bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Initial Slow Waves (ISWs) at the Seizure Onset in Patients with Drug Resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Bragin Anatol , Claeys Pieter , Vonck Kristl , Van Roost Dirk , Wilson Charles , Boon Paul , Engel Jerome 
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Rationale: The goal of this study is to analyze initial slow waves (ISWs) at seizure onset in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. ISWs are a specific type of ictal EEG pattern characterized by a slow wave at the seizure onset followed by low voltage fast activity. Methods: Investigations were carried out on 14 patients from the UCLA hospital (USA) and 10 from the Ghent University Hospital (Belgium) implanted with depth and grid electrodes for localization of the epileptogenic zone. Results: Sixty‐one seizures in the UCLA group and 30 seizures in the Ghent group were analyzed. Fourteen UCLA and seven Ghent patients had ISWs at seizure onset. The duration of ISWs varied between 0.3 to 6.0 s and maximum amplitude varied from 0.2 to 1.4 mV. ISWs in three of 14 UCLA patients (30% of seizures) had a consistent positive polarity at the deepest contacts that were located in the amygdala, hippocampus, or entorhinal cortex and reversed polarity outside of these brain areas (ISWs1). ISWs in 11 of 14 UCLA patients (70% of seizures) had negative polarity at the deepest electrodes and their amplitude increased toward the recording contacts located in the white matter or neocortex (ISWs2). All ISWs from the seven Ghent patients were negative in the depth contacts (ISWs2) and positive on grid electrodes at the cortical surface. ISWs1 were associated with EEG spikes at the onset and on increase in amplitude of 10–20 Hz sinusoidal activity. In contrast, ISWs2 were associated with suppression of EEG amplitude, an increase in frequency in the range of 20–50 Hz, and did not have EEG spikes at the onset. Multiunit neuronal activity showed strong synchronization of neuronal discharges during interictal spikes, but multiunit synchronization was not obvious during ISWs2. Conclusion: The existence of EEG spikes and phase reversal with ISWs1 indicates this type of seizure may be triggered by hypersynchronous neuronal discharges; however, seizures with ISWs2 at the onset may be triggered by different mechanisms, perhaps nonneuronal.
Simplifying Alcohol Assessment: Two Questions to Identify Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Vinson Daniel C. , Kruse Robin L. , Seale J. Paul 
Published: June 2007

Background: Previous work has validated a single question to screen for hazardous or harmful drinking, but identifying those patients who have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) among those who screen positive is still time consuming. We therefore sought to develop and validate a brief assessment instrument using DSM‐IV criteria for use in primary care medical practice.Methods: Four cross‐sectional surveys of past‐year drinkers. The developmental sample included patients presenting to emergency departments with an acute injury. The second sample, from the same study, was recruited by random‐digit dialing. The third sample was recruited in 5 family medicine practices in Georgia. The fourth sample was the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Interviews with the first 3 samples used the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) used the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule.Results: Two constructs with promising test characteristics were identified: recurrent drinking in hazardous situations and drinking more than intended. Among those who screened positive with the single question in the developmental sample (N=959), if either of the 2 items was positive, the sensitivity for current AUD was 95% and the specificity was 77%. In the second (N=494) and third (N=280) samples, the sensitivity was 94 and 95% and the specificity was 62 and 66%, respectively, among those with a positive screen. In the NESARC sample, including those with at least 1 occasion in the past year of drinking 5 or more drinks (N=7,890), the sensitivity and specificity were 77 and 86%, respectively.Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of these 2 items across 4 samples suggest that they could be formulated into 2 questions, potentially providing busy primary care clinicians with an efficient, reasonably accurate assessment instrument to identify AUD among those patients who screen positive with the single screening question.
Osteoblast Differentiation Is Enhanced in Rotary Cell Culture Simulated Microgravity Environments
Authors: Ko Y. Joon , Zaharias Rebecca S. , Seabold Denise A. , Lafoon John , Schneider Galen B. 
Published: June 2007

Purpose:
As the aging population increases, more people will become reliant on regenerative dental medicine for implant therapy. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that 3D rotary cell culture (RCC) environments created by simulated microgravity would enhance osteogenic gene expression using integrin mediated pathways.
Materials and Methods:
Human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM, ATCC 1486) pre‐osteoblasts were cultured in either RCC to create 3D environments or in 2D monolayers for 72 hours. Gross phenotypic analysis was performed using Alizarin Red S staining for calcium and microscopy. Real‐time PCR analysis was used to detect differences in osteoblast gene expression. Aggregates developed in 3D RCC environments were treated with or without antibody to the collagen‐I integrin receptor α2β1 to determine whether this molecular pathway might contribute to the development of a mineralized matrix.
Results:
Microscopic analysis demonstrated that RCC environments promoted 3D aggregate formation by 72 hours without any scaffold. The mass appeared osseous‐like with a white, shiny, translucent surface. The center was amorphous with areas of vacuolization, tubule‐like structures, and fibrous‐like extensions. Real‐time PCR data showed that 3D environments enhanced osteogenic gene expression as compared with 2D monolayer culturing conditions. At 72 hours, changes in levels of osteogenic gene expression were noted. Cbfa1, a necessary transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation, was expressed 33% higher (p= 0.26); Collagen 1, 69% higher (p= 0.05); Osterix, 49% higher (p= 0.001); and BSPII, 54% higher (p= 0.001) than osteoblasts cultured for 72 hours in standard 2D monolayer conditions. When cultured in the presence of collagen α2β1 integrin receptor antibody, 3D aggregates had decreased levels of mineralization as compared with non‐treated aggregates.
Conclusion:
RCC enhances osteoblast differentiation using integrin mediated pathways.
Measuring the Radiopacity of Luting Cements, dowels, and Core Build‐up Materials with a Digital Radiography System Using a CCD Sensor
Authors: Rasimick Brian J. , Gu Steven , Deutsch Allan S. , Musikant Barry Lee 
Published: June 2007

Purpose:
This study assessed the radiopacity of five luting cements, five dowels, and five core build‐up materials using two target distances.
Materials and Methods:
Materials were analyzed using a modified version of ISO protocol 4049. samples 1 mm thick were digitally radiographed alongside a stepwedge of aluminum alloy 1100 using a Trophy RVG‐4 CCD sensor and 70 kVp X‐ray generator. The gray‐scale values of the stepwedge and sample were converted to X‐ray absorbencies. The relationship between X‐ray absorbance and aluminum thickness was linear for thicknesses less than 10 mm and followed a power‐law relationship above 10 mm. These relations were used to convert the absorbencies of the samples into aluminum thicknesses. The radiopacity data was subjected to ANOVA/Student–Newman–Keuls testing.
Results:
All materials were more radiopaque than equivalent thicknesses of aluminum. Each product category contained a wide range of radiopacities. Syringe‐dispensed materials tended to be less radiopaque than materials dispensed by mechanically assisted syringe or mixed by hand (p < 0.01). Target distance did not affect the measured radiopacity so long as the exposure time was suitably adjusted (p= 0.86).
Conclusions:
All luting cements and core materials met or exceeded the ISO minimums. The tested metal‐reinforced glass ionomer core build‐up materials were extremely radiopaque. Some publications suggest that excessively radiopaque core materials can hinder a clinician's ability to spot voids or marginal defects.
Dimensional Change of Laser‐Welded Gold Alloy Induced by Heat Treatment
Authors: Watanabe Ikuya , Chang Jennifer , Chiu Yvonne 
Published: June 2007

Purpose:
This study examined the effects of laser welding and heat treatment on the dimensional change of cast gold alloy frameworks.
Materials and Methods:
Pairs of cast gold alloy plates were matched, fixed in a jig, and welded in a laser‐welding machine at constant welding parameters. The specimens were welded unilaterally (on one surface) or bilaterally (on two surfaces) with five spots as follows: two ends fixed/unilaterally welded (A); two ends fixed/bilaterally welded (AA); one end fixed/unilaterally welded (B); two ends fixed/welded on one surface and then one end fixed/welded on the opposite surface (AB); or one end fixed/bilaterally welded (BB). The dimensional change was determined by measuring the gap between the jig base and one end of the specimen after each welding application. Dimensional change was also measured after two different heat treatments (softening and hardening). The results were analyzed using a two‐way ANOVA and Duncan's test (p < 0.05).
Results:
The dimensional change of the specimens fixed at only one end on either surface (AB, B, and BB) was higher compared with the two ends‐fixed specimens (A and AA) after laser welding. The heat treatments also increased the dimensional change in all groups except for the B group. The dimensional change was similar for each fixing method between the two types of heat treatment.
Conclusions:
The method of fixing the specimens in the jig significantly affected the amount of dimensional change of the gold alloys. The heat treatments of the laser‐welded specimens increased the dimensional change by releasing the residual stress.
Prosthodontists in Private Practice: Current and Future Conditions of Practice in the United States (Part I)
Authors: Nash Kent D. , Pfeifer David L. 
Published: June 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use data from surveys of prosthodontists to examine the current conditions and characteristics of prosthodontists in private practice in the United States.
Materials and Methods: Characteristics of prosthodontists and conditions of practice are based on the 2002 Survey of Prosthodontists and the 2005 Survey of Prosthodontists. Both surveys were conducted by the American College of Prosthodontists. Several characteristics of private practice/practitioners are estimated including age, gender, number of patient visits, hours in the practice, employment of staff, and financial conditions (gross receipts, expenses of the practice, and net income of prosthodontists)
Results:
In 2004, the average age of private practitioners was 50 years. Years since graduation from dental school averaged 23.4 years, and years since completion of residency was 18.3 years. Prosthodontists spent an average of 35.7 hours per week in the office and 29.5 hours treating patients. In 2004, the average gross revenue per owner of a private practice reached $782,130, and mean net income was $258,490. The largest percentage of prosthodontist time was spent providing six procedures including fixed prosthodontics, implant services, complete dentures, operative care, diagnosis, and partial dentures.
Conclusion:
The United States spends about $1.8 billion on prosthodontic services provided by prosthodontists in private practice. Prosthodontists spend $1.1 billion dollars in expenses and treat an estimated 1.1 million patients per year.
Alignment and Interaction in a Sociocognitive Approach to Second Language Acquisition
Authors: ATKINSON DWIGHT , CHURCHILL ETON , NISHINO TAKAKO , OKADA HANAKO 
Published: June 2007

This article argues for the crucial role of alignment in second language acquisition, as conceptualized from a broadly sociocognitive perspective. Byalignment, we mean the complex processes through which human beings effect coordinated interaction, both with other human beings and (usually human‐engineered) environments, situations, tools, and affordances.The article begins by summarizing what we mean by a sociocognitive approach to second language acquisition. We then develop the notion of alignment, first in terms of general learning/activity and next in relation to second language (L2) learning. Following that, we provide an extended example of alignment‐in‐action, focusing on the coordinated activities of a Japanese junior high school student and her tutor as they study English in their sociocognitively constructed world. Next, we speculate on possible uses of the alignment concept in L2 research and teaching, and finally we conclude by restating our claim—that alignment is a necessary and crucial requirement for L2 development.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Rottman Jeffrey 
Published: June 2007

Cardiac Mapping, Edited by M. Shenasa, M. Borggrefe, and G. Breithardt.Cardiovascular Medicine. Edited by James T. Willerson MD and Jay N. Cohn MDElectrocardiographic Diagnosis of Tachycardias. By Clifford J. Garratt MD and Michael J. Griffith MDECG Board Review and Study Guide. By James H. O'Keefe, Jr, MD, Stephen C. Hammill MD, Mark Z. Zolnick MD, David M. Steinhaus MD, and Pierce J. Vatterott MD.Cardiac Surgery, Biological and Psychological Implications. By Herman C.B. Denber MD, PhDBeta3‐Adrenergic Agonism, A new concept in human pharmacotherapy. By Daniel E. Goldberg MD and William H. Frishman MDManagement of the Hypertensive Patient. By Lawrence R. KrakoffAtrial Fibrillation, Facts from yesterday—Ideas for tomorrow. The Bakken research center series volume 8. Edited by Henri E. Kulbertus, MD, Hein J.J. Wellens, Ivan M.G.P. Bourtgeois MDc, MBA, and Rishcard Sutten, Dsc Med.Radiofrequency catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias, Basic concepts and clinical applications. Edited by Shoei K. Stephen Huang MDReperfusion injuries and clinical capillary leak syndrome. Edited by B.A. Zikria MD, co‐edited by M.O. Oz MD and R.W. Carlson MD, PhD.
Brain phylogeny, ontogeny and dysfunction: integrating evolutionary, developmental and clinical perspectives in cognitive neuroscience
Authors: Hannan Anthony J. 
Published: June 2007

Objective:One of the most popular approaches in cognitive neuroscience has been to study the normal adult human brain. However, there are likely to be limits to the knowledge that can be obtained from such studies. If we assume that no single approach can ever provide us with knowledge of causative processes whereby the mind emerges from the brain, then we need to consider how to combine more disparate approaches. I aim to illustrate here how the parallel study of brain phylogeny, ontogeny and dysfunction may bring us towards an integrative understanding of fundamental aspects of cognitive neuroscience.Methods:A review of published literature in these research areas was carried out and representative articles selected.Results:Comparative approaches, utilizing the extraordinary behavioural abilities as well as the structural and functional variants that evolution has thrown up across diverse groups of species, can inform the core neural systems that may be necessary and sufficient to support specific cognitive processes. Similarly, detailed studies of human brain development, focusing on structural and functional maturation correlated with temporal mapping of cognitive processes as they come ‘on-line’, may provide unique mechanistic insights. Finally, the study of brain dysfunction in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and depression, may have the beneficial side-effect of greatly enhancing our understanding of healthy brain function.Conclusion:Each approach has its own epistemological advantages and disadvantages, but combined they may lead to more sophisticated, and empirically testable, models. In this review, I outline evidence for their utility, illustrate the approaches using specific examples and suggest how new advances in fields such as genomics, neurophysiology and neuroimaging may provide unprecedented opportunities in cognitive neuroscience.
On the correlation/constitution distinction problem (and other hard problems) in the scientific study of consciousness
Authors: Miller Steven M. 
Published: June 2007

Objective:In the past decade, much has been written about ‘the hard problem’ of consciousness in the philosophy of mind. However, a separate hard problem faces the scientific study of consciousness. The problem arises when distinguishing the neuralcorrelatesof consciousness (NCC) and the neuralconstitutionof consciousness. Here, I explain this correlation/constitution distinction and the problem it poses for a science ofphenomenalconsciousness. I also discuss potential objections to the problem, outline further hard problems in the scientific study of phenomenal consciousness and consider the ontological implications of these epistemological issues.Methods:Scientific and philosophic analysis and discussion are presented.Results:The correlation/constitution distinction does indeed present a hard problem in the scientific study of phenomenal consciousness. Refinement of the ‘NCC’ acronym is proposed so that this distinction may at least be acknowledged in the literature. Furthermore, in addition to the problem posed by this distinction and to ‘the hard problem’, the scientific study of phenomenal consciousness also faces several other hard problems.Conclusion:In light of the multiple hard problems, it is concluded that scientists and philosophers of consciousness ought to (i) address, analyze and discuss the problems in the hope of discovering their solution or dissolutionand(ii) consider the implications of some or all of them being intractable. With respect to the latter, it is argued that ultimate epistemic limits in the study of phenomenal consciousness pose no threat to physicalist or materialist ontologies but do inform our understanding of consciousness and its place in nature.
Studies of caloric vestibular stimulation: implications for the cognitive neurosciences, the clinical neurosciences and neurophilosophy
Authors: Miller Steven M. , Ngo Trung T. 
Published: June 2007

Objective:Caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) has traditionally been used as a tool for neurological diagnosis. More recently, however, it has been applied to a range of phenomena within the cognitive neurosciences. Here, we provide an overview of such studies and review our work using CVS to investigate the neural mechanisms of a visual phenomenon – binocular rivalry. We outline the interhemispheric switch model of rivalry supported by this work and its extension to a metarivalry model of interocular-grouping phenomena. In addition, studies showing a slow rate of binocular rivalry in bipolar disorder are discussed, and the relationship between this finding and the interhemispheric switch model is described. We also review the effects of CVS in various clinical contexts, explain how the technique is performed and discuss methodological issues in its application.Methods:A review of CVS and related literature was conducted.Results:Despite CVS being employed with surprising effect in a wide variety of cognitive and clinical contexts, it has been a largely underutilized brain stimulation method for both exploratory and therapeutic purposes. This is particularly so given that it is well tolerated, safe, inexpensive and easy to administer.Conclusion:CVS can be used to investigate various cognitive phenomena including perceptual rivalry, attention and mood, as well as somatosensory representation, belief, hemispheric laterality and pain. The technique can also be used to investigate clinical conditions related to these phenomena and may indeed have therapeutic utility, especially with respect to postlesional disorders, mania, depression and chronic pain states. Furthermore, we propose that based on existing reports of the phenomenological effects of CVS and the brain regions it is known to activate, the technique could be used to investigate and potentially treat a range of other clinical disorders. Finally, the effects of CVS (and its potential effects) on several phenomena of interest to philosophy suggest that it is also likely to become a useful tool in experimental neurophilosophy.
Seasonal and breed effects on reproductive parameters in bitches in the tropics: a retrospective study
Authors: Chatdarong K. , Tummaruk P. , Sirivaidyapong S. , Raksil S. 
Published: June 2007

Objectives: To investigate the influence of season and breed on reproductive parameters in bitches raised under tropical climatic conditions. Methods: Over a seven year period, from 1998 to 2004, 310 oestrous periods of 53 bitches were observed. The dogs were of various breeds; dobermann (number of bitches/number of oestrous cycles) (n=2/19), German shepherd dog (n=35/211), Labrador retriever (n=14/68) and Rottweiler (n=2/12). In 250 of the 310 oestrous periods, natural matings took place on days 9 and 11 after the onset of pro‐oestrus. The whelping rate was analysed for bitches of each breed. Variables, including breed and the whelping rate, by month of the year, were used for analysis of the inter‐oestrus interval, gestation length, total number of pups born, number of live pups born and the weight of the pups at birth. Results: A low frequency of oestrous activity was found during the summer. Breeding dogs in the summer resulted in a low whelping rate. No difference (P>0·05) was seen in the whelping rate of each breed: dobermann (70·5 per cent), German shepherd dog (61·5 per cent), Labrador retriever (67·9 per cent) and Rottweiler (100 per cent). The Labrador retriever had a longer inter‐oestrus interval (252 [114] and 190 [61] days) (P<0·01) and a larger litter size (8·2 [1·8] and 6·6 [2·8]) (P<0·05) than the German shepherd dog. Clinical Significance: The environmental factors in summer tend to reduce oestrus incidence and fertility in the bitches. According to litter size, the Labrador retriever seems to have a more efficient reproductive performance than the German shepherd dog. The Labrador retriever had a longer inter‐oestrus interval than the German shepherd dog.
Cytotoxic drug use in treatment of dogs and cats with cancer by UK veterinary practices (2003 to 2004)
Authors: Cave T. A. , Norman P. , Mellor D. 
Published: June 2007

Objectives:To describe the range and frequency of cytotoxic drugs prescribed within UK veterinary practices to treat dogs and cats with cancer, determine the effect of practice demographic variables on this practice and determine the frequency with which intravenous catheters were used during administration of parenteral cytotoxic drugs.Methods:A postal survey of 1838 veterinary practices providing care for dogs and cats within the UK.Results:Prescription of cytotoxic drugs to treat dogs and cats with cancer during the preceding 12 months was reported by 70·8 per cent practices. The most widely prescribed agents were cyclophosphamide (65·4 per cent) and vincristine (63·5 per cent). Twenty‐three per cent of responding practices had prescribed an antitumour antibiotic and 8·3 per cent had prescribed a platinum agent. The median frequency of prescription was between once a month and once every three months. Increasing frequency and range of cytotoxic drug prescription were associated with practice employment of higher numbers of veterinary surgeons and increased levels of pet insurance among practice clients. Almost a quarter of practices administering vesicant parenteral cytotoxic drugs failed to always use intravenous catheters to do so.ClinicalSignificance:Prescription of cytotoxic drugs, and therefore the potential for occupational exposure of staff, was widespread among UK veterinary practices providing care for dogs and cats.