bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Periodontal Infection Have an Effect on Severe Asthma in Adults?
Authors: Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , Soledade‐Marques Kaliane Rocha , Seixas da Cruz Simone , de Santana Passos‐Soares Johelle , Trindade Soraya Castro , Souza‐Machado Adelmir , Fischer Rubira‐Bullen Izabel Regina , de Moraes Marcílio Cerqueira Eneida , Barreto Maurício Lima , Costa de Santana Teresinha , Freitas Coelho Julita Maria
Published: November 2013

Background: The effect of periodontal infection on systemic diseases and conditions has been the subject of numerous studies worldwide. It is considered that periodontitis may influence the hyperinflammatory response in patients with severe asthma as a result of immuno‐inflammatory changes. This study aims to evaluate the influence of periodontitis on severe asthma in adults.

Methods: A case‐control study was carried out, comprising 220 adult individuals: 113 diagnosed with asthma (case group) and 107 without asthma diagnosis (control group). The diagnosis of periodontitis was established after a full clinical examination using probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing. The diagnosis of severe asthma was based on the criteria recommended by the Global Initiative of Asthma (2012). Descriptive analyses of the variables were performed, followed by bivariate analyses, using the χ2 test. Association measurements (odds ratio [OR]), with and without adjustment for potential confounders, were obtained. A significance level of 5% was used.

Results: The ORunadjusted for the main association was 4.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.47 to 7.75). In the logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, education level, osteoporosis, smoking habit, and body mass index, the ORadjusted was 4.82 (95% CI = 2.66 to 8.76), which was statistically significant. Individuals with periodontal infection showed, approximately, five times more likelihood to have bronchial inflammation than those without such periodontal tissue infection.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the influence of periodontitis on severe asthma, given that the frequency of periodontitis is higher in individuals with severe asthma than in those without a diagnosis of bronchial inflammation.
Description of a School Nurse Visit Syndromic Surveillance System and Comparison to Emergency Department Visits, New York City
Authors: Wilson Elisha L. , Egger Joseph R. , Konty Kevin J. , Paladini Marc , Weiss Don , Nguyen Trang Q.
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We compared school nurse visit syndromic surveillance system data to emergency department (ED) visit data for monitoring illness in New York City schoolchildren.

Methods. School nurse visit data recorded in an electronic health record system are used to conduct daily surveillance of influenza-like illness, fever–flu, allergy, asthma, diarrhea, and vomiting syndromes. We calculated correlation coefficients to compare the percentage of syndrome visits to the school nurse and ED for children aged 5 to 14 years, from September 2006 to June 2011.

Results. Trends in influenza-like illness correlated significantly (correlation coefficient = 0.89; P < .001) and 72% of school signals occurred on days that ED signaled. Trends in allergy (correlation coefficient = 0.73; P < .001) and asthma (correlation coefficient = 0.56; P < .001) also correlated and school signals overlapped with ED signals on 95% and 51% of days, respectively. Substantial daily variation in diarrhea and vomiting visits limited our ability to make comparisons.

Conclusions. Compared with ED syndromic surveillance, the school nurse system identified similar trends in influenza-like illness, allergy, and asthma syndromes. Public health practitioners without school-based surveillance may be able to use age-specific analyses of ED syndromic surveillance data to monitor illness in schoolchildren.
Creating Quality Improvement Culture in Public Health Agencies
Authors: Davis Mary V. , Mahanna Elizabeth , Joly Brenda , Zelek Michael , Riley William , Verma Pooja , Fisher Jessica Solomon
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We conducted case studies of 10 agencies that participated in early quality improvement efforts.

Methods. The agencies participated in a project conducted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (2007–2008). Case study participants included health directors and quality improvement team leaders and members. We implemented multiple qualitative analysis processes, including cross-case analysis and logic modeling. We categorized agencies according to the extent to which they had developed a quality improvement culture.

Results. Agencies were conducting informal quality improvement projects (n = 4), conducting formal quality improvement projects (n = 3), or creating a quality improvement culture (n = 4). Agencies conducting formal quality improvement and creating a quality improvement culture had leadership support for quality improvement, participated in national quality improvement initiatives, had a greater number of staff trained in quality improvement and quality improvement teams that met regularly with decision-making authority. Agencies conducting informal quality improvement were likely to report that accreditation is the major driver for quality improvement work. Agencies creating a quality improvement culture were more likely to have a history of evidence-based decision-making and use quality improvement to address emerging issues.

Conclusions. Our findings support previous research and add the roles of national public health accreditation and emerging issues as factors in agencies’ ability to create and sustain a quality improvement culture.
Disparities in Diabetes: The Nexus of Race, Poverty, and Place
Authors: Gaskin Darrell J. , Thorpe Roland J. , McGinty Emma E. , Bower Kelly , Rohde Charles , Young J. Hunter , LaVeist Thomas A. , Dubay Lisa
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We sought to determine the role of neighborhood poverty and racial composition on race disparities in diabetes prevalence.

Methods. We used data from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and 2000 US Census to estimate the impact of individual race and poverty and neighborhood racial composition and poverty concentration on the odds of having diabetes.

Results. We found a race–poverty–place gradient for diabetes prevalence for Blacks and poor Whites. The odds of having diabetes were higher for Blacks than for Whites. Individual poverty increased the odds of having diabetes for both Whites and Blacks. Living in a poor neighborhood increased the odds of having diabetes for Blacks and poor Whites.

Conclusions. To address race disparities in diabetes, policymakers should address problems created by concentrated poverty (e.g., lack of access to reasonably priced fruits and vegetables, recreational facilities, and health care services; high crime rates; and greater exposures to environmental toxins). Housing and development policies in urban areas should avoid creating high-poverty neighborhoods.
The Adoption and Discontinuation of Clinical Services by Local Health Departments
Authors: Hsuan Charleen , Rodriguez Hector P.
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We identified factors associated with local health department (LHD) adoption and discontinuation of clinical services.

Methods. We used multivariate regression with 1997 and 2008 LHD survey and area resource data to examine factors associated with LHDs maintaining or offering more clinical services (adopter) versus offering fewer services (discontinuer) over time and with the number of clinical services discontinued among discontinuers.

Results. Few LHDs (22.2%) were adopters. The LHDs were more likely to be adopters if operating in jurisdictions with local boards of health and not in health professional shortage areas, and if experiencing larger percentage increase in non-White population and Medicaid managed care penetration. Discontinuer LHDs eliminated more clinical services in jurisdictions that decreased core public health activities’ scope over time, increased community partners’ involvement in these activities, had larger increases in Medicaid managed care penetration, and had lower LHD expenditures per capita over time.

Conclusions. Most LHDs are discontinuing clinical services over time. Those that cover a wide range of core public health functions are less likely to discontinue services when residents lack care access. Thus, the impact of discontinuation on population health may be mitigated.
Work in Multiple Jobs and the Risk of Injury in the US Working Population
Authors: Marucci-Wellman Helen R. , Willetts Joanna L. , Lin Tin-Chi , Brennan Melanye J. , Verma Santosh K.
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We compared the risk of injury for multiple job holders (MJHs) with that for single job holders (SJHs).

Methods. We used information from the National Health Interview Survey for the years 1997 through 2011 to estimate the rate of multiple job holding in the United States and compared characteristics and rates of self-reported injury (work and nonwork) for SJHs versus MJHs.

Results. Approximately 8.4% of those employed reported working more than 1 job in the week before the interview. The rate of work and nonwork injury episodes per 100 employed workers was higher for MJHs than for SJHs (4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5, 4.8; vs 3.3; 95% CI = 3.1, 3.5 work injuries and 9.9; 95% CI = 8.9, 10.9; vs 7.4; 95% CI = 7.1, 7.6 nonwork injuries per 100 workers, respectively). When calculated per 100 full-time equivalents (P < .05), the rate ratio remained higher for MJHs.

Conclusions. Our findings suggest that working in multiple jobs is associated with an increased risk of an injury, both at work and not at work, and should be considered in injury surveillance.
The Effects of Misclassification Biases on Veteran Suicide Rate Estimates
Authors: Huguet Nathalie , Kaplan Mark S. , McFarland Bentson H.
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We assessed the impact that possible veteran suicide misclassification biases (i.e., inaccuracy in ascertainment of veteran status on the death certificate and misclassification of suicide as other manner of death) have on veteran suicide rate estimates.

Methods. We obtained suicide mortality data from the 2003–2010 National Violent Death Reporting System and the 2003–2010 Department of Defense Casualty Analysis System. We derived population estimates from the 2003–2010 American Community Survey and 2003–2010 Department of Veterans Affairs data. We computed veteran and nonveteran suicide rates.

Results. The results showed that suicide rates were minimally affected by the adjustment for the misclassification of current military personnel suicides as veterans. Moreover, combining suicides and deaths by injury of undetermined intent did not alter the conclusions.

Conclusions. The National Violent Death Reporting System is a valid surveillance system for veteran suicide. However, more than half of younger (< 25 years) male and female suicides, labeled as veterans, were likely to have been current military personnel at the time of their death and misclassified on the death certificate.
McGovern's Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs Versus the: Meat Industry on the Diet-Heart Question (1976–1977)
Authors: Oppenheimer Gerald M. , Benrubi I. Daniel
Published: November 2013

For decades, public health advocates have confronted industry over dietary policy, their debates focusing on how to address evidentiary uncertainty. In 1977, enough consensus existed among epidemiologists that the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Need used the diet–heart association to perform an extraordinary act: advocate dietary goals for a healthier diet. During its hearings, the meat industry tested that consensus. In one year, the committee produced two editions of its Dietary Goals for the United States, the second containing a conciliatory statement about coronary heart disease and meat consumption. Critics have characterized the revision as a surrender to special interests. But the senators faced issues for which they were professionally unprepared: conflicts within science over the interpretation of data and notions of proof. Ultimately, it was lack of scientific consensus on these factors, not simply political acquiescence, that allowed special interests to secure changes in the guidelines.
Extending Public Health: The Rockefeller Sanitary Commission and Hookworm in the American South
Authors: Elman Cheryl , McGuire Robert A. , Wittman Barbara
Published: November 2013

The Rockefeller Sanitary Commission for the Eradication of Hookworm Disease (1909–1914) fielded a philanthropic public health project that had three goals: to estimate hookworm prevalence in the American South, provide treatment, and eradicate the disease. Activities covered 11 Southern states, and Rockefeller teams found that about 40% of the population surveyed was infected. However, the commission met strong resistance and lacked the time and resources to achieve universal county coverage and meet project goals. We explore how these constraints triggered project changes that systematically reshaped project operations and the characteristics of the counties surveyed and treated. We show that county selectivity reduced the project’s initial potential to affect hookworm prevalence estimates, treatment, and eradication in the American South.
Regulating Alcohol Advertising: Content Analysis of the Adequacy of Federal and Self-Regulation of Magazine Advertisements, 2008–2010
Authors: Smith Katherine C. , Cukier Samantha , Jernigan David H.
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We analyzed beer, spirits, and alcopop magazine advertisements to determine adherence to federal and voluntary advertising standards. We assessed the efficacy of these standards in curtailing potentially damaging content and protecting public health.

Methods. We obtained data from a content analysis of a census of 1795 unique advertising creatives for beer, spirits, and alcopops placed in nationally available magazines between 2008 and 2010. We coded creatives for manifest content and adherence to federal regulations and industry codes.

Results. Advertisements largely adhered to existing regulations and codes. We assessed only 23 ads as noncompliant with federal regulations and 38 with industry codes. Content consistent with the codes was, however, often culturally positive in terms of aspirational depictions. In addition, creatives included degrading and sexualized images, promoted risky behavior, and made health claims associated with low-calorie content.

Conclusions. Existing codes and regulations are largely followed regarding content but do not adequately protect against content that promotes unhealthy and irresponsible consumption and degrades potentially vulnerable populations in its depictions. Our findings suggest further limitations and enhanced federal oversight may be necessary to protect public health.
Trends in the Educational Gradient of Mortality Among US Adults Aged 45 to 84 Years: Bringing Regional Context Into the Explanation
Authors: Montez Jennifer Karas , Berkman Lisa F.
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We investigated trends in the educational gradient of US adult mortality, which has increased at the national level since the mid-1980s, within US regions.

Methods. We used data from the 1986–2006 National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality File on non-Hispanic White and Black adults aged 45 to 84 years (n = 498 517). We examined trends in the gradient within 4 US regions by race–gender subgroup by using age-standardized death rates.

Results. Trends in the gradient exhibited a few subtle regional differences. Among women, the gradient was often narrowest in the Northeast. The region’s distinction grew over time mainly because low-educated women in the Northeast did not experience a significant increase in mortality like their counterparts in other regions (particularly for White women). Among White men, the gradient narrowed to a small degree in the West.

Conclusions. The subtle regional differences indicate that geographic context can accentuate or suppress trends in the gradient. Studies of smaller areas may provide insights into the specific contextual characteristics (e.g., state tax policies) that have shaped the trends, and thus help explain and reverse the widening mortality disparities among US adults.
Six Components Necessary for Effective Public Health Program Implementation
Authors: Frieden Thomas R.
Published: November 2013

Public health programs succeed and survive if organizations and coalitions address 6 key areas.

(1) Innovation to develop the evidence base for action; (2) a technical package of a limited number of high-priority, evidence-based interventions that together will have a major impact; (3) effective performance management, especially through rigorous, real-time monitoring, evaluation, and program improvement; (4) partnerships and coalitions with public- and private-sector organizations; (5) communication of accurate and timely information to the health care community, decision makers, and the public to effect behavior change and engage civil society; and (6) political commitment to obtain resources and support for effective action.

Programs including smallpox eradication, tuberculosis control, tobacco control, polio eradication, and others have made progress by addressing these 6 areas.
Effect of Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status on Pandemic H1N1-Related Outcomes in Massachusetts
Authors: Placzek Hilary , Madoff Lawrence
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We linked hospital discharge and American Community Survey and US Census data to investigate 2009 H1N1 influenza (H1N1)-related outcomes by racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods. We examined the population discharged from any acute care hospital in Massachusetts and calculated rates of intensive care unit (ICU) stay by racial/ethnic and SES groups between April 26 and September 30, 2009. We used logistic regression models to identify predictors of ICU stay.

Results. Of 4874 H1N1-related hospitalizations, 526 (11%) were admitted to the ICU. Those in less affluent SES groups had lower risk of ICU stay than the most affluent SES group. Compared with Whites, Hispanics had significantly lower risk of 2009 H1N1-related ICU stay (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval = 0.32, 0.86). Only 13% of Whites admitted to the ICU were in the lowest SES group, compared with 63% of Hispanics and 43% of Blacks.

Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first statewide description of 2009 H1N1 influenza-related ICU stays according to racial/ethnic group and SES in the United States. Future work should investigate evidence related to social determinants of health among racial/ethnic groups to reduce disparities in relation to pandemic influenza.
Rethinking Public Health: Promoting Public Engagement Through a New Discursive Environment
Authors: Sun Ye
Published: November 2013

I reexamine the notion of public health after reviewing critiques of the prevalent individualistic conception of health. I argue that public health should mean not only the health of the public but also health in the public and by the public, and I expound on the social contingency of health and highlight the importance of the interpersonal dimensions of health conditions and health promotion efforts. Promoting public health requires activating health-enhancing communicative behaviors (such as interpersonal advocacy and mutual responsibility taking) in addition to individual behavioral change. To facilitate such communicative behaviors, it is imperative to first construct a new discursive environment in which to think and talk about health in a language of interdependence and collective efforts.
Reaching Children Never Previously Vaccinated for Influenza Through a School-Located Vaccination Program
Authors: Kansagra Susan M. , Papadouka Vikki , Geevarughese Anita , Hansen Michael A. , Konty Kevin J. , Zucker Jane R.
Published: November 2013

Objectives. We determined the success of the school-located vaccination (SLV) program, implemented in 2009 in New York City to deliver pandemic influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine (pH1N1), versus provider offices in reaching children who had never previously received influenza vaccine.

Methods. We compared the immunization history of children vaccinated in school versus provider offices. We included records in the Citywide Immunization Registry with pH1N1 administered between October 2009 and March 2010 to elementary school-aged children.

Results. In total, 96 524 children received pH1N1 vaccine in schools, and 102 933 children received pH1N1 vaccine in provider offices. Of children vaccinated in schools, 34% had never received seasonal influenza vaccination in the past, compared with only 10% of children vaccinated at provider offices (P < .001). Children vaccinated in schools were more likely to have received a second dose of pH1N1 in 2009–2010 than those vaccinated in provider offices (80% vs 45%).

Conclusions. The SLV program was more successful at reaching children who had never received influenza immunization in the past and should be considered as a strategy for delivering influenza vaccine in routine and emergency situations.
Rigorous Coupling of Geomechanics and Multiphase Flow with Strong Capillarity
Authors: Kim J.. , Tchelepi H.A.. A. , Juanes R..
Published: November 2013

We study sequential formulations for coupled multiphase flow and reservoir geomechanics. First, we identify the proper definition of effective stress in multiphase-fluid systems. Although the average pore-pressure p¯ —defined as the sum of the product of saturation and pressure of all the fluid phases that occupy the pore space—is commonly used to describe multiphase-fluid flow in deformable porous media, it can be shown that the "equivalent" pore pressure pE —defined as p¯ minus the interfacial energy—is the appropriate quantity (Coussy 2004). We show, by means of a fully implicit analysis of the system, that only the equivalent pore pressure pE leads to a continuum problem that is thermodynamically stable (thus, numerical discretizations on the basis of the average pore pressure p¯ cannot render unconditionally stable and convergent schemes). We then study the convergence and stability properties of sequential-implicit coupling strategies. We show that the stability and convergence properties of sequential-implicit coupling strategies for single-phase flow carry over for multiphase systems if the equivalent pore pressure pE is used. Specifically, the undrained and fixed-stress schemes are unconditionally stable, and the fixed-stress split is superior to the undrained approach in terms of convergence rate. The findings from stability theory are verified by use of nonlinear simulations of two-phase flow in deformable reservoirs.
Tritium Plume Dynamics in the Shallow Unsaturated Zone in an Arid Environment
Authors: Maples S.R. , Andraski B.J. , Stonestrom D.A. , Cooper C.A. , Pohll G. , Michel R.L.
Published: November 2013

Effective isolation of tritium (3H) and other contaminants at waste‐burial facilities requires improved understanding of transport processes and pathways. Previous studies documented an anomalously widespread (i.e., theoretically unexpected) distribution of 3H (>400 m from burial trenches) in a dry, sub‐root‐zone gravelly layer (1–2‐m depth) adjacent to a low‐level radioactive waste (LLRW) burial facility in the Amargosa Desert, Nevada, that closed in 1992. The objectives of this study were to: (i) characterize long‐term, spatiotemporal variability of 3H plumes; and (ii) quantify the processes controlling 3H behavior in the sub‐root‐zone gravelly layer beneath native vegetation adjacent to the facility. Geostatistical methods, spatial moment analyses, and mass flux calculations were applied to a spatiotemporally comprehensive, 10‐yr data set (2001–2011). Results showed minimal bulk‐plume advancement during the study period and limited Fickian spreading of mass. Observed spreading rates were generally consistent with theoretical vapor‐phase dispersion. The plume mass diminished more rapidly than would be expected from radioactive decay alone, indicating net efflux from the plume. Estimates of upward 3H efflux via diffusive‐vapor movement were >10× greater than by dispersive‐vapor or total‐liquid movement. Total vertical fluxes were >20× greater than lateral diffusive‐vapor fluxes, highlighting the importance of upward migration toward the land surface. Mass‐balance calculations showed that radioactive decay and upward diffusive‐vapor fluxes contributed the majority of plume loss. Results indicate that plume losses substantially exceeded any continuing 3H contribution to the plume from the LLRW facility during 2001 to 2011 and suggest that the widespread 3H distribution resulted from transport before 2001.
Soil Hydraulic Property Estimation Using Remote Sensing: A Review
Authors: Mohanty Binayak P.
Published: November 2013

A review of recent developments related to soil hydraulic property estimation using remote sensing is presented. Several soil hydraulic parameter estimation techniques using proximal‐, air‐, or satellite‐based remotely sensed soil moisture, land surface temperature, and/or evapotranspiration time series have evolved over the past decades. In particular, microwave remote sensing of near‐surface soil moisture has played a key role in this respect. Inverse modeling, regression techniques, data assimilation methods by utilizing soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer models, genetic algorithm based optimization, and uncertainty quantification using ensemble based approaches under synthetic and field conditions have been developed and adapted over these years. In this context multiple approaches for estimating effective soil hydraulic parameters at different spatial scales (e.g., point to remote sensing footprints) by various scaling methods are also summarized. Methods reviewed include traditional bottom‐up approaches, such as homogenization of local scale properties up to footprint scale, as well as newer top‐down approaches, such as use of inverse modeling of remotely sensed soil moisture or temperature using genetic algorithms, Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations with data assimilation, and multi‐scale Bayesian neural networks. While new remote sensing platforms provide powerful tools and techniques for noninvasive soil hydraulic property estimation of the vadose zone at multiple scales, current limitations including vision for future developments are also summarized.
β-Cell Dysfunction Due to Increased ER Stress in a Stem Cell Model of Wolfram Syndrome
Authors: Shang Linshan , Hua Haiqing , Foo Kylie , Martinez Hector , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Zimmer Matthew , Kahler David J. , Freeby Matthew , Chung Wendy , LeDuc Charles , Goland Robin , Leibel Rudolph L. , Egli Dieter
Published: November 2013

Wolfram syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in WFS1 and is characterized by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness. To investigate the cause of β-cell failure, we used induced pluripotent stem cells to create insulin-producing cells from individuals with Wolfram syndrome. WFS1-deficient β-cells showed increased levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress molecules and decreased insulin content. Upon exposure to experimental ER stress, Wolfram β-cells showed impaired insulin processing and failed to increase insulin secretion in response to glucose and other secretagogues. Importantly, 4-phenyl butyric acid, a chemical protein folding and trafficking chaperone, restored normal insulin synthesis and the ability to upregulate insulin secretion. These studies show that ER stress plays a central role in β-cell failure in Wolfram syndrome and indicate that chemical chaperones might have therapeutic relevance under conditions of ER stress in Wolfram syndrome and other forms of diabetes.
Microstructure characterization and mechanical properties of laser-welded copper and aluminum lap joint
Authors: Xue Zhiqing , Hu Shengsun , Shen Junqi , Zuo Di , Kannatey-Asibu Elijah
Published: November 2013

The microstructure in the intermediate layer of a laser-welded Cu–Al lap joint was examined metallographically. Tensile shear test was performed, and fracture surface analysis was also performed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results showed that there were several different zones with diverse characteristics of morphology and composition in the intermediate layer of the weld joint. Banded and cellular structures were observed in the hypereutectic zone; a lamellar structure was found in the eutectic zone which was the narrowest zone with the finest microstructure; a dendritic structure was obtained in the hypoeutectic zone with the coarsest microstructure and widest zone. The joint faulted in the dendritic hypoeutectic zone, under a combination of brittle and shear mode in the fracture surface. The maximum shear load of the Cu–Al joint decreased with increasing primary dendrite arm spacing and the growth of secondary dendrite in the hypoeutectic zone, which was induced by increasing laser power.
Investigation on reducing distortion by preheating during manufacture of aluminum components using selective laser melting
Authors: Buchbinder Damien , Meiners Wilhelm , Pirch Norbert , Wissenbach Konrad , Schrage Johannes
Published: November 2013

The additive manufacturing process selective laser melting (SLM) can be used to directly produce functional components made out of metal. During the construction process, however, thermally induced residual stress occurs due to the layered build-up and the local input of energy by means of a focused laser beam, which can lead to distortion of the component or sections of the component itself. Normally, distortion is prevented due to supporting structures between the component and the substrate plate. It is not always possible, however, to provide all the areas of a component with supporting structures or to remove them later, depending on how complex the geometry or how accessible the structures are. When the substrate plate is heated during the construction process, the distortion can be reduced or eliminated entirely. Nonetheless, a systematic investigation of the extent to which preheating influences distortion of aluminum components has not yet been conducted. This works aims at systematically investigating the effects of preheating during SLM of aluminum components and determining an appropriate preheating temperature at which distortion practically no longer occurs. A significant reduction in distortion compared to the distortion without preheating can be seen beginning at a preheating temperature of 150 °C. At a preheating temperature of 250 °C, distortion can no longer be detected within the scope of the measuring accuracy independent of the twin cantilever test geometry investigated. In addition to reducing distortion, the preheating avoids the stress-related cracks in the component, which can lead to tearing of the parts of the test geometry. With 90 HV 0.1 at a preheating temperature of 250 °C, the hardness is greater than the required minimum hardness according to DIN EN 1706 of die-cast parts from the material AlSi10Mg. From these results, it can be concluded that a preheating temperature of 250 °C is suitable for reliably manufacturing components made out of the material AlSi10Mg using SLM free of defects and for preventing distortion completely.
Performance enhancement of aluminum infrared laser welding by preconditioning with nanosecond laser pulses
Authors: Witzendorff Philipp von , Moalem Anas , Stute Uwe , Overmeyer Ludger
Published: November 2013

We condition the welding zone of the aluminum surface with nanosecond laser pulses prior to welding with infrared laser radiation to increase the process efficiency and weld quality. The high reflectivity of aluminum for infrared laser radiation (95% at 1064 nm) leads to poor process efficiency of aluminum laser welding processes. To increase the workpiece's absorptivity, the welding zone is conditioned with nanosecond laser pulses at a wavelength of 532 nm. The samples are nonalloy, 0.5 mm thick aluminum, and 1.5 mm thick Al5356 alloy. Welding is performed with a continuous Nd: yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser with an output power of 2 kW, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with an average power of up to 90 W, and a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with an average power of up to 20 W. Through preconditioning with nanosecond laser pulses, full penetration welding is achieved with an increased welding speed. At the same welding speed, the bead size of the weld increases and deeper penetration of bead on plate welding is obtained. The authors observe higher surface oxygen content of the preconditioned aluminum surface which is expected to increase the absorptivity. Pore formation is reduced when employing the preconditioning on the Al5356 alloy.
Factors affecting maternal behaviour and responsiveness in sows during periparturient and lactation periods
Authors: Nowicki Jacek , Klocek Czesław , Schwarz Tomasz
Published: November 2013

Maternal responsiveness of sows affects piglet survival rate by influencing the economic results of breeding. The purpose of this article was to present the relations among housing environment for sows during periparturient period and lactation, endocrine changes in sows, and maternal behaviour and welfare, which ultimately all affect the productive results. The following welfare-related factors were discussed in this paper: the type of farrowing environment, including the type of pen, the area for free movement or confinement crates, alternative loose-housing systems, the importance of nest building for further nursing, and fear as a factor which can impair productivity.
Genetic structure of Hucul and Anglo-Arabian horses at the Tert locus
Authors: Ząbek Tomas Z , Czapla Paweł , Wnuk Maciej , Lewińska Anna , Oklejewicz Bernadetta , Bartosz Grzegorz , Słota Ewa
Published: November 2013

The objective of the study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic markers in the equine TERT gene sequence, which were used to assess the degree of differentiation between Anglo-Arabian and Hucul horses. Polymorphisms were identified by sequencing 30 amplification products representing 18000 bp of TERT sequences. Twenty-seven SNP markers were investigated, which were at genetic equilibrium. Haplotypes and genotypes were determined, and usefulness of polymorphisms for genetic studies was assessed based on minor allele frequency (MAF).

Alleles characteristic of both horse breeds were identified. SNP markers with MAF > 0.18 were

considered suitable for genetic analyses concerning association studies and parentage testing. In

total 26 haplotypes were identified, of which three were common to the investigated horse populations. Twelve haplotypes were found only in Anglo-Arabians and 11 in Hucul horses. Identified

polymorphism of TERT gene might be useful in the search for genetic basis of aging in the Equus

caballus species.
Human CD46, CD55 and CD59 expression influence on swine transgenic fetal fibroblasts’ survivability in the presence of human complement components
Authors: Zeyland Joanna , Lipiński Daniel , Słomski Ryszard
Published: November 2013

Mechanisms regulating the activity of the complement system responsible for the rejection of transplant organs are balanced so that the attack is instantaneous but is restricted to the infected cells of the organism. The most important components regulating its activity comprise CD55 and CD46 factors as well as the CD59 anchored in the cell membrane. Hyperacute response of the immunological system appears to be the key in the xenotransplant rejection and the elaboration of methods preventing its occurrence will give a real chance for the development of xenotransplantation.

Gene constructs containing coding sequences of human CD46, CD55 and CD59 were prepared and used to transfect porcine fetal fibroblasts. Stable lines were molecularly characterized for an integration of transgenes by PCR. Lines with a stable integration of transgenes were subjected to further characterization of expression by RT-PCR and vitality test. Molecular characteristics of the transgenic cell lines obtained revealed a steadfast integration and, in the majority of cases, expression of the introduced transgenes. The performed cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated that transgenic lines were characterised by a higher survivability rate than non-transgenic cells in the presence of human serum which proved their protective influence in relation to the activity of the complement system.
The impact of barriers inside a herringbone milking parlour on efficiency of the ventilation system
Authors: Herbut Piotr , Angrecka Sabina , Nawalany Grzegorz
Published: November 2013

The research aimed at establishing the pattern of air movement inside a 2×10 herringbone milking parlour equipped with supply mechanical ventilation. Observations and analyses were made for the streams of air supplied to the parlour, their movement pattern and spread range. Also, temperature and relative air humidity after and before evening milking routine were measured. It has been concluded that barriers installed inside the milking parlour play a significant role in creating unfavourable microclimatic conditions during milking, particularly for the last group of cows. The study points out possible threats to animal welfare and operator’s working conditions. Based on the conducted experiments, the paper defines recommendations for proper design of ventilation systems inside herringbone milking parlours.
Electrophysiological study on co and co2 euthanasia in mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Korhonen Hannu T. , Cizinauskas Sigitas , Jesernics Janis
Published: November 2013

The aim of the present study was to define at what time point animal is dying and how quickly changes in the function of brain and heart can be observed. Four groups of sedated standard dark male mink (Mustela vison) were tested: euthanasia with filtered exhaust gases (CO concentration in the killing box 4%, 8 animals), carbon dioxide (CO2 from a cylinder, concentration in the killing box 80%, 8 animals), carbon monoxide (CO from a cylinder, concentration in the killing box 4%, 9 animals) and euthanasia with carbon monoxide (CO from a cylinder, concentration in the killing box 2%, 6 animals). Brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER), electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG) and respiratory rate were measured before and during euthanasia. Mean time of decline/absent BAER was 112/176, 138/183, 235/390 and 528/833 seconds after gas application in groups, respectively. Mean time for first changes/absence of EEG was 42/86, 39/75, 55/190 and 176/426 seconds after gas application in groups, respectively. Mean time for first changes in respiration/absent breathing was 42/217, 28/227, 144/477 and 331/901 seconds after gas application in groups, respectively. Mean time for first changes/absence of ECG was 105/292, 117/220, 215/289 and 481/682 seconds after gas application in groups, respectively. Our results indicate that the studied gases first affect brain and brainstem which was seen as loss of EEG and BAER and just thereafter respiration and heart rate in turn. While sensitivity to pain is essentially related to consciousness and function of brain, gases can be considered to primarily and effectively lead to state of non-pain. Particularly the death with the filtered exhaust CO and the cylinder CO2 gases occurs quickly and in very comparable times. The euthanasia with the cylinder CO of 2% concentration seems to be too long and is most likely not suitable for the mink euthanasia in general. Observable signs of marked irritation or aversion were not found during exposure to studied CO and CO2 gases.
Organized Interests and the Common Core
Authors: McDonnell Lorraine M. , Weatherford M. Stephen
Published: November 2013

Among the notable aspects of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is the diverse array of interest groups supporting them. These organizations must now apply the strategies they used so effectively in advancing the Common Core to stem mounting opposition to it. This article draws on theories of political and policy learning and interviews with major participants to examine the role that CCSS supporters have played in developing and implementing the standards, supporters’ reasons for mobilizing, and the counterarguments and strategies of recently emerging opposition groups.
COMBINING ABILITY FOR YIELD AND YIELD CONTRIBUTING CHARACTERS IN KENAF (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)
Authors: Mostofa M. G. , Rahman L. , Hussain M. M.
Published: November 2013

Combining ability in 6 x 6 half diallel crosses were estimated for yield and yield contributing characters in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.). Combining ability analysis revealed that mean square due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant for all the characters studied suggesting the presence of both additive and non-additive gene action for the inheritance of the concerned characters. The magnitude of GCA variance was considerably higher than that of SCA variance for days to 1st flowering, fibre weight per plant and 1000-seed weight indicating the importance of additive gene action for these traits. The other characters were preponderantly controlled by non-additive gene action. Ranking of parents on GCA performance indicated that parent P6 (Acc.2731) was the best general combiner for fibre yield and yield attributes. On the other hand, parents P2 (Acc.4197) and P3 (Acc.2922) were found to be the best for seed related traits. On SCA performance, the crosses P3 x P5, P1 x P6, P3 x P6 and P4 x P5 were found to be the best for fibre related traits, while the best specific crosses for seed related traits were P2 x P3 and P2 x P4. For the development of high fibre or seed yielding kenaf varieties, either pedigree selection method or recurrent breeding is suggested depending on the genetic behavior of the trait.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v24i1.16307
GENOTYPE FERTILIZER DOSES INTERACTION FOR HYBRID SEED YIELD OF RICE (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Islam M. A. , Sarker U. K. , Mian M. A. K. , Ahmed J. U.
Published: November 2013

The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) during the Boro season (2006-2007) at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman Agricultural University-Gazipur; Bangladesh Agricultural University-Mymensingh and Bangladesh Rural Development Academy, Bogra. Among the three introduced CMS lines, CMS-2 was highly responsive to environment (fertilizer dose) for yield due to the highest mean, considerable phenotypic index, regression coefficient greater than unity (bi > 1) and insignificant deviation from regression (S2di ? 0). CMS line CMS-1 showed regression coefficient near unity (bi ?1) and significant deviation from regression (S2di > 0) indicating stability for yield but its stability is unpredictable due to significant deviation from regression. CMS line Alok showed significant regression coefficient (bi >1) indicating highly responsive to fertilizer doses but significant deviation from regression made it unpredictable linear prediction. These results also explain that the production based on regression analysis for the genotypes differed considerably in respect to stability performances.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v24i1.16998
GENETIC DIVERSITY IN RICE (Oryza sativa L.) LANDRACES OF HILLY AREAS IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Siddique M. A. , Islam M. Z. , Khalequzzaman M. , Ahmed M. S.
Published: November 2013

Genetic diversity in 38 traditional local rice genotypes grown as Jhum in the hilly areas was studied under rainfed condition through Mahalanobis D2 statistic for grain yield and yield contributing characters. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters. The inter-cluster distances were higher than intra-cluster distances indicating wider genetic diversity among the clusters. The intra-cluster distances were lower in all the cases reflecting homogeneity of the genotypes within the clusters. The cluster V contained the highest number of genotypes (12) and the cluster I and III contained the lowest (5). The highest intra-cluster distance was noticed for the cluster III and lowest for cluster I. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and III followed by cluster II and III, cluster III and IV and the lowest between cluster II and IV. Regarding inter-cluster distance, the genotypes of cluster III   showed high genetic distance from all other clusters. The genotypes from cluster III could be hybridized with the genotypes of other clusters for producing transgressive segregants. Based on positive value of vector 1 and vector 2, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, unfilled grain panicle-1, grain length and grain length breath ratio had maximum contribution towards genetic divergence. The highest cluster means for plant height, filled grains panicle-1 and yield were obtained from cluster III. The highest flag leaf width, days to 50% flowering, unfilled grain panicle-1, grain length,  grain breath and grain length breath ratio while the lowest mean value for yield were found in cluster I.  The lowest days to 50% flowering and maturity, and highest mean value for 1000-grain weight were found in cluster IV. Therefore, more emphasis should be given on cluster I and cluster III for selecting genotypes as parents for crossing with the genotypes of cluster IV which could produce new recombinants with desired traits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v24i2.17003
GENETIC VARIABILITY OF RICE GENOTYPES (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Roy P. C. , Rasul M. G. , Mian M. A. K. , Molla M. A. H.
Published: November 2013

An attempt was made to study genotypic variance, phenotypic variance, environmental variance, genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability (h2b) and genetic advance (GA) for some rice genotypes during July 2007 to January 2009 at BSMRAU campus, Gazipur 1706. Significant variations were obtained among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Considering genetic parameters high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) value was observed for harvest index followed by yield per hill, number of tillers per hill, number of filled grain per panicle, whereas days to maturity showed very low GCV. High heritability with high genetic advance (GA) observed for yield per hill followed by number of tillers per hill, number of filled grains per panicle indicated that these characters were under additive gene control and selection for genetic improvement for these traits might be effective.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v24i2.17004
GENETIC VARIABILITY AND CORRELATION IN EXOTIC CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus L.) VARIETIES
Authors: Ullah M. Z. , Hasan M. J. , Chowdhury A. Z. M. K. A. , Saki A. I. , Rahman A. H. M. A.
Published: November 2013

Twelve exotic cultivars of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were grown to assess the presence of variability for desired traits and amount of variation for different parameters. Genetic parameters, correlations, partial correlation and regressions were estimated for all the traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among entries for all the characters. The estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were high for yield per plant, fruits per plant, fruit weight and fruit length. Broad sense heritability estimates for various traits ranged from 42.26 to 89.55%. Fruit yield per plant showed high significant positive correlation with fruits per plant, fruit weight, flesh thickness, fruit diameter and leaves per plant. Partial correlation was significant for fruits per plant and indicated these traits contributed over 70% to total fruit yield. By variability, correlation and regression analysis it was concluded that more fruits per plant and more fruit weight are major yield contributing factors in selecting high yielding cucumber cultivars.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v25i1.17008