bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tilt derivative multiscale edges of magnetic data
Authors: Lahti Ilkka , Karinen Tuomo
Published: January 2010

Structural interpretation of potential field data is important in mapping and modeling three-dimensional geologic structures. Interpretation of potential field data, however, is a difficult task with inherent ambiguity being a major problem. Recently, several new techniques have been introduced to help structural and source geometry interpretations of potential field data (e.g., Verduzco et al., 2004; Hornby et al., 1999). These methods use either straightforward calculation of derivatives of potential field anomalies or involve several calculation stages with sophisticated theoretical background.
CSEM performance in light of well results
Authors: Hesthammer Jonny , Stefatos Aris , Boulaenko Mikhail , Fanavoll Stein , Danielsen Jens
Published: January 2010

During the past several years, we have seen an increasing focus on the use of CSEM technology for hydrocarbon exploration in marine environments and, recently, a number of success stories have been published. The technology has been demonstrated to aid both detection and delineation of hydrocarbon-filled reservoirs.
Selecting the right hardware for reverse time migration
Authors: Clapp Robert G. , Fu Haohuan , Lindtjorn Olav
Published: January 2010

Over the last couple of years, it has become more difficult to assess which hardware can deliver the most cost-optimal solution for demanding imaging tasks. The days of faster and faster CPUs are over. A clear choice of hardware has been replaced with many core technologies, and a proliferation of alternatives. In particular, accelerators like GPGPU and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have emerged as strong contenders for the title of hardware platform of choice. With the radical differences in hardware architectures, it has also become more and more difficult to evaluate which platform is optimal for the application in question. An apples-to-apples comparison is no longer possible. Through the example of reverse time migration (RTM), we demonstrate that only through a careful optimization for each platform, with the involvement of hardware, computer-science and algorithmic scientists, can we come up with a reasonable assessment of the alternatives available today.
Computer simulations of fluid flow in sediment: From images to permeability
Authors: Tölke Jonas , Baldwin Chuck , Mu Yaoming , Derzhi Naum , Fang Qian , Grader Avrami , Dvorkin Jack
Published: January 2010

Permeability, unlike porosity, saturation, and lithology, is, arguably, impossible to infer from well data. Yet, it is the key parameter in reservoir simulation and also in well completion and stimulation decisions. The traditional method of obtaining permeability is in the physical laboratory where a pressure difference (ΔP) is applied to the opposite sides of a regularly shaped rock sample and the volumetric flux (Q) of the fluid is measured.
Wavefield modeling in exploration seismology using the discontinuous Galerkin finite-element method on HPC infrastructure
Authors: Käser Martin , Pelties Christian , Castro Cristobal E. , Djikpesse Hugues , Prange Michael
Published: January 2010

Seismic and acoustic measurements in a broad sense, including surface seismic, borehole seismic and sonic waveforms, play an important role in improving our knowledge of hydrocarbon reservoirs in both exploration and production phases. In that context, accurate modeling of wave propagation, in particular when considering irregular free-surface effects, complicated subsurface geological structures, or the physics of a sonic tool deployed downhole, is one of the major challenges geophysicists are facing.
Supramolecular Aggregates in Vacuum: Positively Mono-Charged Sodium Alkanesulfonate Clusters
Authors: Bongiorno David , Ceraulo Leopoldo , Giorgi Gianluca , Indelicato Serena , Ruggirello Angela , Liveri Vincenzo Turco
Published: January 2010

The formation and structural features of positively mono-charged aggregates of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and sodium methane—(MetS), butane—(ButS) and octane—(OctS) sulfonate molecules in the gas phase have been investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, energy-resolved mass spectrometry and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental results show that the center-of-mass collision energy required to dissociate 50% of these mono-charged aggregates scantly depends on the length of the alkyl chain as well as on the aggregation number. This, together with the large predominance of mono-charged species in the mass spectra, was rationalized in terms of an aggregation pattern mainly driven by the counter ions and head groups electrostatic interactions while minor effects were attributed to the steric hindrance caused by the size of the surfactant head group and alkyl chain. DFT calculations show that the most favored structural arrangement of these aggregates is always characterized by an internal polar core constituted by the sodium counter ions and surfactant head groups surrounded by an external layer composed by the surfactant alkyl chains.
Dissociation of Nystatin and Amphotericin Analogues: Characterisation of Minor Anti-Fungal Macrolides
Authors: Ulrych Ales , Derrick Peter J. , Adamek Frantisek , Novák Petr , Lemr Karel , Havlicek Vladimir
Published: January 2010

Tandem mass spectrometry combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) has been the basis for rationalizing the fragmentation mechanisms of anti-fungal macrolides nystatin A1, amphotericin B and pimaricin. The positive ion mass spectra were not informative, however, the dissociation of deprotonated molecules led to structurally significant ring-opened fragments. Using this approach of tandem FT-ICR mass spectrometry and electrospray ionisation coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 11 macrolide natural analogues or degradation products were characterised in the nystatin mixture.
Self-Assembly of Quaterpyridine Ligands and Cu+ Cations into Helical Complexes of 2:2 Stoichiometry under Electrospray Ionisation Conditions
Authors: Wałęsa-Chorab Monika , Patroniak Violetta , Schroeder Grzegorz , Frański Rafał
Published: January 2010

Solutions containing the quaterpyridine ligand 1 and Cu2+ cation were analysed by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). It was found that copper reduction under ESI conditions and self-assembly of 1 and Cu(I) led to the formation of the 2:2 stoichiometry complex. Such stoichiometry is characteristic of the helical complex of a quaterpyridine ligand with Cu(I). The isotope pattern characteristic of the [Cu212]2+ ion, which is different from that of [Cu1]+ ion, is observed. When using methanol as the solvent, only [Cu212]2+ ions are observed in the mass spectrum obtained at low cone voltage. At higher cone voltage, the [Cu212]2+ ion easily dissociates, producing a [Cu1]+ ion. When using other solvents studied, water and acetonitrile, the 2:2 stoichiometry complex is formed, but along with complexes of other stoichiometries. The helical complex was not observed for the silver cation for which only a 1:1 stoichiometry complex was observed (ion [Ag1]+).
Glycoproteome Study in Myocardial Lesions Serum by Integrated Mass Spectrometry Approach: Preliminary Insights
Authors: Carpentieri Andrea , Giangrande Chiara , Pucci Piero , Amoresano Angela
Published: January 2010

Bottom up proteomics requires efficient and selective pre-fractionation procedures to simplify the analysis of the enormous number of peptides resulting from the hydrolysis of a cellular extract enabling the detection, identification and the structural characterization of the post-translational modifications. Glycosylation, a well-known post-translational modification, plays a key role in the enormous complexity, and heterogeneity of the human blood serum proteome. Thereby, characterization of glycosylation from serum is a challenging task, even for the existing sophisticated analytical methodologies. Here we report a glycoproteomics study on the identification of even low abundant glycoproteins, including the localization of N-glycosylation sites and the glycan profiling in human sera from healthy and myocarditis affected donors. The strategy is simply based on proteolytic digestion of total serum proteins followed by a single enrichment step of glycopeptides on ConA lectin affinity chromatography. Glycopeptides were then deglycosylated by PNGaseF treatment and nano-liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analyses of the free peptides provided the basis for both identification of the individual proteins and elucidation of their modification sites. Moreover, glycan profilings could be obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis of the released oligosaccharides. Our data led to the identification of 68 different glycosylation sites within 49 different proteins. Moreover, the analyses carried out on glycans represent the first picture of a glycosylation pattern in myocardial lesions. As a whole, several differences in the glycosylation patterns from different sera were observed, thus indicating glycan profiling as a possible tool to discriminate among different diseases.
Direct Analysis of Reversed-Phase High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography Separated Tryptic Protein Digests Using a Liquid Microjunction Surface Sampling Probe/Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry System
Authors: Emory Joshua F. , Walworth Matthew J. , Van Berkel Gary J. , Schulz Michael , Minarik Susanne
Published: January 2010

The sampling, ionization and detection of tryptic peptides separated in one-dimension on reversed-phase high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) plates was performed using liquid microjunction surface sampling probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Tryptic digests of five proteins [cytochrome c, myoglobin, beta-casein, lysozyme and bovine serum albumin (BSA)] were spotted on reversed phase HPTLC RP-8 F254s and HPTLC RP-18 F254s plates. The plates were then developed using 70/30 methanol/water with 0.1 M ammonium acetate. A dual purpose extraction/electrospray solution containing 70/30/0.1 water/methanol/formic acid was infused through the sampling probe during analysis of the developed lanes. Both full scan mass spectra and data dependent tandem mass spectra were acquired for each development lane to detect and verify the peptide distributions. Data dependent tandem mass spectra provided both protein identification and sequence coverage information. Highest sequence coverages were achieved for cytochrome c and myoglobin (62.5% and 58.3%, respectively) on reversed phase RP-8 plates. While the tryptic peptides were separated enough for identification, the peptide bands did show some overlap with most peptides located in the lower half of the development lane. Proteins whose peptides were more separated gave higher sequence coverage. Larger proteins such as beta-casein and BSA which were spotted in lower relative amounts gave much lower sequence coverage than the smaller proteins.
Current Technological Challenges in Biomarker Discovery and Validation
Authors: Horvatovich Peter L. , Bischoff Rainer
Published: January 2010

In this review we will give an overview of the issues related to biomarker discovery studies with a focus on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods. Biomarker discovery is based on a close collaboration between clinicians, analytical scientists and chemometritians/statisticians. It is critical to define the final purpose of a biomarker or biomarker pattern at the onset of the study and to select case and control samples accordingly. This is followed by designing the experiment, starting with the sampling strategy, sample collection, storage and separation protocols, choice and validation of the quantitative profiling platform followed by data processing, statistical analysis and validation workflows. Biomarker candidates that result after statistical validation should be submitted for further validation and, ideally, be connected to the disease mechanism after their identification. Since most discovery studies work with a relatively small number of samples, it is necessary to assess the specificity and sensitivity of a given biomarker-based assay in a larger set of independent samples, preferably analyzed at another clinical center. Targeted analytical methods of higher throughput than the original discovery method are needed at this point and LC-tandem mass spectrometry is gaining acceptance in this field. Throughout this review, we will focus on possible sources of variance and how they can be assessed and reduced in order to avoid false positives and to reduce the number of false negatives in biomarker discovery research.
Selective Reduction of C=C Double Bonds in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry of Microcystins
Authors: Deleuze Christelle , De Pauw Edwin , Quinton Loic
Published: January 2010

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria encountered in various aquatic environments. Some of them are able to produce powerful toxins called cyanotoxins. Among cyanotoxins, microcystins (MCs) constitute a group of closely related cyclic heptapeptides. Their sequences are made up of classical amino acids as well as post-translational modified ones. Interestingly, in vivo metabolism of microcystins seems to be greatly dependent on various minor structural differences and particularly those of the seventh amino acid, which can be either dehydroalanine (or a derivative), dehydroaminobutyric acid (or a derivative), serine or alanine. As a consequence, microcystins have been classified on the basis of the nature of this singular amino acid. A major difficulty in the classification of such toxins is that some of them share the same molecular masses and the same molecular formulas. Consequently, a simple mass measurement is not sufficient to determine the structure and the class of a toxin of interest. Heavy and expensive techniques are used to classify them, such as multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and amino acid analysis. In this work, a new matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight method leading to an easy classification of MCs is proposed. The methodology relies on the reductive properties of the matrix 1,5-diaminonaphtalene (1,5-DAN) which appears to be able to selectively reduce the double carbon–carbon bond belonging to the seventh amino acid. Moreover, the yield of reduction seems to be influenced by the degree of substitution of this double bond, allowing a discrimination between dehydroalanine and dehydroaminobutyric acid. This selective reduction was confirmed by the study of three synthetic peptides by mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. According to these results, the use of reductive matrices seems to be promising in the study of microcystins and in their classification. More generally, 1,5-DAN allows the selective reduction of double carbon–carbon bonds. This property could also be employed in the characterization of others types of compound displaying double bonds (petrochemistry, metabolomics.…).
Mangrove species distribution and abundance in relation to local environmental settings: a case-study at Tumpat, Kelantan Delta, east coast of peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Satyanarayana Behara , Idris Indra F. , Mohamad Khairul A. , Husain Mohd-L. , Shazili Noor A.M. , Dahdouh-Guebas Farid
Published: January 2010

We studied mangrove vegetation at Tumpat to estimate different tree structural parameters (e.g., stem density and basal area) at selected sites (PCQ method). There were five dominant taxa in the vegetation, i.e., Sonneratia caseolaris, Nypa fruticans, Avicennia alba, Rhizophora mucronata, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza in order of importance. Total tree density varied between 79 and 132 stems 0.1 ha-1, and basal area from 0.14 to 4.9 m2 0.1 ha-1. Based on species composition and stem density, the mangrove sites were separable into two groups (Bray-Curtis similarity: 60%). While Group-1 (sites G9, J5, K4, N6 and O4), dominated by S. caseolaris and N. fruticans, was distributed throughout the forest, Group-2 (sites C6 and G6), represented largely by A. alba, was present close to the bay-mangrove boundary. Elevation measurements indicate that Group-1 species occupied low-lying to elevated grounds (0.87–2.23 m above mean sea level) with a (mean) salinity between 0.38 and 14.6 psu, whereas Group-2 occurred preferentially at low to medium elevations (0.86–1.29 m) and high salinity (14.6 psu). Discrete mangrove associations (=groupings) were discerned, wherein the distribution of species was governed by factors such as proximity of land or sea, freshwater input and elevation.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Golebiowski Anja
Published: January 2010

Romantik und Geschichte. Polnische Paradigma, europäischer Kontext, deutsch-polnische Perspektive. Hrsg. von Alfred GALL, Thomas GROB, Andreas LAWATY und German RITZ. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2007. 419 S. ISBN 978-3-447-05654-0
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Dzika Joanna
Published: January 2010

LÖWE, IWONA, Gatunki paratekstowe w komunikacji medialnej. Katowice: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego, 2007. 241 S. (Prace naukowe Uniwersytetu Śląskiego w Katowicach; 2513: Językoznawstwo Polonistyczne). ISBN 978-83-226-1654-3
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Lecke Mirja
Published: January 2010

GRIMSTAD, KNUT ANDREAS, Styling Russia: Multiculture in the Prose of Nikolai Leskov. Bergen, 2007. (Slavica Bergensia; 7)
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Döpmann Hans-Dieter
Published: January 2010

HANS-CHRISTIAN DIEDRICH, »Wohin sollen wir gehen...« . Der Weg der Christen durch die sowjetische Religionsverfolgung. Eine russische Kirchengeschichte des 20. Jahrhunderte in ökumenischer Perspektive. Erlangen: Martin-Luther-Verlag 2007. 570 S. ISBN 978-3-87513-158-1, 978-3-87513-160-4
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Richter Angela
Published: January 2010

FISCHER, WLADIMIR: Dositej Obradović als bürgerlicher Kulturheld. Zur Formierung eines serbischen bürgerlichen Selbstbildes durch literarische Kommunikation 17831845. Frankfurt am Main et al: Peter Lang, 2007. 322 S. (Studien zur Geschichte Südosteuropas; 16). ISBN 3631542143, 978-3631542149
Resistência e tolerância a impacto transversal de baixa energia de um laminado híbrido metal/fibra
Authors: Gualberto A.R.M. , Gatt M.C.A. , Tarpani J.R.
Published: January 2010

A energia absorvida no impacto transversal do laminado híbrido metal/fibra Glare® foi determinada por três diferentes métodos. O primeiro método utiliza um sofisticado aparato Laser-Doppler que registra a aceleração e a desaceleração do impactador ao longo do evento de choque mecânico por queda-de-peso, enquanto que o segundo se baseia apenas nos dados de carga de impacto contra o tempo de contato do impactador com o espécime. Já o terceiro método considera somente as velocidades do impactador pré- e pós-impacto. Concluiu-se que as duas primeiras metodologias geram resultados bastante similares entre si, com o material em geral absorvendo cerca de 70% da energia disponibilizada no impacto, enquanto que a terceira abordagem apresentou resultados excessivamente não-conservadores. As propriedades residuais em flexão dos laminados previamente danificados por impacto demonstraram que o módulo de elasticidade é o parâmetro mais confiável para a monitoração do grau de integridade estrutural do compósito híbrido.
The Effect of Piezoelectric Use on Open Sinus Lift Perforation: A Retrospective Evaluation of 56 Consecutively Treated Cases From Private Practices
Authors: Toscano Nicholas J. , Holtzclaw Dan , Rosen Paul S.
Published: January 2010

Background: The lateral window approach to maxillary sinus augmentation is a well‐accepted treatment option in implant dentistry. The most frequent complication reported with traditional techniques has been the perforation of the Schneiderian membrane, with perforation rates ranging from 11% to 56%. The purpose of this retrospective, consecutive case series from two private practices was to report on the rate of Schneiderian membrane perforations and arterial lacerations when a piezoelectric surgical unit was used in conjunction with hand instrumentation to perform lateral window sinus elevations.

Methods: Clinical data (Schneiderian membrane perforation, Underwood septa, and laceration of the lateral arterial blood supply to the maxillary sinus) were obtained retrospectively from two private practices and pooled for analysis. The information was collated after an exhaustive chart review. Fifty‐six consecutively treated lateral window sinus lifts were performed on 50 partially or completely edentate patients.

Results: Zero perforations of the Schneiderian membrane occurred during the piezoelectric preparation of the lateral antrostomies, whereas two perforations were noted during subsequent membrane elevations using hand instrumentation. In both instances, membrane perforations were associated with sinus septa. The overall sinus perforation rate was 3.6%. Arterial branches of the posterior superior alveolar artery were encountered in 35 cases, and there were zero instances of arterial laceration.

Conclusions: This retrospective case series from clinical private practices confirmed that a lateral window approach to sinus elevation incorporating piezoelectric technology in conjunction with hand instrumentation was an effective means to achieve sinus elevation while minimizing the potential for intraoperative complications. Further prospective and randomized controlled studies are warranted to qualify these observations.
Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation With a Minimally Invasive Technique
Authors: Trombelli Leonardo , Minenna Pasquale , Franceschetti Giovanni , Minenna Luigi , Farina Roberto
Published: January 2010

Background: Recently, we proposed a minimally invasive technique to limit the postoperative morbidity of transcrestal sinus floor elevation procedures. The technique is based on the use of specially designed drills and osteotomes. The purpose of the present study is to present data on the clinical outcomes and postoperative morbidity of sinus floor elevation procedures performed using the proposed technique.

Methods: Fourteen implants were placed in the posterior portions of the maxilla areas of 11 patients using the proposed technique. Postoperative pain and discomfort were assessed using a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS). The incidences of intra‐ and postoperative complications were recorded. The position of the grafted sinus floor with respect to the implant apex was assessed on periapical radiographs 6 months post‐surgery.

Results: The augmented sites had a presurgery residual bone height of 6.1 mm, whereas the mean length of the implants inserted in augmented sites was 10.3 ± 0.9 mm. Immediately after surgery, VAS scores for pain and discomfort were 9.4 ± 13.4 and 17.0 ± 22.2, respectively. The 7‐day VAS score for pain was 2.1 ± 4.9. No complications were observed during or after the surgical procedure. Six months after surgery, a newly formed mineralized tissue was found at or beyond the level of the implant apex in all cases.

Conclusion: The proposed technique represents a suitable option to elevate the sinus floor due to a predictable displacement of the sinus floor and a limited post‐operative morbidity.
Site‐Specific Gingival Bleeding on Probing in a Steady‐State Plaque Environment: Influence of Polymorphisms in the Interleukin‐1 Gene Cluster
Authors: Müller Hans‐Peter , Barrieshi‐Nusair Kefah M.
Published: January 2010

Background: We previously reported a high prevalence of a combination of alleles 2 at positions interleukin (IL)‐1A−889 and IL‐1B+3954 in an Arabic population with gingivitis. In a steady state, the proportion of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) was consistently reduced. The aim of the present study is to expand this observation by considering the site level.

Methods: Fifty healthy non‐smoking volunteers, 19 to 28 years of age, participated in this study. Clinical examinations included probing depth, BOP, plaque index (PI), and calculus. Examinations were repeated after 2 and 4 weeks, and subjects were advised not to change oral hygiene habits. Polymorphisms in the IL‐1 gene cluster were assessed using a reverse hybridization assay.

Results: Twenty‐six subjects (52%) carried alleles 2 at positions IL‐1A−889 and IL‐1B+3954 and were designated genotype positive. In multivariate multilevel models of BOP, bleeding tendency in subjects with positive IL‐1 genotype was only reduced at sites with PI 0 (odds ratio of 0.98, 0.65, and 0.56 at baseline and 2 and 4 weeks, respectively; χ2(3) = 11.946; P = 0.008) or 1 (χ2(3) = 6.027; P = 0.110). A decreased bleeding tendency at certain tooth types in subjects who were IL‐1 positive was largely related to the relative cleanliness of these areas. Random parts of the models revealed very low biserial correlations of 0.13 to 0.15 at the site level, whereas correlations were considerably higher (0.76 to 0.83) at the subject level.

Conclusion: Multilevel modeling of site‐specific data yielded new information about the influence of the IL‐1 genotype in plaque‐induced gingivitis.
Proinflammatory Gene Expression at Chronic Periodontitis and Peri‐Implantitis Sites in Patients With or Without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Venza Isabella , Visalli Maria , Cucinotta Maria , De Grazia Giuseppina , Teti Diana , Venza Mario
Published: January 2010

Background: Diabetes and periodontal diseases are often associated. Both have highly inflammatory components, but the role played by distinct phlogistic mediators in their pathogenesis is not fully understood and remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether type 2 diabetes alters the expression of inflammatory mediators in sites with chronic periodontitis (CP) or peri‐implantitis (P‐IM).

Methods: The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and ‐8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 plus key CC chemokine receptors (CCR1 through 5) and CXC chemokine receptors (CXCR1 through 3) was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in gingival or peri‐implant biopsies from 135 patients with well‐controlled or poorly controlled diabetes and periodontal disease, 65 patients with periodontal disease but otherwise healthy, and 90 systematically and periodontally healthy subjects. Western blots were performed.

Results: Relative to controls, in patients without diabetes and patients with well‐controlled diabetes, TNF‐α, CCR5, and CXCR3 expression was exclusively higher in sites with P‐IM (P <0.01), whereas IL‐6 and ‐8 were overexpressed in sites with CP and, even more, in sites with P‐IM (P <0.01). In patients with poor glycemic control, TNF‐α, CCR5, and CXCR3 mRNAs were increased in sites with CP (P <0.01). A statistically significant higher IL‐6 and ‐8 expression from patients without diabetes and patients with well‐controlled diabetes was observed compared to patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Regardless of metabolic/glycemic status, MCP‐1 and CCR2 and 4 were markedly higher in both of the oral pathologies examined (P <0.01). At the protein levels, Western blot experiments confirmed the real‐time PCR results.

Conclusions: These findings showed that: 1) in subjects without diabetes and patients with well‐controlled diabetes, TNF‐α, CCR5, and CXCR3 may constitute distinctive biomarkers of P‐IM; 2) poor glycemic control abolished the differences between CP and P‐IM regarding the expression of these mediators; and 3) type 2 diabetes affected the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and ‐8, CCR5, and CXCR3.
Biologic Width and Morphologic Characteristics of Soft Tissues Around Immediately Loaded Implants: Studies Performed on Human Autopsy Specimens
Authors: Romanos George E. , Traini Tonino , Johansson Carina B. , Piattelli Adriano
Published: January 2010

Background: Esthetics and the health of oral implants are based upon the soft tissue reaction and biologic width (BW).

Methods: Twelve dental implants were placed in the maxilla and mandible of a patient who smoked. Permanent standard abutments and temporary restorations were immediately fixed in place during the surgery stage. The definitive restorations were placed 4 months after loading without removal of the original abutments. After 10 months, the patient died, and the implants were removed en block and processed for histology.

Results: The BW in the maxilla was 6.5 ± 2.5 mm, whereas in the mandible, it was 4.8 ± 1.3 mm (P = 0.017). The sulcular epithelium (SE) in the maxilla was 2.7 ± 0.8 mm, whereas in the mandible, it was 1.7 ± 0.4 mm (P <0.001). The junctional epithelium (JE) in the maxilla was 1.3 ± 0.4 mm, whereas in the mandible, it was 1.5 ± 0.5 mm (P = 0.164). The connective tissue (CT) in the maxilla was 2.5 ± 1.3 mm, whereas in the mandible, it was 1.6 ± 0.4 mm (P = 0.006). In the maxillary bone, the BW, SE, and CT were significantly longer than in the mandible, whereas for the JE, no statistically significant difference was observed.

Conclusion: The soft tissue organization around dental implants was different for upper and lower jawbones.
Esthetic Index for Anterior Maxillary Implant‐Supported Restorations
Authors: Juodzbalys Gintaras , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: January 2010

Background: The aim of this study is to develop and validate a complex esthetic index (CEI) designed for rating the esthetics of anterior maxillary implant‐supported restorations with respect to the surrounding soft and hard tissues.

Methods: Fifty patients (31 males and 19 females; age: 18 to 50 years; mean age ± SD: 32.4 ± 9.1 years) previously treated with dental implants were evaluated regarding the esthetic results of their restorations using the proposed CEI. Two calibrated oral surgeons did the evaluation and recording. The evaluation was carried out twice by each of the examiners 2 weeks apart. The weighted Cohen's κ was used to calculate the intra‐ and interobserver agreement.

Results: An analysis of CEI for 50 anterior maxillary implant‐supported restorations showed good intra‐ and interobserver agreement for the soft tissue index (S) and implant‐supported restoration index (R). Only the interobserver agreement for the overall R was rated as moderate (0.54 and 0.52). The single‐parameter analysis showed that the lowest (moderate) intra‐ and interobserver agreement was with the subjective parameters of S (soft tissue color and texture variations) and R (crown surface roughness and ridges and color and translucency). An adequate CEI of S100, P100, and R100 was scored by both examiners in 10% and 12% of cases for evaluations I and II, respectively.

Conclusions: This study presents evidence that this newly developed CEI, which incorporates the implant restoration and adjacent soft and hard tissue parameters, is a reproducible tool for scoring anterior implant esthetic predictably. However, prospective clinical trials involving examiners with different training backgrounds are needed to further validate the long‐term stability of this index.
Nitric Oxide Synthase in Gingival Tissues of Patients With Chronic Periodontitis and With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Pan Zeynep , Guzeldemir Esra , Toygar Hilal Uslu , Bal Nebil , Bulut Sule
Published: January 2010

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the gingival tissues of periodontitis patients with and without type 2 diabetes to assess whether NO plays a role in the severity of periodontitis in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes and healthy patients were used as controls.

Methods: A total of 80 patients were evaluated in four groups (with 20 subjects each): patients with chronic periodontitis and diabetes (12 males and eight females; mean age, 52.1 ± 6.9 years), patients with chronic periodontitis who were otherwise healthy (12 males and eight females; mean age, 43.1 ± 8.9 years), periodontally healthy patients with diabetes (12 males and eight females; mean age 50.9 ± 6.3 years), and systemically and periodontally healthy control subjects (12 males and eight females; mean age 29.8 ± 9.2 years). Periodontal parameters were recorded. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect inflammation and iNOS expression in gingival tissues.

Results: Although periodontal parameters were slightly higher in periodontitis compared to diabetic periodontitis, immunohistochemical parameters were higher in diabetic periodontitis compared to periodontitis. All periodontal parameters were higher in patients with periodontitis and with/without diabetes compared to controls and patients with diabetes. All immunohistochemical parameters were higher in patients with diabetes and periodontitis compared to patients with only diabetes or periodontitis, but there was no difference between the latter two groups. There was a correlation between the expression of iNOS and inflammatory cells in controls, patients with diabetes, and patients with periodontitis but not in patients with diabetes and periodontitis.

Conclusions: Inflammation and iNOS expression were more prominent in the gingiva of the patients with both diabetes and periodontitis. However, iNOS expression did not seem to have an additional detrimental effect on the course of periodontitis in patients with diabetes compared to those with periodontitis alone.
Net-Based Training for Physicians
Authors: Jokela Päivi , Karlsudd Peter
Published: January 2010

In order to ensure and increase access to high-quality learning opportunities it is becoming more and more common to integrate e-learning into health-related environments. The rapid development of these new learning environments also requires continuous monitoring and evaluation, to guarantee the quality of the health-care education. In this project a holistic model based on a systems approach is used in order to evaluate a video conference-supported course in emergency medicine. Questionnaires and observations as well as interviews in groups and individually were used for data gathering. The course participants were 27 junior doctors, 18 from the Stockholm node and 9 from the Kalmar node; 11 lecturers were involved. The collaborative pedagogical approach was appreciated; all participants agreed that their peers contributed to the learning process. The greatest advantage of the course was that high-quality education was made available to a group of junior doctors who did not have alternative possibilities for participating in a traditional course. To offer a proficient video conference environment for synchronous two-way communication, the course must be developed at three levels: technical environment; individual information and communications technology skills; and course organisation. Potential users must be offered adequate training and technical support. The course organisation must encourage the sharing of responsibilities and tasks between the participating nodes.
Online Presentations of Research on Adult Literacy: Government Websites as Learning Spaces
Authors: Jacobson Erik
Published: January 2010

This article presents a review of seven national governments' online collections of adult literacy-related research. This study explored the type of learning associated with official web spaces by asking the following research questions: (1) What kind of research do these governments present on their websites? (2) How is the presentation organized? (3) What opportunities for learning do these spaces provide? Clear differences emerged in the type of research presented and in how it was organized. Sites varied in the way they presented opportunities to learn, which was suggestive of underlying differences in how the research base was being conceptualized.
E-Learning Platform for Education Innovation: A Case for Botswana
Authors: Marumo Rapelang , Sehurutshi Richard , Wangombe Kabanya
Published: January 2010

This article intends to investigate the challenges of e-learning implementation with an emphasis on education innovation. The Botswana government imports technology rather than developing it in-house through or in association with a well-developed national research and development (R&D) centre. In simple terms, e-learning is the delivery of education or teaching by electronic means. This technological change puts pressure on leaders and policy makers. This research will enable researchers to provide scientific advice to stakeholders on the use of e-learning as a platform for education innovation in Botswana. In spite of limited access to computers, technophobia and slow network connection, e-learning can be a very useful tool in its flexibility and provision of self-directed learning. A variety of teaching and learning methods can be applied towards the development of the individual. The general objective of this study was to determine employee awareness of the influence and abilities, as well as limitations, of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for advancing a personal, active, open, collaborative and lifelong learning process. A survey of employees at both management and technical levels from industry was conducted, asking the importance in terms of being a lifelong learner of characteristics such as technical competence, analytical and creative thinking skills, the desire to enquire, and the impact of technology at work, at home and in society, among other things. How well these factors were offered in the technical education that was acquired at tertiary level was also rated.
Integrating E-Learning into Postgraduate Radiotherapy and Oncology Education: A Case Study
Authors: Probst Heidi , Eddy David , Doughty Jo , Hodgson Denyse
Published: January 2010

Training health professionals within university environments has traditionally focused on face-to-face methods. Practitioners working within the UK National Health Service (NHS) have found it difficult to gain leave from work to attend for study due to the demands of the NHS and staff shortages. In response, the authors developed a distance e-learning course to match the current traditional taught programme. The first e-learning module (a research methods module) was comparable in content to the traditional taught module, and developed to incorporate a formative assessment design throughout, embodying the constructivist approach and the principle of assessment for learning. The authors evaluated student experiences with the e-learning module using a pre- and post-module questionnaire, with the taught cohort used as a comparison. They tested the importance of support, levels of information technology (IT) skills, preferences for e-learning and intrinsic motivation. The results identified that highly satisfied e-learning students were more likely to report a preference for e-learning initially, show higher levels of intrinsic motivation and report good support from tutors and fellow students. This article discusses the development and evaluation of the pilot module and some of the lessons learned from providing e-learning to health workers.
From Bush Pump to Blackboard: The Fluid Workings of a Virtual Environment
Authors: Enriquez Judith Guevarra
Published: January 2010

Impact is possibly the most frequently evaluated construct associated with any kind of technological diffusion or adoption within educational settings. Seemingly endless research projects are funded to measure it and to validate the educational value we have become adept at inscribing into practically all novel technologies brought to our attention through official documents or government initiatives. This article revisits the virtual learning environment known as Blackboard. It addresses the notion of impact surrounding the e-learning initiative in the UK context, with particular reference to the case of one university. It seeks to move towards a ‘softer’ conceptualisation of how we may study the workings of a virtual environment. To this end it draws on the work of de Laet and Mol concerning the mechanics of the bush pump to argue that there is no Blackboard (or other technology) in itself that is completely finished in its design or make-up. How a given technology works is not just a matter of concern for software developers located and employed at Blackboard, Inc. or similar organisations. Its effective use is not just about putting it to work on some requirement or content. Rather, as it becomes installed, distributed and accessed across time and space within specific localities, it enacts multiple ways of working: it works with. The workings of the virtual environment are not merely applied but, rather, they are coordinated in specific forms locally. Having this ‘softer’ understanding would allow us to explore how technology works not only in terms of how, but also in terms of where, and would show that for it to work properly it has to be located with.
Correlates of Student Preference for Online Instruction over Face-to-Face Instruction
Authors: Kishore Masao , Tabrizi M.H. Nassehzadeh , Ozan Erol , Aziz Shahnaz , Wuensch Karl L.
Published: January 2010

In order to examine current online course delivery systems, the authors created and conducted a survey that examined both face-to-face (FTF) and online education (OE) classes offered at 46 universities and some community colleges in the United States, as well as at some foreign universities. Students were asked whether they preferred FTF or OE classes, and related questions (convenience, self-pacing, etc.). The results showed that 47.5% preferred FTF classes, 33.5% preferred OE classes and 19% had no preference ( N = 1876). The authors hypothesized that students' preference for OE classes had strong correlations with other variables in the survey. The purpose of the research is twofold, involving, first, the identification of these variables. The authors found that gender, stated reasons for having taken an OE class, student perception of pedagogical characteristics of OE classes, frequency of use of certain OE technologies, rated quality and reliability of the OE course delivery system, number of OE classes the student had taken, and speed of Internet connection were significantly correlated with preference for OE classes. Second, the authors suggest how these OE features should be implemented to improve current OE course delivery systems.
The Active Social Life of “Muslim Women’s Rights”
Authors: Abu-Lughod Lila
Published: January 2010

Rather than arguing about whether “Muslim women” do or do not have rights, I suggest that we begin from the premise that the concept of, and the practices around, “Muslim women’s rights” have an active social life today that can and should be studied ethnographically. The kinds of questions that guide us then become: In what debates and institutions do “Muslim women’s rights” partake? How are they mediated? What work do the notion and the practices organized in its terms do in various places, for various kinds of women? What infrastructures support them? As an anthropologist, I examine just a few of the many sites where “Muslim women’s rights” are differentially in play: in Egyptian and Palestinian women’s NGOs as well as in rural villages where ordinary women and girls live their lives at the intersection of national media and local institutions.
Treatment of concomitant prolapse and stress urinary incontinence via a transobturator subvesical mesh without independent suburethral tape
Authors: SERGENT FABRICE , SENTILHES LOÏC , RESCH BENOÎT , VERSPYCK ERIC , MEDEIROS RICHARD , DESCAMPS PHILIPPE , MARPEAU LOÏC
Published: January 2010

Objective. Evaluate the efficacy of a transobturator subvesical mesh for cystocele in concomitant stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Design. Longitudinal observational study. Setting. Tertiary referral urogynecology center. Population. One hundred and five women with at least an anterior vaginal wall prolapse and concomitant SUI who underwent surgery. Methods. After reduction of prolapse elements, the intervention consisted of a non‐absorbable monoprosthesis placement with two transobturator expansions and, if necessary, associated hysterectomy or infraccocygeal sacropexy. No specific procedure was performed for SUI. Main outcome measures. All patients had a physical examination and a subjective symptoms assessment via questionnaire in the preoperative period and at one‐year or more after surgery. The pelvic organ prolapse quantification system was used for anatomical results. For SUI, Ingelman‐Sundberg classification and cough test were used. Loss of urine was measured by a one‐hour pad test. Functional results were evaluated by visual analog scale, quality‐of‐life questionnaires, including the pelvic floor distress inventory and the pelvic floor impact questionnaire. Results. Median follow‐up was 45 months (range: 12–72). A total of 102 women (97%) were cured of their prolapse, of whom 72 (69%) were cured of their SUI and 13 (12%) showed improvement. Pad test, visual analogic scale and quality‐of‐life questionnaires were all improved (p < 0.05). Complications consisted of one rectal injury, one transitory urinary retention, and two hematomas. Of the erosions 6% was observed for monofilament polypropylene prostheses. Conclusion. Transvaginal monoprosthesis for the simultaneous correction of prolapse and SUI represents an effective treatment for bulky or recurrent prolapse as well as posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.
Preface to Vol.3 2009
Authors: Sharma Krishna
Published: January 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2420The Initiation Vol.3 2009
Carbon Sequestration in Broad Leaved Forests of Mid-Hills of Nepal: A Case Study from Palpa District
Authors: Shrestha Bishnu P
Published: January 2010

This study was carried out to quantify total carbon sequestration in two broad leaved forests (Shorea and Schima-Castanopsis forests) of Palpa district. The inventory for estimating above and below ground biomass of forest was carried out using stratified random sampling. Biomass was calculated using allometric models. Soil samples were taken from soil profile upto 1 m depth for deep soil and up to bed rock for shallow soils at the interval of 20 cm. Walkey and Black method were applied for measuring soil organic carbon. Total biomass carbon in Shorea and Schima-Castanopsis forest was found 101.66 and 44.43 t ha-1 respectively. Soil carbon sequestration in Schima-Castanopsis and Shorea forest was found 130.76 and 126.07 t ha-1 respectively. Total carbon sequestration in Shorea forest was found 1.29 times higher than Schima-Castanopsis forest. The study found that forest types play an important role on total carbon sequestration. Key Words: Carbon sequestration, Shorea forest, Schima-Castanopsis forest, Biomass carbon, Soil carbon DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2424 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.20-29
Natural Resources and Revenue Sharing in the New Federal System of Nepal: A Proposed Model
Authors: Pandit Bishnu H , Shrestha Him L
Published: January 2010

This article considers recent trends in federalism, with particular attention to revenue sharing of natural resources in the new federal system of Nepal. It begins with a general description of the federal system prevailing in other countries, revenue sharing pattern and possible ways that can be implemented in Nepal. The article concludes with an explanation of trends that set the direction for policy innovations in natural resources federalism and general thoughts about the future of federalism in natural resources law in Nepal, which in turn can be reflected in the new constitution. A model consisting of seven provinces based on five criteria (river and hydro-power; forest, wild life and national parks; population/ethnicity; geographic location; and road networks) is also proposed for restructuring new Nepal. Three levels (center, province and local/or community) of new Nepal federal system are proposed. Recommendations are made to be included in the fundamental right and state responsibility part of the constitution. Key words: Fedral system, Economic right, Constitution, Revenue sharing, Natural resources management DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2426 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.38-48