bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Survival of Sea Lampreys from Metamorphosis to Spawning in Lake Huron
Authors: Swink William D. , Johnson Nicholas S.
Published: May 2014

Larval Sea Lampreys Petromyzon marinus live burrowed in stream bottoms and then metamorphose into their parasitic stage. Among larvae that metamorphose in a given year (i.e., parasitic cohort), autumn out‐migrants (October–December) to the Laurentian Great Lakes can feed on fish for up to 6 months longer than spring out‐migrants (March–May), which overwinter in streams without feeding. We evaluated whether the season of out‐migration affected growth or survival of newly metamorphosed Sea Lampreys in Lake Huron. Newly metamorphosed individuals (n = 2,718) from three parasitic cohorts were netted during their out‐migration from Black Mallard Creek, Michigan, to Lake Huron during autumn 1997 through spring 2000; each out‐migrant was injected with a sequentially numbered coded wire tag and was released back into the creek. After up to 18 months of feeding in the Great Lakes, 224 (8.2%) Sea Lampreys were recaptured (in 1999–2001) as upstream‐migrating adults in tributaries to Lakes Huron and Michigan. Recovery rates of autumn and spring out‐migrants as adults were 9.4% and 7.8%, respectively, and these rates did not significantly differ. Overwinter feeding (i.e., as parasites) by autumn out‐migrants did not produce adult mean sizes greater than those of spring out‐migrants. Because we detected no growth or survival differences between autumn and spring out‐migrants, the capture of newly metamorphosed Sea Lampreys at any point during their out‐migration should provide equal reductions in damage to Great Lakes fisheries. The absence of a difference in growth or survival between autumn and spring out‐migrants is an aspect of Sea Lamprey life history that yields resiliency to this invasive parasite and complicates efforts for its control in the Great Lakes.
Movement and Growth of Juvenile Colorado Pikeminnows in the San Juan River, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah
Authors: Durst Scott L. , Franssen Nathan R.
Published: May 2014

Understanding patterns of animal distribution and abundance based on their movements is important to identify the habitats and factors that maximize growth and reproductive success. Despite stocking age‐0 hatchery‐reared Colorado Pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius for over 10 years in the San Juan River of Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, the population consists primarily of stocked juveniles; adults remain rare. We investigated seasonal movement and growth of juvenile Colorado Pikeminnows in the San Juan River from 2009 to 2012 to inform recovery efforts throughout the Colorado River basin. Our results indicated fish made long‐distance upstream movements from spring to summer while moving back downstream over winter. Seasonal movements may be associated with maximizing growth along longitudinal and seasonal temperature regimes. Length‐at‐age relationships reveal Colorado Pikeminnows in the San Juan River were larger than individuals of the same age in other populations in the upper Colorado River basin. While warmer water temperatures may have played some role in the larger lengths at age we observed, the hatchery‐reared fish that are stocked at age 0 are probably larger than their wild‐spawned counterparts of the same age. Variation in growth rates among size‐classes indicates small Colorado Pikeminnows (<200 mm TL) had slower growth rates than larger individuals in the San Juan River, suggesting a possible resource limitation for smaller juvenile fish. Understanding how seasonal movement and growth of all life stages of Colorado Pikeminnow interact with modified river systems will be important for population conservation and recovery efforts in the upper Colorado River basin.
Iranian Studies in Turkey
Authors: Yüksel Metin
Published: May 2014

Among other Middle Eastern countries, Iran and Turkey stand out as the two neighboring countries with many linguistic and cultural similarities. The question that comes to the fore is: to what extent do these two countries know each other? This article attempts to provide a picture of the state of Iranian Studies in Turkey with specific attention to three monographs originally written as PhD dissertations in various Turkish universities over the last three decades. Produced from within three different social science and humanities divisions, i.e. Political Science, Persian Literature and History, these are three of the very few scholarly monographs produced on Iran in Turkey. Based on a close reading of these studies, it seems possible to observe that they are mostly ill-balanced by methodological, ethnocentric as well as Turkish nationalist biases.
An ethnonational perspective on territorial politics in the EU: east-west comparisons from a pilot study
Authors: Stefanova Boyka M.
Published: May 2014

This paper examines the relationship between European integration and ethnonational demands with the example of selected regions in the European Union (EU). It follows the theoretical premises of new regionalism and explores the ways in which ethnonational groups use the opportunities and resources of European governance to express their identities, material interests, and political demands. Methodologically, it conducts a plausibility probe of the potential effects of European integration on ethnonationalism by testing for regional differences in identities, interests, and political attitudes. The case studies are drawn from the UK (Wales and Scotland), Belgium (Flanders), Austria (Carinthia and Burgenland), Romania (Northwest and Center regions), and Bulgaria (South-Central and South-Eastern regions) as a representative selection of regional interests in the EU. The paper finds that European integration affects ethnonational groups by reinforcing identity construction in the direction of inclusiveness and diversity. Although regional actors are more supportive of the EU than the European publics in general, they also seek access to representation in the authority structures of the state. Based on these findings, the paper concludes that European integration facilitates a growing public acceptance of its resources, in parallel with persisting allegiances to the nation-state, the community, and ethnoregional distinctiveness.
A framework for a Catholic Stakeholder core
Authors: Carrascoso Angelo Carlo
Published: May 2014

Despite extensive connections to ethics and philosophy, the literature on stakeholder theory has largely avoided direct linkages to religion and spirituality. At the same time, Catholic Social Teaching and other religious traditions have ignored any meaningful discussion of stakeholder theory. This paper connects the stakeholder literature and religion by presenting a framework that specifies macro-level core Catholic Social Teaching tenets and the normative business obligations derived from this doctrine. These obligations ground Catholic Stakeholder Thinking which represents the attendant meso-level responsibilities of managers and firms, as well as the priority rules for resolving stakeholder conflicts. The resulting articulation of Catholic doctrine to business expands not only the normative depth of stakeholder theory, but also the practicality and relevance of Catholic Social Teaching. Through their interactions with various stakeholders, firms and managers are encouraged to pursue the common good and integral human development in solidarity with the poor within their value chains.
B lymphocytes undergo TLR2-dependent apoptosis uponShigellainfection
Authors: Nothelfer Katharina , Arena Ellen T. , Pinaud Laurie , Neunlist Michel , Mozeleski Brian , Belotserkovsky Ilia , Parsot Claude , Dinadayala Premkumar , Burger-Kentischer Anke , Raqib Rubhana , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Phalipon Armelle
Published: May 2014

Antibody-mediated immunity to Shigella, the causative agent of bacillary dysentery, requires several episodes of infection to get primed and is short-lasting, suggesting that the B cell response is functionally impaired. We show that upon ex vivo infection of human colonic tissue, invasive S. flexneri interacts with and occasionally invades B lymphocytes. The induction of a type three secretion apparatus (T3SA)–dependent B cell death is observed in the human CL-01 B cell line in vitro, as well as in mouse B lymphocytes in vivo. In addition to cell death occurring in Shigella-invaded CL-01 B lymphocytes, we provide evidence that the T3SA needle tip protein IpaD can induce cell death in noninvaded cells. IpaD binds to and induces B cell apoptosis via TLR2, a signaling receptor thus far considered to result in activation of B lymphocytes. The presence of bacterial co-signals is required to sensitize B cells to apoptosis and to up-regulate tlr2, thus enhancing IpaD binding. Apoptotic B lymphocytes in contact with Shigella-IpaD are detected in rectal biopsies of infected individuals. This study therefore adds direct B lymphocyte targeting to the diversity of mechanisms used by Shigella to dampen the host immune response.
Vagus nerve controls resolution and pro-resolving mediators of inflammation
Authors: Mirakaj Valbona , Dalli Jesmond , Granja Tiago , Rosenberger Peter , Serhan Charles N.
Published: May 2014

Resolution of inflammation is now recognized as a biosynthetically active process involving pro-resolving mediators. Here, we show in zymosan-initiated peritoneal inflammation that the vagus nerve regulates local expression of netrin-1, an axonal guidance molecule that activates resolution, and that vagotomy reduced local pro-resolving mediators, thereby delaying resolution. In netrin-1+/− mice, resolvin D1 (RvD1) was less effective in reducing neutrophil influx promoting resolution of peritonitis compared with Ntn1+/+. Netrin-1 shortened the resolution interval, decreasing exudate neutrophils, reducing proinflammatory mediators, and stimulating the production of resolvins, protectins, and lipoxins. Human monocytes incubated with netrin-1 produced proresolving mediators, including resolvins and lipoxins. Netrin-1 and RvD1 displayed bidirectional activation in that they stimulated each other’s expression and enhanced efferocytosis. These results indicate that the vagus nerve regulates both netrin-1 and pro-resolving lipid mediators, which act in a bidirectional fashion to stimulate resolution, and provide evidence for a novel mechanism for local neuronal control of resolution.
Imatinib inhibits VEGF-independent angiogenesis by targeting neuropilin 1–dependent ABL1 activation in endothelial cells
Authors: Raimondi Claudio , Fantin Alessandro , Lampropoulou Anastasia , Denti Laura , Chikh Anissa , Ruhrberg Christiana
Published: May 2014

To enable new blood vessel growth, endothelial cells (ECs) express neuropilin 1 (NRP1), and NRP1 associates with the receptor tyrosine kinase VEGFR2 after binding the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) to enhance arteriogenesis. We report that NRP1 contributes to angiogenesis through a novel mechanism. In human and mouse ECs, the integrin ligand fibronectin (FN) stimulated actin remodeling and phosphorylation of the focal adhesion component paxillin (PXN) in a VEGF/VEGFR2-independent but NRP1-dependent manner. NRP1 formed a complex with ABL1 that was responsible for FN-dependent PXN activation and actin remodeling. This complex promoted EC motility in vitro and during angiogenesis on FN substrates in vivo. Accordingly, both physiological and pathological angiogenesis in the retina were inhibited by treatment with Imatinib, a small molecule inhibitor of ABL1 which is widely used to prevent the proliferation of tumor cells that express BCR-ABL fusion proteins. The finding that NRP1 regulates angiogenesis in a VEGF- and VEGFR2-independent fashion via ABL1 suggests that ABL1 inhibition provides a novel opportunity for anti-angiogenic therapy to complement VEGF or VEGFR2 blockade in eye disease or solid tumor growth.
Homotopy idempotent functors on classifying spaces
Authors: Castellana Natàlia , Flores Ramón
Published: May 2014

Fix a prime

p
p

. Since their definition in the context of localization theory, the homotopy functors

P

B

Z

/

p

P_{B\mathbb {Z}/p}

and

C

W

B

Z

/

p

CW_{B\mathbb {Z}/p}

have shown to be powerful tools used to understand and describe the mod

p
p

structure of a space. In this paper, we study the effect of these functors on a wide class of spaces which includes classifying spaces of compact Lie groups and their homotopical analogues. Moreover, we investigate their relationship in this context with other relevant functors in the analysis of the mod

p
p

homotopy, such as Bousfield-Kan completion and Bousfield homological localization.
Quality matters: how does mitochondrial network dynamics and quality control impact on mtDNA integrity?
Authors: Busch Karin B. , Kowald Axel , Spelbrink Johannes N.
Published: May 2014

Mammalian mtDNA encodes for 13 core proteins of oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial DNA mutations and deletions cause severe myopathies and neuromuscular diseases. Thus, the integrity of mtDNA is pivotal for cell survival and health of the organism. We here discuss the possible impact of mitochondrial fusion and fission on mtDNA maintenance as well as positive and negative selection processes. Our focus is centred on the important question of how the quality of mtDNA nucleoids can be assured when selection and mitochondrial quality control works on functional and physiological phenotypes constituted by oxidative phosphorylation proteins. The organelle control theory suggests a link between phenotype and nucleoid genotype. This is discussed in the light of new results presented here showing that mitochondrial transcription factor A/nucleoids are restricted in their intramitochondrial mobility and probably have a limited sphere of influence. Together with recent published work on mitochondrial and mtDNA heteroplasmy dynamics, these data suggest first, that single mitochondria might well be internally heterogeneous and second, that nucleoid genotypes might be linked to local phenotypes (although the link might often be leaky). We discuss how random or site-specific mitochondrial fission can isolate dysfunctional parts and enable their elimination by mitophagy, stressing the importance of fission in the process of mtDNA quality control. The role of fusion is more multifaceted and less understood in this context, but the mixing and equilibration of matrix content might be one of its important functions.
Formation of lithium, sodium and potassium complexes with 1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol (taci)
Authors: Neis Christian , Kradolfer Thomas , Hegetschweiler Kaspar
Published: May 2014

Single crystals of (1,3-diamino-5-azaniumyl-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol-κ3O2,O4,O6)(1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol-κ3O2,O4,O6)lithium(I) diiodide dihydrate, [Li(C6H16N3O3)(C6H15N3O3)]I2·2H2O or [Li(Htaci)(taci)]I2·2H2O (taci is 1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol), (I), bis(1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol-κ3O2,O4,O6)sodium(I) iodide, [Na(C6H15N3O3)2]I or [Na(taci)2]I, (II), and bis(1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol-κ3O2,O4,O6)potassium(I) iodide, [K(C6H15N3O3)2]I or [K(taci)2]I, (III), were grown by diffusion of MeOH into aqueous solutions of the complexes. The structures of the Na and K complexes are isotypic. In all three complexes, the taci ligands adopt a chair conformation with axial hydroxy groups, and the metal cations exhibit exclusive O-atom coordination. The six O atoms of the resultingMO6unit define a centrosymmetric trigonal antiprism with approximateD3dsymmetry. The interligand O...O distances increase significantly in the order Li < Na < K. The structure of (I) exhibits a complex three-dimensional network ofR—NH2—H...NH2—R,R—O—H...NH2—RandR—O—H...O(H)—H...NH2—Rhydrogen bonds. The structures of the Na and K complexes consist of a stack of layers, in which each taci ligand is bonded to three neighboursviapairwise O—H...NH2interactions between vicinal HO—CH—CH—NH2groups.
Automation in biological crystallization
Authors: Shaw Stewart Patrick , Mueller-Dieckmann Jochen
Published: May 2014

Crystallization remains the bottleneck in the crystallographic process leading from a gene to a three-dimensional model of the encoded protein or RNA. Automation of the individual steps of a crystallization experiment, from the preparation of crystallization cocktails for initial or optimization screens to the imaging of the experiments, has been the response to address this issue. Today, large high-throughput crystallization facilities, many of them open to the general user community, are capable of setting up thousands of crystallization trials per day. It is thus possible to test multiple constructs of each target for their ability to form crystals on a production-line basis. This has improved success rates and made crystallization much more convenient. High-throughput crystallization, however, cannot relieve users of the task of producing samples of high quality. Moreover, the time gained from eliminating manual preparations must now be invested in the careful evaluation of the increased number of experiments. The latter requires a sophisticated data and laboratory information-management system. A review of the current state of automation at the individual steps of crystallization with specific attention to the automation of optimization is given.
Ambiguity of structure determination from a minimum of diffraction intensities
Authors: Al-Asadi Ahmed , Leggas Dimitri , Tsodikov Oleg V.
Published: May 2014

Although the ambiguity of the crystal structures determined directly from diffraction intensities has been historically recognized, it is not well understood in quantitative terms. Bernstein's theorem has recently been used to obtain the number of one-dimensional crystal structures of equal point atoms, given a minimum set of diffraction intensities. By a similar approach, the number of two- and three-dimensional crystal structures that can be determined from a minimum intensity data set is estimated herein. The ambiguity of structure determination from the algebraic minimum of data increases at least exponentially fast with the increasing structure size. Substituting lower-resolution intensities by higher-resolution ones in the minimum data set has little or no effect on this ambiguity if the number of such substitutions is relatively small.
On the temperature dependence of H-Uisoin the riding hydrogen model
Authors: Lübben Jens , Volkmann Christian , Grabowsky Simon , Edwards Alison , Morgenroth Wolfgang , Fabbiani Francesca P. A. , Sheldrick George M. , Dittrich Birger
Published: May 2014

The temperature dependence of H-UisoinN-acetyl-L-4-hydroxyproline monohydrate is investigated. Imposing a constant temperature-independent multiplier of 1.2 or 1.5 for the riding hydrogen model is found to be inaccurate, and severely underestimates H-Uisobelow 100 K. Neutron diffraction data at temperatures of 9, 150, 200 and 250 K provide benchmark results for this study. X-ray diffraction data to high resolution, collected at temperatures of 9, 30, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200 and 250 K (synchrotron and home source), reproduce neutron results only when evaluated by aspherical-atom refinement models, since these take into account bonding and lone-pair electron density; both invariom and Hirshfeld-atom refinement models enable a more precise determination of the magnitude of H-atom displacements than independent-atom model refinements. Experimental efforts are complemented by computing displacement parameters following the TLS+ONIOM approach. A satisfactory agreement between all approaches is found.
Soil fertility and parasitoids shape herbivore selection on plants
Authors: Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Parra‐Tabla Víctor , Campbell Diane R. , Mooney Kailen A.
Published: May 2014

Although plants and herbivores interact under varying soil resources and natural enemy effects, little is known about how these factors influence plant–herbivore interactions and shape the evolution of plant and herbivore traits. Here, we ask whether soil fertility and parasitoids shape selection on fruit number imposed by a seed predator (SP) on the perennial herb Ruellia nudiflora.

We used a common garden where half the plants of 14 genetic families were fertilized and recorded the abundance of cleistogamous (CL) fruits and seeds, SPs and parasitoids. We calculated relative fitness per family based on CL seed number under the following three scenarios: three trophic levels (accounting for SP and parasitoid effects), two trophic levels (accounting for SP but not parasitoid effects), and one trophic level (fitness in absence of SPs), and compared selection strength on fruit number between trophic scenarios and fertility environments.

In unfertilized conditions, SPs selected for increased CL fruit number, whereas parasitoids dampened (but did not eliminate) this selective impact. With fertilization, however, selection by SPs was reduced and unaffected by parasitoids.

Synthesis. Overall, we show that parasitoids can shape herbivore selection on plants, but that both herbivore and parasitoid selective impacts depend upon the abiotic environment. These findings underscore how linkages between abiotic factors and trophic complexity influence the ecological and evolutionary outcomes of species interactions.
Competition for light and water play contrasting roles in driving diversity–productivity relationships in Iberian forests
Authors: Jucker Tommaso , Bouriaud Olivier , Avacaritei Daniel , Dănilă Iulian , Duduman Gabriel , Valladares Fernando , Coomes David A.
Published: May 2014

Mixed‐species forests generally sequester and store more carbon in above‐ground woody biomass compared to species‐poor systems. However, the mechanisms driving the positive relationship between diversity and above‐ground wood production (AWP) remain unclear.

We investigate the role of competition for light and water as possible sources of complementarity among Iberian pine and oak species. Using tree core data from permanent plots, we test the hypotheses that (i) contrasting abilities of pines and oaks to tolerate shade will promote AWP in mixtures, while (ii) drought stress results in less room for complementarity.

We found that pine species receive more light, develop larger crowns and grow 138–155% faster when in mixture with oaks. However, this positive effect of species mixing on growth was severely reduced under drought conditions due to increased competition for water with neighbouring oaks. In contrast to pines, oak trees were less responsive to mixing, primarily as a result of their ability to tolerate shade and water shortage.

Mixed pine‐oak forests produce an average 48% more above‐ground woody biomass compared to monocultures each year. However, the magnitude of the diversity effect on AWP fluctuates with time, decreasing noticeably in strength during drought years.

Synthesis. Complementary light use strategies among neighbouring trees are critical in explaining why above‐ground wood production (AWP) increases in mixed‐species stands. In contrast, drought causes trees in mixture to compete more fiercely for below‐ground resources, leaving less room for complementarity and causing positive diversity effects to lessen in strength. Together, these two mechanisms provide much needed context for AWP–diversity relationships in Mediterranean forests. Whether or not managing for mixed pine‐oak forests proves to be beneficial for AWP is likely to depend on how climate changes in the Iberian Peninsula.
Aboriginal Disadvantage in Major Cities of New South Wales: Evidence for Holistic Policy Approaches
Authors: Reeve Rebecca , Bradford Wylie
Published: May 2014

Aboriginal Australians experience disadvantage relative to other Australians across multiple socioeconomic indicators. Whilst Aboriginal disadvantage occurs across the nation, its characteristics may differ between locations. This article presents the first econometric analysis of Aboriginal disadvantage in major cities of New South Wales. The analysis is based on a multiple indicator framework devised by the Productivity Commission, populated with data from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey of 2002. The results demonstrate the key drivers and interdependence of various indicators of Aboriginal disadvantage. This supports holistic approaches to improving Aboriginal welfare, rather than focusing on individual policy areas in isolation.
Search and the Labour Market
Authors: Uren Lawrence
Published: May 2014

This article surveys some of the contributions of search theory to understanding labour markets. Search theory assumes that trading does not occur in perfectly competitive markets, but rather that frictions exist in the trading process. By making this assumption, search theory is able to explain several aspects of labour market behaviour that are difficult to understand from the perspective of a perfectly competitive labour market.
Productivity and farm size inAustralian agriculture: reinvestigating the returns to scale
Authors: Sheng Yu , Zhao Shiji , Nossal Katarina , Zhang Dandan
Published: May 2014

A positive relationship between farm size and farm productivity is often considered to be largely due to increasing returns to scale in farm production. However, using farm‐level data for the Australian broadacre industry, we found that constant or mildly decreasing returns to scale is the more typical scenario. In this study, the marginal returns to various farm inputs are compared across farms with different sizes. We found that large farms achieved higher productivity by changing production technology rather than increasing scale alone. The results highlight the disparity between ‘returns to scale’ and ‘returns to size’ in the industry, suggesting that productivity improvement among smaller farms can be made through increasing their ability to access advanced technologies, rather than simply expanding their scale.
Temporal trends in stillbirth in the United States, 1992–2004: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Zhang X , Kramer MS
Published: May 2014

Objective

To examine temporal trends in stillbirth and its risk factors in the United States (US), and to assess the contribution of labour induction and caesarean delivery to the stillbirth rate.

Design

Population‐based cohort study based on linked birth‐infant death and fetal death data files from the US National Vital Statistics System.

Setting

Complete data were available for 44 states and the District of Columbia.

Population or Sample

Singleton births from 1992 to 2004.

Methods

We assessed changes in stillbirth rates from 1992–1994 to 2002–2004 before and after adjustment for changes in maternal characteristics including maternal age, education, smoking, and medical risk factors, using Cox regression models. We also carried out an ecological study, using states as the units of analysis, to assess the impact on the stillbirth rate of increasing induction and caesarean delivery. Race‐specific subgroup analyses were performed and included non‐Hispanic Whites and non‐Hispanic Blacks.

Main outcome measure

Stillbirth rate.

Results

The stillbirth rate among non‐Hispanic White singleton births decreased 11.5% from 1992–1994 (5.2 per 1000) to 2002–2004 (4.6 per 1000). After adjustment for maternal risk factors, the hazard ratio (HR) for 2002–2004 was 1.01 (0.99, 1.03) for gestational age (GA) ≤39 weeks, but 0.92 (0.86, 0.99) at 40 or more weeks. The ecologic analysis revealed a nonsignificant negative correlation of −0.17 (−0.44, 0.13) between state‐level changes in stillbirth at GA ≥40 weeks and labour induction. A nonsignificant positive correlation of 0.23 (−0.07, 0.49) was observed between changes in stillbirth at all GAs and caesarean delivery and did not differ at GA ≤39 versus ≥40 weeks. Results were similar among non‐Hispanic Blacks.

Conclusions

Changes in maternal risk factors explained the reduction in stillbirth at GA ≤39 weeks but not at ≥40 weeks. The rise in labour induction and caesarean delivery rates did not explain the reduction in stillbirth ≥40 weeks of gestation.
Multidisciplinary assessment for immediate breast reconstruction: A new approach
Authors: Simpson Jory S. , Baltzer Heather , McMillian Catherine R. , Boileau Jean Francois , Wright Frances , Lipa Joan , Snell Laura , Holloway Claire
Published: May 2014

Aim

Rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following a mastectomy in Canada have historically been low. To address this deficiency, our group established Canada's first multidisciplinary IBR clinic with the purpose of determining if the clinic increased our institutional rate of IBR and to evaluate the impact of IBR on quality of life in women with breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed to determine the percentage of clinic attendees that had IBR and the total number of IBR procedures done at our institution in the first year of the clinic. This rate was compared to a historical control to determine if the initiation of the clinic correlated with an increase in the number of women undergoing IBR. Finally, patients who underwent IBR were administered the BREAST‐Q, a validated questionnaire, which was compared to a delayed breast reconstruction control group.

Results

Our institution's overall rate of IBR increased from 15 per cent in 2009 to 37 per cent in 2011. Women who underwent delayed reconstruction were found to have significantly reduced psychosocial and sexual wellbeing preoperatively.

Conclusion

A high rate of IBR is obtainable with increased awareness and a process to facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to surgically treating women with breast cancer.
Comparison of flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of 10–20‐mm renal stones: A 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Liao Wenbiao , Yang Sixing , Qian Huijun , Song Chao , Xiong Yunhe
Published: May 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to review our 5‐year experience and compare the outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating 10–20‐mm renal stones.

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective study, we compared 310 patients with renal stones of 10–20‐mm size treated with PCNL (n = 164) or fURS (n = 175) between March 2008 and March 2013. The parameters of patients included age, body mass index and sex, as well as the size, location, and previous stone treatments. Factors, such as operation duration, hospitalization time, drop in haemoglobin level, complications, stone‐free rate (SFR) and necessitating blood transfusion were analysed.

Results

The two groups had comparable demographic data, such as age, sex, stone size and localization. The mean operation duration for PCNL was 52.6 min, and for fURS, 81.3 min (P < 0.001). The mean hospitalization time for PCNL was 7.5 days, and for fURS, 4.3 days (P < 0.001). The mean drop in haemoglobin level and necessitating blood transfusion for fURS was less than that for PCNL (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications, such as fever and urine leakage after PCNL, were significantly higher than that after fURS, but the incidence of sepsis in both groups had no difference (P > 0.05). The SFR was 82.3 per cent after fURS and 91.4 per cent after PCNL at the first day, postoperatively (P > 0.05). Four weeks after the staged procedure, the SFR was 96.4 per cent after fURS and 97.7 per cent after PCNL (P > 0.05). After the second‐stage procedure, the SFR was significantly higher than that at the first day, postoperatively, in the fURS group (82.3 per cent vs 96.4 per cent, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both PCNL and fURS are effective for renal stones that are 10–20 mm in size. Although accompanied by higher rate of second‐stage procedures and longer operation duration, compared with PCNL, fURS has the advantages of reduced hospital stay, reduced blood transfusion requirements and decreased postoperative complications. fURS is a good alternative for renal stones that are 10–20 mm in size.
Who is considered an ‘older worker'? Extending our conceptualisation of ‘older’ from an organisational decision maker perspective
Authors: McCarthy Jean , Heraty Noreen , Cross Christine , Cleveland Jeanette N.
Published: May 2014

A refinement of the construct of age, specifically ‘older’, is recognised as a critical measurement concern for experts in both ageing research and policy formation. In this context, we set out to both chronologically define an ‘older worker’ and to identify on what basis the age of ‘older’ is determined. In doing so, we draw on open‐ended survey data (collected in 2011) from a sample of 407 organisational decision makers across all industries in Ireland. Our focus was specifically on the perspective of organisational decision makers because these individuals will be instrumental in facing the challenges associated with workforce ageing. The results show that workers are considered as ‘older’ at a younger age than might be expected and that decision makers conceptualise workers as ‘older’ using various approaches in the organisational context. Our findings contribute to the literature in three ways: firstly, by providing an important empirically derived understanding of the term ‘older worker’; secondly, by empirically examining previously suggested ‘possible’ indicators of age; and thirdly, by demonstrating that these indicators are conceptually and empirically distinct, advancing theory on the concept of age in the workplace.
Does every US smoker bear the same cigarette tax?
Authors: Xu Xin , Malarcher Ann , O'Halloran Alissa , Kruger Judy
Published: May 2014

Aims

To evaluate state cigarette excise tax pass‐through rates for selected price‐minimizing strategies.

Design

Multivariate regression analysis of current smokers from a stratified, national, dual‐frame telephone survey.

Setting

United States.

Participants

A total of 16 542 adult current smokers aged 18 years or older.

Measurements

Cigarette per pack prices paid with and without coupons were obtained for pack versus carton purchase, use of generic brands versus premium brands, and purchase from Indian reservations versus outside Indian reservations.

Findings

The average per pack prices paid differed substantially by price‐minimizing strategy. Smokers who used any type of price‐minimizing strategies paid substantially less than those who did not use these strategies (P < 0.05). Premium brand users who purchased by pack in places outside Indian reservations paid the entire amount of the excise tax, together with an additional premium of 7–10 cents per pack for every $1 increase in excise tax (pass‐through rate of 1.07–1.10, P < 0.05). In contrast, carton purchasers, generic brand users or those who were likely to make their purchases on Indian reservations paid only 30–83 cents per pack for every $1 tax increase (pass‐through rate of 0.30–0.83, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Many smokers in the United States are able to avoid the full impact of state excise tax on cost of smoking by buying cartons, using generic brands and buying from Indian reservations.
Fluoride content of tank water in Australia
Authors: Cochrane NJ , Hopcraft MS , Tong AC , Thean HL , Thum YS , Tong DE , Wen J , Zhao SC , Stanton DP , Yuan Y , Shen P , Reynolds EC
Published: May 2014

Background

The aims of this study were to: (1) analyse the fluoride content of tank water; (2) determine whether the method of water collection or storage influenced fluoride content; and (3) survey participant attitudes towards water fluoridation.

Methods

Plastic tubes and a questionnaire were distributed through dentists to households with water tanks in Victoria. A midstream tank water sample was collected and fluoride analysed in triplicate using ion chromatography

Results

All samples (n = 123) contained negligible amounts of fluoride, with a mean fluoride concentration of <0.01 ppm (range: <0.01–0.18 ppm). No statistically significant association was found between fluoride content and variables investigated such as tank material, tank age, roof material and gutter material. Most people did not know whether their tank water contained fluoride and 40.8% preferred to have access to fluoridated water. The majority thought fluoride was safe and more than half of the respondents supported fluoridation. Fluoride content of tank water was well below the optimal levels for caries prevention.

Conclusions

People who rely solely on tank water for drinking may require additional exposure to fluoride for optimal caries prevention.
Clinical and microbiological characterization of localized aggressive periodontitis: a cohort study
Authors: Oettinger‐Barak O , Sela MN , Sprecher H , Machtei EE
Published: May 2014

Background

Localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) is an infectious periodontal disease which generally affects young people. Recent data suggest the involvement of different bacterial species in different populations. The causative bacterial species in Israel has never been identified despite a high prevalence of LAgP in this population. The objectives of this study were to characterize the bacterial microbiota of periodontal pockets within an Israeli LAgP population who were also clinically assessed.

Methods

Twenty‐one LAgP patients (test) and 12 chronic periodontitis patients (control) were examined. Bacterial samples were collected from periodontal pockets and analysed by both culture and polymerase chain reaction techniques. Mann–Whitney U test and chi‐square test were used to compare results between the groups.

Results

Higher levels of Parvimonas micra (>106), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (>105), Fusobacterium nucleatum/F. periodonticum (>106), and Tannerella forsythia (levels of 105 to 106 bacteria) were detected in the LAgP group compared to the control (p < 0.05), while levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia were higher in the CP group.

Conclusions

The characteristic periodontal bacterial flora of LAgP patients in Israel is mainly comprised of P. micra, A. actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum/F. periodonticum and T. forsythia. Similar population based studies of each population will improve the quality of treatment of LAgP when individual sampling is not possible.
A study of osseointegrated dental implants following cremation
Authors: Berketa JW , James H , Langlois NEI , Richards LC
Published: May 2014

Background

The comparison of dental morphology and restorative work for human identification has been well documented. This case study involved documentation of osseointegrated and clinically restored dental implants following cremation.

Methods

The mandible and the maxilla were excised from a head containing implants and cremated. The remains were retrieved, digital and radiographic images were taken and elemental analysis undertaken. The brand of implants was identified utilizing web based search engines. A prosthodontist, known to commonly use this implant system, was approached to ascertain possibilities that matched the data given.

Results

Following cremation the implants were identified and a prosthodontist was able to identify the deceased. Two implants in the maxilla had dehiscences on their buccal surfaces, which could not be detected by periapical radiographs.

Conclusions

Dental implants osseointegrated and restored with a prosthetic superstructure were recognizable following severe incineration. It was possible to trace back the identity of the unknown victim to a prosthodontist. Bone dehiscences discovered in this study highlighted how two‐dimensional radiographs may not reveal lack of bone support.
Hard to reach communities or hard to access services? Migrant mothers' experiences of dental services
Authors: Riggs E , Gussy M , Gibbs L , van Gemert C , Waters E , Kilpatrick N
Published: May 2014

Background

Good oral health is an important component of overall health which can help migrants settle in a new country. Infant oral health is intimately associated with maternal oral health knowledge and behaviours and therefore, encounters with dental services. This study aimed to explore the experiences of dental service use from the perspective of migrant mothers living in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

A participatory research approach utilizing qualitative methods was adopted. Women from Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan participated. Semi‐structured focus groups and interviews were conducted and thematic analysis of the data was completed.

Results

Focus groups (n = 11) and interviews (n = 7) were conducted with 115 women. Despite an understanding that visiting the dentist was important for promoting oral health, the first dental contact for both the women and their children was typically for emergency care. Accessibility, cost and waiting lists were identified as significant barriers to attendance. Problematic interpreter encounters often led to negative experiences which were compounded by a perception that public services provided poorer quality of care.

Conclusions

Despite evidence of poorer oral health, migrant women face significant barriers in accessing mainstream dental services. Reorientation of such services, to address the accessibility and experience for migrant communities may help reduce oral health inequalities.
Self‐rated oral health and oral health‐related factors: the role of social inequality
Authors: Mejia G , Armfield JM , Jamieson LM
Published: May 2014

Background

The reasons why social inequality is associated with oral health outcomes is poorly understood. This study investigated whether stratification by different measures of socio‐economic status (SES) helped elucidate these associations.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data were used from Australia's 2004–06 National Survey of Adult Oral Health. The outcome variable was poor self‐rated oral health. Explanatory variables comprised five domains: demographic, economic, general health behaviour, oral health‐related quality of life and perceived need for dental care. These explanatory variables were each stratified by three measures of SES: education, income and occupation.

Results

The overall proportion of adults reporting fair or poor oral health was 17.0% (95% CI 16.1, 18.0). Of these, a higher proportion were older, Indigenous, non‐Australian born, poorly educated, annual income <$20 000, unemployed, eligible for public dental care, smoked tobacco, avoided food in the last 12 months, experienced discomfort with their dental appearance, experienced toothache or reported a need for dental care. In stratified analyses, a greater number of differences persisted in the oral health impairment and perceived need for dental care domains.

Conclusions

Irrespective of the SES measure used, more associations between self‐rated oral health and dental‐specific factors were observed than associations between self‐rated oral health and general factors.
A retrospective analysis of oral and maxillofacial pathology in an Australian paediatric population
Authors: Ha WN , Kelloway E , Dost F , Farah CS
Published: May 2014

Background

The prevalence of oral and maxillofacial pathology has not previously been reported in the Australian paediatric population. This study aimed to audit a large pathology service to provide insight into the prevalence of oral and maxillofacial pathology.

Methods

Written records of a major Australian oral pathology service were imported into an electronic database. Age, gender and histological diagnosis were assessed. Prevalence of histological diagnoses as a percentage of the major diagnostic categories and of the whole sample were calculated, as well as gender predilections and mean age of presentation of disease.

Results

A total of 1305 oral pathology specimens, collected from paediatric patients aged 16 and under were included in the analysis. The most common pathology was dental pathology (24.4%), followed by odontogenic cysts (18.5%) and mucosal pathology (17.0%). The most frequently encountered lesion was the dentigerous cyst (9.4%), followed by fibrous hyperplasia (8.3%), radicular cyst (5.2%) and chronic periapical granuloma (5.2%).

Conclusions

In the paediatric population, dental pathology and specifically, the dentigerous cyst is the most common pathology type sent for histopathology, suggesting a high prevalence of pathology of dental origin occurring in Australian children.
A polymorphism in the TH2 locus control region is associated with changes in DNA methylation and gene expression
Authors: Schieck M. , Sharma V. , Michel S. , Toncheva A. A. , Worth L. , Potaczek D. P. , Genuneit J. , Kretschmer A. , Depner M. , Dalphin J.‐C. , Riedler J. , Frei R. , Pekkanen J. , Tost J. , Kabesch M.
Published: May 2014

Background

Genomewide association and epigenetic studies found a region within the RAD50 gene on chromosome 5q31 to be associated with total serum IgE levels and asthma. In mice, this region harbors a locus control region for nearby TH2 cytokines, which is characterized by four Rad50 DNase I hypersensitive sites (RHS4–7). Among these, RHS7 seems to have the strongest impact on TH2 differentiation. We investigated whether within the human homolog of RHS7, functional polymorphisms exist, which could affect DNA methylation or gene expression in the 5q31 locus and might have an influence on asthma status or IgE regulation.

Methods

The human RHS7 region was fine mapped using 1000 genomes database information. In silico analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to assess SNP function. Allele‐specific effects on DNA methylation were evaluated in cord blood (n = 73) and at age of 4.5 years (n = 61) by pyrosequencing. Allele‐specific effects on RAD50, IL4, and IL13 expression were analyzed in 100 subjects. Associations with asthma and IgE levels were investigated in the MAGICS/ISAAC II population (n = 1145).

Results

Polymorphism rs2240032 in the RHS7 region is suggestive of allele‐specific transcription factor binding, affects methylation of the IL13 promoter region and influences RAD50 and IL4 expression (lowest P = 0.0027). It is also associated with total serum IgE levels (P = 0.0227).

Conclusion

A functional relevant polymorphism in the TH2 locus control region, equivalent to RHS7 in mice, affects DNA methylation and gene expression within 5q31 and influences total serum IgE on the population level.
Heightened response of eosinophilic asthmatic patients to the CRTH2 antagonist OC000459
Authors: Pettipher R. , Hunter M. G. , Perkins C. M. , Collins L. P. , Lewis T. , Baillet M. , Steiner J. , Bell J. , Payton M. A.
Published: May 2014

Background

The CRTH2 antagonist OC000459 has previously been demonstrated to reduce airway inflammation and improve lung function in moderate persistent asthma. A study was conducted to determine the effect of lower once daily doses of OC000459 and to define the phenotype of subjects most responsive to treatment.

Methods

Adult subjects (percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 60–85%) were randomized to OC000459 at three dose levels (25 mg once daily, 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily) or placebo for 12 weeks (n = 117–125 per group, full analysis set). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in prebronchodilator FEV1, and secondary endpoints included Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and Standardised Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire [AQLQ(S)], and incidence of exacerbations and respiratory tract infections.

Results

OC459 caused a significant improvement in FEV1 compared with placebo at a dose of 25 mg once daily (P = 0.028). A similar increase was observed in the other dose groups, and the mean change in FEV1 in the pooled dose groups at endpoint was 95 ml greater than placebo (P = 0.024). In a post hoc analysis of atopic eosinophilic subjects with uncontrolled asthma, a mean increase in FEV1 of 220 ml was observed compared with placebo (P = 0.005). The mean increase in FEV1 was more marked in younger subjects in this group: for subjects aged ≤40 years, there was a mean increase of 355 ml compared with placebo (P = 0.007). Improvements in ACQ and AQLQ(S) were observed in both the full analysis set and the atopic eosinophilic subgroup. There was a lower incidence of exacerbations and respiratory infections in subjects treated with OC000459. There were no drug‐related serious adverse events.

Conclusions

OC000459 is a safe and effective oral anti‐inflammatory agent, which achieved clinically meaningful improvements in lung function and asthma control in allergic asthmatics with an eosinophil‐dominant form of the disease. A dose of 25 mg given once daily was as effective as the higher doses studied.