bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly compact co-poly(amide-imide)s from polycondensation of an imide-modified derivative of l-aspartic acid
Authors: Zamanloo Mohammad Reza , Karimi Mohammad Hassan , Imanzadeh Gholam Hassan
Published: November 2014

The direct polycondensation of a monomer derived from l-aspartic acid together with adipic acid as a modifier co-monomer with aromatic diamines was studied to synthesize co-poly(amide-imide)s (CPAIs). The relative reactivity of the co-monomers and the manner of their insertion into polymer chains were evaluated using a model reaction and 1H NMR spectroscopy, respectively. The synthesized polymers depicted optical rotations similar to those of the monomer precursor and inherent viscosities in the range of 0.13–0.95 dl/g. Thermal stability and behavior as well as the weight-loss pattern of the CPAIs were studied by thermo-analytical techniques (thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry). Onset decomposition temperatures >300°C and carbonization residues of more than 50% at 600°C were detected for the treated polymers. Almost all of the copolyamides were noncrystalline solids, as illustrated in the X-ray diffraction patterns, and had good levels of solubility in a variety of polar organic solvents. These polymers could afford transparent and flexible to brittle films in solution casting on glass plates. Scanning electron microscopy on the polymer films showed a uniform and continuous morphology, indicating good film forming ability.
Acrylate copolymers containing benzimidazolium moieties: synthesis and antimicrobial applications
Authors: Saif Muhammad Jawwad , Anwar Jamil , Idrees Nazeran , Athir Naveed , Bokhari Tanvir Hussain , uz-Zaman Waheed
Published: November 2014

The allylic monomer N-allyl-N-butylbenzimidazolium bromide (ABBB) was synthesized by reacting allyl bromide with benzimidazole and subsequent quaternization with 1-bromobutane. Copolymers of ABBB with butyl acrylate (BA) were prepared in dimethyl formamide solution at 70°C using a free-radical polymerization technique with different monomer feed ratios. Monomer reactivity ratios for the ABBB-BA pairs were evaluated by the Fineman-Ross (r1=0.40; r2=1.49) and Kelen-Tüdõs (r1=0.36; r2=1.46) linearization methods. Thermal behavior of the copolymers of different compositions was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The copolymers were tested for antimicrobial properties against selected strains of bacteria and fungi and were found to be active against the strains. The growth-inhibitory effect of the copolymers varied according to the composition of the polymer: the effect increased with increasing content of the substituted benzimidazolium group in the polymer chain.
Study on Carbon Black Coated LiMn2O4 Doped with Cr2O3
Authors: Liang Xinghua , Zeng Shuaibo , Liu Yusi , Shi Lin , Ye Chaochao
Published: November 2014

LiMn
Removal of Fluorides and Chlorides from Zinc Oxide Fumes by Microwave Sulfating Roasting
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Zhang Libo , Chen Guo , Peng Jinhui , Zhou Liexing , Yin Shaohua , Liu Chenhui
Published: November 2014

Dechlorination and defluorination from zinc oxide dust by microwave sulfating roasting was investigated in this study. According to proposed reactions in the process, detailed experiments were systematically conducted to study the effect of roasting temperature, holding time, air and steam flow rates on the efficiency of the removal of F and Cl. The results show that 92.3% of F and 90.5% of Cl in the fume could be purified when the condition of the roasting temperature of 650 °C, holding time at 60 min, air flow of 300 L/h and steam flow of 8 ml/min was optimized. Our investigation indicates that microwave sulfating roasting could be a promising new way for the dechlorination and defluorination from zinc oxide dust.
Otto Brunner über Otto den Großen. Aus den letzten Tagen der reichsdeutschen Mediävistik
Authors: Kortüm Hans−Henning
Published: November 2014

Der Aufsatz behandelt die wissenschaftlichen Aktivitäten Otto Brunners (1898‒1982) am Vorabend des endgültigen Zusammenbruchs des „Dritten Reiches“. Als einer der führenden deutschen Historiker beeinflusste Brunner, der auf Antrag der „Dienststelle Rosenberg“ von der unter der Leitung Martin Bormanns stehenden Partei-Kanzlei u.k. („unabkömmlich“) gestellt worden war, die folgenden Generationen von Historikern. Nachdem er noch vom 15. bis 17. Januar 1945 an einer Mittelaltertagung in Braunau teilgenommen hatte, die in Hitlers Geburtshaus stattfand, trat Brunner am 21. Januar 1945 als der vermutlich letzte Redner im Rahmen einer Vortragsreihe mit dem Titel „Weltgeschichtliche Bewährungsstunden“ auf. Das Auslandswissenschaftliche Institut der Kaiser-Wilhelms-Universität hatte diese Vortragsreihe, die in Berlin Mitte, in der Schinkel’schen Bauakademie, stattfand, für das Wintersemester 1944/45 organisiert. Brunner, der direkt aus Wien anreiste, hielt dabei einen Vortrag über eine der berühmtesten Schlachten der deutschen Geschichte, die sogenannte „Lechfeldschlacht“, in der Kaiser Otto der Große ein ungarisches Heer besiegte. In diesem Zusammenhang werden die Gründe für Brunners Berlinbesuch vor dem Hintergrund der „Schlacht um Berlin“ untersucht, und es wird außerdem auf einige Grundgedanken seiner Rede eingegangen. Brunners unveröffentlichter Vortragstext wird vor dem Hintergrund der drei anderen, im Dezember 1944 gehaltenen Vorträge kontextualisiert, für die das Auslandswissenschaftliche Institut andere prominente Redner gewonnen hatte, so z. B. den damaligen Münchner Althistoriker Helmut Berve, der über Sparta und die Schlacht bei den Thermopylen sprach.
Ludwig Camerarius und die Politik der Kurpfalz vor und nach 1618. Zum Neudruck von Friedrich Hermann Schuberts Biographie über Ludwig Camerarius (1573–1651)
Authors: Wolgast Eike
Published: November 2014

Der gebürtige Nürnberger Ludwig Camerarius stand zwischen 1598 und 1626 in Pfälzer Diensten, danach war er bis 1641 schwedischer Gesandter in Den Haag. Friedrich Hermann Schubert hat 1955 die bis heute einzige Biographie dieses Humanisten und Politikers vorgelegt; trotz gewisser Eigenheiten in Darstellung, Wertung und stilistischer Gestaltung hat das Werk durch die Fülle des verarbeiteten Materials seinen Wert behalten, so dass Anton Schindling es zu Recht neu herausgegeben hat, vermehrt um einen einschlägigen Aufsatz Schuberts und Beiträge zu Leben und Werk des Verfassers.

Camerarius war in den Entscheidungsjahren der Pfälzer Politik für die Reichsangelegenheiten verantwortlich. Ohne Anhänger eines strikten Reformiertentums zu sein, ließ er sich während der ganzen Zeit seiner Tätigkeit vom absoluten Primat des Religiös-Konfessionellen in der Politik leiten, während ihm das Gespür für das pragmatische Element diplomatischen Handelns weithin fehlte. Er betrieb Prinzipienpolitik, statt das je aktuell Mögliche zum Ausgangspunkt seines Handelns zu machen. Die böhmische Königswahl sah Camerarius als Gelegenheit, die katholisch-habsburgische Partei im Reich und in Europa entscheidend zu schwächen. In der Öffentlichkeit galt er neben dem Hofprediger Abraham Scultetus als Hauptverantwortlicher für das Scheitern des Winterkönigtums – wieweit zu Recht, lässt sich im Nachhinein schwer feststellen. Als Leiter der Pfälzer Exilregierung bemühte sich Camerarius unermüdlich, aber im Wesentlichen vergeblich, Allianzen der evangelischen Staaten Europas gegen die katholische Partei zustande zu bringen. Seine Wirksamkeit als schwedischer Diplomat war wenig erfolgreich, da er an den für seine Auftraggeber zunehmend wichtiger werdenden ökonomischen Fragen nicht interessiert war. Im Ruhestand blieb er aufmerksamer Beobachter der Politik und widmete sich gelehrten Liebhabereien, vor allem den Familienpapieren und dem Aufbau einer Autographensammlung. 1646 gab er die Briefe Hubert Languets an Joachim Camerarius, den Freund Melanchthons, und seinen gleichnamigen Sohn, Ludwigs Vater, heraus.
Effects of Incivility in Clinical Practice Settings on Nursing Student Burnout
Authors: Babenko-Mould Yolanda , Laschinger Heather K. S.
Published: November 2014

Aims. To examine the relationship between nursing students’ exposure to various forms of incivility in acute care practice settings and their experience of burnout. Background. Given that staff nurses and new nurse graduates are experiencing incivility and burnout in the workplace, it is plausible that nursing students share similar experiences in professional practice settings. Design and sample. A cross-sectional survey design was used to assess Year 4 nursing students’ (n=126) perceptions of their experiences of incivility and burnout in the clinical learning environment. Methods. Students completed instruments to assess frequency of uncivil behaviors experienced during the past six months from nursing staff, clinical instructors, and other health professionals in the acute care practice setting and to measure student burnout. Results. Reported incidences of incivility in the practice setting were related to burnout. Higher rates of incivility, particularly from staff nurses, were associated with higher levels of both components of burnout (emotional exhaustion and cynicism).
L2 multiple nominal feature agreement in German: the acquisition of grammatical gender in a formal environment
Authors: Matteini Simona
Published: November 2014

This work reports on accuracy in grammatical gender marking by Italian adults learning German in a formal environment. It aims at investigating whether adult speakers of a [+gender] language who are acquiring a [+gender] L2 language can master a complex gender agreement system given the crucial role played either by other morphosyntactic features in the L2 nominal inflection. Moreover, it explores the role that L2 input (formal instruction; access to the L2 outside classroom activities) may (not) have in this particular domain of language acquisition. Findings indicate that L1 transfer – the fact that [gender] is morphologically realized in both languages although the Italian system is not congruent to the German one – and formal instruction do not play a crucial role in the population investigated for this study. Overall, results show that acquiring lexical gender seems to be possible from early on, whereas mastering more complex agreement configurations where multiple morphosyntactic factors interact on gender marking on nominal elements is problematic even if the category gender is present in the L1.
Stylizing Voices, Stances, and Identities Related to Medium of Education in India
Authors: Sandhu Priti
Published: November 2014

This study analyzes the narrative-based interview data of three Indian women to examine the manner in which they utilize stylization to construct identity-rich, ideological stances related to discriminatory discourses of Hindi and English medium education in the linguistically rich, albeit complex, present-day context of India. Stylization is understood to be a “knowing deployment of culturally familiar styles and identities that are marked as deviating from those predictably associated with the current speaking context” (
Private Ironie und öffentliche Grausamkeit. Zur Kritik von Richard Rortys Nietzsche-Kritik
Authors: Sölch Dennis
Published: November 2014

Richard Rorty macht sich Nietzsches Philosophie nicht nur in vielen Aspekten zu eigen, sondern tritt zugleich mit dem Anspruch auf, sie zu verbessern. So teilt er zwar mit Nietzsche die Zurückweisung moralphilosophischer Objektivitätsbehauptungen und Letztbegründungen, hält es damit aber nicht für unvereinbar, die eigene partikulare Perspektive eines eurozentrischen Liberalen nachdrücklich zu vertreten. Seine Kritik, die Nietzsches Forderung nach poetisierter Selbsterschaffung als potentiell grausames und daher letztlich sich selbst unterminierendes Projekt betrachtet, mündet jedoch in einer Dichotomie von öffentlich und privat, die sich dem Vorwurf ausgesetzt sieht, in eben jene Metaphysik zurückzufallen, die er explizit zu vermeiden sucht.
Ionic polymers based on quaternized polysulfones: hydrodynamic properties of polymer mixtures in solution
Authors: Filimon Anca , Dobos Adina Maria , Avram Ecaterina , Ioan Silvia
Published: November 2014

Hydrodynamic properties developed in a series of mixtures, obtained from quaternized polysulfone and cellulose acetate phthalate or polyvinyl alcohol in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, were evaluated by viscometric investigations. Theoretical and experimental aspects concerning the viscometric data for binary polymer/solvent and ternary polymer/polymer/solvent mixtures have been discussed by the new Wolf model, as a function of the charge density of polyion, structural peculiarity of polymers, and polymer mixture composition. Intrinsic viscosity and also the hydrodynamic parameters obtained by the Wolf method offer new information on the competition between different types of interactions manifested in ternary polymer/polymer/solvent systems. The complex dependence of viscosity on polymer composition is influenced by conformational changes of constituent polymers from the mixture, as well as by cumulative effects of electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding or association phenomena. Additionally, the above-mentioned interactions indicate the compatibility of these polymers over a large composition domain. This study investigates the hydrodynamic functions from the perspective of some newly-issued theories and analyzes the choice of optimal polymer mixtures compositions for specific applications in biomedical domains.
Magnetic properties of co-modified Fe,N-TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Zolnierkiewicz Grzegorz , Glenis Spiros , Guskos Niko , Guskos Aleksander , Typek Janusz , Berczynski Pawel , Dolat Diana , Mozia Sylwia , Morawski Antoni W.
Published: November 2014

Iron and nitrogen co-modified titanium dioxide nanocomposites, nFe,N-TiO2 (where n = 1, 5 and 10 wt% of Fe), were investigated by detailed dc susceptibility and magnetization measurements. Different kinds of magnetic interactions were evidenced depending essentially on iron loading of TiO2. The coexistence of superparamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phases was identified at high temperatures. Strong antiferromagnetic interactions were observed below 50 K, where some part of the nanocomposite entered into a long range antiferromagnetic ordering. Antiferromagnetic interactions were attributed to the magnetic agglomerates of iron-based and trivalent iron ions in FeTiO3 phase,whereas ferromagnetic interactions stemmed from the F-center mediated bound magnetic polarons.
Testing for co-nonlinearity
Authors: Hungnes Håvard
Published: November 2014

This article introduces the concept ofco-nonlinearity. Co-nonlinearity is an example of acommon featurein time series [Engle, Robert F., and Sharon Kozicki. 1993. “Testing for Common Features.” Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 11 (4): 369–380] and an extension of the concept ofcommon nonlinear components[Anderson, Heather M., and Farshid Vahid. 1998. “Testing Multiple Equation Systems for Common Nonlinear Components.” Journal of Econometrics 84 (1): 1–36]. If some time series follow a nonlinear process but where a linear relationship between the levels of these series removes the nonlinearity, such a relationship is defined as co-nonlinear. In this article I show how to determine the number of such co-nonlinear relationships. Furthermore, I show how to formulate hypothesis tests on the co-nonlinear relationships in a full maximum likelihood framework. The framework for identifying co-nonlinear relationships is illustrated in a system of Norwegian interest rates.
“Transaction Null and Void”
Authors: Lain Katy
Published: November 2014

Emma Wong Sing, an American-born citizen, traveled to China in 1913. When she attempted to return to Los Angeles in 1930, she was denied entry on the grounds that she had forfeited her US citizenship by marrying a Chinese citizen. Her determined struggle and the strategic (and successful) handling of her case by attorneys Y. C. Hong and A. Warner Parker illuminate the discriminatory effects of US immigration law toward women, especially toward Chinese women, in the early twentieth century. Her case tested those laws.
Rest global longitudinal 2D strain to detect coronary artery disease in patients undergoing stress echocardiography: a comparison with wall-motion and coronary flow reserve responses
Authors: Gaibazzi Nicola , Pigazzani Filippo , Reverberi Claudio , Porter Thomas R
Published: November 2014

Myocardium subtended by obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) may show reduced left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS), as well as early systolic lengthening (ESL) before shortening; these can be measured at rest and may predict obstructive CAD. This study investigated whether baseline resting LV longitudinal strain measurements may be able to detect significant CAD in patients undergoing stress echocardiography (SE) and coronary angiography, who have normal resting wall motion. We selected patients with a clinical indication of coronary angiography who were previously referred for SE. Patients with known CAD, rest wall-motion (WM) abnormalities, or rhythm/conduction abnormalities were excluded. Speckle tracking strain analyses were retrospectively performed on digitally archived 2D video-loops, using vendor independent software. Peak GLS and duration of ESL were recorded. Diagnostic accuracy of each parameter to predict obstructive (≥50%) CAD was assessed and multivariate logistic regression models fitted and compared. Eighty-two patients were enrolled and 49 had significant CAD by quantitative angiography. Patients with CAD were more often male (P=0.01) and more frequently presented with typical angina (P<0.01). Among rest and stress variables, GLS showed a Youden index of 0.665, while SE WM assessment showed a Youden index of 0.599. These were the only two parameters that remained predictive in multivariate analyses. In conclusion, rest GLS demonstrated comparable accuracy with stress-echo data for prediction of angiographically obstructive CAD; it also added significant CAD prediction when combined with clinical data, similar to SE WM assessment.
Improved Angiographic Findings of Superficial Femoral Artery after Verapamil Injection into the Reperfusion Cannula of a Patient on Peripheral Venoarterial ECMO
Authors: Gordon Christopher , Ghodsizad Ali , Brehm Christoph , Koerner Michael M. , El-Banayosy Aly
Published: November 2014

Limb ischemia is a complication that can occur in patients requiring percutaneously placed venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). One method used to prevent limb ischemia is the placement of an antegrade catheter into the superficial femoral artery. We describe a case is which the angiographic findings of the superficial femoral artery were improved by the injection of verapamil in a patient with limb ischemia.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Demir Tolga , Ugurlucan Murat , Bahceci Fatma , Demir Hale Bolgi , Sezer Selma
Published: November 2014

A 70-year-old male patient with myasthenia gravis required coronary artery bypass grafting due to triple-vessel disease. The anesthetic management was performed with general anesthesia using reduced doses of muscle relaxants. He was extubated four hours after surgery and the postoperative course was uneventful. Coronary artery bypass surgery in myasthenic patients can be challenging to anesthesiologists and cardiac surgeons. In this rare condition, a meticulous assessment of the patient's neurologic and cardiac status, and careful perioperative anesthetic management were needed in order to avoid life-threatening complications in both intraoperative and postoperative periods.
Modified Septal Myectomy Using a Curved Knife for Left Ventricular Septal Hypertrophy
Authors: Takahashi Shinya , Takasaki Taiichi , Tadehara Futoshi , Taguchi Takahiro , Katayama Keijiro , Kurosaki Tatsuya , Imai Katsuhiko , Sueda Taijiro
Published: November 2014

An 86-year-old woman presented with chest pain and discomfort. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve stenosis and asymmetric septal hypertrophy. Aortic valve replacement and myectomy were performed using a curved knife. The blade was U-shaped in cross-section, and was curved upward along the long axis. Hypertrophic septal myocardium was removed along the long axis of the left ventricle (LV), and a groove for blood flow was constructed. The patient was discharged uneventfully without recurrence of her chest discomfort. Our result suggested that a curved knife is a reasonable option for transaortic septal myectomy in patients with obstructive LV hypertrophy.
Unconditional Regard Buffers Children’s Negative Self-Feelings
Authors: Brummelman Eddie , Thomaes Sander , Walton Gregory M. , Poorthuis Astrid M. G. , Overbeek Geertjan , Orobio de Castro Bram , Bushman Brad J.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND:

Unconditional regard refers to the feeling that one is accepted and valued by others without conditions. Psychological theory suggests that experiences of unconditional regard lead children to feel that they are valuable despite setbacks. We hypothesized that reflecting on experiences of unconditional regard would buffer children’s negative self-feelings (eg, shame, insecurity, powerlessness) in the face of setbacks. To test this hypothesis, we randomized children to reflect on experiences of unconditional regard or other experiences, and examined their response to an academic setback 3 weeks later.

METHODS:

Participants (11–15 years old) were randomly assigned to reflect for 15 minutes on experiences of unconditional regard (n = 91), conditional regard (n = 80), or other social experiences (n = 76). Research personnel, teachers, and classmates remained blind to condition assignment. Three weeks later, after receiving their course grades, children reported their self-feelings. Course grades were obtained from school records. Receiving low course grades represents a salient and painful real-world setback for children.

RESULTS:

Replicating previous research, children who received lower grades experienced more negative self-feelings (P < .001). As predicted, this well-established relationship was significantly attenuated among children who had reflected, 3 weeks previously, on experiences of unconditional regard (Ps < .03). Reflecting on unconditional regard specifically reduced negative self-feelings after low grades (P = .01), not after average or high grades (Ps > .17).

CONCLUSIONS:

Reflecting on unconditional regard buffered children’s selves against the adverse impact of an academic setback over an extended period of time. Unconditional regard may thus be an important psychological lever to reduce negative self-feelings in youth.
Gender Differences in Adult-Infant Communication in the First Months of Life
Authors: Johnson Katharine , Caskey Melinda , Rand Katherine , Tucker Richard , Vohr Betty
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the verbal interactions of parents with their infants in the first months of life and to test the hypothesis that reciprocal vocalizations of mother-infant dyads would be more frequent than those of father-infant dyads.

METHODS:

This prospective cohort study included 33 late preterm and term infants. Sixteen-hour language recordings during the birth hospitalization and in the home at 44 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) and 7 months were analyzed for adult word count, infant vocalizations, and conversational exchanges.

RESULTS:

Infants were exposed to more female adult speech than male adult speech from birth through 7 months (P < .0001). Compared with male adults, female adults responded more frequently to their infant’s vocalizations from birth through 7 months (P < .0001). Infants preferentially responded to female adult speech compared with male adult speech (P = .01 at birth, P < .0001 at 44 weeks PMA and 7 months). Mothers responded preferentially to girls versus boys at birth (P = .04) and 44 weeks PMA (P = .0003) with a trend at 7 months (P = .15), and there were trends for fathers to respond preferentially to boys at 44 weeks PMA (P = .10) and 7 months (P = .15).

CONCLUSIONS:

Mothers provide the majority of language input and respond more readily to their infant’s vocal cues than fathers; infants show a preferential vocal response to their mothers in the first months. Findings also suggest that parents may also respond preferentially to infants based on gender. Informing parents of the power of early talking with their young infants is recommended.
Crystallization of Amorphous Silicon Thin Films by Microwave Heating
Authors: Nakamura Tomohiko , Yoshidomi Shinya , Hasumi Masahiko , Sameshima Toshiyuki , Mizuno Tomohisa
Published: November 2014

We report crystallization of amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin films and improvement of thin film transistors (TFTs) characteristics using 2.45 GHz microwave heating assisted with carbon powders. Undoped 50-nm-thick a-Si films were formed on quartz substrates and heated by microwave irradiation for 2, 3, and 4 min. Raman scattering spectra revealed that the crystalline volume ratio increased to 0.42 for the 4-min heated sample. The dark and photo electrical conductivities measured by Air mass 1.5 at 100 mW/cm2 were 2.6x10-6 and 5.2x10-6 S/cm in the case of 4-min microwave heating followed by 1.3x106-Pa-H2O vapor heat treatment at 260°C for 3 h. N channel polycrystalline silicon TFTs characteristics were improved by the combination of microwave heating with high-pressure H2O vapor heat treatment. The threshold voltage decreased from 5.3 to 4.2 V and the effective carrier mobility increased from 18 to 25 cm2/Vs.
Avanços e desafios à Política de Vigilância à Saúde Bucal no Brasil
Authors: Moysés Samuel Jorge , Pucca Junior Gilberto Alfredo , Paludetto Junior Moacir , Moura Lenildo de
Published: November 2014

Revisão crítica e integrativa, de caráter descritivo-discursivo, dedicada à explanação da política de vigilância à saúde bucal vigente atualmente no Brasil. Com base em uma apreciação crítica dos trabalhos nacionais e internacionais consultados sobre a temática da vigilância à saúde, examina-se a formulação de uma agenda política e científica em vigilância à saúde bucal, ancorada na institucionalidade do Sistema Único de Saúde. A efetivação da referida agenda é exemplificada com a apresentação da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal (SBBrasil 2010). Uma síntese conclusiva é apresentada, buscando a convergência teórico-metodológica entre a identificação, por um lado, dos obstáculos e fragilidades ainda detectáveis na implementação da agenda e, por outro, no reconhecimento do seu mérito, discernível em expressivos avanços e conquistas já consolidados.
Padrão epidemiológico das oclusopatias muito graves em adolescentes brasileiros
Authors: Peres Karen Glazer , Frazão Paulo , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Descrever o padrão de distribuição das oclusopatias em adolescentes brasileiros e identificar fatores associados a esse agravo bucal. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados de 7.328 e 5.445 adolescentes de 12 e 15-19 anos, respectivamente, participantes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal (SBBrasil 2010). O desfecho foi oclusopatia muito grave segundo o índice de estética dental. As variáveis de exposição foram sexo, cor da pele, renda familiar mensal, número de bens, aglomeração no domicílio, cárie não tratada, perda dentária, uso, frequência e motivo da consulta odontológica. Foram conduzidas análises de regressão logística considerando a complexidade do desenho amostral, com base em modelo hierarquizado. RESULTADOS: Prevalência de oclusopatia muito grave foi observada em 6,5% e 9,1% nos jovens de 12 e 15-19 anos, respectivamente. Após análise ajustada, a chance do desfecho foi 1,59 (IC95% 1,08;2,34) vez maior nos pardos e pretos em relação aos brancos e 2,66 (IC95% 1,26;5,63) vezes maior dentre aqueles com perda de pelo menos um primeiro molar aos 12 anos. Jovens de 15-19 anos cuja renda familiar mensal foi de até R$ 1.500,00 (OR 2,69 [IC95% 1,62;4,47]) e aqueles que consultaram o dentista para tratamento (OR 2,59 [IC95% 2,55;4,34]) apresentaram maior chance de oclusopatia muito grave quando comparados aos de maior renda e que procuraram o dentista para prevenção. CONCLUSÕES: A distribuição das oclusopatias em adolescentes brasileiros segue o padrão de iniquidade social de outros agravos à saúde. Essas informações são úteis para a formulação de critérios relacionados tanto com a distribuição e provisão de recursos quanto com as prioridades de tratamento ortodôntico fundamentados no princípio da equidade da atenção à saúde bucal.
Desigualdades sociais e doença periodontal no estudo SBBrasil 2010: abordagem multinível
Authors: Vettore Mario Vianna , Marques Regina Auxiliadora de Amorim , Peres Marco A
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência e a distribuição geográfica da doença periodontal na população adulta brasileira e sua associação com desigualdades sociais contextuais e individuais. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados dos adultos de 35 a 44 anos de idade da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal – SBBrasil 2010 (n = 9.564). O Índice Periodontal Comunitário (CPI) e o Índice de Perda Periodontal (PIP) foram usados para definir a doença periodontal em “moderada a grave” (CPI > 2 e PIP > 0) e “grave” (CPI > 2 e PIP > 1). As desigualdades sociais contextuais incluíram o índice de desenvolvimento humano e a desigualdade de renda (Índice de Gini). Outras variáveis contextuais foram a cobertura de equipes de saúde bucal da Estratégia de Saúde da Família e o percentual de adultos fumantes. Modelos de regressão logística multinível para os participantes com dados completos (n = 4.594) foram usados para estimar odds ratios (OR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) entre desigualdades sociais e doença periodontal. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da doença periodontal “moderada a grave” em brasileiros adultos foi de 15,3% e 5,8% para a condição “grave”, com variações consideráveis entre os municípios. Dentre as variáveis contextuais, a desigualdade de renda foi independentemente associada com a doença periodontal “grave” (OR = 3,0; IC95% 1,5;5,9). A menor cobertura de equipes de saúde bucal foi associada com as duas formas de doença periodontal, enquanto o percentual de fumantes manteve-se associado com a doença periodontal “moderada a grave”. Adultos com idade mais avançada, de cor de pele parda, sexo masculino, menor renda familiar e menor escolaridade apresentaram maiores chances para ambas as condições periodontais investigadas. CONCLUSÕES: No Brasil, a prevalência da doença periodontal variou conforme o município e a definição de doença empregada. A desigualdade de renda teve um papel importante na ocorrência da doença periodontal “grave”. Características individuais de posição social foram associadas com as duas formas de doença periodontal.
Fluorose dentária em crianças de São Paulo, SP, 1998-2010
Authors: Narvai Paulo Capel , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira , Frias Antonio Carlos , Soares Maria da Candelária , Marques Regina Auxiliadora de Amorim , Teixeira Doralice Severo da Cruz , Frazão Paulo
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Analisar a tendência de prevalência de fluorose dentária em crianças de 12 anos em contexto de exposição a múltiplas fontes de flúor. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se análise de tendência da prevalência de fluorose dentária no período de 1998 a 2010 na cidade de São Paulo, SP. As prevalências foram calculadas para diferentes anos (1998, 2002, 2008 e 2010), a partir de dados secundários obtidos em levantamentos epidemiológicos com amostras representativas da população de 12 anos de idade. A ocorrência de fluorose foi avaliada sob luz natural utilizando o índice de Dean, preconizado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e categorizada em normal, questionável, muito leve, leve, moderada e severa. Em 1998 foram examinadas 125 crianças; 249 em 2002; 4.085 em 2008; e 231 em 2010. RESULTADOS: Em 1998 a prevalência de fluorose foi de 43,8% (IC95%35,6;52,8), em 2002 de 33,7% (IC95% 28,2;39,8), de 40,3% (IC95% 38,8;41,8) em 2008 e de 38,1% (IC95% 32,1;44,5) em 2010. As categorias muito leve + leve registraram 38,4% (IC95%30,3;47,6) em 1998, 32,1% (IC95% 26,6;38,2) em 2002, 38,0% (IC95% 36,5;39,5) em 2008 e 36,4% (IC95%30,4;42,7) em 2010. Não se observou fluorose severa com significância estatística. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de fluorose dentária em crianças paulistanas pode ser classificada como estacionária no período de 1998 a 2010, tanto em geral quanto ao se considerarem apenas as categorias muito leve + leve.
Fatores associados à utilização dos serviços odontológicos por idosos brasileiros
Authors: Ferreira Cláudia de Oliveira , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira , Andrade Fabiola Bof de
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre a utilização recente de serviços odontológicos, fatores socioeconômicos e condições de saúde bucal entre idosos no Brasil. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta pelos indivíduos de 65-74 anos (n = 6.702) que participaram da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal em 2010 (SBBrasil 2010). A variável dependente foi a utilização recente de serviços odontológicos (última consulta há dois anos ou menos). As variáveis independentes foram: fatores sociodemográficos, medidas clínicas de saúde bucal e medida subjetiva de saúde bucal. A análise estatística foi feita por meio da descrição das medidas de frequência, análise bivariada e múltipla utilizando-se regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que 46,5% dos idosos foram ao dentista há dois anos ou menos. A partir da análise múltipla observou-se que a escolaridade, a renda e a macrorregião foram independentemente associadas ao desfecho. Indivíduos com zero a 20 dentes e necessidade de prótese apresentaram menor prevalência de consulta odontológica recente. Maiores prevalências de consulta recente foram observadas entre os indivíduos com necessidade de tratamento odontológico e usuários de prótese. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização recente de serviços odontológicos foi associada a fatores socioeconômicos (escolaridade, renda e macrorregião do País) e a medidas clínicas de saúde bucal (número de dentes, uso e necessidade de prótese e necessidade de tratamento).
From Teacher Professional Development to the Classroom: How NLP Technology Can Enhance Teachers' Linguistic Awareness to Support Curriculum Development for English Language Learners
Authors: Burstein Jill , Shore Jane , Sabatini John , Moulder Brad , Lentini Jennifer , Biggers Kietha , Holtzman Steven
Published: November 2014

This article reports on two studies using Language MuseSM (LM), a web-based, teacher professional development (TPD) application designed to enhance teachers' linguistic awareness and to support teachers in the development of language-based instructional scaffolding for English language learners (ELL). In Study 1, in-service teachers enrolled in certification courses learned how to use the natural language processing (NLP) component of LM to support their knowledge, awareness, practice, and application in designing instruction to ELLs. Measurement outcomes from the TPD study indicated that productive use of linguistic feedback in Language Muse led to some increases in teachers' linguistic knowledge and awareness, and in their ability to develop appropriate language-based instruction for ELLs. In Study 2, a school-based study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of implementing LM in authentic settings. Outcomes from the study demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the Language Muse program in applied school and classroom contexts.
Hypotensive effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Kontic Marko , Ristic Dragana , Vukosavljevic Miroslav
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive disease of the optic nerve
which if left untreated can lead to blindness at end stages. A decrease of
intraocular pressure (IOP) has proven to slow down the progression of the
disease. IOP decrease can be achieved by medical, laser and surgical
treatment. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of
patients with medically uncontrolled primary open angle glaucoma to selective
laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). Methods. The study involved baseline
characteristics recorded for each of 35 patients (48 eyes) in whom, despite
being under full medication we could not achieve a satisfactory IOP.
Patients, who had pressure above 25 mmHg under the maximal medication
therapy, were not included into the study and were referred for surgical
treatment. IOP was measured on admission, 1 hour, 7 days, 1, 3, 6 and 12
months after SLT. We considered satisfactory surgical result if IOP was
decreased more than 20% of the initial value. Also, we investigated the
influence of baseline IOP on SLT outcome after 12 months. Patient inclusion
criteria were inability to reach target IOP with maximal medical therapy.
Exclusion criteria were congenital glaucoma, any type of angle closure
glaucoma, advanced-stage glaucoma, eyes with previous laser or surgical
glaucoma applications and patients with baseline IOP >25 while fully
medicated. Patients who could not be followed for at least 12 months were
also excluded. Results. The mean age of our patients was 73?12 years. The
mean baseline IOP was 20.48 mmHg (SD=1.91), and the mean change in IOP from
baseline of the treated eye after one year was 4.47 mmHg (SD=2.12). In eyes
with a higher baseline IOP the reduction of pressure at the end of the study
was significantly higher. Satisfactory effect of IOP reduction after one year
was achieved in 64.58% of eyes. The IOP reduction did not show to be
dependent as regarding age and gender. Conclusion. SLT effectively lowers IOP
in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, and the intervention is not
followed by significant complications. Our results confirm that the IOP
reduction is more significant if the initial value is higher. Our first
reliable results of IOP reduction were confirmed one month after the
procedure so that the procedure should not be repeated before one month has
elapsed. The study is limited by a small number of eyes, which is
insufficient to make a complete case analysis.
Growth retardation in children with chronic renal disease
Authors: Peco-Antic Amira , Spasojevic Brankica
Published: November 2014

Despite recent advances in the management of children with chronic renal
disease (CRD), growth retardation remains its most visible comorbid
condition. Growth retardation has adverse impact on morbidity and mortality
rates, quality of life and education, and in adult patients on job family
life, and independent leaving accomodation. Pathophysiology of impaired
growth in CRD is complex and still not fully understood. The following
complications are: anorexia, malnutrition, inflammation, decreased residual
renal function, dialysis frequency and adequacy, renal anemia, metabolic
acidosis, fluid/electrolyte imbalance, renal osteodistrophy, growth hormone
(GH) and insulin-like growth factor -1 (IGF-1) resistance. Malnutrition is
most frequent and most important factor contributing to the degree of growth
retardation in infancy. The degree of renal dysfunction is the major
determinant of variability in growth from third year of age until puberty
onset, while in puberty hypergonadotropic hypogonadism has negative effect.
The main factors that influence growth after renal transplantation are the
age of the recipient and glucocorticoid drugs dosage with negative effect and
allograft function with positive effect. In order to improve growth in
children with CRD it is necessary to include: diet with optimal caloric
intake, correction of fluid/ electrolyte imbalance, correction of acidosis,
renal osteodistrophy and anemia. If growth velocity is insufficient to
normalize growth, it is necessary to start recombinant human GH (rhGH)
therapy at 0.05 mg/kg per day (0.35 mg/kg per week or 28 IU/m2 per week)
administered by subcutaneous injection.
Issues with PISA's Use of its Data in the Context of International Education Policy Convergence
Authors: Murphy Dan
Published: November 2014

In its analysis of data it collected in 2006, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) used a variety of statistical methods to arrive at the ‘key findings' that school autonomy, school competition and the public posting of student achievement data were associated with higher student performance. The application of one of the methods PISA used — cross-country correlations — to a wider group of school organisation policies found that the consequential accountability measures of using student achievement data to evaluate teachers and allocate resources to schools were associated with worse student performance. PISA applied the cross-country correlation method more consistently to its 2009 data but did not include in its analysis the relationship between using student achievement data to evaluate teachers and student performance. Secondary analysis revealed significant negative relationships between the two. This selective use of data over 2006 to 2009 raises questions about the objectivity of the OECD and PISA and bolsters the views of critics who believe that PISA actively favours convergence around certain schooling policies.
Using the Health Belief Model to Illustrate Factors That Influence Risk Assessment during Pregnancy and Implications for Prenatal Education about Endocrine Disruptors
Authors: Che Shaw-Ree , Barrett Emily S. , Velez Marissa , Conn Kelly , Heinert Sara , Qiu Xing
Published: November 2014

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are ubiquitous in our environment and a growing body of research indicates that EDCs may adversely affect human development. Fetal development is particularly susceptible to EDC exposure, and prenatal care providers are being asked to educate women about the risks of exposure. To inform prenatal education on EDCs, the authors examined how women perceive risks during pregnancy and translate that perception into behavior, using the Health Belief Model as a guiding framework. Because EDCs may not be discussed during prenatal care, examination of general risk perception and motivation for behaviors was used to inform surveys and interviews focused on EDCs. The results of this investigation suggest that education about EDCs needs to be detailed and comprehensive about potential health outcomes in order for women to conduct their own risk assessment.
Pathways Targeted by Antidiabetes Drugs Are Enriched for Multiple Genes Associated With Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Authors: Segrè Ayellet V. , Wei Nancy ,   DIAGRAM Consortium,   MAGIC Investigators, Altshuler David , Florez Jose C.
Published: November 2014

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered >65 common variants associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, their relevance for drug development is not yet clear. Of note, the first two T2D-associated loci (PPARG and KCNJ11/ABCC8) encode known targets of antidiabetes medications. We therefore tested whether other genes/pathways targeted by antidiabetes drugs are associated with T2D. We compiled a list of 102 genes in pathways targeted by marketed antidiabetic medications and applied Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (MAGENTA [Meta-Analysis Gene-set Enrichment of variaNT Associations]) to this gene set, using available GWAS meta-analyses for T2D and seven quantitative glycemic traits. We detected a strong enrichment of drug target genes associated with T2D (P = 2 × 10−5; 14 potential new associations), primarily driven by insulin and thiazolidinedione (TZD) targets, which was replicated in an independent meta-analysis (Metabochip). The glycemic traits yielded no enrichment. The T2D enrichment signal was largely due to multiple genes of modest effects (P = 4 × 10−4, after removing known loci), highlighting new associations for follow-up (ACSL1, NFKB1, SLC2A2, incretin targets). Furthermore, we found that TZD targets were enriched for LDL cholesterol associations, illustrating the utility of this approach in identifying potential side effects. These results highlight the potential biomedical relevance of genes revealed by GWAS and may provide new avenues for tailored therapy and T2D treatment design.
High Levels of Pigment Epithelium–Derived Factor in Diabetes Impair Wound Healing Through Suppression of Wnt Signaling
Authors: Qi Weiwei , Yang Chuan , Dai Zhiyu , Che Di , Feng Juan , Mao Yuling , Cheng Rui , Wang Zhongxiao , He Xuemin , Zhou Ti , Gu Xiaoqiong , Yan Li , Yang Xia , Ma Jian-xing , Gao Guoquan
Published: November 2014

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) caused by impaired wound healing is a common vascular complication of diabetes. The current study revealed that plasma levels of pigment epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) were elevated in type 2 diabetic patients with DFU and in db/db mice. To test whether elevated PEDF levels contribute to skin wound-healing delay in diabetes, endogenous PEDF was neutralized with an anti-PEDF antibody in db/db mice. Our results showed that neutralization of PEDF accelerated wound healing, increased angiogenesis in the wound skin, and improved the functions and numbers of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the diabetic mice. Further, PEDF-deficient mice showed higher baseline blood flow in the skin, higher density of cutaneous microvessels, increased skin thickness, improved numbers and functions of circulating EPCs, and accelerated wound healing compared with wild-type mice. Overexpression of PEDF suppressed the Wnt signaling pathway in the wound skin. Lithium chloride–induced Wnt signaling activation downstream of the PEDF interaction site attenuated the inhibitory effect of PEDF on EPCs and rescued the wound-healing deficiency in diabetic mice. Taken together, these results suggest that elevated circulating PEDF levels contribute to impaired wound healing in the process of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis through the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Flow accelerated corrosion study in feeder pipes
Authors: Goyal P. , Verma V. , Singh R. K.
Published: November 2014

The Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) core consists of a number of horizontal channels containing nuclear fuel bundles. Parallel coolant channels are connected to Inlet and Outlet header through feeder pipes. Coolant from Reactor Inlet Header is distributed to the coolant channels and after removing heat combines at Reactor Outlet Header. Due to space constraints the feeder pipes are joined to the channel with one or two elbows close to the end fittings of the coolant channels. The carbon steel feeder pipes carry high temperature fluid at higher velocity and are liable to undergo Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC). In the recent inspection it has been found that feeders having double elbow are more susceptible to FAC on the intrados of second elbow. But it was found that in some of the elbows maximum thinning due to FAC was observed on the intrados of the first elbow. Hence to resolve this, effect of first bend orientation with respect of upstream direction has been studied. Two different approaches are used for predicting the FAC rate from calculated value of wall shear stress by CFD. One method is based on evaluating of wear rate using Colburn analogy and the other using an empirical equation between wear rate and shear stress. In Colburn analogy, mass transfer coefficient is evaluated by knowing shear stress and equilibrium concentration. For a case study, wall shear stress obtained fromk-∊ turbulence model was compared withk-ω SST turbulence model and no appreciable change in the wall shear stress has been found. Hence for subsequent analysisk-∊ turbulence model was chosen because large mesh size near to the surface (first layer thickness) is permitted due to higher y+value.