bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Southern Steelhead, Hard Woody Debris, and Temperature in a California Central Coast Watershed
Authors: Thompson Lisa C. , Voss Jenna L. , Larsen Royce E. , Tietje William D. , Cooper Ryan A. , Moyle Peter B.
Published: March 2012

We surveyed large wood volumes in relation to the distribution and density of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout) in 15 stream reaches in the upper Salinas River watershed, California, which represents the southern end of the species’ range. The main tree species contributing to large wood were hardwoods: coast live oak Quercus agrifolia, California sycamore Platanus racemosa, red willow Salix laevigata, and valley oak Q. lobata. Large wood jams were important in pool formation and typically had red willow as their key pieces. Temperatures were exceptionally warm during the study period. No steelhead were observed at sites where the mean water temperature exceeded 21.5°C or the maximum water temperature exceeded 26°C. The combined importance of high temperatures and large wood on the distribution and abundance of southern steelhead indicates that suitable habitat may be reduced if climate change continues on its present course of warming and the frequency of fires increases.
Individual and parental factors related to meaning in life among Hungarian minority adolescents from Romania
Authors: Brassai László , Piko Bettina F. , Steger Michael F.
Published: March 2012

Understanding how adolescents achieve meaning in life has important implications for their psychological development. A social cognitive model of meaning development was tested by assessing psychological (self‐efficacy, self‐regulation and social comparison) and parental (parental responsiveness, demandingness, and social support) variables in a sample of 1944 adolescents (aged 15–19 years; 47.8% males) from secondary schools of the Middle Transylvanian Region, Romania. Both psychological and parental factors were significantly related to meaning in life. For both boys and girls, self‐efficacy, self‐regulation, and maternal responsiveness related positively with meaning in life, and paternal demandingness related inversely to meaning in life. However, social comparison related positively to meaning only among boys, and paternal responsiveness related positively to meaning only among girls. Results point to a possible meaning‐supporting role played by social cognitive variables, as well as parental autonomy support. The gender differences observed here suggest that existing theories of meaning development may need to be elaborated to include family of origin and gender.
Internal social processes of discipline formation: The case of kinanthropometry
Authors: Vangrunderbeek Hans , Claessens Albrecht L. , Delheye Pascal
Published: March 2012

In 1972, the term ‘kinanthropometry’, derived from the Greek words ‘kinein’ (to move), ‘anthropos’ (human) and ‘metrein’ (to measure), was launched in the international, Francophone journal Kinanthropologie by the Canadian William Ross and the Belgians, Marcel Hebbelinck, Bart Van Gheluwe and Marie‐Louise Lemmens. The authors defined this neologism as ‘the scientific discipline for the study of the size, shape, proportion, scope and composition of the human being and its gross motor functions’. Presenting a theoretical framework for the analysis of the internal social processes of discipline formation – derived from the social history‐of‐science tradition – this article critically examines whether kinanthropometry was indeed promoted and developed by its community members as a scientific discipline. Therefore, the focus will be on its conceptualisation and positioning within the field of kinanthropology/kinesiology and on its development by a scholarly association, i.e. the International Working Group on Kinanthropometry (IWGK). The strong emphasis of the kinanthropometry community on the standardisation of measurement techniques and its practical and professional application hampered its disciplinary development. Findings of this study could serve as a basis for future ‘fundamental’ investigations addressing questions of disciplinary development within the field(s) of physical education, kinesiology and sport science(s).
Cyclists and triathletes have different body positions on the bicycle
Authors: Bini Rodrigo Rico , Hume Patria A. , Croft James
Published: March 2012

Our study evaluated differences in body position on the bicycle for recreational cyclists, competitive cyclists and triathletes. Thirty‐six recreational cyclists, 17 competitive road cyclists and 18 competitive triathletes were assessed for body position on their bicycles on a cycle trainer. Images were taken of cyclists/triathletes in static poses with the crank at the 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions. Trunk, pelvis, hip, knee and ankle angles, anterior–posterior and medio‐lateral positions of the knees in relation to the pedal axis and frontal projected area were measured using ImageJ. Comparison of body position between groups (recreational, competitive road cyclists and competitive triathletes) was conducted using effects sizes (ES). The greatest differences between groups in the measured variables were observed between the triathletes and the other two groups. Smaller differences were observed between competitive and recreational cyclists. Competitive triathletes had greater body forward projection (10% greater trunk flexion and 66% knee anterior position, ES = 2.5 and 1.2, respectively) and less frontal projected area (17%, ES = 1.3) than competitive road cyclists for body position on the bicycle. Both recreational and competitive cyclists sat on their bicycles with their trunks in a more vertical position compared to triathletes. Guidelines for bicycle configuration for triathletes and road cyclists need to consider the body positions during events.
Simulated body temperature rhythms reveal the phase-shifting behavior and plasticity of mammalian circadian oscillators
Authors: Saini Camille , Morf Jörg , Stratmann Markus , Gos Pascal , Schibler Ueli
Published: March 2012

The circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus maintains phase coherence in peripheral cells through metabolic, neuronal, and humoral signaling pathways. Here, we investigated the role of daily body temperature fluctuations as possible systemic cues in the resetting of peripheral oscillators. Using precise temperature devices in conjunction with real-time monitoring of the bioluminescence produced by circadian luciferase reporter genes, we showed that simulated body temperature cycles of mice and even humans, with daily temperature differences of only 3°C and 1°C, respectively, could gradually synchronize circadian gene expression in cultured fibroblasts. The time required for establishing the new steady-state phase depended on the reporter gene, but after a few days, the expression of each gene oscillated with a precise phase relative to that of the temperature cycles. Smooth temperature oscillations with a very small amplitude could synchronize fibroblast clocks over a wide temperature range, and such temperature rhythms were also capable of entraining gene expression cycles to periods significantly longer or shorter than 24 h. As revealed by genetic loss-of-function experiments, heat-shock factor 1 (HSF1), but not HSF2, was required for the efficient synchronization of fibroblast oscillators to simulated body temperature cycles.
Interferometric Detection of Action Potentials
Authors: LaPorta Arthur , Kleinfeld David
Published: March 2012

Individual action potentials in axons can be detected in vitro using intrinsic optical signals. The principles of this detection technique are described here. The technique has been demonstrated using neuronal axons dissected from lobster. It would also be applicable to axons and active dendrites of cultured neurons with diameters somewhat larger than an optical wavelength. Using index-matching techniques, it may be possible to extend the technique to smaller structures.
Preparation of an Imaging Chamber for Visualizing Single Molecules in Living Dictyostelium Cells
Authors: Matsuoka Satomi , Miyanaga Yukihiro , Yanagida Toshio , Ueda Masahiro
Published: March 2012

Environmental changes result in signaling events at cell membranes. To develop the means to understand these events at the molecular level, it is essential to become familiar with the stochastic nature of signaling molecules in living cells. Using total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy (TIRFM), these signaling events can be directly observed at the single-molecule level. This protocol describes the preparation of an imaging chamber to visualize single molecules in living Dictyostelium cells, which are highly sensitive to chemoattractant stimulation. It also describes treatment of the cells to allow visualization. Chemotactically competent cells are treated with the desired chemical, and the cell suspension is delivered onto coverslips and then overlaid with a thin agarose sheet in preparation for imaging. The cells are typically treated with a fluorescently labeled stimulant or inhibitor. Alternatively, the cells can be stimulated with photoreactive chemicals by using caged compounds. A caged compound is photoactivatable by irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light, which cleaves a linker conjugating a caging moiety and a chemical. Thus, at a desired moment during recording of the single-molecule images, the concentration of the chemicals can be increased by photolysis of the caged compounds included in the buffer.
Single-Molecule Imaging of Stochastic Signaling Events in Living Cells
Authors: Matsuoka Satomi , Miyanaga Yukihiro , Yanagida Toshio , Ueda Masahiro
Published: March 2012

Environmental changes result in signaling events at cell membranes. To develop the means to understand these events at the molecular level, it is essential to become familiar with the stochastic nature of signaling molecules in living cells. Using total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy (TIRFM), these signaling events can be directly observed at the single-molecule level. This article explains the basis of TIRFM and how it is set up. It then describes how to visualize cell membrane signaling events. It also explains how to prove that detected fluorescence is emitted from single dye molecules and how to analyze the data from TIRFM experiments.
Rapid and socially induced change of a badge of status
Authors: Rhodes S. B. , Schlupp I.
Published: March 2012

This paper reports a new aspect of male signalling in the green swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii. Males are highly ornamented and possess a sword (an extension of the caudal fin), as well as a lateral stripe that has been shown to be a badge of status. Males of one natural population, however, were found to quickly change the colour of their lateral stripe to red when socially dominant over other males and black when subdominant, thereby exploiting the female preference for red stripes while dominant, and avoiding the costs of male aggression while subdominant.
Survival, growth and reproduction of Daphnia galeata feeding on single and mixed Pseudomonas and Rhodomonas diets
Authors: WENZEL ANJA , BERGSTRÖM ANN‐KRISTIN , JANSSON MATS , VREDE TOBIAS
Published: March 2012

1. Bacteria can be an important resource for zooplankton production in aquatic food webs, although the degree to which bacteria sustain zooplankton growth and reproduction is not clear. We performed a growth experiment with Daphnia galeata feeding on different ratios of P‐replete Pseudomonas and Rhodomonas, ranging from a 100% bacterial to a 100% algal diet.

2. A pure bacterial diet did not support survival, growth or reproduction of D. galeata. While a 20% share of Rhodomonas in the food allowed survival of daphniids, the occurrence of offspring on a 50% algal diet indicated that the threshold for successful reproduction was between those two proportions of algal food. Increasing the proportion of the alga further increased growth and reproductive output, indicating that Rhodomonas was a higher‐quality food than Pseudomonas.

3. A subsequent labelling experiment demonstrated that D. galeata incorporated phosphorus from Pseudomonas and Rhodomonas with similar efficiency, whereas carbon was incorporated more efficiently from Pseudomonas than from Rhodomonas.

4. we hypothesise that inadequate levels of essential biochemicals in pure bacterial diets led to decreased Daphnia performance. Concentrations of fatty acids in general, and especially of polyunsaturated fatty acids, were much lower in Pseudomonas than in Rhodomonas. This difference could explain the different growth and reproduction responses, although limitation by other essential biochemicals (e.g. sterols) cannot be ruled out.

5. Hence, where they dominate, bacteria may provide a significant part of the elemental flux to species feeding higher in the food web on the short term. However, the performance of consumers may be constrained by essential biochemicals.
Learning technology: Theorising the tools we study
Authors: Oliver Martin
Published: March 2012

This paper identifies a significant gap in existing work within the field of educational technology—the failure to explain technology theoretically—and proposes an agenda for addressing this. While there are discussions of theory within educational technology research, these typically focus on learning. Technology itself is seldom considered, being treated instead as “natural” or given. This is in marked contrast to other fields of study, in which robust theories of technology have been developed. The consequence of this is that technology is treated as if it will cause learning—and when it does not, there is no clear explanation of why. To advance this discussion, two traditions of work theorising technology are introduced—one positivistic, including work on affordance, and the other (largely unrepresented in educational technology) that provides a social account. An example of each is used to analyse a case study, so as to contrast the kind of claims that currently get made about technology with those that we could make. It is argued that adopting a social account of technology would enable richer, better‐integrated claims to be made about technology use.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Technology is a central concern of research in the field, but it is not clear how we should think about this term.

While work in the field some decades ago tried to conceptualise technology, it is now treated as a taken‐for‐granted category.

What this paper adds

Systematic evidence is provided that we rely on a “common sense” understanding of technology.

The idea of technology is explicitly debated in other fields of study, and two of those traditions are reviewed here.

An example is provided that illustrates that these other conceptions of technology can provide richer accounts of empirical work than those currently dominant in the field.

Implications for practice and/or policy

We cannot assume that technology will simply have “effects” on people.

Alternative accounts of technology provide richer explanations of technology use, and would benefit the field.
A knowledge engineering approach to developing educational computer games for improving students' differentiating knowledge
Authors: Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Sung Han‐Yu , Hung Chun‐Ming , Yang Li‐Hsueh , Huang Iwen
Published: March 2012

Educational computer games have been recognized as being a promising approach for motivating students to learn. Nevertheless, previous studies have shown that without proper learning strategies or supportive models, the learning achievement of students might not be as good as expected. In this study, a knowledge engineering approach is proposed for developing educational computer games to help students learn about the knowledge for differentiating a set of learning targets in an interesting and meaningful way. Based on the proposed approach, an educational computer game has been developed for an elementary school natural science course. The experimental results show that the proposed approach significantly improved the students' learning achievement as well as their learning attitude and motivation.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Educational computer games have been recognized as being an important instructional strategy for promoting learning motivation of the learners.

Educational computer games have great potential in helping learners acquire abilities and construct knowledge.

Knowledge engineering methods have been recognized as being an effective approach for helping people organize knowledge of specific domains.

The process of organizing the derived knowledge enables learners to make explicit their own interpretations and reasoning, and hence engages them in higher‐order thinking.

What this paper adds

Proposing a knowledge engineering approach for developing educational computer games to help students learn about the knowledge for differentiating a set of learning targets.

Investigating whether the students who learn with the educational computer game have better learning achievements and attitudes than those who learn with the conventional information technology‐applied approach.

Investigating the feelings of the students about using the educational computer game in terms of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The educational computer games developed with the knowledge engineering approach not only promoted the learning attitudes of the students, but also improved their learning achievements.

Educational computer games are able to create enjoyable and realistic learning environments for learners to acquire abilities and establish their knowledge in the process of playing games.

It is worth investigating more research issues concerning the effects of educational computer games from different aspects, such as students' learning styles or cognitive styles.

It is important to develop educational computer games by taking pedagogical theories or instructional strategies into account.
Measuring the Business Impacts of Community Involvement: The Case of Employee Volunteering at UL
Authors: VELEVA VESELA , PARKER SHOSHANA , LEE ALLISON , PINNEY CHRIS
Published: March 2012

The study presents findings from piloting a new framework for measuring the business impacts of corporate community involvement at UL. It focuses on evaluating the human resource (HR) outcomes of employee volunteering in three signature programs. Five business impacts were measured—job satisfaction, morale, organizational pride, belief in UL mission, and engagement. Using an employee survey, the research team compared signature program volunteers with others and found a positive correlation between volunteering and impacts on morale, organizational pride, belief in UL mission, and engagement. Employee awareness (without participation) of UL signature programs was also associated with increased morale and organizational pride. While the study did not prove causation, it confirmed previous research on the link between employee volunteering and positive HR outcomes. The authors provide recommendations for further research and how companies can use the impact measurement framework to evaluate the bottom‐line benefits of their community involvement programs.
We Are the Corporation: Dispersive CSR
Authors: LUDESCHER JESSICA CHRISTIE , MAHSUD RUBINÁ , PRUSSIA GREGORY E.
Published: March 2012

We contend that the current trend of emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) serves to divert the public's attention from the real ethical issues facing business and society. We extend the scope of social responsibility beyond business corporations to include a range of institutions. We also propose that CSRs be reconceptualized in terms of the ways that managers enable stakeholders to hold themselves and each other responsible for the ways their actions affect each other as they conduct business through the firm.

In this article, we propose a new view of corporations and responsibility that reconstrues behavior currently referred to as CSR. Starting with an overview of theories of the firm, we show that the way in which a firm is conceived yields different views on CSR. A shortcoming of the theory of the firm approach to CSR is that it leads us to focus excessively on business corporations at the expense of a broader analysis of other institutional players. These theories also tend to emphasize the obligations of corporations to people rather than of people to each other. We propose that social responsibility be viewed through a systems theory paradigm instead. We then argue that corporations should be construed in terms of the people who impact them. We advance a different conception of business responsibility that is more comprehensive, inclusive, and systemic.
Does Control Make a Difference? The Moral Foundations of Shareholder Liability for Corporate Wrongs
Authors: Crowe Jonathan
Published: March 2012

The doctrine of limited liability, as traditionally understood, prevents shareholders from being held personally liable for corporate wrongs. Several authors have recently argued that the doctrine should be modified to make some or all shareholders individually liable for torts committed by corporations in which they hold shares. This article distinguishes three types of argument that might provide a moral basis for shareholder liability in such cases. I contend that while these arguments support holding at least some shareholders liable for corporate torts, they fail to justify a general regime of unlimited pro rata shareholder liability. The level of control shareholders exercise over a company makes an important difference to their moral duties to compensate victims of corporate wrongdoing.
Lipschütz Ulcers in Twin Sisters
Authors: TRUCHUELO MARIA T. , VANO‐GALVÁN SERGIO , ALCÁNTARA JAVIER , PÉREZ BIBIANA , JAÉN PEDRO
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Lipschütz ulcer (LU) is an uncommon condition that usually affects prepubertal and pubertal girls. It can be misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted disease or even as a sign of child abuse, causing great anxiety to patients and their families. We present two cases of LU consecutively affecting twin sisters. To our knowledge, this is the first case in two family members, supporting infectious transmission. We propose airborne transmission as the most probable cause in our cases.
Right Intercostal Insertion of a Veress Needle for Laparoscopy in Dogs
Authors: Fiorbianco Valentina , Skalicky Monika , Doerner Judith , Findik Murat , Dupré Gilles
Published: March 2012

Objective

To evaluate right intercostal Veress needle (VN) insertion for laparoscopy in dogs.

Study Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Animals

Female dogs (n = 56).

Methods

The VN was inserted in the last palpable right intercostal space, either 1/3 (Group T; 28 dogs) or mid distance (Group H; 28 dogs) from the xiphoid cartilage to the most caudal extent of the costal arch. Problems encountered during VN insertion and injuries were recorded, graded, and compared between groups, and also between the first and last 20 insertions.

Results

Pneumoperitoneum was successfully achieved by VN insertion in 49 (88%) dogs after a single (45 dogs) or 2nd attempt (4 dogs). Frequency of complications was as follows: 20 grade 1 (subcutaneous emphysema, omentum, or falciform injuries); 6 grade 2 (liver or spleen injury), and 1 grade 3 complication (pneumothorax occurred). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups or between the first and last 20 dogs.

Conclusions

Right intercostal VN insertion facilitates pneumoperitoneum in dogs with few consequential complications. No significant difference was found between entry sites; however, the mid distance insertion site in the last palpable intercostal space with dog positioned in dorsal recumbency is likely to result in less complications.
Flight call rates of migrating thrushes: effects of wind conditions, humidity and time of day at an illuminated offshore platform
Authors: Hüppop Ommo , Hilgerloh Gudrun
Published: March 2012

Many bird species call during migration, but call rates not necessarily reflect migration intensity. They rather seem to increase under deteriorating flight conditions. Often, nocturnal mass collisions at illuminated structures coincide with such conditions and are accompanied with high call rates of migrants. Thus, call rates could act as an indicator for situations with high collision risk for birds namely at offshore sites with hardly any alternatives for landing. In the face of increasing numbers of offshore wind farms knowledge about the environmental conditions in which maximum call rates occur, is needed for mitigation measures.

In this first long‐term study at an offshore site in the southern North Sea we investigated the effect of weather on the frequency of flight calls of three thrush‐species at an illuminated platform. Flight calls were registered automatically during three autumn migration seasons. Besides generally higher call rates from 5 to 2 h before until 6 h after midnight, call rates increased with tailwinds, a change of the tailwind component during the first part of the night, offshore crosswinds and very high humidity.

A monitoring programme is suggested that could help to reduce mass mortalities at illuminated structures.
Quality of reporting of clinical studies to assess and compare performance of implant‐supported restorations
Authors: Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Zwahlen Marcel , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

The objective of this analysis was to assess and compare the 5‐ and 10‐year survival of different types of tooth‐supported and implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) and single crowns (SCs), and to describe the incidence of biological and technical complications with emphasis on quality of reporting.

Material and Methods

The analysis was based on six systematic review identifying prospective and retrospective cohort studies and case‐series on FDPs and SCs with a mean follow‐up time of at least 5 years. Patients had to have been examined clinically at the follow‐up visit. Failure and complication rates were analysed using random‐effects Poisson regression models to obtain summary estimates of 5‐ and 10‐year survival proportions.

Results

Meta‐analyses of the included studies indicated that the 5‐year survival rates ranged from 89.2% to 95.5% for different types of restorations. Investigating the relative failure rates using implant‐supported SCs as reference, conventional and cantilever tooth‐supported FDPs and resin‐bonded prosthesis (RBPs) showed higher failure rates. Moreover, for RBPs, this difference reached statistical significance (p = 0.018).

Analysing the studies with 10 years follow‐up time, the survival ranged from 65% to 89.4%. After a 10‐year observation period, the lowest annual failure rates were seen for implant‐supported SCs (1.12%), conventional tooth‐supported FDPs (1.14%) and implant‐supported FDPs (1.43%). Cantilever tooth‐supported FDPs, combined tooth–implant‐supported FDPs and RBPs had significantly (p < 0.001) higher annual failure rates of 2.20%, 2.51% and 4.31%, respectively. According to presently recommended standards for reporting cohort studies (STROBE Statement), it was evident that the included studies did not fulfil the present standards to a great extent. Information on study design, methods of selecting study participants, percentage and reason for participants lost to follow‐up was often not reported. Furthermore, the included studies rarely discussed possible limitations and potential sources of bias. Moreover, funding sources were generally not reported.

Conclusion

Based on the present analysis treatment planning in a mutilated dentition in need of oral reconstructions should base on the results of the systematic reviews performed. In this context, the choice of reconstructions on teeth with end abutments, of reconstructions on implants (both FDPs and SCs) should be given first priority, while combined tooth–implant‐supported reconstructions, cantilever reconstructions on teeth and RBPs represent options of second priority.

Future studies on performance of implant‐supported restorations should be prospective in design and should follow the present recommendation for reporting cohort studies (The STROBE statement).
Clinical research of peri‐implant diseases – quality of reporting, case definitions and methods to study incidence, prevalence and risk factors of peri‐implant diseases
Authors: Tomasi Cristiano , Derks Jan
Published: March 2012

Aim

To review the quality of reporting and the methodology of clinical research on the incidence, prevalence and risk factors of peri‐implant diseases.

Methods

A MEDLINE search was conducted for cross‐sectional, case‐control and prospective longitudinal studies reporting on peri‐implant diseases. To evaluate the quality of reporting of the selected studies the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist was utilized.

Results

The search provided 306 titles and abstracts, out of which 40 were selected for full‐text analysis. Finally, 16 studies were included out of which five assessed prevalence and only two the incidence of peri‐implant diseases. 13 articles studied risk indicators for peri‐implant diseases. None of the scrutinized articles adhered fully to the STROBE criteria. The large majority of articles did not (i) clearly state the applied study design, (ii) describe any effort to address potential sources of bias, (iii) explain how missing data were addressed, (iv) perform any kind of sensitivity analysis, (v) indicate the number of participants with missing data for each variable of interest.

Conclusion

Collectively, the findings of this review indicate a need for improved reporting of epidemiological studies on peri‐implant diseases.
Systematic review of quality of reporting, outcome measurements and methods to study efficacy of preventive and therapeutic approaches to peri‐implant diseases
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Figuero Elena , Herrera David
Published: March 2012

Aim

To systematically review the literature and to assess the quality of reporting, outcome measurements and methods in both preventive and therapeutic approaches to peri‐implant mucositis (PM) and peri‐implantitis (PI).

Materials and Methods

Randomized (RCT) and Controlled Clinical Trials (CCT), evaluating preventive or therapeutic interventions in patients with PM or PI, were identified through searching in electronic databases and in relevant journals. Reporting and methods were evaluated through an analysis of the risk of biases and quality score. Sub‐analysis was performed in four subgroups: prevention of PM and PI, treatment of PM, and non‐surgical and surgical treatment of PI.

Results

Thirty‐two trials (29 RCT) were identified as accomplishing inclusion criteria after full‐text reading. Seven focused on prevention, and among those dealing with therapy, six were related to PM and 19 related to PI therapy (10 non‐surgical and 9 surgical). Analysis found that quality of reporting and methods was generally low and surrogate outcomes were often chosen.

Conclusions

Current literature on PM and PI prevention and treatment does not allow extracting applicable clinical information. Quality of methods and reporting guidelines should be encouraged. In particular, ad hoc guidelines should be designed for peri‐implant diseases.
Quality of reporting of descriptive studies in implant dentistry. Critical aspects in design, outcome assessment and clinical relevance
Authors: Meijer Henny J.A. , Raghoebar Gerry M.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

The aim of this study was to conduct a review on quality of reporting on descriptive studies in implant dentistry using the STROBE Statement and to analyse possible changes in quality of reporting on descriptive studies in implant dentistry over time.

Material and Methods

A hand search to select descriptive studies was carried out in seven dental journals, which were thought to have interest in the field of dental implants. Issues of the years 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010 were screened. The STROBE Statement with 22 criteria to match was used to determine the quality of an article.

Results

Totally 4657 titles and abstracts were screened; 260 of them were found to be reporting on a descriptive study. Percentages of properly addressed items were 46% in 1990, 56% in 1995, 54% in 2000, 59% in 2005 and 70% in 2010.

Conclusion

From this review can be concluded that quality of reporting on descriptive studies in implant dentistry is low; there is some improvement from 1990 to 2010, but it does not exceed 70% coverage of the possible to address items.
Clinical research in implant dentistry: evaluation of implant‐supported restorations, aesthetic and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Lang Niklaus P. , Zitzmann Nicola U. ,   on behalf of Working Group 3 of the VIII European Workshop on Periodontology
Published: March 2012

The articles discussed in working group 3 dealt with specific aspects of clinical research. In this context, the literature reporting on survival and complication rates of implant‐supported or implant‐tooth supported restorations in longitudinal studies of at least 5 years were discussed. The second aspect dealt with the evaluation of aesthetic outcomes in clinical studies and the related index systems available. Finally, the third aspect discussed dealt with patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). A detailed appraisal of the available methodology was presented.
Second harvest–Is there sufficient stubble for biofuel production in Australia?
Authors: Herr Alexander , O'Connell Deborah , Dunlop Michael , Unkovich Murray , Poulton Perry , Poole Michael
Published: March 2012

Identifying the location and amount of grain crop residues (stubble) in Australia is necessary for determining the viability of potential biofuel plant locations. We combined 22 years of crop statistics with harvest indices and land use to arrive at spatially explicit stubble productivity figures. Stubble quantities using different focal radii and from different seasons provide an insight into the feasibility of its use for bioenergy. We focus on areas where the stubble concentrations within a 50 km radius were at least 500 kt per year; the amount suggested for a viable lignocellolosic bioethanol facility. The outcome of this study has been to show, for the first time, where there are large amounts of stubble in Australia. Whether the supply of stubble is sufficiently constant over time and indeed available at a price that is economic for a biofuel plant must be subject to future work.
EXPLAINING THE LIMITS OF OLSSON'S IMPOSSIBILITY RESULT
Authors: WHEELER GREGORY
Published: March 2012

abstract

In his groundbreaking book, Against Coherence (2005), Erik Olsson presents an ingenious impossibility theorem that appears to show that there is no informative relationship between probabilistic measures of coherence and higher likelihood of truth. Although Olsson's result provides an important insight into probabilistic models of epistemological coherence, the scope of his negative result is more limited than generally appreciated. The key issue is the role conditional independence conditions play within the witness testimony model Olsson uses to establish his result. Olsson maintains that his witness model yields charitable ceteris paribus conditions for any theory of probabilistic coherence. Not so. In fact, Olsson's model, like Bayesian witness models in general, selects a peculiar class of models that are in no way representative of the range of options available to coherence theorists. Recent positive results suggest that there is a way to develop a formal theory of coherence after all. Further, although Bayesian witness models are not conducive to the truth, they are conducive to reliability.
COHERENTISM AND JUSTIFIED INCONSISTENT BELIEFS: A SOLUTION
Authors: KVANVIG JONATHAN L.
Published: March 2012

abstract

The most pressing difficulty coherentism faces is, I believe, the problem of justified inconsistent beliefs. In a nutshell, there are cases in which our beliefs appear to be both fully rational and justified, and yet the contents of the beliefs are inconsistent, often knowingly so. This fact contradicts the seemingly obvious idea that a minimal requirement for coherence is logical consistency. Here, I present a solution to one version of this problem.
Comparison of the Long-Term Immunogenicity of Two Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 Vaccines, the MF59-Adjuvanted and Unadjuvanted Vaccines, in Adults
Authors: Song Joon Young , Cheong Hee Jin , Seo Yu Bin , Kim In Seon , Noh Ji Yun , Heo Jung Yeon , Choi Won Suk , Lee Jacob , Kim Woo Joo
Published: March 2012

Since the first reports of the A/H1N1 virus in April 2009, the pandemic influenza virus spread globally and circulated for a long time. The primary method for the control of influenza is vaccination, but levels of influenza vaccine-induced antibody are known to decline rapidly during a 6-month period. In adults aged 18 to 64 years, we compared the long-term immunogenicity of two of the influenza A/H1N1 2009 monovalent vaccines, 3.75-μg MF59-adjuvanted vaccine and 15-μg unadjuvanted vaccine. The serum hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) titers were determined prevaccination and at 1, 6, and 10 months after vaccination. One hundred six (88.3%) of the 120 subjects were monitored for the entire 10-month period after receiving the influenza A/H1N1 2009 monovalent vaccine. There were 60 patients who received the unadjuvanted vaccine and 46 patients who received the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine. The seroprotection rates, seroconversion rates, and the geometric mean titer (GMT) folds fulfilled the criteria of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for influenza A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) at 1 month after vaccination irrespective of the vaccine composition. Although the GMTs at 1 month postvaccination were somewhat higher in the unadjuvanted vaccine recipients than in the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine recipients, the difference was not significant (P= 0.29). The seroprotection rates at 6 and 10 months postvaccination were preserved above 70% but only in the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine recipients. In conclusion, low-dose MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine, even with 3.75 μg hemagglutinin antigen, might induce excellent long-term immunity that is comparable to the conventional dose of unadjuvanted vaccine among healthy adults aged 18 to 64 years.
Real-Time Molecular Epidemiology of Tuberculosis by Direct Genotyping of Smear-Positive Clinical Specimens
Authors: Alonso María , Herranz Marta , Martínez Lirola Miguel , González-Rivera Milagros , Bouza Emilio , García de Viedma Darío
Published: March 2012

We applied MIRU-VNTR (mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat typing) to directly analyze the bacilli present in 61 stain-positive specimens from tuberculosis patients. A complete MIRU type (24 loci) was obtained for all but one (no amplification in one locus) of the specimens (98.4%), and the allelic values fully correlated with those obtained from the corresponding cultures. Our study is the first to demonstrate that real-time genotyping of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
can be achieved, fully transforming the way in which molecular epidemiology techniques can be integrated into control programs.
Development of a Novel Genus-Specific Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection and Differentiation of Bartonella Species and Genotypes
Authors: Diaz Maureen H. , Bai Ying , Malania Lile , Winchell Jonas M. , Kosoy Michael Y.
Published: March 2012

The genus
Bartonella
includes numerous species with varied host associations, including several that infect humans. Development of a molecular diagnostic method capable of detecting the diverse repertoire of
Bartonella
species while maintaining genus specificity has been a challenge. We developed a novel real-time PCR assay targeting a 301-bp region of the
ssrA
gene of
Bartonella
and demonstrated specific amplification in over 30
Bartonella
species, subspecies, and strains. Subsequent analysis of
ssrA
sequences was sufficient to discriminate
Bartonella
species and provided phylogenetic data consistent with that of
gltA
, a commonly used gene for differentiating
Bartonella
genotypes. Using this assay, we identified
Bartonella
DNA in 29% and 47% of blood specimens from elk in Wyoming and cattle in the Republic of Georgia, respectively. Sequence analysis of a subset of genotypes from elk specimens revealed a cluster most closely related to
Bartonella capreoli
, and genotypes from cattle were identified as
Bartonella bovis
, both
Bartonella
species commonly found in wild and domestic ruminants. Considering the widespread geographic distribution and infectivity potential to a variety of hosts, this assay may be an effective diagnostic method for identification of
Bartonella
infections in humans and have utility in
Bartonella
surveillance studies.
mecA
-Positive Staphylococcus aureus with Low-Level Oxacillin MIC in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Feng-Jui , Huang I-Wen , Wang Chen-Her , Chen Pei-Chen , Wang Hui-Yin , Lai Jui-Fen , Shiau Yih-Ru , Lauderdale Tsai-Ling Yang ,   TSAR Hospitals
Published: March 2012

Although the presence of
mecA
is the genotypic determinant of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), certain MRSA strains, especially community-associated MRSA (C-MRSA), can display an oxacillin MIC in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute susceptible breakpoint range (≤2 μg/ml). Among 91 and 180 isolates thought to be methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) with oxacillin MICs of 2 and 1 μg/ml as determined by the Sensititre broth microdilution test initially, 52 (57.1%) and 6 (3.3%), respectively, were
mecA
positive. These
mecA
-positive low-oxacillin-MIC isolates belong to the dominant Taiwan C-MRSA clone (clonal complex [CC] 59), 56 of which carried SCC
mec
type V and were
pvl
positive, and 43 of which belonged to
spa
CC t437. All 271 isolates were retested by Sensititre, as well as by Vitek II and disk diffusion (DD). Based on the oxacillin results, the sensitivities of the Sensititre, Vitek II, and DD methods were 48.3% (28/58), 46.6% (27/58), and 89.6% (52/58), respectively. Although cefoxitin was better at detecting these isolates, 12.1, 10.4, and 5.2% of these isolates were still misidentified as MSSA by Sensititre, Vitek II, and DD, respectively. These results highlight the difficulty in the accurate identification of MRSA with borderline oxacillin MICs in the CC59:SCC
mec
V clone, which likely has contributed to its spread in the health care and community settings. Since this clone has now been detected in other countries, and since other C-MRSA lineages have also been found to have low-level β-lactam resistance, the findings of the present study may be relevant to other regions. Further studies are warranted to determine the extent and clinical impact of such misidentification.
Performance of the Abbott RealTime and Roche Cobas TaqMan Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Assays for Quantification of HCV Genotypes
Authors: LaRue Heidi , Rigali Lisa , Balada-Llasat Joan-Miquel , Pancholi Preeti
Published: March 2012

We evaluated the Abbott RealTime (ART) and Roche Cobas TaqMan Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load assays for quantification of HCV genotypes in patient specimens. The ART HCV assay was a more sensitive and precise tool for accurate HCV viral load quantification across the HCV genotypes tested, especially genotype 1b.
A Protein Array Screen for Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus LANA Interactors Links LANA to TIP60, PP2A Activity, and Telomere Shortening
Authors: Shamay Meir , Liu Jianyong , Li Renfeng , Liao Gangling , Shen Li , Greenway Melanie , Hu Shaohui , Zhu Jian , Xie Zhi , Ambinder Richard F. , Qian Jiang , Zhu Heng , Hayward S. Diane
Published: March 2012

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) LANA protein functions in latently infected cells as an essential participant in KSHV genome replication and as a driver of dysregulated cell growth. To identify novel LANA protein-cell protein interactions that could contribute to these activities, we performed a proteomic screen in which purified, adenovirus-expressed Flag-LANA protein was incubated with an array displaying 4,192 nonredundant human proteins. Sixty-one interacting cell proteins were consistently detected. LANA interactions with high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1), HMGB1, telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1), xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A (XPA), pygopus homolog 2 (PYGO2), protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)B subunit, Tat-interactive protein 60 (TIP60), replication protein A1 (RPA1), and RPA2 proteins were confirmed in coimmunoprecipitation assays. LANA-associated TIP60 retained acetyltransferase activity and, unlike human papillomavirus E6 and HIV-1 TAT proteins, LANA did not reduce TIP60 stability. The LANA-bound PP2A B subunit was associated with the PP2A A subunit but not the catalytic C subunit, suggesting a disruption of PP2A phosphatase activity. This is reminiscent of the role of simian virus 40 (SV40) small t antigen. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed binding of RPA1 and RPA2 to the KSHV terminal repeats. Interestingly, LANA expression ablated RPA1 and RPA2 binding to the cell telomeric repeats. In U2OS cells that rely on the alternative mechanism for telomere maintenance, LANA expression had minimal effect on telomere length. However, LANA expression in telomerase immortalized endothelial cells resulted in telomere shortening. In KSHV-infected cells, telomere shortening may be one more mechanism by which LANA contributes to the development of malignancy.
Four Amino Acids of an Insect Densovirus Capsid Determine Midgut Tropism and Virulence
Authors: Multeau Cecilia , Froissart Rémy , Perrin Aurélie , Castelli Ilaria , Casartelli Morena , Ogliastro Mylène
Published: March 2012

Densoviruses are insect parvoviruses that are orally infectious for
Lepidoptera
. To assess the mechanisms underlying their specificity and their virulence, we investigated the role of eight candidate residues in the densovirus capsid. We showed that the substitutions of four amino acids were associated with decreased virulence due to a decreased ability to cross the host midgut epithelium, without an effect on viral replication in other tissues.
Preclinical Evaluation of a Genetically Engineered Herpes Simplex Virus Expressing Interleukin-12
Authors: Markert James M. , Cody James J. , Parker Jacqueline N. , Coleman Jennifer M. , Price Kathleen H. , Kern Earl R. , Quenelle Debra C. , Lakeman Alfred D. , Schoeb Trenton R. , Palmer Cheryl A. , Cartner Samuel C. , Gillespie G. Yancey , Whitley Richard J.
Published: March 2012

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) mutants that lack the γ
1
34.5 gene are unable to replicate in the central nervous system but maintain replication competence in dividing cell populations, such as those found in brain tumors. We have previously demonstrated that a γ
1
34.5-deleted HSV-1 expressing murine interleukin-12 (IL-12; M002) prolonged survival of immunocompetent mice in intracranial models of brain tumors. We hypothesized that M002 would be suitable for use in clinical trials for patients with malignant glioma. To test this hypothesis, we (i) compared the efficacy of M002 to three other HSV-1 mutants, R3659, R8306, and G207, in murine models of brain tumors, (ii) examined the safety and biodistribution of M002 in the HSV-1-sensitive primate
Aotus nancymae
following intracerebral inoculation, and (iii) determined whether murine IL-12 produced by M002 was capable of activating primate lymphocytes. Results are summarized as follows: (i) M002 demonstrated superior antitumor activity in two different murine brain tumor models compared to three other genetically engineered HSV-1 mutants; (ii) no significant clinical or magnetic resonance imaging evidence of toxicity was observed following direct inoculation of M002 into the right frontal lobes of
A. nancymae
; (iii) there was no histopathologic evidence of disease in
A. nancymae
1 month or 5.5 years following direct inoculation; and (iv) murine IL-12 produced by M002 activates
A. nancymae
lymphocytes
in vitro
. We conclude that the safety and preclinical efficacy of M002 warrants the advancement of a Δγ
1
34.5 virus expressing IL-12 to phase I clinical trials for patients with recurrent malignant glioma.