bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of the porcine TEAD3 (TEF‐5) gene: examination of a promoter mutation as the causal mutation of a quantitative trait loci affecting the androstenone level in boar fat
Authors: Robic A. , Larzul C. , Grindflek E. , Chevillon P. , Hofer A. , Fève K. , Iannuccelli N. , Milan D. , Prunier A. , Riquet J.
Published: November 2011

A quantitative trait loci (QTL) for accumulation of androstenone in fat has been identified in an Large White × Meishan cross in a region of SSC7‐containing TEAD3. In humans, TEAD3 is a transcription activator, known to be able to regulate the transcription of HSD3B. This enzyme is involved in the degradation of androstenone in the liver. In this study, porcine transcripts of TEAD3 were characterized and compared with mammalian transcripts. The complete structure of porcine TEAD3 gene was characterized including two 5′ non‐coding exons and one exon 5 not used in porcine transcripts. Variations were screened in sequences related to TEAD3: in exons, in flanking sequences of exons and in the promoter region. A SNP characterized at 726 bp at 5′ of the first exon was tested on several pig populations without coherent and convincing results concerning its association with androstenone levels. We showed that in the liver of adult boars, the transcripts levels of TEAD3 and HSD3B were correlated. As in humans, it is possible that HSD3B is a target gene of TEAD3 in porcine liver. Nevertheless, no expression variation was observed for TEAD3 or HSD3B in liver between animals with different genotypes at the SNP. We concluded that this SNP was not the causal mutation of this QTL.
Early observations in the use of oral rotavirus vaccination in infants with functional short gut syndrome
Authors: Fang Alice YW , Tingay David G
Published: November 2011

Aim:  Universal vaccination with an oral live‐attenuated rotavirus vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age was introduced in Australia in July 2007. There are no data on the short‐term effects of vaccination for those infants most at risk of severe complications from rotavirus infection. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of rotavirus vaccination on weight gain and gastrointestinal losses in infants with functional short gut syndrome secondary to an ileostomy.

Methods:  A retrospective review of all infants with an ileostomy who received RotaTeq while hospitalised at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne from July 2007 to July 2009 was performed. Daily data were collected from 1 week before to 2 weeks after vaccination. The data included type and volume of feeds, ileostomy losses, need for fluid replacement of ileostomy losses, weight, temperature, urine sodium, stool culture, suspected and confirmed sepsis.

Results:  Nine infants (age at first RotaTeq 61–99 days) were identified. The median (range) gestational age was 26 (24, 38) completed weeks and birthweight was 737 (620, 2714) grams. Compared to the day of vaccination, the median (range) ileostomy losses 1 week before, 1 and 2 weeks after vaccination were −1.1 (−13.6, 4.9) mL/kg/day, 2 (−11.1, 25.0) mL/kg/day and 2.4 (−15.7, 27.2) mL/kg/day, respectively. One infant developed severe stomal losses after vaccination. Overall, rotavirus vaccination did not alter weight gain, temperature or urinary sodium.

Conclusion:  In this small series, oral live‐attenuated rotavirus vaccination of infants with high‐output ileostomy was tolerated in most cases.
Paediatric resuscitation training: Is e‐learning the answer? A before and after pilot study
Authors: O'Leary Fenton M
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To determine whether an e‐learning resuscitation programme was able to improve the knowledge and competence of doctors and nurses in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation to children in a simulated cardiac arrest.

Method:  A prospective before and after pilot study comprising of a simulated paediatric resuscitation before and after participants undertook an e‐learning programme. Participants were emergency department doctors and new graduate nurses from The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia. Primary outcome measures were the ability to perform successful basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) according to published guidelines. Secondary outcome measures were the individual steps in performing the overall resuscitation and subjective feedback from participants.

Results:  Fifty‐six clinicians were enrolled in the study (29 doctors and 27 nurses). Thirty‐seven were re‐tested (25 doctors and 12 nurses). The mean time between tests was 49 days (17 standard deviation). The e‐learning module led to an improvement in participants' ability to perform BLS by 51% (P < 0.001) and ALS by 57% (P= 0.001) overall resulting in an overall competence of 89% (BLS) and 65% (ALS). There were also significant improvements in time to rhythm recognition (P= 0.006), time to first defibrillation (P= 0.009) and participants' self‐reported knowledge and confidence in BLS and ALS (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  E‐learning does improve both the knowledge and competence of doctors and nurses in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation to children in the simulation environment.
Evaluation of the asthma control test: A reliable determinant of disease stability and a predictor of future exacerbations
Authors: KO FANNY W.S. , HUI DAVID S.C. , LEUNG TING‐FAN , CHU HONG‐YIN , WONG GARY W.K. , TUNG ALVIN H.M. , NGAI JENNY C.N. , NG SUSANNA S.S. , LAI CHRISTOPHER K.W.
Published: November 2011

Background and objective:  This study assessed the asthma control test (ACT) cut‐off values for asthma control according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guideline in adults and the effectiveness of ACT scores in predicting exacerbations and serial changes in ACT scores over time in relation to treatment decisions.

Methods:  Subjects completed ACT together with same‐day spirometry and fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement at baseline and at 3 months. Physicians, blinded to the ACT scores and FeNO values, assessed the patient's asthma control in the past month and adjusted the asthma medications according to management guidelines. Asthma exacerbations and urgent health‐care utilization (HCU) at 6 months were recorded.

Results:  Three hundred seventy‐nine (120 men) asthmatics completed the study. The ACT cut‐off for uncontrolled and partly controlled asthma were ≤19 (sensitivity 0.74, specificity 0.67, % correctly classified 69.5) and ≤22, respectively (sensitivity 0.73, specificity 0.71, % correctly classified 72.1). Baseline ACT score had an odds ratio of 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.48–3.69) and 2.66 (1.70–4.18) for urgent HCU and exacerbations, respectively, at 6 months (P < 0.0001). However, baseline FeNO and spirometry values had no association with urgent HCU and exacerbations. The 3‐month ACT score of ≤20 correlated best with step‐up of asthma medications (sensitivity 0.65, specificity 0.81, % correctly classified 72.8). For serial changes of ACT scores over 3 months, the cut‐off value was best at ≤3 for treatment decisions with low sensitivity (0.23) and % correctly classified (57.3%) values.

Conclusions:  Single measurement of ACT is useful for assessing asthma control, prediction of exacerbation and changes in treatment decisions.
The Nature of the First Small Request as a Decisive Factor in the Effectiveness of the Foot‐in‐the‐Door Technique
Authors: Dolinski Dariusz
Published: November 2011

In the literature on the foot‐in‐the‐door technique it is usually assumed that the first of the two sequentially posed requests should not be extremely easy (trivial). An uncomplicated request would not activate self‐perception mechanisms which, as it is commonly understood, lie behind the effectiveness of the technique. This article proposes that when the initial request is exceptional or odd, then even if it is easy and is fulfilled by nearly everyone it will still enhance people's inclination to fulfill the subsequent, much more complicated request. This assumption was verified in three experiments.
Teachers' Pedagogical Competence as a Prerequisite for Entering the Profession
Authors: Liakopoulou Maria
Published: November 2011

Since 1980, the recruitment of teachers in many countries has followed a systematic certification procedure, i.e. a selection procedure according to criteria set by the State which are considered the minimum qualification for entrance into the profession. The term used in the last few years to define the desired level of qualification of teachers is competence. The purpose of this article is two‐fold: a) to review the relevant literature and research in order to record those qualifications that ensure teachers' pedagogical competence at international level, and b) to present the Greek case — a State that evaluates teachers' pedagogical competence before they become a part of the teaching profession — in order to reveal the strengths and limitations of this evaluation process. In brief, assessing teachers' pedagogical competence is a difficult and complex procedure, as competence is ensured through the acquisition of multiple — in terms of amplitude and content — qualifications. Assessing the acquisition of these qualifications is based, to a great extent, on the procedures followed and the practices of evaluation adopted. Given that contemporary research has triggered a relevant discussion in a context of pedagogical knowledge that secures pedagogical competence, assessing the acquisition of this knowledge is, to a certain degree, possible. The evaluation of pedagogical and teaching skills and opinions is more difficult, and the monitoring of viewpoints, attitudes and beliefs, as well as capabilities, is even more difficult.
ANCHORS IN A PROFESSIONAL STORM
Authors: Houlder Dominic , Kerres Bernhard , Korine Harry
Published: November 2011

Professional service firms — the ones traditionally hired to help other businesses — have increasingly found themselves in rough waters. Dominic Houlder, Bernhard Kerres and Harry Korine believe that these firms need to change. But, first, they must ensure that they have anchors to keep them from drifting into turbulent waters that could destroy them.
A Hybrid Geocoding Methodology for Spatio‐Temporal Data
Authors: Murray Alan T. , Grubesic Tony H. , Wei Ran , Mack Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2011

As tools for collecting data continue to evolve and improve, the information available for research is expanding rapidly. Increasingly, this information is of a spatio‐temporal nature, which enables tracking of phenomena through both space and time. Despite the increasing availability of spatio‐temporal data, however, the methods for processing and analyzing these data are lacking. Existing geocoding techniques are no exception. Geocoding enables the geographic location of people and events to be known and tracked. However, geocoded information is highly generalized and subject to various interpolation errors. In addition, geocoding for spatio‐temporal data is especially challenging because of the inherent dynamism of associated data. This article presents a methodology for geocoding spatio‐temporal data in ArcGIS that utilizes several additional supporting procedures to enhance spatial accuracy, including the use of supplementary land use information, aerial photographs and local knowledge. This hybrid methodology allows for the tracking of phenomenon through space and over time. It is also able to account for reporting inconsistencies, which is a common feature of spatio‐temporal data. The utility of this methodology is demonstrated using an application to spatio‐temporal address records for a highly mobile group of convicted felons in Hamilton County, Ohio.
Creating Residential and Tenure Histories from Multi‐Year White Pages
Authors: Beard Kate , Smitherman Paul
Published: November 2011

In epidemiology research, a list of residences a person has occupied as well as a history of tenants for a residence are useful pieces of information for investigating geographically localized risk factors, environmental exposures, and for analyzing disease clusters. This article reports on a methodology for constructing residential and tenure histories using multi‐year white page phone listings. Residential histories associate a person with a list of addresses of residence and the length of occupancy at each address. Tenure histories document the list of persons occupying a residence along with length of occupancy. These histories were created using fuzzy matching on name address pairs between sequential years. Simulated annual phone listing data were used to develop and test the methodology which was then applied to an actual white page phone listing for a study town in Maine. The approach is applied locally and generates partial local residential and tenure histories that capture local migrations. We see these local history sets as building blocks for constructing more geographically extensive histories over time. Geocoded results were compared against numbers of housing units reported in the 2000 and 2010 US Census to assess the proportion of local residences captured by phone listings.
Treatment limitations imposed by antiretroviral drug resistance mutations: implication for choices of first line regimens in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Mtambo A , Chan K , Shen A , Lima V , Hogg R , Montaner J , Moore D
Published: November 2011

Background

Recent studies have suggested that failing nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based regimens may have greater potential to induce the development of resistance mutations, which may limit options for second‐line therapy.

Methods

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve individuals aged ≥18 years who initiated triple combination ART between January 2000 and June 2006 in British Columbia, Canada were enrolled in the study. We compared genotypic sensitivity scores (GSSs) derived from the development of resistance mutations between participants who initiated ART with ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitors (PIs) with those who initiated ART with NNRTIs, and determined the effects of these mutations on remaining active drugs.

Results

A total of 1666 participants initiated ART, 818 (49.1%) with NNRTI‐based regimens and 848 (50.9%) with boosted PI‐based regimens. Among participants who developed resistance mutations, those who initiated NNRTI‐based regimens had a lower median GSS than those on boosted PI‐based regimens (9.8 vs. 11.0, respectively; P<0.001). Participants on boosted PI‐based regimens [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.25, 6.01], those with ≥95% adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (AOR 1.84; 95% CI 1.16, 2.92) and those with baseline CD4 count >200 cells/μL (AOR 3.44; 95% CI 1.73, 6.84) were more likely to have the maximum number of drug options.

Conclusion

The use of NNRTI‐based first‐line ART regimens may limit the options for second‐line treatment when the number of available drugs is limited.
Social and behavioural outcomes in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Russell Ginny , Golding Jean , Norwich Brahm , Emond Alan , Ford Tamsin , Steer Colin
Published: November 2011

Objective:  To compare social and behavioural outcomes between children formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with those of children who displayed autistic traits at preschool age, but remained undiagnosed as teenagers.

Method:  A secondary analysis of data from a birth cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = 13,944), in SW England. Children clinically diagnosed with ASD were identified from their medical records (n = 71). A comparison group, who displayed autistic traits at age 3–4, but without ASD diagnosis were also identified (n = 142). Social and behavioural outcomes in adolescence were compared between the two groups.

Results:  Children with ASD diagnoses were more impaired as teenagers that those in the comparison group on a range of measures of autistic‐like behaviour. The developmental trajectory of prosocial behaviour showed that differences between the case and comparison groups increased dramatically in the preschool and early primary years, but that after 6 years the trajectories were similar.

Conclusions:  The divergence of the clinically diagnosed group and the nondiagnosed group in measures of autistic‐like behaviour increased with age. This study provides evidence that it may be difficult to distinguish preschool age children who exhibit autistic‐like symptoms but improve, from those who go on to develop lifelong impairment.
POVERTY, ELITE HETEROGENEITY, AND THE ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC SPENDING: PANEL EVIDENCE FROM THE INDIAN STATES
Authors: PAL SARMISTHA , GHOSH SUGATA
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we explore how in India, the world's largest democracy, the presence of different elite groups—the dominant landed and capitalist elite, and the minority elite (who are the elected representatives of the marginalized women and low caste population)—could affect the nature and extent of public spending on various accounts, especially education. We argue that the productive cooperation between the capitalist elite and workers may induce capitalists to favor spending on education, while the landed elite tend to oppose investment in basic education because they are fearful of dilution of their political dominance by the educated poor. While the minority elite may tend to favor redistributive spending, including that on education, their effectiveness could be limited by their under‐representation in the government. Results from the Indian states for the period 1960–2002 provide support for these hypotheses.
MEASURING POVERTY USING BOTH INCOME AND WEALTH: A CROSS‐COUNTRY COMPARISON BETWEEN THE U.S. AND SPAIN
Authors: AZPITARTE FRANCISCO
Published: November 2011

We study the correspondence between a household's income and its vulnerability to income shocks in two developed countries: the U.S. and Spain. Vulnerability is measured by the availability of wealth to smooth consumption in a multidimensional approach to poverty, which allows us to identify three groups of households: the twice‐poor group, which includes income‐poor households who lack an adequate stock of wealth; the group of protected‐poor households, which are all those income‐poor families with a buffer stock of wealth they can rely on; and the vulnerable‐non‐poor group, including households above the income‐poverty line that do not hold any stock of wealth. Interestingly, the risk of belonging to these groups changes over the life‐cycle in both countries while the size of the groups differs significantly between Spain and the U.S., although this result is quite sensitive to whether the housing wealth component is included in the wealth measure or not.
COX‐2 and c‐kit expression in canine gliomas
Authors: Jankovsky J. M. , Newkirk K. M. , Ilha M. R. , Newman S. J.
Published: November 2011

Gliomas are among the most common primary neural tumours of dogs. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and c‐kit overexpression are associated with increased aggressiveness of gliomas and decreased survival in human beings. COX‐2 is the inducible form of cyclooxygenase, which catalyzes prostaglandin formation and may increase tumour proliferation and angiogenesis. C‐kit is a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in normal cell physiology; c‐kit is upregulated in some canine tumours. In this retrospective study, 20 canine gliomas were identified: 11 (55%) oligodendrogliomas, including 1 anaplastic variant; 1 (5%) oligoastrocytoma; and 8 (40%) astrocytomas, of which 2 were glioblastoma multiforme. None of the gliomas expressed COX‐2. None of the gliomas were immunoreactive for c‐kit, although all three high‐grade tumours had intramural vascular expression. Consequently, COX‐2 inhibitors would likely be ineffective against canine gliomas. C‐kit inhibitors may have an anti‐angiogenic effect in high‐grade gliomas, but would likely be ineffective in low‐ and medium‐grade tumours.
Alternate Night Nocturnal Hemodialysis: The Australian Experience
Authors: Kerr Peter G. , Agar John W. M. , Hawley Carmel M.
Published: November 2011

Alternate night nocturnal hemodialysis (HD) is a popular modality in Australia. This modality grew out of a desire to increase the availability and accessibility of nocturnal HD without incurring excessive costs. It has proven popular with staff, patients, and administrators. There are limited data to support the benefits of this modality and undoubtedly, more data are required. As in 5–6 times per week nocturnal HD, the major benefits appear to be in phosphate control, volume control, and patient wellbeing. Economically, this approach to nocturnal HD costs much the same as conventional home HD, with only one extra dialysis session every 2 weeks. This review expands on some aspects of this dialysis modality and how it is practiced in Australia.
Evaluation of a Disaster‐Surge Training for Public Health Nurses
Authors: Chiu Michelle , Polivka Barbara J. , Stanley Sharon A. R.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To examine the effect of a blended educational intervention (in‐class and independent learning modules) developed to enhance Ohio PHN confidence in 25 disaster surge competencies that address the PHN role and skills in Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

Design and Sample

This was a quasi‐experimental one group pre and post design. Participants (N = 54) completed pre‐ and postintervention surveys to evaluate intervention impact on self‐perceived confidence and need for further training in the 25 competencies.

Measures

Parallel pre and post surveys assessed participant evaluation of confidence and need for further competency training. Paired t tests and repeated measures ANOVA compared pre‐ and postsurvey results.

Results

Confidence in Preparedness, Response, and Recovery PHN disaster surge competencies significantly increased, whereas self‐perceived need for further competency training correspondingly significantly decreased.

Conclusions

A blended learning approach to disaster surge training effectively improved PHNs confidence in competency achievement and reduced perceived need for further training.
The Cost of Duplicative Regulation: Evidence From Risk Retention Groups
Authors: Leverty J. Tyler
Published: November 2011

Abstract

A vast majority of insurers are regulated by each state in which they conduct business; however, a small subset of specialized firms, risk retention groups (RRGs), are largely exempt from most aspects of duplicative regulation no matter how many states they operate. This article analyzes the differences between RRGs and standard insurers specializing in commercial liability insurance to determine the cost of duplicative regulation. The costs associated with multi‐state regulation are significantly higher than those for single‐entity regulation. These high regulatory compliance costs reduce the technical efficiency of firms, deter firms from operating in additional states, and increase the price of insurance.
Precautionary Effort: A New Look
Authors: Eeckhoudt Louis , Huang Rachel J. , Tzeng Larry Y.
Published: November 2011

Abstract

While the concept of precautionary saving is well documented, that of precautionary effort has received relatively limited attention. In this note, we set up a two period model in order to analyze the conditions under which the introduction (or deterioration) of an independent background risk increases effort.
Intact and Predamaged Boron Carbide Strength under Moderate Confinement Pressures
Authors: Chocron Sidney , Anderson Charles E. , Dannemann Kathryn A. , Nicholls Arthur E. , King Nikki L.
Published: November 2011

This article summarizes the characterization work performed on intact and predamaged boron carbide tested in compression under confinement in a pressure vessel or using a thick steel confining sleeve. The focus is on the effect of pressure (up to 2 GPa hydrostatic pressure) on the strength. The techniques used for characterization are described. The failure curves obtained are presented and written as Drucker‐Prager and Mohr‐Coulomb failure criteria. Optical and stereomicroscopy were used to evaluate and document damage. Finally, the results are discussed and compared to the literature. It is shown that data obtained with very different techniques (confined compression, plate impact, and divergent plate impact) overlap, increasing the confidence in the results.
Dielectric Response of BaTiO3 Thin Film with Grain Size at Nanometer Scale
Authors: Tyunina M. , Malič B. , Plekh M. , Kosec M.
Published: November 2011

In ceramic BaTiO3 thin film prepared by chemical solution deposition, the influence of small grain size (10–150 nm) and grain boundaries on ferroelectric behavior is investigated by the studies of low‐frequency dielectric response. The apparent permittivity is suggested to result from an ensemble of grains possessing different properties and volume fractions, and having a nonferroelectric boundary layer. The effective permittivity of the boundary layer is found to be close to that of an interfacial layer in epitaxial thin‐film ferroelectrics, indicating possible fundamental resemblance of these layers. The maximum effective permittivity of the grain interiors is estimated to be about 1500. The observed small intrinsic grain permittivity, small Curie constant, broad dielectric peaks, and high‐temperature dielectric hysteresis are discussed in terms of size‐induced changes of the phase diagram.
Bone microarchitecture at oral implant sites in ectodermal dysplasia (ED): a comparison between males and females
Authors: Silthampitag Patcharawan , Klineberg Iven , Austin Bruce , Jones Allan S.
Published: November 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse the microarchitecture of bone in association with implant placement in young ectodermal dysplasia (ED) patients. The general hypothesis was that the structural and morphological features of bone microarchitecture are different between males and females, which may influence clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods

The bone harvesting is not additionally invasive, as the procedure was made at the time and site of implant placement. Twenty one samples (8 female, 13 male) were harvested from nine ED participants whose age ranged between 14 and 21 years and specified by the site of harvesting. Micro‐CT analysis at 5 µm resolution was conducted on each sample. Specialized CT analysis of the three‐dimensional (3‐D) bone microstructure was made to compare structural parameters. In addition, two bone samples (one male, one female) were sent to the University of Michigan and analysed at 9 µm resolution.

Results

No significant difference was found between male and female samples. Bone analysis of particular sites revealed that bone‐specific surface (BS/BV) was found to be significantly higher in male than in female samples, whilst the mean values of 10 parameters, the grey scale value histograms and 3‐D visualization showed that female samples had higher compact density than male samples.

Conclusion

Microstructural analyses indicated that female ED bone was more compact and with greater trabecular connectedness than male bone. These features may enhance resistance to external force transfer of mastication compared with male bone. Further bone samples from other jaw bone areas will provide information on whether there are regional differences in jawbone quality and quantity, which may influence implant treatment outcomes, as well as follow‐up analyses of treatment outcomes.
Effect of PDGF‐BB and beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) on bone formation around dental implants: a pilot study in sheep
Authors: Choo Tina , Marino Victor , Bartold P. Mark
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of a combination of purified recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF‐BB) mixed with a synthetic beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) on bone healing around dental implants with critical size circumferential defects.

Material and methods

Three critical size circumferential defects were prepared in the ilium of six sheep. Three dental implants were placed into the centre of each defect and the 3.25 mm circumferential gap was filled with (a) blood clot alone; (b) β‐TCP; (c) rhPDGF‐BB (0.3 mg/ml) with β‐TCP. All the defects in each group were covered with a Bio‐Gide® resorbable barrier membrane. The sheep were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks and histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to determine the percentage of new mineralized bone formation and residual β‐TCP graft particles in the defects.

Results

Defects filled with rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP showed the highest rate of bone formation after 2 and 4 weeks with limited degradation of the β‐TCP particles over 4 weeks. Defects filled with β‐TCP showed the least bone fill after 2 and 4 weeks, and faster degradation of the β‐TCP particles over 4 weeks compared with defects filled with rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP. Percentage of new mineralized bone was comparable in defects to blood clot alone and β‐TCP after 4 weeks of healing, but there was a collapse in the defect area in defects with blood clot alone. In comparison, the space was maintained when β‐TCP was used in defects at 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Defects which had β‐TCP alone showed an inhibition in bone healing at 2 and 4 weeks; however, the combination of rhPDGF‐BB with β‐TCP enhanced bone regeneration in these peri‐implant bone defects at the same time intervals.
Importance of ENT assessment in stratifying candidates for sinus floor elevation: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Torretta Sara , Mantovani Mario , Testori Tiziano , Cappadona Maurizio , Pignataro Lorenzo
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The aim of this article was to describe our experience in the field of preoperative ear, nose and throat (ENT) assessment in each candidate for (maxillary) sinus floor elevation (SFE) after the introduction of a systematic protocol. The protocol evaluates the sinus compliance by means of ENT preliminary examination with nasal fiberoptic endoscopy to identify all of the situations that may predispose to post‐lifting complications, i.e. potentially irreversible (PIECs) and presumably reversible (PRECs) ENT contraindications to SFE, and to evaluate its impact on SFE success.

Material and methods

Patient candidates for SFE were carefully assessed by means of case‐history collection, complete ENT evaluation with nasal fiberoptic endoscopy and imaging to detect PIECs, PRECs, or no ENT contraindications for SFE. In case of PRECs, SFE was postponed until complete clinical recovery. Impact of preoperative ENT assessment on SFE outcome was assessed by means of post‐lifting telephonic interview and ENT evaluation.

Results

PRECs were detected and resolved before SFE was performed in 38.2% of our 34 patients; no intra‐ or post‐lifting complications occurred in the patients with no ENT contraindications or PRECs.

Conclusions

The results of the study suggest that a careful multi‐tasking preoperative management, including an ENT assessment with fiberoptic endoscopy and a radiological evaluation extended to the ostio‐meatal complex, is very useful in candidates for SFE.
UNICOR: a species connectivity and corridor network simulator
Authors: Landguth E. L. , Hand B. K. , Glassy J. , Cushman S. A. , Sawaya M. A.
Published: November 2011

We introduce UNIversal CORridor network simulator (UNICOR), a species connectivity and corridor identification tool. UNICOR applies Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm to individual‐based simulations. Outputs can be used to designate movement corridors, identify isolated populations, and prioritize conservation plans to promote species persistence. The key features include a driver‐module framework, connectivity mapping with thresholding and buffering, and calculation of graph theory metrics. Through parallel‐processing, computational efficiency is greatly improved, allowing analyses of large extents and entire populations. Previously available approaches are limited by prolonged computational times and poor algorithmic efficiency, restricting problem‐size and requiring artificial subsampling of populations.
Expression of extracellular matrix components and related growth factors in human tendon and muscle after acute exercise
Authors: Heinemeier K. M. , Bjerrum S. S. , Schjerling P. , Kjaer M.
Published: November 2011

Acute kicking exercise induces collagen synthesis in both tendon and muscle in humans, but it is not known if this relates to increased collagen transcription and if other matrix genes are regulated. Young men performed 1 h of one‐leg kicking at 67% of max workload. Biopsies were taken from the patellar tendon and vastus lateralis muscle of each leg at 2 (n = 10), 6 (n = 11), or 26 h (n = 10) after exercise. Levels of messenger ribonucleic acid mRNA for collagens, noncollagenous matrix proteins, and growth factors were measured with real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In tendon, gene expression was unchanged except for a decrease in insulin‐like growth factor‐IEa (IGF‐IEa; P < 0.05). In muscle, collagen expression was not significantly altered, while levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), IGF‐IEa, transforming growth factor‐β1, ‐2 (TGF‐β), and the TGF‐β receptor II mRNA were increased (P < 0.05). Matrix components tenascin‐C, fibronectin, and decorin were also induced in loaded muscle (P < 0.05), while fibromodulin was unaffected. In conclusion, the relatively robust changes in matrix components and related growth factors in muscle indicate a stimulation of extracellular matrix even with moderate exercise. However, in tendon tissue, this exercise model does not appear to induce any anabolic response on the transcriptional level.
Habits of the mind: Marxism Today and today's left
Authors: Kenny Michael
Published: November 2011

Three decades on from its emergence as a major source of political and intellectual debate, Michael Kenny asks what lessons Marxism Today holds for the contemporary left.
The forward march of Labour restarted?
Authors: Hunt Tristram
Published: November 2011

Returning to one of Marxism Today's core themes, Tristram Hunt considers the strategic position of the British Labour movement and its political strength and prospects.
Marxism Today and the unmaking of the British working class
Authors: Johnson Alan
Published: November 2011

Alan Johnson traces the alienation of New Labour from the realities of the British working class, a shift in which he says Marxism Today and the New Times manifesto played a critical role.
Broomtown Britain
Authors: Leadbeater Charles
Published: November 2011

Marxism Today argued that the left had to be interested in society and how it was changing. Charles Leadbeater argues that, to respond to the current political moment, the left must engage deeply in the culture of modern Britain.
Post‐crash capitalism: the new realism
Authors: Davies Will
Published: November 2011

Will Davies argues that there various ways of analysing the current economic crisis in historical context, but that a ‘new realism’ is emerging which poses major strategic challenges for the centre‐left.
A new subfamily of the grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Gomphoceridae) from the Tibetan Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Dao‐Chuan , Zhang Yu‐Long , Yin Xiang‐Chu
Published: November 2011

Abstract  This paper reports a new subfamily, a new genus and a new species, that is, Pacrinae subfam. nov., Pacris gen. nov and Pacris xizangensis sp. nov in Gomphoceridae. The new subfamily is allied to Orinhippinae of Gomphoceridae and it differs from the latter by wings and tympanum absent. The new genus is similar to Orinhippus Uvarov, 1921 but differs from the latter in: (i) foveolae absent; (ii) tegmina absent; (iii) tympanum absent; (iv) hind margin of pronotum with incised in the middle. Type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University, Baoding, China.
Changes in Indications for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Over the Last 27 Years in Croatia
Authors: Brunetta Gavranić Bruna , Bašić‐Jukić Nikolina , Kes Petar
Published: November 2011

Results from recent trials and advances in the fields of medicine and technology have altered the spectrum of indications for use of therapeutic plasma exchange. In this article we analyze changes in indications for therapeutic plasma exchange that have occurred during 27 years in Croatia. We retrospectively analyzed the database of the Department of Dialysis at the University Hospital Center, Zagreb (678 patients; 6596 procedures), for changes in indications for therapeutic plasma exchange from 1982 to 2008. The number of patients and procedures increased several‐fold during the follow‐up period, but the mean number of procedures per patient per year did not change significantly. Neurological disorders constituted the largest group of indications for therapeutic plasma exchange (66% of all indications), followed by hematological (16%), nephrological (6%), and rheumatological disorders (6%). Myasthenia gravis was the most frequent indication during the entire follow‐up period, but the pattern of other indications changed, with the most frequent at the beginning of follow‐up becoming the least frequent at the end of follow‐up. The five most frequent indications represented 62.2% of all indications at the beginning of follow‐up, whereas during the 1990s, this percentage increased to more than 90% of all indications. Since the year 2000, the spectrum of indications has grown, and the percentage of the five most common indications decreased to 79.9%. Despite changes in indications for therapeutic plasma exchange, this procedure is still applicable in various medical fields, either traditional or newly created with the development of medicine and technology.
Mobilization and Harvesting of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells in Pediatric Patients With Solid Tumors
Authors: Veljkovic Dobrila , Vujic Dragana , Nonkovic Olivera Serbic , Jevtic Dragana , Zecevic Zeljko , Lazic Emilija
Published: November 2011

Survival of patients with high‐risk pediatric solid tumors has improved with the introduction of a high‐dose chemotherapy regimen and autologous stem cell rescue. Here, we present our data regarding the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and harvesting in children with solid tumors. From November 2002 to March 2010, 85 children underwent autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection; 35 (41.1%) of them weighed less than 20 kg and were diagnosed with neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor, medulloblastoma, yolk sac sarcoma, or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. The mobilization regimens included disease‐specific chemotherapy plus granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in most of the patients. The median age and weight at the time of apheresis was 36 months and 13.5 kg, respectively. Large‐volume leukapheresis was performed with the aim of reducing the psychological and financial impact of leukapheresis by reducing the number of procedures while collecting a large number of cells. The median number of mobilization and leukapheresis procedures per case was one. The pre‐apheresis CD34+ cell count ranged from 2 to 845 µL, with a median of 24 µL. A median of four patient blood volumes was processed per procedure, lasting 279 min (range, 113–420 min). A radial catheter was used for harvesting in 35 procedures (71.4%). The median yield of CD34+ cells was 6.6 × 106/kg per patient. The targeted dose of 5 × 106/kg CD34+ cells was realized in 80% of patients. The tolerance of peripheral blood stem cell collection in our patients was good. In conclusion, the collection of peripheral blood stem cells is an effective and safe procedure, even when conducted on the youngest children.
Renal Resistive Index in 55 Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Chetboul V. , Daste T. , Gouni V. , Concordet D. , Trehiou‐Sechi E. , Serres F. , Pouchelon J.L. , Germain C.A. , Layssol‐Lamour C. , Lefebvre H.P.
Published: November 2011

Background

Azotemia occurs frequently in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). It could indicate changes in renal hemodynamics.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To assess the renal resistive index (RI) in dogs withDMVD, and the statistical link between heart failure class, azotemia, echo‐Doppler parameters, several plasma variables, andRI.

Animals

Fifty‐five dogs with naturally occurringDVMDwere used (ISACHCclass 1 [n = 28], 2 [n = 19], and 3 [n = 8]).

Methods

Observational, blinded study, performed under standardized conditions. Physical examination, renal ultrasonography, and echo‐Doppler examinations were performed in awake dogs. TheRIof the renal, interlobar, and arcuate arteries were measured. Plasma creatinine, urea, and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide concentrations (NT‐proBNP) were determined. Statistical links between variables andRIwere tested by means of a general linear model.

Results

Although theRIof renal and arcuate arteries were unaffected byISACHCclass, the left interlobarRIincreased (P < .001) from 0.62 ± 0.05 (mean ± SD) in class 1 to 0.76 ± 0.08 in class 3. It was also higher (P < .001) in azotemic (0.74 ± 0.08) than in non‐azotemic (0.62 ± 0.05) dogs. Similar findings were observed for right interlobarRI. Univariate analysis showed a positive statistical link betweenNT‐proBNP(P = .002), urea (P < .001), creatinine (P = .002), urea‐to‐creatinine ratio (P < .001), left atrium‐to‐aorta ratio (P < .001), regurgitation fraction (P < .001), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (P < .001), shortening fraction (P = .035), andRI.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

In dogs withDMVD, interlobarRIincreases with heart failure severity and azotemia but a cause and effect relationship remains to be established.
A Single Differential Equation for First-Excursion Time in a Class of Linear Systems
Authors: Greytak Matthew B. , Hover Franz S.
Published: November 2011

First-excursion times have been developed extensively in the literature for oscillators; one major application is structural dynamics of buildings. Using the fact that most closed-loop systems operate with a moderate to high damping ratio, we have derived a new procedure for calculating first-excursion times for a class of linear continuous, time-varying systems. In several examples, we show that the algorithm is both accurate and time-efficient. These are important attributes for real-time path planning in stochastic environments, and hence the work should be useful for autonomous robotic systems involving marine and air vehicles.
Low latency localization of multiple sound sources in reverberant environments
Authors: Ðurković Marko , Habigt Tim , Rothbucher Martin , Diepold Klaus
Published: November 2011

Sound source localization algorithms determine the physical position of a sound source in respect to a listener. For practical applications, a localization algorithm design has to take into account real world conditions like multiple active sources, reverberation, and noise. The application can impose additional constraints on the algorithm, e.g., a requirement for low latency. This work defines the most important constraints for practical applications, introduces an algorithm, which tries to fulfill all requirements as good as possible, and compares it to state-of-the-art sound source localization approaches.
Sonic Hedgehog Activates the GTPases Rac1 and RhoA in a Gli-Independent Manner Through Coupling of Smoothened to G
i
ProteinsA Presentation from the 1st International HEALING Meeting: Hh-Gli Signaling in Development, Regeneration and Disease, Kolymbari, Crete, 23 to 25 June 2011.
Authors: Polizio Ariel H. , Chinchilla Pilar , Chen Xiaolen , Manning David R. , Riobo Natalia A.
Published: November 2011

Smoothened signals through small G proteins in one type of noncanonical Hedgehog signaling.
Direct Delivery Mechanisms of Morphogen DispersionA Presentation from the 1st International HEALING Meeting: Hh-Gli Signaling in Development, Regeneration, and Disease, Kolymbari, Crete, 23 to 25 June 2011.
Authors: Roy Sougata , Kornberg Thomas B.
Published: November 2011

Cytonemes facilitate the formation of morphogen gradients by transferring signaling proteins from producing to receiving cells.
The Tao of the Hippo
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: November 2011

The kinase Tao-1 promotes activation of the Hippo pathway.
Coupling Oxygen to Protein Stability
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: November 2011

In plants with sufficient oxygen, degradation by an N-end rule pathway destabilizes proteins that mediate the hypoxic gene program.
Bacteria Boost Reproduction
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: November 2011

Bacterial infection increases the fecundity of female fruit fly hosts by stimulating oocyte production.
Arrest and Tolerate
Authors: Ash Caroline
Published: November 2011

During growth arrest, bacteria tolerate the presence of antibiotics thanks to mechanisms that protect against oxidant stress.
Science Translational Medicine
Podcast: 23 November 2011
Authors: Lutchen Kenneth , LaMarco Kelly
Published: November 2011

Dr. Kenneth Lutchen discusses biomedical engineering innovation, technology transfer, and ways of "winning the future."
Secondary insects and diseases contribute to sudden aspen decline in southwestern Colorado, USA
Authors: Marchetti Suzanne Bethers , Worrall James J. , Eager Thomas
Published: November 2011

Reports of drought-associated forest mortality have increased around the world, but the mechanisms of mortality are rarely direct in nature. Biotic agents may kill trees that could otherwise recover and can perpetuate and expand mortality after the stress is relieved. Sudden aspen decline (SAD) has caused rapid, widespread branch dieback and mortality of quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.). We compared insects and diseases in 162 damaged and neighboring healthy plots to determine contributing factors and their ecological roles. Cytospora canker, bronze poplar borer, and aspen bark beetles were the most common agents in damaged plots and correlated with crown loss and other factors related to SAD. This was the first documented outbreak of Trypophloeus populi , an aspen bark beetle. As bark beetles and bronze poplar borer increased in damaged stands, they tended to attack trees with healthier crowns. Environmental stress may have directly affected the success of these agents by increasing host susceptibility followed by a density-dependent increase in the insects’ invasive ability. In contrast, Cytospora canker had an identical relationship to crown loss in healthy versus damaged plots, suggesting that it was not limited by inoculum but responded to host susceptibility. Most other pathogens and insects contributed little to SAD and appear to be primary or weakening agents. The biotic agents of mortality in a decline differ greatly from primary agents and play complex and varied roles in healthy versus declining stands.
Overstory and understory relationships in longleaf pine plantations 14 years after thinning and woody control
Authors: Harrington Timothy B.
Published: November 2011

To develop silvicultural strategies for restoring longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Mill.) savannas, mortality and growth of overstory pines and midstory hardwoods and abundance and species richness of herbs were studied for 14 years after pine thinning and nonpine woody control. Pine cover in thinned stands was about half of that in nonthinned stands through year 5, but it lagged by only 8% and 3% in years 9 and 14, respectively, because of vigorous crown responses. Despite a cumulative mortality of 64% of hardwood stems from prescribed fires in years 0, 4, and 9, hardwood basal area in thinned stands (2.1 m2·ha–1) was three times that in nonthinned stands (0.7 m2·ha–1) in year 14. Thinning was associated with 13%–22% more cover and six to eight more species of herbs in years 3–8 but only 6% more cover and two more species in year 14 because of accelerated growth of pine cover and hardwood basal area. However, similar increases in cover and richness of herb species in the woody control treatment were retained through year 14 because it had sustained reductions in hardwood and shrub abundance. Silvicultural strategies that substantially delay encroachment by pines, hardwoods, and shrubs will be those most effective at retaining herb species in longleaf pine savannas, including planting pines at wide spacing, periodic thinning and woody control, and frequent burning.