bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Root canal treatment and special needs patients
Authors: Yap E. , Parashos P. , Borromeo G. L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo identify current trends of root canal treatment for patients with special needs.MethodologyA postal questionnaire was sent to General Dentists in Victoria, Australia and Endodontists and Special Needs Dentists across Australia to determine the extent of root canal treatment performed on special needs patients.ResultsOver a four‐month period, 1120 questionnaires were distributed with an overall response rate of 63.9% (n = 716). Response rates were 63.2% (n = 655), 68.5% (n = 50) and 100.0% (n = 11) amongst General Dentists, Endodontists and Special Needs Dentists, respectively. Endodontists (95.7%) and Special Needs Dentists (100.0%) performed significantly more root canal treatment on adult patients with special needs compared with 51.2% of General Dentists, (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001 respectively; Fisher's exact test). The most common reasons for not undertaking root canal treatment included limited cooperation, poor oral hygiene and uncontrolled movement. Amongst General Dentists, 75.7% opted for extraction in preference to root canal treatment. Significantly, more specialist practitioners performed root canal treatment utilizing conscious sedation (P < 0.001) and general anaesthesia (P = 0.003). Most specialist practitioners (69.1%) had undertaken single‐visit root canal treatment on special needs patients compared with only 29.7% of General Dentists (P < 0.001).ConclusionsRoot canal treatment in special needs patients was more likely to be carried out by specialist dental practitioners who were more likely to utilize a pharmacological approach for behaviour guidance and to perform single‐visit root canal treatment compared with General Dentists. A multidisciplinary approach for special needs patients who require root canal treatment provides an opportunity for these patients to retain their dentition.
Evaluation of the new red cell parameters on Beckman Coulter DxH800 in distinguishing iron deficiency anaemia from thalassaemia trait
Authors: Ng E. H. Y. , Leung J. H. W. , Lau Y. S. , Ma E. S. K. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIntroductionThe new red blood cell (RBC) parameters such as reticulocyte haemoglobin content and percentage of hypochromic red cells or equivalent, although useful in the laboratory assessment of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), are confounded by thalassaemia trait (TT). We aim to evaluate the new red cell parameters on the Beckman Coulter DxH800 in distinguishing between IDA and TT.MethodsA total of 246 normal subjects, 102 patients with IDA and 115 subjects with TT were accrued for the study. The parameters studied were red blood cell size factor (RSF), low haemoglobin density (LHD%), microcytic anaemia factor (MAF), standard deviation of conductivity of the nonreticulocyte population (SD‐C‐NRET) and unghosted cell (UGC). Comparison between groups was performed by Student's t‐test, and the diagnostic performance was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsBoth the LHD% and RSF were significantly higher in IDA than TT, whereas MAF and SD‐C‐NRET were significantly lower. The SD‐C‐NRET showed the best diagnostic performance as a single parameter. A formula, [(RBC + Hb) × (HCT + SD‐C‐NRET)]/RDW‐SD, was devised to distinguish between IDA and TT. With a cut‐off value of 23, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.995 (95% CI of 0.99–1.00), the sensitivity was 97%, and the specificity was 99.1%.ConclusionsThe new RBC parameters on Beckman Coulter DxH800 provide useful information in distinguishing between IDA and TT, which is important for clinical decision‐making and for streamlining laboratory testing. A new formula is devised that performs better than other discriminant functions in the literature.
Iron Distribution in Size‐Resolved Aerosols Generated by UV‐Femtosecond Laser Ablation: Influence of Cell Geometry and Implications for In Situ Isotopic Determination by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: d'Abzac Francois‐Xavier , Czaja Andrew D. , Beard Brian L. , Schauer James J. , Johnson Clark M. 
Published: May 2014

The influence of ablation cell geometry (Frames single‐ and HelEx two‐volume cells) and laser wavelength (198 and 266 nm) on aerosols produced by femtosecond laser ablation (fs‐LA) were evaluated. Morphologies, iron mass distribution (IMD) and 56Fe/54Fe ratios of particles generated from magnetite, pyrite, haematite and siderite were studied. The following two morphologies were identified: spherules (10–200 nm) and agglomerates (5–10 nm). Similarity in IMD and ablation rate at 198 and 266 nm indicates similar ablation mechanisms. 56Fe/54Fe ratios increased with aerodynamic particle size as a result of kinetic fractionation during laser plasma plume expansion, cooling and aerosol condensation. The HelEx cell produces smaller particles with a larger range of 56Fe/54Fe ratios (1.85‰) than particles from the Frames cell (1.16‰), but the bulk aerosol matches the bulk substrate for both cells, demonstrating stoichiometric fs‐LA sampling. IMD differences are the result of faster wash out of the HelEx cell allowing less time for agglomeration of small, low‐δ 56Fe particles with larger, high‐δ 56Fe particles in the cell. Even with a shorter ablation time, half the total Fe ion intensity, and half the ablation volume, the HelEx cell produced Fe isotope determinations for magnetite that were as precise as the Frames cell, even when the latter included an aerosol‐homogenising mixing chamber. The HelEx cell delivered a more constant stream of small particles to the ICP, producing a more stable Fe ion signal (0.7% vs. 1.5% RSE for 56Fe in a forty‐cycle single analysis), constant instrumental mass bias and thus a more precise measurement.
Predicting emotional exhaustion among haemodialysis nurses: a structural equation model using Kanter's structural empowerment theory
Authors: Hayes Bronwyn , Douglas Clint , Bonner Ann 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo test an explanatory model of the relationships between the nursing work environment, job satisfaction, job stress and emotional exhaustion for haemodialysis nurses, drawing on Kanter's theory of organizational empowerment.BackgroundUnderstanding the organizational predictors of burnout (emotional exhaustion) in haemodialysis nurses is critical for staff retention and improving nurse and patient outcomes. Previous research has demonstrated high levels of emotional exhaustion among haemodialysis nurses, yet the relationships between nurses' work environment, job satisfaction, stress and emotional exhaustion in this population are poorly understood.DesignA cross‐sectional online survey.Methods417 nurses working in haemodialysis units completed an online survey between October 2011–April 2012 using validated measures of the work environment, job satisfaction, job stress and emotional exhaustion.ResultsOverall, the structural equation model demonstrated adequate fit and we found partial support for the hypothesized relationships. Nurses' work environment had a direct positive effect on job satisfaction, explaining 88% of the variance. Greater job satisfaction, in turn, predicted lower job stress, explaining 82% of the variance. Job satisfaction also had an indirect effect on emotional exhaustion by mitigating job stress. However, job satisfaction did not have a direct effect on emotional exhaustion.ConclusionThe work environment of haemodialysis nurses is pivotal to the development of job satisfaction. Nurses' job satisfaction also predicts their level of job stress and emotional exhaustion. Our findings suggest staff retention can be improved by creating empowering work environments that promote job satisfaction among haemodialysis nurses.
Primates karyological diagnosis and management programs applications
Authors: Steinberg Eliana R. , Nieves Mariela , Fantini Lucía , Mudry Marta D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundCaptive primates are often maintained in groups without geographic origin or genetic heritage information. This could lead to an incorrect assignment of species, which could result in an inadequate management of the colonies.MethodsWe present a cytogenetic protocol adapted to be successfully used in an accurate taxonomic diagnosis of non‐human primates (Platyrrhini), including lymphocyte culture, G‐ and C‐banding, meiosis, and fluorescent in situ hybridization technique (FISH).ResultsUsing classical cytogenetic diagnosis, the species status was determined in 541 Platyrrhini individuals. Of these, 99 were previously erroneously sexed or assigned to a different species using only morphological characteristics.ConclusionsThe cytogenetic results highlight the relevance of the genetic characterization of primates both in captivity and in the wild. These techniques had been used in our research group for more than 30 years in different research projects, not only for characterizing hundreds of primates, but also different for topics regarding primates genomes and evolution.
Functional analysis and purification of a Pen‐2 fusion protein for γ‐secretase structural studies
Authors: Holmes Oliver , Paturi Swetha , Wolfe Michael S. , Selkoe Dennis J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe 19‐transmembrane, multisubunit γ‐secretase complex generates the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by an unusual intramembrane proteolysis of the β‐amyloid precursor protein. The complex, which similarly processes many other type 1 transmembrane substrates, is composed of presenilin, Aph1, nicastrin, and presenilin enhancer (Pen‐2), all of which are necessary for proper complex maturation and enzymatic activity. Obtaining a high‐resolution atomic structure of the intact complex would greatly aid the rational design of compounds to modulate activity but is a very difficult task. A complementary method is to generate structures for each individual subunit to allow one to build a model of the entire complex. Here, we describe a method by which recombinant human Pen‐2 can be purified from bacteria to > 95% purity at milligram quantities per liter, utilizing a maltose binding protein tag to both increase solubility and facilitate purification. Expressing the same construct in mammalian cells, we show that the large N‐terminal maltose binding protein tag on Pen‐2 still permits incorporation into the complex and subsequent presenilin‐1 endoproteolysis, nicastrin glycosylation and proteolytic activity. These new methods provide valuable tools to study the structure and function of Pen‐2 and the γ‐secretase complex.
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We present a method by which an MBP‐tagged form of the Pen‐2 subunit of γ‐secretase may be purified from bacteria to mg quantities at greater than 95% purity. We show that this construct is incorporated into and allows full activity of γ‐secretase in a mammalian system. These methods provide valuable tools to study the structure and function of Pen‐2 and γ‐secretase.
The Media and the Diffusion of Information in Financial Markets: Evidence from Newspaper Strikes
Authors: PERESS JOEL 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe media are increasingly recognized as key players in financial markets. I investigate their causal impact on trading and price formation by examining national newspaper strikes in several countries. Trading volume falls 12% on strike days. The dispersion of stock returns and their intraday volatility are reduced by 7%, while aggregate returns are unaffected. Moreover, analysis of return predictability indicates that newspapers propagate news from the previous day. These findings demonstrate that the media contribute to the efficiency of the stock market by improving the dissemination of information among investors and its incorporation into stock prices.
Shaping Liquidity: On the Causal Effects of Voluntary Disclosure
Authors: BALAKRISHNAN KARTHIK , BILLINGS MARY BROOKE , KELLY BRYAN , LJUNGQVIST ALEXANDER 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTCan managers influence the liquidity of their firms’ shares? We use plausibly exogenous variation in the supply of public information to show that firms actively shape their information environments by voluntarily disclosing more information than regulations mandate and that such efforts improve liquidity. Firms respond to an exogenous loss of public information by providing more timely and informative earnings guidance. Responses appear motivated by a desire to reduce information asymmetries between retail and institutional investors. Liquidity improves as a result and in turn increases firm value. This suggests that managers can causally influence their cost of capital via voluntary disclosure.
Agency Conflicts and Cash: Estimates from a Dynamic Model
Authors: NIKOLOV BORIS , WHITED TONI M. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWhich agency problems affect corporate cash policy? To answer this question, we estimate a dynamic model of finance and investment with three mechanisms that misalign managerial and shareholder incentives: limited managerial ownership of the firm, compensation based on firm size, and managerial perquisite consumption. We find that perquisite consumption critically impacts cash policy. Size‐based compensation also matters, but less. Firms with lower blockholder and institutional ownership have higher managerial perquisite consumption, low managerial ownership is a key factor in the secular upward trend in cash holdings, and agency plays little role in small firms' substantial cash holdings.
Attachment‐Retained Gingival Prosthesis for Implant‐Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis in the Maxilla: A Clinical Report
Authors: Aparecida de Mattias Sartori Ivete , Uhlendorf Yuri , Padovan Luiz Eduardo Marques , Junior Paulo Domingos Ribeiro , Melo Ana Cláudia Moreira , Tiossi Rodrigo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe rehabilitation of edentulous maxillae is a complex procedure due to the involvement of esthetic and functional requirements. A trial maxillary denture can be used to identify the need for adequate upper lip support when replacing removable complete dentures by implant‐fixed dental prostheses. This clinical report describes the outcome of the rehabilitation of an edentulous atrophic maxilla with unfavorable maxillomandibular relationship and deficient upper lip support. A trial denture was fabricated and used to diagnose the need for a prosthesis capable of restoring the upper lip support. The reduced upper lip support was also confirmed by a lateral cephalogram. The patient was rehabilitated by an implant‐fixed dental prosthesis associated with an attachment‐retained gingival prosthesis. The case presented shows that when loss of upper lip support is detected and the patient does not wish to undergo further surgical reconstruction procedure, the retention of a gingival prosthesis using a ball attachment is a satisfactory treatment option.
Late Holocene persistence of Abies alba in low‐mid altitude deciduous forests of central and southern Italy: new perspectives from charcoal data
Authors: Di Pasquale Gaetano , Allevato Emilia , Cocchiararo Anna , Moser Daniela , Pacciarelli Marco , Saracino Antonio 
Published: May 2014

AbstractQuestionsPollen data for Abies alba Mill., a key European tree species, show broad occurrence in the Italian peninsula in the early to mid‐Holocene diffusion (until ca. 6000 yr ago) along the Italian peninsula and a strong decline/local extinction starting ca. 5000 yr ago. This decline has been attributed to climate change. Recently, high‐resolution pollen studies, mainly in northern Italian sites claim that A. alba disappearance was mainly due to human impact. We examined the presence of A. alba in archaeological sites of southern and central Italy in order to trace the late Holocene history (last 3000 yr) of this tree and enhance understanding of its role in pre‐anthropic vegetation and of human involvement in its decline.LocationCentral and southern Italy.MethodsAnthracological analysis was conducted in six archaeological layers at the archaeological site of Trebbio‐Spinellina (800–600 BC, Sansepolcro, Tuscany). A critical analysis of wood/charcoal literature relevant to Abies in central and southern Italy was used to corroborate the results of Trebbio‐Spinellina. Charcoal records from archaeological sites have been compared with the current distribution of A. alba.ResultsAt Trebbio‐Spinellina, A. alba charcoal is present in all contexts examined, together with mesophilous broad‐leaf taxa (Quercus deciduous, Carpinus betulus, Ostrya carpinifolia, Corylus avellana). A low charcoal percentage of Fagus sylvatica and Taxus baccata is also found; evergreen taxa are mainly represented by Quercus ilex with occasional shrubs (i.e. Viburnum, Cistus, Erica). In the literature, we identified several peninsular and insular Italian archaeological sites showing charcoal evidence of Abies, accompanied by deciduous oaks, mainly Q. cerris, and other broad‐leaf mesophilous trees, dating from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages. All sites, except one, lie at less than 600 m a.s.l., and far from present‐day A. alba communities.ConclusionResults call for a reworking of the prevailing paradigm of A. alba as a relic mountain species. Indeed, A. alba once grew at lower altitudes than currently and was associated with deciduous oaks, mainly Q. cerris, and other mesophilous broad‐leaf trees. This evidence calls into question the suitability of the Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) concept usually applied in the floristic approach. The recent population decline is attributable to human activity rather than to climate change. Finally, the persistence of A. alba until the late Holocene calls into question the assumptions that it is a relic species with no potential to expand its spatial range.
Distribution and traits of climbing plants in subtropical and temperate South America
Authors: Durigon Jaqueline , Miotto Silvia T.S. , Gianoli Ernesto 
Published: May 2014

AbstractQuestionsHow do climbing species richness and composition change between subtropical and temperate areas of southern South America? How do growth form (lianas and vines) and climbing mechanisms change between subtropical and temperate areas of southern South America? How much of the diversity of species and traits of the extratropical climbing flora is derived from taxa shared with the tropical region?LocationSubtropical (23–30° S) and temperate (>30° S) areas of South America.MethodsAn extensive literature search was carried out in the main databases concerning the flora of southern South America. Climbing species occurrence in subtropical and temperate areas and climbing traits were retrieved. Differences in the frequencies of both growth forms and climbing mechanisms between areas were evaluated using chi‐square analyses. Trait frequencies in subtropical and temperate floras were analysed with and without considering species shared with the tropical region.ResultsClimbing species richness decreased from subtropical to temperate areas, and there were changes in the taxonomic composition. The frequency of growth forms and climbing mechanisms differed between subtropical and temperate areas. Herbaceous vines accounted for 85% of temperate‐exclusive species. Twiners contributed less to climber richness in the temperate area, while tendril‐bearers and leaf‐climbers became more important; root‐climbers were only found in temperate forests. Species shared with the tropical region increase the number of liana species in both subtropical and temperate floras, but alter the frequencies of climbing mechanisms in the subtropical flora only.ConclusionsResults call for a re‐evaluation of the importance that is given to climbers in regions outside the tropics. Vines must be included in models of distribution and abundance of climbers in order to gain a better understanding of climbing plant ecology. The association between climbing mechanisms and the success of climbing plant species in different ecosystems must be further investigated.
Structure of the atypical bacteriocin pectocin M2 implies a novel mechanism of protein uptake
Authors: Grinter Rhys , Josts Inokentijs , Zeth Kornelius , Roszak Aleksander W. , McCaughey Laura C. , Cogdell Richard J. , Milner Joel J. , Kelly Sharon M. , Byron Olwyn , Walker Daniel 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe colicin‐like bacteriocins are potent protein antibiotics that have evolved to efficiently cross the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria by parasitizing nutrient uptake systems. We have structurally characterized the colicin M‐like bacteriocin, pectocin M2, which is active against strains of Pectobacterium spp. This unusual bacteriocin lacks the intrinsically unstructured translocation domain that usually mediates translocation of these bacteriocins across the outer membrane, containing only a single globular ferredoxin domain connected to its cytotoxic domain by a flexible α‐helix, which allows it to adopt two distinct conformations in solution. The ferredoxin domain of pectocin M2 is homologous to plant ferredoxins and allows pectocin M2 to parasitize a system utilized by Pectobacterium to obtain iron during infection of plants. Furthermore, we identify a novel ferredoxin‐containing bacteriocin pectocin P, which possesses a cytotoxic domain homologous to lysozyme, illustrating that the ferredoxin domain acts as a generic delivery module for cytotoxic domains in Pectobacterium.
A universal DNA extraction and PCR amplification method for fungal rDNA sequence‐based identification
Authors: Romanelli A. M. , Fu J. , Herrera M. L. , Wickes B. L. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryAccurate identification of fungal pathogens using a sequence‐based approach requires an extraction method that yields template DNA pure enough for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other types of amplification. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and standardise a rapid, inexpensive DNA extraction protocol applicable to the major fungal phyla, which would yield sufficient template DNA pure enough for PCR and sequencing. A total of 519 clinical and culture collection strains, comprised of both yeast and filamentous fungi, were prepared using our extraction method to determine its applicability for PCR, which targeted the ITS and D1/D2 regions in a single PCR amplicon. All templates were successfully amplified and found to yield the correct strain identification when sequenced. This protocol could be completed in approximately 30 min and utilised a combination of physical and chemical extraction methods but did not require organic solvents nor ethanol precipitation. The method reduces the number of tube manipulations and yielded suitable template DNA for PCR amplification from all phyla that were tested.