bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo Modeling of Time‐Dependent Exposures Using a Microexposure Event Approach
Authors: Price Paul S. , Curry Cynthia L. , Goodrum Philip E. , Gray Michael N. , McCrodden Jane I. , Harrington Natalie W. , Carlson‐Lynch Heather , Keenan Russell E.
Published: January 2007

Over the last 10 years, a number of researchers have used Monte Carlo analysts to investigate the variation in long‐term average dose rates in exposed populations and the uncertainty in estimates of long‐term average dose rates for specific individuals. In general, these researchers have modeled long‐term exposures using simple dose rate equations which assume that individuals are exposed to a single environmental concentration at a constant rate over a specified exposure duration. This paper presents an alternative approach for modeling long‐term average exposures called microexposure event modeling which addresses a number of shortcomings in traditional dose rate equations. The paper discusses the limitations of the traditional dose rate equation, presents a description of the methodology, and illustrates advantages of the approach with a case study.
A Simulation Study of the Influence of Study Design on the Estimation of Benchmark Doses for Developmental Toxicity1
Authors: Kavlock Robert J. , Schmid Judith E. , Setzer R. Woodrow
Published: January 2007

The benchmark dose (BMD)4 approach is emerging as replacement to determination of the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) in noncancer risk assessment. This possibility raises the issue as to whether current study designs for endpoints such as developmental toxicity, optimized for detecting pair wise comparisons, could be improved for the purpose of calculating BMDs. In this paper, we examine various aspects of study design (number of dose groups, dose spacing, dose placement, and sample size per dose group) on BMDs for two endpoints of developmental toxicity (the incidence of abnormalities and of reduced fetal weight). Design performance was judged by the mean‐squared error (reflective of the variance and bias) of the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) from the log‐logistic model of the 5% added risk level (the likely target risk for a benchmark calculation), as well as by the length of its 95% confidence interval (the lower value of which is the BMD). We found that of the designs evaluated, the best results were obtained when two dose levels had response rates above the background level, one of which was near the ED05, were present. This situation is more likely to occur with more, rather than fewer dose levels per experiment. In this instance, there was virtually no advantage in increasing the sample size from 10 to 20 litters per dose group. If neither of the two dose groups with response rates above the background level was near the ED05, satisfactory results were also obtained, but the BMDs tended to be more conservative (i.e., lower). If only one dose level with a response rate above the background level was present, and it was near the ED05, reasonable results for the MLE and BMD were obtained, but here we observed benefits of larger dose group sizes. The poorest results were obtained when only a single group with an elevated response rate was present, and the response rate was much greater than the ED05. The results indicate that while the benchmark dose approach is readily applicable to the standard study designs and generally observed dose‐responses in developmental assays, some minor design modifications would increase the accuracy and precision of the BMD.
New Responsibilities of Faith‐Related Agencies
Authors: Sosin Michael R. , Smith Steven Rathgeb
Published: January 2007

Nonprofit agencies with a religious base may be strongly affected by recent public policy changes; they tend to deliver services in areas where federal resources are further declining and are eligible for the special government purchase of service contracts that now may be provided to religious entities. Religious agencies also are now widely expected to deliver uniquely beneficial services and to mobilize social capital to compensate for increasing restrictions of some governmental programs. The current article reports on a qualitative, longitudinal, interview‐based investigation of program changes and their relation to policy changes in a two‐city sample of what are called “faith‐related” agencies. In so doing, it investigates the implications of relying on religious agencies for service delivery. Making use of an extensive framework concerning how agencies are organized, the work finds that faith‐related agencies mildly contribute to increased variety of service delivery styles in the examined cities, but that they rarely expand services significantly to meet increased need or otherwise provide dramatically unique service content in response to recent public policy changes. The patterns in part reflect trade‐offs between fully emphasizing the unique aspects of religion and entering the public arena, and they thus question the likely role of religion in reforming social service systems.
The combination of ubiquitous transcription factors AP‐1 and Sp1 directs keratinocyte‐specific and differentiation‐specific gene expression in vitro
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhiro , Kawachi Yasuhiro , Xu Xuezhu , Sakurai Hideko , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Takenori , Otsuka Fujio
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Previous studies of epidermal‐specific gene promoters suggested that a limited set of transcription factors regulate keratinocyte‐specific and differentiation‐specific gene expression in the epidermis. In the present study, we investigated the functional importance of AP‐1‐ and Sp1‐binding elements in the determination of cell type‐specific and differentiation‐specific gene expression by transient transfection into undifferentiated and differentiated keratinocytes as well as into various non‐epidermal cell lines. Synthesized short AP‐1‐ and/or Sp1‐binding elements were inserted into a minimal reporter vector, and the artificial promoter containing both AP‐1 and Sp1 elements showed high levels of transcriptional activity only when transfected into differentiated keratinocytes. Promoters containing either the AP‐1 or the Sp1 motif alone showed little activity in any of the cells examined. We also found that close proximity of the Sp1 and AP‐1 sites is essential for transcriptional activity, suggesting that the physical interaction between Sp1 and AP‐1 factors is important for functional activity. These results clearly demonstrate that the combination of ubiquitously expressed transcription factors AP‐1 and Sp1 confers keratinocyte specificity and differentiation specificity on the gene expression. Our findings also provide a simple model of the mechanisms underlying regulation of cell type‐specific and cell differentiation‐specific gene expression by ubiquitously expressed transcription factors.
Aging stimulates cyclooxygenase‐2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production in human periodontal ligament cells after the application of compressive force
Authors: Mayahara Kotoe , Kobayashi Yasuko , Takimoto Kiyomi , Suzuki Naoto , Mitsui Narihiro , Shimizu Noriyoshi
Published: January 2007

Background and Objectives:  Some clinical studies show that alveolar crestal bone loss is higher in adults than in young patients during orthodontic treatment, but the causes of such a phenomenon have not been elucidated. It is known that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a proinflammatory agent and one of the potent osteoclast‐inducing factors, and is produced by human periodontal ligament cells in response to orthodontic force. The aim of this study was to investigate age‐related change in the biosynthetic capacity of PGE2 and its regulatory gene, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) from periodontal ligament cells in response to mechanical stress.

Methods:  Compressive force of 2 g/cm2 was applied for 3–48 h to periodontal ligament cells obtained from human donors aged 9–50 years, and COX‐2 mRNA expression in and PGE2 production by the periodontal ligament cells in response to the compressive force were examined.

Results:  Application of a compressive force of 2 g/cm2 for 3–48 h significantly stimulated these factors in both time‐ and age‐dependent manners. Furthermore, these increases were dramatically larger in periodontal ligament cells obtained from donors over the age of 35.

Conclusions:  Periodontal ligament cells obtained from old donors have significantly greater COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production in response to compressive force than those from younger donors. The turning point of aging, where significantly larger amounts of theses factors begin production, appears to be around the age of 35. These results may be positively related to the acceleration of alveolar crestal bone loss during orthodontic treatment in adult patients.
CURRENT RESEARCH ON CHILDREN'S POSTDIVORCE ADJUSTMENT
Authors: Kelly Joan B.
Published: January 2007

This article reviews the current research on the effects of marital conflict, parental adjustment, custody, and access on children following divorce. Evidence from research demonstrates that significantly more adjustment problems confront children, especially boys, of divorced parents compared to those in never‐divorced families. However, when assessed in years following the divorce, these children are functioning in normal limits and do not appear “disturbed,” although the media report the opposite. The article discusses an important British study finding that marital conflict and not the divorce affect children and that divorce may mitigate some of the more destructive effects. The analysis of research dealing with joint custody brings together both current and ongoing studies. A surprising finding in one study was that mothers who share custody are more satisfied than those having sole custody and whose children see their father periodically. However, both groups expressed more satisfaction with their residential arrangement than did sole‐custody mothers whose children had no paternal contact. Court‐ordered joint custody was less satisfactory than when the parents voluntarily agreed to that arrangement, and spouses reporting high levels of marital conflict tended to do less well in joint custody arrangements than did families with less conflict.
Stribeck Curve for Starved Line Contacts
Authors: Faraon I. C. , Schipper D. J.
Published: January 2007

This paper discusses a mixed lubrication model in order to predict the Stribeck curve for starved lubricated line contacts. This model is based on a combination of the contact model of Greenwood and Williamson and the elastohydrodynamic (EHL) film thickness for starved line contacts. The starved solution to be implemented in the EHL component is obtained by using numerical data of Wolveridge, who computed the starved film thickness for smooth line contacts. Calculations are presented for different oil supply layer thickness over roughness values (hoil∕σs). For values of the oil layer thickness over roughness ratio larger than approximately 6, the Stribeck curve and separation between the rough surfaces do not change compared to the fully flooded situation. If the oil layer thickness over roughness ratio is in the range of 6 down to 0.7, friction starts to increase and the film thickness decreases. When the oil layer thickness over roughness ratio is less than approximately 0.7, the Stribeck curve tends to transform into a straight line and separation stays at the same value as in the boundary lubrication regime. Comparison between measurements and calculations is made and a good agreement is found.
Characterization of the ADII‐33 diamond detector
Authors: Rodriguez Manuel , Griffin Sheridan , DeWerd Larry , Jeraj Robert
Published: January 2007

Dosimetry characteristics of the ADII‐33 diamond detector were investigated. Sensitivity, stability, bias voltage, hardening, dose rate, energy dependence, and spatial resolution were examined. Current generated in the detector was found to be proportional to the bias voltage applied to the detector with stability degrading as a function of the bias voltage. The average current increased with increasing bias voltage. The statistical fluctuation in current was less than 0.3% regardless of the applied bias voltage. The optimal bias voltage, at which the current uncertainty is negligible, was found to be . The detector was hardened up to without significant degradation in output signal. A sub‐linearity in the current as a function of dose rate was observed when the dose rate varied from 600.0 to . A fitting parameter of was observed in the power relationship of . When comparing the diamond detector readings to corrected ion chamber readings over a wide energy range of electron beams, differences of only 0.2% were observed suggesting no energy dependence for electron beam. PDD curves for a field for 6 and photon beams measured with the diamond detector and the farmer type ion chamber were also compared and they closely agreed up to a depth of . Beyond a depth of , diamond detector starts to overestimate the PDD curve reaching difference of 1.90% and 1.0% at depth for 6 and , respectively, to those values measured with the ion chamber. The diamond detector presents slightly better spatial resolution than the Exradin A16 micro‐chamber. We conclude that at the optimal bias voltage, this new diamond detector is stable and the uncertainties in the current will not affect its suitability for clinical use. If compared against a calibrated ion chamber to correct any energy and dose rate dependence and considering any radiation damage effect, this diamond detector can be used to measure absolute and relative dose.
Performance of a high fill factor, indirect detection prototype flat‐panel imager for mammography
Authors: El‐Mohri Youcef , Antonuk Larry E. , Zhao Qihua , Wang Yi , Li Yixin , Du Hong , Sawant Amit
Published: January 2007

Empirical and theoretical investigations of the performance of a small‐area, high‐spatial‐resolution, active matrix flat‐panel imager, operated under mammographic conditions, is reported. The imager is based on an indirect detection array incorporating a continuous photodiode design, as opposed to the discrete photodiode design employed in conventional flat‐panel imagers. Continuous photodiodes offer the prospect of higher fill factors, particularly for arrays with pixel pitches below . The array has a pixel‐to‐pixel pitch of and a pixel format of , resulting in an active area of . The array was coupled to two commercially available, structured scintillators of thickness: one optimized for high light output (FOS‐HL) and the other for high spatial resolution (FOS‐HR), resulting in a pair of imager configurations. Measurements of sensitivity, modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectra (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were performed with a mammography beam at exposures ranging from to . MTF results from both scintillators show that the array demonstrates good spatial resolution, indicating effective isolation between adjacent pixels. The effect of additive noise of the system on DQE was observed to be significantly higher for the FOS‐HR scintillator compared to the FOS‐HL scintillator due to lower sensitivity of the former. For the FOS‐HL scintillator, DQE performance was generally high at high exposures, limited by the x‐ray quantum efficiency, Swank factor and the MTF of the scintillators. For both scintillators, the DQE performance degrades at lower exposures due to the relatively large contribution of additive noise. Theoretical calculations based on a cascaded systems model were found to be in general agreement with the empirically determined NPS and DQE values. Finally, such calculations were used to predict potential DQE performance for hypothetical pixel pitch imagers, employing similar continuous photodiode design and realistic inputs derived from the empirical measurements.
Dosimetric evaluation of daily rigid and nonrigid geometric correction strategies during on‐line image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT) of prostate cancer
Authors: Song William Y. , Wong Eugene , Bauman Glenn S. , Battista Jerry J. , Van Dyk Jake
Published: January 2007

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a geometric image guidance strategy that simultaneously correct for various inter‐fractional rigid and nonrigid geometric uncertainties in an on‐line environment, using field shape corrections (called the “MU‐MLC” technique). The effectiveness of this strategy was compared with two other simpler on‐line image guidance strategies that are more commonly used in the clinic. To this end, five prostate cancer patients, with at least 15 treatment CT studies each, were analyzed. The prescription dose was set to the maximum dose that did not violate the rectum and bladder dose‐volume constraints, and hence, was unique to each patient. Deformable image registration and dose‐tracking was performed on each CT image to obtain the cumulative treatment dose distributions. From this, maximum, minimum, and mean dose, as well as generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) were calculated for each image guidance strategy. As expected, some dosimetric differences in the clinical target volume (CTV) were observed between the three image guidance strategies investigated. For example, up to discrepancy in prostate minimum dose were observed among the techniques. Of them, only the “MU‐MLC” technique did not reduce the prostate minimum dose for all patients (i.e., ). However, the differences were clinically not significant to indicate the preference of one strategy over another, when using a uniform margin size. For the organ‐at‐risks (OARs), the large rectum sparing effect (, gEUD) and bladder overdosing effect (, gEUD) were observed. This was likely due to the use of bladder contrast during CT simulation studies which was not done during the treatment CT studies. Therefore, ultimately, strategies to maintain relatively constant rectum and bladder volumes, throughout the treatment course, are required to minimize this effect. In conclusion, the results here suggest that simple translational corrections based on three‐dimensional (3D) images is adequate to maintain target coverage, for margin sizes at least as large as . In addition, due to large fluctuations in OAR volumes, innovative image guidance strategies are needed to minimize dose and maintain consistent sparing during the whole course of radiation therapy.
Advances in Medical Physics 2006
Authors: Smith Iris P. N.
Published: January 2007

Advances in Medical Physics 2006 Wolbarst Anthony B. Zamenhof Robert G. Hendee William R. 331 pp., Medical Physics Publishing; Madison, WI, 2006; Price: $80.00 (hardcover).
Recombinant Truncated Nucleocapsid Protein as Antigen in a Novel Immunoglobulin M Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Yu Fuxun , Le Mai Quynh , Inoue Shingo , Hasebe Futoshi , Parquet Maria del Carmen , Morikawa Shigeru , Morita Kouichi
Published: January 2007

We report the development of an immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) by using recombinant truncated SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein as the antigen. The newly developed MAC-ELISA had a specificity and sensitivity of 100% as evaluated by using sera from healthy volunteers and patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS. Using serial serum samples collected from SARS patients, the times to seroconversion were determined by IgM antibody detection after SARS-CoV infection. The median time to seroconversion detection was 8 days (range, 5 to 17 days) after disease onset, and the seroconversion rates after the onset of illness were 33% by the first week, 97% by the second week, and 100% by the third week. Compared with the results of our previous report on the detection of IgG, the median seroconversion time by IgM detection was 3 days earlier and the seroconversion rate by the second week after the illness for IgM was significantly higher than by IgG assay. Our results indicating that the IgM response appears earlier than IgG after SARS-CoV infection in consistent with those for other pathogens. Our newly developed MAC-ELISA system offers a new alternative for the confirmation of SARS-CoV infection.
The IE2 60-Kilodalton and 40-Kilodalton Proteins Are Dispensable for Human Cytomegalovirus Replication but Are Required for Efficient Delayed Early and Late Gene Expression and Production of Infectious Virus
Authors: White Elizabeth A. , Del Rosario Christia J. , Sanders Rebecca L. , Spector Deborah H.
Published: January 2007

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE2 86-kDa protein is an essential transactivator of viral and cellular gene expression. Additional proteins of 60 and 40 kDa are expressed from the IE2 gene at late times postinfection and are identical to the C terminus of IE2 86. We have constructed HCMV recombinants that express wild-type full-length IE2 86 but do not express the IE2 40- and 60-kDa proteins. Each of these recombinants is viable, indicating that neither the 60-kDa nor the 40-kDa protein is required for virus replication, either alone or in combination. Cells infected with the IE2 60 and IE2 40 deletion mutants, however, exhibit decreased expression of selected viral genes at late times. In particular, expression of the viral DNA replication factor UL84 is affected by the deletion of IE2 40, and expression of the tegument protein pp65 (ppUL83) is affected by the deletion of both IE2 40 and IE2 60. IE2 60 and IE2 40 are also required for the production of normal levels of infectious virus. Finally, IE2 40 appears to function as a repressor of major immediate-early transcription in the infected cell. These results begin to define functions for the IE2 60- and IE2 40-kDa proteins and indicate that these products contribute both to the expression of selected viral genes and to the overall progression of the infection.
Learning Trajectory Information with Neural Networks and the Markov Model to Develop Intelligent Location-Based Services
Authors: Han Sang-Jun , Cho Sung-Bae
Published: January 2007

In the development of location-based services, various location-sensing techniques and experimental/commercial services have been used. However, conventional location-based services are limited in terms of flexibility because they depend on the current location of the user. We propose a novel method of predicting the user's future movements in order to develop advanced location-based services. The user's movement trajectory is modelled using a combination of recurrent self-organising maps (RSOM) and the Markov model. Future movement is predicted based on past movement trajectories. A prototype application based on location prediction is also presented. This application is a mobile user assistant targeted to university students. To verify the proposed method, a GPS dataset was collected on the Yonsei University campus. The results were promising enough to confirm that the application works flexibly even in ambiguous situations.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes and their variants in high risk West Africa women immigrants in South Italy
Authors: Tornesello Maria Lina , Duraturo Maria Luisa , Buonaguro Luigi , Vallefuoco Gabriele , Piccoli Roberto , Palmieri Stefano , Buonaguro Franco M
Published: January 2007

Background

The distribution of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) varies greatly across populations and HPV surveys have been performed in different geographical regions in order to apply appropriate vaccine strategies. Little information, however, exists regarding HPV genotypes distribution in immigrant women from countries at high incidence for cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the spectrum of HPVs and their variants among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women immigrants in South Italy mainly from West Africa and with a history of prostitution.

Results

Cervical cytological samples have been collected from 14 HIV-positive and 31 HIV-negative immigrants (38 out of 45 were born in Nigeria), attending a gynecological outpatient clinic in the Campania region. Human papillomaviruses were detected by broad spectrum consensus-primer-pairs MY09/MY11 and GP5+/GP6+-based polymerase chain reaction and characterized by nucleotide sequence analysis. Altogether, 42.2% (19/45) of samples were HPV positive with detection rates of 57.1% (8/14) in HIV-positive and 35.5% (11/31) in HIV-negative women. Among the twelve different viral genotypes identified, HPV33, 58, 70 and 81 were the prevalent genotypes with a frequency of 6.7% each, followed by HPV16, 35, 42, 54, 31, 52, 56 and 67, in descending order of prevalence. Sequence homology studies performed on the L1 amplified fragments of HPV16, 52 and 58 isolates allowed the identification of nucleotide changes distinctive of non-European variants.

Conclusion

The overall HPV prevalence (42.2%) was high in this immigrant women group with the most common viral types other than HPV16 and 18, against which current vaccine strategies have been developed. The distribution of HPV genotypes and their variants in high-risk immigrants reflects that of their original countries. The surveillance of risk groups that may act as viral reservoirs of uncommon genotypes within different countries are necessary to determine the severity of HPV infection with the different viral types and to monitor a possible shift of prevalent strains following vaccination.
Effect of weed management on weeds, and on the nodulation, nitrogenase activity, growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum)
Authors: Singh G. , Wright D.
Published: January 2007

Effects of one
pre-emergence herbicide (terbutryn/terbuthylazine) and one post-emergence
herbicide (bentazone) along with unweeded and hand-weeded controls on weeds and
on the nodulation, nitrogenase activity, nitrogen content, growth and yield of
pea (Pisum sativum) were studied. Terbutryn/terbuthylazine was applied
pre-emergence @ 1.40, 2.80 and 5.60 kg/hawhereas bentazone was
sprayed 6 weeks after sowing @ 1.44, 2.88 and 5.76 kg/h.
Terbutryn/terbuthylazine controlled all the weeds very effectively, whereas
bentazone did not control some weeds such as Polygonum aviculare, Poa
annua and Elymus repens. The herbicides decreased the number of
nodules, the dry weight of nodules, the nitrogenase activity, the shoot dry
weight, the nitrogen content in the straw and seeds, and the seed yield of
peas, the effects generally being higher at higher rates of application. The
adverse effects of herbicides on these parameters might be due to their effects
on plant growth, as both the herbicides are known to adversely affect
photosynthesis. Nitrogenase activity did not correlate well with plant-N
content or shoot dry weight. However, there was a strong relationship between
plant biomass and plant-N content, which suggests that researchers can rely on
these parameters for studying the effects of treatments on nitrogen fixation,
rather than measuring nitrogenase activity.
Anxiety, Stress, Depression, and Patients' Responses to Periodontal Treatment: Periodontists' Knowledge and Professional Behavior
Authors: Kloostra Paul W. , Eber Robert M. , Inglehart Marita Rohr
Published: January 2007

Background: Anxiety, stress, and depression affect the use of health care services, treatment decision‐making, and responses to periodontal treatment. This study explored periodontists' confidence in detecting patient anxiety, stress, or depression, as well as their knowledge concerning the relationships between these factors and patients' pain, use of pain medication, and wound healing after periodontal treatment. In addition, this research surveyed if (and which) special accommodations were offered when treating patients with high levels of anxiety, stress, or depression.

Methods: Data were collected from 171 members of the American Academy of Periodontology (response rate = 34.41%). Most respondents were male (82.2%), white (88.2%), and practiced in solo practices (60.9%).

Results: The respondents were more knowledgeable about the effects of anxiety and stress on pain, the use of pain medication, and wound healing than about the impact of depression on these outcomes. They agreed more strongly with statements that they were more confident in their ability to perceive when patients were anxious and stressed than when they were depressed. They also offered more special accommodations for patients with anxiety and stress than for patients with depression.

Conclusions: The respondents were significantly less knowledgeable about the impact of depression on patients' responses to periodontal treatment than about the effect of anxiety and stress. Given the evidence concerning the relationships among depression, pain, pain medication use, and wound healing, it is important to educate periodontists about the role of anxiety and stress and the significance of depression on their patients' responses to periodontal therapy.
Comparison of Subgingival Bacterial Sampling With Oral Lavage for Detection and Quantification of Periodontal Pathogens by Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Boutaga Khalil , Savelkoul Paul H.M. , Winkel Edwin G. , van Winkelhoff Arie J.
Published: January 2007

Background: Saliva has been studied for the presence of subgingival pathogens in periodontitis patients. With the anaerobic culture technique, the discrepancy between salivary recovery and subgingival presence has been significant, which makes this approach not suitable for practical use in the microbial diagnosis of periodontitis patients. The real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique represents a very sensitive technique to detect and quantify bacterial pathogens. The aim of the study was to compare the presence and numbers of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, Prevotella intermedia, and Micromonas micros in subgingival plaque and mouthwash samples by the anaerobic culture and real‐time PCR techniques.

Methods: Pooled subgingival plaque samples and 10‐ml mouthwash samples were collected from 21 adult patients with periodontitis and analyzed by quantitative anaerobic culture and real‐time PCR for A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis, P. intermedia, and M. micros.

Results: The detection frequency of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, and T. forsythensis in subgingival plaque was identical by culture and real‐time PCR and was higher for P. intermedia and M. micros by real‐time PCR. The highest detection frequencies for the target bacteria were found in mouthwash samples by real‐time PCR. The additional value of the real‐time PCR to detect target bacteria was 38% for P. gingivalis, 73% for T. forsythensis, 77% for P. intermedia, and 71% for M. micros. The sensitivity to detect target species in mouthwash by real‐time PCR was 100% for all test species except for P. intermedia (93.8%).

Conclusions: Rapid detection and quantification of periodontal pathogens in mouthwash samples are possible by real‐time PCR. The procedure is significantly less time‐consuming than subgingival sampling with paper points. This approach to detect major periodontal pathogens in mouthwash samples may simplify microbial diagnosis in periodontitis patients and may be used to monitor periodontal treatment.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study to Determine the Safety and Efficacy of Cultured and Expanded Autologous Fibroblast Injections for the Treatment of Interdental Papillary Insufficiency Associated With the Papilla Priming Procedure
Authors: McGuire Michael K. , Scheyer E. Todd
Published: January 2007

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of using autologous fibroblast injections following a minimally invasive papilla priming procedure to augment open interproximal spaces.

Methods: Twenty‐one patients with open interproximal spaces were enrolled in this study, with 20 patients retained to study completion. Two primary sites were selected and randomized to receive autologous fibroblast injections or placebo injections beginning 1 week following the papilla priming procedure; two additional injections were performed 7 to 14 days following the initial injections. Up to seven additional sites could be treated per patient, and the analyses were conducted for the primary and secondary sites. The primary efficacy parameter was the percentage change in papillary height of the primary treatment areas from baseline to the 4‐month visit, as measured by a periodontal probe from the base of the contact area to the tip of the interproximal papilla. Digital image analysis and diagnostic models were used to confirm clinical measurements. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used by the examiner and subject to assess the defect change from baseline to 2, 3, and 4 months. Tissue texture also was assessed by the examiner.

Results: The primary efficacy analysis failed to show a significant treatment effect at 4 months, but the treatment areas showed a statistically significant mean percentage increase from baseline in papillary height (P = 0.0067; signed‐rank test) at 2 months. The difference between test and placebo sites in papillary height at 2 months approached statistical significance (P = 0.0730), suggesting that the test treatment was superior to the placebo treatment. The examiner and subject VASs were statistically significantly different from baseline for both treatment groups, and the VAS was superior for the test sites over the placebo. Based on safety data, the test treatment was deemed safe.

Conclusions: This early‐phase study using cell transplantation of autologous cultured and expanded fibroblasts following a papilla priming procedure suggests that the treatment is safe and may be efficacious for treating papillary insufficiency, especially in the early phases (2 months) of healing. The analysis of the investigator and subject VAS assessments indicates that the test treatment was superior to the placebo treatment. The finite measurement required to detect a change creates a problem that needs to be addressed in future studies.
The Effectiveness of Subgingival Scaling and Root Planing: An Evaluation of Therapy With and Without the Use of the Periodontal Endoscope
Authors: Geisinger Maria L. , Mealey Brian L. , Schoolfield John , Mellonig James T.
Published: January 2007

Background: A fiber‐optic periodontal endoscope was developed to aid in the visualization of subgingival structures and to improve the diagnosis and management of periodontal diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether use of the periodontal endoscope with scaling and root planing (SRP) resulted in a decrease in residual calculus compared to SRP alone.

Methods: Fifteen subjects with 50 tooth pairs participated in this study. Each tooth per pair was randomized to receive SRP with or without the endoscope. Teeth were extracted, and a stereomicroscope and digital image analysis was used to determine percent residual calculus present in a masked fashion.

Results: There was 2.14% (P < 0.001) more residual calculus at control versus test sites. At buccal/lingual and interproximal surfaces, mean differences in residual calculus were 1.30% (P <0.015) and 2.93% (P < 0.001), respectively. Test treatment time decreased significantly as operator experience increased. There were no statistically significant differences between residual calculus for test and control teeth at shallower probing depths; however, at deeper probing depths, the use of the endoscope resulted in significantly less residual calculus.

Conclusions: The use of the periodontal endoscope resulted in a statistically significant overall improvement in calculus removal during SRP, which was most evident in deeper probing depths. The clinical significance of this level of improvement is unknown.
Two Subgingival Plaque‐Sampling Strategies Used With RNA Probes
Authors: Krigar Diana‐Maria , Kaltschmitt Jens , Krieger Jörg K. , Eickholz Peter
Published: January 2007

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of microbiological RNA‐probe analysis after subgingival plaque sampling applying two different strategies.

Methods: In 220 patients, clinical examinations were obtained prior to commencement of therapy for aggressive or generalized severe chronic periodontitis (n = 113), after combined mechanical and antibiotic anti‐infective periodontal therapy (n = 43), or because of periodontal pockets despite adequate therapy (n = 64). Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from the three pockets with the deepest probing depths. Two sterile paper points were inserted simultaneously into the periodontal pockets. One paper point from each pocket was put into a separate transport vial; the second paper point was pooled (multiple site test [MT3]) with paper points from each of the two other sampling sites from the respective patient into a transport vial. The content of each vial was analyzed separately for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythensis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola (Td) with a commercially available RNA‐probe test.

Results: For all tested pathogens, log‐transformed numbers of bacteria were higher in pooled samples compared to the mean values for the separate samples (P ≤0.01). However, for Td only, statistically significant differences in frequency were seen between the separate samples and MT3. These findings were observed over all samples as well as after evaluation of subgroups separately.

Conclusions: Pooling of plaque samples increased the bacterial counts per analysis compared to separate samples and thus may increase the probability of detecting existing pathogens. However, this observation only was statistically significant for the frequency of Td.
Influence of Ruminant Amniotic Fluid Fractions on Fibroblast and Lymphocyte Proliferation
Authors: Kostecká Z. , Sobeková A. , Blahovec J.
Published: January 2007

Different substances of amniotic fluid influence the cell proliferation and differentiation of developing animal fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the mitogenic effect of some peptide components of bovine amniotic fluid on bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes using methyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. The next aim of our work was to determine the mitogenic activity of ovine amniotic fluid fractions of peptide nature on benzo-á-pyrene transformed BALB/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts (BPA31 cells) by use of 3H-thymidine incorporation into nucleus DNA and in conclusion, to compare the mitogenic activity of ruminant amniotic fluid fractions on different indicator cells. According to our study, inhibiting effect was found only in the case of separated bovine amniotic fluid (Peak I) and ovine amniotic fluid (B fraction). On the other hand, we have observed activation of lymphocytes by other fraction of bovine amniotic fluid (Peak II) and also of BP- A31 cells by fraction A in case of ovine amniotic fluid. The proliferation of peripheral lymphocytes was not significantly changed after the addition of natural bovine amniotic fluid likewise when the delipidated ovine amniotic fluid was added to BP-A31 cells, there was no effect on 3H-thymidine incorporation. Our results suggest that with testing the proliferation effect, the selection of indicator cells is of great importance since various cell types respond in different ways to the same substances.
Potassium Dichromate as a Reference Substance for Embryonic Tests of Toxicity in the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Krejčí R. , Palíková M.
Published: January 2007

Potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) has already been used as a reference substance in tests of toxicity with aquatic animals. The aim of this study was to determine and compare values of LC50 for potassium dichromate during the whole period of embryonic development (i.e., 120 h) and 48 h after hatching of embryos in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Fish eggs and embryos were exposed to 5 different concentrations of potassium dichromate (i.e., 372, 409, 450, 495, 545 mg l-1) during two experiments. Such characteristics as the cumulative mortality, the start and the end of hatching, the number of deformities, body length, and body mass of surviving individuals were studied during the tests. The highest mortality was found in the hatched embryos. Mortality and frequency of deformities increased with the growing concentration of potassium dichromate. The value of 120 LC50 for potassium dichromate was 464.91 ± 23.83 mg l-1 and the value of 48 LC50 was 458.94 ± 4.14 mg l-1 (mean ± SD). No statistically significant difference between values 120 LC50 a 48 LC50 was found. This is why reduction of the exposure period to only 48 h after hatching seems a reasonable method to study the control of susceptibility using potassium dichromate in embryonic tests of toxicity.
Cover Picture: The Formation of Byproducts in the Autoxidation of Cyclohexane (Chem. Eur. J. 3/2007)
Authors: Hermans Ive , Jacobs Pierre , Peeters Jozef
Published: January 2007

The liquid‐phase autoxidation of cyclohexane is an important process in the chemical industry, producing cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol. The overlooked propagation of the hydroperoxide gives rise to cyclohexoxy radicals, able to form ring‐opened ω‐formyl radicals. In their Full Paper on page 754 ff., I. Hermans et al. describe new and straightforward chemistry for the conversion of these radicals into the first major byproduct, 6‐hydroxyhexanoic acid, and its subsequent conversion into all other observed byproducts.
Measuring downside risk and severity for global output
Authors: Wang Yan , Yao Yudong
Published: January 2007

This paper attempts to provide a critical measure of downside risk and severity for global output by applying the Value at Risk approach to four country groups in the world as a ‘portfolio’. Global output downside risk, measured by global Growth at Risk (GaR), estimates the worst possible growth decline, relative to the baseline projection, with a specified probability over a given time horizon. This measure serves as a practical summary for predicting the risk for output downturn given a one‐year time horizon, based on the past growth distribution of individual countries and correlation among their growth rates. Our empirical estimates show that the downside risk that the world economy faced in 2002 was not as severe as the last global downturn in 1992–1993. In particular, the global GaR estimates that the worst outcome of the global economy in 2002, at 95% confidence level, was a growth rate of 0.34%.  Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Realistic human error rates for process hazard analyses
Authors: Wincek John C. , Haight Joel M.
Published: January 2007

While human error has long been recognized as a contributor to process incidents, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) teams often struggle to agree on the frequency at which human errors might occur. This difficulty in reaching a consensus can be due to the varied backgrounds and experiences of team members, as well as the degree to which they believe human error is inevitable as opposed to simply being a reason for discipline. A process that combines research‐based, quantitative estimates of human error rates with plant experience and intuition is proposed for use during qualitative PHAs. Use of these quantitative estimates within a qualitative PHA is described, along with one facility's successful implementation of this process. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2007.
Effects of phorbol esters, A23187 and vasopressin on oleate metabolism in isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Nomura Takahide , Tachibana Masakatsu , Nomura Hiroko , Chihara Masaru , Hagino Yasumichi
Published: January 2007

Studies were conducted to compare the metabolic effects of vasopressin, 4β‐phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) and A23187 on ketogenesis and oleate metabolism in isolated hepatocytes from fed rats. Vasopressin inhibited the formation of acid‐soluble products from [1‐14C]oleate (0.25 mM, 0.5 mM and 1 mM), the inhibition being most marked at low (0.25 mM) concentration of oleate. Conversion of [1‐14C]oleate into14CO2 and esterified products was stimulated by vasopressin. The stimulatory effect of this hormone on14CO2 production was most marked at high (1 mM) concentration of oleate, whereas that on [1‐14C]‐oleate esterification was most marked at low (0.25 mM) concentration of oleate. These vasopressin actions were abolished when hepatocytes were incubated in the absence of calcium in the medium. Our results strongly suggest that both increase in esterification and increase in oxidation to CO2 contribute to the anti‐ketogenic action of vasopressin when oleate is added as substrate, although the relative extent of their contribution varies according to the oleate concentration. The anti‐ketogenic action of vasopressin was mimicked by PMA but not by A23187. PMA also caused a stimulation of [1‐14C]oleate esterification although the effect was diminished at 1 mM [1‐14C]oleate. A23187 failed to affect [1‐14C]oleate esterification. The metabolic effects of PMA were elicited in the absence of extracellular calcium, too. Conversion of [1‐14C]oleate into14CO2 was only slightly increased by both PMA and A23187 when 1 mM [1‐14C]oleate was added as substrate. The marked stimulatory effect of vasopressin on14CO2 production from [1‐14C]oleate was not reproduced even by the combination of PMA and A23187. The possible involvement of protein kinase C and calcium mobilization in the regulation of oleate metabolism is discussed.
Paul Oliver's contribution to ethnomusicology
Authors: BAILY JOHN
Published: January 2007

Paul Oliver never described himself as an ethnomusicologist but much of his work is strongly ethnomusicological in approach. This article looks at his pioneering research in these terms, re-examines some of his ideas about African retentions in the blues as put forward in his book Savannah Syncopators, discusses critically the reliability of sonic evidence for establishing historical connections between different kinds of music, and concludes that such evidence is acceptable when supported by other kinds of data.
Some Useful Sources on Equality and Inequality
Authors: Kelly Grace
Published: January 2007

Contributors to this themed section of Social Policy and Society have referred to a range of published sources within the sphere of equality studies research. The sources below provide additional useful information for those interested in further research on equality and inequality
Electron transport through a silicon-germanium double quantum dot at 40mK
Authors: Gandolfo D. S. , Williams D. A. , Qin H.
Published: January 2007

Low-temperature electron transport measurements have been performed on a trench-isolated silicon-germanium (SiGe) double quantum dot. Transport through the quantum-dot structure was via Coulomb blockade, allowing the control of single electrons. As the drain-source bias across the double dot was increased, it was found that the Coulomb peak broadened and a second smaller peak developed in proportion to the source-drain voltage. The structure behaved predominately as a single dot but the confinement potential was not simply a single well. Additionally, two extra peaks appeared on the Coulomb blockade plots at a fixed charge configuration. The transport mechanisms assigned to the peaks were via single electron tunneling through excited states and second-order tunneling via a second smaller dot formed in series with the main dot.
The Ehrenfest method with quantum corrections to simulate the relaxation of molecules in solution: Equilibrium and dynamics
Authors: Bastida Adolfo , Cruz Carlos , Zúñiga José , Requena Alberto , Miguel Beatriz
Published: January 2007

The use of the Ehrenfest method to simulate the relaxation of molecules in solution is explored. Using the cyanide ion dissolved in water as a test model, the independent trajectory (IT) and the bundle of trajectories (BT) approximations are shown to provide very different results for the time evolution of the vibrational populations of the solute. None of these approximations reproduce the Boltzmann equilibrium vibrational populations accurately. A modification of the Ehrenfest method based on the use of quantum correction factors is thus proposed to solve this problem. The simulations carried out using the modified Ehrenfest method provide IT and BT relaxation times which are closer to each other and which agree quite well with previous hybrid perturbative results.