bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of dental professionals and laypeople to altered dental esthetics in cases with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors
Authors: Rosa Marco , Olimpo Alessia , Fastuca Rosamaria , Caprioglio Alberto
Published: October 2013

Background

The smile perception of patients is not strictly related to standardized protocols and technical implications which certainly affect clinicians' decisions. The absence of maxillary lateral incisors could affect smile esthetics either with treatment or not. The aim of the present study was to investigate if different perceptions on altered smiles due to missing maxillary lateral incisors, with or without treatment, exist among different groups of people (laypersons, adult orthodontic patients, general dentists, and orthodontists).

Methods

An ideal smile model was selected and altered simulating different malocclusions and treatment options. Twelve simulations were submitted to four categories of respondents: laypeople, adult orthodontic patients, general dentists and orthodontists. They were asked to express smile perception for each simulation by ranking and rating simulations using a 0 to 100 visual analog scale. Analysis of variance was used to determine if there were statistically significant differences in values assigned among the four categories of respondents for each simulation.

Results

Significant differences in smile perceptions were found between professionals (dentists and orthodontists) and laypeople. Presence of dental tipping and marked diastema in the arch were disharmonious aspects less tolerated in a smile by all categories of evaluators. Simulations associated with space closure orthodontic treatment were ranked as the most attractive smile and significantly ranked higher by dental professionals than patients and laypeople.

Conclusions

Treatment, absence of diastema, and symmetry were the most accepted characteristics by all categories of respondents. Ideal orthodontic treatment options might be overestimated by clinicians when compared to laypeople's smile perception.
Analysis of the characteristics of slot design affecting resistance to sliding during active archwire configurations
Authors: Nucera Riccardo , Giudice Antonino Lo , Matarese Giovanni , Artemisia Alessandro , Bramanti Ennio , Crupi Paolo , Cordasco Giancarlo
Published: October 2013

Background

During orthodontic treatment, a low resistance to slide (RS) is desirable when sliding mechanics are used. Many studies showed that several variables affect the RS at the bracket-wire interface; among these, the design of the bracket slot has not been deeply investigated yet. This study aimed to clarify the effect of different slot designs on the RS expressed by five types of low-friction brackets in vertical and horizontal active configurations of the wire.

Methods

Five low-friction brackets (Damon SL II, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA; In-Ovation, GAC International, Bohemia, NY, USA; Quick, Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany; Time 2, AO, Sheboygan, WI, USA; Synergy, RMO, Denver, CO, USA) coupled with an 0.014-in NiTi thermal wire (Therma-Lite, AO) were tested in two three-bracket experimental models simulating vertical and horizontal bracket displacements. A custom-made machine was used to measure frictional resistance with tests repeated on ten occasions for each bracket-wire combination. Design characteristics such as the mesio-distal slot width, slot depth, and presence of chamfered edges at the extremities of the slot were evaluated on SEM images (SUPRA, Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) and analyzed in relation to the data of RS recorded.

Results

Time 2 was found to show the higher frictional forces (1.50 and 1.35 N) in both experimental models (p < 0.05), while Quick and Synergy brackets showed the lower frictional values in the vertical (0.66 N) and in the horizontal (0.68 N) bracket displacements, respectively. With vertically displaced brackets, the increased mesio-distal slot width and the presence of clear angle at mesial and distal slot edges increase the values of RS. With brackets horizontally displaced, the RS expressed by the wire is influenced simultaneously by the depth of the slot, the mesio-distal slot width, and the presence of clear angle at the extremities of the slot base, the clip, or the slide.

Conclusion

In order to select the proper low-friction bracket system, clinicians should consider specific characteristics of slot design apart from the wire engaging method.
Epidemiology of critically ill patients in intensive care units: a population-based observational study
Authors: Garland Allan , Olafson Kendiss , Ramsey Clare D , Yogendran Marina , Fransoo Randall
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Epidemiologic assessment of critically ill people in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is needed to ensure the health care system can meet current and future needs. However, few such studies have been published.

Methods

Population-based analysis of all adult ICU care in the Canadian province of Manitoba, 1999 to 2007, using administrative data. We calculated age-adjusted rates and trends of ICU care, overall and subdivided by age, sex and income.

Results

In 2007, Manitoba had a population of 1.2 million, 118 ICU beds in 21 ICUs, for 9.8 beds per 100,000 population. Approximately 0.72% of men and 0.47% of women were admitted to ICUs yearly. The age-adjusted, male:female rate ratio was 1.75 (95% CI 1.64 to 1.88). Mean age was 64.5 ± 16.4 years. Rates rose rapidly after age 40, peaked at age 75 to 80, and declined for the oldest age groups. Rates were higher among residents of lower income areas, for example declining from 7.9 to 4.4 per 100,000 population from the poorest to the wealthiest income quintiles (p <0.0001). Rates of ICU admission slowly declined over time, while cumulative yearly ICU bed-days slowly rose; changes were age-dependent, with faster declines in admission rates with older age. There was a high rate of recidivism; 16% of ICU patients had received ICU care previously.

Conclusions

These temporal trends in ICU admission rates and cumulative bed-days used have significant implications for health system planning. The differences by age, sex and socioeconomic status, and the high rate of recidivism require further research to clarify their causes, and to devise strategies for reducing critical illness in high-risk groups.
CD8+ dendritic cell-mediated tolerance of autoreactive CD4+ T cells is deficient in NOD mice and can be corrected by blocking CD40L
Authors: Price Jeffrey D , Beauchamp Nicole M , Rahir Gwendoline , Zhao Yongge , Rieger Cosima C , Lau-Kilby Annie W , Tarbell Kristin V
Published: October 2013

DCs are important mediators of peripheral tolerance for the prevention of autoimmunity. Chimeric αDEC-205 antibodies with attached antigens allow in vivo antigen-specific stimulation of T cells by CD8+ DCs, resulting in tolerance in nonautoimmune mice. However, it is not clear whether DC-mediated tolerance induction occurs in the context of ongoing autoimmunity. We assessed the role of CD8+ DCs in stimulation of autoreactive CD4+ T cells in the NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Targeting of antigen to CD8+ DCs via αDEC-205 led to proliferation and expansion of β-cell specific BDC2.5 T cells. These T cells also produced IL-2 and IFN-γ and did not up-regulate FoxP3, consistent with an activated rather than tolerant phenotype. Similarly, endogenous BDC peptide-reactive T cells, identified with I-Ag7 tetramers, did not become tolerant after antigen delivery via αDEC-205: no deletion or Treg induction was observed. We observed that CD8+ DCs from NOD mice expressed higher surface levels of CD40 than CD8+ DCs from C57BL/6 mice. Blockade of CD40–CD40L interactions reduced the number of BDC2.5 T cells remaining in mice, 10 days after antigen targeting to CD8 DCs, and blocked IFN-γ production by BDC2.5 T cells. These data indicate that the ability of autoreactive CD4+ T cells to undergo tolerance mediated by CD8+ DCs is defective in NOD mice and that blocking CD40–CD40L interactions can restore tolerance induction.
Differential role of all-transretinoic acid in promoting the development of CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Ma Jilin , Liu Ya , Li Yang , Gu Jian , Liu Justin , Tang Jiayou , Wang Julie , Ryffel Bernhard , Shen Yi , Brand David , Liu Zhongmin , Zheng Song Guo
Published: October 2013

It is known that ATRA promotes the development of TGF-β-induced CD4+Foxp3+ iTregs, which play a vital role in the prevention of autoimmune diseases; however, the role of ATRA in facilitating the differentiation and function of CD8+Foxp3+ iTregs remains elusive. Using a head-to-head comparison, we found that ATRA promoted expression of Foxp3 and development of CD4+ iTregs, but it did not promote Foxp3 expression on CD8+ cells. Using a standard in vitro assay, we demonstrated that CD8+ iTregs induced by TGF-β and ATRA were not superior to CD8+ iTregs induced by TGF-β alone. In cGVHD, in a typical lupus syndrome model where DBA2 spleen cells were transferred to DBA2xC57BL/6 F1 mice, we observed that both CD8+ iTregs induced by TGF-β and ATRA and those induced by TGF-β alone had similar therapeutic effects. ATRA did not boost but, conversely, impaired the differentiation and function of human CD8+ iTregs. CD8+ cells expressed the ATRA receptor RAR and responded to ATRA, similar to CD4+ cells. We have identified the differential role of ATRA in promoting Foxp3+ Tregs in CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations. These results will help to determine a protocol for developing different Treg cell populations and may provide novel insights into clinical cell therapy for patients with autoimmune diseases and those needing organ transplantation.
Compulsion in the community: mental health professionals' views and experiences of CTOs
Authors: Coyle Delphine , Macpherson Rob , Foy Chris , Molodynski Andrew , Biju Maya , Hayes Joseph
Published: October 2013

Aims and method

We surveyed the views and experiences of all mental health professionals in adult community mental health teams and approved mental health professionals in 2Gether and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trusts, regarding the use of community treatment orders (CTOs).

Results

A total of 288 surveys were completed (response rate 48%). Forty-eight (83%) psychiatrists and 142 (67%) non-psychiatrist mental health professionals were in favour of CTOs. The decision-making regarding CTOs was overwhelmingly clinically oriented for all professional groups. However, there were significant differences in views between groups regarding the effects of bureaucracy, the infringement of human rights and coercion.

Clinical implications

Multidisciplinary team involvement is crucial in decisions regarding CTOs and may protect against idiosyncratic or unhelpful practice. Further training for staff is urgently required and there may be a case for creating small local reference groups that can develop expertise and provide advice and support for clinical teams.
The Impact of Depot GnRH Agonist on AMH Levels in Healthy Reproductive-Aged Women
Authors: Su H. Irene , Maas Kevin , Sluss Patrick M. , Chang R. Jeffrey , Hall Janet E. , Joffe Hadine
Published: October 2013

Context:

GnRH agonists (GnRHa) are being used experimentally in an attempt to preserve fertility in young female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) produced by ovarian granulosa cells may serve as a marker of ovarian reserve, but it is not clear whether this marker is useful during GnRHa treatment.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a depot GnRHa on AMH levels.

Design:

Depot leuprolide (3.75 mg) was administered in the midluteal phase (MLP) in healthy women. Assessments of AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone were performed in the early follicular phase (EFP) and MLP before GnRHa treatment and approximately 7, 14, and 30 days after GnRHa administration.

Setting:

The study was conducted in a university research center.

Patients:

Participants were 33 healthy, premenopausal women aged 18 to 45 years old with regular menses.

Results:

EFP and MLP AMH levels were similar before GnRHa administration. Relative to MLP AMH levels, AMH decreased 7 days after GnRHa administration by a median of 24% (P < .001) and then increased above pretreatment levels 14 and 30 days after GnRHa by 13% and 32%, respectively (P < .001). Changes in AMH levels did not correlate with changes in gonadotropins, estradiol, or progesterone.

Conclusions:

Significant changes in AMH levels occur in the first 4 weeks after depot leuprolide administration, suggesting that AMH may not be a reliable marker of ovarian reserve during this interval. Changes in AMH occurred independent of gonadotropin levels, supporting a direct effect of GnRHa on granulosa cell expression of AMH or an indirect effect of GnRHa on the development and/or dynamics of the follicle pool.
Sox proteins: regulators of cell fate specification and differentiation
Authors: Kamachi Yusuke , Kondoh Hisato
Published: October 2013

Sox transcription factors play widespread roles during development; however, their versatile funtions have a relatively simple basis: the binding of a Sox protein alone to DNA does not elicit transcriptional activation or repression, but requires binding of a partner transcription factor to an adjacent site on the DNA. Thus, the activity of a Sox protein is dependent upon the identity of its partner factor and the context of the DNA sequence to which it binds. In this Primer, we provide an mechanistic overview of how Sox family proteins function, as a paradigm for transcriptional regulation of development involving multi-transcription factor complexes, and we discuss how Sox factors can thus regulate diverse processes during development.
Getting the measure of things: the physical biology of stem cells
Authors: Lowell Sally
Published: October 2013

In July 2013, the diverse fields of biology, physics and mathematics converged to discuss ‘The Physical Biology of Stem Cells’, the subject of the third annual symposium of the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, UK. Two clear themes resonated throughout the meeting: the new insights gained from advances in the acquisition and interpretation of quantitative data; and the importance of ‘thinking outside the nucleus’ to consider physical influences on cell fate.
Dynamic Performance Analysis of a Light Van Body-In-White Structure
Authors: Olatunbosun O A , Gauchia A , Boada M J L , Diaz V
Published: October 2013

Requirement for low emissions and better vehicle performance has led to the demand for lightweight vehicle structures. Lighter gauge panels are being used to construct the body-in-white (BIW) monocoque structure, which is the basic component of the vehicle body. Since lighter gauge panels tend to generate more vibration and interior noise, it is necessary to optimize the dynamic performance of lightweight vehicle structures in order to achieve acceptable levels of vibro-acoustic performance. The design of a light commercial van structure has evolved over the years and through a lightweighting exercise the current BIW is about 10 per cent lighter than the previous BIW even though the volume capacity was increased by 15 per cent and the load-carrying capacity by 18 per cent. In this study, the dynamic performance of the current production light van BIW structure is investigated. Its performance is assessed against the structural dynamic performance standards which have been established for this class of structures. While the input mobility performance was found to exceed the standards easily, the modal mobility performance was found to be unsatisfactory owing to the occurrence of local panel resonant modes in the two side panels. A finite element model of the structure was developed to study the effect of adding stringers to the roof and side panels to eliminate some of the local panel modes and thus to improve the dynamic performance of the structure.
Experimental Study on the Stratified and Homogeneous Charge of a Direct-Injection Spark Ignition Methanol Engine
Authors: Liu S-H , Lin K-Y , Li B-Z , Song R-Z , Gong Y-F
Published: October 2013

Based on the gasoline direct-injection spark ignition (DISI) engine technologies and methanol fuel characteristics, a complex-guided multi-hole spray coupled with induction swirl and chamber-wall-guided stratified-charge combustion system for a DISI methanol engine was developed. It was retrofitted from a four-cylinder diesel engine with a compression ratio of 14. It was developed to run on methanol in stratified-charge and homogeneous-charge combustion modes; under part-load operating conditions, stratified-charge combustion is adopted to improve fuel economy while, under high- and full-load conditions, the homogeneous-charge combustion mode is adopted for the purpose of a higher power output. Under both combustion modes, the key parameters of the combustion system were matched and optimized respectively. The operating map for both combustion modes was obtained. Then, the engine power performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics were studied. The power output of the developed methanol engine is higher than that of the original diesel engine. By using the stratified combustion mode under low-load conditions, the engine fuel economy (the brake thermal efficiency) is improved; the stratified-charge combustion of methanol performed relatively well with acceptable values of the coefficient of the cyclic variation in the indicated mean effective pressure. The smoke and nitrogen oxide emissions from the DISI methanol engine are both reduced simultaneously and significantly.
Prediction of the Rate of Heat Release of Mixing-Controlled Combustion in a Common-Rail Engine with Pilot and Post Injections
Authors: Jaipuria Anirudh , Lakshminarayanan P A
Published: October 2013

A one-dimensional model for the prediction of the rate of heat release (ROHR) in common-rail direct-injection diesel engines with pilot, main, and post injections is developed. The model is an improvement on the previously developed mixing-controlled combustion model extended by including the effect of the wall jet. The decay of the ROHR curve has been improved in the second regime of combustion. It was observed that the input kinetic energy of the wall spray is retarded only after the growth of spray along the bowl wall exceeds the diameter of the spray cone. It is shown that this model can be extended for engines with multiple injections, i.e. pilot, main, and post injections. The ROHR was modelled as a function of the turbulence kinetic energy of the fuel mass and the dissipation rate of this energy in different stages of spray propagation. The inputs required for the model are the nozzle discharge coefficient, the injection pressure, the injection timing, and the injected fuel quantity for each injection stage that are readily controlled in common-rail engines. The predicted heat release histories corresponding to the pilot injection, the main injection, and the post injection were found to be in agreement with the experiments.
Nonsmooth Cone-Constrained Optimization with Applications to Semi-Infinite Programming
Authors: Mordukhovich Boris S. , Nghia T. T. A.
Published: October 2013

This paper is devoted to the study of general nonsmooth problems of cone-constrained optimization (or conic programming) important for various aspects of optimization theory and applications. Based on advanced constructions and techniques of variational analysis and generalized differentiation, we derive new necessary optimality conditions (in both “exact” and “fuzzy” forms) for nonsmooth conic programs, establish characterizations of well-posedness for cone-constrained systems, and develop new applications to semi-infinite programming.
Corporate Governance In Transition Economies- Comparative Analysis Of Contemporary Corporate Governance Issues In Selected Of This Economies In South-Eastern Europe. The Albanian Case.
Authors: Dibra Rezart
Published: October 2013

This article aims at introducing the main corporate governance mechanism’ influence on governance in South Eastern Europe (Western Balkans) transition economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. The implementation of corporate governance in transition economies, where Albania is one of the countries that have implemented such corporate governance principles, require a suitable legal framework and relevant protection of minority shareholders. In 2008 the new law “On entrepreneurs and commercial companies”was enacted.The latter introduced new practices and concepts, some of them not familiar to the Albanian legal system. This paper discusses comparative insight on the most pressing issues of corporate governance in selected economies of South-East Europe (Western Balkans). It is widely accepted that both private sector and governments can benefit from identification of the most important determinants and implications of good corporate governance. Corporate governance systems have a common goal – protection of investor’s rights and transparency of the system in which transactions take place. However, it is also well recognized that systems of corporate governance in attempt to gain necessary level of harmonization and consistency rely heavily on contextual factors of specific economy. Specifically, the research covers corporate governance in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia.
Mitochondrial Defects And Their Role In Development Of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kotrikadze Nanuli , Alibegashvili Manana , Ramishvili Liana , Gordeziani Manana , Chigogidze Nato , Chigogidze Teimuraz , Managadze Laurent , Managadze Laurent
Published: October 2013

Introduction and Objectives: One of the characteristic changes of tumor formation is accumulation of genetic disorders in mitochondrial and nuclear genome. Mitochondrial disorders, from its side, are responsible for failure of metabolism, apoptosis, cell growth, formation of reactive oxygen species, etc. Overprpoduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly impacts the respiration chain enzymes and entirely the antioxidant system of mitochondria. Finally this may become a favorable condition for normal cells transformation.The purpose of the presented work was to study  the mitochondrial defects and to establish their role in prostate cancer development.Results: Experimental results demonstrate significant increase of the activity of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenaze (complex II) of the malignant epithelial cells of prostate, and slight changes in cytochrome oxydase (complex IV) activity. Also significant activation of the antioxidant system (glutathione-dependant system) of mitochondria in prostate malignant epithelial cells was revealed.Conclusion: The above mentioned mitochondrial changes (II and IV complexes of respiration chain, activity of the antioxidant system) partially demonstrate the alterations in mitochondrial energy metabolism, which from its side, may indicate to resistance of prostate cancer cells and correspondingly to intensification of proliferation processes.
Dimensions Of Epistemic Authority Of University Professors
Authors: Blumberga Solveiga
Published: October 2013

The article analyses the issue of the concept of social epistemology regarding knowledge transmission from the point of view of social psychology. Knowledge transmission is related to the epistemic aspect of authority, which is demonstrated by the structural element of authority – source of knowledge or the assumed truth. In higher education, the distinction of epistemology is related to epistemological views, their multiple dimensions which show the extent and type how students perceive professors as epistemic authorities – sources of knowledge who are trusted and relied on.
Understanding Minimalist Film Music: The Case of Man on Wire
Authors: Siôn Pwyll Ap
Published: October 2013

This article sets out to analyse the use of pre-existing minimalist music in film and media by looking at the film documentary Man on Wire. The application of pre-existing music in film has been the subject of recent studies by Stilwell and Powrie (2006), Citron (2011) and Vincent (2011), but the focus has been more on the analysis of pre-existing Classical or pop music than minimalist or post-minimalist styles. During the 1980s and 1990s Michael Nyman’s music was frequently used in a variety of contexts by film directors such as Peter Greenaway and Michael Winterbottom, but James Marsh’s recent Oscar-winning film documentary on the extraordinary life of tightrope walker Philip Petit (which culminated in his walk across the towers of the World Trade Centre in 1974) is the first to draw exhaustively on pre-existing pieces by Nyman. This article contextualises Nyman’s music, and by extension, the minimalist genre in general, by comparing multiple functions of the same music from a variety of films, ranging from The Draughtsman’s Contract, A Zed and Two Noughts, Drowning by Numbers and The Libertine.
How colonization factors are linked to outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: the roles of SasX and ACME
Authors: Otto Michael
Published: October 2013

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the most frequent cause of hospital-associated morbidity and mortality. One reason why MRSA has remained a serious threat to public health is that new clones of MRSA constantly keep re-emerging. These new clones are better adapted to thrive in the hospital environment or even the community than their predecessors because they have developed increased and diversified antibiotic resistance and/or enhanced virulence. In addition, non-symptomatic colonization has been identified as a risk factor for subsequent MRSA infection; therefore, acquisition of factors promoting colonization has gained increased attention regarding the surge of MRSA outbreak clones. Two specific genes or genetic loci, namely sasX and the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME), could recently be linked to the epidemiological success of MRSA clones, supporting the notion that colonization factors play a crucial role in MRSA outbreaks. SasX is a surface protein that enhances nasal colonization. ACME contains an arc arginine deiminase gene cluster promoting the survival of MRSA in the acidic skin environment, in addition to a polyamine resistance gene that deals with the increased production of toxic polyamines by the host that is prompted by arc. Notably, a better understanding of MRSA colonization on the molecular level may lead to eradication strategies based on vaccination or bacterial interference, with great promise to decrease MRSA infection rates.
Decomposition of fractionated local electrograms using an analytic signal model based on sigmoid functions
Authors: Wiener Thomas , Campos Fernando O. , Plank Gernot , Hofer Ernst
Published: October 2013

Microstructural heterogeneities in cardiac tissue, such as embedded connective tissue secondary to fibrosis, may lead to complex patterns of electrical activation that are reflected in the fractionation of extracellularly recorded electrograms. The decomposition of such electrograms into non-fractionated components is expected to provide additional information to allow a more precise classification of the microstructural properties adjacent to a given recording site. For the sake of this, an analytic signal model is introduced in this study that is capable of reliably identifying extracellular waveforms associated with sites of initiating, free-running, and terminating or colliding activation wavefronts. Using this signal model as a template, a procedure is developed for the automatic decomposition of complex fractionated electrograms into non-fractionated components. The decomposition method has been validated using electrograms obtained from one- and two-dimensional computer simulations in which all relevant intracellular and extracellular quantities are accessible at a very high spatiotemporal resolution and can be manipulated in a controlled manner. Fractionated electrograms were generated in these models by incorporating microstructural obstacles that mimicked inlays of connective tissue. Using this signal model, fractionated electrograms emerging from microstructural heterogeneities in the submillimeter range with latencies between components down to 0.6 ms can be decomposed.
Feature selection using binary particle swarm optimization and support vector machines for medical diagnosis
Authors: Daliri Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2013

In this article, we propose a feature selection strategy using a binary particle swarm optimization algorithm for the diagnosis of different medical diseases. The support vector machines were used for the fitness function of the binary particle swarm optimization. We evaluated our proposed method on four databases from the machine learning repository, including the single proton emission computed tomography heart database, the Wisconsin breast cancer data set, the Pima Indians diabetes database, and the Dermatology data set. The results indicate that, with selected less number of features, we obtained a higher accuracy in diagnosing heart, cancer, diabetes, and erythematosquamous diseases. The results were compared with the traditional feature selection methods, namely, the F-score and the information gain, and a superior accuracy was obtained with our method. Compared to the genetic algorithm for feature selection, the results of the proposed method show a higher accuracy in all of the data, except in one. In addition, in comparison with other methods that used the same data, our approach has a higher performance using less number of features.
Determination of the frictional coefficient of the implant-antler interface: experimental approach
Authors: Hasan Istabrak , Keilig Ludger , Staat Manfred , Wahl Gerhard , Bourauel Christoph
Published: October 2013

The similar bone structure of reindeer antler to human bone permits studying the osseointegration of dental implants in the jawbone. As the friction is one of the major factors that have a significant influence on the initial stability of immediately loaded dental implants, it is essential to define the frictional coefficient of the implant-antler interface. In this study, the kinetic frictional forces at the implant-antler interface were measured experimentally using an optomechanical setup and a stepping motor controller under different axial loads and sliding velocities. The corresponding mean values of the static and kinetic frictional coefficients were within the range of 0.5–0.7 and 0.3–0.5, respectively. An increase in the frictional forces with increasing applied axial loads was registered. The measurements showed an evidence of a decrease in the magnitude of the frictional coefficient with increasing sliding velocity. The results of this study provide a considerable assessment to clarify the suitable frictional coefficient to be used in the finite element contact analysis of antler specimens.
Operator Differential-Algebraic Equations Arising in Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Emmrich Etienne , Mehrmann Volker
Published: October 2013

Existence and uniqueness of generalized solutions
to initial value problems for a class of abstract
differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) is shown.
The class of equations covers, in particular, the Stokes and Oseen problem
describing the motion of an incompressible
or nearly incompressible Newtonian fluid
but also their spatial semi-discretization.
The equations are governed by a block operator matrix
with entries that fulfill suitable inf-sup conditions. The problem data are
required to satisfy appropriate consistency conditions.
The results in infinite dimensions are compared in detail
with those known for the DAEs that arise after semi-discretization in space.
Explicit solution formulas are derived in both cases.
Synthesis of N-(2-pyridyl)imidazolidin-2-ones and 1-(2-pyridyl)-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,5]triazepin-5(6H)-ones with potential biological activities
Authors: Balewski Łukasz , Sączewski Franciszek , Gdaniec Maria , Bednarski Patrick J. , Jara Izabela
Published: October 2013

Small libraries of 1-(2-pyridyl)imidazolidin-2-one and 1-(2-pyridyl)-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[2,1-b]- [1,3,5]triazepin-5(6H)-one derivatives were prepared from substituted pyridine or quinoline N-oxides and 2-chloro-4,5-dihydroimidazole by means of the α-ureation and α-amination reactions. The α-ureation reaction of pyridine and quinoline N-oxides was studied theoretically by means of quantum chemical calculations at the density functional theory level. The newly obtained compounds were screened for their potential in vitro cytotoxic activity against human tumor cell lines LCLC-103H, 5637 and A-427.
Raw Glycerol as Substrate for the Production of Yeast Biomass
Authors: Santos Elisane Odriosolla , Michelon Mariano , Gallas Julia A. , Kalil Susana Juliano , André Veiga Burkert Carlos
Published: October 2013

Abstract: The possibility of using raw glycerol as a substrate for yeast biomass production as a source of proteins was investigated. Biomass concentration, protein content and total protein content of four yeasts (Yarrowia lipolytica NRRL YB-423, Candida lipolytica NRRL Y-1095, Candida utilis NRRL Y-900 and Candida rugosa NRRL Y-95) were determinate, comparing analytical grade glycerol and raw glycerol. Y. lipolytica NRRL YB-423 has been selected as promising for cultivation in a raw glycerol-based medium, mainly due to the higher biomass concentration in relation to the other strains. For this strain, four different culture media were tested. The best results were obtained with 50 g/L glycerol, 5.5 g/L ammonium phosphate, 5.5 potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1 g/L ammonium sulphate, 0.25 g/L magnesium sulphate, 0.021 g/L calcium chloride dehydrate, 1 g/L yeast extract, 1 g/L peptone, pH adjusted to 5.5. In these conditions, it was possible to obtain 17.8 ± 0.6 g/L maximum biomass concentration, 18.2 ± 1.0% protein content and 3.1 ± 0.1 g/L total protein production. These results represent a 1.2-fold increase in biomass concentration, a 1.5-fold increase in protein content and a 1.9-fold increase in total protein production in relation to the results obtained with the previously medium composition.
Brauer relations in finite groups II: Quasi-elementary groups of order paq
Authors: Bartel Alex , Dokchitser Tim
Published: October 2013

This is the second in a series of papers investigating the space of Brauer
relations of a finite group, the kernel of the natural map from its
Burnside ring to the rational representation ring.
The first paper classified all primitive Brauer relations, that
is those that do not come from proper subquotients.
In the case of quasi-elementary groups the description is intricate,
and it does not specify groups that have primitive relations in terms of
generators and relations. In this paper we provide such a classification in
terms of generators and relations for quasi-elementary groups of order paq.
Invisible West Africa
Authors: Leissle Kristy
Published: October 2013

With the rise of single origin chocolate—made with beans from one country, region, or plantation—today many bars name the source of their cocoa. Based on historical and statistical analyses, interviews with artisans, and examination of product packaging, this article discusses the limited visibility of West Africa among single origin bars. Although the region generates about 70% of cocoa traded on the world market, a comprehensive database of “premium bar chocolate” shows just 3.8% made with West African beans. This discrepancy is due to a complex imbrication of trade logistics, bean strain, and representational politics. U.S.-based artisans cite flavor limitations of the predominant Amelonado strain and difficulties procuring superior cocoa from the region. However, U.S. media representations of West Africa as a place of “trouble” (for example, of conflict, HIV/AIDS, and poverty), and especially allegations of slavery on Ivorian plantations, also make it difficult to source from West Africa. As product packaging often shows exotic and implicitly erotic origin sites, persistent negative stereotypes surrounding West Africa pose a challenge for quality-conscious makers committed to ethical sourcing.
Increased Genomic Prediction Accuracy in Wheat Breeding Through Spatial Adjustment of Field Trial Data
Authors: Lado Bettina , Matus Ivan , Rodríguez Alejandra , Inostroza Luis , Poland Jesse , Belzile François , del Pozo Alejandro , Quincke Martín , Castro Marina , von Zitzewitz Jarislav
Published: October 2013

In crop breeding, the interest of predicting the performance of candidate cultivars in the field has increased due to recent advances in molecular breeding technologies. However, the complexity of the wheat genome presents some challenges for applying new technologies in molecular marker identification with next-generation sequencing. We applied genotyping-by-sequencing, a recently developed method to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms, in the genomes of 384 wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes that were field tested under three different water regimes in Mediterranean climatic conditions: rain-fed only, mild water stress, and fully irrigated. We identified 102,324 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in these genotypes, and the phenotypic data were used to train and test genomic selection models intended to predict yield, thousand-kernel weight, number of kernels per spike, and heading date. Phenotypic data showed marked spatial variation. Therefore, different models were tested to correct the trends observed in the field. A mixed-model using moving-means as a covariate was found to best fit the data. When we applied the genomic selection models, the accuracy of predicted traits increased with spatial adjustment. Multiple genomic selection models were tested, and a Gaussian kernel model was determined to give the highest accuracy. The best predictions between environments were obtained when data from different years were used to train the model. Our results confirm that genotyping-by-sequencing is an effective tool to obtain genome-wide information for crops with complex genomes, that these data are efficient for predicting traits, and that correction of spatial variation is a crucial ingredient to increase prediction accuracy in genomic selection models.
Detecting Selection Using Time-Series Data of Allele Frequencies with Multiple Independent Reference Loci
Authors: Nishino Jo
Published: October 2013

Recently, in 2013 Feder et al. proposed the frequency increment test (FIT), which evaluates natural selection at a single diallelic locus by the use of time-series data of allele frequencies. This test is unbiased under conditions of constant population size and no sampling noise. Here, we expand upon the FIT by introducing a test that explicitly allows for changes in population size by using information from independent reference loci. Various demographic models suggest that our proposed test is unbiased irrespective of fluctuations in population size when sampling noise can be ignored and that it has greater power to detect selection than the FIT if sufficient reference loci are used.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Management From Prenatal Counseling to Postdischarge Follow-up Care: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Mehta Aakriti , Forbes Kathryn Dawn , Kuppala Venkata Sasidhar
Published: October 2013

Objective:

The goal of this study was to assess the current status of neonatal abstinence syndrome management from prenatal counseling to postdischarge follow-up care.

Methods:

An anonymous electronic survey of 26 questions was sent to the medical directors or charge nurses at 383 NICUs. Contact information was obtained by using the American Medical Association’s FREIDA online database and the 2011 American Hospital Association Guide Book. Responses were gathered by using the SurveyMonkey online portal, which was designed to grant responders 1-time access.

Results:

There were 179 responses (47%), and 0.6%, 16.2%, and 83.2% identified themselves as level I, level II, and level III units, respectively. Prenatal counseling for at-risk mothers is offered by 56.5% of responders. Written protocols for neonatal abstinence syndrome management were reported by 72.5%. All but 3 institutions used toxicology screening in cases of suspected in utero drug exposure. Formalized scoring is used by 98.7%. Breastfeeding is recommended by 74.1%. Morphine (56.1%), methadone (24.8%), and tincture of opium (12.7%) are the most common first-line agents reported in opiate withdrawal, whereas morphine (51.0%), methadone (19.7%), and phenobarbital (13.6%) are used in polydrug withdrawal. Less than 20% of NICUs use clonidine. Home treatment programs are offered by 34.0% of responders, and long-term developmental follow-up is offered by 71.3%.

Conclusions:

There is considerable diversity in the management of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Alternative management strategies, including prenatal counseling and home treatment programs, need to be explored to improve overall patient care.
Procedural Sedation by Pediatric Hospitalists: Analysis of the Nature and Incidence of Complications During Ketamine and Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Authors: Srinivasan Mythili , Carlson Douglas W.
Published: October 2013

Objective:

The goal of this study was to determine the nature and rate of complications during procedural sedation by pediatric hospitalists (PH) using ketamine and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Methods:

This study was a retrospective review and analysis of a quality improvement database for sedations performed by PH at St Louis Children’s Hospital from February 2007 to February 2013. Information was obtained on sedations performed and reported in the quality improvement database by PH over this time period using ketamine and N2O.

Results:

PH performed 8870 sedations from 2007 to 2013, 60.2% using ketamine and 39.8% using N2O. Procedural completion rates were >99%; 0.12% of sedations were not completed due to inadequate sedation, and sedation level was not achieved in 1.71% of sedations. There were no occurrences of death, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, unplanned intubation, or emergency anesthesia consultation. The only major complications were 4 unplanned admissions, 2 each with ketamine and N2O. With ketamine, the 2 highest rates of complications were airway repositioning (3.99%) and nausea and/or vomiting (2.98%). With N2O, the 2 highest complication rates were nausea and/or vomiting (8.50%) and airway repositioning (1.10%). Respiratory and cardiovascular events were more frequently encountered with ketamine, whereas nausea/vomiting, sedation level not achieved, and inadequate sedation resulting in procedure not completed occurred more frequently with N2O.

Conclusions:

PH at St Louis Children’s Hospital successfully provided sedation by using ketamine and N2O with low rates of complications for a variety of procedures.
Double Volume Exchange Transfusion
Authors: Falciglia Horacio S. , Greenwood Corryn S.
Published: October 2013

Once commonly performed in the NICU, double volume exchange transfusion has become a rare procedure due to the prevention of hemolytic disease of the newborn and changes in detection and management of hyperbilirubinemia. Despite these advances, the procedure remains an important tool in the neonatologist’s armamentarium to reduce bilirubin levels. In this article, the indications, practical considerations, and the technique of exchange transfusion are reviewed to ensure that this skill is not a lost art of neonatology.
Guiding Principles for Pediatric Hospital Medicine Programs
Authors:   SECTION ON HOSPITAL MEDICINE, Mirkinson Laura J. , Daru Jennifer A. , Fisher Erin R. Stucky , Garber Matthew D. , Hain Paul D. , Narang A. Steve , Quinonez Ricardo A. , Rauch Daniel A.
Published: October 2013

This Policy Statement was retired August 2020.

Pediatric hospital medicine programs have an established place in pediatric medicine. This statement speaks to the expanded roles and responsibilities of pediatric hospitalists and their integrated role among the community of pediatricians who care for children within and outside of the hospital setting.
Prediction of geosynthetic clay liner desiccation in low stress applications
Authors: Rowe R.K. , Verge A.
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT: The risk of geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) desiccation in low stress applications such as solar ponds was investigated using a fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model. Parameters were developed and verified by comparison with previously reported laboratory data. A parametric study was performed to establish recommendations for future investigation. The water retention curve of the GCL was found to have a significant effect on the conditions that are expected to cause desiccation. The temperature coefficient of the water retention curve was also found to have a significant effect, yet this parameter is not well defined. Poisson's ratio was found to affect the risk of desiccation in proportion to the applied stress. As reported by previous researchers, the initial degree of saturation of a GCL was found to influence desiccation; however, the effect was diminished at low applied stress. The magnitude of the increase in liner temperature, above groundwater temperature, was found to have the potential to cause desiccation of a GCL in a composite liner.
Modeling hydraulic conductivity of a geotextile filter during suspended solids accumulation
Authors: Franks C.A. , Aydilek A.H. , Davis A.P.
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT: Geotextile filters are currently under consideration as a potential treatment method for removing suspended solids from urban stormwater runoff. One important aspect of assessing the viability of a new filter is the duration in which it will function before becoming clogged. Predicting the hydraulic conductivity of the filter throughout the filter lifespan is one way in which the duration of use can be determined. In this study, a semi-theoretical model was developed which predicts the hydraulic conductivity of the filter system as a function of the mass of solids captured by the geotextile. Values for several parameters of the theoretical model were empirically derived using laboratory data. Using these values, the parameters were analyzed as functions of specific characteristics of the geotextile filters and the simulated stormwater containing the targeted suspended solids.
Tensile and hydraulic properties of geosynthetics after mechanical damage and abrasion laboratory tests
Authors: Rosete A. , Mendonça Lopes P. , Pinho-Lopes M. , Lopes M.L.
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT: Installation damage of geosynthetics occurs during their handling, positioning on the ground and the placing and compacting of fill material. Abrasion is a common damage mechanism where there is cyclic relative motion (friction) between a geosynthetic and contact soil. This paper presents the laboratory test results of mechanical damage and abrasion performed on six geosynthetics. The in isolation and combined effects on mechanical, hydraulic and physical properties of the geosynthetics were assessed. Results show that the effects of induced mechanical and abrasion damage essentially depend on the geosynthetic structure. For the most affected materials, strength losses after abrasion (in isolation and combined with mechanical damage) are higher than after the induced mechanical damage. Therefore, for most geosynthetics studied, abrasion is the conditioning mechanism which most affects their tensile strength. An increase of the characteristic opening size of the geosynthetics was observed, while their permittivity did not increase. This may be caused by differences in the test set-ups.