bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Britain and Europe: Separate Worlds of Welfare?
Authors: Evans Geoffrey
Published: March 2007

AS EUROPEAN INTEGRATION BECOMES AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT public policy issue facing both the country and its political leaders, the degree to which Britain can or should harmonize its welfare, employment and taxation policies with those of other EU members will receive progressively more attention. In this context and with the evident importance of opinion poll popularity for the main political parties’ pursuit of electoral success, public opinion on issues concerning welfare, taxation and redistribution is likely to have considerable bearing on the viability of Britain's incorporation of the legislation and practices endorsed in other EU member states. Nonetheless, even a cursory examination of evidence on the public's attitude on questions relating to these changes suggests integration is unlikely to follow a smoothly negotiated path. Responses to a recent British Social Attitudes survey, for example, show that, while holding mixed attitudes towards the idea of European integration and only mildly negative attitudes to EU inf hence over policies concerning pollution, immigration and defence, the British public are strongly opposed to EU influence over taxation and, to some degree, employment policy. Even among those people who endorsed the general aim of European integration, only a minority – in the case of taxation, a very small minority – found the idea of Europeanlevel decision-making acceptable.
After the Fall: Prospects for Political and Institutional Reform in Post‐Crisis Thailand and the Philippines
Authors: Hutchcroft Paul
Published: March 2007

Since the late-1980s, efforts to consolidate democracy in Thailand and the Philippines have been accompanied by marked contrasts both in levels of developmental success and degrees of subsequent economic decline. In Thailand, extraordinary rates of growth in the decade prior to 1997 were followed by dramatic contraction; in the Philippines, the more modest and short-lived gains of the mid-1990s have been followed by economic standstill but not cataclysmic crash. Despite the major differences in the political economic foundations and economic performance of these two economies, Thailand and the Philippines currently face many common challenges of supplementing earlier neoliberal economic reform with the more daunting tasks of political and institutional reform. In particular, this brief and synoptic analysis will argue, both confront the need to enhance the quality of their democracies and the capacity of key bureaucratic agencies.
Always One Step Behind? National Legislatures and the European Union
Authors: Raunio Tapio
Published: March 2007

NATIONAL PARLIAMENTS ARE CENTRAL ACTORS IN THE SCRUTINY AND implementation of European Union (EU) legislation. Member state legislatures provide a channel for incorporating public opinion into the governance of the Union. Their importance has become more evident during the 1990s as debate has focused on the democratic deficit and deparliamentarization of European governance.

National parliaments are involved in EU decision-making in three ways: they 1) participate in national policy formulation on Union legislation; 2) monitor the behaviour of member state representatives in the Council of Ministers and the European Council; and 3) have functions specifically regulated in the treaties, such as ratification of treaty amendments and implementation of directives. The third function differs from the first two as the treaties impose rights and duties on the national parliaments, whereas there is no EU law on national policy formulation on Union legislation or on the scrutiny of ministers. During the 1996-97 Intergovernmental Conference (ICC) the member states saw no need for such European-level regulation. Thus it is up to each national parliament – within the limits set by member state constitutions and other constraints – to decide how it deals with the challenges brought by EU membership.
Modified Rapture All Round: The First Elections to the Scottish Parliament
Authors: Miller William L.
Published: March 2007

AS ELECTION DAY APPROACHED IT SEEMED CERTAIN THAT LABOUR would come out on top and the Scottish National Party (SNP) would come second. Thanks to the new German-style electoral system it also seemed certain that Labour could not win an overall majority in the new Scottish Parliament and that the Conservatives would get some parliamentary representation however low their vote. But each of the parties had hopes and ambitions as well as expectations. Labour hoped to get over 60 seats in the new parliament of 129, enough at least to have the option of forming a minority government. The SNP hoped to get well over 40 seats, enough to let it assume the undisputed role of the opposition, and to mark a further step along the road to independence. The Liberal Democrats hoped to be more than a small but useful coalition partner in the new parliament. Out in the country they hoped the new electoral system would end the traditional handicap of a Liberal Democrat vote being dismissed as a ‘wasted vote’ and so let their votes rise to equal their underlying level of popular support. ‘Other’ parties and candidates hoped that the new electoral system and the new inclusive politics would somehow include them.
Continuity amid Change: Democratization, Party Strategies and Economic Policy‐making in Mexico
Authors: Shadlen Kenneth C.
Published: March 2007

MEXICO'S NATIONAL, MID-TERM ELECTlONS OF JULY 1997 PRODUCED important changes in the country's political landscape. The ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which has dominated virtually all realms of Mexican politics since the late 1920s, suffered an unprecedented setback, losing its majority in the lower house of the Mexican Congress.

Though the era of single-party political domination appears to have come to an end, policy-making since the July 1997 elections has exhibited considerable continuity. Notwithstanding the opposition's new legislative majority, the will of the President, Ernest0 Zedillo, of the PRI, has prevailed on important issues of public policy. What can the continued legislative strength of the President, in the wake of significant opposition gains, tell us about the nature of democratization in Mexico?
Reconsidering Women and Gender in Mining
Authors: Mercier Laurie , Gier Jaclyn
Published: March 2007

This article examines the neglected role of women in mining, long believed to be the most ‘masculine’ of industries. The authors probe how the gendered nature of mining work evolved over time and in different parts of the world. Since the nineteenth century, colonialism, capitalism and cultural traditions have shaped gender roles for women and men in the world's mining communities. The article examines how even as men and women joined in militant protests against capital and the state, they struggled over appropriate roles in work, family and community.
Carbamazepine and Topiramate Modulation of Transient and Persistent Sodium Currents Studied in HEK293 Cells Expressing the Nav1.3 α–Subunit
Authors: Sun Guang‐chun , Werkman Taco R. , Battefeld Arne , Clare Jeffrey J. , Wadman Wytse J.
Published: March 2007

Summary: Purpose:The transient and the persistent Na+current play a distinct role in neuronal excitability. Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) modulate the transient Na+current and block the persistent Na+current; both effects contribute to their antiepileptic properties. The interactions of the AEDs carbamazepine (CBZ) and topiramate (TPM) with the persistent and transient Na+current were investigated.

Methods:HEK293 cells stably expressing the α‐subunit of the Na+channel NaV1.3 were used to record Na+currents under voltage‐clamp by using the patch‐clamp technique in whole‐cell configuration and to investigate the effects of CBZ and TPM.

Results:The persistent Na+current was present in all cells and constituted 10.3 ± 3.8% of the total current. CBZ partially blocked the persistent Na+current in a concentration‐dependent manner [median effective concentration (EC50), 16 ± 4 μM]. CBZ also shifted the steady‐state inactivation of the transient Na+current to negative potentials (EC50, 14 ± 11 μM). TPM partially blocked the persistent Na+current with a much higher affinity (EC50, 61 ± 37 nM) than it affected the steady‐state inactivation of the transient Na+current (EC50, 3.2 ± 1.8 μM). For the latter effect, TPM was at most half as effective as CBZ.

Conclusions:The persistent Na+current flowing through the α‐subunit of the NaV1.3 channel is partially blocked by CBZ at about the same therapeutic concentrations at which it modulates the transient Na+current, adding a distinct aspect to its anticonvulsant profile. The TPM‐induced partial block of the persistent Na+current, already effective at low concentrations, could be the dominant action of this drug on the Na+current.
E‐Learning Courses in Epilepsy—Concept, Evaluation, and Experience with the E‐Learning Course “Genetics of Epilepsies”
Authors: Wehrs Verena Hézser‐v. , Pfäfflin Margarete , May Theodor W.
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the e‐learning course “Genetics of Epilepsies” and to assess the experiences of the participants and e‐moderators with this new approach.

Methods: Prospective, controlled study with waiting group (control group, n = 18) and e‐learning group (n = 20). The control group got the same reference literature list as the e‐learning group. Both groups were assessed twice: The e‐learning group before and after the course; the control group was assessed at the same times. Primary outcome measure: increase in knowledge about genetics of epilepsies using questionnaires based on items formulated by experts (internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha = 0.86). Main hypothesis: greater increase of knowledge in the e‐learning group compared to control group. Secondary outcome measures: assessment of the educational course and learning environment by participants and by tutors/e‐moderators.

Results: Significant time × group interaction and group effect (ANOVA, each p < 0.01) with regard to knowledge. At baseline, the groups did not differ with respect to knowledge about genetics of epilepsy. In contrast to the control group, the increase of knowledge in the e‐learning group was highly significant (p < 0.001). The majority of the participants of the e‐learning course was content with their personal learning process (75% agree, 15% strongly agree). Most of them reported a gain in competence in the treatment and counseling of people with epilepsy (38.9% agree, 50% strongly agree). All participants would recommend this course to others and all but one participant are interested in other e‐learning courses.

Conclusion: The study indicates e‐learning courses are an appropriate tool to improve knowledge of physicians in genetics of epilepsy.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in the Elderly: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Bottaro F.J. , Martinez O.A. , Pardal M.M. Fernandez , Bruetman J.E. , Reisin R.C.
Published: March 2007

Summary: Background:Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a usually underdiagnosed and potentially treatable cause of altered awareness in the elderly. To assess etiologies, associations with other medical problems, and prognosis of NCSE in a population aged >75 years we performed a nested case–control study.

Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the clinical manifestations and EEG findings in 19 consecutive elderly patients (mean age 83.3 years) presenting with NCSE and compared them with 34 elderly patients (mean age 83.3 years) with altered mental status but without EEG evidence of NCSE. The variables compared included brain lesions on CT or MRI, number of concomitant chronic active diseases, previous neurological disorders, acute medical problems, the use and withdrawal of medications, and outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using chi‐square test,t‐test, Fisher's exact two‐tailed test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results:The etiology of NCSE was epilepsy in 2, acute medical disorders in 14, and a cryptogenic cause in 4. The NCSE group had a more frequent history of epilepsy, 35% versus 8.8% (p = 0.028); tramadol use, 31% versus 0% (p = 0.00151); longer hospitalization, 25 days versus 7 days (p = 0.0004); and unfavorable outcome, 50% versus 5.8% (p = 0.00031). No significant differences were found in the other variables. Unfavorable outcome was associated with a higher number of comorbidities (>2) and to a severely altered mental status.

Conclusions:NCSE is a serious cause of altered mental status in the elderly. Although its direct role in brain damage is controversial, elderly patients with NCSE have higher morbidity and worst prognosis than those with altered mental status without NCSE.
Restless legs syndrome in diabetic neuropathy: a frequent manifestation of small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Gemignani Franco , Brindani Francesca , Vitetta Francesca , Marbini Adriana , Calzetti Stefano
Published: March 2007

Abstract  As the occurrence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in diabetes is controversial, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of RLS in a cohort of patients with diabetic neuropathy and to analyze the features of the associated neuropathy. We investigated the occurrence of RLS diagnosed in accordance with the criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group in a cohort of patients with polyneuropathy and mononeuropathy multiplex associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in a retrospective study. RLS was present in 33/99 patients with neuropathy associated with DM/IGT/IFG (84 with distal polyneuropathy and 15 with multiple mononeuropathy). Comparing patients with or without RLS, small fiber sensory neuropathy was more common in the RLS patients (15/33 vs. 15/66), as were symptoms of burning feet (10/33 vs. 6/66). In several patients, RLS was responsive to neuropathic pain medications. The frequent occurrence of RLS in association with thermal dysesthesias may reflect the involvement of small sensory fibers in the form of hyperexcitable C fibers or A‐delta fiber deafferentation. We suggest that RLS may be triggered by abnormal sensory inputs from small fibers, especially involved in neuropathy associated with DM/IGT/IFG. Our data show that RLS is a relevant feature of diabetic neuropathy, as a frequent and potentially treatable manifestation of small fiber involvement in the course of DM and IGT/IFG.
Supreme Court Appointments as a Move‐the‐Median Game
Authors: Krehbiel Keith
Published: March 2007

A three‐stage model isolates conditions under which an executive appointment to a collective choice body, such as a court or a regulatory agency, has an immediate bearing on policy. The model strikes a balance between previous formal models that predict either excessive gridlock or excessive policy responsiveness as a consequence of the politics of appointments. I test the model using approximately four decades of data on U.S. Supreme Court appointments. Two hypotheses summarize the unique predictions of the model and are strongly corroborated. A third, less distinctive hypothesis about strategic judicial retirements is weakly supported.
Quality Is Job One: Professional and Volunteer Voter Mobilization Calls
Authors: Nickerson David W.
Published: March 2007

Campaigns rely upon both paid and volunteer phone calls to mobilize voters. Past field experiments show calls from volunteers to increase turnout and paid calls to be wholly ineffective. This article argues that the quality of phone calls rather than the presence or absence of a payroll explains this regularity. Three aspects of quality are considered: monitoring pace and interactivity, timing, and message. A fully randomized field experiment with over 100,000 subjects comparing professional and volunteer phone banks simultaneously was conducted during the 2002 congressional elections to test this hypothesis. The experiment discovers precisely the opposite relationship of prior research: effective professional phone banks and inefficient volunteer phone calls. The experiment also finds substantial temporal decay. The specific messages appear less important than tone or timing. The implications for the role of campaign consultants, replacing social capital, voter psychology, and the capacities of civic organizations are discussed.
The Logic of Gamson's Law: Pre‐election Coalitions and Portfolio Allocations
Authors: Carroll Royce , Cox Gary W.
Published: March 2007

Gamson's Law—the proposition that coalition governments will distribute portfolios in proportion to each member party's contribution of seats to the coalition—has been one of the most prominent landmarks in coalitional studies since the 1970s. However, standard bargaining models of government formation argue that Gamson's Law should not hold, once one controls for relevant indicators of bargaining power. In this article, we extend these bargaining models by allowing parties to form pre‐election pacts. We argue that campaign investments by pact signatories depend on how they anticipate portfolios will be distributed and, thus, signatories have an incentive to precommit to portfolio allocation rules. We show that pacts will sometimes agree to allocate portfolios partly or wholly in proportion to members' contributions of seats to the coalition; this increases each signatory's investment in the campaign, thereby conferring external benefits (in the form of a larger probability of an alliance majority) on other coalition members. Empirical tests support the model's predictions.
Paradoxes of Constitutional Democracy
Authors: Olson Kevin
Published: March 2007

Drawing on the work of Frank Michelman and Jürgen Habermas, I outline two interconnected paradoxes of constitutional democracy. The paradox of the founding prevents a purely democratic constitution from being founded, because the procedures needed to secure its legitimacy cannot be spontaneously self‐generated. It displays an infinite regression of procedures presupposing procedures. The paradox of dynamic indeterminacy heads off any attempt to resolve this problem through constitutional amendment. It shows that we cannot evaluate the legitimacy of a dynamically evolving constitution based on projections of its future development. To do so, we would need a stronger basis for making probabilistic judgments about the constitution's future path. After exploring the problems of using constitutional patriotism as such a basis, I outline an alternative built on the ideas of dynamic constitutionalism and reflexive citizenship. It shows how a dynamically evolving constitution can promote its own legitimacy from within, simultaneously resolving both paradoxes.
Management of large traumatic zonular dialysis with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation using the capsular tension ring
Authors: Georgopoulos Gerasimos TH. , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios , Georgalas Ilias , Koutsandrea Chrysanthi N. , Margetis Ioannis , Moschos Marilita M.
Published: March 2007

Purpose:  To report our results and to evaluate the longterm effect of capsular tension ring (CTR) insertion in eyes with large traumatic zonular dialysis that underwent phacoemulsification with posterior chamber (PC) intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Methods:  This prospective study included 17 eyes of 17 consecutive patients with cataract and large traumatic zonular dialysis (range 80–160 degrees determined pre‐or intraoperatively). After insertion of a CTR, phacoemulsification with foldable acrylic PC IOL implantation was performed. Posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) in the pre‐ and postoperative periods and postoperative IOL decentration were recorded.

Results:  The mean follow‐up period was 25.9 months (range 15–35 months). Capsule collapse did not occur in any eye with a CTR. Postoperatively, four eyes developed raised IOP that responded well to medical therapy. An improvement in BCVA was observed in all eyes except one because of co‐existing fundus pathology. No IOL was found to be decentrated at the end of the follow‐up period, apart from one eye in which the PC IOL was dislocated due to a postoperative trauma, in which an anterior chamber IOL was implanted.

Conclusions:  In cases of cataract associated with large traumatic zonular dialysis, implanting a CTR before or during phacoemulsification with an in‐the‐bag PC IOL is relatively safe technique with a high success rate. The CTR was found to be efficient in preventing IOL decentration in eyes with traumatic zonular deficiency.
Polyglactin sutures versus nylon sutures for suturing of conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Wong Victoria W. Y. , Rao Srinivas K. , Lam Dennis S. C.
Published: March 2007

Purpose:  To compare the use of polyglactin sutures versus nylon sutures for conjunctival autograft suturing in pterygium surgery.

Methods:  A prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted, in which 32 eyes of 32 patients with primary nasal pterygium were randomized to undergo pterygium surgery with the use of nylon sutures or polyglactin sutures for conjunctival autograft suturing. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Outcome measures included postoperative discomfort according to a visual analogue scale (VAS), graft hyperaemia, graft oedema and tarsal conjunctival papillary reaction.

Results:  There was no significant difference in the postoperative discomfort as assessed by VAS in both groups at all follow‐up visits. Patients who had polyglactin sutures for suturing conjunctival autograft were noted to have more tarsal conjunctival papillary reaction at day 1 (p = 0.01) and more graft hyperaemia at week 1 (p = 0.019) after the operation. At 4 weeks postoperatively, significantly more nylon sutures remained on the autograft (p = 0.021), some of which were buried and could not be removed.

Conclusions:  Both polyglactin and nylon are effective suture materials for autograft suturing in pterygium surgery and cause comparable postoperative discomfort. Polyglactin sutures resulted in slightly more conjunctival reaction in the early postoperative period compared with nylon sutures.
Are important patient‐rated outcomes in community mental health care explained by only one factor?
Authors: Hansson L. , Björkman T. , Priebe S.
Published: March 2007

Introduction:  The study tested whether four commonly used patient‐rated outcomes are explained by only one factor, reflecting a general appraisal tendency of patients.

Method:  Quality of life, needs and symptoms were rated by 92 patients in community mental health care at baseline and after 18 months and 6 years follow‐up periods. At follow ups treatment satisfaction was also assessed. Scores and change scores were subjected to factor analyses. We then tested which individual items predicted factor scores.

Results:  One factor explained between 55% and 66% of the variance of the tested patient‐rated outcomes cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. Only change scores of treatment satisfaction loaded on a separate factor. Seven items consistently explained more than 80% of the variance of the general factor.

Conclusion:  Four important patient‐rated outcomes are uniformly and substantially influenced by a general tendency for positive or negative appraisals. This tendency can be assessed more simply than using currently established methods.
Future demand for dental care in Norway; a macro‐economic perspective
Authors: Grytten Jostein , Lund Erik
Published: March 2007

Abstract– The future demand for dental care in Norway is discussed on the basis of economic theory. During the next 30 years gross national income will increase substantially due to a marked increase in national income from the sale of oil and gas. On the basis of the model we predict that this increase in income will lead to an increase in demand for dental services in the short run, say for the next 10–15 years. To a large extent this increase in demand is supported by evidence from dental epidemiology. In particular, an increasing proportion of elderly dentate people will demand more services. This picture is different in the long run, say from the year 2010–15 and onwards. Evidence from dental epidemiology indicates that at that stage there will be a fairly high proportion of disease‐free individuals in the population who will demand less dental care. Such a trend is also supported by economic theory as long as disease‐free individuals consume less dental care irrespective of their income.
Movements and habitat use of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) juveniles in a large lowland Australian river
Authors: Jones M. J. , Stuart I. G.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  Native Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) are listed as a nationally vulnerable species, whereas non‐native common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are widespread and abundant. Understanding key aspects of life history, such as movement patterns and habitat selection by juvenile Murray cod and common carp, might be useful for conserving Murray cod populations and controlling common carp numbers. We used radio‐telemetry to track eight juvenile Murray cod and seven juvenile common carp in the Murray River, Australia, between March and July 2001. Common carp occupied a significantly greater total linear range (mean ± SD: 1721 ± 1118 m) than Murray cod (mean ± SD: 318 ± 345 m) and the average daily movement was significantly greater for common carp (mean ± SD: 147 ± 238 m) than for Murray cod (mean ± SD: 15 ± 55 m). All Murray cod and five of the seven common carp displayed site fidelity or residency to one, two or three locations. Murray cod were found only in the mainstream Murray River among submerged woody habitats, whereas common carp occurred equally in mainstream and offstream areas, and among submerged wood and aquatic vegetation. Murray cod were found in deeper (mean ± SD: 2.3 ± 0.78 m) and faster waters (mean ± SD: 0.56 ± 0.25 m·s−1) compared with common carp (mean ± SD: 1 ± 0.54 m; 0.08 ± 0.09 m·s−1) respectively. The presence of juvenile Murray cod only amongst submerged wood is an indication that these habitats are important and should be preserved. Conversely, juvenile common carp were equally present among all habitats sampled, suggesting that habitat selection is less specific, possibly contributing to their widespread success.
Long‐term evaluation of erythema and pigmentation induced by ultraviolet radiations of different wavelengths
Authors: Suh K.‐S. , Roh H.‐J. , Choi S.‐Y. , Jeon Y.‐S. , Doh K.‐S. , Bae J.‐H. , Kim S.‐T.
Published: March 2007

Backgrounds/aims: Although multiple studies have been reported about the biological effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiations, the comparative and long‐term reactions of human skin by several different UV‐wavebands were not reported. The aim of this study was to investigate a time course of erythema and pigmentation induced by UVA 1, broad‐band UVA (BBUVA), narrow‐band UVB (NBUVB) and broad‐band UVB (BBUVB).

Methods: Ten volunteers participated in this study for 6 months. Four skin areas, from the back of each subject, were irradiated with two minimal erythema dose (MED) of four different UV wavelengths corresponding to UVA 1, BBUVA, NBUVB and BBUVB. Skin color changes were evaluated by visual scoring and values were converted into the L*a*b color system.

Results: For both UVA 1 and BBUVA, erythema and pigmentation were most pronounced immediately and 1 h after exposure. Thereafter, erythema rapidly diminished but pigmentation persisted throughout the study. For both NBUVB and BBUVB, test areas reacted with erythema of maximum intensity at 1 and 2 days, respectively. A maximum tanning was reached at 3–6 days for NBUVB and 4–7 days for BBUVB, and the return toward the original color point was at 1 and 3 months, respectively. No significant difference was found in visual and colorimetric evaluation for the time course of skin color changes.

Conclusion: Two MED of UVA produced far prolonged erythema and pigmentation than UVB. For UVA, UVA 1 and BBUVA showed similar intensity and time course of skin reaction. For UVB, erythema and pigmentation produced by NBUVB were milder in intensity and shorter in time course than those by BBUVB. These results would provide standard data on time courses and intensity of skin color changes by different UV wavelengths.
Enamel Microabrasion Followed by Dental Bleaching for Patients after Orthodontic Treatment—Case Reports
Authors: Sundfeld Renato Herman , Rahal Vanessa , Croll Theodore P. , De Aalexandre Rodrigo Sversut , Briso Andre Luiz Fraga
Published: March 2007

This article reports clinical procedures used to remove residual bonded resin and enamel stains following bracket “debonding” at the conclusion of orthodontic treatment. A water‐cooled fine‐tapered diamond bur was used for resin removal, followed by enamel surface finishing using a commercially available microabrasion paste. It was noted that residual tooth coloration remained yellowish because of enamel translucency; the yellow dentin shade showed through. Additional tooth shade lightening was achieved using carbamide peroxide dental bleaching solution in custom‐formed trays. This report describes a safe and effective technique that optimizes tooth appearance at the conclusion of orthodontic therapy. Mechanical resin removal, enamel microabrasion, and tooth bleaching are employed.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A combination of treatment methods are sometimes required for the best esthetic result. After orthodontic treatment, mechanical resin removal followed successively by enamel microabrasion and tooth bleaching can yield ideal long‐lasting improvement.
A Case Report of Therapeutic Leukapheresis in an Adult With Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Presenting With Hyperleukocytosis and Leukostasis
Authors: Shafique Shahzad , Bona Robert , Kaplan Andre A
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Hyperleukocytosis (>100 × 109/L) is an uncommon presentation of chronic leukemias. It can present with a variety of symptoms secondary to leukostasis, a syndrome caused by the sludging of circulating leukemic blasts in the microvasculature. The management includes hydration, cytoreduction, prevention of tumor lysis and, rarely, leukapheresis in cases complicated by leukostasis and hyperviscosity syndrome. We present a case of severe leukocytosis complicated by leukostasis in which leukapheresis was utilized to bring about a rapid reversal of microvascular sludging.
Refinements in BaSO4 to CO2 Preparation and δ18 O Calibration of the Sulfate Reference Materials NBS‐127, IAEA SO‐5 and IAEA SO‐6
Authors: Halas Stanislaw , Szaran Janina , Czarnacki Maciej , Tanweer Ahmad
Published: March 2007

Refinements have been made to achieve over 99% yield in the conversion of CO to CO2 in order to improve the reproducibility and accuracy of δ18 O measurements in sulfates. BaSO4 (10‐15 mg) was mixed with an identical amount of spectrographic‐grade graphite and loaded into a Pt boat. The mixture was gradually heated to 1100 °C to reduce sulfate to CO and CO2; the former gas was simultaneously converted to CO2 by a glow discharge between Pt electrodes immersed in a magnetic field (produced by a pair of external neodymium magnets). A small memory effect was noticed during the analysis (less than 0.3‰ per 10‰ difference in δ18 O between two subsequently analysed samples). The memory effect, however, was suppressed by repetitive preparation of the same specimen. CO2 produced in this way from sulfate reference samples was analysed on a dual inlet and triple collector mass spectrometer along with CO2 equilibrated with VSMOW, GISP and SLAP water reference samples. To avoid large departures of measured isotope ratios from 18O/16O of the working calibrator we used CO2 gas prepared from ocean water sulfate for this purpose. The calibrated δ18 O values (in ‰) obtained in this way for NBS‐127, IAEA SO‐5 and IAEA SO‐6 reference materials were 8.73 ± 0.05, 12.20 ± 0.07 and ‐10.43 ± 0.12, respectively.
Studies of the Performance of Multi-Unit Impact Dampers Under Stochastic Excitation
Authors: Nayeri R. D. , Masri S. F. , Caffrey J. P.
Published: March 2007

The performance of particle dampers whose behavior under broadband excitations involves internal friction and momentum transfer is a highly complex nonlinear process that is not amenable to exact analytical solutions. While numerous analytical and experimental studies have been conducted over many years to develop strategies for modeling and controlling the behavior of this class of vibration dampers, no guidelines currently exist for determining optimum strategies for maximizing the performance of particle dampers, whether in a single unit or in arrays of dampers, under random excitation. This paper focuses on the development and evaluation of practical design strategies for maximizing the damping efficiency of multi-unit particle dampers under random excitation, both the stationary and nonstationary type. High-fidelity simulation studies are conducted with a variable number of multi-unit dampers ranging from 1 to 100, with the magnitude of the “dead-space” nonlinearity being a random variable with a prescribed probability distribution spanning a feasible range of parameters. Results of the computational studies are calibrated with carefully conducted experiments with single-unit/single-particle, single-unit/multi-particle, and multiple-unit/multi-particle dampers. It is shown that a wide latitude exists in the trade-off between high vibration attenuation over a narrow range of damper gap size versus slightly reduced attenuation over a much broader range. The optimum configuration can be achieved through the use of multiple particle dampers designed in accordance with the procedure presented in the paper. A semi-active algorithm is introduced to improve the rms level reduction, as well as the peak response reduction. The utility of the approach is demonstrated through numerical simulation studies involving broadband stationary random excitations, as well as highly nonstationary excitations resembling typical earthquake ground motions.
The Role of the Viscous Dissipation in Heated Microchannels
Authors: Morini Gian Luca , Spiga Marco
Published: March 2007

Many experimental works appeared in the last decade in the open literature dealing with forced convection through microchannels. The earliest experimental results on single-phase flows in microchannels evidenced that for channels having a hydraulic diameter less than 1mm the conventional continuum models can no longer be considered as able to accurately predict pressure drop and convective heat transfer coefficients. This conclusion seemed to be valid for both gas and liquid flows. Sometimes the authors justified this conclusion by invoking new micro-effects, e.g., electrostatic interaction between the fluid and the walls or scaling effects (axial heat conduction, viscous forces, conjugate heat transfer, wall roughness, and so on). In this paper the role of the viscous dissipation in liquids flowing through heated microchannels will be analyzed by using the conventional theory. We will present a correlation between the Brinkman number and the Nusselt number for silicon ⟨100⟩ and ⟨110⟩ microchannels. It will be demonstrated that the fluid is of importance in establishing the exact limit of significance of the viscous dissipation in microchannels; a criterion to analyze the significance of the viscous effects will be presented. The role of the cross-section aspect ratio on the viscous dissipation will be highlighted. The main goal of this work is to demonstrate that the problem of heat transfer enhancement in microdevices cannot be solved by indefinitely reducing the microchannel dimensions because the viscous dissipation effects shall offset the gains of high heat transfer coefficients associated with a reduction in the channel size.
Magnifying Superlens in the Visible Frequency Range
Authors: Smolyaninov Igor I. , Hung Yu-Ju , Davis Christopher C.
Published: March 2007

We demonstrate a magnifying superlens that can be integrated into a conventional far-field optical microscope. Our design is based on a multilayer photonic metamaterial consisting of alternating layers of positive and negative refractive index, as originally proposed by Narimanov and Engheta. We achieved a resolution on the order of 70 nanometers. The use of such a magnifying superlens should find numerous applications in imaging.
Emergence of Novel Color Vision in Mice Engineered to Express a Human Cone Photopigment
Authors: Jacobs Gerald H. , Williams Gary A. , Cahill Hugh , Nathans Jeremy
Published: March 2007

Changes in the genes encoding sensory receptor proteins are an essential step in the evolution of new sensory capacities. In primates, trichromatic color vision evolved after changes in X chromosome–linked photopigment genes. To model this process, we studied knock-in mice that expressed a human long-wavelength–sensitive (L) cone photopigment in the form of an X-linked polymorphism. Behavioral tests demonstrated that heterozygous females, whose retinas contained both native mouse pigments and human L pigment, showed enhanced long-wavelength sensitivity and acquired a new capacity for chromatic discrimination. An inherent plasticity in the mammalian visual system thus permits the emergence of a new dimension of sensory experience based solely on gene-driven changes in receptor organization.
A Vestige of Earth's Oldest Ophiolite
Authors: Furnes Harald , de Wit Maarten , Staudigel Hubert , Rosing Minik , Muehlenbachs Karlis
Published: March 2007

A sheeted-dike complex within the ∼3.8-billion-year-old Isua supracrustal belt (ISB) in southwest Greenland provides the oldest evidence of oceanic crustal accretion by spreading. The geochemistry of the dikes and associated pillow lavas demonstrates an intraoceanic island arc and mid-ocean ridge–like setting, and their oxygen isotopes suggest a hydrothermal ocean-floor–type metamorphism. The pillows and dikes are associated with gabbroic and ultramafic rocks that together make up an ophiolitic association: the Paleoarchean Isua ophiolite complex. These sheeted dikes offer evidence for remnants of oceanic crust formed by sea-floor spreading of the earliest intact rocks on Earth.
Identification of Dengue Virus in Respiratory Specimens from a Patient Who Had Recently Traveled from a Region Where Dengue Virus Infection Is Endemic
Authors: Tavakoli Norma P. , Tobin Ellis H. , Wong Susan J. , Dupuis Alan P. , Glasheen Bernadette , Kramer Laura D. , Bernard Kristen A.
Published: March 2007

Dengue is the most important arthropod-borne viral disease, and it is a major public health problem in subtropical and tropical regions. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected female mosquitoes of the genus
Aedes
. The global resurgence of dengue is thought to be due to failure to control the
Aedes
populations, uncontrolled urbanization, population growth, climate change, and increased airplane travel. In this paper we describe the methods used to detect dengue virus infection in a patient who presented to a hospital in New York State. The patient was a 21-year-old female who had recently traveled from Thailand. Serologic testing, viral culture, and molecular methods, including reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR, were tools used for diagnosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence assay of serum specimens indicated flavivirus infection. Conventional RT-PCR and sequencing, in addition to real-time RT-PCR of serum samples and nasal and throat swabs from the patient, confirmed dengue virus 1 (DEN-1) infection. A cytopathic effect was observed in virus cultures of the acute-phase serum samples and nasal swabs. DEN-1 was subsequently detected by RT-PCR from cell culture supernatants and by direct fluorescent-antibody assay staining of the cell culture monolayer. We show that a multipronged approach to the laboratory diagnosis of dengue infections can be used to successfully diagnose and differentiate the dengue virus serotypes. In addition, we show that both dengue viral RNA and infectious virus can be detected in respiratory specimens from an infected patient.
Pustular Dermatitis Caused by
Dermatophilus congolensis
Authors: Burd Eileen M. , Juzych Lydia A. , Rudrik James T. , Habib Fadi
Published: March 2007

We describe a case of pustular dermatitis in a 15-year-old girl who had just returned from horseback riding camp. Based on gram staining, colony characteristics, biochemical reactions, and whole-cell fatty acid analysis, the causative agent was identified as
Dermatophilus congolensis
. The literature contains few reports of human infection with this organism.
Surveillance for Reassortant Virus by Multiplex Reverse Transcription-PCR Specific for Eight Genomic Segments of Avian Influenza A H5N1 Viruses
Authors: Auewarakul Prasert , Sangsiriwut Kantima , Chaichoune Kridsda , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Wiriyarat Witthawat , Songserm Taweesak , Ponak-nguen Rasameepen , Prasertsopon Jarunee , Pooruk Phisanu , Sawanpanyalert Pathom , Ratanakorn Parntep , Puthavathana Pilaipan
Published: March 2007

Avian influenza H5N1 virus is a global threat. An emergence of a reassortant virus with a pandemic potential is a major concern. Here we describe a multiplex reverse transcription-PCR assay that is specific for the eight genomic segments of the currently circulating H5N1 viruses to facilitate surveillance for a virus resulting from reassortment between human influenza virus and the H5N1 virus.
Frequent Frameshift and Point Mutations in the SH Gene of Human Metapneumovirus Passaged In Vitro
Authors: Biacchesi Stéphane , Murphy Brian R. , Collins Peter L. , Buchholz Ursula J.
Published: March 2007

During the preparation of recombinant derivatives of the CAN97-83 clinical isolate of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), consensus nucleotide sequencing of the recovered RNA genomes provided evidence of frequent sequence heterogeneity at a number of genome positions. This heterogeneity was suggestive of sizable subpopulations containing mutations. An analysis of molecularly cloned cDNAs confirmed the presence of mixed populations. The biologically derived virus on which the recombinant system is based also contained sizeable mutant subpopulations, whose presence was confirmed by biological cloning and nucleotide sequencing. Most of the mutations occurred in the SH gene. For example, partial consensus sequencing of 40 independent preparations of recombinant HMPV (wild-type and various derivatives) showed that 31 of these preparations contained a total of 41 instances of small insertions in the SH gene and a total of five small insertions elsewhere. In each of these 31 preparations, there was at least one insert in SH that changed the reading frame and would yield a truncated protein. Nearly all of these insertions involved adding one or more A residues to various tracks of four or more A residues, with the most frequent site being a tract of seven A residues. There were also two instances of nucleotide deletions and numerous instances of nucleotide substitution point mutations, mostly in the SH gene. The occurrence of mutant subpopulations was greatly reduced by the replacement of the SH gene with a synthetic version in which these oligonucleotide tracts were eliminated by silent nucleotide changes. We suggest that we frequently detected subpopulations in which the expression of full-length SH protein was ablated because it provided a modest selective advantage to this clinical isolate in vitro. Adaptation involving the functional loss of a gene is unusual for an RNA virus.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Subtype C Tat Fails To Induce Intracellular Calcium Flux and Induces Reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Production from Monocytes
Authors: Campbell Grant R. , Watkins Jennifer D. , Singh Kumud K. , Loret Erwann P. , Spector Stephen A.
Published: March 2007

Over 50% of all human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections worldwide are caused by subtype C strains, yet most research to date focuses on subtype B, the subtype most commonly found in North America and Europe. The HIV-1trans-acting regulatory protein (Tat) is essential for regulating productive replication of HIV-1. Tat is secreted by HIV-infected cells and alters several functions of uninfected bystander cells. One such function is that, by acting at the cell membrane, subtype B Tat stimulates the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) from human monocytes and can act as a chemoattractant. In this study, we show that the mutation of a cysteine to a serine at residue 31 of Tat commonly found in subtype C variants significantly inhibits the abilities of the protein to bind to chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2), induce intracellular calcium flux, stimulate TNF and CCL2 production, and inhibit its chemoattractant properties. We also show that TNF is important in mediating some effects of extracellular Tat. This report therefore demonstrates the important functional differences between subtype C and subtype B Tat and highlights the need for further investigation into the different strains of HIV-1.
Signaling Cascades Triggered by Bacterial Metabolic End Products during Reactivation of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Morris T. L. , Arnold R. R. , Webster-Cyriaque J.
Published: March 2007

The present studies explore the role of polymicrobial infection in the reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and analyze signaling pathways activated upon this induction. We hypothesized that activation of the cellular stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 pathway would play a key role in the bacterium-mediated disruption of viral latency similar to that of previously reported results obtained with other inducers of gammaherpesvirus lytic replication. KSHV within infected BCBL-1 cells was induced to replicate following exposure to metabolic end products from gram-negative or -positive bacteria that were then simultaneously exposed to specific inhibitors of signal transduction pathways. We have determined that bacterium-mediated induction of lytic KSHV infection is significantly reduced by the inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway. In contrast, inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway did not impair induction of lytic replication or p38 phosphorylation. Protein kinase C, though activated, was not the major pathway used for bacterium-induced viral reactivation. Furthermore, hyperacetylation of histones 3 and 4 was detected. Collectively, our results show that metabolic end products from these pathogens induce lytic replication of KSHV in BCBL-1 cells primarily via the activation of a stress-activated MAPK pathway. Importantly, we demonstrate for the first time a mechanism by which polymicrobial bacterial infections result in KSHV reactivation and pathogenesis.