bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closed Hollow Bulb Obturator—One‐Step Fabrication: A Clinical Report
Authors: Buzayan Muaiyed M. , Ariffin Yusnidar T. , Yunus Norsiah
Published: April 2013

A method is described for the fabrication of a closed hollow bulb obturator prosthesis using a hard thermoforming splint material and heat‐cured acrylic resin. The technique allowed the thickness of the thermoformed bulb to be optimized for weight reduction, while the autopolymerized seal area was covered in heat‐cured acrylic resin, thus eliminating potential leakage and discoloration. This technique permits the obturator prosthesis to be processed to completion from the wax trial denture without additional laboratory investing, flasking, and processing.
Biological Aspects as a Rule for Single Implant Placement. The 3A‐2B Rule: A Clinical Report
Authors: Rojas‐Vizcaya Fernando
Published: April 2013

For an implant restoration to be both esthetically and functionally successful, the prosthodontist must conduct a thorough treatment plan and complete a prosthesis design. The prosthodontist must carefully calculate the space needed for the restoration and soft tissue in the restoration process. The restoration and soft tissue are affected by the three‐dimensional (3D) position of the implant, as the implant's depth determines the ideal length of the crown. When determining the 3D position of the implant, the clinician must consider the biological aspects required to ensure the restoration's biological integration with the patient's hard and soft tissues. The restoration must be the first component considered in the treatment plan. In addition, the clinician must understand that the distance between the cervical contour (of the planned restoration) and the level of the bone will dictate how the surgical and prosthetic treatment plan is enacted. In this report, a novel Radiographic Biological Ruler© (with biological information) was used to help facilitate the treatment plan's analysis.
MicroCT Analysis of a Retrieved Root Restored with a Bonded Fiber‐Reinforced Composite Dowel: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lorenzoni Fabio Cesar , Bonfante Estevam A. , Bonfante Gerson , Martins Leandro M. , Witek Lukasz , Silva Nelson R.F.A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This evaluation aimed to (1) validate micro‐computed tomography (microCT) findings using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, and (2) quantify the volume of voids and the bonded surface area resulting from fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) dowel cementation technique using microCT scanning technology/3D reconstructing software.

Materials and Methods

A fiberglass dowel was cemented in a condemned maxillary lateral incisor prior to its extraction. A microCT scan was performed of the extracted tooth creating a large volume of data in DICOM format. This set of images was imported to image‐processing software to inspect the internal architecture of structures.

Results

The outer surface and the spatial relationship of dentin, FRC dowel, cement layer, and voids were reconstructed. Three‐dimensional spatial architecture of structures and volumetric analysis revealed that 9.89% of the resin cement was composed of voids and that the bonded area between root dentin and cement was 60.63% larger than that between cement and FRC dowel.

Conclusions

SEM imaging demonstrated the presence of voids similarly observed using microCT technology (aim 1). MicroCT technology was able to nondestructively measure the volume of voids within the cement layer and the bonded surface area at the root/cement/FRC interfaces (aim 2). Clinical significance: The interfaces at the root dentin/cement/dowel represent a timely and relevant topic where several efforts have been conducted in the past few years to understand their inherent features. MicroCT technology combined with 3D reconstruction allows for not only inspecting the internal arrangement rendered by fiberglass adhesively bonded to root dentin, but also estimating the volume of voids and contacted bond area between the dentin and cement layer.
Sagittal Condylar Angle and Gender Differences
Authors: Alshali Ruwaida Z. , Yar Riaz , Barclay Craig , Satterthwaite Julian D.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to measure sagittal condylar inclination (SCI) in male and female participants and to assess differences between the two groups. This measurement has a clinical value in setting the articulator SCI before fabrication of indirect restorations.

Materials and Methods

The study included 32 dental students, 16 men and 16 women (aged 18 to 40 years). The participants had no signs of muscular or articular pain. SCI was recorded for participants using a CADIAX® compact 2 electronic axiograph.

Results

The mean SCI in both men and women varied between 26.1° and 61.8°, with a mean of 41.9° (SD 7.8). The mean right SCI was 42.0° (SD 8.5), and the mean left SCI was 41.9° (SD 9.2). The mean SCI for men was 40.3° (SD 7.9), and the mean for women was 43.6° (SD 7.7). No statistically significant difference in SCI values was found between the right and left side (p = 0.995), or between the male and female groups (p = 0.133). Also, no correlation could be found between SCI and the age of the participants (r2 = 0.016, p = 0.489).

Conclusions

The mean value of SCI was within the range reported in previous studies. SCI is highly variable, but this variability does not seem to be attributed to condylar asymmetry, gender, or age of the adult participants. This high variability suggests that independent condylar measurements should be conducted for each patient instead of relying on reported average values.
Maximum Dislodging Forces of Mandibular Implant‐Assisted Removable Partial Dentures: In Vitro Assessment
Authors: Gharehchahi Jafar , Asadzadeh Nafiseh , Mirmortazavi Amirtaher , Shakeri Mohammad Taghi
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The initial retention of implant‐assisted removable partial dentures (IARPDs) is unknown. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare maximum dislodging forces of distal extension mandibular IARPD with two different attachments and three clasp designs.

Materials and Methods

A simulated class I partially edentulous mandible was prepared with two screw‐type 3.75×12 mm implants in the first molar regions and 2 metal‐ceramic crowns on distal abutments. Fifteen bilateral distal extension frameworks were conventionally fabricated in three clasp designs (suprabulge, infrabulge, no clasp). Locator attachments were connected to the 15 denture bases with autopolymerized resin. Each specimen was subject to four types of retention pulls (main, anterior, posterior, unilateral pull) five times with a universal testing machine. Locator attachments were replaced with O‐ring attachments, and the same procedure was performed. Therefore, the study groups included: IRPD with Locator attachment and suprabulge clasp (group 1), IRPD with Locator attachment and infrabulge clasp (group 2), IRPD with Locator attachment and no clasp (group 3), IRPD with O‐ring attachment and suprabulge clasp (group 4), IRPD with O‐ring attachment and infrabulge clasp (group 5), IRPD with O‐ring attachment and no clasp (group 6). Data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA, two‐way ANOVA, and Tukey tests.

Results

The highest mean value was 22.99 lb for prostheses with a Locator attachment and suprabulge clasp. The lowest retentive values were recorded for IARPDs with O‐ring attachments.

Conclusion

The results of this in vitro study suggest that the precise selection of attachments with or without clasp assemblies may affect the clinical success of mandibular IARPDs.
A Multidisciplinary Approach for Management of Postenucleation Socket Syndrome with Dermis‐Fat Graft and Ocular Prosthesis: A Clinical Report
Authors: Aggarwal Himanshi , Singh Kamleshwar , Kumar Pradeep , Alvi Habib A.
Published: April 2013

A contracted eye socket is a cosmetic blemish to the patient. It not only renders patients unable to wear an eye prosthesis, but also becomes a source of chronic discharge and irritation. Orbital implants allow for cosmesis and volume replacement of an enucleated or eviscerated eye. Alloplastic orbital implants are associated with potential complications, including exposure and extrusion. A dermis‐fat graft offers the advantages of relative availability and an autologous nature. This article reports on a patient suffering from severe postenucleation socket syndrome after enucleation of the bulbus with postoperative irradiation of the orbit due to retinoblastoma and its subsequent management by a dermal‐fat graft and ocular prosthesis. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the usefulness of dermal‐fat grafting as a safe and stable orbital volume replacement following enucleation.
Patient and health‐care impact of a pilot rheumatic heart disease screening program
Authors: Wark Emma Kathleen , Hodder Yvonne Coral , Woods Cindy Estelle , Maguire Graeme Paul
Published: April 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a pilot screening program for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) on patient quality of life (QOL) and health services.

Methods

A QOL questionnaire (CHQ‐PF28) was used to assess the impact of RHD screening on children with a potentially abnormal screening echocardiogram and matched normal controls. The health service response to a potentially abnormal screening echocardiogram and the impact of the screening program on health services was evaluated using medical record review, carer interviews and surveys of health‐care providers.

Results

QOL was assessed in 68 children. Potentially abnormal screening echocardiograms were associated with poorer QOL in the General Health Perception (P < 0.05) and Parental Impact – Emotional (P < 0.05) domains. Health services contacted 82% of children with potentially abnormal echocardiograms, and clinical review occurred in 56%. A potentially abnormal echocardiogram was associated with a change in management in 6% (2/34) of children. When surveyed, 49% of health providers were aware of the RHD screening program, 29% had seen children referred with screening abnormalities and 85% of these providers stated this had an impact on local health‐care delivery.

Conclusions

This pilot RHD screening program was associated with poorer child and carer QOL for those with potentially abnormal results, greater health provider workload and suboptimal clinical follow‐up. The adoption of screening for RHD in high‐risk populations should be approached cautiously. Further research is required to facilitate and validate improved echocardiographic diagnostic criteria for RHD and the systematic assessment of the benefits and adverse effects of such screening.
Unusual presentation of acute otomastoiditis with petrositis
Authors: Lammers Thalia HM , Krieser David M
Published: April 2013

The anatomical relationships of the middle ear, the mastoid air cells, the temporal bone and intracranial structures can lead to invasive infections. Acute mastoiditis is the most common intratemporal complication of acute otitis media. Timely management includes antimicrobial therapy, imaging including ultrasound and/or computed tomography, surgical consultation and intervention. There are insufficient data to provide an evidence‐based diagnostic tool for acute mastoiditis. Clinical, laboratory and microbiological differences between children with simple and complicated mastoiditis will be explored after case presentation of a 5‐year‐old boy with fever and a tender, soft‐tissue swelling over the left zygomatic arch.
Gingival crevicular fluid levels of interferon‐γ, but not interleukin‐4 or ‐33 or thymic stromal lymphopoietin, are increased in inflamed sites in patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Papathanasiou E. , Teles F. , Griffin T. , Arguello E. , Finkelman M. , Hanley J. , Theoharides T. C.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To investigate the hypothesis that levels of interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐4, as well as the newer cytokines IL‐33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples differ from sites of patients at various clinical stages of periodontal disease and controls.

Background

Periodontal diseases result from the complex interplay between pathogenic bacteria and the host's immune responses. Several inflammatory mediators, such as IFN‐γ and IL‐4, have been detected in GCF samples in patients with periodontitis, but the results are mostly contradicting due to the lack of uniformity and collection of sites and methods of analysis.

Material and Methods

GCF samples were collected from sites with different clinical characteristics (healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis sites) from periodontally healthy ( n = 14), plaque‐induced gingivitis (n = 17) and chronic periodontitis (n = 11) subjects. The GCF samples were analyzed for the frequency of detection and levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐33 and TSLP using a multiplex bead immunoassay.

Results

Inflamed sites in both patients with plaque‐induced gingivitis and chronic periodontitis showed statistically significantly higher volume of GCF compared to non‐inflamed sites in all patients. IFN‐γ could be detected in about 50–70% of the samples analyzed and at significantly higher levels in sites with periodontitis compared to healthy sites in patients with chronic periodontitis (p = 0.035). We also show a statistically significant decrease of IFN‐? in healthy sites of patients with chronic periodontitis as compared to gingivitis sites in patients with plaque‐induced gingivitis (p = 0.047). Only some of the GCF samples showed detectable levels for IL‐4 and TSLP, while IL‐33 was below the detection level in all samples collected.

Conclusions

These results suggest that IFN‐γ levels in GCF depend on the clinical stage of the site and not on the disease stage of the patient, but need to be expanded to a greater number of subjects and additional analysis of corresponding gingival tissue biopsies for cytokine gene expression.
α‐Amylase is a potential growth inhibitor of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogenic bacterium
Authors: Ochiai A. , Harada K. , Hashimoto K. , Shibata K. , Ishiyama Y. , Mitsui T. , Tanaka T. , Taniguchi M.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objective

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major etiological agent in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. In this study, we isolated a cell growth inhibitor against P. gingivalis species from rice protein extract.

Material and Methods

The cell growth inhibitor active against P. gingivalis was purified from polished rice extract using a six‐step column chromatography process. Its antimicrobial properties were investigated through microscope analysis, spectrum of activity and general structure.

Results

The inhibitor was identified as AmyI‐1, an α‐amylase, and showed significant cell growth inhibitory activity against P. gingivalis species. Scanning electron microscopy micrograph analysis and bactericidal assay indicated an intriguing possibility that the inhibitor compromises the cell membrane structure of the bacterial cells and leads to cell death. Moreover, α‐amylases from human saliva and porcine pancreas showed inhibitory activity similar to that of AmyI‐1.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report that α‐amylases cause cell death of periodontal pathogenic bacteria. This finding highlights the potential importance and therapeutic potential of α‐amylases in treating periodontal diseases.
Managing the Difficult Penile Prosthesis Patient
Authors: Trost Landon W. , Baum Neil , Hellstrom Wayne J.G.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs) are associated with excellent long-term outcomes and patient/partner satisfaction. A small percentage of patients remain dissatisfied, despite acceptable surgical results.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate factors associated with patient satisfaction and dissatisfaction, define patient characteristics, which may identify elevated risk of postoperative dissatisfaction, and describe management strategies to optimize functional and psychological patient outcomes.

Methods

A review of urologic and non-urologic cosmetic surgery literature was performed to identify factors associated with patient satisfaction/dissatisfaction. Emphasis was placed on articles defining “high risk” or psychologically challenging patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Preoperative factors associated with patient satisfaction/dissatisfaction and character traits, which may identify elevated risk of postoperative dissatisfaction or otherwise indicate a psychologically challenging patient.

Results

Contemporary patient and partner satisfaction rates following IPP are 92–100% and 91–95%, respectively. Factors associated with satisfaction include decreased preoperative expectations, favorable female partner sexual function, body mass index ≤30, and absence of Peyronie's disease or prior prostatectomy. Determinants of dissatisfaction include perceived/actual loss of penile length, decreased glanular engorgement, altered erectile/ejaculatory sensation, pain, diminished cosmetic outcome, difficulty with device function, partner dissatisfaction and perception of unnatural sensation, complications, and extent of alternative treatments offered. Personality characteristics which may indicate psychologically challenging IPP patients include obsessive/compulsive tendencies, unrealistic expectations, patients undergoing revision surgery, those seeking multiple surgical opinions, feeling of entitlement, patients in denial of their prior erectile/sexual function and current disease status, or those with other psychiatric disorders. The mnemonic CURSED Patient is presented: “Compulsive/obsessive, Unrealistic, Revision, Surgeon Shopping, Entitled, Denial, and Psychiatric.”

Conclusions

Although the majority of IPP patients experience excellent, durable satisfaction and outcomes, a challenging subset of patients may be at increased risk of postoperative dissatisfaction. Appropriate recognition/prevention and management of this cohort may help to establish and strengthen relationships, reduce physical, emotional, and legal risk, and ultimately enhance patient satisfaction.
Summit on Medical School Education in Sexual Health: Report of an Expert Consultation
Authors: Coleman Eli , Elders Joycelyn , Satcher David , Shindel Alan , Parish Sharon , Kenagy Gretchen , Bayer Carey Roth , Knudson Gail , Kingsberg Sheryl , Clayton Anita , Lunn Mitchell R. , Goldsmith Elizabeth , Tsai Perry , Light Alexis
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Medical education in sexual health in the United States and Canada is lacking. Medical students and practicing physicians report being underprepared to adequately address their patients' sexual health needs. Recent studies have shown little instruction on sexual health in medical schools and little consensus around the type of material medical students should learn. To address and manage sexual health issues, medical students need improved education and training.

Aim

This meeting report aims to present findings from a summit on the current state of medical school education in sexual health and provides recommended strategies to better train physicians to address sexual health.

Methods

To catalyze improvements in sexual health education in medical schools, the summit brought together key U.S. and Canadian medical school educators, sexual health educators, and other experts. Attendees reviewed and discussed relevant data and potential recommendations in plenary sessions and then developed key recommendations in smaller breakout groups.

Results

Findings presented at the summit demonstrate that the United States and Canada have high rates of poor sexual health outcomes and that sexual health education in medical schools is variable and in some settings diminished. To address these issues, government, professional, and student organizations are working on efforts to promote sexual health. Several universities already have sexual health curricula in place. Evaluation mechanisms will be essential for developing and refining sexual health education.

Conclusions

To be effective, sexual health curricula need to be integrated longitudinally throughout medical training. Identifying faculty champions and supporting student efforts are strategies to increase sexual health education. Sexual health requires a multidisciplinary approach, and cross-sector interaction between various public and private entities can help facilitate change. Areas important to address include: core content and placement in the curriculum; interprofessional education and training for integrated care; evaluation mechanisms; faculty development and cooperative strategies. Initial recommendations were drafted for each.
Genocide Reconsidered: A Pragmatist Approach
Authors: Schneiderhan Erik
Published: April 2013

The recent literature on genocide shows signs of taking what might be called a “processual turn,” with genocide increasingly understood as a contingent process rather than a singular event. But while this second generation's turn may be clear to those within the literature, the theory guiding the change is insufficiently specified. The theory regarding process and contingency is implicit, and, as such, genocide theory does not realize its full generative potential. The primary goal of this article is to provide a more robust theoretical framework for making sense of the continually evolving dimensions of genocide. It builds on the literature's existing foundations, most notablyMann's (2005) notion of “contingent escalations.” In the spirit of the recent revival ofAmerican Pragmatism in sociology, it draws on the work ofDewey,Mills,Follett, andAddams (among others) as part of a theoretical reconstruction using pragmatist concepts such as rupture, perplexity, vocabularies of motive, and experimentation to consider examples from the Rwandan genocide and show how we might explore the potential for non‐teleological intentionality on the part of genocidal actors. The result is an enhanced theoretical framework that offers “fresh eyes” for considering one of the worst (and most under‐theorized) social problems.
Alienation as Atrophied Moral Cognition and Its Implications for Political Behavior
Authors: Thompson Michael J.
Published: April 2013

I present a theory of alienation that accounts for the cognitive processes involved with moral thinking and political behavior in modern societies. On my account, alienation can be understood as a particular kind of atrophy of moral concepts and moral thinking that affect the ways individuals cognize and legitimate the social world and their place within it. Central to my argument is the thesis that modern forms of social integration—shaped by highly institutionalized, rationalized and hierarchical forms of social life—serve to constrain the moral‐ cognitive powers of subjects leading to a condition of alienation as moral atrophy. This state results from the withering of the subject's internal powers of moral reflection and an overriding predisposition to rely on external value schemas to make sense of moral and political problems. I then present an analysis of alienated moral consciousness and its implications for modern social theory.
Endocrine evaluation after an intra‐articular therapeutic dosage of dexamethasone in horses
Authors: Capolongo F. , Gallina G. , Fidani M. , Baia F. , Montesissa C.
Published: April 2013

This study investigated whether a single intra‐articular administration (IA) of dexamethasone (DEX) in horses at therapeutic dosage could exert a systemic effect by influencing the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity as a consequence of (limited) absorption and systemic distribution. The results indicated that DEX was detectable in urine collected 12–48 h after IA administration and that injection was accompanied by a reduced urine excretion of cortisol, 6β‐hydroxycortisol (6βOHF) and two other metabolites of cortisol lasting up to 48 h post‐DEX administration. The systemic effects in horses treated with DEX by IA route are similar to those that typically occur with short‐term treatment including the reduction in urinary cortisol concentration.
Phage biocontrol of enteropathogenic and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli during milk fermentation
Authors: Tomat D. , Mercanti D. , Balagué C. , Quiberoni A.
Published: April 2013

Two bacteriophages, isolated from faeces, were assayed as biocontrol agents of pathogenic Escherichia coli during milk fermentation. Phage DT1 was tested on the strain E. coli DH5α, one enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strain and one Shiga toxigenic E. coli O157:H7 (STEC) strain. Phage DT6 was tested on two STEC strains (O157:H7 and non-O157). One additional assay was performed by using a cocktail of both phages against the O157:H7 STEC strain. Streptococcus thermophilus 10-C, the strain used as lactic starter, reached 109 CFU ml−1 after 4 h, while pH values fell to 4·5 after 8 h, regardless of the presence of E. coli strains and/or phages. In absence of phages, E. coli strains reached 4–6 log CFU ml−1 at 5–6 h. Escherichia coli DH5α and O157:H7 STEC strains were rapidly and completely inactivated by phage DT1 and phage cocktail, respectively, while O157:H7 STEC was completely inactivated either by DT1 or by DT6, after 8 h. The EPEC strain was not detected at 1 h (<10 CFU ml−1) but grew afterwards, though at lower rates than without phage. For non-O157:H7 STEC, reductions lower than 1 log CFU ml−1 were observed for all sampling times. Phages DT1 and DT6, either individually or as a cocktail, effectively reduce O157:H7 STEC counts during milk fermentation, without compromising the starter culture performance.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Coliphages DT1 and DT6, isolated from faeces and selected on the basis of their host range, showed to be valuable tools for the control of pathogenic Escherichia coli during milk fermentation, without compromising the starter culture performance. Both phages, either individually or as a cocktail, may function as an extra safety barrier beyond traditional pasteurization, effectively reducing O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) counts during early growth, thus avoiding Shiga toxin production and accumulation.
The regulation of T‐cell recruitment to the human liver during acute liver failure
Authors: Tuncer Ceren , Oo Ye H. , Murphy Nick , Adams David H. , Lalor Patricia F.
Published: April 2013

Background & Aims

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare clinical syndrome with high mortality resulting from hepatocellular necrosis and loss of function. In seronegative hepatitis (SNH), a T‐cell‐rich infiltrate leads to immune‐mediated hepatocyte destruction, whereas in paracetamol poisoning, toxic metabolites induce hepatocyte necrosis, followed by a macrophage‐rich, lymphocytic infiltrate that is an important factor in driving repair and regeneration. The nature of the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate, key to ALF pathogenesis and outcome, is determined by the recruitment of effector cells from blood, but the molecular basis of recruitment is poorly understood. To determine the phenotype of circulating and hepatic lymphocytes in patients with ALF secondary to paracetamol overdose (POD) or SNH and investigate the molecular basis of lymphocyte recruitment.

Methods

We used FACS, immunohistochemistry and flow‐based adhesion assays to determine the regulation of lymphocyte adhesion.

Results

SNH and POD intrahepatic lymphocytes were αLβ2hi, CD69hi and CD38hi with a distinct homing phenotype being L‐selectinlo, CXCR3hi and CCR5+. Expression of chemokine ligands for the receptors CCR5, CXCR3 and CXCR6 and the adhesion molecules ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and VAP‐1 was markedly increased in the liver in ALF. Lymphocytes isolated from the livers of patients with SNH showed enhanced chemokine‐dependent adhesion and transmigration across the human hepatic endothelium in vitro under flow and used a combination of β1 and β2 integrins to adhere to endothelium and β2 integrins, CD31 and VAP‐1 to transmigrate.

Conclusion

Aetiology‐dependent combinations of adhesion molecules and chemokines expressed within tissue during ALF recruit lymphocytes with a distinct homing phenotype.
Natural occurrence of reidite in the Xiuyan crater of China
Authors: Chen Ming , Yin Feng , Li Xiaodong , Xie Xiande , Xiao Wansheng , Tan Dayong
Published: April 2013

The high‐pressure minerals of reidite and coesite have been identified in the moderately shock‐metamorphosed gneiss (shock stage II, 35–45 GPa) and the strongly shock‐metamorphosed gneiss (shock stage III, 45–55 GPa), respectively, from the polymict breccias of the Xiuyan crater, a simple impact structure 1.8 km in diameter in China. Reidite in the shock stage II gneiss displays lamellar textures developed in parental grains of zircon. The phase transformation of zircon to reidite likely corresponds to a martensitic mechanism. No coesite is found in the reidite‐bearing gneiss. The shock stage III gneiss contains abundant coesite, but no reidite is identified in the rock. Coesite occurs as acicular, dendritic, and spherulitic crystals characteristic of crystallization from shock‐produced silica melt. Zircon in the rock is mostly recrystallized. The postshock temperature in the shock stage III gneiss is too high for the preservation of reidite, whereas reidite survives in the shock stage II gneiss because of relatively low postshock temperature. Reidite does not occur together with coesite because of difference in shock‐induced temperature between the shock stage II gneiss and the shock stage III gneiss.
Characterization and morphological reconstruction of the Terny impact structure, central Ukraine
Authors: Sharpton V. L. , Krochuk R. V. , Herrick R. R.
Published: April 2013

The Terny impact structure, located in central Ukraine, displays a variety of diagnostic indicators of shock metamorphism, including shatter cones, planar deformation features in quartz, diaplectic glass, selective melting of minerals, and whole rock melting. The structure has been modified by erosion and subsequently buried by recent sediments. Although there are no natural outcrops of the deformed basement rocks within the area, mining exploration has provided surface and subsurface access to the structure, exposing impact melt rocks, shocked parautochthonous target rocks, and allochthonous impact breccias, including impact melt‐bearing breccias similar to suevites observed at the Ries structure. We have collected and studied samples from surface and subsurface exposures to a depth of approximately 750 m below the surface. This analysis indicates the Terny crater is centered on geographic coordinates 48.13° N, 33.52° E. The center location and the distribution of shock pressures constrain the transient crater diameter to be no less than approximately 8.4 km. Using widely accepted morphometric scaling relations, we estimate the pre‐erosional rim diameter of Terny crater to be approximately 16–19 km, making it close in original size to the well‐preserved El'gygytgyn crater in Siberia. Comparison with El'gygytgyn yields useful insights into the original morphology of the Terny crater and indicates that the amount of erosion Terny experienced prior to burial probably does not exceed 320 m.
Emodin Improves Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Microcirculatory Disturbance in Rat Mesentery
Authors: Li Ang , Dong Lei , Duan Mei‐Li , Sun Kai , Liu Yu‐Ying , Wang Ming‐Xia , Deng Jing‐Na , Fan Jing‐Yu , Wang Bao‐En , Han Jing‐Yan
Published: April 2013

Objective

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Emodin is a major ingredient of Rheum Palmatum, a Chinese herb that is widely used in China for treatment of endotoxemia‐related diseases. This study intended to examine the effect of Emodin on LPS‐induced rat mesenteric microcirculatory disturbance and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The male Wistar rats received LPS (5 mg/kg/hr) for 90 min, with or without administration of Emodin (10 mg/kg/hr) by enema 30 min before (pre‐treatment) or after (post‐treatment) LPS infusion, and the dynamics of mesenteric microcirculation were determined by inverted intravital microscopy. Expression of adhesion molecules and TLR4, NF‐κB p65, ICAM‐1, MPO, and AP‐1 in mesentery tissue was evaluated by flow cytometry and Western‐blot, respectively.

Results

Pre or post‐treatment with Emodin significantly ameliorated LPS‐induced leukocyte emigration, reactive oxygen species production and albumin leakage, and the expression of TLR4, NF‐κB p65, ICAM‐1, MPO and AP‐1 in mesentery.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the beneficial role of Emodin in attenuating the LPS‐induced microcirculatory disturbance, and support the use of Emodin for patients with endotoxemia.
Semantic Comprehension, Inference and Psychological Externalism
Authors: Owens Joseph I.
Published: April 2013

The externalist examples of Burge, Putnam etc. were offered as examples of how it is physically identical twins can differ in mental states such as belief, and little attention was paid to the interpretations the twins impose on their respective acoustic inputs. The received story today is that this form of interpretation—the semantic reading one assigns the sounds one hears—is the product of inference. The problem for this inferential model is simple to state: though the twins are physical doppelgangers and don't differ in their acoustic inputs, they differ in the interpretations they impose on their respective inputs. I argue that the inferential model does not allow for how it is the twins arrive at these different interpretations. And, since the externalist examples are compelling, this tells against the inferential model.
Mirror Neurons and Social Cognition
Authors: Spaulding Shannon
Published: April 2013

Mirror neurons are widely regarded as an important key to social cognition. Despite such wide agreement, there is very little consensus on how or why they are important. The goal of this article is to explicate clearly the exact role mirror neurons play in social cognition. I aim to answer two questions about the relationship between mirroring and social cognition: What kind of social understanding is involved with mirroring? How is mirroring related to that understanding? I argue that philosophical and empirical considerations lead us to accord a fairly minimal role for mirror neurons in social cognition.
The Bacillus subtilis mannose regulator, ManR, a DNA‐binding protein regulated by HPr and its cognate PTS transporter ManP
Authors: Wenzel Marian , Altenbuchner Josef
Published: April 2013

The transcriptional activator ManR of the Bacillus subtilis mannose utilization operon is composed of an N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain, two phosphotransferase system (PTS) regulation domains (PRDs), an EIIBBgl‐ and an EIIAFru‐like domain. Site‐specific mutagenesis of ManR revealed the role of conserved amino acids representing potential phosphorylation sites. This was investigated by β‐galactosidase activity tests and by mobility shift assays after incubation with the PTS components HPr and EI. In analogy to other PRD‐containing regulators we propose stimulation of ManR activity by phosphorylation. Mutations in PRD1 lowered ManR activity, whereas mutations in PRD2 abolished ManR activity completely. The Cys415Ala (EIIBBgl) and the His570Ala mutations (EIIAFru) provoked constitutive activities to different degrees, whereas the latter had the greater influence. Addition of EIIBAMan reduced the binding capability significantly in a wild‐type and a Cys415Ala background, but had no effect on a His570Ala mutant. The different expression levels originating from the two promoters PmanR and PmanP could be ascribed to different 5′‐untranslated mRNA regions. Sequences of 44 bp were identified and confirmed as the ManR binding sites by DNase I footprinting. The binding properties of ManR, in particular the equilibrium dissociation constant KD and the dissociation rate kdiss, were determined for both promoter regions.
Phosphorylation‐dependent localization of the response regulator FrzZ signals cell reversals in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Kaimer Christine , Zusman David R.
Published: April 2013

The life cycle of Myxococcus xanthus includes co‐ordinated group movement and fruiting body formation, and requires directed motility and controlled cell reversals. Reversals are achieved by inverting cell polarity and re‐organizing many motility proteins. The Frz chemosensory pathway regulates the frequency of cell reversals. While it has been established that phosphotransfer from the kinase FrzE to the response regulator FrzZ is required, it is unknown how phosphorylated FrzZ, the putative output of the pathway, targets the cell polarity axis. In this study, we used Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE to determine the cellular level of phospho‐FrzZ under different growth conditions and in Frz signalling mutants. We detected consistent FrzZ phosphorylation, albeit with a short half‐life, in cells grown on plates, but not from liquid culture. The available pool of phospho‐FrzZ correlated with reversal frequencies, with higher levels found in hyper‐reversing mutants. Phosphorylation was not detected in hypo‐reversing mutants. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that FrzZ is recruited to the leading cell pole upon phosphorylation and switches to the opposite pole during reversals. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the Frz pathway modulates reversal frequency through a localized response regulator that targets cell polarity regulators at the leading cell pole.
Analysis of a Blainville's beaked whale's movement response to playback of killer whale vocalizations
Authors: Allen Ann N. , Schanze Julian J. , Solow Andrew R. , Tyack Peter L.
Published: April 2013

Increasing evidence links exposure to Navy sonar with certain mass stranding events of deep diving beaked whales. Although the cause of these strandings is unknown, one theory suggests that the animals confuse the sonar signals with vocalizations of killer whales, a known predator. Here we analyze the movement patterns of a tagged female Blainville's beaked whale in reaction to playback of killer whale predation calls. During a deep foraging dive, the whale was exposed to a playback of killer whale vocalizations with the source level slowly increased until the whale prematurely ceased foraging. The heading data from the tag were analyzed using a rotation test with a likelihood ratio calculated for a nonparametric kernel density estimate. We found a significant difference (P < 0.005) in the distribution of Δheading (the change in heading averaged over 200 s) after the cessation of the killer whale playback. A test of the angular standard deviation (SD) of the Δheading showed that after the playback, the SD was significantly reduced (P = 0.0064), which indicates that the animal maintained a straighter than normal course for an extended period of time. The prolonged directed avoidance response observed here suggests a behavioral reaction that could pose a risk factor for stranding.
Immunohistochemical detection of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor 1 and 5 in human multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Brana Corinne , Frossard Marie José , Pescini Gobert Rosanna , Martinier Nicolas , Boschert Ursula , Seabrook Timothy J.
Published: April 2013

Aims

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulating therapies are currently in the clinic or undergoing investigation for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. However, the expression of S1PRs is still unclear in the central nervous system under normal conditions and during neuroinflammation.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry we examined tissues from both grey and white matter MS lesions for sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) and 5 (S1P5) expression. Tissues from Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases were also examined.

Results

S1P1 expression was restricted to astrocytes and endothelial cells in control tissues and a decrease in endothelial cell expression was found in white matter MS lesions. In grey matter MS lesions, astrocyte expression was lost in active lesions, while in quiescent lesions it was restored to normal expression levels. CNPase colocalization studies demonstrated S1P5 expression on myelin and both were reduced in demyelinated lesions. In AD tissues we found no difference in S1P1 expression.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate a differential modulation of S1PRs in MS lesions, which may have an impact on S1PR‐directed therapies.
Industry Dynamics and Competition from Low‐Wage Countries: Evidence on Italy
Authors: Federico Stefano
Published: April 2013

This article analyses the effect of competition from low‐wage countries on domestic activity, using data on 230 Italian manufacturing sectors between 1995 and 2007. It finds that low‐wage import penetration is negatively related to employment and other measures of activity. The effect is significantly smaller in more skill, capital and R&D‐intensive sectors and in more vertically differentiated sectors. There is also evidence of significant effects of low‐wage competition through inter‐industry linkages: employment is negatively related to low‐wage import penetration in downstream sectors but positively related to low‐wage import penetration in upstream sectors.
Does Education Matter for Economic Growth?
Authors: Delgado Michael S. , Henderson Daniel J. , Parmeter Christopher F.
Published: April 2013

Empirical growth regressions typically include mean years of schooling as a proxy for human capital. However, empirical research often finds that the sign and significance of schooling depends on the sample of observations or the specification of the model. We use a non‐parametric local‐linear regression estimator and a non‐parametric variable relevance test to conduct a rigorous and systematic search for significance of mean years of schooling by examining five of the most comprehensive schooling databases. Contrary to a few recent articles that have identified significant nonlinearities between education and growth, our results suggest that mean years of schooling is not a statistically relevant variable in growth regressions. However, we do find evidence (within a cross‐sectional framework), that educational achievement, measured by mean test scores, may provide a more reliable measure of human capital than mean years of schooling.
Pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest in the postanesthesia care unit: analysis of data from the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines®‐Resuscitation registry
Authors: Christensen Robert , Voepel‐Lewis Terri , Lewis Ian , Ramachandran Satya Krishna , Malviya Shobha ,   for the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines‐Resuscitation (formerly the National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) investigators
Published: April 2013

Background

Nearly 20% of anesthesia‐related pediatric cardiopulmonary arrests (CPAs) occur during emergence or recovery. The aims of this study were to describe (i) the nature of pediatric postanesthesia care unit (PACU)CPAand subsequent outcomes and (ii) factors associated with mortality.

Methods

Cardiopulmonary Arrests occurring inPACUin children (<18 years) were identified from the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines®‐Resuscitation, multicenterCPAregistry. Demographics, underlying conditions, cause(s) ofCPA, monitoring, interventions and outcomes were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize data, and odds ratios (OR) with confidence intervals (CI) were calculated as appropriate to compare survivors and nonsurvivors.

Results

Twenty sevenCPAevents were included: 67% in children <5 years and 30% in infants (<1 year). Most children (78%) had underlying comorbidities, including 15% with congenital heart disease. Respiratory issues were the most frequent causes ofCPA(44%), but cardiac/hemodynamic causes were associated with nonsurvival (P = 0.01). Nonsurvival was also associated with older age (P = 0.02), weekend occurrence (P < 0.01), nonpediatric setting (P = 0.02) and occurrence at night (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

This study identified similar risk factors and underlying causes as described in previous reports of pediatric perioperativeCPA, with higher mortality following a cardiac/hemodynamic cause.
A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Chronic Pain in Patients with HIV
Authors: Merlin Jessica S. , Zinski Anne , Norton Wynne E. , Ritchie Christine S. , Saag Michael S. , Mugavero Michael J. , Treisman Glenn , Hooten W. Michael
Published: April 2013

Chronic pain is common in persons with HIV and is often associated with psychiatric illness and substance abuse. Current literature links psychiatric illness and substance abuse with worse HIV outcomes; however, the relationship of chronic pain, alone and in the context of psychiatric illness and substance abuse, to outcomes in HIV has not been described. To develop this new area of inquiry, we propose an adapted biopsychosocial framework specifically for chronic pain in HIV. This framework will describe these relationships and serve as a conceptual framework for future investigations.
A global view of transcriptome dynamics during flower development in chickpea by deep sequencing
Authors: Singh Vikash K. , Garg Rohini , Jain Mukesh
Published: April 2013

Measurement of gene expression can provide important clues about gene function and molecular basis of developmental processes. Here, we have analysed the chickpea transcriptome in vegetative and flower tissues by exploiting the potential of high‐throughput sequencing to measure gene expression. We mapped more than 295 million reads to quantify the transcript abundance during flower development. We detected the expression of more than 90% genes in at least one tissue analysed. We found quite a large number of genes were differentially expressed during flower development as compared to vegetative tissues. Further, we identified several genes expressed in a stage‐specific manner. Various transcription factor families and metabolic pathways involved in flower development were elucidated. The members of MADS‐box family were most represented among the transcription factor genes up‐regulated during various stages of flower development. The abundant expression of several well‐known genes implicated in flower development in chickpea flower development stages confirmed our results. In addition, we detected the expression specificities of lineage‐specific genes during flower development. The expression data presented in this study is the most comprehensive dataset available for chickpea as of now and will serve as resource for unraveling the functions of many specific genes involved in flower development in chickpea and other legumes.
The unconventional P‐loop NTPase OsYchF1 and its regulator OsGAP1 play opposite roles in salinity stress tolerance
Authors: CHEUNG MING‐YAN , LI MAN‐WAH , YUNG YUK‐LIN , WEN CHAO‐QING , LAM HON‐MING
Published: April 2013

YchF proteins are a group of mysterious but ubiquitous unconventional G‐proteins found in all kingdoms of life except Archaea. Their functions have been documented in microorganisms, protozoa and human, but those of plant YchF homologues are largely unknown. Our group has previously shown that OsYchF1 and its interacting protein, OsGAP1, play opposite roles in plant defense responses. OsGAP1 was found to stimulate the GTPase/ATPase activities of OsYchF1 and regulate its subcellular localization. In this report, we demonstrate that both OsYchF1 and OsGAP1 are localized mainly in the cytosol under NaCl treatment. The ectopic expression of OsYchF1 in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana leads to reduced tolerance towards salinity stress, while the ectopic expression of OsGAP1 has the opposite effect. Similar results were also obtained with the Arabidopsis homologues, AtYchF1 and AtGAP1, by using AtGAP1 overexpressors and underexpressors, as well as an AtYchF1‐knockdown mutant. OsYchF1 and OsGAP1 also exhibit highly significant effects on salinity‐induced oxidative stress tolerance. The expression of OsYchF1 suppresses the anti‐oxidation enzymatic activities and increases lipid peroxidation in transgenic Arabidopsis, and leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tobacco BY‐2 cells, while the ectopic expression of OsGAP1 has the opposite effects in these two model systems.