bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Job Insecurity Climate: The Role of Climate Strength
Authors: Sora Beatriz , De Cuyper Nele , Caballer Amparo , Peiró José M. , De Witte Hans
Published: February 2012

The large majority of studies on job insecurity have focused upon the individual level. Recent research has also paid some attention to job insecurity at the level of the organisation, referred to as job insecurity climate. This research has shown negative relationships between job insecurity climate and employees' individual job attitudes. Nevertheless, in these studies no attention has been paid to organisational climate strength, in spite of the recommendations formulated in the literature on this topic. In response, this study aims to account for climate strength in the relationship between job insecurity and job attitudes. We hypothesise that climate strength is related to job satisfaction, organisational commitment, work involvement, and organisational trust. Moreover, we hypothesise that the relationship between job insecurity climate and these outcomes may be stronger when there is a strong agreement among employees concerning their job insecurity perceptions compared to when there is a weak agreement (strong versus weak climate strength). Results based on a Spanish sample of 428 employees from 20 organisations largely supported our hypotheses except in the case of work involvement: climate strength was negatively related to job attitudes, and the relationship between job insecurity climate and individual job attitudes was moderated by climate strength.
Nanotechnology and the Products of Inherited Regulation
Authors: Stokes Elen
Published: February 2012

New technologies do not always elicit new regulatory responses. More often than not, policymakers deal with new technologies by deferring to existing regulatory regimes. This article argues that there are often overlooked consequences of grafting a new technological area, displaying different types of risks and uncertainties, onto an existing regulatory framework. Not only can it entail the application of ill‐suited rules and standards, but it can also involve the reproduction of deeply ingrained traditions and assumptions which, under the weight of history, makes scrutiny extremely difficult. As is shown here, nanotechnology‐enhanced products inherit a raft of consumer protection rules as well as a regulatory predisposition to internal market facilitation. So entrenched is the focus on market opening that making ad hoc changes to existing regulations to incorporate the broader concerns around nano‐products cannot escape the reach of a very powerful market context.
NEW YORK MARK‐UPS ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS*
Authors: WLAZLOWSKI SZYMON , NILSSON BIRGER , BINNER JANE , GIULIETTI MONICA , JOSEPH NATHAN
Published: February 2012

In this paper we analyse rigidities in the behaviour of the mark‐up on regular, midgrade and premium varieties of petrol in the New York area using a set of weekly frequency data and a methodology that analyses the pricing process using deterministic and stochastic techniques. The results are consistent across methodologies and indicate that the speeds of adjustment to the long‐run equilibrium mark‐up differ across varieties of petrol with margins of the premium variety falling faster than they rise, contrary to the popular claim of welfare‐decreasing asymmetries in price transmission.
STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY: AN APPLICATION TO SOUTH KOREA
Authors: MaO RUI , YAO YANG
Published: February 2012

This paper develops a dynamic general equilibrium model and studies structural change in a small open economy with two tradable sectors, agriculture and manufacturing, and a non‐tradable sector, services. In addition to obtaining results for a falling employment share of agriculture and a rising share of services, we demonstrate analytically the hump‐shaped share of manufacturing by identifying two countervailing effects: the productivity effect and the Balassa–Samuelson effect. The first effect, arising from differential rates of productivity growth among sectors, increases the share of manufacturing; the second effect, together with low rates of substitution between products, enhances the service sector and eventually draws labour from the manufacturing sector. At the aggregate level, however, the economy maintains a constant rate of growth. We calibrate the model with data from South Korea and find that the calibration fits the country's historical path of structural change.
Cognitive Tests Used in Selection Can Have Content Validity as Well as Criterion Validity: A broader research review and implications for practice
Authors: Schmidt Frank L.
Published: February 2012

Many industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologists, both academics and practitioners, believe that the content validity model is not appropriate for cognitive ability measures used in personnel selection. They believe that cognitive tests can have criterion validity and construct validity but not content validity. Based on a review of the broader differential psychology research literature on cognitive skills, aptitudes, and abilities, this article demonstrates that with the proper content validity procedures, cognitive ability measures, including, ultimately, some de facto measures of general cognitive ability, can have content validity in addition to criterion and construct validity. Finally, the article considers, critiques, and refutes the specific arguments contending that content validity is inappropriate for use with cognitive skills and abilities. These research facts have implications for I/O practice, professional standards, and legal defensibility of selection programs.
Neurofibromatosis 1 phenotype associated to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours: a case‐control study
Authors: Zehou O. , Bularca S. , Bastuji‐Garin S. , Ortonne N. , Valeyrie‐Allanore L. , Wolkenstein P. , Duong T.A.
Published: February 2012

Background  Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are the main cause of death in neurofibromatosis 1 adult patients.

Objectives  To determine the clinical type of neurofibromas associated to MPNSTs.

Methods  Case‐control study. Cases were neurofibromatosis 1 adults with MPNSTs and controls were patients without MPNSTs individually matched by age and sex (1 : 3). Both were recruited from our database. The following variables were studied: clinical presence of cutaneous, subcutaneous or plexiform neurofibromas and of internal neurofibromas. Internal neurofibromas were confirmed by clinical imaging. Multivariate odds ratios (aORs) were estimated with their 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results  From January 1995 to December 2007, 52 patients (cases) were identified with a MPNSTs, 155 controls could be recruited. In the multivariate analysis, MPNSTs were significantly associated with the presence of internal NFs (aOR: 7.5; 95% CI: 3.2–17.4), a trend for an association was observed for the presence of subcutaneous neurofibromas (aOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 0.89–5).

Conclusions  This study confirms the association between the MPNSTs and the internal neurofibromas. The later are indeed associated with a high risk of malignant transformation.
Influence of socio‐demographical, behavioural and attitudinal factors on the amount of avoidable food waste generated in Finnish households
Authors: Koivupuro Heta‐Kaisa , Hartikainen Hanna , Silvennoinen Kirsi , Katajajuuri Juha‐Matti , Heikintalo Noora , Reinikainen Anu , Jalkanen Lotta
Published: February 2012

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire and food waste diary study on the influence of socio‐demographical, behavioural and attitudinal factors on the amount of avoidable household food waste in 380 Finnish households. The research data were collected through a 2‐week food waste diary study accompanied by a background questionnaire. The influences of socio‐demographical, behavioural and attitudinal factors on the production of food waste were studied through application of descriptive statistics. It was established that only few factors clearly correlate with the amount of avoidable food waste. The factors that influenced the amount of food wasted were the size of the household, the gender of the person mainly responsible of grocery shopping, the frequency of buying discounted food products, the respondent's own view of the potential to reduce food waste and the respondent's own view of the influence of purchasing particular food packet sizes. The main factors with which no clear correlation was detected included age of the oldest person in household; area, form and type of residence; educational level and type of work of adults in the family; and shopping, food preparation and eating habits.
Accessing and affording sustainability: the experience of fashion consumption within young families
Authors: Ritch Elaine L. , Schröder Monika J.
Published: February 2012

Despite the ever increasing levels of fashion consumption, neither retailers nor consumers have as yet implemented sustainability principles to a significant degree. This is despite the fact that sustainability principles are increasingly understood and will be applied by consumers, as long as affordable alternatives in mainstream fashions are available. In a highly competitive fashion retail sector, there exists an opportunity for UK high street fashion retailers to differentiate their brand image through aligning products with consumers' moral frameworks. Using phenomenological interviews, this research explores the fashion consumption experiences of professional women with young children and living in or near Edinburgh, with particular focus on their expression of their own sustainability concerns in their day‐to‐day practices. The findings reveal that in the absence of suitable products, information and labelling, consumers apply heuristics to their choices, especially price. They refer to the more familiar ethical food market which serves as a metaphor for fashion‐related practices. They talk about trustworthy retailers and about how they deal with and rationalize their own practices where they reveal an obvious attitude‐behaviour gap. The women's role of providing for the family adds further complexity in a sector which provides affordable alternative options.
Do environmental attitudes and food technology neophobia affect perceptions of the benefits of nanotechnology?
Authors: Matin Anahita Hosseini , Goddard Ellen , Vandermoere Frédéric , Blanchemanche Sandrine , Bieberstein Andrea , Marette Stephan , Roosen Jutta
Published: February 2012

In recent years, a significant amount of research has focussed on the analysis of consumers' aversion to new technologies in food production and processing. At the same time, research has shown that environmental attitudes may be related to purchasing behaviour of consumers. This paper presents the result of an investigation into Canadian attitudes towards nanotechnology, in general, and in applications in the food industry. The relationship between the food technology neophobia scale, environmental attitudes and nanotechnology is examined. The results suggest that food technology neophobia is significant in explaining attitudes towards nanotechnology, in general, and for food packaging and foods. Environmental attitudes are important in explaining respondents' attitudes towards nanotechnology in general but not in explaining attitudes towards nanotechnology in food packaging or food applications. Survey respondents' views of the role of science and technology in society (makes society worse or better off) are a more important determinant of attitudes towards nanotechnology than whether they had heard of nanotechnology prior to the survey.
1H‐NMR AND31P‐NMR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE LIPID FRACTION IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL OINTMENTS
Authors: ZOIA L. , TOLPPA E.‐L. , PIROVANO L. , SALANTI A. , ORLANDI M.
Published: February 2012

Lipids are a broad group of naturally occurring molecules, which includes fats, oils, waxes, sterols, terpenes, fat‐soluble vitamins, monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids and others. Lipids have been widely used in human history and they are often present in archaeological finds. In particular, in the field of medicine and cosmetics, lipids have been employed as base in the preparation of unguents, salves and balms. The characterization of these products and their degradation products induced by ageing is important for an understanding of the ancient pharmaceutical techniques and to assess the state of conservation.1H‐NMR and, for the first time,31P‐NMR spectroscopy have been applied to the characterization of such compounds. By derivatization of the samples with 2‐chloro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane, it is possible to recognize, quantify and evaluate the degradation degree of lipids in archaeological unguent samples. With this new approach, lipids have been recognized in 17th‐century archaeological ointments from theAboca Museum. Moreover, severe hydrolysis and oxidation markers have been detected.
Peripheral Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation System as Salvage Treatment of Patients With Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: Preliminary Outcome Evaluation
Authors: Loforte Antonio , Montalto Andrea , Ranocchi Federico , Della Monica Paola Lilla , Casali Giovanni , Lappa Angela , Menichetti Antonio , Contento Carlo , Musumeci Francesco
Published: February 2012

The novel Permanent Life Support (PLS; Maquet, Jostra Medizintechnik AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) as peripheral veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support system has been investigated as treatment for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Between January 2007 and July 2011, 73 consecutive adult patients were supported on peripheral PLS ECMO system at our institution (55 men; age 60.3 ± 11.6 years, range: 23–84 years). Indications for support were failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n = 50) and primary donor graft failure (n = 8), post‐acute myocardial infarction CS (n = 12), and CS on chronic heart failure (n = 3). Mean support time was 10.9 ± 7.6 days (range: 2–34 days). Overall, 26 (35.6%) patients died on ECMO. Among survivors on ECMO, 44 (60.2%) patients were successfully weaned from support, and three (4.1%) were switched to a mid–long‐term ventricular assist device. Thirty‐three (45.2%) were successfully discharged. The following variables were significantly different if survivors and nonsurvivors on ECMO were compared: age (P = 0.04), female gender (P < 0.01), cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ECMO (P < 0.01), lactate level before ECMO (P = 0.01), number of platelets, fresh frozen plasma units, and packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused during ECMO support (P = 0.03, P = 0.02, and P < 0.01), blood lactate level (P = 0.01), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK‐MB) relative index 72 h after ECMO initiation (P < 0.001), and multiple organ failure on ECMO (P < 0.01). Stepwise logistic regression identified blood lactate level and CK‐MB relative index at 72 h after ECMO initiation, and number of PRBCs transfused on ECMO as significant predictors of mortality on ECMO (P = 0.011, odds ratio [OR] = 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–3.12; P = 0.012, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.026–2.531; and P = 0.012, OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.02–5.21; respectively). Patients with an initial poor hemodynamic status could benefit by rapid peripheral installation of PLS ECMO. The blood lactate level, CK‐MB relative index, and PRBCs transfused should be strictly monitored during ECMO support.
Prevalence and Burden of Headaches as Assessed by the Health Family Program
Authors: Silva Junior Ariovaldo A. , Bigal Marcelo , Vasconcelos Luiz P. B. , Rodrigues Joismar , Gomez Rodrigo S. , Krymchantowski Abouch V. , Moreira Filho Pedro , Teixeira Antonio L.
Published: February 2012

Background.— Unified health systems often have Family Health Programs (FHPs) as a core component of their preventive and early curative strategies. In Brazil, the FHP is established to proactively identify diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Objective.— To use the FHP in order to assess the prevalence of primary headaches, as per the Second Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders in a Brazilian city covered by the program, and to document the burden of migraine and tension‐type headache (TTH) in this population.

Methods.— FHP agents were trained on how to apply questionnaires that screened for the occurrence of headaches in the past year. Screening method had been previously validated. Respondents that screened positively were interviewed by a headache specialist, and all their headache types were classified. Additionally, disability (Migraine Disability Assessment Scale and Headache Impact Test) and health‐related quality of life were assessed.

Results.— The 1‐year prevalence of migraine was 18.2% [95% confidence interval = 13.7; 23.5]. TTH occurred in 22.9% [18.0%; 28.6%]. Other primary headaches occurred in 10.8% of the participants. Idiopathic stabbing headache was significantly more common in individuals with migraine relative to those without migraine (44.7% vs 10.3%, P < .001). Contrasting with TTH, migraineurs had a mean of 3.1 headache types vs 1.9 in TTH (P < .001). Secondary headaches occurred in 21.7% of the participants over a 1‐year period [16.9%; 27.3%]. Most cases were headaches attributed to infection (mostly respiratory). The impact of migraine was bimodal. Most sufferers had little impact, but a sizable minority was severely impaired.

Conclusions.— The FHP can be effectively used to bring individuals with headache to the attention of providers. Future investigations should assess whether this increased attention translates into improved outcomes.

[Correction added after online publication 21‐Feb‐2012: The original publication contained an incorrect abstract. The above content replaces the abstract found in the originally published article.]

(Headache 2012;52:483‐490)
Twelve‐Month Tolerability and Efficacy Study of NP101, the Sumatriptan Iontophoretic Transdermal System
Authors: Smith Timothy R. , Goldstein Jerome , Singer Richard , Pugach Neil , Silberstein Stephen , Pierce Mark W.
Published: February 2012

Objective.— To assess the long‐term tolerability and efficacy of NP101, a novel transdermal sumatriptan patch being developed for the acute treatment of migraine.

Background.— Nausea (with or without vomiting) and gastroparesis have been characterized as being among the most problematic challenges affecting migraine care today. Migraine‐associated nausea can cause patients to delay or avoid taking oral medication with a resultant loss or reduction of therapeutic efficacy. Migraine‐associated gastroparesis can impair absorption and reduce bioavailability of oral migraine medications and thereby reduce and delay therapeutic efficacy. The non‐oral triptan formulations that have been used to overcome these challenges are associated with other shortcomings that can limit their use. Designed to overcome these shortcomings and treatment limitations imposed by gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, the NP101 patch avoids the need for oral administration, does not depend upon gastrointestinal absorption, and provides more consistent, predictable plasma concentrations than oral and intranasal formulations of sumatriptan and a lower maximum plasma concentration than sumatriptan injection.

Methods.— Patients diagnosed with migraine who had participated in a randomized, double‐blind, Phase III study of the NP101 patch were given the option to use NP101 to treat migraine episodes with moderate or severe headache pain for up to 12 months in this open‐label trial.

Results.— One hundred eighty‐three patients applied 2089 study patches. The most common adverse events involved the patch application site (45% of patients). The only non‐application‐site adverse events reported in >2% of patients were nausea (n = 6, 3.3%), upper respiratory tract infection (n = 6, 3.3%), and nasopharyngitis (n = 4, 2.2%). The incidence of triptan‐associated adverse events was 1.6%. Across all visits for investigator assessments, the majority of patients (ranging from 74.7% at Month 1 to 92.2% at Month 9) were scored as having no erythema at patch application sites. For patient assessments, the percentage of patch placement sites scored as having no or minimal redness was 38.2% at the time of patch removal and 65.4% 24 hours after patch activation. Two hours after patch activation across all patch treatments over the 12‐month study, 23.8% of initial acute migraine episodes were scored as being free from headache pain, 58.2% as having headache pain relief,78.9% as nausea free, 60.1% as phonophobia free, 53.4% as photophobia free, and 20.7% as migraine free. No evidence of waning tolerability or efficacy was observed over the 12‐month study period.

Conclusion.— NP101, a transdermal sumatriptan formulation in development for the acute treatment of migraine, demonstrated tolerability and efficacy with successive uses over 12 months in this clinical trial.
Impaired object identification in idiopathic childhood occipital epilepsy
Authors: Brancati Claudia , Barba Carmen , Metitieri Tiziana , Melani Federico , Pellacani Simona , Viggiano Maria Pia , Guerrini Renzo
Published: February 2012

Purpose:: To investigate whether children with epilepsy primarily affecting the occipital cortex exhibit impairment of visual object identification and to what extent such a hypothesized dysfunction is related to an interfering functional, rather than structural, process.

Method:: We studied nine children with idiopathic childhood occipital epilepsy (ICOE) and compared them to eight children with lesional posterior cortex epilepsy (PCEs) and to 60 age‐matched controls. We applied an “ascendent” paradigm of object identification, using a coarse‐to‐fine order procedure, which gradually integrated spatial frequency information from the most blurred image to the complete figure. In children with ICOE, we explored how epilepsy‐related variables might be related to object identification task.

Key Findings:: Children with ICOE and those with PCEs needed more physical information than controls to identify visual stimuli. There was a decreasing accuracy from controls to children with ICOE and from children with ICOE to those with PCEs. Children with ICOE demonstrated slight selective impairment in visuospatial processing and those among them having experienced a higher number of seizures or in whom interictal electroencephalography (EEG) discharges had been present for a longer time, required a higher level of physical information to recognize objects.

Significance:: The observation that children with ICOE performed worse than controls in object identification, although better than children with PCEs, might indicate that functional disruption caused by epileptiform EEG abnormalities and seizures, can interfere per se with perceptual processes, even in the absence of a lesion. This effect appears to be detected only by perceptual and cognitive screening.
Critical Reflections on a “Big Tent” Approach to Reducing Consumption
Authors: Brown Keith R.
Published: February 2012

Markowitz and Bowerman (2011) show that Oregonians overwhelmingly support the goal of consuming less. They argue that consumer‐oriented public policies could provide a big tent approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. On the basis of sociological research examining the link between attitudes and action, I argue that the authors are not yet in a position to advocate for policies on the basis of respondents desire to “consume less.” Nevertheless, more research into this issue is clearly warranted. If the authors are correct that consumption provides a means for overcoming ideological divides about greenhouse gas emissions, the potential environmental benefits would be significant.
Kennedy Classification and Treatment Options: A Study of Partially Edentulous Patients Being Treated in a Specialized Prosthetic Clinic
Authors: Charyeva Olga O. , Altynbekov Kubeysin D. , Nysanova Bakhyt Z.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: This study was done under the auspices of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, whose aim is to improve living conditions in developing countries, including dental aid. Each year the number of medical staff from the European Union willing to help in developing countries increases, and it is thus important to highlight issues of development. From the Middle Asian region, the Republic of Kazakhstan was chosen. At present, few studies have evaluated the prevalence of various types of partial edentulism in this region, and no research has investigated the prosthetic treatment choice in the various types of partial edentulism. The purpose of this study was to determine (i) the prevalence of various types of partial edentulism in patients seeking dental care and (ii) the type of prosthetic restoration most commonly chosen to treat these patients.

Materials and Methods: One hundred twelve patient records, together with panoramic radiographs, were studied. Various types of partial edentulism were grouped into four Kennedy classes. Patient records were used to examine which treatment option was chosen for each patient.

Results: The most prevalent type of partial edentulism in this patient sample was Kennedy type III, in both the maxilla (50.0%) and the mandible (41.1%). Partial edentulism was most frequently managed by fixed partial dentures (FPDs) in both jaws. Kennedy IV was the least prevalent (7.1% in the maxilla, 5.6% in the mandible) and in most cases treated with removable partial dentures (RPDs) in both jaws.

Conclusion: Our results are consistent with previous research on the prevalence of Kennedy classes in Kazakhstan. RPDs were the most common type of prosthetic management for partial edentulism.
Condylar Guidance: Correlation between Protrusive Interocclusal Record and Panoramic Radiographic Image: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tannamala Pavan Kumar , Pulagam Mahesh , Pottem Srinivas R. , Swapna B
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the sagittal condylar angles set in the Hanau articulator by use of a method of obtaining an intraoral protrusive record to those angles found using a panoramic radiographic image.

Materials and Methods: Ten patients, free of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and with intact dentition were selected. The dental stone casts of the subjects were mounted on a Hanau articulator with a springbow and poly(vinyl siloxane) interocclusal records. For all patients, the protrusive records were obtained when the mandible moved forward by approximately 6 mm. All procedures for recording, mounting, and setting were done in the same session. The condylar guidance angles obtained were tabulated. A panoramic radiographic image of each patient was made with the Frankfurt horizontal plane parallel to the floor of the mouth. Tracings of the radiographic images were made. The horizontal reference line was marked by joining the orbitale and porion. The most superior and most inferior points of the curvatures were identified. These two lines were connected by a straight line representing the mean curvature line. Angles made by the intersection of the mean curvature line and the horizontal reference line were measured. The results were subjected to statistical analysis with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The radiographic values were on average 4° greater than the values obtained by protrusive interocclusal record method. The mean condylar guidance angle between the right and left side by both the methods was not statistically significant. The comparison of mean condylar guidance angles between the right side of the protrusive record method and the right side of the panoramic radiographic method and the left side of the protrusive record method and the left side of the panoramic radiographic method ( p= 0.071 and p= 0.057, respectively) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the protrusive condylar guidance angles obtained by panoramic radiograph may be used in programming semi‐adjustable articulators.
Biological Adaptation to Misfits of Immediately Loaded Fixed Prostheses Following Computer‐Guided Surgery
Authors: Puterman Israel , Kan Joseph Y. K. , Rungcharassaeng Kitichai , Oyama Kotaro , Morimoto Taichiro , Lozada Jaime
Published: February 2012

In this clinical report, following computer‐guided (3D Procera Software Planning Program, Nobel Biocare, Yorba Linda, CA) placement and immediate provisionalization of 12 dental implants (NobelSpeedy™ Replace, Nobel Biocare), misfits of the prefabricated screw‐retained interim prostheses were noted at several implant‐abutment junctions. Nevertheless, adaptation of the misfits was observed 10 days later, after the loosened screws were tightened. While a high mean marginal bone loss of 2.1 mm (range: 1.4 to 3.5 mm) was noted, all implants remained osseointegrated at 3‐year follow‐up.
Antimicrobial Properties and Cytotoxicity of an Antimicrobial Monomer for Application in Prosthodontics
Authors: Regis Rômulo Rocha , Vecchia Maria Paula Della , Pizzolitto Antônio Carlos , Compagnoni Marco Antonio , Souza Pedro Paulo Chaves , Souza Raphael Freitas de
Published: February 2012

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties and cytotoxicity of the monomer methacryloyloxyundecylpyridinium bromide (MUPB), an antiseptic agent capable of copolymerizing with denture base acrylic resins.

Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activity of MUPB was tested against the species Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, Lactobacillus casei, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans. The minimum inhibitory and fungicidal/bactericidal concentrations (MIC, MFC/MBC) of MUPB were determined by serial dilutions in comparison with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The cytotoxic effects of MUPB at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1 g/L were assessed by MTT test on L929 cells and compared with methyl methacrylate (MMA). The antimicrobial activity of copolymerized MUPB was tested by means of acrylic resin specimens containing three concentrations of the monomer (0, 0.3, 0.6% w/w). Activity was quantified by means of a disc diffusion test and a quantification of adhered planktonic cells. Statistical analysis employed the Mann‐Whitney test for MIC and MFC/MBC, and ANOVA for the microbial adherence test (α= 0.05).

Results: MUBP presented lower MIC values when compared with CPC, although differences were significant for C. dubliniensis and S. mutans only (p= 0.046 and 0.043, respectively). MFC/MBC values were similar for all species except C. albicans; in that case, MUPB presented significantly higher values (p= 0.046). MUPB presented higher cytotoxicity than MMA for all tested concentrations (p < 0.001) except at 0.01 g/L. Irrespective of the concentration incorporated and species, there was no inhibition halo around the specimens. The incorporation of MUPB influenced the adhesion of C. albicans only (p= 0.003), with lower CFU counts for the 0.6% group.

Conclusions: It was concluded that non‐polymerized MUPB has an antimicrobial capacity close to that of CPC and high cytotoxicity when compared with MMA. The antimicrobial activity of MUPB after incorporation within a denture base acrylic resin did not depend on its elution, but was shown to be restricted to C. albicans.
Surgical and Prosthetic Considerations to Rehabilitate an Ocular Defect Using Extraoral Implants: A Clinical Report
Authors: de Negreiros Wagner Araujo , Verde Marcus Aurelio Rabelo Lima , da Silva Antonio Materson , Pinto Lecio Pitombeira
Published: February 2012

This clinical report shows the use of extraoral implants to rehabilitate an ocular defect, focusing the surgical and prosthetic procedures. Using local anesthesia and a surgical template obtained from the diagnostic wax ocular pattern, two cylinder dental implants were strategically placed in the lateral aspect of the right infraorbital region. Four months later, an acrylic framework including two spherical magnets was made using plastic UCLA abutments. After casting laboratory steps, a customized silicon prosthetic appliance was fabricated from the diagnostic wax ocular pattern and attached to the Co–Cr framework, observing its profile and seating aspects. The patient was satisfied with the treatment result, due to the retention, esthetics, and adhesive‐free method to anchor his ocular prostheses.
Assessment of the Ability to Relate Anterior Tooth Form and Arrangement to Gender
Authors: Ferreira Jassé Fernanda , Vilhena Corrêa Josiane , Ferreira Santos da Cruz Andréa , José Pantoja Fontelles Mauro , Ribeiro Roberto Andiara , Roberto Cury Saad José , Alves de Campos Edson
Published: February 2012

Purpose: This study evaluated the assumption that there are morphological differences between the natural anterior dentition of men and women. The goal of the study was to determine the gender of patients based on the appearance of the anterior teeth in photographs.

Materials and Methods: Laymen and observers from different specialties were asked to determine the gender of individuals based on the shape and arrangement of anterior teeth. Forty anterior dentition photographs of dental students of both genders (20 women, 20 men) between 18 and 26 years old were selected, coded, and randomly arranged in an album. The albums were delivered to five groups of observers: general practitioners (recently graduated dentists), prosthodontists, orthodontists, restorative dentists (specialists in cosmetic and restorative dentistry), and laymen (control group). The observers evaluated the photographs twice at 1‐week intervals.

Results: The average correctly identified values in women and men were 57.6% and 58.8%, respectively. There was no statistical difference between observers and between each group of professionals and the laymen group (p > 0.05). An intraobserver agreement was not observed between the evaluations (kappa =−0.01).

Conclusion: The results of this limited study indicated that it was not possible to differentiate gender by viewing photographs of anterior teeth.
Retrievable Metal Ceramic Implant‐Supported Fixed Prostheses with Milled Titanium Frameworks and All‐Ceramic Crowns: Retrospective Clinical Study with up to 10 Years of Follow‐Up
Authors: Maló Paulo , de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Borges João , Almeida Ricardo
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report on the outcome of metal ceramic implant‐supported fixed prostheses with milled titanium frameworks and all‐ceramic crowns.

Materials and Methods: The clinical study included 108 patients (67 women, 41 men), mean age of 58.6 years (range: 34–82), followed between 9 months and 10 years (post occlusal loading). The mean follow‐up time for all patients in the study was 5 years. A total of 125 prostheses were fabricated. The data were divided into 2 groups. Development group (DG): 52 patients with 66 prostheses (28 maxillary, 38 mandibular) fabricated with individual Procera crowns (Alumina copings, Nobel Biocare AB) and Allceram ceramics (Ducera Dental GmbH) cemented onto a CAD/CAM fabricated Ti framework (Nobel Biocare AB) with pink ceramic (Duceram, Ducera Dental GmbH) that replicated the missing gingival tissues. Routine group (RG): 56 patients with 59 prostheses (49 maxillary, 10 mandibular) fabricated with individual Procera crowns (Zirconia copings and Nobel Rondo Zirconia Ceramic; Nobel Biocare AB) cemented onto a CAD/CAM fabricated Ti framework (Nobel Biocare AB) with pink acrylic resin (PallaXpress Ultra, Heraeus Kulzer GmbH) that replicated the missing gingival tissues. Primary outcome measures were prosthetic survival and mechanical complications. Secondary outcome measures were biological complications testing the retrievability characteristic of the prosthesis. Survival estimates were calculated on the patient level with the Kaplan‐Meier product limit estimator (95% confidence intervals [CI]). Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential analyses.

Results: The cumulative survival rates for the implant‐supported fixed prostheses were 92.4% for the DG at 10 years and 100% for the RG at 5 years (overall 96%) (Kaplan‐Meier). Mechanical complications occurred in 44 patients (DG: 29 patients, 36 prostheses; RG: 15 patients, 16 prostheses); the large majority were crown fractures, occurring in 48 patients (DG: 33 patients, 36 prostheses; RG: 15 patients, 16 prostheses). In the DG, univariate analysis of logistic regression disclosed the presence of a metal ceramic implant‐supported fixed prosthesis opposing dentition as a risk factor for crown fracture (OR = 1.97). Biological complications occurred in 33 patients (DG: 18 patients; RG: 15 patients), the majority being peri‐implant pathologies in 19 patients (DG: 9 patients, RG: 10 patients). All situations were resolved except one in the DG that led to fixture and prosthesis loss.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that, within the limitations of this study, the CAD/CAM protocol is acceptable for definitive prosthetic rehabilitation. This protocol provided these patients with a good prognosis on a middle‐ to long‐term basis (5 years).
Evaluation of Zirconium‐Oxide‐Based Ceramic Single‐Unit Posterior Fixed Dental Prostheses (FDPs) Generated with Two CAD/CAM Systems Compared to Porcelain‐Fused‐to‐Metal Single‐Unit Posterior FDPs: A 5‐Year Clinical Prospective Study
Authors: Vigolo Paolo , Mutinelli Sabrina
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to determine the success rate of single‐unit posterior fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) with zirconia copings generated with two CAD/CAM systems, compared to porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) single‐unit posterior FDPs after 5 years of function.

Materials and Methods: From 2005 to 2006, 60 patients who needed a single‐unit FDP on a first molar in the mandibular jaw (left or right) in a private office setting were included in this study. The 60 first mandibular molars were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20): in the control group (group C), 20 PFM FDPs were included. In the other two groups CAD/CAM technology was used for the fabrication of the zirconium‐oxide copings: 20 single‐unit posterior FDPs with zirconia copings were generated with the Procera system (group P, Nobel Biocare); 20 single‐unit posterior FDPs with zirconia copings were generated with the Lava system (group L, 3M ESPE). For the ANOVA follow‐up data, the clinical life table method was applied. The statistical analysis was performed using two nonparametric tests, the log‐rank test for k‐groups and the Fisher exact test.

Results: No statistically significant difference in the clinical outcome of zirconia–ceramic FDPs of both groups (P and L) evaluated together and metal–ceramic posterior single FDPs was found at 5 years of function; however, clinical data showed that technical problems, such as extended fracture of the veneering ceramic, tended to occur more frequently in the zirconia–ceramic FDP groups. The difference in the frequency of failure was statistically significant only in the comparison of groups C and P.

Conclusions: Even if no statistically significant difference in the clinical outcome of zirconia–ceramic FDPs of both groups (P and L) considered together and metal–ceramic posterior single FDPs was found at 5 years of function, clinical data showed that the two zirconia–ceramic FDP groups tended to have more frequent clinical problems: for this reason all the clinical and technical variables related to the use of zirconia–ceramic FDPs generated with CAD/CAM systems should be carefully considered prior to all treatment procedures.
Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Structurally Compromised Canals Restored with Different Dowel Methods
Authors: Aggarwal Vivek , Singla Mamta , Miglani Sanjay , Kohli Sarita
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance and fracture mode of endodontically treated teeth with wide root canals restored with various dowel methods.

Materials and Methods: Fifty human uniradicular mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated and endodontically treated. The canals were widened with diamond points. The specimens were divided into five groups on the basis of type of dowel method used: conventional custom‐made cast metal dowel; single glass fiber‐reinforced resin dowel; glass fiber‐reinforced resin dowel with accessory fiber dowels; relined glass fiber‐reinforced resin dowel; and dowels formed with the help of polyethylene fiber ribbon‐reinforced resin composite. Specimens were restored with indirect composite crowns, and 150,000 cycles of cyclic loading were applied. The specimens were loaded to test the fracture resistance and fracture mode (repairable and nonrepairable).

Results: The cast metal dowel groups had the highest fracture resistance but showed nonrepairable fracture in 90% of specimens.

Conclusions: Cast metal dowels had the highest fracture resistance but led to nonrepairable fracture while restoring the wide root canals under cyclic loading. Specimens restored with fiber dowels, accessory dowels, relined dowels, and ribbon‐reinforced resin provided adequate fracture resistance with increased incidence of repairable fractures.
A Boom with Review: How Retrospective Oversight Increases the Foreign Policy Ability of Democracies
Authors: Colaresi Michael
Published: February 2012

In the ongoing debate concerning whether democracies can carry out effective national security policy, the role of transparency costs has received little attention. I argue for a more nuanced understanding of how some democracies that possess specific investigative institutions, such as national security–relevant freedom of information laws, legislative oversight powers, and press freedoms, are able to avoid the problems of which democracy skeptics warn. Using a new dataset on national security accountability institutions in democracies within a Bradley‐Terry framework, I find that national security oversight mechanisms raise the probability that a democracy wins international disputes as well as increasing the expected number of enemy casualties, as compared to democracies that lack effective oversight. Contra previous theories of foreign policy efficacy, I find that the chances for democratic foreign policy success are maximized when competitive elections are linked to institutions that increase the retrospective revelation of previously classified information.
Learning More from Political Communication Experiments: Pretreatment and Its Effects
Authors: Druckman James N. , Leeper Thomas J.
Published: February 2012

Research on political communication effects has enjoyed great progress over the past 25 years. A key ingredient underlying these advances is the increased usage of experiments that demonstrate how communications influence opinions and behaviors. Virtually all of these studies pay scant attention to events that occur prior to the experiment—that is, in “pretreatment events.” In this article, we explore how and when the pretreatment environment affects experimental outcomes. We present two studies—one where we control the pretreatment environment and one where it naturally occurred—to show how pretreatment effects can influence experimental outcomes. We argue that, under certain conditions, attending to pretreatment dynamics leads to novel insights, including a more accurate portrait of the pliability of the mass public and the identification of potentially two groups of citizens—what we call malleability reactive and dogmatic.
Transesophageal Evaluation of Asymptomatic Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome
Authors: TONI LOUAY , BLAUFOX ANDREW D.
Published: February 2012

Background:

Risk stratification for Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) by intracardiac electrophysiology study (ICEPS) carries risks related to catheterization. We describe an alternative approach by using transesophageal electrophysiology study (TEEPS).

Methods:

The pediatric electrophysiology database was reviewed for patients with WPW and no documented clinical supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) who underwent risk stratification by TEEPS from October 2005 to November 2010. Of those who underwent subsequent ICEPS, only those with data available to compare accessory pathway (AP) conduction during ICEPS and TEEPS were included.

Results:

Of 65 patients who underwent TEEPS, 42 were found to have an indication for ablation. The most common indication for ICEPS was inducible SVT, which was induced in 67% of patients. Of 42 patients who underwent subsequent ICEPS, 23 had sufficient data for comparison of AP conduction between ICEPS and TEEPS. There was no difference between the baseline minimum 1:1 antegrade conduction through the accessory pathway found at TEEPS versus ICEPS (312 ± 51 ms vs 316 ± 66 ms, P = 0.5). There was no significant difference between the baseline antegrade AP‐effective refractory period found at TEEPS versus ICEPS (308 ± 34 ms vs 297 ± 37 ms, P = 0.07). There were no complications related to TEEPS or ICEPS.

Conclusion:

TEEPS is a safe and feasible alternative to ICEPS for risk stratification in patients with asymptomatic WPW and should be considered before ICEPS and ablation. (PACE 2012; 1–5)
Effect of a Pacing Mode Preserving Spontaneous AV Conduction on Ventricular Pacing Burden and Atrial Arrhythmias
Authors: REY JEAN‐LUC , QUENUM SERGE , HERO MARC
Published: February 2012

Background:
 Using dual‐chamber pacemakers with new algorithms: Manage Ventricular Pacing (MVP™), minimizes unnecessary ventricular pacing (VP). This function operates in AAI/R mode with backup VP during AV block.

Aim:
 The aim of “Generation MVP” study was to assess the VP burden and atrial arrhythmias (AA) burden according to indication of pacing and MVP™ function programming of AdaptaDR implantable pacemaker (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA).

Methods:
 The multicenter observational “Generation MVP” study included 220 patients aged 75.9 ± 11 years (men = 52%) implanted for sinus node dysfunction (SND; n = 115) or atrio‐ventricular block (AVB; n = 105). Programming MVP function has been left to the physician's discretion. Percentage of VP and AA burden (percentage of time spent in AA) stored in memories were assessed at 2 and 10 months.

Results:
 220 patients were followed at 2 months (174 MVP [On], 46 MVP [off]) and at 10 months (165 MVP [On], 55 MVP [off]). Median percentage of VP is significantly lower when MVP is programmed [On] versus [off] at 2 and 10 months follow‐up for SND and AVB indications of pacing (P < 0.001). Finally, programming MVP function is performed at middle term (10 months) for 84% of patients with SND and 65% of patients with AVB: median percentage of VP is as low as 0.6% for patients with SND and 12% for patients with AVB versus 95% for SND and 99% for AVB when MVP function is programmed [off](P < 0.001).

Median AA burden was significantly lower when MVP function was programmed [On] versus [off] at 2 months (8.7% vs 28%; P < 0.001) and 10 months (1% vs 22%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
 In this study programming MVP function decreases percentage of VP at 2 and 10 months for patients paced for SND or AVB. Moreover median AA burden is reduced when MVP function was programmed [On] vs [off] at two follow‐ups. (PACE 2012; 1–6)