bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzoyl‐arginine naphthylamide (BANA) hydrolysis by Treponema denticola and/or Bacteroides gingivalis in periodontal plaques
Authors: Bretz W. A. , Lopatin D. E. , Loesche W. J.
Published: September 2010

Treponema denticola and Bacteroides gingivalis are among the few recognized species found in periodontal pockets that can hydrolyze the synthetic peptide N‐benzoyI‐DL‐arginine‐2‐naphthylamide (BANA). We determined the presence of these periodontal pathogens in BANA‐positive and ‐negative plaque samples through the use of indirect immunofluorescence antibody techniques. Eighteen of 27 diseased sites gave BANA‐positive reactions, and 9 gave BANA‐negative reactions. T. denticola was present in 16 of 18 BANA‐positive reactions, whereas & gingivalis was detected in 9 of the 18 BANA‐positive reactions. T. denticola was present in 1 and B. gingivalis in 2 of the 9 BANA‐negative reactions. Neither Organism was detected in the 19 healthy sites that were negative for BANA. All Measured differences between BANA‐positive and BANA‐negative plaques obtained in the same individuals were statistically significant. The accuracy of the BANA test, compared with clinical parameters such as bleeding upon probing and increased probing depth, was about 80%. The accuracy of the test in detecting the presence of T. denticola was 93%, for B. gingivalis. 76% and for T. denticola and/or B. gingivalis, 96%. This study indicated that BANA‐positive plaques were associated with the presence of T. denticola and/or B. gingivalis, that T. denticola Was found at a greater frequency and levels in BANA‐positive plaques than B. gingivalis, and that the presence of these organisms was associated with clinical disease.
Asaccharolytic anaerobic gram‐negative coccobacilli (AAGNC) isolated from infected root canals and periodontal pockets
Authors: Djais A. , Nakazawa F. , Sato M. , Sato N. , Sundqvist G. , Hoshino E.
Published: September 2010

Background/aims:  Culture‐difficult bacteria, including asaccharolytic anaerobic gram‐negative coccobacilli (AAGNC), may constitute a predominant group of organisms in oral sites. This study aimed to characterize phylogenetically 10 AAGNC isolated from endodontic lesions and periodontal pockets.

Methods:  16S rDNA sequence and G + C content were determined. Strains sharing more than 98% sequence similarities and similar G + C content were considered the same bacterial species.

Results:  One isolate resembled Dialister pneumosintes (the type species of the genus Dialister) with 35 mol% G+C content and 97% sequence similarity. Of eight isolates having 45–47 mol% G+C content, seven were identified as D. invisus and one resembled Dialister invisus with 97% sequence similarity. However the 16S rDNA sequence similarities with D. pneumosintes were relatively low, indicating the strains may belong to a new genus. The last isolate revealed 35 mol% G+C content, but had higher 16S rDNA sequence similarity with D. invisus than with D. pneumosintes.

Conclusion:  The group of oral AAGNC isolates need to be reclassified.
Identification of a glucan‐binding protein C gene homologue in Streptococcus macacae
Authors: Okamoto‐Shibayama K. , Sato Y. , Yamamoto Y. , Ohta K. , Kizaki H.
Published: September 2010

Background/aims:  The past few decades have seen the isolation of certain glucosyltransferases and a number of proteins from mutans streptococci. Some of these proteins have been shown to possess glucan‐binding capabilities which confer an important virulence property on mutans streptococci for the role of these bacteria play in dental caries. Among these proteins is glucan‐binding protein C, which is encoded by the gbpC gene, and which we have identified as being involved in the dextran‐dependent aggregation of Streptococcus mutans. However, gbpC homologues have yet to be identified in other mutans streptococci.

Methods:  We carried out polymerase chain reaction amplification of Streptococcus macacae using primers that were designed based on conserved sequences of S. mutans gbpC and identified a gbpC gene homologue. The gene of that homologue was then characterized.

Results:  Nucleotide sequencing of the S. macacae gbpC homologue revealed a 1854 bp open reading frame encoding a protein with an N‐terminal signal peptide. The molecular mass of the processed protein was calculated to be 67 kDa. We also found an LPxTG motif, the consensus sequence for gram‐positive cocci cell wall‐anchored surface proteins, which was followed by a characteristic sequence at the carboxal terminal region of the putative protein. This suggests that the S. macacae GbpC homologue protein was tethered to the cell wall.

Conclusion:  Based on these results, together with the demonstrated glucan‐binding ability of the S. macacae GbpC homologue protein, we suggest that S. macacae cells are capable of binding dextran via the GbpC homologue protein, which is similar to the S. mutans GbpC protein. In addition, Southern hybridization analysis using the S. macacae gbpC homologue as a probe showed a distribution of gbpC homologues throughout the mutans streptococci.
Heterogenic virulence and related factors among clinical isolates of Porphyromonas gingivalis with type II fimbriae
Authors: Inaba H. , Nakano K. , Kato T. , Nomura R. , Kawai S. , Kuboniwa M. , Ishihara K. , Ooshima T. , Amano A.
Published: September 2010

Background/aims:  Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontal pathogen whose fimbriae are classified into six genotypes (types I–V and Ib) based on the diversity of the fimA genes encoding the fimbrial subunits. Accumulated evidence suggests that P. gingivalis strains with type II fimbriae are more virulent as compared to those with other types. However, it is unknown if strong virulence is uniformly conserved among clones with type II fimbriae. In the present study, we compared infectious inflammatory changes in clinical isolates of P. gingivalis with type II fimbriae using a mouse abscess model to examine their pathogenic heterogeneity and heterogeneity‐related factors.

Methods:  Suspensions of nine different clinical isolates with type II fimbriae were subcutaneously injected into female BALB/c mice and inflammatory parameters, such as serum sialic acid concentration, were compared.

Results:  Many of the type II fimbrial isolates caused severe inflammation in the mice, though some were less causative, as was the control strain ATCC 33277 (type I fimbria strain). These results showed that pathogenic heterogeneity exists among P. gingivalis clones with type II fimbriae. Further, the heterogeneity‐related factors of P. gingivalis strains were analyzed and the pathogenic potentials showed positive relationships to gingipain activities and invasive efficiency but not to hydrophobicity or autoaggregation. In addition, invasive efficiency was related to the activities of gingipains that were extracellularly secreted.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that pathogenic heterogeneity has relationships with the invasive and proteolytic activities of P. gingivalis clones with type II fimbriae.
Reduction of periodontal pathogens adhesion by antagonistic strains
Authors: Van Hoogmoed C. G. , Geertsema‐doornbusch G. I. , Teughels W. , Quirynen M. , Busscher H. J. , Van der Mei H. C.
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Periodontitis results from a shift in the subgingival microflora into a more pathogenic direction with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans considered as periodontopathogens. In many cases, treatment procures only a temporary shift towards a less pathogenic microflora. An alternative treatment could be the deliberate colonization of pockets with antagonistic microorganisms to control the adhesion of periodontopathogens. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial strains that reduce adhesion of periodontopathogens to surfaces.

Methods:  Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus crista, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mitis, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae were evaluated as potential antagonists against P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, P. intermedia ATCC 49046, and A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 43718 as periodontopathogens. Adhesion of periodontopathogens to the bottom plate of a parallel plate flow chamber was studied in the absence (control) and the presence of pre‐adhering antagonistic strains up to a surface coverage of 5%.

Results:  The largest reduction caused by antagonistic strains was observed for P. gingivalis. All antagonistic strains except S. crista ATCC 49999 inhibited the adhesion of P. gingivalis by at least 1.6 cells per adhering antagonist, with the largest significant reduction observed for A. naeslundii ATCC 51655 (3.8 cells per adhering antagonist). Adhering antagonists had a minimal effect on the adhesion of A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 43718. Intermediate but significant reductions were perceived for P. intermedia, most notably caused by S. mitis BMS.

Conclusion:  The adhesion of P. gingivalis was inhibited best by antagonistic strains, while S. mitis BMS appeared to be the most successful antagonist.
Role of gap3 in Fap1 glycosylation, stability, in vitro adhesion, and fimbrial and biofilm formation of Streptococcus parasanguinis
Authors: Peng Z. , Wu H. , Ruiz T. , Chen Q. , Zhou M. , Sun B. , Fives‐Taylor P.
Published: September 2010

Background/aims:  Streptococcus parasanguinis is a primary colonizer of the tooth surface. Its adhesion is mediated by the long fimbriae, which are composed of multiple subunits of a serine‐rich glycoprotein, Fap1. Previous studies revealed that a chromosomal region located downstream of fap1 is involved in the secretion and glycosylation of Fap1. In this study, we investigated the role of a glycosylation‐associated gene, gap3, in Fap1 biogenesis.

Methods:  A gap3 non‐polar mutant was constructed by insertional inactivation. The phenotype of the mutant and the subcellular distribution of its products were investigated. The binding ability of the mutant was tested with saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite (SHA). Electron microscopy was used to observe the morphological changes on the mutant cell surface. Confocal microscopy was utilized to determine biofilm formation ability.

Results:  The gap3 mutant produced a partially glycosylated Fap1 precursor, that was less stable than mature Fap1. The Fap1 precursor was distributed in all subcellular fractions including the cell surface and culture medium although in decreased amounts. These data suggest a role for Gap3 in Fap1 glycosylation as well as a link between glycosylation and secretion of Fap1. The gap3 mutant had reduced binding to saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite. Electron microscopy revealed that the gap3 mutant had lost its long fimbriae. Biofilm formation was also inhibited by the gap3 mutation. Fewer gap3 mutant cells adhered to the biofilm surface and microcolony formation was decreased.

Conclusion:  Gap3 is required for the complete glycosylation and secretion of Fap1, which is important for fimbrial assembly, bacterial adhesion, and in vitro biofilm formation.
Ceragenin CSA‐13 exhibits antimicrobial activity against cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria
Authors: Isogai E. , Isogai H. , Takahashi K. , Okumura K. , Savage P. B.
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Ceragenin CSA‐13 is a bile‐acid‐based mimic of endogenous antimicrobial peptides and shares a mechanism of action with many of these antimicrobial agents. Because CSA‐13 is not peptide based, it is not a substrate for the proteases that are found in the oral cavity, which are capable of degrading antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, the simplicity of the ceragenins makes them easier to prepare and purify than antimicrobial peptides. In this study, we examined the antimicrobial activities of CSA‐13 against oral pathogens and found that this compound was bactericidal against all of the strains tested.

Methods:  The strains used were isolates of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas species. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using agar dilution methods. In susceptibility testing, viable counts were determined after incubation with CSA‐13.

Results:  CSA‐13 was potent against all 23 strains tested with MICs of 1–8 μg/ml for S. mutans and 1–16 μg/ml for 24 strains of the genus Porphyromonas. The MIC50 was 2 and the MIC90 was 8 μg/ml for S. mutans. MIC ranges for protease‐positive P. gingivalis and P. cangingivaliswere 2–16 μg/ml, and 1–2 μg/ml for protease‐negative P. circumdentaria. CSA‐13 interacted with lipopolysaccharide‐sensitized erythrocytes at a concentration of 5.0–20.0 μg/ml.

Conclusion:  CSA‐13 displays broad‐spectrum activity against cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria. CSA‐13 was effective against protease‐positive Porphyromonas. It was shown to bind to erythrocytes coated with lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid from diverse bacterial strains. These results suggest that CSA‐13 may be useful for the prevention and treatment of oral microbial diseases.
Inhibiting effects of Streptococcus salivarius on competence‐stimulating peptide‐dependent biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Tamura S. , Yonezawa H. , Motegi M. , Nakao R. , Yoneda S. , Watanabe H. , Yamazaki T. , Senpuku H.
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  The effects of Streptococcus salivarius on the competence‐stimulating peptide (CSP)‐dependent biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans were investigated.

Methods:  Biofilms were grown on 96‐well microtiter plates coated with salivary components in tryptic soy broth without dextrose supplemented with 0.25% sucrose. Biofilm formations were stained using safranin and quantification of stained biofilms was performed by measuring absorbance at 492 nm.

Results:  S. mutans formed substantial biofilms, whereas biofilms of S. salivarius were formed poorly in the medium conditions used. Furthermore, in combination cultures, S. salivarius strongly inhibited biofilm formation when cultured with S. mutans. This inhibition occurred in the early phase of biofilm formation and was dependent on inactivation of the CSP of S. mutans, which is associated with competence, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial activity of the bacterium, and is induced by expression of the comC gene. Comparisons between the S. mutans clinical strains FSC‐3 and FSC‐3ΔglrA in separate dual‐species cultures with S. salivarius indicated that the presence of the bacitracin transport ATP‐binding protein gene glrA caused susceptibility to inhibition of S. mutans biofilm formation by S. salivarius, and was also associated with the regulation of CSP production by com gene‐dependent quorum sensing systems.

Conclusion:  It is considered that regulation of CSP by glrA in S. mutans and CSP inactivation by S. salivarius are important functions for cell‐to‐cell communication between biofilm bacteria and oral streptococci such as S. salivarius. Our results provide useful information for understanding the ecosystem of oral streptococcal biofilms, as well as the competition between and coexistence of multiple species in the oral cavity.
Pulmonary presentations of amyloidosis
Authors: Howard Mark E. , Ireton John , Daniels Fredy , Langton David , Manolitsas Nicholas D. , Fogarty Paul , McDonald Christine F.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Respiratory tract involvement with amyloid is rare. We report eight cases of lower respiratory tract amyloidosis including a case of isolated pulmonary interstitial amyloidosis treated with chemotherapy, two cases of recurrent endobronchial amyloid with airway obstruction successfully treated with laser therapy and three cases of localized nodular pulmonary amyloidosis. The subjects with endobronchial and nodular amyloid demonstrated good long‐term survival, while those with systemic or interstitial pulmonary amyloid had progressive disease and poor survival. Circulating monoclonal immunoglobulins were identified in five of the eight cases as the likely cause of the amyloid.
Pleural fluid interleukin‐8 and C‐reactive protein for discriminating complicated non‐purulent from uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions
Authors: PORCEL José M. , GALINDO Carlos , ESQUERDA Aureli , TRUJILLANO Javier , RUIZ‐GONZÁLEZ Agustín , FALGUERA Miquel , VIVES Manuel
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  This study was designed to test the hypothesis that measurement of IL‐8 and CRP in pleural fluid could improve the identification of patients with non‐purulent parapneumonic effusions that ultimately require chest tube drainage.

Methods:  We assessed IL‐8, CRP and three classical parameters (pH, glucose and LDH) in the pleural fluid of 100 patients with parapneumonic effusions. Forty‐nine of these patients had non‐purulent complicated effusions (complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion, CPPE), and 51 had uncomplicated parapneumonic pleural effusions (UPPE). Receiver‐operating characteristic curves were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of pleural fluid biochemical parameters for differentiating among the two patient groups. IL‐8 production was determined using a commercially available ELISA kit, and CRP was measured by immunoassay.

Results:  At a cutoff value of 1000 pg/mL, IL‐8 differentiated CPPE from UPPE with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 82%. Likewise, CRP levels were higher in CPPE than in UPPE, and showed 72% sensitivity and 71% specificity at a cutoff value of 80 mg/L. We found that all five pleural fluid tests showed similar diagnostic accuracies when evaluated by receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. However, multivariate analysis indicated that the size of the effusion, as well as pleural fluid pH and IL‐8 concentration, were the best discriminatory parameters, with likelihood ratios of 6.4, 4.4 and 3.9, respectively.

Conclusions:  Pleural fluid IL‐8 is an accurate marker for the identification of non‐purulent CPPE.
Comparing the protective effects of ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin and levofloxacin in mice with lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injuries
Authors: HUANG Heng‐Ching , SHIEH Chi‐Chang , YU Wen‐Liang , CHENG Kuo‐Chen , CHEN Chi‐Chung , CHANG Sheng‐Tsung , CHUANG Yin‐Ching
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  Ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin and levofloxacin are recognized immunomodulators. Their effects in acute lung injuries have not been tested. This study compared the immunoprotective effects of these agents in mice with lung injuries induced by LPS by measuring the cytokine profiles in the injured lung and the associated mortality.

Methods:  The development of lung injury and mortality was compared in mice pretreated with either ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin or saline (control group) after the intratracheal administration of LPS. BALF and serum were collected at 1, 3 and 6 h to measure the concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) using enzyme‐linked immunoassay.

Results:  Levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and MIP‐2 in the BAL of the ciprofloxacin group were significantly lower compared with those of controls (all P < 0.0083) at 3 and 6 h after LPS challenge. There were no significant differences in the levels of these cytokines in the moxifloxacin and levofloxacin groups compared with controls. Overall, the 96‐h survival for the mice pretreated with ciprofloxacin, but not for those pretreated with moxifloxacin or levofloxacin, was significantly greater than that of the control animals (P = 0.019).

Conclusions:  In the setting of LPS‐induced lung injuries, ciprofloxacin appears to provide better anti‐inflammatory properties and survival benefits than the other fluoroquinolones tested.
Representative drug susceptibility patterns for guiding design of re‐treatment regimens for multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in Iran
Authors: TABARSI Payam , NOORAKI Azar , MIRSAEIDI Mehdi , AMIRI Majid , BAGHAEI Parvaneh , FARNIA Parisa , KAZEMPOUR Mehdi , HEIDARNAZHAD Hassan , ALIPANAH Narges , MANSOURI Davood , MASJEDI Mohammad R.
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  The prevalence of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) has increased substantially in the past 20 years, however, there are no data specific to Iran. This study investigated patients suspected to have MDR‐TB, attending the TB referral hospital in Iran.

Methods:  All patients suspected of having MDR‐TB on hospital admission in the period 2003–2005 were included in this study. Sputum from all patients was tested for smear and culture, and drug sensitivity testing was performed using the proportion method. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their history of medical treatment. Group I consisted of patients with CAT I regimen failure; Group II consisted of patients with a history of CAT II regimen failure and Group III comprised patients with a history of more than two courses of irregular CAT I anti‐TB regimen.

Results:  There were 105 patients recruited; 32 in Group I, 53 in Group II and 20 in Group III. There were no significant differences between the three groups in their resistance to first‐line anti‐TB drugs. Fifty‐five patients were diagnosed with MDR‐TB. The prevalence of MDR‐TB was 56% (18 cases) in group I, 49% (26 cases) in group II and 55% (11 cases) in group III. No significant difference in the pattern of drug resistance was observed between the three groups.

Conclusion:  The prevalence of MDR‐TB was high in this study. The lack of response of MDR‐TB patients to CAT II treatment indicates that antibiotic sensitivity testing is essential in patients with CAT I treatment failure.
Outcomes of scrotal exploration for acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion: a consecutive case series of 173 patients
Authors: Molokwu Chidi N. , Somani Bhaskar K. , Goodman Chris M.
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Acute scrotal pain is a urological emergency. Prompt assessment is required to diagnose the cause.

Patients older than 11 years are unlikely to have torsion of a testicular appendage and assessment should focus on discriminating between testicular torsion and epididymo‐orchitis. Reasons for delay in presentation with acute scrotal pain need to be addressed. There is an association between testicular torsion and cold weather.

OBJECTIVE

• To determine the surgical outcome of all scrotal explorations performed on patients presenting with acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Data was collected prospectively from a consecutive case series of patients of all ages who had scrotal exploration for acute testicular pain from 1998 to 2008.

• The main outcome measures were pathology found during scrotal exploration, relationship between patient age and cause of scrotal pain, orchidectomy rate and the association between testicular torsion and cold weather.

RESULTS

• Data for 173 patients out of 179 was available for analysis.

• The median age of the patients was 14 (0–92) years. 51% (n = 89) had testicular torsion, 24% (n = 42) had torsion of testicular appendages, 9% (n = 16) had epididymo‐orchitis, and other pathology made up 5%.

• No obvious pathology was seen in 10% (n = 17).

• Patients with Torsion of Appendages were significantly younger than other patients with scrotal pain (P < 0.0001).

• Age was not useful in discriminating between patients with Testicular Torsion from other patients with scrotal pain. 9% (n = 16) of all patients required an orchidectomy.

• Frequency of Testicular Torsion was higher during the colder half of the year (n = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

• Testicular torsion was the most common finding at surgical exploration, followed by torsion of testicular appendages.

• Age had limited value in diagnosing the cause of acute scrotal pain.

• Testicular torsion was associated with cold weather.

• Our findings support the practice of surgical exploration for acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion in patients of any age.
Oxidative stress status accompanying diabetic bladder cystopathy results in the activation of protein degradation pathways
Authors: Kanika Nirmala D. , Chang Jinsook , Tong Yuehong , Tiplitsky Scott , Lin Juan , Yohannes Elizabeth , Tar Moses , Chance Mark , Christ George J. , Melman Arnold , Davies Kelvin D.
Published: September 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Diabetes is a common precursor for ladder pathology, including detrusor overactivity and cystopathy. There is preliminary, but increasing evidence, suggesting that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of diabetic complications including its affect on the bladder.

In the present study we investigated the effect of streptozotocin induced‐diabetes in rats on the global expression of genes in the rat bladder using microarray analysis, and combined this data with our previously reported study looking at changes in protein levels using proteomics. This analysis demonstrated that markers of oxidative stress were significantly increased in the diabetic bladder. Overall, our work adds to the growing body of evidence that diabetic cystopathy is associated with oxidative damage of smooth muscle cells, and results in protein damage and activation of apoptotic pathways which may contribute to a deterioration in bladder function.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role that oxidative stress plays in the development of diabetic cystopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Comparative gene expression in the bladder of non‐diabetic and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced 2‐month‐ old diabetic rats was carried out using microarray analysis.

Evidence of oxidative stress was investigated in the bladder by analyzing glutathione S‐transferase activity, lipid peroxidation, and carbonylation and nitrosylation of proteins.

The activity of protein degradation pathways was assessed using Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis of global gene expression showed that detrusor smooth muscle tissue of STZ‐induced diabetes undergoes significant enrichment in targets involved in the production or regulation of reactive oxygen species (P= 1.27 × 10−10). The microarray analysis was confirmed by showing that markers of oxidative stress were all significantly increased in the diabetic bladder.

It was hypothesized that the sequelae to oxidative stress would be increased protein damage and apoptosis.

This was confirmed by showing that two key proteins involved in protein degradation (Nedd4 and LC3B) were greatly up‐regulated in diabetic bladders compared to controls by 12.2 ± 0.76 and 4.4 ± 1.0‐fold, respectively, and the apoptosis inducing protein, BAX, was up‐regulated by 6.76 ± 0.76‐fold.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings obtained in the present study add to the growing body of evidence showing that diabetic cystopathy is associated with oxidative damage of smooth muscle cells, and results in protein damage and activation of apoptotic pathways that may contribute to a deterioration in bladder function.
ON DISTANCE METRICS IN LOCATION PROBLEMS
Authors: ROESSLER CHRISTIAN
Published: September 2010

Product space metrics reflect the complementarity of product attributes and lead to different geometries in multidimensional spaces. This matters for optimal product positioning. I consider how a planner should design two substitute public goods with multiple attributes to best serve different needs. Attribute complementarity affects whether a given menu dominates another (using an extension of the Pareto criterion). Distancing the goods proportionately in every attribute guarantees improvement when tastes are maximally diverse. The intuition is that the planner must minimize overlap in the populations the goods serve, since benefits are wasted in appealing to the same individual with two offerings. (JEL C65, D78, H41)
Fast Generation of Pointerless Octree Duals
Authors: Lewiner Thomas , Mello Vinícius , Peixoto Adelailson , Pesco Sinésio , Lopes Hélio
Published: September 2010

Geometry processing applications frequently rely on octree structures, since they provide simple and efficient hierarchies for discrete data. However, octrees do not guarantee direct continuous interpolation of this data inside its nodes. This motivates the use of the octree's dual structure, which is one of the simplest continuous hierarchical structures. With the emergence of pointerless representations, with their ability to reduce memory footprint and adapt to parallel architectures, the generation of duals of pointerless octrees becomes a natural challenge. This work proposes strategies for dual generation of static or dynamic pointerless octrees. Experimentally, those methods enjoy the memory reduction of pointerless representations and speed up the execution by several factors compared to the usual recursive generation.
Möbius Transformations For Global Intrinsic Symmetry Analysis
Authors: Kim Vladimir G. , Lipman Yaron , Chen Xiaobai , Funkhouser Thomas
Published: September 2010

The goal of our work is to develop an algorithm for automatic and robust detection of global intrinsic symmetries in 3D surface meshes. Our approach is based on two core observations. First, symmetry invariant point sets can be detected robustly using critical points of the Average Geodesic Distance (AGD) function. Second, intrinsic symmetries are self‐isometries of surfaces and as such are contained in the low dimensional group of Möbius transformations. Based on these observations, we propose an algorithm that: 1) generates a set of symmetric points by detecting critical points of the AGD function, 2) enumerates small subsets of those feature points to generate candidate Möbius transformations, and 3) selects among those candidate Möbius transformations the one(s) that best map the surface onto itself. The main advantages of this algorithm stem from the stability of the AGD in predicting potential symmetric point features and the low dimensionality of the Möbius group for enumerating potential self‐mappings. During experiments with a benchmark set of meshes augmented with human‐specified symmetric correspondences, we find that the algorithm is able to find intrinsic symmetries for a wide variety of object types with moderate deviations from perfect symmetry.
NO PHONETIC ICONICITY IN EVALUATIVE MORPHOLOGY*
Authors: Bauer Laurie
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Claims about the sound symbolism or phonetic iconicity of words and morphemes denoting size are reviewed, and it is pointed out that these claims are said to apply to diminutive and augmentative morphology. A genetically diverse sample of fifty languages, thirty of which have markers for both diminutives and augmentatives, is introduced, and the claims for phonetic iconicity are tested against the sample. There is no evidence of any universal pattern of sound symbolism in this area. Alternative explanations for existing patterns are suggested, and reasons for the persistence of the claims about sound symbolism in this area are sought.
Intuitive and Reflective Beliefs
Authors: SPERBER DAN
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Humans have two kinds of beliefs, intuitive beliefs and reflective beliefs. Intuitive beliefs are a fundamental category of cognition, defined in the architecture of the mind. They are formulated in an intuitive mental lexicon. Humans are also capable of entertaining an indefinite variety of higher‐order or‘reflective’propositional attitudes, many of which are of a credat sort. Reasons to hold reflective beliefs are provided by other beliefs that describe the source of the reflective belief as reliable, or that provide an explicit argument in favour of the reflective belief. The mental lexicon of reflective beliefs includes not only intuitive, but also reflective concepts.
From Lot's Wife to a Pillar of Salt: Evidence thatPhysical Objectis a Sortal Concept
Authors: XU FEI
Published: September 2010

Abstract:A number of philosophers of language have proposed that people do not have conceptual access to‘bare particulars’, or attribute‐free individuals (e.g. Wiggins, 1980). Individuals can only be picked out under some sortal, a concept which provides principles of individuation and identity. Many advocates of this view have argued thatobjectis not a genuine sortal concept. I will argue in this paper that a narrow sense of‘object’, namely the concept of any bounded, coherent, three‐dimensional physical object that moves as a whole (Spelke, 1990) is a sortal for both infants and adults. Furthermore,objectmay be the infant's first sortal and more specific sortals such ascupanddogmay be acquired later in the first year of life. I will discuss the implications for infant categorization studies, trying to draw a conceptual distinction between a perceptual category and a sortal, and I will speculate on how a child may construct sortal concepts such ascupanddog.
Balancing Acts: Dynamics of a Union Coalition in a Labor Management Partnership
Authors: EATON ADRIENNE E. , RUBINSTEIN SAUL A. , KOCHAN THOMAS A.
Published: September 2010

This paper analyzes the experience of a set of unions that formed a coalition to engage in coordinated bargaining and to build and sustain a labor management partnership with Kaiser Permanente, a large healthcare provider and insurer. We use qualitative and quantitative data, including member and leader surveys, to explore the experience of the coalition in confronting five key challenges identified through theory and prior research on such partnerships. We find that the coalition has been remarkably successful, under difficult circumstances, in achieving institutional growth for its member unions and in balancing traditional and new union roles and communicating with members. The unions have been less successful in increasing member involvement.
Back‐to‐Front Down Under? Part‐Time/Full‐Time Wage Differentials in Australia
Authors: BOOTH ALISON L. , WOOD MARGI
Published: September 2010

We investigate part‐time full‐time hourly wage gaps using panel data from the first four waves of the new Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. We find that, once unobserved individual heterogeneity has been taken into account, part‐time men and women typically earn an hourly pay premium. This premium varies with casual employment status, but is always positive. We advance some hypotheses as to why there is a part‐time pay advantage in Australia.
Relations and interactions between cranial mesoderm and neural crest populations
Authors: Noden Drew M. , Trainor Paul A.
Published: September 2010

The embryonic head is populated by two robust mesenchymal populations, paraxial mesoderm and neural crest cells. Although the developmental histories of each are distinct and separate, they quickly establish intimate relations that are variably important for the histogenesis and morphogenesis of musculoskeletal components of the calvaria, midface and branchial regions. This review will focus first on the genesis and organization within nascent mesodermal and crest populations, emphasizing interactions that probably initiate or augment the establishment of lineages within each. The principal goal is an analysis of the interactions between crest and mesoderm populations, from their first contacts through their concerted movements into peripheral domains, particularly the branchial arches, and continuing to stages at which both the differentiation and the integrated three‐dimensional assembly of vascular, connective and muscular tissues is evident. Current views on unresolved or contentious issues, including the relevance of head somitomeres, the processes by which crest cells change locations and constancy of cell–cell relations at the crest–mesoderm interface, are addressed.
Growth of the normal skull vault and its alteration in craniosynostosis: insights from human genetics and experimental studies
Authors: Morriss‐Kay Gillian M. , Wilkie Andrew O. M.
Published: September 2010

The mammalian skull vault is constructed principally from five bones: the paired frontals and parietals, and the unpaired interparietal. These bones abut at sutures, where most growth of the skull vault takes place. Sutural growth involves maintenance of a population of proliferating osteoprogenitor cells which differentiate into bone matrix‐secreting osteoblasts. Sustained function of the sutures as growth centres is essential for continuous expansion of the skull vault to accommodate the growing brain. Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of the cranial sutures, occurs in 1 in 2500 children and often presents challenging clinical problems. Until a dozen years ago, little was known about the causes of craniosynostosis but the discovery of mutations in theMSX2,FGFR1,FGFR2,FGFR3,TWIST1andEFNB1genes in both syndromic and non‐syndromic cases has led to considerable insights into the aetiology, classification and developmental pathology of these disorders. Investigations of the biological roles of these genes in cranial development and growth have been carried out in normal and mutant mice, elucidating their individual and interdependent roles in normal sutures and in sutures undergoing synostosis. Mouse studies have also revealed a significant correspondence between the neural crest–mesoderm boundary in the early embryonic head and the position of cranial sutures, suggesting roles for tissue interaction in suture formation, including initiation of the signalling system that characterizes the functionally active suture.
Calretinin in the peripheral nervous system of the adult zebrafish
Authors: Levanti M. B. , Montalbano G. , Laurà R. , Ciriaco E. , Cobo T. , García‐Suarez O. , Germanà A. , Vega J. A.
Published: September 2010

Calretinin is a calcium‐binding protein found widely distributed in the central nervous system and chemosensory cells of the teleosts, but its presence in the peripheral nervous system of fishes is unknown. In this study we used Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry to investigate the occurrence and distribution of calretinin in the cranial nerve ganglia, dorsal root ganglia, sympathetic ganglia, and enteric nervous system of the adult zebrafish. By Western blotting a unique and specific protein band with an estimated molecular weight of around 30 kDa was detected, and it was identified as calretinin. Immunohistochemistry revealed that calretinin is selectively present in the cytoplasm of the neurons and never in the satellite glial cells. In both sensory and sympathetic ganglia the density of neurons that were immunolabelled, their size and morphology, as well as the intensity of immunostaining developed within the cytoplasm, were heterogeneous. In the enteric nervous system calretinin immunoreactivity was detected in a subset of enteric neurons as well as in a nerve fibre plexus localized inside the muscular layers. The present results demonstrate that in addition to the central nervous system, calretinin is also present in the peripheral nervous system of zebrafish, and contribute to completing the map of the distribution of this protein in the nervous system of teleosts.
Microcephalia with mandibular and dental dysplasia in adult Zmpste24‐deficient mice
Authors: De Carlos F. , Varela I. , Germanà A. , Montalbano G. , Freije J. M. P. , Vega J. A. , López‐Otin C. , Cobo J. M.
Published: September 2010

ZMPSTE24 (also called FACE‐1) is a zinc‐metalloprotease involved in the post‐translational processing of prelamin A to mature lamin A, a major component of the nuclear envelope. Mutations in the ZMPSTE24 gene or in that encoding its substrate prelamin A (LMNA) result in a series of human inherited diseases known collectively as laminopathies and showing regional or systemic manifestations (i.e. the Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome). Typically, patients suffering some laminopathies show craniofacial or mandible anomalies, aberrant dentition or facial features characteristic of aged persons. To analyse whether Zmpste24−/– mice reproduce the cranial phenotype observed in humans due to mutations in ZMPSTE24 or LMNA, we conducted a craniometric study based on micro‐computer tomography (µCT) images. Furthermore, using simple radiology, µCT, µCT‐densitometry and scanning electron microscopy, we analysed the mandible and the teeth from Zmpste24−/– mice. Finally, the structure of the lower incisor was investigated using an H&E technique. The results demonstrate that Zmpste24−/– mice are microcephalic and show mandibular and dental dysplasia affecting only the mandible teeth. In all cases, the lower incisor of mice lacking Zmpste24 was smaller than in control animals, showed cylindrical morphology and a transverse fissure at the incisal edge, and the pulpal cavity was severely reduced. Structurally, the dental layers were normally arranged but cellular layers were disorganized. The inferior molars showed a reduced cusp size. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that Zmpste24−/– mice represent a good model to analyse the craniofacial and teeth malformations characteristic of lamin‐related pathologies, and might contribute to a better understanding of the molecular events underlying these diseases.
The telomeric protein SNM1B/Apollo is required for normal cell proliferation and embryonic development
Authors: Akhter Shamima , Lam Yung C. , Chang Sandy , Legerski Randy J.
Published: September 2010

Conserved metallo β‐Lactamase and β‐CASP (CPSF‐Artemis‐Snm1‐Pso2) domain nuclease family member SNM1B/Apollo is a shelterin‐associated protein that localizes to telomeres through its interaction with TRF2. To study its in vivo role, we generated a knockout of SNM1B/Apollo in a mouse model. Snm1B/Apollo homozygous null mice die at birth with developmental delay and defects in multiple organ systems. Cell proliferation defects were observed in Snm1B/Apollo mutant mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) owing to high levels of telomeric end‐to‐end fusions. Deficiency of the nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ) factor Ku70, but not p53, rescued the developmental defects and lethality observed in Snm1B/Apollo mutant mice as well as the impaired proliferation of Snm1B/Apollo‐deficient MEFs. These findings demonstrate that SNM1B/Apollo is required to protect telomeres against NHEJ‐mediated repair, which results in genomic instability and the consequent multi‐organ developmental failure. Although Snm1B/Apollo‐deficient MEFs exhibited high levels of apoptosis, abrogation of p53‐dependent programmed cell death did not rescue the multi‐organ developmental failure in the mice.
Toxic effects of cyclonite (C‐4) plastic explosive ingestion in a dog
Authors: Fishkin Randi A. , Stanley Skye W. , Langston Cathy E.
Published: September 2010

Objective –To describe the clinical manifestations following cyclonite (C‐4) plastic explosive ingestion in a dog.

Case Summary –A 2‐year‐old male castrated Labrador working dog weighing 35 kg was presented for seizures shortly after ingestion of C‐4. The dog was successfully treated for the seizures, but developed polyuria/polydipsia shortly after being discharged and was ultimately diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

New or Unique Information Provided –This is the first documented case of renal insufficiency in a dog after C‐4 intoxication.
The Praxis of Art's Deschooled Practice
Authors: Baldacchino John
Published: September 2010

Art's relationship with education is often characterised by paradox. Yet art is often reified within an education system that refuses to see the pedagogical strengths of paradox. This article approaches art education from three positions. The first is that art is a construct that is neither natural nor necessary. The second is that there are no aesthetic or pedagogical imperatives, but that art education is the recognition of groundlessness where paradox facilitates learning. The third approach is to reposition art with regards to its relationship with learning, education and schooling. Here it is argued that art's only choice is to deschool learning. The latter is moved by an underlying dilemma as to whether art, considered as an autonomous human act, could ever engage with systems of learning without being turned into a tool or a thing. Unless art education is deschooled, the teaching and learning of art remains trapped between the assumptions of process and product. So the idea of art and education as shared practices within schooling remains somewhat dubious unless art's practices are recognised in parts perceived as wholes and where conclusions are marked by open‐endedness. No possibilities for art or learning could ever emerge unless a radically different set of conditions give way to a state of affairs where knowledge is a matter to be discovered but never determined, and where a fixed ground is transformed into a wide horizon.
The Relevance of Art Education and the Education of the Nigerian Child: Implications for the Universal Basic Education Policy
Authors: Emeji Michael J.
Published: September 2010

This article examines relevant government policy documents on education and culture and discovers that Nigerian education authorities do not ‘discriminate’ against art and culture in its articulation of educational policies per se, but lack of administrative machinery or political will has resulted in the deprivation of the Nigerian child in the process of creative activity in early childhood development. The article argues that lack of creative ability in our educational products is perhaps a major setback in the nation's quest for industrial and technological development. In this article a new art curriculum for elementary schools is. advocated as a means of engaging the young child in order to attain functional educational skills necessary in the world of work.
Taking a Long Look at Art: Reflections on the Production and Consumption of Art in Art Therapy and Allied Organisational Settings
Authors: Gilroy Andrea
Published: September 2010

This article draws on experiences of looking at art to consider the influence of social context on the production and consumption of art. I draw on art historical discourses and relate these to looking at art in art therapy and related organisational settings. I suggest that professional socialisation profoundly influences how practitioners look and think about what they see. I propose that attention to tacit knowledge about art, extending practices of looking to include contemporary discourse about audiencing, curating and display, and taking time for a long look at art and at the art made in art therapy and allied settings, can enliven and sustain practitioners' ‘ways of seeing’.
Problems of Interdisciplinarity: Evidence‐Based and/or Artist‐Led Research?
Authors: Mason Rachel
Published: September 2010

Art education as a distinct academic discipline is relatively recent and closely related to the growth of specialist teacher qualification programmes in university education departments. Opportunities for art teachers to engage in research were first provided in advanced diploma courses and specialist masters programmes set up in university education departments. Later these were followed by specialist doctoral degrees. Since the majority of such programmes are located in education departments, research training has tended to be social science based. Recently there has been a flurry of publications by art and art education specialists devoted to explaining and extolling the idea of art practice as an alternative paradigm. This article analyses and discusses this development and the status of research in the specialist field, drawing on the author's recent experience of carrying out two systematic reviews of studies in art education. It examines strengths and weaknesses in the two research paradigms and suggests ways forward for improving training in art education research.