bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparação entre inspirometria de incentivo e pressão positiva expiratória na função pulmonar após cirurgia bariátrica
Authors: Barbalho-Moulim Marcela C. , Miguel Gustavo Peixoto Soares , Forti Eli Maria Pazzianotto , Costa Dirceu
Published: April 2012

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito da pressão positiva expiratória (EPAP, na sigla em inglês) e da inspirometria de incentivo a fluxo sobre a função pulmonar após o bypass gástrico em Y de Roux por videolaparoscopia. Participaram 28 mulheres, não-tabagistas e não-pneumopatas, com índice de massa corporal entre 35 e 50 kg/m², submetidas à cirurgia bariátrica. Todas foram avaliadas por espirometria, cirtometria toracoabdominal e quanto à mobilidade diafragmática no pré e segundo dia de pós-operatório (o tempo de internação foi de 2 dias). Foram divididas em dois grupos, GI - grupo inspirômetro (n=13) e GE, grupo EPAP (n=15). A fisioterapia foi iniciada no dia da cirurgia, cada técnica, inspirometria ou EPAP, com duração de 15 minutos; a fisioterapia motora foi padronizada para ambos os grupos. No pós-operatório, houve redução similar nos dois grupos das variáveis: capacidade vital, volume de reserva inspiratório, capacidade vital forçada e ventilação voluntária máxima. Não houve alteração nos valores do volume corrente no GI e volume de reserva expiratório no GE. A mobilidade diafragmática e a mobilidade toracoabdominal foram menos prejudicadas no GI. No pós-operatório da cirurgia bariátrica por videolaparoscopia, a inspirometria de incentivo a fluxo exerceu melhores efeitos na manutenção do volume corente, na mobilidade diafragmática e toracoabdominal, enquanto a EPAP foi mais eficaz no restabelecimento do volume de reserva expiratório.
O museu de arte perante o desafio da memória
Authors: Roque Maria Isabel Rocha
Published: April 2012

Os museus surgiram como síntese representativa de uma realidade, impondo questões sobre a preservação das memórias inerentes à função e à simbologia dos objetos. No caso dos museus de arte, o objetivo era constituir um repositório patrimonial que contribuísse para a criação de uma identidade cultural, pelo que os objetos eram avaliados sobretudo em função da excelência dos seus parâmetros estéticos, em detrimento de outras significações; também a historiografia da arte privilegiava os aspectos formais, estabelecendo atribuições e estilos. Essas circunstâncias determinaram a descontextualização do objeto no espaço museológico. Porém, a partir de meados do século XX, os estudos sobre o público, enquanto entidade plural e diversificada, e os debates teóricos em torno da significação do objeto contribuíram para uma redefinição do discurso museológico. O museu passou a compensar as perdas inerentes ao processo de musealização por meio de um conjunto de procedimentos e ferramentas que recontextualizam os significados do objeto nas suas múltiplas valências. Entre ambos os vetores, de descontextualização e de recontextualização, o museu desafia a nossa memória pessoal e coletiva.
Percursos simbólicos de objetos culturais: coleta, exposição e a metáfora do balcão
Authors: Campos Marcio D'Olne , Borges Luiz Carlos
Published: April 2012

Com base em conceitos relacionados ao consumo, à cadeia produtiva (contexto de produção/produto, circulação, consumo) e à discursividade, são analisados aspectos do percurso simbólico de um objeto, desde seu contexto de produção, passando pela musealização, até sua apropriação por um consumidor. Neste percurso, tratamos de noções como valor de uso/valor de troca, que se referem aos diferentes investimentos simbólicos feitos em objetos filiados a diversas redes discursivas. São enfocados diferentes referenciais culturais presentes no manejo do patrimônio, especialmente no que concerne à produção e apresentação museográfica do objeto dirigida ao consumidor, entendendo que, nessa forma de produção e circulação cultural, atuam processos discursivos de ressignificação. Assim, importam as relações que se estabelecem entre um objeto cultural, o produtor, o mediador e o consumidor; bem como o modo pelo qual o objeto sofre interferências ao ser ressignificado. Adota-se o pressuposto segundo o qual as referências culturais do objeto musealizado são discursivamente afetadas ao longo da cadeia que vai do contexto cultural de sua produção ao consumidor. Para fins de análise, é enfocada, principalmente, a exposição "A ciência dos Mebêngôkre: alternativas contra a destruição", versão de 1989, particularmente no que se refere à tradução do sistema de conhecimento Kayapó para uma linguagem acadêmica.
Documentos para a história do mais antigo jardim zoológico do Brasil: o parque zoobotânico do Museu Goeldi
Authors: Sanjad Nelson , Oren David Conway , Silva Junior José de Sousa e , Hoogmoed Marinus Steven , Higuchi Horácio
Published: April 2012

O trabalho contextualiza a criação do Parque Zoobotânico do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, em Belém (PA), no ano de 1895, considerado o mais antigo zoológico brasileiro. Apresenta duas raras fontes históricas sobre o Parque, um artigo de 1897 do zoólogo alemão Hermann Meerwarth (1870-1943), Auxiliar Científico de Zoologia e Inspetor do Jardim Zoológico do Museu Goeldi entre agosto de 1895 e abril de 1899; e um livro de 1901 do zoólogo suíço Gottfried Hagmann (1874-1946), que ocupou os mesmos cargos entre novembro de 1899 e meados de 1904. Ambos os textos são relatórios técnicos originalmente publicados em alemão, foram traduzidos para o português e atualizados do ponto de vista taxonômico. Eles permitem não apenas a realização de estudos sobre o Parque Zoobotânico do Museu Goeldi, como também sobre os jardins zoológicos em geral, além de leituras específicas nas áreas de história da ciência, história ambiental, museologia, arquitetura, educação ambiental e comunicação científica.
Peptides to bridge biological-platinum materials interface
Authors: Cetinel Sibel , Dincer Sevil , Cebeci Anil , Oren Ersin Emre , Whitaker John D. , Schwartz Daniel T. , Karaguler Nevin Gul , Sarikaya Mehmet , Tamerler Candan
Published: April 2012

Peptides with inorganic materials recognition already started to impact a wide range of surface-related technologies ranging from biomonitoring to biomedical areas. Combinatorial biology-based libraries are the initial step in tempting the directed evolution of peptides with specific interactions towards technologically relevant materials. Here, a case study is provided to demonstrate the specific peptide binding and the amino acids residues that play an important role for platinum surface affinity by combining computational as well as genetic engineering tools. Using a phage display technique, septapeptides were identified exhibiting affinity to noble metal platinum, and the amino acid distributions in the identified peptides were analyzed. The analysis of the peptide sequences showed that strong Pt-binding peptides contain positively charged, hydrophilic, and polar residues, and especially enriched in threonine, serine, and glutamine. Under competitive surface-binding conditions, strong Pt-binding peptide motif displayed on phage resulted in high specificity to Pt regions on a Pt-macropatterned glass. Conformational analysis of the strong binder indicates that threonine and serine as well as glutamine are in close contact with the surfaces forming a tripod molecular architecture. The alanine substitution mutagenesis applied at the genomic level to the peptide displayed on the phage revealed threonine and serine substitutions as the critical ones. Understanding the residue-based interactions of the peptide sequences can be utilized to tune the affinity and the specificity of the peptides with the inorganic surfaces, toward making them indispensable molecular tools to control the molecular interactions of biological macromolecules with the material surfaces.
Behaviour of clay reinforced by sand compaction pile with smear
Authors: Juneja Ashish , Mir Bashir Ahmed
Published: April 2012

In the design practice for sand compaction piles (SCPs), it is usually assumed that the state of in situ soil does not change during the installation. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that extensive remoulding of the preferred soil fabric occurs within the zone immediately surrounding the SCP. Properties of the soil within this heavily disturbed zone can affect the pore pressure dissipation, and hence the time after which the ultimate strength of the composite ground would be available. In this study, the effect of smear zone around SCPs is modelled in the laboratory using triaxial tests. SCPs of 25–80 mm diameter were installed in 100 mm diameter cylindrical samples. The sand columns were installed by pre-drilling a hole and then backfilling it with well-compacted sand. The smear zone was created by using a rough casing to drill the hole. The effect of the smear zone on SCP was investigated by observing the change in pore pressure during consolidation and the undrained shear strength of the composite sample. Although the shear-induced pore pressures and the undrained shear strength of the composite samples could reasonable be predicted, wide scatter still existed in the relationship between the stress concentration factor and the area replacement ratio.
Review Paper: Diffractive backlight technologies for mobile applications
Authors: Kimmel Jyrki
Published: April 2012

Abstract— Liquid‐crystal‐display backlight units have developed in their conventional configuration into very efficient and uniform components that allow the display to present a high‐quality image to the user. Developing the backlight unit itself further faces a challenge of diminishing returns to the investment in innovation. A system‐level redesign is required for the entire display module, and diffractive alternatives to the backlight design can allow a more‐energy‐efficient design for the display. This review concentrates on small‐to‐medium displays because diffractive backlight studies have also centered in this class of displays. The state of the art of backlight design is summarized and the motivation for energy‐efficient system design is outlined. The theoretical basis of diffractive backlights is given, and key research studies in the area of diffractive backlights are reviewed. Finally, a discussion on the performance and future outlook of diffractive backlights completes the paper.
Psychophysical evaluations of a current multi‐view 3‐D display: Its advantages in glossiness reproduction
Authors: Sakano Yuichi , Ando Hiroshi
Published: April 2012

Abstract— Although two‐view 3‐D displays requiring stereo glasses are on the market, the shape of objects they present is distorted when the observer's head moves. This problem can be solved by using a (passive) multi‐view 3‐D display because such a display can produce motion parallax. Another problem has to do with the surface quality of the presented object, but little is known about the fidelity of such displays as far as the surface quality goes. Previously, it was found that a two‐view 3‐D display has a problem in which glossiness deteriorates when the observer's head moves and that it can be alleviated by using a head tracker, whose data enables the display to produce correct motion parallax and luminance changes when the viewer's head moves. Here, it was determined whether this problem can be solved by using commercially available multi‐view 3‐D displays, whose finite number of viewpoints and certain amount of cross‐talk, however, make luminance changes inexact and smaller than they should be. It was found that this display can solve the problem to a certain extent.
Cross‐validation of species distribution models: removing spatial sorting bias and calibration with a null model
Authors: Hijmans Robert J.
Published: April 2012

Species distribution models are usually evaluated with cross‐validation. In this procedure evaluation statistics are computed from model predictions for sites of presence and absence that were not used to train (fit) the model. Using data for 226 species, from six regions, and two species distribution modeling algorithms (Bioclim and MaxEnt), I show that this procedure is highly sensitive to “spatial sorting bias”: the difference between the geographic distance from testing‐presence to training‐presence sites and the geographic distance from testing‐absence (or testing‐background) to training‐presence sites. I propose the use of pairwise distance sampling to remove this bias, and the use of a null model that only considers the geographic distance to training sites to calibrate cross‐validation results for remaining bias. Model evaluation results (AUC) were strongly inflated: the null model performed better than MaxEnt for 45% and better than Bioclim for 67% of the species. Spatial sorting bias and area under the receiver–operator curve (AUC) values increased when using partitioned presence data and random‐absence data instead of independently obtained presence–absence testing data from systematic surveys. Pairwise distance sampling removed spatial sorting bias, yielding null models with an AUC close to 0.5, such that AUC was the same as null model calibrated AUC (cAUC). This adjustment strongly decreased AUC values and changed the ranking among species. Cross‐validation results for different species are only comparable after removal of spatial sorting bias and/or calibration with an appropriate null model.
Vertebrate herbivory impacts seedling recruitment more than niche partitioning or density‐dependent mortality
Authors: Clark C. J. , Poulsen J. R. , Levey D. J.
Published: April 2012

In tropical forests, resource‐based niches and density‐dependent mortality are mutually compatible mechanisms that can act simultaneously to limit seedling populations. Differences in the strengths of these mechanisms will determine their roles in maintaining species coexistence. In the first assessment of these mechanisms in a Congo Basin forest, we quantified their relative strengths and tested the extent to which density‐dependent mortality is driven by the distance‐dependent behavior of seed and seedling predators predicted by the Janzen‐Connell hypothesis. We conducted a large‐scale seed addition experiment for five randomly selected tropical tree species, caging a subset of seed addition quadrats against vertebrate predators. We then developed models to assess the mechanisms that determine seedling emergence (three months after seed addition) and survival (two years after seed addition). As predicted, both niche differentiation and density‐dependent mortality limited seedling recruitment, but predation had the strongest effects on seedling emergence and survival. Seedling species responded differently to naturally occurring environmental variation among sites, including variation in light levels and soil characteristics, supporting predictions of niche‐based theories of tropical tree species coexistence. The addition of higher densities of seeds into quadrats initially led to greater seedling emergence, but survival to two years decreased with seed density. Seed and seedling predation reduced recruitment below levels maintained by density‐dependent mortality, an indication that predators largely determine the population size of tree seedlings. Seedling recruitment was unrelated to the distance to or density of conspecific adult trees, suggesting that recruitment patterns are generated by generalist vertebrate herbivores rather than the specialized predators predicted by the Janzen‐Connell hypothesis. If the role of seed and seedling predation in limiting seedling recruitment is a general phenomenon, then the relative abundances of tree species might largely depend on species‐specific adaptations to avoid, survive, and recover from damage induced by vertebrate herbivores. Likewise, population declines of herbivorous vertebrate species (many of which are large and hunted) may trigger shifts in species composition of tropical forests.
Shape of patch edges affects edge permeability for meadow voles
Authors: Nams Vilis O.
Published: April 2012

Human development typically fragments natural habitats into patches, affecting population and metapopulation dynamics via changes in animal behavior. Emigration from one habitat patch to another has a large effect on population and metapopulation dynamics. One factor that affects emigration is permeability of patch edges. This study looks at the effects of edge shape (convex, concave, and straight) on edge permeability for meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). I tested five hypotheses for responses of animal movement to patch shape: (1) neutral edge response; (2) edge attraction; (3) edge avoidance; (4) time‐minimizing, in which an animal attempts to minimize the time spent in inhospitable matrix, and thus travels as far as possible in the patch before crossing the edge; and (5) protection, in which an animal attempts to maximize protection while in the inhospitable matrix by keeping the patch close by. These hypotheses were tested by an experimental manipulation of meadow vole habitats. A strip was mowed with different edge shapes through an old field, and vole response was measured by tracking plates. Voles crossed edges at concave treatments twice as often compared to convex and straight shapes. Hypotheses (2) and (5) were supported. Although edge attraction causes a passive effect of a decrease in edge‐crossing at concavities, this effect was eclipsed by the active effect of voles choosing to cross at concavities. The results can be generalized to edge tortuosity in general. Conservation biologists should consider edge shapes when exploring the effects of habitat fragmentation on animal populations.
Timing of Anterior Implant Placement Postextraction: Immediate Versus Early Placement
Authors: Wilson Thomas G. , Buser Daniel
Published: April 2012

Type of Case: Implant placement in a postextraction site in the esthetic zone is a challenge for clinicians, since esthetic expectations of patients are high and potential esthetic complications can be devastating. The timing of implant placement is crucial, since it has an influence on esthetic treatment outcomes and the risk of complications. The topic of this paper is the timing of dental implant placement in the esthetic zone in relation to removal of the tooth to be replaced. Two opinions on the topic are presented. The first author (TGW) contends that under certain circumstances, immediate implant placement is appropriate in the esthetic zone. The second author (DB) favors early implant placement performed after 4 to 8 weeks of soft tissue healing. Both cite literature to substantiate their position and present their current therapeutic approach. Each author has been allowed to review the paper with the opposing view and comment.

Clinical Approach #1 (TGW): By definition, an immediate implant is one that is put into position at the same surgery that the tooth to be replaced is removed. Sites that respond optimally to this approach in the esthetic zone are those with adequate bone for implant stability and an intact socket. Also important is the complete degranulation of the socket and in infected sites, the use of systemic antibiotics. The best implant position is normally to the palatal side of the extraction socket. This allows placement of hard and soft tissue grafts on the facial aspect, which increases the probability of esthetic outcomes.

Clinical Approach #2 (DB): Following tooth extraction, early implant placement is performed after 4 to 8 weeks of soft tissue healing. This surgical approach allows implant insertion and simultaneous guided bone regeneration with an intact mucosa, which improves the predictability of contour augmentation. It is done with a resorbable collagen membrane, which is combined with autogenous bone grafts and a low‐substitution, hydroxyapatite‐based bone filler. In combination with a correct 3‐dimensional implant position, successful contour augmentation provides a low risk for mucosal recession, and a convex contour of the alveolar process. Both are important prerequisites for successful esthetic outcomes.
Surgical and Prosthetic Correction of Two Adjacent Anterior Implants: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Tarnow Dennis P. , Chu Stephen J.
Published: April 2012

Introduction: This clinical case presentation exemplifies the esthetic complications of two adjacent osseointegrated implants placed in the maxillary left central–lateral incisor region of a young female patient with a high smile line and the challenges associated with surgical and prosthetic correction.

Case Presentation: The goal of treatment was to reconstruct the height of the interdental papilla between two adjacent anterior implants to match that of the contralateral teeth and create the proper individual tooth size and proportion of the natural dentition in a stable occlusion. Dermis allograft material was chosen as the graft material because it does not require a donor‐site and it is not dependent on the patient's own tissue volume. Using autogenous tissue could potentially increase the number of surgical procedures and limit the extent of correction. Consecutive surgical procedures using dermis allograft were performed to reconstitute the lost hard and soft tissues. After the height of the interdental tissues was reconstructed to the proper dimensions, then the concept of submerging the implant in a less favorable restorative position and surgically exposing the useful implant was used. A custom implant abutment was fabricated on the exposed left central incisor implant, and two‐unit cement‐retained fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) was fabricated with a cantilevered pontic as the definitive restoration.

Conclusions: Esthetic correction of lost hard and soft interdental tissues was successfully performed through multiple surgical procedures using dermis allograft material. The concept of submerging one implant and engaging the useful one was used to fabricate a two‐unit cantilevered FDP.
Fibroblast Growth Factor‐2 Stimulates Periodontal Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Murakami Shinya , Yamada Satoru , Nozaki Takenori , Kitamura Masahiro
Published: April 2012

Introduction: An ideal goal of periodontal therapy is to achieve the complete regeneration of periodontal tissue destroyed by the progression of periodontal diseases. The use of recombinant cytokines is one of the physiologically efficient procedures to stimulate periodontal tissue regeneration. Recently, the safety and efficacy of topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) to regenerate 2‐ or 3‐walled vertical bone defects was evaluated in Phase 2 multicenter clinical trials in Japan. The results revealed a significant difference in the percentage of increase in alveolar bone height at 36 weeks after administration between the placebo group and the 0.3% FGF‐2 group.

Case Presentation: Two cases of intraosseous bone defects, which were treated with a topical application of FGF‐2, are presented. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of FGF‐2‐induced periodontal tissue regeneration. The flap operation was conducted in accordance with the modified Widman procedure, and recombinant human FGF‐2 with 3% hydroxypropylcellulose was used as a vehicle and topically applied to the vertical bone defects. A standardized dental radiograph revealed a considerable increase in radiopacity at the bone defects 36 weeks after administration; also, no serious adverse events attributable to the drug were identified in either case.

Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that topical application of 0.3% FGF‐2 can be efficacious in an increase in the height of alveolar bone that has been destroyed by periodontitis.
Biologic Agents to Promote Periodontal Regeneration and Bone Augmentation
Authors: Bashutski Jill D. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2012

Periodontal regeneration is preferred over tissue repair and is accomplished through the exclusion of epithelial tissues, which allows cementum, bone, and connective tissue to repopulate the wound. Recently, biologic materials have emerged as adjuncts to aid in regeneration by augmenting the events of wound healing in the area. A review of biologic agents was conducted using the following MeSH terms: guided tissue regeneration, intercellular signaling peptides and proteins, and biologic factors.

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), platelet‐rich plasma, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) have all shown promise in promoting hard‐ or soft‐tissue regeneration. No biologic agent is ideal for all clinical situations so the clinician must evaluate each situation to identify the best indication for its usage. Currently, EMD and PDGF have Food and Drug Administration approval for periodontal regeneration, whereas BMP‐2 is approved for bone augmentation. FGF and PTH do not have Food and Drug Administration approval for periodontal applications and so their clinical usage is not indicated.
Crown Lengthening Revisited
Authors: Ong Marianne , Tseng Shih‐Chang , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2012

Focused Clinical Question: What are the key considerations in selecting the best approach to crown lengthening?

Summary: Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves manipulation of either soft tissue or both soft and hard tissue around a tooth or teeth for esthetic or restorative purposes. Esthetic crown lengthening is indicated in patients with excessive gingival display (known as a gummy smile) or gingival overgrowth, whereas restorative (or functional) crown lengthening aims to gain retention and resistance form of sound tooth structure above the alveolar crest level in cases of subgingival caries, subgingival restorative margins, or tooth fracture. Both aim to increase the amount of supragingival tooth structure for esthetic and/or restorative purposes.

Conclusions: In selecting the type of procedure for esthetic or restorative (or functional) crown lengthening, the key considerations include assessment of the width of keratinized gingiva and distance of the cemento‐enamel junction or finished restoration margin to alveolar bone around the tooth/teeth involved. This article reviews and presents a decision tree in the use of both types of procedures. In addition, the subtle differences between esthetic and restorative (or functional) crown lengthening are highlighted.
Basic Suture Techniques for Oral Mucosa
Authors: Griffin Terrence J. , Hur Yong , Bu Jing
Published: April 2012

Focused Clinical Question:What is the preferred suture method for maintaining wound closure?

Summary: Optimal wound healing after surgical procedures requires good soft‐tissue management. The final key step for a refined surgical technique is adequate closure by suturing. This article reviews the most common suturing methods used in dentistry, and their applications in various periodontal surgeries are discussed. The nine most common periodontal suture techniques and six different periodontal surgical categories were selected by the periodontal faculty at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. A survey was distributed to periodontists in the United States, each of whom selected their choice of suture technique for each of the periodontal surgical procedures. The results of this survey show that simple interrupted sutures were used in the majority for each surgical procedure.

Conclusion:Although suture selection and application is complex because of multiple variables, an effort was made to establish a general consensus and current trends regarding suturing techniques.
Comparative Evaluation of Gingival Depigmentation by Diode Laser and Cryosurgery Using Tetrafluoroethane: 18‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: Singh Vishal , Giliyar Subraya Bhat , Kumar Santhosh , Bhat Mahalinga
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Pigmentation of the gingiva is a negative factor in an otherwise acceptable “smile window.” Recently, cryosurgery and laser techniques have gained popularity for depigmentation and seem to be the most reliable and satisfactory procedures. To our knowledge, this case series is unique and is the first reporting comparison of cryosurgery and lasers in the literature.

Case Series: The study included 20 patients who presented with a chief complaint of “black gums” and requested cosmetic therapy. They were randomly divided into group A and group B of 10 patients each. Patients in group A were treated using a diode laser. The laser beam was set at 0.70 W power, 200 J energy, in continuous mode. Patients in group B were treated using tetrafluoroethane cryosurgery. Patients were followed for 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Gingival depigmentation was assessed using a new index system, gingival pigmentation index, on the day of first depigmentation and at the end of 18 months. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by using a simple questionnaire. Both procedures were equally effective in depigmentation. At the 18‐month follow‐up, spotted repigmentation was found in one case in each group. Although there was initial healing discomfort and mild pain with cryosurgery, all the patients were satisfied with the esthetic outcomes.

Conclusion: During the 18‐month follow‐up, the depigmentation achieved using both the techniques was found equivalent and satisfactory.
The Possible Effect of an Accessory Root‐Like Structure on Periodontitis: A Clinical and Histologic Case Report
Authors: Du Jianxin , Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Jin , Yan Shiguo , Wang Li , Yang Pishan
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Tooth‐related factors, such as cemento‐enamel projections and furcations, are contributing factors to periodontal disease. Tooth morphologic variations in the anterior teeth are less frequently reported.

Case Presentation: A 25‐year‐old female patient was referred to our clinic with generalized severe aggressive periodontitis. An accessory root‐like structure on the mesio‐labial surface of the root of tooth #9 was identified. This root‐like structure was ≈7 mm long and had a sharp tip. Clinical examination revealed tooth #9 had Miller Class III mobility, a 7‐mm‐deep periodontal pocket on the mesio‐labial aspect of the tooth, and a clinical attachment loss of 12 mm. Although periodontal destruction could also be observed at other tooth sites, the destruction on tooth #9 was more prominent. After initial periodontal treatment, tooth #9 was deemed hopeless, extracted, and then replaced with a provisional removable partial denture.

Conclusions: Although developmental dental anomalies are important contributing factors for the development and progression of periodontitis, they are frequently undiagnosed. Therefore, early recognition of the abnormal dental morphology is of great clinical significance in effectively treating periodontitis.
An evaluation of waste gypsum-based precipitated calcium carbonate for acid mine drainage neutralization
Authors: Zvimba J. N. , Mulopo J. , Bologo L. T. , Mathye M.
Published: April 2012

Precipitated CaCO3 compounds recovered from pulped waste gypsum using some carbonate and hydroxide-based reagents were evaluated for their utilization in acid mine drainage (AMD) neutralization. The neutralization potentials, acid neutralization capacities and compositions of the CaCO3 compounds were determined and compared with some commercial CaCO3. It was observed that CaCO3 recovered from waste gypsum using Na2CO3 significantly neutralized AMD compared with commercial CaCO3 and that recovered using both (NH4)2CO3 or NH4OH-CO2 reagents. Moreover, a higher acid neutralization capacity of 1,370 kg H2SO4/t was determined for CaCO3 recovered from waste gypsum using Na2CO3 compared with an average of 721 and 1,081 kg H2SO4/t for ammonium-based CaCO3 and commercial CaCO3 respectively. The inorganic carbon content for the CaCO3 recovered using Na2CO3 and ammonium-based reagents of 49 and 34% respectively confirmed their observed neutralization potentials and acid neutralization capacities, while energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence suggested absence of major oxide impurities, with the exception of residual SO42− and Na2O which still requires further reduction in the respective compounds.
Bulking control by low-dose ozonation of returned activated sludge in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Lyko S. , Teichgräber B. , Kraft A.
Published: April 2012

Sludge bulking is still a problem in the operation of state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The ozonation of returned activated sludge (RAS) is an innovative option as a non-specific measure for the control of filament growth. The applicability of sludge ozonation for bulking control of a large wastewater treatment plant was investigated. At a full-scale WWTP one lane was equipped with a sludge ozonation plant for RAS. The implemented sludge ozonation of RAS was tested against the two identical references lanes of the same WWTP. The positive effect on settleability could be clearly proven. Low-dose sludge ozonation could be a technical alternative in comparison with the established chemical measures for bulking control.
Behavior of solid carbon sources for biological denitrification in groundwater remediation
Authors: Zhang Jianmei , Feng Chuanping , Hong Siqi , Hao Huiling , Yang Yingnan
Published: April 2012

The present study was conducted to compare the behavior of wheat straw, sawdust and biodegradable plastic (BP) as potential carbon sources for denitrification in groundwater remediation. The results showed that a greater amount of nitrogen compounds were released from wheat straw and sawdust than from BP in leaching experiments. In batch experiments, BP showed higher nitrate removal efficiency and longer service life than wheat straw and sawdust, which illustrated that BP is the most appropriate carbon source for stimulation of denitrification activity. In column experiments, BP was able to support complete denitrification at influent nitrate concentrations of 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 mg NO3−-N/L, showing corresponding denitrification rates of 0.12, 0.14, 0.17, 0.19, and 0.22 mg NO3−-N.L−1.d−1.g−1, respectively. These findings indicate that BP is applicable for use as a carbon source for nitrate-polluted groundwater remediation.
MBR technology: a promising approach for the (pre-)treatment of hospital wastewater
Authors: Beier S. , Cramer C. , Mauer C. , Köster S. , Schröder H. Fr. , Pinnekamp J.
Published: April 2012

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology is a very reliable and extensively tested solution for biological wastewater treatment. Nowadays, separate treatment of highly polluted wastewater streams especially from hospitals and other health care facilities is currently under investigation worldwide. In this context, the MBR technology will play a decisive role because an effluent widely cleaned up from solids and nutrients is absolutely mandatory for a subsequent further elimination of organic trace pollutants. Taking hospital wastewater as an example, the aim of this study was to investigate to what extent MBR technology is an adequate ‘pre-treatment’ solution for further elimination of trace pollutants. Therefore, we investigated – within a 2-year period – the performance of a full-scale hospital wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) equipped with a MBR by referring to conventional chemical and microbiological standard parameters. Furthermore, we measured the energy consumption and tested different operating conditions. According to our findings the MBR treatment of the hospital wastewater was highly efficient in terms of the removal of solids and nutrients. Finally, we did not observe any major adverse effects on the operation and performance of the MBR system which potentially could derive from the composition of the hospital wastewater. In total, the present study proved that MBR technology is a very efficient and reliable treatment approach for the treatment of highly polluted wastewater from hospitals and can be recommended as a suitable pre-treatment solution for further trace pollutant removal.
Consecutive Earnings Surprises: Small and Large Trader Reactions
Authors: Shanthikumar Devin M.
Published: April 2012

Prior research demonstrates that investors respond differently to earnings surprises that are part of a string of consecutive earnings increases or surprises than to those that are not. To shed light on who values these patterns, I compare trading responses of small and large traders to earnings surprises that occur during a series of positive or negative surprises. I find that the relative intensity of small traders' trading response (and, to a lesser extent, that of medium traders) to earnings surprises generally increases as a series progresses. Small traders respond more negatively to the second (third) negative surprise in a series than to the first (second), and more positively for the first three surprises in a positive series. Moreover, I find that announcement-period returns are related to the trading of small and medium traders. These results suggest that less sophisticated smaller traders, responding to earnings series, contribute to previously documented pricing patterns.

Data Availability: All data used in this study, with the exception of data obtained from an anonymous discount brokerage firm, are publicly available from the sources indicated in the text.
Amyloid-β Induces Hepatic Insulin Resistance by Activating JAK2/STAT3/SOCS-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Ben , Zhang Fang , Wu Jingxia , Hu Yanan , Liu Yang , Zhai Qiwei
Published: April 2012

Epidemiological studies indicate that patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and experimental studies suggest that AD exacerbates T2DM, but the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. This study aims to investigate whether amyloid-β (Aβ), a key player in AD pathogenesis, contributes to the development of insulin resistance, as well as the underlying mechanism. We find that plasma Aβ40/42 levels are increased in patients with hyperglycemia. APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic AD model mice with increased plasma Aβ40/42 levels show impaired glucose and insulin tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. Furthermore, Aβ impairs insulin signaling in mouse liver and cultured hepatocytes. Aβ can upregulate suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1, a well-known insulin signaling inhibitor. Knockdown of SOCS-1 alleviates Aβ-induced impairment of insulin signaling. Moreover, JAK2/STAT3 is activated by Aβ, and inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling attenuates Aβ-induced upregulation of SOCS-1 and insulin resistance in hepatocytes. Our results demonstrate that Aβ induces hepatic insulin resistance by activating JAK2/STAT3/SOCS-1 signaling pathway and have implications toward resolving insulin resistance and T2DM.
Xenin-25 Amplifies GIP-Mediated Insulin Secretion in Humans With Normal and Impaired Glucose Tolerance but Not Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wice Burton M. , Reeds Dominic N. , Tran Hung D. , Crimmins Dan L. , Patterson Bruce W. , Dunai Judit , Wallendorf Michael J. , Ladenson Jack H. , Villareal Dennis T. , Polonsky Kenneth S.
Published: April 2012

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). This response is blunted in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Xenin-25 is a 25–amino acid neurotensin-related peptide that amplifies GIP-mediated GSIS in hyperglycemic mice. This study determines if xenin-25 amplifies GIP-mediated GSIS in humans with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or T2DM. Each fasting subject received graded glucose infusions to progressively raise plasma glucose concentrations, along with vehicle alone, GIP, xenin-25, or GIP plus xenin-25. Plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon levels and insulin secretion rates (ISRs) were determined. GIP amplified GSIS in all groups. Initially, this response was rapid, profound, transient, and essentially glucose independent. Thereafter, ISRs increased as a function of plasma glucose. Although magnitudes of insulin secretory responses to GIP were similar in all groups, ISRs were not restored to normal in subjects with IGT and T2DM. Xenin-25 alone had no effect on ISRs or plasma glucagon levels, but the combination of GIP plus xenin-25 transiently increased ISR and plasma glucagon levels in subjects with NGT and IGT but not T2DM. Since xenin-25 signaling to islets is mediated by a cholinergic relay, impaired islet responses in T2DM may reflect defective neuronal, rather than GIP, signaling.
Insulin Rescues Impaired Spermatogenesis via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Akita Diabetic Mice and Restores Male Fertility
Authors: Schoeller Erica L. , Albanna Gabriella , Frolova Antonina I. , Moley Kelle H.
Published: April 2012

The mechanism responsible for poor reproductive outcomes in type 1 diabetic males is not well understood. In light of new evidence that the Sertoli cells of the testis secrete insulin, it is currently unclear whether diabetic subfertility is the result of deficiency of pancreatic insulin, testicular insulin, or both. In this study, the Akita mouse diabetic model, which expresses a mutant, nonfunctional form of ins2 in testes and pancreas, was used to distinguish between systemic and local effects of insulin deficiency on the process of spermatogenesis and fertility. We determined that Akita homozygous male mice are infertile and have reduced testis size and abnormal morphology. Spermatogonial germ cells are still present but are unable to mature into spermatocytes and spermatids. Exogenous insulin treatment regenerates testes and restores fertility, but this plasma insulin cannot pass through the blood-testis barrier. We conclude that insulin does not rescue fertility through direct interaction with the testis; instead, it restores function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and, thus, normalizes hormone levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone. Although we show that the Sertoli cells of the testis secrete insulin protein, this insulin does not appear to be critical for fertility.
Some Considerations in Designing a GPS Pseudolite
Authors: Rapinski J. , Koziar M. , Rzepecka Z. , Cellmer S. , Chrzanowski A.
Published: April 2012

Some Considerations in Designing a GPS Pseudolite

Pseudolites are transmitters of GPS-like signals placed on the ground. Though pseudolites are well known devices and have already been used in the project where visibility to the GNSS satellites is limited, there are still many issues that need enhancement. A prototype of a low-cost pseudolite is being designed and assembled at the University of Warmia and Mazury. This will allow for conducting tests with various codes, signals and software. The goal of the project is to apply the pseudolite as an augmentation to GNSS positioning tasks in geodetic engineering projects. Some practical considerations crucial for the design are discussed in this paper.
A hybrid PSO approach for solving non-convex optimization problems
Authors: Ganesan Timothy , Vasant Pandian , Elamvazuthy Irraivan
Published: April 2012

A hybrid PSO approach for solving non-convex optimization problems

The aim of this paper is to propose an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) procedure for non-convex optimization problems. This approach embeds classical methods which are the Kuhn-Tucker (KT) conditions and the Hessian matrix into the fitness function. This generates a semi-classical PSO algorithm (SPSO). The classical component improves the PSO method in terms of its capacity to search for optimal solutions in non-convex scenarios. In this work, the development and the testing of the refined the SPSO algorithm was carried out. The SPSO algorithm was tested against two engineering design problems which were; ‘optimization of the design of a pressure vessel’ (P1) and the ‘optimization of the design of a tension/compression spring’ (P2). The computational performance of the SPSO algorithm was then compared against the modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm of previous work on the same engineering problems. Comparative studies and analysis were then carried out based on the optimized results. It was observed that the SPSO provides a better minimum with a higher quality constraint satisfaction as compared to the PSO approach in the previous work.
Analysis of Coding Gain and Optimal Bit Allocation in Motion-Compensated Video Compression
Authors: Samčović Andreja
Published: April 2012

Analysis of Coding Gain and Optimal Bit Allocation in Motion-Compensated Video Compression

This paper describes mathematical frameworks on temporal and spatial predictive processing in the motion-compensated video compression. Firstly, the coding gain over intra coding is derived, regarding the bit allocation algorithm and Lagrange multiplier method. The optimal ordering of three different picture types (I, P and B pictures) is clarified according to image source characteristics. Secondly, a novel framework with the block-based multihypothesis motion-compensated optimal coding gain and bit allocation are derived in a closed-form expression.
Association between drinking and victimisation among Finnish adolescents: estimating the extent of the spurious effect
Authors: Ellonen Noora , Aaltonen Mikko
Published: April 2012

Aims

This paper examines how the frequency of adolescent drinking predicts total violent victimisation (while sober or intoxicated) vs. victimisation while sober.

Background

The general correlations between alcohol use and violence among adolescents are well established. However, the nature of the association is less clear. While some findings show that drinking predicts violence in general, others claim that drinking predicts violence only when the offender is intoxicated. If the latter is true, the association appears causal rather than spurious. Recent research led by Felson has examined the issue with respect to adolescent offenders. The purpose of our study is to apply the same methodological approach to adolescent victimisation.

Data

The analysis is based on data of 9th graders (N= 5,775) in the Finnish Child Victim Survey 2008.

Results

Our findings suggest that there are gender differences in adolescents’ alcohol use and victimisation. Among frequently-drinking boys the high risk of victimisation is attributable to violent situations while intoxicated. Among girls the connection between the frequency of drinking and victimisation seemed mostly spurious, as the girls who consumed alcohol often were victimised also when sober.
Population, professional and client views on the dangerousness of addictions: testing the familiarity hypothesis
Authors: Koski-Jännes Anja , Hirschovits-Gerz Tanja , Pennonen Marjo , Nyyssönen Milla
Published: April 2012

Aims

This study compares how different stakeholder groups in Finland perceive the dangerousness of diverse addictions to the individual and society. It also tests the hypothesis that familiar addictions are regarded as less dangerous than unfamiliar ones.

Data

The data consisted of surveys with 1) a random general population sample (n=740); 2) addiction treatment professionals (n=520); and 3) inpatient clients (n=78). The dangerousness of alcohol, hard drugs, cannabis, prescription drugs, tobacco, gambling and Internet use were assessed by their perceived addiction potential, chances of recovery and relative gravity as societal problems.

Results

The observed group differences, even if significant, were mostly of degree rather than of kind. The largest disagreements involved cannabis and prescription drugs. Lay respondents worried more about cannabis while professionals were rather more concerned about prescribed drugs. Clients saw less difference in the addiction potential of legal and illegal substances than did lay respondents. Professionals trusted most in treatment but they saw less need to treat cannabis dependence than the others. All groups ranked alcohol as the greatest addiction-related societal problem in Finland. The familiarity hypothesis was not consistently supported by the data. Clients familiar with many addictive substances and behaviours did not downplay their harmfulness.