bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for Measles Vaccination in Young Japanese Non‐healthcare Workers Through Self‐reported History
Authors: Nishiura Chihiro , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: February 2012

Screening for Measles Vaccination in Young Japanese Non‐healthcare Workers Through Self‐reported History: Chihiro NISHIURA, et al. Department of Safety and Health, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.—

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of a self‐administered questionnaire as a prescreening tool to determine the immune status against measles among non‐healthcare workers.

Methods

The study subjects were Japanese non‐healthcare workers aged 19–30 yr employed at a gas company that underwent an annual health checkup in 2009. Their histories of measles infection, vaccination and possible contact with measles patients were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire. The sensitivity and specificity of these self‐reports were analyzed against a serum anti‐measles IgG assay as a gold standard.

Results

Of the 509 respondents, 93.3% had immunity against measles. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values for the self‐report questionnaire were 14.1, 97.1 and 98.5% for infection history; 39.2, 73.5 and 95.4% for vaccination history; and 13.1, 85.3 and 92.5% for possible contact history, respectively.

Conclusions

Self‐reported histories poorly predicted immune status against measles in young Japanese non‐healthcare workers. The results suggest that a universal serological screening is still the most effective method available to identify those who require measles vaccination.
Pediatric Training and Career Intentions, 2003–2009
Authors: Frintner Mary Pat , Cull William L.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To examine trends in pediatric residents’ training and job search experiences from 2003 through 2009.

METHODS:

Annual national random samples of 500 graduating pediatric residents from 2003 through 2005 and 1000 from 2006 through 2009 were surveyed. Responses were compared across years to identify trends. We examined resident demographics, training, satisfaction, career intentions, and job search experiences. Overall response rate was 61%.

RESULTS:

Between 2003 and 2009, there was an increase in the proportion of female graduating pediatric residents (69%–75%), residents from international medical schools (15%–23%), and levels of educational debt among the subgroup of residents with debt ($139 945 in 2003 to $166 972 in 2009). Residents consistently reported (>90% of residents) that they would choose pediatrics again if they had the choice. By 2009, the majority was very satisfied with the quality of their training in most areas, with ratings improving across years in caring for children with special health care needs, evidence-based medicine, and using information technology in practice. Although primary care remained the most common clinical practice goal, there was a modest decline in interest in primary care practice across survey years, whereas interest in subspecialty practice increased. Residents accepting both general pediatric practice and hospitalist positions reported less difficulty in their job search over time.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite continually changing demographics of pediatric training programs, residents overall remain very satisfied with their decision to become pediatricians. Pediatricians continue to face difficult financial challenges associated with rising debt, but they also report increasing job search success.
Resilience in Children Undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation: Results of a Complementary Intervention Trial
Authors: Phipps Sean , Peasant Courtney , Barrera Maru , Alderfer Melissa A. , Huang Qinlei , Vannatta Kathryn
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Children undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT) are thought to be at risk for increased distress, adjustment difficulties, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL). We report results of a multisite trial designed to improve psychological adjustment and HRQL in children undergoing SCT.

METHODS:

A total of 171 patients and parents from 4 sites were randomized to receive a child-targeted intervention; a child and parent intervention; or standard care. The child intervention included massage and humor therapy; the parent intervention included massage and relaxation/imagery. Outcomes included symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress, HRQL, and benefit finding. Assessments were conducted by patient and parent report at admission and SCT week+24.

RESULTS:

Across the sample, significant improvements were seen on all outcomes from admission to week+24. Surprisingly, patients who had SCT reported low levels of adjustment difficulties at admission, and improved to normative or better than average levels of adjustment and HRQL at week+24. Benefit finding was high at admission and increased at week+24; however, there were no statistically significant differences between intervention arms for any of the measures.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the results do not support the benefits of these complementary interventions in pediatric SCT, this may be explained by the remarkably positive overall adjustment seen in this sample. Improvements in supportive care, and a tendency for patients to find benefit in the SCT experience, serve to promote positive outcomes in children undergoing this procedure, who appear particularly resilient to the challenge.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Cars Among Middle and High School Students—United States, 2000–2009
Authors: King Brian A. , Dube Shanta R. , Tynan Michael A.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) from cigarettes poses a significant health risk to nonsmokers. Among youth, the home is the primary source of SHS. However, little is known about youth exposure to SHS in other nonpublic areas, particularly motor vehicles.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from the 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2009 waves of the National Youth Tobacco Survey, a nationally representative survey of US students in grades 6 to 12. Trends in SHS exposure in a car were assessed across survey years by school level, gender, and race/ethnicity by using binary logistic regression.

RESULTS:

From 2000 to 2009, the prevalence of SHS exposure in cars declined significantly among both nonsmokers (39.0%–22.8%; trend P < .001) and smokers (82.3%–75.3%; trend P < .001). Among nonsmokers, this decline occurred across all school level, gender, and race/ethnicity subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS:

SHS exposure in cars decreased significantly among US middle and high school students from 2000 to 2009. Nevertheless, in 2009, over one-fifth of nonsmoking students were exposed to SHS in cars. Jurisdictions should expand comprehensive smoke-free policies that prohibit smoking in worksites and public places to also prohibit smoking in motor vehicles occupied by youth.
Improving the Organic Semiconductor- Metal Contact Interface in Printed High Performance Organic TFTs
Authors: Puntambekar Kanan , Stecker Lisa , Ulmer Kurt , Afentakis Themistokles , Droes Steven
Published: February 2012

Optimization of the interface between the organic semiconductor (OSC) & the source-drain (S/D) electrode is critical in order to improve organic thin film transistor (OTFT) device performance. This process typically involves coating the metal S/D electrodes with an optimal self-assembled thiol layer; a process that requires pristine metal surfaces for successful treatment. Obtaining contamination free surfaces can be challenging in the case of printed metal electrodes. Here we demonstrate an effective strategy to address this issue by introducing a brief low power forming gas plasma treatment prior to the surface coating step. We show a two orders of magnitude decrease in the contact resistance as a result of this treatment.
Interpretation of laboratory creep testing for reliability-based analysis and load and resistance factor design (LRFD) calibration
Authors: Bathurst R.J. , Huang B.-Q. , Allen T.M.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT: Load and resistance factor design (LRFD) is now recommended in North American design codes for reinforced-soil structures, including internal stability limit states. The selection of load and resistance factors that appear in limit state equations is best carried out using reliability-based analysis. In this paper the conventional approach to compute the limit state for geosynthetic reinforcement tensile rupture is reviewed, and is then recast in a reliability-based analysis framework suitable for LRFD calibration using bias statistics. The paper describes how to compute bias statistics from product-specific laboratory creep tests for the reinforcement rupture limit state. A database of results from creep tests on 94 different geosynthetic products was collected from 21 different sources. A total of 1086 in-air tensile test results and 540 creep-rupture data points were examined. This database is used to compute virgin and creep-reduced strength bias statistics for three different geosynthetic product categories. The results of analysis show that variability in the prediction of creep-reduced strength is very low, and is probably captured by the magnitude of variance in the original tensile strength of the test specimens. This greatly simplifies future LRFD calibration for the geosynthetic rupture limit state. An important implication of this study for LRFD design is that creep strength reduction factors can be taken as deterministic. The paper also provides a summary of computed creep-reduction factors that is a useful reference for future estimates of this factor from laboratory creep testing, and for preliminary design purposes using allowable stress design or LRFD approaches.
Effect of polypropylene fibers on the uplift behavior of model footings embedded in sand
Authors: Consoli N.C. , Ruver C.A. , Girardello V. , Festugato L. , Thomé A.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT: The kinematics of failure and the uplift response of plates embedded in sand and in fiber-reinforced sand layers at distinct embedment depths, when subjected to vertical pullout tests, are the main topics discussed in the present technical note. The uplift capacity of plates in sand backfill layers is increased by the insertion of 0.5% fibers in the backfilled material. The enhancement of the uplift capacity increases from about 70% for embedment depth/plate diameter ratio (H/D) equal to 1.0 to about 30% for H/D equal to 2.0, when compared with sand backfill at the same embedment. Distinct failure patterns were observed for plates embedded in sand and in fiber-reinforced sand backfills: intense radial cracking was observed for sand backfill, but only a few concentric fissures were seen for fiber-reinforced backfill, the former starting at tiny displacements and the latter appearing at large displacements. The fiber-reinforced sand layers demonstrated the ability to continue to increase strength with ongoing deformation, suggesting a very ductile material.
Review of inspection and quality control techniques for composite wind turbine blades
Authors: Galappaththi U I K , De Silva A K M , Macdonald M , Adewale O R
Published: February 2012

One of the main global engineering challenges for the wind energy sector is to develop efficient wind turbines with high fatigue life. Large wind turbine blades made out of polymer composites elevate specific stiffness, strength and good fatigue performance. However, large composite
structures are prone to defects such as delamination and adhesive failure, which can lead to crack initiation and propagation under cyclic stress. The presented study covers an overview of the manufacturing defects of wind turbine blades, in-service damages and the available inspection
techniques that are used to identify defects in wind turbine blades. In this paper, the detection capabilities and performance of visual inspection, acoustic emissions, ultrasonic testing and X-ray inspection have been reviewed. The paper describes the importance of developing quality control
guidelines for wind turbine manufacturing sectors based on standard inspection methods.
Exploring the Changing Landscape of Jobs for New Graduates: Practice, Education, and New Graduate Imperatives
Authors: Sullivan Dori Taylor , Fries Kathleen S. , Relf Michael V.
Published: February 2012

Numerous expert sources have reported a reduction in positions available for new graduate nurses, largely because of general economic conditions, although there are conflicting data and significant geographic variances. Nursing education, nursing practice, and new graduates themselves must develop partnerships to better prepare graduates for more challenging employment searches so that these newest members of the nursing workforce are retained and available for practice in preparation for the expected shortage of nurses in the near future.
Confronting the Barriers to Health Care Reform
Authors: Sheran Kathy
Published: February 2012

Reforming health care is made more difficult when attention is successfully directed away from the root causes of increasing health care disparity and inflation. This article challenges nurses to accept an active role in health care reform as a part of professional responsibility.
My Yearlong Journey with Victor: Caring for an Adolescent in Medical Crisis at a School-Based Health Center
Authors: Veith Karen
Published: February 2012

This article discusses the multiple challenges faced by a seasoned pediatric nurse practitioner as she struggled to manage the medical complexities of a 13-year-old boy in crisis while pushing the limits of her own professional boundaries—within the setting of an urban school-based health center (SBHC).
Partnerships for Population Health: The Neighborhood Health Network
Authors: Ryan Sheila A. , Koerner JoEllen
Published: February 2012

Health reform is a major driver in shifting the focus toward population health. Partnerships between nurses, neighborhood health coaches (NHC), and families, linked by technology and extended over time, are key to enhancing neighborhood health. Including faculty practice and students in this work creates a new platform for nursing education in primary care; everyone wins.
Potential for Measurement of Corrosion-Inhibitor-Micelle Presence as an Indicator of Optimum Dose
Authors: Mackenzie C.. , Rowley-Williams C.. , Achour M.. , Blumer D.. , Joosten M.. , Rowe M..
Published: February 2012

This paper discusses the principle and proof of concept of a novel corrosion-management tool based on maintaining optimum corrosion-inhibitor dose in an inhibited environment. Film-forming corrosion inhibitors typically contain active ionic surfactant molecules, which adsorb on surfaces and form a protective barrier against corrosion. Upon saturation of surfaces by the inhibitor, the molecules are found in the aqueous phase as micelles or in the oil phase as reverse micelles. The proposed technique is based on the hypothesis that the presence of these micelles in the water phase could be used to indicate the total surface coverage and, therefore, the optimum dose.

The technique has been applied in the laboratory simulating an actual inhibited multiphase production system. Fluorescent markers, which are extremely sensitive to micelle presence, have been developed and used during the laboratory testing. Results were compared with those from standard laboratory techniques, including interfacial tension (IFT) and particle-size analyses (diffraction), in order to determine the efficacy for micelle detection. Corrosion bubble tests were also used to determine any link to inhibitor efficiency.

IFT results showed complex events occurring with increasing inhibitor concentration. The IFT vs. inhibitor concentration curve was nonclassical, probably because of the multicomponent nature of inhibitor formulations, but suggested micelle formation at approximately 150 ppm. Fluorescence analysis suggested that micelles formed starting at a 150-ppm dose. Particle-size analysis was consistent with micelle presence beyond this concentration. Separate experiments comparing fluorescence with corrosion rates demonstrated an apparent nonlinear variance with inhibitor concentration, supporting the hypothesis.

The analytical comparisons supported the underlying principles of this micelle-detection technology. Development of a portable device is under way and will provide an important new tool for proactive corrosion management in the oil field as well as a useful laboratory qualification method.
Quantifying the Impact of Permeability Heterogeneity on Secondary-Recovery Performance
Authors: Rashid B.. , Muggeridge A.H.. H. , Bal A.. , Williams G..
Published: February 2012

An improved heterogeneity/homogeneity index is introduced that uses the shear-strain rate of the single-phase-velocity field to characterize heterogeneity and rank geological realizations in terms of their impact on secondary-recovery performance. The index is compared with the Dykstra-Parsons coefficient (Dykstra and Parsons 1950) and the dynamic Lorenz coefficient (Shook and Mitchell 2009). The results show that the index's ranking ability is preserved for miscible and immiscible displacements at different viscosity/mobility ratios. Neither the Dykstra-Parsons coefficient (Dykstra and Parsons 1950) nor the dynamic Lorenz coefficient (Shook and Mitchell 2009) can consistently discriminate between different realizations in terms of breakthrough time and oil recovery at 1 pore volume injected (PVI) for tracer flow or adverse-viscosity-ratio miscible and immiscible floods.
Storage of CO2 as Hydrate in Depleted Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Zatsepina Olga Ye. , Pooladi-Darvish Mehran
Published: February 2012

With the increasing concern about climate change, the public, industry, and government are showing increased interest toward reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Geological storage of CO2 is perceived to be one of the most promising methods to provide significant reduction in CO2 emissions over the short and medium term. However, one major concern regarding geological storage of CO2 is the possibility of leakage. CO2 under the pressure and temperature conditions encountered in most geological settings remains more buoyant than water. Processes that could lead to permanent trapping of CO2 include geochemical reactions, with the formation of solid minerals. This trapping mechanism is attractive because it converts the CO2 into a solid compound. However, the time scale of such reactions is perceived to be centuries to millennia. In contrast, the kinetics of CO2 -hydrate formation—leading to trapping of CO2 in the solid form—is quite fast, providing the opportunity for long-term storage of CO2. In this paper, geological settings suitable for formation of CO2 hydrate are investigated. We study storage of CO2 in depleted gas pools of northern Alberta.

Thermodynamic calculations suggest that CO2 hydrate is stable at temperatures that occur in a number of formations in northern Alberta, in an area where significant CO2 emissions are associated with production of oil sands and bitumen. Simulation results presented in this paper suggest that, upon CO2 injection into such depleted gas reservoirs, pressure would initially rise until conditions are appropriate for hydrate formation, enabling storage of large volumes of CO2 in solid form. Numerical-simulation results suggest that, because of tight packing of CO2 molecules in the solid (hydrate), the CO2 storage capacity of these pools is many times greater than their initial-gas-in-place capacity. This provides a local option for storage of a portion of the CO2 emissions there.

In this paper, we study the storage capacity of such depleted gas pools and examine the effect of various reservoir properties and operating conditions thereon. In particular, we study the effect of the in-situ gas in formation of mixed-gas hydrates; the effect of rise in temperature as a result of the exothermic reaction of hydrate formation; the effect of initial reservoir pressure, temperature, and porosity; and conditions for avoiding the deleterious formation of hydrate around the wellbore.
Two-Stage Algebraic Multiscale Linear Solver for Highly Heterogeneous Reservoir Models
Authors: Zhou H.. , Tchelepi H.A.. A.
Published: February 2012

An efficient Two-Stage Algebraic Multiscale Solver (TAMS) that converges to the fine-scale solution is described. The first (global) stage is a multiscale solution obtained algebraically for the given fine-scale problem. In the second stage, a local preconditioner, such as the Block ILU (BILU), or the Additive Schwarz (AS) method is used. Spectral analysis shows that the multiscale solution step captures the low-frequency parts of the error spectrum quite well, while the local preconditioner represents the high-frequency components accurately. Combining the two stages in an iterative scheme results in efficient treatment of all the error components associated with the fine-scale problem. TAMS is shown to converge to the reference fine-scale solution. Moreover, the eigenvalues of the TAMS iteration matrix show significant clustering, which is favorable for Krylov-based methods. Accurate solution of the nonlinear saturation equations (i.e., transport problem) requires having locally conservative velocity fields. TAMS guarantees local mass conservation by concluding the iterations with a multiscale finite-volume step. We demonstrate the performance of TAMS using several test cases with strong permeability heterogeneity and large-grid aspect ratios. Different choices in the TAMS algorithm are investigated, including the Galerkin and finite-volume restriction operators, as well as the BILU and AS preconditioners for the second stage. TAMS for the elliptic flow problem is comparable to state-of-the-art algebraic multigrid methods, which are in wide use. Moreover, the computational time of TAMS grows nearly linearly with problem size.
Validation of Toe-to-Heel Air-Injection Bitumen Recovery Using 3D Combustion-Cell Results
Authors: Greaves M.. , Dong L.L.. L. , Rigby S.P. P
Published: February 2012

Rigorous validation of a simulation model of the toe-to-heel air-injection (THAI) process has been performed using results obtained from a 3D combustion-cell experiment on Athabasca oil sands. The numerical model includes a new kinetics formulation, based on the Athabasca thermal-cracking kinetics scheme proposed by Phillips et al. (1985). The kinetics model excludes low-temperature oxidation because THAI operates in a high-temperature oxidation mode. Excellent agreement was obtained between the predicted and experimental oil-production rate, and there was generally a good match obtained for other dynamic variables, including the residual coke profile, produced oxygen, and peak combustion temperature. The numerical model provides a fundamental platform for upscaling to field scale that will enable fine-scale details of the process to be captured.

Simulations were performed under dry in-situ combustion (ISC) conditions at the high air-injection fluxes used in the experiment. Under these conditions, vertical-plane temperature profiles in the sandpack confirm that the combustion front is quasivertical and forward leaning in the direction of the heel of the horizontal producer well. The shape of the combustion front was predicted more accurately from horizontal-plane profiles, showing that there was no oxygen in regions ahead of the combustion front. Oil displacement occurs mainly by gravity drainage, but pressure drawdown into the horizontal producer well below the mobile-oil zone (MOZ) is also significant. Various zones that develop during the ISC process include a steam zone located in the upstream part of the MOZ. All of the mobilized oil is produced from the MOZ, which is composed of two distinct oil regions. The first part contains oil produced by thermal cracking of the heavy residue and vaporized lighter oil. The main bulk of the oil produced in THAI comes from the second region of the MOZ, containing banked original oil. The oil that is eventually produced is partially upgraded oil because of the thermally upgraded and lighter oil fractions mixing with the original oil when they enter the horizontal producer well.
Pushing the Boundaries of Concentric-Coiled-Tubing Technology To Resurrect Subhydrostatic Gas Wells on an Unmanned Offshore Installation
Authors: Davies Ann , Dunning Matthew , Kuchel Mike , Roberts Tony , Taggart Michael
Published: February 2012

Ravenspurn North is a mature gas field in the southern North Sea with 42 wells, drilled (and many hydraulically fractured) in the late 1980s. By 2006, more than half of the wells had ceased to flow, and many were flowing intermittently. With ailing wells and consequently falling production rates, the longer-term future for Ravenspurn North field was uncertain.

A wireline campaign suggested a common failure mode for many wells: Large amounts of proppant had accumulated in the wellbore. Modeling of the potential range of static and dynamic pressure losses caused by this proppant supported a significant enhancement to the remaining gas potential. However, the depths of the wells combined with subhydrostatic pressure conditions and large-diameter lower completions made achieving cleanout challenging. Furthermore, the target wells were located on unmanned offshore installations with minimal facilities, deck space, and deck loading.

This paper details how each of these obstacles was successfully tackled to reinstate a target set of wells. It describes the various cleanout options that were considered, and why concentric-coiled-tubing vacuum technology (CCTVT) was ultimately selected. Before this project, CCTVT had never been deployed in the North Sea, and nowhere in the world at these reservoir depths. The operation was delivered on the small unmanned installation by conducting the world's first boat-spooling operation of concentric coiled tubing (CCT); rigorously reassessing deck loadings; and running the operation completely self-sufficiently, with a maximum of 10 personnel onboard.

Finally, this paper provides a detailed description of the successful CCTVT operations that recovered a total of 2,950 lbm of proppant from three wells to expose the perforations and unload the wells of liquid. Furthermore, CCT was used to mill out tubing-profile nipples and install a packer to hang off 1,200 ft of flush-joint tail pipe. Innovative thinking and close collaboration between operator and service companies were required, because the ability to perform multiple operations on CCT was in itself pioneering.

Overall, this campaign has pushed the boundaries of intervention technology to deliver an extremely challenging project. This has resulted in a more-certain future for the Ravenspurn North field, as well as newly unlocked opportunities in deep depleted gas wells worldwide.
Modeling and Simulation of Flow Field Around a Blowout Well
Authors: Hajidavalloo Ebrahim , Omidian Parham
Published: February 2012

Modeling and simulation of a blowing-out oil/gas well is very important in the drilling industry because they can accurately predict the velocity, pressure, and temperature fields around the well. This would help the personnel during the control operation to make proper decisions with minimum risk. In this paper, hydrodynamics and thermal behavior of a gaseous-well blowout were investigated. The flow was modeled as a free turbulent jet discharging in the atmosphere. A realizable k-ε model was used to model the turbulence, and a non-premixed model was used to model the combustion. The effect of placing a flow tube on the wellhead was studied. The results showed that combustion has an important effect on the flow behavior around the well by doubling the suction flow rate. Using the flow tube has a significant effect by concentrating the vacuum at the bottom of the wellhead, and increasing the flow-tube diameter increases the suction flow rate. It was also found that the drag force on the flow tube will be increased when the flow is reacting or when the flow-tube diameter is increased.
Gas-Well Liquid Loading Probed With Advanced Instrumentation
Authors: Alamu Mhunir Bayonle
Published: February 2012

Drop size, liquid holdup, and pressure drop have been measured simultaneously in real time. This experiment was carried out with air/water to establish annular two-phase flow on a 0.019-m-internal-diameter vertical pipe (7-m-long multiphase-flow facility). Drop concentration, distribution, and sizes in the core flow were measured using Spraytec, a light-diffraction-based instrumentation.

Liquid holdup was logged with pairs of flush-mounted ring-conductance probes at various positions within the test section. Pressure drop was monitored using a differential-pressure meter mounted between two pressure taps separated by a distance of 1.5 m.

Subtle changes were observed in the characteristic drop diameters around gas superficial velocities of 21 and 30 m/s following progressive, systematic increase in gas and liquid superficial velocities. The gas superficial velocities at which these changes were observed have been linked with transition boundaries to cocurrent and mist annular flows, respectively. Corresponding similar pseudochanges, fingerprinted in the liquid-holdup and pressure-drop data at these transition boundaries, in addition to film and drop-flow reversals captured on video, make the evidence more compelling. Applicability of core-flow dynamic data to explain various physical processes associated with gas-well liquid loading has been demonstrated.
Occluding Effect of Nd:YAG Laser and Different Dentin Desensitizing Agents on Human Dentinal Tubules In Vitro: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Investigation
Authors: Al-Saud LMS , Al-Nahedh HNA
Published: February 2012

Objectives

This in vitro study aimed to microscopically evaluate and compare the occluding effect of the Nd:YAG laser and different dentin desensitizing agents on human dentinal tubules.

Materials and Methods

The Nd:YAG laser (SunLase™ 800) and four commercially available and professionally applied dentin desensitizers (Gluma® desensitizer, Tenure Quick®, Quell™ desensitizer, and VivaSens®) were investigated in this study. Sixty-four extracted intact human molars were used. Each dentin surface was divided by shallow indentation into two halves, one of which was used for treatment and the other of which served as a control. The dentin surfaces were etched to remove any smear plugs and to mimic the open dentinal tubules of sensitive dentin using 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (pH 7.4) for two minutes (applied with a microbrush) and then rinsed with an air-water syringe for 30 seconds. The laser samples (n=16) were randomly divided into four groups of four samples each. These groups were the step-up technique group, the 14-day group, the one-minute group, and the two-minute group. Forty-eight samples were treated with the four tested desensitizing agents and were randomly divided into four groups (n=12/group). Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups (n=4). Samples of the first subgroup were treated for 14 days, while those of the second subgroup were treated once. Samples of the last subgroup were fractured longitudinally after a single treatment. All of the samples were then examined under a scanning electron microscope.

Results

The Nd:YAG laser–irradiated dentin showed reduction or complete obliteration of the dentinal tubule lumen; thus, the treatment modified the original dentinal structure. The lased dentin surface in the two-minute group showed bubble-like changes in the area of the dentinal tubules' orifices. Statistically, the two-minute group was found to have a significantly higher percentage of partially or fully occluded tubules than did the one-minute group. All of the studied desensitizing agents produced occlusion of the dentinal tubules; however, the appearance of the precipitates, the level of coverage, and the degree of dentinal occlusion varied among the tested products.

Conclusion

Throughout the specified period of this study, occlusion and/or narrowing of the open dentinal tubules have been successfully achieved with both treatment approaches.
Clinical Evaluation of Stress-reducing Direct Composite Restorations in Structurally Compromised Molars: A 2-year Report
Authors: Deliperi S , Bardwell DN , Alleman D
Published: February 2012

Objective

To evaluate the clinical performance of class II large-size direct composite restorations.

Materials and Methods

Fifty (50) patients 18 years or older were included in this clinical trial restoring 75 vital molar teeth with large-size cavities.

Inclusion Criteria

Occlusal extension greater than two-thirds the intercuspal distance and proximal extension greater than half the distance between line angles. Teeth with residual cavity walls less than 1 mm and with one or more cusps involved were excluded. Teeth were randomly divided in three groups. Group 1: Opti-Bond FL; group 2: Scotchbond 1 XT; group 3: PQ1. Total-etching was performed using 35% phosphoric acid followed by the application of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in the three groups. All teeth were restored using Vit-l-escence microhybrid composite resin. The proximal surface was built up first, followed by dentin and enamel occlusal surface stratification; wedge-shaped increments of composite resin were placed and cured using the UltraLume V curing light through a combination of pulse and progressive curing techniques.

Results

Restorations were evaluated at six-month intervals during the two-year period using a modified US Public Health Service criteria by two independent evaluators precalibrated at 85% reliability. No failures were reported and α scores were recorded for all parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using a χ2 test and the Fisher exact test (χ2=10.6; p=0.001). No teeth exhibited sensitivity in the three groups both at the two-week recall and two-year follow-up.
Pulmonary Venous Stenosis in a Premature Infant with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Clinical and Autopsy Findings of these Newly Associated Entities
Authors: Smith Steven Christopher , Rabah Raja
Published: February 2012

Pulmonary venous stenosis is rare and is most commonly found in association with cardiac malformations. Recent studies have associated pulmonary venous stenosis with prematurity, especially with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, although no such case has been documented at autopsy. We report the case of a 26-week-gestation infant who required ventilation at birth and who, among other complications, developed chronic lung disease of prematurity by the age of 3 months. Imaging showed suprasystemic right-sided pressures and pulmonary venous stenosis. Despite aggressive management of respiratory status and surgical marsupialization of stenoses, the infant expired after 3 weeks. At autopsy, 3 of 4 pulmonary veins showed a fibrous ridge obstructing atrial ostia with otherwise normal anatomy. The lungs showed bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pulmonary hypertensive vascular changes, and features of venous obstruction. Pulmonary venous stenosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants may be pathogenetically related. Coincidence of these diseases is likely underrecognized, and careful cardiac examination in these patients is warranted.
Endothelial cell adhesion on polyelectrolyte multilayer films functionalised with fibronectin and collagen
Authors: Zanina Nahla , Haddad Soumaya , Othmane Ali , Jouenne Thierry , Vaudry David , Souiri Mina , Mora Laurence
Published: February 2012

The seeding of endothelial cells on biomaterial surfaces has become a major challenge to achieve better haemocompatibility of these surfaces. Multilayers of polyelectrolytes formed by the layerby-layer method are promising in this respect. In this study, the interactions of endothelial cells with multilayered polyelectrolytes films were investigated. The build-ups were prepared by selfassembled alternatively adsorbed polyanions and polycations functionalised with fibronectin and collagen. Anionic poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) and cationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) polyelectrolytes were chosen as a model system. Elaborated surfaces were characterised by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The modified electrode showed good reversible electrochemical properties and high stability in an electrolyte solution. The film ohmic resistance was highest when the film was coated with fibronectin; the parameters so determined were correlated with atomic force microscopy images. Cell colorimetric assay (WST-1) and immunofluorescence were used to quantify the cell viability and evaluate the adhesion properties. When cultured on a surface where proteins were deposited, cells adhered and proliferated better with fibronectin than with collagen. In addition, a high surface free energy was favourable to adhesion and proliferation (48.8 mJ m−2 for fibronectin and 39.7 mJ m−2 for collagen, respectively). Endothelial cells seeded on functionalised-polyelectrolyte multilayer films showed a good morphology and adhesion necessary for the development of a new endothelium.
Selective anomeric deacetylation using zinc acetate as catalyst
Authors: Kaya Eda , Sonmez Fatih , Kucukislamoglu Mustafa , Nebioglu Mehmet
Published: February 2012

An alternative method has been developed for the anomeric deacetylation of fully acetylated carbohydrate derivatives using zinc acetate dihydrate as a catalyst in methanol under mild conditions. The experimental simplicity, low cost, acceptable yield, use of a readily handled acidic catalyst, and the environmentally benign nature are some of the advantages of this method.
Solubility of methane in octane + ethanol at temperatures from 303.15 K to 333.15 K and pressures up to 12.01 MPa
Authors: Cai Jun-Qing , Qiao Jin-Zhi
Published: February 2012

Solubility of methane in octane + ethanol was measured at temperatures ranging from 303.15 K to 333.15 K and pressures ranging from 2.60 MPa to 12.01 MPa. Experimental data were analyzed using the Soave-Redlich-Kwong equation of state with three types of mixing rules, and the estimated average deviation from the experimental solubility data was less than 3.5 %.
Novel report of expression and function of CD97 in malignant gliomas: correlation with Wilms tumor 1 expression and glioma cell invasiveness
Authors: Chidambaram Archana , Fillmore Helen L. , Van Meter Timothy E. , Dumur Catherine I. , Broaddus William C.
Published: February 2012

Object

The Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) protein—a developmentally regulated transcription factor—is aberrantly expressed in gliomas and promotes their malignant phenotype. However, little is known about the molecular allies that help it mediate its oncogenic functions in glioma cells.

Methods

The authors used short interfering RNA (siRNA) to suppress WT1 expression in glioblastoma (GBM) cells and evaluated the effect of this on GBM cell invasiveness. Gene expression analysis was then used to identify the candidate genes that were altered as a result of WT1 silencing. One candidate target, CD97, was then selected for further investigation into its role by suppressing its expression using siRNA silencing, followed by proliferation and invasion assays.

Results

WT1 levels were reliably and reproducibly suppressed by siRNA application. This resulted in a significant decrease in cellular invasiveness. Microarray analyses identified the gene products that were consistently downregulated (27) and upregulated (11) with WT1 silencing. Of these, CD97 expression was consistently suppressed across the 3 different GBM cell lines studied and was found on further investigation to significantly impact GBM cell invasiveness.

Conclusions

Although CD97 expression in gliomas has not been described previously, we conclude that the possible upregulation of CD97 mediated by WT1 promotes cellular invasiveness—one of the most characteristic and challenging aspects of glial tumor cells. Further studies are needed to clarify the nature of this regulation and its impact, as CD97 could represent a novel target for antiglioma therapies.
Cluster analysis of submontane forest along western slope of Frasers' Hill Research Centre in Raub District, Malaysia
Authors: Adam Jumaat H , Ming Liow Kah , Juhari Mohd Afiq Aizat , Jalaludin Masdahila Ahmad , Idris Wan Mohd Radzi , Othman ABD Rahim , Tarmidzi Siti Norhafizah Ahmad
Published: February 2012

Submontance forest at five different altitudes along the western slope of Frasers' Research Centre (FHRC) in Raub District, Pahang State of Malaysia by Ward Linkage Method (WLM) was classified. Five plots were set at 1000 m (P1), 1050 m (P2), 1100 m (P3), 1150 m (P4) and 1200 m (P5), and all the trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm have been measured. Cluster analysis by WLM of these plots resulted in the identification of four forest zones (FZ) denoted by FZ1P1, FZ2P2, FZ3P3P4 and FZ4P5. These forest zones were denoted by three most dominant species in term of importance value (Iv) such as Dacrydium elatum (Roxb.) Wall. ex Hook.- Prunus arborea (Blume) Kalkman - Adinandra dumosa Jack (Zone FZ1P1), Trigonobalanus verticillata Forman - Syzygium stapfianum (King) I.M. Turner - Syzygium subdecussatum (Wall. ex Duthie) I.M. Turner (Zone FZ2P2), Syzygium leptostemon (Korth.) Merr. & L.M. Perry - Wikstroemia polyantha Merr - Syzygium napiforme (Koord. & Valeton) Merr. & L.M. Perry (Zone FZ3P3P4) and Syzygium filiforme (Wall. ex Duthie) P. Chantaranothai & J. Parn.- Decaspermum parviflorum (Lam.) A.J. Scott - Litsea machilifolia Gamble (Zones FZ4P5). Correlation analysis showed that the number of trees in 0.1 ha, density/ha, DBH, mean DBH, number of species, number of family, number of genus, basal area (BA), mean BA, R, H and E and species with the biggest DBH decreased with increasing altitude. The r-values obtained for these 13 attributes were from – 0.13 to – 0.99. The distribution of trees were found to differ between DBH Class (DBHC) in all FZ. This study revealed that 73.1 to 88.17% of trees in all FZ fall into DBHC1 and DBHC2. On the other hand, 1.02 to 6.28% fall into DBHC5, DBHC6 and DBHC7. The distribution of species was different between Iv Class (IvC) all the four FZ. It was found that from 77.68 to 93.75% of the species fall into IvC1 and IvC2, and between 1.66 to 5.12% of the species fall into IvC4 and IvC5. Key words: Cluster analysis; Submontane forest; Western slope; Malaysia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i2.9767   Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(2): 121-132, 2011 (December)
Phenology and degree days of rice cultivars under organic culture
Authors: Islam MR , Sikder S
Published: February 2012

Variations in the phenology and degree days of five fine rice cultivars viz., Rajshahi swarna, Silkumul, Kataribhog, Lal pajam and Sanla under organic and inorganic cultural conditions were studied following a split plot design. The requirement of days to attain various phenological stages was highest in Rajshahi swarna, medium in Silkumul, Kataribhog and Lal pajam and the lowest in Sanla for both the cultural conditions. The growing degree days (GDD) and heat use efficiency (HUE) were slightly higher under inorganic than organic culture because of higher life span of rice cultivars in inorganic culture. The highest GDD and HUE were found in Rajshahi swarna, whereas the lowest in Sanla. Results also showed that the requirement of days and GDD were initially higher up to maximum tillering stage under organic culture but thereafter these requirements were greater under inorganic culture for all the cultivars. The grain yield was somewhat lower in organic compared to inorganic culture. In Rajshahi highest grain yield of swarna was 2.90 and 2.74 t/ha under inorganic and organic culture, respectively. Key words: Phenology; Growing degree days; Heat use efficiency; Fine rice DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i2.9770   Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(2): 149-153, 2011 (December)
Airborne bio-particulate objects at Chittagong University Campus
Authors: Pasha MK , Hossain Mohammad Sohrab
Published: February 2012

Survey of airborne bio-particulate objects was carried out at Chittagong University Campus during October, 2006 to September, 2007. A total of 1,451 such airborne objects were encountered consisting of plant parts and non-plant parts. Flower parts made the highest contribution, followed by dermal appendages, filamentous objects, fungal spores, plant tissues and insect appendages. Maximum concentration of airborne bio-particulate objects were observed in the month of June and minimum in November. Key words: Airborne particulate objects; Plant parts; Insect appendages; Chittagong University Campus DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i2.9776   Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(2): 189-191, 2011 (December)
Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Root Extract Against Gentamicin Induced Changes of Serum Urea and Creatinine Levels in Rats
Authors: Shimmi Sadia Choudhury , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma
Published: February 2012

Background: Kidney is an important excretory organ. Its damage can be occurred due to prolonged use and higher doses of drugs, exposure to some chemicals, toxins, or infectious agents. Herbal plants as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may have free radical scavenging activity thereby can be used for the prevention and treatment of kidney damage. Objective: To observe the nephroprotective effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Methods: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from 1st July 2010 to 30th June 2011. A total number of 35 Wistar albino rats, age ranged from 90 to 120 days, weighing between 150 to 200 grams were included in this study. After acclimatization for 14 days, they were divided into control group (Group A) and experimental group (Group B). Control group was again subdivided into group A1 (baseline control, consisted of 10 rats) and group A2 (gentamicin treated control group, consisted of 10 rats). Again, experimental group (Group B- Ashwagandha pretreated and gentamicin treated group) consisted of 15 rats. All groups of animals received basal diet for 22 consecutive days. In addition to this, group A2 also received gentamicin subcutaneously (100mg /kg body weight/day) for the last eight (15th to 22nd day) consecutive days. Again, group B received ashwagandha root extract (500mg/kg body weight/ day; orally) for 22 consecutive days and gentamicin subcutaneously (100mg/kg body weight /day) for last eight (15th to 22nd day) days. All the animals were sacrificed on 23rd day. Then blood and kidney sample were collected. Estimation of serum urea, creatinine levels were done by using standard Laboratory kits. The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni test as applicable. Results: The mean serum urea, creatinine levels were significantly (p<0.001) higher in gentamicin treated control group in comparison to those of baseline control. Again, these levels were significantly (p<0.01) lower in ashwagandha pretreated and gentamicin treated group (experimental group) when compared to those of gentamicin treated group (control). Conclusion: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root may have some nephroprotective effect against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i2.9756 JBSP 2011 6(2): 84-89