bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quando o crítico se retira da plateia: a desilusão de Machado de Assis com o teatro
Authors: Mello Franceli Aparecida da Silva
Published: January 2013

A implantação de um teatro nacional de alto nível fez parte de um projeto político que a geração de Machado de Assis abraçou com entusiasmo, qual fosse o da modernização da sociedade com vistas à inserção do Brasil no "mundo civilizado". Neste artigo procuro demonstrar em que medida Machado de Assis engajou-se nesse projeto através de sua crítica teatral, bem como discutir as razões de seu afastamento do teatro a partir de um determinado momento de sua vida.
Association Between Periodontal Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Reality or Just a Dogma?
Authors: Peter Kalpak Prafulla , Mute Bhumika Ramchandra , Doiphode Satish Shripad , Bardapurkar Suhas Jagannath , Borkar Mangala Sonawani , Raje Dhananjay Vasant
Published: January 2013

Background: In the past few years, the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and periodontal disease has been promulgated. The present study is aimed at determining the association between these two diseases.

Methods: This observational study includes 501 individuals consisting of 102 patients (case group) having COPD and 399 individuals as controls. Individuals in the case group were well‐functioning and ambulatory patients having COPD as determined by their history and their values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity. Periodontal status was evaluated by the following five indices: 1) plaque index; 2) oral hygiene index (OHI); 3) gingival index (GI); 4) probing depth (PD); and 5) clinical attachment level (CAL). Lung function test was performed by all the patients (case group), who were then graded into mild, moderate, severe, and very severe.

Results: Preliminary analysis was performed to identify the covariates in this study. Individuals in the case group had significantly higher CAL, PD, and OHI (P <0.0001) compared with the control group after adjusting for covariates. A significant negative correlation was observed between FEV1 values and CAL, PD, and GI, thus indicating a trend in which severity of lung obstruction increased as these periodontal indices worsened.

Conclusion: Although the present study cannot ascertain causal association, it provides substantial evidence that poor periodontal health is associated with obstructive lung disease.
Ridge Preservation Comparing Socket Allograft Alone to Socket Allograft Plus Facial Overlay Xenograft: A Clinical and Histologic Study in Humans
Authors: Poulias Evmenios , Greenwell Henry , Hill Margaret , Morton Dean , Vidal Ricardo , Shumway Brian , Peterson Thomas L.
Published: January 2013

Background: Previous studies of ridge preservation showed a loss of ≈18% or 1.5 mm of crestal ridge width in spite of treatment. The primary aim of this randomized, controlled, masked clinical trial is to compare a socket graft to the same treatment plus a buccal overlay graft, both with a polylactide membrane, to determine if loss of ridge width can be prevented by use of an overlay graft.

Methods: Twelve patients who served as positive controls received an intrasocket mineralized cancellous allograft (socket group), and 12 patients received the same socket graft procedure plus buccal overlay cancellous xenograft (overlay group). Horizontal ridge dimensions were measured with a digital caliper, and vertical ridge changes were measured from a stent. Before implant placement, at 4 months, a trephine core was obtained for histologic analysis.

Results: The mean horizontal ridge width at the crest for the socket group decreased from 8.7 ± 1.0 to 7.1 ± 1.5 mm for a mean loss of 1.6 ± 0.8 mm (P <0.05), whereas the same measurement for the overlay group decreased from 8.4 ± 1.4 to 8.1 ± 1.4 mm for a mean loss of 0.3 ± 0.9 mm (P >0.05). The overlay group was significantly different from the socket group (P <0.05). Histologic analysis revealed that the socket group had 35% ± 16% vital bone, and the overlay group had 40% ± 16% (P >0.05).

Conclusions: The overlay treatment significantly prevented loss of ridge width and preserved or augmented the buccal contour. The socket and overlay groups healed with a high percentage of vital bone.
Access, monitoring and intervention challenges in the provision of safe drinking water in rural Bihar, India
Authors: Srikanth Raghavachari
Published: January 2013

This practical paper addresses the vital gap in water quality monitoring in Bihar. The study addresses an institutional weakness in the area of water quality management in rural Bihar, India. The study focuses on the role of access as a vital component in addressing water quality monitoring and interventions that has a huge impact on protecting community health in areas severely contaminated with arsenic and fluoride. The study calls for a drastic shift in the monitoring and intervention strategy to address safe water provision for rural Bihar.
A Computer Method for Rapid Design of Composite Steel-concrete Cross-sections
Authors: Chiorean Cosmin G.
Published: January 2013

This paper presents an efficient numerical procedure for the rapid design of arbitrary-shaped composite steel-concrete cross-sections that are subjected to biaxial bending and axial force. The design procedure allows cross-sections to be designed by solving directly for the reinforcement required to provide a cross-section with adequate strength. The new numerical procedure developed in this paper shows very good stability in the presence of strain softening effect exhibited by the concrete in compression and tension and convergence stability is not affected by the shape of stress-strain relation-ships of concrete, the type and amount of reinforcements or the residual stress distribution in encased steel elements. A computer program was developed, aimed at obtaining the ultimate strength capacity and reinforcement required by rein-forced and composite cross-sections subjected to combined biaxial bending and axial load. In order to illustrate the pro-posed method and its accuracy and efficiency, this program was used to study several representative examples, which have been studied previously by other researchers. The examples run and the comparisons made prove the effectiveness of the proposed numerical procedure.
Mutually algebraic structures and expansions by predicates
Authors: Laskowski Michael C.
Published: January 2013

We introduce the notions of a mutually algebraic structures and theories and prove many equivalents. A theory T is mutually algebraic if and only if it is weakly minimal and trivial if and only if no model M of T has an expansion (M, A) by a unary predicate with the finite cover property. We show that every structure has a maximal mutually algebraic reduct. and give a strong structure theorem for the class of elementary extensions of a fixed mutually algebraic structure.
Unbounded and dominating reals in Hechler extensions
Authors: Palumbo Justin
Published: January 2013

We give results exploring the relationship between dominating and unbounded reals in Hechler extensions, as well as the relationships among the extensions themselves. We show that in the standard Hechler extension there is an unbounded real which is dominated by every dominating real, but that this fails to hold in the tree Hechler extension. We prove a representation theorem for dominating reals in the standard Hechler extension: every dominating real eventually dominates a sandwich composition of the Hechler real with two ground model reals that monotonically converge to infinity. We apply our results to negatively settle a conjecture of Brendle and Löwe (Conjecture 15 of [4]). We also answer a question due to Laflamme.
Failure of treatment of impacted canines associated with invasive cervical root resorption
Authors: Becker Adrian , Abramovitz Itzhak , Chaushu Stella
Published: January 2013

Objectives:

To propose invasive cervical root resorption (ICRR) as an unrecognized and/or overlooked etiologic factor in the failure of response of an impacted tooth to orthodontic traction and to underline the importance of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) for early and accurate diagnosis of ICRR.

Materials and Methods:

Fourteen patients (age 13–21 years) with impacted canines (15 canines) that had failed to respond to orthodontic forces and that exhibited ICRR formed the case series for this investigation. The initial diagnosis, treatment, clinical and radiographic expression of failure, and adverse effects on adjacent teeth were analyzed.

Results:

Initial diagnosis had been performed on plane radiographs. The orthodontist was absent during surgery in 11 patients. Nine canines had been exposed by open procedures. ICRR was not related to the severity of impaction. Its diagnosis was made on existing radiographs, new films, and/or new CBCT. The severity of the lesions was Class 3 or 4, and the teeth were finally extracted. Loss of anchorage characterized 11 patients. Apical resorption of the roots of adjacent teeth was diagnosed in 9 patients.

Conclusions:

ICRR is a frequently undiagnosed or unrecognized cause of failure of orthodontic resolution of impacted canines and should be distinguished from replacement resorption. CBCT should be used for its early detection and accurate assessment of potential damage to adjacent anchor teeth.
The Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Degludec Given in Variable Once-Daily Dosing Intervals Compared With Insulin Glargine and Insulin Degludec Dosed at the Same Time Daily
Authors: Meneghini Luigi , Atkin Stephen L. , Gough Stephen C.L. , Raz Itamar , Blonde Lawrence , Shestakova Marina , Bain Stephen , Johansen Thue , Begtrup Kamilla , Birkeland Kåre I. ,   on behalf of the NN1250-3668 (BEGIN FLEX) Trial Investigators
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

The requirement to inject current basal insulin analogs at a fixed time each day may complicate adherence and compromise glycemic control. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of varying the daily injection time of insulin degludec (IDeg), an ultra-long-acting basal insulin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This 26-week, open-label, treat-to-target trial enrolled adults (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes who were either insulin naïve and receiving oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) (HbA1c = 7–11%) or previously on basal insulin ± OAD(s) (HbA1c = 7–10%). Participants were randomized to 1) once-daily (OD) IDeg in a prespecified dosing schedule, creating 8–40-h intervals between injections (IDeg OD Flex; n = 229); 2) once-daily IDeg at the main evening meal (IDeg OD; n = 228); or 3) once-daily insulin glargine at the same time each day (IGlar OD; n = 230). The primary outcome was noninferiority of IDeg OD Flex to IGlar OD in HbA1c reduction after 26 weeks.

RESULTS

After 26 weeks, IDeg OD Flex, IDeg OD, and IGlar OD improved HbA1c by 1.28, 1.07, and 1.26% points, respectively (estimated treatment difference [IDeg OD Flex − IGlar OD]: 0.04% points [–0.12 to 0.20], confirming noninferiority). No statistically significant differences in overall or nocturnal hypoglycemia were found between IDeg OD Flex and IGlar OD. Comparable glycemic control and rates of hypoglycemia were seen with IDeg OD Flex and IDeg OD. Adverse event profiles were similar across groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of extreme dosing intervals of 8–40 h demonstrates that the daily injection time of IDeg can be varied without compromising glycemic control or safety.
The Staphylococcus aureus Membrane Protein SA2056 Interacts with Peptidoglycan Synthesis Enzymes
Authors: Quiblier Chantal , Luczak-Kadlubowska Agnieszka , Holdener Esther , Alborn Daniela , Schneider Tanja , Wiedemann Imke , Pinho Mariana , Sahl Hans-Georg , Rohrer Susanne , Berger-Bächi Brigitte , Senn Maria
Published: January 2013

The yet uncharacterized membrane protein SA2056 belongs to the ubiquitous RND (Resistance-Nodulation-cell Division) family of transmembrane efflux transporters. The sa2056 gene is located downstream of femX, the gene encoding the essential, non-ribosomal peptidyl-transferase adding the first glycine in the staphylococcal cell wall pentaglycine interpeptide. Due to its proximity to and weak co-transcription with femX, we assumed that sa2056 may somehow be involved in peptidoglycan synthesis. Specific antibodies against SA2056 showed that this protein is expressed during growth and present in the membrane fraction of cell preparations. Using a bacterial two hybrid system, SA2056 was shown to interact (i) with itself, (ii) with FemB, which adds glycines 4 and 5 to the peptidoglycan interpeptide and (iii) with the essential penicillin binding proteins, PBP1 and PBP2, required for cell division and incorporation of the peptidoglycan into the cell wall. Unexpectedly, deletion of sa2056 led to no phenotype regarding growth, antibiotic resistances or cell morphology; nor did sa2056 deletion in combination with femB inactivation alter b-lactam and lysostaphin sensitivity and resistance, respectively, pointing to possible redundancy in the cell wall synthesis pathway. These results suggest an accessory role of SA2056 in S. aureus peptidoglycan synthesis, broadening the range of biological functions of RND proteins.
The Exergetic, Environmental and Economic Effect of the Hydrostatic Design Static Pressure Level on the Pipe Dimensions of Low-Energy District Heating Networks
Authors: Tol Hakan , Svendsen Svend
Published: January 2013

Low-Energy District Heating (DH) systems, providing great energy savings by means of very low operating temperatures of 55 °C and 25 °C for supply and return respectively, were considered to be the 4th generation of the DH systems for a low-energy future. Low-temperature operation is considered to be used in a low-energy DH network to carry the heat produced by renewable and/or low grade energy sources to low-energy Danish buildings. In this study, a comparison of various design considerations with different levels of maximum design static pressures was performed, and their results evaluated in terms of energetic, exergetic, economic, and environmental perspectives.
Blood microRNAs in Low or No Risk Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Tan Jun , Tan Kay , Koo Yu , Yong Fung , Wang Chee , Armugam Arunmozhiarasi , Jeyaseelan Kandiah
Published: January 2013

Ischemic stroke is a multi-factorial disease where some patients present themselves with little or no risk factors. Blood microRNA expression profiles are becoming useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of human diseases. We therefore investigated the blood microRNA profiles in young stroke patients who presented with minimal or absence of risk factors for stroke such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Blood microRNA profiles from these patients varied with stroke subtypes as well as different functional outcomes (based on modified Rankin Score). These microRNAs have been shown to target genes that are involved in stroke pathogenesis. The findings from our study suggest that molecular mechanisms in stroke pathogenesis involving low or no risk ischemic stroke patients could differ substantially from those with pre-existing risk factors.
Metabolic Profiles of Brain Metastases
Authors: Sjøbakk Torill , Vettukattil Riyas , Gulati Michel , Gulati Sasha , Lundgren Steinar , Gribbestad Ingrid , Torp Sverre , Bathen Tone
Published: January 2013

Metastasis to the brain is a feared complication of systemic cancer, associated with significant morbidity and poor prognosis. A better understanding of the tumor metabolism might help us meet the challenges in controlling brain metastases. The study aims to characterize the metabolic profile of brain metastases of different origin using high resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to correlate the metabolic profiles to clinical and pathological information. Biopsy samples of human brain metastases (n = 49) were investigated. A significant correlation between lipid signals and necrosis in brain metastases was observed (p < 0.01), irrespective of their primary origin. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that brain metastases from malignant melanomas cluster together, while lung carcinomas were metabolically heterogeneous and overlap with other subtypes. Metastatic melanomas have higher amounts of glycerophosphocholine than other brain metastases. A significant correlation between microscopically visible lipid droplets estimated by Nile Red staining and MR visible lipid signals was observed in metastatic lung carcinomas (p = 0.01), indicating that the proton MR visible lipid signals arise from cytoplasmic lipid droplets. MRS-based metabolomic profiling is a useful tool for exploring the metabolic profiles of metastatic brain tumors.
Innovative Therapeutic Strategies in the Treatment of Brain Metastases
Authors: Caffo Maria , Barresi Valeria , Caruso Gerardo , Cutugno Mariano , La Fata Giuseppe , Venza Mario , Alafaci Concetta , Tomasello Francesco
Published: January 2013

Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial tumors and their incidence is increasing. Untreated brain metastases are associated with a poor prognosis and a poor performance status. Metastasis development involves the migration of a cancer cell from the bulk tumor into the surrounding tissue, extravasation from the blood into tissue elsewhere in the body, and formation of a secondary tumor. In the recent past, important results have been obtained in the management of patients affected by BM, using surgery, radiation therapy, or both. Conventional chemotherapies have generally produced disappointing results, possibly due to their limited ability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier. The advent of new technologies has led to the discovery of novel molecules and pathways that have better depicted the metastatic process. Targeted therapies such as bevacizumab, erlotinib, gefitinib, sunitinib and sorafenib, are all licensed and have demonstrated improved survival in patients with metastatic disease. In this review, we will report current data on targeted therapies. A brief review about brain metastatic process will be also presented.
Public and Private Food Safety Standards: Facilitating or Frustrating Fresh Produce Growers?
Authors: Soon Jan , Baines Richard
Published: January 2013

Global private food safety and quality standards have undergone some major overhauls during the past two decades, and these will continue to evolve with the recent emphasis on harmonization. The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) attempts to ensure that harmonize retail standards are commendable and elegant in principle, but in practice, retailers continue to demand their own standard, whilst supporting GFSI’s benchmarking program. It is difficult to see such retailers giving up their own standards and the control they currently exert as chain captains. There is also the risk that too much harmonization will result in these standards losing their individuality and uniqueness. Amidst the struggle for private standard dominance, alternative approaches to risk management (e.g., self-assessment of risk, independent audits and risk ranking) may be the way forward, similar to how insurance risks are calculated for businesses. Furthermore, this risk-based approach could also lead to the effective implementation of co-regulation, where both public and private sector compliances are addressed together—a win-win situation. This paper considers the implications and future trends of fresh produce farming, and identifies five interventions (i.e., assurance schemes), which include the do-nothing scenario to underpinning one’s brand or label with an existing scheme.
Bioactivity and Applications of Sulphated Polysaccharides from Marine Microalgae
Authors: Raposo Maria , De Morais Rui , Bernardo de Morais Alcina
Published: January 2013

Marine microalgae have been used for a long time as food for humans, such as Arthrospira (formerly, Spirulina), and for animals in aquaculture. The biomass of these microalgae and the compounds they produce have been shown to possess several biological applications with numerous health benefits. The present review puts up-to-date the research on the biological activities and applications of polysaccharides, active biocompounds synthesized by marine unicellular algae, which are, most of the times, released into the surrounding medium (exo- or extracellular polysaccharides, EPS). It goes through the most studied activities of sulphated polysaccharides (sPS) or their derivatives, but also highlights lesser known applications as hypolipidaemic or hypoglycaemic, or as biolubricant agents and drag-reducers. Therefore, the great potentials of sPS from marine microalgae to be used as nutraceuticals, therapeutic agents, cosmetics, or in other areas, such as engineering, are approached in this review.
Does Milk Cause Constipation? A Crossover Dietary Trial
Authors: Crowley Elesa , Williams Lauren , Roberts Tim , Dunstan Richard , Jones Peter
Published: January 2013

The aims of this study were to: (1) determine whether replacement of cow’s milk protein with soy resolves Chronic Functional Constipation (CFC); and (2) investigate the effects of cow’s milk β casein A1 and cow’s milk β casein A2 on CFC. Children diagnosed with CFC were recruited to one of two crossover trials: Trial 1 compared the effects of cow’s milk and soy milk; Trial 2 compared the effects of cow’s milk β casein A1 and cow’s milk β casein A2. Resolution of constipation was defined as greater than eight bowel motions during a two week intervention. Thirteen children (18 to 144 months) participated in Trial 1 (6 boys, 7 girls). Nine participants who completed the soy epoch all experienced resolution (p < 0.05). Thirty-nine children (21 to 144 months) participated in Trial 2 (25 boys, 14 girls). Resolution of constipation was highest during the washout epoch, 81%; followed by cow’s milk β casein A2, 79%; and cow’s milk β casein A1, 57%; however, the proportions did not differ statistically. The results of Trial 1 demonstrate an association between CFC and cow’s milk consumption but Trial 2 failed to show an effect from type of casein. Some other component in cow’s milk common to both A1 and A2 milk may be causing a problem in these susceptible children.
Calcium Nutrition and Extracellular Calcium Sensing: Relevance for the Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis, Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Peterlik Meinrad , Kállay Enikoe , Cross Heide
Published: January 2013

Through a systematic search in Pubmed for literature, on links between calcium malnutrition and risk of chronic diseases, we found the highest degree of evidence for osteoporosis, colorectal and breast cancer, as well as for hypertension, as the only major cardiovascular risk factor. Low calcium intake apparently has some impact also on cardiovascular events and disease outcome. Calcium malnutrition can causally be related to low activity of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). This member of the family of 7-TM G-protein coupled receptors allows extracellular Ca2+ to function as a “first messenger” for various intracellular signaling cascades. Evidence demonstrates that Ca2+/CaSR signaling in functional linkage with vitamin D receptor (VDR)-activated pathways (i) promotes osteoblast differentiation and formation of mineralized bone; (ii) targets downstream effectors of the canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathway to inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation of colorectal cancer cells; (iii) evokes Ca2+ influx into breast cancer cells, thereby activating pro-apoptotic intracellular signaling. Furthermore, Ca2+/CaSR signaling opens Ca2+-sensitive K+ conductance channels in vascular endothelial cells, and also participates in IP3-dependent regulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+, the key intermediate of cardiomyocyte functions. Consequently, impairment of Ca2+/CaSR signaling may contribute to inadequate bone formation, tumor progression, hypertension, vascular calcification and, probably, cardiovascular disease.
Apoptosis in Pneumovirus Infection
Authors: Van den Berg Elske , Van Woensel Job , Bem Reinout
Published: January 2013

Pneumovirus infections cause a wide spectrum of respiratory disease in humans and animals. The airway epithelium is the major site of pneumovirus replication. Apoptosis or regulated cell death, may contribute to the host anti-viral response by limiting viral replication. However, apoptosis of lung epithelial cells may also exacerbate lung injury, depending on the extent, the timing and specific location in the lungs. Differential apoptotic responses of epithelial cells versus innate immune cells (e.g., neutrophils, macrophages) during pneumovirus infection can further contribute to the complex and delicate balance between host defense and disease pathogenesis. The purpose of this manuscript is to give an overview of the role of apoptosis in pneumovirus infection. We will examine clinical and experimental data concerning the various pro-apoptotic stimuli and the roles of apoptotic epithelial and innate immune cells during pneumovirus disease. Finally, we will discuss potential therapeutic interventions targeting apoptosis in the lungs.
Selective Anti-Herpesvirus Agents
Authors: De Clercq Erik
Published: January 2013

This review article focuses on the anti-herpesvirus agents effective against herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus and cytomegalovirus, which have either been licensed for clinical use (idoxuridine, trifluridine, brivudin, acyclovir, valaciclovir, valganciclovir, famciclovir and foscarnet) or are under clinical development (CMX001 [the hexadecyloxypropyl prodrug of cidofovir], the helicase-primase inhibitor BAY 57–1293 [now referred to as AIC316], FV-100 [the valine ester of Cf 1743] and the terminase inhibitor letermovir [AIC246]).
Site fidelity and long-distance homing by males of solitary parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Scoliidae)
Authors: Tani Soichiro , Ueno Takatoshi
Published: January 2013

Site fidelity and long-distance homing are known to occur in nesting female Hymenoptera. We report here on the site fidelity and homing ability in males of five species of scoliid wasps (Hymenoptera: Scoliidae), a group whose females do not make nests but are ectoparasitoids of scarabaeid beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea). The males of these wasp species patrol female emergence areas searching for mates. Based on mark-recapture data, we found that between 40% and 100% of marked males left the release area and travelled 50–800 m from the point of capture returning to their original patrol area. We discuss the adaptive significance of site fidelity and homing behaviour in Scoliidae, and propose hypotheses about the evolution of the homing behaviour in Hymenoptera. The homing ability of these primitive Aculeata may represent a case of convergent evolution with other Hymenoptera in which males patrol emergence areas in search of females. Additionally, this homing ability may serve as a preadaptation for the evolution of nest-provisioning and nesting habits in Hymenoptera.
An International Systematic Mapping Review of Educational Approaches and Teaching Methods in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Hooper Barbara , King Robin , Wood Wendy , Bilics Andrea , Gupta Jyothi
Published: January 2013

Introduction:

Scholars have long examined educational approaches and teaching methods in occupational therapy, producing a wide range of educational scholarship. Yet the scope of the scholarship has not been systematically categorised and described, leaving the field without a baseline and guide for its educational science.

Method:

A systematic mapping review identified topics, research designs, levels of impact and themes across educational scholarship. Through comprehensive database searches and inclusion and exclusion coding, 129 articles published between 2000 and 2009 were studied. Data were collected using a data extraction tool modified from Best Evidence Medical Education, entered into Microsoft Access and analysed using queries.

Findings:

Conceptual/descriptive papers (n = 76) represented the primary form of inquiry. Research papers (n = 53) used qualitative designs slightly more than quantitative or mixed methods. Educational interventions (n = 22) targeted students' skills, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, but not their behaviours, organisational change or impact on clients. Prominent themes included integrative learning, learning paradigm, complexities of practice, student reasoning and calls for reforming occupational therapy education.

Conclusion:

Priorities for educational research include deepen and diversify studies of local learning situations, develop profession-specific conceptual frameworks for learning and measure outcomes beyond student views of the learning activity.
Problem-Based Learning Students' Perceptions of Knowledge and Professional Identity: Occupational Therapists as ‘Knowers’
Authors: Whitcombe Steven W
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

The future of occupational therapy is dependent on profession-specific knowledge to underpin its practice. This research explored occupational therapy students' perceptions of knowledge and their professional identity from one problem-based learning programme.

Procedure:

A qualitative methodology using in-depth interviews gathered data from 20 occupational therapy students in their final year of an undergraduate programme. The data were analysed thematically and in relation to theoretical constructs derived from the sociologists of education, Basil Bernstein and Karl Maton.

Findings:

The students viewed occupational therapists as ‘knowers’ rather than as ‘knowledgeable’ therapists. This distinction is embedded in a professional identity grounded in the dispositions of the occupational therapist and the philosophical constructs that support occupational therapy, but not in the specialist knowledge of occupation.

Conclusion:

The students' experiences suggest that the problem-based learning programme provides the transferable skills and philosophical constructs that allow them to practise in a diverse range of contemporary occupational therapy settings. However, simply mirroring current practice restricts professional advancement. The identity of the occupational therapist needs to embrace both a philosophical discourse and the specialist knowledge of occupation.
An e-Health Decision Support System for Improving Compliance of Health Workers to the Maternity Care Protocols in South Africa
Authors: Rautenbach P. , Mbananga N. , Mashamba T. , Kwinda H. , Horner V.
Published: January 2013

Background: There are problems of quality in maternity services at primary health care level in South Africa. Many of these problems can be traced to non-adherence to the maternity care guidelines and lack of tools to support clinic staff and managers in their roles. Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate the utility of e-health (computerized) decision support systems at addressing the problem of compliance of health workers to the maternity care guidelines at primary health care in South Africa. At present there are no documented studies on e-health clinical decision support systems for primary health care in South Africa, though clinical decision support systems for primary health care are listed as part of the e-health strategy of the National Department of Health. Methods: An e-health decision support system named the Bacis (Basic Antenatal Care In-formation System) Program was developed, then implemented and evaluated at a primary health care clinic. The duration of the study was two years: this includes development, implementation and evaluation.

Results and Conclusion: There was an overall improvement in compliance from 85.1 % to 89.3%. This result was not statistically significant. However when results were stratified into specific categories, the Bacis Program showed statistically significant improvement in compliance over the checklist system in three out of nine important categories. These are compliance at booking, patients younger than 18 years and patients booking after week 20. Further, insights and experience were also gained on development and implementation of clinical information systems at resource strained environments such as primary health care in South Africa. These results, insights and experience are invaluable for the implementation of the proposed e-health strategy in South Africa.

Citation: Horner V, Rautenbach P, Mbanang N, Mashamba T, Kwinda H. An e-health decision support system for improving compliance of health workers to the maternity care protocols in South Africa. Appl Clin Inf 2013; 4: 25–36

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2012-10-RA-0044
Update on Simultaneous Topo-guided Photorefractive Keratectomy Immediately Followed by Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for Treatment of Progressive Keratoconus
Authors: Kymionis George , Yoo Sonia , Kankariya Vardhaman , Kontadakis George
Published: January 2013

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a safe and effective technique for the management of corneal ecstatic disorders. It has been proven that CXL is effectual in stopping the progression of keratoconus quasi ‘freezing’ the cornea and in many cases avoiding corneal transplantation. Nevertheless, patients’ basic problem, which is the deterioration of their vision due to irregular astigmatism, remains. CXL combined with topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) has been developed in order to achieve an important goal. To offer patients stability of their disorder and at the same time to assist them in achieving a functional vision by improving topographic outcomes. This article discusses update on this new combination therapy in the form of topo-guided PRK immediately followed by CXL as one-step procedure for treatment of progressive keratoconus.

How to cite this article

Kankariya V, Kymionis G, Kontadakis G, Yoo S. Update on Simultaneous Topo-guided Photorefractive Keratectomy Immediately Followed by Corneal Collagen Cross- linking for Treatment of Progressive Keratoconus. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(3):185-189.
Improved estimate of global dust radiative forcing using a coupled chemical transport-radiative transfer model
Authors: Zhang L. , Li Q. B. , Gu Y. , Liou K. N. , Meland B.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Atmospheric mineral dust particles exert significant direct radiative forcings and are critical drivers of climate change. Here, we use the GEOS-Chem global three-dimensional chemical transport model (3-D CTM) coupled online with the Fu-Liou-Gu (FLG) radiative transfer model (RTM) to investigate the dust radiative forcing and heating rates based on different dust vertical profiles. The coupled calculations using a realistic dust vertical profile simulated by GEOS-Chem minimize the physical inconsistencies between 3-D CTM aerosol fields and the RTM. The use of GEOS-Chem simulated aerosol optical depth (AOD) vertical profiles as opposed to the FLG prescribed AOD vertical profiles leads to greater and more spatially heterogeneous changes in estimated radiative forcing and heating rate produced by dust. Both changes can be attributed to a different vertical structure between dust and non-dust source regions. Values of the dust AOD are much larger in the middle troposphere, though smaller at the surface when the GEOS-Chem simulated AOD vertical profile is used, which leads to a much stronger heating rate in the middle troposphere. Compared to FLG vertical profile, the use of GEOS-Chem vertical profile reduces the solar radiative forcing effect by about 0.2–0.25 W m−2 and the Infrared (IR) radiative forcing over the African and Asia dust source regions by about 0.1–0.2 W m−2. Differences in the solar radiative forcing at the surface between using the GEOS-Chem vertical profile and the FLG vertical profile are most significant over the Gobi desert with a value of about 1.1 W m−2. The radiative forcing effect of dust particles is more pronounced at the surface over the Sahara and Gobi deserts by using FLG vertical profile, while it is less significant over the downwind area of Eastern Asia.
Effect of increased pCO2 on the planktonic metabolic balance during a mesocosm experiment in an Arctic fjord
Authors: Tanaka T. , Alliouane S. , Bellerby R. G. B. , Czerny J. , de Kluijver A. , Riebesell U. , Schulz K. G. , Silyakova A. , Gattuso J.-P.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The effect of ocean acidification on the balance between gross community production (GCP) and community respiration (CR) (i.e., net community production, NCP) of plankton communities was investigated in summer 2010 in Kongsfjorden, west of Svalbard. Surface water, which was characterized by low concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients and chlorophyll a (a proxy of phytoplankton biomass), was enclosed in nine mesocosms and subjected to eight pCO2 levels (two replicated controls and seven enhanced pCO2 treatments) for one month. Nutrients were added to all mesocosms on day 13 of the experiment, and thereafter increase of chlorophyll a was provoked in all mesocosms. No clear trend in response to increasing pCO2 was found in the daily values of NCP, CR, and GCP. For further analysis, these parameters were cumulated for the following three periods: phase 1 – end of CO2 manipulation until nutrient addition (t4 to t13); phase 2 – nutrient addition until the second chlorophyll a minimum (t14 to t21); phase 3 – the second chlorophyll a minimum until the end of this study (t22 to t28). A significant response was detected as a decrease of NCP with increasing pCO2 during phase 3. CR was relatively stable throughout the experiment in all mesocosms. As a result, the cumulative GCP significantly decreased with increasing pCO2 during phase 3. After the nutrient addition, the ratios of cumulative NCP to cumulative consumption of NO3 and PO4 showed a significant decrease during phase 3 with increasing pCO2. The results suggest that elevated pCO2 influenced cumulative NCP and stoichiometric C and nutrient coupling of the plankton community in a high-latitude fjord only for a limited period. However provided that there were some differences or weak correlations between NCP data based on different methods in the same experiment, this conclusion should be taken with caution.
Blow-Up of Solutions for a System of Petrovsky Equations with an Indirect Linear Damping
Authors: Liu Wenjun
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we consider a coupled system of Petrovsky equations in a bounded domain with clamped boundary conditions. Due to several physical considerations, a linear damping which is distributed everywhere in the domain under consideration appears only in the first equation whereas no damping term is applied to the second one (this is indirect damping). Many studies show that the solution of this kind of system has a polynomial rate of decay as time tends to infinity, but does not have exponential decay. For four different ranges of initial energy, we show here the blow-up of solutions and give the lifespan estimates by improving the method of Wu (Electron. J. Diff. Equ. 105, 1 (2009)) and Li et al. (Nonlin. Anal. 74, 1523 (2011)). From the applications point of view, our results may provide some qualitative analysis and intuition for the researchers in other fields such as engineering and mechanics when they study the concrete models of Petrovsky type.
Protocolo para Elaboração de Relatos de Produção Técnica
Authors: Biancolino César Augusto , Kniess Cláudia Terezinha , Maccari Emerson Antonio , Rabechini Jr. Roque
Published: January 2013

Este estudo tem a finalidade de apresentar instrumentos básicos para a construção de um relato técnico na área de Gerenciamento de Projetos de forma a contribuir para sua divulgação pública e para o desenvolvimento de instrumentos que facilitem a medição da produção dita técnica no âmbito doa pesquisa acadêmica e profissional, especificamente como fruto do esforço de produção do Mestrado Profissional em Administração na área de Gestão de Projetos. A partir do objetivo ora exposto, apresenta-se neste protocolo um roteiro que privilegia a contribuição de natureza técnica de um trabalho feito com propósitos profissionais, porém com o rigor da pesquisa científica. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se um protocolo de produção técnica aderente à uma experiência profissional por excelência, com clara aplicação prática mas que utiliza os preceitos de uma pesquisa acadêmica de forma a não comprometer o desenvolvimento adicional de trabalhos na forma de futuros artigos científicos relacionados. O protocolo é indicativo e pode ser utilizado para apresentar um caso em sua totalidade ou, de forma mais específica, apresentar um relato de um tópico de grande relevância para o conhecimento ou a experiência na área de estudo, sempre voltado à prescrição de soluções de caráter técnico e prático para a área de estudo correlata.DOI:10.5585/gep.v3i2.121
Bowel Frequency in Critically III Children
Authors: Dominguez Karen D. , Borrego Matthew E.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND Bowel frequency in healthy children has been determined, but it is not well documented in critically ill children. The objectives of this prospective observational study were to determine if critical illness alters stool frequency in children and to identify risk factors that may increase or decrease stool frequency.

METHODS Stool frequency was assessed in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) over a five month period. The median daily number of bowel movements during admission to the PICU was compared to the patient's estimated number of bowel movements prior to illness. Stepwise linear regression was performed to determine which factors best predicted stool frequency in critically ill children.

RESULTS Daily stool frequency was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) during PICU stay (median = 0.5; interquartile: 0, 0.8) compared to preadmission stool frequency estimates (median = 2; interquartile: 1, 2.5). Covariates associated with an increase in stool frequency included male gender and length of stay in the PICU. Conversely, the administration of opioids decreased stool frequency.

CONCLUSIONS Bowel frequency was reduced by 75% in children admitted to the PICU. The use of opioids was associated with decreased bowel frequency. Male gender and increased PICU stay was associated with increased bowel frequency.
Punch Up Algebra with POWs
Authors: Pinkerton Mark , Shafer Kathryn G.
Published: January 2013

An action research study focuses on the teaching strategies used to facilitate Problems of the Week.
A report of capture myopathy in the Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii)
Authors: McMahon CR , Wiggins NL , French V , McCallum HI , Bowman DMJS
Published: January 2013

In Tasmania, a small island state of Australia, wildlife is under increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities. Multiple species of native herbivores compete directly for resources with humans, such that wildlife populations are regularly managed to reduce their impact on agricultural and forestry landscapes. There is an increasing need to quantify the impacts of such wildlife management strategies on localised populations of Tasmania's iconic fauna. Gathering this information often requires capture and restraint of animals, but due to a paucity of published information on responses of wildlife to such techniques, regulatory bodies overseeing research do not always have complete information upon which to base decisions. In our study, the regulatory body designated manual restraint over chemical immobilisation as the preferred method, but current prescribed techniques can result in capture-related injuries including myopathy. To encourage dialogue on this welfare issue, we present observations on capture and restraint of the endemic Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii). Three of 19 animals that were trapped as part of a research study exhibited symptoms consistent with capture myopathy. Results suggest that techniques involved with capture and manual restraint can be problematic for pademelons, and we present recommendations for preventative measures, including chemical immobilisation, to limit myopathy-related deaths.
Rating harms to wildlife: a survey showing convergence between conservation and animal welfare views
Authors: Dubois S , Fraser D
Published: January 2013

Human activities may cause conservation concerns when animal populations or ecosystems are harmed and animal welfare concerns when individuals are harmed. In general, people are concerned with one or the other, as the concepts may be regarded as separate or even at odds. An online purposive survey of 339 British Columbians explored differences between groups that varied by gender, residency, wildlife engagement level and value orientation (conservation-oriented or animal welfare-oriented), to see how they rated the level of harm to wildlife caused by different human activities. Women, urban residents, those with low wildlife engagement, and welfare-orientated participants generally scored activities as more harmful than their counterparts, but all groups were very similar in their rankings. Activities that destroy or alter habitat (urban development, pollution, resource development and agriculture) were rated consistently as most harmful by all groups, including the most conservation-oriented and the most welfare-oriented. Where such a high level of agreement exists, wildlife managers should be able to design management actions that will address both conservation and animal welfare concerns. However, the higher level of concern expressed by female, low engagement and welfare-oriented participants for activities that involve direct killing indicates a need for wildlife managers to consult beyond traditional stakeholders.
Animal welfare: emerging trends in legislation
Authors: Brown C
Published: January 2013

The number of laws and standards regulating and protecting the welfare of animals is expanding around the world. The growing demand from policy-makers for expertise and advice on animal welfare in order to create these new regulations has been inspired by developments in both science and ethics, which are increasing our understanding of animals’ abilities and capacities.
UTICAJ GRUPNIH INTERNIH I EKSTERNIH FAKTORA NA ODLUKE POTROŠAČA O KUPOVINI
Authors: Aleksić Jana , Aleksić Milanka , Dojčinović Sanja
Published: January 2013

Na potrošača u marketingu i na njihovo ponašanje prilikom kupovine utiču mnogi faktori koji se u osnovi dijele na dve grupe, na eksterne i interne faktore. Osnovni cilj ovog rada bio je utvrditi koji faktori faktori imaju veći uticaj na odluku potrošača o kupovini. Pretpostavka se bazira na prednosti koja se daje internim faktorima, što bi značilo da se pretpostavlja da interni faktori imaju veći uticaj na potrošače u odnosu na eksterne faktore kada je u pitanju odluka o kupovini.Za potrebe istraživanja izvršeno je anketiranje 205 ispitanika. Istraživanja su pokazala da interni faktori imaju veći uticaj na potrošače prilikom odluke o kupovini u odnosu na eksterne faktore.