bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indirect versus Direct Bonding—A Shear Bond Strength Comparison: An in vitro Study
Authors: Pai Vinaya S , Nandini S , Swetha M , Sanjay N
Published: December 2011

Aim

The process of bonding orthodontic appliances to the enamel surface of the teeth has come to the forefront as a major improvement in bonding techniques. The purpose of this study is to compare the shear bond strength of stainless steel orthodontic brackets bonded using conventional direct bonding and indirect bonding as described by Thomas.

Materials and methods

Forty sound human premolars were divided into two groups of 20 each. Group I samples were bonded directly on the tooth surface using concise two paste adhesive system after etching and drying. Group II samples were bonded indirectly on the tooth surface according to Thomas indirect bonding technique using concise two paste adhesive system. The stored specimen was tested for shear bond strength in an Instron universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the shear bond strength between direct and indirect bonding techniques. Chi-square test showed that there were significant differences among the adhesive remnant index scores between direct and indirect bonding groups.

Conclusion

In vitro shear bond strength comparison between direct and indirect-bonded attachments showed no significant difference between the two groups. Bond strength obtained with Thomas indirect bonding technique was comparable with direct bonding technique.

Clinical significance

Thomas indirect bonding technique can be used for bonding of the posterior teeth, where the risk of moisture contamination is high during bonding.

How to cite this article

Swetha M, Pai VS, Sanjay N, Nandini S. Indirect versus Direct Bonding—A Shear Bond Strength Comparison: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2011; 12(4):232-238.
Pain Levels after Third Molar Surgical Removal: An Evaluation of Predictive Variables
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marcelo Carlos , Guollo Andre , Capella Diogo L , Manfro Rafael
Published: December 2011

Aim

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the pain course after surgical removal of third molars.

Materials and methods

The sample consisted of 100 consecutive patients. Pain intensity was assessed by means of a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

At day 1, moderate and severe pain were observed predominantly in patients who had surgery in the mandible (p < 0.001) and for patients younger than 24 years (p = 0.009), while more patients who weekly consumed mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) showed pain classified as none or light (p = 0.017). At day 2, the profile of pain moderate/severe was more prevalent for patients who had surgery in the mandible (p < 0.001) with the report of difficult surgery (p = 0.042) and with odontotomy performed (p = 0.033). In the third postoperative day, severe/moderate pain was associated with surgery in the mandible (p < 0.001) and with odontotomy (p = 0.021) and ostectomy (p = 0.028) performed, with report of long and difficult procedure (p = 0.023), surgeries which last more than sixty minutes (p < 0.026), and for those patients who developed postoperative inflammatory complications (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Higher pain complains could be expected for patients who have long and difficult mandibular third molar surgery characterized by odontotomy and ostectomy.

Clinical significance

Pain after third molar surgery is a common sequele. It is indispensable for the dentists to be apt in handling and preventing it as far as possible and know possible variables that may influence or increase these pain levels. It can be a clinical advantage. Better understanding the pain characteristics may guide the dentist through preoperative decisions.

How to cite this article

Bortoluzzi MC, Guollo A, Capella DL, Manfro R. Pain Levels after Third Molar Surgical Removal: An Evaluation of Predictive Variables. J Contemp Dent Pract 2011;12(4):239-244.
Effects of Different Cavity Disinfectants on Shear Bond Strength of a Silorane-based Resin Composite
Authors: Arslan Soley , Yazici A Ruya , Gorucu Jale , Ertan Atilla , Pala KanŞad , Üstün Yakup , Antonson Sibel A , Antonson Donald E
Published: December 2011

Aim

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of different cavity disinfection agents on bond strength of a silorane-based resin composite.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six caries-free human third mandibular molars sectioned in mesio-distal direction were mounted in acrylic resin with their flat dentin surfaces exposed. After the dentin surfaces were wet ground with # 600 silicon carbide paper, the teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups of 12 each according to the cavity disinfection agents; chlorhexidine (CHX); sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), propolis, ozone, Er, Cr:YSGG laser and no treatment (control). After treatment of dentin surfaces with one of these cavity disinfection agents, Filtek Silorane adhesive system was applied. The silorane-based resin composite, Filtek Silorane was condensed into a mold and polymerized. After storage at 37°C for 24 hours, the specimens were tested in shear mode at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute. The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

Results

No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

The use of the tested cavity disinfection agents, chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite, propolis, ozone and Er, Cr:YSGG laser did not significantly affect the dentin bond strength of a silorane-based resin composite, Filtek Silorane.

Clinical significance

Cavity disinfectant applications did not affect the dentin bond strength of a silorane-based resin composite.

How to cite this article

Arslan S, Yazici AR, Gorucu J, Ertan A, Pala K, Üstün Y, Antonson SA, Antonson DE. Effects of Different Cavity Disinfectants on Shear Bond Strength of a Siloranebased Resin Composite. J Contemp Dent Pract 2011;12(4): 279-286.
Pain during Root Canal Treatment: An Investigation of Patient Modifying Factors
Authors: Jafarzadeh Hamid , Udoye Christopher I
Published: December 2011

Aim

The study highlighted the effect of patient-related factors on levels of pain felt by subjects during root canal treatment, as well as the association between treatment duration and pain severity.

Materials and methods

Maxillary central incisors with either necrotic pulp or irreversibly inflamed pulp, with or without preoperative pain were studied in 160 subjects aged 18 years and above. Subject's age and gender as well as pulp status and preoperative pain status were recorded. The procedure was done using a standard protocol. Visual analog scale was used to record the level of pain felt.

Results

Those cases with irreversible pulpitis felt higher pain. None with necrotic pulp experienced intense pain, while those in the 51 to 60 year age bands had severe, unbearable or intense pain. Mild pain was a common denominator in all age bands. Pain level increased with treatment duration.

Conclusion

Except for age, the level of pain felt by subjects during RCT is significantly correlated with gender and pulp status. Furthermore, the experienced pain levels increased with treatment duration.

Clinical significance

Clinicians should be prepared to make use of supplemental local anesthesia in women and in teeth with IP. All treatment must be accomplished within reasonable time period.

How to cite this article

Udoye CI, Jafarzadeh H. Pain during Root Canal Treatment: An Investigation of Patient Modifying Factors. J Contemp Dent Pract 2011;12(4):301-304.
The Effect of Fiber Reinforcement on the Dimensional Changes of Poly Methyl Methacrylate Resin after Processing and after Immersion in Water: An in vitro Study
Authors: Abraham Sathish , Ranganath LM , Shet Ravindra Ganguly Keshav , Rajesh AG
Published: December 2011

Aims and objectives

To evaluate and compare the effect of fiber reinforcement on the dimensional changes of heat-cured poly (methyl methacrylate) resin after processing and immersion in water.

Materials and methods

Three different heat-cure resins were selected for the present study: (1) Nonreinforced heat-cure methyl methacrylate resin, (2) High Impact heat-cured methyl methacrylate resin and (3) Fiberglass reinforced methyl methacrylate resin. Ninety samples were prepared using three different resins and denture bases obtained for the same. The amount of space between the tissue surface and the cast in the anterior, middle and posterior regions is measured after processing and immersion in water for 17 days using a traveling microscope having a least count of 0.001 cm.

Results

Mean and standard deviation were calculated for the dimensional changes and were subjected to statistical analysis (Student t-test, unpaired). Among the three groups of resins, fiber reinforced heat-cured methyl methacrylate resin was found to be statistically highly significant in terms of dimensional changes when compared with the nonreinforced and high impact heat-cured resins.

Conclusion

Dimensional changes were evident in all the planes in the three groups studied and were in the following decreasing order—fiberglass reinforced heat-cured poly (methyl methacrylate) resin, high impact heat-cured poly (methyl methacrylate) resin and nonreinforced heat-cured poly (methyl methacrylate) resin.

Clinical significance

The fibers are added in order to increase the strength of acrylic resin. Considering only the strength may in turn affect the dimensional accuracy of the acrylic resin resulting in loss of retention and stability, affecting the fit of the denture.

How to cite this article

Ranganath LM, Shet RGK, AG Rajesh, Abraham S. The Effect of Fiber Reinforcement on the Dimensional Changes of Poly Methyl Methacrylate Resin after Processing and after Immersion in Water: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2011;12(4):305-317.
Korean Parental Beliefs About ELT From the Perspective of Teachers
Authors: LINSE CAROLINE
Published: December 2011

In South Korea, as in many other parts of the world, children begin learning English when they are very young. Korean parents want their children to learn English as quickly as possible and often make heavy financial and other investments in their children's English language education. English language teachers of school‐age learners in Korea often feel pressure and in some cases criticism from parents regarding English language instruction. This article reports the results of a study designed to begin examining the perceptions that Korean parents hold regarding English language instruction. It illustrates how some of their beliefs reflect the latest language teaching research, whereas others are more indicative of traditional Korean belief systems, educational approaches, and methodologies.
Mass and chemical composition of size-segregated aerosols (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) over Athens, Greece: local versus regional sources
Authors: Theodosi C. , Grivas G. , Zarmpas P. , Chaloulakou A. , Mihalopoulos N.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. To identify the relative contribution of local versus regional sources of particulate matter (PM) in the Greater Athens Area (GAA), simultaneous 24-h mass and chemical composition measurements of size segregated particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10) were carried out from September 2005 to August 2006 at three locations: one urban (Goudi, Central Athens, "GOU"), one suburban (Lykovrissi, Athens, "LYK") in the GAA and one at a regional background site (Finokalia, Crete, "FKL"). The two stations in the GAA exceeded the EU-legislated PM10 limit values, both in terms of annual average (59.0 and 53.6 μg m−3 for Lykovrissi and Goudi, respectively) and of 24-h value. High levels of PM2.5 and PM1 were also found at both locations (23.5 and 18.6 for Lykovrissi, while 29.4 and 20.2 μg m−3 for Goudi, respectively). Significant correlations were observed between the same PM fractions at both GAA sites indicating important spatial homogeneity within GAA. During the warm season (April to September), the PM1 ratio between GAA and FKL ranged from 1.1 to 1.3. On the other hand this ratio was significantly higher (1.6–1.7) during the cold season (October to March) highlighting the role of long-range transport and local sources during the warm and cold seasons respectively. Regarding the coarse fraction no seasonal trend was observed for both GAA sites with their ratio (GAA site/FKL) being higher than 2 indicating significant contribution from local sources such as soil and/or road dust. Chemical speciation data showed that on a yearly basis, ionic and crustal mass represent up to 67–70% of the gravimetrically determined mass for PM10 samples in the GAA and 67% for PM1 samples in LYK. The unidentified mass might be attributed to organic matter (OM) and elemental carbon (EC), in agreement with the results reported by earlier studies in central Athens. At all sites, similar seasonal patterns were observed for nss-SO42−, a secondary compound, indicating significant contribution from regional sources in agreement with PM1 observations. The contribution of local sources at both GAA sites was also estimated by considering mass and chemical composition measurements at Finokalia as representative of the regional background. Particulate Organic Matter (POM) and EC, seemed to be the main contributor of the local PM mass within the GAA (up to 62% in PM1. Dust from local sources contributed also significantly to the local PM10 mass (up to 33%).
A parameterization of low visibilities for hazy days in the North China Plain
Authors: Chen J. , Zhao C. S. , Ma N. , Liu P. F. , Göbel T. , Hallbauer E. , Deng Z. Z. , Ran L. , Xu W. Y. , Liang Z. , Liu H. J. , Yan P. , Zhou X. J. , Wiedensohler A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Visibility degradation is a pervasive and urgent environmental problem in China. The occurrence of low visibility events is frequent in the North China Plain, where the aerosol loading is quite high and aerosols are strongly hygroscopic. A parameterization scheme for low visibility conditions on hazy days is proposed in this paper, based on visibility, relative humidity (RH), aerosol hygroscopic growth factors and particle number size distributions measured during the Haze in China (HaChi) Project. Observational results show that a high aerosol volume concentration is responsible for low visibility at RH < 90%; while for RH > 90%, decrease of visibility is mainly influenced by the increase of RH. The parameterization scheme is developed on the basis of aerosol volume concentrations and RH, taking into accounts the sensitivity of visilibity to the two factors and the availability of corresponding data. The extinction coefficients calculated with the parameterization scheme agree well with the measured values.
Stratospheric methane profiles from SCIAMACHY solar occultation measurements derived with onion peeling DOAS
Authors: Noël S. , Bramstedt K. , Rozanov A. , Bovensmann H. , Burrows J. P.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Stratospheric methane (CH4) profiles have been derived from solar occultation measurements of the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) on ENVISAT with an updated version of the Onion Peeling DOAS (ONPD) method. The SCIAMACHY solar occultation measurements cover the latitudinal range between about 50° N and 70° N. Currently, reasonable results are obtained between 20 and 40 km altitude. Comparisons with correlative ACE-FTS measurements show an average agreement within the expected accuracy of the ACE-FTS data of about 10%. To demonstrate the capability of SCIAMACHY solar occultation measurements in the context of greenhouse gas monitoring, time series of stratospheric CH4 profiles covering the period from 2003 to 2010 have been generated. The SCIAMACHY CH4 profile solar occultation temporal series shows a strong seasonal cycle. This is attributed to the variations in both time and space of the retrieved data set. At lower altitudes, the observed temporal variations are explained by variations of the tropopause height. The temporal data set is also impacted by variations of the size and duration of the polar vortex in the northern hemisphere. The data set provides unique information about CH4 changes in the stratosphere at mid to high latitudes.
Nonlinearly combined impacts of initial perturbation from human activities and parameter perturbation from climate change on the grassland ecosystem
Authors: Sun G. , Mu M.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Human activities and climate change are important factors that affect grassland ecosystems. A new optimization approach, the approach of conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) related to initial and parameter perturbations, is employed to explore the nonlinearly combined impacts of human activities and climate change on a grassland ecosystem using a theoretical grassland model. In our study, it is assumed that the initial perturbations and parameter perturbations are regarded as human activities and climate change, respectively. Numerical results indicate that the climate changes causing the maximum effect in the grassland ecosystem are different under disparate intensities of human activities. This implies the pattern of climate change is very critical to the maintenance or degradation of grassland ecosystem in light of high intensity of human activities and that the grassland ecosystem should be rationally managed when the moisture index decreases. The grassland ecosystem influenced by the nonlinear combination of human activities and climate change undergoes abrupt change, while the grassland ecosystem affected by other types of human activities and climate change fails to show the abrupt change under a certain range of perturbations with the theoretical model. The further numerical analyses also indicate that the growth of living biomass and the evaporation from soil surface shaded by the wilted biomass may be crucial factors contributing to the abrupt change of the grassland equilibrium state within the theoretical model.
Organizational Innovation: Hidden Reserve in the Soviet Economy
Authors: Shlapentokh Vladimir , Konto Vladimir
Published: November 2011

This paper explores those characteristics of the Soviet economy which help it survive and grow despite its well-known structural deficiencies: its ability to change itself, to adapt to new conditions, and to improve. This is accomplished through the introduction and diffusion of organizational innovations. Organizational innovations are changes in the ways individual efforts are coordinated and stimulated. Their introduction may serve the goals of improving economic efficiency, increasing political power, or promoting ideology.
Japanese-Soviet Relations under Gorbachev
Authors: Kim Roy
Published: November 2011

A restrained relationship between the Soviet Union and Japan great military and economic powers and geographically close neighbors in Northeast Asia -is an international anomaly of considerable magnitude. Resolution of this anomaly has been delayed for the last 40 years by several factors, some bilateral and others involving third parties. Yet, it would be surprising if the two nations were anything but restrained and suspicious of each other. Historically they fought each other in East Asia since the turn of the century. The two countries have very little in common in social, political, and cultural spheres. For this and other reasons, the Soviet image in Japan is extremely unfavorable. Yet the growth of both nations' power -militarily for Moscow and economically for Tokyo - has gradually and steadily increased the mutual necessity for improving relations. Given Soviet military strength in the Pacific, Tokyo has attempted, without much success, to have its relations with Moscow in a "self-confident and unhostile" manner.f Moscow's policy toward Tokyo was somewhat inactive, if not negative, resulting in more damage to itself than to the Japanese. Recently this policy appears to be changing. This essay examines the probable causes of this change, actual processes of improvement, remaining obstacles, and future prospects.
Stalin, the Politburo, and the Onset of the Cold War, 1945-1946
Authors: Resis Albert
Published: December 2011

The precise function that Marxist-Leninist ideology serves in the formation and conduct of Soviet foreign policy remains a highly contentious question among Western scholars. In the first postwar year, however, few senior officials or Soviet specialists in the West doubted that Communist ideology served as the constitutive element of Soviet foreign policy. Indeed, the militant revival of Marxism-Leninism after the Kremlin had downplayed it during 'The Great Patriotic War" proved to be an important factor in the complex of causes that led to the breakup of the Grand Alliance. Moscow's revival of that ideology in 1945 prompted numerous top-level Western leaders and observers to regard it as heralding a new wave of Soviet world-revolutionary messianism and expansionism. Many American and British officials were even alarmed by the claim, renewed, for example, in Moscow's official History of Diplomacy, that Soviet diplomacy possessed a "scientific theory," a "weapon" possessed by none of its rivals or opponents. This "weapon," Marxism-Leninism, Moscow ominously boasted, enabled Soviet leaders to comprehend, foresee, and master the course of international affairs, smoothing the way for Soviet diplomacy to make exceptional gains since 1917. Now, in the postwar period, Stalinist diplomacy opened before the Soviet Union "boundlesshorizons and the most majestic prospects."
Murmur and Whispers: Public Opinion and Legitimacy Crisis in Hungary, 1972-1989
Authors: Tökés Rudolf L.
Published: December 2011

The collapse of public confidence in the political regime was a major, though not the only, precipitant of the radical political transformation of Hungary between 1989 and 1990. The purpose of this paper is twofold. It is to reconstruct and analyze the initially muted, but by the late 1970s semi-public, dialogue between the regime (by way of propaganda messages) and the public (by way of responses to survey questions) during the "mature" Kadar era in Hungary. The second objective is to trace the Hungarian people's beliefs about politics, society and living conditions, and the way these orientations changed between 1972 and 1989.
Poland, Ukraine, and the Idea of Strategic Partnership
Authors: Burant Stephen R.
Published: December 2011

Both Ukrainian and Polish policymakers have come to use the term strategic partnership to characterize the relationship between their two countries. Teodozii Starak, an adviser to the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland, has stated that strategic partnership "means that both [Ukraine and Poland] demonstrate coordinated stances and support each other in the most important political areas. " However, Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma also regularly uses the term to characterize his country's relations with Russia. In addition, Ukrainian officials have labeled China, the United States, Germany, and Bulgaria as Ukraine's strategic partners. The use of the term with reference to Russia-with which Ukraine throughout the 1990s has had serious political differences-or Bulgaria or China, which are not priorities for Ukrainian foreign and security policy, appears to strip it of any significance; the term implies, at best, a goal, or, at worst, a public relations effort.
A Life on the Left: Moritz Mebel’s Journey Through the Twentieth Century
Authors: Weinberg Robert , Faber Marion
Published: December 2011

In A Life on the Left, Moritz Mebel describes life as a Jewish refugee from Germany in 1930s Moscow, service in the Red Army during the war, and what it meant to be a Jew in Stalin’s Russia and communist East Germany. He also evaluates his life as a political activist upon his return to East Germany after Stalin’s death and offers insight into the allure of communism.
Is coagulation factor VIII a useful marker for colorectal carcinoma?
Authors: Schellerer Vera S. , Mueller-Bergh Larissa , Merkel Susanne , Zimmermann Robert , Weiss Dominik R. , Schildberg Claus , Hohenberger Werner , Croner Roland S.
Published: November 2011

Background and Objective

Increased thromboembolic events are well known in patients suffering from malignant diseases. In the following pilot study, we investigated the usefulness of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) as a possible prognostic marker in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC).

Methods

Plasma FVIII levels were measured in 79 patients with CRC, correlated with tumor characteristics, and compared with normal ranges of blood group (BG) 0 and BG A/AB/B and with 19 control patients.

Results

In CRC patients mean FVIII levels were elevated compared with controls (BG 0: p=0.283, BG A/AB/B: p=0.001) and normal ranges. Interestingly, mean FVIII levels varied significantly in different blood groups (p=0.002). UICC stage I CRC patients presented with mean FVIII plasma levels within normal ranges, whereas UICC stage II-IV CRC patients presented with elevated FVIII plasma levels. In BG A/AB/B a significantly elevated FVIII level was found in G2 compared with G1 tumors (p< 0.001). Patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen also showed significantly elevated FVIII levels (p=0.050). FVIII levels at time of surgery did not correlate with survival within the first 2 years following surgery.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, we demonstrated that FVIII plasma levels are elevated in patients with CRC and affected by T-stage and differentiation of the tumor. Whether FVIII is a clinical useful marker needs to be tested in a larger cohort.
Meeting Opposites:
Authors: de Wilde Marc
Published: November 2011

This article analyzes the critical dialogue between Walter Benjamin and Carl Schmitt, to which a letter and several references in their work testify. It shows how affinities and differences between their respective positions can be explained from a shared theologico-political approach. Both authors believe that, in spite of secularization, political phenomena can only be adequately understood in light of certain theological concepts, images, and metaphors. However, they explain these theologico-political analogies differently. Whereas Schmitt advocates the authoritarian state, which he compares to God’s omnipotence, Benjamin endorses the proletarian revolution, in which he recognizes traces of a divine law-destroying violence. Challenging existing interpretations, this article shows how the political theologies of Benjamin and Schmitt are not static but developed in the course of their dialogue, in which both authors respond to each other’s criticism by changing and correcting their own positions in significant ways.
Each Thing a Thief:
Authors: Ng Julia
Published: November 2011

In this article Julia Ng addresses the question of material agency. Drawing on an idea that emerges from Marx’s reading of Shakespeare’s Timon to the effect that humanity’s relationship to objects is characterized by “cannibalism,” a usurious relationship based on exploitation and thievery, Ng argues that Benjamin’s unique mixing of materialism and the theological serves as an answer to the dilemma of cannibalism and human nature. Looking in particular at Benjamin’s 1931 essay on Karl Kraus—which also discusses Timon—Ng shows that for Benjamin, there is a redemption for this cannibalism, one that is found through recourse to the idea of letting “justice befall the object as such” and, by extension, through the development of a positive determination of life as such as well.
Qatar Interprofessional Health Council: IPE for Qatar
Authors: Johnson Brad , Pyburn Renee , Bolan Christine , Byrne Carolyn , Jewesson Peter , Robertson-Malt Suzanne , El-Tawil Mohamed , Verjee Mohamud
Published: December 2011

Qatar has grown rapidly over the past 10 years particularly in the areas of healthcare needs and provisioning. The population has grown from 617,000 in 2000 to over 1.7 million in 2010. The number of hospitals both private and public has nearly doubled with the number of healthcare workers surpassing 11,000 in 2011. To help meet the demand for trained healthcare professionals there are now 4 educational institutions in Qatar addressing medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied healthcare (School of Health Sciences at the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar, College of Pharmacy at Qatar University, University of Calgary – Qatar, and Weill-Cornell Medical College in Qatar).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a need to integrate all areas of healthcare and to foster team-based collaborative models to help improve healthcare service delivery. Interprofessional Education (IPE) provides a framework to facilitate such a model. A truly comprehensive and inclusive IPE program would include agreement on IPE competencies (shared competencies) amongst and between all healthcare educational providers (pre- and post-licensure) accompanied by collaborative models that promote and facilitate working together as teams. Measures of success include meeting the shared IPE competencies.

This paper describes the formation of the Qatar Interprofessional Health Council (QIHC) to help address healthcare needs in Qatar and their efforts to move IPE forward in the state and in the region. The QIHC consists of members from the 4 healthcare educational institutions in Qatar as well as members from Sidra Medical and Research Center and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). A discussion of barriers and solutions is included as well as the efforts of the member institutions to provide IPE support and integration into their programs. The QIHC has recently been awarded a National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) research grant to help provide a solid and contextually appropriate framework for IPE in Qatar.
Aflatoxins B1 and B2 Contamination of Peanut and Peanut Products and Subsequent Microwave Detoxification
Authors: Mobeen A.K. , Aftab A. , Asif A. , Zuzzer A.S.
Published: November 2011

The effectiveness of microwave heating has been evaluated for the detoxification of aflatoxins contaminated peanut and peanut products. The products comprise of various confectionery such as peanut brittle toffee, peanut brittle slabs of sugar and jaggery, roasted and salted peanut and peanut butter which were highly contaminated with aflatoxins B1 ranging from 5 to 183µg/kg and aflatoxin B2 ranging from 7 to 46.7µg/kg. The level of aflatoxins was determined and subsequently products were treated to microwave heating, which resulted in the reduction of aflatoxins content. The microwave cooking resulted in 50 to 60 % reduction in the levels of aflatoxins B1, while B2 was reduced to non-detectable limits.
Biomodification of cloisite Na+ with L‐methionine amino acid and preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)/organoclay nanocomposite films
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Dinari Mohammad
Published: December 2011

Polymer/layered‐silicate hybrids nanocomposites have attracted strong interest in today's materials research, as it is possible to achieve impressive enhancements of material properties compared to the pure polymers. In the present investigation, at first, Cloisite Na+ was modified by protonated form of natural L‐methionine amino acid via ion‐exchange reaction to created chiral organonanoclay. Gallery spacing, interlamellar structure, and thermal stability of this novel chiral organonanoclay have been characterized using different techniques. Then it was used to fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/organonanoclay nanocomposite films (NCF)s with various compositions using solution casting method by ultrasound‐assisted method. The films were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy, and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, thermal and optical clarity properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and UV–visible transmission spectra, respectively. The TEM and XRD structure study revealed a coexistence of exfoliated and intercalated organonanoclay in the PVA matrix. The addition of organoclay into the PVA origins increases in the thermal decomposition temperatures of the NCFs. This enhancement in the thermal stability is owing to the presence of organonanoclay, which act as barriers to maximize the heat insulation and to minimize the permeability of volatile degradation products to the material. At the same time, the optical clarity of PVA/organonanoclay NCFs is not decreased in comparison with that of pure PVA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Dispensability of APRIL to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus in NZM 2328 mice
Authors: Jacob Chaim O. , Guo Shunhua , Jacob Noam , Pawar Rahul D. , Putterman Chaim , Quinn William J. , Cancro Michael P. , Migone Thi‐Sau , Stohl William
Published: December 2011

Objective

To determine the role of APRIL in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in mice.

Methods

Wild‐type (WT) NZM 2328, NZM. April–/–, NZM.Baff–/–, and NZM.Baff–/–.April–/– mice were evaluated for lymphocyte phenotype by flow cytometry, for serum total IgG and IgG autoantibody levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, for glomerular deposition of IgG and C3 by immunofluorescence, for renal changes by histopathology, and for clinical disease by laboratory assessment (severe proteinuria).

Results

In comparison to WT mice, NZM.April–/– mice harbored increased spleen B cells, T cells, and plasma cells (PCs), increased serum levels of IgG antichromatin antibodies, and decreased numbers of bone marrow (BM) PCs. Glomerular deposition of IgG and C3 was similar in NZM.April–/– mice and WT mice, renal changes on histopathology tended to be more severe in NZM.April–/– mice than in WT mice, and development of clinical disease was identical in NZM.April–/– mice and WT mice. BM (but not spleen) PCs and serum IgG antichromatin and anti–double‐stranded DNA antibody levels were lower in NZM.Baff–/–.April–/– mice than in NZM.Baff–/– mice, whereas renal immunopathology in each cohort was equally mild.

Conclusion

APRIL is dispensable for the development of full‐blown SLE in NZM mice. Moreover, the elimination of both APRIL and BAFF had no discernible effect on the development of renal immunopathology or clinical disease beyond that of elimination of BAFF alone. The reduction in BM PCs in hosts doubly deficient in APRIL and BAFF beyond that in hosts deficient only in BAFF raises concern that combined antagonism of APRIL and BAFF may lead to greater immunosuppression without a concomitant increase in therapeutic efficacy.
An NMR Study of the Oxidative Degradation of Cp*Ir Catalysts for Water Oxidation: Evidence for a Preliminary Attack on the Quaternary Carbon Atom of the ­–C–CH3 Moiety
Authors: Zuccaccia Cristiano , Bellachioma Gianfranco , Bolaño Sandra , Rocchigiani Luca , Savini Arianna , Macchioni Alceo
Published: December 2011

The reaction between H2O2 and two water oxidation catalysts {[Cp*Ir(H2O)3](NO3)2 (1, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) and [Cp*Ir(bzpy)(NO3)] (2, bzpy = 2‐benzoylpyridine)} was studied by means of in situ 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments in order to elucidate if catalyst degradation proceeds through the initial functionalization of a quaternary carbon atom (C‐attack) or by hydrogen abstraction (H‐attack) of the Cp* –C–CH3 moiety. It was shown that 1 underwent double functionalization of the –C–CH3 moiety of Cp* leading to the formation of –C(OR)–CH2OR (R = H or OH) in a strictly analogous manner to that previously observed for the reaction of 1 with Ce4+. On the contrary, two new intermediates associated with the oxidative degradation of 2, which are functionalized only at the quaternary carbon atom(s) of the –C–CH3 moiety [–C(OR)–CH3], were intercepted and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. This indicates that the oxidative degradation of water oxidation catalysts, featuring the –Cp* ancillary ligand, likely starts with preferential C‐attack.
Rare variants, common markers: synthetic association and beyond
Authors: Kent Jack W.
Published: December 2011

The phenomenon of synthetic association raises the possibility that common variant genetic markers may be coupled with functional rare variants sufficiently often to allow the rare variants to be tagged by the common ones. Using human exome sequence data from the 1000 Genomes Project, two investigative teams in Group 12 of Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 found that stochastic coupling between rare and common variants does occur, although perhaps not sufficiently often that we can expect common variant signals to reflect synthetic association; other teams considered methods for detecting association using both rare and common variants. Common themes were that synthetic association is more apparent in population strata (ancestral or familial) and that careful selection of the unit of analysis (gene, gene network, or other genomic subset) is likely to be crucial to the discovery of rare variants that contribute to risk of disease. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:S80–S84, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detecting rare variant associations: methods for testing haplotypes and multiallelic genotypes
Authors: Cantor Rita M. , Wilcox Marsha
Published: December 2011

We summarize the work done by the contributors to Group 13 at Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 (GAW17) and provide a synthesis of their data analyses. The Group 13 contributors used a variety of approaches to test associations of both rare variants and common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the GAW17 simulated traits, implementing analytic methods that incorporate multiallelic genotypes and haplotypes. In addition to using a wide variety of statistical methods and approaches, the contributors exhibited a remarkable amount of flexibility and creativity in coding the variants and their genes and in evaluating their proposed approaches and methods. We describe and contrast their methods along three dimensions: (1) selection and coding of genetic entities for analysis, (2) method of analysis, and (3) evaluation of the results. The contributors consistently presented a strong rationale for using multiallelic analytic approaches. They indicated that power was likely to be increased by capturing the signals of multiple markers within genetic entities defined by sliding windows, haplotypes, genes, functional pathways, and the entire set of SNPs and rare variants taken in aggregate. Despite this variability, the methods were fairly consistent in their ability to identify two associated genes for each simulated trait. The first gene was selected for the largest number of causal alleles and the second for a high‐frequency causal SNP. The presumed model of inheritance and choice of genetic entities are likely to have a strong effect on the outcomes of the analyses. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:S85–S91, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regression and data mining methods for analyses of multiple rare variants in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 mini‐exome data
Authors: Bailey‐Wilson Joan E. , Brennan Jennifer S. , Bull Shelley B. , Culverhouse Robert , Kim Yoonhee , Jiang Yuan , Jung Jeesun , Li Qing , Lamina Claudia , Liu Ying , Mägi Reedik , Niu Yue S. , Simpson Claire L. , Wang Libo , Yilmaz Yildiz E. , Zhang Heping , Zhang Zhaogong
Published: December 2011

Group 14 of Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 examined several issues related to analysis of complex traits using DNA sequence data. These issues included novel methods for analyzing rare genetic variants in an aggregated manner (often termed collapsing rare variants), evaluation of various study designs to increase power to detect effects of rare variants, and the use of machine learning approaches to model highly complex heterogeneous traits. Various published and novel methods for analyzing traits with extreme locus and allelic heterogeneity were applied to the simulated quantitative and disease phenotypes. Overall, we conclude that power is (as expected) dependent on locus‐specific heritability or contribution to disease risk, large samples will be required to detect rare causal variants with small effect sizes, extreme phenotype sampling designs may increase power for smaller laboratory costs, methods that allow joint analysis of multiple variants per gene or pathway are more powerful in general than analyses of individual rare variants, population‐specific analyses can be optimal when different subpopulations harbor private causal mutations, and machine learning methods may be useful for selecting subsets of predictors for follow‐up in the presence of extreme locus heterogeneity and large numbers of potential predictors. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:S92–S100, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of T1‐weighted in‐ and out‐of‐phase single shot magnetization‐prepared gradient‐recalled‐echo with three‐dimensional gradient‐recalled‐echo at 3.0 tesla: Preliminary observations in abdominal studies
Authors: Ferreira Ana , Ramalho Miguel , de Campos Rafael O.P. , Heredia Vasco , Azevedo Rafael M. , Dale Brian , Semelka Richard C.
Published: December 2011

Purpose:

To describe in‐phase (IP)/out‐of‐phase (OP) imaging with single shot magnetization‐prepared gradient‐recalled‐echo (MP‐GRE) and to compare intra‐individually IP/OP MP‐GRE with IP/OP three‐dimensional gradient‐recalled‐echo (3D‐GRE) at 3.0 Tesla (T).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty‐six subjects (15 males, 21 females; mean age 46.97 ± 14.97) who had abdominal MRI examinations including precontrast T1‐weighted IP/OP MP‐GRE, IP/OP 3D‐GRE were included in the study. Two radiologists independently evaluated the sequences qualitatively for extent of artifacts, lesion detectability, and conspicuity and subjective grading of liver steatosis. Quantitative evaluation was performed by one radiologist and included liver fat index, liver and spleen SNR, and liver‐lesion and liver‐spleen CNR.

Results:

Respiratory ghosting was more pronounced on 3D‐GRE (P < 0.0008). The degrees of parallel imaging residual artifacts, shading and blurring were significantly higher on the 3D‐GRE sequences (P < 0.0008). Spatial misregistration and bounce point artifacts were only observed with MP‐GRE images. Pixel graininess was more apparent on MP‐GRE (P < 0.0008). Lesion detectability, confidence, and conspicuity were considerably higher on MP‐GRE. Visual appreciation of steatosis was superior on 3D‐GRE. Overall image quality was superior on MP‐GRE (P < 0.0008).

Conclusion:

Higher image quality and improved lesion detectability were present with IP/OP MP‐GRE technique. Inversion‐recovery prepared techniques may represent an important evolution for precontrast T1‐weighted image at 3.0T. The good image quality of MP‐GRE sequences acquired in a free breathing manner should recommend its use in patients unable to suspend breathing. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1187‐1195. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early growth response 1 and fatty acid synthase expression is altered in tumor adjacent prostate tissue and indicates field cancerization
Authors: Jones Anna C. , Trujillo Kristina A. , Phillips Genevieve K. , Fleet Trisha M. , Murton Jaclyn K. , Severns Virginia , Shah Satyan K. , Davis Michael S. , Smith Anthony Y. , Griffith Jeffrey K. , Fischer Edgar G. , Bisoffi Marco
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND

Field cancerization denotes the occurrence of molecular alterations in histologically normal tissues adjacent to tumors. In prostate cancer, identification of field cancerization has several potential clinical applications. However, prostate field cancerization remains ill defined. Our previous work has shown up‐regulated mRNA of the transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR‐1) and the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) in tissues adjacent to prostate cancer.

METHODS

Immunofluorescence data were analyzed quantitatively by spectral imaging and linear unmixing to determine the protein expression levels of EGR‐1 and FAS in human cancerous, histologically normal adjacent, and disease‐free prostate tissues.

RESULTS

EGR‐1 expression was elevated in both structurally intact tumor adjacent (1.6× on average) and in tumor (3.0× on average) tissues compared to disease‐free tissues. In addition, the ratio of cytoplasmic versus nuclear EGR‐1 expression was elevated in both tumor adjacent and tumor tissues. Similarly, FAS expression was elevated in both tumor adjacent (2.7× on average) and in tumor (2.5× on average) compared to disease‐free tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

EGR‐1 and FAS expression is similarly deregulated in tumor and structurally intact adjacent prostate tissues and defines field cancerization. In cases with high suspicion of prostate cancer but negative biopsy, identification of field cancerization could help clinicians target areas for repeat biopsy. Field cancerization at surgical margins on prostatectomy specimen should also be looked at as a predictor of cancer recurrence. EGR‐1 and FAS could also serve as molecular targets for chemoprevention. Prostate 72:1159–1170, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An accurate modeling technique for antennas and nonlinear RF power amplifier mixed simulation
Authors: Zakka El Nashef Georges , Torrès François , Mons Sébastien , Reveyrand Tibault , Ngoya Edouard , Monédière Thierry , Thévenot Marc , Quéré Raymond
Published: December 2011

The design of agile active antennas requires an efficient modeling methodology in order to quantify the impact of other components on the array radiation pattern, and especially the influence of power amplifiers (PA). Therefore, the performance prediction of PA on TX chains is of prime importance. This article describes two different approaches for active antenna applications. The first one concentrates on PA macro-modeling, which takes into account a large output load impedance mismatch with a voltage standing wave ratio up to 4:1. A PA behavioral model based on nonlinear scattering functions was developed and extracted from CW measurements. The model validity was checked by comparison with the measured data. The second one describes a novel technique for synthesizing a given radiation pattern, whereas taking into account the mutual coupling and calculated matching impedances (ZL ≠ 50 Ω) of each antenna in the array according to frequency and pointing angle.
Configuration of membrane-bound proteins by x-ray reflectivity
Authors: Chen Chiu-Hao , Málková Šárka , Cho Wonhwa , Schlossman Mark L.
Published: December 2011

In this presentation we review our recent work using x-ray reflectivity to determine the configuration of membrane-bound proteins. The reflectivity data is analyzed in terms of the known crystallographic structure of proteins and a slab model representing the lipid layer to yield an electron density profile of the lipid/protein system. Our recent modified analysis methodology for the lipid/protein system is concisely described in this report. In addition, some results of the configuration of the membrane-bound proteins cPLA2α-C2, p40phox-PX, and PKCα-C2 are highlighted.
LabVIEW-based control and data acquisition system for cathodoluminescence experiments
Authors: Bok J. , Schauer P.
Published: December 2011

Computer automation of cathodoluminescence (CL) experiments using equipment developed in our laboratory is described. The equipment provides various experiments for CL efficiency, CL spectra, and CL time response studies. The automation was realized utilizing the graphical programming environment LabVIEW. The developed application software with procedures for equipment control and data acquisition during various CL experiments is presented. As the measured CL data are distorted by technical limitations of the equipment, such as equipment spectral sensitivity and time response, data correction algorithms were incorporated into the procedures. Some examples of measured data corrections are presented.
Discoverers of the Hubble expansion’s acceleration share Nobel physics prize
Authors: Schwarzschild Bertram M.
Published: December 2011

We’ve learned from the laureates that some mysterious vacuum energy now prevails over all the matter in the cosmos.
Changes and challenges: Physics in India
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: December 2011

To go from having islands of excellence to being a major world player in science, India must solve such problems as a dearth of teachers and a divide between research and teaching.