bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The persecution and deservedness scale
Authors: Melo Sara , Corcoran Rhiannon , Shryane Nick , Bentall Richard P.
Published: May 2009

Objectives. To design a brief measure to assess both the severity of paranoid thinking and the perceived deservedness of persecution, which can be employed in clinical and non‐clinical populations.

Background. No existing measure is adequate for these purposes.

Methods. In Study 1, we selected 10 items for a persecution and deservedness scale (PaDS) using data from 318 UK and 290 Portuguese undergraduate students, who also completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Fenigstein's Paranoia Scale. In Study 2, we made comparisons between 45 clinical participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or delusional disorder and the UK students from Study 1. The psychometric properties of the PaDS were analysed for separate persecution (P) and deservedness (D) subscales.

Results. The 10‐item PaDS subscales were internally reliable for both clinical and student samples. Correlations with other measures of depressive mood and paranoid thinking indicate that the P subscale has concurrent validity. Higher P and D scores were observed in UK students compared to Portuguese students. The clinical participants' P scores subscale were significantly higher than the students' scores but their D scores were lower.

Conclusions. The PaDS is a reliable and valid measure of paranoid thinking and perceived deservedness of persecution, which is sensitive for use in clinical and non‐clinical populations. Paranoid thinking appears to be mainly bad‐me in non‐clinical groups but poor‐me in psychotic psychiatric patients.
Forming limits for the bulk forming of solid wood
Authors: Penneru Anjaneya Prasad , Bhattacharyya Debes , Jayaraman Krishnan
Published: May 2009

No abstract available
Labordiagnostik in der Prävention, Differentialdiagnose und Verlaufskontrolle der Osteoporose / Laboratory diagnostics in the prevention, differential diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis
Authors: Anliker Markus , Bieglmayer Christian , Dimai Hans Peter , Gasser Rudolf Wolfgang , Kudlacek Stefan , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Schmidt-Gayk Heinrich , Sottara Elke , Woloszczuk Wolfgang , Zwettler Elisabeth , Griesmacher Andrea
Published: May 2009

Osteoporose wird von der WHO zu den ökonomisch bedeutsamsten Erkrankungen des 21. Jahrhunderts gezählt. Abgesehen von Anamnese, klinischer Untersuchung und bildgebenden Verfahren sind Laboruntersuchungen wichtige Werkzeuge in der Diagnose, Therapieüberwachung und Verlaufskontrolle der Osteoporose. Man unterscheidet Basis-Laboruntersuchungen von weiterführenden Laboruntersuchungen. Das Basislabor dient zur Differentialdiagnose zwischen primären und sekundären Formen der Osteoporose. Ursachen der sekundären Formen der Osteoporose müssen unter anderem durch weiterführende Untersuchungen abgeklärt werden. Spezielle Biomarker des Knochenstoffwechsels werden hauptsächlich zur Therapieüberwachung und Verlaufsbeurteilung der Osteoporose genutzt.
Crack Mouth Opening Displacement-Based η Factors for SE(B) Specimens
Authors: Petti J. P. , Dodds, Jr. R. H. , Link R. E.
Published: May 2009

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of SE(B) fracture toughness specimens with crack sizes ranging from a/W=0.1–0.6 were performed to develop ηCMOD values for estimating Jpl in fracture toughness tests. The analyses included specimens with smooth sides and 20 % sidegrooves. The results for ηCMOD were 4–9 % lower than previously published results based on two-dimensional plane strain analysis. A simple linear expression for ηCMOD(a/W) was proposed for introduction into ASTM E1820 for calculating Jpl in SE(B) specimens with 0.05≤a/W≤0.7.
Making Chipas in Paraguay
Authors: ritten sanra
Published: May 2009

In the midst of the poverty and heat of Paraguay on an estancia, or ranch, in the department of Concepcióón along the Tagatiya river, a group of travelers are taught to make chipa, an iconic Paraguayan food staple. Chipa, a pre-Colombian bread, is made from manioc flour, lard, milk, eggs, salt and anise. Long before wheat was introduced in the region the indigenous Guaraníí depended on manioc for sustenance. Manioc is a calorie-rich tuber, native to the Americas, found in many Paraguayan dishes such as mbeju, soups and sauces. The chipa is traditionally baked atop banana leaves in a brick and clay oven called tatakuáá. While making the chipa the travelers are also introduced to tereréé, a cold herbal tea, and cocido negro, a coffee like beverage also made from the South American herbal tea called yerba mate.
Marshmallow Fluff
Authors: liesener katie
Published: May 2009

In 2006, the state of Massachusetts suffered a political debacle over the merits of Marshmallow Fluff, a beloved, locally made marshmallow paste. In an effort to combat childhood obesity, state Senator Jarrett Barrios proposed that Fluff be restricted in public schools. His fellow state legislator, Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein, counter-proposed that the Fluffernutter (the fluff and peanut butter sandwich she and other locals grew up with) be named the official state sandwich. In the end, nostalgia trumped nutrition, revealing the cultural significance of this marshmallow treat. To generations of Massachusetts natives, Fluff symbolizes the innocence and irreverence of childhood. Furthermore, Fluff is an all-American icon: invented by an immigrant, it is the sole product of a family-owned company founded by returning WWI veterans. Since the political fallout, Fluff's populist heritage has been celebrated in an annual festival held in Somerville, Mass., birthplace of Fluff.
Variation in phenotypic appearance of Graves' disease: effect of genetic anticipation and duration of complaints
Authors: Vos Xander G , Smit Natalie , Endert Erik , Tijssen Jan G P , Wiersinga Wilmar M
Published: May 2009

Objective

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to susceptibility of Graves' disease. In this study, we evaluated whether the duration of symptoms or a positive family history of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) are related to specific phenotypes in patients with a first episode of Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH).

Design

Cross-sectional multicentre observational study.

Patients

Two hundred and sixty-three consecutive untreated patients (mean age (±s.d.) 42.6±12.4 years; range 16–79 years) with a first episode of GH were included. Biochemical and clinical severity of GH was evaluated. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires about environmental factors (smoking behavior, use of estrogens, stress etc.), the duration of symptoms (interval between start of symptoms and date of referral) and family history for AITD. We ascertained the autoimmune nature of thyroid disease in affected relatives. Family history scores (FHS; high score indicating a close genetic relationship and/or a large number of affected relatives) were calculated for patients with a positive family history for AITD.

Results

The peak incidence for the diagnosis of GH was 2–3 months after onset of symptoms (32% of patients). Duration of symptoms was negatively associated with age (P for trend=0.04). A positive family history for AITD was present in 42.6% of patients. Patients with the highest FHS were more often male (P=0.01) while age at onset was lower (P=0.02) compared to patients with a lower FHS. Among patient groups with different FHS, no differences were found in exposure to environmental factors, nor in clinical or biochemical severity of hyperthyroidism.

Conclusion

Our study does not support the hypothesis that a short duration of thyrotoxic symptoms until diagnosis is related to more severe hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease. We have found supporting evidence for the existence of genetic anticipation in Graves' disease by means of a lower age of onset in the group with the highest FHS.
Increased carotid intima-media thickness in pre-pubertal children with constitutional leanness and severe obesity: the speculative role of insulin sensitivity, oxidant status, and chronic inflammation
Authors: Giannini C , de Giorgis T , Scarinci A , Cataldo I , Marcovecchio M L , Chiarelli F , Mohn A
Published: May 2009

Design

In order to characterize whether different degrees of adipose tissue storage may be associated with markers of early atherosclerosis, we evaluated oxidant–antioxidant status and inflammatory markers and determined carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in healthy constitutional lean and obese pre-pubertal children.

Methods

Eighty healthy pre-pubertal lean and obese children were recruited and compared with 40 age, gender, and pubertal stage-matched normal controls. Anthropometric measurements, oxidant (urinary isoprostanes (PGF-2α), lag phase, and malondialdehyde (MDA)) and antioxidant status (vitamin E), inflammatory markers (high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)), and insulin sensitivity (fasting glucose–insulin ratio, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)) were investigated. Furthermore, cIMT was measured by high-resolution ultrasound.

Results

hs-CRP was not different between lean and control subjects (P=0.45), while higher values were found in obese compared with lean and control children (P<0.001 and P<0.001 respectively). PGF-2α and MDA were higher while lag phase shorter in lean and obese subjects compared with controls (lean P<0.001; P<0.001; P<0.001 and obese P<0.001; P<0.001; P<0.001 respectively), while no differences were documented between lean and obese subjects (P=0.78, P=0.019, and P=0.53 respectively). Compared with controls, cIMT was increased in lean and in obese subjects (P=0.001; P=0.004), while no differences were documented between obese and lean subjects (P=0.1). In a multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, cIMT was related with PGF-2α (β=0.641, P<0.001) and HOMA-IR (β=0.307; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Pre-pubertal lean and obese children present increased oxidative stress and impaired inflammation and insulin sensitivity, which in turn seem to result in similar impaired endothelial dysfunction and early signs of atherosclerosis, already in childhood.
A corticotroph pituitary adenoma as the initial presentation of familial glucocorticoid deficiency
Authors: Benoit Isabelle , Drui Delphine , Chaillous Lucy , Dupas Benoît , Mosnier Jean-François , Charbonnel Bernard , Cariou Bertrand
Published: May 2009

Context

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive ACTH-resistance syndrome characterized by glucocorticoid deficiency in the absence of mineralocorticoid deficiency. Here, we report the case of a young woman with a corticotroph pituitary adenoma as the initial presentation of FGD.

Case report

A 15-year-old girl was referred to our institution for a 16 mm pituitary adenoma associated with glucocorticoid deficiency. Clinical and biological features were evocative of FGD. DNA sequencing did not identify mutations in either the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) or the MC2R accessory protein genes, indicating type 3 FGD. Despite adequate glucocorticoid replacement, plasma ACTH levels remained increased and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a progression of the tumour size resulting in optic chiasm compression with intra-tumoural haemorrhaging. When the patient was 26 years old, it was decided that she would undergo transsphenoidal surgery. The histomorphological analysis identified a well-individualized pituitary adenoma immunoreactive for ACTH. The proband's sister also exhibited type 3 FGD associated with pituitary hyperplasia upon MRI.

Conclusion

This case highlights the relationship between FGD and hyperplasia of ACTH-producing cells, potentially leading to histologically proven pituitary corticotroph adenomas. This observation raises the question of the pituitary MRI's significance in the follow-up of FGD.
Identification of novel immunodominant epididymal sperm proteins using combinatorial approach
Authors: Khan Shagufta A , Suryawanshi Amol R , Ranpura Sandeep A , Jadhav Sudhir V , Khole Vrinda V
Published: May 2009

Functionally immature spermatozoa leave the testis mature during epididymal transit. This process of maturation involves either addition of new proteins or modification of existing proteins onto the sperm domains that are responsible for domain-specific functions. Epididymal proteins are preferred targets for immunocontraception. In an attempt to identify epididymis-specific sperm proteins, we used a novel combinatorial approach comprising subtractive immunization (SI) followed by proteomics. Following SI, sera of mice were used for immunoproteomics, which led to the identification of 30 proteins, of which four proteins namely sperm head protein 1, sperm flagella protein 2 (SFP2), SFP3, and SFP4 are being reported for the first time on sperm. Another group of four proteins namely collagen α-2 (I) chain precursor, homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 1, GTP-binding protein Rab1, and ubiquinol cytochromecreductase core protein II although reported earlier in testis are being reported for the first time in epididymal sperm. Furthermore, seven out of these eight novel proteins could be validated using peptide ELISA. These data are a useful repository, which could be exploited to develop targets for post-testicular immunocontraception or biomarkers for infertility diagnosis and management.
Um Problema de Três Corpos Analiticamente Solúvel
Authors: Figuerêdo Elysandra , Castro Antonio S. de
Published: May 2009

Analisamos um problema de três corpos interagindo mutuamente via forças harmônicas no contexto do formalismo newtoniano. Uma solução analítica exata para este problema é encontrada por meio de uma abordagem didática e os caminhos para a análise do problema de N corpos são indicados.
Aprendizagem de Eletromagnetismo via Programação e Computação Simbólica
Authors: Alves D. T. , Amaral J. V. , Medeiros Neto J. F. , Cheb-Terrab E. S.
Published: May 2009

Relatamos a experiência de utilizar programação em Maple como ferramenta de aprendizagem do estudante num curso básico de teoria eletromagnética. Acreditamos que este relato possa ser útil a quem desejar utilizar o computador como instrumento pedagógico no ensino de Física.
Control Experimental del Modelo de Péndulo Matemático
Authors: Medina César , Velazco Sandra , Salinas Julia
Published: May 2009

Se aportan consideraciones sobre un trabajo práctico de laboratorio de Física destinado a alumnos con conocimientos teóricos sobre oscilaciones. Se propone a los estudiantes construir un péndulo que se comporte como matemático, y realizar un análisis del error introducido por los supuestos del modelo. Entre ellos, se analizan cuantitativamente: rozamiento despreciable, amplitud pequeña, hilo inextensible, masa puntual del cuerpo, masa despreciable del hilo. Se concluye que los supuestos del modelo se pueden cumplir fácilmente en un caso práctico, y que su análisis permite que los estudiantes adquieran una mejor comprensión del modo científico de controlar la validez de los desarrollos teóricos y valoren la importancia y la utilidad de los modelos sencillos en la ciencia.
Reflexões Críticas sobre as Estratégias Instrucionais Construtivistas na Educação Científica
Authors: Laburú Carlos Eduardo , Arruda Sérgio de Mello
Published: May 2009

Este trabalho procura contribuir com as críticas que vêm sendo realizadas na educação científicaque tomam por base orientações instrucionais fundamentadas em pressupostos pedagógicos construtivistas. Além de mostrar os argumentos atuais que se opõem a essas orientações e pressupostos,procuramos ampliá-los e apresentar novos.
Combinatorial formulation of Ising model revisited
Authors: Costa G.A.T.F.da , Maciel A. L.
Published: May 2009

In 1952, Kac and Ward developed a combinatorial formulation for the two dimensional Ising model which is another method of obtaining Onsager's famous formula for the free energy per site in the termodynamic limit of the model. Feynman gave an important contribution to this formulation conjecturing a crucial mathematical relation which completed Kac and Ward ideas. In this paper, the method of Kac, Ward and Feynman for the free field Ising model in two dimensions is reviewed in a selfcontained way and Onsager's formula computed.
Argumentando sobre a realidade dos potenciais
Authors: Ferreira G.F. Leal
Published: May 2009

Argumenta-se que, da mesma forma que o efeito Aharonov-Bohm mostrou ser o potencial vetor detetável microscopicamente, os nossos transformadores parecem indicar que ele o é macroscopicamente através de sua derivada temporal. Nessa suposição, são estudadas as transformações de calibre a partir do calibre de Lorentz, que é o calibre causal. Os potenciais, escalar e vetorial, de uma carga em movimento nos calibres de Coulomb e Lorentz são apresentados. A ação mecânica dos potenciais também é discutida, mostrando-se que os efeitos de indução entre circuitos são incluidos no momento canônico na formulação de Hamilton. Finalmente menciona-se que a mais rica Álgebra Geométrica (ou Geometria de Clifford) é mais adequada para a descrição do Eletromagnetismo.
O uso de 'espirais' de encadernação como molas
Authors: Axt Rolando , Bonadiman Helio , Silveira Fernando Lang da
Published: May 2009

No presente texto mostramos como utilizar 'espirais' de plástico para encadernação em lugar das tradicionais molas de aço na realização de uma série de interessantes atividades práticas para ensino de Física em escolas de nível médio.
A aproximação de lente fina é sempre válida em experimentos para determinação de distâncias focais?
Authors: Carlin N. , Szanto E.M. , Jorge F.O. , Souza F.A. , Bechtold I.H. , Seale W.A.
Published: May 2009

Neste trabalho é discutida a validade da aproximação de lente fina em atividades experimentais que envolvem a determinação de distâncias focais. É utilizado o formalismo matricial para o estudo de trajetória de raios luminosos através de um sistema de lentes espessas, sendo introduzido o conceito de planos principais. Nesse contexto, é mostrado que para uma lente espessa típica utilizada nos laboratórios didáticos do Instituto de Física da USP, a aproximação de lente fina não é adequada.
Modelagem computacional da propagação de ondas superficiais no oceano: um subsídio para a compreensão dos fenômenos ópticos
Authors: Meirelles Saulo , Violante-Carvalho Nelson
Published: May 2009

Este artigo discute como as transformações sofridas pelas ondas aquáticas ao se aproximarem de águas rasas podem auxiliar o entendimento dos principais fenômenos estudados na óptica. A partir de alguns conceitos comuns a todos os fenômenos ondulatórios, é possível conhecer o comportamento das ondas na superfície de corpos d'água conforme elas se encaminham para menores profundidades, como as ondas que se aproximam de uma praia. Tornou-se possível, dessa forma, traçar um paralelo entre as ondas luminosas e as ondas aquáticas. A modelagem computacional mostrou-se uma importante ferramenta para a construção de casos idealizados, facilitando a visualização dos resultados.
Precursores log-periódicos de eventos catastróficos: a quebra de 1999 como exemplo ilustrativo
Authors: Julião C.J.S. , Gleria Iram , Cavalcanti Solange , Viswanathan G.M.
Published: May 2009

Grandes terremotos, ruptura em materiais complexos, quebra de bolsa de valores: todos podem ser vistos como catástrofes - a repentina transição de um estado calmo para uma crise. Seria possível uma previsão desses eventos? Uma abordagem unificada para a modelagem e previsão de catástrofes foi proposto por D. Sornette, numa teoria baseada no conceito de log-periodicidade. Neste artigo discutimos o potencial de previsibilidade dessa teoria e a demonstramos em problemas relacionados a quebras de bolsas de valores. Também apresentamos um estudo inédito do método de previsão ao Índice da Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo, IBOVESPA. Buscamos evidências de comportamento log-periódico, comparando um período sem quebras com o período antes da quebra de 14 de janeiro de 1999. A eficiência e a relativa simplicidade do método servem de grande incentivo a estudantes de graduação, sempre ávidos para ver a teoria sendo posta em prática.
Medição da densidade do óleo: uma discussão sobre sua otimização e diminuição dos custos via incerteza relativa da medição
Authors: Jesus V.L.B. de , Palma D.A.
Published: May 2009

No presente trabalho, faz-se uma análise metrológica das incertezas associadas às medições da densidade de óleo de cozinha por dois métodos distintos, a saber, o de medição direta (razão massa-volume) e o método de tubo em U. A idéia é ajudar o professor na montagem de experimentos de baixo custo. Em relação ao método de medição utilizando um tubo em U, melhorias são propostas com a substituição do tubo de vidro por um tubo transparente flexível e de baixo custo. Os autores definem o fator de vantagem de um experimento, Fv, como sendo o produto da incerteza da grandeza física (δ) pelo seu custo (C), que pode ser utilizado como um critério para decidir o impasse entre a qualidade dos resultados obtidos e o custo de um determinado experimento.
Rapid Maxillary Expansion after Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Alveolar Cleft
Authors: da Silva Filho Omar Gabriel , Boiani Elaine , de Oliveira Cavassan Arlete , Santamaria Milton
Published: May 2009

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that it is possible to perform rapid maxillary expansion (RME) after alveolar bone grafting in patients with clefts of the lip and palate (CLP) without compromising the final result of the bone graft.

Design:

Occlusal and periapical radiographs of the grafted area of 17 unilateral and 11 bilateral patients with CLP (n  =  28) were obtained before and after RME.

Setting and sample population:

Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies (HRAC), University of São Paulo. Twenty-eighty patients with CLP who had undergone RME.

Interventions:

RME was performed in patients with CLP who had already undergone RME before secondary bone grafting but with relapse of the maxillary dental arch constriction, as well as in patients with CLP who had never undergone expansion before bone grafting.

Outcome measure:

Qualitative evaluation in occlusal and periapical radiographs after alveolar bone grafting.

Results:

Findings showed opening of the midpalatal suture in 42.8% of patients in this study. Regardless of the success rate of RME, the alveolar bone grafting was not affected when the procedures were inverted.

Conclusion:

The hypothesis was accepted. RME can be performed after secondary alveolar bone grafting without affecting it.
Craniofacial and Pharyngeal Cephalometric Morphology in Seven-Year-Old Boys with Unoperated Submucous Cleft Palate and without a Cleft
Authors: Heliövaara Arja , Rautio Jorma
Published: May 2009

Objective:

To evaluate cephalometrically the craniofacial and pharyngeal morphology in 7-year-old boys with unoperated submucous cleft palate and to compare the findings with the morphology of 7-year-old boys without clefts.

Setting and Patients:

Thirty-two boys with unoperated submucous cleft palate and 49 boys without a cleft were compared retrospectively from lateral cephalograms taken at the mean age of 7 years (range, 5.5 to 8.6 years).

Design:

A retrospective case-control study.

Outcome Measure:

Linear and angular measurements were obtained from lateral cephalograms. A Student's t test was used in the statistical analysis.

Results:

The maxilla of the boys with submucous cleft palate was shorter and slightly more retrusive in relation to the cranial base than that of boys without clefts. Also, the mandible of the boys with submucous cleft palate was smaller, with a steeper mandibular plane. The relationship between the jaws was similar in both groups; although, those without clefts showed higher values for soft tissue maxillary prominence. In the pharyngeal area, the boys with submucous cleft palate had larger nasopharyngeal depths, smaller hypopharyngeal depths, and shorter soft palates than the boys without a cleft.

Conclusions:

This small study suggests that the boys with unoperated submucous cleft palate have minor distinctive morphological features in the maxillary, mandibular, and pharyngeal areas.
Increased Frequency of Left-Handedness in Patients with Unilateral Coronal Synostosis
Authors: Oh Albert K. , Mulliken John B. , LaBrie Richard A. , Rogers Gary F.
Published: May 2009

Objective:

Left-handedness reportedly has been more common in persons with neurological afflictions (e.g., stroke) and malformations (e.g., cleft lip with or without cleft palate) that demonstrate marked unilateral involvement. Coronal synostosis is also more frequently unilateral, affecting the right side more commonly than the left. We sought to compare left-handedness in patients with unilateral coronal synostosis versus healthy controls.

Subjects:

All patients aged 3 years or older with nonsyndromic unilateral coronal synostosis and healthy controls recruited by pediatricians blinded to the study.

Main Outcome Measures:

Prospective data obtained for all participants included age, gender, and handedness. In patients with unilateral coronal synostosis, the side of synostosis and age at surgery were documented. Left-handedness in the study and control groups was compared using chi-square analysis. Left-handedness also was analyzed in the study group according to side of fusion.

Results:

Eighty-six patients with nonsyndromic unilateral coronal synostosis comprised the study group; there were 96 controls. The mean ages of the study (8.8 years) and control groups (9.8 years) were not statistically different (p > .05). There were more girls in the study group (67%) than in the control group (56%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p > .05). Left-handedness was documented in 30.2% of the study group and 11.4% of the control group (p < .005). Left-handedness was twice as common in patients with left versus right unilateral coronal synostosis (44.4% versus 20.4%; p < .05).

Conclusions:

Left-handedness is nearly three times more common in patients with unilateral coronal synostosis than in controls and four times more likely in patients with left-sided fusion.
New Diagram for Cleft Lip and Palate Description: The Clock Diagram
Authors: Rossell-Perry Percy
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

The current classification diagrams for cleft lip and palate are descriptions of the components involved in the cleft, but they do not consider in detail the severity of distortion. We sought to establish a new diagram (the Clock Diagram) for cleft lip and palate, which describes the pathology according to the severity of distortion of the nose, lip, and primary and secondary palate, and to apply this classification scheme toward treatment selection.

Methods:

The method is based on surgical results obtained from 1043 cleft lip and palate patients operated by the author between 1996 and 2007, under the protocol based on our classification. To further illustrate the classification and diagram method, two types of clefts are described, using the proposed diagram and compared with Kernahan's diagram.

Results:

This new diagram describes the cleft's severity using terminology from our clinic's classification of cleft severity. In comparison with Kernahan's diagram, the Clock Diagram more effectively demonstrates a cleft's severity. I have observed a higher incidence of lip and palate revision in severe clefts.

Conclusions:

The Outreach Program Lima Clock Diagram classifies the severity of the cleft and affords an individualized description of cleft morphology. I have observed a direct relation between cleft severity and the number of poor outcomes in our patients.
Ontogenetic Mechanisms Underlying a Geographic Size Cline in a Grasshopper, Romalea microptera
Authors: Jannot Jason E , Brinton Jessica , Kocot Kevin , Akman Olcay , Juliano Steven A
Published: May 2009

Geographic clines in body size have been described for many species, but relatively few investigations have tested hypotheses for the ontogenetic mechanisms maintaining geographic clines. We formalize and test the predictions for the role of ontogenetic mechanisms (e.g., hatching timing and size, juvenile developmental time, juvenile growth rate) in maintaining a longitudinal cline in adult body size of lubber grasshoppers [Romalea microptera (Beauvois)]. To obtain hatching timing and size, we collected eggs from wild females from several populations along the longitudinal gradient in 2 yr (2006 and 2007) and measured hatchling size and hatch date. To obtain juvenile developmental time and growth rates, we surveyed populations along the longitudinal gradient during 2 yr (2006 and 2007) and estimated developmental time and growth rates. We found the developmental time (hatching to fourth instar) and female growth rates increase from west to east along the cline. Patterns of hatching timing and hatching size were not consistent with the size cline. The size cline becomes evident in the third instar and is magnified in the fourth and fifth instars. Our data suggest that the size cline arises from some combination of clinal variation in developmental time and female growth rates; prolonged development and greater growth rates lead to larger mean size. Equally important, we found no evidence that differences in hatching time or size are ontogenetic causes of this cline. Our hypotheses for ontogenetic mechanisms producing an adult size cline should serve as a template for ecologists seeking to understand the ontogenetic basis of spatial variation in phenotypes.
Cranial osteology of the giant mosasaurPlesiotylosaurus(Squamata, Mosasauridae)
Authors: Lindgren Johan
Published: May 2009

Based on the type material and a new, virtually intact skull from the mid-Maastrichtian part (probably Tierra Loma Shale) of the Moreno Formation, San Joaquin Valley, central California, the cranial osteology of the enigmatic mosasaurinePlesiotylosaurus crassidens(Squamata, Mosasauridae) is here described in detail.Plesiotylosaurusis characterized by a protruding rostrum on the snout and mandibles, a wide and virtually unconstricted internarial bar, large and robust pterygoid teeth, and quadrates with distally fused suprastapedial and infrastapedial processes. Distinctly obtruding predental prows, along with a number of elaborate cranial features, suggest a morphological convergence with tylosaurine mosasaurs.
Late MioceneMauremys(Testudines, Geoemydidae) from Tuscany (Italy): Evidence of terrapin persistence after a mammal turnover
Authors: Chesi Francesco , Delfino Massimo , Rook Lorenzo
Published: May 2009

The occurrence of freshwater turtle remains in the late Miocene lignites of southern Tuscany (Montebamboli and Casteani, Italy) has been known since the nineteenth century. Three chelonian species were recognized by Ristori in 1891:Emys depressa, E. campanii, andE. parva.Revision of their type material, together with the study of new fossils from a different but correlated locality, Pian Calcinaio (Scansano), allows one to state that they can be referred to the genusMauremysand that they belong to one single species. the new combinationM. campanii(Ristori, 1891) is here proposed. Phylogenetic analysis indicates thatM. campaniiis closely related to the modern post-Miocene group ofMauremysspecies and shows a sister-group relationship with the Plio-PleistoceneM. gaudryi.the remains ofM. campaniicome from an insular setting which progressively lost its endemic mammal fauna, defined as theOreopithecusZone Fauna, enabling us to compare the pattern of survival of the chelonians with that of the mammals. in contrast to the radical turnover suffered by mammals, softshell turtles (Trionyxsp.) and terrapins (M. campanii) are present both in the pre-Messinian V1-V2 and Messinian V3 assemblages. Terrestrial tortoises (Testudo amiataePantanelli, 1893,Testudos.l.) show a different pattern, because they appear only in the V3 assemblage, possibly because they apparently dispersed into Italy as recently as the Messinian.M. campaniirepresents the southernmost evidence of the genusMauremysin the uppermost Miocene of Europe, filling a gap in the palaeogeographic and chronological distribution of this genus.
A critical evaluation of the status of crinoids studied by Dr. Gerard Troost (1776-1850)
Authors: Ausich William I.
Published: May 2009

The systematic position of taxa from the work of Gerard Troost has been confused and many have not been properly credited. Complete synonymy listings of Troost names indicate that the author and date of many names need revision, including several taxa that can finally be credited to Troost.
New fusulinids from Lower Permian turbidites at Conglomerate Mesa, southeastern Inyo Mountains, east-central California
Authors: Stevens Calvin H. , Stone Paul
Published: May 2009

Seven previously unrecognized fusulinid species from Lower Permian (Wolfcampian and Leonardian) turbidites near Conglomerate Mesa in east-central California, four of which are named as new species, are here described and figured. the four new species areSchwagerina merriami, S. wildei, Parafusulina mackevetti, andSkinnerella rossi.These fusulinid species have close affinities to similar taxa in Texas and northeastern Nevada, and they are distinct from some other faunas of slightly different age in the Conglomerate Mesa area that are dominated by endemic species and other species with Eastern Klamath Mountains affinities.
A new species ofPalatobaena(Testudines: Baenidae) and a maximum parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of Baenidae
Authors: Lyson Tyler R. , Joyce Walter G.
Published: May 2009

NewPalatobaenamaterial from the Hell Creek Formation (Maastrichtian), including the first skull and shell association, from southwestern North Dakota represents a new species named hereinPalatobaena cohen.the material consists of 4 skulls, 2 lower jaws, and 2 shells and represents a true biological population (spatially and temporally restricted), which provides unprecedented access to ontogenetic and other intraspecific variation found in this taxon. the skull's round shape and lack of a lingual ridge on the greatly expanded triturating surface indicate itsPalatobaenaaffinities, but it differs from both previously existingPalatobaenataxa in a number of features. the addition of shell characters to the most inclusive baenid phylogenetic analyses (Maximum parsimony and Bayesian) to date indicate thatPa. cohenis sister taxon to the otherPalatobaenataxa. Notably, both the maximum parsimony analysis and Bayesian analysis provide strong support forPlesiobaena antiquaas sister to thePalatobaenaclade. in addition, both analyses provide strong support forStygiochelys estesias sister to the Eocene clade ofBaena arenosaandChisternon undatum, which significantly reduces this clades' ghost lineage. the baenid topology reveals a demonstrably homoplastic trend towards the reduction of the temporal emargination and unique thickening of the posterior portion of the parietals that corresponds with the K/T boundary and is hypothesized to have provided limited protection from increasingly effective mammalian predators.
Sprouty proteins: modified modulators, matchmakers or missing links?
Authors: Guy G R , Jackson R A , Yusoff P , Chow S Y
Published: May 2009

Sprouty proteins are involved in organogenesis, particularly during the branching of endothelial tubes, and existing evidence suggests that Sprouty's point of action lies downstream of receptor signaling to inhibit the activation of the central Ras/Erk pathway. How Sprouty proteins accomplish their inhibitory action and whether they interact with other signaling pathways are significant questions. Sprouty proteins are devoid of any recognizable protein interaction domain, and clues as to how they function have been mainly derived from screening for interacting partners. Conserved across all the Sprouty proteins are three sequences: a Cbl-tyrosine kinase-binding (TKB) binding motif centered on an obligatorily phosphorylated tyrosine (Y55 in Sprouty2), a serine-rich motif (SRM) and a cysteine-rich domain (CRD). With the exception of a handful of proteins that bind to the N-terminus, most of the binding to Sprouty occurs via the CRD, predominantly by serine/threonine kinases that target sites within the SRM on Sprouty. Some of the resultant increase in phosphorylation is opposed by activated protein phosphatase 2A that binds to the N-terminal Cbl-TKB binding motif. Significantly, two ubiquitin E3 ligases also bind to the N-terminus of Sprouty: c-Cbl binds with high affinity to the TKB binding motif and SIAH2 binds constitutively to a different site; both proteins are able to direct the ubiquitination of Sprouty proteins and its destruction. The collective evidence points to Sprouty proteins as being substantially covalently-modified to control its location, stability, association, and destruction. With such stringent control of the Sproutys, the main question is what key proteins does this facilitator bring together?
Impact of Kerogen Heterogeneity on Sorption of Organic Pollutants. 1. Sorbent Characterization
Authors: Yang Chen , Huang Weilin , Fu Jiamo , Dang Zhi
Published: May 2009

The overall goal of the present study was to establish correlations between organic pollutant sorption and physicochemical properties of kerogen materials. Three coal samples, each representing a typical kerogen type, were used as the starting materials. A thermal technique was employed to treat the kerogen materials under seven different temperatures ranging from 200 to 500C to simulate different diagenetic history. These samples were systematically characterized for their chemical compositions, functionalities, physical rigidity, and optical properties. The results showed that the chemical, spectroscopic, and optical microscopic properties of each kerogen series changed consistently as a function of treatment temperature or kerogen maturation. The oxygen-to-carbon atomic ratio decreased from 0.29, 0.12, and 0.07 for the original lignite (XF0), fusinite (HZ0), and lopinite (LP0) samples, respectively, to 0.07, 0.06, and 0.04 for XF7, HZ7, and LP7, respectively, that underwent the highest temperature treatment. The hydrogen-to-carbon atomic ratio exhibited similar reducing trend, which is consistent with the aromaticity increasing from 45 to 58% of the original samples to 76 to 81% of highly mature samples. Under the fluorescence microscope, the organic matrix changed from yellow (original lignite sample) and red-brown (original lopinite sample) to colorless for the samples of higher maturation. The measured reflecting index increased from the original samples to the highly mature samples. Moreover, the original and the slightly matured samples exhibited very different chemical compositions and structural units among the three types due to the difference in their source materials. As the kerogen maturation increased, such differences decreased, indicating highly mature kerogen became homogenized regardless of the source material.
Systematic Review of Nursing Simulation Literature for Use of Learning Theory
Authors: Kaakinen Joanna , Arwood Ellyn
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this systematic analysis of nursing simulation literature between 2000 2007 was to determine how learning theory was used to design and assess learning that occurs in simulations. Out of the 120 articles in which designing nursing simulations was reported, 16 referenced learning or developmental theory as the basis of how and why they set up the simulation. Of the 16 articles that used a learning type of foundation, only two considered learning as a cognitive task. More research is needed that investigates the efficacy of simulation for improving student learning. The study concludes that most nursing faculty approach simulation from a teaching paradigm rather than a learning paradigm. For simulation to foster student learning there must be a fundamental shift from a teaching paradigm to a learning paradigm and a foundational learning theory to design and evaluate simulation should be used. Examples of how to match simulation with learning theory are included.
Modeling Disturbance Dynamics to Improve Controller Performance in Industrial Loops
Authors: Scali Claudio , Rossi Maurizio
Published: May 2009

A methodology is proposed to identify both process and disturbance dynamics in order to improve the performance of control loops under PID control. The information recorded by a common DCS after a persistent perturbation has affected the plant from desired operating conditions is sufficient for the application of the procedure and no additional tests are required. The identification is based on a simplex algorithm and performs a numerical approximation; results are compared with a linear least square identification algorithm which allows an analytical solution under the assumption of equal process and disturbance dynamics. Results for a wide class of process dynamics show that the simplex approach allows a more efficient identification and permits a model based design of the controller, resulting in highly superior closed loop performance. Robustness specifications can be included in the design. The relevance of the problem and the reliability of the proposed identification and design procedure are confirmed by applications on industrial data sets. The algorithm is implemented in a performance monitoring system operating in refinery plants.
Corrosion performance and restoration of laser-formed metallic alloy sheets
Authors: Liu Z. , Guzmán C. , Liu H. , Anacleto A. , Francisco T. , Abdoalshafie M. , Ma L. , Abodunrin O. , Skeldon P.
Published: May 2009

Previous studies of laser forming have been focused on understanding the laser forming mechanisms, investigating the effects of important laser process parameters on deformed shape, and modeling the forming process. Although microstructures and mechanical properties have received some attention, no work has addressed corrosion behavior of laser-formed components. However, laser forming is a thermal process with substantial thermal cycles required; sensitization of microstructures to corrosion may be anticipated. This paper investigates the corrosion performance of various laser-formed metallic alloy sheets, including AA 2024-T3, AA 7075-T6, and AA 5083-O aluminum alloys, and AISI 304 austenitic and AISI 430 ferritic stainless steels using various standard corrosion testing methods. The results showed that the laser forming process induced different degrees of sensitization within the irradiated zones and the heat-affected zones (HAZs), leading to significant intergranular corrosion attacks for most of the alloys. Materials characterization of the microstructural evolution, in terms of elemental segregation, precipitate distribution, and phase transformation within the laser irradiated zones and HAZs using field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy and TEM, provided evidence of an increased susceptibility to localized corrosion. However, an improved resistance to intergranular corrosion after laser forming was observed for AA 5083-O alloy. In order to restore the corrosion properties of laser-formed AA 7075-T6 components, postforming heat treatments (PFHTs), involving solution treatment at 480 °C for times of 0.5, 2, and 4 h followed by artificial aging at 120 °C for 20 h, were carried out. The results indicated that both corrosion resistance and microhardness were fully recovered to those of the original T6 condition via appropriate PFHT.
Thermoelectric currents in laser induced melts pools
Authors: Lange Adrian , Cramer Andreas , Beyer Eckhard
Published: May 2009

Applying an external static magnetic field to laser beam welding may lead to a change in geometry of the weld seam. Since the most common influence of a magnetic field acting on an electrically high conducting fluid is the generation of a Lorentz force, the outcome of such experiments is a strong indication of the presence of electric current in the melt pool. Owing to the static nature of the magnetic field, induction is restricted to the movement of the liquid metal and therefore negligible, leaving thermoelectricity as the sole potential source of current. The present work discloses analytically that the current may indeed originate from a gradient of thermoelectric power. Based on the examples iron and aluminum, key features of the current distribution are determined numerically together with an investigation of the dependence of the distribution on material properties. By carrying out welding experiments in the heat conduction mode, validation is achieved of the thermoelectric source of the current and of basic properties of its contribution.
Structure and properties of a biomedical Co-Cr-Mo alloy produced by laser powder microdeposition
Authors: Meacock C. G. , Vilar R.
Published: May 2009

Laser powder microdeposition is a very promising technique to manufacture functional complex-shaped customized medical devices directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) file. It uses a finely focused laser beam to generate a small meltpool on the surface of a metallic substrate into which metallic powder is blown via a fine capillary. The laser/powder interaction zone is scanned over the substrate and molten material re-solidifies, leaving microscale tracks of deposited material. These tracks can be overlapped according to a previously established program to generate three-dimensional objects. The aim of the present work is to study the microstructure and properties of a typical Co-Cr-Mo biomedical alloy manufactured by laser powder microdeposition. In this paper, singles tracks of a biomedical Co-Cr-Mo alloy are deposited onto a 304 stainless steel substrate and a bulk part is fabricated by the successive overlapping of tracks. The deposited material is investigated by diffractometry, microscopy, and hardness testing, which revealed a homogenous microstructure comprised of fine cellular dendrites with a dispersion of intracellular precipitates and the presence of α and ε phases in the matrix. The fine morphology acts to engender significantly increased hardness values than those reported in Co-Cr-Mo parts fabricated by other processes.
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale Has Good Clinimetric Properties in People With Ankle Fracture
Authors: Lin Chung-Wei Christine , Moseley Anne M. , Refshauge Kathryn M. , Bundy Anita C.
Published: May 2009

Background: There is limited information on the clinimetric properties of questionnaires of activity limitation in people after ankle fracture.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinimetric properties of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, an activity limitation questionnaire, in people with ankle fracture.

Design: This was a measurement study using data collected from 2 previous randomized controlled trials and 1 inception cohort study.

Methods: Participants with ankle fracture (N=306) were recruited within 7 days of cast removal. Data were collected at baseline and at short- and medium-term follow-ups. Internal consistency and construct validity were assessed using Rasch analysis. Concurrent validity, responsiveness, and floor and ceiling effects were evaluated.

Results: The Lower Extremity Functional Scale demonstrated high internal consistency (α>.90). The variance in activity limitation explained by the items was high (98.3%). Each item had a positive correlation with the overall scale, and most items supported the unidimensionality of the scale. These findings suggest that the scale has high internal consistency and construct validity. The scale also demonstrated high concurrent validity and responsiveness in the short term and no floor or ceiling effects. However, the scale would benefit from more-challenging items, as evident at the medium-term follow-up.

Limitations: This was a secondary analysis of existing data sets.

Conclusion: The Lower Extremity Functional Scale is a useful tool to monitor activity limitation in people with ankle fracture up to the short-term follow-up. More- difficult items may need to be added to improve the responsiveness of the scale for longer-term follow-up.