bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteaceae juvenile periods and post‐fire recruitment as indicators of minimum fire return interval in eastern coastal fynbos
Authors: Kraaij Tineke , Cowling Richard M. , van Wilgen Brian W. , Schutte‐Vlok AnneLise 
Published: May 2012

AbstractQuestionFire management practices aimed at biodiversity conservation are often in conflict with hazard reduction requirements. Particularly in protected areas where such conflict of interest exists, the question is asked: what are the ecological thresholds within which fire should be managed?LocationMontane proteoid fynbos shrublands, eastern coastal part of the Cape Floral Kingdom; coastal slopes of the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa.MethodsEstimates of optimal fire frequencies are often based on the relationship between plant age and the rate of seed accumulation of the slowest‐maturing species. We established juvenile periods and recruitment success (measured as the ratio of post‐fire recruits to the pre‐burn population) after fires at different intervals, of serotinous, reseeding shrubs in the Proteaceae. From this we estimated minimum fire return intervals (FRIs) that would allow for their persistence in eastern coastal fynbos shrublands.ResultsJuvenile periods ranged from 4 to 9 yr, which are comparable to ecologically similar proteoids elsewhere in fynbos and SE and SW Australian shrublands. There was large variability among sites and within species in the degree of flowering at given plant ages, some of which seemed related to the moisture regime. There were no consistent differences among species in their rate of maturation. Post‐fire recruitment success was near zero following a fire in 5‐yr‐old vegetation, always above replacement levels following fires in ≥7‐yr‐old vegetation, and at a maximum in old (38 yr) fynbos. There was considerable variation in post‐fire recruitment success for any particular FRI, species or site. The lack of a significant relationship between recruitment success and pre‐fire vegetation age, suggests that once a critical post‐fire age is attained, factors other than seed abundance affect recruitment success.ConclusionsFrom an ecological perspective, our findings imply a minimum FRI of 9 yr for eastern coastal fynbos. This is not intended to prescribe rigid management of fire according to a fixed rotation and does not negate the need to consider site‐ or species‐specific requirements. Instead it provides a lower threshold for a range of acceptable FRIs below which a significant decline of species populations is predicted.
Changes in plant species and functional composition with time since fire in two mediterranean climate plant communities
Authors: Gosper Carl R. , Yates Colin J. , Prober Suzanne M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractQuestionDo floristic composition and plant functional type (PFT) richness and dominance change with time since fire, in the directions predicted through consideration of their fire response traits?LocationTwo vegetation communities in the globally significant biodiversity hotspot of south‐western Australia: mallee, dominated by resprouters, and mallee‐heath, dominated by non‐resprouters.MethodsSpecies richness and cover were sampled in replicated plots across a time since fire gradient ranging from 2 to >55 yr post‐fire, using a space‐for‐time approach. Species were allocated to PFTs according to traits relevant to the processes of vegetation change underpinning the initial floristic composition model of vegetation assembly: their capacity to resprout, the location and persistence of the seed bank, competitive stratum and longevity. Ordination and ANOVA were used to test for differences in floristic and PFT composition between young (<10 yr post‐fire), mature (18–35 yr) and old (>40 yr) vegetation in each community.ResultsPlant functional type and floristic analyses were similar, showing substantial changes in the composition of mallee‐heath vegetation with time since fire, but not in mallee. The direction of change in PFT composition in mallee‐heath was consistent with predictions, with increasing cover of non‐resprouting, serotinous PFTs, an intermediate peak in cover of PFTs with persistent soil‐stored seed banks, and decreasing cover of post‐fire ephemerals and non‐resprouting, non‐serotinous dwarf shrubs, herbs and graminoids with increasing time since fire. Success in predicting changes in PFT dominance in mallee was lower.ConclusionsThe similarity of floristic and PFT analyses suggest that these approaches are interchangeable for characterizing vegetation change with increasing time since fire. PFTs were more effective for predicting fire response trajectories in the vegetation community dominated by non‐resprouting, serotinous shrubs (mallee‐heath) than that dominated by resprouting, serotinous trees (mallee). The underlying vegetation assembly model and PFTs used appear suitable for broader application in fire‐prone communities with competitive dominance by non‐resprouting, serotinous shrubs, but less so in communities dominated by other PFTs.
Ten Years Later. Results from a Prospective Single‐Centre Clinical Study on 121 Oxidized (TiUnite™) Brånemark Implants in 46 Patients
Authors: Östman Pär‐Olov , Hellman Mats , Sennerby Lars 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackground: Concerns have been raised that use of surface‐modified implants may result in peri‐implant infection and marked marginal bone loss over time.Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the survival rate, marginal bone, and soft tissue conditions at surface‐modified titanium dental implants after 10 years of function.Material and Methods: Forty‐six totally and partially edentulous patients were provided with 121 Brånemark oxidized implants (TiUnite™, Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). Twenty‐four (20%) implants were immediate loaded and 97 (80%) were placed using a two‐stage procedure. A total of 22 single, 23 partial, and 7 total restorations were delivered. Clinical and radiographic checkups were carried out after 3, 6, 12 months, and thereafter annually up to 10 years. At these occasions, oral hygiene was evaluated and peri‐implant mucosa examined by probing. If needed, patients were enrolled in an individual program for hygiene controls and professional cleaning. Marginal bone loss was evaluated in intraoral radiographs taken at baseline and after 1, 5, and 10 years of function.Results: One (0.8%) implant failed after 8 years giving a Survival Rate (SR) of 99.2% after 10 years. A total of 11 sites (9.2%) showed bleeding on probing (BP) at the 10th annual checkup. The mean marginal bone loss was 0.7 ± 1.35 mm based on 106 readable pairs of radiographs from baseline and from the 10th annual examination. Twelve (11.3%) implants showed more than 2 mm bone loss, and five (4.7%) showed more than 3 mm of bone loss after 10 years. For the latter, all patients were smokers and had poor or acceptable oral hygiene. All five implants with >3 mm bone loss showed BP and two (1.9%) showed suppuration from the pocket. For the remaining seven implants with more than 2 mm bone loss, no correlation to smoking, oral hygiene, bleeding, or pus could be seen. Time/marginal bone level plots of the 12 implants with more than 2 mm bone loss after 10 years, showed minor changes from the first annual checkup except for the two infected implants.Conclusions: It is concluded that good long‐term clinical outcomes can be obtained with oxidized titanium dental implants. Only 1.9% of examined implants showed significant marginal bone loss together with bleeding and suppuration after 10 years of function.
Anterior Space Management: Interdisciplinary Concepts
Authors: Ittipuriphat Iyarint , Leevailoj Chalermpol 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis case report describes the treatment of one patient with maxillary anterior spacing, caused by bilateral lateral peg‐shaped incisors, using a planned sequence of multidisciplinary approaches for esthetic treatment. An asymmetrical gingival line was visible when the patient smiled. To evaluate the desired gingival level and the proportion of restoration to be made using the recurring esthetic dental (RED) proportion method, a diagnostic wax‐up model was fabricated. Esthetic crown lengthening corrected the gingival line. RED proportion analysis suggested minor tooth movement prior to any restoration. Two weeks' use of an orthodontic removable appliance with finger springs achieved the proper dental proportion. Home whitening was prescribed for 2 weeks, with an additional 2‐week waiting period to ensure tooth color stability. Resin composite treatment corrected the mesial contour of the maxillary canines and reduced the space between the canines and lateral incisors. Final restoration was obtained by placing ceramic veneers on the lateral peg‐shaped incisors. The esthetic treatment achieved excellent results; after veneer cementation, the patient exhibited greater confidence with a new smile.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEEsthetic dental treatment requires various disciplines to achieve the treatment goal. This case report is an example of well‐planned sequences of treatment from the beginning to complete treatment. By conservative and practical treatment approaches used in this case, the clinician will be able to manage to obtain the highest result of esthetic treatment.(J Esthet Restor Dent 25:16–30, 2013)
General equilibrium theory and competitive trade models
Authors: Jones Ronald W. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract A rough generalization is that by and large economists who have contributed to establishing the properties of general equilibrium models, such as existence and optimality, form a rather different group from those who deal with simplified versions of general equilibrium in asking about comparative static questions, that is, international trade theorists. Paul Samuelson was a towering exception, making important contributions for both sets. Following his lead, this paper attempts to use an important technique developed by Samuelson to discuss how the body of general equilibrium theorists can gain from the portfolio of special simple models dealt with in competitive trade theory.
17‐year outcome of preterm infants with diverse neonatal morbidities: Part 1—Impact on physical, neurological, and psychological health status
Authors: Sullivan Mary C. , Msall Michael E. , Miller Robin J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose.  The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine physical, neurological, and psychological health in a U.S. sample of 180 infants at age 17.Design and Methods.  The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model framed the health‐related domains and contextual factors. Assessments included growth, chronic conditions, neurological status, and psychological health.Results.  Physical health, growth, and neurological outcomes were poorer in the preterm groups. Minor neurological impairment was related to integrative function. Preterm survivors reported higher rates of depression, anxiety, and inattention/hyperactivity.Practice Implications.  Complex health challenges confront preterm survivors at late adolescence, suggesting the necessity of continued health surveillance.
Joining of AlN to Ceramic Bonded Carbon for Heat Dissipating Substrates
Authors: Chen Weiwu , Tojo Tetsuro , Miyamoto Yoshinari 
Published: May 2012

Ceramic bonded carbon (CBC) is a new composite consisting of carbon particles bonded with thin ceramic boundaries. It can not only reinforce carbon but also provide joining capability with other materials. To obtain light‐weight heat dissipating substrates with matched low coefficients of thermal expansion, a top layer of
AlN
and a bottom layer of
AlN
/CBC (20 vol%
AlN
) were sintered and joined in one step by hot‐pressing at 1950°C. Both
AlN
and
AlN
/CBC were densified and bonded tightly.
AlN
/CBC has a density of 2.30 g/cm3, bending strength of 112 MPa, and thermal conductivity of 170 W/mK. The obtained
AlN–AlN
/CBC plates showed a high strength as a result of the direct
AlN–AlN
sintering at the
AlN
and
AlN
/CBC interface.
Penetration Study of Formulated Nanosized Titanium Dioxide in Models of Damaged and Sun‐Irradiated Skins
Authors: Miquel‐Jeanjean Corinne , Crépel Frédéric , Raufast Véronique , Payre Bruno , Datas Lucien , Bessou‐Touya Sandrine , Duplan Hélène 
Published: May 2012

AbstractInorganic ultraviolet filters such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), safe to use on healthy skin, are often applied on compromised and irradiated skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the cutaneous penetration of TiO2 nanoparticles (≥ 20 nm primary size), included in a sunscreen, in intact, damaged, irradiated, and damaged/irradiated pigskin. Cutaneous penetration and localization of TiO2 after a 24‐h sunscreen application were investigated quantitatively using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry, and qualitatively using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Elemental identity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by TEM‐coupled Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (TEM‐EDX). In intact and damaged/irradiated skins, 102.35 ± 4.20% and 102.84 ± 5.67% of the titanium deposited, respectively, were found at the surface and stratum corneum (SC), whereas only 0.19 ± 0.15% and 0.39 ± 0.39% were found in the viable epidermis and dermis and no titanium was detected in the receptor fluid. TEM‐EDX analysis confirmed the presence of titanium in the aggregates formed by TiO2 at the SC surface, as already characterized in the sunscreen formulation. TiO2 nanoparticles included in a sunscreen thus remain in the uppermost layers of the SC, whether in intact skin or in compromised and/or skin exposed to simulated solar radiation.
Recognition of a core fragment ofBeauveria bassianahydrophobin gene promoter (Phyd1) and its special use in improving fungal biocontrol potential
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Liang , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang 
Published: May 2012

SummaryTo identify a suitable promoter for use in engineering fungal entomopathogens to improve heterologous gene expression and fungal biocontrol potential, a 1798 bp promoter (Phyd1) upstream ofBeauveria bassianaclass I hydrophobin gene (hyd1) was optimized by upstream truncation and site‐directed mutation. A truncated 1290 bp fragment (Phyd1‐t1) droveeGFPexpression inB. bassianamuch more efficiently than full‐lengthPhyd1. Further truncatingPhyd1‐t1to 1179, 991 and 791 bp or mutating one of the binding domains of three transcription factors inPhyd1‐t1reduced significantly the expression ofeGFP(enhanced green fluorescence protein). UnderPhyd1‐t1control,eGFPwas expressed more abundantly in conidiogenic cells and conidia than in mycelia. Therefore,Phyd1‐t1was used to integrate a bacterium‐derived, insect midgut‐specific toxin (vip3Aa1) gene intoB. bassiana, yielding a transgenic strain (BbHV8) expressing 9.8‐fold more toxin molecules in conidia than a counterpart strain (BbV28) expressing the toxin under the control ofPgpdA, a promoter widely used for gene expression in fungi. Consequently,BbHV8 showed much higherper osvirulence toSpodoptera lituralarvae thanBbV28 in standardized bioassays with normal conidia for both cuticle penetration and ingestion or heat‐killed conidia for ingestion only. Conclusively,Phyd1‐t1is a useful tool for enhancing beneficial protein expression, such asvip3Aa1, in fungal conidia, which are the active ingredients of mycoinsecticides.
Estimation of the optimal brachytherapy utilisation rate in the treatment of vaginal cancer and comparison with patterns of care
Authors: Thompson Stephen R , Delaney Geoff P , Gabriel Gabriel S , Jacob Susannah , Barton Michael B 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Having previously modelled the optimal proportion of uterine cervix and corpus cancers that should be treated with brachytherapy (BT), we aimed to complete the assessment of the role of BT for gynaecological cancers by estimating the optimal proportion of vaginal cancer cases that should be treated with BT, the optimal BT utilisation (BTU) rate for vaginal cancer. We compared this with actual vaginal BTU and assessed quality of BT for vaginal cancer by a Patterns‐of‐Care Study (POCS).Methods: Evidence‐based guidelines were used to construct an optimal BTU decision tree for vaginal cancer. Searches of the epidemiological literature to ascertain the proportion of patients who fulfilled the criteria for BT were conducted. The robustness of the model was tested by sensitivity analyses and by peer review. A retrospective POCS of BT in New South Wales (NSW) for 2003 was conducted, and actual BTU for vaginal cancer was determined. Differences between optimal and actual BTU were assessed. Quality of BT for vaginal cancer was compared with published benchmarks.Results: The optimal vaginal cancer BTU rate was estimated to be 85% (range 81–87%). In NSW in 2003, actual vaginal cancer BTU was only 42% (95% confidence interval 22–62%). In NSW, only nine patients were treated, all with intra‐vaginal cylinders, and two of four to lower than recommended doses.Conclusions: BT for vaginal cancers is underutilised in NSW compared with the proposed optimal models of care. BT quality may have been suboptimal and this may relate to the rarity of this disease.
Malignant struma ovarii: The west of Scotland experience and review of literature with focus on postoperative management
Authors: Shrimali Raj K , Shaikh Ghazia , Reed Nick S 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Malignant struma ovarii is an extremely rare ovarian tumour containing malignant thyroid carcinoma within differentiated thyroid tissue, as the predominant tissue type. Surgery for suspected ovarian tumour and incidental pathological diagnosis is the most common presentation. Evidence supporting any particular approach to the clinical management of this condition is limited, mainly consisting of case reports, small series or pathological case series. There is no randomised evidence for postoperative management in view of the rarity of this condition. The opinion is divided between conservative management versus total thyroidectomy and radio‐iodine ablation.Methods: We carried out a retrospective review of our series with focus on postoperative management of this rare condition. A review of existing literature was also carried out.Results: Six patients with a median age of 52 years presented with various symptoms of abdominal pain, pressure or menstrual problems. After the initial gynaecological resection and specialised pathology review, they were subsequently treated with total thyroidectomy and administration of radioactive iodine. All of these six patients are in remission at a median follow up of 60 months.Conclusion: We favour aggressive postoperative management with total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine, and long‐term follow up of these patients.
Prevalence of the Bacterium Coxiella burnetii in Wild Rodents from a Canadian Natural Environment Park
Authors: Thompson M. , Mykytczuk N. , Gooderham K. , Schulte‐Hostedde A. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryZoonotic diseases impact both wild and domestic animal populations and can be transmitted to humans through close contact with animal species. Reservoir species acting as vectors are major traffickers of disease. Rodents contribute to the transmission of Coxiella burnetii although little is known about its prevalence in wild animal populations. DNA was extracted from genital swabs collected from woodland jumping mice, deer mice, Southern red‐backed voles, Eastern chipmunks, North American red squirrels, as well as Southern and Northern flying squirrels collected from Algonquin Park, Canada. The presence of C. burnetii was determined through real‐time PCR. All species sampled had some prevalence of infection, except Eastern chipmunks, indicating wild rodents in Algonquin Park are reservoirs for C. burnetii. Emerging zoonotic diseases are linked to increasing globalization. Contact amongst individuals increases as crowding, habitat loss and fragmentation increase within wild spaces. Parks often act as a last refuge for wildlife but may also be an important transmission zone of wildlife disease to humans. Investigations that attempt to discover wild reservoir species of zoonotic disease are critically important to understanding the risk of pathogen exchange between wild and human populations.
Remittances and Labour Supply in Post‐Conflict Tajikistan
Authors: Justino Patricia , Shemyakina Olga N. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis paper analyzes the impact of remittances on the labour supply of men and women in post‐conflict Tajikistan. We find that on average men and women from remittance‐receiving households are less likely to participate in the labour market and supply fewer hours when they do. The negative effect of remittances on labour supply is smaller for women, which is an intriguing result as other studies on remittances and labour supply (primarily focused on Latin America) have shown that female labour supply is more responsive to remittances. The results are robust to using different measures of remittances and inclusion of variables measuring migration of household members. We estimate a joint effect of remittances and an individual's residence in a conflict‐affected area during the Tajik civil war. Remittances had a larger impact on the labour supply of men living in conflict‐affected areas compared to men in less conflict‐affected areas. The impact of remittances on the labour supply of women does not differ by their residence in both the more or less conflict affected area.
Firm Behaviour and the Introduction of New exports: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Cirera Xavier , Marin Anabel , Markwald Ricardo 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis paper contributes to understanding the process of export diversification by analysing firm level determinants in Brazil during the period 2000–2009. The first objective of the paper is to establish the set of firm characteristics and processes that are more conductive to new exports; the second, to identify different pathways to diversification regarding relatedness and sophistication and, which firm level behaviours can be associated to the different paths. We answer these questions using a unique dataset that links data on exports, innovation and firms characteristics at the firm level. The paper contributes to the literature on export diversification and on preparation for exporting by identifying firm level behaviours that contribute to the process of diversification. In particular, the findings suggest that firms prepare for diversification by first gaining power in the domestic market and more importantly that they do so by adopting specific innovation and learning efforts.