and macaques and illustrate how the model can be applied to research on the biological and cultural correlates of the timing of menopause. J. Hum. Biol. 13:465,478, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Host adaptation to potato and tomato within the US,1 clonal lineage of Phytophthora infestans in Uganda and KenyaPLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2000M. E. Vega-Sánchez Twenty isolates of Phytophthora infestans from potato and twenty-two from tomato, collected in Uganda and Kenya in 1995, were compared for dilocus allozyme genotype, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype, mating type and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) fingerprint using probe RG57. Based on RFLP fingerprint and mtDNA haplotype, all isolates were classified in the US,1 clonal lineage. Nonetheless, isolates from potato differed from isolates from tomato in several characteristics. Isolates from potato had the 86/100 glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (Gpi) genotype, while those from tomato were 100/100, which represents a variant of US,1 that had been identified previously as US,1.7. Furthermore, while pure cultures of the pathogen were acquired from infected potato leaflets by first growing the isolates on potato tuber slices, this approach failed with infected tomato tissue because the isolates grew poorly on this medium. Tomato isolates were eventually purified using a selective medium. Six isolates from each host were compared for the diameter of lesions they produced on three tomato and three potato cultivars in one or two detached-leaf assays (four isolates from the first test were repeated in the second). On potato leaflets, isolates from potato caused larger lesions than isolates from tomato. On tomato leaflets, isolates from that host caused larger lesions than did isolates from potato, but the difference was significant in only one test. The interaction between source of inoculum (potato or tomato) and inoculated host (potato or tomato) was significant in both tests. Isolates from tomato were highly biotrophic on tomato leaflets, producing little or no necrosis during the seven days following infection, even though abundant sporulation could be seen. In contrast, isolates from potato sporulated less abundantly on tomato leaflets and produced darkly pigmented lesions that were most visible on the adaxial side of the leaflets. Nonetheless, all isolates infected and sporulated on both hosts, indicating that host adaptation is not determined by an ability to cause disease but rather by quantitative differences in pathogenic fitness. Assessment of Gpi banding patterns, mtDNA haplotype and RFLP fingerprint of 39 isolates from potato collected in Uganda and Kenya in 1997 indicated that the population had not changed on this host. The population of P. infestans from Kenya and Uganda provides an interesting model for the study of quantitative host adaptation. [source] Comparing methods for the multi-response design problemQUALITY AND RELIABILITY ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2001John F. Kros Abstract One approach to solving multiple response engineering problems is to combine the individual responses into one unifying objective. In tility theory, several characteristics are used to compare and contrast multiple objective techniques. These are risk aversion, marginal rates of substitution, and the relationship of the responses in the combined function. Perhaps unknown to the user, multiple response techniques carry strong assumptions regarding these characteristics. This paper investigates four commonly-used multiple objective techniques and demonstrates that each method contains assumptions about these characteristics which are not intuitively evident to a user. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [source] Phenomenal characteristics of autobiographical memories for positive, negative, and neutral eventsAPPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Arnaud D'Argembeau We investigated memory qualities for positive, negative, and neutral autobiographical events. Participants recalled two personal experiences of each type and then rated their memories on several characteristics (e.g. sensorial and contextual details). They also reported whether they ,see' the events in their memories from their own perspective (,field' memories) or whether they ,see' the self engaged in the event as an observer would (,observer' memories). Positive memories contained more sensorial (visual, smell, taste) and contextual (location, time) details than both negative and neutral events, whereas negative and neutral memories did not differ on most dimensions. Positive and negative events were more often recollected with a field perspective than neutral events. Finally, participants were classified in four groups according to the repressive coping style framework. Emotional memories of repressors were not less detailed than those of the other groups. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dendritic cells from spondylarthritis-prone HLA,B27,transgenic rats display altered cytoskeletal dynamics, class II major histocompatibility complex expression, and viabilityARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2009Maarten Dhaenens Objective Spondylarthritis (SpA) is characterized by spinal and peripheral joint inflammation, frequently combined with extraarticular manifestations. Despite the well-established association of SpA with the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allele HLA,B27, there are still different, parallel hypotheses on the relationship between HLA,B27 and disease mechanisms. The present study was undertaken to investigate several characteristics of mature dendritic cells (DCs), which are believed to be essential for triggering disease in a model of SpA in HLA,B27,transgenic rats. Methods We combined different whole-proteome approaches (2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and iTRAQ) to define the most aberrant molecular processes occurring in spleen DCs. Videomicroscopy and flow cytometry were used to confirm both cytoskeletal and class II MHC expression deficiencies. Results Our proteome studies provided evidence of up-regulation of proteins involved in class I MHC loading, and unfolded protein response, along with a striking down-regulation of several cytoskeleton-reorganizing proteins. The latter result was corroborated by findings of deficient motility, altered morphology, and decreased immunologic synapse formation. Furthermore, class II MHC surface expression was reduced in DCs from B27-transgenic rats, and this could be linked to differences in class II MHC,induced apoptotic sensitivity. Finally, we found reduced viability of the CD103+CD4, DC subpopulation, which likely exerts tolerogenic function. Conclusion Taken together, our findings have different important implications regarding the physiology of B27-transgenic rat DCs, which have a putative role in spontaneous disease in these rats. In particular, the reduced motility and viability of putatively tolerogenic CD4+ DCs could play an important role in initiating the inflammatory process, resulting in SpA. [source] The perceived credibility of older adults as witnesses and its relation to ageism,BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW, Issue 3 2007Katrin Mueller-Johnson Ph.D. In experiment 1, 267 undergraduates read a case summary and witness statement. Sex and age of the witness (49, 69, 79 or 89 years) were varied. Participants rated the witness's perceived convincingness, confidence, quality of observation, accuracy, honesty, competence, memory, suggestibility, and cognitive functioning. As well as an age effect for honesty, age by sex interactions were observed for several characteristics, particularly for comparisons of the 79-year-olds versus the 49-year-olds, and 89-year-olds versus the 49-year-olds. In experiment 2, 94 undergraduates read the same testimony given by a 79-year-old male or female witness, and completed the Fraboni Scale of Ageism and the Aging Semantic Differential. Participants who evidenced stronger aging stereotypes on these measures rated the witness less favorably than did participants who were less prejudiced. This experiment is the first to show a link between perceived credibility of older adults and ageist attitudes. Practical applications regarding how older witnesses are viewed by jurors, and the criminal justice system more generally, are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Making Efficient Use of Patients in Designing Phase III Trials Investigating Simultaneously a Set of Targeted Therapies with Different TargetsBIOMETRICAL JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006Werner Vach Abstract Targeted therapies are a recent development in cancer treatment research. As these therapies can only be administered to patients with certain individual characteristics, it is a straightforward idea to investigate several of such therapies simultaneously in a given patient population in order to compare each targeted therapy with the current standard therapy. This raises the question how patients satisfying several characteristics should be handled. We consider in this paper several designs to allocate treatments in a random manner to these patients, such that the evaluation of each single targeted therapy can be based on a simple comparison of patients receiving the targeted therapies versus those receiving the standard therapy within a well defined subgroup of patients satisfying the corresponding characteristic. We show how one can ensure that patients with several characteristics can contribute simultaneously to the evaluation of several targeted therapies and that this is the key point for an efficient use of the patients available. We further discuss some ethical and practical issues in applying the new designs and outline strategies to evaluate the overall effect of all targeted therapies together. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] The State of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy ResearchCHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2002Alan E. Kazdin Child and adolescent therapy has progressed considerably, as reflected in the number of controlled studies, their methodological quality, and identification of evidence-based treatments. The progress is qualified by several characteristics of the therapy research that depart from the characteristics of clinical practice. Key areas of research are being neglected and this neglect greatly limits progress and what we know about treatment. Prominent among these is the neglect of research on the mechanisms of change and the moderators of treatment outcome. This article highlights progress, characteristics, and limitations of current therapy research. In addition, a research plan is offered to advance research by: 1) understanding the mechanisms or processes through which therapeutic change occurs; 2) drawing on developmental psychopathology research to inform treatment; and 3) expanding the range of questions that guide treatment research and the range of outcome domains on which treatment conclusions are based. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||