bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro assessment of artifacts induced by titanium dental implants in cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Benic Goran I. , Sancho‐Puchades Manuel , Jung Ronald E. , Deyhle Hans , Hämmerle Christoph H.F. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the geometric pattern and the intensity of artifacts around titanium implants in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) using an in vitro model.Material and methodsTen test models, each containing one 4.1‐mm‐diameter titanium implant, were cast from a human mandible using silicone impression material and dental stone. Each model contained an implant in one of the following single‐tooth gaps: 37, 36, 34, 33, 31, 41, 43, 44, 46, and 47. For control purposes, three models without implants were produced. Each model was scanned five times using a CBCT scanner. Gray values (GV) were recorded at eight circumferential positions around the implants at 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm from the implant surface (GVTest). GV were measured in the corresponding volumes of interest (VOI) in the models without implants (GVControl). Differences of gray values (ΔGV) between GVTest and GVControl were calculated as percentages. To detect differences between GVTest and GVControl, the 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed for the values of ΔGV. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for the comparison of ΔGV at 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm from the implant surface.ResultsArtifacts reflected by altered GV were always present in the proximity of titanium implants, regardless of the implant position. When comparing GVTest and GVControl, increased GV were found at the buccal and lingual aspects of the implant sites, whereas regions with reduced GV were located along the long axis of the mandibular body of the test models. A significant decrease in artifact intensity was found with increasing distance from the buccal implant surface (ΔGV0.5 mm: 45 ± 10% [SD], ΔGV1 mm: 28 ± 14% [SD], ΔGV2 mm: 14 ± 7% [SD]) (P < 0.001).ConclusionArtifacts around titanium implants in CBCT images were distributed according to a geometrical pattern.
Transient swelling of the Schneiderian membrane after transversal sinus augmentation: a pilot study
Authors: Quirynen Marc , Lefever David , Hellings Peter , Jacobs Reinhilde 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe predictability and simplicity of the Summers' technique for sinus floor elevation encouraged many clinicians to consider this new approach. The impact of such intervention on the sinus mucosa has, however, not been explored extensively. This pilot study followed the response of the Schneiderian membrane, longitudinally, via cone‐beam CT images.Material and methodsTen consecutive patients (five women, mean age 58.7 years) referred for implant therapy in the posterior part of the maxilla, in combination with a trans‐alveolar sinus floor elevation (13 sinuses involved), were enrolled. CBCT images were taken prior to and at 1 week and 1 month after surgery. The changes in thickness of the Schneiderian membrane were scored at nine standardized points per sinus using reformatted cross‐sectional images.ResultsOne week after sinus floor elevation, the Schneiderian membrane showed a significant swelling of 9.2 mm in the middle (SD 0.3; P < 0.005), 7.2 mm medially (SD 2.5; P < 0.005) and 3.9 mm laterally (SD 0,3; P < 0.05), respectively, resulting in an overall mean of 6.7 mm (SD 2.6), which fully disappeared 3 weeks later. This swelling involved the entire floor of the sinus and not only the augmented area.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this pilot study, one can conclude that the Schneiderian membrane responds with a significant “transient” swelling (5–10× its size) during the first weeks of healing.
Generation of albino Xenopus tropicalis using zinc‐finger nucleases
Authors: Nakajima Keisuke , Nakajima Taeko , Takase Minoru , Yaoita Yoshio 
Published: October 2012

To generate albino lines of Xenopus tropicalis, we injected fertilized eggs with mRNAs encoding zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs) targeting the tyrosinase coding region. Surprisingly, vitiligo was observed on the skin of F0 frogs that had been injected with ZFN mRNAs, indicating that both tyrosinase genes in the genome were disrupted in all melanocytes within the vitiligo patches. Mutation analysis using genomic DNA from the skin revealed that two mosaic F0 frogs underwent spatially complex tyrosinase gene mutations. The data implies that the ZFN‐induced tyrosinase gene ablations occurred randomly over space and time throughout the entire body, possibly until the young tadpole stage, and that melanocyte precursors lacking functional tyrosinase proliferated and formed vitiligo patches. Several albino X. tropicalis, which are compound heterozygotes for biallelic tyrosinase mutations, were obtained by mating the mosaic F0 frogs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the albino vertebrates generated by the targeted gene knockout.
Direct and indirect effects of a thrips‐transmitted Tospovirus on the preference and fitness of its vector, Frankliniella fusca
Authors: Shrestha Anita , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu , Riley David G. , Culbreath Albert K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPhytoviruses including tospoviruses are known to affect the behavior and fitness of their vectors both positively and negatively. In this study, we investigated the effects of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (family Bunyaviridae, genus Tospovirus) infection on the fitness and feeding ability of tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) using peanut, Arachis hypogaea L. (Fabaceae), as a host. Potentially viruliferous F. fusca laid more eggs than non‐viruliferous F. fusca. In contrast, fewer potentially viruliferous F. fusca developed into adults and required a longer developmental time than non‐viruliferous F. fusca, indicating a direct negative effect of the virus on thrips fitness. In addition, no‐choice feeding tests indicated that non‐viruliferous F. fusca fed more rapidly than potentially viruliferous F. fusca. Typically, phytovirus infections are known to enhance the availability of vital nutrients such as free amino acids in infected host plants and to affect other important physiological processes negatively. Free amino acids are known to play a vital role in egg production and development. Further investigations in this study revealed that leaflets of infected plants had ca. 15 times more free amino acids than non‐infected leaflets. TSWV‐infected leaflets were used to rear potentially viruliferous thrips. Higher amino acid levels in TSWV‐infected leaflets than in non‐infected leaflets could have contributed to increased oviposition by potentially viruliferous F. fusca compared to non‐viruliferous F. fusca. Taken together, these results suggest that increased concentrations of free amino acids in TSWV‐infected plants might serve as an incentive for thrips feeding on otherwise unsuitable hosts, thereby facilitating TSWV acquisition and transmission.
Imitating others' actions: transcranial magnetic stimulation of the parietal opercula reveals the processes underlying automatic imitation
Authors: Mengotti Paola , Ticini Luca F. , Waszak Florian , Schütz‐Bosbach Simone , Rumiati Raffaella I. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe human tendency to imitate gestures performed by conspecifics is automatic in nature. However, whether this automatic imitation can be considered as a true imitative phenomenon or only as a special instance of spatial compatibility is still being debated. New evidence suggests that automatic imitation, otherwise known as ‘imitative compatibility’, shall be considered as a phenomenon that operates independently from spatial compatibility. So far there are only a few investigations directly aimed at identifying the neural structures dedicated to this process. In the present study, we applied double‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the parietal opercula to further investigate the role of these regions in coding imitative compatibility. We found that a temporary disruption of parietal opercula caused the reduction of the imitative compatibility relative to the sham condition. In particular, the TMS interference with the parietal opercula's activity modulated the imitative compatibility but not the spatial compatibility, suggesting that these two processes are likely to be independent.
A dynamic model for eye‐position‐dependence of spontaneous nystagmus in acute unilateral vestibular deficit (Alexander's Law)
Authors: Khojasteh Elham , Bockisch Christopher J. , Straumann Dominik , Hegemann Stefan C. A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSpontaneous nystagmus (SN) is a symptom of acute vestibular tone asymmetry. Alexander's Law (AL) states that slow‐phase velocity of SN is higher when looking in the direction of fast‐phases of nystagmus and lower in the slow‐phase direction. Earlier explanations for AL predict that during SN, slow‐phase eye velocity is a linear function of eye position, increasing linearly as eye deviates towards the fast‐phase direction. Recent observations, however, show that this is often not the case; eye velocity does not vary linearly with eye position. Such new findings necessitate a re‐evaluation of our understanding of AL. As AL may be an adaptive response of the vestibular system to peripheral lesions, understanding its mechanism could shed light on early adaptation strategies of the brain. Here, we propose a physiologically plausible mechanism for AL that explains recent experimental data. We use a dynamic control system model to simulate this mechanism and make testable predictions. This mechanism is based on the known effects of unilateral vestibular deficit on the response of the ipsi‐ and contralesional vestibular nuclei (VN) of the brainstem. This hypothesis is based on the silencing of the majority of ipsilesional VN units, which creates an asymmetry between the responses of the ipsi‐ and contralesional VN. Unlike former explanations, the new hypothesis does not rely on lesion detection strategies or signals originating in higher brain structures. The proposed model demonstrates possible consequences of acute peripheral deficits for the function of the velocity‐to‐position neural integrator of the ocular motor system and the vestibulo‐ocular reflex.
The role of medial prefrontal cortex in extinction and reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking in rats
Authors: Willcocks Andrea L. , McNally Gavan P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are thought to play opposing roles in drug‐seeking behaviour. Specifically, the PL promotes drug‐seeking whereas the IL is necessary for the inhibition of drug‐seeking during extinction. We studied the roles of the PL, IL and dorsal peduncular PFC (DP) in the expression of context‐induced reinstatement, reacquisition and extinction of alcoholic beer‐seeking. In context‐induced reinstatement (renewal), animals were trained to nosepoke for alcoholic beer (context A), extinguished (context B) and then tested in context A and B. In reacquisition, animals received the same instrumental training and extinction without any contextual manipulation. On test, alcoholic beer was again available and responding was compared with naive controls. Just prior to the test, rats received bilateral infusion of baclofen/muscimol into the PL, IL or DP. Reversible inactivation of the PL attenuated ABA renewal but augmented reacquisition. Reversible inactivation of IL had no effect on the reinstatement or reacquisition of alcoholic beer‐seeking and had no effect on extinction expression (ABB and AAA). IL inactivation did, however, increase the latencies with which animals responded on test but only when animals were tested in the extinction context. DP inactivation had no effect on reinstatement or reacquisition. These studies are inconsistent with the view that PL and IL exert opposing effects on drug‐seeking. Rather, they support the view that PL is important for retrieval of drug‐seeking contingency information and that the use of contextual information is enhanced with IL manipulation.
Environmental and physical controls on northern terrestrial methane emissions across permafrost zones
Authors: Olefeldt David , Turetsky Merritt R. , Crill Patrick M. , McGuire A. David 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMethane (CH4) emissions from the northern high‐latitude region represent potentially significant biogeochemical feedbacks to the climate system. We compiled a database of growing‐season CH4 emissions from terrestrial ecosystems located across permafrost zones, including 303 sites described in 65 studies. Data on environmental and physical variables, including permafrost conditions, were used to assess controls on CH4 emissions. Water table position, soil temperature, and vegetation composition strongly influenced emissions and had interacting effects. Sites with a dense sedge cover had higher emissions than other sites at comparable water table positions, and this was an effect that was more pronounced at low soil temperatures. Sensitivity analysis suggested that CH4 emissions from ecosystems where the water table on average is at or above the soil surface (wet tundra, fen underlain by permafrost, and littoral ecosystems) are more sensitive to variability in soil temperature than drier ecosystems (palsa dry tundra, bog, and fen), whereas the latter ecosystems conversely are relatively more sensitive to changes of the water table position. Sites with near‐surface permafrost had lower CH4 fluxes than sites without permafrost at comparable water table positions, a difference that was explained by lower soil temperatures. Neither the active layer depth nor the organic soil layer depth was related to CH4 emissions. Permafrost thaw in lowland regions is often associated with increased soil moisture, higher soil temperatures, and increased sedge cover. In our database, lowland thermokarst sites generally had higher emissions than adjacent sites with intact permafrost, but emissions from thermokarst sites were not statistically higher than emissions from permafrost‐free sites with comparable environmental conditions. Overall, these results suggest that future changes to terrestrial high‐latitude CH4 emissions will be more proximately related to changes in moisture, soil temperature, and vegetation composition than to increased availability of organic matter following permafrost thaw.
Climate, copepods and seabirds in the boreal Northeast Atlantic – current state and future outlook
Authors: Frederiksen Morten , Anker‐Nilssen Tycho , Beaugrand Grégory , Wanless Sarah 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe boreal Northeast Atlantic is strongly affected by current climate change, and large shifts in abundance and distribution of many organisms have been observed, including the dominant copepod Calanus finmarchicus, which supports the grazing food web and thus many fish populations. At the same time, large‐scale declines have been observed in many piscivorous seabirds, which depend on abundant small pelagic fish. Here, we combine predictions from a niche model of C. finmarchicus with long‐term data on seabird breeding success to link trophic levels. The niche model shows that environmental suitability for C. finmarchicus has declined in southern areas with large breeding seabird populations (e.g. the North Sea), and predicts that this decline is likely to spread northwards during the 21st century to affect populations in Iceland and the Faroes. In a North Sea colony, breeding success of three common piscivorous seabird species [black‐legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), common guillemot (Uria aalge) and Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica)] was strongly positively correlated with local environmental suitability for C. finmarchicus, whereas this was not the case at a more northerly colony in west Norway. Large seabird populations seem only to occur where C. finmarchicus is abundant, and northward distributional shifts of common boreal seabirds are therefore expected over the coming decades. Whether or not population size can be maintained depends on the dispersal ability and inclination of these colonial breeders, and on the carrying capacity of more northerly areas in a warmer climate.
An exploration of patient and family engagement in routine primary care visits
Authors: Wolff Jennifer L. , Clayman Marla L. , Rabins Peter , Cook Mary Ann , Roter Debra L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults are commonly accompanied to routine medical visits. Whether and how family companion behaviours relate to visit processes is poorly understood.ObjectiveTo examine family companion behaviours in relation to older adults' medical visit processes.Design and participantsObservational study of 78 accompanied primary care patients ages 65 and older.Main outcome measuresMedical visit communication (coded using RIAS), patient verbal activity (as a proportion of visit statements) and visit duration (in min), from audio recordings.ResultsCompanions' facilitation of patient involvement was associated with greater patient question asking (P = 0.017) and orienting statements, less passive agreement (P = 0.004) and social talk (P = 0.013) and visits that were 3.4 min longer (P = 0.025). Facilitation of patient understanding was associated with less physician question asking (P = 0.004), visits that were 3.0 min longer (P = 0.031), and lower patient verbal activity (30.3% vs. 36.9% of visit statements; P = 0.028). Facilitation of doctor understanding was associated with greater patient biomedical information giving (P = 0.049). Autonomy detracting behaviours were not associated with visit duration but were associated with lower levels of patient verbal activity (36.3% vs. 29.1% of visit statements; P = 0.041). When companions assumed more behaviours, medical visits were incrementally longer (16.1, 19.5, 21.7 min, corresponding to 0–1, 2–4 and 5+ behaviours; P < 0.001 both contrasts), and patients were less verbally active (35.6%, 33.9%, 27.1% of visit statements; P = 0.09 and P = 0.009, respectively).DiscussionBehaviours assumed by patients' companions were associated with visit communication, patient verbal activity and visit duration.ConclusionsInterventions to capitalize on family companions' presence may benefit medical visit processes.
Establishment and characterization of a new and stable collagen‐binding assay for the assessment of von Willebrand factor activity
Authors: Ni Y. , Nesrallah J. , Agnew M. , Geske F. J. , Favaloro E. J. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryIntroductionLaboratory diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) requires determination of both von Willebrand factor (VWF) protein levels and activity. Current VWF activity tests include the ristocetin cofactor assay and the collagen‐binding assay (VWF:CB). The goal of this investigation is to characterize a new collagen‐binding assay and to determine its effectiveness in identifying VWD.MethodsAnalytical studies were carried out to characterize the performance of a new VWF:CB ELISA. Additionally, samples from a normal population were tested as were well‐characterized type 1 and type 2 VWD samples.ResultsRepeatability and within‐laboratory precision studies resulted in coefficients of variation (CVs) of ≤11%. A linear range of 1–354% (0.01–3.54 IU/mL) was determined, along with a limit of detection and a lower limit of quantitation of 1.6% and 4.0% (0.016 and 0.04 IU/mL), respectively. Samples tested from apparently healthy individuals resulted in a normal range of 54–217% (0.54–2.17 IU/mL). Known VWD type 1 and type 2 samples were also analyzed by the ELISA, with 99% of samples having VWF:CB below the normal reference range and an estimated 96% sensitivity and 87% specificity using a VWF collagen‐binding/antigen cutoff ratio of 0.50.ConclusionThis new VWF:CB ELISA provides an accurate measure of collagen‐binding activity that aids in the diagnosis and differentiation of type 1 from type 2 VWD.
Maternal Opioid Treatment: Human Experimental Research (MOTHER)—approach, issues and lessons learned
Authors: Jones Hendrée E. , Fischer Gabriele , Heil Sarah H. , Kaltenbach Karol , Martin Peter R. , Coyle Mara G. , Selby Peter , Stine Susan M. , O'Grady Kevin E. , Arria Amelia M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsThe Maternal Opioid Treatment: Human Experimental Research (MOTHER) project, an eight‐site randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, flexible‐dosing, parallel‐group clinical trial is described. This study is the most current—and single most comprehensive—research effort to investigate the safety and efficacy of maternal and prenatal exposure to methadone and buprenorphine.MethodsThe MOTHER study design is outlined, and its basic features are presented.ConclusionsAt least seven important lessons have been learned from the MOTHER study: (i) an interdisciplinary focus improves the design and methods of a randomized clinical trial; (ii) multiple sites in a clinical trial present continuing challenges to the investigative team due to variations in recruitment, patient populations and hospital practices that, in turn, differentially impact recruitment rates, treatment compliance and attrition; (iii) study design and protocols must be flexible in order to meet the unforeseen demands of both research and clinical management; (iv) staff turnover needs to be addressed with a proactive focus on both hiring and training; (v) the implementation of a protocol for the treatment of a particular disorder may identify important ancillary clinical issues worthy of investigation; (vi) timely tracking of data in a multi‐site trial is both demanding and unforgiving; and (vii) complex multi‐site trials pose unanticipated challenges that complicate the choice of statistical methods, thereby placing added demands on investigators to effectively communicate their results.
Fetal assessment before and after dosing with buprenorphine or methadone
Authors: Salisbury Amy L. , Coyle Mara G. , O'Grady Kevin E. , Heil Sarah H. , Martin Peter R. , Stine Susan M. , Kaltenbach Karol , Weninger Manfred , Jones Hendrée E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo determine pre‐ and post‐dosing effects of prenatal methadone compared to buprenorphine on fetal wellbeing.DesignA secondary analysis of data derived from the Maternal Opioid Treatment: Human Experimental Research (MOTHER) study, a double‐blind, double‐dummy, randomized clinical trial.SettingSix United States sites and one European site that provided comprehensive opioid‐dependence treatment to pregnant women.ParticipantsEighty‐one of the 131 opioid‐dependent pregnant women completing the MOTHER clinical trial, assessed between 31 and 33 weeks of gestation.MeasurementsTwo fetal assessments were conducted, once before and once after study medication dosing. Measures included mean fetal heart rate (FHR), number of FHR accelerations, FHR reactivity in the fetal non‐stress test (NST) and biophysical profile (BPP) score.FindingsSignificant group differences were found for number of FHR accelerations, non‐reactive NST and BPP scores (all Ps < 0.05). There were no significant group differences before time of dosing. Significant decreases (all Ps < 0.05) occurred from pre‐ to post‐dose assessment for mean FHR, FHR accelerations, reactive NST and fetal movement. The decrease in accelerations and reactive NST were significant only for fetuses in the methadone group, and this resulted in a significantly lower likelihood of a reactive NST compared to fetuses in the buprenorphine group.ConclusionBuprenorphine compared with methadone appears to result in less suppression of mean fetal heart rate, fetal heart rate reactivity and the biophysical profile score after medication dosing and these findings provide support for the relative safety of buprenorphine when fetal indices are considered as part of the complete risk–benefit ratio.