bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between invasive eucalyptus psyllids and arthropod litter communities under tree canopies in southern California
Authors: Eatough Jones Michele , Paine Timothy D.
Published: April 2012

Honeydew‐producing psyllids are an important pest of eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) in California, USA, and may influence surrounding litter arthropod communities. In particular, the introduced Australian psyllids Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore and Eucalyptolyma maideni Froggatt (both Hemiptera: Psyllidae) may facilitate the prevalence of invasive ant species. We examined ground‐dwelling arthropod communities under eucalyptus trees infested by psyllids. We used a model comparison approach to examine the association of psyllid infestation, ant abundance, and environmental factors with ground arthropod abundance and richness. We found a significant positive association between ant activity on eucalyptus trees and psyllid abundance. Higher psyllid abundance and higher Argentine ant abundance were associated with increased arthropod richness. Irrigation was also associated with increased arthropod richness and abundance. Regardless of location collected, arthropod communities collected in pitfall traps under trees with high psyllid abundance had high similarity to arthropod communities under trees with high ant activity. Abundance of isopods was positively associated with both ant and psyllid abundance. Other arthropod groups differed in their association with ants and psyllids. Argentine ants may exacerbate pest impacts and may also decrease the effectiveness of biological control programs for eucalyptus lerp psyllids.
Effect of alkaline pH on staphylococcal biofilm formation
Authors: Nostro Antonia , Cellini Luigina , Di Giulio Mara , D'Arrigo Manuela , Marino Andreana , Blanco Anna Rita , Favaloro Angelo , Cutroneo Giuseppina , Bisignano Giuseppe
Published: April 2012

Biofilms are a serious problem, cause of severe inconvenience in the biomedical, food and industrial environment. Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis are important pathogenic bacteria able to form thick and resistant biofilms on various surfaces. Therefore, strategies aimed at preventing or at least interfering with the initial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation are a considerable achievement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alkaline pH on bacterial adhesion and further biofilm formation of S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains by biofilm biomass, cell‐surface hydrophobicity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis. The results demonstrated that the amount of biofilm biomass formed and the surface hydrophobicity were significantly less than what were observed at higher levels of pH. SEM and CLSM images revealed a poorly structured and very thin biofilm (2.5–3 times thinner than that of the controls). The inhibiting effect of the alkaline pH on the bacterial attachment impaired the normal development of biofilm that arrested at the microcolony stage. Alkaline formulations could be promising towards the control of bacterial colonization and therefore the reduction of the biofilm‐related hazard. In the clinical setting, alkaline solutions or cleaners could be promising to prevent the bacterial colonization, by treating surfaces such as catheters or indwelling medical devices, reducing the risk of biofilm related infections.
A retrospective view on the viability of water fluoridation in South Africa to prevent dental caries
Authors: Kroon Jeroen , Van Wyk Philippus Johannes
Published: April 2012

Objectives

Despite a Commission of Inquiry into water fluoridation recommending the fluoridation of public water supplies to the optimal fluoride concentration of 0.7 ppm, as well as regulations for the introduction of water fluoridation which compel water providers to fluoridate public water supplies, no artificially fluoridated water scheme exists in South Africa. In view of concerns expressed by South African local authorities about cost and reports urging further investigation into the effectiveness of water fluoridation, the aim of this study was to determine whether water fluoridation is still a viable option to reduce dental caries in South Africa.

Methods

A model based on a cost evaluation of 44 communities in Florida, United States, and applied to South Africa was used as the basis for this study. Twenty‐three input variables were used to create a computerized model which was populated with 2006 and 2011 data. Per capita cost, cost‐effectiveness ratio and cost‐benefit ratio were calculated as economic outputs to facilitate decision making for projected caries reductions of 15%, 30% and 50%.

Results

The average per capita cost of water fluoridation for all category water providers combined is US$0.28 in 2006 and US$0.35 in 2011, an increase of 23.2% over this period. The average cost‐effectiveness for all water providers combined varies from US$3.32 for a 50% to US$11.08 for a 15% caries reduction. Despite higher cost‐effective values for some cities and towns, the cost per person per year to save one Decayed, Missing or Filled Tooth (DMFT) at a projected caries reduction of at least 15% as a result of the introduction of water fluoridation, is at least 48.4% less than the cost of a two surface restoration. The average cost‐benefit for all water providers combined varies from 0.1 at a 50% to 0.34 at a 15% caries reduction. For both cost‐effectiveness and cost‐benefit ratio better results are achieved when the projected caries reduction increases.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that water fluoridation is still a viable option to prevent dental caries in communities in South Africa along with the reduction in the prevalence of dental caries and increases in economically driven variables.
Self‐reported ability to concentrate in patients with painful temporomandibular disorders compared to the general population
Authors: Schierz Oliver , Nixdorf Donald R. , Singer Susanne , Reissmann Daniel R.
Published: April 2012

Objectives

This study explored whether patients with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) differ from the general population in the frequency of self‐reported disability to concentrate, because altered processing of sensory information had been reported previously. Additionally, the correlation of the frequency of concentration problems with the dysfunctional grade of TMD pain shall be evaluated.

Methods

Subjects were 286 consecutive German patients with painful TMD diagnosed using the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD) and 2026 members of a representative German community sample. Concentration was measured using two questions, one from the ‘Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐49 G)' and one from the German version of ‘Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression Scale (CES‐D)'. The dysfunctional grade of TMD pain was measured using the Graded Chronic Pain Scale.

Results

Responses between the two individual questions concerning the ability to concentrate (OHIP item and CES‐D item) correlated moderately (rSpearman = 0.58, P < 0.001). A two‐sample test of proportions revealed that patients with TMD pain reported a significantly greater frequency of ‘fairly often' or ‘very often’ occurring concentration problems, 24.0%, than did the general population subjects, 1.2% (P < 0.001). Moreover, the frequency of concentration problems correlated with an increase in dysfunctional pain grade in the patients with TMD pain (tetrachoric correlation coefficient of 0.52, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Self‐reported frequency of concentration problems is greater in patients with TMD pain than in the general population and is reported at a higher frequency in patients with more severe dysfunctional pain grades. These findings are consistent with the concept that TMD pain is associated with changes in the central processing.
Factors influencing growth of individual brown trout in three streams of the upper Midwestern United States
Authors: Dieterman Douglas J. , Hoxmeier R. John H. , Staples David F.
Published: April 2012

Growth rate variation of three age groups of brown trout,Salmo truttaL. (age‐0, 1 and 2, and 3+), was quantified from recaptured, individually tagged brown trout and related to season, stream reach, relative abundance, initial length and movement to examine factors influencing growth in length in three streams in the Midwestern United States. Total variation in growth was almost five times greater for age‐0 than for age‐3+ trout. Individual trout accounted for about 13% of total variation in age‐0 growth, season about 57%, and trout initial length and relative abundance combined another 2%. The 2006 age‐0 cohort had the fastest growth rates in their second spring and summer (2007) and slowest growth in their first winter (2006–2007). About 53% of total growth variation of age‐1 and age‐2 trout was accounted for by individual trout, season, initial length and stream reach. Predicted growth rates indicated strong effects of season and initial length. A significant interaction between these two factors indicated that, although smaller trout grew faster than larger trout, this length effect was most pronounced in spring and summer. About 35% of total growth variation of age‐3+ trout was accounted for by individual trout and season. Together, season and individual trout characteristics were identified as the most important factors influencing brown trout growth in these streams.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress modulates nicotine‐induced extracellular matrix degradation in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Lee S.‐I. , Kang K.‐L. , Shin S.‐I. , Herr Y. , Lee Y.‐M. , Kim E.‐C.
Published: April 2012

Lee S‐I, Kang K‐L, Shin S‐I, Herr Y, Lee Y‐M, Kim E‐C. Endoplasmic reticulum stress modulates nicotine‐induced extracellular matrix degradation in human periodontal ligament cells. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 299–308. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Tobacco smoking is considered to be one of the major risk factors for periodontitis. For example, about half the risk of periodontitis can be attributable to smoking in the USA. It is evident that smokers have greater bone loss, greater attachment loss and deeper periodontal pockets than nonsmoking patients. It has recently been reported that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers are upregulated in periodontitis patients; however, the direct effects of nicotine on ER stress in regard to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation are unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of nicotine on cytotoxicity and expression of ER stress markers, selected ECM molecules and MMPs, and to identify the underlying mechanisms in human periodontal ligament cells. We also examined whether ER stress was responsible for the nicotine‐induced cytotoxicity and ECM degradation.

Material and Methods:  Cytotoxicity and cell death were measured by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometric annexin V and propidium iodide staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of MMPs and ER markers were examined by RT‐PCR and western blot analysis.

Results:  Treatment with nicotine reduced cell viability and increased the proportion of annexin V‐negative, propidium iodide‐positive cells, an indication of cell death. Nicotine induced ER stress, as evidenced by survival molecules, such as phosphorylated protein kinase‐like ER‐resident kinase, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor‐2α and glucose‐regulated protein‐78, and apoptotic molecules, such as CAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). Nicotine treatment led to the downregulation of ECM molecules, including collagen type I, elastin and fibronectin, and upregulation of MMPs (MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐8 and MMP‐9). Inhibition of ER stress by salubrinal and transfection of CHOP small interfering RNA attenuated the nicotine‐induced cell death, ECM degradation and production of MMPs. Salubrinal and CHOP small interfering RNA inhibited the effects of nicotine on the activation of Akt, JNK and nuclear factor‐κB.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that nicotine‐induced cell death is mediated by the ER stress pathway, involving ECM degradation by MMPs, in human periodontal ligament cells.
Contemporary management of tooth replacement in the traumatized dentition
Authors: Alani Aws , Austin Rupert , Djemal Serpil
Published: April 2012

Abstract –  Dental trauma can result in tooth loss despite best efforts at retaining and maintaining compromised teeth (Dent Traumatol, 24, 2008, 379). Upper anterior teeth are more likely to suffer from trauma, and their loss can result in significant aesthetic and functional problems that can be difficult to manage (Endod Dent Traumatol, 9, 1993, 61; Int Dent J 59, 2009, 127). Indeed, teeth of poor prognosis may not only present with compromised structure but trauma may also result in damage to the support tissues. Injury to the periodontium and alveolus can have repercussions on subsequent restorative procedures (Fig. 19). Where teeth are identified as having a hopeless prognosis either soon after the incident or at delayed presentation; planning for eventual tooth loss and replacement can begin at the early stages. With advances in both adhesive and osseointegration technologies, there are now a variety of options for the restoration of edentate spaces subsequent to dental trauma. This review aims to identify key challenges in the provision of tooth replacement in the traumatized dentition and outline contemporary methods in treatment delivery.
Implants in Reconstructed Bone: A Comparative Study on the Outcome of Straumann® Tissue Level and Bone Level Implants Placed in Vertically Deficient Alveolar Ridges Treated by Means of Autogenous Onlay Bone Grafts
Authors: Chiapasco Matteo , Casentini Paolo , Zaniboni Marco
Published: April 2012

Purpose: To evaluate: (1) the survival rate of Straumann® Tissue Level and Bone Level implants placed in atrophic edentulous jaws previously reconstructed by means of autogenous onlay bone grafts; (2) to compare peri‐implant bone resorption values over time.

Materials and Methods: From 2005 to 2010, 50 patients presenting with vertical or tridimensional defects of the edentulous ridges were treated with autogenous bone grafts. Three to 7 months afterward, 192 implants were placed (Group A: 97 Tissue Level implants; Group B: 95 Bone Level implants) in the reconstructed areas. After a further waiting period of 2 to 3 months, patients were rehabilitated with implant‐supported fixed prostheses. The follow‐up ranged from 12 to 68 months after the start of prosthetic loading (mean: 33 months).

Results: No implants were removed (survival rate: 100%), but in Group B 13 implants (8 placed in iliac grafts, 2 placed in ramus grafts, and 3 placed in calvarial grafts) presented peri‐implant bone resorption values higher than those proposed by Albrektsson and colleagues. for successful implants: the overall implant success rate was then 100% for Group A and 86.8% for Group B. No prosthetic failures were recorded, thus leading to a 100% prostheses success rate.

Conclusion: No significant differences were found between the two types of implants as far as implant survival rate is concerned, but results from this study seem to demonstrate that Tissue Level implants may present better long‐term results in terms of peri‐implant bone maintenance, as compared with Bone Level implants, when placed in reconstructed areas.
InterStoreDB: A Generic Integration Resource for Genetic and Genomic DataF
Authors: Love Christopher G. , Andongabo Ambrose E. , Wang Jun , Carion Pierre W. C. , Rawlings Christopher J. , King Graham J.
Published: April 2012

Associating phenotypic traits and quantitative trait loci (QTL) to causative regions of the underlying genome is a key goal in agricultural research. InterStoreDB is a suite of integrated databases designed to assist in this process. The individual databases are species independent and generic in design, providing access to curated datasets relating to plant populations, phenotypic traits, genetic maps, marker loci and QTL, with links to functional gene annotation and genomic sequence data. Each component database provides access to associated metadata, including data provenance and parameters used in analyses, thus providing users with information to evaluate the relative worth of any associations identified. The databases include CropStoreDB, for management of population, genetic map, QTL and trait measurement data, SeqStoreDB for sequence‐related data and AlignStoreDB, which stores sequence alignment information, and allows navigation between genetic and genomic datasets. Genetic maps are visualized and compared using the CMAP tool, and functional annotation from sequenced genomes is provided via an EnsEMBL‐based genome browser. This framework facilitates navigation of the multiple biological domains involved in genetics and genomics research in a transparent manner within a single portal. We demonstrate the value of InterStoreDB as a tool for Brassica research. InterStoreDB is available from: http://www.interstoredb.org
High Correlation Between Clearance of Renal Protein‐Bound Uremic Toxins (Indoxyl Sulfate and p‐Cresyl Sulfate) and Renal Water‐Soluble Toxins in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Huang Wen‐Hung , Hung Cheng‐Chieh , Yang Chih‐Wei , Huang Jeng‐Yi
Published: April 2012

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is characterized by a slow continuous removal of solutes. Traditionally, dialysis adequacy is quantified by referring to the kinetics of urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine (Cr) clearance. The efficacy of middle molecular substances and protein‐bound solutes as markers for peritoneal dialysis adequacy is not clear. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate correlations between the clearance of indoxyl sulfate (IS), p‐cresyl sulfate (PCS), UN, and Cr in the peritoneum and kidneys and to compare the overall clearances of IS and PCS between non‐anuric and anuric groups in PD patients. We recruited a total of 175 patients who had been undergoing continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) or automated PD (APD) for at least 4 months. We measured total IS and PCS concentrations in serum, dialysate, and urine samples. Free IS and PCS concentrations were measured in all serum samples. IS and PCS clearances via both kidney and peritoneum were measured. The mean concentration of IS in the urine samples was 9.2‐fold higher than that in the dialysate samples, and concentration of PCS in the urine samples was 8.5‐fold higher than that in the dialysate samples. Peritoneal UN and Cr clearances were not correlated with peritoneal PCS clearance (P > 0.05) but were mildly correlated with peritoneal IS clearance. The peritoneal IS and PCS clearances in the different peritoneal equilibration test groups were similar. The renal UN and Cr clearances were strongly correlated with renal PCS and IS clearances (P > 0.89, P < 0.001). In addition, non‐anuric patients showed better elimination of total PCS (10.3 mg/day [range, 1.6–19.8] vs. 5.2 mg/day [range, 0–14]; P < 0.001] and IS (37.9 mg/day [range, 25.6–56.7] vs. 24.8 mg/day [range, 17.1–41.6]; P < 0.001) than anuric patients. This cross‐sectional study showed that peritoneal clearance of water‐soluble solutes is not correlated with that of PCS but is mildly correlated with that of IS. However, the renal clearances of IS and PCS show strong positive correlation with the renal clearances of UN and Cr. This study confirms the important role of residual renal function in the removal of protein‐bound uremic toxins.
Capillary Electrophoretic Profile of β2‐Microglobulin Intermediate Associated With Hemodialysis
Authors: Motomiya Yoshihiro , Uji Yoshinori , Ando Yukio
Published: April 2012

We previously identified an intermediate β2‐microglobulin (I‐β2m), which is an amyloidogenic β2m variant, via capillary electrophoresis (CE) and reported hemodialysis (HD)‐associated variations in the serum concentrations of each β2m component, including that found in the rebound phase. Recent research has indicated that I‐β2m can bind, via the SO3‐ moiety, with glycosaminoglycan or proteoglycan, which are major components of interstitial tissue. Because alterations in I‐β2m are likely to be important in view of the possible accumulation of amyloidogenic precursor proteins in the interstitial space, we studied the I‐β2m profile as related to HD. We used CE to determine the I‐β2m profile both at the start and at the end of HD and during the rebound phase in 12 HD patients. We found both an unfolded β2m and a destructured I‐β2m. More important, two peaks appeared in the rebound phase, one suggesting a refolding and one suggesting an irreversible destruction. Given that the intercompartmental transfer coefficient for β2m is 1.0, our results indicated concomitant processes occurring after HD: refolding of the β2m conformation and trapping of destructured I‐β2m in the extravascular space. Because the trapping of destructured I‐β2m supposedly leads to accumulation of β2m in the interstitial space, we have proposed a new concept—a “shuttle” concept—for amyloid formation from β2m in the HD setting.
KIC 1571511B: a benchmark low-mass star in an eclipsing binary system in the Kepler field
Authors: Ofir A. , Gandolfi D. , Buchhave Lars , Lacy C. H. S. , Hatzes A. P. , Fridlund Malcolm
Published: April 2012

KIC 1571511 is a 14-d eclipsing binary (EB) in the Kepler data set. The secondary of this EB is a very low mass star with a mass of and a radius of (statistical errors only). The overall system parameters make KIC 1571511B an ideal ‘benchmark object’: among the smallest, lightest and best-described stars known, smaller even than some known exoplanet. Currently available photometry encompasses only a small part of the total: future Kepler data releases promise to constrain many of the properties of KIC 1571511B to unprecedented level. However, as in many spectroscopic single-lined systems, the current error budget is dominated by the modelling errors of the primary and not by the above statistical errors. We conclude that detecting the RV signal of the secondary component is crucial to achieving the full potential of this possible benchmark object for the study of low-mass stars.
The X-ray reflector in NGC 4945: a time- and space-resolved portrait
Authors: Marinucci A. , Risaliti G. , Wang Junfeng , Nardini E. , Elvis M. , Fabbiano G. , Bianchi S. , Matt G.
Published: April 2012

We present a time, spectral and imaging analysis of the X-ray reflector in NGC 4945, which reveals its geometrical and physical structure with unprecedented detail. NGC 4945 hosts one of the brightest AGN in the sky above 10 keV, but it is only visible through its reflected/scattered emission below 10 keV, due to absorption by a column density of ∼4 × 1024 cm−2. A new Suzaku campaign of five observations spanning ∼6 months, together with past XMM–Newton and Chandra observations, shows a remarkable constancy (within <10 per cent) of the reflected component. Instead, Swift-BAT reveals strong intrinsic variability on time-scales longer than 1 yr. Modelling the circumnuclear gas as a thin cylinder with the axis on the plane of the sky, we show that the reflector is at a distance ≥30–50 pc, well within the imaging capabilities of Chandra at the distance of NGC 4945 (1 arcsec ∼18 pc). Accordingly, the Chandra imaging reveals a resolved, flattened, ∼150 pc long clumpy structure, whose spectrum is fully due to cold reflection of the primary AGN emission. The clumpiness may explain the small covering factor derived from the spectral and variability properties.
The formation of the extremely primitive star SDSS J102915+172927 relies on dust
Authors: Schneider Raffaella , Omukai Kazuyuki , Limongi Marco , Ferrara Andrea , Salvaterra Ruben , Chieffi Alessandro , Bianchi Simone
Published: April 2012

The relative importance of metals and dust grains in the formation of the first low-mass stars has been a subject of debate. The recently discovered Galactic halo star SDSS J102915+172927 has a mass less than 0.8 M⊙ and a metallicity of Z= 4.5 × 10−5 Z⊙. We investigate the origin and properties of this star by reconstructing the physical conditions in its birth cloud. We show that the observed elemental abundance trend of SDSS J102915+172927 can be well fitted by the yields of core-collapse supernovae (SNe) with metal-free progenitors of 20 and 35 M⊙. Using these selected SN explosion models, we compute the corresponding dust yields and the resulting dust depletion factor taking into account the partial destruction by the SN reverse shock. We then follow the collapse and fragmentation of a star-forming cloud enriched by the products of these SN explosions at the observed metallicity of SDSS J102915+172927. We find that 0.05–0.1 M⊙ mass fragments, which then lead to the formation of low-mass stars, can occur provided that the mass fraction of dust grains in the birth cloud exceeds 0.01 of the total mass of metals and dust. This, in turn, requires that at least 0.4 M⊙ of dust condense in the first SNe, allowing for moderate destruction by the reverse shock. If dust formation in the first SNe is less efficient or strong dust destruction does occur, the thermal evolution of the SDSS J102915+172927 birth cloud is dominated by molecular cooling, and only ≥8 M⊙ fragments can form. We conclude that the observed properties of SDSS J102915+172927 support the suggestion that dust must have condensed in the ejecta of the first SNe and played a fundamental role in the formation of the first low-mass stars.
Black Theology and the History of U.S. Black Religions: Post Civil Rights Approaches to the Study of African American Religions
Authors: Ross Rosetta E.
Published: April 2012

Black Religions as a field of study is one of many supervening developments of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. Two conditions influenced development of this field. First, the Civil Rights Movement resulted in exponential increases in higher education of African descended people in the United States. These increases expanded research and scholarship on Black religions, generally. Second, because Black religions helped shape the Civil Rights Movement, an area of research and writing broadly identified as Black theology issued from and about Black religions and making of the Movement. During the mid‐twentieth century, development of liberation theologies (which challenged religions' collaboration with imperialism) coupled with the substantial role of African American Christianity, especially Protestant Christianity, in the Civil Rights Movement to create an early focus of much mid‐century scholarship about U.S. black religions on development and evolution of black theology as a form of liberation theology. Even so, foundational work in the history of black religions appeared alongside developments of black theology. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries these two trajectories – black theologies and history of black religions – have emerged as standard emphases in the field of black religions. This article examines emergence of Black religions as a field of study and includes four sections exploring U.S. Black religions and the Civil Rights Movement, the appearance of Black theology in the United States, developments in Black theology and in the history of Black religions, and current trends in the study of Black religions.
Islamic and Jewish Religious Feminism: Similarities, Parallels and Interactions
Authors: Roded Ruth
Published: April 2012

The roots of both Islamic and Jewish religious feminism may be found in the 1970s. Both ideological movements arose in response to the feminism of the 1960s in the United States and in France which was secular and even anti‐religious. Similarities and parallels in the roots and development of the two religious feminist movements may be expected as functions of the similar sociologies of Islam and Judaism. The two forms of religious feminism were in fact parallel responses to the rise of Islamism and Jewish fundamentalism that promoted strict interpretations of Islam and Judaism, particularly as regards gender issues. They differed, however, in their global and Middle Eastern manifestations. The two religious movements have similar although not identical issues of language and authenticity, which influence the dispersion of religious feminist ideas. Interactions between Jewish and Muslim religious feminists may seem impossible in the current politically charged atmosphere. On the other hand, there is clearly a communality of interests among religious women of both faiths which may serve to prevail over conflict.
Are We Becoming Part of the Problem? Gender Stereotypes in Negotiation Research
Authors: Kolb Deborah M.
Published: April 2012

The study of gender and negotiation has come a long way since the basic sex difference research carried out in the infancy of the field More recent study of contextual factors (roles, styles, gender composition of the dyad) often have the effect of reinforcing gender stereotypes. By expanding the diversity of populations studied, by selecting more gender neutral contexts, by considering purpose in choice of style and roles, and by locating our studies of how gender plays out in negotiation in different organizational contexts, we will be in a better position to move beyond the stereotypes that dominate so much of the current work.
An outbreak of severe iodine‐deficiency goitre in a sheep flock in north‐east Victoria
Authors: Campbell AJD , Croser EL , Milne ME , Hodge PJ , Webb Ware JK
Published: April 2012

Background  Several outbreaks of goitre, considered to be related to iodine deficiency, occurred in sheep flocks throughout Victoria in 2010.

Objective  We describe one outbreak in Merino–Border Leicester‐cross ewes and their lambs in north‐east Victoria that appeared to be associated with increased rainfall and pasture growth, particularly during the preceding summer and autumn.

Results  The outbreak was characterised by a four‐fold increase in neonatal lamb deaths and goitre, alopecia and poor skeletal development in the lambs. Most cases occurred in lambs born to 2‐year‐old crossbred ewes that had grazed long, lush perennial pastures throughout their entire pregnancy, whereas few cases occurred in mature crossbred or Merino ewes that had grazed shorter, annual pastures on hill country for 3 weeks in late pregnancy but were otherwise managed similarly.

Conclusion  Existing recommendations for south‐eastern Australia are that only spring‐lambing ewes in iodine‐deficient areas require iodine supplementation to prevent goitre in years with high autumn–winter rainfall. Aspects of this outbreak suggest that ewes lambing at other times of the year and grazing abundant pasture for prolonged periods may also require supplementation to prevent goitre, even if autumn–winter rainfall does not exceed previously established thresholds.
The Reflecting Team Model Used for Clinical Group Supervision Without Clients Present
Authors: Reichelt Sissel , Skjerve Jan
Published: April 2012

An approach to group supervision, applying reflecting team, is described. Interview data showing how the approach is practiced recently are presented and analyzed qualitatively, and the results are discussed in relation to the original approach. The conclusion is that there are many pitfalls in using reflecting teams in supervision, and that following the original approach may guard against these pitfalls, but that some revisions may be needed. Supervisors, supervisees, and reflecting team members are all generally satisfied with the approach, but it remains to be established to what extent it contributes to therapist development.
Histological grade of differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison of the efficacy of diffusion‐weighted MRI with T2‐weighted imaging and angiography‐assisted CT
Authors: Saito Kazuhiro , Moriyasu Fuminori , Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Nishio Ryota , Saguchi Toru , Akata Soichi , Tokuuye Koichi
Published: April 2012

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine the usefulness of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for evaluating the histological grade of differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI) and tumour haemodynamics.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 32 patients with 42 pathologically confirmed HCC nodules. These patients underwent MRI, CT during arterial portography and CT hepatic arteriography. We evaluated the relationship between the histological grade of differentiation and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, conspicuity of tumour on DWI, DWI and T2WI contrast‐to‐noise (C/N) ratios and tumour haemodynamics.

Results: There was no correlation between the histological grade of differentiation and the ADC values. The DWI C/N ratio was significantly different among all histological grades, but the T2WI C/N ratio was not. Tumour conspicuity on DWI correlated well with the histological grade of differentiation, but tumour haemodynamics only partially correlated with the histological grade of differentiation.

Conclusion: DWI was useful for evaluating the histological grade of differentiation of HCC.
Utility‐Based Generation of Referring Expressions
Authors: Guhe Markus
Published: April 2012

This paper presents two cognitive models that simulate the production of referring expressions in the iMAP task—a task‐oriented dialog. One general model is based on Dale and Reiter’s (1995)incremental algorithm, and the other is a simple template model that has a higher correlation with the data but is specifically geared toward the properties of the iMAP task. The property of the iMAP task environment that is modeled here is that the color feature is unreliable for identifying referents while other features are reliable. The low computational cost of the incremental algorithm for generating referring expressions makes it an interesting starting point for a cognitive model. However, its explanatory power is limited, because it generates uniquely distinguishing referring expressions and because it considers features for inclusion in the referring expression in a fixed order. The first model extends the original incremental algorithm by an ability to adapt to feedback of whether a referring expression was used successfully, but it seems to overpredict the frequency with which distinguishing expressions are made and underpredict the frequency of overspecified referring expressions. The second model produces features for referring expressions purely based on its current estimate of a feature’s utility. Both models predict the observed human behavior of decreasing use of color terms and increasing use of useful feature terms.
Depressive mood in Chinese early adolescents: Relations with shyness, self‐esteem and perceived social support
Authors: Chan Siu Mui
Published: April 2012

Introduction

While depression affects adolescents' psychological functioning and adjustment, studies of Hong Kong adolescents show that more than 20% of this population suffer from depressive symptoms.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed to examine how depressive mood was related to shyness, self‐esteem and social support in a sample of 326 early Chinese adolescents. Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Participants completed the Children Depression Inventory (CDI), Children's Shyness Questionnaire (CSQ), Rosenberg's Self‐esteem Scale and five items measuring perceived social support.

Results

Based on the CDI cut‐off point (≥20) adopted in the West (Kovacs), 20.9% of the sample was classified as having depressive symptoms, a percentage that was double that reported in Western studies. Regression analyses results showed that shyness predicted depressive mood in the positive direction and self‐esteem and perceived social support in the negative direction. Furthermore, a mediation model was established in which the effects of shyness on depressive mood were mediated by self‐esteem and social support.

Discussion

Professionals should offer age‐appropriate social skill training to shy adolescents who have low self‐esteem and poor peer relationship.
Detection of Multiple Genotypes of Calicivirus Infection in Asymptomatic Swine in Taiwan
Authors: Chao D.‐Y. , Wei J.‐Y. , Chang W.‐F. , Wang J. , Wang L.‐C.
Published: April 2012

Noroviruses (NoVs) and sapoviruses (SaVs) of the family Caliciviridae are emerging enteric pathogens in humans and animals. Recent detection of genogroup II norovirus (GII NoV) RNA from swine raises public health concerns about zoonotic transmission of porcine NoVs to humans. However, few papers reported genotype distributions and epidemiological features in swine farms and their genetic relationship to human strains, which was the objective of our study. This study investigated the epidemiological features and genotypes of caliciviruses in swine farms using 533 pig faecal samples from six farms in central and southern Taiwan, tested for viral RNA using RT‐PCR targeting the conserved polymerase gene. NoVs and SaVs were detected with a positive rate of 7.1% and 0.6%, respectively. To confirm the positive rate of NoVs, 255 pig faecal samples from two farms in central Taiwan were tested with primer pairs targeting the partial capsid gene of GII, and 32.3% of the positive rate was found. Furthermore, the results from the capsid region suggested a higher positive rate of 41.7% in winter than 26.4% in summer with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Sequence analysis showed 29 strains belonging to GII.4 (human) and nine strains belonging to GII.11 (swine) identified based on the partial polymerase gene. Additional genotypes clustered with GII.2 (human) and GII.18 (swine) were also characterized based on the partial capsid gene. SaVs detected in porcine faecal samples belonged to genogroup III (GIII), which clustered with the PEC‐Cowden strain. Our study demonstrated the presence of multiple genotypes of both human and porcine NoVs infecting swine of various ages asymptomatically. Although the zoonotic potential of detected human NoVs in swine was not conclusive owing to the lack of local human faecal samples, our study revealed the importance of monitoring emerging strains in swine to mitigate the potential impact of recombinant NoVs infecting the human population.
Evidence Supporting an Independent Association between Childhood Physical Abuse and Lifetime Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Fuller‐Thomson Esme , Baker Tobi M. , Brennenstuhl Sarah
Published: April 2012

A regionally representative Canadian sample was used to investigate the gender‐specific relationship between childhood physical abuse and lifetime suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was about five times higher in abused men and women compared with their nonabused counterparts. After controlling for five clusters of potentially confounding factors (adverse childhood conditions, socioeconomic factors, health behaviors, psychosocial stressors/chronic illnesses, and mental health), childhood physical abuse was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (ORadjusted women = 4.48, 95% CI = 3.32–6.04; men = 3.57, 95% CI = 2.08–6.14). These findings suggest childhood physical abuse is independently associated with suicidal ideation and highlight the importance of providing preventative treatment to childhood abuse survivors.
Preventing Suicide through Improved Training in Suicide Risk Assessment and Care: An American Association of Suicidology Task Force Report Addressing Serious Gaps in U.S. Mental Health Training
Authors: Schmitz William M. , Allen Michael H. , Feldman Barry N. , Gutin Nina J. , Jahn Danielle R. , Kleespies Phillip M. , Quinnett Paul , Simpson Skip
Published: April 2012

There are twice as many suicides as homicides in the United States, and the suicide rate is rising. Suicides increased 12% between 1999 and 2009. Mental health professionals often treat suicidal patients, and suicide occurs even among patients who are seeking treatment or are currently in treatment. Despite these facts, training of most mental health professionals in the assessment and management of suicidal patients is surprisingly limited. The extant literature regarding the frequency with which mental health professionals encounter suicidal patients is reviewed, as is the prevalence of training in suicide risk assessment and management. Most importantly, six recommendations are made to address the longstanding insufficient training within the mental health professions regarding the assessment and management of suicidal patients.
Estimating abundance of cryptic but trappable animals using trapping point transects: a case study for Key Largo woodrats
Authors: Potts Joanne M. , Buckland Stephen T. , Thomas Len , Savage Anne
Published: April 2012

1. Obtaining robust abundance or density estimates is problematic for many rare or cryptic species. We combine elements of capture–recapture and distance sampling, to develop a method called trapping point transects (TPT), and we applied this method to estimate the abundance of the endangered Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli).

2. Trapping point transects requires two separate surveys to be held concurrently in space and time. In themain survey, the encounter rate (number of animals caught per trap per session) is measured. In thetrial survey, animals whose locations are known prior to opening traps are used to estimate the detection functiong(r) (the probability of capturing an animal given it is distancerfrom a trap when it is set), so the effective trapping area in the main survey can be estimated. It is assumed animals in the trial survey are a representative sample of all animals in the population. Individual heterogeneity in trappability is accommodated using random effects ing(r).

3. Performance of two TPT estimators was assessed by simulation. Generally, when underlying capture probabilities were high [g(0) = 0·8] and between‐individual variation was small, modest survey effort (360 trap nights in the trial survey) generated little bias in estimated abundance (c.5%). Uncertainty and relative bias in population estimates increased with decreasing capture probabilities and increasing between‐individual variation. Survey effort required to obtain unbiased estimates was also investigated.

4. Given the challenges of working with cryptic, sparse or nocturnal species, we tested the validity of this method to estimate the abundance of the Key Largo woodrats between 2008 and 2011.

5. Trapping point transects was found to be an effective monitoring method yielding annual estimates of the extant wild population of 693, 248, 78 and 256 animals, with CVs of 0·45, 0·55, 0·82 and 0·43, respectively. The TPT method could be adapted to a range of species that are otherwise very difficult to monitor.
Serotonin inhibits low‐threshold spike interneurons in the striatum
Authors: Cains Sarah , Blomeley Craig P. , Bracci Enrico
Published: April 2012

Key points 

The striatum is the largest nucleus of the basal ganglia, a brain structure crucially involved in motor control. Recent results show that nitric oxide plays an important role in striatal pathophysiology.

The activity of the striatum is modulated by extrinsic neurotransmitters such as serotonin, produced by specialised neurons located in the brainstem.

This modulation is exerted through control of striatal interneurons. However, nitric oxide‐producing interneurons (NOS interneurons) have been difficult to investigate due to their rarity.

Using transgenic mice in which NOS interneurons express green fluorescent protein, we found that NOS interneurons are strongly inhibited by serotonin.

This inhibition is mediated by a specific class of serotonin receptors (5‐HT2C) causing an increase in a specific potassium conductance (KCNQ).

These results cast light on the role of serotonin in the striatum, revealing that it tightly controls the activity of the only neuronal type that releases nitric oxide.
The regulation of K‐ and L‐cell activity by GLUT2 and the calcium‐sensing receptor CasR in rat small intestine
Authors: Mace Oliver J. , Schindler Marcus , Patel Sonal
Published: April 2012

Key points

In intestine, nutrients including glucose and amino acids and non‐nutrients including bile acids increase secretion of anti‐diabetic gut peptides such as gluco‐insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY).

Facilitative glucose transporter pathways in addition to active electrogenic transporter pathways contribute to GIP, GLP‐1 and PYY secretion; in particular, the facilitative glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) is involved.

Sucralose, in the presence of glucose, can strongly and acutely upregulate GIP, GLP‐1 and PYY secretion in a time scale of minutes.

Amino acid‐stimulated GIP, GLP‐1 and PYY secretion is acutely regulated by the calcium‐sensing receptor (CasR).

The results establish new functions for GLUT2 and CasR as regulators of gut peptide secretion that sense nutrients and provide signalling pathways for the release of GIP, GLP‐1 and PYY.
Voltage‐dependent amplification of synaptic inputs in respiratory motoneurones
Authors: Enríquez Denton M. , Wienecke J. , Zhang M. , Hultborn H. , Kirkwood P. A.
Published: April 2012

Key points

The processes whereby various excitatory and inhibitory inputs are integrated in spinal motoneurones during naturally occurring motor acts are not well understood, largely because there are amplifying mechanisms within the motoneurone that can control the effective strengths of the inputs.

Knowledge of these processes is important in understanding conditions such as motoneurone disease, or the spasticity that can follow spinal cord injury or stroke

Respiration is a natural motor act that continues normally under experimental conditions, and this study investigated, for the first time, the likely amplifying processes at work in respiratory motoneurones.

In phrenic motoneurones, which control the most important respiratory muscle, the diaphragm, we found that the mechanism most favoured by investigations in other motoneurones, the activation of persistent inward currents via calcium channels, appears to make a very small contribution. Instead, modulation of synaptic currents (through NMDA channels) appears to be more important.

Abstract  The role of persistent inward currents (PICs) in cat respiratory motoneurones (phrenic inspiratory and thoracic expiratory) was investigated by studying the voltage‐dependent amplification of central respiratory drive potentials (CRDPs), recorded intracellularly, with action potentials blocked with the local anaesthetic derivative, QX‐314. Decerebrate unanaesthetized or barbiturate‐anaesthetized preparations were used. In expiratory motoneurones, plateau potentials were observed in the decerebrates, but not under anaesthesia. For phrenic motoneurones, no plateau potentials were observed in either state (except in one motoneurone after the abolition of the respiratory drive by means of a medullary lesion), but all motoneurones showed voltage‐dependent amplification of the CRDPs, over a wide range of membrane potentials, too wide to result mainly from PIC activation. The measurements of the amplification were restricted to the phase of excitation, thus excluding the inhibitory phase. Amplification was found to be greatest for the smallest CRDPs in the lowest resistance motoneurones and was reduced or abolished following intracellular injection of the NMDA channel blocker, MK‐801. Plateau potentials were readily evoked in non‐phrenic cervical motoneurones in the same (decerebrate) preparations. We conclude that the voltage‐dependent amplification of synaptic excitation in phrenic motoneurones is mainly the result of NMDA channel modulation rather than the activation of Ca2+ channel mediated PICs, despite phrenic motoneurones being strongly immunohistochemically labelled for CaV1.3 channels. The differential PIC activation in different motoneurones, all of which are CaV1.3 positive, leads us to postulate that the descending modulation of PICs is more selective than has hitherto been believed.