bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Simulation of Digital Systems Using Bond Graphs
Authors: Habibi Majid , Novinzadeh Alireza B.
Published: April 2013

Bond graphs are suitable tools for modeling many types of dynamical systems and can model these systems consisting of mechanical, electrical, fluidic, and pneumatic sub-systems. The advantage of a bond graph is that it can model non-linear systems and combinational systems. In this paper, the authors utilize bond graphs for modeling mechatronics systems. Mechatronics systems consist of mechanics, electronics, and intelligent software. Many of these systems have digital sections that are constructed by logical circuits (hardware by transistors and now mostly by chips). The authors present a methodology to implement these mechatronics systems by bond graphs.
Automation and Collection Management
Authors: Bailey Annette , Lener Edward , O’Brien Leslie , Stovall Connie
Published: April 2013

The history of library automation can be traced to early printing methods of the 7th century A.D. The earliest collectors of books were usually religious scholars who amassed the religious texts of the day. Monks from East and West travelled great distances and often at great peril to gather meticulously hand-copied texts. Early inventions of woodblocks, and, later the printing press, enabled the mass-production of books that resulted in libraries’ expansion into the secular world. Librarians have continued to bring technological advances into their work, combining web services, programming scripts, and commercial databases and software in innovative ways. The processes of selection, deselection, and assessment have been enhanced through these new products and services. The authors discuss a variety of technological applications for collection activities that have allowed collection managers to work more efficiently and better understand the use of their print and electronic collections. The effects of automation on the people involved in collection management are also explored.
Who Ever Said that ILS Migrations Had to be Stressful?
Authors: Bavousett D Ruth
Published: April 2013

Traditionally, migration from one integrated library system (ILS) to another has been an arduous, difficult task; so much so, that libraries may choose to stay with an unsatisfactory ILS longer than they would if a viable and easy alternative were available to them. However, this institutional inertia is not necessary, if the library (possibly in cooperation with a vendor) develops a method for avoiding unnecessary and problems. In this chapter, a process is described that, when implemented, maximizes results, while minimizing pain and stress on the library and its’ staff.
Managing Automated Storage in the 21st Century Library
Authors: Adams Carolyn
Published: April 2013

The Mathewson Automated Retrieval System (MARS) is the second largest automated library storage system in the world. Housed in the University of Nevada, Reno’s spectacular Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, MARS provides storage for half of the print collection, and nearly all government documents, special collections materials, and multimedia equipment. This chapter will explore automated library storage management, including maintenance and care of the equipment, safety, stewardship of the collection, and how automated storage challenges our beliefs about the purpose and function of libraries.
Empires of the Future
Authors: Garofalo Denise A.
Published: April 2013

Exploring technology and academic libraries concerns more than just machines, functions or processes; the human factor is as important as the equipment. Implementing successful technology changes requires attention to the people involved, and academia is no exception. Technology can be divided into either disruptive or sustaining technologies, and these technological changes impact students, faculty, and staff. In higher education, technology changes are shifting knowledge transfer to a more participatory environment and a more synergistic experience. The academic library is in a transitive state of change, evolving from a warehouse of things to a collaborative learning destination for resources. Both the library and the academic environment must adapt to survive. Overcoming the challenge of changes to the delivery of instruction may lead to extensive restructuring of courses and curriculum. The academic library can serve as a collaborative partner with faculty, leading by example to incorporate technological changes.
Lending and Borrowing Library Materials
Authors: Gong Regina H. , Gong Dao Rong
Published: April 2013

The first application of robotic technologies in libraries is in the area of storage and retrieval of library materials. This chapter discusses past, present, and future developments in robotic technologies in the area of library circulation. Issues and challenges libraries face in light of rapid developments in the electronic realm are discussed in relation to circulation. This chapter also highlights future trends and technologies for library lending, as well as possibilities for advancement with the increasing shift towards electronic content in libraries.
MDA-Based Methodology for Verifying Distributed Execution of Embedded Systems Models
Authors: Costa Anikó , Barbosa Paulo E. S. , Moutinho Filipe , Pereira Fernando , Ramalho Franklin , Figueiredo Jorge C. A. , Gomes Luis
Published: April 2013

Model-based development for embedded system design has been used to accommodate the increase in system’s complexity. Several modeling formalisms proved to be well matched for usage within this area. The goal of this chapter is to present a model-based development methodology for embedded systems design. One of the main aims of this methodology is to contribute for usage of Petri nets as a system specification language within model-based development of embedded systems integrating MDA (Model-Driven Architecture) proposals as a reference for the development flow. Distributed execution of the initial developed platform-independent models is achieved through model partitioning into platform-specific sub-modules. System model decomposition is obtained through a net splitting operation. Two types of implementation platforms are considered: compliant and non-compliant with zero time delay for communication between modules (in other words, compliant or not with synchronous paradigm). Using a model-checking framework, properties associated to the execution of the distributed models in both types of platforms are compared with the execution of the initial model.
Bonhomme Richard: Connecting the Past With the Future
Authors: Ryan Melissa S. , White Jonathan W.
Published: April 2013

AbstractA unique team of personnel from federal, private, and international organizations has worked together over the past seven years to locate the remains of the Bonhomme Richard (BHR), one of the original ships of the U.S. Continental Navy commanded by Captain
John Paul Jones and lost in the North Sea in 1779. While the team has yet to discover the wreckage, it has demonstrated the effective capabilities and value of state-of-the-art technology to image and survey objects on the bottom of the North Sea. Perhaps, more importantly, it has demonstrated
that people from disparate organizations and militaries can work together effectively and efficiently with minimal overhead and bureaucracy. The work to date has paved the way toward eventual location and recovery of the BHR, but it has also demonstrated a partnership model that should be
explored in other venues as we seek to increase our knowledge of the changing ocean environment. This paper describes the partnerships, challenges, and value of the search; its applications to STEM education; and its role in advancing the fields of ocean science and exploration.
Numerical Simulation of Dynamic Positioning in Ice
Authors: Metrikin Ivan , Løset Sveinung , Jenssen Nils Albert , Kerkeni Sofien
Published: April 2013

AbstractNumerical simulation of dynamic positioning (DP) in ice is a novel research topic that has potential in many industrial and scientific applications. This paper reviews some challenges associated with numerical ice modeling and presents a classification of approaches
for modeling the ice loads in DP simulations. The approaches are classified into three groups: empirical and statistical models, experimental data series methods, and physically based modeling. The strengths and weaknesses of the approaches are summarized, and recommended uses are outlined
in this paper. In addition, a novel, nonsmooth, discrete element model of a DP vessel in managed ice is presented. The model was used to perform a numerical multibody simulation of a series of model tests with a conceptual Arctic drillship on DP in managed ice using the commercial physics
engine Vortex. The numerical model simulated the ice basin, the DP vessel, the managed ice, the surrounding fluid, and their interactions. Comparison of the simulation results with experimental data showed that for head-on ice drift, the numerical model reproduced the experimental results
reasonably well. However, for higher ice drift angles, discrepancies between the simulation results and the model testing data increased considerably. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed in the paper, along with suggestions for future research. To the best of the authors’
knowledge, both the classification of various approaches for simulating DP in ice and the high-fidelity numerical DP model are novel and have not been published previously.
Static and Fatigue Analysis of Composite Turbine Blades Under Random Ocean Current Loading
Authors: Zhou Fang , Mahfuz Hassan , Alsenas Gabriel M. , Hanson Howard P.
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to investigate how U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)‐designed modeling tools commonly used for wind turbine blade design and analysis can be applied to the design of ocean current turbines (OCT). Design, static
analysis, and fatigue life predictions of a horizontal-axis, ocean current turbine composite blade were investigated using NREL’s PreCom, BModes, AeroDyn, FAST with seawater conditions. PreComp was used to compute section properties of this OCT blade. BModes calculated mode shapes and
frequencies of the blade. Loading on a turbine blade in the Gulf Stream at a South Florida location (26o4.3’N 79o50.5’W, 25-m depth) was calculated with AeroDyn. FAST was then used to obtain the dynamic response of the blade, including flap and edge bending
moment distribution with respect to blade rotation. Static analysis was performed by using a combination of Sandia’s NuMAD and ANSYS. Palmgren-Miner’s cumulative fatigue damage model was employed with damage estimation based on the material fatigue property data in DOE/MSU Composite
Material Fatigue Database. During service life, OCT blades are subjected to cyclic loads and random ocean current loading. Hence, the blades experience repeated and alternating stresses, which can lead to fatigue failure. These loads were weighted by rate of occurrence from a histogram analysis
of in situ measurements conducted by the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC).
Sedimentary tectonics and glacial record in the Windermere Supergroup, Mackenzie Mountains, northwestern Canada
Authors: Eisbacher G H
Published: April 2013

The Upper Proterozoic Windermere Supergroup of the Mackenzie and Wernecke mountains, northern Cordillera, was deposited between about 800 and 570 Ma. The margin of the predominantly clastic basin was controlled by faults with a north-northeasterly to
northwesterly trend. The faults record rifting in the underlying craton and were intruded by diabase dykes and sills. Faulting was accompanied by extrusion of basal tic flows and is reflected in pronounced facies and thickness changes of the highest pre-Windermere and basal Windermere units
(Redstone River, Coppercap, Sayunei formations). Faulting thus began to disrupt the pre-Windermere basinal framework prior to the changeover {rom carbonate to clastic sedimentation which characterizes the base of the Windermere Supergroup. The lower part of the Windermere Supergroup contains the
record of a regional glaciation which can also be seen in other parts of the Cordillera. The Sayunei Formation is mainly proglacial siltstone-argillite rhythmite with dropstone laminites, till pellets (sand clasts), and characteristic iron formation near the top. The Shezal Formation has two facies:
a nonmarine tillite which rests locally on polished pavement and contains abundant striated stones, and a glaciomarine diamictite facies which was deposited in complex shallow marine depositional environments. Deglaciation was abrupt. The fine grained calcareous or siliciclastic members of the basal
Twitya Formation which overlie the Shezal Formation rest with knife-sharp transgressive contact on tillite and glaciomarine diamictite. The Twitya Formation is a thick clastic wedge deposited mainly on the shelf-slope transition southwest of the Mackenzie Platform and on turbidite fans of the Selwyn
Basin. Locally, significant carbonate facies developed on protected platforms and adjacent slopes. An extensive regression-progradation occurred during deposition of the cyclic shallow water marine-nonmarine Keele Formation which is in gradational contact with the Twitya Formation. The basinward
progradation of the Keele Formation was accompanied by contemporaneous growth faulting, slumping, and generation of carbonate olistostromes. Deposition of the Keele Formation was terminated by a second abrupt transgression followed by deposition of a monotonous shale unit of the Sheepbed Formation
which is the highest Windermere formation in the region. The transgression is interpreted as eustatic and due to a second glaciation outside the Cordilleran depositional domain.
Lamprophyre dykes in the Awry plutonic suite, North Arm, Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories
Authors: LeCheminant A N
Published: April 2013

Northerly- to northeasterly-striking lamprophyre dykes intrude Paleoproterozoic diabase dykes and the Archean Awry plutonic suite 80 km west of Yellowknife. The lamprophyres, classified as clinopyroxene or hornblende spessartites, contain chromite xenocrysts of
upper mantle origin, olivine pseudomorphs, and abundant clinopyroxene and hornblende phenocrysts and xenocrysts set in a groundmass rich in amphibole and sodic plagioclase. Well-defined internal zoning and strong preferred orientation of crystals within the narrow dykes result from flow
differentiation. Disaggregated granitoid xenoliths and resorbed quartz and feldspar xenocrysts in the lamprophyres indicate significant crustal contamination. The lamprophyric magmas originated as mantle-derived partial melts produced under volatile-rich melting conditions. They underwent fractional
crystallization and crustal contamination during ascent. The magmas tapped metasomatized lithospheric mantle beneath the Slave Province, perhaps originally altered in the Archean and possibly modified by fluids released during east-dipping subduction beneath the Slave craton during formation of
Wopmay orogen.
Geology of the Hall Peninsula east of Iqaluit, southern Baffin Island, Northwest Territories
Authors: Scott D J
Published: April 2013

A corridor east of Iqaluit has been mapped and sampled for U-Pb geochronology in order to evaluate the hypothesis that the rocks of the Hall Peninsula represent in part the along-strike continuation of the Torngat Orogen (northern Labrador), and to determine the
relationship of these rocks to those of the Cumberland Batholith. The metaplutonic rocks of the western part of the corridor appear to represent the southern continuation of the Cumberland Batholith. These rocks intrude the central metasedimentary gneisses that are interpreted as the northward
continuation of the Tasiuyak gneiss of the Torngat Orogen. An orthopyroxene tonalite that intrudes the central metasedimentary rocks has been dated at 1890 ± 2 Ma. The eastern metaplutonic rocks are enigmatic; they may represent the northward continuation of ca. 1.9 Ga metaplutonic rocks of the
Torngat Orogen.
Surficial sediments, permafrost, and geomorphic processes, Kikerk Lake and Coppermine map areas, west Kitikmeot, District of Mackenzie, Northwest Territories
Authors: Kerr D E , Wolfe S A , Ward B C , Dredge L A
Published: April 2013

Surficial sediments in the Coppermine (86O, east half) and Kikerk Lake (86P) sheets were mapped at a 1:125 000 scale. Till blankets and veneers, representing a single till sheet, are the most common surficial sediments, with exceptionally long drumlinoid features
west of Kikerk Lake. Esker and outwash complexes occur throughout the area, serving as potential aggregate resources. Permafrost features include mudboils and solifluction lobes on till. Coarse grained glaciofluvial and deltaic deposits typically contain large ice-wedge polygons with wide, deeply
incised troughs. These features may result from partial or complete meltout of underlying wedge ice, or signify the presence of massive ground ice at depth resulting in widening of troughs through creep deformation of underlying ice. Marine deposits composed primarily of clayey silt cover much of
the coastal plain and are typically ice-rich in the upper 1.5 m, with numerous but relatively small retrogressive thaw flowslides.
Assessing the outcomes of the higher education mergers in South Africa: Implications for strategic management
Authors: Arnolds Cecil A. , Stofile Regina N. , Lillah Riyaadh
Published: April 2013

Objective of the study: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived merger outcomes, employee organisational commitment and employee job performance in South African higher education institutions.Problem investigated: High levels of negativity towards the mergers have initially been reported. The unbundling of certain mergers has been mooted. The outcomes of these mergers must therefore be evaluated.Methodology: A total of 329 questionnaires were collected from academic and non-academic staff at three comprehensive universities. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multiple regression analysis was conducted.Findings: The empirical results show, amongst other things, that (1) perceptions about merger goal success are significantly related to the organisational commitment and job performance intentions of employees, (2) organisational commitment levels are average and should be increased, (3) perceptions about workload fairness are significantly related to the organisational commitment of employees, and (4) employees have experienced an increased workload.Value of study: The study emphasises the necessity of the continual management of merger goal successes, workload distributions, and administration processes and resources (especially an empowered staff) in the pursuit of stable educational environments in these institutions.Conclusion: Managers of higher education institutions should pursue prudent strategic financial spending and continuously manage the job performance intent and organisational commitment of their staff members. If this is not done, positive perceptions of merger successes could decrease. Such a situation could perpetuate unstable conditions at already affected merged institutions and even cause stable ones to deteriorate.
Digital literacy in Ugandan teacher education: Insights from a case study
Authors: Andema Samuel , Kendrick Maureen , Norton Bonny
Published: April 2013

This case study investigated the relationship between policy and practice with regard to advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Ugandan teacher education. Our qualitative study, conducted in 2008, focused on the experiences of six language teacher educators in an urban Primary Teachers’ College (PTC). We also drew on insights from an interview with the then Ugandan Minister of ICT, Doctor Ham-Mukasa Mulira and the national ICT policy. Whilst the Minister expressed the hope that technology would transform Ugandan education, our findings suggest that the success of ICT initiatives depends largely on whether local conditions support such initiatives. Despite their enthusiasm for digital technology, the participants were challenged by the expense of Internet connectivity, inadequate training, power outages, and culturally irrelevant material. We suggest that ICT policy should address teacher educators’ use of digital technology across diverse sites, and that innovations such as the eGranary portable digital library might be particularly useful in poorly resourced educational institutions.
Nutrient loss from Saskatchewan cropland and pasture in spring snowmelt runoff
Authors: Cade-Menun Barbara J. , Bell Gordon , Baker-Ismail Samar , Fouli Ymène , Hodder Kyle , McMartin Dena W. , Perez-Valdivia Cesar , Wu Kangsheng
Published: April 2013

Cade-Menun, B. J., Bell, G., Baker-Ismail, S., Fouli, Y., Hodder, K., McMartin, D. W., Perez-Valdivia, C. and Wu, K. 2013. Nutrient loss from Saskatchewan cropland and pasture in spring snowmelt runoff. Can. J. Soil Sci. 93: 445–458. To develop appropriate beneficial management practices (BMPs) for a watershed, it is essential to quantify the nutrients lost from agricultural fields and to identify the mechanisms of nutrient transport. To determine appropriate BMPs for a watershed in southeastern Saskatchewan, nutrient concentrations were measured in spring 2010 in snowmelt runoff from fertilized annual cropland (zero till) and perennial tame pastures. The majority of nutrient loss was in dissolved form, rather than as particulates. Significantly more nitrogen (N) was lost from pastures as dissolved ammonium than from cropland, while significantly more dissolved organic N was lost from croplands. Although there were no significant differences in total phosphorus (P) loss, there were significantly higher concentrations of dissolved reactive P in runoff from cropland, and significantly higher particulate P in runoff from pastures. Total carbon (C) in runoff was higher from cropland, due mainly to significantly higher dissolved organic C concentrations. Runoff from cropland contained significantly higher concentrations of dissolved potassium and sulfur, reflecting the fertilization of cropland fields with these nutrients. These preliminary results demonstrate that nutrients may be transported from agricultural lands by different mechanisms (e.g., in dissolved versus particulate forms) as a function of cropping system, requiring the development of specific types of BMPs to best control nutrient losses.
Relationship between Interests and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older People
Authors: Nakamura-Thomas Hiromi , Kyougoku Makoto
Published: April 2013

Objective:

This study examined the relationship between interest responses and health-related quality of life in 324 healthy older Japanese people.

Method:

Instruments used in this study included the Japanese Interest Checklist for the Elderly (JICE) containing six factors with 25 activities, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to test correlations between the three interest parameter scores (interest, current participation and future participation) of the JICE and SF-36v2 scores. Data were analysed for men and women separately to clarify gender-specific differences.

Results:

Among women, the physical component score in the SF-36v2 correlated significantly and positively with all three interest parameter scores for all factors other than Entertainment Activities in the JICE. Among men, the mental component score in the SF-36v2 correlated significantly and positively with the scores of the three interest parameters for Activities of Daily Living, Pleasurable Outings and Cultural/Educational Activities factors in the JICE.

Conclusion:

This study identified different correlations between interest responses in activities listed on the JICE and component scores on the SF-36v2 between men and women and demonstrated a new application of interest checklists in the physical domain of the occupational therapy.
A Literature Review of Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Weight Shift Activity, Cost of Pressure Care and Role of the Occupational Therapist
Authors: Stinson May , Gillan Catherine , Porter-Armstrong Alison
Published: April 2013

Introduction:

Pressure ulcers are a major concern for those who spend a prolonged period of time sitting. Weight shifts are one prevention strategy used to reduce the risk of tissue damage. Currently, the prevalence of pressure ulcers is high, suggesting that concordance with preventative methods is poor. Occupational therapy focuses on the use of functional activity to promote health and wellbeing. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate the role of functional activity in reducing seated interface pressure.

Method:

A comprehensive search of nine electronic databases (AMED, CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, SportDiscus, EMBASE, British Nursing Index, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and OTDBASE) was conducted between January 2000 and October 2011.

Findings:

From the 24 articles included in the review, there is limited evidence evaluating the role of functional activity and weight shifts in reducing seated interface pressure. Limited evidence suggests poor concordance with weight shifts, with wheelchair users repositioning on average once every 1–2 hours. The cost of pressure ulcer care is considerable, with an average annual cost of £1.7 billion in the United Kingdom. Occupational therapists have a key preventative role.

Conclusion:

Further research is needed to explore the role of functional activity and to determine the effectiveness of weight shift activity in reducing seated interface pressure.
Writing for Depression in Health Care
Authors: Cooper Pauline
Published: April 2013

Introduction:

The study concentrates on two models of writing used in community facilities and inpatient settings in mental health: a six-session course of Using Writing as Therapy (UWaT) with a therapist, and Creative Writing (CW) with a non-therapist facilitator. UWaT is a structured, new, brief writing therapy; CW is unstructured use of writing as a creative arts activity.

Method:

This qualitative study utilised a post-positivist, subtle-realist paradigm, using qualitative methodologies (action research and participant observation) by an occupational therapist to understand and clarify how writing, as a form of emotional disclosure, worked with clients with depression, with flawed identity and low self-esteem.

Findings:

The findings indicated that UWaT clients reported cognitive changes, an increase in self-knowledge through gaining distance from their stories through writing and benefit from using the page to reorganise or play with memories and experiences. CW clients distanced themselves from painful emotions by writing and expressing their feelings but not discussing emotive content. They experienced a less safe environment, deprivation of positive feedback and problems with ‘writer’ identity.

Conclusion:

Both writing models have potential benefit for clients with depression and more research is needed to establish fidelity of delivery and results.
Exploring the Utility of a Novel Knowledge Translation Tool for School-Based Occupational Therapists
Authors: Di Rezze Briano , Santesso Nancy , Law Mary
Published: April 2013

Statement of context:

Occupational therapists may have difficulty using evidence from systematic reviews.

Critical reflection on practice:

The use of Summary of Findings (SoFs) tables of systematic reviews, sent via email, was explored in two focus groups with six occupational therapists at a school-based practice. Descriptive content analysis was used.

Participants voiced typical barriers to the use of evidence and said that SoFs were helpful. They felt that SoFs were easy to use, understandable, and increased awareness of research and gaps. Some reported difficulty understanding statistics. Participants believed that they would think about applying the evidence in future.

Key message:

SoFs via email to school-based occupational therapists may be a useful format to disseminate evidence.
Morphology of Coronoid Process and Sigmoid Notch in Orthopantomograms of South Indian Population
Authors: Shakya Shrijana , Nagraj Sumanth Kumbagere
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The shape of the coronoid process and sigmoid notch is useful in anthropological studies and forensic dentistry. Literature review shows that the morphological variation in the shape of coronoid process and sigmoid notch may be due to hereditary or functional changes and have a correlation with the mode and degree of the attachment of temporalis muscle.

Materials and methods

In this study the shape of the coronoid process and sigmoid notch were analyzed in 200 orthopantomographs. The coronoid process and sigmoid notch were classified as beak shaped, flat round, triangular and sloping, round and wide respectively. In this study, we have attempted to analyze the prevalence of different shapes of coronoid process and sigmoid notch in the residents of South India. The different shapes of coronoid process and sigmoid notch were compared for sexual dimorphism and difference on either side.

Results

The mean age ± SD of the study population was found to be 35.03 ± 18.37. No significant changes were observed among right and left coronoid process and sigmoid notch, neither was there any changes observed among males and females. Triangular shape coronoid process and the sloping form for sigmoid notch appears to be more common. Variation in the shape according to age was found to be statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

A multicentric study involving various ethnic groups of larger sample size may be undertaken to analyze variations in the morphology of coronoid process and sigmoid notch.

How to cite this article

Shakya S, Ongole R, Nagraj SK. Morphology of Coronoid Process and Sigmoid Notch in Orthopantomograms of South Indian Population. World J Dent 2013;4(1):1-3.
Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Some Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Biochemical Study
Authors: Benjamin Tabita , Aziz Abdul S , Kalekar Madhav G , Suryakar Adinath N , Prakashan Milsee M , Bijle Mohammed Nadeem A
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Chronic periodontitis is the inflammatory disease of the periodontium; the tissue that surround and support the teeth. The aim of the study was to estimate and compare some biochemical oxidative stress markers in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls and to assess the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on these parameters.

Materials and methods

Eighty-two chronic periodontitis patients and 120 healthy controls were recruited for the study. The periodontal status was evaluated using gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The biochemical parameters estimated were total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), antioxidant enzymes RBC-superoxide dismutase (RBC-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamin C, malondialdehyde (MDA) and Creactive protein (CRP) were also evaluated. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing; SRP) was performed on chronic periodontitis patients and a follow-up was done after 3 months.

Results

The study suggests that oxidative stress is induced in chronic periodontitis, as the levels of CRP, MDA and RBC-SOD were significantly higher (p < 0.001) and those of TAOC, GPx and vitamin C were significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls at baseline. SRP therapy significantly improved the clinical and biochemical oxidative stress markers in periodontitis patients.

Conclusion

Chronic periodontitis patients show higher inflammatory manifestations and oxidative stress. SRP therapy helps in lowering inflammatory burden and improving systemic oxidant: Antioxidant imbalance. The SRP therapy may be a useful support in the control and prevention of various inflammatory diseases associated with periodontitis.

How to cite this article

Aziz AS, Kalekar MG, Benjamin T, Suryakar AN, Prakashan MM, Bijle MNA. Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Some Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Biochemical Study. World J Dent 2013;4(1):17-23.
Erosive Effect of Soft Drink and Fresh Fruit Juice on Restorative Materials
Authors: Namineni Srinivas , Maganur Prabhadevi C , Prabhakar Attiguppe R , Satish V , Kurthukoti Ameet
Published: April 2013

Aims

To evaluate and compare the effect of a soft drink and a fresh fruit juice on microleakage as well as surface texture of flowable composite (Filtek” Flow 3M Dental products) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) (Vitremer” 3M Dental products).

Materials and methods

Seventy noncarious human premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment purpose were collected and stored in saline for microleakage study. The experimental groups comprised of 60 teeth, while the remaining 10 formed the control group. Class V cavities were prepared and restored with RMGIC on the buccal surface and Filtek Flow on the lingual surface for evaluating microleakage. The experimental samples were then divided into two groups (group I: Cola drink and group II: Fresh orange fruit juice) of 30 teeth. Each of this group was further divided into three subgroups (low, medium and high immersion) containing 10 teeth. The control group (group III: Water) contained 10 teeth.

Using a brass mold, 56 pellets were prepared with Filtek” Flow and Vitremer” tri-cure restorative material each for studying surface texture. Again these were divided into experimental group of 48 pellets each and control group of eight pellets each. The experimental samples were then divided into two groups (group I: Cola drink and group II: Fresh orange fruit juice) of 24 pellets of each. Each of this group was further divided into three subgroups (low, medium and high immersion) containing eight pellets each. The control group (group III: Water) contained 16 pellet (eight pellets of each material).

Both the teeth and pellets were subjected to a common immersion regime according to Maupome et al. Microleakage was evaluated by using Rhodamine B dye and surface texture was evaluated prior to immersion and final surface roughness (Ra) after subjecting the pellets to immersion regime.

Statistical analyses used were Chi-square test/Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon's signed rank test and Mann-Whitney test and ANOVA test.

Results and conclusion

The teeth and the pellets showed statistically significant microleakage and surface roughness respectively as the immersion regime increased. Thus, the study conclusively proves that the 'sipping habit’ associated with commonly available low pH beverages, are detrimental to the longevity of restorations.

How to cite this article

Maganur PC, Prabhakar AR, Satish V, Namineni S, Kurthukoti A. Erosive Effect of Soft Drink and Fresh Fruit Juice on Restorative Materials. World J Dent 2013;4(1): 32-40.
Pediatric HIV Infection
Authors: Kaushal Ambrish , Upadhyay Yogesh
Published: April 2013

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The pathologic hallmark of AIDS is severe immunosuppression; HIV infected infants and children suffer considerable morbidity and mortality. In addition to the catastrophic medical consequences, HIV infected infants and children along with their families suffer tremendous psychological upheaval owing to this chronic, often devastating illness. Because of the complexity and vast clinical spectrum of HIV infection, this article is limited to a general review of the pediatric HIV manifestations and management.

How to cite this article

Kaushal A, Upadhyay Y. Pediatric HIV Infection. World J Dent 2013;4(1):77-79.
On the characteristics of ASCAT wind direction ambiguities
Authors: Lin W. , Portabella M. , Stoffelen A. , Verhoef A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The inversion of the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) backscatter measurement triplets generally leads to two wind ambiguities with similar wind speed values and opposite wind directions. However, for up-, down- and crosswind (with respect to the mid-beam azimuth direction) cases, the inversion often leads to three or four wind solutions. In most of such cases, the inversion residuals or maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) of the third and fourth solutions (i.e. high-rank solutions) are substantially higher than those of the first two (low-rank) ambiguities. This indicates a low probability for the high-rank solutions and thus essentially dual ambiguity. This paper investigates the characteristics of ASCAT high-rank wind solutions under different conditions with the objective of developing a method for rejecting the spurious high-rank solutions. The implementation of this rejection procedure improves the effectiveness of the ASCAT wind quality control (QC) and ambiguity removal procedures.
Global monitoring of terrestrial chlorophyll fluorescence from moderate spectral resolution near-infrared satellite measurements: methodology, simulations, and application to GOME-2
Authors: Joiner J. , Guanter L. , Lindstrot R. , Voigt M. , Vasilkov A. P. , Middleton E. M. , Huemmrich K. F. , Yoshida Y. , Frankenberg C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Globally mapped terrestrial chlorophyll fluorescence retrievals are of high interest because they can provide information on the functional status of vegetation including light-use efficiency and global primary productivity that can be used for global carbon cycle modeling and agricultural applications. In addition, fluorescence can contaminate photon path estimates from the O2 A-band that has become an integral part of missions to accurately measure greenhouse gas concentrations. Global mapping of far-red (~ 755–770 nm) terrestrial vegetation solar-induced fluorescence from space has been accomplished using the high spectral resolution (ν/Δ ν > 35 000) interferometer on the Japanese Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT). These satellite retrievals of fluorescence rely solely upon the filling-in of solar Fraunhofer lines that are not significantly affected by atmospheric absorption. Although these measurements provide near global coverage on a monthly basis, they suffer from relatively low precision and sparse spatial sampling. Here, we describe a new methodology to retrieve global far-red fluorescence information; we use hyperspectral data to disentangle the spectral signatures of three basic components in and surrounding the O2 A-band: atmospheric absorption, surface reflectance, and fluorescence radiance. Through detailed simulations, we demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and show that moderate spectral resolution measurements with a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio within and outside the O2 A-band can be used to retrieve far-red fluorescence information with good precision and accuracy. The method is then applied to data from the Global Ozone Monitoring Instrument 2 (GOME-2). The GOME-2 fluorescence retrievals display similar spatial structure as compared with GOSAT. GOME-2 enables global mapping of far-red fluorescence with higher precision over smaller spatial and temporal scales than is possible with GOSAT. It should be noted that both GOME-2 and GOSAT were designed to make atmospheric trace gas measurements and were not optimized for fluorescence measurements. Our approach can be applied to other existing and future space-based instruments that provide moderate spectral resolution observations in the near-infrared region.
Major consequences of an intense dense shelf water cascading event on deep-sea benthic trophic conditions and meiofaunal biodiversity
Authors: Pusceddu A. , Mea M. , Canals M. , Heussner S. , Durrieu de Madron X. , Sanchez-Vidal A. , Bianchelli S. , Corinaldesi C. , Dell'Anno A. , Thomsen L. , Danovaro R.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Numerous submarine canyons around the world are preferential conduits for episodic dense shelf water cascading (DSWC), which quickly modifies physical and chemical ambient conditions while transporting large amounts of material towards the base of slope and basin. Observations conducted during the last 20 yr in the Lacaze-Duthiers and Cap de Creus canyons (Gulf of Lion, NW Mediterranean Sea) report several intense DSWC events. The effects of DSWC on deep-sea ecosystems are almost unknown. To investigate the effects of these episodic events, we analysed changes in the meiofaunal biodiversity inside and outside the canyon. Sediment samples were collected at depths varying from ca. 1000 to > 2100 m in May 2004 (before a major event), April 2005 (during a major cascading event) and in October 2005, August 2006, April 2008 and April 2009 (after a major event). We report here that the late winter–early spring 2005 cascading led to a reduction of the organic matter contents in canyon floor sediments down to 1800 m depth, whereas surface sediments at about 2200 m depth showed an increase. Our findings suggest that the nutritional material removed from the shallower continental shelf, canyon floor and flanks, and also the adjacent open slope was rapidly transported to the deep margin. During the cascading event the meiofaunal abundance and biodiversity in the studied deep-sea sediments were significantly lower than after the event. Benthic assemblages during the cascading were significantly different from those in all other sampling periods in both the canyon and deep margin. After only six months from the cessation of the cascading, benthic assemblages in the impacted sediments were again similar to those observed in other sampling periods, thus illustrating a quick recovery. Since the present climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of these episodic events, we anticipate that they will increasingly affect benthic bathyal ecosystems, which may eventually challenge their resilience.
Distributions and assemblages of larval fish in the East China Sea in the northeasterly and southwesterly monsoon seasons 2008
Authors: Chen W. Y. , Lee M. A. , Lan K. W. , Gong G. C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. A total of 8459 larval fish were collected in the southern East China Sea during the winter northeasterly monsoon season and the summer southwesterly monsoon seasons in 2008. They were composed of 184 species belonging to 105 families and 162 genera. The abundance in terms of CPUE (number of individuals/1000 m3) of the larvae was about six times higher in the southwesterly monsoon season than that in the northeasterly monsoon season. The primary environmental factors affecting the larval abundance were found to be water temperature in the northeasterly monsoon season but food availability in the southwesterly monsoon season. Three larval fish assemblages were recognized; the inshore assemblage, the offshore assemblage, and the summer coastal assemblage. The distribution and species composition of the larvae in the assemblages reflected the hydrographic conditions and water currents resulted from the seasonal monsoons.
Spatial distribution of solute leaching with snowmelt and irrigation: measurements and simulations
Authors: Schotanus D. , van der Ploeg M. J. , van der Zee S. E. A. T. M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Transport of a tracer and a degradable solute in a heterogeneous soil was measured in the field, and simulated with several transient and steady state infiltration rates. Leaching surfaces were used to investigate the solute leaching in space and time simultaneously. In the simulations, a random field for the scaling factor in the retention curve was used for the heterogeneous soil, which was based on the spatial distribution of drainage in an experiment with a multi-compartment sampler. As a criterion to compare the results from simulations and observations, the sorted and cumulative total drainage in a cell was used. The effect of the ratio of the infiltration rate over the degradation rate on leaching of degradable solutes was investigated. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of the leaching of degradable and non-degradable solutes was compared. The infiltration rate determines the amount of leaching of the degradable solute. This can be partly explained by a decreasing travel time with an increasing infiltration rate. The spatial distribution of the leaching also depends on the infiltration rate. When the infiltration rate is high compared to the degradation rate, the leaching of the degradable solute is similar as for the tracer. The fraction of the pore space of the soil that contributes to solute leaching increases with an increasing infiltration rate. This fraction is similar for a tracer and a degradable solute. With increasing depth, the leaching becomes more homogeneous, as a result of dispersion. The spatial distribution of the solute leaching is different under different transient infiltration rates, therefore, also the amount of leaching is different. With independent stream tube approaches, this effect would be ignored.
Rip current related drowning deaths and rescues in Australia 2004–2011
Authors: Brighton B. , Sherker S. , Brander R. , Thompson M. , Bradstreet A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Rip currents are a common hazard to beachgoers found on many beaches around the world, but it has proven difficult to accurately quantify the actual number of rip current related drowning deaths in many regions and countries. Consequently, reported estimates of rip current drowning can fluctuate considerably and are often based on anecdotal evidence. This study aims to quantify the incidence of rip current related drowning deaths and rescues in Australia from 2004 to 2011. A retrospective search was undertaken for fatal and non-fatal rip-related drowning incidents from Australia's National Coronial Information System (NCIS), Surf Life Saving Australia's (SLSA, 2005–2011) SurfGuard Incident Report Database (IRD), and Media Monitors for the period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2011. In this time, rip currents were recorded as a factor in 142 fatalities of a total of 613 coastal drowning deaths (23.2%), an average of 21 per year. Rip currents were related to 44% of all beach-related drowning deaths and were involved in 57.4% of reported major rescues in Australian locations where rips occur. A comparison with international operational statistics over the same time period describes rip-related rescues as 53.7% of the total rescues in the US, 57.9% in the UK and 49.4% in New Zealand. The range 49–58% is much lower than 80–89% traditionally cited. The results reported are likely to underestimate the size of the rip current hazard, because we are limited by the completeness of data on rip-related events; however this is the most comprehensive estimate to date. Beach safety practitioners need improved data collection and standardized definitions across organisations. The collection of drowning data using consistent categories and the routine collection of rip current information will allow for more accurate global comparisons.