bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heathens up North:Politics, Polemics and Contemporary Norse Paganism in Norway
Authors: Asprem Egil
Published: October 2008

The variety of religious positions commonly grouped together under the heading “Neo-Paganism” call for no homogenous reading of that phenomenon. As recent research on contemporary forms of paganism has flowered in recent years, emphasis has been given to the nuances and complexities of this kind of new religious currents. For instance it is clear that contemporary pagan currents, such as Wicca, Ásatrú, and Roman paganism, tend to vary significantly between themselves on matters of theology, sociological profile, and political tendencies.

While varieties in the social manifestations of given groups can be partly explained by diverging religious/ideological content, it also holds true that ideological formations will be determined in part by the society in which they emerge. This means that a contemporary pagan current such as “Ásatrú” is not necessarily describable as one single tendency on a global scale, but will unavoidably be shaped by local conditions. Thus varieties within currents will tend to follow national and geographical borders, being always locally situated, and adapted to local political, social, and religious conditions.

This article discusses the emergence and development of contemporary Norse paganism in Norway in light of the abovementioned framework. Special notice is given to the interplay between public discourses on issues such as paganism, the occult, neo-Nazism, and the relationship between the church and state in Norway, and the self-fashioning of reconstructionist Norse pagans. Through a partial comparison with the thoroughly discussed American context of contemporary Norse religion an argument is advanced that Norwegian Ásatrú came to bear certain distinct marks that are due to and only explicable by specific, local cultural conditions.
The Figure of the Shaman as a Modern Myth. Some reflections on the attractiveness of shamanism in modern societies
Authors: Mayer Gerhard A.
Published: October 2008

With an increasing interest in shamanism in western societies during the last decades the character of the shaman was–with an act of identifying–implanted into the cultural perspective of many subcultures. Due to the widespread psychologization of shamanism an overgeneralized and oversimplified view of traditional shamanism gives a matrix which creates the different popular conceptualizations of the figure of the shaman. In this paper, four areas explicitly referring to the figure of the shaman are described, demonstrating the fascination it holds and the manifold possibilities of interpretation. The four areas are: neoshamanism, the ‘urban shaman’ as cultural critic and rebel, technoshamanism/cybershamanism, and the field of performing and visual arts. Looking at these areas one can find ten elements of the shaman myth which form the popular image of shamanism in western societies and which constitute the attractiveness and the fascination of the figure of the shaman. Referring to some philosophical concepts of the German philosopher Karl Jaspers the figure of the shaman can be understood as a powerful cipher of transcendence.
IFATS Collection: Immunomodulatory Effects of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in an Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model
Authors: Cho Kyu-Sup , Park Hye-Kyung , Park Hee-Young , Jung Jin Sup , Jeon Seong-Gyu , Kim Yoon-Keun , Roh Hwan Jung
Published: October 2008

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) exhibit immunosuppressive effects in allogeneic transplantation. However, there is no report that evaluates the in vivo immune-modulating effect of ASCs in an experimental allergic rhinitis (AR) model. We investigated whether ASCs migrate to the nasal mucosa in an AR mouse model and evaluated the immune-modulating effect of ASCs in the AR mouse model. Cultured ASCs (2 × 106) were injected i.v. before the first allergen challenge in the AR mouse model. Migration of ASCs to the nasal mucosa was evaluated by immunofluorescence. The immunomodulatory effects of ASCs were evaluated by nasal symptoms, histology, serum ovalbumin (OVA)-specific antibody, and the cytokine profile of the spleen. ASCs migrated to the nasal mucosa in the AR mouse model. ASCs significantly reduced allergic symptoms and inhibited eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal mucosa. ASCs significantly decreased the serum allergen-specific IgE level and the IgG1/IgG2a ratio and significantly increased the IgG2a level in the AR mouse model. ASCs inhibited interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 production from OVA-incubated splenocytes, but enhanced interferon-γ production. In conclusion, ASCs can migrate to the nasal mucosa in the AR mouse model and inhibit eosinophilic inflammation partly via shifting to a T-helper 1 (Th1) from a Th2 immune response to allergens.
Hypoxia and HIF1α Repress the Differentiative Effects of BMPs in High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Pistollato Francesca , Chen Hui-Ling , Rood Brian R. , Zhang Hui-Zhen , D'Avella Domenico , Denaro Luca , Gardiman Marina , te Kronnie Geertruy , Schwartz Philip H. , Favaro Elena , Indraccolo Stefano , Basso Giuseppe , Panchision David M.
Published: October 2008

Hypoxia commonly occurs in solid tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and often interferes with therapies designed to stop their growth. We found that pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG)-derived precursors showed greater expansion under lower oxygen tension, typical of solid tumors, than normal CNS precursors. Hypoxia inhibited p53 activation and subsequent astroglial differentiation of HGG precursors. Surprisingly, although HGG precursors generated endogenous bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling that promoted mitotic arrest under high oxygen tension, this signaling was actively repressed by hypoxia. An acute increase in oxygen tension led to Smad activation within 30 minutes, even in the absence of exogenous BMP treatment. Treatment with BMPs further promoted astroglial differentiation or death of HGG precursors under high oxygen tension, but this effect was inhibited under hypoxic conditions. Silencing of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) led to Smad activation even under hypoxic conditions, indicating that HIF1α is required for BMP repression. Conversely, BMP activation at high oxygen tension led to reciprocal degradation of HIF1α; this BMP-induced degradation was inhibited in low oxygen. These results show a novel, mutually antagonistic interaction of hypoxia-response and neural differentiation signals in HGG proliferation, and suggest differences between normal and HGG precursors that may be exploited for pediatric brain cancer therapy.
Superior Osteogenic Capacity for Bone Tissue Engineering of Fetal Compared with Perinatal and Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Yong , Teoh Swee-Hin , Chong Mark S.K. , Schantz Jan Thorsten , Fisk Nicholas M. , Choolani Mahesh A. , Chan Jerry
Published: October 2008

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human adult bone marrow (haMSCs) represent a promising source for bone tissue engineering. However, their low frequencies and limited proliferation restrict their clinical utility. Alternative postnatal, perinatal, and fetal sources of MSCs appear to have different osteogenic capacities, but have not been systematically compared with haMSCs. We investigated the proliferative and osteogenic potential of MSCs from human fetal bone marrow (hfMSCs), human umbilical cord (hUCMSCs), and human adult adipose tissue (hATMSCs), and haMSCs, both in monolayer cultures and after loading into three-dimensional polycaprolactone-tricalcium-phosphate scaffolds.Although all MSCs had comparable immunophenotypes, only hfMSCs and hUCMSCs were positive for the embryonic pluripotency markers Oct-4 and Nanog. hfMSCs expressed the lowest HLA-I level (55% versus 95%–99%) and the highest Stro-1 level (51% versus 10%–27%), and had the greatest colony-forming unit–fibroblast capacity (1.6×–2.0×; p < .01) and fastest doubling time (32 versus 54–111 hours; p < .01). hfMSCs had the greatest osteogenic capacity, as assessed by von-Kossa staining, alkaline phosphatase activity (5.1×–12.4×; p < .01), calcium deposition (1.6×–2.7× in monolayer and 1.6×–5.0× in scaffold culture; p < .01), calcium visualized on micro-computed tomography (3.9×17.6×; p < .01) and scanning electron microscopy, and osteogenic gene induction. Two months after implantation of cellular scaffolds in immunodeficient mice, hfMSCs resulted in the most robust mineralization (1.8×–13.3×; p < .01).The ontological and anatomical origins of MSCs have profound influences on the proliferative and osteogenic capacity of MSCs. hfMSCs had the most proliferative and osteogenic capacity of the MSC sources, as well as being the least immunogenic, suggesting they are superior candidates for bone tissue engineering.
Dysregulation of Local Stem/Progenitor Cells as a Common Cellular Mechanism for Heterotopic Ossification
Authors: Kan Lixin , Liu Yijie , McGuire Tammy L. , Berger Diana M. Palila , Awatramani Rajeshwar B. , Dymecki Susan M. , Kessler John A.
Published: October 2008

Heterotopic ossification (HO), the abnormal formation of true marrow-containing bone within extraskeletal soft tissues, is a serious bony disorder that may be either acquired or hereditary. We utilized an animal model of the genetic disorder fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva to examine the cellular mechanisms underlying HO. We found that HO in these animals was triggered by soft tissue injuries and that the effects were mediated by macrophages. Spreading of HO beyond the initial injury site was mediated by an abnormal adaptive immune system. These observations suggest that dysregulation of local stem/progenitor cells could be a common cellular mechanism for typical HO irrespective of the signal initiating the bone formation.
New York City bridges: network and project management
Authors: Yanev B.
Published: October 2008

This paper discusses the various aspects of bridge management in a major ageing metropolis such as New York City. The relationships between the ‘top-down', ‘ground-up', ‘network’ and ‘project', ‘life-cycle’ and ‘emergency’ approaches to funding allocation, prioritisation and problem resolution are explored. Examples from the experience of the bridge division at the New York City Department of Transportation are examined.
Forth Road Bridge—maintenance and remedial works
Authors: Colford B. R.
Published: October 2008

Forth Road Bridge is a suspension bridge with a main span of 1006 metres and side spans of some 408 metres. Approach viaducts to the north and south bring the total length of the structure to just under 2500 metres. The bridge crosses the Firth of Forth some 16 km to the north and west of Edinburgh and was opened in 1964. Traffic has grown significantly from 4 million vehicles using the crossing during its first year of operation to the 24 million vehicles using the bridge last year. This paper lists major projects that have been carried out to strengthen and improve the structure and replace major components and makes reference to continuing major maintenance schemes such as bridge painting and resurfacing. The discovery of significant corrosion in the main cables has resulted in the implementation of a dehumidification scheme to halt or slow down the deterioration and this scheme is described. The preliminary findings of a study to examine the feasibility of replacing or augmenting the main cables and to investigate the long term structural integrity of the anchorages are also detailed.
The role of assessments in highway bridge management
Authors: Cole G.
Published: October 2008

Highway structures represent a significant asset that forms an integral part of the UK transport infrastructure. The current programme for the assessment of the load-carrying capacity of virtually all highway bridges in the UK started with the publication of departmental standard BD21 in 1984. A large number of bridges have been assessed as sub-standard during the programme; that is, they have been shown to be theoretically incapable of carrying a 40 t vehicle or an 11·5 t axle load in accordance with the requirements of BD21. There are still a significant number of sub-standard bridges that remain to be strengthened and the potential cost to the UK economy is substantial. The application of a robust assessment regime using an appropriate level of analytical tools would ensure that this investment is well spent to maintain the safety of the highway, avoid disruption to customers and limit environmental impact. It is suggested that rather than the highway assessment programme drawing to a close after over 20 years there is now an important role for assessments in delivering consistent levels of safety and reliability across the network.
The benefits of bridge condition monitoring
Authors: Pearson-Kirk D.
Published: October 2008

Many European government agencies have now generally accepted that their concrete structures, for example, bridges and buildings, will be managed more cost-effectively if the condition of the structures is accurately known. For agencies with a large number of bridges, there is often a problem in prioritising them for investigation as the only records available generally consist of visual inspection reports. This paper discusses the need to improve condition assessment by supplementing visual inspections with testing. This condition monitoring can be successfully achieved by the application of staged investigations where in turn the presence of a problem is identified, the cause or causes determined and the most appropriate solution to the problem selected. Case studies are presented that demonstrate the benefits of staged approaches both to prioritising bridges for investigation and to planning and carrying out those investigations. A great deal of the philosophy currently used in the maintenance of bridges needs to be changed. Whatever the sophistication of the database for a bridge management information system, it is essential that accurate data on the condition of the bridges are available.
Experimental study on sand and gravel columns in clay
Authors: Andreou P. , Frikha W. , Frank R. , Canou J. , Papadopoulos V. , Dupla J-C.
Published: October 2008

Theoretical and experimental studies have shown that stone columns can be used for accelerating the consolidation rate of soft soils by providing a drainage path, reducing foundation settlements, improving the bearing capacity of the soil, and limiting the risk of liquefaction due to seismic activity. This paper studies the influence of the main controlling parameters in the design of stone columns through a series of laboratory experiments. The effects of (a) the drainage conditions, (b) the grain size of the stone column material, (c) the confining pressure of the soil, and (d) the rate of deformation are investigated. Triaxial compression tests are performed on composite soil specimens of soft kaolin clay, reconstituted from a slurry with a central compacted reinforcement column. Two cases of reinforcement material are studied: sand and gravel. The behaviour of the reinforced soil compared with that of the unreinforced soil under the same loading and drainage conditions is analysed. The experimental results show the beneficial effect of this ground improvement technique on the strength characteristics of the foundation soil, even with a relatively low replacement factor compared with that used in practice. As the confining pressure increases, the improvement in the specimen with the sand column is more pronounced.
Behaviour of lime–slag-treated clay
Authors: James R. , Kamruzzaman A. H. M. , Haque A. , Wilkinson A.
Published: October 2008

This paper describes the strength and microstructural behaviour of lime–slag-treated clay. The microstructure was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the strength of the treated clay was measured using the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test. Untreated clay was prepared in the laboratory by mixing commercially available kaolin and bentonite, while hydrated lime and ground granulated blastfurnace slag (ggbs) were used as binders. XRD analyses of lime–slag-treated clay showed the existence of numerous reaction products such as calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), calcium aluminium silicate hydrate (C–A–S–H), and hydrotalcite (HT), which facilitated the strength increment. For a fixed proportion of lime, the relative intensity of pozzolanic reaction products was found to increase with increasing slag content. Slag was found to be very active to promote the pozzolonic reaction with lime, as evidenced from the presence of crystalline reticular (C–S–H) and platy (C–A–S–H) cementitious products in the SEM images. The role of lime in the activation of slag was also seen to have an upper limit whereby excess proportions failed to provide significant additional benefit. The UCS of lime–slag-treated clay was found to be higher in comparison with lime or slag alone with the same replacement ratio. This was due to the formation of more crystalline cementitious products, which accelerated the bridging (cementation) effect between lime–slag and clay particles.
Moxifloxacin as an Adjunctive Antibiotic in the Treatment of Severe Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Guentsch Arndt , Jentsch Holger , Pfister Wolfgang , Hoffmann Thomas , Eick Sigrun
Published: October 2008

Background: The impact of moxifloxacin (MOX) was analyzed in the treatment of severe chronic periodontitis.

Methods: In a randomized, prospective, clinical multicenter trial, 92 subjects with severe chronic periodontitis were treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) alone (control group; n = 21), SRP plus adjunctive doxycycline (DOX group; n = 36), or SRP plus adjunctive MOX (MOX group; n = 35). Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after non‐surgical periodontal treatment. The load of periodontopathogens, the level of interleukin‐8, and the activities of granulocyte elastase and myeloperoxidase were also measured.

Results: All three procedures led to significant reductions in PD, CAL, and BOP. PD reduction was significantly greater (P <0.05) in the MOX group (2.46 ± 1.17 mm at 6 months and 2.84 ± 1.53 mm at 12 months) compared to the DOX group (1.85 ± 1.24 mm and 2.19 ± 1.13 mm at 6 and 12 months, respectively) and the controls (1.77 ± 0.57 mm and 1.86 ± 0.56 mm at 6 and 12 months, respectively). Only in the MOX group was the load of all investigated bacteria and all inflammatory parameters reduced at each appointment compared to baseline.

Conclusions: The adjunctive application of antibiotics improved the treatment outcome in subjects with severe chronic periodontitis. MOX seemed to be more effective than DOX and might be an alternative drug in the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Clinical and Histologic Evaluation of an Enamel Matrix Derivative Combined With a Biphasic Calcium Phosphate for the Treatment of Human Intrabony Periodontal Defects
Authors: Sculean Anton , Windisch Péter , Szendröi‐Kiss Dóra , Horváth Attila , Rosta Péter , Becker Jürgen , Gera István , Schwarz Frank
Published: October 2008

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate clinically and histologically the healing of advanced intrabony defects following regenerative periodontal surgery with an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) combined with a new biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP).

Methods: Ten subjects, each of them displaying advanced combined 1‐ and 2‐wall intrabony defects around teeth scheduled for extraction because of advanced chronic periodontitis and further prosthodontic considerations, were included in the study. The defects were consecutively treated with a combination of EMD + BCP. A notch was placed at the most apical extent of the calculus present on the root surface or at the most apical part of the defect (if no calculus was present) to serve as a reference for the histologic evaluation. At 9 months after regenerative surgery, nine of 10 teeth were extracted with some of their surrounding soft and hard tissues and processed for histologic evaluation.

Results: There were no adverse effects related to EMD or the graft material used in any of the treated subjects. One tooth was not extracted because of the excellent clinical outcome. The clinical measurements at the nine biopsied teeth demonstrated a mean probing depth reduction of 3.3 ± 1.4 mm and a mean clinical attachment level gain of 3.0 ± 1.6 mm. The histologic findings indicated formation of cementum with inserting collagen fibers to a varying extent. A long junctional epithelium was observed in three of the nine biopsies. Mean new connective tissue attachment (i.e., new cementum with inserting collagen fibers) varied from 0.0 to 2.1 mm. The amount of newly formed bone was limited and varied from 0.0 to 0.7 mm. At 9 months, graft particles were still present and were mostly encapsulated in connective tissue, whereas formation of bone around the graft particles was observed only occasionally. Direct contact between the graft particles and the root surface (cementum or dentin) was not observed in any of the analyzed specimens.

Conclusions: The combination of EMD with a BCP bone substitute did not interfere with the regenerative potential reported for EMD and may result in formation of new cementum with an associated periodontal ligament. However, the combination of EMD + BCP resulted in no to minimal new bone formation.
The Association of Interleukin‐4 Haplotypes With Chronic Periodontitis in a Czech Population
Authors: Holla Lydie Izakovicova , Fassmann Antonin , Augustin Peter , Halabala Tomas , Znojil Vladimir , Vanek Jiri
Published: October 2008

Background: Cytokine gene polymorphisms are known to influence the susceptibility and disease course of many chronic disorders. Recently, interleukin (IL)‐4 gene polymorphisms were associated with aggressive periodontitis. The aim of this study was to test differences in the distribution of the IL‐4 alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes between patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and healthy controls in a Czech population.

Methods: The association study was conducted using an age‐ and smoking status–matched case‐control design in patients with CP (n = 194) and healthy controls (n = 158) using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism methods for the −590C/T, −33C/T, and intron 3 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) variants of the IL‐4 gene.

Results: No significant differences between patients and controls were found in allele and genotype frequencies of all three polymorphisms. Nevertheless, complex analysis revealed significant differences in haplotype frequencies between the groups (P = 0.005). The haplotype T(−590)/T(−33)/allele 2 VNTR (70 base pairs)2 of the IL‐4 gene was significantly more frequent in patients with CP than in controls (17.0% versus 11.0%; odds ratio = 1.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.19 to 2.87).

Conclusion: The three polymorphisms in the IL‐4 gene act in a cooperative fashion and suggest that the high‐production IL‐4 haplotype was associated with an increased risk for CP in the Czech population.
Effects of Risedronate on Alveolar Bone Loss and Angiogenesis: A Stereologic Study in Rats
Authors: Cetinkaya Burcu Ozkan , Keles Gonca Cayir , Ayas Bulent , Gurgor Pınar
Published: October 2008

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of risedronate, one of the most potent bisphosphonates, on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats with experimental periodontitis to identify dose‐response curves and treatment durations that can be therapeutic for periodontal therapy versus those associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws.

Methods: Thirty‐five rats, 25 with experimental periodontitis (groups 1 through 5) and 10 with healthy periodontium (groups 6 and 7), were divided into seven equal groups: group 1 received no treatment; groups 2 and 3 received risedronate, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, for 3 weeks; groups 4 and 5 received risedronate, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks; and groups 6 and 7 received 0.9% NaCl for 3 and 8 weeks, respectively. Animals in groups 2 through 7 were administered treatment 5 days per week. After histologic processing, histomorphometric and stereologic analyses were carried out to estimate the number of blood vessels (NBV) and the volumetric densities of bone (Vb), marrow (Vm), osteoblasts (Vob), and osteoclasts (Voc).

Results: A total of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg risedronate for 3 weeks (groups 2 and 3) significantly increased Vb and Vob and decreased Vm more prominently in group 2 (P <0.001), whereas 1 mg/kg risedronate for 8 weeks (group 5) induced no significant improvement in these parameters compared to group 1 (P >0.05). No significant decrease in Voc was found in drug‐administered groups compared to group 1 (P >0.05). A significant decrease in NBV (P <0.01) and positive correlation between NBV and Vb (r2 = 0.941; P = 0.006) were found only in group 5.

Conclusion: A short duration of risedronate administration may be useful in inhibiting bone resorption in periodontitis, whereas excessive dosages of the drug administered in longer durations can lead to impairment of bone formation and angiogenesis.
A Quantitative Evaluation of the Spatial Displacement of the Gingival Zenith in the Maxillary Anterior Dentition
Authors: Mattos Carolina M.L. , Santana Ronaldo B.
Published: October 2008

Background: The appearance of gingival tissues plays an important role in the esthetics of the anterior maxillary region of the mouth. The gingival zenith (GZ) is defined as the most apical point of the marginal gingival scallop; however, its quantitative orientation in the apico‐coronal (AC) and mesio‐distal (MD) directions has not been reported. Thus, this study aimed to quantify the specific spatial displacement of the GZ in the maxillary anterior dentition.

Methods: Bilateral measurements, taken with a digital caliper in maxillary stone casts from periodontally healthy volunteers, were recorded to the nearest 1/100th millimeter in the canine (C), lateral incisor (LI), and central incisor (CI) teeth to evaluate the MD displacement of the GZ in relation to the long axis of the crowns and the AC displacement of the GZ of LI teeth in relation to CI and C teeth. Intermeasurement differences were analyzed with the χ2 or paired t test, with significance set at α <0.05.

Results: The GZ was distally displaced between 0.06 and 0.96 mm in 12%, 70%, and 96% of the C, LI, and CI teeth, respectively. The majority of the population (70%) presented with the GZ of LI teeth positioned 0.75 ± 0.60 mm coronally to the GZ of the ipsilateral C and CI.

Conclusions: The GZ is not universally displaced toward the distal aspect. The frequency and magnitude of distal displacement is tooth‐dependent and larger in CI than in LI, which, in turn, is larger than in C. Consideration of these findings may improve clinical management of the dentogingival complex and enhance periodontal and restorative procedures in the anterior maxillary dentition.
Redefining the Biologic Width in Severe, Generalized, Chronic Periodontitis: Implications for Therapy
Authors: Novak M. John , Albather Huda M. , Close John M.
Published: October 2008

Background: Previous studies demonstrated significant variability in the histologic biologic width in periodontal health and mild periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the previously established dimensions of the biologic width applied to subjects with severe, generalized, chronic periodontitis.

Methods: Twenty‐eight subjects, aged 29 to 45 years, with severe, generalized, chronic periodontitis were included in the study. There were 18 males and 10 females, and 19 (68%) of the patients were smokers. Clinical and radiographic measures were taken by calibrated examiners. The clinical biologic width was determined from the most coronal level of clinical attachment to the crest of the alveolar bone for proximal surfaces only and compared to the histologic biologic width previously reported.

Results: The clinical biologic width in subjects with severe, generalized periodontitis was significantly greater than previously reported (P <0.001). For all evaluable proximal sites, the mean clinical biologic width was 3.95 mm versus the mean histologic biologic width of 2.04 mm. The greatest clinical biologic widths were seen with pockets <2 mm (5.02 ± 2.48 mm; range: 1.60 to 9.00 mm) and 2 to 4 mm (4.16 ± 1.32 mm; range: 0.20 to 6.40 mm).

Conclusions: The mean clinical biologic width in subjects with severe, generalized, chronic periodontitis seemed to be significantly greater than the histologic biologic width previously reported for subjects not demonstrating significant periodontal pathology. In addition, sites with shallow probing depths demonstrated the greatest biologic width, suggesting that these sites may be at increased risk for losing clinically significant attachment during surgical procedures.
Surgical Treatment of Periodontal Intrabony Defects With Calcium Sulfate Implant and Barrier Versus Collagen Barrier or Open Flap Debridement Alone: A 12‐Month Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Paolantonio Michele , Perinetti Giuseppe , Dolci Marco , Perfetti Giorgio , Tetè Stefano , Sammartino Gilberto , Femminella Beatrice , Graziani Filippo
Published: October 2008

Background: This randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to compare the clinical outcomes of guided tissue regeneration with calcium sulfate graft and membrane (CS) versus guided tissue regeneration with collagen membrane (CM) or open flap debridement (OFD) only in terms of clinical attachment gain in periodontal intrabony defects.

Methods: Fifty‐one systemically healthy, non‐smoking subjects affected by moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were recruited. The subjects had one deep intrabony defect with a probing depth (PD) ≥6 mm and were randomly divided into three equal groups (17 subjects per group). Subjects were surgically treated with OFD (OFD group), OFD with CS (CS group), or OFD and CM (CM group). One year after surgical treatment, a complete clinical examination and a surgical reentry were performed. The pre‐ and post‐therapy clinical parameters, including PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), and intrasurgical parameters (defect bone level [DBL]), were compared.

Results: After 1 year, the clinical and intrasurgical parameters showed statistically significant changes from baseline within each group for all of the evaluated parameters (PD and CAL, P <0.001; GR and DBL, P <0.05). Differences (PD, CAL, and DBL, P <0.001; GR, P <0.05) were also seen across the three groups. The CM and CS groups had significantly smaller PD, CAL, and DBL values than subjects treated with only OFD. Groups treated with regenerative techniques had a significantly greater PD reduction and CAL and DBL gain compared to the OFD group. No significant differences were seen between CM and CS. Conversely, the CM group showed a significantly greater GR increase compared to OFD and CS.

Conclusions: Both regenerative treatments produced additional clinical benefits over OFD alone. Moreover, the use of CS may minimize post‐surgical recession.
Practical Application of Anatomy for the Dental Implant Surgeon
Authors: Greenstein Gary , Cavallaro John , Tarnow Dennis
Published: October 2008

A proficient knowledge of oral anatomy is needed to provide effective implant dentistry. This article addresses basic anatomic structures relevant to the dental implantologist. Pertinent muscles, blood supply, foramen, and nerve innervations that may be encountered during implant procedures are reviewed. Caution must be exercised when performing surgery in certain regions of the mouth. Furthermore, numerous suggestions are provided regarding the practical application of anatomy to facilitate successful implant therapy.
Removal of High Organic Loads from Winery Wastewater by Aquatic Plants
Authors: Zimmels Y. , Kirzhner F. , Schreiber J.
Published: October 2008

Laboratory‐ and field‐scale purification tests of raw and diluted winery wastewater (WWW) were carried out using aquatic plants at high organic loads. The laboratory tests were performed using artificial light at 1800 to 1900 lux. The objective of the current study was to define the potential of floating and emergent aquatic macrophytes and the microorganisms attached to their roots, to reduce high organic loads that characterize WWW, thereby providing, for these effluents, an effective treatment and management system. These microorganisms are believed to have a major role in the treatment process. In this context, the potential of floating and emergent macrophytes to improve the water quality of raw compared with diluted WWW was evaluated. In raw WWW (chemical oxygen demand [COD] 5.6 g/L), growth inhibition of both water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata) was observed. A 1:1 dilution of WWW with fresh (tap) water facilitated growth of these plants. At this dilution level, growth of pennywort was limited, while that of water hyacinth was robust. In terms of reductions in biochemical oxygen demand, COD, and total suspended solids, both water hyacinth and pennywort performed better in diluted compared with raw WWW. At 1:1 and 1:3 dilution, 95.9 to 97% of the COD was removed after 23 days, in the presence of Hydrocotyle and Eichhornia plants and aeration. The capacity of new emergent plants to remove high organic loads from WWW, at enhanced kinetics, was demonstrated. This unique property was tested and compared with the role of the gravel media that support growth of the high‐capacity emergent plants. In the presence of reed and salt marsh plants, 83 to 99% of the COD was removed within a period of 24 to 29 days, at 1.5:1 dilution. The new emergent plants proved to be effective, even at record high levels of COD. At an initial level of 16 460 mg/L, the COD was brought down to 2870 mg/L after 24 days (82.6% removal), while 12 230 mg/L was lowered to 106 mg/L, giving 99.1% removal from the highly contaminated WWW.  These results indicate a significant extension of the range of applicability of emergent plants for the treatment of raw and diluted WWW. In this context, daily removal rates as high as 2000 mg/L in the first treatment days, and an average of over 550 mg/L per day in 24 days of treatment, were recorded. The indoor experiments were conducted without proper acclimatization of the plants to high‐strength WWW. This might have affected the plants' health in case, with acclimatization, they might have behaved differently.
Protocol Evaluation of the Total Suspended Solids and Suspended Sediment Concentration Methods: Solid Recovery Efficiency and Application for Stormwater Analysis
Authors: Chan Licheng , Li Yingxia , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: October 2008

Total suspended solids (TSS) is routinely measured in water and wastewater treatment plants, and protocols are well‐known. The TSS measurement in stormwater is more difficult, because the particle size and density can be much greater, biasing the sample if it is collected from a poorly mixed location or allowed to settle in a quiescent collection container. An alternative method, called suspended sediment concentration (SSC), uses a different protocol, which analyzes the entire contents of the sample collection container. The SSC method is not compatible with many monitoring programs, which require several constituents to be analyzed from a single sample container, such as from a flow‐weighted composite sample. This paper addresses TSS protocol using glass beads and samples with known particle size distribution and shows that proper mixing, combined with appropriate pipettes, can largely avoid sampling error for typical sediments as large as 250 μm with specific gravity of 2.6.
The Lake Michigan Eutrophication Model, LM3‐Eutro: Model Development and Calibration
Authors: Pauer James J. , Anstead Amy M. , Melendez Wilson , Rossmann Ronald , Taunt Katherine W. , Kreis Russell G.
Published: October 2008

A eutrophication model developed to generate primary‐production estimates in Lake Michigan can simulate 17 state variables, including three plankton classes and several nutrients. The model, known as the Lake Michigan Eutrophication model (LM3‐Eutro), has a high‐resolution computational grid that enables good spatial description of spring temperature and phytoplankton concentrations, which have significant gradients in the lakes. The grid also allows the model to predict concentrations in nearshore areas and other regions of interest. The model provided more accurate estimates of algal light limitation based on three‐hour intervals compared to daily averages that are used in most eutrophication models, especially during sunny summer days when algal photo‐inhibition often occurs. Model output was compared to field data using statistical parameters such as squares of the correlation coefficients to determine the best model fit. The calibrated model output fit the field data reasonably well for nutrients and phytoplankton, which provided confidence in the framework, governing equations, and coefficients used.
A New, Pellet‐Forming Fungal Strain: Its Isolation, Molecular Identification, and Performance for Simultaneous Sludge‐Solids Reduction, Flocculation, and Dewatering
Authors: Subramanian S. Bala , Yan Song , Tyagi R. D. , Surampalli R. Y.
Published: October 2008

Filamentous and nonfilamentous microorganisms can cause bulking and foaming in wastewater sludge settling and dewatering. In this research, sludge degradation and bioflocculation was studied using pellet‐forming filamentous fungi isolated from municipal wastewater sludge. To understand the role of filamentous fungi in sludge settling and dewatering, the isolated fungi was inoculated with both spores and pellets (beads) into sterilized and nonsterilized sludge having different suspended‐solids concentrations. Biofloc formation, sludge settling, sludge degradation, change in pH of fungal‐grown medium, zeta potential, and microscopic analysis of bioflocs were performed. The suspended‐solids concentration was found to decrease over 5 d of incubation because of use and biodegradation by fungal biomass. The isolated fungal strain was well adapted to forming biofloc and to interacting with natural microbial flora and exhibited low capillary‐suction time for sludge dewatering.
Analysis of Mercury in Wastewater by Microwave Digestion Followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Comparison with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Methods Approved in 40 CFR 136.3
Authors: Lytle Charles , Dahl Jason , Farkas Elizabeth , Wilson Jan , Myers Ron
Published: October 2008

As a cost‐saving measure, the use of an existing microwave digestion system and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instrument was investigated for the analysis of mercury in domestic wastewater, industry effluent, stormwater, and other aqueous matrices analyzed under the City of Portland's (Oregon) various National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. A formal alternate test procedure application (ATP) study was undertaken to add total mercury to the analyte list for the CEM microwave digestion method (CEM Corporation, 1992) and for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Washington, D.C.) (U.S. EPA) method 200.8, both approved for NPDES work in 40 CFR 136.3 (U.S. EPA, 2001a). The ATP was submitted in March 2005, and final approval was received in November 2006.  During the study period and while waiting for approval, all NPDES mercury samples were sent to a contract laboratory for analysis by U.S. EPA method 1631E (U.S. EPA, 2002). Splits were analyzed in‐house by the ATP protocol. For treatment plant wastewater and industrial effluents, the 1631E results averaged approximately one‐half of those obtained by the ATP method, with a 1% difference slightly above 1000% (order of magnitude) and several in the 200% to 300% range. Preliminary results were confirmed by further studies that compared the ATP method with the room temperature and the heated, closed‐vessel digestion option of U.S. EPA methods 245.7 and 1631E (U.S. EPA, 2001b, 2002). This research suggests that the room temperature bromine chloride (BrCl) digestion is ill‐suited for the determination of total mercury in wastewater and industrial effluents. Because of the probability of committing type II errors—that is, assuming mercury is present in low concentrations when, in fact, it is not—results for these matrices found using the room temperature BrCl digestion should be interpreted with caution. It is suggested that such results might best be considered “bromine chloride extractable” and, as such, should not be used in studies that require accurate estimates of total mercury.
Variability of Phosphorus Concentration in Large, Shallow and Eutrophic Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Zhu Guangwei , Wang Fang , Gao Guang , Zhang Yunlin
Published: October 2008

To understand the variation of total phosphorus and the factors influencing total phosphorus in large, shallow, eutrophic lakes, two years of monthly investigation and one month of daily investigation was carried out in Lake Taihu, China. High temporal variations of total phosphorus in surface water were observed, ranging from 42 μg/L to 250 μg/L during the two years of monitoring at the center of the lake, and 134 μg/L to 737 μg/L during the one month of monitoring in Meiliang Bay during the algal bloom season. High variation in phytoplankton biomass during the bloom season significantly affected total‐phosphorus concentration in lake water. The accumulated total phosphorus in algae may be caused by the release from sediment during the blooms. Intensive sediment resuspension caused by wind‐induced waves also had significant effects on total phosphorus. Therefore, care should be taken when using total phosphorus or ratios of total nitrogen to total phosphorus for trophic state evaluation in large, shallow and eutrophic lakes.
Letter: The Dangers of Forgetting Moral Hazard
Authors: Dix Manfredo A
Published: October 2008

Manfredo Dix argues that Professor Barton's policy suggestion forgets its moral hazard consequences.
Changes in Color and Total Phenolic Content of Different Cultivars of Persimmon during Dehydration
Authors: Akyildiz Asiye , Zorlugenc Feyza Kiroglu , Benli Hakan , Aksay Salih , Fenercioglu Hasan
Published: October 2008

Changes in color and total phenolic content of different persimmon varieties (Türkay, Hachia, Morali and Fuyu) are investigated during dehydration. In all varieties, L* values were decreased during dehydration. Fresh and dehydrated Morali persimmons had a darker color than the other varieties. Fresh Fuyu and dehydrated Hachia persimmons had higher a* values. Increased a* value indicated that sample color became red. In fresh fruit, b* values of astringent varieties were higher than non-astringent persimmons. During dehydration, b* values of non-astringent persimmons (Morali and Fuyu) were decreased continuously. Hue* values of Fuyu variety were lower than the other varieties. In the dehydration process, hue* values of all varieties were decreased. In phenolic contents of dehydrated Hachia and Türkay varieties, 93.55% and 79.12% reduction were observed respectively. In sensory evaluation, dehydrated astringent and non-astringent varieties had similar scores for astringency and taste characteristics. Fuyu, Türkay and Hachia varieties had similar color scores and their scores were higher than Morali samples.
Difference Between Selected and Obtained Shade for Metal-ceramic Crown Systems
Authors: Omar H. , Atta O. , El-Mowafy O.
Published: October 2008

Clinical Relevance

Veneered electroformed crowns and In-Ceram alumina crowns made with CEREC 3D produced shade-matching that was significantly better than that obtained with conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
The Effects of Tooth Preparation Cleansing Protocols on the Bond Strength of Self-adhesive Resin Luting Cement to Contaminated Dentin
Authors: Chaiyabutr Y. , Kois J. C.
Published: October 2008

Clinical Relevance

Tooth preparation cleaning protocol surface management with lower pressure aluminous particle abrasion provides a significant improvement in bond strength to dentin.
Long-term Survival of Cerec Restorations: A 10-year Study
Authors: Zimmer S. , Göhlich O. , Rüttermann S. , Lang H. , Raab W. H-M. , Barthel C. R.
Published: October 2008

Clinical Relevance

Class I and II CAD-CAM ceramic restorations can be considered durable alternatives to direct and laboratory-fabricated restorations.
Response of Human Dental Pulp Capped with MTA and Calcium Hydroxide Powder
Authors: Accorinte M. L. R. , Loguercio A. D. , Reis A. , Carneiro E. , Grande R. H. M. , Murata S. S. , Holland R.
Published: October 2008

Clinical Relevance

Calcium hydroxide powder and MTA healed the pulp exposures comparably. However, calcium hydroxide powder showed a tendency towards faster dentin bridge formation.
Effect of Double-application or the Application of a Hydrophobic Layer for Improved Efficacy of One-step Self-etch Systems in Enamel and Dentin
Authors: Albuquerque M. , Pegoraro M. , Mattei G. , Reis A. , Loguercio A. D.
Published: October 2008

Clinical Relevance

The double-application and placement of a hydrophobic resin coat can improve the performance (μTBS) of one-step self-etch systems to tooth substrates, mainly in dentin.
The Efficacy of Three Different In-office Bleaching Systems and Their Effect on Enamel Microhardness
Authors: Polydorou O. , Hellwig E. , Hahn P.
Published: October 2008

Clinical Relevance

Light activation does not seem to increase the efficacy of the bleaching agents tested. After the bleaching procedure, color stability and enamel dehydration are supposed to be two very important parameters in order to evaluate the efficacy of bleaching systems.
Effect of Cyclic Loading on Marginal Adaptation and Bond Strength in Direct vs Indirect Class II MO Composite Restorations
Authors: Aggarwal V. , Logani A. , Jain V. , Shah N.
Published: October 2008

Clinical Relevance

Indirect composite restorations have better marginal adaptation than direct composite restorations, and cyclic loading has a more deteriorating effect on the marginal adaptation and microtensile bond strength of direct composite restorations than indirect composite restorations.
Antiangiogenic therapy using bevacizumab in recurrent high-grade glioma: impact on local control and patient survival
Authors: Narayana Ashwatha , Kelly Patrick , Golfinos John , Parker Erik , Johnson Glyn , Knopp Edmond , Zagzag David , Fischer Ingeborg , Raza Shahzad , Medabalmi Praveen , Eagan Patricia , Gruber Michael L.
Published: October 2008

Object

Antiangiogenic agents have recently shown impressive radiological responses in high-grade glioma. However, it is not clear if the responses are related to vascular changes or due to antitumoral effects. The authors report the mature results of a clinical study of bevacizumab-based treatment of recurrent high-grade gliomas.

Methods

Sixty-one patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas received treatment with bevacizumab at 10 mg/ kg every 2 weeks for 4 doses in an 8-week cycle along with either irinotecan or carboplatin. The choice of concomitant chemotherapeutic agent was based on the number of recurrences and prior chemotherapy.

Results

At a median follow-up of 7.5 months (range 1–19 months), 50 (82%) of 61 patients relapsed and 42 patients (70%) died of the disease. The median number of administered bevacizumab cycles was 2 (range 1–7 cycles). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3–7.7) and 9 (95% CI 7.6–10.4) months, respectively, as calculated from the initiation of the bevacizumab-based therapy. Radiologically demonstrated responses following therapy were noted in 73.6% of cases. Neither the choice of chemotherapeutic agent nor the performance of a resection prior to therapy had an impact on patient survival. Although the predominant pattern of relapse was local, 15 patients (30%) had diffuse disease.

Conclusions

Antiangiogenic therapy using bevacizumab appears to improve survival in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma. A possible change in the invasiveness of the tumor following therapy is worrisome and must be closely monitored.