bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of a Fluoridated Medium with Different pHs on Commercially Pure Titanium‐Based Implants
Authors: Sartori Rafael , Correa Cassia Bellotto , Marcantonio Jr Elcio , Vaz Luis Geraldo
Published: November 2008

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the influence of a fluoride medium with different pHs on the corrosion resistance of three commercially pure titanium‐based dental implant commercial brands, under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDS.

Materials and Methods: Forty‐two dental implants, from three commercial brands, were used. Five years of regular use of mouth rinsing, with NaF 1500 ppm content and two different pHs, were simulated by immersing the specimens into that medium for 184 hours.

Results: SEM and EDS analyses demonstrated no evidence of corrosion on the specimens' surfaces after being submitted to fluoride ions or incorporation of fluoride ions to the set surface.

Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that both the fluoride concentration and the pH of the solutions did not exert any influence upon implant corrosion resistance.
Microtensile Bond Strength of Nonmetallic Dowels Bonded to Radicular Dentin with Self‐Etch Adhesives
Authors: Abo El‐Ela Omar A. , Atta Osama A. , El‐Mowafy Omar
Published: November 2008

Purpose: The bonding potential of nonmetallic dowels to root dentin, particularly with new self‐etch adhesives, has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to determine microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of nonmetallic dowels, including a novel glass fiber dowel, when bonded to radicular dentin with self‐etch adhesives.

Materials and Methods: Crowns of extracted anterior teeth were severed, and endodontic treatment was performed. Teeth were divided into six groups according to dowel/adhesive. Teeth received dowels as follows: group I: Light Post + Clearfil‐SE Bond/Panavia‐F (SE/PF), group II: Light Post + Xeno III/Panavia‐F (XN/PF), group III: ParaPost Fiber White + SE/PF, group IV: ParaPost Fiber White + XN/PF, group V: everStick Post + SE/PF, and group VI: everStick Post + XN/PF. Teeth were sectioned to produce 1 mm specimens from both cervical and middle thirds with the dowel at the center. Specimens were tested in a special machine, and μTBS values were determined.

Results: Mean μTBS values and SDs in MPa for the cervical region were as follows: group I: 10.36 (1.88), group II: 8.51 (1.41), group III: 11.61 (1.06), group IV: 9.37 (1.61), group V: 14.22 (1.16), and group VI: 12.97 (1.69). Group V had the highest mean value—significantly higher than the means of groups I, II, III, and IV (p < 0.0001 to p < 0.02). For the middle region: group I, 9.72 (1.61); group II, 7.62 (1.42); group III, 10.28 (0.75); group IV, 8.48 (1.51); group V, 13.23 (1.06); group VI, 11.07 (1.49). Group V also had highest mean value—significantly higher than the means of groups I, II, III, and IV (p < 0.0001 to p < 0.004).

Conclusions: everStick glass fiber dowel, bonded with either adhesive, showed the highest μTBS. Microtensile bond strengths were not significantly different with cervical root dentin than with middle root dentin.
Technique for Removing Cement between a Fixed Prosthesis and Its Substructure
Authors: Alsiyabi Abdullah S. , Felton David A.
Published: November 2008

Failed restorations diagnosed with salvageable and subsequently reusable metal substructures that demand their separation can be clinically challenging to undertake without the risk of damaging either the super‐ or substructures. This article describes a technique to safely separate them from each other in order for the respective substructure to be reused in the fabrication of a newly reconstructed restoration and for the existing restoration to be reused as a provisional where appropriately indicated.
Solutions for Severely Angulated Implants in the Mandibular Overdenture: A Clinical Report
Authors: Akkad Salem , Richards Mark
Published: November 2008

Results of randomized clinical trials have confirmed that implant overdentures provide patients with better outcomes than do conventional complete dentures. Several designs have been introduced for the mandibular implant‐retained removable prosthesis. The most commonly used prosthesis design for the mandibular overdenture is two implants in the canine areas with a stud attachment mechanism (i.e., ball attachments). This design is the least expensive, and therefore can service more patients and is now considered to be the “Standard of Care” for the mandibular edentulous patient. Proper treatment planning and execution lead to favorable implant placement and a successful prosthetic restoration and ultimately patient satisfaction; however, implant malposition may occur, which can lead to an unsuccessful prosthesis. This clinical report describes an implant overdenture design used for severely angled implants. Prosthodontic techniques that enabled this patient to have a successful outcome included the use of cast‐to attachments and abutments along with a sectional matrix used to locate these components within the bulk of the prosthesis. For this patient the prosthodontic compromises were preferred over another surgical procedure with the additional time, discomfort, increased cost, and possible surgical morbidity. It is important that the patient understand the compromises and potential problems when implant placement is not ideal, especially the potential for implant overload and failure.
Absence of Histological Changes after the Administration of a Continuous Intrathecal Clonidine in Wistar rats
Authors: Guevara‐López Uriah , Aldrete J. Antonio , Covarrubias‐Gómez Alfredo , Hernández‐Pando Rogelio E. , López‐Muñoz Francisco J.
Published: November 2008

Background:  The administration of epidural and spinal clonidine has demonstrated an antinociceptive effect in animals and humans. For that reason, its spinal administration has been proposed as an adjuvant in chronic pain management. However, there is limited information about its possible neurotoxic effect after its continuous neuraxial administration.

Method:  Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. Using an osmotic mini‐pump a continuous infusion of intrathecal clonidine, (21.4 micrograms/day, Group A) or saline solution (Group B), was administered for 14 consecutive days. For evaluating the neurological damage a neuropathological analysis of the spinal cord was performed by light microscopy.

Results:  Neurohistopathologic examination of the spinal cord specimens failed to show evidence of neurotoxic damage in either group.

Conclusions:  These findings showed that continuous intrathecal administration of clonidine did not produce evidence of histological neurotoxicity; therefore it is possible that continuous administration of intrathecal clonidine might be a safe option for treatment of chronic intractable pain; however, further investigations are necessary for evaluating diverse doses and periods of time, and to define its possible behavioral effects.
Noninfectious transfusion of platelets donated before detection of human immunodeficiency virus RNA in plasma
Authors: Kalus Ulrich , Edelmann Anke , Pruss Axel , Hofmann Jörg , Kiesewetter Holger , Krüger Detlev H. , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be transmitted via blood products donated after primary HIV‐1 infection before the detection of viral RNA in plasma.

CASE REPORT: From a 39‐year‐old repeat donor, double plateletpheresis donations were collected on Days 4 and 18 after the presumptive date of primary HIV‐1 infection. The former apheresis donations tested negative for the presence of HIV and were transfused to two patients, whereas the latter donation tested positive by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) but not in antibody screening and was not released for transfusion.

RESULTS: One of the recipients of the Day 4 apheresis donation died of unrelated reasons and could therefore not be tested. The second recipient did not develop HIV‐1 infection and has remained negative for the presence of all HIV markers over a period of 7.5 months after the receipt of the apheresis unit. In the donor, qualitative and quantitative RT‐PCR as well as an antibody‐antigen combination assay were observed to be positive on Day 18. In contrast, the HIV antibody screening test became positive for the first time on Day 25.

CONCLUSION: Transmission of HIV‐1 may not occur during the very early stage of infection.
Pediatric transfusion medicine: development of a critical mass
Authors: Hillyer Christopher D. , Mondoro Traci Heath , Josephson Cassandra D. , Sanchez Rosa , Sloan Steven R. , Ambruso Daniel R.
Published: November 2008

Many significant events have occurred in the recent past that beg a broad audience to address the question “What is pediatric transfusion medicine?” Herein, we list some of these events and their relevance below and attempt to provide an answer for this question. Indeed, several issues regarding the subspecialty of pediatric transfusion medicine (PTM) are particularly timely, and it appears that a critical mass, or a nidus capable of becoming a critical mass, is developing in PTM.
How Important Is Money in the Conduct of Monetary Policy?
Authors: WOODFORD MICHAEL
Published: November 2008

I consider some of the leading arguments for assigning an important role to tracking the growth of monetary aggregates when making decisions about monetary policy. First, I consider whether ignoring money means returning to the conceptual framework that allowed the high inflation of the 1970s. Second, I consider whether models of inflation determination with no role for money are incomplete, or inconsistent with elementary economic principles. Third, I consider the implications for monetary policy strategy of the empirical evidence for a long‐run relationship between money growth and inflation. And fourth, I consider reasons why a monetary policy strategy based solely on short‐run inflation forecasts derived from a Phillips curve may not be a reliable way of controlling inflation. I argue that none of these considerations provides a compelling reason to assign a prominent role to monetary aggregates in the conduct of monetary policy.
Managing Expectations
Authors: KING ROBERT G. , LU YANG K. , PASTÉN ERNESTO S.
Published: November 2008

The idea that monetary policy is principally about “managing expectations” has taken hold in central banks around the world. Discussions of expectations management by central bankers, academics and by financial market participants frequently also include the idea that central bank credibility is imperfect. We adapt a familiar macroeconomic model so as to discuss key concepts in the area of expectations management. Our work also exemplifies a model construction approach to analyzing the dynamics of announcements, actions, and credibility that we think makes feasible a wide range of future investigations concerning the management of expectations.
News and Business Cycles in Open Economies
Authors: JAIMOVICH NIR , REBELO SERGIO
Published: November 2008

We study the effects of news about future total factor productivity (TFP) in a small open economy. We show that an open‐economy version of the neoclassical model produces a recession in response to good news about future TFP. We propose an open‐economy model that generates comovement in response to TFP news. The key elements of our model are a weak short‐run wealth effect on the labor supply and adjustment costs to labor and investment. We show that our model also generates comovement in response to news about future investment‐specific technical change and to “sudden stops.”
An Estimated Monetary DSGE Model with Unemployment and Staggered Nominal Wage Bargaining
Authors: GERTLER MARK , SALA LUCA , TRIGARI ANTONELLA
Published: November 2008

We develop and estimate a medium scale macroeconomic model that allows for unemployment and staggered nominal wage contracting. In contrast to most existing quantitative models, employment adjustment is on the extensive margin and the employment of existing workers is efficient. Wage rigidity, however, affects the hiring of new workers. The former is introduced via the staggered Nash bargaining setup of Gertler and Trigari (2006). A robust finding is that the model with wage rigidity provides a better description of the data than does a flexible wage version. Overall, the model fits the data roughly as well as existing quantitative macroeconomic models, such as Smets and Wouters (2007) or Christiano, Eichenbaum, and Evans (2005). More work is necessary, however, to ensure a robust identification of the key labor market parameters.
Monetary Policy and Inflation in the 70s
Authors: COLLARD FABRICE , DELLAS HARRIS
Published: November 2008

An influential paper by Clarida, Galí, and Gertler (2000) has attributed the great inflation of the 1970s to the violation of the Taylor principle in the conduct of U.S. monetary policy (weak, indeterminacy inducing response to expected inflation). We evaluate this thesis in the context of a standard New Keynesian model against a version of the model that incorporates incomplete information learning about the true state of the economy. The likelihood‐based estimation of the model overwhelmingly favors the specification with indeterminacy over the alternatives with determinacy, independent of the presence and size of misperceptions.
Why Money Growth Determines Inflation in the Long Run: Answering the Woodford Critique
Authors: NELSON EDWARD
Published: November 2008

Woodford argues that it is not appropriate to regard inflation in the steady state of New Keynesian models as determined by steady‐state money growth. Woodford instead argues that the intercept term in the monetary authority's interest rate policy rule determines steady‐state inflation. In this paper, I offer an alternative interpretation of steady‐state behavior, according to which it is appropriate to regard steady‐state inflation as determined by steady‐state money growth. The argument relies on traditional interpretations of the central bank's power in the long run and appeals to model properties that are common to textbook and New Keynesian analysis. According to this argument, the only way the central bank can control interest rates in the long run is via affecting inflation, and its only means available for determining inflation is by determining the money growth rate.
A Multistate Model for Bivariate Interval‐Censored Failure Time Data
Authors: Cook Richard J. , Zeng Leilei , Lee Ker‐Ai
Published: November 2008

SummaryInterval‐censored life‐history data arise when the events of interest are only detectable at periodic assessments. When interest lies in the occurrence of two such events, bivariate‐interval censored event time data are obtained. We describe how to fit a four‐state Markov model useful for characterizing the association between two interval‐censored event times when the assessment times for the two events may be generated by different inspection processes. The approach treats the two events symmetrically and enables one to fit multiplicative intensity models that give estimates of covariate effects as well as relative risks characterizing the association between the two events. An expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm is described for estimation in which the maximization step can be carried out with standard software. The method is illustrated by application to data from a trial of HIV patients where the events are the onset of viral shedding in the blood and urine among individuals infected with cytomegalovirus.
Weighted Likelihood Method for Grouped Survival Data in Case–Cohort Studies with Application to HIV Vaccine Trials
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Gilbert Peter , Nan Bin
Published: November 2008

SummaryGrouped failure time data arise often in HIV studies. In a recent preventive HIV vaccine efficacy trial, immune responses generated by the vaccine were measured from a case–cohort sample of vaccine recipients, who were subsequently evaluated for the study endpoint of HIV infection at prespecified follow‐up visits.Gilbert et al.(2005,Journal of Infectious Diseases 191, 666–677) andForthal et al.(2007,Journal of Immunology 178,6596–6603) analyzed the association between the immune responses and HIV incidence with a Cox proportional hazards model, treating the HIV infection diagnosis time as a right‐censored random variable. The data, however, are of the form of grouped failure time data with case–cohort covariate sampling, and we propose an inverse selection probability‐weighted likelihood method for fitting the Cox model to these data. The method allows covariates to be time dependent, and uses multiple imputation to accommodate covariate data that are missing at random. We establish asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators, and present simulation results showing their good finite sample performance. We apply the method to the HIV vaccine trial data, showing that higher antibody levels are associated with a lower hazard of HIV infection.
Inference for Proportions in a 2 × 2 Contingency Table: HPD or not HPD?
Authors: Tuyl Frank , Gerlach Richard , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: November 2008

Summary Highest posterior density intervals are common in Bayesian inference, but as noted by Agresti and Min (2005, Biometrics 61, 515–523) they are not invariant under transformations. Agresti and Min suggested central or “tail” intervals as preferable in the context of the relative risk and odds ratio. A modification to this is proposed for extreme outcomes, as invariance is maintained when replacing central intervals by one‐sided intervals. Bayes–Laplace priors for the binomial parameters appear preferable here, compared to Jeffreys priors, contrary to Agresti and Min's suggestion based on frequentist coverage.
The Last Will and Testament in Literature: Rupture, Rivalry, and Sometimes Rapprochement from Middlemarch to Lemony Snicket
Authors: STONE ELIZABETH
Published: November 2008

Although the psychological literature on the last will and testament is sparse, authors of fiction and memoir have filled the gap, writing in rich detail about the impact of wills on families. Henry James, George Eliot, J. R. Ackerley, and others reveal that a will is not only a legal document but a microcosm of family life: a coded and nonnegotiable message from the will's writer to its intended readers, the heirs, delivered at a stressful time and driving home the truth that options for discussion between testator and heirs are now gone, all factors which may intensify the ambivalence of grief and stall its resolution. Among the problems the authors chronicle: reinvigorated sibling rivalries, vindictive testators, and the revelation of traumatic family secrets. Writers also demonstrate how contemporary social factors, such as divorce, second families, and geographic distance between family members, may complicate wills and ensuing family relations. Exemplary wills, or will‐like documents, appear in fiction by Maria Katzenbach and Marilynne Robinson, allowing the living to make rapprochements with the dead, and pointing to testamentary strategies clinicians might develop to lead to a resolution of grief. The depth of these writers' accounts allows clinicians to imagine points at which they might productively intervene in matters pertaining to a will.
New Evidence for the Social Embeddedness of Infants' Early Triangular Capacities
Authors: McHALE JAMES , FIVAZ‐DEPEURSINGE ELISABETH , DICKSTEIN SUSAN , ROBERTSON JANET , DALEY MATTHEW
Published: November 2008

Infants appear to be active participants in complex interactional sequences with their parents far earlier than previously theorized. In this report, we document the capacity of 3‐month‐old infants to share attention with two partners (mothers and fathers) simultaneously, and trace links between this capacity and early family group‐level dynamics. During comprehensive evaluations of the family's emergent coparenting alliance completed in 113 homes, we charted infants' eye gaze patterns during two different mother‐father‐infant assessment paradigms. Triangular capacities (operationalized as the frequency of rapid multishift gaze transitions between parents during interactions) were stable across interaction context. Infants exhibiting more advanced triangular capacities belonged to families showing evidence of better coparental adjustment. Theoretical and practice implications of these findings are discussed.
Synchrony in the Triad: A Microlevel Process Model of Coparenting and Parent‐Child Interactions
Authors: GORDON ILANIT , FELDMAN RUTH
Published: November 2008

Guided by a microanalytic approach to the study of relationships, we assessed parent, infant, and coparental behaviors during triadic interactions in 94 parents and their 5‐month‐old firstborn child. Relational behaviors in each family subsystem—mother‐infant, father‐infant, and coparenting—were microcoded. Marital satisfaction and infant temperament were self‐reported. No differences were found in the infants' behavior toward mother and father or in the time spent with each parent. Mothers' and fathers' relational behavior during parent‐infant episodes were generally comparable, yet mothers vocalized more and the latency to father's displaying positive affect was longer. Conditional probabilities indicated that under conditions of coparental mutuality, fathers showed more positive behaviors than mothers. Lag‐sequential analysis demonstrated that change in the infant's social focus between parents followed change in coparental behavior. Fathers' coparental mutuality was independently predicted by maternal behavior during mother‐child episodes, father marital satisfaction, and infant difficult temperament, whereas mothers' coparental mutuality was only linked with fathers' relational behavior. Results highlight the importance of including a microlevel perspective on the family system at the first stages of family development.
Gaining Ground from a Family and Cultural Legacy: A Teen Mother's Story of Repairing the World
Authors: SMITHBATTLE LEE
Published: November 2008

A multigenerational longitudinal study of teen mothering provided prospective data on the intergenerational continuities and discontinuities in parenting traditions and caregiving legacies. Families that included a teen mother were first interviewed intensively in 1988–1989 and were reinterviewed in 1993, 1997, 2001, and 2005. All studies in the series were based on the phenomenology of everyday practices and the assumption that the self is constituted by practical, historical, and embodied understandings. Data were analyzed using the hermeneutic approach.
Laser Surface Modification of Electrophoretically Deposited Hydroxyapatite Coating on Titanium
Authors: Roy Mangal , Bandyopadhyay Amit , Bose Susmita
Published: November 2008

Laser surface treatment was used on electrophoretically deposited hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings on Titanium (Ti) to improve interfacial bonding. First, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was used to produce thick HAP coatings on Ti substrate. Both heat treatment and laser surface treatment were used to create a strong metal–ceramic interface. X‐ray diffraction results for laser‐treated surface indicated the presence of HAP and Ti phases along with CaTiO3. A second layer of HAP was electrophoretically deposited on laser‐treated coatings to improve biological properties further. Our results show that laser surface treatment can eliminate delamination of weak interface of HAP coatings by forming a strong Ti–HAP composite layer at the interface. The coating hardness increased to 582±98 Hv compared with the base metal hardness of 306±20 Hv. Bone cell–material interactions for both laser treated and untreated samples with human osteoprecursor cells showed no sign of toxicity due to laser processing, and increased bioactivity due to HAP coatings.
Novel Method for Fabrication of Silicon Nitride/Silicon Oxynitride Composite Ceramic Foams Using Fly Ash Cenosphere as a Pore‐Forming Agent
Authors: Shao Yingfeng , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu , Liu Boyang
Published: November 2008

Silicon nitride/silicon oxynitride (Si3N4/Si2N2O) ceramic foams with tailored microstructures were prepared by a gelcasting process using fly ash cenosphere (FAC) as a pore‐forming agent. The slurry has a suitable viscosity so that the floating velocity of FAC in the slurry is slow enough to avoid delamination between the FAC and the matrix during consolidation. Experimental observation showed that a uniform distribution of FAC was achieved in the matrix. Sintering was carried out at 1500°, 1600°, and 1700°C, respectively, for 1 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. X‐ray diffractometry analysis indicated that Si2N2O was formed via the reaction between FAC and Si3N4. Microstructural analysis revealed that spherical‐shaped pores obtained from FAC were uniformly dispersed in the composite. Si3N4/Si2N2O composite ceramic foams with apparent porosities of 62.0%–67.4% and a bending strength of 21–39 MPa were obtained eventually.
Anisotropic Dissolution of α‐Alumina (0001) and (1120) Surfaces into Adjoining Silicates
Authors: Lockwood Glenn K. , Zhang Shenghong , Garofalini Stephen H.
Published: November 2008

The dissolutions of the (0001) and (1120) orientations of α‐Al2O3 into calcium silicate, aluminosilicate, and calcium aluminosilicate melts were modeled using molecular dynamics simulations. In all cases, it was found that the (1120) surface of the crystal destabilizes and melts at a lower temperature than does the (0001) surface. This anisotropy in dissolution counters the anisotropy in grain growth, in which the outward growth of the (1120) surface occurs more rapidly than that on the (0001) surface, causing platelets. However, anisotropic dissolution occurred only at a certain temperature range, above which dissolution behavior was isotropic. The presence of calcium in the contacting silicate melt plays an important role in this anisotropic dissolution, similar to its role in anisotropic grain growth observed previously. However, anisotropic dissolution also occurs in the silicate melts not containing calcium, indicating the importance of the different surface energies. In combination with previous simulations of anisotropic grain growth in alumina, these simulations reveal a complex kinetic competition between preferential adsorption and growth versus preferential dissolution of the (1120) orientation in comparison with the (0001) orientation as a function of temperature and local composition. This, in turn, indicates potential processing variations in which to design morphology in alumina.
Preparation and Formation Mechanism of ZrW2O8 by Sol–Gel Process
Authors: Kanamori Kenji , Kineri Tohru , Fukuda Ryohei , Nishio Keishi , Yasumori Atsuo
Published: November 2008

ZrW2O8 is known as a material that shows negative thermal expansion. Amorphous ZrW2O8 with a particle size of 50–300 nm was prepared by a sol–gel process at a lower temperature of 723 K for 12 h. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the amorphous ZrW2O8 started to crystallize at 833 K and remained kinetically stable up to 953 K. We investigated the formation mechanism in a sol–gel process of ZrW2O8 by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry‐differential thermal analysis, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The precursor solution changed into an amorphous precursor sol at room temperature, and this changed into a crystalline precursor gel between 351 and 358 K. The precursor ZrW2O7(OH)2(H2O)2 was obtained by drying this gel at 343 K. These results indicate that the crystallization of the amorphous precursor depends on the heat‐treatment temperatures under low pH conditions because the residual −OH or −OR groups are removed by polycondensation reactions.
Calcium Zinc Borosilicate Glass with High Thermal Expansion Coefficient for LTCC Applications
Authors: Park Jin‐Soo , Kim Yurian , Shin Hyunho , Moon Jung‐Ho , Lim Wook
Published: November 2008

Composition of calcium zinc borosilicate glass has been designed from the viewpoint of achieving high thermal expansion for low temperature co‐firing ceramic applications. Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the glass increased with the total percentage of CaO plus ZnO up to 70 mol%, and it also increased with CaO/ZnO ratio up to 50/20 under the constraint of 70 mol% of total CaO plus MgO, beyond which glass forming was impossible. All the CTE behaviors were qualitatively well correlated by the prediction of Hormadaly's model and the simple rule of mixture based on Appen's constant, while the former was shown to be a better tool on a quantitative base for the design of glass composition. Dielectric constant of the developed glass was generally within the range predicted by the Appen's constant. The designed glass, 50CaO·20ZnO·20B2O3·10SiO2, demonstrated CTE of 12.8 × 10−6/K and dielectric constant of 13.5. ?>
In Situ Fabrication of a Supported Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9−δ Membrane Electrolyte for a Proton‐Conducting SOFC
Authors: Bi Lei , Zhang Shangquan , Fang Shumin , Zhang Lei , Gao Haiying , Meng Guangyao , Liu Wei
Published: November 2008

A thin Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9−δ (BCN18) membrane electrolyte was prepared by a novel and facile method on a NiO–BCN18 anode substrate. The interesting aspect of the method was the adoption of a in situ reaction of BaCO3, CaCO3, and Nb2O5 on the anode substrate to prepare a dense BCN18 membrane. The BCN18 membrane obtained, which was about 15 μm in thickness and showed high chemical stability against H2O and CO2, attained a high density after sintering at 1400°C. The elemental composition of the BCN18 membrane prepared was identified by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. With La0.7Sr0.3FeO3−σ (LSF) as the cathode, the fuel cell performance with the structure of Ni–BCN18/BCN18/LSF was studied.
R‐Curve Determination for the Initial Stage of Crack Extension in Si3N4
Authors: Fett Theo , Fünfschilling Stefan , Hoffmann Michael J. , Oberacker Rainer , Jelitto Hans , Schneider Gerold A.
Published: November 2008

In experimental R‐curve investigations crack development usually starts from notches. The validity of R‐curves depends on the size of the notch root radius. This influence is ignored in many cases. In this study it will be shown how the notch radius affects the formally computed crack resistance curve and how the initial true R‐curve can be obtained from the same data. The tests were performed on a silicon nitride with 5 wt% Y2O3 and 2 wt% MgO. The evaluation of load versus displacement measurements during fracture showed a very steep R‐curve with the saturation reached even after about 10 μm crack extension.
Zinc Oxide Nanofiber Gas Sensors Via Electrospinning
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Huimin , Li Zhenyu , Zhang Hongnan , Wang Yu , Zheng Wei , Wang Ce
Published: November 2008

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers with an average diameter of 150 nm were synthesized by electrospinning. The morphology and structure of the as‐prepared ZnO nanofibers have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. The as‐prepared ZnO nanofibers exhibit excellent sensing properties against ethanol at an operating temperature of 300°C, including a rapid response (time ∼3 s) and recovery (time ∼8 s), super sensitivity, and high selectivity, which makes our product a good candidate for fabricating gas sensors in practice.
Biomechanical Factors in Human Dermal Bitemarks in a Cadaver Model*
Authors: Bush Mary A. , Miller Raymond G. , Bush Peter J. , Dorion Robert B. J.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: In bitemark analysis, the forensic odontologist must consider how the biomechanical properties of the skin contribute to distortion of the bitemark. In addition, one must consider how the bitemark can be distorted by postural movement of the victim after the bite has occurred. A fundamental review of the architecture and biomechanical properties of the dermis is described and evaluated through bites made on cadavers. In order to assess distortion, 23 bites from a single characterized dentition were made on un‐embalmed cadaver skin. Bite indentations were photographed. Following various body manipulations they were re‐photographed in different positions. Hollow volume overlays of the biting dentition were constructed, and metric analysis of the dentition and all bitemarks was completed. The overall intercanine, mesial to distal, and angle of rotation distortion was calculated. Of the 23 bites made, none were measurably identical, and in some cases, dramatic distortion was noted.
Stable Isotope Ratios of Marijuana. I. Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes Describe Growth Conditions*
Authors: West Jason B. , Hurley Janet M. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: November 2008

Abstract: There remains significant uncertainty in illicit marijuana cultivation. We analyzed the δ13C and δ15N of 508 domestic samples from known U.S.A. counties, 31 seized from a single location, 5 samples grown in Mexico and Colombia, and 10 northwest border seizures. For a subset, inflorescences and leaves were analyzed separately. These data revealed a strong correspondence, with inflorescences having slightly higher δ13C and δ15N values than leaves. A framework for interpreting these results is introduced and evaluated. Samples identified as outdoor‐grown by δ13C were generally recorded as such by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). DEA‐classified indoor‐grown samples had the most negative δ13C values, consistent with indoor cultivation, although many were also in the outdoor‐grown domain. δ15N indicated a wide range of fertilizers across the dataset. Samples seized at the single location suggested multiple sources. Northwest border δ13C values suggested indoor growth, whereas for the Mexican and Colombian samples they indicated outdoor growth.
Metabolic Syndrome Resolution in Children and Adolescents After 10 Weeks of Weight Loss
Authors: Coppen Ann Marie , Risser Joseph A. , Vash Peter D.
Published: November 2008

Without aggressive intervention, childhood obesity and the metabolic syndrome may result in lifelong physical consequences. Interventions that emphasize healthy eating and regular exercise are crucial to stop this epidemic and its ramifications. This paper discusses the incidence of the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors before and after a weight loss program. A retrospective review was conducted in 135 children and adolescents (aged 6 to 19) who completed a 10‐week medically supervised weight loss program. Outcome measures included mean change in each component of the metabolic syndrome, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c. After 10 weeks of weight loss, a mean (SD) weight loss of 9.24 (19.5) kg was attained. Resolution of the metabolic syndrome was seen in 75.5% of children and adolescents. Weight loss can reverse metabolic syndrome and decrease cardiovascular risk in as little as 10 weeks.
The Effect of Pioglitazone on Nitric Oxide Synthase in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nishio Kazuaki , Shigemitsu Meiei , Kodama Yusuke , Itoh Seiji , Konno Noburu , Satoh Ryuji , Katagiri Takashi , Kobayashi Youichi
Published: November 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pioglitazone on nitric oxide in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. Twenty‐seven patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus who had received coronary stenting were eligible for the study. They were assigned to the no insulin resistance (NIR) group, the insulin resistance (IR) group, and the pioglitazone group (30 mg once a day). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6, leptin, and adiponectin were measured. In the pioglitazone group, eNOS, iNOS, and leptin were significantly lower and adiponectin was significantly higher than those in the IR group. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that eNOS correlated with TNF‐α and iNOS correlated with leptin and TNF‐α. Leptin was the strongest predictor of iNOS. Treatment with pioglitazone significantly reduced eNOS and iNOS by improving adipocytokine levels.
The Metabolic Syndrome Among Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization in Jordan
Authors: Khader Yousef , Khatatbeh Moawiah , EL‐Salem Khalid , Amarin Zouhair , Bateiha Anwar
Published: November 2008

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MeS) and its associated factors among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in north Jordan. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among patients who underwent cardiac catheterization at King Abdullah University Hospital in north Jordan. Data from 360 patients were collected through personal interview, medical records, and anthropometric measurements. MeS was defined using National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The prevalence of MeS among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in north Jordan was 64.7% according to NCEP ATP III criteria and 76.7% according to IDF criteria. About 96.7% of the participants had at least 1 metabolic abnormality. Sex, body mass index, and family history of cardiovascular disease were the only variables significantly associated with MeS. The prevalence of MeS among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in north Jordan is considerably high, especially among women.
Attenuation of Endocrine‐Exocrine Pancreatic Communication in Type 2 Diabetes: Pancreatic Extracellular Matrix Ultrastructural Abnormalities
Authors: Hayden Melvin R. , Patel Kamlesh , Habibi Javad , Gupta Deepa , Tekwani Seema S. , Whaley‐Connell Adam , Sowers James R.
Published: November 2008

Ultrastructural observations reveal a continuous interstitial matrix connection between the endocrine and exocrine pancreas, which is lost due to fibrosis in rodent models and humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Widening of the islet‐exocrine interface appears to result in loss of desmosomes and adherens junctions between islet and acinar cells and is associated with hypercellularity consisting of pericytes and inflammatory cells in T2DM pancreatic tissue. Organized fibrillar collagen was closely associated with pericytes, which are known to differentiate into myofibroblasts—pancreatic stellate cells. Of importance, some pericyte cellular processes traverse both the connecting islet‐exocrine interface and the endoacinar interstitium of the exocrine pancreas. Loss of cellular paracrine communication and extracellular matrix remodeling fibrosis in young animal models and humans may result in a dysfunctional insulino‐acinar‐ductal–incretin gut hormone axis, resulting in pancreatic insufficiency and glucagon‐like peptide deficiency, which are known to exist in prediabetes and overt T2DM in humans.
Prefrontal gyral folding and its cognitive correlates in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: McIntosh A. M. , Moorhead T. W. J. , McKirdy J. , Hall J. , Sussmann J. E. D. , Stanfield A. C. , Harris J. M. , Johnstone E. C. , Lawrie S. M.
Published: November 2008

Objective:  We sought to address whether dorsal or ventral prefrontal gyrification is abnormal in bipolar disorder and to determine its diagnostic specificity and cognitive associations.

Method:  Forty‐two out‐patients with bipolar disorder, 28 with schizophrenia and 37 controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging. All subjects also underwent IQ and executive assessments using tasks whose performance has been localized to the ventral or dorsal prefrontal cortex. Cortical folding was quantified using the gyrification index (GI) and related to the cognitive measures.

Results:  Patients with bipolar disorder showed reduced prefrontal gyrification compared with controls but did not differ from patients with schizophrenia. Neither ventral nor dorsal GI was preferentially affected in either disorder. Current IQ was positively and significantly correlated with GI.

Conclusion:  Patients with bipolar disorder and patients with schizophrenia have reduced prefrontal gyrification affecting both ventral and dorsal subregions. These reductions were significantly associated with cognitive impairments occurring in both disorders.
Psychoeducational intervention for caregivers of Indian patients with schizophrenia: a randomised‐controlled trial
Authors: Kulhara P. , Chakrabarti S. , Avasthi A. , Sharma A. , Sharma S.
Published: November 2008

Objective:  There are hardly any randomised‐controlled trials of structured family interventions for schizophrenia from India. This study attempted to evaluate the impact of a structured psychoeducational intervention for schizophrenia, compared with standard out‐patient treatment, on various patient‐ and caregiver‐related parameters.

Method:  Seventy‐six patients with DSM‐IV schizophrenia and their caregivers were randomly allocated to receive either a structured psychoeducational intervention (n = 38) consisting of monthly sessions for 9 months or ‘routine’ out‐patient care (n = 38) for the same duration. Psychopathology was assessed on monthly basis. Disability levels, caregiver‐burden, caregiver‐coping, caregiver‐support and caregiver‐satisfaction were evaluated at baseline and upon completion.

Results:  Structured psychoeducational intervention was significantly better than routine out‐patient care on several indices including psychopathology, disability, caregiver‐support and caregiver‐satisfaction. The psychoeducational intervention package used was simple, feasible and not costly.

Conclusion:  Structured psychoeducational intervention is a viable option for treatment of schizophrenia even in developing countries like India.
The association between periodontal disease and obesity among adults in Jordan
Authors: Khader Yousef Saleh , Bawadi Hiba Ahmad , Haroun Touleen Fawzi , Alomari Mosa , Tayyem Reema Fayez
Published: November 2008

Aim: To determine the relationship between periodontitis and overweight/obesity among Jordanians.

Material and Methods: A systematic random sample of 340 persons aged between 18 and 70 years was selected from those who accompanied patients during their visit to the outpatient clinics in the medical centre of Jordan University of Science and Technology in north of Jordan. All participants underwent periodontal examination, had anthropometric measurements, and completed the questionnaire. Periodontitis was defined as presence of four or more teeth with one or more sites with probing pocket depth 4 mm and clinical attachment loss 3 mm.

Results: Only 14% of normal weight participants had periodontal disease whereas 29.6% of overweight and 51.9% of obese participants had periodontal disease. Periodontitis was more prevalent among subjects with high waist circumference (WC) and among subjects with high waist‐to‐hip ratio. After adjusting for important variables, only body mass index (BMI)‐defined obesity [odds ratio (OR)=2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3, 6.1], high WC (OR=2.1, 95%CI: 1.2, 3.7), and high fat per cent (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.3) remained significantly associated with increased odds of periodontitis.

Conclusion: BMI‐defined obesity, high WC, and high fat per cent were significantly associated with increased odds of having periodontitis.
Fluoride rinsing and dental health inequalities in 11‐year‐old children: an evaluation of a supervised school‐based fluoride rinsing programme in Edinburgh
Authors: Levin Kate A. , Jones Colwyn M. , Wight Christine , Valentine Carolyn , V.A. Topping Gail , Naysmith Robert
Published: November 2008

Abstract –  Objectives:  Previous studies have shown that fluoride mouthrinsing programmes are effective in reducing caries among children and adolescents. National surveys of child dental health in the UK confirm that there is variation in oral health. In particular, children of low socioeconomic status in Scotland have a disproportionately high share of dental disease. This study aimed to evaluate an existing school‐based fluoride mouthrinsing programme on dental caries in populations stratified by socioeconomic status.

Methods:  A random sample of 1333 children surveyed by the National Dental Inspection Programme with average age 11.4 years was included in the study. Caries prevalence data were collected for the 661 rinsers and 672 nonrinsers. Chi‐squared tests and t‐tests were carried out to test differences in proportion and in mean D3MFT, respectively. The data were modelled using multilevel logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, deprivation and rinse status.

Results:  There is a strong negative association between deprivation and prevalence of D3MFT = 0. There is no significant difference in prevalence of D3MFT between rinsers and nonrinsers, however, mean D3MFT is greater for nonrinsers within each deprivation category. After adjusting for age, sex and deprivation, the odds of a tooth being decayed missing or filled for a child who rinsed are 0.79 (0.64, 0.98) compared with those of a child who did not.

Conclusions:  Fluoride rinsing can be effectively targeted at children from deprived areas through school‐based initiatives. There are some difficulties in recruiting all children from the more deprived backgrounds, but overall reductions in D3MFT were observed.
Global policy for improvement of oral health in the 21st century – implications to oral health research of World Health Assembly 2007, World Health Organization
Authors: Petersen Poul Erik
Published: November 2008

Abstract – The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Oral Health Programme has worked hard over the past 5 years to increase the awareness of oral health worldwide as oral health is important component of general health and quality of life. Meanwhile, oral disease is still a major public health problem in high income countries and the burden of oral disease is growing in many low‐ and middle income countries. In the World Oral Health Report 2003, the WHO Global Oral Health Programme formulated the policies and necessary actions to the continuous improvement of oral health. The strategy is that oral disease prevention and the promotion of oral health needs to be integrated with chronic disease prevention and general health promotion as the risks to health are linked. The World Health Assembly (WHA) and the Executive Board (EB) are supreme governance bodies of WHO and for the first time in 25 years oral health was subject to discussion by those bodies in 2007. At the EB120 and WHA60, the Member States agreed on an action plan for oral health and integrated disease prevention, thereby confirming the approach of the Oral Health Programme. The policy forms the basis for future development or adjustment of oral health programmes at national level. Clinical and public health research has shown that a number of individual, professional and community preventive measures are effective in preventing most oral diseases. However, advances in oral health science have not yet benefited the poor and disadvantaged populations worldwide. The major challenges of the future will be to translate knowledge and experiences in oral disease prevention and health promotion into action programmes. The WHO Global Oral Health Programme invites the international oral health research community to engage further in research capacity building in developing countries, and in strengthening the work so that research is recognized as the foundation of oral heath policy at global level.