bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Clinical Trial of Implant‐Supported Ceramic–Ceramic and Metal–Ceramic Fixed Dental Prostheses: Preliminary Results
Authors: Esquivel‐Upshaw Josephine F. , Clark Arthur E. , Shuster Jonathan J. , Anusavice Kenneth J.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the survival rates over time of implant‐supported ceramic–ceramic and metal–ceramic prostheses as a function of core‐veneer thickness ratio, gingival connector embrasure design, and connector height.

Materials and Methods

An IRB‐approved, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted as a single‐blind pilot study involving 55 patients missing three teeth in either one or two posterior areas. These patients (34 women; 21 men; age range 52–75 years) were recruited for the study to receive a three‐unit implant‐supported fixed dental prosthesis (FDP). Two implants were placed for each of the 72 FDPs in the study. The implants (Osseospeed, Astra Tech), which were made of titanium, were grit blasted. A gold‐shaded, custom‐milled titanium abutment (Atlantis, Astra Tech), was secured to each implant body. Each of the 72 FDPs in 55 patients were randomly assigned based on one of the following options: (1) A. Material: ceramic–ceramic (Yttria‐stabilized zirconia core, pressable fluorapatite glass‐ceramic, IPS e.max ZirCAD, and ZirPress, Ivoclar Vivadent) B. metal–ceramic (palladium‐based noble alloy, Capricorn, Ivoclar Vivadent, with press‐on leucite‐reinforced glass‐ceramic veneer, IPS InLine POM, Ivoclar Vivadent); (2) occlusal veneer thickness (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm); (3) curvature of gingival embrasure (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mm diameter); and (4) connector height (3, 4, and 5 mm). FDPs were fabricated and cemented with dual‐cure resin cement (RelyX, Universal Cement, 3M ESPE). Patients were recalled at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. FDPs were examined for cracks, fracture, and general surface quality.

Results

Recall exams of 72 prostheses revealed 10 chipping fractures. No fractures occurred within the connector or embrasure areas. Two‐sided Fisher's exact tests showed no significant correlation between fractures and type of material system (p = 0.51), veneer thickness (p = 0.75), radius of curvature of gingival embrasure (p = 0.68), and connector height (p = 0.91).

Conclusions

Although there were no significant associations between connector height, curvature of gingival embrasure, core/veneer thickness ratio, and material system and the survival probability of implant‐supported FDPs with zirconia as a core material, the small number of fractures precludes a definitive conclusion on the dominant controlling factor.
Penalizing Men Who Request a Family Leave: Is Flexibility Stigma a Femininity Stigma?
Authors: Rudman Laurie A. , Mescher Kris
Published: June 2013

Men who request a family leave are viewed as poor organizational citizens and ineligible for rewards. In addition to a poor worker stigma, we found that male leave requesters suffer femininity stigma. Compared with control targets, male leave requesters were viewed as higher on weak, feminine traits (e.g., weak and uncertain), and lower on agentic masculine traits (e.g., competitive and ambitious). Perceptions of weakness uniquely predicted greater risk for penalties (e.g., being demoted or downsized) and fully accounted for the effect of poor worker stigma on male leave requesters’ penalties. By contrast, the poor worker stigma and both agency and weakness perceptions contributed to their reward recommendations. Results were comparable regardless of the reason given for requesting a family leave, target race (White or Black), and participant gender. The implications of these findings for work–life balance and gender equality are discussed.
Ask and Ye Shall Receive? The Dynamics of Employer‐Provided Flexible Work Options and the Need for Public Policy
Authors: Brescoll Victoria L. , Glass Jennifer , Sedlovskaya Alexandra
Published: June 2013

This article addresses two fundamental questions about flexible scheduling: Do managers use ascriptive information in deciding which requests for flexible work scheduling to grant among employees? And, do employees comprehend this managerial bias in deciding whether to ask for flexible work arrangements? Study 1 found that managers were most likely to grant flextime to high‐status men seeking flexible schedules in order to advance their careers. In contrast, flexible scheduling requests from women were unlikely to be granted irrespective of their job status or reason. In Study 2, we found that employees were unaware of these managerial biases: women assigned high‐status jobs and requests for career advancement reasons were the most likely to think their requests would be granted, while men in the same scenarios were least likely to believe this. Organizational and policy implications are discussed.
Quantitative Analysis of Transcripts of the Open Reading Frames of Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Virus Genome By One‐multiplex RT‐PCR: Evidence for a High Transcript Level of Suppressor Gene in Sink Leaves
Authors: ElSayed Abdelaleim Ismail , Komor Ewald
Published: June 2013

The transcript levels of four genome parts of the Sugarcane yellow leaf virus representing the different open reading frames were determined in sink leaves, source leaves and mature internodes of two SCYLV‐susceptible and one SCYLV‐resistant Hawaiian sugarcane cultivar. Amplification products were resolved by capillary gel electrophoresis and detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Sink leaves had higher transcript levels of ORF0‐1, which codes for a suppressor protein, than source leaves and internodes. The transcript levels for ORF3‐4, which code for capsid protein and movement protein, were significantly lower in source leaves in two of the three cultivars than in sink leaves and internodes. The differences between the cultivars could not be related to SCYLV resistance, however. We propose the transcription of the viral open reading frames, especially of the gene for the suppressor protein, is modulated in the plant.
Chemical and structural defensive external strategies in six sabellid worms (Annelida)
Authors: Giangrande Adriana , Licciano Margherita , Schirosi Roberto , Musco Luigi , Stabili Loredana
Published: June 2013

In the marine environment, sessile invertebrates have developed an impressive array of mechanisms to avoid predation, bacterial exploitation, and epibiotic overgrowth. In the present study we investigated several defensive strategies adopted by six sabellids: the hard bottom species Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791), Branchiomma luctuosum Grube, 1869, Branchiomma bairdi (McIntosh, 1885), and Sabellastarte spectabilis (Grube, 1878), and the soft bottom species Myxicola infundibulum (Renier, 1804), and Megalomma lanigera (Grube, 1846), which have different morphological characteristics and geographical distribution. We examined and compared some defensive features such as branchial crown toughness, tube structure and strength, amount of released mucus, and antibacterial lysozyme‐activity in the mucus. The investigated species utilize a combination of defence and deterrence strategies that seems to be related to the colonized habitat. Tube strength was, higher in the hard bottom species compared with the soft bottom ones, where the tubes are generally buried and protected within the sediment. Branchial crown appeared stronger and resistant in hard bottom species, except for S. spallanzanii, which is the species showing the strongest tube. Sabella spallanzanii, M. infundibulum and S. spectabilis secreted high amount of mucus with high lysozyme‐like activity. By contrast, B. luctuosum, B. bairdi, and M. lanigera produced low amounts of mucus exerting lower antibacterial activity.
Uncoupling of reactive oxygen species accumulation and defence signalling in the metal hyperaccumulator plant Noccaea caerulescens
Authors: Fones Helen N. , Eyles Chris J. , Bennett Mark H. , Smith J. Andrew C. , Preston Gail M.
Published: June 2013

The metal hyperaccumulator plant Noccaea caerulescens is protected from disease by the accumulation of high concentrations of metals in its aerial tissues, which are toxic to many pathogens. As these metals can lead to the production of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS), metal hyperaccumulator plants have developed highly effective ROS tolerance mechanisms, which might quench ROS‐based signals. We therefore investigated whether metal accumulation alters defence signalling via ROS in this plant.

We studied the effect of zinc (Zn) accumulation by N. caerulescens on pathogen‐induced ROS production, salicylic acid accumulation and downstream defence responses, such as callose deposition and pathogenesis‐related (PR) gene expression, to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola.

The accumulation of Zn caused increased superoxide production in N. caerulescens, but inoculation with P. syringae did not elicit the defensive oxidative burst typical of most plants. Defences dependent on signalling through ROS (callose and PR gene expression) were also modified or absent in N. caerulescens, whereas salicylic acid production in response to infection was retained.

These observations suggest that metal hyperaccumulation is incompatible with defence signalling through ROS and that, as metal hyperaccumulation became effective as a form of elemental defence, normal defence responses became progressively uncoupled from ROS signalling in N. caerulescens.
Corticotomy‐assisted orthodontics: a review of surgical technique with case report
Authors: Patel N. , Waring D. , Saksena A.
Published: June 2013

There has been a significant increase in the number of adult patients requesting orthodontic treatment. Demands of these patients have also changed; patients are often only requesting aesthetic correction in the shortest possible time. The development of corticotomy‐assisted orthodontics (CAO) has offered potential solutions to many limitations in the management of these patients. A corticotomy is defined as a surgical procedure where only the cortical plate is cut, perforated or modified. CAO claims to have several advantages including reduced treatment time, increased traction of impacted teeth and added post‐orthodontic stability. This article highlights the potential of corticotomy procedures in improving orthodontic outcomes and includes a case report.
Treatment of Lymphangioma Circumscriptum Using Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Ablation
Authors: Shumaker Peter R. , Dela Rosa Kristina M. , Krakowski Andrew
Published: June 2013

Lymphangioma circumscriptum remains a challenging entity to treat given anatomic considerations and a significant tendency for recurrence regardless of the modality selected. Surgical excision offers the greatest potential for definitive management but is often beset by procedural morbidity and suboptimal cosmetic outcomes. A range of palliative options have been reported for the treatment of lymphangioma circumscriptum, with varying degrees of associated efficacy and morbidity. This report describes the novel use of fractional carbon dioxide laser ablation for the treatment of lymphangioma circumscriptum, with promising cosmetic results and durable symptomatic relief.
Linear Morphea and Leg Length Discrepancy: Treatment with a Leg‐Lengthening Procedure
Authors: Handler Marc Z. , Wulkan Adam J. , Stricker Stephen J. , Schachner Lawrence A.
Published: June 2013

A 15‐year‐old Colombian boy with a 10‐year history of linear morphea presented to a pediatric orthopedic clinic with a leg length discrepancy. The morphea had been previously treated with methotrexate, oral and topical steroids, and topical vitamin D, but the lesion persisted, extending down the entire medial aspect of the left leg across the popliteal fossa. The patient had atrophy and growth retardation of the left leg, resulting in lower extremity bone and joint pain and a 3‐cm limb length disparity at maturity. The patient preferred left tibial lengthening to improve the limb length disparity.
Heterogeneity in infection outcome: lessons from a bumblebee‐trypanosome system
Authors: Sadd B. M. , Barribeau S. M.
Published: June 2013

Interactions between insect hosts and their parasites are significant because their parasites can also be parasites of humans and of species that we utilize. Host–parasite interactions are complex, even in insects, and there can be heterogeneous outcomes in infection success, load, virulence and transmission, with consequences for the evolution of hosts and their parasites, and also for epidemiology. A comprehension that the triad of host, parasite and environment interact to dictate infection outcome is key for anyone interested in host–parasite research. Studies in model systems used to good effect to characterize insect immunity and infection rarely scrutinize such heterogeneity. Evolutionary ecology studies addressing natural variation offer a window on the causes and consequences of such heterogeneity. A system at the forefront in this area is that of bumblebees and their trypanosome parasite Crithidia. Placing results and interpretations in a broader context we synthesize the plethora of work on bumblebee immunity and parasite interactions. We describe and discuss the sources of heterogeneity that should also be considered in human‐relevant insect–parasite systems, including genotypic variation in both parasites and hosts, the mediating role of the environment, and explore the emerging evidence for microbiota modulating defence against parasites.
Anxiety, Immigration, and the Search for Information
Authors: Gadarian Shana Kushner , Albertson Bethany
Published: June 2013

In this article, we use the issue of immigration to explore the role of anxiety in responses to political appeals. According to previous literature, anxiety motivates citizens to learn and pay more attention to news coverage. Literature in psychology demonstrates that anxiety is associated with a tendency to pay closer attention to threatening information. We predict that anxious citizens will seek more information but that they will seek out and be attracted to threatening information. In an experiment, we induce anxiety about immigration and then subjects have the opportunity to search for additional information in a website designed to mimic online news sources. The website has both immigration and nonimmigration stories, and the immigration stories are split between threatening coverage and nonthreatening coverage. We find that anxious subjects exhibit biased information processing; they read, remember, and agree with threatening information.
Cooperation in Ethnically Diverse Neighborhoods: A Lost‐Letter Experiment
Authors: Koopmans Ruud , Veit Susanne
Published: June 2013

Several studies suggest a negative impact of ethnic diversity on cooperation, but most of them rely on attitudinal and other indirect measurements of cooperation or are derived from the artificial laboratory setting. We conducted a field experiment based on the lost‐letter technique across 52 neighborhoods in Berlin,Germany. The study has two aims. First, we investigate whether the negative effect of ethnic heterogeneity on cooperation holds for concrete cooperative behavior in a real‐world setting. Second, we test the most prominent psychological mechanism that has been proposed to explain the negative effects of heterogeneity on cooperation, namely in‐group favoritism. We do so by experimentally varying the ethnicity and religion of the senders of letters. We find strong support for the negative effect of ethnic diversity on cooperation. We find no evidence, however, of in‐group favoritism. Letters from Turkish or Muslim organizations were as often returned as those from German and Christian organizations, and the ethnic diversity effect was the same for all types of letters.
Emotional Rescue: How Affect Helps Partisans Overcome Collective Action Problems
Authors: Groenendyk Eric W. , Banks Antoine J.
Published: June 2013

Why does party identification motivate citizens to participate in politics? From a theoretical standpoint, it is in a partisan's self‐interest to free ride on the efforts of others. Yet, mere identification with a party is enough to motivate many people to overcome this structural hurdle. We theorize that, by virtue of aligning one's self with a party, individuals become more likely to react to their political environment with anger and enthusiasm rather than fear. Anger and enthusiasm are associated with approach and continuation of current behavior, while fear triggers behavior reconsideration. In short, party identification stimulates participation via anger and enthusiasm. On the other hand, fear produces thought but not much action. We find support for our model using data from the American National Election Studies (ANES) and an original laboratory experiment.
Efficacy of increasing donepezil in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease patients who show a diminished response to 5 mg donepezil: a preliminary study
Authors: Yatabe Yusuke , Hashimoto Mamoru , Kaneda Keiichiro , Honda Kazuki , Ogawa Yusuke , Yuuki Seiji , Ikeda Manabu
Published: June 2013

Background

With the recent approval of several new drugs, pharmacological management of Alzheimer's disease has become more complicated in Japan. The efficacy and safety of increasing the dose of donepezil to 10 mg daily were assessed in an open‐label study of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease who were showing a diminished response to 5 mg daily.

Methods

The subjects included 27 patients with mild to moderate probable Alzheimer's disease whose primary caregivers had confirmed progression of symptoms during treatment with donepezil 5 mg daily. The dose of donepezil was increased to 10 mg daily, and the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale‐cognitive subscale (Japanese version), Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Zarit caregiver burden interview scores were compared before and after dose escalation. Adverse events were also investigated.

Results

Efficacy was evaluated in 24 patients; three dropped out because of adverse reactions. The Alzheimer's disease assessment scale score showed significant improvement after dose escalation of donepezil (P = 0.006). The total score of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and the Zarit score showed no significant changes. However, the anxiety score of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory showed a significant increase (P = 0.028). Safety assessment revealed that the dropout rate was 11.1% and adverse reactions occurred in 40.7%. Nausea (29.6%) and loss of appetite (22.2%) were common adverse reactions.

Conclusions

Because cognitive function showed improvement after increasing the dose of donepezil, the dosage of this drug should probably be adjusted based on the overall severity of Alzheimer's disease as well as the progression of cognitive dysfunction.
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in an Alzheimer's disease case successfully treated with natural medicine: association with gonadotropins
Authors: Niitsu Tomihisa , Okamoto Hideki , Iyo Masaomi
Published: June 2013

Pharmacotherapies for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are limited; novel agents for the symptoms are still needed. Herein, we report the case of an 80‐year‐old male patient with Alzheimer's disease whose severe agitation, insomnia and sexual delusions were successfully treated with a traditional natural Japanese (Kampo) medicine, keishi‐ka‐ryukotsu‐borei‐to. We found that administrating keishi‐ka‐ryukotsu‐borei‐to increased his serum luteinizing hormone level, which could be inversely associated with his behavioural and psychological symptoms. This report suggests that keishi‐ka‐ryukotsu‐borei‐to is a possible alternative treatment for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, especially sexual delusions.
Inequality in Vietnamese Urban–Rural Living Standards, 1993–2006
Authors: Thu Le Huong , Booth Alison L.
Published: June 2013

We investigate urban–rural inequality in Vietnam using data from the Vietnam Living Standard Surveys between 1993 and 2006. We find that mean per capita expenditure of urban households is consistently twice as much as that of rural households and that the urban–rural gap monotonically increases from the poorer to the richer groups of the expenditure distribution. To isolate factors contributing to the urban–rural gap, we apply the Oaxaca–Blinder type decomposition to a newly developed unconditional quantile regression method. Factors contributing significantly to the high urban–rural gap include inter‐group differences in education, household age structure, labor market activity, geographic location and their related returns, with education playing the most important role. Over the period, consistent with the country's massive rural–urban migration, we find that domestic remittance plays a significant role in shortening the urban–rural expenditure gap in the later years, 2002 and 2006.
Comparison of the stratum corneum thickness measured in vivo with confocal Raman spectroscopy and confocal reflectance microscopy
Authors: Böhling A. , Bielfeldt S. , Himmelmann A. , Keskin M. , Wilhelm K.‐P.
Published: June 2013

Background

Thickness measurement of the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), is essential for in‐vivo measurement of the cutaneous bioavailability of topically applied drugs and cosmetics. Our aim was to compare SC thickness calculated from confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS) data with results of SC thickness based on confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) measurements and with literature data, to validate CRS data with CLSM data and vice versa.

Methods

SC thickness was measured with two non‐invasive devices, confocal Raman spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, on four different areas of the body: volar forearm, leg, face and palm in 18 healthy adult subjects.

Results

Comparable results of SC thickness were obtained with both methods, structure analysis of CLSM images, and computation of Fick's first law on water gradients measured with CRS: 20 μm and 19 μm (volar forearm), 21 μm and 22 μm (lower leg), and 13 μm with both methods (cheek), respectively.

Discussion

For the first time it was possible to accurately determine the thickness of SC with CRS and CLSM and to validate both systems against each other and with results of literature data.

Conclusion

Both methods, CRS and CLSM, were found to be suitable to measure SC thickness correctly. Therefore, when using CRS, for example to obtain detailed information about the molecular composition of the skin, it is additionally possible to accurately measure SC thickness with the same device to have an orientation in which skin layer molecules are found.
Conservative Christians and Support for Transracial Adoption as an Alternative to Abortion
Authors: Perry Samuel L.
Published: June 2013

Objective

This study examines whether support for transracial adoption (TRA) among evangelical Protestants and Catholics is uniquely tied to their cultural and political opposition to abortion. Mainline Protestants, persons of other religious faiths, and the religiously unaffiliated are used as comparison groups, and support for same‐sex adoption is used as a comparison issue.

Method

Data are taken from the 2005 Baylor Religion Survey. I estimate logistic regression models to examine the link between support for TRA and abortion attitudes across all five groups considered, net of relevant sociodemographic and ideological factors.

Results

For evangelicals and Catholics, opposition to abortion under any circumstance has a positive net effect on their support for TRA. However, opposition to abortion does not predict support for TRA among mainline Protestants, adherents to other religions, or the unaffiliated. Support for same‐sex adoption is a strong predictor of support for TRA across all groups.

Conclusion

An interesting paradox is thus observed in that evangelicals and Catholics who support TRA are more socially progressive on most other issues (younger, more racially tolerant, support same‐sex adoption), except in their views toward abortion. On this issue, they are more conservative.
Individual Protest Participation in the United States: Conventional and Unconventional Activism
Authors: DiGrazia Joseph
Published: June 2013

Objectives

This study addresses differences in the predictors of participation in different forms of protest activity using nationally representative data. The two types of protest examined, referred to as conventional and unconventional forms of activism, are differentiated by differing levels of risk, demands, and political legitimacy.

Methods

The analysis uses multinominal logistic regression and data from the World Values Survey to assess the effects of a wide range of independent variables on participation in protest.

Results

The results indicate that participation in conventional forms of protest, activities that are relatively undemanding, socially legitimate, and low risk, tend to follow patterns that are consistent with participation in institutional politics. That is, participants in this form of activism tend to be socially privileged and ideologically moderate. Participants in unconventional protest, those that are highly demanding, socially illegitimate, or carry substantial risks, tend to be more ideologically extreme, socially disadvantaged, and more alienated from the conventional political system.

Conclusions

The findings in this study suggest that the lack of consistency in some existing research on protest participation may be attributable to differences in the predictors of participation associated with different forms of protest. This study indicates that protest participation is not a unitary construct and should not be treated as one in research.
Understanding the Multilevel Foundation of Social Trust in Rural China: Evidence from the China General Social Survey
Authors: Huhe Narisong
Published: June 2013

Objective

In recent years, there has been a fast‐growing body of literature on the sources of social trust. However, empirical studies focusing on non‐Western societies are rare. To fill the gap, this study is intended to explore both the individual and contextual sources of social trust in rural China.

Methods

This study uses hierarchical linear models to analyze the multilevel foundations of social trust based upon a unique two‐level data set from the China General Social Survey (CGSS) conducted nationwide at both the individual and village level in rural China.

Results

The results indicate that Chinese villagers markedly differentiate between the particularized and generalized forms of trust. While particularized trust is strongly influenced by both personal experiences and subjective orientations, generalized trust is closely associated with one's basic values (i.e., norms of civility). Moreover, both types of trust are very unevenly distributed in rural China, and geographically dispersed villages tend to strongly constrain the development of social trust.

Conclusion

Given the complex nature of social trust, these results suggest that more sophisticated studies should be introduced to map how its forms and magnitudes vary across localities.
The Importance of Race and Religion in Social Service Providers
Authors: Hsu Becky , Hackett Conrad , Hinkson Leslie
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to investigate the traits that clients find important in professional social service providers, comparing confidence in client management skills (friendliness, experience, and knowledge) to desire for demographic characteristics (being of the same race and religion).

Methods

To accomplish this task, we use multiple regression to analyze results of the Lehigh Valley Trust Survey of low‐income recipients of social services.

Results

While most respondents find the professional traits important, there is significant variation in whether respondents consider demographic characteristics to be important. We find that having a provider of the same race is very important for African Americans and Hispanics, while having a provider with similar religious beliefs is extremely important for evangelical Protestants. Other predictive variables for homophilous preferences in race and religion are age, mobility, and education.

Conclusions

Professional skills corresponding to organizational position are important to most people, but specific demographic groups prioritize racial, ethnic, and religious homophily. While we suggest some possible explanations (perceived or actual discrimination and cultural concordance), further research is needed to determine the causes.
Colonization and infestation ability of Bolboschoenus maritimus Palla in rice paddies of the Camargue, France
Authors: Audebert Alain , Mouret Jean Claude , Roques Sandrine , Carrara Alain , Hammond Roy , Gaungoo Azaad , Sanusan Suchada , Marnotte Pascal
Published: June 2013

Bolboschoenus maritimus is one of the major weed constraints for irrigated rice‐cropping systems in the Camargue, France. This perennial plant propagates mainly through the production of numerous tubers. Observations in both controlled conditions and on‐field studies were used to enhance the level of knowledge of the biology, functioning and infestation dynamics of B. maritimus, with a view to rationalize weed control practices. It was found that B. maritimus displayed a great potential to produce a large number of shoots, rhizomes and tubers. Its propagation in the field plots depended on the initial weed density and its spatial colonization did not show any preferred direction (isotropic). Further observations that were made in the paddy fields showed an interaction between the different cultural practices that were tested and the infestation dynamics of B. maritimus. Efficient control of B. maritimus infestation in the field should make use of the data reported here, based on three levels: (i) prevention of weed stem proliferation during the cropping season with specific herbicides; (ii) elimination of the tubers after the rice crop; and (iii) reduction of the tuber‐germinating ability.
Predicting the Probability of Riser Collision Under Stochastic Excitation and Multiple Uncertainties
Authors: He Jian Wen , Low Ying Min
Published: June 2013

As the offshore industry moves to deeper waters, riser collision becomes a more crucial concern. Riser interference assessments need to rely on time domain simulations due to nonlinearities such as hydrodynamic interferences, however, one difficulty is that riser collision is an extreme event. In a recent work, the authors proposed an efficient procedure for predicting the probability of riser collision, based on extrapolating the dynamic response characteristics; thus obviating the need to capture actual collisions during simulation. However, the prior work considers randomness only from the irregular waves. This paper extends the prior work by developing a method to account for multiple uncertainties. The random variables considered herein are the current, drag coefficient, vessel motions, and riser mass. The proposed method is computationally efficient; the additional simulations necessary to incorporate four random variables are only slightly more than the original simulation case. Using a top-tensioned riser system as a case study, the likelihood of collision predicted by the proposed method is found to compare well with the Monte Carlo simulation. Moreover, it is shown that the random variables can increase the probability by an order of magnitude and all of the considered variables meaningfully contribute to this increase.
Increased in Vivo Amyloid-β42 Production, Exchange, and Loss in Presenilin Mutation Carriers
Authors: Potter Rachel , Patterson Bruce W. , Elbert Donald L. , Ovod Vitaliy , Kasten Tom , Sigurdson Wendy , Mawuenyega Kwasi , Blazey Tyler , Goate Alison , Chott Robert , Yarasheski Kevin E. , Holtzman David M. , Morris John C. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Bateman Randall J.
Published: June 2013

Aβ42 kinetics are altered in the central nervous system of patients with autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease.
In Vivo–Directed Evolution of a New Adeno-Associated Virus for Therapeutic Outer Retinal Gene Delivery from the Vitreous
Authors: Dalkara Deniz , Byrne Leah C. , Klimczak Ryan R. , Visel Meike , Yin Lu , Merigan William H. , Flannery John G. , Schaffer David V.
Published: June 2013

Injection of a new gene therapy vector into the easily accessible vitreous transduced the entire retina and rescued disease phenotypes.
Genomic Medicine: A Decade of Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: McCarthy Jeanette J. , McLeod Howard L. , Ginsburg Geoffrey S.
Published: June 2013

This State of the Art Review highlights the ways in which genomic tools and information are being used in clinical medicine, the big challenges in their uptake and implementation, and the forces that will shape genomic medicine in the future.
Clearing the Air About Stroke
Authors: Mack William J.
Published: June 2013

Short-term exposure to air pollution

is associated with lowered blood flow in the brain.
Conservation of Meningococcal Antigens in the Genus
Neisseria
Authors: Muzzi Alessandro , Mora Marirosa , Pizza Mariagrazia , Rappuoli Rino , Donati Claudio
Published: June 2013

Neisseria meningitidis
, one of the major causes of bacterial meningitis and sepsis, is a member of the genus
Neisseria
, which includes species that colonize the mucosae of many animals. Three meningococcal proteins, factor H-binding protein (fHbp), neisserial heparin-binding antigen (NHBA), and
N. meningitidis
adhesin A (NadA), have been described as antigens protective against
N. meningitidis
of serogroup B, and they have been employed as vaccine components in preclinical and clinical studies. In the vaccine formulation, fHbp and NHBA were fused to the GNA2091 and GNA1030 proteins, respectively, to enhance protein stability and immunogenicity. To determine the possible impact of vaccination on commensal neisseriae, we determined the presence, distribution, and conservation of these antigens in the available genome sequences of the genus
Neisseria
, finding that fHbp, NHBA, and NadA were conserved only in species colonizing humans, while GNA1030 and GNA2091 were conserved in many human and nonhuman neisseriae. Sequence analysis showed that homologous recombination contributed to shape the evolution and distribution of both NHBA and fHbp, three major variants of which have been defined. fHbp variant 3 was probably the ancestral form of meningococcal fHbp, while fHbp variant 1 from
N. cinerea
was introduced into
N. meningitidis
by a recombination event. fHbp variant 2 was the result of a recombination event inserting a stretch of 483 bp from variant 1 into the variant 3 background. These data indicate that a high rate of exchange of genetic material between neisseriae that colonize the human upper respiratory tract exists.

IMPORTANCE
The upper respiratory tract of healthy individuals is a complex ecosystem colonized by many bacterial species. Among these, there are representatives of the genus
Neisseria
, including
Neisseria meningitidis
, a major cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis. Given the close relationship between commensal and pathogenic species, a protein-based vaccine against
N. meningitidis
has the potential to impact the other commensal species of
Neisseria
. For this reason, we have studied the distribution and evolutionary history of the antigen components of a recombinant vaccine, 4CMenB, that recently received approval in Europe under the commercial name of Bexsero®. We found that fHbp, NHBA, and NadA can be found in some of the human commensal species and that the evolution of these antigens has been essentially shaped by the high rate of genetic exchange that occurs between strains of neisseriae that cocolonize the same environment.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy-Associated Mutations in the JC Polyomavirus Capsid Disrupt Lactoseries Tetrasaccharide c Binding
Authors: Maginnis Melissa S. , Ströh Luisa J. , Gee Gretchen V. , O’Hara Bethany A. , Derdowski Aaron , Stehle Thilo , Atwood Walter J.
Published: June 2013

The human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is the causative agent of the fatal, demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The Mad-1 prototype strain of JCPyV uses the glycan lactoseries tetrasaccharide c (LSTc) and serotonin receptor 5-HT
2A
to attach to and enter into host cells, respectively. Specific residues in the viral capsid protein VP1 are responsible for direct interactions with the α2,6-linked sialic acid of LSTc. Viral isolates from individuals with PML often contain mutations in the sialic acid-binding pocket of VP1 that are hypothesized to arise from positive selection. We reconstituted these mutations in the Mad-1 strain of JCPyV and found that they were not capable of growth. The mutations were then introduced into recombinant VP1 and reconstituted as pentamers in order to conduct binding studies and structural analyses. VP1 pentamers carrying PML-associated mutations were not capable of binding to permissive cells. High-resolution structure determination revealed that these pentamers are well folded but no longer bind to LSTc due to steric clashes in the sialic acid-binding site. Reconstitution of the mutations into JCPyV pseudoviruses allowed us to directly quantify the infectivity of the mutants in several cell lines. The JCPyV pseudoviruses with PML-associated mutations were not infectious, nor were they able to engage sialic acid as measured by hemagglutination of human red blood cells. These results demonstrate that viruses from PML patients with single point mutations in VP1 disrupt binding to sialic acid motifs and render these viruses noninfectious.

IMPORTANCE
Infection with human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is common and asymptomatic in healthy individuals, but during immunosuppression, JCPyV can spread from the kidney to the central nervous system (CNS) and cause a fatal, demyelinating disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Individuals infected with HIV, those who have AIDS, or those receiving immunomodulatory therapies for autoimmune diseases are at serious risk for PML. Recent reports have demonstrated that viral isolates from PML patients often have distinct changes within the major capsid protein. Our structural-functional approach highlights that these mutations result in abolished engagement of the carbohydrate receptor motif LSTc that is necessary for infection. Viruses with PML-associated mutations are not infectious in glial cells, suggesting that they may play an alternative role in PML pathogenesis.
Unicentric Castleman's disease: an uncommon cause of posterior mediastinal mass
Authors: Alavi Aliasghar , Asadi Gharabaghi Mehrnaz
Published: June 2013

Castleman's disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disease that may be unicentric or multicentric in presentation. It may develop anywhere along with the lymphatic system such as the abdomen, neck and thoracic cavity. However, mediastinum is the most common location for unicentric disease. Here, we discuss a unicentric Castleman's disease in a 28-year-old woman who presented with cough, mild dysphagia and a large posterior mediastinal mass.
Accessory tragus: a dentist's perspective
Authors: Khandelwal Vishal , Banda Naveen Reddy , Nayak Ullal Anand , Banda Vanaja Reddy
Published: June 2013

Accessory tragus (AT) also referred as preauricular tag is a rudimentary tag of ear tissue This paper presents two specific cases: one hereditary and another sporadic case of AT. A general clinical description of AT, its associated syndromes, embryology aetiopathogenesis and management is discussed. A dentist can play an important role in spotting the AT during their head and neck examination. The presence of this defect can be correlated to other congenital defects of first branchial arch. On recognising its occurrence, the dentist can refer to a specialist for thorough investigation management. A dentist can play a vital role in encouraging and counselling the parents for the correction of such defects as it improves the aesthetics of the face. Usually, children with these defects are often targets of teasing by peers.
Combination of Steven-Johnson syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome following carbamazepine therapy: a rare occurrence
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Sannegowda Raghavendra Bakki , Gandhi Pankaj , Dubey Parul , Panagariya Ashok
Published: June 2013

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe, episodic, acute mucocutaneous reaction that is most often elicited by drugs and occasionally by infections. The drugs commonly implicated as the cause of SJS are anticonvulsants, sulfonamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Carbamazepine (CBZ) has been commonly implicated in SJS. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, life-threatening but potentially treatable condition. Among the neuroleptics, haloperidol (parenteral) is implicated as a most common drug for NMS. Though rare, association of NMS with CBZ and association of NMS with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in a single patient after administration of neuroleptics has been reported in the literature before. However, a combination of NMS and SJS in a single patient after administration of CBZ has not been reported so far. We present a patient with seizure who developed SJS and NMS following administration of CBZ.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of buccal mucosa
Authors: Kumar Anoop N , Harish M , Alavi Yasin A , Mallikarjuna Rachappa
Published: June 2013

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm most commonly originating in the salivary glands of head and neck region. The clinical and pathological findings typical of this tumour include slow growth, perineural invasion and potential local recurrence. Up to 50% of these tumours occur in the intraoral minor salivary glands usually in the hard palate. We present a case report of a 26-year-old woman who was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right buccal mucosa. The peculiarity of the lesion and the approach we made is the key factor in the presentation.
Massive localised lymphoedema: a rare vascular malformation
Authors: Williams K J , Al-Sakkal M N , Alsafi A , Davies A H
Published: June 2013

Lymphatic malformations are a subset of congenital vascular malformations, and are caused by a defect in lymphatic development during embryogenesis. When lymphatic mesoderm development is prematurely arrested, it retains it proliferative potential. Stimulus in the future can cause the lesion to proliferate locally without coordination or regulation, resulting in the rare condition known as massive localised lymphoedema (MLL). We present a case report of MLL, a rare and ill-defined soft tissue mass reported in the morbidly obese, with reference to the existing literature.
What kind of diagnosis in a case of mobbing: post-traumatic stress disorder or adjustment disorder?
Authors: Signorelli Maria Salvina , Costanzo Maria Cristina , Cinconze Maria , Concerto Carmen
Published: June 2013

Over the last decade a consistent increase in stress-related psychological consequences at the workplace, usually called ‘mobbing’, has been seen. It claimed physical, psychical and social distress as its victims, leading to an increased incidence of many illnesses, such as psychosomatic disorders (ache, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue and insomnia) and psychiatric disturbances (high level of anxiety, depression and suicidal attempts). It was recently demonstrated that mobbing is significantly widespread among healthcare workers, especially among female nurses. In this report, we illustrate the case of a nurse who, after a brilliant career, underwent mobbing at the workplace, showing depression, anxiety and sleep disorders that required hospitalisation and a substantial intervention.
Compression garments and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hill Jessica , Howatson Glyn , van Someren Ken , Leeder Jonathan , Pedlar Charles
Published: June 2013

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of compression garments on recovery following damaging exercise. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using studies that evaluated the efficacy of compression garments on measures of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscular strength, muscular power and creatine kinase (CK). Studies were extracted from a literature search of online databases. Data were extracted from 12 studies, where variables were measured at baseline and at 24 or 48 or 72 h postexercise. Analysis of pooled data indicated that the use of compression garments had a moderate effect in reducing the severity of DOMS (Hedges’ g=0.403, 95% CI 0.236 to 0.569, p<0.001), muscle strength (Hedges’ g=0.462, 95% CI 0.221 to 0.703, p<0.001), muscle power (Hedges’ g=0.487, 95% CI 0.267 to 0.707, p<0.001) and CK (Hedges’ g=0.439, 95% CI 0.171 to 0.706, p<0.001). These results indicate that compression garments are effective in enhancing recovery from muscle damage.
LP or not LP, that is the question: gold standard or unnecessary procedure in subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Authors: Stewart Hannah , Reuben Adam , McDonald James
Published: June 2013

Objective

To measure the sensitivity of modern CT in patients presenting to the emergency department and evaluated for possible subarachnoid haemorrhage, with particular attention to those presenting within 12 h of ictus.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Large district general hospital emergency department seeing 73 500 new attendances per year.

Participants

Patients presenting to the emergency department and screened for suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Outcome measures

Subarachnoid haemorrhage was defined by either the presence of subarachnoid blood on CT, positive CSF spectrophotometry defined by national guidelines or aneurysm identified on subsequent angiography if either of the former were equivocal.

Results

244 patients were screened for subarachnoid haemorrhage during the 24 months between March 2006 and April 2008 (mean age 48.5 years). The sensitivity of CT overall for subarachnoid haemorrhage was 93.8% (95% CI 84% to 98%) increasing to 95% (95% CI 82% to 99%) if performed within 12 h of ictus.

Conclusions

While modern CT has a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of acute subarachnoid haemorrhage, particularly within 12 h of ictus, it is still not sufficient to act as the sole diagnostic tool, and patients with a negative CT will require further investigation with a lumbar puncture.
Lean management systems: creating a culture of continuous quality improvement
Authors: Clark David M , Silvester Kate , Knowles Simon
Published: June 2013

This is the first in a series of articles describing the application of Lean management systems to Laboratory Medicine. Lean is the term used to describe a principle-based continuous quality improvement (CQI) management system based on the Toyota production system (TPS) that has been evolving for over 70 years. Its origins go back much further and are heavily influenced by the work of W Edwards Deming and the scientific method that forms the basis of most quality management systems. Lean has two fundamental elements - a systematic approach to process improvement by removing waste in order to maximise value for the end-user of the service and a commitment to respect, challenge and develop the people who work within the service to create a culture of continuous improvement. Lean principles have been applied to a growing number of Healthcare systems throughout the world to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of services for patients and a number of laboratories from all the pathology disciplines have used Lean to shorten turnaround times, improve quality (reduce errors) and improve productivity. Increasingly, models used to plan and implement large scale change in healthcare systems, including the National Health Service (NHS) change model, have evidence-based improvement methodologies (such as Lean CQI) as a core component. Consequently, a working knowledge of improvement methodology will be a core skill for Pathologists involved in leadership and management.