bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Australian pathways and solutions for dealing with older impaired doctors: a prevention model
Authors: Peisah C. , Adler R. G. , Williams B. W.
Published: November 2007

Our ageing medical workforce poses many challenges, not the least of which is acknowledging the contributions of ageing practitioners who continue to practise safely and competently while ensuring that those who are incompetent by virtue of impairment are identified, assessed and either rehabilitated or encouraged to retire. Hitherto, there has been little attempt to review approaches to impairment on a national basis in Australia, let alone with a focus on older doctors. Information regarding pathways for dealing with impairment was obtained from the websites and confirmed by representatives of regulatory bodies of every state or territory in Australia. Using a prevention model we outline the current Australian regulatory processes, address some of the barriers and suggest some solutions to dealing with the older impaired doctor. Much of the focus in dealing with the older impaired doctor is tertiary prevention based, that is, reducing the negative influence of established impairment. There is some uniformity in the way that Australian regulatory bodies deal with impairment that espouses the dual goals of protecting the public and rehabilitating the doctor. The approach is typically individualized and multi‐levelled, beginning with assessment followed by rehabilitation where appropriate. A range of secondary and primary prevention measures is proposed for dealing with the problem of the older impaired doctor. These include educating the medical community, encouraging early notification and facilitating career planning and timely retirement of older doctors. This will have benefits both in protecting the public as well as preventing an undignified and humiliating end to often‐unblemished careers in medicine.
Contribution of vibration to musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand
Authors: Wigley R. D. , De Groot J. A. , Walls C.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to remind Australasian doctors about the importance of vibration as an occupational exposure capable of causing musculoskeletal disease. This is a common problem in the northern hemisphere, but only four reports have been found in Australasian published work. Nine cases are reported together with a summary of vibration disorders and their nomenclature. Of the nine cases reviewed, six arose from compensation disputes and two resulted in Department of Labour prosecutions. Three patients had hand symptoms arising from using vibrating concrete drills, two patients used heavy floor‐polishing machines in hospitals and three used heavy metal polishing machines. One had general pain from whole‐body vibration in a digging machine. Minor circulatory signs were found in two patients, but cold exposure was not noted. Vibration disease is underreported in New Zealand. Doctors must question patients about vibration exposure in taking an occupational history, as vibration is an important factor in the causation of occupational musculoskeletal disorders. As vibration can be controlled, illness can be prevented.
Investigations on shell–nozzle junction of steam generator for LBB justification
Authors: MURTHY D. S. RAMACHANDRA , PUKAZHENDHI D. M. , NAVIN D. PREM , CHELLAPANDI P. , CHETAL S. C.
Published: November 2007

Steam generators are important components of a nuclear reactor. They are subjected to system pressure and force controlled bending moments. Leak before break (LBB) criteria based on a fracture mechanics approach is used to ensure the reliability of the primary heat transport system of nuclear reactors. Experimental studies were recently completed for justifying LBB for the cold end of the shell–nozzle junction of the steam generator of the 500 MWe Fast breeder reactor (FBR) under construction at Kalpakkam. The internal diameter of the main tube is 1120 mm and that of the nozzle is 386.4 mm. The thickness of the main tube is 24 mm while that of the nozzle is 18 mm. Fatigue tests were conducted on two carbon steel and two modified 9Cr1Mo steel shell–nozzle junction specimens at room temperature under constant internal pressure and cyclic in‐plane bending moment. Fracture tests were conducted on these components until collapse after the fatigue test. FEM analysis was also performed to identify critical locations and factor of safety for fatigue loading and collapse. The objective of the studies was to obtain the factor of safety for crack initiation, through‐wall and critical crack size, and collapse. The studies demonstrated adequate factor of safety for all the above LBB criteria.
Straight to test. Results of a pilot study in a hospital serving an inner city population
Authors: Hammond T. M. , Fountain G. , Cuthill V. , Williams J. , Porrett T. R. C. , Lunniss P. J.
Published: November 2007

Objective  The main aims of the study were to determine the frequency with which two‐week wait (2ww) referrals for colorectal cancer (CRC) could proceed directly to straight to test (STT), and the potential improvement in time to diagnosis.

Method  A telephone interview was attempted in all 2ww referrals not requiring an advocate and under 80 years. Data were assessed according to a test protocol, and where indicated a potential slot for the appropriate investigation was recorded (virtual test). All patients proceeded to clinic, following which differences in time from GP referral to virtual compared with actual requested test, and any discrepancies between virtual and requested tests were analysed.

Results  Between 8th January and 16th February 2007, there were 42 2ww referrals. Twenty‐one patients were contacted, of whom 14 were suitable for STT: 13 virtual colonoscopies and one CT scan were booked. Following out‐patient consultation, eight colonoscopies; three flexible sigmoidoscopies, one barium enema, and two CT scans were actually booked. There was a difference of 15.5 days between the median times of the virtual and actual test. During this 6‐week period a total of nine patients were diagnosed with CRC, of whom three were referred via the 2ww pathway, but none were suitable for STT.

Conclusions  This ‘straight to test’ pilot study suggests a potential strategy for reducing the time to diagnosis and therefore first treatment of those identified with CRC, and offers a methodology for individual hospitals to assess their suitability to employ such a strategy.
Assessment of the mucosa of the indefinitely diverted ileo‐anal pouch
Authors: Das P. , Smith J. J. , Lyons A. P. , Tekkis P. P. , Clark S. K. , Nicholls R. J.
Published: November 2007

Objective  One surgical option to treat failure after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is indefinite diversion (ID) without excision of the pouch. The study aimed to assess the mucosal morphology of the pouch and ileoanal anastomosis (IAA) over time after ID with particular reference to inflammation, dysplasia and carcinoma.

Method  Patients with ID were identified from the hospital’s Ileal Pouch Database. Individuals were invited by mail to attend for flexible pouchoscopy and biopsy from the ileal pouch and immediately distal to the IAA.

Results  Of 1822 patients on the database, 28 had undergone ID. Of these, 20 patients (18 ulcerative colitis, one familial adenomatous polyposis, one pseudo‐obstruction) of median age 42 (18–67) years took part. There were eight males. The median (range) intervals from diagnosis of primary disease, pouch surgery and ID to the time of study were 221 (63–410), 146 (31–314) and 44 (10–159) months respectively. One patient had dysplasia in the original resection specimen. Five patients developed type C changes in the pouch. Of these three were identified between RPC and ID, one developed between ID and the present assessment and one was identified for the first time at the present assessment. No case of dysplasia or cancer was found in any of the biopsies. Rectal mucosa was found in biopsies from the IAA in four patients (three stapled; one handsewn); this was inflamed in three patients.

Conclusion  At a median follow‐up of 12 years after RPC and 3.6 years after indefinite diversion no instance of dysplasia or carcinoma in the ileal reservoir or distal to the IAA was found in any of the 20 patients having ID. Type C changes occurred at some time in five (25%) patients, indicating the importance of continued follow up.
Cardiovascular risk profile of subjects with known diabetes from the middle‐ and high‐income group population of Delhi: the DEDICOM survey
Authors: Nagpal J. , Bhartia A.
Published: November 2007

Aims  To determine the cardiovascular risk profile of known diabetic patients from the middle‐ and high‐income group populace of Delhi.

Methods  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a probability proportionate to size (systematic) two‐stage cluster design. Thirty areas were selected for a house‐to‐house survey to recruit a minimum of 25 subjects (known diabetes ≥ 1 year; 35–65 years of age) per area. Data were collected by interview, blood sampling and from medical records. Scores from the Framingham, Joint British Society, United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation, and Diabetes Epidemiology: Collaborative Analysis Of Diagnostic Criteria in Europe studies were used to calculate summary estimates of risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.

Results  Eight hundred and nineteen subjects (25–30 per cluster) were enrolled. The mean age of the subjects was 53.6 years, the mean duration since diagnosis was 8.1 years, the mean body mass index was 28.1 kg/m2, with 50.7% women; 74.3% had hypertension, 75.1% dyslipidaemia and 41.8% had poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 8.0%); 8.4% had already had a myocardial infarction, whereas 2.3% had suffered a stroke. Only 17.6% were taking aspirin, 3.4% were on lipid‐lowering drugs and 11.6% were taking antihypertensive agents. The risk engines estimated a 10‐year CHD risk of 12.6–13.9% and a stroke risk of 5.1–5.7%.

Conclusion  The study documents that the cardiovascular profile of known diabetes patients from the middle and higher income groups of Delhi is poor, strengthening the case for targeting interventions at patients, providers and other stakeholders for improvement.
Beyond a Code of Professional Ethics: A Holistic Model of Ethical Decision‐Making for Accountants
Authors: FLANAGAN JACK , CLARKE KEVIN
Published: November 2007

Most accountants do not realize—until it is perhaps too late—that virtually all aspects of their work have an ethical dimension. They often lack the knowledge and skills to analyse issues effectively, and when confronted with conflicting ethical problems cannot choose the way to move forward that is consistent with their own values and/or the profession's code of professional conduct. This article proposes that the accounting profession worldwide has simply attempted to prescribe simplistic solutions to often complex ethical problems. It endeavours to provide an alternative approach based on the process of ‘ethical knowing’ (Melchin, 1998). Such an approach turns the acquisition of understanding away from a focus on the external world of rules, concepts and exemplars, to the interior world of how accountants, as people, arrive at an understanding that is consistently ethical. To achieve this, the article relies onLonergan's seminal (1957) examination of the internal processes of decision‐making and the critical roles played by developing skills in data retrieval and insight in the exercise of judgment.
Financial Matching, Asymmetric Information and Entrepreneurial Risk Taking
Authors: Vesala Timo
Published: November 2007

We study financial matching in credit markets when entrepreneurs have private information about their success potential. Entrepreneurs can search for financing for either a “risky” or a “safe” investment and only the risky project is sensitive to entrepreneurs' intrinsic “types”. There is excess risk taking in the sense that entrepreneurs with inefficiently low success probabilities choose the risky investment. However, steady states featuring greater market liquidity are associated with higher efficiency. As market liquidity also reflects the intensity of competition among financiers, earlier results which indicate a negative relationship between competition and allocative efficiency do not hold in our setup.
Natural teeth and cognitive function in humans
Authors: BERGDAHL MAUD , HABIB REZA , BERGDAHL JAN , NYBERG LARS , NILSSON LARS‐GÖRAN
Published: November 2007

A number of neurobiological, psychological and social factors may account for cognitive impairment. In animal studies a relation between dental status and cognitive performance has been found. It is unclear whether such a relation exists for humans. In a first step we compared the performance of 1,351 participants (53% women, 47% men; age M = 54.0) with natural teeth to 487 edentulous participants (59% women, 41% men; age M = 71.3) on 12 cognitive tests. The natural teeth group had a lower mean age, fewer women, more years of education, higher mini‐mental state (MMSE), and performed significantly higher on several cognitive tests. In a subsequent analysis, the cognitive performance of a subset of the participants (50–85 years) was examined. In this analysis, 211 had natural dentition and 188 were edentulous. The groups were matched for gender, age, social variables, diseases, stress and MMSE. The cognitive disadvantage of the edentulous group was still apparent. The results suggest that functional natural teeth relate to relatively preserved cognitive functioning in older age.
Programme Effectiveness in Activating Welfare Recipients to Work: The Case of Hong Kong
Authors: Tang Kwong‐leung , Cheung Chau‐kiu
Published: November 2007

Some theories and research based on data in the West have implied the effectiveness of measures using the work‐first approach, human capital development, community work experience, and financial incentives to promote welfare recipients’ transition from welfare to work. Nevertheless, the generality of the implication does not hold without examining the effectiveness in a non‐Western setting. The present study thus employs survey data from 1,240 welfare recipients in Hong Kong to investigate the effectiveness of various measures for raising the recipients’ work motivation and diminishing their welfare dependency. The measures examined include the Intensive Employment Assistance Project (IEAP), Community Work (CW) Programme and Disregarded Earnings (DE) arrangements. Findings reveal the effectiveness of these three measures. Particularly, help received from various services of the IEAP was the principal factor in the effectiveness of the IEAP and the IEAP was effective for welfare recipients who were older or less skilled. The findings thus offer support to the generality of the claim about the effectiveness of welfare‐to‐work programmes.
Major, Blair and the Third Way in Social Policy
Authors: Lund Brian
Published: November 2007

Tony Blair's adoption of the catchphrase ‘the Third Way’ to précis New Labour's policy orientation allowed him to distance ‘New’ Labour from ‘Old’ Labour and to appropriate many of John Major's modifications to Thatcherism, albeit framed within a new political language. This article sets out the basic similarities and differences between the social policies of the Major and Blair governments, arguing that, although the policies have been presented within different discourses, there has been a marked similarity in policy content, with Major espousing Third Way policies if not Third Way rhetoric. Indeed, towards the end of his second term of office, Blair started to go beyond the Third Way and towards Margaret Thatcher's favoured model of spirited competition between public and private suppliers.
Nonlinear continuous time modeling approaches in panel research
Authors: Singer Hermann
Published: November 2007

Stochastic differential equations (SDE) are used as dynamical models for cross‐sectional discrete time measurements (panel data). Thus causal effects are formulated on a fundamental infinitesimal time scale. Cumulated causal effects over the measurement interval can be expressed in terms of fundamental effects which are independent of the chosen sampling intervals (e.g. weekly, monthly, annually). The nonlinear continuous–discrete filter is the key tool in deriving a recursive sequence of time and measurement updates. Several approximation methods including the extended Kalman filter (EKF), higher order nonlinear filters (HNF), the local linearization filter (LLF), the unscented Kalman filter (UKF), the Gauss–Hermite filter (GHF) and generalizations (GGHF), as well as simulated filters (functional integral filter FIF) are compared.
The Dynamics of Perception: Modelling Subjective Wellbeing in a Short Panel
Authors: Pudney Stephen
Published: November 2007

We consider the issue of the dynamics of perceptions, as expressed in responses to survey questions on subjective wellbeing. We develop a simulated maximum likelihood method for estimation of dynamic linear models, where the dependent variable is partially observed through ordinal scales. This latent auto-regression model is often more appropriate than the usual state dependence model for attitudinal and interval variables. The paper contains an application to a model of households’ perceptions of their financial wellbeing, demonstrating the superior fit of the latent auto-regression model to both the usual static model and the state dependence model.
Environmentally friendly coloured materials: cellulose/titanium dioxide/inorganic pigment composite spherical microbeads prepared by viscose phase‐separation method
Authors: Nagaoka Shoji , Nagata Masanori , Arinaga Kenji , Shigemori Kiyoshi , Takafuji Makoto , Ihara Hirotaka
Published: November 2007

In order to develop environmentally friendly coloured materials, cellulose composite spherical microbeads hybridised with titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles and inorganic pigment were prepared by a phase‐separation method using viscose and an aqueous solution containing sodium polyacrylate. Findings regarding the relationships between cellulose xanthate and the electronic characteristics of TiO2 particles used in the cellulose/inorganic material composite sphering process are also reported. These findings suggest that the location of TiO2 particles in cellulose microbeads is related to electrical repulsion between the xanthate (CSS−) group and TiO2. The use of TiO2 powder as colour pigment is limited, as its colour is white. The cellulose composite spherical microbeads covered with TiO2 and Fe2O3 particles were developed by addition of iron oxide (Fe2O3). Their surfaces were viewed by laser microscope and using SEM images. These composite microbeads retained the photocatalytic property of TiO2. Cellulose/TiO2/Fe2O3 composite spherical microbeads with both colour function and photocatalytic properties were successfully prepared.
Does dyeing practice need dyeing theory?
Authors: Park James , Shore John
Published: November 2007

It has been indicated that much of the practical data for dyeing processes available has never been exploited by the dye application industry, although dye research and development programmes have often identified targets with successful outcomes. Products and processes originated by dye makers have had a major impact on the success of practical dyeing, resulting in improved reproducibility and right‐first‐time processing. Dyeing theory research has consumed substantial resources invested by dye makers and academic institutions, but many of these studies have failed to yield useful data that could be applied directly in practical dyeing systems. The generation of detailed standard operating procedures has provided the conditions for achieving effective control over the practical dyeing process, an objective that was once thought to be attainable eventually by the refinement of dyeing theories.
Effect of Biofeedback on Psychological Burden and Symptoms in Older Women with Urge Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Tadic Stasa D. , Zdaniuk Bozena , Griffiths Derek , Rosenberg Lisa , Schäfer Werner , Resnick Neil M.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of biofeedback (BFB) therapy on psychological burden of urge urinary incontinence (UI) and whether prior depression or current depressive symptoms affect older women's response to BFB.

DESIGN: Secondary analysis of an ongoing trial.

SETTING: Academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐two community‐dwelling women aged 60 and older with urge UI.

INTERVENTION: BFB and behavioral training in urge suppression provided over 8 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS: UI frequency on 3‐day bladder diary, psychological burden assessed using Urge Impact Scale (URIS‐24) total and subscale scores, history of depression, and depressive symptoms on the Mental Component Subscale (MCS) of the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey (SF‐36). Age and chronic conditions were included as covariates.

RESULTS: BFB improved UI (by 45%, P=.001) and psychological burden (P=.001 for total URIS‐24 score and for all three of its subscales; P=.01 for SF36‐MCS). However, although the magnitude of UI improvement was equivalent for those with and without a history of depression, improvement in psychological outcomes was twice as great in those with a history of depression, especially on the perception of control subscale, and improvement was not related to baseline depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION: In older women with urge UI, BFB significantly improves psychological burden, especially in those with a history of depression, in whom psychological burden is linked to change in perception of control. Psychological factors are relevant outcome measures for UI, and these data suggest that focusing on UI frequency alone may have underestimated BFB's efficacy and additional therapeutic benefits.
Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Authors: Bernstein Jack M. , Leasure William , Buel Allison
Published: November 2007

A 60‐year‐old woman returned from visiting a cousin in Texas. For the past 6 weeks, she had not been feeling well and had lost almost 30 lb. She had frequent night sweats, although she did not recall having taken her temperature. Upon evaluation in the emergency department, results of physical examination were notable for cachexia and poor dentition. She was noted to have pyuria, and therapy was initiated for a urinary tract infection. Results of blood cultures performed the same day were positive for gram‐positive cocci, and vancomycin therapy was initiated. She developed difficulty in seeing to her, left and a computed tomographic scan of the brain was performed; results were interpreted as negative. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed a 3‐cm mass attached the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Initial interpretation was of an atrial myxoma. One of the authors was asked to consult on the case and noted bilateral conjunctival hemorrhages (Figure 1). Subsequently, the blood culture isolate was identified as Streptococcus mitis. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed multiple cerebral infarcts consistent with embolic origin. The patient underwent emergent cardiac surgery, and her mitral valve was replaced with a bioprosthetic valve. She successfully completed a 4‐week course of antibiotic therapy for her endocarditis.

Conjunctival hemorrhages in a patient with Streptococcus mitis mitral valve endocarditis.

image
Drug Rash With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome: Sex and the Causative Agent
Authors: Maoz Keren Ben‐Ari , Brenner Sarah
Published: November 2007

The study was conducted to determine whether there is a sex difference in the causative agent of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. A retrospective review of hospital records from 1999 to 2006 in the dermatology department of a large municipal medical center found 8 patients who met the criteria for DRESS syndrome: drug‐induced generalized eruption, associated systemic involvement (lymph node or visceral), and presence of eosinophilia (eosinophil count ≥1500/µL and/or circulating atypical lymphocytes). There were 4 men and 4 women, aged 19 to 53 years, with a mean age of 38 years. A sex difference was found in 3 parameters: (1) age, younger age in women; (2) time interval between drug intake and rash, shorter in women; and (3) the culprit drug: carbamazepine in 2 men and 2 women, salazopyrin in 2 women, and phenytoin in 2 men. While the sample is small, there is an indication of sex differences in the DRESS syndrome.
Predicting intraocular pressure change before initiating therapy: timolol versus latanoprost
Authors: Van Der Valk Rikkert , Webers Carroll A. B. , Hendrikse Fred , De Vogel Stefan C. , Prins Martin H. , Schouten Jan S. A. G.
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To study intraocular pressure (IOP) reductions with timolol and latanoprost reached in clinical practice, taking into account data that are routinely collected by the ophthalmologist; to predict IOP reduction from these variables.

Methods:  A cohort of patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (suspect) or ocular hypertension was recruited from nine Dutch centres. Mean absolute and relative IOP reduction was calculated in order to compare timolol to latanoprost. IOP reduction was calculated by comparing patients with certain characteristics to those who had none.

Results:  One hundred and fifty‐six persons started on timolol and 76 started on latanoprost monotherapy. Mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] absolute reduction was 7.2 mmHg (7.9; 6.5) for timolol and 6.9 mmHg (8.0; 5.8) for latanoprost. Mean relative reduction (95% CI) was 27.2% (29.3; 25.1) for timolol and 26.6% (30.2; 22.9) for latanoprost. No significant difference in IOP reduction between timolol and latanoprost was found when adjusting for data that are routinely collected by the ophthalmologist. At the time of starting treatment, none of these items normally used for the management of glaucoma, except IOP at baseline, could predict change in IOP.

Conclusion:  In clinical practice, timolol and latanoprost achieve similar IOP reductions that are comparable to those achieved in randomized trials. No clinically relevant information for glaucoma management can be used to predict IOP reduction accurately.
Clinical diagnoses in young offspring from eastern Québec multigenerational families densely affected by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Authors: Maziade M. , Gingras N. , Rouleau N. , Poulin S. , Jomphe V. , Paradis M.‐E. , Mérette C. , Roy M.‐A.
Published: November 2007

Objective:  The follow‐up since 1989 of a large sample of multigenerational families of eastern Québec that are densely affected by schizophrenia (SZ) or bipolar disorder (BP) has permitted to look at the rates of DSM diagnoses in the young offspring of a SZ parent (HRSZ) and of a BP parent (HRBP) who had an extremely loaded family history.

Method:  The sample (average age of 17.5, SD 4.5) consisted of 54 high‐risk offspring (HR) having one parent affected by a DSM‐IV SZ or BP. The parents descended from 21 multigenerational families that constitute a quasi‐total sample of such kindred in eastern Québec. The HRs were administered a lifetime best estimate DSM‐IV diagnosis.

Results:  We observed that the rates, the diversity of diagnoses, the high comorbidity, the severity and the age of onset of the clinical diagnoses tended to be similar with those already reported in the offspring of affected parents with a low familial loading. Although the sample size was small, HRSZ and HRBP also tended to show similarities in their clinical status.

Conclusion:  Overall, taking into account methodological limitations, the observation early in life of some shared characteristics among HRSZ and HRBP in terms of non‐psychotic diagnosis may be congruent with the accumulating evidence that several phenotypic features are shared in adulthood by the two major psychoses.
Disruption of the palatal rugae pattern in Tabby (eda) mutant mice
Authors: Charles Cyril , Pantalacci Sophie , Peterkova Renata , Peterka Miroslav , Laudet Vincent , Viriot Laurent
Published: November 2007

The eda mouse gene is linked with anomalies of ectodermal derivatives, such as hair, glands, and teeth. The palatal rugae (oral mucosa foldings on the hard palate) are also ectodermal derivatives. Therefore, we searched for and compared palatal rugae anomalies of Tabby mice bearing a mutation in the eda gene with their wild‐type counterparts. We compared the number and shape of palatal rugae in 179 mutant and 102 wild‐type mice from four different stocks of Tabby mice. Palatal rugae anomalies were documented at a low frequency in wild‐type mice of different backgrounds, which may reflect a lack of robustness of palatal rugae development. However, the proportion of anomalies observed in the C57BL/6J background makes us recommend avoiding its use in further palate studies. We showed statistically that the phenotypic variability seen in wild‐type animals is further increased in Tabby mutants. The anomalies mainly included various forms of reduction, with rugae IV–VI being more frequently affected. Those rugae were shortened, dotted or absent (mainly ruga V). By analogy to the role played by eda in other ectodermal derivatives, we propose that it might play a role in defining the pattern of the palatal rugae.
Condition‐specific sociodental impacts attributed to different anterior occlusal traits in Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Bernabé Eduardo , De Oliveira Cesar Messias , Sheiham Aubrey
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the association between different anterior occlusal traits and the presence of condition‐specific sociodental impacts on the quality of life attributed to malocclusion. For that, 1,318 15–16‐yr‐old adolescents were randomly selected from children attending all secondary schools in Bauru, Brazil. Participants were first interviewed and then dentally examined. Condition‐specific impacts (CSI) attributed to malocclusion were calculated using the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP index). Nine anterior occlusal traits were evaluated: maxillary and mandibular overjet; openbite and overbite; centreline deviation; dental crowding and spacing; and maxillary and mandibular irregularity. Statistical associations were tested using binary logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of CSI attributed to malocclusions was 21.2%. Of the nine occlusal traits evaluated, maxillary and mandibular overjet, centreline deviation, dental spacing, openbite, and maxillary irregularity were, in that order, directly associated with the presence of CSI attributed to malocclusion. No interaction term was identified. This study, designed to overcome the limitations found in the existing literature, supports the idea that malocclusion can affect social interaction and psychosocial wellbeing. Different anterior occlusal traits affected the quality of life differently.
Surface‐specific caries incidence in permanent molars in Danish children
Authors: Parner Erik T. , Heidmann Jens M. , Væth Michael , Poulsen Sven
Published: November 2007

Clinical data on caries incidence rates based on a long follow‐up period are scarce in the dental literature. The purpose of the present study was to describe caries incidence rates in first and second permanent molars in Danish children. The study was based on data reported to a central national registry maintained by the Danish National Board of Health. From this registry, records from more than 50,000 children born in 1980 and followed for 12 to 15 yr were used. Data on first and second molars were analyzed at both tooth and surface level using non‐parametric methods for interval‐censored data. Caries incidence rates rose slightly as a function of age for both first and second molars during the entire follow‐up period. The observation made earlier by others, of a peak in caries incidence rates 2 to 4 yr after emergence, was not confirmed by the present study.
In situ identification of streptococci and other bacteria in initial dental biofilm by confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Dige Irene , Nilsson Holger , Kilian Mogens , Nyvad Bente
Published: November 2007

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) has been employed as a method for studying intact natural biofilm. When combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) it is possible to analyze spatial relationships and changes of specific members of microbial populations over time. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic description of the pattern of initial dental biofilm formation by applying 16S rRNA‐targeted oligonucleotide probes to the identification of streptococci and other bacteria, and to evaluate the usefulness of the combination of CLSM and FISH for structural studies of bacterial populations in dental biofilm. Biofilms were collected on standardized glass slabs mounted in intra‐oral appliances and worn by 10 individuals for 6, 12, 24 or 48 h. After intra‐oral exposure the biofilms were labelled with probes against either streptococci (STR405) or all bacteria (EUB338) and analysed by CLSM. The current approach of using FISH techniques enabled differentiation of streptococci from other bacteria and determination of their spatio‐temporal organization. The presence of chimney‐like multilayered microcolonies with different microbial compositions demonstrated by this methodology provided information supplementary to our previous knowledge obtained by classical electron microscopic methods and increased our understanding of the structure of developing biofilms.
Putative reaction mechanism of heterologously expressed octopine dehydrogenase from the great scallop, Pecten maximus (L)
Authors: Müller Andre , Janßen Frank , Grieshaber Manfred K.
Published: November 2007

cDNA for octopine dehydrogenase (ODH) from the adductor muscle of the great scallop, Pecten maximus, was cloned using 5′‐ and 3′‐RACE. The cDNA comprises an ORF of 1197 nucleotides and the deduced amino acid sequence encodes a protein of 399 amino acids. ODH was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli with a C‐terminal penta His‐tag. ODH−5His was purified to homogeneity using metal–chelate affinity chromatography and Sephadex G‐100 gel filtration. Recombinant ODH had kinetic properties similar to those of wild‐type ODH isolated from the scallop's adductor muscle. Site‐directed mutagenesis was used to elucidate the involvement of several amino acid residues for the reaction catalyzed by ODH. Cys148, which is conserved in all opine dehydrogenases known to date, was converted to serine or alanine, showing that this residue is not intrinsically important for catalysis. His212, Arg324 and Asp329, which are also conserved in all known opine dehydrogenase sequences, were subjected to site‐directed mutagenesis. Modification of these residues revealed their importance for the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Conversion of each of these residues to alanine resulted in strong increases in Km and decreases in kcat values for pyruvate and l‐arginine, but had little effect on the Km and kcat values for NADH. Assuming a similar structure for ODH compared with the only available structure of a bacterial opine dehydrogenase, these three amino acids may function as a catalytic triad in ODH similar to that found in lactate dehydrogenase or malate dehydrogenase. The carboxyl group of pyruvate is then stabilized by Arg324. In addition to orienting the substrate, His212 will act as an acid–base catalyst by donating a proton to the carbonyl group of pyruvate. The acidity of this histidine is further increased by the proximity of Asp329.
The environments of SLACS gravitational lenses
Authors: Auger M. W.
Published: November 2007

We report on an investigation of the environments of the Sloan Lens ACS Survey (SLACS) sample of gravitational lenses. The local and global environments of the lenses are characterized using Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) photometry and, when available, spectroscopy. We find that the lens systems that are best modelled with steeper than isothermal density profiles are more likely to have close companions than lenses with shallower than isothermal profiles. This suggests that the profile steepening may be caused by interactions with a companion galaxy as indicated by N-body simulations of group galaxies. The global environments of the SLACS lenses are typical of non-lensing SDSS galaxies with comparable properties to the lenses, and the richnesses of the lens groups are not as strongly correlated with the lens density profiles as are the local environments. Furthermore, we investigate the possibility of line-of-sight contamination affecting the lens models, but do not find a significant over-density of sources compared to lines of sight without lenses.
Investigation of the Effects of Salinity and Dietary Protein Level on Growth and Survival of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Perez‐Velazquez Martin , González‐Félix Mayra L. , Jaimes‐Bustamente Fernando , Martínez‐Córdova Luis R. , Trujillo‐Villalba Denisse A. , Davis D. Allen
Published: November 2007

It is presumed that in hypo‐ and hypersaline environments, shrimp’s requirements for some specific nutrients, such as protein, may differ from those known in the marine habitat; however, few investigations have been conducted in this area of study. In the present investigation, the effects of salinity and dietary protein level on the biological performance, tissue protein, and water content of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, were evaluated. In a 3 × 4 factorial experiment, juvenile shrimp with an average initial weight of 0.36 ± 0.02 g were exposed for 32 d to salinities of 2, 35, and 50 ppt and fed experimental diets with crude protein contents of 25, 30, 35, and 40%. A significant effect of salinity on growth of shrimp was detected, with the growth responses (final weight, weight gain) ranked in the order 2 ppt (3.87, 3.50 g) > 35 ppt (3.40, 3.04 g) > 50 ppt (2.84, 2.47 g). No effects of dietary protein level or an interaction between salinity and protein on growth of shrimp were observed under the experimental conditions of this study. Percent survival of shrimp fed the highest protein content (40%, survival of 74%) was, however, significantly lower than those of shrimp fed the other feeds (25, 30 and 35% protein, survival of 99, 91, and 94%, respectively), a result likely associated with the concentration of total ammonia nitrogen, which increased significantly at increasing protein levels. Final water content of whole shrimp was significantly lower in animals exposed to 50 ppt (70.8%) than in shrimp held at 2 (73.7%) and 35 ppt (72.3%). No effect of salinity, protein, or their interaction was observed on the protein content of whole shrimp. The results of the present study are in agreement with reports of superior and inferior growth of L. vannamei reared in hypo‐ and hypersaline environments, respectively, as compared to what is generally observed in seawater.
Evaluation of Fermented Soybean Curd Residues as an Energy Source in Diets for Juvenile Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Sun Mihai , Kim Young Chul , Okorie Okorie Eme , Lee Seunghyung , Devnath Sukumar , Yoo Gwangyeol , Bai Sungchul C , Jo Yong Kil
Published: November 2007

A 10‐wk feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential use of fermented soybean curd residues (FSCR) as an energy source in diets for juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain dry soybean curd residues to replace wheat meal (WM) at the levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% (FSCR0, FSCR25, FSCR50, FSCR75, and FSCR100, respectively). Fish averaging 6.00 ± 0.07 g (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into 15 aquaria as groups of 15 fish and fed the experimental diets in triplicate at a rate of 4–5% of wet body weight per day twice daily on dry matter basis. At the conclusion of the feeding trial, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed diet FSCR25 were significantly higher than those of fish fed diets FSCR50, FSCR75, and FSCR100 (P < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences in WG and SGR among fish fed diets FSCR0 and FSCR25 and among those fed diets FSCR0 and FSCR50. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio of olive flounder fed diet FSCR25 were significantly higher than those of fish fed diets FSCR50, FSCR75, and FSCR100 (P < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences in these parameters among fish fed diets FSCR0 and FSCR25 and among those fed diets FSCR0, FSCR50, FSCR75, and FSCR100. Hematological characteristics, condition factor, hepatosomatic index, and survival rate of fish fed FSCR0 were not significantly different from those of fish fed the other diets. These results indicated that FSCR could replace up to 50% WM as an energy source in juvenile olive flounder diets based on ANOVA test.
High Knudsen Number Physical Vapor Deposition: Predicting Deposition Rates and Uniformity
Authors: Malhotra Chetan P. , Mahajan Roop L. , Sampath W. S.
Published: November 2007

The problem of predicting deposition rates and film thickness variation is relevant to many high-vacuum physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes. Analytical methods for modeling the molecular flow fail when the geometry is more complicated than simple tubular or planar sources. Monte Carlo methods, which have traditionally been used for modeling PVD processes in more complicated geometries, being probabilistic in nature, entail long computation times, and thus render geometry optimization for deposition uniformity a difficult task. Free molecular flow is governed by the same line-of-sight considerations as thermal radiation. Though the existence of an analogy between the two was recognized by Knudsen (1909, Ann. Phys., 4(28), pp. 75–130) during his early experiments, it has not been exploited toward mainstream analysis of deposition processes. With the availability of commercial finite element software having advanced geometry modelers and built-in cavity radiation solvers, the analysis of diffuse thermal radiation problems has become considerably simplified. Hence, it is proposed to use the geometry modeling and radiation analysis capabilities of commercial finite element software toward analyzing and optimizing high-vacuum deposition processes by applying the radiation-molecular flow analogy. In this paper, we lay down this analogy and use the commercial finite element software ABAQUS for predicting radiation flux profiles from planar as well as tube sources. These profiles are compared to corresponding deposition profiles presented in thin-film literature. In order to test the ability of the analogy in predicting absolute values of molecular flow rates, ABAQUS was also employed for calculating the radiative flux through a long tube. The predictions are compared to Knudsen’s analytical formula for free molecular flow through long tubes. Finally, in order to see the efficacy of using the analogy in modeling the film thickness variation in a complex source-substrate configuration, an experiment was conducted where chromium films were deposited on an asymmetric arrangement of glass slides in a high-vacuum PVD chamber. The thickness of the deposited films was measured and the source-substrate configuration was simulated in ABAQUS. The variation of radiation fluxes from the simulation was compared to variation of the measured film thicknesses across the slides. The close agreement between the predictions and experimental data establishes the feasibility of using commercial finite element software for analyzing high vacuum deposition processes.
Experimental Evaluation of Marangoni Shear in the Contact Line Region of an Evaporating 99+% Pure Octane Meniscus
Authors: Panchamgam Sashidhar S. , Plawsky Joel L. , Wayner Peter C.
Published: November 2007

Image analyzing interferometry was used to study the spreading characteristics of an evaporating octane meniscus (purity: 99+%) on a quartz surface. The thickness, slope, and curvature profiles in the contact line region of the meniscus were obtained using a microscopic data analysis procedure. The results obtained for the octane were compared to that of pure pentane (purity: >99.8%) under similar operating conditions. Isothermal experimental conditions of the menisci were used for the in situ estimation of the retarded dispersion constant. The experimental results for the pure pentane demonstrate that the disjoining pressure (the intermolecular interactions) in the thin-film region controls the fluid flow. Also, an imbalance between the disjoining pressure in the thin-film region and the capillary pressure in the thicker meniscus region resulted in a creeping evaporating pentane meniscus, which spreads over the solid (quartz) surface. On the contrary, for less pure octane, the intermolecular interactions between octane and quartz had a significantly different contribution for fluid flow, and hence, the octane meniscus of lower purity did not creep over the quartz surface. As a result, we had a stationary, evaporating octane meniscus. Using the experimental data and a simple model for the velocity distribution, we evaluated the Marangoni shear in a portion of the stationary, evaporating octane meniscus. An extremely small change in the concentration due to distillation had a significant effect on fluid flow and microscale heat transfer. Also, it was found that nonidealities in small interfacial systems, i.e., the presence of impurities in the working fluid, can have a significant effect on the thickness of the adsorbed film, the heat flux, the spreading characteristics of an almost pure fluid, and, therefore, the assumptions in modeling.
Experimental Investigation of the Heat Transfer Characteristics of Aluminum-Foam Heat Sinks With Restricted Flow Outlet
Authors: Shih W. H. , Chou F. C. , Hsieh W. H.
Published: November 2007

This study investigates the heat transfer characteristics of aluminum-foam heat sinks with restricted flow outlets under impinging-jet flow conditions. An annular flow-restricting mask is used to control the height of the flow outlet of the aluminum foam sink, forcing the cooling air to reach the heat-generation surface. The enhanced heat transfer characteristics of aluminum-foam heat sinks using these flow-restricting masks are measured experimentally in this work. The effects of porosity, pore density and length of sample, air velocity, and flow outlet height on the heat transfer characteristics of aluminum-foam heat sinks are investigated. Results show that the effect of the flow outlet height is stronger than that of the pore density, porosity, or height of the aluminum heat sinks studied in this work. A general correlation between the Nusselt number and the Reynolds number based on the equivalent spherical diameter of the aluminum foam is obtained for 32 samples of aluminum-foam heat sinks with different sample heights (20–40mm), pore densities (5–40ppi(pore∕inch)), porosities (0.87–0.96), and flow outlet heights (5–40mm). It should be noted that, based on the measured velocity profile, the increase of the Nusselt number of the aluminum-foam heat sink with the decrease in the flow outlet height is caused by the reduced convective resistance at the solid-gas interface through the increased velocity near the heat-generation surface. The reduction in flow outlet height increases the local thermal nonequilibrium condition near the heat-generation surface.
Effect of Vapor Velocity on Condensation of Low-Pressure Steam on Integral-Fin Tubes
Authors: Namasivayam Satesh , Briggs Adrian
Published: November 2007

Experimental data are presented for forced-convection condensation of low-pressure steam on a set of single, integral-fin tubes. The five tubes had fin-root diameter of 12.7mm and identical fin geometry except for fin spacing, which was varied from 0.25mmto2mm. The range of vapor velocity was 14.7–62.3m∕s at an absolute pressure of 14kPa. Heat-transfer enhancement was a strong function of both vapor velocity and fin spacing, and the interrelationship of the two parameters led to complex trends in the data. Observations of the extent of condensate flooding (i.e., condensate trapped between the fins at the bottom of the tube) indicated that the effect of vapor shear on flooding was a significant controlling factor in the heat-transfer process, and this factor explained, at least quantitatively, the trends observed.