bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating tropical forest ungulate densities from sign surveys using abundance models of occupancy
Authors: Gopalaswamy A. M. , Karanth K. U. , Kumar N. S. , Macdonald D. W.
Published: June 2012

Large ungulates critically influence forest structure and functioning besides being seriously threatened by anthropogenic pressures. For assessing their populations, surveys of ungulate sign encounters are widely used because of their practicality. However, these yield unreliable results because of their failure to address the problem of imperfect detection. Here, we present an innovative application to address this key weakness in traditional ungulate sign surveys. We describe the ecological process of ungulate sign deposition as well as the observation process of sign detection in our modelling. We simulate 183 ecological and sampling‐related parameter values to first evaluate model performance. Simulation results demonstrate that we can achieve good estimates of animal density when the radius of the animal daily movement range is accounted for during survey design. We design and conduct a field survey of ungulate signs to estimate ungulate densities using both occupancy and distance sampling approaches. For five species of ungulates, the densities estimated from our sign survey (number of ungulate clusters km−2) were 1.46(0.68) chitalAxis axis, 1.42(0.67) sambarRusa unicolor, 1.01(0.44) gaurBos gaurus, 0.74(0.39) wild pigSus scrofaand 1.42(1.59) muntjacMuntiacus muntjak, and were similar to those generated from line transect sampling 2.16(0.76) chital, 2.47(0.56) sambar, 0.94(0.3) gaur, 1.09(0.37) wild pig and 4.03(0.83) muntjac), except for muntjac. The potential utility of this approach extends beyond sign surveys of forest ungulates to a wider range of animal monitoring contexts, including those based on scent‐station surveys and camera trap surveys of elusive mammals.
Medial frontal negativity reflects learning from positive feedback
Authors: Van Der Helden Jurjen , Boksem Maarten A.S.
Published: June 2012

The ability to learn from the consequences of our actions is crucial for adaptive goal‐directed behavior. We learn to avoid actions that lead to unfavorable outcomes and pursue actions that lead to desirable results. By recording event‐related potentials (ERPs), we show that neural reinforcement learning signals associated with positive outcomes are predictive of subsequent learning of a sequence of motor actions: Positive feedback to a response that was later correctly repeated was associated with a larger Medial Frontal Negativity (MFN) compared to when it was not correctly repeated on a subsequent encounter. This finding adds to recent evidence suggesting that the function of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex is to establish associations between actions and their outcomes, both positive and negative.
Increasing impact in a time of decreasing budgets
Authors: Sutton Anthea
Published: June 2012

This virtual issue (VI) has been compiled to mark the CILIP Health Libraries Group Conference 2012. In line with the conference theme: ‘Health libraries under the microscope: perfecting your formula’, the VI is a collection of 10 articles and regular features that have been published in Health Information and Libraries Journal in the last 2 years. The VI focuses specifically on the topics of impact, value and cost‐effectiveness. All the articles and regular features contained in this VI are freely available online.
P‐glycoprotein trafficking at the blood–brain barrier altered by peripheral inflammatory hyperalgesia
Authors: McCaffrey Gwen , Staatz William D. , Sanchez‐Covarrubias Lucy , Finch Jessica D. , DeMarco Kristen , Laracuente Mei‐Li , Ronaldson Patrick T. , Davis Thomas P.
Published: June 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 962–975.

P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1/MDR1, EC 3.6.3.44), the major efflux transporter at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), is a formidable obstacle to CNS pharmacotherapy. Understanding the mechanism(s) for increased P‐glycoprotein activity at the BBB during peripheral inflammatory pain is critical in the development of novel strategies to overcome the significant decreases in CNS analgesic drug delivery. In this study, we employed the λ‐carrageenan pain model (using female Sprague–Dawley rats), combined with confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation of cerebral microvessels, to determine if increased P‐glycoprotein function, following the onset of peripheral inflammatory pain, is associated with a change in P‐glycoprotein trafficking which leads to pain‐induced effects on analgesic drug delivery. Injection of λ‐carrageenan into the rat hind paw induced a localized, inflammatory pain (hyperalgesia) and simultaneously, at the BBB, a rapid change in colocalization of P‐glycoprotein with caveolin‐1, a key scaffolding/trafficking protein. Subcellular fractionation of isolated cerebral microvessels revealed that the bulk of P‐glycoprotein constitutively traffics to membrane domains containing high molecular weight, disulfide‐bonded P‐glycoprotein‐containing structures that cofractionate with membrane domains enriched with monomeric and high molecular weight, disulfide‐bonded, caveolin‐1‐containing structures. Peripheral inflammatory pain promoted a dynamic redistribution between membrane domains of P‐glycoprotein and caveolin‐1. Disassembly of high molecular weight P‐glycoprotein‐containing structures within microvascular endothelial luminal membrane domains was accompanied by an increase in ATPase activity, suggesting a potential for functionally active P‐glycoprotein. These results are the first observation that peripheral inflammatory pain leads to specific structural changes in P‐glycoprotein responsible for controlling analgesic drug delivery to the CNS.
Conservation insights from changing associations between habitat, territory distribution and mating system of Corn Buntings Emberiza calandra over a 20‐year population decline
Authors: PERKINS ALLAN J. , WATSON ADAM , MAGGS HYWEL E. , WILSON JEREMY D.
Published: June 2012

Associations between habitat and animal distributions are widely used to make conservation recommendations. However, short‐term studies do not allow investigation of temporal variation in associations as habitats change or populations decline. Here we quantify changes in the habitat attributes and distribution of breeding territories in a multiple‐brooded, crop‐nesting farmland bird, the Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra, over a 20‐year period during which the study population declined by 91%. Corn Buntings were positively associated with weedy fields, overhead wires, spring cereals and, in early summer, with winter barley and forage grass. Territory associations with wires (positive) and fallow (positive in early summer, negative in late summer) were stronger in later years when the population was smaller. Trends in the proportions of males holding territories into late summer (decline), and mated polygynously or not at all (increases), suggested that habitat quality declined and became more spatially variable in later years. Field size increased and weed abundance within fields declined, reducing the availability of field‐boundary song‐posts, invertebrate‐rich foraging habitats and physical cover for nests within crops. Conservation recommendations are for weed‐rich or under‐sown spring cereals and winter barley combined with late‐cut hay and fallow, especially when offered close to song‐posts such as overhead wires. We also demonstrate the value of long‐term studies by comparing our 20‐year analysis with 3‐year periods at the start, middle and end of this period, and expose some risks of conservation recommendations derived from short studies.
Potential methods for estimating nitrogen fertilizer value of organic residues
Authors: DELIN S. , STENBERG B. , NYBERG A. , BROHEDE L.
Published: June 2012

New organic fertilizers based on waste products are continually being introduced in agriculture. Their nitrogen (N) fertilizer value of their total N and mineral N content varies widely, creating a demand for standardized laboratory methods. This study evaluated some potential methods for estimating the N fertilizer value of different kinds of organic fertilizers. The methods were evaluated against the N fertilizer value obtained from a ryegrass pot experiment. Fifteen fertilizers were tested, including different kinds of manure, powders from meat, bone, blood and feathers, rapeseed cake, lucerne pellets, sewage sludge, biogas residue, vinasse and mussel compost. Mineral fertilizer equivalents (MFE) were calculated as the fraction of total N (MFE) or organic N (MFEorg) out of total N that has the same availability to plants as inorganic N. Mineral N content (% of total N added with organic residue) after 4 weeks of incubation of soil was correlated to MFE (r2 = 0.78), but was on average 17% lower. Warm water‐extractable N, amino acid N and crude fibre analysis all proved to be unsatisfactory as methods for estimating MFE or MFEorg. However, the carbon/nitrogen ratio accurately reflected short‐term plant‐available N through a negative linear relationship (r2 = 0.83) and would thus be a very useful method for estimating MFE, with MFE decreasing by 5% per unit increase in C/N ratio. The results also indicated that the analysis of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectra can be an even quicker and cheaper method to estimate MFE of organic residues, but this issue requires further research.
Establishing Restoration Strategy of Eastern Oyster via a Coupled Biophysical Transport Model
Authors: Kim Choong‐Ki , Park Kyeong , Powers Sean P.
Published: June 2012

For marine fish and invertebrates, larval dispersal plays a critical role in determining connections among source and sink habitats, and the lack of a predictive understanding of larval dispersal is a fundamental obstacle to the development of spatially explicit restoration plans for marine populations. We investigated larval dispersal patterns of eastern oyster in an estuary along the Northern Gulf of Mexico under different simulation scenarios of tidal amplitude and phase, river discharge, wind direction, and larval vertical migration, using a coupled biophysical transport model. We focused on the dispersal of larvae released from the commercially exploited (Cedar Point, CP) and non‐exploited (Bon Secour Bay, BSB) oyster populations. We found that high flushing rates through the dominant inlet prevented larval exchange between the commercially exploited and non‐exploited populations, resulting in negligible connectivity between them. Variations in tidal amplitude, river discharge and wind direction played a more important role in the amount of larvae retained in Mobile Bay when they are released from CP than from BSB. Under most of the scenarios, larvae from BSB were retained around the spawning area, while larvae from CP showed a predominant westward flow. Net sinking behavior of late‐stage larvae increased larval retention in the bay, but physical transport showed a higher impact in the amount of larvae retained. These findings have enhanced our understanding of larval dispersal of eastern oyster in a wide, shallow estuarine system, and been used to establish spatially explicit strategies for oyster restoration in the Mobile Bay system, Alabama.
ROLE OF MULTIPLE FTSZ RINGS IN CHLOROPLAST DIVISION UNDER OLIGOTROPHIC AND EUTROPHIC CONDITIONS IN THE UNICELLULAR GREEN ALGA NANNOCHLORIS BACILLARIS (CHLOROPHYTA, TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Sumiya Nobuko , Owari Satomi , Watanabe Koichi , Kawano Shigeyuki
Published: June 2012

Chloroplasts of the unicellular green alga Nannochloris bacillaris Naumann cultured under nutrient‐enriched conditions have multiple rings of FtsZ, a prokaryote‐derived chloroplast division protein. We previously reported that synthesis of excess chloroplast DNA and formation of multiple FtsZ rings occur simultaneously. To clarify the role of multiple FtsZ rings in chloroplast division, we investigated chloroplast DNA synthesis and ring formation in cells cultured under various culture conditions. Cells transferred from a nutrient‐enriched medium to an inorganic medium in the light showed a drop in cell division rate, a reduction in chloroplast DNA content, and changes in the shape of chloroplast nucleoids as cells divided. We then examined DNA synthesis by immunodetecting BrdU incorporated into DNA strands using the anti‐BrdU antibody. BrdU‐labeled nuclei were clearly observed in cells 48 h after transfer into the inorganic medium, while only weak punctate signals were visible in the chloroplasts. In parallel, the number of FtsZ rings decreased from 6 to only 1. When the cells were transferred from an inorganic medium to a nutrient‐enriched medium, the number of cells increased only slightly in the first 12 h after transfer; after this time, however, they started to divide more quickly and increased exponentially. Chloroplast nucleoids changed from punctate to rod‐like structures, and active chloroplast DNA synthesis and FtsZ ring formation were observed. On the basis of our results, we conclude that multiple FtsZ ring assembly and chloroplast DNA duplication under nutrient‐rich conditions facilitate chloroplast division after transfer to oligotrophic conditions without further duplication of chloroplast DNA and formation of new FtsZ rings.
Effect of Influenza on Functional Decline
Authors: Gozalo Pedro L. , Pop‐Vicas Aurora , Feng Zhanlian , Gravenstein Stefan , Mor Vincent
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To examine the relationship between influenza and activity of daily living (ADL) decline and other clinical indicators in nursing home (NH) residents.

Design

Retrospective NH‐aggregated longitudinal study.

Setting

Two thousand three hundred fifty‐one NHs in 122 U.S. cities from 1999 to 2005.

Participants

Long‐stay (>90 days) NH residents.

Measurements

Quarterly city‐level influenza mortality and state‐level influenza severity. Quarterly incidence of Minimum Data Set–derived ADL decline (≥4 points), weight loss, new or worsening pressure ulcers (PUs), and infections. Outcome variables chosen as clinical controls were antipsychotic use, restraint use, and persistent pain.

Results

City‐level influenza mortality and state‐level influenza severity were associated with higher rates of large (≥4 points) ADL decline (mortality β = 0.20, P < .001; severity β = 0.18, P < .001), weight loss (β = 0.19, P < .001; β = 0.24, P < .001), worsening PUs (β = 0.04, P = .08; β = 0.12, P < .001), and infections (β = 0.41, P < .001; β = 0.47, P < .001) but not with restraint use, antipsychotic use, or persistent pain. NH influenza vaccination rates were weakly associated with the outcomes (e.g., β = −0.009, P = .03 for ADL decline, β = 0.008, P = .07 for infections). Compared with the summer quarter of lowest influenza activity, the results for the other quarters translate to an additional 12,284 NH residents experiencing large ADL decline annually, 15,168 experiencing significant weight loss, 6,284 new or worsening PUs, and 29,753 experiencing infections due to influenza.

Conclusion

The results suggest a substantial and potentially costly effect of influenza on NH residents. The effect of influenza vaccination on preventing further ADL decline and other clinical outcomes in NH residents should be studied further.
Dental Laboratory Communication Regarding Removable Dental Prosthesis Design in the UAE
Authors: Haj‐Ali Reem , Al Quran Firas , Adel Omar
Published: June 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the methods dental practitioners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) use to communicate cast removable dental prosthesis (RDP) design to dental laboratories; identify common practices taken by dentists/dental technicians prior to fabrication of RDP framework; and seek out dental technicians’ attitudes toward their role in RDP design decisions.

Materials and Methods: All dental laboratories (n = 28) listed in a local telephone directory were invited to complete a questionnaire through a face‐to‐face interview. They were also requested to examine RDP cases fabricated in the past 2 months and identify steps taken by dentists/dental technicians prior to fabrication of the framework. Descriptive statistics were used to report frequencies and percentages.

Results: Twenty‐one (75%) dental laboratories agreed to participate, out of which 19 had the facilities to fabricate chrome‐cobalt RDPs. Cast RDPs comprised approximately 4.04% (±2.67) of services provided. A reported 84.2% of dentists frequently communicate through generic lab script, with 89.5% rarely/never giving details regarding RDP design. While 52.6% of labs agree/strongly agree that it is the dentist's responsibility to decide the final RDP design, 94.7% agree/strongly agree that dentists should depend on dental technicians for design‐making decisions. A total of 19 RDP cases were reviewed. All 19 were surveyed and designed by dental technicians but received dentist approval of design prior to fabrication. Thirteen (68.4%) had rest‐seat preparations done by dentists after approval, and new impressions sent to the lab. No other tooth modifications were noted.

Conclusion: The responsibility of RDP design appeared to be largely delegated to dental technicians. Importance of tooth modifications seemed to be undervalued and not completed prior to framework fabrication.
Conventional and Modified Veneered Zirconia vs. Metalloceramic: Fatigue and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Silva Nelson R.F.A. , Bonfante Estevam , Rafferty Brian T. , Zavanelli Ricardo A. , Martins Leandro L. , Rekow, DDS, PhD E. Dianne , Thompson Van P. , Coehlo Paulo G.
Published: June 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that all‐ceramic crown core‐veneer system reliability is improved by modifying the core design and as a result is comparable in reliability to metal‐ceramic retainers (MCR). Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to verify maximum principal stress distribution in the systems.

Materials and Methods: A first lower molar full crown preparation was modeled by reducing the height of proximal walls by 1.5 mm and occlusal surface by 2.0 mm. The CAD‐based preparation was replicated and positioned in a dental articulator for specimen fabrication. Conventional (0.5 mm uniform thickness) and modified (2.5 mm height, 1 mm thickness at the lingual extending to proximals) zirconia (Y‐TZP) core designs were produced with 1.5 mm veneer porcelain. MCR controls were fabricated following conventional design. All crowns were resin cemented to 30‐day aged composite dies, aged 14 days in water and either single‐loaded to failure or step‐stress fatigue tested. The loads were positioned either on the mesiobuccal or mesiolingual cusp (n = 21 for each ceramic system and cusp). Probability Weibull and use level probability curves were calculated. Crack evolution was followed, and postmortem specimens were analyzed and compared to clinical failures.

Results: Compared to conventional and MCRs, increased levels of stress were observed in the core region for the modified Y‐TZP core design. The reliability was higher in the Y‐TZP‐lingual‐modified group at 100,000 cycles and 200 N, but not significantly different from the MCR‐mesiolingual group. The MCR‐distobuccal group showed the highest reliability. Fracture modes for Y‐TZP groups were veneer chipping not exposing the core for the conventional design groups, and exposing the veneer‐core interface for the modified group. MCR fractures were mostly chipping combined with metal coping exposure.

Conclusions: FEA showed higher levels of stress for both Y‐TZP core designs and veneer layers compared to MCR. Core design modification resulted in fatigue reliability response of Y‐TZP comparable to MCR at 100,000 cycles and 200 N. Fracture modes observed matched with clinical scenarios.
Deep and Superficial Masseter Muscle Blood Flow in Women
Authors: Curtis Donald A. , Gansky Stuart A. , Plesh Octavia
Published: June 2012

Purpose: Although changes in blood perfusion have been described as being associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) myofascial pain, very little is known about blood flow levels in the deep and superficial masseter muscle. This study investigated blood flow in deep and superficial sites of six healthy female particpants at baseline and during intermittent and continuous biting exercises and recovery.

Materials and Methods: Blood flow was monitored unilaterally using a single‐fiber probe laser Doppler flowmeter. The blood flow was continuously monitored at baseline and during two biting exercises: (a) intermittent at 25%, 50%, and 100% maximum voluntary bite force for 30 seconds each followed by 90 seconds rest between each biting level and (b) continuous biting at similar maximum voluntary bite force levels followed by 90 seconds rest.

Results: There was significantly higher blood flow in the deep sites compared to the superficial sites (p < 0.001) and a significant increase in blood flow during biting compared to baseline (p < 0.001). There were no significant changes in blood flow among the three levels of biting, between the intermittent and continuous exercises, or from baseline blood flow compared to recovery.

Conclusions: This study showed regional differences in masseter muscle blood flow, perhaps related to differences in muscle fiber type and pattern of muscle fiber recruitment.
A New Surgical Template with a Handpiece Positioner for Use During Flapless Placement of Four Dental Implants to Retain a Mandibular Overdenture
Authors: ELsyad Moustafa Abdou
Published: June 2012

This article describes the fabrication of a new and inexpensive surgical template from a radiographic template for flapless placement of dental implants to retain a mandibular overdenture. A radiographic template with radiopaque metal plate markers is constructed and used as a guide for achieving three‐dimensional evaluation of bone using computed tomography (CT). The potential position and angulation of the implants are measured relative to the metal plates using the CT data. The radiographic template is converted into a surgical template by attaching rigid metal rods that guide the handpiece precisely during subsequent drilling procedures.
Abutment Design for Implant‐Supported Indirect Composite Molar Crowns: Reliability and Fractography
Authors: Bonfante Estevam Augusto , Suzuki Marcelo , Lubelski William , Thompson Van P. , de Carvalho Ricardo Marins , Witek Lukasz , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: June 2012

Purpose: To investigate the reliability of titanium abutments veneered with indirect composites for implant‐supported crowns and the possibility to trace back the fracture origin by qualitative fractographic analysis.

Materials and Methods: Large base (LB) (6.4‐mm diameter base, with a 4‐mm high cone in the center for composite retention), small base (SB‐4) (5.2‐mm base, 4‐mm high cone), and small base with cone shortened to 2 mm (SB‐2) Ti abutments were used. Each abutment received incremental layers of indirect resin composite until completing the anatomy of a maxillary molar crown. Step‐stress accelerated‐life fatigue testing (n = 18 each) was performed in water. Weibull curves with use stress of 200 N for 50,000 and 100,000 cycles were calculated. Probability Weibull plots examined the differences between groups. Specimens were inspected in light‐polarized and scanning electron microscopes for fractographic analysis.

Results: Use level probability Weibull plots showed Beta values of 0.27 for LB, 0.32 for SB‐4, and 0.26 for SB‐2, indicating that failures were not influenced by fatigue and damage accumulation. The data replotted as Weibull distribution showed no significant difference in the characteristic strengths between LB (794 N) and SB‐4 abutments (836 N), which were both significantly higher than SB‐2 (601 N). Failure mode was cohesive within the composite for all groups. Fractographic markings showed that failures initiated at the indentation area and propagated toward the margins of cohesively failed composite.

Conclusions: Reliability was not influenced by abutment design. Qualitative fractographic analysis of the failed indirect composite was feasible.
Subcutaneous Botulinum Toxin for Chronic Post‐Thoracotomy Pain
Authors: Fabregat Gustavo , Asensio‐Samper Juan M. , Palmisani Stefano , Villanueva‐Pérez Vicente L. , De Andrés José
Published: June 2012

Objective:  Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that has been widely used in chronic pain for the treatment of multiple conditions with a component of localized muscle spasm. Recent studies suggest that botulinum toxin is effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes such as post‐herpetic neuralgia.

Case Report:  We report the case of a 67‐year‐old man who underwent atypical segmentectomy of a right lower lobe lung nodule. The patient was referred to our pain management department with a of 2‐year history persistent pain along the thoracotomy scar having a predominantly neuropathic component, refractory to standard treatments. He was successfully treated with subcutaneous botulinum toxin type A.

Discussion:  On the basics of our own experience and on the analysis of the reports published in the literature, fractioned subcutaneous injections of botulinum toxin may be useful for the treatment of various chronic localized pain conditions including chronic post‐thoracotomy pain.
Expanding Access to Midwifery Care: Using One Practice's Success to Create Community Change
Authors: Nijagal Malini Anand , Wice Melanie
Published: June 2012

Starting in 1991, Marin's County Certified Nurse‐Midwife‐Physician Collaborative Practice has proven to be a successful model of care for underinsured women. Functioning within the same hospital as traditional physician‐led practices, the practice displayed excellent clinical outcomes and gained respect within the community. Twenty years later, the Marin obstetric community decided to restructure its programs to incorporate the care of underinsured and privately insured women into one system. The goal was to design a system that would be patient‐centered, financially and professionally sustainable, and accessible to all women and would provide evidence‐based care with excellent outcomes. The community agreed, based on its own experience and on current literature, that continuing and expanding the midwife‐led model of care was a way to achieve these goals. Here we describe the history, practice, and outcomes of Marin's county practice and the factors that contributed to extending the availability of midwifery care to privately insured women.
Taking Contraband Seriously: Practicing “Legitimate Work” at the Mexico‐Guatemala Border
Authors: Galemba Rebecca
Published: June 2012

This article details the work experiences of small‐scale smugglers at the Mexico‐Guatemala border and how they give meaning to their work by redefining contraband as legitimate “business.” Through their daily practices, border residents distinguish between the “legal” flows of the everyday goods they smuggle and “illicit” flows of drugs, arms, and migrants. I apply a practice theory perspective to illustrate how everyday work practices deemed illegitimate by statist ideologies can lead to a reevaluation of hegemonic notions of “work.” Through their daily extralegal activities, border residents challenge conventional assessments of work and redefine neoliberal market logics that otherwise exclude them. Furthermore, I argue that a reflexive engagement with the ethnographic process provides insight into our own work principles and praxis. I reflect on my experience as an American female working among mostly male smugglers, leading to a critical reformulation not only of dominant definitions of legality, but of the politics and ethics of what is considered legitimate and worthwhile work.
A Desire to Formalize Work? Comparing Trade Union Strategies in Bolivia and Argentina
Authors: Lazar Sian
Published: June 2012

This article examines understandings of work within trade unions of street vendors in El Alto, Bolivia, and state employees in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The particular emphasis is on the distinction between formality and informality in both spheres, and the boundary between formal and informal is analyzed both as a way to organize the description of work (as employment) and as an object of union activism understood as a form of political work. The unions deal with that boundary differently in the two countries, and it is more salient for informants in Argentina than in Bolivia. Further, as an object of the political work of a trade union, it is also managed differently by each of the two Argentine pubic sector unions discussed here.
Elite Preferences in a Consolidating Democracy: The Brazilian Legislative Surveys, 1990–2009
Authors: Power Timothy J. , Zucco Cesar
Published: June 2012

This article examines key ideological, economic, and institutional preferences of the Brazilian political elite in the first 25 years of the country's present democratic regime. Introducing the unified dataset of the Brazilian Legislative Surveys, it examines several crucial dimensions of politicians' attitudes, including elite placement on a traditional left-right scale, preferences concerning the fundamental economic model, direct comparisons of the recent Cardoso and Lula governments, and orientations toward Brazil's global and regional projection. On many of the central issues, attitudes have remained stable, but on the dimensions that have seen notable change, nearly all the change has been in the direction of decreasing polarization. In contrast to the experience of some neighboring countries, the Brazilian case demonstrates that the sustained practice of democracy can lead to attitudinal convergence and macro-political stability, even when the initial political and socioeconomic conditions appear daunting.
Effect of Silver Ion‐Exchange on the Precipitation of Lead Sulfide Quantum Dots in Glasses
Authors: Xu Kai , Heo Jong
Published: June 2012

This article reports the effect of Ag+ ion‐exchange on the precipitation of PbS quantum dots (QDs) in silicate glasses. The glasses were subjected to ion‐exchange in AgNO3 salt melts at 260°C for 60 s. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and PbS QDs precipitated after heat treatment at temperatures of 440°C–460°C for 10 h. Photoluminescence wavelength λPL of PbS QDs was longer (~1525 ≤ λPL ≤ ~1580 nm) in Ag+ ion‐exchanged regions than in Ag+‐free regions (~1030 ≤ λPL ≤ ~1200 nm). Average diameter D of PbS QDs estimated by calculation and TEM images was larger in Ag+ ion‐exchanged regions (~5.2 ≤ D ≤ ~5.5 nm) than in Ag+‐free regions (~2.4 ≤ D ≤ ~3.3 nm). Ag NPs that formed during heat treatment provided the sites for heterogeneous nucleation of PbS QDs and promoted the precipitation of PbS QDs in glasses.
Hydrothermal Alteration of Glass to Chrysotile
Authors: Bloise A. , Belluso E. , Catalano M. , Barrese E. , Miriello D. , Apollaro C.
Published: June 2012

Chrysotile fibers were synthesized from glass in hydrothermal conditions. The starting materials were first held at 1650°C and then rapidly quenched down to room temperature. The resulting glass, after the addition of mineralizing agents, was hydrothermically altered in the following conditions: temperature 300°C–400°C; pressure 100–200 MPa; time 48–480 h. X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine/study the starting materials and products. Cylindrical fiber morphology was prevalent, but proto‐chrysotile was also detected, not entirely showing well‐defined crystallinity, as revealed by electron diffraction patterns of selected areas. The mineralizing agent and chemical composition of the glass play an important role in the yield of chrysotile fibers. The effect of growth parameters on the size and abundance of chrysotile fibers is also discussed, in the light of possible recrystallization of glass obtained by thermal treatment of chrysotile‐asbestos‐containing materials.
Ability to perform a single heel‐rise is significantly related to patient‐reported outcome afterAchilles tendon rupture
Authors: Olsson N. , Karlsson J. , Eriksson B. I. , Brorsson A. , Lundberg M. , Silbernagel K. G.
Published: June 2012

This study evaluated the short‐term recovery of function after an acuteAchilles tendon rupture, measured by a single‐legged heel‐rise test, with main emphasis on the relation to the patient‐reported outcomes and fear of physical activity and movement (kinesiophobia). Eighty‐one patients treated surgically or non‐surgically with early active rehabilitation afterAchilles tendon rupture were included in the study. Patient's ability to perform a single‐legged heel‐rise, physical activity level, patient‐reported symptoms, general health, and kinesiophobia was evaluated 12 weeks after the injury. The heel‐rise test showed that 40 out of 81 (49%) patients were unable to perform a single heel‐rise 12 weeks after the injury. We found that patients who were able to perform a heel‐rise were significantly younger, more often of male gender, reported a lesser degree of symptoms, and also had a higher degree of physical activity at 12 weeks. There was also a significant negative correlation between kinesiophobia and all the patient‐reported outcomes and the physical activity level. The heel‐rise ability appears to be an important early achievement and reflects the general level of healing, which influences patient‐reported outcome and physical activity. Future treatment protocols focusing on regaining strength early after the injury therefore seem to be of great importance. Kinesiophobia needs to be addressed early during the rehabilitation process.
Association of Neurexin 3 polymorphisms with smoking behavior
Authors: Docampo E. , Ribasés M. , Gratacòs M. , Bruguera E. , Cabezas C. , Sánchez‐Mora C. , Nieva G. , Puente D. , Argimon‐Pallàs J. M. , Casas M. , Rabionet R. , Estivill X.
Published: June 2012

The Neurexin 3 gene (NRXN3) has been associated with dependence on various addictive substances, as well as with the degree of smoking in schizophrenic patients and impulsivity among tobacco abusers. To further evaluate the role of NRXN3 in nicotine addiction, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a copy number variant (CNV) within the NRXN3 genomic region. An initial study was carried out on 157 smokers and 595 controls, all of Spanish Caucasian origin. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström index and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The 45 NRXN3 SNPs genotyped included all the SNPs previously associated with disease, and a previously described deletion within NRXN3. This analysis was replicated in 276 additional independent smokers and 568 controls. Case–control association analyses were performed at the allele, genotype and haplotype levels. Allelic and genotypic association tests showed that three NRXN3 SNPs were associated with a lower risk of being a smoker. The haplotype analysis showed that one block of 16 Kb, consisting of two of the significant SNPs (rs221473 and rs221497), was also associated with lower risk of being a smoker in both the discovery and the replication cohorts, reaching a higher level of significance when the whole sample was considered [odds ratio = 0.57 (0.42–0.77), permuted P = 0.0075]. By contrast, the NRXN3 CNV was not associated with smoking behavior. Taken together, our results confirm a role for NRXN3 in susceptibility to smoking behavior, and strongly implicate this gene in genetic vulnerability to addictive behaviors.
Bronchial reactivity and fractional exhaled NO in Crohn’s disease in the era of immunomodulating treatment
Authors: Livnat Galit , Lerner Aaron , Hakim Fahed , Eshach‐Adiv Orly , Berkowitz Drora , Bentur Lea
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Our aim was to determine bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) and fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) in a cohort followed and treated for Crohn’s disease (CD) in a Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit.

Methods:  Consecutive children with CD were referred to the Pediatric Pulmonary Unit. Each patient completed a questionnaire, followed by spirometry, methacholine challenge test (MCT) and determination of FeNO. The control group included patients evaluated for functional cough who had negative MCT.

Results:  Twenty‐three children and young adults (mean age, 17.39 ± 2.96 years) with CD were compared to 24 healthy controls. 20/23 patients received immunomodulating treatment. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) was significantly lower prior to (93.74 ± 10.81%, p = 0.009) and at the end of (78.91 ± 18.39%, p = 0.001) the MCT in the CD group compared with the control group (102.2 ± 10.477% and 95.33 ± 11.075%, respectively). Bronchial hyper‐responsiveness was observed in 30.4% of patients with CD. FeNO levels were 15.37 ± 24.17 in CD and 11.38 ± 5.42 in the control group (p = 0.21). Neither the response to MCT nor FeNO levels were affected by the disease duration or activity index.

Conclusion:  In our series, BHR is less frequent than previously described in children with CD. We hypothesize that our finding could result from immunomodulating treatments or lower disease activity.
Antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory infections: European primary paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and practice
Authors: Grossman Zachi , del Torso Stefano , Hadjipanayis Adamos , van Esso Diego , Drabik Anna , Sharland Mike
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Young children are the highest receivers of antibiotics in the European Union, with the majority of antibiotics given for children with minor upper respiratory infections (URIs). The study aims to examine paediatricians’ reported views influencing community antibiotic prescribing.

Methods:  European primary care paediatricians and participants of the European Academy of Paediatrics Research in Ambulatory Setting Network were asked to complete a Web‐based survey on knowledge, attitudes and practice of antibiotic prescribing for URIs.

Results:  The survey was completed by 685 respondents from 21 countries, 397 network participants (response rate 65%) and 288 paediatricians. Overall, 43.5% of respondents overestimated the risks associated with not prescribing antibiotics and the clinical benefit of antibiotics in otitis media and tonsillitis (strong believers in the benefits of antibiotics phenotype). Strong believers are also more likely to be high prescribers of antibiotics. Paediatricians from a low or medium European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption country category prescribe less antibiotics than those from a higher category.

Conclusion:  There is a clear need for an educational intervention focused on European primary care paediatricians based on the risk‐benefit analysis associated with the antibiotic prescribing for minor URIs, to reduce inappropriate prescribing.
Role of Clinician's Experience and Implant Design on Implant Stability. An Ex Vivo Study in Artificial Soft Bones
Authors: Romanos Georgios E. , Basha‐Hijazi Abdulaziz , Gupta Bhumija , Ren Yan‐Fang , Malmstrom Hans
Published: June 2012

Objectives: Clinical experience in implant placement is important in order to prevent implant failures. However, the implant design affects the primary implant stability (PS) especially in poor quality bones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of clinician surgical experience on PS, when placing different type of implant designs.

Methods: A total of 180 implants (90 parallel walled‐P and 90 tapered‐T) were placed in freshly slaughtered cow ribs. Bone quality was evaluated by two examiners during surgery and considered as ‘type IV’ bone. Implants (ø 5 mm, length: 15 mm, Osseotite, BIOMET 3i, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA) were placed by three different clinicians (master/I, good/II, non‐experienced/III, under direct supervision of a manufacturer representative; 30 implants/group). An independent observer assessed the accuracy of placement by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) with implant stability quotient (ISQ) values. Two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test were used to detect the surgical experience of the clinicians and their interaction and effects of implant design on the PS.

Results: All implants were mechanically stable. The mean ISQ values were: 49.57(± 18.49) for the P‐implants and 67.07(± 8.79) for the T‐implants. The two‐way ANOVA showed significant effects of implant design (p < .0001), clinician (p < .0001), and their interaction (p < .0001). The Tukey's multiple comparison test showed significant differences in RFA for the clinician group I/II (p = .015) and highly significant (p < .0001) between I/III and II/III. The P‐implants presented (for I, II, and III) mean ISQ values 31.25/49.18/68.17 and the T‐implants showed higher ISQ values, 70.15/62.08/68.98, respectively. Clinicians I and II did not show extreme differences for T‐implants (p = .016). In contrast, clinician III achieved high ISQ values using P‐ and T‐implants following the exact surgical protocol based on the manufacturer guidelines. T‐implants provided high stability for experienced clinicians compared with P‐implants.

Conclusion: T‐implants achieved greater PS than the P‐implants. All clinicians consistently achieved PS; however, experienced clinicians achieved higher ISQ values with T‐implants in poor quality bone.
Self‐Adhesive Resin Cements—Part II
Authors: SWIFT, JR. EDWARD J.
Published: June 2012

This is the second part of a two‐part piece on self‐adhesive resin cements; Part I was presented in the previous issue of the Journal. Here in Part II, the specific topics concerning self‐adhesive cements are clinical performance, post‐cementation sensitivity, and cementation of endodontic posts.
A role for γS‐crystallin in the organization of actin and fiber cell maturation in the mouse lens
Authors: Fan Jianguo , Dong Lijin , Mishra Sanghamitra , Chen Yingwei , FitzGerald Paul , Wistow Graeme
Published: June 2012

γS‐crystallin (γS) is a highly conserved component of the eye lens. To gain insights into the functional role(s) of this protein, the mouse gene (Crygs) was deleted. Although mutations in γS can cause severe cataracts, loss of function of γS in knockout (KO) mice produced no obvious lens opacity, but was associated with focusing defects. Electron microscopy showed no major differences in lens cell organization, suggesting that the optical defects are primarily cytoplasmic in origin. KO lenses were also grossly normal by light microscopy but showed evidence of incomplete clearance of cellular organelles in maturing fiber cells. Phalloidin labeling showed an unusual distribution of F‐actin in a band of mature fiber cells in KO lenses, suggesting a defect in the organization or processing of the actin cytoskeleton. Indeed, in wild‐type lenses, γS and F‐actin colocalize along the fiber cell plasma membrane. Relative levels of F‐actin and G‐actin in wild‐type and KO lenses were estimated from fluorescent staining profiles and from isolation of actin fractions from whole lenses. Both methods showed a two‐fold reduction in the F‐actin/G‐actin ratio in KO lenses, whereas no difference in tubulin organization was detected. In vitro experiments showed that recombinant mouse γS can directly stabilize F‐actin. This suggests that γS may have a functional role related to actin, perhaps in ‘shepherding’ filaments to maintain the optical properties of the lens cytoplasm and normal fiber cell maturation.
Human butyrylcholinesterase produced in insect cells: huprine‐based affinity purification and crystal structure
Authors: Brazzolotto Xavier , Wandhammer Marielle , Ronco Cyril , Trovaslet Marie , Jean Ludovic , Lockridge Oksana , Renard Pierre‐Yves , Nachon Florian
Published: June 2012

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a serine hydrolase that is present in all mammalian tissues. It can accommodate larger substrates or inhibitors than acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme responsible for hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central nervous system and neuromuscular junctions. AChE is the specific target of organophosphorous pesticides and warfare nerve agents, and BChE is a stoichiometric bioscavenger. Conversion of BChE into a catalytic bioscavenger by rational design or designing reactivators specific to BChE required structural data obtained using a recombinant low‐glycosylated human BChE expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. This expression system yields ∼ 1 mg of pure enzyme per litre of cell culture. Here, we report an improved expression system using insect cells with a fourfold higher yield for truncated human BChE with all glycosylation sites present. We developed a fast purification protocol for the recombinant protein using huprine‐based affinity chromatography, which is superior to the classical procainamide‐based affinity. The purified BChE crystallized under different conditions and space group than the recombinant low‐glycosylated protein produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The crystals diffracted to 2.5 Å. The overall monomer structure is similar to the low‐glycosylated structure except for the presence of the additional glycans. Remarkably, the carboxylic acid molecule systematically bound to the catalytic serine in the low‐glycosylated structure is also present in this new structure, despite the different expression system, purification protocol and crystallization conditions.

Database
 Structural data have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under accession number pdb 4AQD. DNA sequence data for the synthetic gene have been submitted to GenBank under accession number JQ941878.

Structured digital abstract

 BChE and BChE bind by x‐raycrystallography (View interaction)
Always read the label: a case report of a penile burn
Authors: King Ian , Lipede Christina , Varma Sanjay
Published: June 2012

A 32‐year‐old man presented with chemical burns to his penis following accidental application of depilatory cream to the area. The gentleman consequently sustained deep dermal burns to his penis, experiencing genital swelling and dysuria. This injury was managed conservatively in our burns unit and the patient was discharged shortly after. We present this unusual case of penile burns which has not previously been described in the literature despite depilatory creams being inexpensive and relatively easy to use, and subsequently popular choice amongst available hair removal options.
The average cost of pressure ulcer management in a community dwelling spinal cord injury population
Authors: Chan Brian C , Nanwa Natasha , Mittmann Nicole , Bryant Dianne , Coyte Peter C , Houghton Pamela E
Published: June 2012

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common secondary complication experienced by community dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). There is a paucity of literature on the health economic impact of PU in SCI population from a societal perspective. The objective of this study was to determine the resource use and costs in 2010 Canadian dollars of a community dwelling SCI individual experiencing a PU from a societal perspective. A non‐comparative cost analysis was conducted on a cohort of community dwelling SCI individuals from Ontario, Canada. Medical resource use was recorded over the study period. Unit costs associated with these resources were collected from publicly available sources and published literature. Average monthly cost was calculated based on 7‐month follow‐up. Costs were stratified by age, PU history, severity level, location of SCI, duration of current PU and PU surface area. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out. Among the 12 study participants, total average monthly cost per community dwelling SCI individual with a PU was $4745. Hospital admission costs represented the greatest percentage of the total cost (62%). Sensitivity analysis showed that the total average monthly costs were most sensitive to variations in hospitalisation costs.
Levamisole‐induced occlusive necrotising vasculitis in cocaine abusers: an unusual cause of skin necrosis and neutropenia
Authors: Belfonte Cassius D , Shanmugam Victoria K , Kieffer Nicole , Coker Shodeinde , Boucree Suelyn , Kerr Gail
Published: June 2012

We present three cases describing the various skin manifestations of presumed levamisole‐contaminated cocaine use. Antibody‐mediated vasculitis and neutropenia were consistent findings in these cases and repeat exposure resulted in distinct dermatologic complications. This phenomenon of levamisole‐induced vasculitis and neutropenia is being increasingly described and has characteristic wound manifestations that must be recognised and treated early.