bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of 180 Days of Water Storage on the Transverse Strength of Acetal Resin Denture Base Material
Authors: Arıkan Ayla , Ozkan Yasemin Kulak , Arda Tugberk , Akalın Buket
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Acetal resin has been used as an alternative denture base and clasp material since 1986. The manufacturers claim that acetal resin has superior physical properties when compared to conventional denture base acrylic resins. Limited information is available about transverse strengths of acetal resin. The purpose of this investigation was to compare transverse strengths of pink and white acetal resins to transverse strengths of conventional heat‐polymerized polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin in increasing durations of water storage.

Materials and Methods: A transverse strength test was performed in accordance with International Standards Organization (ISO) specification No 1567. Twenty 65 × 10 × 2.5 mm3 specimens of each resin were prepared; five specimens of each resin group were subjected to three‐point bending test after 50 hours, 30 days, 60 days, and 180 days of water storage in distilled water at 37°C. Experimental groups’ transverse strengths were compared by three‐way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests.

Results: Transverse strength of PMMA denture base material was found to be in accordance with the requirements of ISO specification No 1567. Transverse strengths of white and pink acetal resin could not be calculated in this study, as white and pink acetal resin specimens did not break at the maximum applied force in the three‐point bending test. Flexural strength of acetal resin was found to be within the ISO specification limits. As the water storage time increased, the deflection values of PMMA showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Both the white and pink acetal resin showed significant increase in deflection as the water storage time was increased from 50 hours to 180 days (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that transverse strength values of PMMA were within the ISO specification limit. Water storage time (50 hours, 30, 60, and 180 days) had no statistically significant effect on the transverse strength and deflection of PMMA. Acetal resin suffered from permanent deformation, but did not break in the three‐point bending test. Acetal resin showed significant increase in deflection as the water storage time was increased from 50 hours to 180 days. All materials tested demonstrated deflection values in compliance with ISO specification No 1567.
Survey of Currently Used Materials for Fabrication of Extraoral Maxillofacial Prostheses in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia
Authors: Montgomery Patricia C. , Kiat‐Amnuay Sudarat
Published: December 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to review the extraoral maxillofacial materials currently used as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the materials in the fabrication of facial prostheses. Results of this survey will enhance scientific knowledge, generate research study ideas, and possibly lead to production of alternative or new maxillofacial materials.

Material and Methods: A 47‐question survey was delivered via e‐mail to all members (combined total of 260 members) of the American Anaplastology Association (AAA) and American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics (AAMP) for evaluation of personal preference involving maxillofacial prosthetic materials (intrinsic/extrinsic silicone elastomers and pigments/colorants used, polymerization/curing process, advantages and disadvantages of the most often used materials, most important characteristic of material/technique used).

Results: The views of 43 (16%) respondents indicated that the majority surveyed were using room temperature‐vulcanized (RTV) silicone products. Silicone pigments for intrinsic and silicone pastes for extrinsic coloring were favored over artist's oil colors and dry earth pigments. The polymerization process and/or curing times and temperatures for the same silicone material varied between users. The top five advantages of most often used materials were good esthetics, ease of coloring, easy manipulation, thin margins possible, and adhesive compatibility. The top five disadvantages were discoloration over time, technique‐sensitivity, lack of repairability, extrinsic colors peel/fade, and lack of longevity. Nontoxic/nonallergenic materials with high edge strength and color stability were the most important features when choosing a maxillofacial prosthetic material/technique.

Conclusions: The responses to this survey indicate that the majority of AAA and AAMP members are using or have used a variety of RTV silicones, pigments, and colorants in the quest to provide the best possible facial prosthetic service. Further research is needed to further refine and improve extraoral maxillofacial materials/techniques based on the results of this study.
A Cannibal in the Archive: Performance, Materiality, and (In)Visibility in Unpublished Edward Curtis Photographs of the Kwakwaka'wakw Hamat'sa
Authors: GLASS AARON
Published: December 2009

The frequently published photographs of Native Americans taken by Edward S. Curtis in the early 20th century have come to embody the proud, sorrowful, and romantic Indian in the American imaginary. In this article, I explore two alternate venues for the circulation of his images: the 1911 lantern slide “picture opera” and the photographic archive. In particular, I examine a series of unpublished photographs that Curtis took of George Hunt—Curtis's and Franz Boas's longtime collaborator—posed as a Kwakwaka'wakw Hamat'sa (“Cannibal Dancer”). The photographs allowed Curtis to visualize an outdated, rumored‐about, and previously secret ritual, while his recontextualization of them in the picture opera momentarily publicized and spectacularized them before they were relegated to the archive. This article critically examines ethnographic photographs as they both construct and obscure cultural realities based on their unique materialities and paths of circulation. It also explores the relationship of performance to such photographs at various moments and suggests that recognition of indigenous agency in the creation of ethnographic images has implications for their later modes of interpretation, especially by Native people themselves.
Interrogating Cultural Anthropology Text Covers: Intended Messages, Received Meanings
Authors: HAMMOND JOYCE D. , BRUMMEL JEFF , BUCKINGHAM CRISTINA , DOLAN DANI , IRISH LAUREN , MENZEL ELISSA , NOARD CHARLES
Published: December 2009

The cover image on an assigned text is often the first message American students receive about cultural anthropology. Drawing upon 47 introductory texts published between 2001 and 2007, our team of students and professor employed content, semiotic, and critical discourse analysis, as well as student focus groups and student survey information, to discover messages projected to and received by students. We discuss our findings in terms of pedagogy and contemporary concerns of cultural anthropology.
Girls' Dormitory: Women's Islam and Iranian Horror
Authors: PARTOVI PEDRAM
Published: December 2009

This article concerns representations of popular Muslim belief and practice in modern Iran. Of primary interest here will be a horror film called Khvabgah‐i dukhtaran/Girls' Dormitory, in which a young woman becomes the target of a crazed killer claiming to be under the command of jinn. I discuss how the film, which some have reported is of particular appeal to young girls and women, engages with elite discourses on the essentially female character of popular (religious) culture. I also examine what the “horror” of the film reveals about many people's understandings of cosmology and anthropology in Iran, especially with respect to the modern articulation of a “national theology.” Such understandings in turn problematize the film's place in horror cinema from a Western perspective and perhaps explain the genre's relative absence from Iranian screens over the years. Finally, I turn to the broader significance of this release in terms of filmmaking and filmgoing in Iran as well as its possible connections to female‐centered horror film movements elsewhere.
Empirical Equation for Calculating the Density of Oxide Glasses
Authors: Inaba Seiji , Fujino Shigeru
Published: December 2009

The density of oxide glass including silicate, borate, phosphate, tellurite, and germanate glasses were measured using the Archimedes method. On the assumption that the ionic packing ratio is approximately a constant independent of chemical composition, an empirical equation for estimating the density from chemical composition was proposed. The calculated values are in reasonable agreement with the corresponding measured ones.
Synthesis and Oxidation Behavior of MgAlON Prepared from Different Starting Materials
Authors: Ye Guotian , Shang Junli , Zhang Dongrui , Liang Min , Chen Yaosheng
Published: December 2009

The formation and oxidation of magnesium–aluminum oxynitride (MgAlON) were investigated with emphasis on the effect of impurities through using synthetic raw materials and natural raw materials. It was observed that the formation of MgAlON was not much influenced by the starting materials, but MgAlON prepared from the natural starting materials exhibited accelerated oxidation. The different oxidation behaviors of MgAlON prepared from the different raw materials were discussed from the viewpoint of impurities in the materials. The formation temperature and oxidation temperature of MgAlON produced in this work were compared with those of MgAlON prepared using other processes.
Enhanced Quality Factor of Zinc Lanthanum Borates‐Based Dielectrics via the Control of ZnO/B2O3Ratio
Authors: Doo Sae Han Na , Jo Yeon Hwa , Lee Joon Seok , Mohanty Bhaskar C. , Sekhar Koppole C. , Cho Yong Soo
Published: December 2009

A dielectric system having an exceptionally high‐quality factor of 1350 at 16.8 GHz is reported as a strong candidate for glass‐based low‐temperature cofireable materials. The dielectrics are based on unusual (16–27)ZnO·16La2O3·(57–68)B2O3glass mixed with a fixed 50 wt% Al2O3filler. The ratio of ZnO/B2O3was found to be critical in controlling the nature of glass and, consequently, performance of the dielectric mixture. For example, 27ZnO·16La2O3·57B2O3glass sample having the highest Zn content resulted in the lowest softening temperature of 647°C and the least porosity of ∼6%. The enhanced densification and extensive crystallization of low loss phases, i.e., LaAl2.03(B4O10)O0.54and ZnAl2O4, are assumed to be responsible for better dielectric performance that resulted from the increase of Zn content in glass.
Revisiting the Phase‐Equilibrium Diagram of the Ca3(PO4)2–CaMg(SiO3)2 System
Authors: Carrodeguas Raúl García , De Aza Antonio H. , García‐Páez Ismael , De Aza Salvador , Pena Pilar
Published: December 2009

As Si and Mg stimulate osteogenesis and mineralizing mechanisms, compositions belonging to the system Ca3(PO4)2–CaMg(SiO3)2, able to release these elements in situ, are promising candidates for preparing ceramic bone implants. An exact knowledge of the phase relationships in the system is required to design materials with controlled phase composition and properties. Thus, ceramic cylinders containing Ca3(PO4)2 (40, 45, 80, 90, 95, 99, and 100 wt%) and CaMg(SiO3)2 (balance to 100 wt%) were prepared and equilibrated at temperatures ranging from 1100° to 1500°C. Phase composition of the resulting ceramics was studied by X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, reflected‐light optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with attached energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. Two invariant points were established. An eutectic point, previously reported, was confirmed at 1300°±5°C and 37 wt% of Ca3(PO4)2, where CaMg(SiO3)2 and β‐Ca3(PO4)2 solid solutions coexist. A new peritectic point, corresponding to the reaction β‐Ca3(PO4)2 solid solution↔α‐Ca3(PO4)2 solid solution+liquid was found at 1440°±10°C and ≈70 wt% of Ca3(PO4)2. Two new biphasic domains, where β‐ and α‐, and α‐ and α′‐Ca3(PO4)2 solid solutions coexist, respectively, are also proposed. The results showed that, at the eutectic temperature, the β‐Ca3(PO4)2 solid solution extends up to ≈17 wt% CaMg(SiO3)2. It was also found that the Si/Mg molar ratio in Ca3(PO4)2 solid solutions decreases with regard to pure CaMg(SiO3)2, which might be explained through the incongruence of the dissolution process.
Becoming Maya? The Politics and Pragmatics of “Being Indigenous” in Postgenocide Guatemala
Authors: Vanthuyne Karine
Published: December 2009

This paper contrasts the way “Mayan” identity is conceptualized by NGOs and intellectuals in Guatemala with the everyday practices and material conditions influencing perceptions of identity in the rural town of Guaisná. The “truth” of past genocide and the experience of ongoing harsh socioeconomic inequality take on different meanings from these two perspectives. And yet inhabitants of Guaisná and Mayan intellectuals share an awareness of past and ongoing oppression, and an understanding of flexible identity as crucial to cultural survival. Thus indigenous people can simultaneously claim some features of “Mayan” identity while also distinguishing it from aspects of local everyday practice.
Land Rights, Claims, and Western Shoshones: The Ideology of Loss and the Bureaucracy of Enforcement
Authors: Clemmer Richard O.
Published: December 2009

This essay examines the shifting legal‐political discourses surrounding the concepts “claim,”“property,” and “rights” with regard to the Western Shoshone. It argues that an “ideology of loss” structured the Indian Claims Commission (ICC) proceedings. These proceedings parted Native Americans from their land, often despite existing treaties affirming land rights. Far from “settling” historical claims, the ICC proceedings actually produced and transformed Native and non‐Native histories and added a new bureaucratic facet to the colonial encounter. The discussion suggests that the attempted conquest of Native Americans is not a single fact accomplished in the past but is rather an ongoing process that is driven by the American political economy. Reference to the works of contemporary scholars, as well as to those of ancestral scholars Henry Sumner Maine, Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Antonio Gramsci elucidates how a dominant legal philosophy was put into place. This philosophy permitted the wielding of legal power and undermined Native Americans’ contestation of that power. Nevertheless, indigenous peoples such as the Western Shoshones, and the lawyers working with them, have found ways to use law to exert agency in the face of this bureaucratic force—creating an at‐times ambivalent or double‐edged relationship with legal power.
Whole genome transcriptional profiling identifies novel differentiation regulated genes in keratinocytes
Authors: Paragh György , Ugocsai Peter , Vogt Thomas , Schling Petra , Kel Alexander E. , Tarabin Victoria , Liebisch Gerhard , Orsó Evelyn , Markó Loránt , Balogh Attila , Köbling Tamás , Remenyik Éva , Wikonkál Norbert M. , Mandl József , Farwick Mike , Schmitz Gerd
Published: December 2009

Please cite this paper as: Whole genome transcriptional profiling identifies novel differentiation regulated genes in keratinocytes. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 100–107.

Abstract:  Keratinocyte differentiation plays a pivotal role in the epidermal barrier. Single keratinocyte differentiation genes have already been studied, but many important constituents of this process may have been missed so far. Gene expression profiling by microarray was carried out in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes undergoing confluence‐induced differentiation to find novel differentiation genes. Candidate gene lists were established and genes of potential dermatological interest were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis. Some of these points lead to the identification of counter‐regulation of heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase as well as glutaredoxin and glutathione reductase indicative of potential novel redox signaling in differentiating human keratinocytes. Others indicate a strong concert down‐regulation of interleukin‐1 signaling at previously unidentified levels during keratinocyte differentiation. We believe that identified genes contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complicated epidermal differentiation process and lead to better understanding of dermatological diseases.
Intraspecific variation in prey quality: a comparison of nutrient presence in prey and nutrient extraction by predators
Authors: Wilder Shawn M. , Mayntz David , Toft Søren , Rypstra Ann L. , Pilati Alberto , Vanni Michael J.
Published: December 2009

Prey quality can have large impacts on the survival, growth and behavior of predators. A number of studies have examined how different species of prey vary in quality. However, far less is known about intraspecific variation in the quality of prey for predators and even less about what nutrients are extracted from prey by predators. We examined how the sex, feeding level and developmental status of prey affected the quantities of nutrients present in prey bodies and the quantities of nutrients that could be extracted from prey by spiders. Female and well‐fed prey were larger and had more nutrients than male and food‐limited prey, respectively. After taking into account differences in prey size, spiders extracted relatively more lipid and less protein from female and well‐fed prey than from male and food‐limited prey, respectively. Mealworms were of higher quality than adult mealworm beetles; spiders were able to extract more lipid, protein and other nutrients from larvae than adults. While lipid present in prey was a good predictor of lipid consumed, protein present in prey was not a reliable predictor of protein consumed. The variation in prey quality that we observed within a single species of prey (i.e. well‐fed vs food‐limited crickets) was as large as variation in quality among the three species of prey used in these experiments. Intraspecific variation in prey quality may be an important factor affecting predatory arthropods, especially in habitats or at times of year when one species of prey is abundant. Further studies are needed to examine the consequences of intraspecific variation in prey quality on the life history and behavior of predators.
A Retrospective, Multicenter Study on a Novo Wide‐Body Implant for Posterior Regions
Authors: Vandeweghe Stefan , Ackermann Andrew , Bronner John , Hattingh André , Tschakaloff Alex , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: December 2009

Background: Wide implants are recommended as “rescues” after failure to increase primary stability in extraction sockets or in poor quality bone. Consequently, inferior results compared with regular diameter implants have been reported.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the outcome of a novo wide‐body implant (Max® implant, Southern Implants®, Irene, South Africa) designed for placement in the posterior regions.

Materials and Methods: In four private practices, patients with at least one Max implant were examined by two independent examiners to determine implant survival and marginal bone loss. Surgical, prosthetic, and patient‐related parameters were evaluated to determine their influence on the treatment outcome.

Results: Seventy‐five patients (31 male, 44 female), with a mean age of 58 years, received 93 Max implants (59 maxilla, 34 mandible) of 8 to 10 mm width. Twenty‐seven implants in molar extraction sockets and two in mature bone were immediately loaded; 42 in extraction sockets and 22 in mature bone were delayed loaded. The mean follow‐up was 14 months (6–34), and four implants failed (4.3%); mean bone loss after 1 year was 0.46 mm (SD 1.08; range −5.45–3.25). A total of 91.4% lost <1.5 mm of bone during the first year. The implant survival rate was 89.7% and 98.4%, respectively, for the immediate and delayed loaded implants and 95.8% and 95.7% for delayed and immediate placement. Time of placement, time of loading, surgical protocol, or prosthetic design did not affect the outcome.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, the Max implant demonstrated a survival rate of 95.7% and stable bone conditions after a year, irrespective of loading or surgical protocol. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate the soft and hard tissue changes in time.
Conservative and Esthetic Cast Gold Fixed Partial Dentures—Inlay, Onlay, and Partial Veneer Retainers, Custom Composite Pontics, and Stress‐breakers: Part I: Fundamental Design Principles
Authors: STEVENSON RICHARD G. , REFELA JANE A.
Published: December 2009

Although in today's dental world implant restorations are considered the standard of care in the replacement of missing teeth, clinical contraindications and patient nonacceptance of implant placement can be encountered. Several scenarios are discussed here in which a single missing tooth can be restored with conservative fixed partial dentures (FPD) that employ cast gold retainers; each with a customized design in order to preserve tooth structure, maintain esthetics, and provide a long‐term prognosis. The abutment teeth are prepared for conservative partial coverage restorations by using Brasseler burs (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA). Impressions are taken of the preparations, along with any retentive features, utilizing either the Vented Pin Channel technique or the Shooshan Plastic Pin technique. The latter technique utilizes Kodex twist drills and corresponding impression pins (Coltene Whaledent Inc., Mahwah, NJ, USA). The conservative FPD with non‐rigid connectors is fabricated by using type III gold alloy. The pontic cage portion is chemically prepared utilizing the Panavia F2.0 cement kit (Kuraray America Inc., Houston, TX, USA) or other dual‐polymerizing resin cement and restored with any type of direct composite resin material. A palette of opaquers and tints are used for chairside characterization of the esthetic pontic facing. The final polish of the pontic is completed by using FlexiDisc and FlexiBuff discs (Cosmedent Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In cases where an implant restoration is contraindicated for replacement of a single tooth, a semi‐precision FPD is a conservative, functional, and esthetic alternative.
Effect of Surface Sealants on Marginal Microleakage in Class V Resin Composite Restorations
Authors: SILVA SANTANA SORAIA VELOSO , BOMBANA ANTONIO CARLOS , FLÓRIO FLÁVIA MARTÃO , BASTING ROBERTA TARKANY
Published: December 2009

Purpose:  Surface sealants may reduce or avoid problems related to the marginal interface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage in resin composite Class V restorations sealed with an adhesive system (Xeno III [Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany]), a sealant for exposed dentin (Seal & Protect [Dentsply]), and two surface sealants (Fortify [Bisco, Lombard, IL, USA]; Optiguard [Kerr, Orange, CA, USA]).

Materials and Methods:  Fifty cavities with margins in enamel were prepared on crowns of bovine teeth and restored with an adhesive system (Prime and Bond NT/Dentsply) and resin composite (Esthet X/Dentsply). They were separated into four groups for the application of the surface sealants, and a control group (without surface sealing). Thermal cycling with baths of 5°C ± 2°C and 55°C ± 2°C were performed in 600 cycles. The teeth were made impermeable, except for a 3‐mm window around the restoration and immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution for 8 hours. The crown was sectioned longitudinally and the cuts were analyzed by three independent evaluators, using a stereoscopic loupe with 10× magnification that attributed representative scores. Agreement among the examiners was evaluated by the Kappa test.

Results:  The Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn Method showed that there was significant difference between the Control and Seal & Protect groups. The Seal & Protect group presented the lowest degree of microleakage, followed by the Optiguard and Xeno III groups. The highest scores were obtained in the Control group.

Conclusion:  The sealant materials evaluated presented different rates of effectiveness, and Seal & Protect was the most effective in decreasing the degree of marginal microleakage.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Although surface sealants or covering agents have been used to diminish microleakage, they may present different rates of effectiveness with regard to reducing the degree of marginal leakage.
Effect of Bleaching on Staining Susceptibility of Resin Composite Restorative Materials
Authors: ÇELIK ÇIĞDEM , YÜZÜGÜLLÜ BULEM , ERKUT SELIM , YAZICI A. RÜYA
Published: December 2009

Statement of the Problem:  Effect of bleaching procedures on staining susceptibility of resin restorative materials is still questionable.

Purpose:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the staining susceptibility of restorative materials bleached with 20% carbamide peroxide home bleaching agent and subsequently immersed in coffee and tea.

Materials and Methods:  Forty‐two disk‐shaped specimens were fabricated for each of the resin composites (Filtek Supreme XT [3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA], Ceram‐X Mono [Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany], and Aelite All Purpose Body [BISCO, Inc., Shaumburg, IL, USA]). The baseline color values were measured with a spectrophotometer. The specimens of each restorative material were randomly divided into two groups (N = 21). While the first group specimens were stored in distilled water (nonbleaching group‐control), bleaching agent (Opalescence PF 20% [Ultradent Poducts, South Jordan, UT, USA]) was applied on the top surface of each specimen of the second group (bleaching group). After color change values were measured, the specimens were randomly divided into three subgroups (N = 7) according to the staining solutions. The color change values (ΔE*ab) were calculated and the data were subjected to analysis of variance. Statistical significance was declared if the p value was 0.05 or less.

Results:  There was no statistically significant difference within each restorative material's ΔE*ab values after bleaching (p = 0.714). Also, the staining solutions did not cause a statistically significant difference between ΔE*ab values of bleaching compared with nonbleaching groups (p = 0.146). Significant interaction was found only between restorative materials and staining solutions (p = 0.000).

Conclusion:  Bleaching of the tested resin composites did not increase their susceptibility to extrinsic staining in vitro.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Bleaching did not affect staining susceptibility of the tested resin composite restorative materials.
BONDING TO FLUOROSED TOOTH STRUCTURE
Authors: Swift, Jr. Edward J.
Published: December 2009

In many continuing education lectures, I frequently have been asked the question “When bonding to fluorosed teeth, should I do anything differently?” As the prevalence of fluorosis has increased, this question has become more and more clinically relevant. Unfortunately, there has not been extensive research in this area, but there has been some. Recent Ask the Expert pieces in the Journal have addressed the issue, and this Critical Appraisal covers the recent research on bonding of resin‐based materials to fluorosed enamel and dentin in greater detail.
Quantitative trait loci for leg weakness traits in a Landrace purebred population
Authors: UEMOTO Yoshinobu , SATO Shuji , OHNISHI Chika , HIROSE Kensuke , KAMEYAMA Kenji , FUKAWA Kazuo , KUDO Osamu , KOBAYASHI Eiji
Published: December 2009

Leg weakness in pigs is a serious problem in the pig industry. We performed a whole genome quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to find QTLs affecting leg weakness traits in the Landrace population. Half‐sib progeny (n = 522) with five sires were measured for leg weakness traits. Whole genome QTL mapping was performed using a half‐sib regression‐based method using 190 microsatellite markers. No experiment‐wide significant QTLs affecting leg weakness traits were detected. However, at the 5% chromosome‐wide level, QTLs affecting leg weakness traits were detected on chromosomes 1, 3, 10 and 11 with QTL effects ranging from 0.07 to 0.11 of the phenotypic variance. At the 1% chromosome‐wide level, QTLs affecting rear feet score and total leg score were detected on chromosomes 2 and 3 with QTL effects of 0.11 and 0.13 of the phenotypic variance, respectively. On chromosome 3 and 10, some QTLs found in this study were located at nearby positions. The present study is one of the first reports of QTLs affecting fitness related traits such as leg weakness traits, that segregate within the Landrace population. The study also provides useful information for studying QTLs in purebred populations.
Tevaluation of transgenic event CBH 351 (StarLink) corn in pig
Authors: YONEMOCHI Chisato , SUGA Keisei , HARADA Chisato , HANAZUMI Michito
Published: December 2009

This study examined the influence of transgenic event CBH (StarLink™; SL)‐derived hybrid corn on growth, health and physiological functions of pigs, as well as the possibility of transferring the cry9C gene or Cry9C protein to the blood, liver or muscles, in comparison with pigs fed a diet with non‐transgenic (isogenic) corn (non‐SL). The diet for the SL group was composed of 70% SL corn, and the diet for the non‐SL group was composed of 70% non‐SL corn. Forty pigs approximately 3 months in age were used in the current experiment. After the pigs were acclimatized to their environment for 7 days, they were fed piglet diets for 7 weeks, and afterwards fed growing‐finishing diets until the end of the experiment. There were no significant differences in bodyweight gain, feed intake or feed conversion ratio between the pigs fed SL diet and those of non‐SL diet. No abnormalities were observed in the health conditions of either the SL or the non‐SL group. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in hematological values, histopathological examination and necropsy findings. Although the serum biochemical values within each group were normal, the blood urea nitrogen values of the SL group showed a tendency to be slightly higher than those of the non‐SL group. Also, the blood glucose values of the SL group were significantly lower than those of the non‐SL group. However, the cause of the significant differences in the blood glucose values between the two groups is unknown. The PCR and ELISA did not detect the cry9C gene and Cry9C protein in the blood, liver or muscles of the pigs at the end of the experiment.
Identification and characterization of the transcription factors involved in T‐cell development, t‐bet, stat6 and foxp3, within the zebrafish, Danio rerio
Authors: Mitra Suman , Alnabulsi Ayham , Secombes Chris J. , Bird Steve
Published: December 2009

The discovery of cytokines expressed by T‐helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and T‐regulatory (Treg) cells has prompted speculation that these types of responses may exist in fish, arising early in vertebrate evolution. In this investigation, we cloned three zebrafish transcription factors, T‐box expressed in T cells (t‐bet), signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (stat6) and fork‐head box p3 (foxp3), in which two transcripts are present, that are important in the development of a number of these cell types. They were found within the zebrafish genome, using a synteny approach in the case of t‐bet and foxp3. Multiple alignments of zebrafish t‐bet, stat6 and foxp3 amino acids with known vertebrate homologues revealed regions of high conservation, subsequently identified to be protein domains important in the functioning of these transcription factors. The gene organizations of zebrafish t‐bet and foxp3 were identical to those of the human genes, with the second foxp3 transcript lacking exons 5, 6, 7 and 8. Zebrafish stat6 (21 exons and 20 introns) was slightly different from the human gene, which contained 22 exons and 21 introns. Immunostimulation of zebrafish head kidney and spleen cells with phytohaemagglutinin, lipopolysaccharide or Poly I:C, showed a correlation between the expression of t‐bet, stat6 and foxp3 with other genes involved in Th and Treg responses using quantitative PCR. These transcription factors, together with many of the cytokines that are expressed by different T‐cell subtypes, will aid future investigations into the Th and Treg cell types that exist in teleosts.
The transcriptome of the colonial marine hydroid Hydractinia echinata
Authors: Soza‐Ried Jorge , Hotz‐Wagenblatt Agnes , Glatting Karl‐Heinz , del Val Coral , Fellenberg Kurt , Bode Hans R. , Frank Uri , Hoheisel Jörg D. , Frohme Marcus
Published: December 2009

An increasing amount of expressed sequence tag (EST) and genomic data, predominantly for the cnidarians Acropora, Hydra and Nematostella, reveals that cnidarians have a high genomic complexity, despite being one of the morphologically simplest multicellular animals. Considering the diversity of cnidarians, we performed an EST project on the hydroid Hydractinia echinata, to contribute towards a broader coverage of this phylum. After random sequencing of almost 9000 clones, EST characterization revealed a broad diversity in gene content. Corroborating observations in other cnidarians, Hydractinia sequences exhibited a higher sequence similarity to vertebrates than to ecdysozoan invertebrates. A significant number of sequences were hitherto undescribed in metazoans, suggesting that these may be either cnidarian innovations or ancient genes lost in the bilaterian genomes analysed so far. However, we cannot rule out some degree of contamination from commensal bacteria. The identification of unique Hydractinia sequences emphasizes that the acquired genomic information generated so far is not large enough to be representative of the highly diverse cnidarian phylum. Finally, a database was created to store all the acquired information (http://www.mchips.org/hydractinia_echinata.html).
Membrane anchoring of diacylglycerol lactones substituted with rigid hydrophobic acyl domains correlates with biological activities
Authors: Raifman Or , Kolusheva Sofiya , Comin Maria J. , Kedei Noemi , Lewin Nancy E. , Blumberg Peter M. , Marquez Victor E. , Jelinek Raz
Published: December 2009

Synthetic diacylglycerol lactones (DAG lactones) are effective modulators of critical cellular signaling pathways downstream of the lipophilic second messenger diacylglycerol that activate a host of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes as well as other non‐kinase proteins that share with PKC similar C1 membrane‐targeting domains. A fundamental determinant of the biological activity of these amphiphilic molecules is the nature of their interactions with cellular membranes. This study characterizes the membrane interactions and bilayer anchoring of a series of DAG lactones in which the hydrophobic moiety is a ‘molecular rod’, namely a rigid 4‐[2‐(R‐phenyl)ethynyl]benzoate moiety in the acyl position. Use of assays employing chromatic biomimetic vesicles and biophysical techniques revealed that the mode of membrane anchoring of the DAG lactone derivatives was markedly affected by the presence of the hydrophobic diphenyl rod and by the size of the functional unit at the terminus of the rod. Two primary mechanisms of interaction were observed: surface binding of the DAG lactones at the lipid/water interface and deep insertion of the ligands into the alkyl core of the lipid bilayer. These membrane‐insertion properties could explain the different patterns of the PKC translocation from the cytosol to membranes that is induced by the molecular‐rod DAG lactones. This investigation emphasizes that the side residues of DAG lactones, rather than simply conferring hydrophobicity, profoundly influence membrane interactions, and thus may further contribute to the diversity of biological actions of these synthetic biomimetic ligands.
Multidrug efflux pumps: The structures of prokaryotic ATP‐binding cassette transporter efflux pumps and implications for our understanding of eukaryotic P‐glycoproteins and homologues
Authors: Kerr Ian D. , Jones Peter M. , George Anthony M.
Published: December 2009

One of the Holy Grails of ATP‐binding cassette transporter research is a structural understanding of drug binding and transport in a eukaryotic multidrug resistance pump. These transporters are front‐line mediators of drug resistance in cancers and represent an important therapeutic target in future chemotherapy. Although there has been intensive biochemical research into the human multidrug pumps, their 3D structure at atomic resolution remains unknown. The recent determination of the structure of a mouse P‐glycoprotein at subatomic resolution is complemented by structures for a number of prokaryotic homologues. These structures have provided advances into our knowledge of the ATP‐binding cassette exporter structure and mechanism, and have provided the template data for a number of homology modelling studies designed to reconcile biochemical data on these clinically important proteins.
Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 gene polymorphisms in a southeastern Chinese population with tuberculosis
Authors: Xue Y. , Zhao Z. Q. , Wang H. J. , Jin L. , Liu C. P. , Wang Y. , Li J. C.
Published: December 2009

Polymorphisms of the toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) gene (Arg677Trp, Arg753Gln) and the TLR4 gene (Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile) were investigated in 205 tuberculosis (TB) patients and 203 controls. Genetic variations were analysed by DNA sequencing. We revealed that these polymorphisms were rare in the southeastern Chinese population and were not associated with susceptibility to TB.
MIGRATION, SOCIAL NETWORKS, AND CREDIT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM PERU
Authors: LASZLO Sonia , SANTOR Eric
Published: December 2009

We seek evidence of the causal relationship between migration, social networks, and the probability of receiving credit in a developing country where credit markets are weak and internal migration is common. Migrants may face binding asymmetric information constraints as they often lack collateral. Social networks can help mitigate these constraints. Conversely, migrants might face higher liquidity constraints and might, therefore, demand more credit than nonmigrants. The effect of migration on participation in the credit market is thus ambiguous. Compounding this, migration and credit may be jointly determined. We utilize rich data from Peru to establish the net effect of migration on credit and the role that social networks play in this relationship.
INSTITUTIONS, BANKING DEVELOPMENT, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: NABI M. Sami , SULIMAN M. Osman
Published: December 2009

Does the institutional environment affect the causal relationship between banking development and economic growth? In the theoretical section of this paper, we develop an endogenous growth model where the institutional environment is captured through two indicators: judicial system efficiency and easiness of informal trade. We show that an improvement in the institutional environment has two effects. First, it intensifies the causality direction from banking to economic growth through a reduction in defaulting loans. Second, it reduces the interest rate spread. In the empirical section of the paper, we find bidirectional causality when analyzing 22 Middle Eastern and North African countries over the period 1984–2004. The first causality, which runs from banking development to economic growth, is more intense in countries with more developed institutional environment. The second causality runs from economic growth to banking and indicates that a more developed economy has a more developed banking system.
Malnutrition identification, diagnosis and dietetic referrals: Are we doing a good enough job?
Authors: GOUT Belinda S. , BARKER Lisa A. , CROWE Timothy C.
Published: December 2009

Aim: To determine the prevalence and diagnosis, documentation and referral rates for malnutrition among hospitalised patients and to ascertain potential shortfalls in financial reimbursement to a hospital as a result of malnutrition misdiagnosis.

Methods: The Subjective Global Assessment tool was used to assess the nutritional status of 275 randomly selected inpatients on admission over a five‐week period across the acute care wards of a metropolitan tertiary teaching hospital. A retrospective audit of malnourished patients' medical histories was performed to assess diagnosis, documentation and dietetic referral rates for malnutrition. Where malnutrition was not included in the coding of an admission, that admission was hypothetically recoded to determine whether it changed the Diagnosis Related Group and subsequently the payment allocated for that admission.

Results: Prevalence of malnutrition was 23%. Malnourished patients had significantly longer lengths of stay by 4.5 days compared with well‐nourished patients (P< 0.001). Only 15% of malnourished patients were correctly identified and documented as such in the medical histories. A dietitian was involved in 45% of malnutrition cases, but only documented 29% of such cases as malnourished. Forty‐eight of 53 (91%) audited cases did not have the corresponding malnutrition code included in their Diagnosis Related Group, resulting in a shortfall of AU$27 617 to the hospital in reimbursements, and AU$1 850 540 when extrapolated across the financial year.

Conclusion: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in the acute hospital setting, yet remains poorly identified and formally documented. Many patients are not referred for dietetic intervention, thus compromising their clinical outcomes. Poor documentation of malnutrition can further result in financial shortfalls to the hospital.
Patient satisfaction and energy intakes are enhanced by point of service meal provision
Authors: MAHONEY Sarah , ZULLI Amanda , WALTON Karen
Published: December 2009

Aim:  This systemic review aimed to investigate the effects of various methods of point of service meal provision on patient satisfaction and energy intakes of hospital patients.

Methods:  ‘Medline’ and ‘Wiley Interscience’ online databases (1999–2008) were consulted using search terms such as ‘food service’ and ‘food delivery in hospital’. Cross‐referencing was also used to select studies that compared the provision of full diets to hospital patients using two different methods of food service delivery.

Results:  Searching yielded 268 studies, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria (hospitals, all ages, oral intake only). Patient satisfaction was measured in 12 studies, while 9 studies measured energy intake, 9 measured food wastage and 4 studies measured costs.

Conclusion:  There is evidence to suggest that a more personalised meal service system in hospitals has the ability to improve energy intakes and patient satisfaction. Further research is necessary to evaluate the long‐term implications on cost‐effectiveness.
Undernutrition and housebound older people
Authors: VISVANATHAN Renuka
Published: December 2009

Aim:  This paper outlines approaches to dealing with undernutrition in the older person.

Method:  A series of case studies is presented to expose principles of practice for management of undernutrition in the older person.

Results:  Screening is a necessary first step. A more in‐depth assessment of those at‐risk may reveal contributory factors that if addressed, would result in better nutritional health outcomes. Preservation of muscle mass through adequate caloric and protein intake and exercise is important. Nutritional supplementation has been shown to reduce mortality risk and improve weight. A daily multivitamin may offer some benefit. Weight loss is also seen commonly in older people with dementia. There is a need to understand why this occurs as this could guide management strategies. There is also a need to consider conservative management when dysphagia occurs in the later stages of dementia. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding may not necessarily have that much to offer.

Conclusion:  In older people, the prevalence of undernutrition increases with increasing frailty. If not treated, undernutrition is costly both to the individual and society.
Cross‐sectional study of endodontic treatment in an Australian population
Authors: Da Silva Katherine , Lam Jasmine M.Y. , Wu Nina , Duckmanton Peter
Published: December 2009

The quality and technical standard of Australian endodontic treatment is generally unknown. Two hundred and forty‐three patients from a metropolitan dental hospital were radiographically assessed for quality of root canal therapy. Total teeth examined were 5647 with 499 teeth (8.84%) being root‐filled. Teeth were scored using Ørstavik's Periapical Index. Periapical Index scores indicating a healthy periapical state were found in 392 root‐filled teeth (78.56%) and those indicative of periapical disease in 107 root‐filled teeth (21.43%). Of the 499 root‐filled teeth, 149 (29.9%) were adequate in terms of length, with 120 teeth (80.5%) of these healthy. Three hundred and fifteen teeth (63.1%) were filled short with 271 (86.0%) classified as healthy. Thirty‐five teeth (7.0%) were filled long with only one tooth (2.9%) in this category deemed healthy. Four hundred and fifty‐nine teeth (92.0%) were adequate in density, with 365 teeth (79.5%) being healthy. Forty teeth (8.0%) showed inadequate density with 27 (67.5%) being healthy. One hundred and forty‐five teeth (29.1%) were adequate in length and density with 117 teeth (80.7%) deemed healthy. A significant statistical correlation between root filling quality and periapical status was not found. Factors, such as the coronal restoration quality, should be further investigated.
Evidence Supporting Cap and Trade as a Groundwater Policy Option for Reducing Irrigation Consumptive Use1
Authors: Thompson Christopher L. , Supalla Raymond J. , Martin Derrel L. , McMullen Brian P.
Published: December 2009

Thompson, Christopher L., Raymond J. Supalla, Derrel L. Martin, and Brian P. McMullen, 2009. Evidence Supporting Cap and Trade as a Groundwater Policy Option for Reducing Irrigation Consumptive Use. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 45(6):1508‐1518.

Abstract:  In the American West water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. Obligations to bordering states, endangered species protection, and long‐term resource sustainability objectives have created a need for most western states to reduce the consumption of irrigation water. In Nebraska specifically, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) and local Natural Resource Districts (NRDs) are meeting a large part of this need by using a regulatory approach, commonly called groundwater allocation. The cost of allocation, which occurs in the form of reduced economic returns to irrigation, could be greatly reduced by using an integrated cap and trade approach. Much like environmental cap and trade programs which are used to reduce the cost of limiting environmental pollution, the trading of capped groundwater allocations can reduce the cost of limiting water use. In an analysis of a typical case in the Nebraska Republican Basin, we found that the impact of a water market to trade groundwater allocations depended on the size of the allocation and on the characteristics of the land and irrigation systems involved in the trade. Potential economic benefits from trade ranged from US$0 to US$120 per 1,000 cubic meters traded, from US$25 to US$250 per 1,000 cubic meters of reduction in consumptive use, and from US$16 to US$50 per hectare of irrigated land in the region. The highest benefits occurred at relatively high allocations, which capped withdrawals at 65‐75% of the expected unrestricted pumping level. These gains from trade would be split between buyers and sellers based on the negotiated selling price.
The responsiveness of remittances to price of oil: the case of the GCC
Authors: Naufal George S. , Termos Ali
Published: December 2009

We investigate the responsiveness of remittances from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to the changes in the price of crude oil. Most of the GCC countries rank in the top 20 remitting countries in the world. We find that oil price elasticity of remittances is around 0.4. While most studies have examined the impact of remittances on the real economic activities in the receiving countries, this study emphasises the impact of remittances on the remitting countries. We examine various policy implications with regard to macroeconomic shocks, monetary policy and fiscal policy of the GCC countries.