bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the susceptibility to pigmentation of orthodontic esthetic elastomeric ligatures
Authors: Cavalcante Janine Soares , Barbosa Marcelo de Castellucci e , Sobral Marcio Costa
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this laboratory study was to evaluate changes in the pigmentation of esthetic elastomeric ligatures after immersion in a staining solution. METHODS: Sixty ligatures were selected and divided into 12 groups according to their brand and also considering their condition, i.e., unstretched or stretched. The groups were divided into: Morelli (clear), TP Orthodontics (clear), American Orthodontics (clear), 3M/Unitek (clear), American Orthodontics (pearl color) and 3M/Unitek (pearl color), separated into groups of 5 unstretched and five stretched ligatures. Assessment of their color changes was performed by means of digital photograph and computer analysis using Adobe Photoshop. Standardized digital photographs were taken at T0 (before the staining process, with unstretched ligatures) and at T1 (following the 5-days staining process). The staining solution was composed of artificial saliva and foods with staining potential. At T1 the ligatures were either stretched or unstretched. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that esthetic elastomeric ligatures are prone to staining. Among the evaluated brands, TP Orthodontics and American Orthodontics clear ligatures were the most stable. Moreover, 3M/Unitek pearl ligatures demonstrated statistically significant changes in all variables. CONCLUSIONS: Esthetic elastomeric ligatures are susceptible to staining and no statistically significant difference was found between unstretched or stretched ligatures, with the sole exception of the TP Orthodontics brand. The 3M/Unitek's pearl color ligatures displayed the greatest staining potential.
Class II malocclusion treatment using Jasper Jumper appliance associated to intermaxillary elastics: a case report
Authors: Herrera-Sanches Francyle Simões , Henriques José Fernando Castanha , Janson Guilherme , Neves Leniana Santos , Lima Karina Jerônimo Rodrigues Santiago de , Henriques Rafael Pinelli , Pieri Lucelma Vilela
Published: August 2013

INTRODUCTION: Skeletal, dental and profile discrepancies can be amended by using functional orthodontic appliances. OBJECTIVE: This study is a report of the treatment of a patient, 11 years and 4 months old, with Class II, division 1, malocclusion, convex profile, protrusion of upper incisors, pronounced overjet and overbite, and mild crowding. METHODS: The patient was treated with a Jasper Jumper associated to fixed appliances for 6 months and Class II intermaxillary elastics (3/16in) during the last 4 months. After debonding, a Hawley retainer was used during daytime and a modified Bionator for night use during one year. In the lower dental arch a bonded lingual retainer was used. This treatment combination improved the profile, as well as the overjet, overbite and molar relation. RESULTS: There was clockwise mandibular rotation and increase of lower anterior facial height. The lower incisors were protruded and extruded and the lower molars were extruded. The centric occlusal relation was checked and it was coincident to the maximum usual intercuspation. CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that the Jasper Jumper is an efficient alternative to Class II malocclusion treatment, providing improvement in the facial profile, although the changes are more dentoalveolar than skeletal.
Morphological evaluation of the active tip of six types of orthodontic mini-implants
Authors: Kitahara-Céia Flávia Mitiko Fernandes , Assad-Loss Tatiana Féres , Mucha José Nelson , Elias Carlos Nelson
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE: To morphologically evaluate the active tip of six different types of self-drilling mini-implants for orthodontic anchorage. METHODS: Images of the active tips of the mini-implants were obtained with a Zeiss optical microscope, Stemi 200-C with magnification of 1.6X. The images of the surface were viewed with the Axio Vision program (Zeiss, Jena, Germany) to calculate linear and angular measures. Mini-implant morphology and the details of tips and threads were also evaluated through Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) (JEOL, model JSM5800 LV - JEOL, Tokyo, Japan) with magnifications of 90X and 70X, respectively. The evaluation of the mini-implant taper shape was assessed using to the formula: (b - a) / (2 x D). RESULTS: The following variables were measured: (1) active tip width, (2) major diameter of external thread, (3) minor diameter of internal thread and taper of the mini-implant, (4) number of threads and lead of the screw, (5) angle of thread, (6) flank width and (7) pitch width. CONCLUSION: Mini-implants from different manufacturers presented active tips with different characteristics. Mechanical testing is necessary to cor-relate the analyzed characteristics aiming to determine the best performance.
Evaluation of the influence of dental bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide in orthodontic bracket shear bond strength
Authors: Rego Marcus Vinicius Neiva Nunes do , Santos Roanselli Marllon Lima dos , Leal Leanne Matias Portela , Braga Carlos Gustavo Silva
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the bond strength of brackets bonded to premolars previously subjected to bleaching with a 35% hydrogen peroxide. METHODS: Twenty one healthy premolars were selected and randomly divided into three groups (n = 7). Group I (G1) included teeth that were not submitted to bleaching. The enamel surfaces of Groups II (G2) and III (G3) were submitted to a bleaching process with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP Maxx). On Group II (G2), after bleaching, the teeth were stored for 24 hours in distilled water at 98.6 ºF, and then, premolar metallic brackets were bonded using Transbond XT (3M) resin. Group III (G3) was submitted to the same procedure seven days after bleaching. After bonding, all teeth were stored in distilled water at 98.6 ºF for 24 hours. All groups were submitted to a traction test using an EMIC DL2000 universal testing machine at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The bracket resistance to debonding was compared between the groups by the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test (p < 0.05) and it was verified that the bleaching agent significantly reduced bracket adhesion when bonded 24 hours after bleaching. However, seven days after bleaching, there was no significant difference on the resistance to debonding among groups G1 (19,52 kgf) and G3 (18,44 kgf), meaning that it is necessary to wait longer after bleaching to bond brackets.
Invasive plant erodes local song diversity in a migratory passerine
Authors: Ortega Yvette K. , Benson Aubree , Greene Erick
Published: August 2013

Exotic plant invasions threaten ecosystems globally, but we still know little about the specific consequences for animals. Invasive plants can alter the quality of breeding habitat for songbirds, thereby impacting important demographic traits such as dispersal, philopatry, and age structure. These demographic effects may in turn alter song‐learning conditions to affect song structure and diversity. We studied Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) breeding in six savannas that were either dominated by native vegetation or invaded by spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), an exotic forb known to diminish food resources and reproductive success. Here, we report that the prevalence of older birds was relatively low in knapweed‐invaded habitat, where recruitment of yearlings compensated for diminished site fidelity to sustain territory abundance. In both habitat types, yearling males tended to adopt songs similar to their neighbors and match the songs of older birds rather than introducing new song types, a pattern seen in many songbird species. As a consequence, in invaded habitat where age structure was skewed away from older birds serving as potential song models, yearlings converged on fewer song types. Similarity of songs among individuals was significantly higher and the overall number of song types averaged nearly 20% lower in invaded relative to native habitat. Degradation of habitat quality generally impacts site fidelity and age ratios in migratory songbirds and hence may commonly alter song‐learning conditions. Associated shifts in song attributes known to influence reproductive success could in turn enforce demographic declines driven by habitat degradation. Local song structure may serve as an important indicator of habitat quality and population status for songbirds.
Managing resilience to reverse phase shifts in coral reefs
Authors: Graham Nicholas AJ , Bellwood David R , Cinner Joshua E , Hughes Terry P , Norström Albert V , Nyström Magnus
Published: August 2013

Both coral‐dominated and degraded reef ecosystems can be resistant to change. Typically, research and management have focused on maintaining coral dominance and avoiding phase shifts to other species compositions, rather than on weakening the resilience of already degraded reefs to re‐establish coral dominance. Reversing degraded coral‐reef states will involve reducing local chronic drivers like fishing pressure and poor water quality. Reversals will also require management of key ecological processes – such as those performed by different functional groups of marine herbivores – that both weaken the resilience of the degraded state and strengthen the coral‐dominated state. If detrimental human impacts are reduced and key ecological processes are enhanced, pulse disturbances, such as extreme weather events, and ecological variability may provide opportunities for a return to a coral‐dominated state. Critically, achieving these outcomes will necessitate a diverse range of integrated approaches to alter human interactions with reef ecosystems.
High-Resolution Numerical Modeling of Complex and Irregular Fracture Patterns in Shale-Gas Reservoirs and Tight Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Olorode O.M.. M. , Freeman C.M.. M. , Moridis G.J.. J. , Blasingame T.A.. A.
Published: August 2013

Various models featuring horizontal wells with multiple fractures have been proposed to characterize flow behavior over time in tight gas systems and shale-gas systems. Currently, little is known about the effects of nonideal fracture patterns and coupled primary-/secondary-fracture interactions on reservoir performance in unconventional gas reservoirs.

We developed a 3D Voronoi mesh-generation application that provides the flexibility to accurately represent various complex and irregular fracture patterns. We also developed a numerical simulator of gas flow through tight porous media, and used several Voronoi grids to assess the potential performance of such irregular fractures on gas production from unconventional gas reservoirs. Our simulations involved up to a half-million cells, and we considered production periods that are orders of magnitude longer than the expected productive life of wells and reservoirs. Our aim was to describe a wide range of flow regimes that can be observed in irregular fracture patterns, and to fully assess even nuances in flow behavior.

We investigated coupled primary/secondary fractures, with multiple/vertical hydraulic fractures intersecting horizontal secondary "stress-release" fractures. We studied irregular fracture patterns to show the effect of fracture angularity and nonplanar fracture configurations on production. The results indicate that the presence of high-conductivity secondary fractures results in the highest increase in production, whereas, contrary to expectations, strictly planar and orthogonal fractures yield better production performance than nonplanar and nonorthogonal fractures with equivalent propped-fracture lengths.
Correlations Between NMR-Relaxation Response and Relative Permeability From Tomographic Reservoir-Rock Images
Authors: AlGhamdi Tariq M. , Arns C.H.. H. , Eyvazzadeh R.Y.. Y.
Published: August 2013

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is typically used in the petroleum industry to characterize pore size and to identify fluids in fully and partially saturated reservoir samples. Although the NMR-relaxation response can be used to estimate the permeability of the rock, it may also provide information about the fluid distribution for multiphase systems that could lead to the estimation of the effective permeability of fluids at partial saturations and the derivation of relative permeability to assess hydrocarbon recovery. By use of a random-walk method, we simulate the NMR response as a function of saturation on tomographic images of Bentheimer and Berea sandstone as well as Ferroan dolomite samples. Fluid distributions are simulated for fully water-wet conditions by use of a morphological capillary-drainage transform, allowing the calculations of the saturations directly on the images corresponding to capillary pressure. The magnetic susceptibility of minerals and fluids is used to calculate the internal magnetic fields from the material distributions of solids and fluids quantified by X-ray-diffraction (XRD) analysis. We show that the logarithmic mean of the NMR T2 distribution is a robust measure of permeability, and it results in strong correlations between NMR response and the relative permeability of both fluids. The observed relative permeability from NMR in our work is in excellent agreement with image-based relative permeability calculations by use of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). We compare our NMR results for the wetting phase to published experimental results on Bentheimer and Berea sandstone samples, and we observe excellent agreement. By use of NMR numerical calculations, we demonstrate that internal gradients aid the establishment of relative permeability correlations for the nonwetting phase.
Treatment of a Class II Division 2 Patient with Severe Skeletal
Discrepancy by Using a Custom Made TPA Proclination Spring
Authors: Paduano Sergio , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Biase Giuseppe di , Cioffi Iacopo
Published: August 2013

This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a boy, aged 15.3 years, with permanent dentition, mesofacial typology, affected with a severe sagittal skeletal Class II division 2 malocclusion, due to a mandibular retrusion. His chief compliant was the position of the maxillary incisors, displaced too palatally, and an impaired facial profile. Herbst and multi-bracket straightwire fixed appliances, together with a custom made modified transpalatal arch (i.e. TPA proclination spring), were used to correct the sagittal discrepancy and to improve the attractiveness of the impaired facial profile.
Perioperative Management of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Bissar Lina , Almoallim Hani , Albazli Khaled , Alotaibi Manal , Alwafi Samar
Published: August 2013

This paper aims to explore the assessment of patients with rheumatologic diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA), before undergoing orthopedic surgery. Perioperative assessment ensures an early diagnosis of the patient's medical condition, overall health, medical co-morbidities, and the assessment of the risk factors associated with the proposed procedures. Perioperative assessment allows for proper postoperative management of complications and of the management of drugs such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) and anti-platelets, and corticosteroids. The assessment also supports follow up plans, and patient education.

Perioperative assessment enables the discussion of the proposed treatment plans and the factors associated with them in each case among the different specialists involved to facilitate an appropriate early decision-making about the assessment and treatment of patients with rheumatologic diseases. It also enables the discussion of both condition and procedure with the patient to ensure a good postoperative care.

The article identifies the components of perioperative medical evaluation, discusses perioperative management of co-morbidities and the management of specific clinical problems related to RA, systemic lupus erythematosus, the management of DMARDs, like methotrexate (MTX) and biologic therapies, prophylactic antibiotics, and postoperative follow up, including patient education and rehabilitation
The Unusual Chance Fracture: Case Report & Literature Review
Authors: Karargyris O , Morassi LG , Zafeiris C , Evangelopoulos DS , Pneumaticos SG
Published: August 2013

The Chance fracture represents a spinal lesion caused by a flexion-distraction injury pattern. We describe a rare case of a male driver admitted at the Emergencies of our Institution, level A Trauma center. The was involved in an automobile accident without wearing a seatbelt. Radiological findings of plain radiography and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a horizontal fracture extending across the vertebral body to the posterior elements with loss of vertebral height at the anterior aspect of T12. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of a T12 Chance fracture was established. The patient was treated conservatively with a thoracolumbar orthosis, without any subsequent disabilities. Although Chance fractures are rare lesions, they should always be considered in spinal injuries, even in cases of motor-vehicle accidents where no seatbelt is used.
Theory of Mind, Old Age, and Educational Opportunity in Colombia
Authors: Franco Monica Goez , Smith Peter K.
Published: August 2013

Studies of theory of mind (ToM) abilities in older age groups have yielded mixed results. Thirteen earlier studies are reviewed: these often had small sample sizes, and varied in educational level of older participants. We hypothesized that educational level would be an important factor for ToM in elderly participants, and especially in a non-Western country. We investigated performance on ToM and non-mental story tasks in 250 participants in three age groups (young, middle-aged, and old) in Colombia. There was a decline with ToM as well as non-mental task abilities with age. However, a strong effect of education was found in the old group; those with good educational attainment performed at the same level as young participants, and outperformed the middle-aged group. The possibility of a cohort effect for the middle-aged group is discussed. It is concluded that educational opportunities are a significant protective factor for ToM abilities in elderly populations.
Individual Differences in Wisdom Conceptions: Relationships to Gratitude and Wisdom
Authors: König Susanne , Glück Judith
Published: August 2013

Previous research has shown that most laypeople hold one of two typical conceptions of wisdom—a cognitive or an integrative conception. The current study extends previous research by including a qualitative assessment of people's views of what wisdom is and how it develops, and by relating wisdom conceptions are related to levels of wisdom and gratitude. A sample of 443 young adults rated the relevance of cognitive, reflective, and affective aspects for wisdom. Cluster analyses confirmed the two typical wisdom conceptions: a primarily cognitive view of wisdom and a view emphasizing the integration of cognition, reflection, and affect. The two groups also differed in freely-generated characteristics of wisdom and its development. Additionally, the integrative conception was more frequent in individuals with higher levels of gratitude and wisdom. In sum, laypeople's conceptions of wisdom vary along similar lines as those of wisdom psychologists.
Using Data Known at the Time of Admission to Predict First-Generation College Student Success
Authors: D'Amico Mark M. , Dika Sandra L.
Published: August 2013

The authors use data known at the time of initial enrollment to explore the first-year GPAs and second-year retention of first-generation (FGCS) and non-first-generation (non-FGCS) college students. The setting was a diverse, public, urban doctoral institution (approximately 50% FGCS and 30% minority). Multiple linear and logistic regressions run separately for FGCSs and non-FGCSs, included variables related to financial, academic, integration, and demographic factors. While FGCSs had lower retention and significantly lower GPAs than non-FGCSs, the pattern of predictive factors varied by group. Greater academic preparation was significant in all analyses. Minority students were more likely to persist than White students. Out-of-state residency was a predictor of higher GPA, but also a predictor of FGCS attrition. The authors discuss the value of using data known upon admission and suggest future research to explore how institutional composition may influence FGCS success.
A Review of Video Review: New Processes for the 21st Century
Authors: Muench John , Sanchez Demetrio , Garvin Roger
Published: August 2013

Reviewing with resident physicians their preciously recorded video of patient encounters is an effective method for teaching not only communications and interpersonal skills but also such subjects as agenda negotiation, visit efficiency, shared decision making, and overall medical care. Video allows for effective coaching while minimizing observer effect. Many residency programs use video review processes for evaluation and coaching, yet there is paucity of literature on the subject, and no consensus on best processes or equipment. Recent advances in the design of digital media devices has made it easier to conduct video review in everyday medical settings, but also creates new challenges in ensuring security and confidentiality. In this article, we have outlined the infrastructure and process needed to design and implement such a program as well as possible pitfalls that should be attended to in order to ensure patient confidentiality as well as resident safety.
Predicting Credit Losses: Loan Fair Values versus Historical Costs
Authors: Cantrell Brett W. , McInnis John M. , Yust Christopher G.
Published: August 2013

Standard-setters and many investors argue that loan fair values provide more useful information about credit losses than historical cost information, while bankers and others generally disagree. We examine the ability of reported loan fair values to predict credit losses relative to the ability of net historical costs currently recognized under U.S. GAAP. Our analysis is important because credit losses in the banking sector can have severe and widespread economic effects, as the recent financial crisis demonstrates. Overall, we find that net historical loan costs are a better predictor of credit losses than reported loan fair values. Specifically, we find that historical cost information is more useful in predicting future net chargeoffs, non-performing loans, and bank failures over both short and long time horizons. Further tests indicate that the relative predictive ability of reported loan fair values improves in higher scrutiny environments, suggesting that a lack of scrutiny over reported loan fair values may contribute to our findings.

Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the text.
The Effects of Visualization and Interactivity on Calibration in Financial Decision-Making
Authors: Tang Fengchun , Hess Traci J. , Valacich Joseph S. , Sweeney John T.
Published: August 2013

With the increased use of XBRL, financial data are readily available in a universal format, enabling users to dynamically render data with a variety of visual, interactive representations. However, the impact of these interactive visual representations on financial decision-making has received little attention. Further, decision-making research suggests that the presentation of a task (i.e., presentation format) can influence decision-making outcomes such as accuracy, confidence, and the calibration between accuracy and confidence. This study examines how visualization and interactivity affect accuracy, confidence, and calibration in a financial decision-making context. Decision-makers are typically overconfident, and this research proposes that visualization and interactivity provide more informational cues, which can actually further increase overconfidence and reduce calibration in some contexts. An experiment conducted with 157 participants supports the prediction that visualization and interactivity features can increase decision-maker overconfidence. However, interactive visualization, when both interface features are present, increases confidence while also increasing accuracy. As a result, when interactivity and visualization are offered individually, decision-makers are less calibrated, but when both features are offered, decision-makers are more calibrated. Implications for users and designers of interactive visualizations with financial data are discussed.

Data Availability: Data are available from the authors upon request.
The Association Between Different A1C-Based Measures of Glycemia and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Hospitalization
Authors: Nichols Gregory A. , Rosales A. Gabriela , Perrin Nancy A. , Fortmann Stephen P.
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

We tested whether average monthly glycemic burden (AMGB), a marker of hyperglycemia that is a function of the extent and duration that A1C exceeded 7%, indicated greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than traditional A1C measures.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a case-control design, we studied 2,456 members of Kaiser Permanente Northwest with type 2 diabetes: 1,228 who experienced a CVD hospitalization, matched on age, sex, and duration of diabetes to 1,228 patients who were not hospitalized for CVD. We calculated AMGB from diabetes diagnosis until CVD hospitalization as a function of the difference between each actual or interpolated A1C measurement and 7%, resulting in an area under the curve estimate of hyperglycemic exposure, adjusted for number of months of observation. We used conditional logistic regression to compare the association between several A1C-based measures of glycemia and CVD, controlling for clinical characteristics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

AMGB was associated with increased CVD risk of 29% (odds ratio 1.29 [95% CI 1.16–1.44]; P < 0.001), while mean A1C was associated with a 22% risk increase (1.22 [1.09–1.37]; P < 0.001). A1C ever exceeding 7% was associated with increased CVD risk of 39% (1.39 [1.08–1.79]; P = 0.010). No model with a glycemia measure provided substantially more information than an identical model without a glycemia measure.

CONCLUSIONS

AMGB demonstrated somewhat greater CVD risk than mean A1C, but its clinical usefulness may be limited. A1C ever rising above 7% (53 mmol/mol) was a simple predictor of CVD risk that may have important clinical ramifications for newly diagnosed patients.
Higher Relative Risk for Multiple Sclerosis in a Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetic Population: Analysis From DPV Database
Authors: Bechtold Susanne , Blaschek Astrid , Raile Klemens , Dost Axel , Freiberg Clemens , Askenas Meik , Fröhlich-Reiterer Elke , Molz Esther , Holl Reinhard W.
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS) are typical autoimmune diseases in children and young adults. We assessed the co-occurrence of type 1 diabetes and MS by estimating the relative risk (RR) for MS in a pediatric and adolescent diabetic population and looked for possible influencing factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Within the Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV)-Wiss Project, from January 1995 to October 2012, data from 56,653 patients with type 1 diabetes were collected in 248 centers in Germany and Austria. Published data on German and Mid-European MS prevalence were taken for comparison. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify confounders for co-occurrence of type 1 diabetes and MS.

RESULTS

The RR for MS in patients with type 1 diabetes was estimated at 3.35–4.79 (95% CI 1.56–7.21 and 2.01–11.39, respectively). Immigration status in all patients (P < 0.05) and the presence of thyroid antibodies in male patients only (P = 0.05) were identified as influencing factors on MS incidence within the DPV database. The month-of-birth pattern revealed that risk was higher during the spring and summer months in the population with type 1 diabetes and MS in comparison with the population with type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present cohort study demonstrates a higher risk of co-occurrence of MS in a pediatric and adolescent diabetic population. Immigration status and thyroid antibodies in male patients were independent risk indicators for the incidental rate of MS. Diabetic patients born during spring and summer had a higher risk for the development of MS. We suggest that environmental factors modulate the individual’s risk for the co-occurrence of both diseases.
Cystic echinococcosis in Lombardy: epidemiological aspects and spatial analysis
Authors: Manfredi M. , Cerbo A. , Zanzani S.
Published: August 2013

A descriptive spatial analysis on the spreading of cattle cystic echinococcosis in non-endemic areas of Italy (Lombardy) was performed and the presence of clusters of hydatid disease in the studied area were evaluated. Positive cattle were from 285 out of 5708 farms (4.99 %) with significant differences among the provinces considered. Infection with Echinococcus granulosus was detected in 321 out of 112,521 dairy cattle (P = 0.29 %). CE-positive farms were distributed among 195 of the 812 municipalities included in the study (24.01 %) located in the central and south-eastern part of the region. By SaTScan, four significant clusters of infection were identified; they included 4–241 cattle farms and 4–24 positive animals. The most likely spatial cluster of 17 observed cases in 241 farms was located in the north-eastern part of Lombardy. SaTScan analysis suggest that a geographical surveillance in the area of the positive clusters occur is for and that’s could be very useful to public health service to monitoring this zoonotic disease.
October 2012 Book Reviews
Authors: Neumann Donald
Published: August 2013

JOSPT offers invited reviews of current titles. The October 2012 column includes 5 reviews of the following books: Physical Therapy Management of Low Back Pain: A Case-Based Approach; Kinesiology Taping: Fundamentals; Therapeutic Exercise: From Theory to Practice; Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Diagnosis: Spine and Temporomandibular Joints; and Pocket Orthopaedics: Evidence-Based Survival Guide.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(10):888–891. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.42.10.888
Association Between Plantar Fascia Vascularity and Morphology and Foot Dysfunction in Individuals With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Chen Hongying , Ho Hok-Ming , Ying Michael , Fu Siu Ngor
Published: August 2013

Study Design

Single-cohort laboratory-based study.

Objectives

To identify whether plantar fascia vascularity and thickness are associated with foot pain and dysfunction in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis.

Background

Altered plantar fascia vascularity and thickening of the fascia have been identified in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with chronic unilateral plantar fasciitis and 21 controls participated in this study. Proximal plantar fascia vascularization and thickness were assessed using ultrasound imaging, and pain and foot dysfunction were quantified with a visual analog scale and the Chinese version of the Foot Function Index, respectively. Paired t tests were used to assess the side-to-side differences in fascia thickness and vascularity index (VI) in the control and patient groups, and an unpaired t test was used to make comparisons with the patient group. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify whether the VI and fascia thickness were associated with pain and foot dysfunction.

Results

There were significantly higher VI (mean ± SD, 2.4% ± 1.4%) and fascia thickness (5.0 ± 1.3 mm) values in the affected feet when compared with the unaffected feet in the patient group (VI, 1.4% ± 0.5%; fascia thickness, 3.3 ± 0.7 mm) and with the dominant side of the controls (VI, 1.6% ± 0.4%; fascia thickness, 2.9 ± 0.6 mm). After accounting for age, gender, body mass index, and duration of symptoms, the VI explained 13% and 33% of the variance in pain scores measured with a visual analog scale and the pain subscale of the Foot Function Index, respectively; the VI and fascia thickness explained 42% of the variance in the Foot Function Index.

Conclusions

Individuals with unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis demonstrated significantly greater vascularity and thickened fascia on the affected side compared to the unaffected side and also to healthy controls. Fascia vascularity was associated independently with self-perceived pain, and both fascia vascularity and thickness were associated with foot dysfunction in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Public trials registry: Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN49594569. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(10):727–734. Epub 25 July 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4774
Scattering and absorption properties of biomaterials for dental restorative applications
Authors: Fernández-Oliveras A. , Rubiño M. , Pérez M. M.
Published: August 2013

The physical understanding of the optical properties of dental biomaterials is mandatory for their final success in restorative applications. Light propagation in biological media is characterized by the absorption coefficient, the scattering coefficient, the scattering phase function, the refractive index, and the surface conditions (roughness). We have employed the inverse adding-doubling (IAD) method to combine transmittance and reflectance measurements performed using an integrating-sphere setup with the results of the previous scattering-anisotropy goniometric measurements. This has led to the determination of the absorption and the scattering coefficients. The aim was to optically characterize two different dental-resin composites (nanocomposite and hybrid) and one type of zirconia ceramic, and comparatively study them. The experimental procedure was conducted under repeatability conditions of measurement in order to determine the uncertainty associated to the optical properties of the biomaterials. Spectral variations of the refraction index and the scattering anisotropy factor were also considered. The whole experimental procedure fulfilled all the necessary requirements to provide optical-property values with lower associated uncertainties. The effective transport coefficient presented a similar spectral behavior for the two composites but completely different for the zirconia ceramic. The results demonstrated that the scattering anisotropy exerted a clearly distinct impact on the optical properties of the zirconia ceramic compared with those of the dental-resin composites.
Youth, Gender, and Dignity in the Egyptian Uprising
Authors: Singerman Diane
Published: August 2013

Uprisings are complex, rare phenomenon, and this article suggests that the shared regional diffusion of protest in the Arab Spring was lubricated by the economic inequalities of neoliberalism. Young people in Egypt and the larger Middle East have been disproportionately disadvantaged by neoliberalism and a demographic youth bulge. They were economically excluded by high unemployment and insecure jobs in the informal sector; they were politically excluded by authoritarianism and state repression; and they were socially excluded by the limbo of “waithood,” or prolonged adolescence as marriage and entry into adulthood was delayed, in part due to the high cost of marriage. Yet, at the same time, these commonly shared grievances facilitated weak ties linking diverse constituencies together, as creative leaders built a “movement of movements.” The April 6 movement, and Kefaya before it, creatively adopted a non-hierarchical model of collective action that was organically suited to the vast informal and subterranean networks already dominant within Egyptian life. Young women and men risked their lives pursuing regime change, and one of the master frames of the uprisings that demanded “dignity” may provide particular opportunities for the women’s movement. A gendered concept, dignity suggests that the state must respect the integrity, safety, and autonomy of the body. Despite massive challenges to the women’s movement and its allies in Egypt as conservative forces are also emboldened by the Arab Spring, the master frame of dignity may resonate across the Egyptian public since it is a revolutionary frame, as well, yet lays bare longstanding grievances of the diverse Egyptian women’s movement.
On the Validity of Student Evaluation of Teaching
Authors: Spooren Pieter , Brockx Bert , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: August 2013

This article provides an extensive overview of the recent literature on student evaluation of teaching (SET) in higher education. The review is based on the SET meta-validation model, drawing upon research reports published in peer-reviewed journals since 2000. Through the lens of validity, we consider both the more traditional research themes in the field of SET (i.e., the dimensionality debate, the ‘bias’ question, and questionnaire design) and some recent trends in SET research, such as online SET and bias investigations into additional teacher personal characteristics. The review provides a clear idea of the state of the art with regard to research on SET, thus allowing researchers to formulate suggestions for future research. It is argued that SET remains a current yet delicate topic in higher education, as well as in education research. Many stakeholders are not convinced of the usefulness and validity of SET for both formative and summative purposes. Research on SET has thus far failed to provide clear answers to several critical questions concerning the validity of SET.
Risks for hemorrhagic complications after placement of external ventricular drains with early chemical prophylaxis against venous thromboembolisms
Authors: Tanweer Omar , Boah Akwasi , Huang Paul P.
Published: August 2013

Object

Patients undergoing placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) are at increased risk for development of venous thromboembolisms (VTEs). Early chemical prophylaxis has been shown to decrease rates of embolism formation, but the risks for bleeding and the optimal time to initiate prophylaxis have not been clearly defined for this patient population. The authors evaluated the safety and risks for bleeding when chemical prophylaxis for VTEs was started within 24 hours of EVD placement.

Methods

To compare rates of hemorrhage among patients who received prophylaxis within 24 hours and those who received it later than 24 hours after admission, the authors conducted an institutional review board–approved retrospective review. Patients were those who had had an EVD placed and postprocedural imaging conducted at Bellevue Hospital, New York, from January 2009 through April 2012. Data collected included demographics, diagnosis, coagulation panel results, time to VTE prophylaxis and imaging, and occurrence of VTEs. The EVD-associated hemorrhages were classified as Grade 0, no hemorrhage; Grade 1, petechial hyperdensity near the drain; Grade 2, hematoma of 1–15 ml; Grade 3, epidural or subdural hematoma greater than 15 ml; or Grade 4, intraventricular hemorrhage or hematoma requiring surgical intervention.

Results

Among 99 patients, 111 EVDs had been placed. Low-dose unfractionated heparin had been given within 24 hours of admission (early prophylaxis) to 56 patients and later than 24 hours after admission (delayed prophylaxis) to 55 patients. There were no statistical differences across all grades (0–4) among those who received early prophylaxis (n = 45, 5, 5, 1, and 0, respectively) and those who received delayed prophylaxis (n = 46, 4, 1, 1, and 3, respectively) (p = 0.731). In the early prophylaxis group, 3 VTEs were discovered among 32 of 56 patients screened for clinically suspected VTEs. In the delayed prophylaxis group, 5 VTEs were discovered among 33 of 55 patients screened for clinically suspected VTEs (p = 0.71).

Conclusions

Hemorrhagic complications did not increase when chemical prophylaxis was started within 24 hours of admission. Also, the incidence of VTEs did not differ between patients in the early and delayed prophylaxis groups. Larger randomized controlled trials are probably needed to assess decreases in VTEs with earlier prophylaxis.
Stable Flows over Time
Authors: Cseh Ágnes , Matuschke Jannik , Skutella Martin
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the notion of stability is extended to network flows over time. As a useful device in our proofs, we present an elegant preflow-push variant of the Gale-Shapley algorithm that operates directly on the given network and computes stable flows in pseudo-polynomial time, both in the static flow and the flow over time case. We show periodical properties of stable flows over time on networks with an infinite time horizon. Finally, we discuss the influence of storage at vertices, with different results depending on the priority of the corresponding holdover edges.
Investigation on the Stability of Supported Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Signoretto Michela , Menegazzo Federica , Trevisan Valentina , Pinna Francesco , Manzoli Maela , Boccuzzi Flora
Published: August 2013

The procedures leading to the preservation of catalytic performances of Au/ZrO2 samples have been investigated. The three potential causes of deactivation, namely the particle growth by sintering of gold nanoparticles, the metal leaching and the formation of un-reactive species which inhibit the reaction, have been evaluated. In particular, this paper deals with the stability of gold nanoparticles: (1) under storage conditions; (2) with time on stream for a gas phase reaction (LT-WGSR); (3) with time on stream for a liquid phase reaction (furfural oxidative esterification).
Bacterial DNA Sequence Compression Models Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Duarte Manuel , Pinho Armando
Published: August 2013

It is widely accepted that the advances in DNA sequencing techniques have contributed to an unprecedented growth of genomic data. This fact has increased the interest in DNA compression, not only from the information theory and biology points of view, but also from a practical perspective, since such sequences require storage resources. Several compression methods exist, and particularly, those using finite-context models (FCMs) have received increasing attention, as they have been proven to effectively compress DNA sequences with low bits-per-base, as well as low encoding/decoding time-per-base. However, the amount of run-time memory required to store high-order finite-context models may become impractical, since a context-order as low as 16 requires a maximum of 17.2 x 109 memory entries. This paper presents a method to reduce such a memory requirement by using a novel application of artificial neural networks (ANN) to build such probabilistic models in a compact way and shows how to use them to estimate the probabilities. Such a system was implemented, and its performance compared against state-of-the art compressors, such as XM-DNA (expert model) and FCM-Mx (mixture of finite-context models) , as well as with general-purpose compressors. Using a combination of order-10 FCM and ANN, similar encoding results to those of FCM, up to order-16, are obtained using only 17 megabytes of memory, whereas the latter, even employing hash-tables, uses several hundreds of megabytes.
Solution Concepts of Principal-Agent Models with Unawareness of Actions
Authors: Chen Ying-Ju , Zhao Xiaojian
Published: August 2013

In numerous economic scenarios, contracting parties may not have a clear picture of all the relevant aspects. A contracting party may be unaware of what she and/or others are entitled to determine. Therefore, she may reject a contract that is too good to be true. Further, a contracting party may actively exert cognitive effort before signing a contract, so as to avoid being trapped into the contractual agreement ex post. In this paper, we propose a general framework to investigate these strategic interactions with unawareness, reasoning and cognition and intend to unify the solution concepts in the contracting context with unawareness. We build our conceptual framework upon the classical principal-agent relationship and compare the behaviors under various degrees of the unaware agent’s sophistication.
Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Chronic Kidney Disease in Perimenopausal Women
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Zhao Liqin , Chen Youming , Liu Aiqun , Liu Xinyu , Shao Xiaofei , Zhang Ying , Wang Honglei , Wang Xiaohong , Li Bin , Deng Kangping , Liu Qin , Holthöfer Harry , Zou Hequn
Published: August 2013

The purpose of the study was to explore the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in perimenopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhuhai from June to October 2012. Perimenopausal women (n = 685) were included in the study. All participants were divided into three subgroups: Group 1, 40 years old ≤ Age < 50 years old; Group 2, 50 years old ≤ Age < 60 years old; Group 3, 60 years old ≤ Age ≤ 65 years old. MetS was associated with CKD (p < 0.01) in the unadjusted analyses in total subjects. After adjusting the potential confounders, the odd ratios of CKD for MetS was 2.66 (95% CI 1.56 to 4.49, p < 0.001). There was no relationship between MetS and CKD in both Group 1 and Group 3. MetS was associated with CKD (p < 0.001) in the unadjusted analyses in Group 2. After adjusting for potential confounders, MetS was significantly associated with CKD. The odd ratios for MetS was 6.79 (95% CI 2.30 to 20.09, p < 0.001). There was no relationship between elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, Low HDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides and CKD in both Group 1 and Group 3. Elevated blood pressure was associated with CKD in Group 2 (unadjusted Odds ratio: 4.52 (1.28–16.02), p = 0.02). After adjusting for potential confounders, there was no relationship between elevated blood pressure and CKD (p = 0.78). Elevated fasting glucose was associated with CKD in Group 2 (unadjusted Odds ratio: 3.69 (1.10–12.38), p = 0.03). After adjusting for potential confounders, there was no relationship between elevated fasting glucose and CKD (p = 0.15). There was no relationship between abdominal obesity, Low HDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides and CKD in Group 2. These findings suggest that in perimenopausal women aged from 50 or older to 60 MetS was associated with CKD. There is no relationship between MetS and CKD in perimenopausal women aged from 40 or older to 50 and aged from 60 or older to 65.
Trifluoroethanol Modulates Amyloid Formation by the All α-Helical URN1 FF Domain
Authors: Marinelli Patrizia , Castillo Virginia , Ventura Salvador
Published: August 2013

Amyloid fibril formation is implicated in different human diseases. The transition between native α-helices and nonnative intermolecular β-sheets has been suggested to be a trigger of fibrillation in different conformational diseases. The FF domain of the URN1 splicing factor (URN1-FF) is a small all-α protein that populates a molten globule (MG) at low pH. Despite the fact that this conformation maintains most of the domain native secondary structure, it progressively converts into β-sheet enriched and highly ordered amyloid fibrils. In this study, we investigated if 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) induced conformational changes that affect URN1-FF amyloid formation. Despite TFE having been shown to induce or increase the aggregation of both globular and disordered proteins at moderate concentrations, we demonstrate here that in the case of URN1-FF it reinforces its intrinsic α-helical structure, which competes the formation of aggregated assemblies. In addition, we show that TFE induces conformational diversity in URN1-FF fibrils, in such a way that the fibrils formed in the presence and absence of the cosolvent represent different polymorphs. It is suggested that the effect of TFE on both the soluble and aggregated states of URN1-FF depends on its ability to facilitate hydrogen bonding.