bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using control systems to improve construction project outcomes
Authors: Yean Yng Ling Florence , Theng Ang Wan
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify control systems that give rise to better construction project performance; and develop and test project performance predictive models based on control systems adopted in the project.

Design/methodology/approach

– Research design was questionnaire survey. Data were collected via Electronic mails. The sampling frame was Singapore-based construction firms.

Findings

– In all, 16 control mechanisms are significantly correlated with project outcomes. The more important control mechanisms are: adequacy of project information to develop the project schedule; adequacy of float in the schedule; and quality of techniques used to support risk identification. Two relatively robust predictive models were constructed and validated to predict schedule and quality outcomes of construction projects. Schedule performance may be predicted by adequacy of float and stringency of criteria to select suppliers. Quality outcome is most significantly affected by competency of quality manager, rather than the hard systems adopted in the project.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations include low response rate, and subjective nature of the five-point Likert scale used to rate project outcomes and extent to which control mechanisms were adopted in the project.

Practical implications

– The implication of the findings is that merely having good project management practices and adequate resources are not sufficient to achieve good project outcomes. Instead, construction projects need to have control systems in place, as they play an important role in project outcomes.

Originality/value

– The paper has shown empirically that control systems affect project outcomes. They are needed not just to control the project, but also help the project to achieve good outcomes. The research designed and tested two relatively robust models to predict schedule and quality outcomes of a project. These models may be used to make an initial assessment of the project's likely outcome, based on the control systems that contractors are going to adopt.
Why do work sampling studies in construction? The case of plumbing work in Scandinavia
Authors: Josephson Per-Erik , Björkman Lasse
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify reasons for doing work sampling studies in processes performed by temporary organisations. Specific questions consider if the technique can be used for measuring productivity and if it can be used to compare performances over time.

Design/methodology/approach

– A work sampling study of plumbing work in eight construction projects is compared with a similar study performed 20 years earlier. Interviews are made in order to find out how the work conditions have developed over time.

Findings

– Work sampling studies are of little value for measuring productivity as well as for comparing performances over time. One reason is that the conditions vary to a high extent from one situation to another. Another reason is that working conditions undergo significant development over time. On the other hand, the authors experience that data from work sampling studies are of high relevance for discussions on improvement opportunities among workers as well as among corporate managers.

Originality/value

– The paper builds on detailed direct observations of plumbing work.
Dialogic listening: toward an embodied understanding of how to “go on” during fieldwork
Authors: Helin Jenny
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– In recognizing that we have different modes of listening, just as there are different ways of talking, the purpose of this paper is to explore how a greater awareness of listening can be a resource during fieldwork.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a collaborative study of a family business as a starting point and focusses on a meeting held in the owner family where emotional issues concerning conflicts were discussed. Detailed illustrations from this two-hour meeting show how listening guided all participants, including the author in her role as a researcher.

Findings

– Based on Bakhtin's work on dialogue as well as literature on listening the notion of “dialogic listening” is developed. This notion emphasizes four dimensions of listening: relationality and conversations as a shared activity, listening as an active process, the polyphonic nature of listening, and listening as an embodied activity. The paper illustrates how dialogic listening can create a feeling of an “us” where we can “listen into” things. “Listening into” involves a prospective way of exploring which can offer a feeling for that which we bodily “know” but do yet not understand cognitively.

Originality/value

– The focus on listening makes it possible to explore new research practices in that it suggests an orientation toward language that does not depart from talk but rather emphasizes how the embodied and intertwined nature of relating to one another can guide and direct us during field studies.
Expression analysis of ovostatin 2 reveals its involvement in proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis of cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Huang Ying‐Xue , Qi Jinliang , Wang Hong‐Sheng , Shao Xue‐Bao , Zeng Xue‐Si , Li A‐Mei , Xu Xiu‐Lian , Sun Jian‐Fang
Published: October 2013

The relationship of ovostatin 2 (OVOS2) expression with the clinicopathological features of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) was investigated to identify OVOS2 expression in cutaneous melanocytic lesions, and to reveal whether OVOS2 has a function in melanoma progression. Eight specimens of CMM and paracancerous tissue were analyzed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot for the mRNA and protein expression of OVOS2, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 52 CMM and 62 nevi, followed by clinicopathological significance analysis. The proliferative cells were visualized by staining with Ki‐67 antibody. The intensity of angiogenesis was assessed by staining with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Real‐time PCR and western blot analyses showed that OVOS2 was significantly upregulated in cutaneous melanoma than in paired normal skins. Immunohistochemistry showed that 86.5% (45/52) of malignant cases showed OVOS2 cytoplasmic expression compared with 29% (18/62) in benign nevi. OVOS2 expression was significantly higher in invasive and metastatic melanoma than in in situ melanoma (P < 0.01). Furthermore, OVOS2 expression was positively correlated with the known prognostic variables of melanoma including clinical stage, Clark level and Breslow depth. It was also significantly associated with ulcer status, Ki‐67 labeling index and VEGF expression in primary melanoma. OVOS2 expression was significantly increased in CMM, which increased incrementally from benign nevi to melanoma and appeared to be involved in the progression of melanoma.
Unveiling abundance and distribution of planktonic Bacteria and Archaea in a polynya in Amundsen Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Kim Jong‐Geol , Park Soo‐Je , Quan Zhe‐Xue , Jung Man‐Young , Cha In‐Tae , Kim So‐Jeong , Kim Kyoung‐Ho , Yang Eun‐Jin , Kim Young‐Nam , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Rhee Sung‐Keun
Published: October 2013

Polynyas, areas of open water surrounded by sea ice, are sites of intense primary production and ecological hotspots in the Antarctic Ocean. This study determined the spatial variation in communities of prokaryotes in a polynya in the Amundsen Sea using 454 pyrosequencing technology, and the results were compared with biotic and abiotic environmental factors. The bacterial abundance was correlated with that of phytoplankton, Phaeocystis spp. and diatoms. A cluster analysis indicated that the bacterial communities in the surface waters of the polynya were distinct from those under the sea ice. Overall, two bacterial clades, Polaribacter (20–64%) and uncultivated Oceanospirillaceae (7–34%), dominated the surface water in the polynya while the Pelagibacter clade was abundant at all depths (7–42%). The archaeal communities were not as diverse as the bacterial communities in the polynya, and marine group I was dominant (> 80%). Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that the oceanographic properties facilitated the development of distinct prokaryotic assemblages in the polynya. This analysis of the diversity and composition of the psychrophilic prokaryotes associated with high phytoplankton production provides new insights into the roles of prokaryotes in biogeochemical cycles in high‐latitude polynyas.
The Relation Between Reporting Quality and Financing and Investment: Evidence from Changes in Financing Capacity
Authors: BALAKRISHNAN KARTHIK , CORE JOHN E. , VERDI RODRIGO S.
Published: October 2013

We use changes in the value of a firm's real estate assets as an exogenous change in a firm's financing capacity to examine (1) the relation between reporting quality and financing and investment conditional on this change, and (2) firms’ reporting quality responses to the change in financing capacity. We find that financing and investment by firms with higher reporting quality is less affected by changes in real estate values than are financing and investment by firms with lower reporting quality. Further, firms increase reporting quality in response to decreases in financing capacity. Our findings contribute to the literature on reporting quality and investment, and on the determinants of reporting quality choices.
Extraction of Lycopene from Tomato Paste by Ursodeoxycholic Acid Using the Selective Inclusion Complex Method
Authors: Seifi Mahmoud , Seifi Parisa , Hadizadeh Farzin , Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad
Published: October 2013

Lycopene, a precursor of β‐carotene with well‐known antioxidant activity and powerful health properties, can be found in many natural products such as tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), watermelon, red pepper, and papaya. Many separation methods have been reported for extracting lycopene from its sources. The inclusion complex is an effective method for extraction and purification of organic chemicals. This procedure has 2 main components: host and guest molecules. In this study, lycopene (guest) was extracted from tomato paste by ursodeoxycholic acid, the inclusive agent (host). The molecular structure of the extracted lycopene was then confirmed by 1HNMR and its purity was evaluated using high‐performance liquid chromatography and UV‐Vis spectrophotometry methods, in comparison with a standard product. The results indicated that the proposed separation method was very promising and could be used for the extraction and purification of lycopene from tomato paste.
Prevalence of celiac disease in Iranian patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shayesteh Ali Akbar , Hajiani Eskandar , Hashemi Seyed Jalal , Masjedizadeh Abdolrahim , Latifi Seyed Mahmod , Shayesteh Mehdi
Published: October 2013

Objective

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its subtypes in a group of Iranian patients.

Methods

From March 2007 to June 2009, 465 consecutive patients who were referred to the gastroenterology clinic of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and fulfilled the Rome III criteria for IBS were included. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti‐tissue transglutaminase (IgA‐tTG) and anti‐gliadin antibody (AGA) levels were measured. CD was confirmed by gastroduodenoscopy and biopsy in patients with abnormal antibodies.

Results

Five patients had only elevated IgA‐tTG, 26 with only elevated AGA, and in 16 patients abnormal results for both antibodies were reported. Duodenal biopsies from these 47 patients confirmed CD in 13 (2.8%, 95% CI 1.6–4.0%) according to the Marsh criteria. Two CD patients had normal IgA‐tTG concentrations while only one patient with normal AGA was proven to have CD. CD was most prevalent in unsubtyped IBS (4.9%, 95% CI 1.1–8.7%), followed by mixed IBS (4.7%, 95% CI 0.3–9.1%). In multiple comparison, CD was less common in diarrhea‐predominant IBS than in unsubtyped IBS, although this did not reach statistical significance (1.0% vs 4.9%, P = 0.057).

Conclusions

CD in unsubtyped IBS had a growing trend to be more common than in diarrhea‐predominant IBS. Evaluation of IBS patients for CD is advisable.
CDKAL1 and HHEX are associated with type 2 diabetes‐related traits among Yup'ik people (在尤皮克人群中CDKAL1和HHEX与2型糖尿病相关特征有关)
Authors: Klimentidis Yann C. , Lemas Dominick J. , Wiener Howard H. , O'Brien Diane M. , Havel Peter J. , Stanhope Kimber L. , Hopkins Scarlett E. , Tiwari Hemant K. , Boyer Bert B.
Published: October 2013

Background

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), mainly among individuals of European ancestry. In the present study, we examined the frequency of these SNPs and their association with T2D‐related traits in an Alaska Native study population with a historically low prevalence of T2D. We also investigated whether dietary characteristics that may protect against T2D, such as n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake, modify these associations.

Methods

In 1144 Yup'ik people, we examined 17 SNPs repeatedly identified in GWAS for individual and cumulative associations with T2D‐related traits. Cumulative associations were evaluated using a genetic risk score (GRS) calculated by summing risk alleles. Associations were tested for interactions with sex, body mass index (BMI), and n‐3 PUFA intake.

Results

The rs7754840 SNP in CDKAL1 is significantly associated with HbA1c (P = 0.00091). The rs5015480 SNP near HHEX is significantly associated (in opposite direction to that in Europeans) with a combined fasting glucose (FG) and HbA1c measure (P = 0.00046) and with homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐B; P = 0.0014). The GRS is significantly associated with FG and combined FG and HbA1c only when the HHEX SNP is dropped from the GRS. Associations are not modified by BMI or n‐3 PUFA intake.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the potential importance of CDKAL1 and HHEX in glucose homeostasis in this Alaska Native population with a low prevalence of T2D, and suggest that these loci should be examined in greater detail in this population.
Ammonia oxidizers are pioneer microorganisms in the colonization of new acidic volcanic soils from South of Chile
Authors: Hernández Marcela , Dumont Marc G. , Calabi Marcela , Basualto Daniel , Conrad Ralf
Published: October 2013

Ammonia oxidation, performed by specialized microorganisms belonging to the Bacteria and Archaea, is the first and most limiting step of soil nitrification. Nitrification has not yet been examined in young volcanic soils. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the abundance and diversity of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) in acidic volcanic soils (andisols) of different defined ages to determine their relative contribution to nitrification and soil colonization. Soil was collected from three vegetated sites on Llaima Volcano (Chile) recolonized after lava eruptions in 1640, 1751 and 1957. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and clone sequence analyses of the amoA gene were performed for the AOA and AOB communities. All soils showed high nitrification potentials, but they were highest in the younger soils. Archaeal amoA genes outnumbered bacterial amoA genes at all sites, and AOA abundances were found to be proportional to the nitrification potentials. Sequencing indicated the presence of AOA related to Nitrososphaera and Nitrosotalea, and AOB related primarily to Nitrosospira and sporadically to Nitrosomonas. The study showed that both AOA and AOB are early colonizers of andisols, but that AOA outnumber AOB and play an important role in nitrification.
Second autologous transplant as salvage therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Atanackovic Djordje , Schilling Georgia
Published: October 2013

High‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoetic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard frontline therapy for multiple myeloma (MM). Unfortunately, there are no randomized clinical studies examining the role of a second ASCT in patients who relapse after the initial autotransplant. Analysing all available retrospective studies, it seems that salvage ASCT can safely be performed in most patients with an overall treatment‐related mortality rate <5%. Approximately 65% of patients will achieve an objective response and progression‐free and overall survival will be around 12 months and 32 months, respectively. Retrospective data suggest that patients with a progression‐free survival of ≥18 months after initial ASCT are most likely to benefit from a salvage autotransplant. However, patients with a <12‐month duration of response after initial ASCT should not be considered for a second autograft in the relapsed setting because this group will probably only experience ASCT‐related toxicity without any clinical benefit. Quality of response after initial ASCT and number of therapies preceding salvage ASCT may also have a predictive value. Importantly, these findings need to be verified by randomized clinical trials in order to firmly integrate salvage ASCT into a global therapeutic concept for myeloma patients including optimized induction, consolidation, and maintenance approaches.
Progression and predictors of physical activity levels after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Geraerts Inge , Van Poppel Hendrik , Devoogdt Nele , Laenen Annouschka , De Groef An , Van Kampen Marijke
Published: October 2013

Objective

To investigate the progression of all aspects (total, occupational, sports, household) of physical activity (PA) over time after radical prostatectomy (RP) and to find predictive factors for a decrease in PA.

Patients and Methods

In all, 240 men planned for open or robot‐assisted RP were analysed.

All patients completed the Flemish Physical Activity Computerised Questionnaire before RP concerning PA over the past year and at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after RP for the PA of the past month.

A linear model for repeated measures was used to evaluate the progression of continuous variables over time and the effect of various predictors for the progression of patients over time. A logistic regression model for repeated measures was used to evaluate binary measures.

Results

Total, occupational, sports and household PA levels were significantly decreased at 6 weeks after RP, but recovered quickly to approximately baseline levels from that time.

Predictive factors for decreased PA levels at 6 weeks after RP were a younger age (total PA level), being unskilled/semi‐skilled (occupational PA level) and being unemployed/retired (household PA level).

RP type (open vs robot‐assisted) did not influence the different PA levels at 6 weeks, 3, 6 or 12 months after RP.

The severity of first day incontinence and urine loss measured at 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months after RP significantly affected total and/or household PA level at all time‐points.

Conclusions

This is the first study to investigate the progression of all aspects of PA (total, occupational, sports and household) after RP and to find predictive factors for a decrease in PA.

All PA levels were significantly decreased at 6 weeks after RP and recovered quickly to approximately baseline levels from that time.

Patients that had robot‐assisted RP did not have a faster recovery of PA than those that had open RP. Severity of first day incontinence and urine loss measured at 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months after RP were significantly related to total and/or household PA level at all time‐points.
Lipid analogues as potential drugs for the regulation of mitochondrial cell death
Authors: Murray Michael , Dyari Herryawan Ryadi Eziwar , Allison Sarah E , Rawling Tristan
Published: October 2013

The mitochondrion plays an important role in the production of energy as ATP, the regulation of cell viability and apoptosis, and the biosynthesis of major structural and regulatory molecules, such as lipids. During ATP production, reactive oxygen species are generated that alter the intracellular redox state and activate apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a well‐recognized component of the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer. Understanding mitochondrial function, and how this is dysregulated in disease, offers the opportunity for the development of drug molecules to specifically target such defects. Altered energy metabolism in cancer, in which ATP production occurs largely by glycolysis, rather than by oxidative phosphorylation, is attributable in part to the up‐regulation of cell survival signalling cascades. These pathways also regulate the balance between pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic factors that may determine the rate of cell death and proliferation. A number of anti‐cancer drugs have been developed that target these factors and one of the most promising groups of agents in this regard are the lipid‐based molecules that act directly or indirectly at the mitochondrion. These molecules have emerged in part from an understanding of the mitochondrial actions of naturally occurring fatty acids. Some of these agents have already entered clinical trials because they specifically target known mitochondrial defects in the cancer cell.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Energy, Injury & Beyond. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐8
Factors Affecting Tropical Tree Damage and Survival after Catastrophic Wind Disturbance
Authors: Webb Edward L. , van de Bult Martin , Fa'aumu Siaifoi , Webb Rachel C. , Tualaulelei Ailao , Carrasco Luis R.
Published: October 2013

The structure and dynamics of cyclone‐prone tropical forests are driven in part by variation in tree species resistance to and survival after wind‐induced structural damage. We determined the factors associated with tree damage and 3‐yr survival following Category 5 Cyclone Olaf on the Polynesian island of Ta'u, American Samoa. Despite sustaining a high rate of severe damage (34.6% of all trees snapped, 23.0% uprooted), system resilience was high with 74.3 percent stem survival overall and an annual mortality rate of 7.9 percent compared with 2.1 percent in nearby undisturbed late successional forest. Three‐yr survival rate of trees sustaining severe damage was 63.1 percent, compared to about 89 percent for trees sustaining only branch loss or defoliation. Three‐yr survival differed according to damage type, 78.5 percent after snapping vs. 38.4 percent after uprooting. Species differed widely in resistance to and survival after snapping and uprooting. Several species and individual traits were associated with the probability of snapping or uprooting; however, wood density was the only species trait consistently, and negatively, associated with the probability of sustaining either damage type. Survival after snapping was negatively associated with the proportion of the tree snapped off, which was determined by individual tree architecture. Species growth rate was negatively associated with survival after uprooting, indicating the importance of shade tolerance for survival after uprooting. Thus, whereas species traits seemed to exclusively underpin resistance to and survival after uprooting, they only partly accounted for snapping resistance, and did not determine the intensity of snap damage or survival after snapping. Our results highlight the importance of considering each damage type separately when considering ecological trade‐offs.
Novel medium‐term carcinogenesis model for lung squamous cell carcinoma induced by N‐nitroso‐tris‐chloroethylurea in mice
Authors: Tago Yoshiyuki , Yamano Shotaro , Wei Min , Kakehashi Anna , Kitano Mitsuaki , Fujioka Masaki , Ishii Naomi , Wanibuchi Hideki
Published: October 2013

Targeted treatments for lung cancer based on pathological diagnoses are required to enhance therapeutic efficacy. There are few well‐established animal models for lung squamous cell carcinoma although several highly reproducible mouse models for lung adenoma and adenocarcinoma are available. This study was carried out to establish a new lung squamous cell carcinoma mouse model. In the first experiment, female A/J mice were painted topically on back skin twice weekly with 75 μL 0.013 M N‐nitroso‐tris‐chloroethylurea for 2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 15–20 per group) as initiation of lung lesions, and surviving mice were killed at 18 weeks. In the second experiment, mice were treated as above for 4 weeks and killed at 6, 12, or 18 weeks (n = 3 per group). Lung lobes were subjected to histopathological, immunohistochemical, immunoblotting, and ultrastructural analyses. In the case of treatment for 2, 4, and 8 weeks, incidences of lung squamous cell carcinoma were 25, 54, and 71%, respectively. Cytokeratin 5/6 and epidermal growth factor receptor were clearly expressed in dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. Desmosomes and tonofilaments developed in the squamous cell carcinoma. Considering the carcinogenesis model, we conclude that 2 or 4 weeks of N‐nitroso‐tris‐chloroethylurea treatment may be suitable for investigating new chemicals for promotional or suppressive effects on lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Social work and the shadow father: lessons for engaging fathers in Northern Ireland
Authors: Ewart‐Boyle Shirley , Manktelow Roger , McColgan Mary
Published: October 2013

The legislative framework of social work practice has consistently highlighted the need to work in partnership with parents, with far‐reaching implications for families. However, the importance of engaging fathers in social work practice is an issue that has received limited attention within academic debate and research. A research study undertaken across six family centres, investigated paternal involvement in family centre social work in Northern Ireland. The study involved 46 semi‐structured interviews with social workers, fathers and mothers. This paper presents the views of 22 social workers on the barriers to paternal involvement in family centre interventions. A range of factors were identified which served to inhibit or promote engagement of fathers. There were substantially more deterrents than promoters, a clear indicator of the problematic nature of paternal involvement. The findings highlight that both attitudes and practices of social workers influence the engagement of fathers. Recommendations drawn from the findings are presented for the development of father – inclusive social work practices and research.
Dental Implant Status of Patients Receiving Long‐Term Nursing Care in Japan
Authors: Kimura Toru , Wada Masahiro , Suganami Toru , Miwa Shunta , Hagiwara Yoshiyuki , Maeda Yoshiobu
Published: October 2013

Background

The increase in implant patients is expected to give rise to a new problem: the changing general health status of those who have had implants placed.

Purpose

The aim of this present study was to find out the needs of and proper measures for elderly implant patients in long‐term care facilities.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire was sent by mail to 1,591 long‐term care health facilities, daycare services for people with dementia, and private nursing homes for the elderly in the Osaka area, which is in the middle area of Japan, in order to extract patients with cerebrovascular disease or dementia who were possibly at risk of inadequate oral self‐care, as well as patients with implants.

Results

Approximately half of all facilities responded that they cannot recognize implants, and many facilities did not know anything about oral care for implant patients. Residents with implants were reported at 19% of all facilities. Also, the facilities pointed out problems with implants relating to the difference in oral care between implants and natural teeth.

Conclusions

There are people with implants in some 20% of caregiving facilities, and there is a low level of understanding regarding implants and their care among nurses and care providers who are providing daily oral care.
Soft and Hard Tissue Response to Zirconia versus Titanium One‐Piece Implants Placed in Alveolar and Palatal Sites: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Siddiqi Allauddin , Kieser Jules August , De Silva Rohana Kumara , Thomson William Murray , Duncan Warwick John
Published: October 2013

Background

Titanium (Ti) implants have been used in the last four decades to replace missing teeth. Alternatives to Ti such as zirconia (Zr) may offer aesthetic advantages and be more acceptable to patients and clinicians concerned about Ti allergy but must show equivalent biological acceptability to Ti.

Purpose

The research aimed to investigate soft and hard tissue response to Ti and Zr implants in edentulous patients.

Materials and Methods

The research included 24 participants (Ti = 12,Zr = 12) restored with one‐piece ball‐abutment implants to support overdentures. Participants received four maxillary implants (two in the premolar alveolus, one off center in the alveolar midline, and one wide‐diameter implant in the anterior median palate) and three mandibular implants (one in the midline and bilateral posterior implants).

Results

Success rates for bothTi andZr implants were low, 67.9% for all alveolar implants and a survival rate of 50.0% for the palatal implants. Only 11 (52.4%) of 21 palatal implants survived the follow‐up period. Peri‐implant health was equivalent forTi andZr implants and showed no statistically significant changes from loading to the 1‐year follow‐up. Statistically significant differences were noted in radiographic bone level between Ti and Zr implants (p = .02), withZr showing greater bone loss.

Conclusions

Although the failure rates with the one‐piece Zr implants were higher than with the Ti ones, suggesting that the former's clinical usage as in this study cannot be recommended, it should be borne in mind that the fault may also lie with the novel prosthodontic design which was used.
The Influence of Labor Price Change on Agricultural Machinery Usage in Chinese Agriculture
Authors: Liu Yumei , Hu Wuyang , Jetté‐Nantel Simon , Tian Zhihong
Published: October 2013

The substitution between rural labor and machinery has been a key determinant of farm production, structure, and efficiency in most developed countries and is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Chinese agriculture. Using disaggregated farm‐level data from Hebei and Shandong provinces of China, we calculated the Allen and Morishima elasticities of substitution between labor and machinery. These elasticities were based on seemingly unrelated regressions and three‐stage least squares estimates of the translog cost function and input cost share functions. In contrast to previous studies, we dissaggregate machinery inputs into three categories: large, medium, and small. In addition, the issue of endogeneity in output quantity and input prices is also addressed. The results show strong evidence of substitution between labor and the three categories of machinery inputs. The findings also support substitution among the three categories of machinery themselves.
Developing Metapopulation Connectivity Criteria from Genetic and Habitat Data to Recover the Endangered Mexican Wolf
Authors: CARROLL CARLOS , FREDRICKSON RICHARD J. , LACY ROBERT C.
Published: October 2013

Restoring connectivity between fragmented populations is an important tool for alleviating genetic threats to endangered species. Yet recovery plans typically lack quantitative criteria for ensuring such population connectivity. We demonstrate how models that integrate habitat, genetic, and demographic data can be used to develop connectivity criteria for the endangered Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), which is currently being restored to the wild from a captive population descended from 7 founders. We used population viability analysis that incorporated pedigree data to evaluate the relation between connectivity and persistence for a restored Mexican wolf metapopulation of 3 populations of equal size. Decreasing dispersal rates greatly increased extinction risk for small populations (<150–200), especially as dispersal rates dropped below 0.5 genetically effective migrants per generation. We compared observed migration rates in the Northern Rocky Mountains (NRM) wolf metapopulation to 2 habitat‐based effective distance metrics, least‐cost and resistance distance. We then used effective distance between potential primary core populations in a restored Mexican wolf metapopulation to evaluate potential dispersal rates. Although potential connectivity was lower in the Mexican wolf versus the NRM wolf metapopulation, a connectivity rate of >0.5 genetically effective migrants per generation may be achievable via natural dispersal under current landscape conditions. When sufficient data are available, these methods allow planners to move beyond general aspirational connectivity goals or rules of thumb to develop objective and measurable connectivity criteria that more effectively support species recovery. The shift from simple connectivity rules of thumb to species‐specific analyses parallels the previous shift from general minimum‐viable‐population thresholds to detailed viability modeling in endangered species recovery planning.

Desarrollo de Criterios de Conectividad Metapoblacional a Partir de Datos Genéticos y de Hábitat para Recuperar al Lobo Mexicano en Peligro de Extinción
Influenza pneumonia among adolescents and adults: a concurrent comparison between influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and A (H3N2) in the post‐pandemic period
Authors: Yang Shu Qiao , Qu Jiu Xin , Wang Chen , Yu Xiao Min , Liu Ying Mei , Cao Bin
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Comparisons of the characteristics between the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and common seasonal influenza are important for both clinical management and epidemiological studies. However, the differences between pandemic and seasonal influenza during the post‐pandemic period are poorly understood.

Objectives

The aim of our research was to investigate clinical and immune response differences between patients with influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 pneumonia and seasonal influenza A (H3N2) pneumonia in the post‐pandemic period.

Methods

During the first flu season in post‐pandemic period, patients from Beijing Network for Adult Community‐Acquired Pneumonia present A (H1N1) pdm09 or A (H3N2) influenza were compared concurrently in the aspects of clinical characteristics and inflammatory profile in acute phase.

Result

Patients with A (H1N1) pdm09 influenza pneumonia showed a close mean age to A (H3N2) pneumonia (51 ± 20 vs 53 ± 16, mean ± standard deviation, years) but tended to have more underlying diseases (32.8% vs 10%, P = 0.036). Although clinical characteristics were similar, no statistical difference were found in pneumonia severity index (PSI) score or intensive care unit admission rate or mortality, patients in A (H1N1) pdm09 cohort present higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, lactase dehydrogenase (P = 0.006, 0.018, respectively) in blood and also longer duration of fever than A (H3N2) cohort. Levels of interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐12 (p70) were higher in A (H1N1) pdm09 cohort (P = 0.031, 0.047, respectively).

Conclusios

During the first post‐pandemic flu season, patients with the A (H1N1) pdm09 pneumonia showed similar clinical characteristics but slightly higher disease severity and stronger systemic inflammatory response than A (H3N2) pneumonia.
Delay in diabetic retinopathy screening increases the rate of detection of referable diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Scanlon P. H. , Aldington S. J. , Stratton I. M.
Published: October 2013

Aims

To assess whether there is a relationship between delay in retinopathy screening after diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and level of retinopathy detected.

Methods

Patients were referred from 88 primary care practices to an English National Health Service diabetic eye screening programme. Data for screened patients were extracted from the primary care databases using semi‐automated data collection algorithms supplemented by validation processes. The programme uses two‐field mydriatic digital photographs graded by a quality assured team.

Results

Data were available for 8183 screened patients with diabetes newly diagnosed in 2005, 2006 or 2007. Only 163 with Type 1 diabetes were identified and were insufficient for analysis. Data were available for 8020 with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Of these, 3569 were screened within 6 months, 2361 between 6 and 11 months, 1058 between 12 and 17 months, 366 between 18 and 23 months, 428 between 24 and 35 months, and 238 at 3 years or more after diagnosis. There were 5416 (67.5%) graded with no retinopathy, 1629 (20.3%) with background retinopathy in one eye, 753 (9.4%) with background retinopathy in both eyes and 222 (2.8%) had referable diabetic retinopathy. There was a significant trend (P = 0.0004) relating time from diagnosis to screening detecting worsening retinopathy. Of those screened within 6 months of diagnosis, 2.3% had referable retinopathy and, 3 years or more after diagnosis, 4.2% had referable retinopathy.

Conclusions

The rate of detection of referable diabetic retinopathy is elevated in those who were not screened promptly after diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
The effect of statin therapy withdrawal on monocyte subsets
Authors: Jaipersad Anthony S. , Shantsila Eduard , Blann Andrew , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: October 2013

Background

Three functionally distinct monocyte subsets have been identified. Statins are of undoubted effect in atherosclerosis and have numerous pleiotropic effects that contribute to their clinical success, but the effect of these drugs on monocyte subsets is unclear. We hypothesised a beneficial effect of statins on key receptor expression by monocyte subsets.

Material and methods

Effects of temporal (2 weeks) cessation of statin therapy by 66 patients with stable coronary artery disease on monocyte subsets [CD14++CD16‐CCR2+ (Mon1), CD14++CD16+CCR2+ (Mon2) and CD14+CD16++CCR2− (Mon3)], their aggregates with platelets and their expression of a number of receptors involved in inflammation (IL‐6 receptor), adhesion [vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)], angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] and repair were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results

Statin cessation did not lead to any significant changes in absolute numbers of monocyte subsets or the degree of their aggregation with platelets. All monocyte subsets showed significant downregulation of expression of vascular endothelial factor receptor 2, Tie2 and Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4; all changes P < 0·01). Expression of CXCR4 was only reduced in Mon1 cells (P = 0·013). There was no significant change in the expression of CD14, CD16, CCR4, IL6 receptor and VCAM (all P = NS).

Conclusions

Statin withdrawal does not affect counts of any of monocyte subsets, but leads to downregulation of expression of TLR4 and receptors related to angiogenesis on all subsets, as well as a decrease in density of CXCR4 expression on ‘classical’ Mon1. These data provide further support of pleiotropic effects of statins and their effects on monocyte pro‐angiogenic and proreparative characteristics.
The cortical excitability profile of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Badawy Radwa A. B. , Vogrin Simon J. , Lai Alan , Cook Mark J.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to characterize measurable changes of cortical excitability in patients who were undergoing medical and surgical management of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to investigate whether these alterations depended on timing of achieving seizure control throughout the course of illness and method of management.

Methods

Eighty‐five patients with TLE divided into (1) drug naive–new onset, (2) early medically refractor, and (3) late medically refractory, (4) early seizure‐free on antiepileptic drugs, and (5) late seizure‐free on antiepileptic drugs, (6) postoperative refractory, and (7) postoperative seizure‐free groups were studied. Motor threshold (MT) and paired‐pulse TMS at short (2, 5, 10, and 15 msec) and long (100–300 msec) interstimulus intervals (ISIs) were measured. Results were compared to those of 20 controls.

Key Findings

A significant interhemispheric difference was observed early at onset prior to starting medication, with higher cortical excitability in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the seizure focus, whereas the unaffected hemisphere was normal. After that, cortical excitability was higher in both hemispheres in the refractory groups (medical and postoperative) compared to the seizure‐free and drug‐naive groups (p < 0.05). This effect was most prominent at the long ISIs.

Significance

Changes in cortical excitability seen in patients with TLE are influenced by the course of the disease. The alterations that occur due to epilepsy are closely related to course of illness and degree/timing of seizure control. Successful management leads to resolution of this cortical hyperexcitability in a similar fashion regardless of method: medication (intact generator, but modulated by drugs) or surgery (generator removed).
Advances in equine laparoscopy
Authors: Wilson D. A.
Published: October 2013

See also article by Vitte et al.
Network biomarkers reveal dysfunctional gene regulations during disease progression
Authors: Zeng Tao , Sun Shao‐yan , Wang Yong , Zhu Hailong , Chen Luonan
Published: October 2013

Extensive studies have been conducted on gene biomarkers by exploring the increasingly accumulated gene expression and sequence data generated from high‐throughput technology. Here, we briefly report on the state‐of‐the‐art research and application of biomarkers from single genes (i.e. gene biomarkers) to gene sets (i.e. group or set biomarkers), gene networks (i.e. network biomarkers) and dynamical gene networks (i.e. dynamical network biomarkers). In particular, differential and dynamical network biomarkers are used as representative examples to demonstrate their effectiveness in both detecting early signals for complex diseases and revealing essential mechanisms on disease initiation and progression at a network level.
Plant population differentiation and climate change: responses of grassland species along an elevational gradient
Authors: Frei Esther R. , Ghazoul Jaboury , Matter Philippe , Heggli Martin , Pluess Andrea R.
Published: October 2013

Mountain ecosystems are particularly susceptible to climate change. Characterizing intraspecific variation of alpine plants along elevational gradients is crucial for estimating their vulnerability to predicted changes. Environmental conditions vary with elevation, which might influence plastic responses and affect selection pressures that lead to local adaptation. Thus, local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity among low and high elevation plant populations in response to climate, soil and other factors associated with elevational gradients might underlie different responses of these populations to climate warming. Using a transplant experiment along an elevational gradient, we investigated reproductive phenology, growth and reproduction of the nutrient‐poor grassland species Ranunculus bulbosus, Trifolium montanum and Briza media. Seeds were collected from low and high elevation source populations across the Swiss Alps and grown in nine common gardens at three different elevations with two different soil depths. Despite genetic differentiation in some traits, the results revealed no indication of local adaptation to the elevation of population origin. Reproductive phenology was advanced at lower elevation in low and high elevation populations of all three species. Growth and reproduction of T. montanum and B. media were hardly affected by garden elevation and soil depth. In R. bulbosus, however, growth decreased and reproductive investment increased at higher elevation. Furthermore, soil depth influenced growth and reproduction of low elevation R. bulbosus populations. We found no evidence for local adaptation to elevation of origin and hardly any differences in the responses of low and high elevation populations. However, the consistent advanced reproductive phenology observed in all three species shows that they have the potential to plastically respond to environmental variation. We conclude that populations might not be forced to migrate to higher elevations as a consequence of climate warming, as plasticity will buffer the detrimental effects of climate change in the three investigated nutrient‐poor grassland species.
The presence and distribution of bacteria in dentinal tubules of root filled teeth
Authors: Kwang S. , Abbott P.
Published: October 2013

Aim

To investigate the distribution of bacteria within the dentine tubular network in a two‐chamber model in order to determine a possible route of penetration.

Methodology

Root canals of teeth in the experimental group (n = 16) were instrumented and root filled using AH26 and gutta‐percha. Canals in the teeth serving as positive (n = 1) and negative (n = 1) controls were instrumented, but not root filled. A two‐chamber model was fabricated for each root – upper chambers were inoculated weekly with Streptococcus gordonii in brain–heart infusion broth over 90 days. Turbidity of the lower chamber was checked daily. Samples that showed turbidity during the experimental period and samples that showed no signs of turbidity at 90 days were fractured and prepared for SEM examination. SEM examination for the presence of bacteria within the dentinal tubules was performed in the cervical, middle and apical root thirds. In each root third, the depth of bacterial penetration was recorded as inner, middle or outer dentine.

Results

Bacteria were most commonly detected in the cervical third (14 of 30 areas). Irrespective of the root third examined, bacteria were most commonly detected in the inner dentine (i.e. adjacent to the root canal). Only two samples demonstrated bacterial penetration in the outer dentine.

Conclusion

The dentine tubular network provides a potential pathway for bacteria to penetrate tooth roots in a two‐chamber model.
Mineralogical Composition of Clinker as an Indicator of Sulfate Resistance: A Rietveld XRD/Takashima Approach
Authors: Robledo‐Gutiérrez Miriam , Blanco‐Varela María Teresa , Carmona‐Quiroga Paula María
Published: October 2013

This study aims to optimize quantitative X‐ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogical analysis of the minority phases in clinker. The proposed method consists of applying Rietveld quantitative refinement to the XRD patterns for both clinker and the insoluble residue remaining after it is attacked with methanol and salicylic acid (Takashima method). The method was tested with industrial clinker and the same material after modifying its mineralogy by refiring at 1500°C followed by slow cooling. The findings showed that the C4AF/C3A ratios for quickly and gradually cooled clinker were much higher when the clinker diffractograms were refined with the Rietveld procedure than when the proposed method was used. The proportion of C3A found with the proposed method was ≈2.8‐fold higher than when Rietveld only was applied to the diffractograms for clinkers. Taken together, the refinement data for the two materials (clinker and Takashima residua) revealed that Rietveld quantitative XRD applied to clinker underestimates the low C3A content. These findings are supported by postsulfate attack durability studies conducted on cements prepared with the two clinkers.