bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Tumor Cells as Predictors of Response and Failure in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Preoperative Chemotherapy
Authors: Boutrus Rimoun R. , Raad Rita F. Abi , Kuter Irene , Ancukiewicz Marek , Roberts Lisa , Solomon Natalie , Ngo Taylor , Borick Heather , Ryan Paula , Moy Beverly , Gadd Michele , Chien Jo , Younger Jerry , Smith Barbara , Taghian Alphonse G. , Harris Lyndsay
Published: September 2012

Aim

To explore the significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection in the course of preoperative chemotherapy (PC) and their effect on the outcomes.

Methods

Fifty-five patients with stage II/III invasive breast cancer were enrolled into a preoperative clinical trial. Patients were given PC with sequential single-agent doxorubicin and paclitaxel vs paclitaxel followed by doxorubicin. Blood samples (8 mL) were collected from patients before PC, after each phase, and at 6 months intervals during follow-up. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and enriched for epithelial cells. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the presence of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) mRNA. Samples were considered positive when the PCR curve crossed the standard threshold curve.

Results

After the first phase of chemotherapy, there was a 59% overall reduction in the median tumor volume. The percentage of volume reduction did not differ between patients who presented with detectable CTCs at baseline and those who did not (p=0.89). After the second phase of chemotherapy, there was a further decrease in the median tumor volume to 93% from baseline. There was no correlation between the lack of response and the presence of CTCs either after the first (p=0.36) or second (p=0.5391) phases of PC. The presence of CTCs was a predictor of local or distant relapse (p=0.0411). The detection of CTCs did not affect overall survival (p=0.2569).

Conclusion

CTCs can be used as predictors of relapse after definitive treatment of locally advanced breast cancer; however, CTCs detection in peripheral blood during the course of PC does not implicate a particular pattern of response to treatment.
Necrosis ofStaphylococcus aureusby the Electrospun Fe- and Ag-Doped TiO2Nanofibers
Authors: Aboelzahab Asem , Azad Abdul-Majeed , Goel Vijay
Published: September 2012

Postsurgery infections cause prolonged hospitalization, incurring increased patient and hospital costs, making it increasingly vital to develop an effective solution for the mitigation and elimination of infection buildup at these sites. Incorporation of a bactericidal device at the infection-prone sites provides the capability of attacking bacterial growth even after the patient has left the hospital. Polycrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) is photoactive and possesses antibacterial properties that can mitigate the onset of these infections and aid in wound healing. In this work, TiO2nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning. Doping with iron as well as with silver (5 wt% and 1 wt%, resp.) was also carried out to increase their effectiveness towards bactericidal properties. The electrospun fibers were processed and tested in the presence of light in the suspensions of methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureus(MSSA) bacteria, which are the leading infection-inducing bacteria among hospital patients. It was found that upon brief activation (cf. 30 s) by an infrared laser source, greater than 90% of theS. aureuswas rendered inactive within cf. 10 min. of exposure, thereby showing the potential of titania nanofibers for effective mitigation of infection.
Survey of water main failures in the United States and Canada
Authors: Folkman Steven , Rice John , Sorenson Ammon , Braithwaite Nathan
Published: September 2012

Results of a 2011 survey of utilities in the United States and Canada provide information on water main failures in municipal and private water supply systems.
Cultural Practices and Beliefs of Indigenous People in Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur
Authors: Sali-Ot Melrose A. , Suarez Kent G. , Villarmino Gerome O.
Published: September 2012

This study was conducted to determine the demographic characteristics, culture practices and beliefs of Subanen people in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. Triangulation method was utilized using direct participatory observational approach, informal or indepth interview and a focus group discussion. The study found out that majority of the Subanens’ educational attainment are elementary level, and farming is their source of income. Most of their houses were made of light materials. Subanens had several instruments and dances which are played and performed during gatherings and special occasions. They ate vegetables, root crops, and aquatic foods to survive. They served/offered Pangasi (native wine) during ceremonial celebrations, gatherings and rituals. Their special skill was making of native products. The Gukom or Timuay was the highly respected leader of the tribal group and was empowered to lead ceremonies and mediate or settle tribal problems and disputes. The Shaman (Suruhano) was also respected because of his capability to cure illness. He could see and talk with the supernatural beings. Subanens manifested many differences in terms of rituals and ceremonial celebrations. They had unique beliefs that were originated from their ancestors and had been preserved for a long time.   Keywords - Cultural practices and beliefs, indigenous people, Subanen, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur
Media Communications and Sustainable Tourism in Batangas
Authors: Resurreccion Analiza D.
Published: September 2012

This paper focuses on the role of media communications in the sustainability of tourism as determined by the number of travelers who visited the different tourist destinations in Batangas from 2004 to 2008. The Batangas Provincial Tourism Office primarily uses the internet in promoting tourism in the province. It also uses other media forms like print and mobile communication in enhancing tourism promotion. Besides, the office initiates projects and programs and participates in celebrations and festivities in the different municipalities in the province. Foreign tourists coming from Asia, America, Oceania, Africa, and Europe, OFWs, and domestic tourists frequent different destinations. During the month of February, those from Korea, USA, Australia, South Africa, and United Kingdom are mostly observed to be visiting the different tourist spots while during the month of April, both OFWs and domestic tourists are the main visitors. Each year, the number of visitors in the different Batangas tourist spots increases which manifests that as media communications advance, the more that the travelers become aware and exposed to the pride of the province.   Keywords - Media Communication, tourism, Batangas,
Blog, chat, edit, text, or tweet? Using online tools to advance adult civic engagement
Authors: Black Laura W.
Published: September 2012

This chapter reviews some of the online tools civic organizations have used to engage adults successfully in deliberation and action around public issues. The chapter offers examples of different tools and describes strengths and weaknesses of various technological features.
Flux balance analysis of CHO cells before and after a metabolic switch from lactate production to consumption
Authors: Martínez Verónica S. , Dietmair Stefanie , Quek Lake‐Ee , Hodson Mark P. , Gray Peter , Nielsen Lars K.
Published: September 2012

Mammalian cell cultures typically exhibit an energy inefficient phenotype characterized by the consumption of large quantities of glucose and the concomitant production of large quantities of lactate. Under certain conditions, mammalian cells can switch to a more energy efficient state during which lactate is consumed. Using a metabolic model derived from a mouse genome scale model we performed flux balance analysis of Chinese hamster ovary cells before and after a metabolic switch from lactate production (in the presence of glucose) to lactate consumption (after glucose depletion). Despite a residual degree of freedom after accounting for measurements, the calculated flux ranges and associated errors were narrow enough to enable investigation of metabolic changes across the metabolic switch. Surprisingly, the fluxes through the lower part of the TCA cycle from oxoglutarate to malate were very similar (around 60 µmol/gDW/h) for both phases. A detailed analysis of the energy metabolism showed that cells consuming lactate have an energy efficiency (total ATP produced per total C‐mol substrate consumed) six times greater than lactate producing cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 660–666. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient and exact duplicate detection on cloud
Authors: Rong Chuitian , Lu Wei , Du Xiaoyong , Zhang Xiao
Published: September 2012

As the recent proliferation of social networks, mobile applications, and online services increased the rate of data gathering, to find near‐duplicate records efficiently has become a challenging issue. Related works on this problem mainly aim to propose efficient approaches on a single machine. However, when processing large‐scale dataset, the performance to identify duplicates is still far from satisfactory. In this paper, we try to handle the problem of duplicate detection applying MapReduce. We argue that the performance of utilizing MapReduce to detect duplicates mainly depends on the number of candidate record pairs and intermediate result size, which is related to the shuffle cost among different nodes in cluster. In this paper, we proposed a new signature scheme with new pruning strategies to minimize the number of candidate pairs and intermediate result size. The proposed solution is an exact one, which assures none duplicate record pair can be lost. The experimental results over both real and synthetic datasets demonstrate that our proposed signature‐based method is efficient and scalable. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agenesis of a submandibular gland with compensatory pseudotumoral hypertrophy of the contralateral gland: Sonographic findings
Authors: Park So Hyun , Sohn Yu‐Mee , Kim Eun‐Kyung
Published: September 2012

Agenesis of a submandibular gland with compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral gland is an extremely rare disorder. Most reported cases of unilateral submandibular agenesis have been asymptomatic without any associated facial anomalies. We report a case of submandibular gland hypertrophy mimicking a mass that was detected incidentally. The absence of the contralateral submandibular gland and associated contralateral sublingual gland hypertrophy was confirmed by typical imaging findings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:15–17, 2013
Bias correction to secondary trait analysis with case–control design
Authors: Chen Hua Yun , Kittles Rick , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2012

In genetic association studies with densely typed genetic markers, it is often of substantial interest to examine not only the primary phenotype but also the secondary traits for their association with the genetic markers. For more efficient sample ascertainment of the primary phenotype, a case–control design or its variants, such as the extreme‐value sampling design for a quantitative trait, are often adopted. The secondary trait analysis without correcting for the sample ascertainment may yield a biased association estimator. We propose a new method aiming at correcting the potential bias due to the inadequate adjustment of the sample ascertainment. The method yields explicit correction formulas that can be used to both screen the genetic markers and rapidly evaluate the sensitivity of the results to the assumed baseline case‐prevalence rate in the population. Simulation studies demonstrate good performance of the proposed approach in comparison with the more computationally intensive approaches, such as the compensator approaches and the maximum prospective likelihood approach. We illustrate the application of the approach by analysis of the genetic association of prostate specific antigen in a case–control study of prostate cancer in the African American population. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximating the moments of a spatial point process
Authors: Baddeley Adrian , Nair Gopal
Published: September 2012

We propose a “Poisson‐saddlepoint” approximation to the first and second moments of a spatial point process of Gibbs type. In the examples studied, the approximation is accurate, and fast to compute. We demonstrate applications to data analysis and simulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Rise of Distrust: State Officials, Gifts and Social Hierarchy in Laos
Authors: Mariani Léo
Published: September 2012

Conceptualisations of the state as a reified entity fall short in the case of socialist Laos. Foreign commentators often imagine Lao political life through a discourse of state governance, yet the Lao themselves, in popular narratives, tend to emphasise their day to day interactions with state officials. In their everyday lives, the latter are treated as individuals with which it is possible to interact. This article explores the relations between the Lao people and their government officials, and how those relations have changed in recent history (mainly since 1975). Wedding receptions – vital events in Lao social life, where power is invoked through performance and representation – are taken as case studies for the analysis of authority and legitimacy in a socialist state context.
Structure and short-time dynamics in concentrated suspensions of charged colloids
Authors: Westermeier Fabian , Fischer Birgit , Roseker Wojciech , Grübel Gerhard , Nägele Gerhard , Heinen Marco
Published: September 2012

We report a comprehensive joint experimental-theoretical study of the equilibrium pair-structure and short-time diffusion in aqueous suspensions of highly charged poly-acrylate (PA) spheres in the colloidal fluid phase. Low-polydispersity PA sphere systems with two different hard-core radii, R0 = 542 and 1117 Å, are explored over a wide range of concentrations and salinities using static and dynamic light scattering (DLS), small angle x-ray scattering, and x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The measured static and dynamic scattering functions are analyzed using state-of-the-art theoretical methods. For all samples, the measured static structure factor, S(Q), is in good agreement with results by an analytical integral equation method for particles interacting by a repulsive screened Coulomb plus hard-core pair potential. In our DLS and XPCS measurements, we have determined the short-time diffusion function D(Q) = D0 H(Q)/S(Q), comprising the free diffusion coefficient D0 and the hydrodynamic function H(Q). The latter is calculated analytically using a self-part corrected version of the δγ-scheme by Beenakker and Mazur which accounts approximately for many-body hydrodynamic interactions (HIs). Except for low-salinity systems at the highest investigated volume fraction ϕ ≈ 0.32, the theoretical predictions for H(Q) are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. In particular, the increase in the collective diffusion coefficient Dc = D(Q → 0), and the decrease of the self-diffusion coefficient, Ds = D(Q → ∞), with increasing ϕ is well described. In accord with the theoretical prediction, the peak value, H(Qm), of H(Q) relates to the nearest neighbor cage size ∼2π/Qm, for which concentration scaling relations are discussed. The peak values H(Qm) are globally bound from below by the corresponding neutral hard-spheres peak values, and from above by the limiting peak values for low-salinity charge-stabilized systems. HIs usually slow short-time diffusion on colloidal length scales, except for the cage diffusion coefficient, Dcge = D(Qm), in dilute low-salinity systems where a speed up of the system dynamics and corresponding peak values of H(Qm) > 1 are observed experimentally and theoretically.
Effect of trimethylamine-N-oxide on pressure-induced dissolution of hydrophobic solute
Authors: Sarma Rahul , Paul Sandip
Published: September 2012

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the effects of increasing trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) concentration on the pressure-induced dissolution of hydrophobic solutes immersed in water. Such systems are of interest mainly because pressure increases the dissolution of hydrophobic protein interior causing protein denaturation and TMAO acts to offset the protein denaturing effect of high hydrostatic pressures. In view of this, in this study, methane molecules are considered as model hydrophobic molecules and simulations are performed for four independent TMAO solutions each at four different pressures ranging from 2 to 8 kbar. From potentials of mean force calculations, it is found that application of pressure reduces the free energy difference between contact minimum (CM) and solvent-separated (SSM) minimum of hydrophobic solute, suggesting dissolution at high pressures. TMAO, on the other hand, increases the relative stability of CM state of methane molecules relative to its SSM state. High packing efficiency of water molecules around the hydrophobic solute at high pressure is observed. Also observed are TMAO-induced enhancement of water structure and direct hydrogen-bonding interaction between TMAO and water and the correlated dehydration of hydrophobic solute. From hydrogen bond properties and dynamics calculations, it is observed that pressure increases average number of water-water hydrogen bonds while reduces their life-times. In contrast, TMAO reduces water-water hydrogen bonding but enhances their life-times. These results suggest that TMAO can reduce water penetration into the protein interior by enhancing water structure and also forming hydrogen bonds with water and hence counteracts protein unfolding.
Features of the
Arabidopsis
recombination landscape resulting from the combined loss of sequence variation and DNA methylation
Authors: Colomé-Tatché Maria , Cortijo Sandra , Wardenaar René , Morgado Lionel , Lahouze Benoit , Sarazin Alexis , Etcheverry Mathilde , Martin Antoine , Feng Suhua , Duvernois-Berthet Evelyne , Labadie Karine , Wincker Patrick , Jacobsen Steven E. , Jansen Ritsert C. , Colot Vincent , Johannes Frank
Published: September 2012

The rate of meiotic crossing over (CO) varies considerably along chromosomes, leading to marked distortions between physical and genetic distances. The causes underlying this variation are being unraveled, and DNA sequence and chromatin states have emerged as key factors. However, the extent to which the suppression of COs within the repeat-rich pericentromeric regions of plant and mammalian chromosomes results from their high level of DNA polymorphisms and from their heterochromatic state, notably their dense DNA methylation, remains unknown. Here, we test the combined effect of removing sequence polymorphisms and repeat-associated DNA methylation on the meiotic recombination landscape of an
Arabidopsis
mapping population. To do so, we use genome-wide DNA methylation data from a large panel of isogenic epigenetic recombinant inbred lines (epiRILs) to derive a recombination map based on 126 meiotically stable, differentially methylated regions covering 81.9% of the genome. We demonstrate that the suppression of COs within pericentromeric regions of chromosomes persists in this experimental setting. Moreover, suppression is reinforced within 3-Mb regions flanking pericentromeric boundaries, and this effect appears to be compensated by increased recombination activity in chromosome arms. A direct comparison with 17 classical
Arabidopsis
crosses shows that these recombination changes place the epiRILs at the boundary of the range of natural variation but are not severe enough to transgress that boundary significantly. This level of robustness is remarkable, considering that this population represents an extreme with key recombination barriers having been forced to a minimum.
Gene expression changes in a tumor xenograft by a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide
Authors: Raskatov Jevgenij A. , Nickols Nicholas G. , Hargrove Amanda E. , Marinov Georgi K. , Wold Barbara , Dervan Peter B.
Published: September 2012

Gene regulation by DNA binding small molecules could have important therapeutic applications. This study reports the investigation of a DNA-binding pyrrole-imidazole polyamide targeted to bind the DNA sequence 5′-WGGWWW-3′ with reference to its potency in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model. The molecule is capable of trafficking to the tumor site following subcutaneous injection and modulates transcription of select genes in vivo. An FITC-labeled analogue of this polyamide can be detected in tumor-derived cells by confocal microscopy. RNA deep sequencing (RNA-seq) of tumor tissue allowed the identification of further affected genes, a representative panel of which was interrogated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and correlated with cell culture expression levels.
Food expenditure patterns of the generation 50+: an Engel‐curve analysis for Germany
Authors: Burzig Johanna , Herrmann Roland
Published: September 2012

Purpose

It is the objective of this paper to elaborate determinants of food expenditure patterns for the generation 50+ in Germany on the basis of an Engel‐curve analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data for Germany are taken from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement (SHARE) database. Food‐at‐home (FAH) expenditures of the generation 50+ are explained within a multiple regression analysis first. Then, a double‐hurdle approach based on the probit model and a truncated regression are utilized for reproducing the existence of food‐away‐from‐home (FAFH) expenditures and the share of FAFH expenditures on consumption expenditures across households. Available information on socio‐demographic variables, income and the health status of the respondents are introduced as regressors in the multivariate analyses.

Findings

FAH expenditures in the generation 50+ in Germany follow the theoretical expectations underlying Engel functions. With a rising income level, FAH expenditures increase as well but the income share of FAH expenditures declines as does the share of FAH expenditures in total food expenditures. Apart from income, the share of FAH expenditures in food expenditures rises with age, household size, and it is highest for the lowest education level. Moreover, it is higher for West than for East German households. Becoming a pensioner increases absolute FAH expenditures, but does not affect the FAH expenditure share significantly. Very different results are provided by the Engel‐curve analysis for food away from home. A rising income raises FAFH expenditures, whereas becoming a pensioner lowers it. The age variable is insignificant.

Practical implications

The estimated Engel curves suggest that food at home grows less with rising income than food away from home. In particular, the determinants of the per‐capita FAFH expenditures reveal important determinants of expenditures of the generation 50+ in a highly dynamic consumption category. The results have important marketing implications.

Originality/value

Despite the growing economic importance of the generation 50+ in industrialised countries, empirical evidence on how this age group behaves in its food expenditure pattern is often lacking. This study provides a first set of estimated coefficients from Engel curves for Germany. These show how income as well as sociodemographic and health variables affect per‐capita expenditures for FAH and FAFH consumption.
Learning from success: exploring the sustainability of a collaborative learning initiative
Authors: Schechter Chen , Ganon Sherry
Published: September 2012

Purpose

In light of limited sustainability of past collaborative‐learning‐centered initiatives over time, the purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants considered by both teachers and principals to influence the sustainability of a collective‐learning‐from‐success (CLS) initiative in 12 urban elementary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative methodology, data were collected via face‐to‐face interviews with 37 teachers and eight principals. Analysis involved identifying common themes, contrasting patterns, and elucidating differences among participants’ voices.

Findings

In total, six major determinants were identified as influencing the sustainability of the CLS initiative: superintendent's role, principal's role, need for a structured learning setting, burden added to teachers’ workload, overuse of theory and underuse of practice, and congruence with school agenda.

Originality/value

As researchers and practitioners explore ways to sustain collaborative learning in schools, it is important to further evaluate whether learning communities can be developed and sustained when staff members are encouraged to collectively analyze their successful practices.
Towards understanding female entrepreneurship in Middle Eastern and North African countries
Authors: Hattab Hala
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Over the past 30 years there has been an increase in the number of women turning to self‐employment and business ownership. Middle Eastern women were no exception and increasingly are pursuing entrepreneurship and have become a phenomenon that requires in‐depth study and analysis. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on women entrepreneurs in terms of entrepreneurial activity rates, entrepreneurial orientations, demographics and their enterprise characteristics in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach utilised is a combination of the literature pertinent to women's entrepreneurship in MENA with the findings of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor's research for 2008‐2009.

Findings

More women are turning into entrepreneurship in Middle East; however, their percentage is still low compared to their male counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

One of the main limitations was the lack of literature discussing women entrepreneurship in the Middle Eastern context and reliable statistics.

Originality/value

This paper is one of few papers discussing and comparing women entrepreneurs in eight Middle Eastern countries, along with their enterprises.
Sociodemographic and work‐related variation in employees’ lunch eating patterns
Authors: Raulio Susanna , Roos Eva , Prättälä Ritva
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This study aims to examine the availability of worksite canteens to Finnish employees, and the associations between canteen availability and the employee's sociodemographic background and workplace characteristics. A further aim was to study the employees’ lunch place choices according to the sociodemographic factors of the employees and the characteristics of the workplace when a worksite canteen is available.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from cross‐sectional health surveys among Finnish adults in 2005‐2007. A total of 2,659 male and 2,926 female employed Finns – except farmers – ranging in age from 19 to 64 were chosen for the analyses from the surveys. The data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression models.

Findings

A worksite canteen was available for 70 percent of female and 60 percent of male employees, and more often to employees with higher education and in a higher occupational class and to those working at bigger workplaces. If a canteen was not available, employees mostly ate packed lunches. Roughly 50 percent of those who had a worksite canteen available ate there; employees in a higher occupational class did so more often than the others. Even when a canteen was available, people with lower education or in a lower occupational class preferred packed lunches.

Practical implications

The frequency of using worksite canteens could be influenced not only by means related to individual choices, but also by improving the structural conditions at work – like unavailability of worksite canteen – that is found to pose barrier to canteen use.

Originality/value

No previous study of this kind has been done, even though it has been observed that worksite canteen meals are important for the nutrition, health, and productivity of Finnish employees.
The current status of static and dynamic factors in sexual offender risk assessment
Authors: Beech Anthony R. , Craig Leam A.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide up‐to‐date discussion of the types of factors used to assess sexual offenders risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The current status of the factors used to assess risk in sexual offenders is examined.

Findings

Risk factors broadly fall into two categories: static factors (i.e. generally unchangeable information such as previous offence history) from which a number of actuarial scales have been developed; and dynamic factors (i.e. psychological dispositions) that are typically identified in treatment. It is suggested that these risk factors are artefacts of the same behavioural and psychological vulnerabilities at different stages of assessment, with static factors acting as markers for underlying dispositions, while dynamic factors are the underlying dispositions.

Practical implications

The paper discusses in some detail the status of age as a risk factor, where even though it is typically considered a static risk factor in a number of actuarial scales (allowance typically being made if individuals are over/under 25), there is a dynamic element (i.e. change with age or the passage of time) to this aspect of assessment.

Originality/value

This paper may be useful to practitioners working in the field, in terms of providing a useful heuristic framework for risk conceptualisation.
Clinical and radiological evaluation of a template‐guided (NobelGuide™) treatment concept
Authors: Vasak Christoph , Kohal Ralf J. , Lettner Stefan , Rohner Dennis , Zechner Werner
Published: September 2012

Objectives

The study was designed to evaluate the clinical use of the NobelGuide™ concept over a follow‐up period of 12 months with respect to implant success and survival rates, development of soft tissue condition and recording of potential surgical and prosthetic complications. In addition, radiological assessment of peri‐implant bone levels was performed at the 1‐year follow‐up post‐implant placement.

Material and methods

Thirty patients (male/female = 15/15) with partially dentate and edentulous mandibles and maxillae were included. All patients were planned and operated on using the computer‐aided, template‐guided treatment concept NobelGuide™. Overall, 163 implants (NobelReplace® Tapered Groovy) were placed (mandible/maxilla = 107/56 implants). Recall appointments were performed after 1–2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after implant placement. Clinical parameters of the soft tissue conditions [e.g. bleeding on probing (BoP), pocket probing depth ≥3 mm (PPD), marginal plaque index (mPI)] and the dentist's esthetic and functional evaluation using a visual analogue scale (VAS) were documented. Marginal bone level was evaluated on radiographs made at implant insertion and at the 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

All 30 patients with 161 implants completed the 1‐year follow‐up resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 98.8% (two implant losses). Clinical parameters improved in a majority of the implants. The mean marginal bone level at implant insertion and at 1‐year follow‐up was reported with 0.17 mm (SD 1.24; n = 125) and −1.39 mm (SD 1.27; n = 110), respectively. The mean change in bone level from implant insertion to 1 year was −1.44 mm (SD 1.35; n = 98).

Conclusions

The 1‐year follow‐up showed a cumulative survival rate and success rate of 98.8% and 96.3%, respectively. Immediate or delayed loading of implants using a flapless, guided surgery approach (NobelGuide™) appears to be a viable concept demonstrating good clinical and radiographic outcomes at the 1‐year time point.
Morphologic mimickers of Cryptococcus occurring within inflammatory infiltrates in the setting of neutrophilic dermatitis: a series of three cases highlighting clinical dilemmas associated with a novel histopathologic pitfall
Authors: Ko Jennifer S. , Fernandez Anthony P. , Anderson Kyle A. , Burdick Laura M. , Billings Steven D. , Procop Gary W. , McMahon James T. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Piliang Melissa P.
Published: September 2012

A neutrophil‐predominant inflammatory infiltrate in a cutaneous biopsy can be associated with a broad spectrum of diseases. Here we describe three cases showing a neutrophil‐predominant dermal infiltrate admixed with abundant acellular bodies surrounded by capsule‐like vacuolated spaces, which strikingly mimicked Cryptococcus. Two cases occurred within the settings of underlying hematologic malignancies; the third case was associated with immune dysregulation. Two patients were acutely ill in the medical intensive care unit. Fungal work‐up, including cultures and multiple stains were negative. Because of clinical deterioration in these patients, transmission electron microscopy was pursued to definitively rule out fungal infection. In both cases, characteristics most compatible with autolysing human cells, not Cryptococcus, were identified. Chemotherapy and high‐dose steroids were given, but both patients eventually succumbed to their diseases. To the best of our knowledge, these represent the first reported cases of autolysing human cells mimicking Cryptococcus organisms within neutrophilic infiltrates. They highlight the therapeutic dilemmas arising with histopathologic mimics, as well as the importance of thorough investigation to distinguish mimickers from true infectious organisms. We believe recognition of this microscopic pitfall will be useful to dermatopathologists faced with similar findings in the future, and may prevent unnecessary delay of appropriate therapy in acutely ill patients.
Variable temperature effects of Open Top Chambers at polar and alpine sites explained by irradiance and snow depth
Authors: Bokhorst Stef , Huiskes Ad , Aerts Rien , Convey Peter , Cooper Elisabeth J. , Dalen Linda , Erschbamer Brigitta , Gudmundsson Jón , Hofgaard Annika , Hollister Robert D. , Johnstone Jill , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg S. , Lebouvier Marc , Van de Vijver Bart , Wahren Carl‐Henrik , Dorrepaal Ellen
Published: September 2012

Environmental manipulation studies are integral to determining biological consequences of climate warming. Open Top Chambers (OTCs) have been widely used to assess summer warming effects on terrestrial biota, with their effects during other seasons normally being given less attention even though chambers are often deployed year‐round. In addition, their effects on temperature extremes and freeze‐thaw events are poorly documented. To provide robust documentation of the microclimatic influences of OTCs throughout the year, we analysed temperature data from 20 studies distributed across polar and alpine regions. The effects of OTCs on mean temperature showed a large range (−0.9 to 2.1 °C) throughout the year, but did not differ significantly between studies. Increases in mean monthly and diurnal temperature were strongly related (R2 = 0.70) with irradiance, indicating that PAR can be used to predict the mean warming effect of OTCs. Deeper snow trapped in OTCs also induced higher temperatures at soil/vegetation level. OTC‐induced changes in the frequency of freeze‐thaw events included an increase in autumn and decreases in spring and summer. Frequency of high‐temperature events in OTCs increased in spring, summer and autumn compared with non‐manipulated control plots. Frequency of low‐temperature events was reduced by deeper snow accumulation and higher mean temperatures. The strong interactions identified between aspects of ambient environmental conditions and effects of OTCs suggest that a detailed knowledge of snow depth, temperature and irradiance levels enables us to predict how OTCs will modify the microclimate at a particular site and season. Such predictive power allows a better mechanistic understanding of observed biotic response to experimental warming studies and for more informed design of future experiments. However, a need remains to quantify OTC effects on water availability and wind speed (affecting, for example, drying rates and water stress) in combination with microclimate measurements at organism level.
How interactions between microbial resource demands, soil organic matter stoichiometry, and substrate reactivity determine the direction and magnitude of soil respiratory responses to warming
Authors: Billings Sharon A. , Ballantyne Ford
Published: September 2012

Recent empirical and theoretical advances inform us about multiple drivers of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and microbial responses to warming. Absent from our conceptual framework of how soil respiration will respond to warming are adequate links between microbial resource demands, kinetic theory, and substrate stoichiometry. Here, we describe two important concepts either insufficiently explored in current investigations of SOM responses to temperature, or not yet addressed. First, we describe the complete range of responses for how warming may change microbial resource demands, physiology, community structure, and total biomass. Second, we describe how any relationship between SOM activation energy of decay and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stoichiometry can alter the relative availability of C and N as temperature changes. Changing availabilities of C and N liberated from their organic precursors can feedback to microbial resource demands, which in turn influence the aggregated respiratory response to temperature we observe. An unsuspecting biogeochemist focused primarily on temperature sensitivity of substrate decay thus cannot make accurate projections of heterotrophic CO2 losses from diverse organic matter reservoirs in a warming world. We establish the linkages between enzyme kinetics, SOM characteristics, and potential for microbial adaptation critical for making such projections. By examining how changing microbial needs interact with inherent SOM structure and composition, and thus reactivity, we demonstrate the means by which increasing temperature could result in increasing, unchanging, or even decreasing respiration rates observed in soils. We use this exercise to highlight ideas for future research that will develop our abilities to predict SOM feedbacks to climate.
Knowledge creation and the use of secondary data
Authors: Alvarez Juan , Canduela Jesus , Raeside Robert
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives

To expose problems of using bespoke questionnaire‐based surveys to create knowledge and to advance the use of secondary data as an alternative research approach.

Background

Many researchers from students undertaking dissertations to those who attempt to create knowledge to advance society collect data by using questionnaires. But this raises reliability and validity concerns as a consequence of low response rates and non‐response bias. This constrains knowledge creation.

Design and method

First, the value of questionnaire‐based research will be discussed. Then, it is argued that much can be accomplished using secondary data. The paper concludes by presenting a case study developed from the Scottish Health Survey.

Results and conclusion

We demonstrate that there may be an alternative for creating bespoke questionnaires by researchers. The data to answer their research questions may already exist in official surveys whose data are available to students and researchers. By analysing a case study, we demonstrate the value of one of these secondary sources – the Scottish Health Survey.

Relevance to clinical practice

We show that clinical practitioners in their training and in any professional research should consider alternative methods of collecting data for undertaking quantitative research. We advance the use of analysis of data collected by official surveys. Using secondary data can be more efficient in training students in research methods and make dissertations produced more meaningful.
Nurturing the spiritual well‐being of children with special needs
Authors: ZHANG KAILI CHEN , WU DEIRDRA I‐HWEY
Published: September 2012

Spirituality is of acknowledged and profound importance to children from mainstream school populations, but has been overlooked in respect of children with special needs. This article explores the issues related to spirituality and disabilities, and the relationship between spirituality and education for students with special needs. The following aspects are considered: (a) holistic perspectives on education for students with disabilities; (b) spirituality as an integral element of special education and interventions; and (c) implications for educational programmes for students with disabilities. This article concludes that work in addressing issues related to spirituality and the implications for working with students with disabilities need to be given serious consideration.
An Investigation of Rater Cognition in the Assessment of Projects
Authors: Crisp Victoria
Published: September 2012

In the United Kingdom, the majority of national assessments involve human raters. The processes by which raters determine the scores to award are central to the assessment process and affect the extent to which valid inferences can be made from assessment outcomes. Thus, understanding rater cognition has become a growing area of research in the United Kingdom. This study investigated rater cognition in the context of the assessment of school‐based project work for high‐stakes purposes. Thirteen teachers across three subjects were asked to “think aloud” whilst scoring example projects. Teachers also completed an internal standardization exercise. Nine professional raters across the same three subjects standardized a set of project scores whilst thinking aloud. The behaviors and features attended to were coded. The data provided insights into aspects of rater cognition such as reading strategies, emotional and social influences, evaluations of features of student work (which aligned with scoring criteria), and how overall judgments are reached. The findings can be related to existing theories of judgment. Based on the evidence collected, the cognition of teacher raters did not appear to be substantially different from that of professional raters.
Acquired haemophilia A: a clinical case
Authors: Tumelty M.L. , Swinson B. , Finnegan D.
Published: September 2012

Background

 Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare medical emergency that may be characterised by severe and life‐threatening haemorrhage.

Aims

 This case report highlights the need for a better awareness of this disorder in terms of diagnosis and urgent management.

Materials and Methods

 This is a clinical presentation of a 77‐year‐old Caucasian man who presented to Accident and Emergency with profuse bleeding from his tongue, secondary to mechanical trauma. Local haemostatic measures were only temporarily effective as he returned on a further five occasions over a 3‐week period with recurrent bleeding from the same site. A coagulation screen revealed prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time that did not correct on a 50/50 mixing study with normal plasma. Subsequent analysis of intrinsic coagulation factor activity levels revealed severe factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency. A high‐titre FVIII inhibitor was identified in his plasma and the diagnosis of AHA was made. The patient was promptly transferred to the regional haemophilia comprehensive care centre for specialist management.

Discussion

 AHA should be suspected in a patient with no personal or family history of a bleeding disorder who presents with soft tissue haemorrhage unresponsive to local measures.

Conclusion

 This condition is particularly relevant to dental clinicians as patients may present with oral clinical signs of disease. In addition, affected individuals are also at risk of severe haemorrhage following accidental trauma or invasive oral surgery procedures.
Strobilurins Seed Treatment Enhances Resistance of Common Bean Against Bean common mosaic virus
Authors: Udayashankar Arakere C. , Nayaka Chandra S. , Archana Basavaraju , Nayak Usha , Niranjana Siddapura R. , Prakash H. S.
Published: September 2012

Commercial formulations of strobilurins (azoxystrobin, kresoxim‐methyl, trifloxystrobin and pyraclostrobin) were evaluated for their efficacy against Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) in screenhouse and field conditions. Highest seed germination and seedling vigour were recorded with 20 μg/ml pyraclostrobin seed treatment in comparison with the control. In screenhouse studies, 76% protection against BCMV was recorded with pyraclostrobin seed treatment at 10 μg/ml. Under field conditions with natural BCMV inoculum, pyraclostrobin seed treatment resulted in 65% protection against BCMV. The protection offered by strobilurins against BCMV was evaluated by ELISA, with lowest immunoreactive values recorded in common bean seedlings raised from seeds treated with pyraclostrobin and kresoxim‐methyl. Strobilurins in addition to exerting a direct positive physiological effect on common bean plants also protect bean plants against BCMV infection in screen house and field conditions. Thus, it is proposed that these reduced‐risk pesticides are potential inducers against BCMV and growth enhancers and could be a beneficial component of integrated disease management of common bean.
Glycine receptors support excitatory neurotransmitter release in developing mouse visual cortex
Authors: Kunz Portia A. , Burette Alain C. , Weinberg Richard J. , Philpot Benjamin D.
Published: September 2012

Key points

Cortical glycine receptors (GlyRs) flux chloride based on a local chloride gradient set by chloride transporters; this gradient changes with age.

In acute slices from the developing mouse visual cortex, tonic GlyR activity increases spontaneous excitatory neurotransmitter release in a calcium‐dependent manner.

Glycine transporters, localized mainly to astrocytes, regulate this tonic activity.

After a critical period of early development, GlyRs are no longer tonically active and become hyperpolarizing, inhibiting spontaneous neurotransmitter release.

These results define mechanisms that contribute to baseline neurotransmission during critical periods of neuronal development, and help identify synaptic functions that could be impacted by GlyR dysfunction.

Abstract  Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are found in most areas of the brain, and their dysfunction can cause severe neurological disorders. While traditionally thought of as inhibitory receptors, presynaptic‐acting GlyRs (preGlyRs) can also facilitate glutamate release under certain circumstances, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. In the current study, we sought to better understand the role of GlyRs in the facilitation of excitatory neurotransmitter release in mouse visual cortex. Using whole‐cell recordings, we found that preGlyRs facilitate glutamate release in developing, but not adult, visual cortex. The glycinergic enhancement of neurotransmitter release in early development depends on the high intracellular to extracellular Cl− gradient maintained by the Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter and requires Ca2+ entry through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. The glycine transporter 1, localized to glial cells, regulates extracellular glycine concentration and the activation of these preGlyRs. Our findings demonstrate a developmentally regulated mechanism for controlling excitatory neurotransmitter release in the neocortex.
Elastic and viscous properties of Silly Putty
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: September 2012

We consider in this paper the elastic and viscous properties of Silly Putty and confirm the well known fact that the properties depend on the rate at which the material is deformed. Rapid deformations were studied by dropping masses onto one end of a Silly Putty cylinder, and slow deformations were studied by compressing the cylinder in a materials testing machine. The results were compared with a simple engineering model of viscoelastic materials to estimate the stiffness and the viscosity of the Silly Putty cylinder. It was found that stress induced in Silly Putty relaxes with a time constant of about 0.1 s, Young’s modulus for a rapid deformation is about 1.7 × 106 N/m2, and the viscosity for a slow compression is about 8 × 104 Pa s. When subject to a short impact, Silly Putty vibrates as a result of compressional wave propagation through the material.