bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EXCHANGE RATE, DIVERSIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION IN A MODIFIED RICARDIAN MODEL WITH A CONTINUUM OF GOODS*
Authors: RAZMI ARSLAN
Published: July 2012

Recent studies have revived interest in the relationship between the exchange rate and economic development. This paper develops a dynamic Ricardian model with a continuum of goods to consider the issue from a different perspective. In the short run, a devaluation can boost profits in spite of real wage rigidity. Moreover, the resulting diversification helps offset the consequences for the trade balance of higher employment and profitability. Over time, and in the presence of learning‐by‐accumulation, the initial boost to investment induced by a devaluation could enable a country to gain a permanent foothold in new sectors at a higher real wage.
Approximated fuzzy logic controlled shunt active power filter for improved power quality
Authors: Singh Rambir , Singh Asheesh K. , Arya Rakesh K.
Published: July 2012

Shunt active power filters have been widely used for power quality improvement. With the advancement in artificial intelligence techniques, the applications of fuzzy logic‐based control systems have increased manifolds. This paper proposes a reduced rule fuzzy logic controller (FLC) in the voltage control loop of a shunt active power filter (APF), which is approximating a conventional large rule FLC. The difference between the controlled outputs of two controllers is compensated by proposed compensating factors. The dynamic response and harmonic compensation performance of proposed 4‐rule approximated fuzzy logic controller (AFLC) is compared with 25‐rule FLC. A three‐phase shunt APF is used for harmonic and reactive power compensation. The proposed scheme is tested with randomly varying single and multiple non‐linear loads. The simulation results presented under transient and steady‐state conditions confirm that the proposed 4‐rule AFLC efficiently approximates the 25‐rule FLC. The proposed control methodology takes less computational time and computational memory as the numbers of rules are reduced significantly.
Association rule mining using genetic programming to provide feedback to instructors from multiple‐choice quiz data
Authors: Romero Cristóbal , Zafra Amelia , Luna Jose María , Ventura Sebastián
Published: July 2012

This paper proposes the application of association rule mining to improve quizzes and courses. First, the paper shows how to preprocess quiz data and how to create several data matrices for use in the process of knowledge discovery. Next, the proposed algorithm that uses grammar‐guided genetic programming is described and compared with both classical and recent soft‐computing association rule mining algorithms. Then, different objective and subjective rule evaluation measures are used to select the most interesting and useful rules. Experiments have been carried out by using real data of university students enrolled on an artificial intelligence practice Moodle's course on the CLIPS programming language. Some examples of these rules are shown, together with the feedback that they provide to instructors making decisions about how to improve quizzes and courses. Finally, starting with the information provided by the rules, the CLIPS quiz and course have been updated. These innovations have been evaluated by comparing the performance achieved by students before and after applying the changes using one control group and two different experimental groups.
Finger tapping‐related activation differences in treatment‐naïve pediatric Tourette syndrome: a comparison of the preferred and nonpreferred hand
Authors: Roessner Veit , Wittfoth Matthias , August Julia M. , Rothenberger Aribert , Baudewig Jürgen , Dechent Peter
Published: July 2012

Background:  Disturbances of motor circuitry are commonly encountered in Tourette syndrome (TS). The aim of this study was to investigate simple motor performance differences between boys with TS and healthy controls.

Methods:  We attempted to provide insight into motor network alterations by studying a group of treatment‐naïve patients suffering from ‘pure’ TS, i.e., without comorbid symptomatology at an early stage of disease. We used functional MRI to compare activation patterns during right (preferred) and left (nonpreferred) index finger tapping between 22 TS boys (12.6 ± 1.7 years) and 22 age‐matched healthy control boys.

Results:  Boys with TS revealed altered motor network recruitment for right (dominant) and left (nondominant) index finger tapping. Brain activation patterns in response to index finger tapping of the nonpreferred left hand reflected the most prominent differences, including activation decrease in contralateral sensorimotor cortex while recruiting premotor and prefrontal regions along with the left inferior parietal lobule to a greater extent.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates clear functional differences of simple index finger tapping in early‐stage TS. We suggest that this reflects the requirement for additional brain networks to keep a normal performance level during the actual task and adaptive mechanisms due to continuous tic suppression and performance in TS.
Long‐term effect of compost and inorganic fertilizer on activities of carbon‐cycle enzymes in aggregates of an intensively cultivated sandy loam
Authors: YU H.Y. , DING W.X. , LUO J.F. , DONNISON A. , ZHANG J.B.
Published: July 2012

The activities of carbon‐cycle enzymes were measured in soil and aggregates to understand compost and inorganic fertilizer amendment effects on soil organic carbon accumulation in an intensively cultivated upland field. Soil samples were collected from a long‐term field experiment with seven treatments: compost, half‐compost N plus half‐fertilizer N, fertilizer NPK, fertilizer NP, fertilizer NK, fertilizer PK and no fertilizer control. The 18‐yr continuous application of compost increased organic C content in soil and three aggregate sizes by 72–124 and 78–234%, respectively, compared with the control. Fertilization also significantly increased organic C contents in soil, macroaggregates and the silt + clay fraction, but not in microaggregates. Compost application significantly reduced the specific activities of polyphenol oxidase (activity per unit organic C) in soil and three aggregate sizes compared with control, whereas fertilization had a much weaker effect. Compost amendment also significantly lowered the specific activities of invertase in macroaggregates and the silt + clay fraction, and this effect was more pronounced than the addition of fertilizer NPK. In contrast, inorganic fertilizer and compost application significantly increased the specific activities of cellobiohydrolase in soil, macroaggregates and microaggregates (but not in the silt + clay fraction), and xylosidase in microaggregates. The application of fertilizer NPK had a more pronounced effect than compost. We considered that the increase in organic C in compost‐amended soil was therefore probably associated with the accumulation of lignocellulose and sucrose in macroaggregates, lignocellulose and hemicellulose in microaggregates and lignin (its derivative) and nonstructural carbohydrates in the silt + clay fraction. However, the application of fertilizer NPK enhanced organic C probably due to an increase in the content of lignin (its derivative) and sucrose in macroaggregates and the silt + clay fraction. Therefore, the application of compost with high lignocellulose should be effective to increase soil organic C in the North China Plain.
Spatio‐temporal change of soil organic matter content of Jiangsu Province, China, based on digital soil maps
Authors: SUN X.‐L. , ZHAO Y.‐G. , WU Y.‐J. , ZHAO M.‐S. , WANG H.‐L. , ZHANG G.‐L.
Published: July 2012

Estimation of spatio‐temporal change of soil is needed for various purposes. Commonly used methods for the estimation have some shortcomings. To estimate spatio‐temporal change of soil organic matter (SOM) in Jiangsu province, China, this study explored benefits of digital soil maps (DSM) by handling mapping uncertainty using stochastic simulation. First, SOM maps on different dates, the 1980s and 2006–2007, were constructed using robust geostatistical methods. Then, sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) was used to generate 500 realizations of SOM in the area for the two dates. Finally, E‐type (i.e. conditional mean) temporal change of SOM and its associated uncertainty, probability and confidence interval were computed. Results showed that SOM increased in 70% of Jiangsu province and decreased in the remaining 30% during the past decades. As a whole, SOM increased by 0.22% on average. Spatial variance of SOM diminished, but the major spatial pattern was retained. The maps of probability and confidence intervals for SOM change gave more detailed information and credibility about this change. Comparatively, variance of spatio‐temporal change of SOM derived using SGS was much smaller than sum of separate kriging variances for the two dates, because of lower mapping variances derived using SGS. This suggests an advantage of the method based on digital soil maps with uncertainty dealt with using SGS for deriving spatio‐temporal change in soil.
Government by experiment? Global cities and the governing of climate change
Authors: Bulkeley Harriet , Castán Broto Vanesa
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we argue for an approach that goes beyond an institutional reading of urban climate governance to engage with the ways in which government is accomplished through social and technical practices. Central to the exercise of government in this manner, we argue, are ‘climate change experiments’– purposive interventions in urban socio‐technical systems designed to respond to the imperatives of mitigating and adapting to climate change in the city. Drawing on three different concepts – of governance experiments, socio‐technical experiments, and strategic experiments – we first develop a framework for understanding the nature and dynamics of urban climate change experiments. We use this conceptual analysis to frame a scoping study of the global dimensions of urban climate change experimentation in a database of 627 urban climate change experiments in 100 global cities. The analysis charts when and where these experiments occur, the relationship between the social and technical aspects of experimentation and the governance of urban climate change experimentation, including the actors involved in their governing and the extent to which new political spaces for experimentation are emerging in the contemporary city. We find that experiments serve to create new forms of political space within the city, as public and private authority blur, and are primarily enacted through forms of technical intervention in infrastructure networks, drawing attention to the importance of such sites in urban climate politics. These findings point to an emerging research agenda on urban climate change experiments that needs to engage with the diversity of experimentation in different urban contexts, how they are conducted in practice and their impacts and implications for urban governance and urban life.
The positive and negative semantic dimensions of relationship satisfaction
Authors: Mattson Richard E. , Rogge Ronald D. , Johnson Matthew D. , Davidson Elizabeth K. B. , Fincham Frank D.
Published: July 2012

Semantic differential items were reconfigured to assess relationship satisfaction across separate positive and negative attitude dimensions. Study 1 (N = 1,656) supported a 2‐factor model for the Positive and Negative Semantic Differential (PN–SMD), as well as its convergent, criterion‐related, and incremental validity over the 16‐item Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI; J. L. Funk & R. D. Rogge, 2007) using known correlates of relationship satisfaction as criteria. Study 2 (N = 89) replicated the convergent, criterion‐related, and incremental validity findings of Study 1 using different criterion measures, the CSI, a bipolar semantic differential measure designed for assessing relationship satisfaction, and an existing 2‐dimensional measure of relationship satisfaction. The authors demonstrated across studies that the PN–SMD captures criterion‐relevant information about ambivalence versus indifference toward the relationship—associations that are only detectable when using a 2‐dimensional satisfaction measure.
Sensitivity and specificity of seizure‐onset zone estimation by ictal magnetoencephalography
Authors: Medvedovsky Mordekhay , Taulu Samu , Gaily Eija , Metsähonkala Eeva‐Liisa , Mäkelä Jyrki P. , Ekstein Dana , Kipervasser Svetlana , Neufeld Miri Y. , Kramer Uri , Blomstedt Göran , Fried Itzhak , Karppinen Atte , Veshchev Igor , Roivainen Reina , Ben‐Zeev Bruria , Goldberg‐Stern Hadassah , Wilenius Juha , Paetau Ritva
Published: July 2012

Purpose:  Ictal video–electroencephalography (EEG) is commonly used to establish ictal onset‐zone location. Recently software development has enabled systematic studies of ictal magnetoencephalography (MEG). In this article, we evaluate the ability of ictal MEG signals to localize the seizure‐onset zone.

Methods:  Twenty‐six patients underwent ictal MEG and epilepsy surgery. Prediction of seizure‐onset zone by ictal and interictal MEG was retrospectively compared with ictal‐onset area found by intracranial EEG in 12 patients. The specificity and sensitivity of the prediction were calculated at hemisphere‐lobe (HL) and at hemisphere‐lobe‐surface (HLS) levels.

Key Findings:  The sensitivity of ictal MEG source localization was 0.958 on HL and 0.706 on HLS levels, and its specificity was 0.900 on HL and 0.731 on HLS levels. The interictal MEG dipole cluster, defined as >10 dipoles on one lobar surface, had sensitivity of 0.400 and specificity of 0.769. Ictal MEG was equally sensitive and specific on dorsolateral and nondorsolateral neocortical surfaces up to a depth of 4 cm from the scalp.

Significance:  Sources of ictal‐onset MEG signals and interictal dipole clusters are essentially equally specific in estimation of the ictal‐onset zone on lobar surface resolution, but ictal MEG is more sensitive. On the lobe resolution, ictal MEG estimates ictal‐onset zone with high sensitivity and specificity.
Dacrystic seizures: Demographic, semiologic, and etiologic insights from a multicenter study in long‐term video‐EEG monitoring units
Authors: Blumberg Julie , Fernández Iván Sánchez , Vendrame Martina , Oehl Bernhard , Tatum William O. , Schuele Stephan , Alexopoulos Andreas V. , Poduri Annapurna , Kellinghaus Christoph , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: July 2012

Purpose: To provide an estimate of the frequency of dacrystic seizures in video‐electroencephalography (EEG) long‐term monitoring units of tertiary referral epilepsy centers and to describe the clinical presentation of dacrystic seizures in relationship to the underlying etiology.

Methods: We screened clinical records and video‐EEG reports for the diagnosis of dacrystic seizures of all patients admitted for video‐EEG long‐term monitoring at five epilepsy referral centers in the United States and Germany. Patients with a potential diagnosis of dacrystic seizures were identified, and their clinical charts and video‐EEG recordings were reviewed. We included only patients with: (1) stereotyped lacrimation, sobbing, grimacing, yelling, or sad facial expression; (2) long‐term video‐EEG recordings (at least 12 h); and (3) at least one brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study.

Key Findings: Nine patients (four female) with dacrystic seizures were identified. Dacrystic seizures were identified in 0.06–0.53% of the patients admitted for long‐term video‐EEG monitoring depending on the specific center. Considering our study population as a whole, the frequency was 0.13%. The presence of dacrystic seizures without other accompanying clinical features was found in only one patient. Gelastic seizures accompanied dacrystic seizures in five cases, and a hypothalamic hamartoma was found in all of these five patients. The underlying etiology in the four patients with dacrystic seizures without gelastic seizures was left mesial temporal sclerosis (three patients) and a frontal glioblastoma (one patient). All patients had a difficult‐to‐control epilepsy as demonstrated by the following: (1) at least three different antiepileptic drugs were tried in each patient, (2) epilepsy was well controlled with antiepileptic drugs in only two patients, (3) six patients were considered for epilepsy surgery and three of them underwent a surgical/radiosurgical or radioablative procedure. Regarding outcome, antiepileptic drugs alone achieved seizure freedom in two patients and did not change seizure frequency in another patient. Radiosurgery led to moderately good seizure control in one patient and did not improve seizure control in another patient. Three patients were or are being considered for epilepsy surgery on last follow‐up. One patient remains seizure free 3 years after epilepsy surgery.

Significance: Dacrystic seizures are a rare but clinically relevant finding during video‐EEG monitoring. Our data show that when the patient has dacrystic and gelastic seizures, the cause is a hypothalamic hamartoma. In contrast, when dacrystic seizures are not accompanied by gelastic seizures the underlying lesion is most commonly located in the temporal cortex.
Dramatic weight loss with rufinamide
Authors: Mourand Isabelle , Crespel Arielle , Gelisse Philippe
Published: July 2012

Rufinamide (RUF) is a novel antiepileptic drug considered as second‐line therapy in the treatment of Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs) have consisted mainly of drowsiness, irritability, vomiting, and loss of appetite. RUF is considered as a “weight‐neutral” drug. We found clinically significant weight loss in 7 of 15 consecutive adult patients (47%; 3 male, 4 female, aged 18–31 years) treated with RUF as add‐on therapy (800–2,400 mg/day: 23.5–57.1 mg/kg/day). The body mass index (BMI) decreased by 7.3–18.7%. Two patients were obese class I before RUF. Five patients (71%) were underweight before RUF (mild in one case, moderate in two cases, and severe in two cases). Four of these patients stopped RUF because of this adverse effect. RUF was recommenced in two patients using a lower and slower dosing strategy; one patient showed improvement in seizure control and no weight loss but RUF was re‐stopped in the second patient because of continued weight loss. Despite of weight loss, RUF was continued in two other patients because it reduced seizure activity. We primarily related weight loss to reduced food intake, that is, loss of appetite and nausea, although in two patients no obvious loss of appetite was reported. RUF can cause clinically significant weight loss in adult patients, even at low dose. This AE can affect patients who are already underweight. There is a possibility that lower starting doses and slower escalation might minimize weight loss, but further information is required to determine whether this is the case.
Reduction in delayed mortality and subtle improvement in retrograde memory performance in pilocarpine‐treated mice with conditional neuronal deletion of cyclooxygenase‐2 gene
Authors: Levin Jamie R. , Serrano Geidy , Dingledine Raymond
Published: July 2012

Purpose:  Pilocarpine induces prolonged status epilepticus (SE) in rodents that results in neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits, both commonly observed to be associated with human temporal lobe epilepsy. The multifunctional neuronal modulator, cyclooxygenase‐2 (PTGS2 or COX‐2), is rapidly induced after SE, mainly in principal neurons of the hippocampal formation and cortex. We used mice in which COX‐2 is conditionally ablated in principal forebrain neurons to investigate the involvement of neuron‐derived COX‐2 in delayed mortality and performance in the Barnes maze.

Methods:  Using the COX‐2 conditional knockout mouse (nCOX‐2 cKO) and their littermate wild‐type controls, we compared motor behavior and performance in the Barnes maze before and 3 weeks after the induction of SE by pilocarpine. Mortality rate was also measured during SE and in the week following SE.

Key Findings:  nCOX‐2 cKO mice showed less delayed mortality than wild‐type mice in the week after SE. Although motor behavior and most cognitive measures were not different in the nCOX‐2 cKO, upon reexposure to the maze 3 weeks after pilocarpine, the latency to find the previously learned target hole was significantly shorter in the nCOX‐2 cKO than their wild‐type littermate controls. By this measure pilocarpine‐treated nCOX‐2 cKO mice were identical to mice that had not experienced SE.

Significance:  Results point to a role for neuronal COX‐2 in delayed mortality in mice during the week following SE and suggest that neuronal COX‐2 contributes to selected cognitive deficits observed after SE. Taking into consideration our previous findings that neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation after SE are reduced in the nCOX‐2 cKO, and opening of the blood–brain barrier after pilocarpine is prevented, we conclude that neuronal COX‐2 induction is an early step in many of the deleterious consequences of SE.
Lateralization of temporal lobe epilepsy using resting functional magnetic resonance imaging connectivity of hippocampal networks
Authors: Morgan Victoria L. , Sonmezturk Hasan H. , Gore John C. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel
Published: July 2012

Purpose:  Early surgical intervention can be advantageous in the treatment of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The success of TLE surgery relies on accurate lateralization of the seizure onset. The purpose of this study was to determine whether resting functional MRI (fMRI) connectivity mapping of the hippocampus has the potential to complement conventional presurgical evaluations in distinguishing left from right TLE. In addition, we sought to determine whether this same network might separate patients with favorable from unfavorable postoperative outcomes.

Methods:  Resting fMRI acquisitions were performed on 21 patients with TLE and 15 healthy controls. The patients included seven patients with left TLE and seven patients with right TLE with seizure‐free postoperative outcome, and five patients with left TLE and two patients with right TLE with recurring seizures after surgery. Functional connectivity maps to each hippocampus were determined for each subject and were compared between the controls and the seizure‐free patients with left TLE and with right TLE. The one network identified was then quantified in the patients with TLE and recurring seizures.

Key Findings:  The resting functional connectivity between the right hippocampus and the ventral lateral nucleus of the right thalamus was the most statistically significant network to distinguish between seizure‐free patients with left TLE and with right TLE with high sensitivity and specificity. This connectivity was also significantly greater in the seizure‐free patients with left TLE than the healthy controls. Finally, six of the seven patients in whom seizures recurred after surgery had connectivity values in this network unlike those who were seizure‐free.

Significance:  This study identified a region in the ventral lateral nucleus of the right thalamus whose connectivity to the hippocampi separates left from right TLE subjects. This suggests that the quantification of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) connectivity across this network may be a potential indicator of lateralization of TLE that may be added to other presurgical MRI assessments. Further validation in a larger, independent cohort is required.
A Clarion Call for Nurse‐Led SBIRT Across the Continuum of Care
Authors: Finnell Deborah S.
Published: July 2012

This commentary discusses the impact of the study by Broyles and colleagues (2012) that reported on hospitalized patients’ acceptability of nurse‐delivered screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT). This cross‐sectional survey study assessed patient acceptability for and comfort with nurse‐delivered SBIRT. The majority (95%) of inpatients found it acceptable for the nurse to ask about and/or discuss alcohol use during their hospitalization. This is a significant finding, as hospitals in the United States consider whether and how to implement The Joint Commission's performance measures related to SBIRT for hospitalized patients. The findings related to subgroups of patients who are more accepting of SBIRT and those who expressed some degree of discomfort highlight the importance for individualized patient‐centered approaches. This study raises several important implications for nurse‐delivered SBIRT. First, intensive efforts must be directed to enhancing the knowledge and competence of healthcare providers in general, and the current and future nursing workforce in particular, related to alcohol use and evidence‐based care for patients who are drinking alcohol above recommended limits. Second, registered nurses, working to the full extent of their education and licensure are in key roles as members of the interdisciplinary team to provide cost‐effective care at the bedside and across the continuum of care. Nurse‐led SBIRT implementation models could help bridge the curricular gap and promote widespread and sustained integration of SBIRT as standard nursing care across all specialties and practice settings.
Events at blood collection area due to nonconforming blood bags and plateletpheresis kits: need for timely corrective and preventive actions
Authors: Verma Anupam , Sachan Deepti , Elhence Priti , Pandey Hem , Dubey Anju
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Good blood banking practice requires that every effort should be made to detect any deviation or defect in blood bank products and to identify any potential risk to blood donor or recipient(s). We report the findings of an exercise that provide an insight into why feedback from the user side is crucial.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Various events involving blood bags and plateletpheresis kits and the corresponding appropriate actions instituted for remedial measures were recorded. These scattered events were recorded for 6 months following the use of a new batch of improved blood bags with add‐on features. Several events related to plateletpheresis kits from three different manufacturers were also recorded for 1 year.

RESULTS: The affected blood bags were utilized with no untoward incident. The complaint was closed following satisfactory response from the blood bag manufacturing company that acted in a timely manner in addressing the root causes of the problems. However, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) could not be implemented for plateletpheresis kits. The rate of undesirable events was higher with plateletpheresis kits as compared with whole blood bags (1.75% vs. 0.06%).

CONCLUSION: As defects or deviations that trigger the need for CAPA can stem from numerous sources, it is important to clearly identify and document the problems and level of risk so that appropriate investigations can be instituted and remedial actions can be taken in a timely manner. This study demonstrates the usefulness of a quality initiative to collate and analyze blood product faults in conjunction with blood product manufacturers.
Resistance to Melanaphis sacchari in the sugarcane cultivar R 365
Authors: Fartek B. , Nibouche S. , Turpin P. , Costet L. , Reynaud B.
Published: July 2012

This study focuses on the resistance of sugarcane, Saccharum spec. (Poaceae), to the sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), which vectors Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV). Resistance was characterized in cultivar R 365, using a 3‐year field trial and laboratory experiments on potted plantlets and excised leaves. R 365 reduced aphid populations in the field by antixenosis and antibiosis. Using the electrical penetration graph technique, we detected delayed aphid salivation in phloem and inhibition of passive phloem sap uptake in R 365. The resistance factors also proved to be effective against the corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), another vector of SCYLV.
Choice of oviposition sites by Manduca sexta and its consequences for egg and larval performance
Authors: Potter Kristen A. , Bronstein Judith , Davidowitz Goggy
Published: July 2012

The preference‐performance hypothesis predicts that female insects should prefer to lay eggs in locations that enhance offspring performance. This study examines the choices of females regarding where to oviposit within plants, focusing on the hawkmoth Manduca sexta L. (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) and its host Datura wrightii Regel (Solanaceae) in the southwestern USA. Smaller Datura leaves provide cooler microclimates for eggs (which may lead to faster embryonic development, shortening their exposure to egg predators) and more nitrogen for larvae. In contrast, large leaves reach temperatures that are stressfully high (which slows embryonic development) and provide less nitrogen for larvae. Thus, we would expect females to oviposit on small leaves. To examine whether leaf size influences female preference and offspring performance, we used laboratory and field studies to address the following questions. (1) On what size leaves do females typically oviposit? (2) Does the distribution of eggs in nature differ from that expected by chance? And (3) how does leaf size affect survival or growth of eggs and larvae? We find that oviposition choices of females do not lead to the highest probability of offspring survival. Females lay eggs on larger leaves, likely due to the greater accessibility of those leaves; however, eggs are more likely to hatch on small leaves. Larvae grow faster on large leaves, but larvae are also surprisingly mobile, suggesting that the consequences of oviposition site are minor once eggs have hatched. Larval mobility was seen only in the field, not in the laboratory, emphasizing the importance of field studies for predicting real‐world performance. Although females' leaf choices are potentially risky for eggs, the threats of high temperature and predation may vary sufficiently in space and time that there is no consistent selection for strong preferences. Furthermore, the fitness consequences for eggs and larvae largely offset each other and offspring are sufficiently mobile to cope with the conditions where they are laid.
Immediate placement and restoration of implants in the aesthetic zone with a trimodal approach: soft tissue alterations and its relation to gingival biotype
Authors: Cabello Gustavo , Rioboo María , Fábrega Javier G.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the soft tissue changes around implants in the aesthetic zone, placed under a trimodal approach (immediate post‐extraction placement, flapless, and immediate provisional restoration) and its relationship to gingival/periodontal biotype of the patient.

Materials and methods

The sample consisted of 14 patients from two private practices that were in need of a tooth extraction in the anterior maxillary region (cuspid to cuspid) and were candidates to a replacement with a dental implant. An initial measurement (baseline) of the position or the mesial and distal papillae and gingival zenith was made at this time, with a rigid dental‐supported stent and an electronic precision caliper, able to the second tenth of a millimeter; after careful tooth extraction, the periodontal thickness, at a point 5 mm apical to de gingival buccal margin, with an analogical thickness gauge, able to one tenth of a millimeter. Once the implant was inserted an immediate provisional restoration was delivered. To evaluate the soft tissue changes measurements were repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the changes in the gingival margin around the implant restorations and to identify a possible correlation to patient′s periodontal thickness.

Results

All 14 patients received Straumann®implants (9 Tissue Level [TL] Regular Neck [RN], 2TLNarrow Neck [NN], 2 Bone Level [BL] Narrow Crossfit [NC], and 1BLRegular Crossfit [RC]). All implants integrated and none had any biological complications. Three provisional restorations presented screw loosening and retightened once and one loss retention and was recemented once. In one patient, with a severe bruxing habit, the final restoration suffered screw loosening and was retightened. Of the final restorations, 12 were screw‐retained and 2 cemented on custom‐made Zirconia abutments.

A mean recession of the buccal margin of 0.45 mm was recorded at 12 months ( ± 0.25 mm). An acceptable papilla level was present in all cases at 1 year, with mean changes of 0.38 mm ( ± 0.60) for the mesial and 0.80 mm ( ± 0.90) of the distal papilla, respectively. No correlation could be established between the soft tissue changes and the periodontal biotype of the patient.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, the good aesthetic outcome and minimal complications seem to validate the trimodal approach protocol as a reliable and simple protocol to place and restore immediate implants in the aesthetic zone. No correlation between the patient's gingival biotype and the soft tissue alterations could be established. Additional studies are needed to verify long‐term aesthetic results with this approach and to better define and quantify biotypes.
Cytomegalovirus‐induced cutaneous microangiopathy manifesting as lower limb ischemia in a human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patient
Authors: Molina‐Ruiz Ana M. , Luque Rafael , Zulueta Terasa , Bernabeu Jose , Requena Luis
Published: July 2012

Cutaneous infections by cytomegalovirus (CMV) are rare and often difficult to diagnose both clinically and histopathologically. A wide range of different clinical manifestations have been described in the literature, especially in immunosuppressed patients. CMV‐induced thrombosis has also been reported in these patients, and various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the role of CMV in the thrombotic process, including direct damage of the endothelial cells, activation of coagulation factors and inducing the production of antiphospholipid antibodies. We present the case of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected woman who developed distal ischemic lesions of the lower extremities during a generalized CMV infection. We discuss the role of CMV and antiphospholipid antibodies in the pathogenesis of thrombosis in immunosuppressed patients.
Experiences of Wiki topic teaching in postgraduate orthodontics: what do the learners think?
Authors: Ireland A. J. , Atack N. E. , Sandy J. R.
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Traditionally, the academic content of many 3‐year full‐time postgraduate courses in orthodontics in the UK has been delivered using tutorial and lecture‐based teaching. This is often teacher lead rather than learner centred. Even with the advent of teaching modules on the national virtual learning environment, although well liked by students, is still often teacher lead. An alternative on‐line approach to learner‐centred teaching is to use Wikis.

Materials and methods

Nine postgraduate students in the first term of their full‐time 3‐year specialist training programme at Bristol Dental School were divided into three groups and wrote a Wiki on three interrelated topics. This process was repeated in the second term using three different, but still interrelated topics. Following each, they were asked to give detailed feedback on their Wiki topic teaching.

Results and discussion

The results showed that students felt writing the Wikis was useful for team work, provided a more learner‐centred approach, created a body of work in a live format that would be useful for revision and was a welcome variation on traditional teaching methods. The biggest problem encountered was the IT platform used to create the Wikis. The students also felt the Wikis should be assessed as a piece of group work rather than as separate individuals.

Conclusions

Wiki topic teaching is a useful tool in the teaching of postgraduate orthodontics providing variation and a more learner‐centred approach. Further exploration of the available IT platforms is required.
A review of the nature, role, and function of dentin non‐collagenous proteins. Part II: enzymes, serum proteins, and growth factors
Authors: Mazzoni Annalisa , Breschi Lorenzo , Carrilho Marcela , Nascimento Fabio D. , Orsini Giovanna , Ruggeri Alessandra , Gobbi Pietro , Manzoli Lucia , Tay Franklyn R. , Pashley David H. , Tjäderhane Leo
Published: July 2012

Part I was an overview of the role and function of proteoglycans and glycoproteins in the pulpo–dentin complex; part II will focus on enzymes, serum proteins, and growth factors. This review will discuss current knowledge regarding matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cathepsins, serum proteins, and growth factors in dentin and the related dentin–pulp complex in an attempt to better understand their nature, role, and function in the dentin extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Dentin formation in physiological and pathological conditions has been widely studied. However, the regulation and involvement of non‐collageneous enzymes, serum proteins, and growth factors are still not completely elucidated. MMPs, a family of 23 endopeptidases in humans, are collectively capable of degrading virtually all ECM components, and their specific tissue inhibitors (TIMPs: tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases) participate in organo‐ and morphogenesis, physiological tissue turnover, and pathological tissue destruction. Similarly, the lysosomal cysteine proteinases (cathepsins) are capable of degrading ECM proteins such as collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and proteoglycans. These enzymes are implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, especially in diseases involving tissue re‐modeling states. Dentin also contains serum‐derived proteins (such as albumin, immunoglobulins, and transferrin), and a variety of growth factors in the mineralized ECM are available for release during demineralization or other injury. A detailed description of the components of the above‐mentioned dentin non‐collageneous proteins will be summarized in this literature review.
A review of the nature, role, and function of dentin non‐collagenous proteins. Part 1: proteoglycans and glycoproteins
Authors: Orsini Giovanna , Ruggeri Alessandra , Mazzoni Annalisa , Nato Fernando , Manzoli Lucia , Putignano Angelo , Di Lenarda Roberto , Tjäderhane Leo , Breschi Lorenzo
Published: July 2012

Dentin is a collagen‐based mineralized tissue consisting of inorganic apatite crystallites embedded in an extracellular matrix. In addition to type I collagen, the dentin organic matrix contains several proteins and proteoglycans, collectively referred to as non‐collagenous proteins, that play fundamental roles in actively promoting, controlling, and regulating fibrillogenesis, crystal growth, and mineralization during dentinogenesis. Similarly to collagen fibrils, non‐collagenous proteins are synthesized and secreted by odontoblasts and some of them are detectable in both predentin and mineralized dentin while others are only within the dentin layer. Non‐collagenous components include proteoglycans (such as decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin, lumican, osteoadherin, and versican) and several glycoproteins such as osteocalcin, osteonectin, and the SIBLING proteins (i.e. osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, dentin matrix protein‐1, dentin sialophosphoprotein, and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein). The first part of this review offers an overview of the nature of the above‐mentioned non‐collagenous proteins of the dentin organic matrix and their postulated functions, since a better understanding of the biological dynamics of the extracellular macromolecules is fundamental to clarifying the properties and function of the human mature sound dentin.
Maturation of forest edges is constrained by neighbouring agricultural land management
Authors: Chabrerie Olivier , Jamoneau Aurélien , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Decocq Guillaume
Published: July 2012

Questions

(i) Do species richness and turnover across forest edges change with edge age and management intensity of adjacent lands? (ii) Does edge species composition respond to aging and landscape management and what are the environmental factors explaining this response?

Location

Agricultural landscapes of the Picardy region, N France.

Methods

We sampled forest edges differing in age (from a few decades to several centuries) and embedding landscape matrix (from slightly managed ‘bocages’ to intensively cultivated open fields). We recorded vascular plant species and a set of environment, landscape and historical variables along transects oriented perpendicularly to forest edges. We used mixed models to assess the impact of edge age and landscape type on edge species richness and turnover. We investigated the relationship between edge community composition and explanatory variables using redundancy analyses and a split‐plot design.

Results

Species richness decreased with both increased edge age and increased landscape management intensity, while species turnover was not influenced by any of these factors. Edge maturation was characterized by a specialization of the flora over the entire transect, which is likely a response to increased shade, litter layer thickness and soil acidity. As landscape management was more intensive, true forest species were replaced by nitrophilous and/or calciphilous non‐forest species, which might be more tolerant of agrochemical and lime drift and are able to disperse through a hostile matrix.

Conclusion

Although edge aging was associated with the progressive development of environmental gradients, especially light availability and litter thickness, plant communities poorly reflect these gradients under the constraint of neighbouring landscape management. On the contrary, the stronger the management intensity, the sharper the edge–interior gradient.
Human Cadaver Study Evaluating a New Measurement Technique for Graft Volumes after Sinus Floor Elevation
Authors: Platzer Susanne , Wildburger Angelika , Lorenzoni Martin , Jakse Norbert , Riedl Regina , Weiglein Andreas , Wegscheider Walther , Kirmeier Robert
Published: July 2012

Purpose: Volumetric data can be used as complementary information to characterize grafting materials. The aim of this cadaveric study was to analyze a noncommercial measurement technique based on the novel concept of an “interactive rigid registration algorithm” (IRRA). Parameters analyzed included the reproducibility of IRRA measurements and their reliability in comparison with the established measurement technique of “region growing segmentation thresholding” (RGST).

Materials and Methods: Three human skulls were used to simulate a total of 18 sinus grafts, using three incremental grafting procedures in each sinus (three skulls × two sinuses × three grafting increments). Radiopaque impression material was used for the simulated grafts, whose volumes were recorded by computed tomography from three different tilt angles. The reproducibility of IRRA measurements and the reliability of volumetric results obtained with both the IRRA and RGST techniques were evaluated by appropriate intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results: ICC greater than 0.9 indicated close to perfect agreement of the results obtained with both methods and good reproducibility of the IRRA measurements. Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated good inter‐method and intramethod agreement.

Conclusions: The IRRA measurement technique can be recommended as a noninvasive tool to evaluate graft volumes in human maxillary sinuses.
Effect of Dental Implant Diameter on Fatigue Performance. Part I: Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Shemtov‐Yona Keren , Rittel Daniel , Levin Liran , Machtei Eli E.
Published: July 2012

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the implants’ diameter on the mechanical function and load‐fatigue performance of dental implants.

Materials and Methods

Three groups of implants with different diameters (3.3 mm, 3.75 mm and 5 mm), were tested under static and cyclic compressive loading. A total number of 15 implants for the static test and 112 implants for the cyclic‐fatigue test. In the cyclic test, the machine ceased operating when the structure collapsed or when it reached 5 × 106 cycles without apparent failure. The load versus the number of cycles was plotted as curves for biomechanical analysis (S‐N curve) for each implant diameter.

Results

The S‐N curve plotted for the 5 mm implants showed classic fatigue behavior with a finite life region starting from 620N. The same was observed for the 3.75 mm diameter implants, with a finite life region starting below 620N. By contrast, the 3.3 mm diameter implants failed to show predictable fatigue behavior and a fatigue limit could not be defined.

Conclusions

The results of this study emphasize the importance of implant diameter on fatigue behavior. Narrow implants failed to show typical fatigue behavior which might be attributed to the implant design.
Method for estimating maximum permissible load weight for Japanese native horses using accelerometer‐based gait analysis
Authors: MATSUURA Akihiro , IRIMAJIRI Mami , MATSUZAKI Kunihiro , HIRAGURI Yuko , NAKANOWATARI Toshihiko , YAMAZAKI Atusi , HODATE Koichi
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to establish a method for estimating loading capacity for Japanese native horses by gait analysis using an accelerometer. Six mares of Japanese native horses were used. The acceleration of each horse was recorded during walking and trotting along a straight course at a sampling frequency of 200 Hz. Each horse performed 12 tests: one test with a loaded weight of 80 kg (First 80 kg) followed by 10 tests with random loaded weights between 85 kg and 130 kg and a final test with a loaded weight of 80 kg again. The time series of acceleration was subjected to fast Fourier transformation, and the autocorrelation coefficient was calculated. The first two peaks of the autocorrelation were defined as symmetry and regularity of the gait. At trot, symmetries in the 100, 110, and 125 kg tests were significantly lower than that in First 80 kg (P < 0.05, by analysis of covariance and Sidak's test). These results imply that the maximum permissible load weight is less than 100 kg, which is 29% of the body weight of Japanese native horses. Our method is a widely applicable and welfare‐friendly method for estimating maximum permissible load weights of horses.
Assumptions and practices in using digital technologies to teach writing in middle‐level classrooms across Canada
Authors: Peterson Shelley Stagg , McClay Jill Kedersha
Published: July 2012

Interviews with 216 Grades 4–8 teachers and observations in 21 classrooms show that computers are widely used to teach writing across Canada. Restricted access to computers plays a role in the frequency and types of interactions that students and teachers have with computers in writing classes. Equally influential are assumptions about writing development and effective teaching practice. Many participating teachers believe that spell checkers hamper students’ spelling development. They view computers as tools to extend and support their teaching of mini‐lessons.