bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices Accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners
Authors: Weinberg Mitchell , Weedn Victor W. , Weinberg Seth , Fowler David
Published: July 2013

The National Association of Medical Examiners accredits medical examiner and coroner offices. Approximately 60 offices were fully or provisionally accredited as of late 2011, and these offices serve one‐quarter of the U.S. population. The calculated average population served was 1.6M but ranged from 0.3 to 10.5M. The calculated mean death rate was 794 deaths/100K population, and the mean homicide rate was 7.2 homicides/100K population. The calculated mean budget was $4.35M, but budgets ranged from $0.67 to $26.8M. The calculated mean budget/capita was $3.02 but ranged from $0.62 to $10.22. The average size of the facility was under 30,000 sq. ft. The calculated average staffing was found to include five forensic pathologists, four and a half autopsy technicians, and nine investigators. The mean forensic pathologists/1M population was 3.7. Calculated workload indices included 222 autopsies/pathologist and an autopsy rate of 77.6/100K population. These results show that offices of every size can achieve accreditation.
Weight References for Burned Human Skeletal Remains from Portuguese Samples
Authors: Gonçalves David , Cunha Eugénia , Thompson Tim J. U.
Published: July 2013

Weight is often one of the few recoverable data when analyzing human cremains but references are still rare, especially for European populations. Mean weights for skeletal remains were thus documented for Portuguese modern cremations of both recently deceased individuals and dry skeletons, and the effect of age, sex, and the intensity of combustion was investigated using both multivariate and univariate statistics. The cremains from fresh cadavers were significantly heavier than the ones from dry skeletons regardless of sex and age cohort (p < 0.001 to p = 0.003). As expected, males were heavier than females and age had a powerful effect in female skeletal weight. The effect of the intensity of combustion in cremains weight was unclear. These weight references may, in some cases, help estimating the minimum number of individuals, the completeness of the skeletal assemblage, and the sex of an unknown individual.
Rugoscopy: Predominant Pattern, Uniqueness, and Stability Assessment in the Indian Goan Population
Authors: A.A. Dawasaz , Dinkar Ajit D.
Published: July 2013

The palatine rugae possess unique characteristics that could be used when it is difficult to identify a dead person according to fingerprints or dental records. They are permanent and unique to each person. The rugae are surrounded by cheeks, lips, tongue, and buccal pad of fat; hence, they remain protected in trauma, incineration, or mass disasters. Their pattern of orientation is formed by the 12th to 14th week of gestation and remains stable throughout life. In this study, dental casts of 120 patients were analyzed for individual rugae characteristics and strength and subsequent individual codes were given. No two individuals were having exactly matching rugae codes. Dimensions of rugae pattern, incisive papilla, and midpalatal raphe were also noted. Rugae were reevaluated after one year to check its stability, which showed no significant difference. The coding system followed can be adopted as a good and simple technique to achieve electronic transfer of the records of the palatal rugae.
Preliminary Analysis of the Nature and Processing of Palm Marks by a U.K. Fingerprint Bureau
Authors: Sutton Raul , Glazzard Zoe , Riley Darren , Buckley Kevan
Published: July 2013

The nature of crime scene palmar images (CSPI) or factors affecting search parameters using a palm‐enabled AFIS system have not been investigated. A questionnaire‐based survey, undertaken by U.K. fingerprint experts utilizing the U.K.'s IDENT‐1 system during the period January to July 2010, of CSPI marks has been conducted to provide descriptive statistical data on the nature of CSPI and some aspects of the ACE‐V process. 45 scene‐recovered marks were analyzed for part of the CSPI recovered, friction ridge detail, and process times. U.K. population handedness was different from recovered CSPI. Most and least frequently recovered regions were hypothenar pad B and the central pad, respectively. There was a nonsignificant association between palm region and number of palm regions recovered, as well as identification rate and analysis times and characteristics. The number of CSPI regions was significantly related to time for analysis, identification, and comparison.
Conditional inactivation of nicastrin restricts amyloid deposition in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Authors: Sesele Katia , Thanopoulou Kalliopi , Paouri Evi , Tsefou Eliona , Klinakis Apostolos , Georgopoulos Spiros
Published: July 2013

Production of Aβ by γ‐secretase is a key event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The γ‐secretase complex consists of presenilin (PS) 1 or 2, nicastrin (ncstn), Pen‐2, and Aph‐1 and cleaves type I transmembrane proteins, including the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Although ncstn is widely accepted as an essential component of the complex required for γ‐secretase activity, recent in vitro studies have suggested that ncstn is dispensable for APP processing and Aβ production. The focus of this study was to answer this controversy and evaluate the role of ncstn in Aβ generation and the development of the amyloid‐related phenotype in the mouse brain. To eliminate ncstn expression in the mouse brain, we used a ncstn conditional knockout mouse that we mated with an established AD transgenic mouse model (5XFAD) and a neuronal Cre‐expressing transgenic mouse (CamKIIα‐iCre), to generate AD mice (5XFAD/CamKIIα‐iCre/ncstnf/f mice) where ncstn was conditionally inactivated in the brain. 5XFAD/CamKIIα‐iCre/ncstnf/f mice at 10 week of age developed a neurodegenerative phenotype with a significant reduction in Aβ production and formation of Aβ aggregates and the absence of amyloid plaques. Inactivation of nctsn resulted in substantial accumulation of APP‐CTFs and altered PS1 expression. These results reveal a key role for ncstn in modulating Aβ production and amyloid plaque formation in vivo and suggest ncstn as a target in AD therapeutics.
Crop damage by African elephants assessment in kaftasheraro national park, Ethiopia
Authors: Mamo Dawit , Bouer Hans , Tesfay Yaynshet
Published: July 2013

This study was conducted in Kafta‐Sheraro wereda in Northwest Tigray region of Ethiopia to assess community take on crop damage by the African Elephant, to identify visiting time of Elephants to agricultural plots and identify any other animals causing crop damage. A total of 240 households were selected from twelve villages using a stratified random sampling procedure. Half of the villages represented samples closer to the park and the other half, represented samples farther away. Whether the farmer owned or rented plots on which crops were grown as well as the distance to the park from the plots were the primary factors significantly (P < 0.05) influencing crop damage by elephants in the area. Time of the elephants visiting the agricultural plots was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at night. In a ranking exercise, among seven species considered, Elephants were ranked second in importance after Warthogs for crop destruction in villages close to the park but last in villages farther away. In the latter area, the most problematic animal was the Warthog followed by the Crested Porcupine. In the former areas where elephants' damage to crops was more frequent, farmers ranked fire as the most effective way of controlling the invasion. The study concludes that bringing the community to the discussion on elephant crop damage, increasing the time of keeping vigil during the night; improving the extension services and training in awareness creation and additional research's should be undertaken to evaluate in monetary terms the value of crop damage.
Clinicopathologic features of solid variant papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Chang Hojin , Kim Seok Mo , Chun Ki Won , Kim Bup Woo , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang‐Seok , Hong Soon Won , Park Cheong Soo
Published: July 2013

Background

Solid variant papillary thyroid cancer (SVPTC) is a rare type of thyroid malignancy whose clinical characteristics remain poorly defined. Therefore, we evaluated the characteristics of 14 patients with SVPTC treated at our institution.

Methods

Of the 6052 patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) evaluated at our institution between January 2008 and December 2011, 14 (0.23%) had SVPTC and were analysed retrospectively.

Results

Of the 14 patients with SVPTC, two were men and 12 were women, with a mean age of 48.2 years (range: 33–72 years). The mean follow‐up period was 24 months (range: 8–36 months). All patients were assessed preoperatively by ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), with the diagnosis confirmed by permanent pathology and immunohistochemical staining performed by a specialized endocrine pathologist. Only one patient was diagnosed with SVPTC by preoperative FNAC, whereas 11 (78.6%) were diagnosed with PTC or suspected of having PTC. The mean tumour size was 1.02 ± 0.30 cm, with all tumours less than 2.0 cm in diameter. The infiltrative tumour margins were observed in eight patients (57.1%) and the extrathyroidal invasion in seven (50.0%). The central lymph node metastases were found in five patients (35.7%), and the lateral lymph node metastasis in one (7.1%). No patient experienced tumour recurrence or distant metastasis during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Despite the small sample size and the short follow‐up period, our results indicate that SVPTC may not be as aggressive a subtype as previously thought.
The Adventitia Layer Modulates the Arterial Wall Elastic Response to Intra‐Aortic Counterpulsation: In Vivo Studies
Authors: Cabrera‐Fischer Edmundo I. , Bia Daniel , Zócalo Yanina , Wray Sandra , Armentano Ricardo
Published: July 2013

There is a relationship between the intra‐aortic balloon pumping (IABP) benefits and the dynamic behavior of muscular arteries, which is associated with induced changes on the vessel walls through an endothelial‐dependent mechanism. The arterial wall elastic behavior is influenced by adventitial function; however, no studies were performed in order to elucidate if this layer plays a role in the changes determined by IABP. Our aim was to quantify acute IABP effects on the mechanical properties of muscular arteries in induced acute heart failure (AHF), before and after adventitia removal. Pressure and diameter were recorded in the iliac arteries (IA) of sheep (n = 7), before and during 1:2 IABP: (i) in control state (CS) with intact IA, (ii) in CS after IA adventitia removal, and (iii) in de‐adventitialized IA after AHF. Conduit function, compliance and arterial distensibility were calculated in each state. During CS, IABP resulted in intact IA dilatation and in an increase in conduit function, compliance and distensibility; adventitial removal determined an increase of arterial stiffness with respect to the CS, which decreased when IABP was used; the increase in arterial stiffness observed after adventitia removal was also detected in AHF state; IABP improves conduit function and arterial stiffness in de‐adventitialized arteries, both before and during AHF. However, the improvement in these properties was lower than in intact arteries. Before and after AHF induction, the improvements of conduit function and arterial distensibility determined by IABP in intact IA were significantly reduced after adventitia removal. Adventitial layer integrity would be necessary to maximize IABP‐related beneficial effects on arterial system properties.
Science learning via multimedia portal resources: The Scottish case
Authors: Elliot Dely , Wilson Delia , Boyle Stephen
Published: July 2013

Scotland's rich heritage in the field of science and engineering and recent curricular developments led to major investment in education to equip pupils with improved scientific knowledge and skills. However, due to its abstract and conceptual nature, learning science can be challenging. Literature supports the role of multimedia technology in addressing the difficulties associated with science learning. This paper reports on a two‐phase investigation that explored the impact of multimedia resources situated in a national e‐learning portal to (1) assist generalist and specialist science teachers' teaching practices and (2) stimulate pupils' interest, encourage engagement and improve overall science learning experiences. Our research also investigated how portal resources facilitated and/or acted as barriers for teaching and learning. Findings from our research affirm that multimedia technology has transformed science learning; with these resources accessible through a national portal, radically different learning experiences ensued. These findings raise serious implications for teacher education and professional development in ensuring that teachers acquire sound science content and pedagogical knowledge as well as practical strategies for utilising technology‐rich environments, as this is likely to become the norm. Harnessing the fullest potential that information and communication technology, multimedia and e‐learning portals can offer starts by addressing these challenges.
A systematic review of workplace health promotion interventions for increasing physical activity
Authors: Malik Sumaira H. , Blake Holly , Suggs L. Suzanne
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The benefits of an active lifestyle are widely documented, yet studies show that only a small proportion of adults engage in sufficient levels of physical activity. The workplace presents an ideal avenue for delivering initiatives to promote physical activity, overcoming commonly cited barriers such as a ‘lack of time’ and providing access to a large intersection of society. The purpose of this study was to (1) explore the types of interventions workplaces implement to promote physical activity among staff, (2) describe the characteristics of those interventions, (3) understand whether these interventions positively impact on activity levels, and (4) assess the methodological quality of studies.

Methods

A systematic review of workplace physical activity interventions published up to April 2011 was conducted to identify types of interventions and their outcomes.

Results

Of the 58 studies included, the majority utilized health promotion initiatives. There were six physical activity/exercise interventions, 13 counselling/support interventions, and 39 health promotion messages/information interventions. Thirty‐two of these studies showed a statistically significant increase in a measure of physical activity against a control group at follow‐up.

Conclusions

While the studies included in this review show some evidence that workplace physical activity interventions can be efficacious, overall the results are inconclusive. Despite the proliferation of research in this area, there is still a need for more well‐designed studies to fully determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions for increasing physical activity and to identify the types of interventions that show the most promise.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Despite the recognized health benefits of regular physical activity, only a small proportion of adults engage in sufficient levels of physical activity.

The workplace presents an ideal avenue for the delivery of initiatives to promote physical activity.

Previous reviews have concluded that the efficacy of workplace physical activity interventions is unclear and that many published studies are of poor methodological quality.

What does this study add?

This systematic review includes more randomized controlled trials and quasi‐experimental studies than previously published reviews of workplace physical activity interventions.

While the studies included in this review do show some evidence that workplace physical activity interventions can be efficacious, overall the results are inconclusive.

This review highlights that there is still a need for further well‐designed studies to be carried out in order to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace interventions for increasing physical activity and identify the types of interventions that show the most promise.
The Fire Refuge Value of Patches of a Fire‐Sensitive Tree in Fire‐prone Savannas: Callitris intratropica in Northern Australia
Authors: Radford Ian. J. , Andersen Alan N. , Graham Gordon , Trauernicht Clay
Published: July 2013

Patches of fire‐sensitive vegetation often occur within fire‐prone tropical savannas, and are indicative of localized areas where fire regimes are less severe. These may act as important fire refugia for fire‐sensitive biota. The fire‐sensitive tree Callitris intratropica occurs in small patches throughout the fire‐prone northern Australian savannas, and is widely seen as an indicator of low‐severity fire regimes and of good ecosystem health. Here, we address the question: to what extent do Callitris patches act as refuges for other fire‐sensitive biota, and therefore play a broader conservation role? We contrast floral and faunal species composition between Callitris patches and surrounding eucalypt savanna, using three case studies. In the first case study, a floristic analysis of 47 Callitris patches across Western Australia's Kimberley region showed that woody species in these patches were overwhelmingly widespread, fire‐tolerant savanna taxa. No species of special conservation concern occurred disproportionately within Callitris patches. Similarly, there was no concentration of fire‐sensitive fauna or flora in five Callitris patches in the East Kimberley. Finally, there was no difference in ant species composition among 12 Callitris patches and surrounding eucalypt savannas in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, and there were no fire‐sensitive ant species in Callitris patches. Our three case studies from throughout the northwestern Australia provide no evidence that Callitris patches act as important refuges for fire‐sensitive flora or fauna within fire‐prone eucalypt savannas. This calls into question the notion that Callitris is a strong indicator of general ecosystem health.
Children's and young people's participation within child welfare and child protection services: a state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: van Bijleveld Ganna G. , Dedding Christine W. M. , Bunders‐Aelen Joske F. G.
Published: July 2013

This state‐of‐the‐art literature review, based on a literature search of multiple scientific bibliographic databases, aims to shed light on what is known about barriers and factors facilitating child participation within the child protection and child welfare services from both children's and social workers' perspectives. The personal relationship between the child and the social worker is mentioned as one of the most important facilitators for participation, although multiple barriers in creating this relationship are demonstrated by both children and case managers and social workers. In studies, children say they should always participate while social workers and case managers identify many situations where, according to them, participation is inappropriate. Professionals' objections to participation mainly stem from the socio‐cultural image of children as vulnerable and in need of adult protection, and a lack of understanding of what participation actually entails. Interventions to strengthen participation should be directed at making social workers and case managers aware that children are knowledgeable social actors.
Intractable Hemolytic Anemia after Mitral Valve Repair: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Choi Jin Hee , Park Yong Hyun , Yun Kyung Won , Lee Sang Hyun , Kim Jeong Su , Kim Jun , Kim June Hong , Je Hyung‐Gon , Lee Sang‐Kwon , Chun Kook Jin
Published: July 2013

Although hemolytic anemia after mitral valve replacement (MVR) is well recognized, hemolytic anemia associated with mitral valve repair is an uncommon condition. Furthermore, persistent and severe hemolytic anemia despite of medical treatment subsequently requiring reoperation is extremely rare. We here report three cases of intractable hemolytic anemia after mitral valve repair leading to MVR. Collision of regurgitant jet into the annuloplasty ring was the speculated mechanism of hemolysis in all cases. After MVR, all of them experienced immediate resolution of the hemolytic anemia.
Effect of sodium carbonate on appearance and textural properties of glutinous rice cake
Authors: Reepholkul Kunyarat , Charoenrein Sanguansri
Published: July 2013

The effect of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) on the appearance and textural properties of glutinous rice cake was investigated. Glutinous rice kernels were soaked in Na2CO3 solution (0–1.2 N) at 25 °C for 24 h. Soaked rice was used for glutinous rice cake (GRC) production. The results showed that the rice soaked in Na2CO3 had lower protein and fat content, but higher ash content than those of untreated rice, while the amylose content in treated and untreated rice was not significantly different. Moreover, images from scanning electron microscopy showed that the starch granules from rice treated with Na2CO3 had smoother surfaces than untreated ones. From the alkali digestion test, the rice kernels treated with Na2CO3 suggest a lower gelatinization temperature than untreated rice. The GRC was uniform, and yellow colour was enhanced. Moreover, GRC exhibited an increase in softness and stickiness with increasing Na2CO3 concentration.
Influence of viticultural practices and winemaking technologies on phenolic composition and sensory characteristics of Negroamaro red wines
Authors: Coletta Antonio , Trani Antonio , Faccia Michele , Punzi Rossana , Dipalmo Tiziana , Crupi Pasquale , Antonacci Donato , Gambacorta Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of some viticultural practices (VP) and winemaking technologies (WT) on phenolic composition and sensory characteristics of Negroamaro wines produced in Apulia, Southern Italy. Among VP, two soil management (cover crop and soil tillage) and two training systems (bilateral cordon and unilateral cordon) were compared, whereas among WT, three vinifications were tested: control (traditional, 7 days of maceration at 25 °C with two daily punching‐down), cryomaceration (24 h at 0 °C using dry ice) and ultrasound (37 kHz, 150 W, 15 min at 30 °C). Results showed that cover cropping decreased the concentration of flavonoids, whereas bilateral cordon training led to an increase of flavonoids and total polyphenols. Among technologies applied, the cryomaceration led to enrichment in anthocyanins and to impoverishment in total polyphenols, whereas ultrasound treatment improved the extraction of all phenol classes. Cryomacerated wines from the combination soil tillage and unilateral cordon were characterised by the best olfactory and gustatory sensory characteristics. Cryomaceration increased the notes of soft fruits and liquorice, whereas ultrasonic treatment did increase descriptors of violet, soft fruits and black pepper.
Responses of pharmacy students to hypothetical refusal of emergency hormonal contraception
Authors: Hope Denise L , King Michelle A , Hattingh H Laetitia
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To explore pharmacy students' ethical behaviour and care towards patients in relation to the provision of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC).

Methods

Three hundred and forty-seven pharmacy students were presented a hypothetical scenario involving refusal of EHC, based on religious or moral grounds, and asked to write responses as to how the patient should be managed; 270 (77.8%) responded.

Key findings

Of all respondents, 90.4% referred the patient to another health professional to facilitate continuity of care, with referrals increasing as students progressed through the programme. Religion had no influence on referral, while female gender was related to increased referral.

Conclusions

Gender difference, if continued into practice, has the potential to negatively impact on patient care.
Beatings, Beacons, and Big Men: Police Disempowerment and Delegitimation in India
Authors: Jauregui Beatrice
Published: July 2013

It is a truism that police in India generally lack legitimate authority and public trust. This lack is widely understood by scholars, policy analysts, and police practitioners as being rooted in the institution's colonial development as a means of oppression, and its alleged corruption and criminalization in the postcolonial period. The social facts of situational hyper-empowerment and the widespread decadence of police do much to explain their poor image and performance, but these explanations do not account for the fact that police in India are also structurally disempowered by cultural-political and legal-institutional claims to multiple and conflicting forms of authority that challenge and often overwhelm the authority of police. This structural disempowerment and its performances in everyday interactions between the police and the public constitute an ongoing social process of delegitimation of police authority in contemporary India. Following ethnographic analysis of this process of delegitimation, I explore the implications of focusing on police disempowerment for theorizations of the sources and capabilities of state legal authority more generally.
Labile compounds in plant litter reduce the sensitivity of decomposition to warming and altered precipitation
Authors: Suseela Vidya , Tharayil Nishanth , Xing Baoshan , Dukes Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2013

Together, climate and litter quality strongly regulate decomposition rates. Although these two factors and their interaction have been studied across species in continent‐scale experiments, few researchers have studied how labile and recalcitrant compounds interact to influence decomposition, or the climate sensitivity of decomposition, within a litter type.

Over a period of 3 yr, we studied the effects of warming and altered precipitation on mass loss and compound‐specific decomposition using two litter types that possessed similar heteropolymer chemistry, but different proportions of labile and recalcitrant compounds.

Climate treatments immediately affected the mass loss of the more recalcitrant litter, but affected the more labile litter only after 2 yr. After 3 yr, although both litter types had lost similar amounts of mass, warming (c. 4°C) and supplemental precipitation (150% of ambient) together accelerated the degradation of alkyl‐carbon and lignin only in the more recalcitrant litter, highlighting the role of initial litter quality in determining whether the chemistry of litter residues converges or diverges under different climates. Our finding that labile compounds in litter reduce the climate sensitivity of mass loss and the decomposition of recalcitrant matrix is novel.

Our results highlight the potential for litter quality to regulate the effect of climatic changes on the sequestration of litter‐derived carbon.
The PGPR strain Phyllobacterium brassicacearum STM196 induces a reproductive delay and physiological changes that result in improved drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bresson Justine , Varoquaux Fabrice , Bontpart Thibaut , Touraine Bruno , Vile Denis
Published: July 2013

Understanding how biotic interactions can improve plant tolerance to drought is a challenging prospect for agronomy and ecology. Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are promising candidates but the phenotypic changes induced by PGPR under drought remain to be elucidated.

We investigated the effects of Phyllobacterium brassicacearum STM196 strain, a PGPR isolated from the rhizosphere of oilseed rape, on two accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana with contrasting flowering time. We measured multiple morphophysiological traits related to plant growth and development in order to quantify the added value of the bacteria to drought‐response strategies of Arabidopsis in soil conditions.

A delay in reproductive development induced by the bacteria resulted in a gain of biomass that was independent of the accession and the watering regime. Coordinated changes in transpiration, ABA content, photosynthesis and development resulted in higher water‐use efficiency and a better tolerance to drought of inoculated plants.

Our findings give new insights into the ecophysiological bases by which PGPR can confer stress tolerance to plants. Rhizobacteria‐induced delay in flowering time could represent a valuable strategy for increasing biomass yield, whereas rhizobacteria‐induced improvement of water use is of particular interest in multiple scenarios of water availability.
An audit investigating outcomes of referrals rejected from Surrey PCT (now NHS England)'s oral surgery triage service
Authors: Pepper J.R.E. , Sowerbutts J.D.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To conduct an audit investigating the treatment outcomes of patients whose referrals were rejected from Surrey Primary Care Trust [now National Health Service (NHS) England]'s Dento‐Alveolar Referral Service (DARS – an oral surgery triage service) in order to ensure that the system is safe and effective for patients and dentists.

Methods

Data about referrals rejected by DARS between September 2011 and February 2012 were collected from the referral management centre. A short questionnaire was sent to the dentists of the patients rejected, requesting details of treatment outcomes for the patients involved.

Results

Two per cent of all referrals received were rejected during this period. Ninety‐one per cent of questionnaires sent out were returned. The majority of dentists (87%) had only one referral rejected. The most frequently rejected teeth were upper third molars. More than half of rejected referrals (55%) were subsequently treated within the patient's own dental practice. Seven per cent of rejections were re‐referred to DARS and accepted when extra information was provided. The remaining 38% either did not return (16%), were kept under review (14%), or were treated in other locations (8%). Of 23 extractions attempted by the referring dentist, only two (9%) involved minor complications.

Conclusions

Patients rejected from DARS are generally being treated successfully elsewhere. This small study suggests that DARS does not put patients at risk. The Local Dental Committee agreed that dentists were not being forced to work outside their competencies. The referral criteria and rejection process should remain the same. NHS England must continue to identify and support training needs amongst referring dentists.
Using Twitter to Teach Reader‐Oriented Biblical Interpretation: “Tweading” the Gospel of Mark
Authors: Williamson Robert
Published: July 2013

Twitter offers an engaging way to introduce students to reader‐oriented interpretation of the Bible. The exercise described here introduces students to the idea that the reader has a role in the production of a text's meaning, which thus varies from reader to reader. Twitter enables us to capture the real‐time thoughts of a variety of respondents to the text of Mark as it is read aloud. Students can concretely observe the effects of particular textual moments on individual respondents as well as analyze their general interpretive stances with regard to the text as a whole. Students come to grasp that the meaning of the text varies depending on the reader, setting the stage for more complex theoretical discussion of reader‐response theory, the reader's role in the production of meaning, the adjudication of “allowed” and “disallowed” interpretations, and the appropriateness of “reader‐response” criticisms for texts that were composed to be encountered orally.
Modeling and Estimating Simulated Burn Depth Using the Perfusion and Thermal Resistance Probe
Authors: Al-Khwaji Abdusalam , Vick Brian , Diller Tom
Published: July 2013

A new thermal perfusion probe operates by imposing a thermal event on the tissue surface and directly measuring the temperature and heat flux response of the tissue with a small sensor. The thermal event is created by convectively cooling the surface with a small group of impinging jets using room temperature air. The hypothesis of this research is that this sensor can be used to provide practical burn characterization of depth and severity by determining the thickness of nonperfused tissue. To demonstrate this capability the measurement system was tested with a phantom tissue that simulates the blood perfusion of tissue. Different thicknesses of plastic were used at the surface to mimic layers of dead tissue. A mathematical model developed by Alkhwaji et al. (2012, “New Mathematical Model to Estimate Tissue Blood Perfusion, Thermal Contact Resistance and Core Temperature,” ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 134, p. 081004) is used to determine the effective values of blood perfusion, core temperature, and thermal resistance from the thermal measurements. The analytical solutions of the Pennes bioheat equation using the Green's function method is coupled with an efficient parameter estimation procedure to minimize the error between measured and analytical heat flux. Seven different thicknesses of plastic were used along with three different flow rates of perfusate to simulate burned skin of the phantom perfusion system. The resulting values of thermal resistance are a combination of the plastic resistance and thermal contact resistance between the sensor and plastic surface. Even with the uncertainty of sensor placement on the surface, the complete set of thermal resistance measurements correlate well with the layer thickness. The values are also nearly independent of the flow rate of the perfusate, which shows that the parameter estimation can successfully separate these two parameters. These results with simulated burns show the value of this minimally invasive technique to measure the thickness of nonperfused layers. This will encourage further work with this method on actual tissue burns.
An Automatic Object Tracking Steerable Endoscope
Authors: Yen Ping-Lang , Chu Yi-Jing , Hu Rey-Heng , Yeh Chi-Chuan , Luo Ren C.
Published: July 2013

We design an auto-tracking flexible tip for an endoscope to implement the shared control in assistive laparoscopic surgery. The flexible tip can bend in all direction dynamically to keep the target within the visible filed during surgical tools operating on the anatomy. The kinematic model to describe the view filed of the steerable endoscope has been derived for control purpose. Experimental verification on auto-tracking of the target object using visual servo control has also been performed.
Improvement of Microbial Fuel Cell Performance by Using Nafion Polyaniline Composite Membranes as a Separator
Authors: Mokhtarian Nader , Ghasemi Mostafa , Wan Daud Wan Ramli , Ismail Manal , Najafpour Ghasem , Alam Javed
Published: July 2013

The characteristics of four new proton-conducting membranes, Nafion112/polyaniline composite membranes of various compositions, are studied for application as membrane separators in microbial fuel cells. The composite membranes are made by immersing Nafion-112 membranes in a solution containing aniline for different immersion times. The presence of polyaniline and sulfonic functional groups in the composite membranes is confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared analysis while their surface roughness is determined by using atomic force microscopy prior to microbial fuel cell operation. Biofouling on the membranes' surface is also examined by using a scanning electron microscope after microbial fuel cell operation. The polarization curves and, hence, the power density curves are measured by varying the load's resistance. The power density of the microbial fuel cell with the Nafion/polyaniline composite membranes improves significantly as the amount of polyaniline increases because the interaction between sulfonic groups in the Nafion matrix and polyaniline in the polyaniline domains increases proton conductivity. However, it declines after more polyaniline is added because of less conjugated bonding of polyaniline and sulfonic acid groups for larger polyaniline domains in the Nafion matrix. The voltage overpotential is also smaller as the amount of polyaniline increases. Biofouling also decreases with increasing polyaniline in the Nafion/polyaniline composite membranes because they have smoother surfaces than Nafion membranes. The results show that the maximum power generated by the microbial fuel cells with Nafion112-polyaniline composite membrane is 124.03 mV m−2 with a current density of 454.66 mA m−2, which is approximately more than ninefold higher than that of microbial fuel cells with neat Nafion-112. It can be concluded that the power density of the microbial fuel cell can be increased by modifying the Nafion membrane separators with more conductive polymers that are less susceptible to biofouling to improve its proton conductivity.
Sustainable Intensification in Agriculture: Premises and Policies
Authors: Garnett T. , Appleby M. C. , Balmford A. , Bateman I. J. , Benton T. G. , Bloomer P. , Burlingame B. , Dawkins M. , Dolan L. , Fraser D. , Herrero M. , Hoffmann I. , Smith P. , Thornton P. K. , Toulmin C. , Vermeulen S. J. , Godfray H. C. J.
Published: July 2013

Clearer understanding is needed of the premises underlying SI and how it relates to food-system priorities.
The Long-Term Stability of the Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Faith Jeremiah J. , Guruge Janaki L. , Charbonneau Mark , Subramanian Sathish , Seedorf Henning , Goodman Andrew L. , Clemente Jose C. , Knight Rob , Heath Andrew C. , Leibel Rudolph L. , Rosenbaum Michael , Gordon Jeffrey I.
Published: July 2013

Inheritance Guts

We know little about the stability of the constituent microbiota in the human gut or the extent to which the gut microbiota are a potential target for long-term health interventions.

Faith
et al.

(p.
10.1126/science.1237439
) analyzed the fecal microbiota of 37 individuals and found that, on average, 60% of bacterial strains remained stable for up to 5 years and many were estimated to remain stable for decades.
The Roots of Cultivation in Southwestern Asia
Authors: Willcox George
Published: July 2013

Evidence of early cultivation of crops in the Zagros Mountains of Iran helps to elucidate where and when humans first started to cultivate wild cereals.

[Also see Report by

Riehl
et al.

]
A Bacterial Phosphatase-Like Enzyme of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum Possesses Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity and Is Implicated in the Regulation of Band 3 Dynamics during Parasite Invasion
Authors: Fernandez-Pol Sebastian , Slouka Zdenek , Bhattacharjee Souvik , Fedotova Yana , Freed Stefan , An Xiuli , Holder Anthony A. , Campanella Estela , Low Philip S. , Mohandas Narla , Haldar Kasturi
Published: July 2013

Eukaryotic parasites of the genus
Plasmodium
cause malaria by invading and developing within host erythrocytes. Here, we demonstrate that PfShelph2, a gene product of
Plasmodium falciparum
that belongs to the
Shewanella
-like phosphatase (Shelph) subfamily, selectively hydrolyzes phosphotyrosine, as shown for other previously studied Shelph family members. In the extracellular merozoite stage, PfShelph2 localizes to vesicles that appear to be distinct from those of rhoptry, dense granule, or microneme organelles. During invasion, PfShelph2 is released from these vesicles and exported to the host erythrocyte.
In vitro
, PfShelph2 shows tyrosine phosphatase activity against the host erythrocyte protein Band 3, which is the most abundant tyrosine-phosphorylated species of the erythrocyte. During
P. falciparum
invasion, Band 3 undergoes dynamic and rapid clearance from the invasion junction within 1 to 2 s of parasite attachment to the erythrocyte. Release of Pfshelph2 occurs after clearance of Band 3 from the parasite-host cell interface and when the parasite is nearly or completely enclosed in the nascent vacuole. We propose a model in which the phosphatase modifies Band 3 in time to restore its interaction with the cytoskeleton and thus reestablishes the erythrocyte cytoskeletal network at the end of the invasion process.
Meningitis and Endocarditis Caused by Campylobacter fetus after Raw-Liver Ingestion
Authors: Suy Florence , Le Dû Damien , Roux Anne-Laure , Hanachi Mouna , Dinh Aurélien , Crémieux Anne-Claude
Published: July 2013

We report
Campylobacter fetus
meningitis associated with endocarditis in a 75-year-old diabetic man after he consumed raw liver.
C. fetus
was isolated from blood samples and cerebrospinal fluid. Cure was obtained with combined intravenous imipenem-gentamicin for 4 weeks; no relapse occurred after 6 months of follow-up.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Can Accurately Differentiate between Mycobacterium masilliense (M. abscessus subspecies bolletti) and M. abscessus (
Sensu Stricto
)
Authors: Teng Shih-Hua , Chen Chung-Ming , Lee Meng-Rui , Lee Tai-Fen , Chien Kun-Yi , Teng Lee-Jene , Hsueh Po-Ren
Published: July 2013

Among 36
Mycobacterium masilliense
and 22
M. abscessus
isolates identified by
erm
(41) PCR and sequencing analysis of
rpoB
and 23S rRNA genes, the rate of accurate differentiation between these two subspecies was 100% by cluster analysis of spectra generated by Bruker Biotyper matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry.
Rotavirus NSP1 Mediates Degradation of Interferon Regulatory Factors through Targeting of the Dimerization Domain
Authors: Arnold Michelle M. , Barro Mario , Patton John T.
Published: July 2013

Rotavirus nonstructural protein NSP1 can inhibit expression of interferon (IFN) and IFN-stimulated gene products by inducing proteasome-mediated degradation of IFN-regulatory factors (IRFs), including IRF3, IRF5, and IRF7. All IRF proteins share an N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD), and IRF3, IRF5, and IRF7 contain a similar C-proximal IRF association domain (IAD) that mediates IRF dimerization. An autoinhibitory domain (ID) at the extreme C terminus interacts with the IAD, burying residues necessary for IRF dimerization. Phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues in the ID induces charge repulsions that unmask the IAD, enabling IRF dimerization and subsequent nuclear translocation. To define the region of IRF proteins targeted for degradation by NSP1, we generated IRF3 and IRF7 truncation mutants and transiently expressed each with simian SA11-4F NSP1. These assays indicated that the IAD represented a necessary and sufficient target for degradation. Because NSP1 did not mediate degradation of truncated forms of the IAD, NSP1 likely requires a structurally intact IAD for recognition and targeting of IRF proteins. IRF9, which contains an IAD-like region that directs interactions with signal inducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, was also targeted for degradation by NSP1, while IRF1, which lacks an IAD, was not. Analysis of mutant forms of IRF3 unable to undergo dimerization or that were constitutively dimeric showed that both were targeted for degradation by NSP1. These results indicate that SA11-4F NSP1 can induce degradation of inactive and activated forms of IAD-containing IRF proteins (IRF3 to IRF9), allowing a multipronged attack on IFN-based pathways that promote antiviral innate and adaptive immune responses.
CD4
+
T Cells Support Production of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Env Antibodies That Enforce CD4-Dependent Entry and Shape Tropism
In Vivo
Authors: Francella Nicholas , Gwyn Sarah E. , Yi Yanjie , Li Bing , Xiao Peng , Elliott Sarah T. C. , Ortiz Alexandra M. , Hoxie James A. , Paiardini Mirko , Silvestri Guido , Derdeyn Cynthia A. , Collman Ronald G.
Published: July 2013

CD4
+
T cells rather than macrophages are the principal cells infected by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)
in vivo
. Macrophage tropism has been linked to the ability to enter cells through CCR5 in conjunction with limiting CD4 levels, which are much lower on macrophages than on T cells. We recently reported that rhesus macaques (RM) experimentally depleted of CD4
+
T cells before SIV infection exhibit extensive macrophage infection as well as high chronic viral loads and rapid progression to AIDS. Here we show that early-time-point and control Envs were strictly CD4 dependent but that, by day 42 postinfection, plasma virus of CD4
+
T cell-depleted RM was dominated by Envs that mediate efficient infection using RM CCR5 independently of CD4. Early-time-point and control RM Envs were resistant to neutralization by SIV-positive (SIV
+
) plasma but became sensitive if preincubated with sCD4. In contrast, CD4-independent Envs were highly sensitive to SIV
+
plasma neutralization. However, plasma from SIV-infected CD4
+
T cell-depleted animals lacked this CD4-inducible neutralizing activity and failed to neutralize any Envs regardless of sCD4 pre-exposure status. Enhanced sensitivity of CD4-independent Envs from day 42 CD4
+
T cell-depleted RM was also seen with monoclonal antibodies that target both known CD4-inducible and other Env epitopes. CD4 independence and neutralization sensitivity were both conferred by Env amino acid changes E84K and D470N that arose independently in multiple animals, with the latter introducing a potential N-linked glycosylation site within a predicted CD4-binding pocket of gp120. Thus, the absence of CD4 T cells results in failure to produce antibodies that neutralize CD4-independent Envs and CD4-pretriggered control Envs. In the absence of this constraint and with a relative paucity of CD4
+
target cells, widespread macrophage infection occurs
in vivo
accompanied by emergence of variants carrying structural changes that enable entry independently of CD4.
Endogenous Gammaretrovirus Acquisition in Mus musculus Subspecies Carrying Functional Variants of the XPR1 Virus Receptor
Authors: Bamunusinghe Devinka , Liu Qingping , Lu Xiaoyu , Oler Andrew , Kozak Christine A.
Published: July 2013

The xenotropic and polytropic mouse leukemia viruses (X-MLVs and P-MLVs, respectively) have different host ranges but use the same functionally polymorphic receptor, XPR1, for entry. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) of these 2 gammaretrovirus subtypes are largely segregated in different house mouse subspecies, but both MLV types are found in the classical strains of laboratory mice, which are genetic mosaics of 3 wild mouse subspecies. To describe the subspecies origins of laboratory mouse XP-MLV ERVs and their coevolutionary trajectory with their XPR1 receptor, we screened the house mouse subspecies for known and novel
Xpr1
variants and for the individual full-length XP-MLV ERVs found in the sequenced C57BL mouse genome. The 12 X-MLV ERVs predate the origins of laboratory mice; they were all traced to Japanese wild mice and are embedded in the 5% of the laboratory mouse genome derived from the Asian
Mus musculus musculus
and, in one case, in the <1% derived from
M. m. castaneus
. While all 31 P-MLV ERVs map to the 95% of the laboratory mouse genome derived from P-MLV-infected
M. m. domesticus
, no C57BL P-MLV ERVs were found in wild
M. m. domesticus
. All
M. m. domesticus
mice carry the fully permissive XPR1 receptor allele, but all of the various restrictive XPR1 receptors, including the X-MLV-restricting laboratory mouse
Xpr1

n

and a novel
M. m. castaneus
allele, originated in X-MLV-infected Asian mice. Thus, P-MLV ERVs show more insertional polymorphism than X-MLVs, and these differences in ERV acquisition and fixation are linked to subspecies-specific and functionally distinct XPR1 receptor variants.