bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Características de la oclusión en respiradores bucales de 6 a 12 años de la Clínica del Niño en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia
Authors: Giraldo-Vélez Natalia , Olarte-Sossa Mariana , Ossa-Ramírez Julieth E. , Parra-Isaza Mónica A. , Tobón-Arango Fabio E. , Agudelo-Suárez Andrés A.
Published: May 2015

Resumen. Introducción: este estudio tuvo como objetivo establecer las característicasde la oclusión en niños respiradores bucales que acuden a la Clínica del Niño de laFacultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia. Métodos: estudio descriptivotransversal en 100 pacientes respiradores bucales de 6 a 12 años que acudieronpor primera vez a la Clínica del Niño (iv a vii semestre) y sin intervención terapéuticaprevia, identificados a través de una lista de chequeo. Mediante examen clínico,se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, antecedentes médicos, características faciales,hábitos bucales, características de los arcos dentarios, variables relacionadascon la oclusión y presencia de caries e inflamación de las encías. Resultados: más dela mitad de la población evaluada en clase i dental y no presentó competencia labial.Otros hábitos frecuentes fueron la onicofagia y el bruxismo. La línea media dentalinferior desviada con respecto a la línea media facial predomina más en los niños(69%). En cuanto a la mordida cruzada anterior, no se encontraron diferencias marcadasentre niñas y niños, mientras que la mordida abierta anterior se detectó conmayor frecuencia en niños (26%). La forma ovalada de los arcos fue la más predominante(superior: 85%, inferior: 77%), y más de la mitad de los pacientes presentaronpaladar profundo. Se encontraron signos de inflamación gingival en un 80%, y másdel 50% presentó caries dental. Conclusiones: se encontraron características diferencialesen la población evaluada, tanto faciales como en la oclusión, que requierenanálisis más exhaustivos con el fin de ofrecer tratamientos integrales basados en lasnecesidades individuales y colectivas.
Estrés, síntomas psicopatológicos y riesgo de clicking en estudiantes universitarios: un estudio de casos y controles
Authors: Mafla Ana Cristina , Timarán Delgado Carlos Alberto , Bastidas Eraso Carlos Eduardo , Zambrano Muñoz Diana Carolina
Published: May 2015

Introducción: la evidencia científica sugiere que el estrés y los síntomas psicológicosdesempeñan un papel importante en las enfermedades. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar el clicking en individuos con estrés y diferentes síntomas psicopatológicos. Métodos: se compararon 30 estudiantes universitarios que experimentaron clicking con 60 voluntarios sanos como controles. Los participantes recibieron el pss-10 y scl-90-r en versiones españolas. Se calcularon los odds ratios (or) e ic al 95% para determinar el riesgo de estas variables para la presencia de clicking mediante regresión logística. Resultados: el estrés fue débilmente asociado con la ocurrencia de clicking(or = 1,35, ic al 95%: 0,46-3,95, p = 0,57). Ser un individuo con estrés y depresión (or = 2,92, ic al 95%: 0,61-14,0, p = 0,16) y ansiedad (or = 2,80, ic al 95%: 0,69-11,31, p = 0,13) pudieran aumentar el riesgo de presentar clicking. Además, la depresión (or = 7,00, ic al 95%: 0,66-74,28, p = 0,07) y la ansiedad (or = 4,90, ic al 95%: 0,78-30,80, p = 0,07) ajustadas por síntomas de dolor parecen importantes para unos sujetos. El riesgo de clicking en estudiantes con comorbilidad de depresión y ansiedad y estrés fue más alto (or = 2,11, ic al 95%: 0,40-11,15, p = 0,37). Por otra parte, existió un riesgo diferente cuando esta comorbilidad, estrés y el síntoma de dolor estuvieron presentes(or= 4,30, ic al 95%: 0,35-51,90, p = 0,21).Conclusión: la depresión, la ansiedad, el estrés y el dolor pudieran ser factores predictivos para el desarrollo de tdm como el clicking. En este sentido, la medición de esas condiciones debe ser una prioridad en estos pacientes.
Tradiciones culturales y prácticas de cuidado bucal en los indígenas zenúes, en Sucre, Colombia
Authors: Ochoa Acosta Emilia María , Patiño Gutiérrez Karoll , Pérez Suescun Carlos Andrés , Lambraño Escobar Leidy Fernanda , Sierra Caro Eliana
Published: May 2015

Resumen. Introducción: la Constitución Política de Colombia define como uno desus principios fundamentales el reconocimiento y la protección de la diversidadétnica y cultural de la nación, afirmación que implica la garantía de sus derechos,entre ellos el derecho a la salud, concebido desde sus particularidades culturales.Objetivo: comprender las tradiciones culturales y las prácticas de cuidado bucalen un grupo de indígenas zenúes. Métodos: estudio de corte cualitativo realizado enel 2011. Retoma elementos del enfoque y método etnográfico. En la construcciónde los datos participaron diez personas de la comunidad indígena Zenú. Se llevóa cabo observación participante, diarios de campo, entrevistas en profundidad ygrupos focales. El análisis consistió en un proceso de condensación de los datos apartir de un ejercicio descriptivo e interpretativo que se organizó en tres categoríasde análisis, de las cuales emergieron varias tendencias. Resultados: a pesar de losprocesos de occidentalización, se conservan prácticas tradicionales que se relacionancon mitos y concepciones mágico-religiosas amplias y positivas acerca de lasalud y del cuidado bucal. Está vigente la transmisión intergeneracional y la utilizacióndel servicio odontológico se da solamente cuando los problemas bucales nose solucionan mediante tratamientos tradicionales. Conclusión: la conservación detradiciones y prácticas ancestrales en salud bucal constituye un llamado a reorientarlos procesos de formación de los profesionales de la salud bucal, para ampliar laconcepción de ciencia y, de esta manera, facilitar el reconocimiento de las diferenciasculturales y los procesos de inclusión social de grupos diversos.
Risk, Financial Development and Firm Dynamics
Authors: Morais Bernardo
Published: May 2015

I document that the average productivity of firms tends to increase, and its variance to decrease, as they age. These two facts combined suggest that managers learn to reduce their mistakes as they operate. I develop a quantitative framework mimicking these dynamics and find that young firms have substantially higher financing costs due to lower and riskier returns. In this scenario, a reduction in the financial development of an economy raises disproportionately the cost of credit of young-productive firms increasing the input misallocation within this subgroup. To test the validity of the theory, I find that the data confirms some novel predictions on a series of firm-level moments. Finally, I show that introducing these two facts allows the model to better explain the relation between financial and economic development.
Review of current methods for estimating areal reduction factors applied to South African design point rainfall and preliminary identification of new methods
Authors: Pietersen J , Gericke O , Smithers J , Woyessa Y
Published: May 2015

Design point rainfall estimates assume a uniform distribution of rainfall over a catchment, and hence are only representative for a limited area. For larger areas, areal reduction factors (ARFs) are used to convert design point rainfall depths/intensities to an average areal design rainfall depth/intensity for a catchment-specific critical storm duration and catchment area. This paper presents a review of ARF estimation methods used nationally and internationally, with comparisons of the South African methods in the C5 secondary drainage region using standard input variables. The comparison of different ARF estimation methods confirmed that the empirical methods adopted for general use in South Africa are based on a limited database of observed rainfall data and are used without local correction factors beyond their original developmental regions. This results in the characterisation of the actual rainfall process over a catchment, and translation into questionable design peak discharge estimates. Therefore, the ARFs in South Africa need to be re-investigated in the light of recent extreme flood events, utilising the longer periods of record and denser rain-gauge networks which are now available for analysis. The variation of ARFs with return period and with rainfall producing mechanisms also needs to be investigated. Updated ARFs developed and verified using local rainfall data will improve the accuracy of design hydrology for large catchments in South Africa when event-based rainfall-runoff deterministic methods are used.
The effect of bedding errors on the accuracy of plate load tests
Authors: Barnard H , Heymann G
Published: May 2015

During conventional plate load tests the stiffness of the ground is determined by measuring the settlement of a plate placed on the ground surface. If the contact between the plate and the ground is rough, bedding errors may occur during the test when plastic deformation occurs at the contacts between the plate and the ground. This paper addresses the effect of bedding errors on the accuracy of plate load tests. Three different surface preparation methods were investigated. In addition, a modified plate load test was designed to eliminate the effect of bedding errors that occur during these tests. Telescopic probes were used to measure the relative displacement at two points below the centre of the plate. The stiffness values, determined from the vertical displacement of the plate, were compared with the internal stiffness values determined by means of the telescopic probes. All stiffness values were compared with Continuous Surface Wave (CSW) measurements performed on the same material. The test apparatus, methods and results are discussed in this paper.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Authors: Avdic Dijana , Jaganjac Amila , Katana Bakir , Bojicic Samir , Macak Hadziomerovic Amra , Svraka Emira
Published: May 2015

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), once known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Sudeck's dystrophy and causalgia, is a pain syndrome with indistinctive pathophysiology and unpredictable clinical course. CRPS can develop after a limb fracture, injury or damage to the peripheral or central nervous system. The diagnosis of CRPS is based on the signs and symptoms obtained from the medical history and physical examination. The disease is often resistant to treatment, and its course is not always favorable. A brief overview of this clinical entity is presented, and most relevant and up-to-date information is discussed.
Fast fitting of non‐Gaussian state‐space models to animal movement data via Template Model Builder
Authors: Albertsen Christoffer Moesgaard , Whoriskey Kim , Yurkowski David , Nielsen Anders , Flemming Joanna Mills
Published: May 2015

State‐space models (SSM) are often used for analyzing complex ecological processes that are not observed directly, such as marine animal movement. When outliers are present in the measurements, special care is needed in the analysis to obtain reliable location and process estimates. Here we recommend using the Laplace approximation combined with automatic differentiation (as implemented in the novel R package Template Model Builder; TMB) for the fast fitting of continuous‐time multivariate non‐Gaussian SSMs. Through Argos satellite tracking data, we demonstrate that the use of continuous‐time t‐distributed measurement errors for error‐prone data is more robust to outliers and improves the location estimation compared to using discretized‐time t‐distributed errors (implemented with a Gibbs sampler) or using continuous‐time Gaussian errors (as with the Kalman filter). Using TMB, we are able to estimate additional parameters compared to previous methods, all without requiring a substantial increase in computational time. The model implementation is made available through the R package argosTrack.
Native American impact on past forest composition inferred from species distribution models, Chautauqua County, New York
Authors: Tulowiecki Stephen J. , Larsen Chris P. S.
Published: May 2015

Little consensus surrounds the extent of Native American impacts upon tree species composition in Eastern North America, prior to European‐American settlement (presettlement). Native American land‐use practices (e.g., forest clearance and burning) likely altered forest composition, but the spatial extent of these alterations remains vaguely quantified. Previous research has attempted to quantify the spatial extent of clearance practices, but little research has addressed the more subtle alterations to tree species composition resulting from Native American land use. Research has also inadequately distinguished between environmental and anthropogenic controls upon tree species composition, leaving open the possibility that, instead of modifying forest composition, Native American societies instead settled where favored tree species were already present. This study employed species distribution models (SDMs) trained from tree species data within presettlement land survey records (PLSRs), in order to understand Native American impacts upon presettlement tree species composition in Chautauqua County, New York. Using historical and archaeological data, this study developed “Native American variables” (NAVs), which represented human accessibility to features of Iroquoian settlement. This study then modeled the distribution of tree species in relation to both environmental variables and NAVs. Notable results indicate that NAVs significantly improved the predictive performance of SDMs for mast‐bearing taxa, such as oak (Quercus spp.), chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.), and hickory (Carya spp.). Under a simulated absence of Iroquoian settlement, the amount of “suitable” area in Chautauqua County decreased by 2 to 23 percentage points for five mast‐bearing taxa, depending upon species and modeling procedure. Results imply that Iroquoian alterations to tree species composition covered a larger spatial extent, in comparison to previous estimates of the spatial extent of clearance practices in Iroquoian regions. Yet, the majority of forest compositional modifications occurred within 10 to 15 km of village sites. This study offers a novel methodology for quantifying Native American impacts upon past tree species composition, and suggests that Iroquoian land‐use practices of the early Historic era shaped forest compositional patterns at local extents in one region of presettlement Eastern North America.
Billing for Professional Lactation Services: A Collaborative Practice Approach
Authors: Webber Elaine , Benedict Jean
Published: May 2015

Studies indicate support following discharge is a key component to improved breastfeeding outcomes. Many women do not have access to professional lactation support because of financial constraints. Until direct insurance reimbursement for lactation consultant services is consistent
and universal, creative solutions are needed. A collaborative practice model between lactation consultants and medical healthcare providers is one approach. A community hospital implemented an outpatient lactation clinic coordinated by lactation consultants working in conjunction with in-hospital
pediatricians and nurse practitioners. Patients are seen jointly by both the lactation consultant and medical care provider, with services billed to commercial and state insurances through the medical practice. The outcome is increased access to care, improved breastfeeding outcomes with greater
patient satisfaction, and increased revenues for the facility.
Online Peer-to-Peer Support for Young People With Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ali Kathina , Farrer Louise , Gulliver Amelia , Griffiths Kathleen M
Published: May 2015

Background

Adolescence and early adulthood are critical periods for the development of mental disorders. Online peer-to-peer communication is popular among young people and may improve mental health by providing social support. Previous systematic reviews have targeted Internet support groups for adults with mental health problems, including depression. However, there have been no systematic reviews examining the effectiveness of online peer-to-peer support in improving the mental health of adolescents and young adults.

Objective

The aim of this review was to systematically identify available evidence for the effectiveness of online peer-to peer support for young people with mental health problems.

Methods

The PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane databases were searched using keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Retrieved abstracts (n=3934) were double screened and coded. Studies were included if they (1) investigated an online peer-to-peer interaction, (2) the interaction discussed topics related to mental health, (3) the age range of the sample was between 12 to 25 years, and (4) the study evaluated the effectiveness of the peer-to-peer interaction.

Results

Six studies satisfied the inclusion criteria for the current review. The studies targeted a range of mental health problems including depression and anxiety (n=2), general psychological problems (n=1), eating disorders (n=1), and substance use (tobacco) (n=2). The majority of studies investigated Internet support groups (n=4), and the remaining studies focused on virtual reality chat sessions (n=2). In almost all studies (n=5), the peer support intervention was moderated by health professionals, researchers or consumers. Studies employed a range of study designs including randomized controlled trials (n=3), pre-post studies (n=2) and one randomized trial. Overall, two of the randomized controlled trials were associated with a significant positive outcome in comparison to the control group at post-intervention. In the remaining four studies, peer-to-peer support was not found to be effective.

Conclusions

This systematic review identified an overall lack of high-quality studies examining online peer-to-peer support for young people. Given that peer support is frequently used as an adjunct to Internet interventions for a variety of mental health conditions, there is an urgent need to determine the effectiveness of peer support alone as an active intervention.
Fluctuating asymmetry in Pelophylax ridibundus (Amphibia: Ranidae) as a response to anthropogenic pollution in south Bulgaria
Authors: Zhelev Zhivko , Popgeorgiev Georgi , Arnaudov Atanas , Georgieva Katerina , Mehterov Nikolay
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the integral indicator for
developmental stability, the fluctuating asymmetry (FA), in the marsh frog
Pelophylax ridibundus populations that inhabit biotopes of different types
(running rivers and still, dam lakes), when exposed to different types of
anthropogenic pollution (domestic sewage pollution and heavy metal pollution)
in south Bulgaria. A total of 920 P. ridibundus individuals were used for FA
analyses over three years (2009-2011). Fluctuating asymmetry was defined by
10 morphological traits, using the index frequency of asymmetric
manifestation of an individual (FAMI). In closed water basins, regardless of
the nature of toxicants, the FA values in P. ridibundus populations were
statistically lower than those in river populations. The FA values were
constantly the highest under conditions of sustained anthropogenic pollution,
with high concentrations of toxicants in rivers with domestic sewage
pollution and heavy-metal pollution. The results provide better opportunities
to use FA in P. ridibundus populations for bioindication and biomonitoring,
and for parallel and independent analyses of the physicochemical assessment
of the environmental condition.
Effects of female gonadal hormones and LPS on depressive-like behavior in rats
Authors: Mitic Milos , Lukic Iva , Bozovic Natalija , Djordjevic Jelena , Adzic Miroslav
Published: May 2015

Considerable evidence shows an association of depression with the immune
system and emphasizes the importance of gender in the etiology of the disease
and the response to inflammatory stimuli. We examined the influence of
immune-challenged systems on depressive-like behavior in female rats in the
context of gonadal hormones. We used a neuroinflammatory model of depression
elicited by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on naive and
ovariectomized (OVX) female rats, and examined the effects of estradiol (E2)
and/or progesterone (P4) replacement therapy on animal behavior, as assessed
by the forced swimming test (FST). We found that LPS and OVX increase
immobility in the FST, while LPS also decreased body weight in naive female
rats. Further, even though P4 application alone showed beneficial effects on
the behavioral profile (it reduced immobility and increased climbing),
supplementation of both hormones (E2 and P4) together to OVX rats failed to
do so. When OVX rats were exposed to LPS-induced immune challenge, neither
hormone individually nor their combination had any effect on immobility,
however, their joint supplementation increased climbing behavior. In
conclusion, our study confirmed that both LPS and OVX induced depressive-like
behavior in female rats. Furthermore, our results potentiate P4
supplementation in relieving the depressive-like symptomatology in OVX rats,
most likely through fine-tuning of different neurotransmitter systems. In the
context of an activated immune system, the application of E2 and/or P4 does
not provide any advantageous effects on depressive-like behavior.
The lower bound for the modulus of the derivatives and Jacobian of harmonic injective mappings
Authors: Mateljevic Miodrag
Published: May 2015

We give the lower bound for the modulus of the radial derivatives and
Jacobian of harmonic injective mappings from the unit ball onto convex domain
in plane and space. As an application we show co-Lipschitz property of some
classes of qch mappings. We also review related results in planar case using
some novelty.
A note on the harmonic quasiconformal diffeomorphisms of the unit disc
Authors: Knezevic Miljan
Published: May 2015

We analyze the properties of harmonic quasiconformal mappings and by
comparing some suitably chosen conformal metrics defined in the unit disc we
obtain some geometrically motivated inequalities for those mappings (see for
instance [15, 17, 20]). In particular, we obtain the answers to many
questions concerning these classes of functions which are related to the
determination of different properties that are of essential importance for
validity of the results such as those that generalize famous inequalities of
the Schwarz-Pick type. The approach used is geometrical in nature, via
analyzing the properties of the Gaussian curvature of the conformal metrics
we are dealing with. As a consequence of this approach we give a note to the
co-Lipschicity of harmonic quasiconformal self mappings of the unit disc at
the origin.
A note on Jensen formula in Cn
Authors: Shamoyan Romi , Mihic Olivera
Published: May 2015

We provide some natural weighted generalizations of certain sharp assertions
related with multidimensional Jensen formula which served as a base of recent
sharp theorems on generators for spaces of entire functions for several
complex variables in Cn.
Prevention of root resorption in hypofunctional teeth by occlusal function recovery
Authors: Hayashi Akiko , Hayashi Hidetaka , Kawata Toshitsugu
Published: May 2015

Objective: 

To clarify whether occlusal hypofunction is one of the key determinants for root resorption during tooth movement and root resorption is prevented by its recovery.

Materials and Methods: 

The rats were randomly divided into one control and two experimental groups: hypofunctional and recovery groups. In the hypofunctional group, an anterior metal cap and bite plate were attached to the maxillary and mandibular incisors to simulate occlusal hypofunction. In the recovery group, the appliances were removed 7 weeks after their use, and the rats were allowed to bite for 4 weeks after removal. At the age of 16 weeks, the upper first molars were moved and after 0, 7, 14, and 21 days, the maxillae were resected. The resorption area was quantified morphohistologically and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells on the root surface were counted. We also examined the expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), and interleukin (IL)-8 immunohistochemically.

Results: 

The amount of root resorption and the number of TRAP-positive cells were significantly greater in the hypofunctional group than in the control and recovery groups. Moreover, immunoreactivity for RANKL, M-CSF, and IL-8 was detected in the periodontal ligament and on the root surface in the hypofunctional group.

Conclusion: 

Occlusal hypofunction is one of the critical factors for root resorption; however, root resorption may be prevented by recovery of occlusal function. (Angle Orthod. 0000;0:1–8.)
Accelerated tooth movement with piezocision and its periodontal-transversal effects in patients with Class II malocclusion
Authors: Aksakalli Sertac , Calik Berra , Kara Burcak , Ezirganli Seref
Published: May 2015

Objective: 

To compare the extent of canine distalization and the transversal changes, postdistalization gingival indices, and mobility scores between patients who were undergoing orthodontic treatment involving upper premolar extraction with (experimental group) or without piezocision.

Materials and Methods: 

Twenty maxillary canines of 10 patients were evaluated with split mouth design. Pre- and postdistalization dental casts were prepared and scanned with an orthodontic scanner to compare the extent of distalization and transversal changes between the two groups. The pre- and postdistalization gingival indices and mobility scores were also calculated.

Results: 

Three-dimensional analysis of the models revealed significant differences in tooth movement (lesser anchorage loss and greater canine distalization) between the experimental and control groups. Furthermore, the distalization time was shortened in the experimental group. There were no differences in the transversal changes, pre- and postdistalization gingival indices, or mobility scores between groups.

Conclusion: 

Piezocision-assisted distalization accelerates tooth movement, decreases the anchorage loss for posterior teeth, and does not induce any maxillary transversal change. Moreover, piezocision does not have any adverse effects on periodontal health.
Three-dimensional effects of the mini-implant–anchored Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elkordy Sherif A. , Abouelezz Amr M. , Salah Fayed Mona M. , Attia Khaled H. , Rahman Ishaq Ramy Abdul , Mostafa Yehya A.
Published: May 2015

Objective: 

To detect three-dimensionally the effects of using mini-implant anchorage with the Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FFRD).

Materials and Methods: 

The sample comprised 43 skeletal Class II females with deficient mandibles. They were randomly allocated into three groups: 16 patients (13.25 ± 1.12 years) received FFRD alone (Forsus group), 15 subjects (13.07 ± 1.41 years) received FFRD and mini-implants (FMI group), and 12 subjects (12.71 ± 1.44 years) were in the untreated control group. Three-dimensional analyses of cone beam computed tomographic images were completed, and the data were statistically analyzed.

Results: 

Class I relationship and overjet correction were achieved in 88% of the cases. None of the two treatment groups showed significant mandibular skeletal effects. In the FMI group, significant headgear effect, decrease in maxillary width, and increase in the lower facial height were noted. In the FMI group, retroclination of maxillary incisors and distalization of maxillary molars were significantly higher. Proclination and intrusion of mandibular incisors were significantly greater in the Forsus group.

Conclusions: 

FFRD resulted in Class II correction mainly through dentoalveolar effects and with minimal skeletal effects. Utilization of mini-implant anchorage effectively reduced the unfavorable proclination and intrusion of mandibular incisors but did not produce additional skeletal effects.
High Blood Pressure and Its Association With Incident Diabetes Over 10 Years in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Cho Nam H. , Kim Kyoung Min , Choi Sung Hee , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak Chul , Kim Sung Soo , Sattar Naveed , Lim Soo
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVE

No prospective, community-based cohort studies have investigated the association between blood pressure and diabetes in Asian ethnicity. We investigated this issue in a 10-year prospective, community-based study of Koreans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied whether high blood pressure was associated with the development of diabetes in a population-based cohort, where we sampled ∼5,000 random subjects each from rural and urban areas (age range 40–69 years) during 2001–2010. Among 10,038 subjects, 8,359 without diabetes at baseline were categorized into normal (n = 4,809), prehypertension (n = 2,141), stage 1 hypertension (n = 804), and stage 2 hypertension (n = 605) groups, according to their blood pressure readings of <120/80 mmHg, 120–139/80–89 mmHg, 140–159/90‒99 mmHg, and ≥160/100 mmHg, respectively. The development of diabetes was defined as a fasting glucose concentration of ≥126 mg/dL or a postload glucose concentration of ≥200 mg/dL, based on a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, or the use of antidiabetic medication.

RESULTS

During the 10-year follow-up period, diabetes developed in 1,195 subjects (14.3%). The incidence of diabetes increased from 11.1% in the normal group to 17.0% in the prehypertension group, 17.7% in the stage 1 hypertension group, and 25.8% in the stage 2 hypertension group (P < 0.001). After adjusting for anthropometric factors; family history of diabetes; biochemical parameters including C-reactive protein, A1C, and fasting glucose and postload 2-h glucose levels; and the use of lipid-lowering medications, the hazard risks of diabetes development were 1.23 (95% CI 1.06–1.42), 1.26 (1.04–1.54), and 1.60 (1.30–1.96), respectively, in the prehypertension, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a grade association of baseline blood pressure with the development of diabetes in Korean individuals.
Application of the Taguchi method for the optimization of the strength of polyamide 6 composite hot plate welds
Authors: Ülker Aydın , Kocatüfek Umut Emrah , Sayer Sami , Yeni Çınar
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the welding parameters in the hot plate welding process of polymer composites, polyamide 6 glass fiber reinforcement 15 wt.-%, by using the Taguchi method. Four welding parameters, namely the plate temperature, heating time, welding displacement and welding time, were optimized under the consideration of the joint strength. The Taguchi approach of the parameter design was used as a statistical procedure to set the optimal welding parameters. For hot plate welding of the specimens, the combination of process parameters based on three levels of the L9 orthogonal array was utilized. The signal to noise and the analysis of variance were employed to find the optimum levels and to indicate the impact of the welding parameters on joint strength by tensile tests of welded joints. It was shown that choosing 270 °C as plate temperature, 1.0 mm of weld displacement and 25 s of heating time, reveals an improved joint strength. For the optimized parameters it was verified that the welding time does not have a significant influence and the most effective factor on joint strength is the plate temperature. The weld displacement and heating time only slightly influenced the joint strength. A confirmation run was also performed to prove the effectiveness of the Taguchi method after determination of the optimum levels of the process parameters. The results showed that the joint strength was improved by about 27 % as compared to the initial welding parameters and the joint efficiency increased from 56 % to 71 %.
Influence of Al2O3 addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of 3YSZ-Al2O3 composites
Authors: Abden Md. Jaynul , Afroze Jannatul Dil , Gafur Md. Abdul , Chowdhury Faruque-Uz-Zaman
Published: May 2015

The effect of the amount of Al2O3 content on microstructure, tetragonal phase stability and mechanical properties of 3YSZ-Al2O3 composites are investigated in this study. The ceramic composites are obtained by means of uniaxial compacting at 210 MPa and green compacts are sintered at 1550 °C for 3 h in air. The monoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO2) phase has completely been transformed into tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) phase with corresponding higher Al2O3 content. The t-ZrO2 grains induce transgranular fracture mode that has contribution in improvement of fracture toughness. The maximum flexural strength of 340 MPa, Vickers hardness value of 14.31 GPa and fracture toughness of 5.1 MPa × m1/2 in the composition containing 40 wt.-% Al2O3 is attributed to the microstructure with t-ZrO2 grains as inter- and intragranular particles in the Al2O3 grains, which makes it suitable for dental applications.
Dynamic behavior of stiffened plates under underwater shock loading
Authors: Helal Mahmoud M. K. , Elsayed Fathallah
Published: May 2015

A numerical investigation has been carried out to examine the behavior of stiffened steel plates subjected to different shock loads resulting from an underwater explosion (UNDEX). The aim of this work is to enhance the dynamic response to resist UNDEX and obtain the optimal configuration for stiffened plates to resist underwater shock loading. A non-linear dynamic numerical analysis of the underwater explosion phenomena associated with different geometrical stiffened steel plates is performed using the ABAQUS/Explicit finite element code. Special emphasis is focused on the evolution of mid-point displacements and velocity. Further investigations have been performed to study the effects of including material damping and the rate-dependent material properties at different shock loads. The results indicate that stiffeners configurations and shock loads affect greatly the overall performance of steel plates and are sensitive to the materials data. Also, the numerical results can be used to obtain design guidelines of floating structures to enhance resistance of underwater shock damage, since explosive tests are costly and dangerous.
Mechanical properties of conventionally and induction sintered Fe-based powder metal bushings
Authors: Çivi Can , Akpinar Göksan , Atik Enver
Published: May 2015

Mechanical properties of powder metal parts are directly related to the shape, distribution and the amount of pores. In this study, mechanical properties of induction sintered Fe based components were investigated dependent on the changing of sintering time and pore structures. For this purpose, compression tests were applied to sintered bushings and microstructural photographs were taken. The compression tests were accompanied by respective finite element analyses. The numerical values were compared to experimental results. It turned out that the micro-stress values were dependent on the amount and distribution of porosity.
Functional ANOVA investigation of the effects of friction welding parameters on the joint characteristics of aluminum based MMC to AISI 304 stainless steel
Authors: Balalan Zulkuf , Ozdemir Niyazi , Firat Emrah Hanifi , Caligulu Ugur
Published: May 2015

This study investigates the applicability of joining an aluminum matrix composite, reinforced with 5, 10, and 15 wt.-% of SiCp particles, to AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel by using friction welding technique. In this study, optical and electron microscopes, lap shear strength test, and microhardness measurements were used to assess the quality of bonding of Al-Cu-SiCp and AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel joints performed by using friction welding. The strength of the friction welded joints was significantly affected by process parameters (rotation speed, friction time, friction pressure, forging time and forging pressure). Additionally, lap shear and axial shortening test results were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a confidence level of 95 % to find out presence of a statistically significant difference.
ZrCl4-Catalysed Synthesis of New 4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)Pyrazolo[3,4-b]Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Liu Meilin , Yin Guodong
Published: May 2015

In the presence of a catalytic amount of zirconium(IV) chloride, an efficient synthesis of new 4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines has been developed by the reaction 2-hydroxychalcones with 3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-amine in refluxing ethanol. All these novel compounds have been characterised by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS, IR spectra and X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfoxides Using Sulfinyl Chlorides and Olefins
Authors: Ding Xiancai , Wen Jianming , Wang Jianqiang , Yu Jun , Li Jing-Hua
Published: May 2015

A general method for synthesis of vinyl sulfoxides, using sulfinyl chlorides and olefins as starting materials and DBU as an HCl scavenger, has been developed. Vinyl sulfoxides were obtained from the ZnCl2 catalysed addition of sulfinyl chlorides to olefins followed by the elimination with DBU. However, the direct reaction of sulfinyl chlorides with olefins in the presence of DBU, usually leads to generation of vinyl sulfones. The sulfonyl radicals generated from the DBU-mediated disproportionation of the sulfinyl radicals undergo addition-elimination reaction with olefins to give vinyl sulfones.
Role of α- and β-Synucleins in the Axonal Pathology of Parkinson’s Disease and Related Synucleinopathies
Authors: Sekigawa Akio , Takamatsu Yoshiki , Sekiyama Kazunari , Hashimoto Makoto
Published: May 2015

Axonal swellings are histological hallmarks of axonopathies in various types of disorders in the central nervous system, including neurodegenerative diseases. Given the pivotal role of axonopathies during the early phase of neurodegenerative process, axonal swellings may be good models which may provide some clues for early pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In this mini-review, such a possibility is discussed based on our recent studies as well as other accumulating studies. Consistent with the current view that dysfunction in the autophagy-lysosomal system may play a major role in the formation of axonal swellings, our studies showed globule, small axonal swellings, derived from transgenic mice expressing either human wild-type α-synuclein (αS-globule) or DLB-linked P123H β-synuclein (βS-globule), contained autophagosome-like membranes. However, other pathological features, such as abnormal mitochondria, enhanced oxidative stress and LRRK2 accumulation, were observed in the αS-globules, but not in the βS-globules. Collectively, it is predicted that αS and βS may be involved in axonopathies through similar but distinct mechanisms, and thus, contribute to diverse axonal pathologies. Further studies of the axonal swellings may lead to elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of early α-synucleinopathies and illuminating a strategy for a disease-modifying therapy against these devastating disorders.
Modeling a Decision Support Tool for Buildable and Sustainable Building Envelope Designs
Authors: Singhaputtangkul Natee , Low Sui
Published: May 2015

Sustainability and buildability requirements in building envelope design have significantly gained more importance nowadays, yet there is a lack of an appropriate decision support system (DSS) that can help a building design team to incorporate these requirements and manage their tradeoffs at once. The main objective of this study is to build such a tool to facilitate a building design team to take into account sustainability and buildability criteria for assessment of building envelopes of high-rise residential buildings in Singapore. Literature reviews were conducted to investigate a comprehensive set of the sustainability and buildability criteria. This also included development of the tool using a Quality Functional Deployment (QFD) approach combined with fuzzy set theory. A building design team was engaged to test the tool with the aim to evaluate usefulness of the tool in managing the tradeoffs among the sustainability and buildability criteria. The results from a qualitative data analysis suggested that the tool allowed the design team to effectively find a balance between the tradeoffs among the criteria when assessing multiple building envelope design alternatives. Main contributions of using this tool are achievement of a more efficient assessment of the building envelopes and more sustainable and buildable building envelope design.
Chronic Liver Disease and the Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by [18F]fluorocholine PET/CT
Authors: Kwee Sandi , Wong Linda , Hernandez Brenda , Chan Owen , Sato Miles , Tsai Naoky
Published: May 2015

Positron emission tomography (PET) using the radiopharmaceutical tracer fluorine-18 fluorocholine (FCh) can elucidate tumors based on differences in choline phospholipid metabolism between tumor and surrounding tissue. The feasibility of detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using FCh PET has been shown despite constitutively high parenchymal choline metabolism in the liver. Since HCC frequently develops in the setting of chronic liver disease, we comparatively evaluated FCh PET/CT between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients with HCC to investigate the effects of hepatic dysfunction on tumor detection and the tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) of FCh uptake. FCh PET/CT was performed prospectively in 22 consecutive patients with HCC (7 newly diagnosed, 15 previously treated). Of these 22 patients, 14 were cirrhotic and 8 non-cirrhotic. Standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements were obtained by region of interest analysis of the PET images. Tumor FCh uptake and the TBR were compared between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. Liver lesions were confirmed to be HCC by biopsy in 10 patients and by Barcelona criteria in 4 patients. There was correspondingly increased liver tumor FCh uptake in 13/14 of those patients, and iso-intense tumor FCh uptake (TBR 0.94) in one non-cirrhotic patient with newly diagnosed HCC. FCh PET/CT also showed metastatic disease without local tumor recurrence in 2 previously treated patients, and was negative in 6 treated patients without tumor recurrence by radiographic and clinical follow-up. Tumor maximum SUV ranged from 6.4 to 15.3 (mean 12.1) and liver TBR ranged from 0.94 to 2.1 (mean 1.6), with no significant differences between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients (SUVmax 11.9 vs. 12.2, p = 0.83; TBR 1.71 vs. 1.51, p = 0.29). Liver parenchyma mean SUV was significantly lower in cirrhotic patients (6.4 vs. 8.7, p < 0.05). This pilot study supports the general feasibility of HCC detection by FCh PET/CT. However, a broad range of tumor FCh uptake was observed, and lower liver parenchymal uptake of FCh was noted in cirrhotic patients as compared to non-cirrhotic patients. Incorporating tissue profiling into future liver imaging trials of FCh PET may help determine the molecular basis of the observed variations in tumor and hepatic FCh uptake.
Diagnostics for Developing Countries
Authors: McNerney Ruth
Published: May 2015

Improving the availability of high quality diagnostic tests for infectious diseases is a global priority. Lack of access by people living in low income countries may deprive them of life saving treatment and reduces opportunities to prevent onward transmission and spread of the disease. Diagnostic laboratories are often poorly resourced in developing countries, and sparsely distributed. Improved access may be achieved by using tests that do not require laboratory support, including rapid tests for use at the point-of-care. Despite increased interest, few new in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products reach the majority populations in low income countries. Barriers to uptake include cost and lack of robustness, with reduced test performances due to environmental pressures such as high ambient temperatures or dust. In addition to environmental factors test developers must consider the local epidemiology. Confounding conditions such as immunosuppression or variations in antigen presentation or genotype can affect test performance. Barriers to product development include access to finance to establish manufacturing capacity and cover the costs of market entry for new devices. Costs and delays may be inflated by current regulatory preregistration processes to ensure product safety and quality, and more harmonized approaches are needed.
Elevated Serum Bisphenol A Level in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Xiong Qinmei , Liu Xiao , Shen Yang , Yu Peng , Chen Sisi , Hu Jinzhu , Yu Jianhua , Li Juxiang , Wang Hong-Sheng , Cheng Xiaoshu , Hong Kui
Published: May 2015

background: This study aimed to determine serum Bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as the association between serum BPA and several hormonal parameters in DCM patients compared with a healthy control group. Materials and methods: Eighty-eight DCM patients and 88 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included. Serum BPA levels and several hormonal parameters (including total testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and estradiol (E2) were measured by using corresponding ELISA Kits. The free androgen index (FAI) was calculated by the formula: total T in nmol/L × 100/SHBG in nmol/L. Results: BPA levels in the total DCM group were significantly higher compared with that in the controls (6.9 ± 2.7 ng/mL vs. 3.8 ± 1.9 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Significant difference was also observed in SHBG and FAI between DCM patients and controls, (76.9 ± 30.9 nM/L vs. 41.0 ± 15.6 nM/L and 2.9 ± 3.5 vs.5.3 ± 2.6, respectively, both of p < 0.001). Similar trends were observed in the male and female subgroup. Mean T level was lower in DCM group than in control group (540.8 ± 186.0 pg/mL vs. 656.3 ± 112.9 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis has shown that increasing serum BPA levels were statistically significantly associated with increased SHBG levels. However, no statistical difference was noted for E2. Conclusion: Our findings firstly demonstrated that BPA exposure increased in DCM patients compared with that in healthy controls, while FAI and T levels decreased. SHBG presented a positive association with BPA. It is concluded that hormone disorder induced by BPA exposure might be an environmental factor in the pathology of DCM.