bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of the corbiculate Apinae based on morphology of the sting apparatus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Cardinal Sophie , Packer Laurence
Published: March 2007

This study aimed to test the various competing hypotheses regarding the relationships among the four tribes of corbiculate apine bees (Euglossini “orchid bees”, Bombini “bumble bees”, Meliponini “stingless bees”, and Apini “honey bees”) with a completely new set of previously unstudied morphological characters derived from the sting apparatus. The result was one most parsimonious tree of 49 steps, CI = 89, RI = 93 that is perfectly congruent with most studies based on morphological and combined morphological/molecular data, i.e., Euglossini + (Bombini + (Meliponini + Apini)), supporting a well accepted scenario of social evolution for these bees. This data matrix was then combined with other published matrices for this group in order to perform simultaneous analyses. The problem of how to best combine the multiple matrices that did not use the same exemplars was investigated.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Phylogeny, diagnostic characters and generic limitation of Australasian Chrysophylloideae (Sapotaceae, Ericales): evidence from ITS sequence data and morphology
Authors: Swenson Ulf , Bartish Igor V. , Munzinger Jérôme
Published: March 2007

Current generic limits in Chrysophylloideae (Sapotaceae) from Australia, New Caledonia and the Pacific islands have been shown not to correspond to monophyletic groups. In particular, revisions of generic boundaries are necessary forPouteriaandNiemeyera. We present the first cladistic study of a large representative sample from these areas based on (i) nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequence data, and (ii) combined data of nrDNA and morphology. The data were analyzed with parsimony jackknifing using equal weights and gaps coded as binary characters. Our results from the two data sets are highly congruent and morphological data often increase support as well as tree resolution. A basal polytomy prevents hypotheses of intergeneric relationships, but several groups receive strong support, and hence, four segregates ofPouteria(Beccariella,Planchonella,SersalisiaandVan‐royena) are resurrected. Four others,Albertisiella,Bureavella,IteilumaandPyrilumaare rejected.Niemeyerais redefined as a small genus confined to Australia. Generic limits within the sister group toNiemeyeraare still unclear, a group that includesLeptostylisandPycnandra. Furthermore,Van‐royenamay have originated from an intergeneric hybridization event. Traditionally used and newly identified morphological characters are scrutinized for their diagnostic value. For instance, the position of stamen insertion within the corolla tube is a strong indication of generic relationship. Unique synapomorphies are rare and genera must be distinguished on character state combinations. Following the results, several taxonomic combinations are necessary (Beccariella brownlessiana,B. macrocarpa,B. singuliflora,B. vieillardii,Pichonia daenikeri,Planchonella asterocarpon,P. dothioense,P. myrsinifolia,P. myrsinodendronandP. xylocarpa).

© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Auditors' Perceptions of Time Budget Pressure, Premature Sign Offs and Under‐Reporting of Chargeable Time: Evidence from a Developing Country
Authors: Soobaroyen Teerooven , Chengabroyan Chelven
Published: March 2007

This study examines the existence and effects of auditors' time budget pressure, premature sign‐offs (PSO) and under‐reporting of chargeable time (URT) in the context of a developing country, namely Mauritius. Several antecedent variables of budget pressure were also considered. Based on a mailed questionnaire survey, the perceived extent of time budget pressure (as measured by budget tightness) was found to be significantly lower than in other developed countries (United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and United States). Significant cross‐national differences were also observed for the levels of PSO and URT. Although budget tightness was significantly related to PSO, this was not the case for URT. This has led to the suggestion that URT may be less dependent on levels of budget tightness and may have become an ‘institutionalised’ practice within audit firms. Finally, none of the hypothesised antecedent variables were significantly related to budget tightness.
A Model for Internal Auditor Selection: The Case of a Trading Company in Hong Kong
Authors: Seol Inshik , Sarkis Joseph
Published: March 2007

Research on internal auditor selection has had limited exposure in the auditing literature. Recently Seol & Sarkis introduced a multi‐attribute decision model, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP), for the process of internal auditor selection. The purpose of this paper is to extend and validate the proposed model by Seol & Sarkis in an actual internal auditor selection process. Real case information from a trading company in Hong Kong that has gone through a recent experience in hiring entry level internal auditors was used for the study. Data were collected using an intensive survey of the importance of each attribute/skill provided by the Competency Framework for Internal Auditing (CFIA) and followed by an actual application of such skills in a recent hiring experience. Results show the effectiveness of AHP and the comprehensive characteristics of the factors involved in the decision. Further implications of the method are also discussed in the paper.
EchoComTEE – a simulator for transoesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Weidenbach M. , Drachsler H. , Wild F. , Kreutter S. , Razek V. , Grunst G. , Ender J. , Berlage T. , Janousek J.
Published: March 2007

Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) requires extensive hands‐on training, and it is for this purpose we have designed EchoComTEE, a simulator for TOE. It consists of a manikin and dummy probe; according to the position of the dummy probe (tracked by an electromagnetic sensor), two‐dimensional (2D) images are calculated from three‐dimensional (3D) data sets. Echocardiographic images are presented side‐by‐side with a virtual scene consisting of a 3D heart, probe tip and image plane. In this way the trainee is provided with visual feed‐back of the relationship between echocardiogram and image plane position. We evaluated the simulator using a standardised questionnaire. Twenty‐five experts and 31 novice users participated in the study. Most experts graded the simulator as realistic and all recommended its use for training. Most novice users felt the simulator supported spatial orientation during TOE and, as anaesthetists often do not have training in transthoracic echocardiography, in this group the TOE simulator might be particularly useful.
Comparison of the single use and reusable intubating laryngeal mask airway
Authors: Teoh W. H. L. , Lim Y.
Published: March 2007

We compared the times to intubate the trachea using the single use (Group S) and reusable (Group C) intubating laryngeal mask (ILMATM), in 84 healthy patients with normal airways undergoing elective gynaecological surgery. There was no significant difference in the ease of insertion of the ILMA or the tracheal tube, or time to successful insertion (Group S, 101.4 s (SD 63.2) vs Group C, 90.4 s (SD 46.1), p = 0.366). The ILMA was successfully inserted on first attempt in 63% of Group S patients and in 68% of Group C patients. After one or two attempts the overall success rate for both groups was 93%. There was a failure to insert the ILMA in two patients in each group. There was no difference in side‐effects (desaturation Spo2 < 95%, bleeding, oesophageal intubation, lip, dental or mucosal injury, or sore throat postoperatively). We conclude that the disposable ILMA is an acceptable alternative to the reusable ILMA.
Comparison of work of breathing using drawover and continuous flow anaesthetic breathing systems in children*
Authors: Bell G. T. , McEwen J. P. J. , Beaton S. J. , Young D.
Published: March 2007

We compared the work of breathing under general anaesthesia in children using drawover and continuous flow anaesthetic systems. A pilot study was conducted in four children weighing > 20 kg in whom it would usually be considered appropriate to use breathing systems designed for adult anaesthesia. The pilot study compared work of breathing using the Mapleson D breathing system and the Triservice Anaesthetic Apparatus (TSAA). Work of breathing was calculated using the modified Campbell technique that calculates work using a pressure volume loop derived from oesophageal pressure and airway gas volume measurements. We found no difference in the work of breathing when comparing the Mapleson D and the TSAA in children > 20 kg. Following completion of the pilot study, we conducted a study on 10 children weighing between 10 and 20 kg comparing work of breathing using the Mapleson F breathing system and the TSAA. We found no significant difference in the work of breathing between the Mapleson F and the TSAA for these children. The TSAA can therefore be recommended for use down to a lower weight limit of 10 kg.
Evaluation of four airway training manikins as patient simulators for the insertion of eight types of supraglottic airway devices*
Authors: Jackson K. M. , Cook T. M.
Published: March 2007

We evaluated the performance of four currently available manikins: Airway Management TrainerTM (Ambu, UK), Airway TrainerTM (Laerdal, Norway), Airsim™ (Trucorp, Ireland), ‘Bill 1’™ (VBM, Germany), with eight supraglottic airway devices: Airway Management Device™, Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway, Combitube™, i‐Gel, Laryngeal Tube®, Laryngeal Tube Disposable, Laryngeal Tube Suction II and Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway. Ten anaesthetists inserted each supraglottic airway device twice into each manikin. Each insertion was scored and ranked. Manikin score and rank data showed statistically significant overall performance differences. Post hoc analysis showed the Trucorp manikin performed best, followed by the Laerdal manikin. No one manikin performed best for all individual supraglottic airway devices. The Trucorp manikin performed adequately for all supraglottic airway devices. Comparing supraglottic airway devices, i‐Gel insertion was significantly the easiest. Our results show that manikin performance for supraglottic airway device insertion is unequal, which has implications for selecting manikins for supraglottic airway device training and for manikin studies assessing performance of supraglottic airway devices.
Weaning units: lessons from North America?
Authors: Subbe C. P. , Criner G. J. , Baudouin S. V.
Published: March 2007

In the United Kingdom over 5% of critical care beds are occupied by stable patients weaning from mechanical ventilation. In North America, diagnosis related groups (DRGs) were introduced over a decade ago. These provided an economic impetus to develop more cost effective regional weaning centres. The imminent introduction of Payment By Results may encourage similar developments in the UK. The evidence for weaning centres is reviewed and detailed organisational and outcome data from two North American centres presented. These units differ from UK critical care units in terms of nurse : patient ratios and types and numbers of ancillary staff. Limited data, mostly from North America, suggest that weaning centres may be better at improving outcome in ventilator‐dependent patients compared with standard critical care. The existing evidence is not conclusive and highlights the need for UK‐based studies on organisational approaches to the provision of weaning and longer term critical care.
The accuracy of non‐invasive carbon dioxide monitoring: A clinical evaluation of two transcutaneous systems
Authors: Bolliger D. , Steiner L. A. , Kasper J. , Aziz O. A. , Filipovic M. , Seeberger M. D.
Published: March 2007

We determined the accuracy of two transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring systems (SenTec Digital Monitor with V‐Sign Sensor and TOSCA 500 with TOSCA Sensor 92) for the measurement of single values and trends in the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide in 122 adult patients during major surgery and in 50 adult patients in the intensive care unit. One or several paired measurements were performed in each patient. The first measurement was used to determine the accuracy of a single value of transcutaneous carbon dioxide; the difference between the first and the last measurements was used to analyse the accuracy and to track trends. We defined a 95% limit of agreement of ≤1 kPa as being clinically useful. There was insufficient agreement between transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure values derived from the two systems and arterial carbon dioxide values for both single values and trends as defined by our suggested limit of agreement. We conclude that these systems cannot replace conventional blood gas analysis in the clinical setting studied.
Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts
Authors: De A. , Peden C. J. , Nolan J.
Published: March 2007

We describe a case of a 19‐year‐old man who developed traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts after a rollover road traffic crash. These were associated with significant pulmonary haemorrhage requiring a period of mechanical ventilation, but resolved without specific intervention. Review of the literature confirms that this rare complication of blunt chest trauma occurs usually in young adults and, although normally benign, can be associated with life‐threatening haemoptysis and secondary infection.
Effects of 2% chlorhexidine and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite on gutta‐percha cones studied by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Valois C. R. A. , Silva L. P. , Azevedo R. B.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To compare the effects of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on gutta‐percha (GP) cone structure using atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Methodology  Two standardized GP cones were sectioned 3 mm from the tip, attached to a glass base and immersed in 2% CHX or 5.25% NaOCl for 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min. Untreated GP cones were used as control. Topography and elasticity analyses were performed on 12 different regions located between 1 and 2 mm from the tip. Root mean square (RMS) parameters for contact mode imaging and force modulation microscopy variations were measured. The differences between RMS values were tested by anova with Fisher's protected LSD test for multiple comparisons.

Results  There was no deterioration in the topography and physical properties studied when 2% CHX was used in comparison with the control (P < 0.05). The RMS parameter for topography increased after 10 min of 5.25% NaOCl exposure in comparison with the control (P < 0.05). In addition, 5.25% NaOCl increased the elasticity of the GP cone after an immersion time of 1 min in comparison with the control (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Two per cent CHX did not change GP cone structure following up to 30 min exposure. Conversely, 5.25% NaOCl caused elastic changes after 1 min exposure.
Influence of cervical preflaring on apical file size determination
Authors: Pecora J. D. , Capelli A. , Guerisoli D. M. Z. , Spanó J. C. E. , Estrela C.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To investigate the influence of cervical preflaring with different instruments (Gates‐Glidden drills, Quantec Flare series instruments and LA Axxess burs) on the first file that binds at working length (WL) in maxillary central incisors.

Methodology  Forty human maxillary central incisors with complete root formation were used. After standard access cavities, a size 06 K‐file was inserted into each canal until the apical foramen was reached. The WL was set 1 mm short of the apical foramen. Group 1 received the initial apical instrument without previous preflaring of the cervical and middle thirds of the root canal. Group 2 had the cervical and middle portion of the root canals enlarged with Gates‐Glidden drills sizes 90, 110 and 130. Group 3 had the cervical and middle thirds of the root canals enlarged with nickel‐titanium Quantec Flare series instruments. Titanium‐nitrite treated, stainless steel LA Axxess burs were used for preflaring the cervical and middle portions of root canals from group 4. Each canal was sized using manual K‐files, starting with size 08 files with passive movements until the WL was reached. File sizes were increased until a binding sensation was felt at the WL, and the instrument size was recorded for each tooth. The apical region was then observed under a stereoscopic magnifier, images were recorded digitally and the differences between root canal and maximum file diameters were evaluated for each sample.

Results  Significant differences were found between experimental groups regarding anatomical diameter at the WL and the first file to bind in the canal (P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval). The major discrepancy was found when no preflaring was performed (0.151 mm average). The LA Axxess burs produced the smallest differences between anatomical diameter and first file to bind (0.016 mm average). Gates‐Glidden drills and Flare instruments were ranked in an intermediary position, with no statistically significant differences between them (0.093 mm average).

Conclusions  The instrument binding technique for determining anatomical diameter at WL is not precise. Preflaring of the cervical and middle thirds of the root canal improved anatomical diameter determination; the instrument used for preflaring played a major role in determining the anatomical diameter at the WL. Canals preflared with LA Axxess burs created a more accurate relationship between file size and anatomical diameter.
Physico‐chemical properties of MTA and a novel experimental cement
Authors: Santos A. D. , Moraes J. C. S. , Araújo E. B. , Yukimitu K. , Valério Filho W. V.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To evaluate the release of calcium ions, pH and conductivity of a new experimental dental cement (EC) and to compare them with those of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA‐Angelus).

Methodology  Five samples of each cement were prepared using plastic tubes 1 mm in diameter and 10 mm long. Each sample was sealed in a test tube containing 10 mL deionized water which was analysed after 24, 48, 72, 96, 192, 240 and 360 h for pH, electrical conductivity and calcium release. The concentration of calcium ions was obtained through atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. The data were analysed statistically using the analysis of variance (anova) and the Student's test (t‐test).

Results  The pH of the storage solutions was not affected by the material and the interaction of material with time (P > 0.05). However, the time of immersion was significant (P < 0.01) for both materials. For the electric conductivity and calcium release, the interaction of material with time was statistically significant (P < 0.01), indicating that EC and MTA‐Angelus did not behave in a similar manner.

Conclusions  The experimental cement released calcium and increased the pH of the storage solutions in a similar manner to MTA‐Angelus. However, EC showed significantly higher calcium release than commercial MTA‐Angelus after 24 h.
CarisolvTM: an alternative to NaOCl in immature root canals?
Authors: Rahman S. , Whitworth J. M. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To test the null hypothesis that CarisolvTM is no more effective than 1% sodium hypochlorite in cleaning uninstrumented, immature root canals.

Methodology  A total of 240 uniform, immature ovine incisors were decoronated at the CEJ level and randomly divided into four groups of 60. After gross pulp extirpation, canals were flooded with normal saline (negative control), 1% NaOCl, CarisolvTM or 5% NaOCl (positive control) and incubated for 10 min (group 1), 20 min (group 2), 30 min (group 3) or 30 min, refreshing irrigant at 10 and 20 min (group 4). SEM photomicrographs of canal wall debris in the apical, middle and coronal thirds were scored against a 5‐point scale. Internal consistency was assessed by κ statistics. Debris scores for different irrigant regimes at different canal levels were analysed by non‐parametric tests (P < 0.05).

Results  Canals were consistently cleaner in the coronal and middle than apical thirds. NaOCl (5%) was consistently most effective. CarisolvTM and NaOCl (1%) were no more effective than normal saline in group 1 (P > 0.05), but significantly more effective than normal saline in groups 2 (middle and apical 1/3), 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). Carisolv and NaOCl (1%) had comparable activity in groups 1, 2 (middle and apical thirds) and 3, but NaOCl (1%) was significantly more effective than Carisolv in group 4 (coronal and middle thirds).

Conclusions

The ovine incisor model presents opportunities to investigate irrigation regimes under controlled ex‐vivo conditions.

NaOCl (5%) remains the most effective irrigant for rapid debris removal in immature root canals.

CarisolvTM cleans pulp debris from the walls of immature root canals as effectively as NaOCl (1%) during static, unrefreshed wall contact for between 20 and 30 min.

Refreshment of NaOCl (1%) enhances its cleaning ability above that of CarisolvTM.
Root canal preparation with Endo‐Eze AET: changes in root canal shape assessed by micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Paqué F. , Barbakow F. , Peters O. A.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To evaluate the relative performance of Endo‐Eze Anatomic Endodontic Technology (AET) stainless steel instruments when shaping maxillary molar root canals in vitro.

Methodology  Extracted human maxillary molars were scanned, before and after root canal shaping with Endo‐Eze AET, employing micro‐computed tomography (μCT) at an isotropic resolution of 34 μm. Three‐dimensional root canal models were reconstructed and evaluated for volume, surface area, ‘thickness’ (diameter), canal transportation and prepared surface. Preparation errors such as apical zips, perforations and fractured instruments were visually determined from those models. Means were contrasted using anova and Scheffépost‐hoc tests.

Results  Volume and surface area increased significantly and similarly in mesiobuccal (mb), distobuccal (db) and palatal (p) canals and gross preparation errors (n = 17) were found. Mean root canal diameters, 5 mm coronal to the apex, increased from 0.31 to 0.52, 0.35 to 0.50 and 0.50 to 0.70 mm for mb, db and p canals, respectively. Mean canal transportation ranged from 0.15 to 0.29, 0.15 to 0.27 and 0.21 to 0.33 mm for apical, middle and coronal root canal levels, respectively, with highest values found for mb canals (P < 0.003). Root canals were significantly straightened during preparation (P < 0.002).

Conclusions  In summary, Endo‐Eze AET instruments shaped root canals in maxillary molars with substantial canal transportation, particularly in mesiobuccal root canals. Preparation with this instrument removed high volumes of dentine, even though apical preparation was size 30. Based on the current results, Endo‐Eze AET cannot be recommended for the preparation of teeth with curved root canals.
An assessment of endodontic re‐treatment decision‐making in an educational setting
Authors: Al‐Ali K. , Marghalani H. , Al‐Yahya A. , Omar R.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To test the applicability of Praxis Concept (PC) theory in endodontic re‐treatment decision‐making amongst dental students of similar backgrounds, but from two dental schools.

Methodology  A total of 172 students from two dental schools (n = 97 and n = 75) were asked to select their management choices (from five possible options) for each of six variations on quality (by way of adequacy of root filling) and complexity (by way of absence or presence of a post) of a simulated radiograph of an anterior tooth. The six variations each had five possible levels of periapical condition, giving a total of 30 cases for which management choices were sought. Individual re‐treatment preference scores (RPS) were obtained, from which school and gender differences were compared by t‐test. The association between students’ stated re‐treatment propensities and the different cases was expressed as odds ratios using unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results  There were large inter‐individual variations in RPS within the cases at both schools. Mean RPS for the group was 0.62 (SD 0.14), and did not differ between the schools (P = 0.44), but was significantly lower for males than females (P = 0.01). For all participants and a given case, if re‐treatment was proposed for a particular size of lesion, then all larger lesions for that case were also marked for re‐treatment. Presence of a defective root filling or overfilling reflected a greater propensity for re‐treatment than when the root filling was adequate, whilst the absence/presence of a post had no clear effect on re‐treatment choices.

Conclusions  The findings support the explanatory potential of PC theory in endodontic re‐treatment decision‐making in the group investigated, and suggest that factors besides disease status alone, may contribute to the choices that clinicians make.
An evaluation of the influence of passive ultrasonic irrigation on the seal of root canal fillings
Authors: Van Der Sluis L. W. M. , Shemesh H. , Wu M. K. , Wesselink P. R.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To evaluate the influence of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) on the seal of root canal fillings.

Methodology  A total of 40 mandibular premolars were distributed equally into two groups and the root canals were cleaned and shaped; they were then filled with gutta‐percha and AH26 (sealer) using the warm vertical compaction technique with the System B (Analytic Technology, Redmond, WA, USA) device. In one group PUI was applied, after completion of instrumentation and hand‐irrigation. In the other group, PUI was not applied. Thereafter, leakage of glucose was evaluated by measuring its concentration once a week for a total period of 56 days using a glucose penetration model. Differences between the groups in terms of glucose concentrations were statistically analysed with the Mann–Whitney test; the level of significance was set at P = 0.05.

Results  After the first month the root fillings in teeth where PUI had been used, sealed the root canal significantly better than in teeth where no PUI had been used (P = 0.017).

Conclusion  Root fillings sealed the root canal better when PUI had been used.
Nonendodontic periapical lesions: a retrospective study in Chile
Authors: Ortega A. , Fariña V. , Gallardo A. , Espinoza I. , Acosta S.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To determine the frequency with which the histopathological diagnosis of periapical lesions contributes to a change in the clinical diagnosis.

Methodology  Cases having a clinical diagnosis of disease resulting from dental pulp necrosis were selected from the database of the Oral Pathology Reference Institute between 1975 and 2005. Cases with different histopathological diagnoses were determined and information about age and gender of the patient, location of associated tooth, pulp status and the histopathological diagnosis were recorded. The percentage of nonendodontic periapical lesions was then determined.

Results  In the 30‐year period, 43 706 biopsy specimens were received. Overall 4006 (9.13%) had a clinical diagnosis of pulpal necrosis with associated pathosis in the periradicular area. Within this group, 26 cases (0.65%) had a histopathological diagnosis of nonendodontic pathology. Keratocystic odontogenic tumour was the most frequent nonendodontic lesion (11 cases) in the periradicular region followed by central giant cell granuloma (three cases), chronic sinusitis (three cases) and one case each of the following lesions: nasopalatine duct cyst, lateral periodontal cyst, calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour, ameloblastic fibroma, squamous odontogenic tumour, cemental dysplasia, haemangioma, foreign body cell granuloma and amalgam tattoo.

Conclusions  The histopathological study of periapical pathosis can occasionally reveal nonendodontic lesions. Odontogenic tumours made up the largest group.
Co‐site digital optical microscopy and image analysis: an approach to evaluate the process of dentine demineralization
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Reis C. M. , Fidel R. A. S. , Fidel S. R. , Paciornik S.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To introduce and explore the potential of digital optical co‐site microscopy and image analysis for the observation of changes in dentine surfaces during demineralization. The effect of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was evaluated quantitatively and longitudinally.

Methodology  Three maxillary human molars were sectioned transversely at the cemento‐enamel junction, and the crowns discarded. Subsequently, discs approximately 3 mm thick were cut in the cervical third of the root and a standardized smear layer produced. Co‐site image sequences of the dentine surface subjected to 17% EDTA were obtained over the experimental period (15, 30, 60, 180 and 300 s). Sixteen images were obtained in each dentine sample for each experimental time, thus, a total of 48 image fields were obtained. For each field, an image analysis routine automatically discriminated open dentine tubules and measured their number, area fraction and minimum diameter, thus allowing the quantification of the demineralization process. The Student t‐test was used to analyse the data.

Results  The number of open tubules remained essentially constant during the demineralization process. The area fraction increased from 9% to 32%. Tubule minimum diameter increased from 1.5 to 3.0 μm. The changes over time for the area fraction and minimum diameter were significant for comparison between all experimental times (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  The methodology developed for longitudinal observation of dentinal surfaces was fast, robust and reproducible. It could be easily extended to other chelating substances, thus contributing to the understanding of the demineralization process and in establishing an optimal time‐effect relationship in the clinical application.
Using clinical audit, qualitative data from patients and feedback from general practitioners to decrease delay in the referral of suspected colorectal cancer
Authors: Davies Elizabeth , Van Der Molen Beverley , Cranston Amanda
Published: March 2007

Rationale  There was local concern over possible delays in the diagnosis and referral of patients with suspected colorectal cancer and interest in understanding more about patients’ experiences of diagnosis.

Aims and objectives  To use clinical audit, qualitative data from patients and feedback from general practitioners (GPs) to identify possible delays in referral, and to decrease these by implementing referral guidelines.

Methods  Audit of endoscopy referrals assessed how often these recorded rectal examination and whether patients were seen within 2 weeks. Qualitative interviews with 19 patients explored their experience of referral and diagnosis. Review of 33 case records assessed other possible delays.

Results  Most patients referred for endoscopy were seen within 2 weeks (67%, 119/177), but only 47% (71/151) of available referral letters mentioned rectal examination. Patients perceived most delay in secondary care and case records suggested that this occurred after non‐urgent referral. Patients also identified some problems with communication, information and support about the diagnosis. We used the results to stimulate local acceptance of national referral guidelines and wider discussion about care. A consultation exercise with GPs informed the development of a faxable urgent referral pro forma and supporting educational meetings. We designed a database to monitor changes in waiting times and made plans to improve communication and support after diagnosis.

Discussion  Feeding back qualitative data from patients together with audit results seemed a powerful lever to stimulate action about hospital delays. Average waiting times dropped quickly and remained low due to the continuing national focus upon them. Seeking GP views may have promoted the use of referral pro formas, but monitoring waiting times distracted from a more thorough evaluation of their use. Qualitative data from patients raised awareness of their experience, but was time‐consuming to collect and we had limited success in using it for specific initiatives around communication and support.
Parameters affecting retentive force of conus crowns
Authors: Güngör M.A. , Artunç C. , Sonugelen M.
Published: March 2007

summary  The aim of this study was to determine the values of the retentive forces of the telescopic crowns. At the first step of the study, the samples having different heights and angles were compared in relation to retentive force. At the second step, the samples were subjected to removal procedures having a pre‐determined speed, force and number. The obtained retention values were compared. Ninety dies were prepared in order to measure the retention of the conus crowns. The removal tests were performed with the insertion/separation device. The speed of the test device was 100 cm min−1 providing the placement of the pieces with 5 kgf in 100, 200, 300, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10 000 cycles. The mean of the retention values of the changes of the angles were found to be statistically different (P < 0˙01). According to the results of the variant analysis, the differences in the changes of the height were statistically significant (P < 0·01). The differences between the changes of the number of procedures of all groups were statistically significant (P < 0·01). The number of procedures, height and angle interactions were statistically insignificant (P = 0·758). According to the results of this study, the effect of the angle and height factors in terms of retention among the groups were not independent of each other. In equal angles, as the height increased, increased retention measurements were obtained. In more acute angles, the increase in retention was more obvious. It was also found that an accessory device was necessary to maintain retention capabilities after a long‐term use.
The role of oral sensorimotor function in masticatory ability
Authors: Hirano K. , Hirano S. , Hayakawa I.
Published: March 2007

summary  In order to investigate the relationship between oral sensorimotor ability and masticatory function, an oral stereognosis ability (OSA) test, masticatory performance and efficiency was employed for 15 dentate subjects. Subjects were instructed to orally identify OSA test pieces blindly. The response score and sum of the duration time for identification were used for analysis as OSA score and OSA response time. Masticatory function was evaluated using a sieving method with 3 g of peanuts. Masticatory performance was calculated with the weight percentage of portions finer than 1700 μm by the total volume after 20 chewing strokes. Masticatory efficiency was calculated by the declination rate of median particle size which is defined by the Rosin–Rammler equation. To analyse the relationship between OSA variables and masticatory ability, the correlation coefficient was calculated. The results summarized as a significant correlation was found only between OSA score and masticatory efficiency. However, a significant correlation could not be found between other OAS variables and masticatory ability. It was revealed that positive correlation existed between oral stereognosis ability and masticatory ability. It was suggested that the role of oral sensorimotor function might affect the masticatory function.
Utility of DNA taxonomy and barcoding for the inference of larval community structure in morphologically crypticChironomus(Diptera) species
Authors: PFENNINGER MARKUS , NOWAK CARSTEN , KLEY CHRISTOPH , STEINKE DIRK , STREIT BRUNO
Published: March 2007

Biodiversity studies require species level analyses for the accurate assessment of community structures. However, while specialized taxonomic knowledge is only rarely available for routine identifications, DNA taxonomy and DNA barcoding could provide the taxonomic basis for ecological inferences. In this study, we assessed the community structure of sediment dwelling, morphologically crypticChironomuslarvae in the Rhine‐valley plain/Germany, comparing larval type classification, cytotaxonomy, DNA taxonomy and barcoding. While larval type classification performed poorly, cytotaxonomy and DNA‐based methods yielded comparable results: detrended correspondence analysis and permutation analyses indicated that the assemblages are not randomly but competitively structured. However, DNA taxonomy identified an additional species that could not be resolved by the traditional method. We argue that DNA‐based identification methods such as DNA barcoding can be a valuable tool to increase accuracy, objectivity and comparability of the taxonomic assessment in biodiversity and community ecology studies.
Bread, beer and wine: Saccharomyces cerevisiae diversity reflects human history
Authors: LEGRAS JEAN‐LUC , MERDINOGLU DIDIER , CORNUET JEAN‐MARIE , KARST FRANCIS
Published: March 2007

Fermented beverages and foods have played a significant role in most societies worldwide for millennia. To better understand how the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the main fermenting agent, evolved along this historical and expansion process, we analysed the genetic diversity among 651 strains from 56 different geographical origins, worldwide. Their genotyping at 12 microsatellite loci revealed 575 distinct genotypes organized in subgroups of yeast types, i.e. bread, beer, wine, sake. Some of these groups presented unexpected relatedness: Bread strains displayed a combination of alleles intermediate between beer and wine strains, and strains used for rice wine and sake were most closely related to beer and bread strains. However, up to 28% of genetic diversity between these technological groups was associated with geographical differences which suggests local domestications. Focusing on wine yeasts, a group of Lebanese strains were basal in an FST tree, suggesting a Mesopotamia‐based origin of most wine strains. In Europe, migration of wine strains occurred through the Danube Valley, and around the Mediterranean Sea. An approximate Bayesian computation approach suggested a postglacial divergence (most probable period 10 000–12 000 bp). As our results suggest intimate association between man and wine yeast across centuries, we hypothesize that yeast followed man and vine migrations as a commensal member of grapevine flora.
Phylogeography of the piranha genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus: implications for the diversification of the Neotropical ichthyofauna
Authors: HUBERT NICOLAS , DUPONCHELLE FABRICE , NUÑEZ JESUS , GARCIA‐DAVILA CARMEN , PAUGY DIDIER , RENNO JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: March 2007

The phylogenetic relationships within the piranhas were assessed using mitochondrial sequences with the aim of testing several hypotheses proposed to explain the origin of Neotropical diversity (palaeogeography, hydrogeology and museum hypotheses). Sequences of the ribosomal 16S gene (510 bp) and control region (980 bp) were obtained from 15 localities throughout the main South American rivers for 21 of the 28 extant piranha species. The results indicate that the genus Serrasalmus is monophyletic and comprises three major clades. The phylogeographical analyses of these clades allowed the identification of five vicariant events, extensive dispersal and four lineage duplications suggesting the occurrence of sympatric speciation. Biogeographical patterns are consistent with the prediction made by the museum hypothesis that lineages from the Precambrian shields are older than those from the lowlands of the Amazon. The vicariant events inferred here match the distribution of the palaeoarches and several postdispersal speciation events are identified, thereby matching the predictions of the palaeogeography and hydrogeology hypotheses, respectively. Molecular clock calibration of the control region sequences indicates that the main lineages differentiated from their most recent common ancestor at 9 million years ago in the proto Amazon‐Orinoco and the present rate of diversification is the highest reported to date for large carnivorous Characiformes. The present results emphasize that an interaction among geology, sea‐level changes, and hydrography created opportunities for cladogenesis in the piranhas at different temporal and geographical scales.
Range‐wide phylogeography and gene zones in Pinus pinaster Ait. revealed by chloroplast microsatellite markers
Authors: BUCCI GABRIELE , GONZÁLEZ‐MARTÍNEZ SANTIAGO C. , LE PROVOST GRÉGOIRE , PLOMION CHRISTOPHE , RIBEIRO MARIA MARGARIDA , SEBASTIANI FEDERICO , ALÍA RICARDO , VENDRAMIN GIOVANNI GIUSEPPE
Published: March 2007

Some 1339 trees from 48 Pinus pinaster stands were characterized by five chloroplast microsatellites, detecting a total of 103 distinct haplotypes. Frequencies for the 16 most abundant haplotypes (pk > 0.01) were spatially interpolated over a lattice made by 430 grid points. Fitting of spatially interpolated values on raw haplotype frequencies at the same geographical location was tested by regression analysis. A range‐wide ‘diversity map’ based on interpolated haplotype frequencies allowed the identification of one ‘hotspot’ of diversity in central and southeastern Spain, and two areas of low haplotypic diversity located in the western Iberian peninsula and Morocco. Principal component analysis (PCA) carried out on haplotypes frequency surfaces allowed the construction of a colour‐based ‘synthetic’ map of the first three PC components, enabling the detection of the main range‐scale genetic trends and the identification of three main ‘gene pools’ for the species: (i) a ‘southeastern’ gene pool, including southeastern France, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, Pantelleria and northern Africa; (ii) an ‘Atlantic’ gene pool, including all the western areas of the Iberian peninsula; and (iii) a ‘central’ gene pool, located in southeastern Spain. Multivariate and amova analyses carried out on interpolated grid point frequency values revealed the existence of eight major clusters (‘gene zones’), whose genetic relationships were related with the history of the species. In addition, demographic models showed more ancient expansions in the eastern and southern ranges of maritime pine probably associated to early postglacial recolonization. The delineation of the gene zones provides a baseline for designing conservation areas in this key Mediterranean pine.
Ecology matters: Atlantic–Mediterranean disjunction in the sand‐dune shrub Armeria pungens (Plumbaginaceae)
Authors: PIÑEIRO ROSALÍA , AGUILAR JAVIER FUERTES , MUNT DAVID DRAPER , FELINER GONZALO NIETO
Published: March 2007

Inferring the evolutionary history of Mediterranean plant lineages from current genetic, distributional and taxonomic patterns is complex because of a number of palaeoclimatic and geological interconnected factors together with landscape heterogeneity and human influence. Therefore, choosing spatially simplified systems as study groups is a suitable approach. An amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) study using two restriction enzyme combinations (EcoRI/MseI and KpnI/MseI) was carried out to estimate the structure of genetic variation throughout the range of Armeria pungens. This species has a West Iberian‐Corso/Sardinian disjunct distribution on coastal sand‐dune ecosystems. Bayesian, amova and genetic distance analyses of the AFLP data revealed the same distinguishable genetic groups, which do not match the main geographical disjunction. Corso‐Sardinian populations were found to be genetically closer to southwest Portuguese than to those from the Gulf of Cadiz (the closest geographically). Eastwards long‐distance dispersal is therefore invoked to explain this geographical disjunction. A GIS analysis based on bioclimatic envelope modelling aiming to characterize the current locations of A. pungens found strong similarities between the Portugal and Corsica‐Sardinia sites and less so between these areas and the Gulf of Cadiz. This coincident pattern between AFLP and climatic data suggests that the geographical disjunction is better explained by climatic factors than by the likeliness of a stochastic dispersal event. Such a combined phylogeographical–GIS modelling approach proves to be enlightening in reconstructing the evolutionary history of plant species.
The influence of darkness and visual contrast on oviposition by Anopheles gambiae in moist and dry substrates
Authors: HUANG JUAN , WALKER EDWARD D. , VULULE JOHN , MILLER JAMES R.
Published: March 2007

Abstract The influence of substrate brightness (value), contrast and colour (hue) on oviposition is quantified under low night‐light levels of 1.2 × 10−4 w m−2 in choice‐tests using caged Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto laboratory strains and/or gravid An. gambiae sensu lato from a natural population in Western Kenya. Egg output increases as darkness of the substrate increases against a white background. Black substrates elicit the most oviposition by both laboratory and house‐collected mosquitoes, whereas white elicits the least. Contrast between patches of substrate and background also influences egg placement. In four‐choice tests, a black ovipositional dish against a white floor receives many more eggs than does black–black, white–white, and white–black dish vs. floor combinations. In a similar test presenting four grey vs. black combinations of dish vs. floor, females respond similarly to grey vs. black dishes and deposit nearly as many eggs on the dry floors as on wet dishes. Illumination at 2.1 × 10−3 w m−2, equivalent to late dusk and early dawn, improves discrimination between black dishes and grey floors. Under the experimental conditions, An. gambiae females respond almost equally to dishes of water placed over red, yellow, green, blue and purple paper disks matching the brightness and saturation values of their neutral (grey) counterparts. Thus, no evidence is found for wavelength discrimination on oviposition. It is concluded that visual contrast strongly influences the search patterns for prospective ovipositional sites whereas darkness of substrate and moisture are strong releasers of oviposition.
The AtGenExpress global stress expression data set: protocols, evaluation and model data analysis of UV‐B light, drought and cold stress responses
Authors: Kilian Joachim , Whitehead Dion , Horak Jakub , Wanke Dierk , Weinl Stefan , Batistic Oliver , D’Angelo Cecilia , Bornberg‐Bauer Erich , Kudla Jörg , Harter Klaus
Published: March 2007

The tolerance responses of plants to many abiotic stresses are conjectured to be controlled by complex gene networks. In the frame of the AtGenExpress project a comprehensive Arabidopsis thaliana genome transcript expression study was performed using the Affymetrix ATH1 microarray in order to understand these regulatory networks in detail. In contrast to earlier studies, we subjected, side‐by‐side and in a high‐resolution kinetic series, Arabidopsis plants, of identical genotype grown under identical conditions, to different environmental stresses comprising heat, cold, drought, salt, high osmolarity, UV‐B light and wounding. Furthermore, the harvesting of tissue and RNA isolation were performed in parallel at the same location using identical experimental protocols. Here we describe the technical performance of the experiments. We also present a general overview of environmental abiotic stress‐induced gene expression patterns and the results of a model bioinformatics analysis of gene expression in response to UV‐B light, drought and cold stress. Our results suggest that the initial transcriptional stress reaction of Arabidopsis might comprise a set of core environmental stress response genes which, by adjustment of the energy balance, could have a crucial function in various stress responses. In addition, there are indications that systemic signals generated by the tissue exposed to stress play a major role in the coordination and execution of stress responses. In summary, the information reported provides a prime reference point and source for the subsequent exploitation of this important resource for research into plant abiotic stress.