bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Age and Dentists' Decisions About Occlusal Caries Treatment Thresholds
Authors: Kakudate N , Sumida F , Matsumoto Y , Yokoyama Y , Gilbert GH , Gordan VV
Published: May 2014

Objectives

This study was performed to 1) quantify dentists' treatment thresholds for occlusal primary caries; 2) determine if the patient's age affects dentists' decisions to surgically treat these carious lesions; and 3) test the hypothesis that patients', dentists', and practices' characteristics are significantly associated with surgical enamel intervention.

Methods

The study used a cross-sectional design consisting of a questionnaire survey in Japan. This study queried dentists working in outpatient dental practices who were affiliated with the Dental Practice-Based Research Network Japan (JDPBRN), which aims to allow dentists to investigate research questions and share experiences and expertise (n=282). Participants were asked whether they would surgically intervene in a series of cases depicting occlusal caries. Each case included a photograph of an occlusal surface displaying typical characteristics of caries penetration and written descriptions of adult and pediatric patients at high caries risk.

Results

In a case of a carious lesion within inner enamel, the proportion of dentists who indicated surgical intervention was significantly higher in adult patients (48%) when compared with pediatric patients (34%; p<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that using a dental explorer for the diagnosis of primary occlusal caries, type of practice, practice busyness, and percentage of patients who self-pay were significantly associated with dentists' decisions to intervene surgically into the inner enamel carious lesion.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that more than one-third of participants chose to intervene surgically into inner enamel carious lesions, and patients' age affects dentists' decisions about when to intervene surgically (clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01680848).
Influence of Light Intensity on Surface Free Energy and Dentin Bond Strength of Core Build-up Resins
Authors: Shimizu Y , Tsujimoto A , Furuichi T , Suzuki T , Tsubota K , Miyazaki M , Platt JA
Published: May 2014

Objective

We examined the influence of light intensity on surface free energy characteristics and dentin bond strength of dual-cure direct core build-up resin systems.

Methods

Two commercially available dual-cure direct core build-up resin systems, Clearfil DC Core Automix with Clearfil Bond SE One and UniFil Core EM with Self-Etching Bond, were studied. Bovine mandibular incisors were mounted in acrylic resin and the facial dentin surfaces were wet ground on 600-grit silicon carbide paper. Adhesives were applied to dentin surfaces and cured with light intensities of 0 (no irradiation), 200, 400, and 600 mW/cm2. The surface free energy of the adhesives (five samples per group) was determined by measuring the contact angles of three test liquids placed on the cured adhesives. To determine the strength of the dentin bond, the core build-up resin pastes were condensed into the mold on the adhesive-treated dentin surfaces according to the methods described for the surface free energy measurement. The resin pastes were cured with the same light intensities as those used for the adhesives. Ten specimens per group were stored in water maintained at 37°C for 24 hours, after which they were shear tested at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute in a universal testing machine. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a Tukey-Kramer test were performed, with the significance level set at 0.05.

Results

The surface free energies of the adhesive-treated dentin surfaces decreased with an increase in the light intensity of the curing unit. Two-way ANOVA revealed that the type of core build-up system and the light intensity significantly influence the bond strength, although there was no significant interaction between the two factors. The highest bond strengths were achieved when the resin pastes were cured with the strongest light intensity for all the core build-up systems. When polymerized with a light intensity of 200 mW/cm2 or less, significantly lower bond strengths were observed.

Conclusions

The data suggest that the dentin bond strength of core build-up systems are still affected by the light intensity of the curing unit, which is based on the surface free energy of the adhesives. On the basis of the results and limitations of the test conditions used in this study, it appears that a light intensity of >400 mW/cm2 may be required for achieving the optimal dentin bond strength.
The Importance of Local Eosinophilia in the Surgical Outcome of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A 3-Year Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Vlaminck Stephan , Vauterin Tom , Hellings Peter W. , Jorissen Mark , Acke Frederic , Van Cauwenberge Paul , Bachert Claus , Gevaert Philippe
Published: May 2014

Background

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with/without nasal polyps (CRSwNP/CRSsNP) benefit from endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), with an estimated success rate of 80%. At present, the influence on clinical outcome after ESS of eosinophils, eosinophilic mucin (EM), and fungal hyphae (FH) in secretions remains unclear. By delineating CRS groups and subgroups based on the finding of eosinophils, EM, and FH, differences in recurrence after ESS were investigated.

Methods

A prospective monocenter study including 221 CRS patients who were unresponsive to medical treatment and underwent ESS was performed. All tissue and sinonasal secretions were microscopically examined for the presence of eosinophils, EM, and FH. Patients were followed for 3 years after surgery. Recurrence was defined according to the European position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.

Results

In total, 96 CRSwNP and 125 CRSsNP patients were included. Tissue eosinophils were found in 78% of CRSwNP patients compared with 42% in CRSsNP patients. EM was observed in 52% of the CRSwNP group versus 20% of the CRSsNP group. Furthermore, secretion analysis revealed FH in 7% of CRS. Recurrence in the total group was 22% over 3 years. CRSwNP patients with tissue eosinophilic involvement showed a recurrence rate of 48%, and those with additional EM showed recurrence in 56%.

Conclusion

The presence of eosinophils in tissue or airway secretions greatly increases the risk of recurrent disease in CRSwNP patients. The finding of tissue eosinophilia and EM provides valuable information regarding the increased likelihood of CRS recurrence after ESS, whereas the finding of FH does not.
Comparison of Topical Anesthetic Effects of Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Ropivacaine, and Bupivacaine in Transnasal Fiberoptic Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
Authors: Özkırış Mahmut , Aydın Reha , Gencer Zeliha Kapusuz , Saydam Levent
Published: May 2014

Background

This study was designed to investigate the topical anesthetic efficacy of four different solutions including lidocaine spray, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, and prilocaine used in patients undergoing transnasal fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopic examination (TFL).

Methods

The study included 200 patients who underwent anterior rhinoscopy and TFL examination as a part of routine otolaryngological evaluation in our outpatient clinics. Of these, 111 were female and 89 were male patients. The mean age of the patients was 32 ± 8 years (aged between 19 and 55 years). The patients were randomly divided into five groups. Five groups received one of the local anesthetics studied in our trial (10% lidocaine, 0.5% ropivacaine, 0.25% bupivacaine, 2% prilocaine, and saline solution) in each right side of the nose for 10 minutes before TFL. Each separate examination was performed on the right side of the nasal cavity. After the examination, the patients were asked to note the intensity of the pain that they have experienced during the TFL, by using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

The mean VAS scores were 2.08 (SD, 0.62) in the lidocaine group, 2.21 (SD, 0 in the prilocaine group, 3.92 (SD, 0.58) in the ropivacaine group, 4.15 (SD, 0.64) in the bupivacaine group, and 6.35 (SD, 0.65) in the saline solution group. The lidocaine and prilocaine groups had significantly better VAS scores versus ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and saline solution groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

To provide ideal examination comfort and optimum patient tolerability during TFL evaluation of upper respiratory airway topical lidocaine and prilocaine applications were found to be more efficacious and effective medication for anesthesia of the intranasal mucosa compared with bupivacaine and ropivacaine solutions.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and without Nasal Polyps is Associated with Increased Expression of Lysophosphatidic Acid–Related Molecules
Authors: Park Se Jin , Jun Young Joon , Lee Ki Jeong , Hwang Soo Min , Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Seung Hoon , Lee Sang Hag
Published: May 2014

Background

Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) or CRS without NPs (CRSsNPs) is associated with expression of various cytokines. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) generated by autotaxin (ATX), LPA-producing enzyme, initiates signaling cascade involved in the inflammatory responses and participates in diverse biological processes through LPA receptors, including cytokine production. We analyzed the expression and distribution patterns of LPA-related molecules in nasal secretion and sinus mucosa of normal controls and patients with CRSwNPs and CRSsNPs, to evaluate the possible effects of the ATX–LPA receptor axis on the pathogenesis of CRS.

Methods

LPA levels in nasal secretion and the expression and distribution patterns of ATX and LPA receptors 1–3 (LPA1–3) in sinus mucosa were investigated using ELISA, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We elucidated the effect of CRS-relevant cytokines on the expression of ATX and LPA receptors, using cultured sinus epithelial cells, and investigated the effect of LPA on the expression of CRS-relevant cytokines, using sinus mucosa explant culture.

Results

LPA, ATX, and LPA1–3 levels are increased in CRSwNPs and CRSsNPs. ATX and LPA1–3 were localized to superficial epithelium, submucosal glands in normal and inflammatory mucosa, but in inflammatory mucosa, they were found in inflammatory cells. LPA1–3 were noted in endothelium. Sinus mucosa explant stimulated with LPA increasingly produced IL-4, IL-5, interferon gamma, and TNF-alpha, and in cultured epithelial cells stimulated with CRS-relevant cytokines, ATX, and LPA1–3 were differentially induced.

Conclusion

LPA in human sinus mucosa may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CRS, contributing to produce CRS-related cytokines. LPA-related molecules were increased in CRS, which may attribute to CRS-related cytokines.
Measuring Outcomes in Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Benninger Michael S. , Hopkins Claire , Tantilipikorn Pongsakorn
Published: May 2014

Background

Rhinosinusitis (RS) is a complex group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Methods

One of the problems with evaluating and treating RS is that there are often difficulties and controversies related to the means of diagnosis, which would prompt appropriate treatment.

Results

This is particularly true in chronic RS where multiple treatments may be chosen and often these decisions are somewhat empiric and are based on the associated history, symptoms, and prior treatment. This also creates problems with assessing response to treatment where there are multiple tools that are used to diagnose RS and to assess response to both treatment and nontreatment over time. Consistent and reproducible measures of outcome may be lacking.

Conclusion

The purpose of this study was to describe the various diagnostic criteria that are used to evaluate RS and their role in measuring outcomes.
Waldpolitischer Jahresrückblick 2013
Authors: Zimmermann Willi
Published: May 2014

Annual review of forest policy 2013

At the federal level, forest policy in 2013 was marked by a high number of implementation tasks on the one hand, and by the preparation of a renewed revision of the Forest Law on the other hand. The latter involved not only formal changes to individual legal articles, but also new regulations to protect against dangerous and harmful organisms, about the advancement of timber production and climate change adaptation. The traditional implementation tasks in 2013 included the approval of the budget, the controlling of different program agreements, the processing of parliamentary interventions as well as providing diverse documents. Particularly noteworthy this past year was a Federal Court decision, which, in contradiction to the cantonal lower court, classified test-drilling in a forest as a disadvantageous non-forest exploitation that requires authorization. At the international level, the adoption of a European Forest Convention was hindered primarily because the decision about the location of the secretariat stalled. In terms of forest-relevant policies, particularly spatial planning and energy policy can be expected to have noticeable effects on forests.
Erholung im Schweizer Wald: monetärer Wert und Determinanten
Authors: von Grünigen Stefan , Montanari Daniel
Published: May 2014

Swiss forest recreation: monetary value and influencing factors

The monetary value of forest recreation and its influencing factors have been evaluated in a recent research project for the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). The study is based on an extensive survey which was conducted during the second Swiss Forest Monitoring (WaMos 2) in 2012. It uses the expenditure method, a simplified version of the travel cost method, to compute the monetary value of forest recreation. This value is estimated at 290 to 589 CHF per person and year. For Switzerland's population of the over 18-years old the value sums up to between 1.9 and 3.9 billion CHF per year. Further, the authors examined whether and to which extent the value attributed to forest recreation can be explained by the visitor's socio-economic and personal characteristics, the activities performed in the forest, the motives leading to the visit, and by the percieved characteristics of the forest. This was done by using econometric analysis and led to the result that the value of forest recreation is mostly determined by the distance between visitors' residences and the forest, the possibilities for substitution and visitors' socio-economic and personal characteristics. The properties of the forest itself, except for infrastructure, seem to have no decisive influence for the interviewees.
Overview of Medical Education Unit (MEU), AKMMC
Authors: Rahman Md Mahfuzar
Published: May 2014

Abstract not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18763 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 3-3
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): Normal Reference Value in Bangladeshi Male, a Retrospective PSA Analysis of 765 Male
Authors: Rahman Md Tahminur , Sajani Tabassum Tahmin , Sultana Rosy , Choudhury Sohel Reza , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman
Published: May 2014

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is an important tool for the diagnosis, prognosis and follow up of prostatic cancer, the most common malignancy of the male throughout the world. It is safe, reliable, specific, noninvasive test if done properly. However there are many benign, inflammatory and other prostatic conditions which can also give rise to elevated PSA value and thus limits its use. Different methods of estimation may also give rise to variable PSA level. More over the normal reference range may be variable depending on the age, geographic situation, environmental conditions and other factors. The normal reference range mentioned in the texts is based on findings in the developed countries. No effort was made before to see the normal reference PSA value among Bangladeshi male population. With this background the present study was undertaken to determine the normal reference value of PSA in Bangladeshi population. It is evident form the present study that the normal reference PSA value for Bangladeshi male in different age groups are lower in comparison to that of upper limit of normal reference value mentioned in the text. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18766 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 19-22
Hereditary Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia - A case report
Authors: Setu Mumtahina , Amin Syed Khairul , Roy Kuntol , Morshed SM Nahid
Published: May 2014

Ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary disorder that occurs as a consequence of disturbances in the ectoderm of the developing embryo. The triad of nail dystrophy, alopecia or hypotrichosis and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis is usually accompanied by a lack of sweat glands and a partial or complete absence of primary and/or permanent dentition. Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder and X-linked recessive inheritance is most commonly seen. But we are reporting a rare case of autosomal recessive inheritance of Ectodermal dysplasia in here. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18845 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 51-53
The Significance of the Pech Merle Spotted Horses
Authors: Hodgson Derek
Published: May 2014

The Pech Merle spotted horses have been one of the key lines of evidence put forward in support of the notion Upper Palaeolithic cave depictions relate to a concern for the supernatural. Recent findings from genetics has cast doubt on this notion in confirming that such horses actually existed during the Upper Palaeolithic in Europe and therefore it is possible real, rather than fictitious, horses were being portrayed. As well as examining criticisms in response to this finding, the present paper presents further evidence to support the possibility real horses were portrayed and the implications for explanations that continue to rely on the supernatural.
Effect of Smoking Abstinence and Reduction in Asthmatic Smokers Switching to Electronic Cigarettes: Evidence for Harm Reversal
Authors: Polosa Riccardo , Morjaria Jaymin , Caponnetto Pasquale , Caruso Massimo , Strano Simona , Battaglia Eliana , Russo Cristina
Published: May 2014

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are marketed as safer alternatives to tobacco cigarettes and have shown to reduce their consumption. Here we report for the first time the effects of e-cigs on subjective and objective asthma parameters as well as tolerability in asthmatic smokers who quit or reduced their tobacco consumption by switching to these products. We retrospectively reviewed changes in spirometry data, airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), asthma exacerbations and subjective asthma control in smoking asthmatics who switched to regular e-cig use. Measurements were taken prior to switching (baseline) and at two consecutive visits (Follow-up/1 at 6 (±1) and Follow-up/2 at 12 (±2) months). Eighteen smoking asthmatics (10 single users, eight dual users) were identified. Overall there were significant improvements in spirometry data, asthma control and AHR. These positive outcomes were noted in single and dual users. Reduction in exacerbation rates was reported, but was not significant. No severe adverse events were noted. This small retrospective study indicates that regular use of e-cigs to substitute smoking is associated with objective and subjective improvements in asthma outcomes. Considering that e-cig use is reportedly less harmful than conventional smoking and can lead to reduced cigarette consumption with subsequent improvements in asthma outcomes, this study shows that e-cigs can be a valid option for asthmatic patients who cannot quit smoking by other methods.
Requiring Pollutant Discharge Permits for Pesticide Applications that Deposit Residues in Surface Waters
Authors: Centner Terence , Eberhart Nicholas
Published: May 2014

Agricultural producers and public health authorities apply pesticides to control pests that damage crops and carry diseases. Due to the toxic nature of most pesticides, they are regulated by governments. Regulatory provisions require pesticides to be registered and restrictions operate to safeguard human health and the environment. Yet pesticides used near surface waters pose dangers to non-target species and drinking water supplies leading some governments to regulate discharges of pesticides under pollution discharge permits. The dual registration and discharge permitting provisions are burdensome. In the United States, agricultural interest groups are advancing new legislation that would exempt pesticide residues from water permitting requirements. An analysis of the dangers posed by pesticide residues in drinking water leads to a conclusion that both pesticide registration and pollutant discharge permitting provisions are needed to protect human health and aquatic species.
CB2 Receptor Activation Inhibits Melanoma Cell Transmigration through the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Haskó János , Fazakas Csilla , Molnár Judit , Nyúl-Tóth Ádám , Herman Hildegard , Hermenean Anca , Wilhelm Imola , Persidsky Yuri , Krizbai István
Published: May 2014

During parenchymal brain metastasis formation tumor cells need to migrate through cerebral endothelial cells, which form the morphological basis of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The mechanisms of extravasation of tumor cells are highly uncharacterized, but in some aspects recapitulate the diapedesis of leukocytes. Extravasation of leukocytes through the BBB is decreased by the activation of type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2); therefore, in the present study we sought to investigate the role of CB2 receptors in the interaction of melanoma cells with the brain endothelium. First, we identified the presence of CB1, CB2(A), GPR18 (transcriptional variant 1) and GPR55 receptors in brain endothelial cells, while melanoma cells expressed CB1, CB2(A), GPR18 (transcriptional variants 1 and 2), GPR55 and GPR119. We observed that activation of CB2 receptors with JWH-133 reduced the adhesion of melanoma cells to the layer of brain endothelial cells. JWH-133 decreased the transendothelial migration rate of melanoma cells as well. Our results suggest that changes induced in endothelial cells are critical in the mediation of the effect of CB2 agonists. Our data identify CB2 as a potential target in reducing the number of brain metastastes originating from melanoma.
Inhibition of Autophagy Potentiates Atorvastatin-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Bladder Cancer Cells in Vitro
Authors: Kang Minyong , Jeong Chang , Ku Ja , Kwak Cheol , Kim Hyeon
Published: May 2014

Statins are cholesterol reduction agents that exhibit anti-cancer activity in several human cancers. Because autophagy is a crucial survival mechanism for cancer cells under stress conditions, cooperative inhibition of autophagy acts synergistically with other anti-cancer drugs. Thus, this study investigates whether combined treatment of atorvastatin and autophagy inhibitors results in enhancing the cytotoxic effects of atorvastatin, upon human bladder cancer cells, T24 and J82, in vitro. To measure cell viability, we performed the EZ-Cytox cell viability assay. We examined apoptosis by flow cytometry using annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI and western blot using procaspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) antibodies. To examine autophagy activation, we evaluated the co-localization of LC3 and LysoTracker by immunocytochemistry, as well as the expression of LC3 and p62/sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) by western blot. In addition, we assessed the survival and proliferation of T24 and J82 cells by a clonogenic assay. We found that atorvastatin reduced the cell viability of T24 and J82 cells via apoptotic cell death and induced autophagy activation, shown by the co-localization of LC3 and LysoTracker. Moreover, pharmacologic inhibition of autophagy significantly enhanced atorvastatin-induced apoptosis in T24 and J82 cells. In sum, inhibition of autophagy potentiates atorvastatin-induced apoptotic cell death in human bladder cancer cells in vitro, providing a potential therapeutic approach to treat bladder cancer.
HaCaT Keratinocytes Response on Antimicrobial Atelocollagen Substrates: Extent of Cytotoxicity, Cell Viability and Proliferation
Authors: López-García Jorge , Lehocký Marián , Humpolíček Petr , Sáha Petr
Published: May 2014

The effective and widely tested biocides: Benzalkonium chloride, bronopol, chitosan, chlorhexidine and irgasan were added in different concentrations to atelocollagen matrices. In order to assess how these antibacterial agents influence keratinocytes cell growth, cell viability and proliferation were determined by using MTT assay. Acquired data indicated a low toxicity by employing any of these chemical substances. Furthermore, cell viability and proliferation were comparatively similar to the samples where there were no biocides. It means that regardless of the agent, collagen-cell-attachment properties are not drastically affected by the incorporation of those biocides into the substrate. Therefore, these findings suggest that these atelocollagen substrates enhanced by the addition of one or more of these agents may render effectiveness against bacterial stains and biofilm formation, being the samples referred to herein as “antimicrobial substrates” a promising view in the design of novel antimicrobial biomaterials potentially suitable for tissue engineering applications.
Smooth Muscle Cell Functionality on Collagen Immobilized Polycaprolactone Nanowire Surfaces
Authors: Leszczak Victoria , Baskett Dominique , Popat Ketul
Published: May 2014

Inhibition of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and preservation of a differentiated state are important aspects in the management, avoidance and progression of vascular diseases. An understanding of the interaction between SMCs and the biomaterial involved is essential for a successful implant. In this study, we have developed collagen immobilized nanostructured surfaces with controlled arrays of high aspect ratio nanowires for the growth and maintenance of human aortic SMCs. The nanowire surfaces were fabricated from polycaprolactone and were immobilized with collagen. The objective of this study is to reveal how SMCs interact with collagen immobilized nanostructures. The results indicate significantly higher cellular adhesion on nanostructured and collagen immobilized surfaces; however, SMCs on nanostructured surfaces exhibit a more elongated phenotype. The reduction of MTT was significantly lower on nanowire (NW) and collagen immobilized NW (colNW) surfaces, suggesting that SMCs on nanostructured surfaces may be differentiated and slowly dividing. Scanning electron microscopy results reveal that SMCs on nanostructured surfaces are more elongated and that cells are interacting with the nano-features on the surface. After providing differentiation cues, heavy chain myosin and calponin, specific to a contractile SMC phenotype, are upregulated on collagen immobilized surfaces. These results suggest that nanotopography affects cell adhesion, proliferation, as well as cell elongation, while collagen immobilized surfaces greatly affect cell differentiation.
Estimated Intakes and Sources of Total and Added Sugars in the Canadian Diet
Authors: Brisbois Tristin , Marsden Sandra , Anderson G. , Sievenpiper John
Published: May 2014

National food supply data and dietary surveys are essential to estimate nutrient intakes and monitor trends, yet there are few published studies estimating added sugars consumption. The purpose of this report was to estimate and trend added sugars intakes and their contribution to total energy intake among Canadians by, first, using Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) nutrition survey data of intakes of sugars in foods and beverages, and second, using Statistics Canada availability data and adjusting these for wastage to estimate intakes. Added sugars intakes were estimated from CCHS data by categorizing the sugars content of food groups as either added or naturally occurring. Added sugars accounted for approximately half of total sugars consumed. Annual availability data were obtained from Statistics Canada CANSIM database. Estimates for added sugars were obtained by summing the availability of “sugars and syrups” with availability of “soft drinks” (proxy for high fructose corn syrup) and adjusting for waste. Analysis of both survey and availability data suggests that added sugars average 11%–13% of total energy intake. Availability data indicate that added sugars intakes have been stable or modestly declining as a percent of total energy over the past three decades. Although these are best estimates based on available data, this analysis may encourage the development of better databases to help inform public policy recommendations.
Forest Fire Severity Assessment Using ALS Data in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Montealegre Antonio , Lamelas María , Tanase Mihai , De la Riva Juan
Published: May 2014

Mediterranean pine forests in Spain experience wildland fire events with different frequencies, intensities, and severities which result in diverse socio-ecological consequences. In order to predict fire severity, spectral indices derived from remotely sensed images have been used extensively. Such spectral indices are usually used in combination with ground sampling to relate detected radiometric changes to actual fire effects. However, the potential of the tridimensional information captured by Airborne Laser Scanners (ALS) to severity mapping has been less explored. With the objective of addressing this question, in this paper, explanatory variables extracted from ALS point clouds are related to field estimations of the Composite Burn Index collected in four fires located in Aragón (Spain). Logistic regression models were developed and statistically tested and validated to map fire severity with up to 85.5% accuracy. The canopy relief ratio and the percentage of all returns above one meter height were the most significant variables and were therefore used to create a continuous map of severity levels.
Global Ecosystem Response Types Derived from the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index and FPAR3g Series
Authors: Ivits Eva , Horion Stephanie , Fensholt Rasmus , Cherlet Michael
Published: May 2014

Observing trends in global ecosystem dynamics is an important first step, but attributing these trends to climate variability represents a further step in understanding Earth system changes. In the present study, we classified global Ecosystem Response Types (ERTs) based on common spatio-temporal patterns in time-series of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and FPAR3g anomalies (1982–2011) by using an extended Principal Component Analysis. The ERTs represent region specific spatio-temporal patterns of ecosystems responding to drought or ecosystems with decreasing severity in drought events as well as ecosystems where drought was not a dominant factor in a 30-year period. Highest explanatory values in the SPEI12-FPAR3g anomalies and strongest SPEI12-FPAR3g correlations were seen in the ERTs of Australia and South America whereas lowest explanatory value and lowest correlations were observed in Asia and North America. These ERTs complement traditional pixel based methods by enabling the combined assessment of the location, timing, duration, frequency and severity of climatic and vegetation anomalies with the joint assessment of wetting and drying climatic conditions. The ERTs produced here thus have potential in supporting global change studies by mapping reference conditions of long term ecosystem changes.
Design of a Base Station for MEMS CCR Localization in an Optical Sensor Network
Authors: Park Chan , Jeon Hyun , Kim Hyoun , Kim Jae
Published: May 2014

This paper introduces a design and implementation of a base station, capable of positioning sensor nodes using an optical scheme. The base station consists of a pulse laser module, optical detectors and beam splitter, which are mounted on a rotation-stage, and a Time to Digital Converter (TDC). The optical pulse signal transmitted to the sensor node with a Corner Cube Retro-reflector (CCR) is reflected to the base station, and the Time of Flight (ToF) data can be obtained from the two detectors. With the angle and flight time data, the position of the sensor node can be calculated. The performance of the system is evaluated by using a commercial CCR. The sensor nodes are placed at different angles from the base station and scanned using the laser. We analyze the node position error caused by the rotation and propose error compensation methods, namely the outlier sample exception and decreasing the confidence factor steadily using the recursive least square (RLS) methods. Based on the commercial CCR results, the MEMS CCR is also tested to demonstrate the compatibility between the base station and the proposed methods. The result shows that the localization performance of the system can be enhanced with the proposed compensation method using the MEMS CCR.
On the Travel Emissions of Sustainability Science Research
Authors: Waring Timothy , Teisl Mario , Manandhar Eva , Anderson Mark
Published: May 2014

This paper presents data on carbon emissions generated by travel undertaken for a major sustainability science research effort. Previous research has estimated CO2 emissions generated by individual scientists, by entire academic institutions, or by international climate conferences. Here, we sought to investigate the size, distribution and factors affecting the carbon emissions of travel for sustainability research in particular. Reported airline and automobile travel of participants in Maine’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative were used to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions attributable to research-related travel over a three-year period. Carbon emissions varied substantially by researcher and by purpose of travel. Travel for the purpose of dissemination created the largest carbon footprint. This result suggests that alternative networking and dissemination models are needed to replace the high carbon costs of annual society meetings. This research adds to literature that questions whether the cultural demands of contemporary academic careers are compatible with climate stabilization. We argue that precise record keeping and routine analysis of travel data are necessary to track and reduce the climate impacts of sustainability research. We summarize the barriers to behavioral change at individual and organizational levels and conclude with suggestions for reducing climate impacts of travel undertaken for sustainability research.
Putting a Spin on Jatropha: How Conservationist Rhetoric Drove Bedford Biofuels out of Tana Delta-Kenya
Authors: Krijtenburg Froukje , Evers Sandra
Published: May 2014

When the Canadian company Bedford Biofuels (BB) started talks with local ranch owners in Tana Delta district (Kenya) about subleasing their land for a large jatropha plantation, they were not the first ones to come to the region for a large-scale agricultural project. Nor were they the first to explore the possibilities of starting a jatropha plantation in Kenya’s coastal area. By the time BB arrived, nature conservation and humanitarian NGOs had firmly established themselves as protectors of the ecologically fragile Tana river delta (now Ramsar site) and its residents, who were argued to be (even more) marginalized by large-scale agricultural projects. During the decision-making process, therefore, BB encountered stiff resistance from local NGOs, which had acquired the experience and the mechanisms to oppose or discourage a large-scale plantation. Additionally, BB was faced with a central government which gradually moved from a pro-jatropha stance to a more critical view of large-scale jatropha cultivation. Nevertheless, most of the local residents as well as the local government administration and the county council supported BB’s plans to establish a large jatropha plantation. Although the deal was struck and the anti-jatropha campaign had ostensibly not prevailed, BB closed its plantation within the year. In the article, we analyze how discursive generalizations about foreign large-scale land acquisitions and in particular about large foreign jatropha plantations gradually undermined the legitimacy of the BB jatropha plantation in Tana Delta. To explore this question, the discussion focuses on analyzing the resources that account for the success of the anti-BB rhetoric and the interests that were involved in its production. These resources have been identified as local to global (I)NGO alliances; the use of e-media as a conduit for opposition rhetoric and the strategic use of rhetorical images and polemic. Each of the three phenomena will be explored for their conceptual dimensions and their rhetorical implications. We argue that the conservationist rhetoric compressed intermediality, the grid where ideologies and practices of different stakeholders intersect. Thus, it effectively narrowed the possibility for non-compatible stakeholders, such as Bedford Biofuels, to avoid conflict. This initiated a gradual erosion of the rationale of the BB jatropha project in Tana Delta, which eventually led to the closure of the jatropha project and the departure of Bedford Biofuels from the area.
Towards precise defect control in layered oxide structures by using oxide molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Baiutti Federico , Christiani Georg , Logvenov Gennady
Published: May 2014

In this paper we present the atomic-layer-by-layer oxide molecular beam epitaxy (ALL-oxide MBE) which has been recently installed in the Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research and we report on its present status, providing some examples that demonstrate its successful application in the synthesis of different layered oxides, with particular reference to superconducting La2CuO4 and insulator-to-metal La2−xSrxNiO4. We briefly review the ALL-oxide MBE technique and its unique capabilities in the deposition of atomically smooth single-crystal thin films of various complex oxides, artificial compounds and heterostructures, introducing our goal of pursuing a deep investigation of such systems with particular emphasis on structural defects, with the aim of tailoring their functional properties by precise defects control.
A HYBRID BANKING WEBSITES QUALITY EVALUATION MODEL USING AHP AND COPRAS-G: A TURKEY CASE
Authors: Ecer Fatih
Published: May 2014

The quality of websites can directly influence bank's effectiveness. Therefore, the effective evaluation of the quality of bank websites is a point of concern for customers, owners, and researchers. The primary goal of the study is to propose a hybrid model of AHP and COPRAS-G methods for evaluating the website quality of banks. Furthermore, this study sheds light on understanding weights of evaluation criteria related to quality of bank websites. In this study, the weights of the evaluation criteria are computed by AHP method. Next, COPRAS-G is used to assess the quality levels of the websites and to rank them. A case study of evaluating the quality of bank websites of seventeen banks in Turkey is used to demonstrate the applicability and the effectiveness of this model. Empirical findings show that banks in Turkey utilize the Internet to its full potential to improve their websites. Furthermore, Garanti Bankasi has the best overall performance, followed by TEB, and Ziraat Bankasi. Additionally, the top-five evaluation criteria in order of importance are relevance, richness, understandability, navigability, and response time. Overall, the results show that this model provides a comprehensive and systematic approach that quantitatively measures a website's quality.
The Use of a 20-Gauge Valved Cannula During Pars Plana Phacofragmentation With a 23-Gauge Ultrasonic Fragmatome
Authors: Kim Jee Taek , Eom Youngsub , Ahn Jaemoon , Kim Seong-Woo , Huh Kuhl
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the usefulness of a 20-gauge cannula to maintain a self-sealing sclerotomy wound after 23-gauge phacofragmentation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This retrospective study compared the suture rates after 23-gauge phacofragmentation when the 23-gauge cannula was temporarily replaced with a 20-gauge valved metal cannula versus when the 23-gauge fragmatome was inserted at the sclerotomy site without a cannula.

RESULTS:

Whereas a sclerotomy was sutured in all 31 eyes in the without-cannula group, only one eye of 14 in the cannula group required a sclerotomy suture (
P
< .0001). However, there was one case of fragmatome tip fracture during fragmentation in the cannula group.

CONCLUSION:

A self-sealing sclerotomy wound can be maintained without suturing by using a 20-gauge metal cannula, but fragmatome tip fracture can occur during fragmentation.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:207–210.]
The Importance of Fairness in Tax Policy
Authors: James Simon
Published: May 2014

One of the key areas where behavioral economics offers major insights into developing successful policy involves issues of fairness. Taxation offers many examples, ranging from the Boston Tea Party of 1773 to the UK's unsuccessful community charge, often called the ‘poll tax', of the early 1990s, where a failure to appreciate fully taxpayers' perceptions of fairness led to unexpected outcomes. The use of behavioral economics to supplement mainstream economic analysis might not only reduce the risks of such tax disasters but also improve the development of tax reform more generally. This paper shows how such additional explanatory power contributes to our understanding of the success or failure of UK tax policy arising from the ‘natural experiments' of the successful introduction of value added tax in 1973 and the contrasting difficulties associated with the community charge in 1990 and, more recently, the abolition of the 10% rate of income tax in 2008.
Relational Dynamics and Health Economics
Authors: Bathory David S.
Published: May 2014

Primary care physicians' and allied healing professionals are overwhelmed with greater demands to provide complex care within business structures that either mandate high volume or exorbitant fees for service in order to support healthcare needs or sustain their livelihood. Statistics within the USA note that 40 to 50 percent of primary care physicians practice consists of complicated care. There are continued decreases within the USA of medical doctors who enter general practice and most choose to enter specialties where they are able to dictate their hours of availability and are reimbursed at a higher rate for services. The exception lies in psychiatry and pediatrics, where there is a shortage of providers and low fees for service. Models that have been proposed to alleviate issues related to these shortages include models of integrated health care, where physicians provide holistic care or partner seamlessly with others to provide total care at a single location. Physician extenders have been developed as an alternative where Master's Level Nurses and Physician Assistants are allowed to practice in the same setting and under the supervision of the licensed physician to deliver care. The intent of the physician extender is to allow the physician to spend greater time with more complicated cases and for the assistants to provide routine care. The issue becomes differentiating when a patient presents with a routine issue but actually requires complex interventions. When traditional physical medicine is combined with a need for psychological counseling the needs are complex, and medical doctors or physician extenders are provided with only a three month rotation in psychological diagnosis and interventions. Both socialized non-socialized medicine do not have a practice model in which they provide adequate care and holistic healing. This paper proposes a new model of providing holistic healthcare based upon relational dynamics in an economically sound manner.
James R. Anderson Lecture
Authors: Honea Bob
Published: May 2014

Have you ever wondered why things are where they are? Most people probably don't think about this question much. Through life's experiences we learned that certain things can be expected to be where they are relative to other things. Schools are near residential neighborhoods. Doctor's offices are near hospitals. Unless something calls attention to it, you probably don't think about why something is where it is; you just know that's the case. This paper about how a geographer, practicing his craft, was able to solve real world problems. The street opinion is that geography is about place names; knowing where all the countries are; that's not the “geography” I know and not what I want to be known for doing. I am an applied geographer who likes to solve problems, which if solved, make a difference in society. This is a story about how my life was intertwined with Jim Anderson's life and experiences as an applied geographer as well as numerous other applied geographers, spanning the last 50 to 60 years.
Using the Retrospective Approach to Commemorate AutoCarto Six
Authors: Wellar Barry
Published: May 2014

This paper outlines the bases for using a retrospective approach to re-visit papers published 30 years ago (1983) in the proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Automated Cartography. “AutoCarto Six”, as it is popularly known, is credited with making numerous, significant contributions to the evolution of automated cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), and a number of related fields. In these remarks I discuss how comments by authors on such topics as Thoughts shaping the design of the papers, Derivative attributions, Original contributions, Impacts, What was new in the papers?, and What was different in the papers? represent an innovative, insightful and instructive way to commemorate conference proceedings and other significant productions.
Innovation by Necessity vs. by Will
Authors: Loh Stanley
Published: May 2014

The first phase of the Information Era (or Knowledge Era) generated improvements in productivity. Nowadays, society is living in the Second Phase of this era, characterized by innovations directed for the human welfare. Innovations may be guided by governments or companies, following planned or perceived obsolescence. However, as part of a Darwinist approach, innovations cannot be controlled and evolve as a living being. The paper discusses how innovations develop in a complex system, and how incentives, needs and will interfere in the creation and adoption of innovations in the Society. The paper also discusses how individual will and needs may influence social innovation towards eliminating social and economic inequality or creating inequality, preserving individualities and folk cultures. The paper presents some possible directions to achieve this.
Citizens and Mobile Government Adoption
Authors: Reddick Christopher G.
Published: May 2014

In electronic government or e-government research there is an increased importance being placed on the investigation of new and emerging technologies. Mobile government is one area that has received very little research, but can have a tremendous impact on the way that citizens engage with their government. This paper asks two research questions. First, what are the important factors that predict mobile government adoption by citizens? Second, are there any important distinctions between mobile government compared to other common cell phone activities? The data used to answer these questions is taken from a survey of cell phone users across the United States. The results indicated that mobile government adoption was best predicted by mobile phone use and social factors. Demographic factors, associated with the digital divide, were not found to be highly correlated with mobile government adoption. In addition, mobile government adoption is different from other online cell phone activities, such as going to a social networking site or getting a weather forecast online. The results of this paper imply that future research should study more closely the adoption of mobile government activities.