bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attraction to monoterpenes and beetle‐produced compounds by syntopic Ips and Dendroctonus bark beetles and their predators
Authors: Hofstetter Richard W. , Gaylord Monica L. , Martinson Sharon , Wagner Michael R.
Published: February 2012

Bark beetles are significant mortality agents of conifers. Four beetle species, the pine engraver Ips pini, the six‐spined pine engraver Ips calligraphus sub. ponderosae, the southern pine beetle Dendroctonus frontalis, and the western pine beetle Dendroctonus brevicomis, cohabitate pines in Arizona.

A pheromone trapping study in ponderosa forests of Arizona determined the attraction of beetles to conspecific and heterospecific pheromone components in the presence and absence of host volatiles, and tested whether predators differ in their attraction to combinations of pheromone components and tree monoterpenes.

All four bark beetle species differed in their responses to heterospecific lures and monoterpenes. Ips calligraphus was the only species that increased in trap catches when heterospecific lures were added. Heterospecific lures did not inhibit the attraction of either Dendroctonus or Ips species. The replacement of myrcene with α‐pinene increased the attraction of Dendroctonus, whereas the addition of α‐pinene had mixed results for Ips. The prominent predators Temnochila chlorodia and Enoclerus lecontei were more attracted to the I. pini lure than the D. brevicomis lure, and the combination of the two lures with α‐pinene was most attractive to both predator species.

Cross attraction and limited inhibition of bark beetles to heterospecific pheromones suggest that some of these species might use heterospecific compounds to increase successful location and colonization of trees. Predator responses to treatments suggest that tree volatiles are used to locate potential prey and predators are more responsive to Ips than to Dendroctonus pheromone components in Arizona.
Anaerobic benzene degradation under denitrifying conditions: Peptococcaceae as dominant benzene degraders and evidence for a syntrophic process
Authors: van der Zaan Bas M. , Saia Flávia Talarico , Stams Alfons J. M. , Plugge Caroline M. , de Vos Willem M. , Smidt Hauke , Langenhoff Alette A. M. , Gerritse Jan
Published: February 2012

An anaerobic microbial community was enriched in a chemostat that was operated for more than 8 years with benzene and nitrate as electron acceptor. The coexistence of multiple species in the chemostat and the presence of a biofilm, led to the hypothesis that benzene‐degrading species coexist in a syntrophic interaction, and that benzene can be degraded in syntrophy by consortia with various electron acceptors in the same culture. The benzene‐degrading microorganisms were identified by DNA‐stable isotope probing with [U‐13C]‐labelled benzene, and the effect of different electron donors and acceptors on benzene degradation was investigated. The degradation rate constant of benzene with nitrate (0.7 day−1) was higher than reported previously. In the absence of nitrate, the microbial community was able to use sulfate, chlorate or ferric iron as electron acceptor. Bacteria belonging to the Peptococcaceae were identified as dominant benzene consumers, but also those related to Rhodocyclaceae and Burkholderiaceae were found to be associated with the anaerobic benzene degradation process. The benzene degradation activity in the chemostat was associated with microbial growth in biofilms. This, together with the inhibiting effect of hydrogen and the ability to degrade benzene with different electron acceptors, suggests that benzene was degraded via a syntrophic process.
Prostate‐specific antigen velocity (PSAV) risk count improves the specificity of screening for clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Loeb Stacy , Metter E. Jeffrey , Kan Donghui , Roehl Kimberly A. , Catalona William J.
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (retrospective cohort analysis)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

PSA screening reduces prostate cancer mortality but also may lead to unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis of insignificant tumours. PSA velocity (PSAV) risk count (number of serial PSAV exceeding 0.4 ng/ml/year) significantly improves the performance characteristics of screening for overall prostate cancer and high‐grade disease on biopsy. Risk count may be useful to reduce unnecessary biopsies and prostate cancer overdiagnosis compared to PSA alone.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the prostate‐specific antigen velocity (PSAV) risk count (i.e. the number of times PSAV exceeds a specific threshold) could increase the specificity of screening for prostate cancer and potentially life‐threatening tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1989 to 2001, we calculated two serial PSAV measurements in 18 214 prostate cancer screening‐study participants, of whom 1125 (6.2%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The PSAV risk count was determined as the number of PSAV measurements of >0.4 ng/mL/year (0, 1, or 2).

We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and reclassification analyses to examine the ability of PSAV risk count to predict screen‐detected and high‐grade prostate cancer.

RESULTS

The PSAV was >0.4 ng/mL/year twice (risk count 2) in 40% of prostate cancer cases compared with only 4% of those with no cancer (P < 0.001).

After adjusting for age and PSA level, a PSAV risk count of 2 was associated with an 8.2‐fold increased risk of prostate cancer (95% confidence interval 7.0–9.6, P < 0.001) and 5.4‐fold increased risk of Gleason score 8–10 prostate cancer on biopsy.

Compared with a model with age and PSA level, the addition of the PSAV risk count significantly improved discrimination (area under the ROC curve 0.625 vs 0.725, P= 0.031) and reclassified individuals for the risk of high‐grade prostate cancer (net reclassification, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sustained rises in PSA indicate a significantly greater risk of prostate cancer, particularly high‐grade disease.

Compared with men with a risk count of ≤1, those with two PSAV measurements of >0.4 ng/mL/year (risk count 2) had an 8‐fold increased risk of prostate cancer and 5.4‐fold increased risk of Gleason 8–10 disease on biopsy, adjusting for age and PSA level.

Compared to PSA alone, PSAV risk count may be useful in reducing unnecessary biopsies and the diagnosis of low‐risk prostate cancer.
The Shrinking Mining City: Urban Dynamics and Contested Territory
Authors: MARTINEZ‐FERNANDEZ CRISTINA , WU CHUNG‐TONG , SCHATZ LAURA K. , TAIRA NOBUHISA , VARGAS‐HERNÁNDEZ JOSÉ G.
Published: February 2012

Shrinking mining cities — once prosperous settlements servicing a mining site or a system of mining sites — are characterized by long‐term population and/or economic decline. Many of these towns experience periods of growth and shrinkage, mirroring the ebbs and flows of international mineral markets which determine the fortunes of the dominant mining corporation upon which each of these towns heavily depends. This dependence on one main industry produces a parallel development in the fluctuations of both workforce and population. Thus, the strategies of the main company in these towns can, to a great extent, determine future developments and have a great impact on urban management plans. Climate conditions, knowledge, education and health services, as well as transportation links, are important factors that have impacted on lifestyles in mining cities, but it is the parallel development with the private sector operators (often a single corporation) that constitutes the distinctive feature of these cities and that ultimately defines their shrinkage. This article discusses shrinking mining cities in capitalist economies, the factors underpinning their development, and some of the planning and community challenges faced by these cities in Australia, Canada, Japan and Mexico.

Les villes minières en décroissance, localités autrefois prospères qui desservent un site ou un réseau de sites d'exploitation minière, se caractérisent par un long déclin de leur population et de leur économie. Beaucoup d'entre elles connaissent des périodes de croissance et de décroissance, à l'image des hauts et des bas des marchés miniers internationaux dont dépend la prospérité du groupe minier prépondérant dans chacune de ces villes. Cette dépendance vis‐à‐vis d'une seule activité industrielle génère une évolution parallèle de la main‐d'œuvre et de la population. Dans ces villes, les stratégies de l'entreprise principale peuvent donc très largement déterminer les aménagements futurs et influer sur les plans de gestion urbaine. Conditions climatiques, savoirs, éducation, services de santé et réseaux de transport sont des facteurs importants dans le mode de vie local, mais ce sont les transformations qui vont de pair avec l'évolution des opérateurs du secteur privé (souvent une seule grosse entreprise) qui constituent le trait distinctif de ces villes minières et détermine finalement le ‘rétrécissement’ urbain. Cet article analyse les villes minières en décroissance dans les économies capitalistes en s'attachant aux facteurs fondamentaux de leur développement et à certains enjeux, propres à l'aménagement et à la communauté, auxquels ces villes sont confrontées dans leur pays respectif (Australie, Canada, Japon et Mexique).
Urban shrinkage in Germany and the USA: A Comparison of Transformation Patterns and Local Strategies
Authors: WIECHMANN THORSTEN , PALLAGST KARINA M.
Published: February 2012

Many American and European cities have to deal with demographic and economic trajectories leading to urban shrinkage. According to official data, 13% of urban regions in the US and 54% of those in the EU have lost population in recent years. However, the extent and spatial distribution of declining populations differ significantly between Europe and the US. In Germany, the situation is driven by falling birth rates and the effects of German reunification. In the US, shrinkage is basically related to long‐term industrial transformation. But the challenges of shrinking cities seldom appeared on the agendas of politicians and urban planners until recently. This article provides a critical overview of the development paths and local strategies of four shrinking cities: Schwedt and Dresden in eastern Germany; Youngstown and Pittsburgh in the US. A typology of urban growth and shrinkage, from economic and demographic perspectives, enables four types of city to be differentiated and the differences between the US and eastern Germany to be discussed. The article suggests that a new transatlantic debate on policy and planning strategies for restructuring shrinking cities is needed to overcome the dominant growth orientation that in most cases intensifies the negative consequences of shrinkage.

De nombreuses grandes villes américaines et européennes sont confrontées à des trajectoires démographiques et économiques conduisant à un ‘rétrécissement’ urbain. Selon des données officielles, 13% des régions métropolitaines aux États‐Unis et 54% dans l'UE ont vu leur population diminuer sur la période récente. Toutefois, l'ampleur et la répartition spatiale de ce déclin divergent nettement entre les deux zones géographiques. En Allemagne, la situation tient à la chute des taux de natalité et aux conséquences de la réunification. Aux États‐Unis, le ‘rétrécissement’ est surtout liéà une mutation industrielle sur le long terme. Or, les problèmes des villes en décroissance ont rarement figuré dans les programmes des hommes politiques ou des urbanistes, du moins jusqu’à ces dernières années. Cet article donne un aperçu critique des voies de développement et des stratégies locales de quatre villes en décroissance: Schwedt et Dresde dans l'est de l'Allemagne, Youngstown et Pittsburgh aux États‐Unis. Une typologie de la croissance et du ‘rétrécissement’ urbains, du point de vue économique et démographique, permet de distinguer quatre types de ville et d'analyser les différences entre les États‐Unis et l'Allemagne orientale. Un nouveau débat transatlantique sur les stratégies en matière de politiques publiques et d'aménagement concernant la restructuration des villes en décroissance semble nécessaire pour dominer l'orientation prépondérante en faveur de la croissance qui, le plus souvent, accentue les effets négatifs du ‘rétrécissement’.
MEDIEVAL GLASS FROM ROCCA DI ASOLO (NORTHERN ITALY): AN ARCHAEOMETRIC STUDY
Authors: GALLO F. , SILVESTRI A.
Published: February 2012

An archaeometric study was performed on 33 medieval glass samples from Rocca di Asolo (northern Italy), in order to study the raw materials employed in their production, identify analogies with medieval glass from the Mediterranean area and possible relationships between chemical composition and type and/or production technique, contextualize the various phases of the site and extend data on Italian medieval glass. The samples are soda–lime–silica in composition, with natron as flux for early medieval glasses and soda ash for the high and late medieval ones. Compositional groups were identified, consistent with the major compositional groups identified in the western Mediterranean during the first millennium AD . In particular, Asolo natron glass is consistent with the HIMT group and recycled Roman glass; soda ash glass was produced with the same type of flux (Levantine ash) but a different silica source (siliceous pebbles, and more or less pure sand). Cobalt was the colouring agent used to obtain blue glass; analytical data indicate that at least two different sources of Co were exploited during the late medieval period. Some data, analytical and historical, suggest a Venetian provenance for the high/late medieval glass and a relationship between type of object (beaker or bottle) and chemical composition.
Postoperative Headache Following Acoustic Neuroma Resection: Occipital Nerve Injuries Are Associated With a Treatable Occipital Neuralgia
Authors: Ducic Ivica , Felder III John M. , Endara Matthew
Published: February 2012

Objective.— To demonstrate that occipital nerve injury is associated with chronic postoperative headache in patients who have undergone acoustic neuroma excision and to determine whether occipital nerve excision is an effective treatment for these headaches.

Background.— Few previous reports have discussed the role of occipital nerve injury in the pathogenesis of the postoperative headache noted to commonly occur following the retrosigmoid approach to acoustic neuroma resection. No studies have supported a direct etiologic link between the two. The authors report on a series of acoustic neuroma patients with postoperative headache presenting as occipital neuralgia who were found to have occipital nerve injuries and were treated for chronic headache by excision of the injured nerves.

Methods.— Records were reviewed to identify patients who had undergone surgical excision of the greater and lesser occipital nerves for refractory chronic postoperative headache following acoustic neuroma resection. Primary outcomes examined were change in migraine headache index, change in number of pain medications used, continued use of narcotics, patient satisfaction, and change in quality of life. Follow‐up was in clinic and via telephone interview.

Results.— Seven patients underwent excision of the greater and lesser occipital nerves. All met diagnostic criteria for occipital neuralgia and failed conservative management. Six of 7 patients experienced pain reduction of greater than 80% on the migraine index. Average pain medication use decreased from 6 to 2 per patient; 3 of 5 patients achieved independence from narcotics. Six patients experienced 80% or greater improvement in quality of life at an average follow‐up of 32 months. There was one treatment failure. Occipital nerve neuroma or nerve entrapment was identified during surgery in all cases where treatment was successful but not in the treatment failure.

Conclusion.— In contradistinction to previous reports, we have identified a subset of patients in whom the syndrome of postoperative headache appears directly related to the presence of occipital nerve injuries. In patients with postoperative headache meeting diagnostic criteria for occipital neuralgia, occipital nerve excision appears to provide relief of the headache syndrome and meaningful improvement in quality of life. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to determine whether occipital nerve injury may present as headache types other than occipital neuralgia. These findings suggest that patients presenting with chronic postoperative headache should be screened for the presence of surgically treatable occipital nerve injuries.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using a Closed Irrigation Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter
Authors: GOLDEN KEITH , MOUNSEY JOHN PAUL , CHUNG EUGENE , ROOMIANI PAHRESAH , MORSE MICHAEL ANDEW , PATEL ANKIT , GEHI ANIL
Published: February 2012

Background:

Catheter ablation is an effective therapy for symptomatic, medically refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Open‐irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters produce transmural lesions at the cost of increased fluid delivery. In vivo models suggest closed‐irrigated RF catheters create equivalent lesions, but clinical outcomes are limited.

Methods:

A cohort of 195 sequential patients with symptomatic AF underwent stepwise AF ablation (AFA) using a closed‐irrigation ablation catheter. Recurrence of AF was monitored and outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

Mean age was 59.0 years, 74.9% were male, 56.4% of patients were paroxysmal and mean duration of AF was 5.4 years. Patients had multiple comorbidities including hypertension (76.4%), tobacco abuse (42.1%), diabetes (17.4%), and obesity (mean body mass index 30.8). The median follow‐up was 55.8 weeks. Overall event‐free survival was 73.6% with one ablation and 77.4% after reablation (reablation rate was 8.7%). Median time to recurrence was 26.9 weeks. AF was more likely to recur in patients being treated with antiarrhythmic therapy at the time of last follow‐up (recurrence rate 30.3% with antiarrhythmic drugs, 13.2% without antiarrhythmic drugs; hazard ratio [HR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–4.4, P = 0.024) and in those with a history of AF greater than 2 years duration (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.9, P = 0.038).

Conclusions:

Our study represents the largest cohort of patients receiving AFA with closed‐irrigation ablation catheters. We demonstrate comparable outcomes to those previously reported in studies of open‐irrigation ablation catheters. Given the theoretical benefits of a closed‐irrigation system, a large head‐to‐head comparison using this catheter is warranted. (PACE 2012; 35:506–513)
Social Networking Websites, Personality Ratings, and the Organizational Context: More Than Meets the Eye?1
Authors: KLUEMPER DONALD H. , ROSEN PETER A. , MOSSHOLDER KEVIN W.
Published: February 2012

We examined the psychometric properties of the Big Five personality traits assessed through social networking profiles in 2 studies consisting of 274 and 244 social networking website (SNW) users. First, SNW ratings demonstrated sufficient interrater reliability and internal consistency. Second, ratings via SNWs demonstrated convergent validity with self‐ratings of the Big Five traits. Third, SNW ratings correlated with job performance, hirability, and academic performance criteria; and the magnitude of these correlations was generally larger than for self‐ratings. Finally, SNW ratings accounted for significant variance in the criterion measures beyond self‐ratings of personality and cognitive ability. We suggest that SNWs may provide useful information for potential use in organizational research and practice, taking into consideration various legal and ethical issues.
Regenerative therapy of infrabony defects with or without systemic doxycycline. A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Röllke Lasse , Schacher Beate , Wohlfeil Martin , Kim Ti‐Sun , Kaltschmitt Jens , Krieger Jörg , Krigar Diana M. , Reitmeir Peter , Eickholz Peter
Published: February 2012

Aim

Comparison of regenerative therapy of infrabony defects with and without administration of postsurgical systemic doxycycline (DOXY).

Methods

In each of 61 patients one infrabony defect was treated with enamel matrix derivative (EMD), EMD plus filler or membrane at two centres. By random assignment patients received either 200 mg DOXY per day or placebo (PLAC) for 7 days after surgery. Prior to and 6 months after surgery probing pocket depths (PPD) and vertical attachment level (PAL‐V) were obtained.

Results

Fifty‐four patients (DOXY: 27; PLAC: 27) were re‐examined after 6 months and had been treated exclusively with EMD. Seven to 8 days after surgery 81% of defects in both groups showed complete flap closure. In both groups significant (p < 0.001) PPD reduction (DOXY: 3.87 ± 1.44 mm; PLAC: 3.67 ± 1.30 mm) and PAL‐V gain (DOXY: 3.11 ± 1.50 mm; PLAC: 3.32 ± 1.83 mm) were observed. However, the differences failed to be statistically significant (PPD: 0.20; p = 0.588; PAL‐V: 0.21; p = 0.657).

Conclusions

Two hundred milligram systemic DOXY administered for 7 days after therapy of infrabony defects with EMD failed to result in better PPD reduction and PAL‐V gain compared with PLAC which may be due to low power (50%) and, thus, random chance.
The value of education in special care dentistry as a means of reducing inequalities in oral health
Authors: Faulks D. , Freedman L. , Thompson S. , Sagheri D. , Dougall A.
Published: February 2012

People with disability are subject to inequality in oral health both in terms of prevalence of disease and unmet healthcare needs. Over 18% of the global population is living with moderate to severe functional problems related to disability, and a large proportion of these persons will require Special Care Dentistry at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that 90% of people requiring Special Care Dentistry should be able to access treatment in a local, primary care setting. Provision of such primary care is only possible through the education and training of dentists. The literature suggests that it is vital for the dental team to develop the necessary skills and gain experience treating people with special needs in order to ensure access to the provision of oral health care. Education in Special Care Dentistry worldwide might be improved by the development of a recognised academic and clinical discipline and by providing international curricula guidelines based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, WHO). This article aims to discuss the role and value of promoting and harmonising education in Special Care Dentistry as a means of reducing inequalities in oral health.
Are T‐cell dysfunctions the other side of the moon in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes?
Authors: Fozza Claudio , Longinotti Maurizio
Published: February 2012

Even though the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is dominated by an inefficient maturation of haematopoietic precursors, also immune mechanisms seem to play a crucial functional role. In this review, we will first describe the clinical and laboratory autoimmune manifestations often detectable in MDS patients. We will then focus on studies addressing the mechanisms of T‐cell activation and their implications in the disease history. The potential impact of specific cell subsets, such as regulatory T‐cells, Th17 cells and natural killer cells, will be also described. We will finally focus on potential therapeutic approaches based on immunomodulation, ranging from more classical immunosuppressive drugs to vaccination and transplantation strategies.
The effect of stimulus intensity on response time and accuracy in dynamic, temporally constrained environments
Authors: Causer J. , McRobert A. P. , Williams A. M.
Published: February 2012

The ability to make accurate judgments and execute effective skilled movements under severe temporal constraints are fundamental to elite performance in a number of domains including sport, military combat, law enforcement, and medicine. In two experiments, we examine the effect of stimulus strength on response time and accuracy in a temporally constrained, real‐world, decision‐making task. Specifically, we examine the effect of low stimulus intensity (black) and high stimulus intensity (sequin) uniform designs, worn by teammates, to determine the effect of stimulus strength on the ability of soccer players to make rapid and accurate responses. In both field‐ and laboratory‐based scenarios, professional soccer players viewed developing patterns of play and were required to make a penetrative pass to an attacking player. Significant differences in response accuracy between uniform designs were reported in laboratory‐ and field‐based experiments. Response accuracy was significantly higher in the sequin compared with the black uniform condition. Response times only differed between uniform designs in the laboratory‐based experiment. These findings extend the literature into a real‐world environment and have significant implications for the design of clothing wear in a number of domains.
Slide‐based ergometer rowing: Effects on force production and neuromuscular activity
Authors: Vinther A. , Alkjær T. , Kanstrup I.‐L. , Zerahn B. , Ekdahl C. , Jensen K. , Holsgaard‐Larsen A. , Aagaard P.
Published: February 2012

Force production profile and neuromuscular activity during slide‐based and stationary ergometer rowing at standardized submaximal power output were compared in 14 male and 8 female National Team rowers. Surface electromyography (EMG) was obtained in selected thoracic and leg muscles along with synchronous measurement of handle force and rate of force development (RFD). Compared to stationary conditions, slide‐based peak force decreased by 76 (57–95) N (mean 95% CI) in males (P < 0.001) and 20 (8–31) N (P < 0.05) in females. Stroke rate increased (+10.7%) and late‐phase RFD decreased (−20.7%) in males (P < 0.05). Neuromuscular activity in m. vastus lateralis decreased in the initial drive phase from 59% to 51% of EMGmax in males and from 57% to 52% in females (P < 0.01–0.05), while also decreasing in the late recovery phase from 20% to 7% in males and 17% to 7% in females (P < 0.01). Peak force and maximal neuromuscular activity in the shoulder retractors always occurred in the second quartile of the drive phase. In conclusion, peak force and late‐phase RFD (males) decreased and stroke rate increased (males) during slide‐based compared to stationary ergometer rowing, potentially reducing the risk of overuse injury. Neuromuscular activity was more affected in leg muscles than thoracic muscles by slide‐based ergometer rowing.
Effect of Streptococcus sanguinis/Porphyromonas gingivalis single and combined biofilms upon platelet aggregation
Authors: Tu Y , Huang W , Pan Z , Hu H , Chen H
Published: February 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 586–594

Objective:  To assess the effect of two oral bacteria Streptococcus sanguinis and Porphyromonas gingivalis upon platelet aggregation.

Materials and Methods:  Streptococcus sanguinis, P. gingivalis, S. sanguniis + P. gingivalis were added to platelet‐rich plasma and platelet aggregation measured using a platelet aggregometer. Platelets were passed through a flow chamber with S. sanguinis, P. gingivalis or a biofilm of S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis coated with saliva. Platelet adhesion to the chamber was observed under a fluorescence microscope for 15 min. The positive control was platelets treated with adrenaline; the negative control was platelets treated with phosphate‐buffered saline.

Results:  The mean (± s.e.) aggregation magnitude of S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis was 77.7 ± 7.4% and 79.3 ± 9.9%, respectively. The aggregation magnitude of S. sanguinis + P. gingivalis was 51.3 ± 12.9%, which was significantly lower than that for S. sanguinis/P. gingivalis (P < 0.05). In the flow chamber system, platelets adhered to S. sanguinis/P.gingivalis respectively within 3 min, and reached a plateau at 5–15 min. Under the condition of the S. sanguinis‐ and P. gingivalis‐saliva biofilm, platelet adhesion to the biofilm was significantly reduced at 5–15 min (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  In the static or dynamic flow system, platelets adhered to S. sanguinis or P. gingivalis. However, if S. sanguinis was mixed with P. gingivalis, the aggregation magnitude (%) was significantly reduced.
Simultaneous presence of human herpesvirus 6 and adenovirus infections in intestinal intussusception of young children
Authors: Lappalainen Suvi , Ylitalo Samuli , Arola Anita , Halkosalo Anne , Räsänen Sirpa , Vesikari Timo
Published: February 2012

Aim:  This prospective study investigated the role of viral infections in the pathogenesis of intussusception, including human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6), a known lymphotropic virus.

Methods:  Fifty‐three children with intussusception treated in hospital were enroled, and children of comparable age and gender served as controls. Blood, stool and throat swab specimens, as well as mesenteric lymph nodes and pieces of intestine from patients requiring surgery were tested for various viruses by PCR methods.

Results:  Altogether, 85% of intussusception cases showed evidence of a recent or ongoing viral infection. Among the 53 intussusception cases, adenovirus was detected in 25 (47%), HHV‐6 in 24 (45%), rhinovirus in 12 (23%), cytomegalovirus in 7 (13%), enterovirus in 4 (8%) and rotavirus in 3 (6%) patients. Of the 50 whole blood samples, 44% were positive for HHV‐6 and of the 16 resected mesenteric lymph nodes, 50% were positive for HHV‐6. Simultaneous presence of HHV‐6 and adenovirus infection correlated significantly with intussusception (OR 12.1, 95% CI 2.2 to 66.5).

Conclusions:  A statistically significant association was observed between adenovirus and childhood intussusception. HHV‐6 was a common finding and occurred concomitantly with other viruses. A simultaneous infection with HHV‐6 and adenovirus carried the highest risk for intussusception.
Potential natural vegetation: reburying or reboring?
Authors: Loidi Javier , Fernández‐González Federico
Published: February 2012

This paper deals with the recent debate on the potential natural vegetation (PNV) concept. After reviewing its limitations with respect to understanding of the processes involved in secondary succession, spatial and temporal scaling and data processing, we still consider it a useful tool for summarizing knowledge about a territory in a way that can guide good practice in nature conservation, and for hypothesis generation. MappingPNVhas a descriptive aim and offers the possibility of depicting not only a ‘natural’ scenario according to the extant vegetation types and current environmental factors, but also an ecological description of the territory. It is not a commitment to build any ideal stage of nature but it can contribute to better management by providing targets for restoration and improving naturalness, ecosystem conservation and biodiversity preservation. Constant development of the concept, through discussion, improvement of methods and incorporation of new knowledge, is necessary, but we are reluctant to accept the idea of abandoning it because a part of what has been achieved to date in nature conservancy management usingPNVcould be lost, as arguments supporting naturalness would be weakened.
The impact of organisational attributes on political participation: results of a multi‐level survey from Switzerland
Authors: Schulz Tobias , Bailer Stefanie
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  The notion of civil society associations as schools of democracy has resulted in models of political participation that place an emphasis on membership in civic associations as a means of developing personal skills that are conducive to political participation. These suppositions seem well established. It is still contested, however, to what extent the particular characteristics of the associations that offer such membership have an impact on civic engagement. Expanding recent research that mainly builds on group characteristics aggregated from the characteristics of the associations’ members, we apply the Swiss part of a unique multi‐level data set, the CID‐data, which provides information about approx. 1000 activists from about 400 associations. This data allows us to measure group characteristics, such as the function of an association and its connection to the local elite, directly and thus provides us with a special opportunity for a multi‐level analysis of activists nested in organisations.
RECONSIDERING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED NEIGHBORHOOD RACIAL COMPOSITION AND WHITES’ PERCEPTIONS OF VICTIMIZATION RISK: DO RACIAL STEREOTYPES MATTER?*
Authors: PICKETT JUSTIN T. , CHIRICOS TED , GOLDEN KRISTIN M. , GERTZ MARC
Published: February 2012

Recent theoretical extensions of threat theory have posited that Whites frequently view Blacks as a criminal threat because of stereotypes linking race and crime. Several studies have found indirect support for this hypothesis and have shown that the percentage of neighborhood residents who are Black is positively associated with the perceptions of victimization risk and fear of crime by White residents. To date, however, little research has investigated whether, as theory would suggest, this relationship is either a consequence of or is contingent on Whites holding stereotypes of Blacks as criminals. In this article, we address this issue by examining whether racial typification of crime mediates or moderates the relationships between static and dynamic measures of neighborhood racial composition and the perceptions of victimization risk by Whites. The results offer mixed support for the threat hypothesis and show that racial typification of crime conditions the relationship between perceived changes in neighborhood racial composition and the perceptions of victimization risk by Whites, but neither explains nor influences the association between static measures of racial composition and the latter. The implications of the findings for threat theory and research are discussed.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH THEFT, MARIJUANA USE, DEPRESSION, AND POOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE*
Authors: MURRAY JOSEPH , LOEBER ROLF , PARDINI DUSTIN
Published: February 2012

Explanations for the fact that crime tends to run in families have focused on the deprived social backgrounds of criminal parents, methods of child‐rearing, modeling processes, and genetic mechanisms. However, parental involvement in the criminal justice system itself also might contribute to the intergenerational transmission of crime and have other adverse effects on children's well‐being. We investigated the development of youth problem behavior in relation to parental arrest, conviction, and incarceration in the youngest and oldest samples of the Pittsburgh Youth Study, a longitudinal survey of 1,009 inner‐city boys. Parental arrest and conviction without incarceration did not predict the development of youth problem behavior. Parental incarceration was not associated with increases in marijuana use, depression, or poor academic performance. However, boys experiencing parental incarceration showed greater increases in theft compared with a control group matched on propensity scores. The association between parental incarceration and youth theft was stronger for White youth than for Black youth. Parenting and peer relations after parental incarceration explained about half of its effects on youth theft. Because the effects of parental incarceration were specific to youth theft, labeling and stigma processes might be particularly important for understanding the consequences of parental incarceration for children.
New Active HIV‐1 Protease Inhibitors Derived from 3‐Hexanol: Conformation Study of the Free Inhibitors in Crystalline State and in Complex with the Enzyme
Authors: Ziółkowska Natasza E. , Bujacz Anna , Randad Ramnarayan S. , Erickson John W. , Skálová Tereza , Hašek Jindřich , Bujacz Grzegorz
Published: February 2012

Four novel linear non‐peptidic HIV‐1 protease inhibitors derived from 2,5‐diamino‐1,6‐diphenyl‐3‐hexanol were synthesized and characterized. All of them exhibit tight binding to HIV‐1 protease, with inhibition constants Ki in the range 20 pm–5 nm. The investigated inhibitors were crystallized, and their crystal structures were determined by X‐ray diffraction. In all cases, the conformations found in the crystalline state differ significantly from the conformations obtained by computational docking of the inhibitor in the binding cleft of native HIV‐1 protease. Owing to the prevalence of hydrophobic substituents in all these inhibitors, the conformational mobility in water solution is restricted to their compact forms. The spectrum of low‐energy conformations in solution dramatically changes during the formation of inhibitor crystals (phenyl ring stacking as a leading motif) or during the formation of a complex with HIV‐1 protease (elongated conformation suitable to fit the enzyme pockets as a factor responsible for tight binding). High conformational flexibility and low conformational stress in the molecules of these inhibitors most likely increase their biological activity in comparison with more rigid compounds.
Comparative Analysis of Different DNA‐Binding Drugs for Leishmaniasis Cure: A Pharmacoinformatics Approach
Authors: Chauhan Nutan , Vidyarthi Ambarish Sharan , Poddar Raju
Published: February 2012

Several experiments have been performed to test DNA‐binding drugs to cure Leishmania infection. However, there are no details of pharmacoinformatics study. Herein, we have selected a good number of compounds from experimentally verified studies and performed a comparative analysis based on pharmacoinformatics techniques. In silico docking study was performed to observe the molecular level interactions of these known ligands with the DNA receptor by automated computational docking using Glide. A comparison between the calculated interaction energies and in silico ADME/T study was made. In agreement with drug likeness rules, our study suggests that seco‐hydroxy‐aza‐CBI‐TMI (compound 4b; GScore, −12.058) is a potential molecule for targeting the DNA to cure leishmaniasis.
Organization of the spinnerets and spigots in the orb web spider, Argiope bruennichi (Araneae: Araneidae)
Authors: Moon Myung‐Jin
Published: February 2012

Although the basic taxonomic characteristics usually remain unchanged, some spinning apparatuses undergo consistent adaptive variations. As the presence of additional protuberances known as nubbins and tartipores have caused disagreements regarding some Araneidae spiders, more detailed definitions on the cuticular structures have recently been proposed. Reflecting this definition, microstructural organization of silk spinning apparatuses in the orb web spider Argiope bruennichi were reconsidered using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Among the seven kinds of functional spigots in females, it was revealed that two types (major ampullates and pyrifoms) are located on anterior spinnerets and another five types are distributed on median (minor ampullates, tubuliforms and aciniforms) or posterior (tubuliforms, flagelliforms, aggregates and aciniforms) spinnerets, respectively. In addition to functional spigots, cuticular remnants of the nubbins and the tartipores were found on the spinning fields, but the number of tartipores on each spinneret varied among individuals based on maturity. Nevertheless, three kinds of cuticular protuberances of ampullate silk glands were clearly visible at both the anterior and median spinnerets.
New regulation mechanisms of osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Nakashima Tomoki , Takayanagi Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Osteoclasts play a crucial role in both physiological and pathological bone resorption. It is, thus, of compelling importance to understand the molecular mechanisms of osteoclast regulation. Because receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) is the key cytokine that induces osteoclast differentiation, we have focused on the investigation of RANKL signaling and RANKL‐expressing cells. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the understanding of osteoclastogenic signaling and the cells that express RANKL in the context of osteoimmunology. The scope of osteoimmunology has been extended to now encompass a wide range of molecular and cellular interactions, and its framework provides a scientific basis for future therapeutic approaches to diseases related to the bone and/or immune systems.
Onion Powder in the Diet of the Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus: Effects on the Growth, Body Composition, and Lysozyme Activity
Authors: Cho Sung Hwoan , Lee Sang‐Min
Published: February 2012

This study tested the onion powder (OP) supplementation in the diet of the olive flounder on the growth, body composition, and lysozyme activity. Thirty‐five fish averaging 5.1 g were randomly stocked into 18 individual 180‐L flow‐through tanks. A commercially available OP was used as a dietary additive. Six experimental diets were prepared to contain OP at the concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5% for diets OP‐0, OP‐0.5, OP‐1, OP‐2, OP‐3, and OP‐5, respectively. After the 8‐wk feeding trial, 20 fish from each tank were infected with Edwardsiella tarda and mortality was monitored for the following 96 h. No distinctive improvement in survival, weight gain, or feed efficiency of fish was observed at the end of the 8‐wk feeding trial. Lysozyme activity in fish fed the OP‐0.5 diet was higher than that of fish fed the OP‐0, OP‐1, OP‐2, OP‐3, and OP‐5 diets. The cumulative mortality of fish fed the OP‐0.5, OP‐1, OP‐2, OP‐3, and OP‐5 diets was lower than that of fish fed the OP‐0 diet at 72 h after E. tarda infection. Dietary inclusion of 0.5% OP was effective at improving lysozyme activity of fish, and OP seemed to be an effective immunostimulant to lower mortality upon E. tarda infection.
Effect of Salinity Change on Biomass and Biochemical Composition of Nannochloropsis oculata
Authors: Gu Na , Lin Qiang , Li Gang , Qin Geng , Lin Junda , Huang Liangmin
Published: February 2012

Salinity fluctuation is an important factor affecting outdoor microalgae culture. This investigation examined the effect of salinity change (Tr‐1:35–15 g/L, Tr‐2:35–25 g/L, Tr‐3:35–35 g/L, Tr‐4:35–45 g/L, and Tr‐5:35–55 g/L) on growth and the biochemical composition of Nannochloropsis oculata, a candidate for biodiesel production in indoor photo‐bioreactors. Results showed that the algae increased in absorbency and dry biomass as salinity decreased. When the salinity increased, the specific growth rate (SGR) of the algae decreased significantly. The salinity stress also affected the pigments of the algae, the chlorophyll‐a, and carotenoid contents of the algae which decreased with the increase of salinity from 45 to 55 g/L. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) content (% of dry biomass) increased with the increase of salinity (e.g., Tr‐4 and Tr‐5). The algae was rich in C16:0 (palmitic acid), C16:1n‐7 (palmitoleic acid), and C20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid), and C16:0 content increased with decreasing salinity from 35 to 15 g/L, but C16:1n‐7 content was high in all the treatments ranging from 25.25 ± 1.42% in Tr‐1 to 27.05 ± 1.13% in Tr‐5.
Comparison Between Individual and Group Rearing Systems in Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797)
Authors: Estefanell J. , Roo J. , Fernández‐Palacios H. , Izquierdo M. , Socorro J. , Guirao R.
Published: February 2012

Recently most research on cephalopod culture has focused on the development of new specific enrichments for paralarvae and compound feeds for juveniles and sub‐adults. However, little research has been conducted in order to test new rearing systems, specifically designed to meet the particularities of these species. This experiment was set to compare the biological performance of Octopus vulgaris reared under traditional group conditions in floating cages (5 m3) and individually in net cages (80 L), in two successive ongrowing trials. Octopuses (1565 ± 263 g) were fed a mixed diet containing crab and fish during 60 d.

In general, higher mortality was observed in octopus reared under group conditions (28.1–36.7%) rather than individually (0–12.5%), related to breeding behavior and to weight dispersion along both trials. This led to highest biomass increment in octopus reared individually. However, the group rearing system had a positive effect on growth, reflecting in higher biomass increment and food conversion rates until 40–50 d of rearing. Accordingly, in order to maximize profitability of traditional group on growing, periodic grading and selection of males during the reproductive period are recommended. In addition, no difference in proximate composition and fatty acid profile was found in muscle regardless of rearing system.
Evaluation of Corn Gluten Feed and Cottonseed Meal as Partial Replacements for Soybean Meal and Corn in Diets for Pond‐raised Hybrid Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus×I. furcatus
Authors: Li Menghe H. , Robinson Edwin H. , Oberle Daniel F. , Lucas Penelope M. , Bosworth Brian G.
Published: February 2012

This study examined the use of corn gluten feed (CGF) and cottonseed meal (CSM) to partially replace soybean meal and corn in diets for pond‐raised hybrid catfish, Ictalurus punctatus×I. furcatus. Five 28% protein diets containing various combinations of CGF and CSM were evaluated. Fingerling hybrid catfish (mean initial weight: 45 g/fish) were stocked into 25, 0.04‐ha ponds at a rate of 14,826 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 179‐d growing season. CGF at 30% of the diet (10% CSM) and a combination of CGF and CSM up to 25% each did not affect physical quality (percentages floatability and feed dust) of the diet. No significant differences were observed in total amount of diet fed, net yield, diet consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, and fillet proximate nutrient composition among fish fed various diets. Results show that hybrid catfish can utilize CGF at levels up to 30% of the diet (10% CSM), and a combination of CGF and CSM up to 25% each without significantly affecting growth, diet consumption, FCR, and fillet proximate nutrient composition. However, a combination of CGF and CSM at 20% each and above reduced carcass yield.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in the Heavily Exploited Korean Rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, in Korea
Authors: An Hyesuck , Kim Mi‐Jung , Park Kwangjae , Cho Keechae , Bae Bongseong , Kim Jaewoo , Myeong Jeong‐In
Published: February 2012

The Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, is a valuable and intensively exploited species in Korea. We discuss the genetic diversity and genetic structure of four Korean rockfish populations using eight microsatellite loci. In total, 161 different alleles from 138 individuals were observed. Average allele number per locus ranged from 2.5 to 23 and allelic richness varied from 13.38 to 14.63 within a population. Despite a long history of stocking practices, we found very high levels of polymorphism (mean heterozygosity = 0.810), which is comparable to other congeneric species. No significant difference in genetic diversity and molecular genetic variance (FST and RST) was observed among four local samples (P > 0.1). Little indication of contemporary inbreeding (FIS= 0.051) or population structure (K = 1) was detected. This absence of differentiation may reflect high levels of gene flow along the coast of Korea. Our study demonstrates that rockfish in Korea should be managed as a single unit. Currently, the species does not appear to be genetically threatened, but the potential for a rapid loss of genetic diversity remains. This information on the genetic characteristics of Korean rockfish populations has important implications for fisheries management and conservation efforts, and will aid in the sustainable exploitation of the fishing resources and the preservation of biodiversity.