bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphine modulation of temporomandibular joint‐responsive units in superficial laminae at the spinomedullary junction in female rats depends on estrogen status
Authors: Tashiro A. , Okamoto K. , Bereiter D. A.
Published: October 2008

The influence of analgesic agents on neurons activated by stimulation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region is not well defined. The spinomedullary junction [trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc)/C1–2] is a major site of termination for TMJ sensory afferents. To determine whether estrogen status influences opioid‐induced modulation of TMJ units, the classical opioid analgesic, morphine, was given to ovariectomized (OvX) rats and OvX rats treated for 2 days with low‐dose (LE2) or high‐dose (HE2) 17β‐estradiol‐3‐benzoate. Under thiopental anesthesia, TMJ units in superficial and deep laminae at the Vc/C1–2 junction were activated by injection of ATP (1 mm) directly into the joint space. In superficial laminae, morphine inhibited evoked activity in units from OvX and LE2 rats in a dose‐related and naloxone‐reversible manner, whereas units from HE2 rats were not inhibited. By contrast, in deep laminae, morphine reduced TMJ‐evoked unit activity similarly in all groups. Morphine reduced the background activity of units in superficial and deep laminae and resting arterial pressure similarly in all groups. Morphine applied to the dorsal surface of the Vc/C1–2 junction inhibited all units independently of E2 treatment. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblots revealed a similar level of expression for μ‐opioid receptors at the Vc/C1–2 junction in LE2 and HE2 rats. These results indicated that estrogen status differentially affected morphine modulation of TMJ unit activity in superficial, but not deep, laminae at the Vc/C1–2 junction in female rats. The site(s) for estrogen influence on morphine‐induced modulation of TMJ unit activity was probably outside the medullary dorsal horn.
From affective value to decision‐making in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Grabenhorst Fabian , Rolls Edmund T. , Parris Benjamin A.
Published: October 2008

Representing the affective value of a reward on a continuous scale may occur separately from making a binary, for example yes vs no, decision about whether to choose the reward. To investigate whether these are separable processes, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure activations produced by pleasant warm, unpleasant cold, and affectively complex combinations of these stimuli applied to the hand. On some trials the affective value was rated on a continuous scale, and on different trials a yes–no decision was made about whether the stimulus should be repeated in future. Decision‐making contrasted with just rating the affective stimuli revealed activations in the medial prefrontal cortex area 10, implicating this area in binary decision‐making. Activations related to the pleasantness ratings and which were not influenced when a binary decision was made were found in the pregenual cingulate and parts of the orbitofrontal cortex, implicating these regions in the continuous representation of affective value. When a decision was yes vs. no, effects were found in the dorsal cingulate cortex, agranular (anterior) insula and ventral tegmental area, implicating these areas in initiating actions to obtain goals.
Molecular systematics and morphometrics of Anoplocephaloides dentata (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae) and related species in voles and lemmings
Authors: Haukisalmi Voitto , Hardman Lotta M. , Henttonen Heikki , Laakkonen Juha , Niemimaa Jukka , Hardman Michael , Gubányi András
Published: October 2008

This study presents extensive molecular phylogenetic and morphometric data for Anoplocephaloides dentata (Galli‐Valerio, 1905)‐like cestodes (Anoplocephalidae) and related species parasitizing arvicoline rodents (voles and lemmings) in the Holarctic region. The molecular phylogeny is based on nucleotide sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (mtDNA) and 28S ribosomal RNA. Anoplocephaloides dentata‐like cestodes included three main clades, two in western Eurasia and one in the Holarctic region (excluding western Eurasia). Three well‐supported sublineages were included in the southern European clade, one of which represents the true A. dentata from Chionomys nivalis and sympatric Microtus arvalis and Dinaromys bogdanovi. These clades generally had non‐overlapping distributions and showed a preference for certain host species. Multivariate analysis of morphometric data failed to discriminate unambiguously the various A. dentata‐like lineages recovered in the molecular phylogeny, although two to three of the (sub)lineages were morphologically divergent. The overall evidence suggests, however, that instead of a single host‐generalist species there are at least five more or less host‐specific species of A. dentata‐like cestodes. Colonization of new host lineages seems to have been the predominant mode of diversification, suggested by the considerable incongruence between host and parasite phylogenies at multiple taxonomic levels. Based on the results of the molecular survey, a redescription and neotype designation are provided for A. dentata.
Sensory analysis of calcium‐biofortified lettuce
Authors: Park Sunghun , Elless Mark P. , Park Jungeun , Jenkins Alicia , Lim Wansang , Chambers IV Edgar , Hirschi Kendal D.
Published: October 2008

Vegetables represent an attractive means of providing increased calcium nutrition to the public. In this study, it was demonstrated that lettuce expressing the deregulatedArabidopsisH+/Ca2+transporter sCAX1 (cation exchanger 1) contained 25%–32% more calcium than controls. These biofortified lettuce lines were fertile and demonstrated robust growth in glasshouse growth conditions. Using a panel of highly trained descriptive panellists, biofortified lettuce plants were evaluated and no significant differences were detected in flavour, bitterness or crispness when compared with controls. Sensory analysis studies are critical if claims are to be made regarding the efficacy of biofortified foods, and may be an important component in the public acceptance of genetically modified foods.
TAKING DUE CARE: MORAL OBLIGATIONS IN DUAL USE RESEARCH
Authors: KUHLAU FRIDA , ERIKSSON STEFAN , EVERS KATHINKA , HÖGLUND ANNA T.
Published: October 2008

In the past decade, the perception of a bioterrorist threat has increased and created a demand on life scientists to consider the potential security implications of dual use research. This article examines a selection of proposed moral obligations for life scientists that have emerged to meet these concerns and the extent to which they can be considered reasonable. It also describes the underlying reasons for the concerns, how they are managed, and their implications for scientific values.

Five criteria for what constitutes preventable harm are suggested and a number of proposed obligations for life scientists are considered against these criteria, namely, the obligations to prevent bioterrorism; to engage in response activities; to consider negative implications of research; not to publish or share sensitive information; to oversee and limit access to dangerous material; and to report activities of concern.

Although bioterrorism might be perceived as an imminent threat, the analysis illustrates that this is beyond the responsibility of life scientists either to prevent or to respond to. Among the more reasonable obligations are duties to consider potential negative implications of one's research, protect access to sensitive material, technology and knowledge, and report activities of concern. Responsibility, therefore, includes obligations concerned with preventing foreseeable and highly probable harm. A central conclusion is that several of the proposed obligations are reasonable, although not unconditionally.
J. R. Firth: a new biography1
Authors: Plug Leendert
Published: October 2008

This article presents a sketch of the life and work of J. R. Firth, the first professor of general linguistics in Great Britain and President of the Philological Society from 1954 to 1957, based on a study of existing biographical literature and commentary, Firth’s publications, and various hitherto unpublished archive materials. The article sheds new light on matters such as Firth’s entry into the fledgling field of linguistics in Britain, his relationships with colleagues such as Daniel Jones and Arthur Lloyd James, and his alleged attempts to present a book‐length exposition of his views on linguistics and phonetics.
Bayesian Model Selection using Test Statistics
Authors: Hu Jianhua , Johnson Valen E.
Published: October 2008

Existing Bayesian model selection procedures require the specification of prior distributions on the parameters appearing in every model in the selection set. In practice, this requirement limits the application of Bayesian model selection methodology. To overcome this limitation, we propose a new approach towards Bayesian model selection that uses classical test statistics to compute Bayes factors between possible models. In several test cases, our approach produces results that are similar to previously proposed Bayesian model selection and model averaging techniques in which prior distributions were carefully chosen. In addition to eliminating the requirement to specify complicated prior distributions, this method offers important computational and algorithmic advantages over existing simulation-based methods. Because it is easy to evaluate the operating characteristics of this procedure for a given sample size and specified number of covariates, our method facilitates the selection of hyperparameter values through prior-predictive simulation.
Pseudomartingale Estimating Equations for Modulated Renewal Process Models
Authors: Lin Fengchang , Fine Jason P.
Published: October 2008

We adapt martingale estimating equations based on gap time information to a general intensity model for a single realization of a modulated renewal process. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimators is proved under ergodicity conditions. Previous work has considered either parametric likelihood analysis or semiparametric multiplicative models using partial likelihood. The framework is generally applicable to semiparametric and parametric models, including additive and multiplicative specifications, and periodic models. It facilitates a semiparametric extension of a popular parametric earthquake model. Simulations and empirical analyses of Taiwanese earthquake sequences illustrate the methodology’s practical utility.
Robust Linear Clustering
Authors: García-Escudero L. A. , Gordaliza A. , San Martín R. , Van Aelst S. , Zamar R.
Published: October 2008

Non-hierarchical clustering methods are frequently based on the idea of forming groups around ‘objects’. The main exponent of this class of methods is the k-means method, where these objects are points. However, clusters in a data set may often be due to certain relationships between the measured variables. For instance, we can find linear structures such as straight lines and planes, around which the observations are grouped in a natural way. These structures are not well represented by points. We present a method that searches for linear groups in the presence of outliers. The method is based on the idea of impartial trimming. We search for the ‘best’ subsample containing a proportion 1−α of the data and the best k affine subspaces fitting to those non-discarded observations by measuring discrepancies through orthogonal distances. The population version of the sample problem is also considered. We prove the existence of solutions for the sample and population problems together with their consistency. A feasible algorithm for solving the sample problem is described as well. Finally, some examples showing how the method proposed works in practice are provided.
Cellular localization of GDNF and its GFRalpha1/RET receptor complex in the developing pancreas of cat
Authors: Lucini C. , Maruccio L. , Facello B. , Cocchia N. , Tortora G. , Castaldo L.
Published: October 2008

Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) acts through RET receptor tyrosine kinase and its co‐receptor GFRalpha1. In an effort to better understand the possible biological contribution of the GDNF and GFRalpha1/RET complex in pancreatic development, in this study we report the cellular localization of these proteins in the pancreas of domestic cat embryos and fetuses by immunocytochemical methods. In early embryos, GDNF, GFRalpha and RET immunoreactivity (IR) was localized in closely intermingled cells. GDNF and RET immunoreactive cells displayed chromogranin (an endocrine marker) and PGP 9.5 (a neuronal marker) IR, respectively. GFRalpha IR was present in both a few GDNF/chromogranin and RET/PGP 9.5 immunoreactive cells. In elderly fetuses, GDNF and GFRalpha IR were co‐localized in glucagon cells and RET IR was detected in few neurons and never co‐localized with GFRalpha or GDNF IR. In early embryos, the presence of GDNF IR in chromogranin immunoreactive cells and GFRalpha1/RET complex IR in PGP9.5 immunoreactive cells seems to suggest a paracrine action of GDNF contained in endocrine cell precursors on neuronal cell precursors expressing its receptor complex. The presence in different cell populations of RET and its co‐receptor GFRalpha1 IR could be due to independent signaling of GRFalpha1. Thus, the co‐presence of GDNF and GFRalpha1 in chromogranin and glucagon cells could lead to the hypothesis that GDNF can act in an autocrinal manner. In fetuses, RET IR was detected only in intrapancreatic ganglia. Because of the lack of GFRalpha1 IR in pancreatic innervation, RET receptor could be activated by other GFR alphas and ligands of GDNF family. In conclusion, these findings suggest that in differently aged embryos and fetuses the GDNF signal is differently mediated by RET and GFRalpha1.
Combined finite element and multibody dynamics analysis of biting in a Uromastyx hardwickii lizard skull
Authors: Moazen M. , Curtis N. , Evans S. E. , O’Higgins P. , Fagan M. J.
Published: October 2008

Lizard skulls vary greatly in shape and construction, and radical changes in skull form during evolution have made this an intriguing subject of research. The mechanics of feeding have surely been affected by this change in skull form, but whether this is the driving force behind the change is the underlying question that we are aiming to address in a programme of research. Here we have implemented a combined finite element analysis (FEA) and multibody dynamics analysis (MDA) to assess skull biomechanics during biting. A skull of Uromastyx hardwickii was assessed in the present study, where loading data (such as muscle force, bite force and joint reaction) for a biting cycle were obtained from an MDA and applied to load a finite element model. Fifty load steps corresponding to bilateral biting towards the front, middle and back of the dentition were implemented. Our results show the importance of performing MDA as a preliminary step to FEA, and provide an insight into the variation of stress during biting. Our findings show that higher stress occurs in regions where cranial sutures are located in functioning skulls, and as such support the hypothesis that sutures may play a pivotal role in relieving stress and producing a more uniform pattern of stress distribution across the skull. Additionally, we demonstrate how varying bite point affects stress distributions and relate stress distributions to the evolution of metakinesis in the amniote skull.
The effect of cAMP signaling on the longitudinal extension of spinal sensory neurons in the chicken embryo
Authors: Coutinho‐Budd Jaeda C. , Ezerman Elizabeth B. , Forehand Cynthia J.
Published: October 2008

Developing sensory axons grow into the spinal cord in a three‐step process: the axons extend toward and into the cord, then branch rostrally and caudally to establish a longitudinal pathway, and finally grow into the grey matter. This study investigated regulation by cAMP of the longitudinal extension of this pathway within the spinal cord. The cAMP pathway was pharmacologically altered in chicken embryos to determine its effects on the establishment of the longitudinal extension of the dorsal funiculus. A forskolin‐induced increase in cAMP in ovo inhibited longitudinal growth by sensory afferents. Furthermore, blocking cAMP activation of protein kinase A (PKA) in ovo with H‐89 substantially increased longitudinal extension. These results demonstrate a specific role for the cAMP/PKA pathway in the initial longitudinal spinal afferent growth in the chicken embryo.
The parent–nurse relationship in the neonatal intensive care unit context – closeness and emotional involvement
Authors: Fegran Liv , Helseth Sølvi
Published: October 2008

Aim and background:  Family‐centred care, which acknowledges parents as partners in care, is a desirable and essential part of neonatal nursing. There has been extensive research on parents’ experiences of parenting in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), but there is little research on nurses’ experiences of being in these enduring close relationships. The aim of this paper is to explore parents’ and nurses’ experiences of the close parent–nurse relationship when a premature child is hospitalized.

Method:  The design was exploratory with a hermeneutic approach. The methods used were participant observation and in‐depth interviews with six mothers, six fathers and six nurses in a Norwegian 13‐bed NICU. Eighteen individual interviews and 160 hours of observations were conducted over 27 weeks from 2003 to 2004. This study complies with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics, the Ombudsman for Privacy in Research at the Norwegian Social Science Data Services and the hospital’s research department approved the study protocol.

Results:  The NICU context is a technological environment where human interaction is a crucial issue. The character of the context and the ongoing interactions drive parents and nurses into close relationships. Closeness increases the emotional involvement and the boundary between the professional and the personal approach is threatened. The commitment of being close, combined with the emotional involvement, can be an emotional burden to both parents and nurses.

Conclusion:  Parent–nurse closeness in NICU is desirable; however, the emotional burden of this closeness seems to be seldom problematized. Awareness about the need to strike a balance between closeness and distance can positively influence parents’ independence and nurses’ ability to maintain professional relationships with their primary care parents.
The Theses on Feuerbach as a political ecology of the possible
Authors: Loftus Alex
Published: October 2008

This paper argues that Marx's Theses on Feuerbach offer a tremendous and yet neglected resource for work in political ecology and the production of nature. Whilst not calling for a dramatic shift in the way in which such work is conducted, the paper shows how the Theses offer a firm and concise foundation on which to base the ontological and epistemological claims of work on the politicised environment. Ontologically, nature is a differentiated unity, best understood as sensuous activity or practice. This fits well with Smith's claims that nature is produced, whilst not limiting production to capitalist activity. Environments are thereby made up of everyday activity. Subverting the apparent anthropocentrism of this claim, the paper shows how (as Gramsci recognised) the Theses on Feuerbach have an incipient sense of the socio‐natural. Post‐humanist critiques of Smith's (humanist) production of nature thesis are thereby disrupted. Production realises a differentiated unity of socio‐natural relations. Epistemologically, the paper demonstrates how the Theses push political ecologists to construct knowledge claims from practical activity. An ecological politics thereby emerges from the situated knowledges of different actors. Building on this, the paper argues that Marx's ‘notes to himself’ give us a sense of possible worlds and possible ecologies beyond the topsy‐turvy one we have made in the present. Through the concept of praxis evinced in the Theses, a vision of the engaged scholar activist, committed to learning about the world through changing it (and vice‐versa), emerges.
Neoliberal subjectivities or a politics of the possible? Reading for difference in alternative food networks
Authors: Harris Edmund
Published: October 2008

Recent research on alternative food networks has highlighted the centrality of place‐embeddedness as a strategy in constructing alternatives to conventional agri‐industrial food systems, and has illustrated the political nature of these strategic localisms. Recently, critical human geographers and sociologists have drawn on relational theory to criticise the localism of alternative food networks as representing a politics of place which is unreflexive or defensive. Furthermore, some readings of alternative food networks argue that they reproduce the very neoliberal subjectivities that they seek to oppose. This article argues that agri‐food scholars should be aware of the ways in which their readings of alternative food networks can guide and reproduce alternative food network practice. Drawing on Gibson‐Graham's technique of ‘reading for difference’, I argue for a reading of alternative food networks that sees difference beyond the discursive field of neoliberalism. The article explores recent debates around governmentality as the mechanism through which neoliberal subjectivities are reproduced, and draws on a preliminary discussion of the alternative food network practice of the 100 Mile Diet in order to illustrate the arguments made.
Legal implications of mobile shorelines in Great Britain
Authors: McGlashan Derek J , Duck Robert W , Reid Colin T
Published: October 2008

This paper highlights the three legally defined property areas that lie in the coastal zone in Great Britain (land, foreshore and seabed), and considers the mechanisms used by the two legal systems that operate on the mainland (Scots and English law) to cope with natural processes of erosion and accretion. The two legal systems are shown to be slightly different in how they accommodate erosion and accretion. However, they both have difficulty in coherently addressing the issues of coastal mobility and land ownership, which raises important questions of social justice, as they are based on the perceptions of judges in historic cases.
Nanomaterials for textile processing and photonic applications
Authors: Dawson T L
Published: October 2008

A few nanoparticle dispersions have been produced for centuries, but it is mainly during the past decade that they have been extensively developed for an amazing range of end uses, some in textile dyeing and finishing but more particularly in a technology now referred to as photonics. The developments in this field are reviewed with particular reference to improved, energy‐saving illuminants, computer and television displays, solar panels and digital communications. Fluorescent nanoparticles, which are now widely employed for sophisticated biomedical diagnostic testing (and possibly in future for treating the diseases themselves), are also described. Many nanoproducts are of almost molecular size and potentially very reactive, which has raised fears about possible, as yet unknown, environmental hazards. This review summarises the results of certain individual toxicity trials and the extensive joint programmes planned in both Europe and America.
Male sex and pre‐existing diabetes are independent risk factors for stillbirth
Authors: ENGEL Patricia J. , SMITH Roger , BRINSMEAD Maxwell W. , BOWE Stephen J. , CLIFTON Vicki L.
Published: October 2008

Aim:  To determine whether the risk of stillbirth is associated with male fetal sex, fetal growth and maternal factors in an Australian population.

Methods:  A retrospective secondary data analysis of 16 445 singleton births was performed using a tertiary referral centre obstetric database (1995–1999). Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:  Stillbirth complicated 1% of the pregnancies in the study population, and 59% of stillbirths were associated with a male fetus. Significant characteristics associated with stillbirth were intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), birth defects, gestational age, Aboriginal ethnicity, previous stillbirth, parity greater than three and placental abruption. Male stillbirths were more likely to occur at a later gestation (median gestation 30.5 weeks, range 20–43 weeks) compared to females (median 25 weeks, range 20–40 weeks), P = 0.01. Sixty per cent of IUGR fetuses were female (P < 0.001). Male sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.5, confidence interval (CI) 1.01, 2.17, P = 0.04) and maternal type 1 diabetes (OR 4.7, CI 1.58, 14.19, P = 0.006) were independently associated with stillbirth.

Conclusion:  Male fetal sex and pre‐existing diabetes are independent risk factors for stillbirth. Diabetes remains a significant risk for stillbirth even with contemporary monitoring and clinical management. Those diabetic pregnancies where the fetus is male require appropriate monitoring and timely interventions to achieve an optimal outcome.
Use of complementary and alternative medicines by a sample of Australian women during pregnancy
Authors: SKOUTERIS Helen , WERTHEIM Eleanor H. , RALLIS Sofia , PAXTON Susan J. , KELLY Leanne , MILGROM Jeannette
Published: October 2008

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) is growing in Australia, with women higher users than men. Yet, only a few Australian studies have explored the use of CAM during pregnancy.

Aims: To explore the use of CAM, the types of CAM practitioners consulted, physical symptoms/complaints for which CAM are used by a sample of pregnant Australian women, and women's perceptions of the efficacy of CAM in treating those complaints.

Methods: Three hundred and twenty‐one pregnant women, who volunteered for a study exploring women's well‐being during pregnancy, completed a self‐report questionnaire in their late second/early third trimester.

Results: Seventy‐three per cent of women had used at least one kind of complementary therapy in the prior eight weeks of pregnancy. Over one‐third of the women had visited at least one alternative medicine practitioner during pregnancy. Approximately one‐third of the women reported taking CAM to alleviate a specific physical symptom, with 95.7% of these women reporting they either got completely better or a little bit better with use of CAM; one quarter reported planning to use an alternative therapy to assist with labour preparation. Age, number of physical symptoms experienced, income level and level of education were not associated with greater use of CAM (P < 0.05); however, women reporting more physical symptoms were more likely to consult a CAM practitioner.

Conclusion: Findings highlight the substantial use of CAM during pregnancy and the need to have all health professionals adequately informed about such therapies during this life stage.
Elective caesarean delivery at maternal request: A preliminary study of motivations influencing women's decision‐making
Authors: ROBSON Stephen , CAREY Alexandra , MISHRA Rasmita , DEAR Keith
Published: October 2008

Background:  There is an extensive literature concerning caesarean section at maternal request, where no obstetric indication exists, yet little information about what motivates women to request such a delivery.

Aims:  This paper aims to ask women who had undergone maternal‐request primary elective caesarean delivery about the reasons for their choice, their level of satisfaction with the delivery and their future childbearing plans.

Methods:  Anonymous postal survey of women who have undergone maternal‐request primary caesarean section in private maternity hospitals in the eastern states of Australia.

Results:  The response rate was 68%, and 78 completed surveys were included in the study. The most common reason given was, ‘I was concerned about risks to the baby’ (46%). On a scale from 1 (totally unsatisfied) to 10 (completely satisfied), the mean satisfaction rating reported was 9.25/10 (95% confidence interval: 8.89, 9.60). Only eight respondents (10%) stated an intention for more than two caesarean deliveries.

Conclusions:  Women who underwent maternal‐request caesarean delivery most commonly did so from concerns for the baby. Respondents were highly satisfied with their delivery, and few wished for more than two children.
Microevolutionary support for a developmental hourglass: gene expression patterns shape sequence variation and divergence inDrosophila
Authors: Cruickshank Tami , Wade Michael J.
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYA central goal of evolutionary developmental biology (Evo‐Devo) is to synthesize comparative molecular developmental genetics and its description of the dynamic relationship between genotype and phenotype with the microevolutionary processes (mutation, random drift, and selection) of population genetics. To this end, we analyzed sequence variation of five gene classes that act sequentially to shape early embryo development inDrosophila: maternal, gap, pair‐rule, segment polarity, and segment identity genes. We found two related patterns: (1) a microevolutionary pattern, wherein relative sequence variation within species is 2‐ to 3‐fold higher for maternal‐effect genes than for any other gene class; and, (2) a macroevolutionary pattern, wherein the relative sequence divergence among species for maternal‐effect genes is 2‐ to 4‐fold greater than for any other gene class. Both patterns are qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with the predictions of microevolutionary theory. Our findings connect within‐species genetic variation to between‐species divergence and shed light on the controversy over the existence of a “developmental hourglass,” where mid‐embryonic stages are more evolutionarily constrained than either earlier or later stages. Because maternal‐effect genes experience relaxed selective constraint relative to zygotic‐effect genes, they explore a wider mutational and phenotypic space. As a result, early acting maternal‐effect genes diverge more widely across taxa and thereby broaden the base of the developmental hourglass. In contrast, later acting zygotic genes are relatively more constrained and limited in their diversification across taxa, narrowing the waist of the developmental hourglass. This pattern is obscured by genes with both maternal and zygotic expression, which experience the strongest evolutionary constraint.
Evolutionary history of larval skeletal morphology in sea urchin Echinometridae (Echinoidea: Echinodermata) as deduced from mitochondrial DNA molecular phylogeny
Authors: Kinjo Sonoko , Shirayama Yoshihisa , Wada Hiroshi
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY
The larval skeletons of sea urchins show considerable morphological diversity, even between closely related species, although the evolutionary history and functional significance of this diversity are poorly understood. To infer the evolutionary history of the skeletal morphology, we focused on echinometrid species for which the morphological variation in larval skeletons had been investigated qualitatively and quantitatively. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships among 14 echinometrid species based on mitochondrial ND1 and ND2 genes and mapped the morphological characters onto the resultant trees. The monophyly of each genus in the Echinometridae was well supported by our results, as was the close affinity between Colobocentrotus, Heterocentrotus, and Echinometra. The mapping of the morphological characters of the larval skeletons indicated that the length, direction, and density of spines on the postoral rods was well conserved in each group of Echinometridae and that the abundance of spines and the size and shape of the body skeleton changed relatively frequently and hence were less conserved. In Echinometrid species, morphological variation in relatively unconserved features tends to be associated with latitudinal distributions, rather than phylogenetic relationships, indicating that the morphological diversity of larval skeletons could have been caused by adaptation to the habitat environment. Some morphological differences, however, seem to be nonfunctional and generated by the constraints on larval skeletogenesis. Thus, echinometrid species can be a good model with which to study the evolutionary history from both ecological and developmental standpoints.
Evolutionary origins of novel conchologic growth patterns in tropical American corbulid bivalves
Authors: Goodwin David H. , Anderson Laurie C. , Roopnarine Peter D.
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY
We conducted a combined sclerochronologic and phylogenetic analysis to document patterns and rates of shell accretion in several subclades of related corbulids, and to explore the evolutionary origins of novel conchologic developmental patterns. We found three disparate patterns of valve development in Neogene tropical American corbulid genera. These patterns include growth through primarily radial accretion along the sagittal plane, and two derivative patterns: one characterized by initial deposition of a thin shell followed by valve thickening with little increase in valve height, and another producing a well‐defined nepioconch through a marked change in the primary growth direction. We conducted a species‐level phylogenetic analysis of the taxa surveyed for growth patterns, focusing on the ([Bothrocorbula+Hexacorbula]+Caryocorbula) clade. The phylogenetic distribution of shell growth patterns suggests that this clade is characterized by derivative patterns of growth. Oxygen‐isotope calibrated ontogenetic age estimates of species in the derived Bothrocorbula subclade further suggest that transitions from the ancestral radial (sagittal) growth pattern to a derived pattern of growth are a function of heterochrony (peramorphosis by acceleration). These findings are significant because they link previously observed patterns of morphological constraint with a specific evolutionary process, demonstrate how morphologic constraint and innovation can be interrelated, and serve as a model for understanding the evolution of morphologic diversity in the clade as a whole. Furthermore, this study highlights the utility of sclerochronologic records as an important component of evolutionary developmental research on organisms with accretionary skeletal growth.
Secondary school students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward epilepsy in the Batibo Health District—Cameroon
Authors: Njamnshi Alfred K. , Angwafor Samuel A. , Jallon Pierre , Muna Walinjom F. T.
Published: October 2008

Using a 12‐item questionnaire, we assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) toward epilepsy and identified determinants of inappropriate attitudes toward people with epilepsy (PWE) among 910 randomly selected secondary school students in Batibo (Cameroon). Ninety‐five percent of the students had heard or read about epilepsy, 73.3% knew an epileptic, and 76.4% had witnessed a seizure. Those who would offer equal employment opportunities to PWE, refuse to associate with, or refuse to marry PWE represented 58.6%, 25.4%, and 64.2%, respectively. Negative attitudes appeared to be reinforced by beliefs that epilepsy is hereditary (25.7%), contagious (49.9%), or a kind of insanity (38%). Acquaintance with PWE tended to improve the misconception that epilepsy is contagious (p < 0.001), and to reinforce the view that it is a form of insanity (p < 0.01). A successful epilepsy education program must account for local beliefs, and secondary school students may constitute a good channel for community education.
Single injection of a low dose of pentylenetetrazole leads to epileptogenesis in an animal model of cortical dysplasia
Authors: Oghlakian Roger O. , Tilelli Cristiane Q. , Hiremath Girish K. , Alexopoulos Andreas V. , Najm Imad M.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Cortical dysplasia (CD) is one of the most frequent causes of pharmacoresistent focal epilepsy. Despite significant advances in various diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the basic mechanisms of higher susceptibility for seizures in patients with CD are unknown. Animal models of CD present with a lower threshold for seizure induction. The purpose of this study is to further characterize the animal model of in utero radiation‐induced CD and to illustrate the effect of a late postnatal second hit (low dose of pentylenetetrazole, PTZ) on the development of spontaneous seizures.

Methods: Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were irradiated on E17 (145 cGy; control group was left untreated). Litters were implanted with bifrontal epidural and hippocampal depth electrodes. After baseline electroencephalography (EEG) recording, animals received 30 mg/kg PTZ and were chronically monitored. Histopathology of the brains was verified.

Results: No seizures were detected in animals that did not receive PTZ. PTZ‐injected irradiated (XRT) rats showed severe prolonged, repetitive seizures during the acute period. During the chronic period, XRT rats had recurrent seizures and epileptiform spikes. PTZ‐injected control animals exhibited milder and fewer acute seizures and did not show seizures during the chronic period. Histology was consistent with cortical and hippocampal dysplasia.

Conclusions: This study shows that a single treatment with a low dose of PTZ renders XRT rats (but not age‐matched controls) epileptic, exhibiting spontaneous epileptiform spikes and seizures on EEG. These results might mirror the natural history of patients with CD thought to be caused by prenatal/congenital or perinatal insults.
Prevalence of ALDH7A1 mutations in 18 North American pyridoxine‐dependent seizure (PDS) patients
Authors: Bennett Craig L. , Chen Yingzhang , Hahn Sihoun , Glass Ian A. , Gospe Jr Sidney M.
Published: October 2008

Purpose:  Pyridoxine‐dependent seizure (PDS) is a rare disorder characterized by seizures that are resistant to common anticonvulsants, and that are ultimately controlled by daily pharmacologic doses of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Mutations of the antiquitin gene (ALDH7A1) are now recognized as the molecular basis of cases of neonatal‐onset PDS.

Methods:  Bidirectional DNA sequence analysis of ALDH7A1 was undertaken along with plasma pipecolic acid (PA) measurements to determine the prevalence of ALDH7A1 mutations in a cohort of 18 North American patients with PDS.

Results:  In patients with neonatal‐onset PDS, compound heterozygous or homozygous ALDH7A1 mutations were detected in 10 of 12 cases, and a single mutation was found in the remaining 2. In later‐onset cases, mutations in ALDH7A1 were detected in three of six cases. In two patients with infantile spasms responsive to pyridoxine treatment and with good clinical outcomes, no mutations were found and PA levels were normal. In total, 13 novel mutations were identified.

Discussion:  Our study advances previous findings that defects of ALDH7A1 are almost always the cause of neonatal‐onset PDS and that defects in this gene are also responsible for some but not all later‐onset cases. Later‐onset cases of infantile spasms with good outcomes lacked evidence for antiquitin dysfunction, suggesting that this phenotype is less compelling for PDS.
Accuracy of Impression Techniques for Implants. Part 1 – Influence of Transfer Copings Surface Abrasion
Authors: Assunção Wirley Gonçalves , Cardoso Alessandra , Gomes Erica Alves , Tabata Lucas Fernando , Santos Paulo Henrique dos
Published: October 2008

Purpose: This study evaluated the influence of surface abrasion of transfer copings to obtain a precise master cast for a partially edentulous restoration with different inclinations.

Materials and Methods: Replicas (N = 30) of a metal matrix (control group) containing two implants at 90° and 65° in relation to the benchtop were obtained using a polyether impression material and three impression techniques: square impression copings splint with dental floss and autopolymerizing acrylic resin (TRS), square impression copings abraded with aluminum oxide (TA), and square impression copings abraded with aluminum oxide and adhesive‐coated (TAA). The replicas obtained in type V stone were digitalized, and the images were exported to AutoCAD software to perform the readings of possible degree alterations in implant inclinations. The results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test (α < 0.05).

Results: Comparing the techniques with regard to the 90° implant inclination, no statistical difference was observed between the three techniques and the control group. Analyzing the three techniques with regard to the 65° implant inclination, no significant difference was seen between technique TA and the control group.

Conclusions: Technique TA presented more accurate master casts than TRS and TAA techniques. The angulated implant (65°) tended to generate more imprecise master casts than implants perpendicular to the surface.
Shade‐Matching Abilities of Dental Laboratory Technicians Using a Commercial Light Source
Authors: Jasinevicius T. Roma , Curd Francis M. , Schilling Lindsey , Sadan Avishai
Published: October 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental laboratory technicians' abilities to match shades using a light‐corrective device under conventional laboratory conditions. The variables measured were years experience, gender, and light source.

Materials and Methods: A 14‐item shade‐matching quiz (SMQ) was field‐tested and deemed adequate. Information included age, gender, number of years experience, and Ishihara's Colour‐Blindness Assessment. Forty‐two dental technicians from five northeast Ohio laboratories were invited to participate. The SMQ was administered twice: under the lighting conditions in the individual laboratories (SMQ‐Lab) and with a light‐corrective source (SMQ‐LC). For each item, the technicians were to select the matching Vita shade tab from five preselected shade tabs. SMQ scores equaled the number of correct matches. Statistical analysis included calculation of means, standard deviations, correlation coefficients, and independent and paired t‐tests. Significance was set at p≤ 0.05.

Results: Twenty male and 20 female technicians participated. None were color‐deficient. The SMQ scores were significantly higher with the light‐corrective device than under laboratory lighting: 12.0 ± 1.9 and 10.0 ± 2.0, respectively (p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between years experience and SMQ scores, nor were there differences between scores by gender. In general, the Vita C shades were least likely to be matched.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, dental technicians' shade‐matching abilities were better with a light‐corrective device than under the conventional laboratory lighting conditions. Gender and experience were not factors in matching shades. The Vita C shades were least likely to be matched.
Comparison of Marginal Fit between All‐Porcelain Margin versus Alumina‐Supported Margin on Procera® Alumina Crowns
Authors: Limkangwalmongkol Penwadee , Kee Edwin , Chiche Gerard J. , Blatz Markus B.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Procera® Alumina crowns are widely used; however, the effect of crown margin design on marginal fit is unknown. This study measured and compared the precision of fit of Procera® Alumina crowns with two crown margin designs: all‐porcelain versus alumina‐supported margins.

Materials and Methods: Sixteen noncarious extracted human premolars were prepared for Procera® Alumina crowns with an internally rounded shoulder preparation. Impressions were made from all teeth, and master dies were poured with type IV dental stone. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups. Procera® Alumina crowns were fabricated: eight crowns with circumferential porcelain‐butt (all‐porcelain) margins and eight crowns with coping (alumina‐supported) margins (control). Precision of fit was measured at six points on each crown with a profilometer (profile projector). The data were statistically analyzed with an independent‐samples t‐test (α < 0.05).

Results: The mean marginal gap size (μm) of coping margins was 68.07 ± 16.08 and of porcelain‐butt margins was 101.29 ± 43.71. There was no statistically significant difference (p= 0.065) of the marginal gap size between coping margins and porcelain‐butt margins.

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that there was no statistically significant difference in the marginal fit of coping and porcelain‐butt margins. Both margin designs are within clinically acceptable ranges. Therefore, clinicians may choose to use a coping margin, as it is less labor intensive and requires less time for fabrication, unless there is a specific high esthetic need for a porcelain‐butt margin.
Clinical and Economic Characteristics of Patients with Painful Neuropathic Disorders in Germany
Authors: Berger Ariel , Toelle Thomas , Sadosky Alesia , Dukes Ellen , Edelsberg John , Oster Gerry
Published: October 2008

Using a large database with information from general practitioners (GP) throughout Germany, we identified all adults (age ≥18 years) with encounters for painful neuropathic disorders (PNDs) between August 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006 (PND patients). We also constituted an age‐ and sex‐matched comparison group, consisting of randomly selected patients without any GP encounters for PNDs during the same period. Selected characteristics were then compared between PND patients and those in the comparison group over the 1‐year study period. The study sample consisted of 275,685 PND patients and a similar number in the matched comparison group; mean age was 53.7 years, and 57% were women. PND patients were more likely than matched comparators to have encounters for various comorbidities, including circulatory system disorders (47% vs. 20%, respectively), depression (9% vs. 2%), and anxiety (4% vs. 1%) (all P < 0.01). They also were more likely to have received pain‐related medications (57% vs. 13% for comparison group; P < 0.01)—most commonly, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, benzodiazepines, and opioids, and less often, tricyclic antidepressants and anti‐epileptics. PND patients averaged 7.3 more GP visits during the year (mean [95% CI] = 9.9 [9.9, 9.9] vs. 2.6 [2.6, 2.7] for comparison group); they also had significantly more specialist referrals and physician‐excused absences from work (all P < 0.01). Patients with PNDs under the care of GPs in Germany have comparatively more comorbidities and higher levels of use of healthcare services. The pain‐related medications that these patients receive raise concerns that PNDs may not be optimally treated in these settings.
Intracranial Hemorrhage After Percutaneous Radiofrequency Trigeminal Rhizotomy
Authors: Rath Girija P. , Dash Hari H. , Bithal Parmod K. , Goyal Vinay
Published: October 2008

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of trigeminal ganglion is a commonly performed percutaneous procedure for the management of trigeminal neuralgia. However, it is not free from potentially life‐threatening complications. A case of intracranial hemorrhage following RFT, which was managed conservatively, is reported. The authors suggest that coagulation parameters be normalized and intra‐procedural blood pressure controlled while performing this technique. As RFT is carried out as an ambulatory procedure, absence of any intracranial complication must be ascertained clinically before the patient is discharged.