bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREDICTION OF THE TEXTURE OF COOKED POULTRY PECTORALIS MAJOR MUSCLES BY NEAR‐INFRARED REFLECTANCE ANALYSIS OF RAW MEAT
Authors: MEULLENET JEAN‐FRANCOIS , JONVILLE ELISABETH , GREZES DAVID , OWENS CASEY M.
Published: September 2010

Near‐infrared reflectance (NIR) spectra were collected on pectoralis major muscles from 90 broiler carcasses ( from 2 different processing sets) to assess the relationship between the NIR and a cutting‐shear instrumental texture test. For the instrumental razor blade test, two instrumental parameters (maximum shearing force and total shear energy) were calculated. Calibration (R2) and validation () coefficients of determination were obtained for predicting the instrumental measurements using the reflectance and its first and second derivatives. Models obtained with the second derivative were adequate when the two groups of samples were analyzed separately. The R2 values ranged from 0.90 to 0.95 and from 0.84 to 0.89 for both maximum shear force and total shear energy. The regressions performed on the two sample sets combined did not yield model statistics that were as satisfactory (R2 = 0.85–0.86 and  = 0.78–0.77), suggesting that a prediction model accurately predicting poultry breast meat tenderness will need a larger and more varied sample set. The results suggest that NIR could be used to predict poultry meat texture and to classify muscles according to tenderness levels.
The Behavior of Real Interest Rates in Exchange‐Rate‐Based Stabilization Programs
Authors: Agénor Pierre‐Richard
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the behavior of real interest rates at the inception of exchange‐rate‐based stabilization programs. The analysis is based on an optimizing model of a small open economy facing imperfect world capital markets. A reduction in the devaluation rate is shown to have a positive impact on real interest rates. By contrast, a program characterized by an initial reduction in the devaluation rate and a perceived future increase in government spending has an ambiguous effect—which depends in particular on the degree of credibility of the fiscal policy stance.
The Impact of Presidential Speeches on the Bureaucracy*
Authors: Eshbaugh‐Soha Matthew
Published: September 2010

Objective. Scholars have long held that presidents use various tools to control the federal bureaucracy. Yet, despite their importance to presidents in achieving their policy goals in Congress, few scholars have examined the impact of presidential speeches on bureaucratic activity. This article analyzes the impact of both positive and negative policy signals on civil rights policy in the bureaucracy.

Method. I test this hypothesis using speeches coded from the Public Papers of the Presidents and their impact on criminal cases filed by the Civil Rights Division over time. Given heteroskedasticity in the dependent variable, log‐linear time‐series methods are appropriate.

Results. The president's positive speeches increase the number of criminal civil rights cases filed in U.S. District Court. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 also has had a significant, positive impact on bureaucratic activity.

Conclusions. In part because bureaucrats have discretion to resist presidential preferences that oppose an agency's core task, negative signals do not affect the implementation of civil rights policy. Yet, positive presidential speeches are available to presidents who may wish to influence the bureaucracy.
RELATIVE EFFICIENCIES OF NON‐LIFE REINSURANCE MARKETING METHODS
Authors: Barrese James , Nelson Jack M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: This paper extends the study of the relative cost efficiency of insurance delivery systems from the primary market to the market for non‐life reinsurance services. As in the primary market for insurance services there are two predominant methods of marketing reinsurance services: reinsurers who rely on employees, termed direct writers, and those who rely on brokers.

An extensive literature relating to the primary market for non‐life insurance consistently indicates that independent agency insurers have a cost disadvantage relative to exclusive agency insurers. This literature also suggests that independent agency insurers may supply superior service but a continuing erosion of the market share of independent agency insurers suggests that the perceived service differential is not valued sufficiently to offset the perceived cost differential.

The authors find evidence that, cet. par., broker supplied reinsurers operate with lower costs than direct reinsurers but we find less convincing evidence of a service differential favoring direct reinsurers. More significantly, we observe that the largest component of the traditional measure of the reinsurer's cost is the commission paid back to the primary insurer: the seemingly lower cost brokers provide a higher net cost product. Yet brokers thrive in the marketplace suggesting the existence of a product differentiated by service or quality. With the important caveat that measures of service are imperfect and data is limited, we find no evidence of a service differential.
CURRENT ISSUES REGARDING BANK SALES OF INSURANCE AND ANNUITY PRODUCTS
Authors: Williams Julie L. , Feldstein Stuart E. , Mcsweeney Karen E.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: The authors examine the recent events involving banks and insurance. They also present an overview of some of the regulatory issues which are not settled.
How Public Opinion Constrains the Use of Force: The Case of Operation Restore Hope
Authors: Baum Matthew A.
Published: September 2010

Most previous research on the influence of domestic politics on international conflict behavior treats public opinion as endogenous to political institutions, leaders’ preferences, or both. In contrast, I argue that public opinion is more accurately characterized as partially exogenous. I further argue that, partly as a consequence, public scrutiny can inhibit U.S. presidents from using force as a foreign policy tool, particularly when the strategic stakes in a dispute are relatively modest. The literature on domestic audience costs, in turn, holds that public scrutiny may enhance a democratic leader's credibility in the eyes of a potential adversary, thereby increasing his likelihood of victory in a dispute. Yet, it also raises the potential political price of a bad outcome. Democratic leaders are therefore cross‐pressured by the simultaneous advantages and disadvantages of public scrutiny. As a preliminary test of the theory, I conduct a plausibility probe of the influences of public opinion on the decision making of Presidents Bush and Clinton with respect to the 1992‐1994 U.S. intervention in Somalia. I find that only by considering the constraining effect of public scrutiny can we fully understand these two presidents’ policies regarding Somalia.

At some level, the political decisions preempt in these

kinds of operations. . . . Everything that's done is political.

—General Joseph Hoar, USMC (ret.)

Former CINCCENT1
Characterization of a cDNA of Peroxiredoxin II Responding to Hydrogen Peroxide and Phagocytosis inAmoeba proteus
Authors: PARK MIEY , SHIN HAE J. , LEE SOO Y. , AHN TAE I.
Published: September 2010

Abstract.Phagocytic cells have defense systems against reactive oxygen species generated as the first non‐specific defense mechanism against invading pathogens or microorganisms. We cloned a cDNA encoding a 21.69‐kDa protein inAmoeba proteushomologous to 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx‐Ap). In the disk inhibition assay using H2O2as an oxidizing agent,Escherichia colioverproducing Prx‐Ap showed better viability than didE. colitransformed with pBluescript II SK for control. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) produced against Prx‐Ap reacted with a 22.5‐kDa protein and several minor proteins. In Western blot analysis, levels of the 22.5‐kDa protein in amoebae treated with 2‐mM H2O2for 1 h increased about 2‐fold over those in control cells. Immunofluorescence scattered throughout the cytoplasm also increased after H2O2treatment. In Northern blot analysis using the cDNA as a probe, the level of transcripts also changed with H2O2treatment. When amoebae were fed withTetrahymena, the intensity of immunofluorescence increased from 15 min and persisted until 2 h after phagocytosis. These results suggest that the 22.5‐kDa protein ofA. proteusis a Prx protein and that it has an antioxidant property responding to phagocytosis.
Abrupt Increase in UV Sensitivity at Late Log‐Phase of Growth in Paramecium tetraurelia
Authors: YAMAMOTO NATSUKO , KOMORI RIE , TAKAGI YOSHIOMI
Published: September 2010

Abstract. In this study, changes in UV sensitivity, a parameter of the clonal aging that has been studied in the daily reisolation culture, were examined in the logarithmically growing Paramecium culture. Cells in logarithmically growing cultures are thought to change the internal states under rapidly changing external conditions. In contrast, cells in daily reisolation cultures gradually change the internal states, the process being called clonal development and aging, under the external conditions that are kept almost constant. Cells were sampled at regular intervals, irradiated with UV, and examined for UV sensitivity assessed by the clonal survival. We found that log‐phase cells showed low sensitivity to UV until they reached 2,000–3,000 cells/ml, and beyond that cell density, abruptly became highly UV sensitive. The extent of this increase in UV sensitivity was similar to that between two age groups, 130 fissions of clonal age apart. When cells from a culture of 2,000–3,000 cells/ml were resuspended in culture medium at various cell densities, they changed to UV sensitive only when the cultures reached over ∼2,600 cells/ml. These results suggest that paramecia become UV sensitive in response to change in the nutrient level when cell density exceeds 2,000–3,000 cells/ml.
Blood Cyanide Determination in Two Cases of Fatal Intoxication: Comparison Between Headspace Gas Chromatography and a Spectrophotometric Method*
Authors: Gambaro Veniero , Arnoldi Sebastiano , Casagni Eleonora , Dell’Acqua Lucia , Pecoraro Chiara , Froldi Rino
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Blood samples of two cases were analyzed preliminarily by a classical spectrophotometric method (VIS) and by an automated headspace gas chromatographic method with nitrogen‐phosphorus detector (HS‐GC/NPD). In the former, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was quantitatively determined by measuring the absorbance of chromophores forming as a result of interaction with chloramine T. In the automated HS‐GC/NPD method, blood was placed in a headspace vial, internal standard (acetonitrile) and acetic acid were then added. This resulted in cyanide being liberated as HCN. The spectrophotometric (VIS) and HS‐GC/NPD methods were validated on postmortem blood samples fortified with potassium cyanide in the ranges 0.5–10 and 0.05–5 μg/mL, respectively. Detection limits were 0.2 μg/mL for VIS and 0.05 μg/mL for HS‐GC/NPD. This work shows that results obtained by means of the two procedures were insignificantly different and that they compared favorably. They are suitable for rapid diagnosis of cyanide in postmortem cases.
Sur l'application du droit du travail et de l'emploi au‐delà du contrat de travail
Authors: FREEDLAND Mark
Published: September 2010

Le champ d'application personnel du droit du travail fait aujourd'hui l'objet de débats. Jugeant l'analyse purement contractuelle insatisfaisante, l'auteur construit une typologie empirique des relations personnelles de travail en Europe, distinguant salariés types, agents de la fonction publique, professions libérales, entrepreneurs individuels, travailleurs en marge et arrivants sur le marché du travail. Il procède à une analyse dynamique de ces catégories et de leurs relations, en introduisant le concept de «connexions personnelles de travail» qui englobe toutes les connexions juridiques existant au‐delà du simple cadre contractuel. Enfin, il souligne l'intérêt de cette approche pour la réflexion sur le droit du travail entreprise par l'OIT et l'Union européenne.
Au‐delà des codes de conduite: l'organisation et les normes du travail chez les fournisseurs de Nike
Authors: LOCKE Richard , KOCHAN Thomas , ROMIS Monica , QIN Fei
Published: September 2010

Quel rôle les codes de conduite des entreprises peuvent‐ils jouer dans le contrôle du respect des normes internationales du travail et l'amélioration des conditions de travail dans les chaînes mondiales de production? Les auteurs résument d'abord leur analyse des audits d'usine de 800 fournisseurs de Nike dans 51 pays et de deux études de cas. Ils examinent ensuite la façon dont les codes s'insèrent dans un ensemble d'institutions, de politiques et de pratiques, et suggèrent une approche fondée sur la complémentarité et évolutive pour réglementer les conditions de travail dans ces chaînes. Ils signalent quels types de recherches et d'innovations institutionnelles permettraient de valider ces suggestions.
Le droit au travail: coupler droits de l'homme et politique de l'emploi
Authors: MUNDLAK Guy
Published: September 2010

L'auteur expose plusieurs raisons de distinguer le droit au travail des autres droits de l'homme et souligne le dilemme possible entre ce droit et la réglementation du marché du travail. Il compare deux approches de ces préoccupations, l'une dans la sphère des droits de l'homme — l'Observation générale sur le droit au travail du Comité des droits économiques, sociaux et culturels —, l'autre dans la sphère de la politique de l'emploi — la stratégie européenne pour l'emploi —, qui peuvent se com‐pléter dans la construction d'un système institutionnel dont le droit au travail serait la norme supérieure.
L'intermittence du travail des enfants: quelles conséquences sur les estimations?
Authors: LEVISON Deborah , HOEK Jasper , LAM David , DURYEA Suzanne
Published: September 2010

Partant de données longitudinales sur les grandes agglomérations brésiliennes, les auteurs suivent les situations d'emploi de milliers d'enfants de 10 à 16 ans, sur quatre mois consécutifs. La proportion d'enfants qui ont travaillé au cours d'au moins l'un des quatre mois est nettement supérieure à celle qu'indiquent les observations menées sur un seul mois dans l'année. Les auteurs calculent donc un multiplicateur à appliquer aux estimations fondées sur un seul mois pour tenir compte de l'écart constaté. Ils concluent que l'intermittence est une caractéristique essentielle du travail des enfants, qui doit être prise en compte pour évaluer convenablement son ampleur et identifier les enfants qui y sont soumis.
Subcontratación y medición de la productividad en la industria estadounidense
Authors: HOUSEMAN Susan
Published: September 2010

El aumento de la productividad en un sector o una economía es la base económica de los aumentos salariales. El auge de la subcontratación nacional e internacional que acaece en los países desarrollados siembra de obstáculos la medición e interpretación de este indicador económico esencial. Es probable que ello esté dando unas estadísticas engañosas que exageran la productividad de la industria estadounidense. La autora expone varios indicios de que la subcontratación está distorsionando de manera significativa las mediciones de la productividad. Este factor tal vez sea una de las causas de que el índice de productividad arroje subidas muy pronunciadas que no se han traducido en aumentos salariales equivalentes para la mayoría de los trabajadores de los Estados Unidos.
Construction and validation of the quality of life measure for dentine hypersensitivity (DHEQ)
Authors: Boiko Olga V. , Baker Sarah R. , Gibson Barry J. , Locker David , Sufi Farzana , Barlow Ashley P.S. , Robinson Peter G.
Published: September 2010

Boiko OV, Baker SR, Gibson BJ, Locker D, Sufi F, Barlow, APS, Robinson PG. Construction and validation of the quality of life measure for dentine hypersensitivity (DHEQ). J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 973–980. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01618.x.

Aim: To develop and validate a condition specific measure of oral health‐related quality of life for dentine hypersensitivity (Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire, DHEQ).

Materials and Methods: Questionnaire construction used a multi‐staged impact approach and an explicit theoretical model. Qualitative and quantitative development and validation included in‐depth interviews, focus groups and cross‐sectional questionnaire studies in a general population (n=160) and a clinical sample (n=108).

Results: An optimized DHEQ questionnaire containing 48 items has been developed to describe the pain, a scale to capture subjective impacts of dentine hypersensitivity, a global oral health rating and a scale to record effects on life overall. The impact scale had high values for internal reliability (nearly all item‐total correlations >0.4 and Cronbach's α=0.86). Intra‐class correlation coefficient for test–retest reliability was 0.92. The impact scale was strongly correlated to global oral health ratings and effects on life overall. These results were similar when DHEQ was validated in a clinical sample.

Conclusions: DHEQ shows good psychometric properties in both a general population and clinical sample. Its use can further our understanding of the subjective impacts of dentine sensitivity.
Characterization of spontaneous mammary gland carcinomas in female baboons
Authors: Luth Jennifer A. , Hubbard Gene B. , Dick Edward J. , Frazier Shellaine R. , Barrier Breton F.
Published: September 2010

Spontaneous mammary gland carcinomas occurred in five baboons during a 13‐year period at Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research. The affected baboons ranged in age from 21 to 33 years. Menopause in the baboon occurs at approximately 26 years of age. All five animals had typical invasive ductal carcinoma. Morphologically, the tumors were characterized by neoplastic cells arranged from pseudopapillary and cribiform to more poorly differentiated solid cellular growth patterns. Additional features included lack of tubule formation (4/5), marked nuclear pleomorphism (5/5), a high mitotic rate (4/5) and tumor necrosis (4/5). Applying a grading system used for breast cancer in women, four tumors were graded as poorly differentiated carcinomas and one was graded as moderately differentiated. Co‐existant ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was observed in three of the mammary tumors. Metastases to the regional lymph nodes were confirmed in two animals, both with histological evidence of lymphovascular invasion in the primary tumor. Distant metastases were observed in only one animal. Immunohistochemical staining for human therapeutic markers revealed 2/5 tumors strongly positive for estrogen receptor, 1/5 strongly positive for progesterone receptor and 4/4 negative for HER2 expression. Although the incidence appears to be low, these five cases of mammary carcinoma in female baboons suggest that when present baboon mammary carcinoma is usually of ductal origin and behaves similar to a human breast carcinoma.
Scale‐dependent responses to forest cover displayed by frugivore bats
Authors: Pinto Naiara , Keitt Timothy H.
Published: September 2010

Despite vast evidence of species turnover displayed by Neotropical bat communities in response to forest fragmentation, the exact shape of the relationship between fragment area and abundance for individual bat species is still unclear. Bats’ ample variation in diet, morphology, and movement behaviour can potentially influence species’ perception of the landscape. Thus, studies describing fragment area at a single spatial scale may fail to capture the amount of forest available from the perspective of individual bat species. In the present paper, we study the influence of forest cover on bats inhabiting a fragmented forest in Mexico, focusing on some of the most common frugivore species: Artibeus jamaicensis, Carollia spp. (C. brevicauda/C. perspicillata) and Sturnira spp. (S. lilium/S. ludovici).

We quantified forest cover at scales ranging from 50 to 2000 m, and measured the influence of forest cover on bat capture success, a surrogate for abundance. The three species displayed positive and significant scale‐dependent associations with forest cover. Abundance of A. jamaicensis increased with forest cover measured at scales ranging between 500 and 2000 m, while Carollia spp. responded more strongly to variation in forest cover measured at scales 100–500 m. For Sturnira spp., abundance was a function of presence of creeks near mist‐netting sites, and amount of secondary forest present at a 200 m scale. The observed variation in responses to forest cover can be explained in light of interspecific differences in diet, home range, and body size. Our results illustrate a method for measuring the effect of forest fragmentation on mobile species and suggest that changes in abundance in fragmented landscapes emerge from the interaction between species’ traits and landscape structure.
Limitations of entropy maximization in ecology
Authors: Haegeman Bart , Loreau Michel
Published: September 2010

Applying ideas of statistical mechanics in ecology have recently received quite some attention. The entropy maximization (EM) formalism looks particularly attractive, as it provides a simple algorithm to infer detailed system variables from a limited number of constraints. However, we point out that a blind application of this formalism can easily lead to wrong conclusions. To illustrate this, we reanalyze an ecological data set that has been used to claim the good performance of EM in predicting species abundances from trait measurements. We show that these results are entirely due to the restrictive constraints, and do not provide any support for the applicability of EM in ecology. By comparing with a simple example from physics, we indicate which characteristic mechanism of EM, and of statistical mechanics in general, is missing for the ecological example. This analysis introduces a series of methods to evaluate future attempts to apply EM in ecology.
A neutral‐niche theory of nestedness in mutualistic networks
Authors: Krishna Abhay , Guimarães Jr Paulo R. , Jordano Pedro , Bascompte Jordi
Published: September 2010

Recently, there has been a vigorous interest in community ecology about the structure of mutualistic networks and its importance for species persistence and coevolution. However, the mechanisms shaping mutualistic networks have been rarely explored. Here we extend for the first time the neutral theory of biodiversity to a multi trophic system. We focus on nestedness, a distinctive pattern of mutualistic community assembly showing two characteristics, namely, asymmetrical specialization (specialists interacting with generalists) and a generalist core (generalists interacting with generalists). We investigate the importance of relative species abundance (RSA) for the nested assembly of plant–animal mutualistic networks. Our results show that neutral mutualistic communities give rise to networks considerably more nested than real communities. RSA explains 60–70% of nested patterns in two real communities studied here, while 30–40% of nestedness is still unexplained. The nested pattern in real communities is better explained when we introduce interaction‐specific species traits such as forbidden links and intensity of dependence (relative importance of fruits for the diet of a frugivore) in our analysis. The fact that neutral mutualistic communities exhibit a perfectly nested structure and do not show a random or compartmentalized structure, underlines the importance of RSA in the assembly of mutualistic networks.
Resource partitioning by grass height among grazing ungulates does not follow body size relation
Authors: Arsenault Randal , Owen‐Smith Norman
Published: September 2010

We compared the grass height grazed by white rhino, wildebeest, zebra and impala through the dry season months in the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park in South Africa. We expected that the grass height grazed would increase with the body size of the herbivore species, as suggested from past studies of resource partitioning among large mammalian herbivores. Instead we found that the largest of these species, white rhino, concentrated on the shortest grass, while the smallest species, impala, grazed heights intermediate between those grazed by wildebeest and zebra. Results suggest that the scaling of mouth width relative to body size, and hence to metabolic demands, may be the primary factor governing grass height selection, rather than body size alone. This calls into question the widespread assumption that smaller herbivores are superior competitors through being able to persist on sparser vegetation. Furthermore, there was considerable overlap in grass height grazed among these four species, indicating that niche separation by grass height is inadequate alone to explain their coexistence.
Non‐additive effects of density‐dependent and density‐independent factors on brown trout vital rates
Authors: Asbjørn Vøllestad Leif , Moland Olsen Esben
Published: September 2010

Interactions between density‐dependent and density‐independent processes can lead to variation in both growth and survival rates. Detecting such effects, however, will often require sampling on an individual level and at the appropriate spatial and temporal scale. This study documents substantial variation in survival and growth of stream‐dwelling brown troutSalmo truttafrom a small Norwegian stream. The data is based on seasonal capture–recaptures of individually marked trout on fixed stations during eight years. The fish were small‐sized, rarely reaching sizes larger than 20 cm and ages older than seven years. Density varied between 0.2–0.8 fish m−2. Variation in survival and recapture probabilities was analysed using program MARK. Apparent survival (the probability of being alive and present within the study area) generally decreased with increasing trout density and increasing drought level (measured as lowest observed water flow) during both winter and summer. Further, there was a significant interaction effect between density and water flow, indicating that density‐dependent effects on survival predominated when environmental conditions were benign (no drought), while density‐independent processes were most important under harsh environmental conditions (drought). Observed length‐at‐age during autumn indicated a more or less linear growth trajectory throughout life, and no effect of density, water flow or temperature was found. However, using the individual‐based capture–recapture data to estimated specific growth rate, significant positive effects of water flow and temperature and a negative effect of density were identified. Thus, the capture–recapture data suggest a strong potential for population regulation at the rather low densities found in this stream, and regulation may occur both through effects on survival and growth.
Schillers Tragödie
Authors: Zenobi Luca
Published: September 2010

Die wesentlichen Merkmale der wichtigsten Phasen der Dramenproduktion Schillers werden aufgrund von seinen theoretischen Reflexionen zu den beiden Schlüsselbegriffen der Ästhetik des 18. Jahrhunderts – Natur und Nachahmung der Natur – untersucht. Diderot, Plutarch und die Anthropologie des 18. Jahrhunderts gelten als Vorbilder für die Dramen des jungen Schiller. Sowohl seine Theaterstücke als auch die kurzen Prosaerzählungen werden von diesen Modellen beeinflusst und zeugen von einem konstanten Nachdenken über die Möglichkeiten der Kunst, die Wirklichkeit darzustellen. Zum Zeitpunkt der Entstehung des Don Carlos entfernt sich Schiller von einer Ästhetik, die teils vom Sturm und Drang und teils – unmittelbar darauf folgend – von den Theorien des bürgerlichen Trauerspiels beeinflusst worden war, und gelangt zu einer vom Begriff des ,,schönen Scheins‘‘ geprägten Ästhetik. Schiller sucht in dieser Phase nach einer neuen Ausdrucksform, was ihn zur Überprüfung der theoretischen Prinzipien der Tragödienform und allgemein zum Nachdenken über die Kunst und zu ihrer Beziehung zur Wirklichkeit auf rein ästhetischer Grundlage anregt. Der rote Faden, der sich durch seine Dramenproduktion zieht, ist die Kritik an der Geziertheit der französischen tragédie classique. Dagegen unterscheiden sich die beiden Schaffensphasen eindeutig durch die Tragödienkonzeption des reifen Schiller, die sich auf eine dialektische Ästhetik und eine stark symbolische Auffassung des Theaters gründet.
Noxious effect of cigarette smoking on periodontal health
Authors: Bergström J. , Ellasson S.
Published: September 2010

Periodontal probing depth, furcation involvement and tooth mobility were compared in smokers and non‐smokers. The study covered 242 subjects aged 21–60 yr, 76 of whom were smokers. Oral hygiene status and dental care habits were above average and of similar standard in both groups (Pll = 0.9). Probing depth was measured at 6 sites around all teeth and sites with a depth of 4 mm or more were regarded as diseased. Both number and probing depth of pockets were significantly greater in smokers than in non‐smokers. On average, smokers exhibited 36.0 sites with a probing depth of 4 mm or more, in contrast to 21.8 sites in non‐smokers. Probing depth was 2.59 ± 0.06 (mean ± SEM) and 2.36 ± 0.03 in smokers and non‐smokers, respectively. The relatively greater occurrence of pockets in smokers remained even when allowance was made for age and oral hygiene. There were also significantly increased numbers of teeth with furcation involvement, pocket involvement and hypermobility in smokers. It is concluded that smoking is associated with a deterioration in periodontal health and that the influence of smoking may be independent of plaque exposure.
Melatonin‐selenium nanoparticles inhibit oxidative stress and protect against hepatic injury induced by Bacillus Calmette–Guérin/lipopolysaccharide in mice
Authors: Wang Hua , Wei Wei , Zhang Sheng‐Yi , Shen Yu‐Xian , Yue Li , Wang Ni‐Ping , Xu Shu‐Yun
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Melatonin‐selenium nanoparticles (MT‐Se), a novel complex, were synthesized by preparing selenium nanoparticles in melatonin medium. The present investigation was designed to determine the protective effects of MT‐Se against Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced hepatic injury in mice. In BCG/LPS‐induced hepatic injury model, MT‐Se administered (i.g.) at doses of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg to BCG/LPS‐treated mice for 10 days, significantly reduced the increase in plasma aminotransferase, reduced the severe extent of hepatic cell damage and the immigration of inflammatory cells. The MT‐Se particles also attenuated the increase in the content of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and enhanced the decrease in reduced activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). However, treatment with MT‐Se suppressed the increase in nitric oxide levels both in plasma and liver tissue. Furthermore, supplementation with MT‐Se at the dose of 10 mg/kg (composed of 9.9 mg/kg melatonin and 0.1 mg/kg selenium) had great capability to protect against hepatocellular damage than a similar dose of melatonin (10 mg/kg) or selenium (0.1 mg/kg) alone. This effect may relate to its higher antioxidant efficacy in decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing GPx activity. These results suggest that the mode of MT‐Se hepatic protective action is, at least in part, related to its antioxidant properties.
IL6 −174 Genotype Associated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Indians
Authors: Nibali L , Madden I , Franch Chillida F , Heitz‐Mayfield LJA , Brett PM , Donos N
Published: September 2010

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 232–237

Aim:  Genetic factors have recently been associated with presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans subgingivally in populations living in industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to analyse associations between Interleukin‐6 (IL6) single nucleotide polymorphisms and presence and levels of A. actinomycetemcomitans and other subgingival microbes in a rural Indian population.

Subjects and Methods:  A total of 251 individuals from a rural village in India with a periodontal phenotype ranging from healthy to severe periodontitis were included. Checkerboard DNA‐DNA analysis was performed to detect 40 periodontal taxa in subgingival plaque samples. Genomic DNA was extracted to genotype five polymorphisms in the IL6 promoter region.

Results:  The IL6 −174 GG genotype was associated with high (above median) counts of A. actinomycetemcomitans (both in all subjects and in periodontally healthy only) and with presence and counts of Capnocytophaga sputigena. Differences in detection of several other bacteria were noted between periodontitis and healthy subjects.

Conclusions:  These findings support the influence of genetic factors on the subgingival microbiota.
Impact of chronic oral mucosal disease on daily life: preliminary observations from a qualitative study
Authors: Riordain R Ni , Meaney S , McCreary C
Published: September 2010

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 265–269

Objective:  To explore the experience of daily life of persons with chronic oral mucosal conditions.

Methods:  Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients from the Oral Medicine Unit of Cork University Dental School and Hospital. An experienced independent facilitator convened the focus groups and conducted individual interviews in a non clinical setting. Focus groups were mixed with regard to gender, age, chronic oral mucosal condition, time since diagnosis and severity. A total of 24 patients took part, including patients with oral lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, recurrent aphthous stomatitis and orofacial granulomatosis.

Results:  Analysis of the interviews revealed that patient views could be divided into the following themes – biopsychosocial issues, treatment limitations and side effects, unpredictability of the conditions and the potential for malignant transformation and issues for the healthcare professionals.

Conclusion:  Chronic oral mucosal conditions impact upon the experience of daily life of patients in a variety of areas from physical health and functioning, to concerns about their future. The role of the oral medicine practitioner in treating patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases extends beyond active management and symptomatic relief to the management of all aspects of these conditions that impact upon their daily lives.
At the edge of translation – materials to program cells for directed differentiation
Authors: Arany PR , Mooney DJ
Published: September 2010

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 241–251

The rapid advancement in basic biology knowledge, especially in the stem cell field, has created new opportunities to develop biomaterials capable of orchestrating the behavior of transplanted and host cells. Based on our current understanding of cellular differentiation, a conceptual framework for the use of materials to program cells in situ is presented, namely a domino vs a switchboard model, to highlight the use of single vs multiple cues in a controlled manner to modulate biological processes. Further, specific design principles of material systems to present soluble and insoluble cues that are capable of recruiting, programming and deploying host cells for various applications are presented. The evolution of biomaterials from simple inert substances used to fill defects, to the recent development of sophisticated material systems capable of programming cells in situ is providing a platform to translate our understanding of basic biological mechanisms to clinical care.
A prospective, randomized study on the efficacy of tongue protector in patients with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: López‐Jornet P , Camacho‐Alonso F , Andujar‐Mateos P
Published: September 2010

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 277–282

Objective:  To apply a tongue protector with habit‐modifying therapy through self‐control, in the patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Methods:  A prospective, randomized study was made of 65 consecutive patients with BMS. Fifty subjects were randomized to two groups: group A (informed) and group B (informed and the application of a tongue protector). The symptoms were evaluated by VAS, whereas the psychological profile was assessed using the HAD, with application of the quality of life questionnaires SF‐36 and OHIP‐49. The duration of treatment was 2 months.

Results:  Fifty patients (46 females and 4 males) completed the study. The VAS scores in group B were 8.2 at baseline and 4.5 after 2 months. The respective scores in group A were 7.1 and 5.6 – the differences between the two groups being significant (P < 0.001). In group B the OHIP‐49 yielded lower scores for most of the scales, with significant differences vs group A. In group B the SF 36 yielded significant differences vs group A in physical role, bodily pain, general health and emotional role.

Conclusions:  Parafunctional traumatism of the tongue should be taken into account in the pathogenesis of BMS with a view to exploring new therapeutic options.
Replication of two novel susceptibility loci for non‐syndromic orofacial clefts in a Chinese population
Authors: Pan Y , Ma J , Zhang W , Wang Y , Wang Y , Zhang H , Wang M , Zhang Z , Wang L
Published: September 2010

Oral Diseases(2011)17, 304–308

Objectives: Non‐syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOC) are the most common developmental disorders in human beings. Recently, two genome‐wide association studies in European Caucasians identified three novel NSOC susceptibility loci: rs987525 on 8q24, rs7078160 on 10q25.3, and rs223371 on 17q22. The aim of this study was to determine the association of these polymorphisms with NSOC susceptibility and its subgroups in a Chinese Han population.

Material and methods: In this study, 199 NSOC patients and 210 healthy individuals were recruited. SNP rs987525 was not genotyped because of its low frequency in the study subjects. The other two polymorphisms (rs7078160 and rs223371) were respectively genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and Taqman‐MGB assay.

Results: Overall genotype distributions of rs7078160 and rs223371 polymorphisms were consistent with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test. The allele and genotype frequencies of the two polymorphisms were not significantly different between cases and controls. Further analysis indicated that none of the genotypes was associated with increased risk of NSOC. Similar results were also found when all cleft cases were stratified by cleft types.

Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with a lack of involvement of the rs7078160 and rs223371 polymorphisms in the development of NSOC in the Chinese Han population.
HLA‐C/KIR genotypes in oral lichen planus patients infected or non‐infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Carrozzo M , Elia A , Mereu V , Dametto E , Fasano ME , Broccoletti R , Rendine S , Amoroso A
Published: September 2010

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 309–313

Objectives:  Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and resembles graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) both clinically and histologically. The killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) genes encode a family of receptors expressed on NK and T cells and are supposed to play a significant role in GVHD and HCV infection. The aim of this study was to analyze the association among OLP, HCV infection and variants in KIR gene expression.

Methods:  A total of 81 patients with OLP (36 HCV+ve and 45 HCV−ve) and 217 healthy controls (HCV−ve) were typed for the presence of eight KIR genes and of HLA‐Cw* alleles by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific primer.

Results:  There were no significant differences in the frequency of the KIR genes and HLA‐C1/C2 group alleles between cases and controls. We only found a significant difference in the frequency of the gene KIR2DL2 between HCV+ve and HCV−ve OLP patients.

Conclusions:  The present data suggest that OLP is not associated with particular KIR genes or with HLA‐Cw* alleles in patients without HCV infection. Contrarily, the role of the genes in OLP‐HCV+ve patients remains unclear and might warrant further researches.
Interaction between Smad 3 and Dishevelled in murine embryonic craniofacial mesenchymal cells
Authors: Warner DR , Greene RM , Pisano MM
Published: September 2010

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Warner DR, Greene RM, Pisano MM

Objectives –  To determine the in vivo interaction between Smad 3 and Dishevelled‐1.

Design –  Cell culture transfection followed by immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies.

Setting and Sample Population –  The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Craniofacial Biology, Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville.

Experimental Variable –  Overexpression of myc‐Smad 3.

Outcome Measure –  Western blotting of anti‐Dishevelled immunoprecipitates for Smad 3.

Results –  Smad 3 and Dishevelled isoforms‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 all bind Smad 3 in glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) pull‐down assays and Smad 3 binds to Dishevelled‐1 in vivo. Stimulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway leads to increased binding of Smad 3 and Dishevelled‐1 in vivo.

Conclusion –  Smad 3 binds all three known isoforms of Dishevelled and binds Dishevelled 1 in vivo. TGFβ signaling modulates the interaction between Smad 3 and Dishevelled‐1.
In vitro friction of stainless steel arch wire–bracket combinations in air and different aqueous solutions
Authors: Al‐Khatib S , Berradja A , Celis J‐P , Willems G
Published: September 2010

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Al‐Khatib S, Berradja A, Celis J‐P, Willems G.

Objectives –  To investigate the in vitro coefficient of friction of stainless steel arch wire–bracket combinations under fretting contact test conditions performed in air and in different aqueous solutions, like Ringer solution, Ringer with addition of a buffer, Ringer with addition of glucose, and Coca Cola®.

Methods –  The fretting test set‐up used allowed to control on‐line the contact configuration and the positioning of the contacting parts. A specific positioning method was used to achieve a parallel alignment of arch wire and bracket slot. The effect of arch wire size, roughness, and test environment were investigated.

Results –  It was found that the aqueous solutions act as a lubricant compared to air. Friction was affected by the arch wire width while the roughness was found to have a limited effect. Stainless steel 0.018′′ × 0.025′′ arch wires exhibited higher frictional forces than stainless steel 0.017′′ × 0.025′′ arch wires on sliding against stainless steel 0.018′′ × 0.025′′ brackets in the selected test environments when tested under identical fretting test conditions. The wear damage on the arch wire after these in‐vitro fretting tests was investigated. It revealed that these in‐vitro tests are governed by a competition between oxidational wear and abrasive wear taking place at contact areas between brackets and arch wires.

Conclusions –  For all aqueous solutions a lower coefficient of friction was found compared to tests performed in ambient air.
Microdontia after chemotherapy in a child treated for neuroblastoma
Authors: Remmers D , Bökkerink JPM , Katsaros C
Published: September 2010

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Remmers D, Bökkerink JPM, Katsaros C

Objective –  Chemotherapy used on paediatric oncology patients often causes disturbances in dental development. Aim of this case report is to present the late effects of chemotherapy on dental development in a patient treated for neuroblastoma at early age.

Design –  Case report.

Results –  This paper presents a female patient treated at early age with surgery and chemotherapy for a neuroblastoma (stage IVS) in the right thorax and massive liver metastases. The examination of the patient at age 11.7 years showed microdontia of six teeth. In three of them size and form of the crown were affected, while in the other three the size was reduced but the form was not affected.

Conclusions –  Chemotherapy on children treated for neuroblastoma can adversely influence tooth development. This has to be taken into consideration by the dentist when monitoring the development of the dentition and occlusion.
Synchrotron radiation‐based microtomography of alveolar support tissues
Authors: Dalstra M , Cattaneo PM , Beckmann F
Published: September 2010

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Dalstra M, Cattaneo PM, Beckmann F

Objectives –  To study the alveolar support structures using synchrotron radiation (SR)‐based microtomography with particular focus on the alveolar surface.

Design –  High‐resolution microtomography of jaw segments of various species and subsequent three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction.

Setting and Sample Population –  Microtomography was performed at the DORIS‐ring of the synchrotron facility of HASYLAB/DESY in Hamburg, Germany. The samples consisted of human, simian and porcine jaw segments.

Results –  With SR being monochromatic, no beam‐hardening artifacts could occur and the grey values in the scans were therefore directly related to the local tissue densities. Apart from the mineralized tissues, the beam energy was low enough to allow for the visualization of soft tissues like the fibers of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and blood vessels. 3D reconstructions of the alveolar bone showed that it can be rough and sharply edged. Furthermore, an intricate network of marrow cavities and blood vessels penetrates its surface. Differences in the local grey value distribution in the alveolar bone pointed to remodeling activity in the close vicinity of the PDL.

Conclusion –  The assumption that the alveolar bone surface is smooth and continuous is not correct. This means that even small orthodontic loads can already give rise to high local stresses and strains in the bone and thus initiate remodeling processes.
In vivo study of metal content of oral mucosa cells in patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances
Authors: Amini F , Borzabadi Farahani A , Jafari A , Rabbani M
Published: September 2010

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Amini F, Borzabadi Farahani A, Jafari A, Rabbani M

Objective –  To compare the concentration of nickel, chromium and cobalt in oral mucosa cells of patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances.

Materials and Methods –  A total of 60 patients were included in this study. The control group consisted of 30 patients without any type of fixed orthodontic appliances or metal restoration in the mouth (20 females and 10 males from 16 to 20 years with a mean age of 18 years). The test group consisted of 30 patients who had fixed orthodontic appliance in their upper and lower arches (20 females and 10 male from 16 to 20 years with a mean age of 18.2 years). The metal content determinations were carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a graphite furnace.

Results –  According to spectrophotometric analysis, no significant differences in chromium (p = 0.09) and cobalt (p = 0.10) content of oral mucosa cells were found between the test and control samples. The nickel content in mucosa samples was significantly higher (p = 0.003) in orthodontic patients compared with the controls. The mean levels of nickel in control and orthodontic patient group were 12.26 and 21.74 ng / ml, respectively.

Conclusion –  Our findings indicate that there was no difference in the concentration of chromium and cobalt in oral mucosa cells of patients with or without fixed appliances. However, a significantly higher concentration of nickel can be found in oral mucosa cells of patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. Continued follow‐up is needed to determine the long‐term significance of nickel release.
Suspicious pigmented tumor in Mulvihill‐Smith syndrome
Authors: Fühler‐Stiller Maren , Tronnier Michael
Published: September 2010

Mulvihill‐Smith syndrome is a rare progeria‐like disorder with characteristic findings including premature aging, short stature, pointed face and multiple melanocytic nevi. A young patient with this syndrome was referred to our department because of a pigmented tumor which was suspected to be a malignant melanoma.