bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Force to Save Face: The Performative Side of War
Authors: Mor Ben D.
Published: January 2012

The recent turn to emotions in foreign policy research has resulted in several studies of humiliation and revenge as motivations for the use of force. This paper proposes a dramaturgical perspective to expand on this research agenda, focusing on the performative aspects of foreign policy as remedial action to restore spoiled identities. The basic argument is that the visibility and transparency generated by the communications and information revolution have thrust decision makers onto a public stage on which their (live) performance and public image are constantly scrutinized by domestic and international audiences, making image predicaments and humiliation a constant threat. Discredited performances (such as military failures) call for facework, and the subsequent use of force then becomes, at least partly, a means of impression management to reclaim an identity, legitimate a role, and regain self‐esteem. These ideas are investigated in a case study of Israeli decision making during the 2006 Lebanon war.
Talking Groups Out of War: Aggregating and Disaggregating Strategies toward Secessionist Groups
Authors: Acuto Michele
Published: January 2012

This essay sets up a comparison between two types of negotiating tactics: the first, aggregating strategies, aims at merging parties into the fewest number of sides to a conflict as possible, in order to diminish the number of war‐related divisions, and the second, disaggregating strategies, rests on the idea that “cross‐cutting cleavages” help moderate social conflict because they run against the construction of opposed identities. Much of the literature on intrastate conflict and rebellions supports the latter approach, but little comparative analysis on the social costs and benefits of the two types has, in reality, been carried out. By drawing lessons from the insurgencies in Aceh, Bougainville and, in part, the Solomon Islands, the article takes up an opportunity‐based spoilers’ framework to analyze the strategies. It concludes that neither of the two can be identified as a “best method” if measured against sustainability and social impact, nor does one of them have a stronger effect on spoilers. In either case, the study underlines, there is an intrinsic value in long‐term peace processes as constituted by repeated negotiations and continuing interaction; likewise, there are webbing effects of war on peacebuilding scenarios as a process of multiplication of social cleavages occurs after conflict.
Characterization of fibrillar collagen types using multi‐dimensional multiphoton laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Lutz V. , Sattler M. , Gallinat S. , Wenck H. , Poertner R. , Fischer F.
Published: January 2012

Synopsis

In dermal photodamage the ratio of the collagen types III to I changes. This makes the investigation of the fibrillar collagen type characteristics interesting for skin research. In this study collagen types were characterized using 5‐dimensional multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (5D‐IVT) that can be applied in vivo. Second harmonic generation (SHG) signals and fluorescence lifetimes of the collagen autofluorescence were analysed. Collagen type I generates a higher SHG intensity and a longer fluorescence lifetime compared to collagen type III. Thus, the SHG intensity decrease found in photodamaged skin might be explained by the increase in collagen type III. Calculating the in vivo relevant increase of collagen type III gives a negligible difference in fluorescence lifetime not qualifying this method for the determination of collagen type changes in dermal photodamage in vivo in human skin. However, for pathologies that exhibit higher differences in collagen types 5D‐IVT analysis might be a suitable method.
Computational models of plant development and form
Authors: Prusinkiewicz Przemyslaw , Runions Adam
Published: January 2012

The use of computational techniques increasingly permeates developmental biology, from the acquisition, processing and analysis of experimental data to the construction of models of organisms. Specifically, models help to untangle the non‐intuitive relations between local morphogenetic processes and global patterns and forms. We survey the modeling techniques and selected models that are designed to elucidate plant development in mechanistic terms, with an emphasis on: the history of mathematical and computational approaches to developmental plant biology; the key objectives and methodological aspects of model construction; the diverse mathematical and computational methods related to plant modeling; and the essence of two classes of models, which approach plant morphogenesis from the geometric and molecular perspectives. In the geometric domain, we review models of cell division patterns, phyllotaxis, the form and vascular patterns of leaves, and branching patterns. In the molecular‐level domain, we focus on the currently most extensively developed theme: the role of auxin in plant morphogenesis. The review is addressed to both biologists and computational modelers.

Contents

Summary
549

I.
A brief history of plant models
549

II.
Modeling as a methodology
550

III.
Mathematics of developmental models
551

IV.
Geometric models of morphogenesis
555

V.
Molecular‐level models
560

VI.
Conclusions
564

Acknowledgements
564

References
565
Phytosphingosine‐phosphate is a signal for AtMPK6 activation and Arabidopsis response to chilling
Authors: Dutilleul Christelle , Benhassaine‐Kesri Ghouziel , Demandre Chantal , Rézé Nathalie , Launay Alban , Pelletier Sandra , Renou Jean‐Pierre , Zachowski Alain , Baudouin Emmanuel , Guillas Isabelle
Published: January 2012

See also the Commentary by Lynch
The Roles of Climate, Phylogenetic Relatedness, Introduction Effort, and Reproductive Traits in the Establishment of Non‐Native Reptiles and Amphibians
Authors: VAN WILGEN NICOLA J. , RICHARDSON DAVID M.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  We developed a method to predict the potential of non‐native reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna) to establish populations. This method may inform efforts to prevent the introduction of invasive non‐native species. We used boosted regression trees to determine whether nine variables influence establishment success of introduced herpetofauna in California and Florida. We used an independent data set to assess model performance. Propagule pressure was the variable most strongly associated with establishment success. Species with short juvenile periods and species with phylogenetically more distant relatives in regional biotas were more likely to establish than species that start breeding later and those that have close relatives. Average climate match (the similarity of climate between native and non‐native range) and life form were also important. Frogs and lizards were the taxonomic groups most likely to establish, whereas a much lower proportion of snakes and turtles established. We used results from our best model to compile a spreadsheet‐based model for easy use and interpretation. Probability scores obtained from the spreadsheet model were strongly correlated with establishment success as were probabilities predicted for independent data by the boosted regression tree model. However, the error rate for predictions made with independent data was much higher than with cross validation using training data. This difference in predictive power does not preclude use of the model to assess the probability of establishment of herpetofauna because (1) the independent data had no information for two variables (meaning the full predictive capacity of the model could not be realized) and (2) the model structure is consistent with the recent literature on the primary determinants of establishment success for herpetofauna. It may still be difficult to predict the establishment probability of poorly studied taxa, but it is clear that non‐native species (especially lizards and frogs) that mature early and come from environments similar to that of the introduction region have the highest probability of establishment.
Heritability of Level of Response and Association with Recent Drinking History in Nonalcohol‐Dependent Drinkers
Authors: Kalu Nnenna , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Marshall Vanessa , Scott Denise , Ferguson Clifford , Cain Gloria , Taylor Robert
Published: January 2012

Background:

Level of response (LR) to alcohol has been shown to be associated with the risk of developing alcohol dependence and can be measured using the self‐rating of the effects of alcohol (SRE) questionnaire. This study examined the heritability of the SRE‐measured LR and the relationship between LR and recent alcohol drinking history (RDH) in a predominantly African American nonalcohol‐dependent population.

Methods:

This was a sibling study of 101 social drinkers aged 21 to 35 years recruited from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Participants were administered the SRE to assess LR and the timeline followback (TLFB) to assess RDH. The indices of SRE used were total SRE score (SRTT), early drinking SRE score (SRED), regular drinking SRE score (SRRD), and heavy drinking SRE score (SRHD). Pearson's product‐moment correlation and linear regression were used to analyze SRE indices and RDH variables (quantity and drinks per drinking occasion). Heritability analysis was conducted using Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR) software with SRE indices as traits of interest.

Results:

There was a significant relationship between SRE and RDH measures. Drinks per drinking day, maximum drinks, and quantity of drinks were significantly associated with SRTT, SRHD, and SRRD (all p < 0.05). SRTT showed significant heritability (h2 = 0.67, p = 0.025), however, the SRE subindices (SRED, SRRD, SRHD) were not significantly heritable. Analysis performed in the subset consisting of only African Americans (n = 86) showed similar trends.

Conclusions:

LR, as measured by the SRE, is associated with RDH. The high level of heritability of the SRE total score suggests that genetics accounts for a significant proportion of the variation in the LR to alcohol in social drinkers.
Responding in a Test of Decision‐Making Under Risk is Under Moderate Genetic Control in the Rat
Authors: Ashenhurst James R. , Seaman Mitchel , David Jentsch J.
Published: January 2012

Background:

Risk‐taking, measured with laboratory tasks such as the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART), is associated with real‐life manifestations of risky behaviors, which may be an important component of inherited liability to alcohol use disorders. To identify genomic factors that influence these traits, the current study (i) characterized performance of a rodent version of the BART in multiple inbred rat strains, (ii) tested the degree to which performance was under genetic control, (iii) explored sex differences in performance, and (iv) evaluated the risk‐taking behavior of F1 progeny of high‐risk‐ and low‐risk‐taking strains to examine modes of inheritance.

Methods:

Male and female rats (N = 100) from 5 inbred strains (Wistar‐Furth, Fischer‐344, Lewis, Spontaneously Hypertensive, Brown Norway) and Wistar‐Furth × Fischer‐344 hybrids were tested in the rat‐BART, as well as in tests of locomotor activity, sucrose preference, and general motivation.

Results:

About 55% of the variance in risk‐taking behavior was attributable to heritable factors. The Fischer‐344 strain was the most risk‐taking and the most variable in responding. The mating of low‐risk‐taking Wistar‐Furth and Fischer‐344 rats produced progeny that behaved most like the Fischer‐344 strain. Consistent with prior research in this laboratory (Jentsch et al., 2010), all rats were sensitive to changes in both risk and reinforcement parameters in the rat‐BART; rats decreased voluntary risk‐taking in the face of increasing risk and increased lever pressing when reinforcement probabilities were reduced.

Conclusions:

Our results endorse a moderately heritable pattern of risk‐taking behavior in rats. The behavior of the hybrid progeny suggests a polygenic model with most gene effects transmitted by mode of dominant inheritance. The identification of high‐risk and low‐risk strains allows for isolation of quantitative trait loci associated with task performance and for probing the relationships between risk‐taking and dimensions of alcohol use disorders.
Roles of the Locus Coeruleus and Adrenergic Receptors in Brain‐Mediated Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Responses to Intracerebroventricular Alcohol
Authors: Selvage Dan
Published: January 2012

Background:

Alcohol activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis through its actions in both the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). The studies presented here were designed to test the CNS‐specific noradrenergic mechanisms by which alcohol stimulates HPA activity in the male rat.

Methods:

We used an experimental paradigm in which a small, nontoxic amount (5 μl) of alcohol was slowly microinfused intracerebroventricularly (icv). Alcohol was administered icv to animals with lesions of the locus coeruleus (LC) or in animals pretreated with α‐ or β‐adrenergic receptor antagonists. Hormonal HPA activation was determined by measuring secretion of the pituitary stress hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Neuronal activation was determined by quantification of the expression of the transcription factor c‐fos (Fos).

Results:

As expected, icv alcohol stimulated ACTH secretion from the pituitary and Fos expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Bilateral electrolytic LC lesions blocked the ability of icv alcohol to stimulate ACTH secretion. Pretreatment with icv propranolol increased basal ACTH secretion levels, but icv alcohol did not increase this effect. Propranolol also blunted icv alcohol‐induced PVN Fos expression. A low dose of phenoxybenzamine, an α‐adrenergic receptor antagonist, did not affect the ability of icv alcohol to stimulate ACTH release. However, a higher dose of the drug was able to block the ACTH response to icv alcohol. Despite this, phenoxybenzamine did not inhibit alcohol‐induced Fos expression. Icv pretreatment with corynanthine, a selective α‐1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, modestly raised basal ACTH levels and blocked the icv alcohol‐induced secretion of this hormone.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that the LC and norepinephrine play important roles in HPA activation caused by icv alcohol administration, but that the specific adrenergic receptor subtypes involved in this phenomenon still need to be identified.
Comment on the Paper by Suffoletto et al. Entitled: Text‐Message‐Based Assessments and Brief Intervention for Young Adults Discharged from the Emergency Department
Authors: Baird Janette , Ranney Megan L. , Mello Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Background:

This commentary discusses the importance of the recent article by Suffoletto and colleagues (in press), from the perspective of the developing role that technology such as text‐messaging is serving as a means of increasing the reach of brief interventions for harmful alcohol use.

Results:

This study is important as it offers evidence from a well‐designed study that text‐messaging can be used to survey young adults about their alcohol use shows promising results for the potential efficacy of this technology to reduce alcohol use, including risky heavy episodic use. There are ethical and clinical considerations around text‐messaging that need to be examined.

Conclusions:

Future adequately powered randomized studies are needed to show the comparative effect of new technologies, such as text‐messaging, in comparison with more traditional methods of providing interventions in reducing harmful alcohol use.
Anti‐AnWj causing acute hemolytic transfusion reactions in a patient with aplastic anemia
Authors: Xu Zhaodong , Duffett Lisa , Tokessy Melanie , Cote Jacqueline , Goldman Mindy , Saidenberg Elianna
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: AnWj is a high‐prevalence red blood cell (RBC) antigen in the ISBT 901 series. Only nine reports of anti‐AnWj have been published since it was first documented in 1972; two of these cases involved transfusion reactions. We present a case of a patient with aplastic anemia who developed anti‐AnWj with clinically significant hemolysis after transfusion of AnWj‐positive RBCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 56‐year‐old woman with aplastic anemia developed a pan‐reactive antibody with clinically significant hemolysis after transfusion of RBCs. Investigations included antibody identification by serologic methods at the national immunohematology reference laboratory and the in vitro monocyte‐monolayer assay (MMA) to predict clinical significance.

RESULTS: The antibody was identified as having specificity for the AnWj antigen. The posttransfusion MMA indicated that the antibody had complement‐fixing capability highly likely to cause clinically significant acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. The patient required long‐term transfusion support with AnWj‐negative RBCs and Lu(a−b−) RBCs of the In(Lu) type which have reduced AnWj expression. Cross‐Canada and international collaboration was required to obtain rare units for transfusion.

CONCLUSION: A case of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction caused by anti‐AnWj is reported in a patient with aplastic anemia requiring allogeneic stem cell transplantation. This is the second documented case of anti‐AnWj to cause a hemolytic transfusion reaction. The case demonstrates the complexity of managing patients with rare antibodies and the importance of international collaboration in the management of these difficult cases.
The Adjustable Balance Mortgage: Reducing the Value of the Put
Authors: Ambrose Brent W. , Buttimer Jr. Richard J.
Published: January 2012

We propose a new mortgage contract that endogenously captures the risk of house price declines to minimize default risk resulting from changes in the underlying asset value while still retaining contract rates near the cost of a standard fixed‐rate mortgage. By reducing the role of the legal system in mitigating house price risk, the new mortgage reduces the negative externalities and social costs arising from defaults. In other words, the new mortgage minimizes the need to use the legal foreclosure system to deal with the economic risk of house price declines.
The spatial economy of North American trade fairs
Authors: Bathelt Harald , Spigel Ben
Published: January 2012

Through a study of trade fairs, this article illustrates that relational approaches to economic geography are not limited to the sphere of economic and social relationships. These relationships are influenced by and, in turn, shape material realities, such as specific infrastructure and the labour market, in a reflexive manner. Trade fairs are “relational events” that bring together regional, national, and often international producers, users, suppliers, and other agents of a value chain or technology field for the purpose of exchanging knowledge about technological and market developments, building partnerships, and maintaining existing networks through learning by interaction and observation. However, these events are also situated in space and time, grounded in the contexts of particular industries, trade patterns, public and private investments, as well as the economic geographies of places. Focusing on North America, this article presents and analyzes data on the economic geography of trade fairs and their regional economic impact (number of events, exhibitors, attendees, exhibition space). It explores regional trade fair patterns and dynamic changes in major trade fair cities by emphasizing the role of history and industry context.
Comparing the Hyper‐Variable V4 and V9 Regions of the Small Subunit rDNA for Assessment of Ciliate Environmental Diversity
Authors: Dunthorn Micah , Klier Julia , Bunge John , Stoeck Thorsten
Published: January 2012

The hyper‐variable V4 and V9 regions of the small subunit (SSU) rDNA have been targeted for assessing environmental diversity of microbial eukaryotes using next generation sequencing technologies. Here, we explore how the genetic distances among these short fragments compare with the distances obtained from near full‐length SSU‐rDNA sequences by comparing all pairwise estimates, as well as within and among species of ciliates. Results show that pairwise distances from V4 more closely match the near full‐length SSU‐rDNA and are more comparable with previous studies based on much longer SSU‐rDNA fragments, then pairwise distances from V9. Thus, studies that use the V4 will estimate similar values of phylotype richness and community structure as would have been estimated using the full‐length SSU‐rDNA.
Do Trained Dogs Discriminate Individual Body Odors of Women Better than Those of Men?*
Authors: Jezierski Tadeusz , Sobczyńska Magdalena , Walczak Marta , Gorecka‐Bruzda Aleksandra , Ensminger John
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Scent identification lineups using dogs are a potentially valuable forensic tool, but have been dismissed by some critics because of cases where a false identification was shown to have occurred. It is not known, however, why dogs appear to make more false indications to the odors of some persons than of others. In this study, human genders were compared as to the degree their individual odors are distinguishable or “attractive” to dogs. Six dogs were trained to smell an individual’s hand odor sample and then find the matching hand odor sample in a lineup of five odors. Using one‐gender lineups and two‐gender lineups with different gender ratios, it was found that dogs trained for the study identified individual women’s hand odors more accurately than those of men. It is hypothesized that this is either because of differences in chemical compounds making discrimination of women’s odors easier, or because of greater “odor attractiveness” of women’s scents to dogs.
Acute New World cutaneous leishmaniasis presenting as tuberculoid granulomatous dermatitis
Authors: Miller Daniel D. , Gilchrest Barbara A. , Garg Amit , Goldberg Lynne J. , Bhawan Jag
Published: January 2012

Acute primary cutaneous leishmaniasis typically presents microscopically with a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate containing admixed plasma cells, parasitized macrophages and abundant organisms. Tuberculoid granulomatous changes may occur in the later phases of primary infection. A 23‐year‐old male presented 1 month after visiting Peru with classic clinical findings of acute primary cutaneous leishmaniasis, while histopathology showed a tuberculoid granulomatous process that lacked any organisms in hematoxylin–eosin and fungal stains. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and tissue cultures confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis with Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis infection. A pauci‐organism tuberculoid granulomatous process may uncommonly be the presenting histopathology in the acute infectious phase of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Clinicians and dermatopathologists should be aware of this atypical presentation, which may cause diagnostic confusion and delay proper treatment. PCR testing should be employed in cases with high clinical suspicion when histopathology is not definitive.

Miller DD, Gilchrest BA, Garg A, Goldberg LJ, Bhawan J. Acute New World cutaneous leishmaniasis presenting as tuberculoid granulomatous dermatitis.
Porphyrin biodistribution in UV‐exposed murine skin after methyl‐ and hexyl‐aminolevulinate incubation
Authors: Togsverd‐Bo Katrine , Lerche Catharina M. , Philipsen Peter A. , Poulsen Thomas , Wulf Hans Christian , Hædersdal Merete
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with methyl‐aminolevulinate (MAL) is a well‐established treatment for precancerous skin lesions and non‐melanoma skin cancer. Treatment outcomes are less effective for thick than for superficial lesions, which are presumed to be due to insufficient PpIX biodistribution in tumour tissue. Hexyl‐aminolevulinate (HAL) is a more lipophilic photosensitizer precursor than MAL and may penetrate the skin to a greater depth and more homogeneously. We compared HAL‐ and MAL‐induced PpIX accumulation in specific skin compartments using concentrations of 2%, 6% and 20% HAL and MAL on long‐term UV‐irradiated mouse skin. Furthermore, 20% HAL and 20% MAL were applied to non‐irradiated skin. Porphyrin fluorescence was measured by fluorescence microscopy in selected skin regions: the epidermis, superficial dermis, deep dermis and sebaceous gland epithelium down to a depth of 1 mm. We found higher PpIX fluorescence intensities in epidermis and sebaceous gland epithelium from 2%, 6% and 20% HAL (median 72–104 au) than in corresponding concentrations of MAL (median 35–69 au) (P < 0.01). Fluorescence intensities in the superficial (35 au) and deep dermis (32 au) were similar for HAL and MAL (P = 0.51) and lower than epidermal fluorescence intensities (P < 0.001). Significantly, higher median PpIX fluorescence intensities (64 au) were found in 20% MAL‐incubated skin irradiated with UV than in non‐irradiated skin (48 au) (P < 0.001). HAL‐induced fluorescence intensities did not depend on UV exposure (HAL 20%, UV: 72 au, non‐UV: 70 au) (P = 0.87). In conclusion, HAL express high affinity for epidermis and sebaceous gland epithelium, and MAL for actinically damaged skin, which raises future perspectives for improved selectivity in PDT.
Light‐regulated melatonin biosynthesis in rice during the senescence process in detached leaves
Authors: Byeon Yeong , Park Sangkyu , Kim Young‐Soon , Park Don‐Hee , Lee Sungbeom , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The effect of light on melatonin biosynthesis was examined in detached rice (Oryza sativa cv. Asahi) leaves during the senescence process. The detached leaves were exposed to senescence treatment either in constant darkness or in constant light, and subjected to HPLC analysis for melatonin and its precursors. Higher melatonin levels were detected in rice leaves under constant light while very low levels were observed in constant darkness. Levels of the melatonin intermediates, tryptamine, serotonin, and N‐acetylserotonin significantly decreased in the dark compared to those in the light. Furthermore, relative mRNA levels of melatonin biosynthetic genes and their corresponding proteins decreased accordingly in constant darkness. The most striking difference between constant light and dark was observed in levels of the protein tryptamine 5‐hydroxylase. These results suggest that melatonin biosynthesis during senescence is dependent on light signals in rice leaves, contrary to the response found in animals.
Automatic dirt trail analysis in dermoscopy images
Authors: Cheng Beibei , Joe Stanley R. , Stoecker William V. , Osterwise Christopher T. P. , Stricklin Sherea M. , Hinton Kristen A. , Moss Randy H. , Oliviero Margaret , Rabinovitz Harold S.
Published: January 2012

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in the US. Dermatoscopes are devices used by physicians to facilitate the early detection of these cancers based on the identification of skin lesion structures often specific to BCCs. One new lesion structure, referred to as dirt trails, has the appearance of dark gray, brown or black dots and clods of varying sizes distributed in elongated clusters with indistinct borders, often appearing as curvilinear trails.

Methods

In this research, we explore a dirt trail detection and analysis algorithm for extracting, measuring, and characterizing dirt trails based on size, distribution, and color in dermoscopic skin lesion images. These dirt trails are then used to automatically discriminate BCC from benign skin lesions.

Results

For an experimental data set of 35 BCC images with dirt trails and 79 benign lesion images, a neural network‐based classifier achieved a 0.902 are under a receiver operating characteristic curve using a leave‐one‐out approach.

Conclusion

Results obtained from this study show that automatic detection of dirt trails in dermoscopic images of BCC is feasible. This is important because of the large number of these skin cancers seen every year and the challenge of discovering these earlier with instrumentation.
Computerised image analysis of vitiligo lesion: evaluation using manually defined lesion areas
Authors: Nugroho Hermawan , Ahmad Fadzil M. Hani , Shamsudin Norashikin , Hussein S. H.
Published: January 2012

Background

Vitiligo is a cutaneous pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmented macules and patches that result from loss of epidermal melanocytes. Physician evaluates the efficacy of treatment by comparing the extent of vitiligo lesions before and after treatment based on the overall visual impression of the treatment response. This method is called the physician's global assessment (PGA) which is subjective. In this article, we present an innovative digital image processing method to determine vitiligo lesion area in an objective manner.

Method

The digital method uses Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to generate melanin‐based images representing skin areas due to melanin followed by Region Growing process to segment vitiligo lesion from normal skin.

Results

Based on 41 digital images of vitiligo lesions taken from 18 patients, the proposed method achieved sensitivities of 0.9105 ± 0.0161, specificities of 0.9973 ± 0.0009 and accuracies of 0.9901 ± 0.0028 at 95% confidence level.

Conclusion

With the proposed method, physicians are able to assess vitiligo treatment efficacies objectively.
Management of maxillary alveolar bone fracture and severely intruded maxillary central incisor: report of a case
Authors: Yonezawa Hisanobu , Yanamoto Souichi , Hoshino Tomonori , Yamada Shin‐Ichi , Fujiwara Taku , Umeda Masahiro
Published: January 2012

Abstract –  An 11‐year‐old male who injured his maxilla and right maxillary central incisor and lip during a fall was presented to our hospital. His lower lip and upper gingiva were lacerated with swelling and epistaxis, and he had a maxillary alveolar bone fracture and severe intrusion of the right maxillary central incisor, which had penetrated the floor of the nasal cavity with avulsion. Under local anesthesia, we repositioned the incisor and bone segment and fixed them with a titanium micromesh plate and self‐tapping screws and splints. The incisor was also treated by root canal 3 days after the operation and was restored with a crown. We performed root canal filling 1 month later. Five months later, the plate and screws were removed. In prognosis of our case, no symptoms of inflammatory root resorption or ankylosis have observed for more than 1 year and 6 months of follow up based on both clinical and radiographic findings.
Acute administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists induces hypolocomotion but not anxiety in mice
Authors: Krass Maarja , Rünkorg Kertu , Vasar Eero , Volke Vallo
Published: January 2012

Krass M, Rünkorg K, Vasar E, Volke V. Acute administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists induces hypolocomotion but not anxiety in mice.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the behavioural and hormonal effects of systemic (subcutaneous) treatment with glucaemically equipotent doses of exenatide and liraglutide in mice.

Methods: The effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists were determined on anxiety level in the light–dark compartment test, the motor activity in automated activity cages and finally the forced swimming test was performed.

Results: Both exenatide (1–20 µg/kg) and liraglutide (200–1200 µg/kg) decreased the glucose levels up to 30% in freely fed animals. In glucaemically equipotent doses the drugs induced very similar behavioural and hormonal effects: there was no change on anxiety level or immobility time, however, both drugs suppressed motor activity and increased corticosterone levels.

Conclusion: We conclude that the two clinically approved GLP-1 receptor agonists induce very similar suppression of motor activity and stimulation of corticosterone release in mice.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Two Bone Substitutes in the Treatment of Bony Dehiscences
Authors: Van Assche Nele , Michels Sofie , Naert Ignace , Quirynen Marc
Published: January 2012

Aim: This in vivo split‐mouth randomized controlled trial compared a synthetic bone substitute with a bovine bone mineral to cover bone dehiscences after implant insertion.

Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients received four to six implants to support an overdenture. Two comparable dehiscences within the same patient were first covered with a layer of autogenous bone, followed by a layer of either Bio‐Oss® (group 1; Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland) or Straumann BoneCeramic® (group 2; Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) and sealed by a resorbable membrane. The change in vertical dimension of the defect was measured at implant placement and at abutment connection (6.5 months). Clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated up to 1 year of loading.

Results: The vertical size of the defect at surgery was 6.4 ± 1.6 mm for group 1 and 6.4 ± 2.2 mm for group 2 sites, measured from the implant shoulder. After 6.5 months, the depth of the defect was reduced to 1.5 ± 1.2 mm and 1.9 ± 1.2 mm for group 1 and group 2 sites, respectively (p > 0.05). No implants failed during follow‐up. Mean marginal bone loss over the SLActive surface was 0.94 mm (group 1), 0.81 mm (group 2), and 0.93 mm (group 3, no dehiscence) after 1 year of loading.

Conclusion: Both bone substitutes behaved equally effectively.
Four Modalities of Single Implant Treatment in the Anterior Maxilla: A Clinical, Radiographic, and Aesthetic Evaluation
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Eghbali Aryan , Hanselaer Lore , De Rouck Tim , Wyn Iris , Sabzevar Mehran Moradi , Cleymaet Roberto , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To document the outcome of single implants in the anterior maxilla following four routine treatment modalities when performed by experienced clinicians in daily practice using the same implant system and biomaterials.

Material and Methods: A retrospective study in patients who had been treated by two periodontists and two prosthodontists in 2006 and 2007 was conducted. The four treatment modalities practically covered every clinical situation and included standard implant treatment (SIT), immediate implant treatment (IIT), implant treatment in conjunction with guided bone regeneration (GBR), and implant treatment in grafted bone (BGR) harvested from the chin. All implants were installed via flap surgery. Patients were clinically and radiographically examined. Complications were registered and the aesthetic outcome (pink esthetic score [PES] and white esthetic score [WES]) was rated. A blinded clinician who had not been involved in the treatment performed all evaluations. Patient's aesthetic satisfaction was also registered.

Results: One hundred four out of 115 eligible patients (44 SIT, 28 IIT, 18 GBR, and 14 BGR) received at least one single NobelReplace tapered TiUnite® (Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden) implant in the anterior maxilla and were available for evaluation. Clinical parameters (implant survival: 93%, mean plaque level: 24%, mean bleeding on probing: 33%, and mean probing depth: 3.2 mm) and mean bone level (1.19 mm) did not differ significantly between treatment modalities. Postoperative complications were more common following GBR/BGR (>61%) when compared with SIT/IIT (<18%) (p < .001). BGR was in 4/14 patients associated with permanent sensory complications at the donor site. Technical complications occurred in 9/104 patients. SIT and IIT showed similar soft tissue aesthetics (PES: 10.07 and 10.88, respectively), however major alveolar process deficiency was common (>15%). PES was 9.65 for GBR. BGR showed inferior soft tissue aesthetics (PES: 9.00; p = .045) and shorter distal papillae were found following GBR/BGR (p = .009). Periodontal disease (odds ratio [OR]: 13.0, p < .001), GBR/BGR (OR: 4.3, p = .004), and a thin‐scalloped gingival biotype (OR: 3.7, p = .011) increased the risk for incomplete distal papillae. WES was 7.98 for all patients considered. Poor agreement was found between objective and subjective aesthetic ratings.

Conclusions: All treatment modalities were predictable from a clinical and radiographic point of view. However, advanced reconstructive surgery, especially BGR, increased the risk for complications and compromised aesthetics. Research is required on the prevention and minimally invasive treatment of buccal bone defects at the time of tooth loss to avoid complex therapy.
Biomechanical and Bone Histomorphological Evaluation of Two Surfaces on Tapered and Cylindrical Root Form Implants: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Negri Bruno , Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Maté Sánchez de Val José Eduardo , Delgado Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Ramírez Fernández María Piedad , Gómez Moreno Gerardo , Aguilar Salvatierra Antonio , Guardia Javier , Muñoz Guzón Fernando
Published: January 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the early bone response of tapered and cylindrical root form implants with two different surface treatments in fresh extraction sockets after 4 and 8 weeks.

Materials and Methods: Surface treatments and implant design comprised (n = 9 each): tapered with dual acid‐etched surface; tapered with dual acid‐etched and sandblasted surface (T DAE SB); cylindrical with dual acid‐etched surface (C DAE); and cylindrical with dual acid‐etched and sandblasted surface (C DAE SB). Implants were placed in the distal sockets of mandibular premolars (2P2,3P3,4P4) of six beagle dogs, remaining in vivo for 4 and 8 weeks. After sacrifice, the implants were subjected to torque to the point of interface fracture and subsequently nondecalcified for histomorphological study. Statistical analysis was performed by a General Linear Model (GLM) analysis of variance model with a significance level of 5%.

Results: Torque to interface fracture was significantly greater for the C DAE SB group than for the other groups (p < .001). Histomorphological analysis showed woven bone formation around all implant surfaces at 4 weeks and its replacement by lamellar bone at 8 weeks. Study time (4 or 8 weeks) did not affect torque measures.

Conclusions: The double acid‐etched and sandblasted sample surface increased early bone biomechanical fixation of both cylindrical and tapered root form implants. The cylindrical root form implants showed higher torque to interface fracture values when compared with the tapered root form implants. The C DAE SB surface group showed the highest biomechanical fixation values (p < .001).
Electrical Mallet Provides Essential Advantages in Maxillary Bone Condensing. A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Crespi Roberto , Capparè Paolo , Gherlone Enrico
Published: January 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the use of hand mallet versus electrical mallet (magnetic mallet, Meta‐Ergonomica, Turbigo, Milan, Italy) in osteotome‐assisted surgery for condensing bone procedure in edentulous molar and premolar maxillary regions.

Materials and Methods: Patients edentulous in maxillary premolar and molar regions with type 3 or 4 bone were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. The patients were randomly divided in two groups: in the test group, the implant site was prepared with osteotomes pushed by magnetic mallet, while in the control group, the implant site was performed with osteotomes pressed by hand mallet. Intraoral digital radiographic measurements were reported at 6, 12, and 24 months.

Results: Thirty‐six patients were enrolled in the study. Eighteen patients (21 women and 15 men) were included in the test group and 18 patients in the control group. The mean patient age was 56.1 years (range 41–71 years). Fifty dental implants were placed. In 10 cases, five in control and five in test group, sinus elevation was performed. After 24 months follow‐up, a survival rate of 96.0% was reported. In the control group, two patients claimed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following the use of osteotomes with hand hammer. Marginal bone levels remained stable over time for both groups, and not statistically significant differences were found. After 12 months, the bone height incremented in both groups and, at 24 months, was stable. Statistical analysis reported not statistically significant differences between test and control group.

Conclusions: These results demonstrated a stable marginal bone levels over time and a significant increase in bone height between 6 and 12 months in osteotome technique (not sinus elevation). The use of magnetic mallet provided some essential clinical advantages during surgical procedure in comparison with hand mallet.
Reexamining the Case for Marriage: Union Formation and Changes in Well‐being
Authors: Musick Kelly , Bumpass Larry
Published: January 2012

This article addresses open questions about the nature and meaning of the positive association between marriage and well‐being, namely, the extent to which it is causal, shared with cohabitation, and stable over time. We relied on data from the National Survey of Families and Households (N = 2,737) and a modeling approach that controls for fixed differences between individuals by relating union transitions to changes in well‐being. This study is unique in examining the persistence of changes in well‐being as marriages and cohabitations progress (and potentially dissolve) over time. The effects of marriage and cohabitation are found to be similar across a range of measures tapping psychological well‐being, health, and social ties. Where there are statistically significant differences, marriage is not always more advantageous. Overall, differences tend to be small and appear to dissipate over time, even when the greater instability of cohabitation is taken into account.
Mate Availability and Women's Sexual Experiences in China
Authors: Trent Katherine , South Scott J.
Published: January 2012

Data from the 1999–2000 Chinese Health and Family Life Survey were merged with community‐level data from the 1982, 1990, and 2000 Chinese censuses to examine the relationship between the local sex ratio (number of men per 100 women) and sexual outcomes among women (N = 1,369). Consistent with hypotheses derived from demographic‐opportunity theory, multilevel logistic regression analyses showed that women are more likely to be sexually active, to have had premarital sexual intercourse, to have been forced to have sex, and to test positive for a sexually transmitted infection when there is a relative abundance of age‐matched men in their local community. Education, birth cohort, and geographic location also emerged as significant predictors of women's sexual experiences.
Life Course Status and Exchanges of Support Between Young Adults and Parents
Authors: Bucx Freek , van Wel Frits , Knijn Trudie
Published: January 2012

The authors investigated intergenerational support exchanges in relation to young adults' life course status. In a sample of 2,022 young adults (ages 18–34 years) in The Netherlands, single young adults reported receiving more advice from parents than married young adults, and those with children of their own received more practical support. Married young adults and young adults with children provided less support to parents than, respectively, single young adults and young adults without children. Congruent with the life course perspective, the authors' findings suggest that the intergenerational support network is both durable and flexible, responding to the resources and needs associated with an individual's life course status.
Magnetostimulation in the treatment of crural vein ulceration
Authors: Pasek Jarosław , Pasek Tomasz , Sieroń Aleksander
Published: January 2012

Chronic venous insufficiency, as well as crural vein ulceration, developing at its background, poses a serious clinical problem. Treatment is costly and lengthy. Intense development of physical medicine allows to reduce the time of treatment, as well as to improve the life quality in numerous soft tissue ailments, including wounds that are hard to heal. This article presents the beneficial results of treatment of a 67‐year‐old woman patient with a diagnosis of crural vein ulceration in the right limb. The applied physiotherapeutic method, in the form of magnetostimulation, contributed to complete healing of the lesion, subsidence of symptoms, as well as improved life quality of the treated patient.
Efficacy of Annona squamosa on wound healing in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ponrasu Thangavel , Suguna Lonchin
Published: January 2012

Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae), commonly known as custard apple, mainly used for its edible fruit, is also recognised with numerous medicinal properties. As there is no report on the efficacy of this plant for wound healing, we examined the efficacy of ethanolic extract of A. squamosa leaves on wound repair in streptozotocin–nicotinamide‐induced diabetic rats. Open excision wounds were made on the back of rats. The drug at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body wt was reconstituted in 200 µl of phosphate buffered saline and applied topically once daily for the treated wounds. The control wounds were left untreated. Wound tissues formed on days 4, 8, 12 and 16 (post‐wound) were used to estimate DNA, total protein, total collagen, hexosamine and uronic acid. Levels of lipid peroxides were also evaluated along with tensile strength and period of epithelialisation. A. squamosa L. increased cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site as evidenced by increase in DNA, protein and total collagen. The treated wounds were observed to heal much faster as proved by enhanced rates of epithelialisation and wound contraction, which was also confirmed by histopathological examinations. The results strongly substantiate the beneficial effects of the topical application of A. squamosa L. in the acceleration of normal and diabetic wound healing.
The Influence of Habitat, Season, and Detectability on Abundance Estimates across an Amazonian Parrot Assemblage
Authors: Lee Alan T. K. , Marsden Stuart J.
Published: January 2012

The Amazon basin holds very high parrot species richness but almost nothing is known of parrot population densities in the region or how these vary between species, habitats, sites, and seasons. Such data are becoming important as humans impact on increasing areas of the region. Seventeen parrot species were surveyed using a line transect distance sampling method over 3 yr in floodplain andterra firmeforests at two sites in the Tambopata region of southeast Peru. Density estimates for most species were in the range of 3.3–7.8/km2, withBrotogeris cyanopteraandAmazona farinosareaching densities of 22 and 23/km2in floodplain forest during the dry season. Parrot densities were higher in floodplain forest than interra firmeforest at both sites. The parrot communities ofterra firmeforests were similar across sites and seasons, but those in floodplain forests differed widely across sites and across seasons. Upper canopy birds are notoriously difficult to survey. We introduce a procedure to correct for the likely violation of the assumption that all birds on the transect line are detected (distance sampling assumption g(0) = 1). We correct g(0) based on calling rates of birds using a cue‐counting technique. Multipliers for g(0) differ across species and site, but not season. This method yielded density estimates on average 22 percent higher (6–40% higher in individual species) than those from the standard method.
Genetic and molecular characterization of uveal melanoma cell lines
Authors: Griewank K. G. , Yu X. , Khalili J. , Sozen M. M. , Stempke‐Hale K. , Bernatchez C. , Wardell S. , Bastian B. C. , Woodman S. E.
Published: January 2012

The recent identification of frequent activating mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 in uveal melanoma provides an opportunity to better understand the pathogenesis of this melanoma subtype and to develop rational therapeutics to target the cellular effects mediated by these mutations. Cell lines from uveal melanoma tumors are an essential tool for these types of analyses. We report the mutation status of relevant melanoma genes, expression levels of proteins of interest, and DNA fingerprinting of a panel of uveal melanoma cell lines used in the research community.