bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent Regional Diastolic Dysfunction after Myocardial Ischemia and the Effect of Statin Treatment: Assessment with Two‐Dimensional Radial Strain Rate
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Kwan , Chang Sung‐A , Sohn Dae‐Won , Kim Dae‐Hee , Kim Yong‐Jin , Oh Byung‐Hee , Park Young‐Bae
Published: January 2010

Background: Persistence of regional diastolic dysfunction after ischemic insult remains debatable. With speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), we sought to (1) prove the persistence of regional diastolic dysfunction, (2) assess the feasibility of applying persistent regional diastolic dysfunction to differentiating ischemic and nonischemic chest pain, and finally (3) examine statin effects on postischemic regional diastolic dysfunction. Methods: Nineteen patients with variant angina (VA) and 12 normal subjects were enrolled. Comprehensive echocardiographic examinations were performed before and 1 day after coronary angiography (CAG) with ergonovine provocation. Radial systolic (rSRsys) and diastolic (rSRdia) strain rates were obtained and averaged using standard segmentation models corresponding to the three major coronary territories assigned. Results: No significant changes in rSRsys and rSRdia values were observed for controls and in rSRsys for VA. However, rSRdia for VA demonstrated a weak, but significant, decrease from −2.25 ± 0.71/sec to −2.04 ± 0.71/sec (P = 0.003) 1 day after CAG. However, because of the wide overlap between rSRdia values in normal and ischemic segments for VA patients, predictability of remote ischemia based solely on the rSRdia was limited. Subgroup analysis according to statin prescription showed that statin administration contributed to the elimination of rSRdia reduction (−2.28 ± 0.84/sec on pre‐CAG vs. −2.29 ± 0.77/sec on post‐CAG, P = 0.72 for patients without statin premedication; −2.23 ± 0.64/sec for pre‐CAG vs. −1.88 ± 0.65/sec for post‐CAG, P = 0.002 for those without). Expectedly, rSRsys values showed no significant changes in all situations. Conclusions: The presence and sustained nature of regional diastolic dysfunction can be demonstrated with STE. Statin minimized the persistence of regional diastolic dysfunction after an acute ischemia. Although the clinical usefulness of rSRdia by STE appears to be limited, its clinical utility requires further consideration, given the brevity of the ischemia provoked during CAG with ergonovine and the protracted regional diastolic dysfunction. (Echocardiography 2010;27:244‐252)
A Unified Approach to Multi‐item Reliability
Authors: Alonso Ariel , Laenen Annouschka , Molenberghs Geert , Geys Helena , Vangeneugden Tony
Published: January 2010

Summary The reliability of multi‐item scales has received a lot of attention in the psychometric literature, where a myriad of measures like the Cronbach's α or the Spearman–Brown formula have been proposed. Most of these measures, however, are based on very restrictive models that apply only to unidimensional instruments. In this article, we introduce two measures to quantify the reliability of multi‐item scales based on a more general model. We show that they capture two different aspects of the reliability problem and satisfy a minimum set of intuitive properties. The relevance and complementary value of the measures is studied and earlier approaches are placed in a broader theoretical framework. Finally, we apply them to investigate the reliability of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, a rating scale for the assessment of the severity of schizophrenia.
Time‐Dependent Predictive Accuracy in the Presence of Competing Risks
Authors: Saha P. , Heagerty P. J.
Published: January 2010

Summary Competing risks arise naturally in time‐to‐event studies. In this article, we propose time‐dependent accuracy measures for a marker when we have censored survival times and competing risks. Time‐dependent versions of sensitivity or true positive (TP) fraction naturally correspond to consideration of either cumulative (or prevalent) cases that accrue over a fixed time period, or alternatively to incident cases that are observed among event‐free subjects at any select time. Time‐dependent (dynamic) specificity (1–false positive (FP)) can be based on the marker distribution among event‐free subjects. We extend these definitions to incorporate cause of failure for competing risks outcomes. The proposed estimation for cause‐specific cumulative TP/dynamic FP is based on the nearest neighbor estimation of bivariate distribution function of the marker and the event time. On the other hand, incident TP/dynamic FP can be estimated using a possibly nonproportional hazards Cox model for the cause‐specific hazards and riskset reweighting of the marker distribution. The proposed methods extend the time‐dependent predictive accuracy measures of Heagerty, Lumley, and Pepe (2000, Biometrics 56, 337–344) and Heagerty and Zheng (2005, Biometrics 61, 92–105).
Spatial Modeling of Air Pollution in Studies of Its Short‐Term Health Effects
Authors: Lee Duncan , Shaddick Gavin
Published: January 2010

Summary In studies that estimate the short‐term effects of air pollution on health, daily measurements of pollution concentrations are often available from a number of monitoring locations within the study area. However, the health data are typically only available in the form of daily counts for the entire area, meaning that a corresponding single daily measure of pollution is required. The standard approach is to average the observed measurements at the monitoring locations, and use this in a log‐linear health model. However, as the pollution surface is spatially variable this simple summary is unlikely to be an accurate estimate of the average pollution concentration across the region, which may lead to bias in the resulting health effects. In this article, we propose an alternative approach that jointly models the pollution concentrations and their relationship with the health data using a Bayesian spatio‐temporal model. We compare this approach with the simple spatial average using a simulation study, by investigating the impact of spatial variation, monitor placement, and measurement error in the pollution data. An epidemiological study from Greater London is then presented, which estimates the relationship between respiratory mortality and four different pollutants.
COMLEX‐1 and USMLE‐1 Are Not Interchangeable Examinations
Authors: Sarko John , Svoren Elena , Katz Eric
Published: January 2010

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1–3 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Osteopathic medical students must take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX)–USA series of examinations, but not the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE‐1) series. Few data are available describing the comparability of the two tests. This study sought to determine if COMLEX‐1 scores could predict USMLE‐1 scores among osteopathic medical students applying to an emergency medicine (EM) residency and to determine if the scores are interchangeable.

Methods:  This was a retrospective analysis of osteopathic medical students applying to an EM residency program in the 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 application seasons. Students were included if they took both the COMLEX‐1 and the USMLE‐1 examinations. Linear regression was performed and a Bland‐Altman plot of the standardized mean scores of each test was created.

Results:  Ninety students were included. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) COMLEX‐1 score was 559.5 (±68.6), and the mean (±SD) USMLE‐1 score was 207.6 (±15.5). The correlation was 0.79, with an R2 of 62.3%. The Bland‐Altman plot showed a mean difference between the standardized scores of 0, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of −1.28 to +1.28 standard normal units. Limitations include that this was a single center study, and only students who took both tests could be studied.

Conclusions:  COMLEX‐1 scores predict only 62.3% of the variance in USMLE‐1 scores, and the scores are not interchangeable.
Risk of Serious Bacterial Infection in Isolated and Unsuspected Neutropenia
Authors: Melendez Elliot , Harper Marvin B.
Published: January 2010

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1–5 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The objective was to determine the risk of serious bacterial infection (SBI) among children without underlying risk factors for SBI who present to the emergency department (ED) for evaluation and have unsuspected and isolated neutropenia.

Methods:  This was a retrospective consecutive chart review from October 1995 through September 2003. All patients aged 0–21 years presenting to the ED of an urban tertiary children’s hospital, who were documented to have neutropenia (defined as an absolute neutrophil count [ANC] of <1,000 cells/μL) without known underlying risk factor for SBI were eligible for inclusion. SBI was defined as growth of a pathogen from culture of blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Results:  There were 3,179 children with an ANC of <1,000/μL during the study period. Of these, 1,888 had no underlying immunodeficiency or central venous catheter (CVC). Fifteen of 453 (3.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9% to 5.4%) infants less than 3 months of age had SBI: seven with bacteremia, four with meningitis, and eight with urinary tract infections. SBI was rare among children over 3 months of age (18 of 1,435; 1.3%; 95% CI = 0.7% to 2.0%): one had bacteremia, none had meningitis, and 13 had urinary tract infections.

Conclusions:  Children older than 3 months of age without underlying immunodeficiency or CVC presenting to the ED and unexpectedly found to have isolated neutropenia are not at high risk of SBI. Infants less than 3 months of age have similar risk of SBI as febrile infants of same age.
Chemical Differences Are Observed in Children’s Versus Adults’ Latent Fingerprints as a Function of Time*
Authors: Antoine Kimone M. , Mortazavi Shirin , Miller Angela D. , Miller Lisa M.
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  The identification of aged latent fingerprints is often difficult, especially for those of children. To understand this phenomenon, the chemical composition of children’s versus adults’ latent fingerprints was examined over time using Fourier transform infrared microscopy. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that children’s and adults’ prints were distinguishable for up to 4 weeks after deposition, based on differences in sebum composition. Specifically, adults had a higher lipid content than children, but both decreased over time, attributable to the volatility of free fatty acids. The aliphatic CH3, aliphatic CH2, and carbonyl ester compositions changed differently in adults versus children over time, consistent with higher cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in children’s prints and wax esters and glycerides in adults’ prints. Thus, fingerprint composition changes with time differently in children versus adults, making it a sensitive metric to estimate the age of an individual, especially when the age of the print is known.
Preliminary Studies into the Characterization of Chemical Markers of Decomposition for Geoforensics*
Authors: Swann Lisa , Chidlow Geoffrey E. , Forbes Shari , Lewis Simon W.
Published: January 2010

Abstract: In this paper, we report the results of our preliminary studies into chemical characterization of the fluids produced during decomposition in the absence of a soil matrix. Pig (Sus domestica) carcasses were used to model the human decomposition process in two separate locations, Western Australia (Perth) and Canada (Oshawa). Analysis involved simple dilution and filtration of the decomposition fluids followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Several previously unreported compounds were detected in the decomposition fluid samples during the trials, including benzeneacetic acid, benzenepropionic acid, 2‐piperidone, and isocaproic acid. Possible biosynthetic pathways for some of the compounds produced are proposed. Further research trials are required, particularly in the presence of soil matrices.
Decapitation and Dismemberment of the Corpse: A Matricide Case*
Authors: Dogan Kamil Hakan , Demirci Serafettin , Deniz Idris , Erkol Zerrin
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  Dismemberment of a corpse has always been viewed by society to be a more hideous crime than the homicide itself. In this study, we present a case of a 57‐year‐old woman who was decapitated and her right arm and both hands were dismembered. It was determined that the victim was murdered and dismembered by her 33‐year‐old daughter, who had been receiving treatment for schizophrenia for 15 years. On the victim’s head and back there were 71 incised and stab wounds in total. They were superficial, except the five stab wounds which were connected to the right chest cavity and which incapacitated the victim. Although there is not a regulation for the act of dismembering the corpse in the Turkish Penal Code, since this type of case is rare, the crime scene and the autopsy findings were evaluated together with other pertinent data available in the literature.
Anion Identification via Complexation with meso‐octamethylcalix(4)pyrrole and Detection Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry*
Authors: Rodriguez‐Cruz Sandra E. , Carson Kathryn A.
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  The routine identification of controlled substances and adulterants during forensic chemistry analysis often involves the identification of counter ions or salt forms present in an exhibit. Here, the use of the compound meso‐octamethylcalix(4)pyrrole (C4P) during salt‐form identification analysis is presented. C4P is a commercially‐available, anion‐binding agent that can be reacted with a controlled substance or adulterant, resulting in the sequestration of anionic species, usually present as counter ions to the active ingredient. Formation of noncovalent complexes between the cyclic host C4P compound and anionic guests is investigated using electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS). Complexes with chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, and acetate are readily observed and mass spectrometry analysis provides identification via molecular weight characterization. Chloride and bromide complexes are also characterized by the isotopic distribution of their molecular ions. Formation of host–guest complexes is not observed for sulfate and phosphate salts, presumably due to steric hindrance and energetically unfavorable conditions.
Paradigm Shift for the Alcohol Breath Test
Authors: Hlastala Michael P.
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  The alcohol breath test (ABT) has been used for quantification of ethyl alcohol in individuals suspected of driving under the influence for more than 50 years. In this time, there has been little change in the concepts underlying this single breath test. The old model, which assumes that end‐exhaled breath alcohol concentration is closely related to alveolar air alcohol concentration, is no longer acceptable. This paper reviews experimental research and mathematical modeling which has evaluated the pulmonary exchange processes for ethyl alcohol. Studies have shown that alcohol exchanges dynamically with the airway tissue both during inspiration and expiration. The airway tissue interaction makes it impossible to deliver air with alveolar alcohol concentration to the mouth. It is concluded that the ABT is dependent on physiological factors that need to be assessed for accurate testing.
Are environmental factors responsible for geographic variation in the sex ratio of the Greenlandic seed‐bugNysius groenlandicus?
Authors: Böcher Jens , Nachman Gösta
Published: January 2010

Until recently nothing indicated an unequal sex ratio in the widespread Greenland seed‐bugNysius groenlandicus(Zetterstedt) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae). However, recently populations more or less devoid of males were discovered in high arctic Northeast Greenland. This initiated an inspection of the entire material of the species collected in Greenland and now preserved at the Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen. It was found that the sex ratio varied significantly among different locations. In most cases females were most abundant, but males were either scarce or absent only in samples from Northeast Greenland, indicating that here the species reproduces asexually. This paper demonstrates that the differing sex distributions can be explained by climatic factors (temperature, precipitation) and that the degree of continentality (distance from the open sea) promotes female‐biased sex ratios.
Female preference and larval performance of sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum, on sunflower pre‐breeding lines
Authors: Mphosi Maboko S. , Foster Stephen P.
Published: January 2010

The preference–performance hypothesis for insect herbivores predicts that adult females should preferentially choose hosts on which their offspring perform better. We tested this hypothesis for the sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum (Hulst) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), using 16 sunflower (pre‐breeding) lines, derived from a number of wild species of Helianthus, including Helianthus annuus L., Helianthus deserticola Heiser, Helianthus paradoxus Heiser, Helianthus praecox Engelm. & Gray ssp. hirtus (Heiser) Heiser, Helianthus praecox Engelm. & Gray ssp. runyonii (Heiser) Heiser, Helianthus petiolaris Nutt., Helianthus resinosus Small, and Helianthus tuberosus L. (Asteraceae), that are suitable for introducing wild sunflower germplasm into commercial cultivars. Female moths showed a range of ovipositional preference measures to the various lines. Combined data for three Helianthus species represented by multiple lines showed significant differences in female preference with respect to the parental species. Larval performance, determined by proportion of infested neonate larvae reaching the pupal stage, or mean pupal weight, varied across the lines and, as for the female preference data, also showed significant differences among the three parental Helianthus species represented by multiple lines. These data suggest that the characteristics in the pre‐breeding lines influencing female sunflower moth preference and larval performance likely originate from the parental species and may be consistently transferred to the derived pre‐breeding lines. Of particular note with regard to potential plant resistance mechanisms, lines derived from H. tuberosus showed consistent low preference–performance measures. Female preference and larval performance (for both measures) were strongly correlated, indicating that females preferred plants and lines on which larvae performed better, in support of the preference–performance hypothesis.
Host‐associated differentiation and evidence for sexual reproduction in Iranian populations of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii
Authors: Razmjou Jabraeil , Vorburger Christoph , Moharramipour Saeid , Mirhoseini Seyed Ziaeddin , Fathipour Yaghoub
Published: January 2010

Phytophagous insects with wide host ranges often exhibit host‐associated genetic structure. We used microsatellite analysis to assess the population structure of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a serious pest on many economically important crops worldwide. We sampled aphids from five host plant species in Iran and detected strong population subdivision, with an overall multilocus FST of 0.191. The matrix of pairwise FST values indicated that differentiation between populations collected from different hosts was significantly stronger than between populations from the same hosts. Host‐associated differentiation was further supported by Bayesian clustering analyses, which grouped all samples from cotton together with aubergine, and all samples from cucumber together with pumpkin and hibiscus. This adds to the growing body of evidence that many seemingly generalist aphids are in fact an assemblage of host‐specialized lineages. Although we detected a clear genetic signature of clonal reproduction, the genotypic diversity of A. gossypii in Iran is much higher than in other parts of the world. Particularly samples from cotton exhibited a surprisingly high genotypic diversity, suggesting that many lineages on this host are cyclical parthenogens that engage in regular bouts of sexual reproduction.
Differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells into beating cardiomyocytes
Authors: Choi Yu Suk , Dusting Gregory J. , Stubbs Samantha , Arunothayaraj Sandeep , Han Xiao Lian , Collas Philippe , Morrison Wayne A. , Dilley Rodney J.
Published: January 2010

Human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) may differentiate into cardiomyocytes and this provides a source of donor cells for tissue engineering. In this study, we evaluated cardiomyogenic differentiation protocols using a DNA demethylating agent 5‐azacytidine (5‐aza), a modified cardiomyogenic medium (MCM), a histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) and co‐culture with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. 5‐aza treatment reduced both cardiac actin and TropT mRNA expression. Incubation in MCM only slightly increased gene expression (1.5‐ to 1.9‐fold) and the number of cells co‐expressing nkx2.5/sarcomeric α‐actin (27.2%versus 0.2% in control). TSA treatment increased cardiac actin mRNA expression 11‐fold after 1 week, which could be sustained for 2 weeks by culturing cells in cardiomyocyte culture medium. TSA‐treated cells also stained positively for cardiac myosin heavy chain, α‐actin, TropI and connexin43; however, none of these treatments produced beating cells. ASCs in non‐contact co‐culture showed no cardiac differentiation; however, ASCs co‐cultured in direct contact co‐culture exhibited a time‐dependent increase in cardiac actin mRNA expression (up to 33‐fold) between days 3 and 14. Immunocytochemistry revealed co‐expression of GATA4 and Nkx2.5, α‐actin, TropI and cardiac myosin heavy chain in CM‐DiI labelled ASCs. Most importantly, many of these cells showed spontaneous contractions accompanied by calcium transients in culture. Human ASC (hASC) showed synchronous Ca2+ transient and contraction synchronous with surrounding rat cardiomyocytes (106 beats/min.). Gap junctions also formed between them as observed by dye transfer. In conclusion, cell‐to‐cell interaction was identified as a key inducer for cardiomyogenic differentiation of hASCs. This method was optimized by co‐culture with contracting cardiomyocytes and provides a potential cardiac differentiation system to progress applications for cardiac cell therapy or tissue engineering.
Evaluation of osteoblastic activity around dental implants using bone scintigraphy
Authors: Kalayci Abdullah , Durmus Ercan , Tastekin Güngör , Isik Kubilay , Inan Özgür
Published: January 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteoblastic activity around delay‐loaded intraosseous dental implants using nuclear medicine imaging techniques.

Material and methods: Seven totally edentulous patients (two females and five males, between 48 and 57 years of age) were included in the study. Two implants were inserted into mandibular canine regions and removable prostheses were produced after 3 months. Whole‐body bone scintigraphies with 20 mCi technetium 99m labelled methylene diphosphonate were taken from the patients before implant insertion, 3 months after implant placement just before the prostheses were made and 1 year after implant placement. Standardized count/pixel (SC/P) rates were calculated for each patient. Preimplantation SC/P values were compared with the 3‐ and 12‐month values. Three‐month values were compared with the 12‐month values as well.

Results: SC/P rates in the third month were significantly higher (P<0.05) than preoperative values and the SC/P rates of the 12th month were significantly lower (P<0.05) than 3‐month values. The SC/P rates of the 12th month were relatively higher than first scintigraphies but the difference was insignificant (P>0.05).

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, in which delayed loading was applied, we showed that osteoblastic activity persisted more in delay loaded implants than immediate and early loading. After 1 year, there was no cellular activity around two implants and this implied that two implants were sufficient for a total prosthesis.

To cite this article:
 Kalayci A, Durmus E, Tastekin G, Isik K, Inan Ö. Evaluation of osteoblastic activity around dental implants by using bone scintigraphy. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 209–212. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01822.x
Influence of surgical technique and surface roughness on the primary stability of an implant in artificial bone with different cortical thickness: a laboratory study
Authors: Tabassum Afsheen , Meijer Gert J. , Wolke Johannes G. C. , Jansen John A.
Published: January 2010

Objective: The aim of this biomechanical study was to assess the interrelated effect of both surface roughness and surgical technique on the primary stability of dental implants.

Material and methods: For the experiment, 160 screw‐designed implants (Biocomp®), with either a machined or an etched surface topography, were inserted into polyurethane foam blocks (Sawbones®). As an equivalent of trabecular bone, a density of 0.48 g/cm3 was chosen. To mimic the cortical layer, on top of these blocks short‐fibre‐filled epoxy sheets were attached with a thickness varying from 0 to 2.5 mm. The implant sites were prepared using either a press‐fit or an undersized technique. To measure the primary stability of the implant, both the insertion and the removal torques were scored.

Results: Independent of the surgical technique used, both implant types showed an increased insertion and removal torque values with increasing cortical thickness, although >2 mm cortical layer no further increase in insertion torque was observed. In the models with only trabecular bone (without cortical layer) and with a 1 mm cortical layer, both implant types showed a statistically higher insertion and removal torque values for undersized compared with the press‐fit technique. In addition, etched implants showed a statistically higher insertion and removal torque mean values compared with machined implants. In the models with 2 and 2.5 mm cortical layers, with respect to the insertion torque values, no effect of either implantation technique or implant surface topography could be observed.

Conclusion: The placement of etched implants in synthetic bone models using an undersized preparation technique resulted in enhanced primary implant stability. A correlation was found between the primary stability and the cortical thickness. However, at or above a cortical thickness of 2 mm, the effect of both an undersized surgical approach, as also the presence of a roughened (etched) implant surface, had no extra effect. Besides the mechanical aspects, the biological effect of undersized drilling, i.e. the bone response on the extra insertion torque forces should also be elucidated. Therefore, additional in vivo studies are needed.

To cite this article:
 Tabassum A, Meijer GJ, Wolke JGC, Jansen JA. Influence of surgical technique and surface roughness on the primary stability of an implant in artificial bone with different cortical thickness: a laboratory study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 213–220. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01823.x
A randomized clinical 1‐year trial comparing two types of non‐submerged dental implants
Authors: Park Jong‐Chul , Ha Seung‐Ryong , Kim Soung‐Min , Kim Myung‐Jin , Lee Jai‐Bong , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: January 2010

Objectives: This study compared the implant stability and clinical outcomes obtained with two types of non‐submerged dental implants that have different thread designs and surface treatments.

Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial with 1 year of follow‐up was performed on 56 participants with 75 implants (control group, 36 implants in 28 subjects; experimental group, 39 implants in 28 subjects). The experimental group received the Osstem SSII Implant system; the control group received the Standard Straumann® Dental Implant System. The diameter and length of the fixture were uniform at 4.1 mm and 10 mm and all the implants restored the unilateral loss of one or two molars from the mandible. To compare implant stability, the peak insertion torque, implant stability quotient (ISQ), and periotest value (PTV) were evaluated during surgery, and at 4 and 10 weeks after surgery. To compare marginal bone loss, standard periapical radiographs were obtained during surgery, and at 10 weeks and 1 year after surgery.

Results: This study showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in peak insertion torque (P=0.009) and ISQ (P=0.003) but not in PTV (P=0.097) at surgery. In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in the pattern of change of ISQ during the 10 weeks after surgery (P=0.339). For marginal bone loss, no significant difference was observed between the control and the experimental groups before functional loading (P=0.624), but after 1 year of follow‐up, a borderline difference was observed (P=0.048).

Conclusion: The success rate after 1 year of follow‐up was 100% for both implant system despite the presence of a significant difference in implant stability during surgery. There was a borderline difference in marginal bone loss after 1 year of follow‐up.

To cite this article:
 Park J‐C, Ha S‐R, Kim S‐M, Kim M‐J, Lee J‐B, Lee J‐H. A randomized clinical 1‐year trial comparing two types of non‐submerged dental implant. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 228–236. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01828.x
Measurement of ridge alterations following tooth removal: a radiographic study in humans
Authors: Moya‐Villaescusa M. J. , Sánchez‐Pérez A.
Published: January 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was a radiographic mesiodistal analysis of the shape of the bone crest 3 months after tooth removal.

Material and methods: One hundred single tooth extractions were performed on 100 patients because of orthodontic or prosthetic causes. Bite blocks were used for two radiographs: one on the day of extraction and the other after healing of the socket, 3 months later. These X‐rays were used to determine: (1) the most apical distance of alveolar ridge resorption, with baseline as the line between bone‐to‐teeth contact (the greatest distance in bone resorption height) and (2) the mesiodistal distance (MDD) and mesial and distal angles arising after bone tissue modeling.

Results: Significant differences (P<0.05) emerged between the MDDs of multiple‐ [8 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.09, 9.90] and single‐root teeth (5.60 mm, 95% CI: 4.80, 6.50). However, mesial or distal angles or the most apical distance of alveolar ridge resorption did not differ (mean distance in height=4.32 mm, 95% CI: 3.85, 4.78; mean angle=24°).

Conclusions: In this study, the post‐extraction mesiodistal bone distance between teeth adjacent to the edentulous ridge depends on the size of the edentulous space. Nevertheless, the distance does not affect the distance in bone loss height. The distance of bone resorption height reaches a balance at the midpoint, which we consider indicative of stable healing. This resorption process must be considered when placing dental implants in fresh extraction sockets, especially in aesthetic sites, because the implant surfaces could be exposed after 3 months.

To cite this article:
 Moya‐Villaescusa MJ, Sánchez‐Pérez A. Measurement of ridge alterations following tooth removal: a radiographic study in humans. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 237–242. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01831.x
The effect of maximum bite force on marginal bone loss of mini‐implants supporting a mandibular overdenture: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jofré J. , Hamada T. , Nishimura M. , Klattenhoff C.
Published: January 2010

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of maximum bite force (mBF) on marginal bone loss (MBL) around mini‐implants in edentulous patients wearing mandibular overdentures with two retention systems: ball and bar.

Material and methods: Forty‐five totally edentulous patients were selected from a public health center. All of them received two mini‐implants (1.8 × 15 mm; Sendax®) in the anterior mandible using a minimally invasive technique. A single randomization was performed to allocate the patients in two groups. Group I (n=22) received two single ball‐type mini‐implants and Group II (n=23) received two mini‐implants splinted with a prefabricated bar. The mBF was recorded using a press‐sensitive sheet Dental Prescale® (Fuji) and MBL using standardized radiographs of each mini‐implant at the baseline and 5, 7, 10, and 15 months after surgery; the values were compared between groups.

Results: Two members of Group I failed to complete the study, decreasing the number of participants to 20. There was no relationship between the mBF and the MBL of the mini‐implants (Spearman's ρrs=0.147; P=0.378). At the 15‐month follow‐up, the average mBF for Group I (ball) was 247.53 ± 132.91 N and that of Group II (bar) only 203.23 ± 76.85 N (Mann–Whitney test; P=0.586). The MBL values were also higher for Group I (1.40 ± 1.02 mm) than Group II (0.84 ± 0.66 mm) during the entire 15‐month follow‐up period (Mann–Whitney test; P=0.077).

Conclusions: No relationship was found between mBF and MBL for patients wearing overdentures retained on mini‐implants using bar or ball attachment systems.

To cite this article:
 Jofré J, Hamada T, Nishimura M, Klattenhoff C. The effect of maximum bite force on marginal bone loss of mini‐implants supporting a mandibular overdenture: a randomized controlled trial. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 243–249. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01834.x
Measures, perceptions and scaling patterns of aggregated species distributions
Authors: Hui Cang , Veldtman Ruan , McGeoch Melodie A.
Published: January 2010

Non‐random (aggregated) species distributions arise from habitat heterogeneity and nonlinear biotic processes. A comprehensive understanding of the concept of aggregation, as well as its measurement, is pivotal to our understanding of species distributions and macroecological patterns. Here, using an individual‐based model, we analyzed opinions on the concept of aggregation from the public and experts (trained ecologists), in addition to those calculated from a variety of aggregation indices. Three forms of scaling patterns (logarithmic, power‐law and lognormal) and four groups of scaling trajectories emerged. The experts showed no significant difference from the public, although with a much lower deviation. The public opinion was partially influenced by the abundance of individuals in the spatial map, which was not found in the experts. With the increase of resolution (decrease of grain), aggregation indices showed a general trend from significantly different to significantly similar to the expert opinion. The over‐dispersion index (i.e. the clumping parameter k in the negative binomial distribution) performed, at certain scales, as the closest index to the expert opinion. Examining performance of aggregation measures from different groups of scaling patterns was proposed as a practical way of analyzing spatial structures. The categorization of the scaling patterns of aggregation measures, as well as their over‐ and in‐sensitivity towards spatial structures, thus not only provides a potential solution to the modifiable areal unit problem, but also unveils the interrelationship among the concept, measures and perceptions of aggregated species distributions.
The effects of climate data precision on fitting and projecting species niche models
Authors: Kriticos Darren J. , Leriche Agathe
Published: January 2010

Biosecurity agencies are particularly concerned to know the potential distribution of invasive alien species under present, and to a lesser extent, future climates; expensive decisions can hinge upon the degree of perceived threat a pest species poses. Climate‐based niche modelling techniques are available to inform these decisions. These tools now regularly employ gridded climate datasets of moderate spatial resolution (0.5 degree), though biosecurity decision‐makers continually seek greater spatial precision in the risk map products. Various splining techniques are capable of generating gridded climate datasets approaching the precision limits imposed by the availability of digital elevation model data. As the spatial precision of climate datasets increases, more detailed effects of topographic relief become apparent in the climatic data. When these datasets are used to develop and apply species niche models, the climate data is spatially intersected with species location data to infer relationships between the climate and the species’ geographic distribution. Here we investigate the effect of changing climate precision on projections of species’ niche models developed with CLIMEX, including the effect of upscaling and downscaling the outputs. We found that there were noticeable increases in sensitivity in models developed using more precise climate datasets. The largest differences in projections were noted where species range limits coincided with regions of strong climatic gradients such as where there was marked topographic relief in relation to the spatial precision of the climatic dataset. Upscaling (fitting a model with a fine resolution dataset and then projecting the results with a coarser grid), tended to produce smaller potential ranges for a species, albeit at the cost of model sensitivity. Downscaling had the opposite effect, identifying additional, mostly marginally climatically suitable habitat. It remains unclear how sensitive the fine resolution results are to the number and spatial arrangement of input location records used to build the model. The results indicate some benefits of improving the spatial resolution of climate datasets, though not at the expense of climatic data accuracy. Decision‐makers should be mindful of the inherent uncertainties in these models, and modellers have a responsibility to identify and convey these uncertainties to their intended audience.
Ultrasound imaging of the patellar tendon attachment to the tibia during puberty: a 12‐month follow‐up in tennis players
Authors: Ducher G. , Cook J. , Spurrier D. , Coombs P. , Ptasznik R. , Black J. , Bass S.
Published: January 2010

This longitudinal study investigated the ultrasound appearance of the patellar tendon attachment to the tibia throughout puberty in young tennis players with and without Osgood‐Schlatter disease (OSD). Twenty‐eight competitive players (17 boys), aged 10.6–15.3 years, had bilateral ultrasound imaging of the patellar tendon attachment to the tibia at baseline and 1 year later. On each occasion, anthropometric measurements, pubertal status and injury history were recorded. Ultrasound appearance of the patellar tendon attachment was categorized into three stages: cartilage attachment, insertional cartilage and mature attachment. Stage 1 appearance, a large anechoic region with or without ossicles and irregularity of the apophysis that are classically associated with OSD, was found in eight players, seven of them were pain free. A majority (62%) of the patellar tendons in stage 1 at baseline progressed toward stage 2 or stage 3 1 year later. Likewise the patellar tendon attachment in most athletes with cartilage insertion showed progression to a mature enthesis over 1 year. The imaging appearance that is classically interpreted as OSD was common in asymptomatic knees. This ultrasonographic description of the patellar tendon attachment to the tibia during growth provides a reference for the assessment of bone tendon attachments in adolescents.
Phylogenetic Composition of Angiosperm Diversity in the Cloud Forests of Mexico
Authors: Luna‐Vega Isolda , Magallón Susana
Published: January 2010

Several members of the most ancient living lineages of flowering plants (angiosperms) inhabit humid, woody, mostly tropical habitats. Here we assess whether one of these forest types, the cloud forests of Mexico (CFM), contain a relatively higher proportion of phylogenetically early‐diverging angiosperm lineages. The CFM houses an extraordinary plant species diversity, including members of earliest‐diverging angiosperm lineages. The phylogenetic composition of CFM angiosperm diversity was evaluated through the relative representation of orders and families with respect to the global flora, and the predominance of phylogenetically early‐ or late‐diverging lineages. Goodness‐of‐fit tests indicated significant differences in the proportional local and global representation of angiosperm clades. The net difference between the percentage represented by each order and family in the CFM and the global flora allowed identification of clades that are overrepresented and underrepresented in the CFM. Early‐diverging angiosperm orders and families were found to be neither over‐ nor underrepresented in the CFM. A slight predominance of late‐diverging phylogenetic levels among overrepresented clades, however, was encountered in the CFM. The resulting pattern suggests that cloud forests provide habitats where the most ancient angiosperm lineages have survived in the face of accumulating species diversity belonging to phylogenetically late‐diverging lineages.
Metabolism and Long‐distance Translocation of Cytokinins
Authors: Kudo Toru , Kiba Takatoshi , Sakakibara Hitoshi
Published: January 2010

During plant development, distantly‐located organs must communicate in order to adapt morphological and physiological features in response to environmental inputs. Among the recognized signaling molecules, a class of phytohormones known as the cytokinins functions as both local and long‐distance regulatory signals for the coordination of plant development. This cytokinin‐dependent communication system consists of orchestrated regulation of the metabolism, translocation, and signal transduction of this phytohormone class. Here, to gain insight into this elaborate signaling system, we summarize current models of biosynthesis, trans‐membrane transport, and long‐distance translocation of cytokinins in higher plants.
BYPASS1: How a Tiny Mutant Tells a Big Story about Root‐to‐shoot Signaling
Authors: Sieburth Leslie E. , Lee Dong‐Keun
Published: January 2010

Plants coordinate their development using long‐distance signaling. The vascular system provides a route for long‐distance movement, and specifically the xylem for root‐to‐shoot signaling. Root‐to‐shoot signals play roles communicating soil conditions, and these signals are important for agricultural water conservation. Using genetic approaches, the Arabidopsis bypass1 (bps1) mutant, which over‐produces a root‐derived signal, was identified. Although bps1 mutants have both root and shoot defects, the shoot can develop normally if the roots are removed, and the mutant root is sufficient to induce arrest of the wild‐type shoot. BYPASS1 encodes a protein with no functionally characterized domains, and BPS1‐like genes are found in plant genomes, but not the genomes of animals. Analyses of hormone pathways indicate that the mobile compound that arises in bps1 roots requires carotenoid biosynthesis, but it is neither abscisic acid nor strigolactone. The current model suggests that BPS1 is required to prevent the synthesis of a novel substance that moves from the root to the shoot, where it modifies shoot growth by interfering with auxin signaling.
Marginal Land‐based Biomass Energy Production in China
Authors: Tang Ya , Xie Jia‐Sui , Geng Shu
Published: January 2010

Fast economic development in China has resulted in a significant increase in energy demand. Coal accounts for 70% of China's primary energy consumption and its combustion has caused many environmental and health problems. Energy security and environmental protection requirements are the main drivers for renewable energy development in China. Small farmland and food security make bioenergy derived from corn or sugarcane unacceptable to China: the focus should be on generating bioenergy from ligno‐cellulosic feedstock sources. As China cannot afford biomass energy production from its croplands, marginal lands may play an important role in biomass energy production. Although on a small scale, marginal land has already been used for various purposes. It is estimated that some 45 million hm2 of marginal land could be brought into high potential biomass energy production. For the success of such an initiative, it will likely be necessary to develop multipurpose plants. A case study, carried out on marginal land in Ningnan County, Sichuan Province with per capita cropland of 0.07 ha, indicated that some 380 000 tons of dry biomass could be produced each year from annual pruning of mulberry trees. This study supports the feasibility of producing large quantities of biomass from marginal land sources.
Flavonoids: New Roles for Old Molecules
Authors: Buer Charles S. , Imin Nijat , Djordjevic Michael A.
Published: January 2010

Flavonoids are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and have many diverse functions including defense, UV protection, auxin transport inhibition, allelopathy, and flower coloring. Interestingly, these compounds also have considerable biological activity in plant, animal and bacterial systems – such broad activity is accomplished by few compounds. Yet, for all the research over the last three decades, many of the cellular targets of these secondary metabolites are unknown. The many mutants available in model plant species such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula are enabling the intricacies of the physiology of these compounds to be deduced. In the present review, we cover recent advances in flavonoid research, discuss deficiencies in our understanding of the physiological processes, and suggest approaches to identify the cellular targets of flavonoids.
Terpenoid Biosynthesis and Specialized Vascular Cells of Conifer Defense
Authors: Zulak Katherine G. , Bohlmann Jörg
Published: January 2010

Defense‐related terpenoid biosynthesis in conifers is a dynamic process closely associated with specialized anatomical structures that allows conifers to cope with attack from many potential pests and pathogens. The constitutive and inducible terpenoid defense of conifers involves several hundred different monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. Changing arrays of these many compounds are formed from the general isoprenoid pathway by activities of large gene families for two classes of enzymes, the terpene synthases and the cytochrome P450‐dependent monooxygenases of the CYP720B group. Extensive studies have been conducted on the genomics, proteomics and molecular biochemical characterization of these enzymes. Many of the conifer terpene synthases are multi‐product enzymes, and the P450 enzymes of the CYP720B group are promiscuous in catalyzing multiple oxidations, along homologous series of diterpenoids, from a broad spectrum of substrates. The terpene synthases and CYP720B genes respond to authentic or simulated insect attack with increased transcript levels, protein abundance and enzyme activity. The constitutive and induced oleoresin terpenoids for conifer defense accumulate in preformed cortical resin ducts and in xylem trauma‐associated resin ducts. Formation of these resin ducts de novo in the cambium zone and developing xylem, following insect attack or treatment of trees with methyl jasmonate, is a unique feature of the induced defense of long‐lived conifer trees.