bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disseminated dermatophytic pseudomycetoma caused by Microsporum species
Authors: Tirado‐González Mariantonieta , Ball Elizabeth , Ruiz Angela , Rodriguez Ysabel , Goudet Carmen Elena , Finkel Oksana , Golan Haim , de Morentin Helena Martinez , Sprecher Hanna , Sprecher Eli , Gat Andrea
Published: November 2012

Background  Dermatophyte infection is almost exclusively a superficial cutaneous mycosis usually confined to the stratum corneum of nails and hairs of normal hosts. Deep cutaneous and subcutaneous infections due to dermatophytes are exceedingly rare and usually limited to immunosuppressed individuals. These infections remain chronic and persist in spite of treatment.

Materials and methods  We report two clinical cases of disseminated dermatophytic pseudomycetoma caused by Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum canis in immunosuppressed patients.

Results  Patient 1, in 2008, showed improvement with fluconazole, cephalothin, and terbinafine treatment for Microsporum gypseum. After suspension of the treatment, new lesions appeared and culture from material was positive. In 2009, she presented confluent papules and nodules forming plaques on her face and neck with the isolation of Microsporum canis. Clinical response to this treatment was poor. Patient 2 was affected by both tinea corporis due to Trichophyton rubrum and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma caused by Microsporum canis. The response to treatment was successful with oral itraconazole and local surgical excision.

Conclusions  It is important to recognize these atypical presentations of dermatophytic infections in immunosuppressed patients, which may warrant a more aggressive treatment in order to achieve resolution.
Solitary nodule on the auricle
Authors: Chen Yen‐An , Chuang Wen‐Yu , Hsueh Swei , Chan Kai‐Chieh
Published: November 2012

What is your diagnosis?
Blistering eruption on the chest of a 30‐year‐old pregnant woman
Authors: Bangash Haider K. , Patel Shaily , Soltani Keyoumars , Shea Christopher R. , Sethi Aisha
Published: November 2012

What is your diagnosis?
The variety of photorespiratory phenotypes – employing the current status for future research directions on photorespiration
Authors: Timm S. , Bauwe H.
Published: November 2012

Mutations of genes encoding for proteins within the photorespiratory core cycle and associated processes are characterised by lethality under normal air but viability under elevatedCO2conditions. This feature has been described as ‘the photorespiratory phenotype' and assumed to be distinctly equal for all of these mutants. In recent years a broad collection of photorespiratory mutants has been isolated, which has allowed a comparative analysis. Distinct phenotypic features were observed whenArabidopsis thalianamutants defective in photorespiratory enzymes were compared, and during shifts from elevated to ambientCO2conditions. The exact reasons for the mutant‐specific photorespiratory phenotypes are mostly unknown, but they indicate even more plasticity of photorespiratory metabolism. Moreover, a growing body of evidence was obtained that mutant features could be modulated by alterations of several factors, such asCO2:O2ratios, photoperiod, light intensity, organic carbon supply and pathogens. Hence, systematic analyses of the responses to these factors appear to be crucial to unravel mechanisms how photorespiration adapts and interacts with the whole cellular metabolism. Here we review current knowledge regarding photorespiratory mutants and propose a new level of phenotypic sub‐classification. Finally, we present further questions that should be addressed in the field of photorespiration.
Pacioli's Example Entries—a Conundrum Resolved?
Authors: Sangster Alan , Stoner Greg , Scataglini‐Belghitar Giovanna , De Lange Paul , O'Connell Brendan
Published: November 2012

This paper discusses the nature of the 10 example paragraph entries at the end of Pacioli's bookkeeping treatise. It concludes that these are entries from fledgling banking operations involving one account holder and one borrower who, along with two others, has financial transactions with the account holder. The widely held assumption that they are examples of entries in the Ledger is set aside and it is concluded that, on the basis of the available evidence, they are examples of entries in a Ricordanze, a record book Pacioli described as being used to record items of this type.
‘Different from What Has Hitherto Appeared on this Subject’: John Clark, Writing Master and Accomptant, 1738
Authors: Edwards John Richard
Published: November 2012

This paper argues the importance, for the study of accounting history, of collecting evidence of accounting's past and of questioning its conventional wisdoms. It is known that Cronhelm (1818) explained in algebraic terms the mathematical relationship between assets, liabilities and capital reported in a balance sheet. It is also known that the balance sheet equation Assets (A) – Liabilities (L) = Capital (C) became a foundation for teaching bookkeeping as the twentieth century progressed. Current knowledge suggests that, during the first half of the twentieth century, this mathematical approach to teaching accounting gained a foothold in the United States based on the writings of Sprague and Hatfield, and also in Continental Europe. This paper reveals that, in the 1730s in England, John Clark cogently demonstrated an algebraically rooted understanding of the inter‐relationship between double entry bookkeeping and the structure of the balance sheet as exemplified by the above equation. The paper proves that journal‐oriented learning was not the exclusive training method employed by bookkeeping instructors during the early eighteenth century and raises the possibility that other teachers of bookkeeping were providing a more thoughtful education for aspiring clerks, bookkeepers, managers and businessmen than has hitherto been thought the case. This study also shows that accounting technologies do not continuously evolve towards their current state of elaboration, and that it is important for researchers to remain aware of plurality in patterns of accounting change and to be willing to embrace the full range of methodological approaches available for studying accounting phenomena.
Is the relationship between foreign direct investment and trade different across developed and developing countries? Evidence from Korea
Authors: Kang Kichun
Published: November 2012

Empirical studies that pool data from developed and developing countries may conflate the separate roles played. The pooled coefficient estimates may significantly misrepresent the true relationships. This paper analyses the impact of outward and inward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows between Korea and developed and developing countries on Korean exports in 12 manufacturing sectors over the 1988–2006 period. The evidence suggests that the outward FDI to developing countries is likely to increase Korean exports to those countries than FDI to developed countries likely to increase exports to developed countries. Thus, pooling investment flows can lead to incorrect inferences.
Is monetary policy non‐linear in Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand? A quantile regression analysis
Authors: Miles William , Schreyer Sam
Published: November 2012

There is a growing literature on the linearity or otherwise of monetary policy in industrialised countries. The investigations have revealed that the reactions of central banks to economic variables depend on the level of the variables, confirming the non‐linearity of monetary policy in these countries. However, research into whether monetary policy is non‐linear in emerging markets has been hampered by the lack of data, as a stable, ‘modern’ monetary regime has existed in emerging markets for only a relatively short time.

Employing quantile regression, which is not as constrained as other regression methods by the shortness of time series, we investigate the non‐linearity of monetary policy in four emerging Asian nations: Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Our results indicate that monetary policy in all four is non‐linear. All display a ‘hump‐shaped’ response to inflation across the quantiles—policy becomes tighter, going from lower to higher quantiles, reaches a peak, and then becomes looser. These results are similar to those found previously in Japan, and likely arise from a desire to limit exchange rate appreciation, as all four countries depend heavily on exports.
Non‐farm employment and incomes in rural Cambodia
Authors: Rahut Dil Bahadur , Micevska Scharf Maja
Published: November 2012

Rural households in Cambodia derive income from various sources. On average, non‐farm income accounts for more than 60 per cent of total household income. However, the average masks the substantial heterogeneity of non‐farm employment. We account for this heterogeneity and find significant differences in non‐farm participation and incomes across segments of the income distribution. The poor and the less well‐educated participate less in the non‐farm sector, and when they do work in the non‐farm sector, they work in low‐paid jobs and earn lower incomes. Accounting for endogeneity and sample selection issues, we conduct an empirical enquiry of the determinants of participation in non‐farm activities and of non‐farm incomes. As expected, we find that education plays a major role in accessing more remunerative non‐farm employment. Interestingly, we do not find evidence that women, ethnic minorities, or the land‐poor are disadvantaged in access to the non‐farm sector. Geographical location plays a role in access to and income from non‐farm employment, indicating the importance of local context.
Dairy productivity and climatic conditions: econometric evidence from South‐eastern United States
Authors: Mukherjee Deep , Bravo‐Ureta Boris E. , De Vries Albert
Published: November 2012

Climate change and food security have become critical issues in the agricultural policy agenda. Although global warming is expected to increase both the frequency and severity of heat stress on dairy cattle, there are very few economic studies focusing on this issue. This paper contributes to the literature by integrating the frontier methodology, commonly used in applied production economics, with heat stress indexes used by animal scientists but largely ignored by economists. Our econometric models are useful to quantify gross benefits expected from adaptation to climatic conditions represented by the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) and alternatively by the Equivalent Temperature Index (ETI). Stochastic production frontier analysis is used to measure technical efficiency for an unbalanced panel of 103 dairy farms located in Florida and Georgia. Five alternative model specifications are evaluated. The results reveal that both THI and ETI have a significant nonlinear negative effect on milk production. The climatic indexes when incorporated in the frontier specification absorb some of the output shortfall that otherwise would be attributable to inefficiency. The results indicate that using fans combined with sprinklers is an effective adaptation to offset output losses stemming from heat stress conditions.
The impact of mining and smelting activities on property values: a study of Mount Isa city, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Neelawala Prasad , Wilson Clevo , Athukorala Wasantha
Published: November 2012

Much publicity has been given to the problem of high levels of environmental contaminants, most notably high blood lead concentration levels among children in the city of Mount Isa because of mining and smelting activities. The health impacts from mining‐related pollutants are now well documented. This includes published research being discussed in an editorial of the Medical Journal of Australia (see Munksgaard et al. 2010). On the other hand, negative impacts on property prices, although mentioned, have not been examined to date. This study rectifies this research gap. This study uses a hedonic property price approach to examine the impact of mining‐ and smelting‐related pollution on nearby property prices. The hypothesis is that those properties closer to the lead and copper smelters have lower property (house) prices than those farther away. The results of the study show that the marginal willingness to pay to be farther from the pollution source is AUS $13 947 per kilometre within the 4 km radius selected. The study has several policy implications, which are discussed briefly. We used ordinary least squares, geographically weighted regression, spatial error and spatial autoregressive or spatial lag models for this analysis.
Comparing economic performance of organic and conventional U.S. beef farms using matching samples*
Authors: Gillespie Jeffrey , Nehring Richard
Published: November 2012

Economic performance measures of organic and transitioning‐to‐organic cow–calf farms are compared with those of non‐organic cow–calf farms. A method of matching samples is used for the comparison, estimating sample average treatment effects for the subpopulation of the treated. Each organic farm is matched with one non‐organic farm that is involved in the same beef industry segments and farm size classes, and in the same region. Furthermore, farmer demographic, farming system, and technology variables are used to identify matches. Bias is reduced by estimating separate weighted regression functions for the treated and untreated groups. Results suggest that higher cost of organic production is due primarily to higher capital recovery, taxes and insurance, and overhead costs. Evidence is found for differences in beef enterprise profitability by organic status.
The Mythologies of Contextualism: Method and Judgment in Skinner's Visions of Politics
Authors: Clarke Michelle T.
Published: November 2012

This article argues that Skinnerian contextualism is an unsuccessful attempt to develop a truly methodical approach to textual interpretation. According to Skinner, the various ‘mythologies’ that he associates with textualism are due to its misplaced confidence in the faculty of judgment. Whereas textualists believe that an interpreter's own judgment is his or her most useful tool in attempting to understand a text, contextualism proceeds from the assumption that we cannot help but make faulty judgments when confronted with historical materials given the nature of human cognition. Having dissociated itself from textualism on these grounds, contextualism attempts to repair the defects of textualism by minimizing the role of judgment in interpretive practice. As this article will show, these efforts have been fruitless. Moreover, Skinner's attempt to reinforce contextualism by importing claims about the strategic motives behind philosophical argumentation is either incoherent or unconvincing.
Language, religion and the politics of difference
Authors: Brubaker Rogers
Published: November 2012

Language and religion are arguably the two most socially and politically consequential domains of cultural difference in the modern world. Yet there have been very few efforts to compare the two in any sustained way. I begin by aligning language and religion, provisionally, with ethnicity and nationhood, and by sketching five ways in which language and religion are both similar to and similarly intertwined with ethnicity and nationhood. I then identify a series of key differences between language and religion and draw out their implications for the political accommodation of cultural heterogeneity. I show that religious pluralism tends to be more intergenerationally robust and more deeply institutionalised than linguistic pluralism in western liberal democracies, and I argue that religious pluralism entails deeper and more divisive forms of diversity. The upshot is that religion has tended to displace language as the cutting edge of contestation over the political accommodation of cultural difference – a striking reversal of the longer‐term historical process through which language had previously displaced religion as the primary focus of contention.
An Experimental Study of the Anatomical Distribution of Cut Marks Created by Filleting and Disarticulation on Long Bone Ends
Authors: Galán A. B. , Domínguez‐Rodrigo M.
Published: November 2012

Analogical frameworks created through experimentation are a vital part of taphonomic studies for interpreting the archaeological record. Understanding the anatomical location of cut marks is crucial for interpreting the butchery behaviour of humans in the past, as well as for indirectly inferring the subsistence and economic function of archaeological sites. Two experimental/ethnoarchaeological studies have provided taphonomists with analogues to interpret filleting and disarticulation butchery behaviours from archaeofaunal assemblages. However, these analogues were made with limited control and both involved the use of metal knives. The present work provides the first systematic and controlled study of cut mark distribution on long bones made with stone tools, aimed at differentiating cut marks created by filleting or defleshing from those inflicted during disarticulation. It also studies the variability of cut mark distribution according to stone tool type (simple flakes, retouched flakes and handaxes). The results show some differences with previous studies made with metal tools and offer an updated analogue to interpret butchery (filleting, dismembering and skinning) from prehistoric contexts.
Place, Time, and Philanthropy: Exploring Geographic Mobility and Philanthropic Engagement
Authors: Clerkin Richard M. , Paarlberg Laurie E. , Christensen Robert K. , Nesbit Rebecca A. , Tschirhart Mary
Published: November 2012

America is a nation of movers, and this has implications for public and nonprofit managers who rely on donations and volunteers to increase the capacity of nonprofits and to strengthen local communities. This article explores the impact of time and place on philanthropic engagement, focusing on how three aspects of community—sense of belonging, social connections, and regional culture—are related to volunteering and giving to local organizations. The authors find that geographic mobility affects philanthropic engagement. Drawing on a survey of active older Americans, the authors find that three community factors —sense of community, social networks, and regional cultures— are related to one or both types of philanthropic behavior. The authors conclude by offering thoughts for future research and practice.
Designing Public Participation Processes
Authors: Bryson John M. , Quick Kathryn S. , Slotterback Carissa Schively , Crosby Barbara C.
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this Theory to Practice article is to present a systematic, cross‐disciplinary, and accessible synthesis of relevant research and to offer explicit evidence‐based design guidelines to help practitioners design better participation processes. From the research literature, the authors glean suggestions for iteratively creating, managing, and evaluating public participation activities. The article takes an evidence‐based and design science approach, suggesting that effective public participation processes are grounded in analyzing the context closely, identifying the purposes of the participation effort, and iteratively designing and redesigning the process accordingly.
Screening for anti‐nutritional compounds in complementary foods and food aid products for infants and young children
Authors: Roos Nanna , Sørensen Jens Christian , Sørensen Hilmer , Rasmussen Søren Kjærsgaard , Briend André , Yang Zhenyu , Huffman Sandra L.
Published: November 2012

A range of compounds with negative nutritional impact – ‘anti‐nutrients’ – are found in most plant foods. The contents of anti‐nutrients in processed foods depend on the ingredients and processing. Anti‐nutrients in complementary foods for children can have a negative impact on nutritional status. The aim of this study was to screen complementary foods from developing countries for the anti‐nutritional compounds, phytate, polyphenols, inhibitors of trypsin and chymotrypsin, and lectins. Commercial products based on whole grain cereals were included as a ‘worst‐case’ scenario for anti‐nutrient exposure in Europe. Contents of minerals (iron, zinc and calcium), in which absorption or utilisation is affected by anti‐nutrients, were analysed. Thirty‐six products representing foods used in food aid programmes, local blended foods, fortified instant porridges and ‘baby foods’ were analysed. The content of minerals indicated that the fortification of a number of products did not meet the declared levels of iron, zinc and calcium. The phytate content ranged from 68 to 1536 mg/100 g, confirming a persistent problem of high levels of phytate in processed cereal‐ and legume‐based products. The phytate : Fe molar ratio exceeded the recommended level of <1.0 in 32 of the 36 products. The total polyphenols varied from 1.3 to 9.3 mg gentisic acid equivalents g−1. Screening low‐molecular weight soluble polyphenols may be more relevant in complementary foods than total polyphenolic compounds. Trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors and lectins were found in residual amounts in most products, indicating efficient degradation by heat processing. However, young infants and malnourished children may have reduced pancreatic function, and upper limits for residual trypsin inhibitors are needed.
The focused ethnographic study ‘assessing the behavioral and local market environment for improving the diets of infants and young children 6 to 23 months old’ and its use in three countries
Authors: Pelto Gretel H. , Armar‐Klemesu Margaret , Siekmann Jonathan , Schofield Dominic
Published: November 2012

The concept of a focused ethnographic study (FES) emerged as a new methodology to answer specific sets of questions that are required by agencies, policymakers, programme planners or by project implementation teams in order to make decisions about future actions with respect to social, public health or nutrition interventions, and for public–private partnership activities. This paper describes the FES on complementary feeding that was commissioned by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition and highlights findings from studies conducted in three very different country contexts (Ghana, South Africa and Afghanistan) burdened by high levels of malnutrition in older infants and young children (IYC). The findings are analysed from the perspective of decision‐making for future interventions. In Ghana, a primary finding was that in urban areas the fortified, but not instant cereal, which was being proposed, would not be an appropriate intervention, given the complex balancing of time, costs and health concerns of caregivers. In both urban and rural South Africa, home fortification products such as micronutrient powders and small quantity, lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS) are potentially feasible interventions, and would require thoughtful behaviour change communication programmes to support their adoption. Among the important results for future decision‐making for interventions in Afghanistan are the findings that there is little cultural recognition of the concept of special foods for infants, and that within households food procurement for IYC are in the hands of men, whereas food preparation and feeding are women's responsibilities.
Some rationalizability results for dynamic games
Authors: Akao Ken‐Ichi , Mitra Tapan , Sorger Gerhard
Published: November 2012

We study the relation between dynamical systems describing the equilibrium behavior in dynamic games and those resulting from (single‐player) dynamic optimization problems. More specifically, we derive conditions under which the dynamics generated by a model in one of these two classes can be rationalized by a model from the other class. We study this question under different assumptions about which fundamentals (e.g. technology, utility functions and time‐preference) should be preserved by the rationalization. One interesting result is that rationalizing the equilibrium dynamics of a symmetric dynamic game by a dynamic optimization problem that preserves the technology and the utility function requires a higher degree of impatience compared to that of the players in the game.
Using environmental enrichment to reduce the expression of abnormal behaviours in Greater rhea Rhea americana at Belo Horizonte Zoo
Authors: de Azevedo C. S. , Lima M. F. F. , Cipreste C. F. , Young R. J. , Rodrigues M.
Published: November 2012

Animals kept by zoos may express abnormal behaviours that are indicators of poor welfare. Environmental enrichment is a technique of providing items to animals that stimulate the expression of normal behaviours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of providing simple environmental enrichment in the reduction of the expression of abnormal behaviour in captive‐born Greater rhea Rhea americana at Belo Horizonte Zoo, south‐eastern Brazil. As enrichment, fruit and vegetables were scatter fed to a group of seven birds from April to September 2009, and the behaviour of the birds was recorded using scan sampling with instantaneous recording of behaviour every 1 minute for 1 hour daily (90 hours of observation). The study was divided into three phases: baseline, enrichment and post‐enrichment. The abnormal behaviours ‘pacing’, ‘eating faeces’ and ‘escaping behaviour’ reduced during the enrichment phase, but only the first two behaviours differed significantly between the phases; ‘walking’ and ‘foraging’, both positive behaviours, increased during the enrichment phase. These results showed that the implementation of simple environmental enrichment can stimulate the Greater rhea to exhibit more natural behaviours and improve their welfare.
Proinflammatory cytokines contribute to development and function of regulatory T cells in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Thomas Helen E. , Graham Kate L. , Chee Jonathan , Thomas Ranjeny , Kay Thomas W. , Krishnamurthy Balasubramanian
Published: November 2012

Type 1 diabetes is caused by immune‐mediated loss of pancreatic beta cells. It has been proposed that inflammatory cytokines play a role in killing beta cells. Expression of interleukin (IL)‐1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) has been detected in islets from patients with type 1 diabetes, and these cytokines can induce beta cell death in vitro. We produced nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice lacking receptors for these cytokines. Islets from mice lacking IL‐1RI or TNFR1 were killed when transplanted into wild‐type NOD mice, suggesting that cytokine action on beta cells is not required for killing. Mice lacking TNFR1 did not develop diabetes, and mice lacking IL‐1R had delayed onset of diabetes, indicating a role for these cytokines in disease development. TNFR1‐deficient mice had an increased number of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells with enhanced suppressive capacity. IL‐1 was produced at higher levels in NOD mice and resulted in dilution of suppressor function of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. Our data suggest that blocking inflammatory cytokines may increase the capacity of the immune system to suppress type 1 diabetes through regulatory T cells.
Effects of Roasting Conditions on the Changes of Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios (δ13C) in Sesame Oil and Usefulness of δ13C to Differentiate Blended Sesame Oil from Corn Oil
Authors: Seol Nam Gyu , Jang Eun Yeong , Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee JaeHwan
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  Differentiating blended sesame oils from authentic sesame oil (SO) is a critical step in protecting consumer rights. Stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C), color, fluorescence intensity, and fatty acid profiles were analyzed in SO prepared from sesame seeds with different roasting conditions and in corn oil blended with SO. Sesame seeds were roasted at 175, 200, 225, or 250 °C for 15 or 30 min at each temperature. SO was mixed with corn oil at varying ratios. Roasting conditions ranging from175 to 250 °C at the 30 min time point did not result in significant changes in δ13C (P > 0.05). Values of δ13C in corn oil and SO from sesame seeds roasted at 250 °C for 15 min were −17.55 and −32.13 ‰, respectively. Fatty acid ratios, including (O + L)/(P × Ln) and (L × L)/O, where O, L, P, and Ln were oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and linolenic acids, respectively, showed good discriminating abilities among the SO blended with corn oil. Therefore, using different combinations of stable carbon isotope ratios and some fatty acid ratios can allow successful differentiation of authentic SO from SO blended with corn oil.

Practical Application:  Adulteration of sesame oil with less expensive oils such as corn oil or soybean oil to reduce cost is a common unethical practice in Korea. Due to the unique and strong flavor of sesame oils that may mask other weaker flavors, however, differentiating authentic sesame oils from blended oils is difficult. This study showed that the roasting process did not significantly affect the ratios of the stable carbon isotope (δ13C) in sesame oils. δ13C was confirmed to be a reliable parameter. Moreover, some fatty acid ratios were designed to discriminate between blended sesame oil with corn oil and authentic sesame oil.
Physical‐Mechanical Properties of Agar/κ‐Carrageenan Blend Film and Derived Clay Nanocomposite Film
Authors: Rhim Jong‐Whan
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  Binary blend films with different mixing ratio of agar and κ‐carrageenan were prepared using a solution casting method with and without nanoclay and the effect of their composition on the mechanical, water vapor barrier, and water resistance properties was tested. The tensile strength (TS) of the κ‐carrageenan film was greater than that of agar film. The water vapor permeability (WVP) of the agar film was lower than that of κ‐carrageenan film, the swelling ratio (SR) and water solubility (WS) of κ‐carrageenan film were higher than those of agar film. Each property of the binary blend films varied proportionately depending on the mixing ratio of each component. The XRD result indicated that the nanocomposite with agar/κ‐carrageenan/clay (Cloisite® Na+) was intercalated. Consequently, the mechanical strength, water vapor barrier properties, and water contact angle (CA) were significantly (P < 0.05) improved through nanocomposite formation.
Integrated versus incidental dental care in nursing homes
Authors: Gerritsen P.F.M. , van der Bilt A. , Cune M.S. , Schrijvers A.J.P. , de Putter C.
Published: November 2012

Purpose/aim

In most of the 334 Dutch nursing homes, incidental dental care is provided upon indication by the medical and nursing staff. However, more and more nursing homes offer integrated dental care, where a dentist works on a structural basis in facilities within the home.

Methods

To evaluate the costs and effects of integrated versus incidental care, we studied the oral status and treatment needs in two nursing homes in the same city with 175 and 120 residents an average age of 81.7 and 79.3 years, respectively.

Results

In the integrated care home, the dentist spent an average 2.2 hours/year per resident at a cost of €229 for the dentist's work and €143 for laboratory costs. In the incidental care home, these values were 0.1 hours/year per resident at a cost of €15 for the dentist's work and €20 for laboratory costs.

Conclusions

With integrated care, 55.6% of the residents had no oral treatment need versus 13.1% for incidental care, more edentulous residents wore dentures, and residents had less soft tissue pathology.
Rethinking biodiversity: from goods and services to “living with”
Authors: Turnhout Esther , Waterton Claire , Neves Katja , Buizer Marleen
Published: November 2012

Since the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, counting and mapping have come to dominate international debates around biodiversity protection. With the emergence of the Ecosystem Services concept, these counting and mapping efforts are increasingly imbued with an economic logic that argues that to save biodiversity, its goods and services must be given monetary value. This article offers a critical engagement with the Ecosystem Services discourse and the way it translates the diversity of nature into a single measure—a “currency”—to be included in systems of exchange. We argue that this conception of biodiversity is too narrow and potentially detrimental because it reduces biodiversity to a series of quantifiable fragmented parts that become liable to counting, mapping, and utilitarian use, and because it reduces social–natural relations to market transactions. Subsequently, we outline possibilities for conceiving and living with biodiversity that go beyond relations of counting, mapping, and commodification. It is important that biodiversity knowledge organizations, such as the recently sanctioned Intergovernmental science‐policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), take these into account. Conserving a diversity of life requires acknowledging a diversity of values, knowledge and framings of biodiversity, and fostering a diversity of social–natural relations.
Counterfactual Triviality: A Lewis‐Impossibility Argument for Counterfactuals
Authors: G. Williams J. Robert
Published: November 2012

I formulate a counterfactual version of the notorious ‘Ramsey Test’. Whereas the Ramsey Test for indicative conditionals links credence in indicatives to conditional credences, the counterfactual version links credence in counterfactuals to expected conditional chance. I outline two forms: a Ramsey Identity on which the probability of the conditional should be identical to the corresponding conditional probability/expectation of chance; and a Ramsey Bound on which credence in the conditional should never exceed the latter.

Even in the weaker, bound, form, the counterfactual Ramsey Test makes counterfactuals subject to the very argument that Lewis used to argue against the indicative version of the Ramsey Test. I compare the assumptions needed to run each, pointing to assumptions about the time‐evolution of chances that can replace the appeal to Bayesian assumptions about credence update in motivating the assumptions of the argument.

I finish by outlining two reactions to the discussion: to indicativize the debate on counterfactuals; or to counterfactualize the debate on indicatives.
Stress dissipation in the bone through various crown materials of dental implant restoration: a 2‐D finite element analysis
Authors: Bijjargi Supriya , Chowdhary Ramesh
Published: November 2012

Aim

To investigate stress transmitted by various restorative materials given for a full veneered implant‐supported crown through implants in the bone.

Methods

A 2‐D finite element model of dental implant with an abutment and full crown was designed. The materials used for stress dissipation were zirconia, full ceramic, full metal crown, composite crown, and acrylic crown. Adequate boundary conditions were applied, as was a vertical load of 100 N.

Results

The highest stress value was exhibited for the zirconia prosthesis model, and maximum stress dissipation for the same model was observed around the cervical region of the abutment and abutment‐implant junction (24.877 Mpa).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that an occlusal material with a low modulus of elasticity, such as acrylic resin, dampens the occlusal impact forces, thereby decreasing its effect on the bone‐implant interface.
Waist circumference measurement site does not affect relationships with visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors in children
Authors: Harrington D. M. , Staiano A. E. , Broyles S. T. , Gupta A. K. , Katzmarzyk P. T.
Published: November 2012

What is already known about this subject

A number of anatomic sites are used for the measurement of waist circumference.

A number of studies have documented differences in the absolute values of waist circumference measurements across these common sites in adults.

It is unclear whether waist circumference measurement site alters the relationship with abdominal adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors in children.

What this study adds

The absolute values of waist circumference at four anatomic locations (minimal, midway, iliac, umbilicus) differed and this affected prevalence of high (≥90th percentile) waist circumference.

The relationships between waist circumference values at four anatomic locations and both depot‐specific adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors were similar across race and sex groups.

Background

Different waist circumference (WC) measurement sites are used in clinical and epidemiological settings.

Objectives

To examine differences in WC measurement at four anatomic sites and how each WC measurement relates to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and cardiometabolic risk factors in children.

Methods

A total of 371 white and African–American children aged 5 to 18 years had WC measured at four sites: minimal waist, midpoint between the iliac crest and the lowest rib, superior border of the iliac crest and the umbilicus. Abdominal VAT was measured using magnetic resonance imaging and cardiometabolic risk factors were defined using National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute guidelines. Relationships between WC sites and VAT and risk factors were explored in each race‐by‐sex group.

Results

All WC sites were highly correlated (r = 0.97 to 0.99). Differences in absolute mean WC values existed in all race‐by‐sex groups, and this affected the prevalence of high WC (≥90th percentile). Values were lowest for minimal waist and highest for umbilicus. Age‐controlled partial correlations between WC and logVAT VAT were 0.81–0.89 (all P < 0.001) and between WC and cardiometabolic risk factors were −0.24 to ‐0.41 and 0.19 to 0.52 (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

  While the absolute values of WC at four anatomic locations differed, the relationships between WC values and both VAT and cardiometabolic risk factors were similar within all race‐by‐sex groups.
Adiposity and glucose intolerance exacerbate components of metabolic syndrome in children consuming sugar‐sweetened beverages: QUALITY cohort study
Authors: Wang J. W. , Mark S. , Henderson M. , O'Loughlin J. , Tremblay A. , Wortman J. , Paradis G. , Gray‐Donald K.
Published: November 2012

What is already known about this subject

The increase in sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption over the last generation is temporally associated with epidemic levels of childhood obesity.

There is increasing evidence linking added sugar consumption to the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

What this study adds

Higher SSB consumption is associated with elevated systolic blood pressure and greater insulin resistance among overweight/obese children whereas these associations are not evident among normal‐weight children.

In youth with impaired glucose tolerance, higher SSB consumption is strongly associated with greater adiposity.

Background

Sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is linked to weight gain and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in children, but whether these associations are modified by excess weight and glucose tolerance status in children is not known.

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the cross‐sectional associations between SSB intake and MetS components among children above and below the 85th body mass index (BMI) percentile and those with and without impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Methods

Data were from the QUébec Adiposity and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth study (2005–2008). Caucasian children aged 8–10 years (n = 632) were recruited from 1040 primary schools in Québec, Canada. SSB consumption was assessed by three 24‐h dietary recalls, body fat mass by dual‐energy absorptiometry, physical activity by 7‐d accelerometer. Multivariate linear regressions were used, with age, sex, fat mass index and physical activity as covariates, including waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), concentrations of triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) as outcome variables.

Results

Among overweight children, a 100‐mL higher SSB consumption was associated with a 0.1‐unit higher HOMA‐IR (P = 0.009) and a 1.1‐mm Hg higher SBP (P = 0.001). In children with IGT, a 100‐mL higher SSB consumption was associated with a 1.4‐mm Hg higher SBP and a 4.0‐cm higher WC (P < 0.001). These associations were not observed among children <85th BMI percentile.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the association between higher SSB consumption and MetS components is more evident in overweight/obese and glucose‐intolerant children.
Co‐Extrusion of Multilayer Glass Fiber‐Optic Preforms: Prediction of Layer Dimensions in the Extrudate
Authors: Bhowmick Kaustav , Morvan Herve P. , Furniss David , Seddon Angela B. , Benson Trevor M.
Published: November 2012

A three‐dimensional, incompressible and noncavitating model of a glass‐stack coextrusion process, under isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions is numerically simulated by means of computational fluid dynamics. A dynamic mesh approach is taken in a domain‐subdomain type setup to simulate the transient steps in the steady‐velocity phase of the experimental co‐extrusion. The multiphase setup consists of a glass‐stack which is composed of different glass compositions. Experimentally measured glass properties, such as the temperature coefficient of the viscosity of the supercooled glass melts are used to define the flow behavior of the glasses in the starting stack when extruded. The modeled extrudate is numerically verified for transient and spatial errors, leading to the choice of a suitable mesh. Excellent agreement is found between modeling and experiment when plotting the core/cladding dimensions of a step‐index extruded fiber‐optic preform along the length of the preform. This approach can identify the stable part of the preform, in terms of constant core/cladding layer geometry, obviating costly and time‐consuming experimental iteration. Also, the modeling allows prediction of the starting glass‐stack dimensions for a specified fiber design.
Porous yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Ceramics Fabricated by Nonaqueous‐Based Gelcasting Process with PMMA Microsphere as Pore‐Forming Agent
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wang Chang‐An
Published: November 2012

Porous yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics were fabricated using tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA)‐based gelcasting with monodisperse polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres as both pore‐forming agent and lubricant agent. The TBA‐based slurry of 50 vol% solid loading with excellent rheological properties appropriate for casting was successfully prepared by using a commercial polymer dispersant DISPERBYK‐163 as both dispersant and stabilizer. The distribution of the spherical pores made from PMMA microspheres was very homogeneous. Their average diameter decreased from 16.9 to 15.7 μm when the sintering temperature was increased from 1350°C to 1550°C. The compressive strength increased from 14.57 to 142.29 MPa and the thermal conductivity changed from 0.17 to 0.65 W/m·K when the porosity decreased from 71.6% to 45.1%. The results show that this preparation technology can make all the main factors controllable, such as the porosity, the size and shape of pores, the distribution of pores, and the thickness and density of pore walls. This is significant for fabricating porous ceramics with both high compressive strength and low thermal conductivity.
Microstructure and High‐temperature Oxidation Behavior of Ti3AlC2/W Composites
Authors: Cui Bai , Zapata‐Solvas Eugenio , Reece Michael J. , Wang Chang‐an , Lee William E.
Published: November 2012

Using spark plasma sintering, Ti3AlC2/W composites were prepared at 1300°C. They contained “core‐shell” microstructures in which a TixW1−x “shell” surrounded a W “core”, in a Ti3AlC2 matrix. The composite hardness increased with W addition, and the hardening effect is likely achieved by the TixW1−x interfacial layer providing strong bonding between Ti3AlC2 and W, and by the presence of hard W. Microstructural development during high‐temperature oxidation of Ti3AlC2/W composites involves α‐Al2O3 and rutile (TiO2) formation ≥1000°C and Al2TiO5 formation at ~1400°C while tungsten oxides appear to have volatilized above 800°C. Likely due to exaggerated, secondary grain growth of TiO2‐doped alumina and the effect of W addition, fine (<1 μm) Al2O3 grains formed dense, anisomorphic laths on Ti3AlC2/5 wt%W surfaces ≥1200°C and coarsened to large (>5 μm), dense, TiO2‐doped Al2O3 clusters on Ti3AlC2/10 wt%W surfaces ≥1400°C. W potentially affects the oxidation behavior of Ti3AlC2/W composites beneficially by causing formation of TixW1−x thus altering the defect structure of Ti3AlC2, resulting in Al having a higher activity and by changing the scale morphology by forming dense Al2O3 laths in a thinner oxide coating, and detrimentally through release of volatile tungsten oxides generating cavities in the oxide scale. For Ti3AlC2/5 wt%W oxidation, the former beneficial effects appear to dominate over the latter detrimental effect.
Our Approach to Minimize Risk of Epicardial Access: Standard Techniques with the Addition of Electroanatomic Mapping Guidance
Authors: BRADFIELD JASON S. , TUNG RODERICK , BOYLE NOEL G. , BUCH ERIC , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM
Published: November 2012

Epicardial Access Techniques

Epicardial mapping and ablation is increasingly being performed for the treatment of complex arrhythmias. Right ventricular (RV) puncture remains the most common complication, with damage to surrounding non‐cardiac structures also a concern. We describe the standard techniques used in our lab essential for safe epicardial access, as well as a novel technique incorporating electroanatomic mapping (EAM) guidance. In a series of 8 patients referred for ventricular tachycardia ablation, an RV endocardial voltage map was created using EAM systems. EAM images were fused with preprocedure CT scans when available. A 17G Tuohy needle was integrated with the EAM system by attaching the needle to sterile electrode clamps. EAM location points were used in conjunction with standard access techniques until epicardial access was obtained. Epicardial access was successfully obtained in 8/8 (100%) patients. Successful access without RV puncture was achieved in 7/8 (88%) cases. This proof of concept study demonstrates that EAM systems can be used as an adjunct to standard access techniques to visualize and facilitate pericardial access.
Efficacy of modified minimally invasive surgical technique in the treatment of human intrabony defects with or without use of rhPDGF‐BB gel – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mishra Ashank , Avula Haritha , Pathakota Krishnajaneya R. , Avula Jayakumar
Published: November 2012

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of modified minimally invasive surgical technique (M‐MIST) technique with local delivery of recombinant human platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF‐BB) gel in the treatment of intrabony defects.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐four healthy subjects were included in the present double‐blinded, randomized, controlled study. Test group was treated with M‐MIST and rhPDGF‐BB and control group with M‐MIST alone.

Results

The mean probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival recession, cementoenamel junction to base of the defect (CEJ‐BD), defect depth (DD) and cementoenamel junction to alveolar crest (CEJ‐AC), at baseline to 6 months post‐operatively in both the groups were statistically significant. Inter‐group comparison for gain in attachment level (CAL‐G), probing depth reduction (PD‐R) and change in gingival margin position linear bone growth (LBG), percentage bone fill, residual defect depth (residual DD) and the change in alveolar crest position revealed no statistically significant differences. Gain in CAL and LBG was 3 ± 0.89 mm and 1.89 ± 0.6 in test group and 2.64 ± 0.67 mm and 1.85 ± 1.18 mm in control group, respectively, and did not show statistical significance.

Conclusions

The improvement in both groups could be attributed to the novel surgical technique rather than addition of rhPDGF‐BB.