bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Études et leçons sur la Révolution Française
Authors: Aulard Alphonse
Published: February 2012

Alphonse Aulard (1849–1928) was the first French historian to use nineteenth-century historicist methods in the study of the French Revolution. Pioneered by German historians such as Leopold van Ranke, this approach emphasised empiricism, objectivity and the scientific pursuit of facts. Aulard's commitment to archival investigation is evidenced by the many edited collections of primary sources that appear in his extensive publication record. In these eight volumes of papers analysing the French Revolution (published 1893–1921), Aulard sought to apply the principles of historicism to reveal the truth. The work draws on earlier journal articles and lectures which Aulard delivered as Professor of the History of the French Revolution at the Sorbonne, a post he had held since 1885. Volume 7 (1913) includes essays on feudalism under Louis XVI, regionalism, centralisation, Carlyle's history of the Revolution (also reissued in this series), economic history, and Aulard's personal reflections on his teaching career.
MRCS Revision Guide: Trunk and Thorax
Authors: Kanani Mazyar , Harling Leanne
Published: February 2012

The new MRCS structure replaces the vivas and clinical style examinations with an OSCE-based system. This revision guide - the first in a series - fully reflects this new format and provides a structured, systems-based approach to revision. Key aspects of anatomy, physiology, critical care, surgical pathology and operative care are combined whilst focusing on the questions commonly asked in the exam. The material is presented in a practical, question-and-answer based format to help readers retain details whilst providing all of the essential information needed for examination success. MRCS Revision Guide: Trunk and Thorax is a concise, clear pocketbook that reduces the need for bulky textbooks by providing a quick reference guide for busy surgical trainees. If you are studying for the MRCS examination, you need this book.
Genetic differences among VietnameseHaplorchis taichuipopulations using the COI genetic marker
Authors: Dung D.T. , Hop N.T. , Thaenkham U. , Waikagul J.
Published: February 2012

Adults of the fish-borne intestinal trematode speciesHaplorchis taichuiwere collected from humans in three provinces of Vietnam: Ha Giang, Thanh Hoa and Quang Tri. Genetic analysis revealed three groups of the parasite from clustering dendrograms, correlating with the localities in which they were collected. Measurements of evolutionary divergence over sequence pairs were greater between the different populations than within them, which indicated that the three populations were genetically different. The significance (Fst= 0.73;Pvalue < 0.05) of the genetic variation of the three studied populations implied that genetic separation of the populations had already occurred, which may have been caused by a low gene flow among the differentH. taichuipopulations. Factors contributing to the low gene flow may include isolation resulting from the intermediate-host fish rarely being sold outside of the rural commune where they are raised and the enclosed aquacultural areas themselves.
Coral reef inhabiting tubeworms (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) from Enewetak, Kwajalein, Rongelap and Utirik Atolls, Marshall Islands
Authors: Bailey-Brock Julie H. , Magalhães Wagner F. , Brock Richard E.
Published: February 2012

The coral reef inhabiting tubeworms from the Marshall Islands have been studied by few authors mainly by samplings in Enewetak Atoll. We report several new records of serpuline and spirorbine tubeworms from Enewetak Atoll as well as from Kwajalein, Utirik and Rongelap Atolls. Twenty-one species of Serpulinae and seven species of Spirorbinae are described and illustrated with line drawings, colour and/or scanning electron microscopy photographs.Neodexiospira turritanom. nov. is proposed to replaceNeodexiospira preacuta. Enewetak Atoll still represents the most species-rich atoll in the Marshall Islands but this is most likely the result of a greater sampling effort in this atoll for the last few decades.
Unusual haemogregarines parasitizing intertidal teleosts from the subtropical east coast of South Africa, with the description ofHaemogregarina kunegeminasp. nov.
Authors: Ferreira Maryke L. , Smit Nico J. , Davies Angela J.
Published: February 2012

Of three intertidal fish species collected on the east coast of South Africa, 67% (127/190) had haemogregarine infections. Horned rockskippers,Antennablennius bifilumGünther, 1861, demonstrated 77% parasite prevalence, maned blennies,Scartella emarginataGünther, 1861, 53% prevalence, and a single specimen of the hotlips triplefin,Helcogramma obtusirostre Klunzinger, 1871, was also parasitized. Less than 1% ofA. bifilumandS. emarginataerythrocytes were infected, but ~2% of those ofH. obtusirostre. Haemogregarines inA. bifilumandS. emarginatawere morphologically similar toH. bigeminaLaveran & Mesnil, 1901, but uncharacteristic clusters of four merozoites were observed inS. emarginataand paired gamonts were smaller overall than those of the type species, although close in size toH. bigeminareported elsewhere. Intraerythrocytic gamonts inH. obtusirostre, occurred mainly in fours, a characteristic of the European species originally namedH. quadrigeminaBrumpt & Lebailly, 1904. Additionally however, this South African species infrequently demonstrated eight intraerythrocytic gamonts and host cells commonly had spiny perimeters and were de-haemoglobulinized. Owing to the differences observed, this species is described as new to science and namedHaemogregarina kunegeminasp. nov. Possible haemogregarine developmental stages were found in first and second stage pranizae of the gnathiid isopod,Gnathia pilosusHadfield, Smit & Avenant-Oldewage, 2008, that had fed on the three fish hosts. These are the first reports of haemogregarines from teleosts of the subtropical east coast of South Africa.
Stomach contents of small cetaceans stranded along the Sea of Oman and Arabian Sea coasts of the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Ponnampalam Louisa S. , Collins Tim J.Q. , Minton Gianna , Schulz Isabelle , Gray Howard , Ormond Rupert F. G. , Baldwin Robert M.
Published: February 2012

This study examined the stomach contents of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopssp.), five Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and two spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that were found stranded along the Omani coastline. Across the three species examined, a total of 4796 fish otoliths and 214 cephalopod beaks were found, representing at least 33 species in 22 families. Prey item importance was calculated using the percentage by number and percentage by frequency of occurrence methods, and a modified index of relative importance. The fish families Apogonidae, Carangidae and Scombridae were the most numerically important prey of the bottlenose dolphins. Sciaenidae was the most numerically important fish family for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. The myctophidBenthosema pterotumformed the majority of the prey items of spinner dolphins. Cephalopod remains found in the stomach samples were represented by the families Sepiidae, Loliginidae and Onychoteuthidae. The known depth distribution of prey items of bottlenose dolphins indicated that the animals fed in a wide variety of habitats. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin prey items indicated feeding in shallow coastal areas. Spinner dolphins appear to have exploited the upper 200 m of the water column for food, where their vertically migrating mesopelagic prey are found at night. Most prey species found in the stomach contents do not appear to be of current commercial importance in Oman. However, the findings here indicated that all three species of dolphins were feeding in areas where artisanal and/or commercial fishing occurs and has conservation implications.
Proteomics on the rims: insights into the biology of the nuclear envelope and flagellar pocket of trypanosomes
Authors: FIELD MARK C. , ADUNG'A VINCENT , OBADO SAMSON , CHAIT BRIAN T. , ROUT MICHAEL P.
Published: February 2012

Trypanosomatids represent the causative agents of major diseases in humans, livestock and plants, with inevitable suffering and economic hardship as a result. They are also evolutionarily highly divergent organisms, and the many unique aspects of trypanosome biology provide opportunities in terms of identification of drug targets, the challenge of exploiting these putative targets and, at the same time, significant scope for exploration of novel and divergent cell biology. We can estimate from genome sequences that the degree of divergence of trypanosomes from animals and fungi is extreme, with perhaps one third to one half of predicted trypanosome proteins having no known function based on homology or recognizable protein domains/architecture. Two highly important aspects of trypanosome biology are the flagellar pocket and the nuclear envelope, wherein silicoanalysis clearly suggests great potential divergence in the proteome. The flagellar pocket is the sole site of endo- and exocytosis in trypanosomes and plays important roles in immune evasionviavariant surface glycoprotein (VSG) trafficking and providing a location for sequestration of various invariant receptors. The trypanosome nuclear envelope has been largely unexplored but, by analogy with higher eukaryotes, roles in the regulation of chromatin and most significantly, in controlling VSG gene expression are expected. Here we discuss recent successful proteomics-based approaches towards characterization of the nuclear envelope and the endocytic apparatus, the identification of conserved and novel trypanosomatid-specific features, and the implications of these findings.
Castrating parasites and colonial hosts
Authors: HARTIKAINEN H. , OKAMURA B.
Published: February 2012

Trajectories of life-history traits such as growth and reproduction generally level off with age and increasing size. However, colonial animals may exhibit indefinite, exponential growth via modular iteration thus providing a long-lived host source for parasite exploitation. In addition, modular iteration entails a lack of germ line sequestration. Castration of such hosts by parasites may therefore be impermanent or precluded, unlike the general case for unitary animal hosts. Despite these intriguing correlates of coloniality, patterns of colonial host exploitation have not been well studied. We examined these patterns by characterizing the responses of a myxozoan endoparasite,Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae,and its colonial bryozoan host,Fredericella sultana, to 3 different resource levels. We show that (1) the development of infectious stages nearly always castrates colonies regardless of host condition, (2) castration reduces partial mortality and (3) development of transmission stages is resource-mediated. Unlike familiar castrator-host systems, this system appears to be characterized by periodic rather than permanent castration. Periodic castration may be permitted by 2 key life history traits: developmental cycling of the parasite between quiescent (covert infections) and virulent infectious stages (overt infections) and the absence of germ line sequestration which allows host reproduction in between bouts of castration.
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis: a critical but neglected factor influencing school participation of Aboriginal children in rural Malaysia
Authors: AHMED ABDULHAMID , AL-MEKHLAFI HESHAM M. , AZAM MOHAMMAD NURUL , ITHOI INIT , AL-ADHROEY ABDULELAH H. , ABDULSALAM AWATIF M. , SURIN JOHARI
Published: February 2012

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), among the most common neglected tropical diseases, is a major public health problem in Malaysia with a possible impact on the nutritional status and school participation of rural children. This study was carried out among Aboriginal schoolchildren, living in an endemic area for STH in Malaysia, to determine the possible relationship between intestinal helminthiasis and school absenteeism. We also evaluated whether successful treatment of the infection will affect school attendance among the subjects. Stool analysis revealed that more than 90% of the subjects were infected with at least 1 helminth species, with Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections being most prevalent. Infection of moderate-to-heavy worm burdens, low level of fathers' education and anaemia were identified as the significant predictors of high absenteeism among the subjects (P<0·05). Following treatment of the infected children, it was found that school absenteeism was reduced significantly (P<0·01). In conclusion, STH continues to have significant impacts on public health, particularly in rural communities with a negatively significant effect on the school participation of Aboriginal children. A school-based de-worming programme should be introduced and incorporated in the current educational assistance targeted towards the Aboriginal communities, under the auspices of the government.
Acanthamoebadifferentiation: a two-faced drama ofDr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Authors: SIDDIQUI RUQAIYYAH , DUDLEY RICKY , KHAN NAVEED AHMED
Published: February 2012

The ability of cyst-forming protists such asAcanthamoebato escape death by transforming into a cyst form, that is resistant to harsh physiological, environmental and pharmacological conditions, has continued to pose a serious challenge to human and animal health. A complete understanding of the fundamental principles of genome evolution and biochemical pathways of cellular differentiation offers unprecedented opportunities to counter detrimental outcomes.Acanthamoebacan elude inhospitable conditions by forming cysts. Here we unravel the processes involved in the phenotypic switching ofAcanthamoeba, which are critical in our efforts to find potential targets for chemotherapy.
Introduction: LJIL in the Age of Cyberspace
Authors: VAN DEN HERIK LARISSA
Published: February 2012

In 2012, the Leiden Journal of International Law (LJIL) celebrates its silver jubilee. Such a milestone calls for a brief sketch of LJIL's life and development over the past quarter of a century. This editorial accordingly narrates how LJIL grew from a modest student-run journal to establishing itself as a respected participant in the international academic arena. It is premised on the idea that LJIL's professionalization process and the gradual formation of a distinct identity in the field may be of interest to our entire epistemic community and those interested in the dynamics of the dissemination of scholarly ideas. Eventually, this editorial engages with some of the greatest challenges with which LJIL – as well as other actors in scholarly publishing – will most likely be confronted in the years to come.
The Impact of the Nicaragua Case on Matters of Evidence and Fact-Finding
Authors: REICHLER PAUL S.
Published: February 2012

The Nicaragua case demonstrates the Court's competence in receiving and interpreting evidence, and in making reasoned findings of fact, even in the most complicated evidentiary context, as is often presented in cases involving use of force and armed conflict. The Court applied well-established standards for evaluating the conflicting evidence presented to it. In particular, the Court determined that greater weight should be given to statements against interest made by high-level government officials than to a state's self-serving declarations. The Court also determined that statements by disinterested witnesses with first-hand knowledge should receive greater weight than mere statements of opinion or press reports. In applying these guidelines, the Court found, correctly, that (i) the United States had used military and paramilitary force against Nicaragua both directly and indirectly, by organizing, financing, arming, and training the Contra guerrillas to attack Nicaragua; (ii) the evidence did not support a finding that the United States exercised direct control over the Contras’ day-to-day operations; and (iii) there was no evidence that Nicaragua supplied arms to guerrillas fighting against the government of El Salvador during the relevant period, or carried out an armed attack against that state. While Judge Schwebel's dissent criticized the last of these findings, in fact, the evidence fully supported the Court's conclusion. In subsequent decisions during the past 25 years, the Court has continued to rely on the approach to evidence first elaborated in the Nicaragua case and has continued to demonstrate its competence as a finder of fact, including in cases involving armed conflict (Bosnia Genocide) and complex scientific and technical issues (Pulp Mills).
Design of high transformation ratio millimeter-wave integrated transformers
Authors: Leite Bernardo , Kerhervé Eric , Bégueret Jean-Baptiste , Belot Didier
Published: February 2012

A novel topology for millimeter-wave-integrated transformers is proposed. The windings are stacked and secondaries are designed with different trace widths and different diameters from that of the primary, in order to obtain relatively high-inductance transformation ratios. Measurement and simulation results of 65 nm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and 130 nm combination of Bipolar and CMOS (BiCMOS) transformers present the impact of this structure on the inductances, quality factor, coupling coefficient, and minimum insertion loss. Within certain limits on the trace widths, it is shown that the proposed topology not only increases the transformation ratio but also improves its overall performance.
The Rajah of Darjeeling Organic Tea
Authors: Banerjee Rajah
Published: February 2012

The Rajah of Darjeeling Organic Tea is about Makaibari  the first tea garden in the Himalayan Highlands. This book captures the magic of Makaibari and provides a rare glimpse of one of Darjeeling 's greatest characters  the Thunderbolt Rajah. He is a champion of the organic tea movement, a social activist for tea labourers and small organic farmers, an anthropologist who works tirelessly to preserve the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region and an environmentalist who fights to conserve its rich biodiversity. The Rajah of Darjeeling Organic Tea chronicles the evolution of Makaibari, a homestead which, by merely addressing and redressing its problems on the ground and from the ground, has become an ideal, a panchavati, where the home and the forest are merged in identity.
Parameterizing individual effects of shear and stratification on mixing in stably stratified shear flows
Authors: Shimizu Kenji
Published: February 2012

This study proposes new parameterizations of diapycnal mixing by reanalyzing the results of previous laboratory and numerical experiments on homogeneous stably stratified shear flows. Unlike previous studies that use either the turbulent Froude number Fr or gradient Richardson number Rig, this study parameterizes nondimensional momentum and buoyancy fluxes as functions of Fr and a turbulent shear number Sh, in order to quantify individual effects of shear and stratification. Turbulent momentum flux is found to depend linearly on Sh and to decrease monotonically with decreasing Fr. Turbulent buoyancy flux has a peak at moderate Fr. With increasing Sh, it decreases and increases at high and low Fr, respectively. The increase of Sh also cause relatively small but significant decreases of nondimensional turbulent properties, such as the nondimensional conversion rate of turbulent potential energy to background potential energy. The proposed parameterizations lie within the scatter of limited available field data. The parameterizations may be reduced to Rig‐based ones by incorporating the relationship between Rigand turbulence intensity observed in the field. Existing stability functions for two‐equation turbulent closure schemes are found to over‐predict mixing efficiency at low Fr.
An A‐train and model perspective on the vertical distribution of aerosols and CO in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Ford Bonne , Heald Colette L.
Published: February 2012

We use A‐train satellite observations of aerosols and carbon monoxide (CO) (CALIOP, MODIS, and TES) with GEOS‐Chem model simulations to analyze long range transport in the Northern Hemisphere over 3 years (December 2006–November 2009), with a focus on the vertical distribution of pollutants. GEOS‐Chem underestimates TES observations of CO in all seasons (<25%) except winter. MODIS and GEOS‐Chem aerosol optical depths (AOD) are both generally biased high in comparison with CALIOP (0.042 over land/0.036 over ocean and 0.016 over land/−0.0071 over ocean, respectively; for spring seasons, but similar results for all seasons). Comparisons between GEOS‐Chem and CALIOP improve when the CALIOP detection limits are accounted for, and the bias over land in particular is reduced (0.010). However, we find that GEOS‐Chem with applied detection limits still overestimates the CALIOP observations of aerosol extinction over sources in Asia and Europe, but underestimates in marine environments and over North America in spring and summer. Vertical cross‐sections indicate that GEOS‐Chem may be removing aerosol too efficiently in the boundary layer in addition to underestimating marine aerosol sources. We show that mimicking the single aerosol type per layer retrieval of CALIOP with GEOS‐Chem could lower simulated AOD by 10–30% at midlatitudes. TES and CALIOP observations confirm that while CO is efficiently transported aloft (only 12% of the CO column is within the planetary boundary layer (PBL) on average), the efficient removal of aerosol limits export and subsequent transport with over 50% of observed aerosol extinction occurring within the PBL.
New clean air efforts face tough challenges, say senators and former EPA administrators
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2012

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) coming under repeated attack from some members of Congress and others for perceived heavy‐handed regulatory actions, two moderate U.S. senators and two former EPA administrators recently noted the need for continued measures to improve air quality. However, they also acknowledged the difficulty in moving forward with new legislative efforts to revise the federal Clean Air Act to further reduce air pollution in the current polarized political climate. “Nobody who wants to see constructive changes [to the act] would dare touch it or propose it in the current climate,” said former EPA administrator William Reilly at a 23 January forum sponsored by the World Resources Institute. Reilly, who served as EPA administrator from 1989 to 1992, noted that bipartisan congressional support had been key to addressing many environmental problems up until the mid‐1990s.
Obama address touches on research, energy, and environmental issues
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2012

President Barack Obama's State of the Union message, delivered on 24 January, touched on the need for basic research, energy production, support for clean energy, and environmental protection, but it included just one passing reference to climate change. In addition, the speech made no note of the Administration's recent denial of a controversial application for the Keystone XL pipeline to transport crude oil from Canada to the United States and made just an elliptical reference regarding the bankrupt Solyndra Corporation, which the administration had touted as a clean energy company. Innovation “demands basic research,” Obama said, adding that Congress should not “gut these investments in our budget.” Noting that one promise for innovation is American‐made energy, Obama said he is directing the administration to “open more than 75% of our potential offshore oil and gas resources.”
Oxygen activation in neuronal NO synthase: resolving the consecutive mono-oxygenation steps
Authors: Papale Davide , Bruckmann Chiara , Gazur Ben , Miles Caroline S. , Mowat Christopher G. , Daff Simon
Published: February 2012

The vital signalling molecule NO is produced by mammalian NOS (nitric oxide synthase) enzymes in two steps. L-arginine is converted into NOHA (Nω-hydroxy-L-arginine), which is converted into NO and citrulline. Both steps are thought to proceed via similar mechanisms in which the cofactor BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin) activates dioxygen at the haem site by electron transfer. The subsequent events are poorly understood due to the lack of stable intermediates. By analogy with cytochrome P450, a haem-iron oxo species may be formed, or direct reaction between a haem-peroxy intermediate and substrate may occur. The two steps may also occur via different mechanisms. In the present paper we analyse the two reaction steps using the G586S mutant of nNOS (neuronal NOS), which introduces an additional hydrogen bond in the active site and provides an additional proton source. In the mutant enzyme, BH4 activates dioxygen as in the wild-type enzyme, but an interesting intermediate haem species is then observed. This may be a stabilized form of the active oxygenating species. The mutant is able to perform step 2 (reaction with NOHA), but not step 1 (with L-arginine) indicating that the extra hydrogen bond enables it to discriminate between the two mono-oxygenation steps. This implies that the two steps follow different chemical mechanisms.
Pentosan polysulfate increases affinity between ADAMTS-5 and TIMP-3 through formation of an electrostatically driven trimolecular complex
Authors: Troeberg Linda , Mulloy Barbara , Ghosh Peter , Lee Meng-Huee , Murphy Gillian , Nagase Hideaki
Published: February 2012

The semi-synthetic sulfated polysaccharide PPS (pentosan polysulfate) increases affinity between the aggrecan-degrading ADAMTSs (adamalysins with thrombospondin motifs) and their endogenous inhibitor, TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases)-3. In the present study we demonstrate that PPS mediates the formation of a high-affinity trimolecular complex with ADAMTS-5 and TIMP-3. A TIMP-3 mutant that lacks extracellular-matrix-binding ability was insensitive to this affinity increase, and truncated forms of ADAMTS-5 that lack the Sp (spacer) domain had reduced PPS-binding ability and sensitivity to the affinity increase. PPS molecules composed of 11 or more saccharide units were 100-fold more effective than those of eight saccharide units, indicating the involvement of extended or multiple protein-interaction sites. The formation of a high-affinity trimolecular complex was completely abolished in the presence of 0.4 M NaCl. These results suggest that PPS enhances the affinity between ADAMTS-5 and TIMP-3 by forming electrostatically driven trimolecular complexes under physiological conditions.
Detection of Avian bornavirus 5 RNA in Eclectus roratus  with feather picking disorder
Authors: Horie Masayuki , Ueda Kengo , Ueda Akiko , Honda Tomoyuki , Tomonaga Keizo
Published: February 2012

Avian bornavirus (ABV) was discovered recently in parrots with proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a fatal neurological disease. Although ABV has been shown to be a causative agent of PDD, its virological characteristics are largely unknown. Here we report the detection of ABV genotype 5 RNA in an Eclectus roratus with feather picking disorder (FPD). Interestingly, although the bird was persistently infected with ABV5 for at least 8 months, it had no clinical signs of PDD. Although it remains unclear whether ABV5 is associated with FPD, these findings raise the importance of epidemiological studies of birds with diseases other than PDD.
Atypical facial pain related to apical fenestration and overfilling
Authors: Pasqualini D. , Scotti N. , Ambrogio P. , Alovisi M. , Berutti E.
Published: February 2012

Pasqualini D, Scotti N, Ambrogio P, Alovisi M, Berutti E. Atypical facial pain related to apical fenestration and overfilling. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 670–677, 2012.

Aim  To report a case of apical fenestration and overfilling in which unusual pain characteristics made differential diagnosis challenging.

Summary  A 32‐year‐old woman with diffuse, spontaneous, moderate pain in the maxillary left posterior sector, exacerbated by masticatory and facial muscle movement, with intense sporadic electric‐shooting pain, underwent clinical examination and 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Apical fenestration with protrusion of the mesial root of tooth 26 beyond the buccal cortical plate, extrusion of canal filling material into the soft tissues and a periosteal reaction were detected. Surgery was performed under the operating microscope. The filling material and surrounding fibrous tissue were located, dissected from healthy soft tissues and removed. The mesiobuccal root apex was resected with a bur to within the bony crypt. A root end was prepared and filled with Tech Biosealer RootEnd™ (Isasan, Como, Italy). At the 2‐week recall, the patient had complete resolution of the symptoms and good soft‐tissue healing. The 1‐year recall examination and intra‐oral radiography confirmed complete resolution of the symptoms and health of periradicular tissues.

Key learning points 

Apical fenestration may occur in 9% of cases and may be considered an anatomic predisposing factor for persistent pain after root canal treatment.

This complication provides a considerable differential diagnostic challenge and is often misdiagnosed and mistreated.

When correctly diagnosed through an accurate, multidisciplinary approach, it may be managed with a simple surgical procedure in which the endodontist should play a key role.

Misdiagnosis and over treatment of apical fenestration, through the surgical management of chronic facial pain conditions, could lead to severe exacerbation of chronic pain, which may potentially become persistent or, indeed, intractable.
Mastering improvement science skills in the new era of quality and safety: the Veterans Affairs National Quality Scholars Program
Authors: Estrada Carlos A. , Dolansky Mary A. , Singh Mamta K. , Oliver Brant J. , Callaway‐Lane Carol , Splaine Mark , Gilman Stuart , Patrician Patricia A.
Published: February 2012

Rationale, aims and objectives  Healthcare professionals need a new skill set to ensure the success of quality improvement in healthcare. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiated the VA National Quality Scholars fellowship in 1998; its mission is to improve the quality of care, ensure safety, accelerate healthcare re‐design, and advance the improvement science by educating the next generation of leaders in quality and safety. We describe the critical need for leadership in quality and safety and interprofessional education, illustrate the curriculum, provide lessons learned by fellows, summarize key lessons learned from the implementation of an interprofessional education approach, and present most recent accomplishments.

Methods  Narrative review.

Results  As of 2011, 106 program alumni are embedded in the health care delivery system across the United States. Since 2009, when nurse fellows joined the program, of the first nine graduating interdisciplinary fellows, the tailored curriculum has resulted in five advanced academic degrees, 42 projects, 29 teaching activities, 44 presentations, 36 publications, six grants funded or submitted, and two awards.

Conclusions  The VA National Quality Scholars program continues to nurture and develop leaders for the new millennium focusing on interprofessional education. The nations' health care systems need strong interdisciplinary leaders in advanced quality improvement science who are dedicated to improving the overall quality of health and health care.
Specificity of systemically released rice stem volatiles on egg parasitoid, Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead behaviour
Authors: Rani P. Usha , Sandhyarani K.
Published: February 2012

The yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas Walker (YSB), infested rice plants emit chemicals through the surface of their infested stems. These induce attractant activity and cause arrestment responses and ovipositional stimulation in its egg parasitoid, Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead. Laboratory experiments on short‐range host searching and oviposition were performed to assess the how these crude stem extracts and their fractions influence the biological control efficiency of Trichogramma. The activity of these chemicals as long‐range attractants was confirmed through wind tunnel bioassays. Stem borer‐infested plant extracts had enhanced the parasitization rate of T. japonicum, whereas host eggs treated with the extract from undamaged stems or solvent‐treated control failed to evoke changes in the parasitoid’s behaviour. A preliminary GC‐MASS analysis indicated the presence of several hydrocarbon compounds. The analysis also revealed qualitative and quantitative differences between the chemical profiles of the infested and non‐infested plants. We hypothesized that herbivore‐induced plant chemicals are released through the stem surfaces and attract T. japonicum, even over long distances. These cues elicit parasitoid arrestment on pest‐damaged plants and subsequently lead to the successful parasitization of the stem borer.
The Eurozone as a Flawed Currency Area
Authors: BAIMBRIDGE MARK , BURKITT BRIAN , WHYMAN PHILIP B.
Published: February 2012

The European single currency system has come under unprecedented strain during the past three years and there is little reason to assume that this will diminish, in any significant way, in the near future. This article briefly explores the background to the current eurozone crisis before outlining a number of potential solutions. Specifically, we discuss how the credit crunch induced recession of 2008 triggered the problems within the eurozone regarding sovereign debt, looking at the issues of spill‐over and free‐rider effects, together with the implementation of EMU fiscal rules. The analysis is then extended by outlining a series of potential remedies. This consists of a critical evaluation of solutions that the EU has already instigated (i.e. moral persuasion, financial relief measures and debt default), together with a series of alternative propositions (i.e. fiscal federalism and a European Clearing Union) and even the collapse of the euro.
‘Somewhat more disruptive than we had in mind’1: The Boundary Commission for England's 2011 Proposed Redistribution of Parliamentary Constituencies
Authors: JOHNSTON RON , PATTIE CHARLES , ROSSITER DAVID
Published: February 2012

In February 2011 the UK Parliament passed an Act that both reduced the number of MPs to be elected to the House of Commons and significantly altered the rules for the definition of Parliamentary constituencies. After six redistributions in which organic criteria—MPs representing places with a community of interest—dominated the redrawing of constituency boundaries, the new rules gave precedence to an arithmetic criterion: all constituencies must have electorates within 5 per cent of the national quota (average). Seven months later the Boundary Commission published its initial proposals for a new set of 502 constituencies implementing these new rules. This paper evaluates the amount of change to the country's electoral map that this involves, identifies the main features of the new constituency configurations, and assesses their likely impact on UK political life.
A War on ‘Risk’? British Government and the National Security Strategy
Authors: CROWCROFT ROBERT
Published: February 2012

This article explores the United Kingdom's National Security Strategy (NSS) since 2008, considering what the NSS discloses about how contemporary Whitehall conceptualises ‘risks’ to Britain. It contends that rather than being a strategy in the Clausewitzian sense, the NSS represents a political exercise in risk management. In addressing a range of quite different problems, the NSS suggests that those in Whitehall now conceive their role as being to shield the citizen from any conceivable threat to their safety, wellbeing, and even emotional security. Yet this constitutes a highly expansive vision, and elevates the state's provision of public goods to a potentially unmanageable level.
A Bayesian view of model complexity
Authors: van der Linde Angelika
Published: February 2012

This article addresses the problem of formally defining the ‘effective number of parameters’ in a Bayesian model which is assumed to be given by a sampling distribution and a prior distribution for the parameters. The problem occurs in the derivation of information criteria for model comparison which often trade off ‘goodness of fit’ and ‘model complexity’. It also arises in (frequentist) attempts to estimate the error variance in regression models with informative priors on the regression coefficients, for example, in smoothing. It is argued that model complexity can be conceptualized as a feature of the joint distribution of the observed variables and the random parameters and might be formally described by a measure of dependence. The universal and accurate estimation of terms of model complexity is a challenging problem in practice. Several well‐known criteria for model comparison are interpreted and discussed along these lines.
Fuzzy Analysis for Modeling Regional Delineation and Development: The Case of the Sardinian Mining Geopark
Authors: Manca Germana , Curtin Kevin
Published: February 2012

Although defining geographic regions for analysis can be a complex exercise, involving both physical and human geographic perspectives, employing both qualitative and quantitative data, and integrating a wide range of social, economic, and political factors, it is frequently a necessary exercise in the pursuit of regional development. This article presents a method for modeling and delineating regions with fuzzy analysis for the purpose of regional development. A review of the literature regarding fuzzy analysis is provided, which demonstrates that this method is both novel and necessary. An application of this method is described in the context of the Sardinian Geopark. The fuzzy clustering analysis demonstrates how combinations of factors can inform decisions regarding where and how to initiate or continue regional development efforts. Suggestions for improvements and extensions to this process are provided.
Functional reconstitution of defective myeloid dendritic cells in chronic hepatitis C infection on successful antiviral treatment
Authors: Rana Deepa , Chawla Yogesh K. , Duseja Ajay , Dhiman Radhakrishan , Arora Sunil K.
Published: February 2012

Objective

Poor cellular trafficking and suboptimal T‐cell responses in liver, the hall marks of chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC) infection, might be attributed to defective antigen presentation. Controversy exists regarding role of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) in CHC and response to antiviral treatment. This study examines functional status of DCs before and after completion of treatment with the aim to find any modulatory effect.

Design

Frequency and functions of monocyte‐derived DCs (mo‐DCs) were evaluated in CHC (n = 25), before the start of therapy (CHC0). These patients were then put on treatment with peg‐interferon‐α plus ribavirin for 24 or 48 weeks, and the mo‐DC functions were evaluated after 6 months of completion of treatment (CHC6) again, using multicolour flow cytometry, endocytosis assay, cytokine assay and mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Results

Pre‐treatment frequency of mo‐DCs in CHC0 was lower than that in healthy controls, which became close to normal in patients who achieved virological response (SVR+, n = 20) but not in non‐responders (SVR−, n = 5). Pre‐treatment levels of CD83, CD80 and CD86 on mo‐DC in SVR0+, but not SVR0−, got upregulated after lipopolysaccharide stimulation supporting the hypothesis that DCs play deciding role in response to therapy. Post‐treatment allostimulatory and phagocytosing capacity of mo‐DCs in SVR+ patients indicated regain in functional capacity in these patients but not in SVR− patients.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that DCs in CHC patients exhibiting mature and functional phenotype prior to therapy achieve sustained virological response suggesting that functional modulation of defective DCs is directly associated with successful response to therapy.
Serial plotting on customised fundal height charts results in doubling of the antenatal detection of small for gestational age fetuses in nulliparous women
Authors: Roex Alphonse , Nikpoor Payam , van Eerd Eva , Hodyl Nicolette , Dekker Gus
Published: February 2012

Background

The antenatal detection of fetal growth restriction is a focus point of antenatal care. If detected fetal demise may be prevented and perinatal complications could be managed more appropriately.

Aims

To investigate whether introducing serial plotting on customised fundal height charts can increase the detection rate of small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses in low risk nulliparous women attending antenatal clinics in a public teaching hospital in Adelaide, South Australia.

Methods

An observational study was employed to compare SGA detection rates, utilising data from an historical Control group compared to data collected after the study intervention. In the Control group the fundal height (FH) was measured for every antenatal visit and documented in the notes, but not plotted on a chart. The study intervention used serial FH plotting on customised charts, with a dedicated clinical practice guideline and regular audits to increase clinician awareness of the intervention.

Results

The antenatal detection rate of SGA was 31/125 (24.8%) in the Control group and 44/87 (50.6%) in the Intervention group (P < 0.001; OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.73–5.57).

Conclusions

Serial plotting of the FH on customised charts supported by a clinical practice guideline resulted in a doubling of the antenatal detection of SGA in nulliparous pregnant women at low risk for SGA.
Blood Pressure Measurements and Left Ventricular Mass Index in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ekart Robert , Kanič Vojko , Pečovnik‐Balon Breda , Bevc Sebastjan , Dvoršak Benjamin , Hojs Radovan
Published: February 2012

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the most frequent cardiac abnormality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. It is related to cardiovascular diseases and is an important risk factor for mortality in HD patients. Arterial hypertension is an established risk factor for LVH in HD patients. Inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter is a good indicator of circulating fluid volume; hypervolemia is an important pathogenetic factor of hypertension in HD patients. The purpose of our study was to evaluate possible association between LVH, IVC diameter, and different blood pressure (BP) measurements in HD patients. In the present study, 85 HD patients were included. BP was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer before and after the HD session; the average 1‐monthly values of the routine BP measurements were also analyzed. 24‐ and 48‐h ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPMs) were performed after the end of HD sessions using a noninvasive ABPM. Average values of systolic and diastolic BP were analyzed separately for the first (HD) and second (interdialytic) day ABPM and for both days together. Using echocardiography, left ventricular mass was measured and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated. Using ultrasonography, IVC diameter was measured on the interdialytic day. Using multiple regression analysis, we found statistically significant correlations between LVMI and mean monthly postdialysis systolic BP (P < 0.05) and mean 48‐h diastolic BP (P < 0.05). Only longer BP measurements (average 1‐month post‐HD and 48‐h ABPM) were associated with LVMI in HD patients.
Mutations of the SCN1A gene in acute encephalopathy
Authors: Saitoh Makiko , Shinohara Mayu , Hoshino Hideki , Kubota Masaya , Amemiya Kaoru , Takanashi Jun‐lchi , Hwang Su‐Kyeong , Hirose Shinichi , Mizuguchi Masashi
Published: February 2012

Purpose:  Acute encephalopathy is the most serious complication of pediatric viral infections, such as influenza and exanthema subitum. It occurs worldwide, but is most prevalent in East Asia. Recently, there have been sporadic case reports of epilepsy/febrile seizure and acute encephalopathy with a neuronal sodium channel alpha 1 subunit (SCN1A) mutation. To determine whether SCN1A mutations are a predisposing factor of acute encephalopathy, we sought to identify SCN1A mutations in a large case series of acute encephalopathy including various syndromes.

Methods:  We analyzed the SCN1A gene in 87 patients with acute encephalopathy, consisting of 20 with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), 61 with acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD), and six with nonspecific (unclassified) acute encephalopathy.

Key Findings:  Three patients had distinct point mutations. Two of them had epileptic seizures prior to acute encephalopathy. Clinical and neuroradiologic findings of acute encephalopathy were diverse among the three patients, although all had a prolonged and generalized seizure at its onset. The first patient with V982L had partial epilepsy and AESD. The second patient with M1977L had febrile seizures and nonspecific acute encephalopathy. The third patient with R1575C had no seizures until the onset of ANE. M1977L was a novel mutation, whereas the remaining two, V982L and R1575C, have previously been reported in cases of Dravet syndrome and acute encephalopathy, respectively.

Significance:  These findings provide further evidence that SCN1A mutations are a predisposing factor for the onset of various types of acute encephalopathy.
Counseling in Greece
Authors: Malikiosi‐Loizos Maria , Ivey Allen E.
Published: February 2012

There is rapid growth in Greece's professional and research activity in counseling, despite the lack of a clear professional identity for the field. It is hoped this will be overcome through the newly started graduate programs. Opportunities, objectives, and strategies for counseling's advancement should be directed toward close and essential collaboration at a European and at an international level, which will blend elements of original and host cultures with academic knowledge and professional counseling experience.
Classification, Subjectivities, and Personal Visibility
Authors: Shoshana Avi
Published: February 2012

This article proposes extending the empirical sociological debate regarding the complex ways social classifications construct scenarios of subjectivity. Based on the case study of the Boarding School for the Gifted Disadvantaged in Israel, the article describes how a new cultural order created a new scenario of subjectivity (“gifted disadvantaged”) that had not been known before. This scenario was shaped in relation both to the ethnic classification in Israel, as well as to two social categories that were well‐known in the educational field (“gifted” and “disadvantaged”). To understand the institutional dynamics involved in the construction of a new scenario of subjectivity, content analysis of the organizational documents that accompanied the founding of the school was carried out, and in‐depth interviews with graduates of the school were conducted in order to understand how those who populate the new scenario experience their subjectivity years after its construction. The findings indicate a specific connection between classifications, subjectivity, and personal visibility. Specifically, the study reveals a number of phenomenological aspects that enhance the experience of visibility: the cognitive identification of two types of self; the experience of cognitive liminality; and the consciousness of having a subjectivity deserving of special nurturance.
The Three Phases of Bourdieu’s U.S. Reception: Comment on Lamont
Authors: Lizardo Omar
Published: February 2012

This essay responds to

Lamont’s (2011)

article “How Has Bourdieu Been Good to Think With? The Case of the United States,” which appears in this issue.
Bourdieu in Contention and Deliberation: Response to Lamont and Lizardo
Authors: Mische Ann
Published: February 2012

This essay responds to

Lamont’s (2011)

article “How Has Bourdieu Been Good to Think With? The Case of the United States,” and

Lizardo’s (2011)

essay “The Three Phases of Bourdieu’s U.S. Reception,” both of which appear in this issue.