bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bed- and Sofa-Sharing Practices in a UK Biethnic Population
Authors: Ball Helen L. , Moya Eduardo , Fairley Lesley , Westman Janette , Oddie Sam , Wright John
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the prevalence and associations of bed- and sofa-sharing in a biethnic UK birth cohort.

METHODS:

We surveyed 3082 participants in the Born in Bradford birth cohort study by using a telephone interview when infants were aged 2 to 4 months. We asked families about sleep surface sharing behaviors, and other sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)-related behaviors.

RESULTS:

There were 15.5% of families that had ever bed-shared, 7.2% of families regularly bed-shared, and 9.4% of families had ever sofa-shared with their infants; 1.4% reported both. Regular bed-sharers were more commonly Pakistani (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96–4.66), had further or higher educational qualifications (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.03–2.57), or breastfed for at least 8 weeks (aOR = 3.06, 95% CI 2.00–4.66). The association between breastfeeding and bed-sharing was greater among white British than Pakistani families. Sofa-sharing occurred in association with smoking (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.14–2.80) and breastfeeding for more than 8 weeks (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.19–2.58), and was less likely in Pakistani families (aOR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.14–0.31), or single-parent families (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.29–0.87).

CONCLUSIONS:

The data confirm that bed-sharing and sofa-sharing are distinct practices, which should not be combined in studies of unexpected infant deaths as a single exposure. The determinants of sleep-surface sharing differ between the UK Pakistani and UK majority communities, and from those of US minority communities. Caution is needed in generalizing SUDI/SIDS risk factors across populations with differing risk factor profiles, and care should be taken in adopting SUDI/SIDS reduction guidelines from other contexts.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy During Pregnancy and Infantile Colic in the Offspring
Authors: Milidou Ioanna , Henriksen Tine Brink , Jensen Morten Søndergaard , Olsen Jørn , Søndergaard Charlotte
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the associations between use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and smoking during pregnancy and infantile colic in the offspring.

METHODS:

We used data from maternal interviews (from pregnancy and at 6 months post partum) from the Danish National Birth Cohort (1996–2002). We included 63 128 live-born singletons with complete information on nicotine exposure during pregnancy and infantile colic symptoms as recorded at 6 months of age.

RESULTS:

A total of 46 660 infants (73.9%) were unexposed to nicotine during pregnancy; 207 (0.3%) were exposed to NRT, 15 016 (23.8%) were exposed to smoking, and 1245 (2.0%) to both. A total of 4974 (7.9%) infants fulfilled Wessel’s modified criteria for infantile colic. Prenatal nicotine exposure was associated with elevated risk for infantile colic in the offspring. Compared with the unexposed, NRT users had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) of 1.6 (1.0–2.5; P = .03), smokers had OR = 1.3 (1.2–1.4), and women who both smoked and used NRT had OR = 1.6 (1.3–1.9). Partners’ smoking was not associated with infantile colic after adjustment for maternal smoking.

CONCLUSIONS:

We corroborated the association between smoking and infantile colic after adjustment for several possible confounders in a large cohort study. Moreover, we found that infants exposed to NRT prenatally had an increased risk for infantile colic of the same magnitude as those exposed to tobacco smoke. Thus, nicotine may play a role in the pathogenesis of infantile colic.
Transfusion Associated Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Meta-analysis of Observational Data
Authors: Mohamed Adel , Shah Parkesh S.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Several studies have reported the possibility of an association between recent exposure to transfusion and development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Our objective was to systematically review and meta-analyze the association between transfusion and NEC (TANEC), identify predictors of TANEC, and the assess impact of TANEC on outcomes.

METHODS:

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and bibliographies of identified articles were searched for studies assessing association with recent (within 48 hours) exposure to transfusion and NEC. Two reviewers independently collected data and assessed the quality of the studies for bias in sample selection, exposure assessment, confounders, analyses, outcome assessments, and attrition. Meta-analyses were performed by using random effect model, and odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated.

RESULTS:

Eleven retrospective case-control studies and 1 cohort study of moderate risk of bias were included. Ten case-control studies had NEC not associated with transfusion as control patients (unmatched). Recent exposure to transfusion was associated with NEC. Neonates who developed TANEC were younger by 1.5 weeks, were of 528 g lower birth weight, were more likely to have patent ductus arteriosus, and were more likely receiving ventilatory support. TANEC infants had higher risk of mortality. Two pre-post comparative studies of 20 patients reported reduction of TANEC after withholding feeds during transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Recent exposure to transfusion was associated with NEC in neonates. Neonates who developed TANEC were at overall higher risk of NEC. TANEC patients were at higher risk of mortality, but additional studies adjusting for confounders are needed.
Toward a Unifying Hypothesis of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Bremer Andrew A. , Mietus-Snyder Michele , Lustig Robert H.
Published: February 2012

Despite a lack of consistent diagnostic criteria, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly evident in children and adolescents, portending a tsunami of chronic disease and mortality as this generation ages. The diagnostic criteria for MetS apply absolute cutoffs to continuous variables and fail to take into account aging, pubertal changes, and race/ethnicity. We attempt to define MetS mechanistically to determine its specific etiologies and to identify targets for therapy. Whereas the majority of studies document a relationship of visceral fat to insulin resistance, ectopic liver fat correlates better with dysfunctional insulin dynamics from which the rest of MetS derives. In contrast to the systemic metabolism of glucose, the liver is the primary metabolic clearinghouse for 4 specific foodstuffs that have been associated with the development of MetS: trans-fats, branched-chain amino acids, ethanol, and fructose. These 4 substrates (1) are not insulin regulated and (2) deliver metabolic intermediates to hepatic mitochondria without an appropriate “pop-off” mechanism for excess substrate, enhancing lipogenesis and ectopic adipose storage. Excessive fatty acid derivatives interfere with hepatic insulin signal transduction. Reactive oxygen species accumulate, which cannot be quenched by adjacent peroxisomes; these reactive oxygen species reach the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to a compensatory process termed the “unfolded protein response,” driving further insulin resistance and eventually insulin deficiency. No obvious drug target exists in this pathway; thus, the only rational therapeutic approaches remain (1) altering hepatic substrate availability (dietary modification), (2) reducing hepatic substrate flux (high fiber), or (3) increasing mitochondrial efficiency (exercise).
Atomistic Study of the Morphology of Graphene on Si and SiC Substrates
Authors: Seto S. , Arai N. , Shintani K.
Published: February 2012

The morphology of graphene on Si and SiC substrates is investigated using molecular- dynamics simulation. The effects of the size and orientation of graphene on its roughness, distance from the substrate, and periodic structure are examined. The roughness and distance show the size dependency which agrees with the size dependency of the ratio of the periphery length of graphene to its area. It is found there are some cases in which the roughness of graphene can be suppressed.
Stretched Exponential Stress Relaxation in a Thermally Reversible, Physically Associating Block Copolymer Solution
Authors: Erk Kendra A. , Douglas Jack F.
Published: February 2012

The shear stress relaxation of a thermally reversible, physically associating solution formed from a triblock copolymer in solvent selective for the mid-block was found to be well described over a broad temperature range by a stretched exponential function with a temperature independent ‘stretching exponent’, β ≈ 1/3. This same exponent value has been suggested to have particular significance in describing structural relaxation in a wide range of disordered viscoelastic materials ranging from associating polymer materials (‘gels’) to glass-forming liquids. We quantify the temperature dependence of the high frequency, or short time, shear modulus as function of temperature and find that this property also follows a variation often observed in gels and glass-forming materials.
Interaction of Elastic Waves with Dislocations
Authors: Maurel Agnes , Lund Fernando , Barra Felipe , Pagneux Vincent
Published: February 2012

The theory of the interaction of elastic waves with dislocations is reviewed, as is the extent to which it has been tested by experiment. There are two essential ingredients to the wave-dislocation interaction: one is that, when a wave hits a dislocation, the latter will respond by moving in some fashion. The other is that, when a dislocation moves, it generates (“radiates”) elastic waves. For a linearly elastic solid continuum, both phenomena can be described by equations that are linear outside the dislocation core. One is a linear elastic wave equation with a right-hand-side term that is localized at the dislocation position. The other is a linear equation for the vibrations of a string (that is coincident with the dislocation), with an external loading provided by the wave. This provides the basic mechanism for the scattering of elastic waves by dislocations, and it can be worked out in considerable detail for pinned dislocation segments and prismatic dislocation loops in infinite media, as well as for the scattering of surface (Rayleigh) elastic waves by subsurface dislocation segments.

The results for the scattering by a single dislocation can be used as input in a multiple scattering formalism to study the properties of a coherent wave propagating in a solid with many dislocations present. Expressions for the effective velocity of propagation, and for the disorder-induced (as distinct from the internal losses) attenuation can be found. They test successfully with Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) experimental measurements.

Open problems, possible further applications and current efforts are discussed.
Exchange of Oligonucleotide (dC15) on Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kato Yuichi , Inoue Ayaka , Nakashima Naotoshi , Niidome Yasuro
Published: February 2012

Exchange of solubilizers adsorbed on single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is probed by analysis of the peak shifts of the absorption bands of CNTs in the near-infrared region. Equilibrium constants and thermodynamic parameters of the exchange of sodium cholate for DNA (15-mers of oligo-DNAs, cytosine) on CNTs of different chirality are determined.
Mechanically Stable Free-Standing Bilayer Lipid Membranes in Microfabricated Silicon Chips
Authors: Oshima Azusa , Hirano-Iwata Ayumi , Kimura Yasuo , Niwano Michio
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we will discuss our recent approaches for improving the mechanical stability of free-standing bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) by combining with BLM formation and microfabrication techniques. BLMs were prepared across a microaperture fabricated in a silicon (Si) chip and their mechanical stability and electric properties were investigated. BLMs suspended in a thin Si3N4 septum showed a dramatic improvement of BLM stability. The BLMs were resistant to voltage of ±1 V and the membrane lifetime was 15- ~40 h with and without incorporated channels. The membrane containing gramicidin channel exhibited tolerance to repetitive solution exchanges. At first, electric properties of the BLMs, such as noise level and current transient, were necessary to be improved. However, after coating the chip with insulator layers of Teflon and SiO2, total chip capacitance was reduced, leading to noise reduction (1-2 pA in peak-to-peak after low-pass filtering at 1 kHz) and elimination of current transients (< 0.5 ms). Since the vicinity of the aperture edge was remained uncoated, the BLMs formed in the Si chips still showed high mechanical stability after the insulator coatings. The mechanically stable BLMs having electric properties suitable for recording activities of biological channels will open up a variety of applications including high-throughput analysis of ion-channel proteins.
A Detailed Theoretical Study of the Thermal Conductivity of Bi2(Te0.85Se0.15)3 Single Crystals
Authors: Ceyda Yelgel Ö. , Srivastava Gyaneshwar P.
Published: February 2012

We present a theoretical investigation of the thermal conductivity for n-type doped Bi2(Te0.85Se0.15)3 single crystals by using the Debye model within the single-mode relaxationtime approximation. A detailed account of alloy, electron-phonon, phonon-phonon and electron-hole pair (bipolar) interactions are included. Different levels (0.1 and 0.05 wt.%) of n-doping from CuBr and SbI3 dopants were considered. The calculated conductivity, by combining lattice (κ ph) and electronic bipolar (κ bp) contributions, successfully explains the experimental results obtained by Hyun et al. [J. Mat. Sci. 33 5595 (1998)]. The κ ph contribution was calculated using Srivastava’s scheme and the κ bp contribution was obtained by employing Price’s theory.
Anisotropic Magnetoresistance of Stretched Sheets of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Cimpoiasu Elena , Lashmore David , White Brian , Levin George A.
Published: February 2012

We performed magnetoresistance (MR) measurements on bulk carbon nanotube sheets that had been partially aligned by post-fabrication stretching. The magnetic field was applied under different orientations with respect to the direction of the stretch, while the electric current was either parallel or perpendicular to the direction of the stretch. We found that the fielddependence of the MR is composed of two terms, one positive and one negative. The magnitudes of both terms are largest when the field is parallel with the direction of the stretch. If the sheets are treated with nitric acid, the positive term is removed and the MR is smallest when the field is aligned with the magnetic field. We attribute these anisotropic features to magnetoelastic effects induced by the coupling between the magnetic catalyst nanoparticles, the magnetic field, and the network of nanotubes.
Synthesis of Mesoporous Gadolinium Doped Ceria - Platinum Composite
Authors: Yung Hoi , Chan Kwong-Yu , Leung-Yuk Lam Frank
Published: February 2012

Oxygen reduction in SOFC cathodes has long been the rate determining step in SOFC operations, mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs) and/or forming composite between cathode and electrolyte materials have been common strategies in order to aid the cathode kinetics. We demonstrate here a viable synthesis route to impregnate mesopores with high loading of platinum towards a mesoscale bicontinuous material that composed of channels of a fast ionic conductor, i.e. gadolinium doped ceria (GDC) intertwined with channels of a good electronic conductor, i.e. Pt. This highly structural composite material holds the promise of a high performing cathode in SOFC.
Graded Porous Silicon Carbide for High Temperature Membrane Applications
Authors: Suri Jyothi , Shaw Leon L.
Published: February 2012

Due to its excellent thermal shock resistance, mechanical and chemical stability at both room and elevated temperatures, silicon carbide (SiC) is an attractive material for environmental protection and energy production applications such as catalyst supports, molten metal filters and gas separation membranes. Precise pore size control and high porosity are the key deciding factors for such applications. In this study, we demonstrated the fabrication of bi-layered SiC membranes with a graded porosity, consisting of porous nano-SiC layer on the surface of a porous coarse-grained SiC support layer. Nano-SiC powders utilized for this study were synthesized using a novel process based on mechanical activation of silica fume and graphite mixtures, resulting in particle sizes as small as 30 nm. The effects of sintering temperature were investigated to control the pore size, particle size and overall density of the bi-layered membrane.
Ecological tiering and the evolution of a stem: the oldest stemmed frond from the Ediacaran of Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Laflamme Marc , Flude Lija I. , Narbonne Guy M.
Published: February 2012

The ecological segregation of large, multicellular eukaryotes in the Ediacaran in response to competitive feeding results in the evolution of novel morphological adaptations such as sturdy stems to elevate above lower-tier feeding guilds. Culmofrons plumosa n. gen. n. sp. lived attached to the ocean floor and probably fed osmotrophically from dissolved organic nutrients in the water column. Competition for nutrients with specialized lower-tiered organisms resulted in the evolution of a specialized non-feeding structure, drastically expanding the functional morphospace available to Ediacaran rangeomorphs. The first appearance of a cylindrical macroscopic stem in C. plumosa in the Briscal Formation of the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve marks a significant departure from the modular repetitive branching typical of the Rangeomorpha, and exemplifies the importance of nutrient acquisition in early ecosystem engineering.
Separation of structure and ripples on sand mounds using Hermite functions
Authors: Taylor Paul H. , Huang Jingmin , García-Hermosa M. Isabel , Stansby Peter K. , Borthwick Alistair G. L. , Soulsby Richard L.
Published: February 2012

A simple method is proposed for the separation of a large-scale structure from small-scale ripples during the evolution of an isolated sand hill or spoil heap eroded by an oscillatory or steady flow by bed-load transport. This method is based on Hermite functions, a mother Gaussian hill and derivatives modified to be orthogonal. It is straightforward to apply and could be used to characterise the geometric properties of any isolated localised hill-like feature such as pollution concentration levels away from an outfall.
Determination of dynamic gradient elasticity length scales
Authors: Carta Giorgio , Bennett Terry , Askes Harm
Published: February 2012

Wave dispersion is a widely recognised phenomenon that occurs when elastic waves propagate through a heterogeneous microstructured material; reflection and refraction of higher frequencies leads to an apparent reduction of the wave speed with frequency. Enhanced continua are frequently employed to capture this phenomenon efficiently. Numerical experiments are performed in this paper to establish a procedure for the determination of the length scale parameters used in dynamic gradient elasticity using spectral analysis. Suitable values of the length scale parameters are determined and verified for a one-dimensional laminated bar and for a two-dimensional chequerboard plate.
Safety format in non-linear analysis of concrete structures
Authors: Jackson Paul A.
Published: February 2012

It is only comparatively recently that the more advanced forms of non-linear analysis have been much used in practice. This leads to issues of how the safety factors should be applied as the partial safety factor format used in current design standards was largely developed for use with linear analysis. Various approaches have been developed and problems with some (notably that advocated by EN 1992-2) are identified. The simple approach of analysis of the structure with design properties throughout is advocated for most cases. However, it is noted that, because this underestimates stiffness, it could be unsafe where imposed deformations are critical. The topic is of major importance because there is no agreed solution to how safety factors should be applied to non-linear analysis, because non-linear analysis is being increasingly used in practice and because the author is aware of several cases where the material partial safety factors have been omitted, giving unsafe results.
Spatial variability of in situ weathered soil
Authors: DASAKA S.M. , ZHANG L.M.
Published: February 2012

The founding depths of pile foundations depend primarily on the loading conditions of the superstructure and the strength of subsoil. The depth of Grade III weathered rock, the top of completely decomposed granite (CDG), and standard penetration test N-value of 200 (SPT-200) are often used as indicators for decision-making in arriving at the preliminary founding depth of piles in Hong Kong. The work reported in this paper focuses on evaluation of the spatial variability characteristics of the above founding depth indicators at a construction site, using statistical models based on random field theory. Spatial variability characteristics are evaluated using the measured data in terms of scale of fluctuation. Geostatistics is used to obtain additional data at unsampled locations for mapping profiles of founding depth indicators over the site, using the measured data from borehole records and site investigation results. It is observed from the results that, if faults are not present, the depth of the Grade III surface exhibits the largest scale of fluctuation among the three indicators, and the variability of the ground is observed to increase with the weathering grade. The effect of the size of the sampling domain on the autocorrelation characteristics of the founding depth indicators is also studied. The results demonstrate that the scale of fluctuation increases with increase in the size of the sampling domain.
Lianas have a greater competitive effect than trees of similar biomass on tropical canopy trees
Authors: Tobin Michael F. , Wright Alexandra J. , Mangan Scott A. , Schnitzer Stefan A.
Published: February 2012

Lianas (woody vines) reduce growth and survival of host trees in both temperate and tropical forests; however, the relative strength of liana‐tree competition in comparison to tree‐tree competition remains unexplored. When controlling for biomass, lianas may have greater competitive effects than trees because the unique morphology of lianas allows them to reach the forest canopy at relatively small stem diameters and deploy a substantial crown above their host. We tested the hypothesis that lianas have a greater negative effect on canopy trees than do trees of similar biomass with a liana‐ and tree sapling‐cutting experiment in a seasonal tropical moist forest in Panama. The response of canopy trees to the cutting treatments was characterized as the change in their daily water use by measuring their sap velocity before and after cutting. We compared the responses of canopy trees around which a similar biomass of either lianas or tree saplings had been cut to control trees with no cutting. Liana cutting increased canopy‐tree sap velocity by ∼8% from before to after cutting relative to control trees during the dry season. In contrast, canopy‐tree sap velocity did not respond to tree cutting, probably because trees with biomass similar to lianas were confined to the forest understory. We observed a similar pattern of sap velocity changes during the wet season, but treatment differences were not significant. Our results demonstrate that release from liana competition, but not tree competition, resulted in increased water transport in canopy trees, and suggests that relative to their biomass, lianas have greater competitive effects on canopy tree performance than do competing trees.
Changes in Inflammatory and Metabolic Parameters After Periodontal Treatment in Patients With and Without Obesity
Authors: Altay Umut , Gürgan Cem A. , Ağbaht Kemal
Published: February 2012

Background: Non‐surgical periodontal treatment decreases serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in patients with and without obesity. However, the changes in metabolic parameters in association with these decreases in levels of inflammatory markers by periodontal treatment have not been evaluated in patients with obesity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short‐term changes in systemic inflammatory, lipid, and glucose parameters in the presence of obesity after periodontal treatment.

Methods: The study included 22 dyslipemic patients with obesity and 24 healthy individuals without obesity with generalized chronic periodontitis. The periodontal parameters, anthropometric measurements, and serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein‐a, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, fasting blood glucose, insulin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and leptin were measured. A homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) score was calculated before and 3 months after non‐surgical periodontal treatment.

Results: Both groups responded well to the periodontal treatment in terms of periodontal parameters. The treatment was also associated with a decrease in serum TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels and HOMA‐IR scores in individuals with obesity and with a decrease in IL‐6 levels in patients without obesity. Conversely, there were insignificant decreases in lipid profiles and serum fasting glucose of patients with obesity.

Conclusion: The non‐surgical periodontal treatment causes a decrease in the levels of some circulating proinflammatory cytokines and may be associated with a decrease in insulin resistance in the obese population.
Interleukin‐1 Gene Polymorphisms and Chronic Periodontitis in Adult Whites: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Karimbux Nadeem Y. , Saraiya Veeral M. , Elangovan Satheesh , Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Kinnunen Taru , Kornman Kenneth S. , Duff Gordon W.
Published: February 2012

Background: Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) gene polymorphisms have been associated with increased levels of inflammatory mediators and several inflammatory diseases. Periodontitis is a bacterially induced chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the connective tissues and bone that support the teeth, affects substantial numbers of adults, and has been implicated as a contributing factor in systemic diseases. IL‐1 gene polymorphisms, most prominently IL1A (−889), IL1A (+4845), and IL1B (+3954), have been associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) in whites. Since the first report, ≥125 studies have examined IL‐1 gene variation in relation to periodontal disease. These studies have produced mixed findings in diverse periodontal phenotypes and in different ethnic groups. One previous meta‐analysis has been published on this topic and supported an association between IL‐1 genes and periodontitis, but considerable doubt remains about the patient populations in which the association may be of clinical relevance.

Methods: A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted in an attempt to clarify whether IL‐1 gene variants were associated with well‐defined clinical phenotypes of CP in white patients. Study inclusion criteria focused on the analytic framework originally proposed for the IL‐1 genetic effect in which overexpression of inflammatory mediators is hypothesized to result in more severe periodontitis in response to a bacterial challenge.

Results: Twenty‐seven studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Nineteen studies yielded significant associations between carriage of the minor IL‐1 alleles and periodontitis. The meta‐analysis, based on 13 qualifying studies, found significant effects for the two individual gene variations (IL1A odds ratio [OR] = 1.48; IL1B OR = 1.54) and for a composite genotype that combines minor alleles at each locus (OR = 1.51). Statistically significant heterogeneity was found that could not be explained, but there was no indication of publication bias.

Conclusion: This review and meta‐analysis show that IL1A and IL1B genetic variations are significant contributors to CP in whites.
Clinical Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered 1.2‐mg Simvastatin in the Treatment of Individuals With Class II Furcation Defects: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Priyanka N. , Kalra Nitish , Naik Savitha B. , Singh Sonender P. , Martande Santosh
Published: February 2012

Background: Simvastatin (SMV) assists in bone regeneration and has an anti‐inflammatory effect when delivered or applied locally. The present clinical trial is designed to investigate the effectiveness of 1.2‐mg SMV as a local drug delivery system as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of Class II furcation defects.

Methods: Seventy‐two patients with mandibular buccal Class II furcation defects were randomized and categorized into two treatment groups: SRP plus placebo (group 1) and SRP plus 1.2‐mg SMV (group 2). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline before SRP and at 3 and 6 months; they included modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and relative vertical (RVAL) and horizontal (RHAL) attachment levels. At baseline and after 6 months, radiologic assessment of bone defect fill was performed.

Results: Both therapies resulted in significant improvements. The decrease in mSBI score at 6 months was greater in group 2 (2.02 ± 0.23) compared with group 1 (1.80 ± 0.22). The mean decrease in PD at 6 months was 1.30 ± 1.0 and 4.05 ± 1.31 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. A significantly greater gain in mean RVAL and RHAL was found in group 2 than in group 1 (P <0.05). Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in group 2 (25.16%) compared with group 1 (1.54%).

Conclusion: Locally delivered SMV provides a comfortable and flexible method to improve clinical parameters and also to enhance bone formation.
Life without the ‘X’ Factor: Meritocracy Past and Present
Authors: Allen Ansgar
Published: February 2012

This article argues that ‘meritocracy’ is more than an abstract principle of justice. It is a social technology, the history of which is associated with changing configurations of power and knowledge. In its latest and perhaps most dystopian form, meritocracy has abandoned the principle of working towards perfectly administered distributions of human ability; whether talents are always rewarded or not, no longer matters. The important thing is for us to act as if they are, as we strive to achieve our potential. According to present-day meritocracy, we must learn to live sustainably within systems of hope and disappointment.
Persistence of Prolonged C-peptide Production in Type 1 Diabetes as Measured With an Ultrasensitive C-peptide Assay
Authors: Wang Limei , Lovejoy Nicholas Fraser , Faustman Denise L.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine persistence of C-peptide production by ultrasensitive assay years after onset of type 1 diabetes and factors associated with preserving β-cell function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum C-peptide levels, a marker of insulin production and surviving β-cells, were measured in human subjects (n = 182) by ultrasensitive assay, as was β-cell functioning. Twenty-two times more sensitive than standard assays, this assay’s lower detection limit is 1.5 pmol/L. Disease duration, age at onset, age, sex, and autoantibody titers were analyzed by regression analysis to determine their relationship to C-peptide production. Another group of four patients was serially studied for up to 20 weeks to examine C-peptide levels and functioning.

RESULTS

The ultrasensitive assay detected C-peptide in 10% of individuals 31–40 years after disease onset and with percentages higher at shorter duration. Levels as low as 2.8 ± 1.1 pmol/L responded to hyperglycemia with increased C-peptide production, indicating residual β-cell functioning. Several other analyses showed that β-cells, whose C-peptide production was formerly undetectable, were capable of functioning. Multivariate analysis found disease duration (β = −2.721; P = 0.005) and level of zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies (β = 0.127; P = 0.015) significantly associated with C-peptide production. Unexpectedly, onset at >40 years of age was associated with low C-peptide production, despite short disease duration.

CONCLUSIONS

The ultrasensitive assay revealed that C-peptide production persists for decades after disease onset and remains functionally responsive. These findings suggest that patients with advanced disease, whose β-cell function was thought to have long ceased, may benefit from interventions to preserve β-cell function or to prevent complications.
Impaired Glycemia and Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Dyck Peter J. , Clark Vicki M. , Overland Carol J. , Davies Jenny L. , Pach John M. , Dyck P. James B. , Klein Christopher J. , Rizza Robert A. , Melton L. Joseph , Carter Rickey E. , Klein Ronald , Litchy William J.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To test whether diabetic polyneuropathies (DPNs), retinopathy, or nephropathy is more prevalent in subjects with impaired glycemia (IG) (abnormality of impaired fasting glucose [IFG], impaired glucose tolerance [IGT], or impaired HbA1c [IA1C]) than in healthy subjects (non-IG).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Matched IG and non-IG volunteers were randomly identified from population-based diagnostic and laboratory registries, restudied, and reclassified as non-IG (n = 150), IG (n = 174), or new diabetes (n = 218).

RESULTS

Frequency (%) of DPN in non-IG, IG, and new diabetes was 3 (2.0%), 3 (1.7%), and 17 (7.8%) narrowly defined (no other cause for polyneuropathy) and 19 (12.7%), 22 (12.6%), and 38 (17.4%) broadly defined. Mean and frequency distribution of composite scores of nerve conduction and quantitative sensation tests were not significantly different between IG and non-IG but were worse in new diabetes. Frequency of retinopathy and nephropathy was significantly increased only in new diabetes. In secondary analysis, small but significant increases in retinopathy and nephropathy were found in IGT, IFG, and IGT combined groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In population studies of Olmsted County, Minnesota, inhabitants, prevalence of typical DPN, retinopathy, and nephropathy was significantly increased only in subjects with new diabetes—not in subjects with IG as defined by American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria of abnormality of IFG, IGT, or IA1C. For atypical DPN, such an increase was not observed even in subjects with new diabetes. In medical practice, explanations other than IG should be sought for patients with atypical DPN (chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy) who have IG.
Governmentality - Neoliberalism - Education: the Risk Perspective
Authors: Kaščák Ondrej , Pupala Branislav
Published: February 2012

Governmentality - Neoliberalism - Education: the Risk Perspective

This paper understands the basic elements of neoliberalism in education and governmentality to be the technologies for the neoliberal government of education. It outlines Foucault's methodology for analysing governmentality and shows how neoliberalism is a discursive formation which homogenises apparently unrelated language games and discourses. It places particular emphasis on the rhizomatic dispersion of neoliberal discursive and non-discursive practices, which in the end create a mosaic of thinking and acting with its own existing internal logic. This paper provides a cross-sectional perspective on how neoliberalism has implanted itself as a universal phenomenon along the horizontal and vertical lines of the education sphere and shows how, particularly through the policy of lifelong learning for a knowledge society, it is transforming first of all the education of adults and how subsequently it has become a fundamental blueprint for the complex revision of higher education and regional schooling, including pre-school education. This paper prefaces this single-issue edition of the Journal of Pedagogy and therefore presents and summarises the articles published in this issue, and suggests how they are thematic examples of a single and more general theoretical framework.
Controlled Freedom - the Formation of the Control Society
Authors: Pongratz Ludwig
Published: February 2012

Controlled Freedom - the Formation of the Control Society

My analysis develops via the following five conceptual steps. The first step links up with Foucault's analysis of techniques of ‘soft’ discipline, which relates to ‘classical’ reform pedagogy, in the transition period from the 19th to the 20th century. The second step thematises the shifts in these disciplinary techniques in the context of the crisis of the so-called ‘environments of enclosure’. Here there is a particular focus on Deleuze's arguments concerning the emergence of a modern ‘society of control’. The third step considers the specific form of the ‘government of the social’, which Foucault approaches with the concept of ‘governmentality’. The fourth step aims to show that the current educational reforms can be understood as a ‘governmental strategy’. The fifth step, finally, thematises the inconsistency of governmental practices. It pursues the possibility that such practices advance, en passant or contrary to their aims, their own contradiction: the preparedness and capacity for critical opposition.
Lunch Time at the Child Care Centre: Neoliberal Assemblages in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Nxumalo Fikile , Pacini-Ketchabaw Veronica , Rowan Mary
Published: February 2012

Lunch Time at the Child Care Centre: Neoliberal Assemblages in Early Childhood Education

In this article we interrogate neoliberal assemblages within the context of eating and feeding practices in early childhood education. We consider how neoliberal assemblages are enacted and created through multiple linkages between micro and macro regulations and policies, and everyday food routines. We attend to the embodied intensities, desires and affects that accompany these neoliberal formations. In particular, we are interested in making visible entanglements between particular situated neoliberal assemblages and racialization and neocolonialism. In our analysis, we consider how eating and food routines, situated within Inuit early childhood education, come to matter as instances of neoliberal encounters that merge with other discursive and material forces to create particular, situated and at times contradictory neoliberal assemblages that have colonizing and racializing effects on the capacities of certain bodies in certain spaces.
Using Subject Test Scores Efficiently to Predict Teacher Value-Added
Authors: Lefgren Lars , Sims David
Published: February 2012

This article develops a simple model of teacher value-added to show how efficient use of information across subjects can improve the predictive ability of value-added models. Using matched student–teacher data from North Carolina, we show that the optimal use of math and reading scores improves the fit of prediction models of overall future teacher value-added by up to a third for reading and a tenth for a composite measure (math and reading combined). Efficiency gains are greatest when value-added must be calculated on only 1 or 2 years of data. The methods employed are flexible and can be expanded to incorporate information from other subject or subitem test metrics.
Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Osaki Yukio , Kita Ryuichi , Kimura Toru
Published: February 2012

Transcatheter methods such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) have an important role in the treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, sorafenib, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, has been found to obtain survival benefits in patients with HCC, leading to major advances in the treatment of advanced HCC. However, it is associated with a low tumor response rate, minimal survival advantage, and high rates of adverse events. On the other hand, high rates of objective treatment response with HAIC for advanced HCC have been reported, although convincing evidence of it contributing to overall survival in HAIC has been lacking. In Japan, HAIC still tends to be the preferred method for the treatment of advanced HCC, even in patients with poor liver function. However, the choice of chemotherapeutic agents in TACE/HAIC for HCC varies between institutions. In this review, based on studies reported to date in the literature, we refer to current knowledge regarding the chemotherapeutic agents used for TACE/HAIC for HCC in Japan and consider the future perspectives for HAIC for this cancer.
Optimal Design of ORC Systems with a Low-Temperature Heat Source
Authors: Khennich Mohammed , Galanis Nicolas
Published: February 2012

A numerical model of subcritical and trans-critical power cycles using a fixed-flowrate low-temperature heat source has been validated and used to calculate the combinations of the maximum cycle pressure (Pev) and the difference between the source temperature and the maximum working fluid temperature (DT) which maximize the thermal efficiency (ηth) or minimize the non-dimensional exergy losses (β), the total thermal conductance of the heat exchangers (UAt) and the turbine size (SP). Optimum combinations of Pev and DT were calculated for each one of these four objective functions for two working fluids (R134a, R141b), three source temperatures and three values of the non-dimensional power output. The ratio of UAt over the net power output (which is a first approximation of the initial cost per kW) shows that R141b is the better working fluid for the conditions under study.
Development and Evaluation of an Economic-Driving Assistance Program for Transit Vehicles
Authors: Ma Wanjing , Xie Hanzhou , Han Baoxin
Published: February 2012

This paper focuses on development and evaluation of an economic-driving assistance program for transit vehicles (EDTV) which can minimize energy consumption, air pollution emission of buses, and improve the level of service of transit system as well. Taking advantage of the latest advances in information and communication technologies, the EDTV system can provide bus drivers with optimal recommended bus holding times at near-side bus stops and dynamic bus speed to adapt to the real-time traffic control plan at downstream intersections. In order to address the impacts of the stochastic variation of bus dwell time, the total link between adjacent intersections is divided into three parts: upstream of bus stop part; bus stop part; and downstream of bus stop part. The methods for calculating recommended parameters, including bus holding time and bus speed in each of the three parts are proposed based on real-time bus status and signal status at downstream intersections. A VISSIM-based simulation platform was designed and used for simulating and evaluating the proposed EDTV system. Extensive experimental analyses have shown that the proposed EDTV system can improve the performance of a transit system in terms of reducing fuel consumption, air pollution emissions and level of service of the transit system.
Expression Patterns of Genes Involved in the Defense and Stress Response of Spiroplasma citri Infected Madagascar Periwinkle Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Nejat Naghmeh , Vadamalai Ganesan , Dickinson Matthew
Published: February 2012

Madagascar periwinkle is an ornamental and a medicinal plant, and is also an indicator plant that is highly susceptible to phytoplasma and spiroplasma infections from different crops. Periwinkle lethal yellows, caused by Spiroplasma citri, is one of the most devastating diseases of periwinkle. The response of plants to S. citri infection is very little known at the transcriptome level. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to investigate the expression levels of four selected genes involved in defense and stress responses in naturally and experimentally Spiroplasma citri infected periwinkles. Strictosidine β-glucosidase involved in terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) biosynthesis pathway showed significant upregulation in experimentally and naturally infected periwinkles. The transcript level of extensin increased in leaves of periwinkles experimentally infected by S. citri in comparison to healthy ones. A similar level of heat shock protein 90 and metallothionein expression was observed in healthy, naturally and experimentally spiroplasma-diseased periwinkles. Overexpression of Strictosidine β-glucosidase demonstrates the potential utility of this gene as a host biomarker to increase the fidelity of S. citri detection and can also be used in breeding programs to develop stable disease-resistance varieties.
Cyanobacterial Neurotoxin β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in Shark Fins
Authors: Mondo Kiyo , Hammerschlag Neil , Basile Margaret , Pablo John , Banack Sandra A. , Mash Deborah C.
Published: February 2012

Sharks are among the most threatened groups of marine species. Populations are declining globally to support the growing demand for shark fin soup. Sharks are known to bioaccumulate toxins that may pose health risks to consumers of shark products. The feeding habits of sharks are varied, including fish, mammals, crustaceans and plankton. The cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been detected in species of free-living marine cyanobacteria and may bioaccumulate in the marine food web. In this study, we sampled fin clips from seven different species of sharks in South Florida to survey the occurrence of BMAA using HPLC-FD and Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS methods. BMAA was detected in the fins of all species examined with concentrations ranging from 144 to 1836 ng/mg wet weight. Since BMAA has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, these results may have important relevance to human health. We suggest that consumption of shark fins may increase the risk for human exposure to the cyanobacterial neurotoxin BMAA.
In Vitro Antibacterial and Time-Kill Assessment of Crude Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Acacia mearnsii De Wild against Bacteria in Shigellosis
Authors: Olajuyigbe Olufunmiso Olusola , Afolayan Anthony Jide
Published: February 2012

Shigellosis is an important cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality among young children and old people for which treatment with antimicrobial agents is limited. Hence, the need for curative potentials obtainable from medicinal plants becomes inevitable. This study was carried out to assess the antibacterial potentials of crude methanolic extract of the stem bark of Acacia mearnsii against some selected bacteria of clinical importance in shigellosis. The bacteria were inhibited by the extract to produce concentration dependent inhibition zones. The extract exhibited a varied degree of antibacterial activity against all the tested isolates. The MIC values for Gram negative (0.0391–0.3125) mg/mL and those of Gram positive bacteria (0.0781–0.625) mg/mL indicated that the Gram negative bacteria were more inhibited by the extract than the Gram positive bacteria. Average log reduction in viable cell count in time-kill assay ranged between −2.456 Log10 to 2.230 Log10 cfu/mL after 4 h of interaction, and between −2.921 Log10 and 1.447 Log10 cfu/mL after 8 h interaction in 1× MIC and 2× MIC of the extract. The study provided scientific justification for the use of the crude methanolic extract from the stem bark of A. mearnsii in shigellosis. The degree of the antibacterial activity indicated that the crude extract is a potential source of bioactive compounds that could be useful for the development of new antimicrobial agents capable of decreasing the burden of drug resistance and cost of management of diseases of clinical and public health importance in South Africa.