bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implants (3.3 mm Diameter) for the Rehabilitation of Edentulous Posterior Regions: A Retrospective Clinical Study with Up to 11 Years of Follow‐Up
Authors: Maló Paulo , de Araújo Nobre Miguel
Published: August 2009

Background: There is limited evidence for the use of narrow‐diameter implants for rehabilitation of the posterior regions of the jaws using different surgical techniques.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the clinical results of implant‐supported prosthetic rehabilitations in the posterior regions of both jaws, using narrow‐diameter implants.

Materials and Methods: The study included 147 patients (115 males and 32 females), with an age range of 26 to 77 years (mean = 47.5 years), with a total of 247 implants inserted and followed between 1 and 11 years, with a median follow‐up time of 5 years. The patients were in need of fixed prosthetic implant‐supported rehabilitations in the posterior region of the jaw, presenting a reduced interradicular bone or a thin alveolar crest. The implant survival estimate was computed using the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimator.

Results: The survival rate for narrow diameter implants was 95.1% at 11 years (Kaplan–Meier), with a distribution of 91.4% at 11 years, 95.9% at 10 years, and 95.5% at 9 years for the two‐stage, one‐stage, and immediate function techniques, respectively. The mean marginal bone resorption recorded at 1, 5, and 10 years were 1.16, 1.53, and 1.74 mm, respectively. Backward conditional logistic regression identified “type of implant” as a strong protective factor against implant failure (MkIII and NobelSpeedy implants compared to the MkII implant; OR = 0.14), and “type of rehabilitation” as a strong risk factor for implant failure (partial rehabilitations compared to single teeth rehabilitations; OR = 4.75).

Conclusions: The results indicate that within the limitations of this study, the use of narrow‐diameter implants for the prosthetic rehabilitation of posterior regions of the jaws is viable, with good outcomes in the long‐term, irrespective of the surgical technique implemented.
Evaluation of Different Methods of Indirect Sinus Floor Elevation for Elevation Heights of 10 mm: An Experimental Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Stelzle Florian , Benner Klaus‐Ulrich
Published: August 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to macroscopically and microscopically evaluate different methods of indirect sinus floor elevation regarding elevation heights of 10 mm.

Materials and Methods: Four different methods of indirect sinus floor elevation‐osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE), bone added osteotome sinus floor elevation (BAOSFE), piezo‐ surgical sinus floor elevation (PSFE), and sinus floor elevation with an inflatable balloon, balloon‐lift‐control system (BLC) – were macroscopically and microscopically investigated ex vivo using 36 bisected pigs’ heads.

Results: OSFE and BAOSFE perforated the Schneiderian membrane, whereas the inflatable balloon caused no laceration. PSFE elevated the mucosa without laceration as well, but was technically restricted to an elevation height of 5 mm. BAOSFE, PSFE, and BLC separated the mucosa, leaving the periosteum on the bone. OSFE completely lifted the soft tissue from the bone, including the periosteum.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that balloon elevation of the sinus floor may extend the indication for indirect sinus floor elevation for elevation heights of up to 10 mm. The histological elevation layer seems to be non‐uniform in the different sinus floor elevation methods. Further in vivo experiments have to prove these findings as well as their relevance regarding the clinical outcome of sinus floor augmentation.
Inlay versus Onlay Iliac Bone Grafting in Atrophic Posterior Mandible: A Prospective Controlled Clinical Trial for the Comparison of Two Techniques
Authors: Felice Pietro , Pistilli Roberto , Lizio Giuseppe , Pellegrino Gerardo , Nisii Alessandro , Marchetti Claudio
Published: August 2009

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of inlay and onlay bone grafting techniques in terms of vertical bone formation and implant outcomes for correcting atrophic posterior mandibles.

Materials and Methods: Twenty surgical sites were assigned to two treatment groups, inlay and onlay, with iliac crest as donor site. After 3 to 4 months, 43 implants were placed and loaded 4 months later. The median follow up after loading was 18 months.

Results: For the inlay versus onlay group, median bone gain was 4.9 versus 6.5 mm (p = .019), median bone resorption was 0.5 versus 2.75 mm (p < .001), and median final vertical augmentation was 4.1 versus 4 mm (p = .190). The implant survival rate was 100% in both groups, while the implant success rate was 90% versus 86.9% (p = .190, not significant). A minor and major complication rate of 20% and 10%, respectively, for both groups was encountered.

Conclusions: Inlay results in less bone resorption and more predictable outcomes, but requires an experienced surgeon. In contrast, onlay results in greater bone resorption and requires a bone block graft oversized in height, but involves a shorter learning curve. Once implant placement has been carried out, the outcomes are similar for both procedures.
Noninvasive imaging of microRNA124a‐mediated repression of the chromosome 14 ORF 24 gene during neurogenesis
Authors: Ko Hae Young , Lee Dong Soo , Kim Soonhag
Published: August 2009

The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) is translational repression or mRNA cleavage of target genes by binding to 3′‐UTRs of target mRNA. In this study, we investigated the functions and the target genes of microRNA124a (miR124a), and imaged the miR124a‐mediated repression of chromosome 14 open reading frame24 (c14orf24, unknown function) during neurogenesis, using noninvasive luciferase systems. The expression and functions of miR124a were investigated in neuronal differentiation of P19 cells (P19 is a mouse embryonic carcinoma cell line) by qRT‐PCR and RT‐PCR. The predicted target genes of miR124a were found by searching a bioinformatics database and confirmed by RT‐PCR analysis. Remarkable repression of c14orf24 by miR124a was detected during neurogenesis, and was imaged using in vitro and in vivo luciferase systems. The expression of miR124a was highly upregulated during neuronal differentiation. Overexpression of miR124a in P19 cells resulted in a preneuronal gene expression pattern. MicroRNA124a‐mediated repression of c14orf24 was successfully monitored during neuronal differentiation. Also, c14orf24 showed molecular biological characteristics as follows: dominant expression in the cytoplasm; a high level of expression in proliferating cells; and gradually decreased expression during neurogenesis. Our noninvasive luciferease system was used for monitoring the functions of miRNAs, to provide imaging information on miRNA‐related neurogenesis and the miRNA‐regulated molecular network in cellular metabolism and diseases.
Plant oxylipins: role of jasmonic acid during programmed cell death, defence and leaf senescence
Authors: Reinbothe Christiane , Springer Armin , Samol Iga , Reinbothe Steffen
Published: August 2009

Plants are continuously challenged by a variety of abiotic and biotic cues. To deter feeding insects, nematodes and fungal and bacterial pathogens, plants have evolved a plethora of defence strategies. A central player in many of these defence responses is jasmonic acid. It is the aim of this minireview to summarize recent findings that highlight the role of jasmonic acid during programmed cell death, plant defence and leaf senescence.
Plant oxylipins: COI1/JAZs/MYC2 as the core jasmonic acid‐signalling module
Authors: Chini Andrea , Boter Marta , Solano Roberto
Published: August 2009

Jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivates, collectively known as jasmonates (JAs), are essential signalling molecules that coordinate the plant response to biotic and abiotic challenges, in addition to several developmental processes. The COI1 F‐box and additional SCF modulators have long been known to have a crucial role in the JA‐signalling pathway. Downstream JA‐dependent transcriptional re‐programming is regulated by a cascade of transcription factors and MYC2 plays a major role. Recently, JAZ family proteins have been identified as COI1 targets and repressors of MYC2, defining the ‘missing link’ in JA signalling. JA–Ile has been proposed to be the active form of the hormone, and COI1 is an essential component of the receptor complex. These recent discoveries have defined the core JA‐signalling pathway as the module COI1/JAZs/MYC2.
Glutathione transferases kappa 1 and kappa 2 localize in peroxisomes and mitochondria, respectively, and are involved in lipid metabolism and respiration in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Petit Elise , Michelet Xavier , Rauch Claudine , Bertrand‐Michel Justine , Tercé François , Legouis Renaud , Morel Fabrice
Published: August 2009

To elucidate the function of kappa class glutathione transferases (GSTs) in multicellular organisms, their expression and silencing were investigated in Caenorhabditis elegans. In contrast with most vertebrates, which possess only one GST kappa gene, two distinct genes encoding GSTK‐1 and GSTK‐2 are present in the C. elegans genome. The amino acid sequences of GSTK‐1 and GSTK‐2 share around 30% similarity with the human hGSTK1 sequence and, like the human transferase, GSTK‐1 contains a C‐terminal peroxisomal targeting sequence. gstk‐1 and gstk‐2 genes show distinct developmental and tissue expression patterns. We show that GSTK‐2 is localized in the mitochondria and expressed mainly in the pharynx, muscles and epidermis, whereas GSTK‐1 is restricted to peroxisomes and expressed in the intestine, body wall muscles and epidermis. In order to determine the potential role(s) of GST kappa genes in C. elegans, specific silencing of the gstk‐1 and gstk‐2 genes was performed by an RNA interference approach. Knockdown of gstk‐1 or gstk‐2 had no apparent effect on C. elegans reproduction, development, locomotion or lifespan. By contrast, when biological functions (oxygen consumption and lipid metabolism) related to peroxisomes and/or mitochondria were investigated, we observed a significant decrease in respiration rate and a lower concentration of the monounsaturated fatty acid cis‐vaccenic acid (18:1ω7) when worms were fed on bacteria expressing RNA interference targeting both gstk‐1 and gstk‐2. These results demonstrate that GST kappa, although not essential for the worm’s life, may be involved in energetic and lipid metabolism, two functions related to mitochondria and peroxisomes.
Parkin deficiency disrupts calcium homeostasis by modulating phospholipase C signalling
Authors: Sandebring Anna , Dehvari Nodi , Perez‐Manso Monica , Thomas Kelly Jean , Karpilovski Elena , Cookson Mark R. , Cowburn Richard F. , Cedazo‐Mínguez Angel
Published: August 2009

Mutations in the E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin cause early‐onset, autosomal‐recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AJRP), presumably as a result of a lack of function that alters the level, activity, aggregation or localization of its substrates. Recently, we have reported that phospholipase Cγ1 is a substrate for parkin. In this article, we show that parkin mutants and siRNA parkin knockdown cells possess enhanced levels of phospholipase Cγ1 phosphorylation, basal phosphoinositide hydrolysis and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The protein levels of Ca2+‐regulated protein kinase Cα were decreased in AJRP parkin mutant cells. Neomycin and dantrolene both decreased the intracellular Ca2+ levels in parkin mutants in comparison with those seen in wild‐type parkin cells, suggesting that the differences were a consequence of altered phospholipase C activity. The protection of wild‐type parkin against 6‐hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) toxicity was also established in ARJP mutants on pretreatment with dantrolene, implying that a balancing Ca2+ release from ryanodine‐sensitive stores decreases the toxic effects of 6OHDA. Our findings suggest that parkin is an important factor for maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis and that parkin deficiency leads to a phospholipase C‐dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels, which make cells more vulnerable to neurotoxins, such as 6OHDA.
Game Vertebrate Densities in Hunted and Nonhunted Forest Sites in Manu National Park, Peru
Authors: Endo Whaldener , Peres Carlos A. , Salas Edith , Mori Sandra , Sanchez‐Vega Jose‐Luis , Shepard Glenn H. , Pacheco Victor , Yu Douglas W.
Published: August 2009

Manu National Park of southern Peru is one of the most renowned protected areas in the world, yet large‐bodied vertebrate surveys conducted to date have been restricted to Cocha Cashu Biological Station, a research station covering <0.06 percent of the 1.7 Mha park. Manu Park is occupied by >460 settled Matsigenka Amerindians, 300–400 isolated Matsigenka, and several, little‐known groups of isolated hunter–gatherers, yet the impact of these native Amazonians on game vertebrate populations within the park remains poorly understood. On the basis of 1495 km of standardized line‐transect censuses, we present density and biomass estimates for 23 mammal, bird, and reptile species for seven lowland and upland forest sites in Manu Park, including Cocha Cashu. We compare these estimates between hunted and nonhunted sites within Manu Park, and with other Neotropical forest sites. Manu Park safeguards some of the most species‐rich and highest biomass assemblages of arboreal and terrestrial mammals ever recorded in Neotropical forests, most likely because of its direct Andean influence and high levels of soil fertility. Relative to Barro Colorado Island, seed predators and arboreal folivores in Manu are rare, and generalist frugivores specializing on mature fruit pulp are abundant. The impact of such a qualitative shift in the vertebrate community on the dynamics of plant regeneration, and therefore, on our understanding of tropical plant ecology, must be profound. Despite a number of external threats, Manu Park continues to serve as a baseline against which other Neotropical forests can be gauged.

Abstract in Spanish is available athttp://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
Tree Diversity, Forest Structure and Productivity along Altitudinal and Topographical Gradients in a Species‐Rich Ecuadorian Montane Rain Forest
Authors: Homeier Jürgen , Breckle Siegmar‐W. , Günter Sven , Rollenbeck Rütger T. , Leuschner Christoph
Published: August 2009

We studied the spatial heterogeneity of tree diversity, and of forest structure and productivity in a highly diverse tropical mountain area in southern Ecuador with the aim of understanding the causes of the large variation in these parameters. Two major environmental gradients, elevation and topography, representing a broad range of climatic and edaphic site conditions, were analyzed. We found the highest species richness of trees in valleys <2100 m. Valleys showed highest values of basal area, leaf area index and tree basal area increment as well. Tree diversity also increased from ridges to valleys, while canopy openness decreased. Significant relationships existed between tree diversity and soil parameters (pH, total contents of Mg, K, Ca, N and P), and between diversity and the spatial variability of pH and Ca and Mg contents suggesting a dependence of tree diversity on both absolute levels and on the small‐scale heterogeneity of soil nutrient availability. Tree diversity and basal area increment were positively correlated, partly because both are similarly affected by soil conditions. We conclude that the extraordinarily high tree species richness in the area is primarily caused by three factors: (1) the existence of steep altitudinal and topographic gradients in a rather limited area creating a small‐scale mosaic of edaphically different habitats; (2) the intermingling of Amazonian lowland plant species, that reach their upper distribution limits, and of montane forest species; and (3) the geographical position of the study area between the humid eastern Andean slope and the dry interandean forests of South Ecuador.
Pollen Tube Growth: a Delicate Equilibrium Between Secretory and Endocytic Pathways
Authors: Moscatelli Alessandra , Idilli Aurora Irene
Published: August 2009

Although pollen tube growth is a prerequisite for higher plant fertilization and seed production, the processes leading to pollen tube emission and elongation are crucial for understanding the basic mechanisms of tip growth. It was generally accepted that pollen tube elongation occurs by accumulation and fusion of Golgi‐derived secretory vesicles (SVs) in the apical region, or clear zone, where they were thought to fuse with a restricted area of the apical plasma membrane (PM), defining the apical growth domain. Fusion of SVs at the tip reverses outside cell wall material and provides new segments of PM. However, electron microscopy studies have clearly shown that the PM incorporated at the tip greatly exceeds elongation and a mechanism of PM retrieval was already postulated in the mid‐nineteenth century. Recent studies on endocytosis during pollen tube growth showed that different endocytic pathways occurred in distinct zones of the tube, including the apex, and led to a new hypothesis to explain vesicle accumulation at the tip; namely, that endocytic vesicles contribute substantially to V‐shaped vesicle accumulation in addition to SVs and that exocytosis does not involve the entire apical domain. New insights suggested the intriguing hypothesis that modulation between exo‐ and endocytosis in the apex contributes to maintain PM polarity in terms of lipid/protein composition and showed distinct degradation pathways that could have different functions in the physiology of the cell. Pollen tube growth in vivo is closely regulated by interaction with style molecules. The study of endocytosis and membrane recycling in pollen tubes opens new perspectives to studying pollen tube‐style interactions in vivo.
Testing and Implementing the Use of Multiple Bidding Rounds in Conservation Auctions: A Case Study Application
Authors: Rolfe John , Windle Jill , McCosker Juliana
Published: August 2009

Conservation auctions are typically framed as closed, discriminatory, single round, first‐price auctions, and are based on the assumption that landholders will offer bids determined by their “independent private values.” Where landholders are unfamiliar with conservation tender processes and the supply of environmental services, they may find it very difficult to construct bids in this way. Bid values may be influenced by other factors, such as concerns about “winner's curse,” a desire to capture economic rent, and premiums for risk and uncertainty factors. Sealed, single round auctions may exacerbate information gaps and uncertainty factors because of the limited information flows compared to traditional market exchanges and open, ascending auctions. In this paper, the cost efficiencies of a multiple bidding round auction for landholder management actions are explored with the use of field experiments and a conservation auction. The case study application is improved grazing management in a rangeland area of Australia, where landholders are unfamiliar with supplying environmental services or conservation auctions. Results suggest that multiple round auctions may be associated with efficiency gains, particularly in initial rounds.

Les enchères pour la conservation sont généralement des enchères au premier prix, à un tour, discriminatoires et par offre écrite. Elles reposent sur l’hypothèque que les offres des propriétaires fonciers refléteront leur ≪valeur privée≫. Lorsque les propriétaires fonciers ne sont pas familiers avec les processus d’enchères pour la conservation et la prestation de services environnementaux, ils peuvent éprouver de la difficultéà attribuer une valeur à leur offre. Cette valeur peut‐être influencée par d’autres facteurs, tels que la crainte de la ≪malédiction du vainqueur ≫, le désir de réaliser une rente économique, les primes de risque et les facteurs d’incertitude. Les enchères scellées à un tour peuvent aggraver le manque d’information et les facteurs d’incertitude étant donné que les enchérisseurs disposent de peu d’information comparativement aux enchères ascendantes ouvertes traditionnelles. Dans le présent article, nous avons examiné, à l’aide d’expériences sur le terrain et d’enchères pour la conservation, l’efficacité‐coût d’une enchère à tours multiples pour des mesures de gestion de la part de propriétaires fonciers. L’exercice visait à améliorer la gestion des pâturages d’un parcours naturel en Australie, où les propriétaires fonciers ne sont pas familiers avec la prestation de services environnementaux ni avec les enchères pour la conservation. Les résultats autorisent à penser que les enchères à tours multiples pourraient offrir des gains d’efficience, particulièrement durant les premiers tours.
Consumer Response to Information about a Functional Food Product: Apples Enriched with Antioxidants
Authors: Markosyan Armenak , McCluskey Jill J. , Wahl Thomas I.
Published: August 2009

Interest in functional foods has been growing as consumers become increasingly concerned with diet and nutrition. This article measures consumers' responses to apples enriched with an antioxidant coating. Antioxidant‐enriched apples are believed to provide additional health benefits reducing the risk of cancer and heart diseases. We discuss the consumer's benefit‐risk trade‐offs. Although functional food products provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, some consumers may reject them because they utilize new technology. Face‐to‐face consumer surveys with contingent valuation questions were conducted in Seattle and Spokane, Washington in 2006. Consumers who choose where to shop based on organic availability are less likely to pay a premium for apples enriched with antioxidants. Also, there is evidence that consumers in Spokane are more likely to pay a premium for the product than consumers in supermarkets in Seattle. Information regarding the potential health benefits of antioxidants has a positive significant effect on consumers' willingness to pay (WTP). The estimated mean WTP suggests that there is a small premium associated with this product in the mind of an average consumer.

L'intérêt pour les aliments fonctionnels ne cesse de croître étant donné que les consommateurs s'intéressent de plus en plus au régime alimentaire et à la nutrition. Le présent article évalue la réaction des consommateurs à la vente de pommes enrobées d'antioxydants. On croit que les pommes enrichies d'antioxydants procureraient des bienfaits supplémentaires pour la santé en diminuant le risque de cancer et de cardiopathies. Nous avons examiné les avantages et les risques pour le consommateur. Bien que les aliments fonctionnels apportent des bienfaits pour la santé en plus d'une nutrition de base, certains consommateurs peuvent les refuser parce qu'ils ont nécessité l'utilisation de nouvelles technologies. En 2006, nous avons effectué, à Seattle et à Spokane dans l'État de Washington, des sondages en personne à l'aide de l'approche des préférences exprimées. Les consommateurs qui choisissaient un magasin d'alimentation en fonction de la disponibilité de produits biologiques étaient moins enclins à payer une prime pour obtenir des pommes enrichies d'antioxydants. Les consommateurs de Spokane ont semblé plus enclins à payer une prime pour ce produit que les consommateurs qui fréquentaient les supermarchés de Seattle. L'information sur les bienfaits potentiels des antioxydants sur la santé a des répercussions positives considérables sur la volonté de payer des consommateurs. La volonté de payer moyenne estimative laisse supposer que, dans l'esprit du consommateur moyen, ce produit procure un certain avantage.
The Role of Income in Trading‐Differentiated Agri‐Food Products: The Case of Canada, the United States, and Selected EU Countries
Authors: Haq Zahoor , Meilke Karl
Published: August 2009

This study investigates the role of income in determining the agri‐food exports of a subset of EU countries, Canada, and the United States by estimating per capita bilateral trade flows for 42 individual products categorized into nine product sectors across 52 countries for the period 1990–2000. About 43% of the total observations of bilateral trade flows for the selected regions and products are zero. Therefore, the fixed‐effects Heckman Maximum Likelihood estimation procedure is used to account for the zero observations. The results show that, in general, the three regions (Canada, the EU countries, United States) face statistically significant and positive income elasticities from developing countries. However, only Canadian and United States’ exports of agri‐food products benefit from elastic income elasticities. Middle‐income developing countries are the growth market of the future as growth in their expenditures on agri‐food imports outpaces the growth in their per capita incomes. Homotheticity is consistently rejected for Canada and the EU and less often for the United States. Thus, income plays an important role in agri‐food trade; however, further investigation is needed to better understand the forces that generate rather widely divergent results across countries and products.

Dans la présente étude, nous avons examiné le rôle du revenu sur les exportations agroalimentaires de certains pays de l’Union européenne (UE), du Canada et des États‐Unis en estimant les échanges commerciaux bilatéraux par habitant de 42 produits issus de neuf secteurs de production dans 52 pays, pour la période allant de 1990 à 2000. Environ 43 p. 100 des observations d’échanges commerciaux bilatéraux pour les pays et les produits choisis étaient égales à zéro. Nous avons utilisé la méthode d’estimation du maximum de vraisemblance d’Heckman pour tenir compte des échanges nuls. Les résultats ont montré que, en règle générale, les trois zones (Canada, pays de l’UE et États‐Unis) sont confrontées aux élasticités−revenu positives et statistiquement significatives des pays en développement. Toutefois, seules les exportations canadiennes et étatsuniennes de produits agroalimentaires bénéficient d’une élasticité‐revenu élevée. Les pays en développement à revenu intermédiaire sont les marchés en expansion de l’avenir puisque la croissance de leurs importations agroalimentaires dépasse la croissance de leur revenu par habitant. L’homothéticité est systématiquement rejetée dans le cas du Canada et l’UE, et l’est moins souvent dans le cas des États‐Unis. Le revenu joue un rôle important dans le commerce agroalimentaire; toutefois, il faudrait effectuer des recherches supplémentaires afin de mieux comprendre les forces qui génèrent des résultats fort divergents entre les pays et les produits.
Thermal Treatment of Eight CVOC Source Zones to Near Nondetect Concentrations
Authors: Heron Gorm , Parker Ken , Galligan Jim , Holmes Thomas C.
Published: August 2009

In situ thermal desorption (ISTD) was used for the treatment of eight separate source zones containing chlorinated solvents in a tight loess (silt/clay) above the water table. The source areas were as much as 365 m (1200 feet) apart. A target volume of 38,200 m3 (49,950 cubic yards) of subsurface material to a depth of 9.1 m (30 feet) was treated in a period of 177 days. Energy was delivered through 367 thermal conduction heater borings, and vapors were extracted from 68 vertical vacuum wells. A vapor extraction and capture system, including a surface cover and vertical vacuum wells next to heater borings, provided for effective pneumatic control and capture of the chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) vapors. A central treatment system, based on condensation and granular activated carbon filtration, was used to treat the vapors. Approximately 5675 kg (12,500 pounds) of contaminants was recovered in the extracted vapors. Forty‐seven soil samples were used to document remedial performance. Based on these, the concentrations of the target contaminants were reduced to below the target remedial goals in all eight areas, typically with concentrations below 0.01 mg/kg in locations that had had CVOC concentrations higher than 1000 mg/kg. Turn‐key costs for the thermal remediation were $3.9 million, and the unit treatment cost, including all utilities, was $103 per cubic meter treated ($79 per cubic yard).
Condom Provision and Education in Minnesota Public Schools: A Telephone Survey of Parents*
Authors: Eisenberg Marla E. , Bernat Debra H. , Bearinger Linda H. , Resnick Michael D.
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Increasing correct and consistent condom use among sexually active adolescents continues to be a critical public health goal, with schools serving as key agents for achieving this goal through sexuality education and condom use provision. This research aims to describe the views of parents regarding school‐based condom distribution and education programs, and examines how these views differ across demographic groups.

METHODS: Parents of school‐age children in Minnesota were surveyed in telephone interviews (N = 1605; 63% participation) regarding their beliefs about condom availability and education. Chi‐square tests of significance were used to detect differences in agreement with each statement for 10 demographic and personal characteristics.

RESULTS: A majority of respondents held supportive views about condom availability and education programs. Strongest support centered on statements in the survey about teenagers needing information about condoms (86%) and showing actual condoms during classroom lessons (77%). Approximately two thirds of the parents agreed that school‐based instruction about condoms should be “allowed” at the high school level (65%), and one fifth (21%) believed that this type of education should be “required.” Support for condom availability and education programs differed significantly according to certain personal characteristics, with less supportive views from self‐identified Born Again Christians and politically conservative parents.

CONCLUSIONS: Public discourse regarding school‐based sexuality education should include the viewpoints of parents of school‐aged children as key stakeholders. Parents' perspectives provide unique and critical insights that school administrators and educators should consider as they develop educational and programmatic offerings regarding condoms.
Porphyrin and Nonporphyrin Photosensitizers in Oncology: Preclinical and Clinical Advances in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: O’Connor Aisling E. , Gallagher William M. , Byrne Annette T.
Published: August 2009

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now a well‐recognized modality for the treatment of cancer. While PDT has developed progressively over the last century, great advances have been observed in the field in recent years. The concept of dual selectivity of PDT agents is now widely accepted due to the relative specificity and selectivity of PDT along with the absence of harmful side effects often encountered with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Traditionally, porphyrin‐based photosensitizers have dominated the PDT field but these first generation photosensitizers have several disadvantages, with poor light absorption and cutaneous photosensitivity being the predominant side effects. As a result, the requirement for new photosensitizers, including second generation porphyrins and porphyrin derivatives as well as third generation photosensitizers has arisen, with the aim of alleviating the problems encountered with first generation porphyrins and improving the efficacy of PDT. The investigation of nonporphyrin photosensitizers for the development of novel PDT agents has been considerably less extensive than porphyrin‐based compounds; however, structural modification of nonporphyrin photosensitizers has allowed for manipulation of the photochemotherapeutic properties. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into PDT photosensitizers clinically approved for application in oncology, as well as those which show significant potential in ongoing preclinical studies.
Assessment of UV Biological Spectral Weighting Functions for Phenolic Metabolites and Growth Responses in Silver Birch Seedlings
Authors: Kotilainen Titta , Venäläinen Tuulia , Tegelberg Riitta , Lindfors Anders , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta , Sutinen Sirkka , O’Hara Robert B. , Aphalo Pedro J.
Published: August 2009

In research concerning stratospheric ozone depletion, action spectra are used as biological spectral weighting functions (BSWFs) for describing the effects of UV radiation on plant responses. Our aim was to evaluate the appropriateness of six frequently used BSWFs that differ in effectiveness with increasing wavelength. The evaluation of action spectra was based on calculating the effective UV radiation doses according to 1–2) two formulations of the generalized plant action spectrum, 3) a spectrum for ultraviolet induced erythema in human skin, 4) a spectrum for the accumulation of a flavonol inMesembryanthemum crystallinum, 5) a spectrum for DNA damage in alfalfa seedlings and 6) the plant growth action spectrum. We monitored effects of UV radiation on the concentration of individual UV absorbing metabolites and chlorophyll concentrations in leaves and growth responses of silver birch (Betula pendula) seedlings. Experiments were conducted outdoors using plastic films attenuating different parts of the UV spectrum. Chlorophyll concentrations and growth were not affected by the UV treatments. The response to UV radiation varied between and within groups of phenolics. In general, the observed responses of phenolic groups and individual flavonoids were best predicted by action spectra extending into the UV‐A region with moderate effectiveness.
Forensic identification of the guitarfish species Rhinobatos horkelli, R. percellens and Zapteryx brevirostris using multiplex‐PCR
Authors: DE‐FRANCO B. , MENDONÇA F. F. , HASHIMOTO D. T. , PORTO‐FORESTI F. , OLIVEIRA C. , FORESTI F.
Published: August 2009

Rhinobatos percellens, Rhinobatos horkelli and Zapteryx brevirostris, known as guitarfish, are commonly found inshore and caught by trawl nets. Recently, these species have been suffering sharp population declines. One of the main impediments to the development of conservation plans is the lack of information related to each species catch. Gathering this information is made more difficult by the fishermen’s practice of removing parts of the animals before landing, as well as the morphological similarities among the three species. To address these issues, this work presents multiplex‐PCR protocols that were developed to distinguish among these species using their genetic characteristics.
OVERHEAD COST ALLOCATION IN AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
Authors: BLAYNEY PAUL J. , JOYE MARC P. , KELLY ROBERT A.
Published: August 2009

Cost and management accounting practices are being criticised for their deficiencies in providing firms with high‐quality information for decisionmaking. While empirical data exist for overseas countries, little information, if any, is available for Australian companies. This paper reports the results of a survey addressed in November 1989 to the 2,000 largest Australian manufacturing companies. A contingency approach (using firm size, diversification, decentralisation, international exposure and industry as contingent variables) is suggested to explain various cost‐allocation practices. Responses from 430 firms provided the information used in this study.
A CODE FOR CORPORATE PRACTICES AND CONDUCT: RESHAPING COMPANY BOARDS?
Authors: ARTHUR NEAL
Published: August 2009

A set of proposals on corporate conduct, prepared under the auspices of the National Companies and Securities Commission, was widely circulated for discussion during 1990 and issued in its final form in December. The proposals constitute a self‐regulatory code which may significantly influence the control and decision‐making structures of listed companies, particularly through its guidelines on the composition of the board of directors. This paper concludes that there is evidence that further regulating board memberships could impose costs on shareholders of companies which favour certain board structures.
Variation in injury risk over the course of a two-day youth club soccer tournament
Authors: Rosenbaum D A , Silvis M L , Williams J E , Davis S W
Published: August 2009

Athletic injury risk in youth is known to be greater in organised sport, higher levels of competition, games, and tournaments, yet young athletes are often expected to participate in tournaments that involve multiple matches per day on consecutive days. In 2006 and 2008 injury rates were observed during a club youth soccer tournament that involved athletes aged 9–18 years playing three to four matches over two consecutive days, to determine if injury risk varied over the course of the event. The injury rate for day 1 was 7.91/1000 hours with a mean severity of 3.5 days missed versus a day 2 rate of 6.75 and severity of 2.3. The rate and severity for the first game in a day were 7.13 and 3.5 respectively compared to 7.9 and 2.5 for game 2. Further research is needed to determine if a high density match schedule increases injury risk for youth soccer players.
Non-fatal injury rates among the “left-behind children” of rural China
Authors: Shen M , Yang S , Han J , Shi J , Yang R , Du Y , Stallones L
Published: August 2009

Objective:

To investigate patterns of non-fatal unintentional injuries among “left-behind children” in Macheng, China.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in September and October, 2006. Age-specific and sex-specific injury rates were calculated.

Results:

3019 students were interviewed in six schools. Of these, 1182 were identified as “left-behind”; 62.3% had both parents away from home, and 37.7% had one parent away from home. The annual injury rate per 1000 among left-behind children was more than twice that of children living with both parents: 252.9 (95% CI 233.0 to 273.0) and 119.8 (95% CI 105 to 134), respectively. Male left-behind children had the highest annual injury rate: 316.4 (95% CI 295 to 338) per 1000. The three leading external causes of injury were similar for both groups of children: falls (33.8%); mechanical injuries (16.2%); and animal bites (14.5%).The location where injuries occurred were home (32.0%), school (26.0%) and roadways (23.9%) for left-behind children. There were no significant associations between the identified guardian and injury mechanism.

Conclusions:

A large proportion of students in the schools of rural Macheng are left-behind children. Left-behind children have a higher injury rate than those in the care of both parents. This may be important in the development of injury prevention strategies in rural communities in China.
Effectiveness of a community-based multifaceted fall-prevention intervention in active and independent older Chinese adults
Authors: Xia Q H , Jiang Y , Niu C J , Tang C X , Xia Z L
Published: August 2009

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an 18-month multifaceted intervention designed to reduce the incidence of falls in community-living older adults in China.

Methods:

A population-based community trial evaluated by before-and-after cross-sectional surveys. Four residential communities were randomised to either a multifaceted intervention or a control condition. Baseline information was collected from a sample of older adults in each community. A 1-year annual fall rate was calculated after an 18-month comprehensive intervention.

Results:

After intervention, 7.19% of the intervention community sample reported falls, compared with 17.86% of the control community sample (p<0.000). The annual fall rate decreased by 10.52% in the intervention communities, whereas the difference in control communities was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Multifaceted interventions in community settings may be useful in preventing falls among older people, and can be applied in similar settings in China.
Are school zones effective? An examination of motor vehicle versus child pedestrian crashes near schools
Authors: Warsh J , Rothman L , Slater M , Steverango C , Howard A
Published: August 2009

Objective:

To analyse the relationships between factors related to school location and motor vehicle versus child pedestrian collisions.

Methods:

Data on all police-reported motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians less than 18 years of age that occurred in Toronto, Canada, between 2000 and 2005 were analysed. Geographic information systems (GIS) software was used to assess the distance of each collision relative to school location. The relationships between distance from school and collision-related factors such as temporal patterns of school travel times and crossing locations were analysed.

Results:

Study data showed a total of 2717 motor vehicle versus child (<18) pedestrian collisions. The area density of collisions (collisions/area), particularly fatal collisions, was highest in school zones and decreased as distance from schools increased. The highest proportion of collisions (37.3%) occurred among 10–14-year-olds. Within school zones, collisions were more likely to occur among 5–9-year-old children as they travelled to and from school during months when school was in session. Most collisions within school zones occurred at midblock locations versus intersections.

Conclusions:

Focusing interventions around schools with attention to age, travel times, and crossing location will reduce the burden of injury in children. Future studies that take into account traffic and pedestrian volume surrounding schools would be useful for prevention efforts as well as for promotion of walking. These results will help identify priorities and emphasise the importance of considering spatial and temporal patterns in child pedestrian research.
Bayesian methods: a useful tool for classifying injury narratives into cause groups
Authors: Lehto M , Marucci-Wellman H , Corns H
Published: August 2009

To compare two Bayesian methods (Fuzzy and Naïve) for classifying injury narratives in large administrative databases into event cause groups, a dataset of 14 000 narratives was randomly extracted from claims filed with a worker’s compensation insurance provider. Two expert coders assigned one-digit and two-digit Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Injury and Illness Classification event codes to each narrative. The narratives were separated into a training set of 11 000 cases and a prediction set of 3000 cases. The training set was used to develop two Bayesian classifiers that assigned BLS codes to narratives. Each model was then evaluated for the prediction set. Both models performed well and tended to predict one-digit BLS codes more accurately than two-digit codes. The overall sensitivity of the Fuzzy method was, respectively, 78% and 64% for one-digit and two-digit codes, specificity was 93% and 95%, and positive predictive value (PPV) was 78% and 65%. The Naïve method showed similar accuracy: a sensitivity of 80% and 70%, specificity of 96% and 97%, and PPV of 80% and 70%. For large administrative databases, Bayesian methods show significant promise as a means of classifying injury narratives into cause groups. Overall, Naïve Bayes provided slightly more accurate predictions than Fuzzy Bayes.
New Zealand Drivers Study: a follow-up study of newly licensed drivers
Authors: Begg D , Langley J , Broughton J , Brookland R , Ameratunga S , McDowell A
Published: August 2009

Background:

Despite significant improvement since graduated licensing was introduced, traffic-related injury remains the leading cause of death and hospitalisation among young New Zealanders. Most research to date has used routinely collected crash data but has been limited in that these databases do not, and realistically cannot, include the level of detail required to ensure that learner driver policy and programmes are based on sound scientific evidence applicable to young drivers in the current New Zealand context.

Objectives:

To examine the driving-related experiences of newly licensed drivers to identify factors associated with increased or decreased risk of negative traffic outcomes.

Design:

Multistage prospective cohort study.

Setting:

New Zealand.

Participants:

Newly licensed drivers.

Variables:

Exposures: background demographic details, pre-licence driving, previous crashes, driving intentions, motivations for driving and licensing, sensation seeking, aggression, impulsivity, quality and quantity of driving experience, driving supervision, driving behaviour, alcohol and other drug use, compliance with New Zealand’s graduated driver licensing scheme, driver training/education, cell phone use, and sleep.Outcomes: crash, conviction, infringements, risky driving.

Data sources:

Exposures: participants and their parents.Outcomes: participants and official records.

Bias:

On the basis of a pilot study, participation and attrition bias are likely to be minimal. A comparison of baseline data for those followed and those not followed will be undertaken. Information bias will be minimised by standardised questionnaires. Information on potential confounders is to be collected and controlled for in analyses.

Study size:

5000 (including 1500 Māori).

Statistical Methods:

Survival analysis, logistic or Poisson regression, generalised estimating equations.
Analysis of Trace Elements in Chinese Therapeutic Foods and Herbs
Authors: Xu Hong , Xu Hou-En
Published: August 2009

The bioactive elements in Chinese therapeutic foods and herbs that are frequently consumed by people in both the East and West are analyzed. These elements in their appropriate dosage range are considered to be beneficial to health. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) were applied to determine the concentrations of various elements. Twenty-two Chinese therapeutic foods and herbs, resourced from the traditional high therapeutic quality areas or provinces were selected. Bioactive analysis focused on Lanthanum ( La ), Strontium ( Sr ), Zinc ( Zn ) and Selenium ( Se ), especially in the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and its associate disorders. The higher elemental concentration herbs, La in: Rhizoma Gastrodiae Elatae, Fructus Crataegi and Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae. Sr in: Radix Puerariae and Folium Ginkgo Biloba. Zn in: Flos Carthami Tinctorii and Fructus Crataegi. Se in: Flos Lonicerae Japonicae and Portulaca Oleracea. The results mainly showed that Chinese herbs which are also therapeutic foods may be used as nutritional supplements for preventing and treating elemental deficiency, e.g., hyperlipidemia. More attention in this regard should be paid to herbs that contain La and are traditionally used for regulating cardiovascular disorders. The knowledge of the effects and concentrations of bioactive elements in foods and herbs could guide the selection of Chinese herbs in clinical practice in conjunction with traditional Chinese medicine theories. Further studies should also be considered in relation to Sr , Zn and blood regulating herbs, which could prove to be beneficial.